JP - Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh, Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal, Commander Alora DeVeau, & Envoy Keehani Ukinix - Viva Las Betazegas Part I
Madison Marsh
((Nuxiyi, Betazed))
Alora always found it interesting what parallels she discovered on other planets. Most of the time, those similarities existed with the flora and fauna, which was why so many things were classified. Every planet she visited thus far had their own species of evergreens and deciduous tree, their own types of fungi, their own felines, canines, and other classifications of animals. The galaxy filled itself with those similarities, and yet even more astonishing was the number of differences between tem. Differences that didn’t divide, but fascinated, at least for her.
Sometimes those similarities extended outside of that scope and into the nature of humanoids. Most species craved connections, even if how they approached doing so differed greatly. Most appreciated arts of some form or fashion, or sports, or both, or any number of other things. Thus far, she had yet to find a species that didn’t seek out ways to entertain, and Betazoids were no different.
When Wil mentioned that Nuxiyi was much like Vegas on Earth, she hadn’t been certain how similar they would be, but upon her arrival, she discovered the answer - similar enough that yes, there was a parallel. The entire city was ablaze with lights that fired from everywhere one turned. Music poured out of buildings every time a door opened, adding to the cacophony outside which was constantly full of hover vehicles and pedestrians all clamouring to be heard over the other. No matter where they looked, there was something to see, for every establishment called to the passerby to come and enjoy themselves. Standing upon the street, Alora, who had done some looking into the place, found herself almost overwhelmed. Where should they go? What should they do? The question was not so easily answered.
DeVeau: I knew it was a bit crazy but….
Keehani: It’s no Freecloud…
As she looked around, she allowed a smile to appear on her face.
Keehani: … but we’re still going to have some fun!
As Karen Stendhal stepped onto the bustling streets of Nuxiyi, the vibrant energy of the city hit her like a wave. It was a kaleidoscope of lights and sounds, reminiscent of the chaotic charm of Las Vegas on Earth. Neon signs adorned every building, casting colourful reflections onto the bustling crowds below. The air was alive with the hum of activity, mingled with the melodies of street performers and the constant chatter of passersby.
Despite the similarities to Earth's famed playground, Nuxiyi had its own unique charm. The architecture bore traces of Betazoid influence, with elegant curves and intricate designs that spoke of centuries of history and culture. Beneath the glitz and glamour, there was a sense of depth and sophistication that set it apart from its earthly counterpart.
As Karen's gaze swept across the skyline, she couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle before her. Nuxiyi was a city of contrasts, where tradition met modernity and fantasy collided with reality. It was a place where she could lose herself in the whirlwind of excitement, if only for a fleeting moment in time.
Stendhal: :: As she looks around, her excitement grows :: I can't wait to see what this city has in store for us. Let's make the most of every moment. Who knows what kind of memories we'll create here in Nuxiyi?
Madison took in the sight of Nuxiyi and it brought back memories back on Earth living near Las Vegas, Nevada. The buildings were visually deceptive in their distance from one another shining brightly in different colors. They had the appearance of being in close proximity, but they were in fact quite a walk from resort to resort. She appreciated the various themes of each structure with each being unique. There was clearly a vast population of tourists from throughout the galaxy, an intergalactic melting pot of various individuals. There were a plethora of options from watching shows, gambling in the many casinos, various forms of dining, and site seeing. She had no idea where to start, but the beat of the city rejuvenated her. She shifted her focus to her lady friends that she would be spending her time with tha evening. A little girl time was a necessity from time to time after all and this circumstance was not considered an exception.
Marsh: This city reminds me of back home. I don’t know about you, but I feel like we’re destined to have a lovely time tonight ladies.
Laughter pulled her attention away from her companions and over to a small group of men and women exiting a building. A couple of them had their arms over each other’s shoulders as they traipsed down the sidewalk, aiming for the next building over. Evidently they were on the Nuxiyi equivalent of a pub crawl, but she wasn’t sure all of these were pubs, though they all likely served alcohol - of which she would not partake.
DeVeau: Where should we go first?
Keehani: Let’s go to the “Mindful Mind”. I haven’t been there since I graduated from uni. Great cocktails.
It had been a few years since the career driven Keehani had graduated her exopolitics course in Medara, which had prepared her for her path to Chief of Staff for the Federation Diplomatic Corps on Amity. Her ultimate career and life goal was to one day become an Ambassador in her own right. She knew that would take time, given she was only a few years into her career, but at the same time had impressed Ambassador Rivi Vataix (herself the matriarch Ascendant of the Eleventh House of Betazed) who had promoted her - to the role she was fulfilling anyway.
Stendhal: :: Listening intently to Keehani's suggestion, her curiosity piqued :: The "Mindful Mind," huh? Sounds like an intriguing place. What's the vibe like there?
Madison nodded her head in agreement with the rest of her party. Why not? She had no idea where else to go because this world was new to her. It was her very first time on Betazed and she was fortunate enough to have experience guides on hand. She contemplated what drink she would begin her night with as there were likely plenty of options. Typically larger cities had a wide variety of food and beverages due to the mixture of clientele.
Marsh: I could start off with a Centauran Sunset and party all night if you’re all down for that.
Keehani: I have not partied in a long time. The last time was the celebration of the Terran new year on Earth. On a boat in a harbour in a place called “Sydney”.
Stendhal: :: With a determined nod I'm ready for whatever this city has in store for us.:: Let's make it a night to remember!
Alora chuckled softly. Hopefully that meant not drinking so much they didn’t remember. She, of course, would remember it all, every single moment. If all she’d been through had done nothing else, it had hammered in how fleeting life could be. There, with old friends and new, Alora would make the most of their night together.
DeVeau: Sydney has a famous opera house, but I’m going to assume none of you are particularly up for opera tonight.
Madison knew where Sydney was over in beautiful Australia. She loved the beaches there as they were gorgeous in her eyes. The locals' accents were lovely and she appreciated their slang. It was unique and differed from where she resided on Earth to an extent. It was the same all over the world. When she was in college, her friend Hannah was from Australia and she used to be playful with her accent imitations and Hannah did the same right back at her.
Marsh: Ah yeah, Sydney in Australia. ::Speaking in her best Australian with the intent for humor purposes only:: G’day mates! Let’s have a bloody drink already, ey?
Keehani smirked a tiny bit. oO That does sound a little bit like Wil… Oo
Keehani: I think… less talking, more partying! Let’s go?
Stendhal: :: With a chuckle :: You heard the woman, less talking, more partying! I'm all in for that plan.
With that, the group angled down the walkway that already brimmed with people. The brilliance of the lights from the signs on all the establishments made ones specifically for illuminating the way unnecessary. Buildings towered above them, some hosting only a single type of establishment, but the largest ones boasted a number of various entertainment options under one roof. It was one of these that Alora turned her attention to, its brilliance more subtle, with cool tones and slick lines that rather than make it harder to see, had the opposite effect and attracted them all. All around them was glaring opulence, but this stood like a solitaire jewel whose own beauty was all that was needed to be noticed.
DeVeau: What about here?
Madison looked over the building in front of her. It looked acceptable to her and she had no issue checking it out. She was often open to new experiences and diving into the unknown. In fact, it would be nice to sit down for a bit anyways as her heels were not the most comfortable walking for extended periods of time. However, they suit her style as she was dressed to the nines and ready to have a fine time. She turned to meet Alora’s gaze, it was nice not to have to look up at her like she did with a lot of the senior staff on Starbase 118. She was 1.6 meters tall which was slightly below average for a woman in general.
Marsh: I’m down, it looks like a boutique style resort and reminds me of the secret pizza place at the Cosmopolitan back home with the lack of a sign identifying the building.
Keehani: ::Confidently:: Sounds good to me.
Stendhal: Who needs a crystal ball, anyway? Let's just wing it! A night out is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get. Except in this case, it's definitely not chocolates.
Shaking her head, Alora eyed the building again. There wasn’t even a name upon it, unlike everything else, which made it stand out even more amongst the glaring visuals of its surroundings.
DeVeau: Shall we find out?
Madison tilted her head slightly and spoke in an uplifting energetic tone of voice.
Marsh: Absolutely! Let's hit up this place girls. I need to clench my thirst already. I promise I’m not an alcoholic though. ::She giggled:: I just love spending time with friends, new and old. The alcohol intake does help enhance the experience!
Keehani: We are partying. I think one or two alcoholic drinks are more than acceptable.
Stendhal: Preach! There's nothing like a few drinks with the right people to make you forget your troubles. It's the oil that keeps the gears of life turning smoothly, you know?
Madison gestured to the entrance with a long outstretched arm. She invited the other three women to enter the building before her politely. A smile spread across the corners of her lips and there was a twinkle in her ocean blue eyes.
Marsh: After you.
Keehani: Why, thank you, Matriarch Marsh!
Stendhal: Who needs a crystal ball, anyway? Let's just wing it! A night out is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get. Except in this case, it's definitely not chocolates.
Alora chuckled and shook her head, but continued on with the other ladies.
As they entered the building, they discovered it had a very long bar. Behind it were shelves and shelves of all different kinds of bottles of liquid from all over the Federation, and possibly beyond.
Keehani: By The Four…
Even Alora’s eyes got wide at the display of alcoholic drinks available. Suddenly she was disappointed that she wouldn’t have the opportunity to try a couple - though she also was very, very careful about drinking when in public. Alas, it would have to wait, and she would simply have to make a point to return some time in the future.
DeVeau: That is quite an offering.
*******
Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor
USS Octavia E Butler
ID: C239604KS0
&
Commander Alora DeVeau
Chief Science Officer &
Second Officer
Denali Station
&
Matriarch of the 15th House
Betazed
M239008AD0
&
Envoy Keehani Ukinix
Chief of Staff, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0
--
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
