The Island Hotel normally evokes a feeling of stepping back in time. However, on a recent Saturday evening one stepped into the future and the hotel was transformed into the planet Goaway. The Sherlock Society descended on the island in their spaceship, USS Overprised, which sat in the hotel courtyard. A group of 28 arrived for the weekend to play out their murder mystery, Star Trix - The Next Aberration. 
The USS Overprise at The Island Hotel
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The Society is a group of friends with vivid imaginations who love to have fun and play dress up. This was their fourth themed murder mystery party. Upon my arrival, the Raman inhabitants of the spaceship were meeting with the Goawaians in the hall of the Goawaian Council for a mingling of their cultures. A Raman warship had been spotted on the trip to Goaway. Therefore, prior to gaining clearance to enter their hall, I was subjected to a bioscan for weapons. Once inside, I met the Captain of the Overprise, John Luke Goldcard, who explained their vacation period upon the world of Dis-nee had been cut short and they had been ordered to ship directly to Goaway. Their stay on Goaway involved Diwithium crystals, the valuable "fuel" needed for all starships.
Captain John Luke Goldcard
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Talking with the alien nurse, Betty Chappel, I learned a small virus was in the air but there was no cause for worry. Captain James Kird, age 150, attributed his longevity to booze and women. Shaman Casta Vudo informed me that her portions weren`t working and it was her job to protect her citizens. Among this eclectic group of characters a murder mystery was unfolding. Just as Captain John Luke Goldcard was making some announcements, the murder victim stumbled into the Goawaian Hall, covered in blood, a knife plunged into her chest and fell to the floor. Ramans and Goawaians surrounded her voicing their surprise and horror. By the end of the evening the group would draw on their clues to find the guilty one.
The Victim of the Murder
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This was the Sherlock Society`s second time visiting the island to play out their mystery. The Island Hotel was also their venue last year when they staged a murder with a 50`s theme. Throughout the evening local aliens dropped into the Neptune Bar and to view the spaceship in the courtyard while the participants remained in character. In addition to the game, the Sherlock Society also enjoyed a fishing party and out-island exploration, a carriage tour of Cedar Key, scavenger photo hunt and breakfast with award presentations on Sunday morning. With the departure of the USS Overprise and its crew Sunday afternoon, the Island Hotel once again reverted to its traditional environment on plant Earth. | 