NOW VOYAGER The Newsletter of the Official Kate Mulgrew Appreciation Society, Inc. Vol. 4 No. 5 * * * * The Buzz THIS IS AN ALL-BUSINESS COLUMN, SO PLEASE READ IT! We have made several changes since the last newsletter, from moving the bank accounts to recruiting new board members to getting a new, permanent (we mean it this time!) mailing address. To reach the club from now on, please send all mail to: KMAS Inc. P.O. Box 88341 Carol Stream, IL 60188-8341 Send all e-mail inquiries to: KMASinc@aol.com Beth Schuman, who is now the club secretary, will receive all correspondence at both addresses and forward it to the appropriate parties. The post office box in Chicago has been closed and all mail is being forwarded. Any mail being sent to the old Bethesda address is still being forwarded to Chicago and from there to Carol Stream. The Bethesda post office will only forward mail through the end of this year, so it is very important that people stop using that address. The club is setting up a voicemail line where we can leave alerts about Kate's appearances similar to the ones we send to online members when we learn that Kate will appear on a television show or a convention. Please see page 37 for details. In the meantime, our web page posts updates about Kate's appearances shortly after e-mail alerts go out-usually within a day or so. Even if you're not online, if you know someone who is and can ask them to check every couple of days, you can get current information by checking http://members.aol.com/nowvoy/ The club still has a number of t-shirts for sale, light blue with a graphic of Kate on the front and our logo on the back. They cost $10 plus a $3 priority mail postage-paid envelope. If you would like one, send a note to Beth with your size; we have a limited number of XXLs and a few children's shirts in addition to the standard S-M-L-XL. The club owns a button maker and would like to produce buttons for people to wear so that they can recognize one another at conventions and such. If anyone would like to volunteer to design a button (which may certainly use the Now Voyager logo, but should NOT incorporate any of Paramount's designs, including the communicator or Voyager outlines), please let us know! A few thank-yous, as always: Sashi: For dealing with the enormous task of mailing the last issue. Donna: For editing, field trips, advice, and support. Beth: For dealing without complaint with a hundred complaints. Connie: For theater photos, news flashes, and being a great fan. Lauren and Peter: For the tax research and the phone research. Jeanne, Joan, Mary: For the usual! Deb Stone: For research and advice in great detail on short notice. Valarie and Steve from Mania: For reprint rights. Barbara: For always dealing graciously with too many questions. WHY FANDOM HAS A DARK SIDE by Michelle Erica Green "The relationship [of celebrities to fans] is based on an illusion of intimacy which is, in turn, the creation of an ever-tightening, ever more finely spun media mesh. In effect, it cancels the traditional etiquette that formerly governed not merely relationships between the powerful and the powerless, but, at the simplest level, the politesse that formerly pertained between strangers. Most of us retain, in most of our private and professional dealings with people we don't actually know, a sense of their otherness: a decent wariness that protects both ourselves and the stranger from intrusion. But the shyness, if that term may be permitted, is not operative when we are dealing with celebrities. Thanks to television and the rest of the media, we know them, or think we do. To a greater or lesser degree we have internalized them, unconsciously made them a part of our consciousness-just as if they were, in fact, friends. The stars who command our greatest interest are, for the most part, performers who appear as themselves, or what we are gratified to think of as themselves. It grows increasingly clear that we live now in an age rife with such falsities. Regal graciousness is not the response you wantfrom old, good friends. What you want is to be able to tell them what they mean to you, and in turn how sympathetic you have felt when you've heard about their troubles. The power of television lies in its ability to create the illusion of intimacy that we have been discussing here." -Richard Schickel, Intimate Strangers: The Culture of Celebrity I don't like the book I quote above; Intimate Strangers is a dark, judgemental text which parallels all of fandom with people like John Hinckley and Mark David Chapman. I disagree thoroughly with Schickel's premise, but as a media researcher I find his book useful because he distinguishes between the way film and television stars are treated by their fans. Film stars, whom we encounter in dark theaters and to whom we have virtually no access outside, maintain an aura of mystery and distance no matter how many interviews or tabloid articles we may read about them. Television stars are different. We invite them into our own living rooms once a week-or, in the case of soap operas, every day. They're not quite larger than life, not as universally recognized. It's easier to get proprietary about them-to believe that we, the elite fans, are the only ones who really understand and appreciate them. Schickel doesn't specifically talk about Star Trek, but I think that in the case of Trekkers, there's an even more complicated relationship between the celebrities and the audience. Most of the actors attend conventions and events like Star Trek: The Experience, so there's a strong sense that these people really are accessible to us. At cons, they often talk about their families, their oeuvre, their goals. Virtually every actor (including those who play very minor recurring characters) has a fan club; in most cases, the clubs were founded and are run by fans who have semi-regular communication with the actors, thus creating the appearance of closeness between the performers and their followers. Despite the hundreds of thousands of Trekkies, the vast amounts of fan mail, the gulf between those who can get onto the Paramount lot and those who can't, there's a definite impression among serious fans that they have a unique relationship to the celebrities they adore. And lines get crossed. Some people fail to understand the difference between the public personas of the performers and the real people underneath. Fans start to feel not only that they want to know all about these actors, but that they have a right to know. If a star is reputed to wear a toupee, if an actress who had a baby boy with one of her co-stars starts sporting a diamond ring, if an actor has gained a great deal of weight and reportedly has a heart problem, people feel that it's acceptable to ask them about these matters. (All of these actually have been asked of Trek stars; I was there.) The idea that such topics are none of the audience's business doesn't seem to register with some fans. Ironically, it's often the people who claim to be an actor's "biggest fan," the most passionate and informed, who do the prying. We live in a time when it's hard to avoid thinking about celebrities. If you ever watch television, if you shop in stores which carry People and Entertainment Weekly, if you leave on the radio in the car, you're likely to pick up more than you want to know. I'm speaking not just a fan, but a reporter and a scholar of fandom; I wrote papers on it in graduate school, I examined the way entertainment journalists' own fan biases affect their reporting. We all do it, we can't help it-reporters and fans together. I'm sure I'm not the only one who grabs The National Enquirer while waiting in grocery store lines. I know I'm not the only one who reads Movieline's "Guess Who-Don't Sue" column. I'm positive I'm not the only one who's ever speculated about the rumors of nanny abuse plaguing a famous celebrity couple, or made jokes about the stories concerning a gerbil and the famous actor ex-husband of a supermodel. In addition to Schickel's studious tract on fandom, I own books like Starlust-an anthology of fans' sexualfantasies about celebrities-and I Dream of Madonna-a collection of dreams about the pop icon (mostly awesome feminist visions which I found very empowering). I am the last person to condemn anyone for watching and wondering. But-and this is a BIG but-there's a difference between wondering and intruding. It's easy to get confused: if we buy tabloids, for instance, we are tacitly condoning the practice of sticking cameras into celebrity windows and spying on their friends, just as surely as if we were stalking them ourselves. There's a widespread suggestion by the media that celebrities forfeit their right to privacy when they get famous, legitimized by big-name interviewers who get invited into the stars' homes to do tell-all exposes (which of course only tell what the star and the star reporter together concoct to present). Again, I want to make clear that I understand WHY people think it's all right to ask celebrities about their families, their sex lives, their medical histories, their cosmetics...all sorts of things that we'd probably think twice about asking our own friends and family. It happens all the time. But that does NOT make it acceptable. It's something that shouldn't have to be tolerated by any actor, including Kate. And it won't be tolerated in this fan club." Going out in public is not the same thing as a public appearance. A charity event is not a convention. Kate does not get paid around the clock to entertain people. She is always extremely appreciative when people support her and her causes, but she hopes that everyone understands that her charity work should be the focus, rather than her celebrity status. At the same time, the fact that she is at an event as a contributor rather than a star does not give people license to collapse the usual boundaries between strangers, and ask intrusive questions. At some charity fundraisers, Kate will not be the only celebrity guest present; when she is, she often attends such events with family or colleagues. While Kate is almost always sociable and friendly, that doesn't mean she wants to spend all evening being followed around by fans. It is not appropriate to seek autographs or take photographs of her unless the hosts schedule a specific time to do so. And it is outrageous to assume that she would wish to discuss the private details of her life with fans who are total strangers to her, no matter how familiar she may seem to us from one-sided contact through the media. She is entitled to her privacy. This column was triggered by an event: the behavior of a couple of fans at a charity event who first asked Kate questions which were none of their business, then took her polite but curt responses and posted them on the internet, extrapolating on what she said by including "facts" which Kate didn't offer and in some cases aren't true. I've heard Kate field questions before which I considered nosy-I thought it was intrusive to ask her about whether she smoked and whether she colored her hair, let alone the kinds of stuff these people were asking. Kate is an extremely gracious celebrity who never scoffs at questioners and rarely even refuses to answer; some people have taken that politesse as a willingness to put her entire life on display for her fans. And that's absurd. How would anyone here feel if total strangers approached them, professed adoration, then proceeded to ask questions about things which were never meant for public discussion? You can imagine how Kate feels when people behave in such a way toward her. And anyone who can't accept that is part of the reason fandom has a bad name in many quarters. Schickel thinks fans have an inherent undertone of anger and resentment against celebrities for not understanding the roles they play in our lives, and for refusing to let us into their lives. I don't believe this is true of all fans, but I've seen it to be true of some. I think the kind of aggression which makes fans think it's okay to ask an actor about his private life ties into other issues than star-worship. There's a common belief that if one could just afford to go to all of an actor's appearances, or buy him expensive gifts, or find a way to work in his studio, he'd have to pay attention. And in most cases it's true that fans from privileged backgrounds, who already have money or fame, will be able to get closer to celebrities than those who aren't as materially forthcoming. But what kind of a fan is someone who's willing to invest great time and expense just to attract a celebrity's attention? How will such a fan react to the inevitable realization that the beloved celebrity is as much fan projection as genuine article, and that for all the investment, the celebrity is just as distant? I wonder about that sense of ownership, that need to be recognized and singled out, which seems so common to fandom-and I'm not exempting myself. But even if my distress at the way people treat Kate is a sign that I'm overinvolved-an accusation I've gotten by fan club members whom I have chastized for behaving inappropriately towards Kate-it doesn't change the fact that intruding into her private life is unacceptable by any standards. This isn't about what I want; this is about what is fair and reasonable to her. I don't claim to know Kate any better than anyone else in this fan club, but I do know that she hopes people are here out of affection rather than greed for autographs, photos, etc., that she expects to be treated with respect, that she wants fans to support her charities not as a way to get close to her and start making demands but out of a genuine appreciation for the work she does for these worthy causes. Yes, I know there are bigger clubs in Trek fandom and that if we offered more autographs, more merchandise, more little pieces of Kate, we'd be a bigger club. You know what? It's not worth it. People should join this club for the privilege of exploring Kate's work, her charities, her public interests, her fans. Membership is a privilege, not a right, and anyone who can't follow the rules-particularly the rules concerning Kate herself-should not be here. Voyager People KATE MULGREW ON VOYAGER'S FIFTH SEASON By Michelle Erica Green Last year was filled with transitions on Star Trek Voyager - Kes left, Seven of Nine came aboard, the ship moved more then ten years closer to the Alpha Quadrant. Off-camera, executive producer Jeri Taylor stepped down and Brannon Braga, who's been with the Trek franchise since The Next Generation as writer and producer, moved into her role. It wasn't an easy year for Captain Janeway or for actress Kate Mulgrew, but she's very happy with where they've all ended up. "I'm very excited about Brannon Braga taking over, I'm having a great time," said Mulgrew recently from her home in Brentwood - the Los Angeles neighborhood of which she is honorary mayor. The fifth season of Voyager began production in June after a two-month hiatus, but Mulgrew barely got a break: she went to Europe to attend Fedcon in Germany and stayed to film a movie in Luxembourg, barely getting back in time for her set call at Paramount. She admitted to being tired, yet sounded upbeat about the episode she was in the midst of filming. "The scripts I think are terrific this season; Brannon is incredibly smart, and dark and creative and funny in a way that I love," she said. "It's rather naughty and mischievous, which is just so provocative and fascinating. He knows Janeway's voice and Mulgrew's voice, and has married them very nicely." Mulgrew added that she liked the work she did last season; "Janeway in seasons one, two, and three was a little goody-two-shoes for my taste, not really who Mulgrew is as Janeway. Brannon has watched me closely as an actress in the last four years, so he knows where I can go, and what my strengths are." Mulgrew and her co-stars have described last season as a seminal year, with Braga beginning to take control of daily production duties from Taylor. "This year Brannon has taken over completely, and it's galvanizing," said Mulgrew. She explained that she didn't think there would be more action necessarily, but "a much greater exploration of the personalities. We've neglected the Maquis side of Chakotay and B'Elanna. I have a feeling Tuvok is going somewhere, he's drier, he's funnier, he's naughtier than he's ever been before - it's just smarter language, which seems to fit very well in Tuvok/Tim's mouth." What about the captain? "What Brannon has done is to give me a lot of rein and still stay in charge of the stories." Mulgrew, who often speaks of Janeway in the first person, has often said at conventions that she wished for more exploration of the loneliness of command, and of Janeway's complicated situation as the sole representative of Starfleet in the Delta Quadrant. It sounds as though she may be getting that chance. "Janeway's sort of letting down, which is what Mulgrew is doing - I have let my hair down, and I have thrown my girdles away," the actress related with a chuckle. "She's much more relaxed. It's much more real. Brannon understands that alchemy very well, so I feel liberated, which is a wonderful feeling. We're going to explore Janeway's dark side, her angsty side, her loneliness, her anger...juxtaposed with her kindness." Whenever the subject of Janeway's loneliness comes up, the issue of her relationship with her first officer is rarely far behind. Though both Mulgrew and the producers have said repeatedly that they think it would be inappropriate for Janeway and Chakotay to have a love affair, the pairing is extremely popular with fans, who flooded Voyager's official online site with complaints about the poorly-rated Chakotay romance "Unforgettable" last season, and who voted in a UPN poll for Mulgrew and Robert Beltran as the couple they would most like to see together on Love Boat: The Next Wave. "I have begged that Chakotay and Janeway have a deep and intense relationship, and I have been assured that that will be developed - that means a friendship, I'm not going to sleep with him," Mulgrew reiterated, her voice resonating in command mode. "It's too late now; if it would have happened, it would have happened before." The producers ducked a chance to address this issue directly in last season's episode "Hunters," during the course of which Janeway discovered that her fiance Mark Johnson had married someone else...though as Chakotay pointed out to her at the end of that episode, she still has a lot of time to explore relationships in the Delta Quadrant. Will that mean intimacy? "I think before we're finished it will, certainly," said Mulgrew, who believes the series will be on the air for three more years, running seven seasons as did The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. But she doesn't expect romance with Chakotay to blossom until the very end, if at all. "I want Chakotay as my confidant. That means that we're going to cross over all kinds of lines together, in the privacy of my quarters or his. Things will be said between us that nobody else on the crew will know about. We're going to have secrets, like good friends do - they don't talk about their relationship to their acquaintances. That's what we're going to have." Janeway is in large part the creation of the departing Jeri Taylor - sharing her home state of Indiana, her tennis skills, and her affection for gothic romances. In Taylor's new novel Pathways, which traces the backstories of Voyager's senior officers much as her earlier Mosaic explained Janeway's history, the writer suggests that Chakotay is in love with Janeway - as have several episodes, notably "Resoutions," "Coda," and "The Q and the Gray." "Brannon has always been one to say that he's not big on romance, it's not his strong suit, so I'm not holding out for that," Mulgrew admitted. "I told him, give us time. I think that on any episodic show, they want what jumps out at the camera. Robert Beltran's sexuality jumps out, so they're going to use it, and I don't blame them - just like my strength jumps out. I can't be a sexpot on the show, but I have fought for four years to find some way to make this relationship work." Right now, Mulgrew's focus is less on the erotic tension between Janeway and Chakotay than the long-postponed Starfleet-Maquis tension. "If we're talking about the possibility of getting home, what does that do to B'Elanna and Chakotay? It's very frightening, and extremely provocative," she pointed out. "The Maquis have to settle something with the Federation. What happens as we approach the Alpha Quadrant? What does Janeway do, how does she react? It could be wonderful." There have been rumors every year of Voyager's imminent return to the Alpha Quadrant, but it seems more likely now, with Deep Space Nine going off the air at the end of this season. "I think if they go that way, they'll probably do it at the very end of this season, so that we can have at least a full year to explore those possibilities," noted the actress. "There's still a lot to explore out here. I'd like to have a really scary enemy who dupes me in the most clever way - I thought that might be Species 8472, but I don't think it's going to be. They might even take Janeway down a little bit, really down, down to loss of self-esteem." It seems that Janeway has already lost some self-esteem in her ongoing struggle with the mule-headed but often heroic Seven of Nine, whose presence last season was much-promoted by the network at the expense of Janeway and the other characters. The addition of the buxom Borg gave the show a great deal of publicity and allowed some new storylines, but many of the actors have been vocal about their displeasure with the obsessive attention to her, particularly since the ratings did not increase as the hype has suggested. Mulgrew is diplomatic but echoes the sentiment that there has been entirely too much Seven of Nine, with entirely too much attention paid to Jeri Ryan's physical attributes rather than her skills as an actress. "I understand that UPN was very anxious to establish this character, to get the ratings up and so on and so forth. Mission accomplished, and now we have to go back to what makes Voyager really compelling, which are the nine characters telling the story," she said flatly. "We've shot six episodes this season, and it's everybody but Seven - and but me, too, everybody's going to get their due. I cautioned them, and I think they know that balance must be restored - it's just very important that we tell the story of this group of people and it in no ways becomes exclusive to one or two, because then it really loses its heart." Chemistry is important, the actress admits, but everybody on the cast needs to be given opportunities to shine - "actors will very often rise to the occasion when they're given big chances." There hasn't been a big Janeway episode filmed yet this season, yet Mulgrew says she's important in all of them. "I don't think she needs to have big episodes. She's big. I'm in everybody's life. I run the ship, more so now than ever before." Though Seven gave the Captain a lot of backtalk last season, countermanding orders and taking action without permission, the dynamic is changing: "She's arrogant, but less so - I certainly think Seven will calm down, to put it bluntly," Mulgrew declared. "I think I've come to trust her more, but Janeway takes her down a lot this season. It can spin in any direction, given her mood or mine...so she can rub me the wrong way, I can rub her the wrong way. But I'm not going to abandon her or she'll die. I brought her on board, so I have to do all this." Mulgrew expressed the importance of bringing B'Elanna Torres back to the forefront after her absence due to actress Roxann Dawson's pregnancy last year. "Roxann has just finished the most wonderful episode - Brannon wrote an episode for that character which is about clinical depression, which was so gorgeous, I cried. In no way did the story suffer, there was a wonderful B plot and a horrible alien and all that, but we really got to see B'Elanna, and Roxann really was gorgeous in it." The balance of character story and science makes Mulgrew very happy. "Brannon knows that great writing is both things, the inside and the outside. What motivates the character and then what in fact the character does. That's good storytelling - he has that hook." The actress describes the dialogue as "dry and quick - the unexpected and therefore delightful, especially in long briefing room scenes." She went on to say that Braga understands subtext and "accepts that when people are agitated for a long period of time, they might not act like everybody else. He's going to take advantage of that. He is allowing the characters to make cracks, which believe me after four years in outer space they'd be making all over the place." So Janeway may come out of her ready room looking disheveled. "She's had too much coffee. She's pissed. She's human." UPN has been employing Mulgrew as an ambassador of sorts, sending her to various cities to do promotional work and encouraging her appearances with scientific and artistic organizations that look to Janeway and to herself as a role model, particularly for women. She is also involved in a great deal of charity work - along with Rosie O'Donnell and Geraldo Rivera, she helped raise nearly two million dollars for Incarnation Children's Center in New York, and was the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for Sojourn, a women's shelter in Southern California. Mulgrew will be appearing this fall at a fundraiser in Seattle to help provide computers and internet access to underprivileged children. She also starred in Riddler's Moon, a movie of the week for UPN's new feature on Thursday nights debuting this fall. Though there is a science fiction twist at the end of the film, Mulgrew described it as "really a relationship movie - a story about a woman and her son who's suffering from spina bifida, and her resurgence of faith through him." Her character has a romance with a man played by Corbin Bernson, "which was terrific, I really enjoyed him. And a month filming in Luxembourg, in the south of France, was great." The movie was her major project over hiatus from Voyager. Mulgrew spent the rest of the time catching up with her family: cooking for her two sons, sailing with her mother up the Aegean Sea, and visiting her sister in London while she was in Europe. "I took the boys to New York, where I hosted this evening for Sumner Redstone [the CEO of Viacom]. Then I came back and got to work, the minute I got home. I've just been flying around, doing my job. It's a good life." Doesn't sound all that different from Kathryn Janeway's, except the latter's "children" are her crewmembers. No wonder the actress and character seem to be merging. This article originally appeared in Mania Magazine in August at http://www.mania.com/tv/features/katemulgrew081498.html. PEOPLE MAGAZINE ONLINE Reproduced With Permission People Online at pathfinder.com sponsored both live chats and message boards with the actors of Star Trek Voyager the week of the season premiere. This is the text of a live chat with Kate from October 12, 1998. You can find the text online, as well as chats with other cast members and Q&As, at http://www.pathfinder.com/people, and also at http://www.chat.yahoo.com archives. Copyright People Online. In developing the character of Captain Kathryn Janeway, the first female in the franchise's 32-year history to captain a Star Trek vessel, the producers, and Paramount Studios, wanted to steer clear of all stereotypes. "Janeway was meant to be a woman who is a Starfleet Captain. Not a woman who has learned to survive in a male world," explains Michael Piller, co-creator of Voyager. "We were looking for a woman who had an authoritative quality about her." Enter Kate Mulgrew. "She came into the audition with a dreadful cold...she sounded a little bit like Lauren Bacall, and we hired her right on the spot. Not only was she was authoritative, she brought a certain flamboyance, an energy and a romantic quality to the role of the Starfleet Captain of the U.S.S. Voyager as well," recalls Piller. "Basically, all of us could see her commanding a ship." This 43-year-old award-winning actress, Honorary Mayor of Brentwood, California, and mother of two sons - Ian, 15 and Alec, 14 - has commanded more thana few other leading female roles. Right after leaving New York University at the end of her junior year, Mulgrew was cast as Mary Ryan in the daytime drama, Ryan's Hope, and simultaneously earned the role of Emily in the production of Our Town at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut. Almost immediately afterward, when she was just 23, Kate was approached by the head of programming at NBC, Fred Silverman, who offered her a starring role in a series which he had created for her called Kate Columbo. As the detective wife of the television character Lieutenant Columbo, Kate soon became established as a strong leading actress, and went on to star in several feature films, including Throw Momma from the Train with Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal. Her guest-starring roles on TV include Cheers, where she was a Boston councilwoman who captured Sam Malone's fancy, and her portrayal of an alcoholic anchorwoman on Murphy Brown, which garnered her the Tracey Humanitarian Award. A self-proclaimed voracious reader and jazz fan, Kate says she'd like to return to the New York stage someday, where she made her Broadway debut in Black Comedy, a play written by Peter Schaeffer. PEOPLE Online: Welcome Kate! Thank you so much for being here tonight! We just chatted with your costars Ethan Phillips and Robert Beltran. Having you here is like the icing on the cake! Kate Mulgrew: How pleasant, how lovely! I prefer to be the cake itself! But I'll be the icing. PEOPLE Online: There have been a lot of queries about whether you and Chakotay will be having a romance - What's your take on all this? Pro? Con? Kate Mulgrew: My take on this is that at this point it looks like the first officer is much too occupied with other female aliens to be bothered with the Captain. Therefore, bewildered and bereaved, I must retreat to my quarters and leave the rest to fantasy. chakkate: From one Iowan to another, do you think your midwest roots help you in the business? Kate Mulgrew: My midwestern roots have absolutely grounded me and led me to the deepest happiness in my middle age. In retrospect, my background has given me more passion than any other source could possibly have provided. kpizzano: Were you intimidated at first being the first female Captain? Kate Mulgrew: Intimidation is not the word. But I was certainly nervous, highly scrutinized and very aware of the fact that many jobs hung in the balance. I was filled with a very unusual kind of adrenaline, which I think now served me very well. rpm13: Kate, what will the show have in store for us this year? Kate Mulgrew: This will be a banner year. So often it takes a long time for a love affair to become a commitment and that is where we are right now. This will be year filled with surprise, elevated writing, mystery, romance, humor and intrigue. In other words - unprecedented. Talie_Beaurain_98: I know that you are a very spiritual person, does that help you a lot in your life ? Or has it helped you ? Kate Mulgrew: My spiritual life is a bit of a conundrum to myself, but it has certainly allowed me to embrace the absurdity and wonder of the world. BbClef: Will we see more of the background of Janeway in this season? Kate Mulgrew: I can't really answer that question. But I would have to presuppose that the writers assume that the viewers are familiar with my background and therefore will only use it when imperative to the story line. Chani_A: 26 new episodes, has the schedule been exhausting? Kate Mulgrew: We're now at episode thirteen. And I can honesty say that I have never felt such ebullience, relaxation and utter joy in the work. KiraNerise: How did you get into acting in the first place? How old were you? Kate Mulgrew: I was twelve years old when Cupid shot his arrow and although it has been a career filled with ups and downs, the love affair has never ended. And I would like to die on the stage at the age of 87 to a standing ovation, and in the arms of my doctor, who will look at me and say, "But you're too young to die!" judy1_1948: Are you still involved with ICC in NY and how is it doing? Kate Mulgrew: I'm very involved with ICC, whose chairman is my best friend. And whose philosophy, whose on-hand care for infants with pediatric AIDS I embrace with conviction and compassion. ICC stands for Incarnation Children's Center. It's in Washington Heights in New York. It's at 142 Audubon Avenue, New York, NY 10032, and the phone is 212-928-2590. Gee_666: Do you want to ever direct, script write etc. or anything else to expand your career? Kate Mulgrew: I think that I will write in the future, as I have always written, but it will be in novel or autobiography form. I have no experience in directing, as I have no spatial sense, and I am inherently subjective in my approach to the work. B_Elanna_Torres_97: Hello Mrs. Mulgrew! I want to say that you are my favorite Star Trek Captain!! Do you enjoy working on the set of Voyager? Kate Mulgrew: I not only enjoy it...I love it. It gratifies and uplifts me on almost every conceivable creative level. It is a great privilege to have this work at this time in my life. gemini1874: What is your favorite literary classic and why? Kate Mulgrew: My favorite classic is Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. It possesses all the key ingredients that to my mind make for greatness. It is both epic and mystical, human and absurd. Black_Girl_2: When do you think they will come up with a Star Trek movie with the Voyager cast? Kate Mulgrew: I really couldn't say. My guess is that if there is a market for it, they will find a way of combining the Next Generation with Voyager in some dangerous way in which Janeway will triumph over Picard. In the last scene he is on his knees, weeping, and cries to me, "You are my Queen!" PEOPLE Online:: You go, girl!! pjworkman: What's it like to wear them suits? Kate Mulgrew: I love the suit. it's made of wool and therefore it's cozy in the wintertime and comfortable in the summertime. And, FYI, this is one actress who's deeply grateful she doesn't have to change costumes ten times a day. Although they tried to put me in Seven of Nine's suit. It didn't work because it was way too big. PEOPLE Online: The wool isn't itchy? Kate Mulgrew: What a funny question! I have a nice cotton shirt underneath and my nice stockings, and eight million girdles. It's great! PEOPLE Online:: Whew! I was empathizing a bit there! ancarett: What has being a mother in real life brought to your role as captain and surrogate mother to much of Voyager's crew? Kate Mulgrew: It has brought angst to my being a captain. And deep sorrow. But it has made me connect with my crew in a way no non-mother of pubescent boys could ever hope to do. pink_bubble_gum_14: What advice to people that would like to become actors? Kate Mulgrew: Read. Think. And develop an absolutely disciplined passion for this craft - or just skip it. There are too many who talk the talk, but can't walk the walk. labrat99_99: Is it true you may come back in a Mrs. Columbo special? Kate Mulgrew: What? As a doddering octogenarian? I think not. Unless of course this inquirer is having an intimate relationship with my agent that I know nothing about. emwycedee: Kate, tell us about this Internet-for-kids fundraiser you're doing later this month. Kate Mulgrew: I am the keynote speaker at a fundraiser in Seattle called Technology for Kids aimed at providing Internet and computer access to underprivileged children in Seattle. And all funds will be readily and happily accepted. Anyone interested in buying tickets can call Kathleen Hosfeld at 206-624-8389. pjworkman: what's it like working with Jeri Ryan? Kate Mulgrew: It's pleasant working with her, although she's very tall, and has funny looking things on her face. sulphur_bulldog: What is your favorite alien race Voyager has encountered? Kate Mulgrew: 8472, I'd say. Because of their awesome and mysterious powers. meka_au: You are afraid of being pegged a "trekkie" in your career? Kate Mulgrew: Well there's no fear of that, since I've never been a "trekker." I just love playing this mad scientist. And I hope that it will stand me in good stead in the final chapter of my long and interesting, and exhausting, life. SuperMagic2000: You seem so together in public - what do you struggle with, if anything? Kate Mulgrew: I want to marry the person who has asked this question. And I can only hope against hope that he's tall dark and handsome. I struggle with every single aspect of my life. Every hour of my day. But my little trick is to be present to the moment. KB5151: Will there be any more borg confrontations? Kate Mulgrew: One can only assume that the Borg will be with us until we go down in flames of glory. As we now possess among our number the most bewitching borg of them all. I work on the side as Jeri Ryan's publicist. Gee_666: Who are you most friendly "on set" with? Kate Mulgrew: Tough question. Because I love them all. Ethan Phillips pulls at my heartstrings, but these are the various strings that Robert Beltran melts, and also the strings played so beautifully by Roxann Dawson and Robert Picardo. However, to me, they are all of one, and I care for them deeply. B_Elanna_Torres_97: Ms. Mulgrew, what is your favorite Voyager episode and what is it like working with Garrett Wang and Tim Russ? Kate Mulgrew: My favorite episode to date has been shot but not aired. But may I say in confidence - something I suppose one does not say on the Internet - it would be The Refugee overseen by our executive producer, and impeccably, and joyfully executed. emwycedee: I read once that you said people should follow their bliss, as Joseph Campbell said. What do you think is Janeway's bliss? Kate Mulgrew: Janeway's bliss actually resides in her struggle. The ever-present and ever deepening knowledge that to be a great scientist, a great explorer, she must first be a great human being. Birgit_Pannes: Isn't it hard to be mother and a working woman at the same time? Kate Mulgrew: Very hard. And my hat's off to every woman in this society, regardless of her profession, who is attempting to juggle her life in this fashion. However, ladies, remember this: history will say that we were in the vanguard, so we have to try doubly hard to cut a good path. Thank God we're all in this together. PEOPLE Online: asks: What is your new UPN movie, Riddler's Moon, about? Kate Mulgrew: It's about extra-terrestrials. That's the overview. But the heart of the story is a mother's love for her extraordinary son and how this love manages to overcome the obstacles of drought, sorrow, misunderstanding and fear. It's a story about faith, and I loved doing it. rfsexton: Have you read any of the fan fiction on the net and if so, what do you think of it? Kate Mulgrew: I've not read any of the fan fiction on the net, I'm sorry to say. But I'm sure I would be duly impressed, as I always am, by the rather overwhelming intelligence in trek fandom. Jess4Trek: Kate, you are charming, classy, and very talented. I am 14 and as a female I find you inspiring, you have helped so many people in all your work and make other people's dreams come true. Do you think you will get your dream and move to New York and act on the stage in the upcoming years? Kate Mulgrew: Indeed I will. The plan has already been hatched, and will be realized as long as I have life in my body. I want to thank you for that question. SusanTrek: Aside from spending time with your boys...what is your favorite thing to do to relax? Kate Mulgrew: Read. Swim. And cook. Not necessarily in that order. I love an intimate dinner party, but there's very little to surpass the serene joy of a good book, a glass of wine, and a roaring fire. PEOPLE Online:: Kate, I know you're on a tight schedule tonight, and I can't thank you enough for joining us - can you take one more question? B_Elanna_Torres_97: How was it shooting the 100th episode of Voyager? Kate Mulgrew: Interesting. Another episode but one filled with pride for a job well done. For five years of intense and wonderful play and the rather poignant feeling that this too would pass away. PEOPLE Online: Well, a big round of applause for Kate Mulgrew - a fabulous captain on screen, and a lovely and gracious guest off-screen. Thank you very much for being with us! Kate Mulgrew: Thanks to everyone, and if I had the time I'd answer all your questions. Nothing's better than good talk between people who understand each other. PEOPLE Online: And thanks to all of you for being here with us tonight - the transcript will be up at www.people.com. KATE MULGREW AT THE ADLER PLANETARIUM Reproduced With Permission This web chat was hosted by The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum on Saturday, October 3, 1998. The chat began at 4:45 pm and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. Kate Mulgrew was visiting to film an appearance in a retrospective historical documentary about The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The documentary will be completed this winter, and the museum hopes to broadcast it nationally on television or cable. The video will also be offered for sale in the museum store. More information will be made available at the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum web site, http://astro.uchicago.edu/adler. Contact the Adler with any questions or comments at badchat@adlernet.org. Please Note: This interview and photograph are reproduced in Now Voyager with the gracious permission of The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. They are not to be reproduced or rebroadcast for distribution or any other purpose elsewhere without express written permission of The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Cruz asks: Are you scared of being typecast now that you have joined the Star Trek legend? Kate Mulgrew: No, because I'm too old and I've had too diverse and marvelous a career to feel stigmatized by anything let alone the role of my dream, Kathryn Janeway. Rae asks: Is it true that Janeway will never get together with Chakotay? Kate Mulgrew: Dicey question, - deserves dicey answer. It doesn't look good for two reasons. It jeopardizes my position of command and by extension, the emotional climate of the whole ship. But he is divine. Tammy asks: what has been the most challenging part of being the first female Captain Kate Mulgrew: Not allowing my gender to in any way enhance or detract from my authority or my humanity. Patricia asks: Have you become more optimistic about the future since working with Star Trek? Kate Mulgrew: Certainly more inquisitive and excited about the future and its endless possibilities. Rae asks: Are there going to be any Voyager movies? Kate Mulgrew: I really haven't a clue, but my guess would be that at some juncture there would be a cinematic meeting of Picard and Janeway. Carrey asks: What do you think are the most significant changes your character has character has undergone since the 1st season of Voyager? Kate Mulgrew: The greatest change has been in the marriage of the actress to the character. At this stage, I feel a relaxation, a confidence and such a deep knowledge of who Janeway is, that I am no longer concerned about anything but simply playing her beautifully. Dressway asks: How about a family update? How are your kids? Kate Mulgrew: My kids are great! But they are pubescent males. This means that I am in a constant state of anxiety, bliss and despair. Ann asks: Is this your first online chat? What do you think? Kate Mulgrew: This is my first online chat. I thinks it's fascinating but requires great patience, which I'm rather famous for lacking. Moderator: How will upcoming season of Voyager plots compare to last season? Will the plots be more character driven by voyager members or more by the life forms they meet? Kate Kate Mulgrew: The plots will be more character driven, by the senior staff. Also, a much needed balance has been restored. Last season, much emphasis was put on the arrival of 7 of 9. And some of the other characters suffered as a result. I'm delighted that Mr. Braga has the vision to understand that this is the story of an ensemble. S. Davidson asks: What element, either in your life or education (I guess you would call it), sparked your desire to push past all those odds to reach what you have today? I guess what I'm saying or asking is, what drove you? Kate Mulgrew: A great passion to accomplish something with courage and integrity and originality. My heritage had much to do with this. My mother. But ultimately, what drove me was my need to create. Rae asks: Is there any truth to the rumor that the show will continue after Voyager returns to the alpha quadrant? Kate Mulgrew: Of course! It will open up myriad opportunities for more and better stories. Steve asks: Is Q coming back this season? Kate Mulgrew: I would love my beloved Q to return this season as Mr. DeLancie is my best male friend. And I cannot survive and entire season without his madness. Kim asks: How do you feel about the Prime Directive? Do you think the Voyager respects this in episodes such as the Caretaker? Kate Mulgrew: Let's be frank about the Prime Directive. What applies in the Alpha Quadrant simply doesn't in the Delta Quadrant because of so many unknown factors. Generally speaking, I go by my gut and try to honor protocol under circumstances as best I can. Big bad bubba asks: Do you have any input into the story lines? Kate Mulgrew: Yes I do. The DaVinci holo program was my idea and I seem to always be on the phone when I see an improvement can be made in a character. But happily this season has been much more collaborative than seasons past. And this delights me. Kate Mulgrew: This is Captain Janeway, good-bye. CHALLENGE PROJECT ONLINE Reproduced With Permission Note: Kate was originally scheduled to go to NASA to take part in the Challenge Mission, sponsored by NASA's Life Sciences Division. Scheduled from September 23-30, 1998, in Key Largo, Florida, the mission was meant to be an eight-day deployment of the Scott Carpenter Space Analog Station on the sea floor off Key Largo. The station is a fully functioning, submersible habitat that serves as a demonstration analog setting for concepts and challenges of systems needed for human exploration of space. Invited individuals included former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, movie producer James Cameron, actress Kate Mulgrew, and Tom Whittaker, the first disabled person to summit Mt. Everest. The event was postponed indefinitely due to Hurricane Georges, which wreaked havoc in the Florida keys. This is a reproduction of Kate's online mission profile from http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/challenge/team/mulgrew.html. Copyright NASA Challenge Project. Meet: Kate Mulgrew Plays Lead: Captain Kathryn Janeway on UPN's Star Trek: Voyager Who I am - phrases that describe me: Say "Yes!" to life. Seize the day. Push the envelope. Life is a gift - and it is short - therefore, excellence should be pursued on all levels, enhanced by conviction. My personal challenges: Embrace challenge! I'm cultivating a love of science and attempting to share this passion with young women through acting and public speaking (I was invited to speak at a White House science meeting in 1995). My career challenges: Embrace challenge: the constant practice of overcoming fear and mediocrity by forgetting self and learning the discipline of the craft. My career: I play a starship captain on television's Star Trek: Voyager - the first female starship captain in the history of prime-time, and I am passionate about her and life in the future. Likes/Dislikes about career: I like best the change, the challenge and overcoming what is small, embracing what is creatively big and important. I would change its attraction to power and money into an attraction to simplicity and truth. Influences: My greatest influence is my mother who told me to take the journey, question all things, read voraciously, love totally and with abandon, and develop a passion for a skill and a craft. Future goals: My goal is to live, however briefly, a life of service and to live it in the company of people who are better, bolder, braver and bigger than I am. My thoughts about space exploration: I play at living in space, 80 hours a week. It has naturally piqued a tremendous curiosity and interest in the real thing. Personal information: I come from a large Irish-Catholic family, the oldest of eight. I am now the mother of three. We travel, cook, read and talk into the night about all these mysteries. * * * * Kate's Corned Beef with Cabbage (serves 8 people) 4 Ibs. beef brisket 3 heads cabbage 6-8 cups beef broth 4 onions Bunch of carrots Bunch of celery 2-3 bay leaves Cloves Salt & pepper 8-12 new potatoes -In very large pot bring to boil beef broth, bay leaves & salt and pepper -Add brisket, reduce to simmer for 5-6 hrs -In 5th hour, remove brisket -Add to stock - peeled and chopped carrots & celery, peeled whole potatoes & peeled, quartered onions studded with cloves -Simmer vegies 15-20 mins -Return brisket to pot and simmer all together 1/2 hr -Remove vegies and beef - keep warm in oven -Add to stock washed and quartered cabbage heads - boil 15-20 mins -Serve beef immediately on bed of cabbage surrounded by fragrant vegetables -Enjoy! * * * * KATE MULGREW FILM FESTIVAL ROOTS: THE GIFT By Brenda Shaffer-Shiring Though producers could hardly have known it at the time the show was made (since even TNG wouldn't debut for years afterward), Roots: The Gift is a latter-day Trekker's Christmas dream. Based on historical tales of the beginnings of the Underground Railroad, and employing characters introduced in Roots, the famous miniseries about Alex Haley's ancestors, this Christmas special features four actors who would later play major roles in different incarnations of Star Trek. Roots: The Gift stars TNG's LeVar Burton, reprising his Roots role as Kunte Kinte, a proud African recently abducted to the New World - and slavery. DS9's Avery Brooks brings his powerful voice and impressive physical stature to the role of Cletus Moyer, a heroic abolitionist. Decidedly unheroic, but still distinctive, is Kate Mulgrew as Hattie Carraway, a mercenary and bounty hunter. Her Voyager colleague Tim Russ has a small but memorable role as Marcellus, a regal house servant also called "the King of France." The story takes place in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, at the time of the American Revolution. While working in the fields, Kunte and his friend Fiddler (Louis Gossett, Jr., magnificent as always) encounter Cletus Moyer, a former slave who proudly introduces himself as "a free man of color." But the next time they see Moyer, he is being pursued by a brutal band of white men, led by bounty hunter Hattie Carraway. After he is captured, Carraway announces that Moyer is no longer a free man, but a wanted criminal with a price on his head. She says that, by going into the business of freeing slaves, he has sacrificed his own freedom. When their master, Dr. Reynolds, travels to the nearby Parker plantation for a Christmas celebration, Kunte and Fiddler accompany him. Also arriving at the plantation for the holiday is young Edmund Parker (Shaun Cassidy, earnest and pallid), a student at Harvard University. While out riding, Edmund and his father encounter Carraway and her band, including Moyer, who is chained and wearing a grotesque collar with bells attached. When Carraway shows documents that prove she has been hired by another plantation owner to bring back suspected abolitionist Moyer, the elder Parker offers to quarter her and her men for the holiday. When Reynolds, Fiddler, and Kunte reach the plantation, they are greeted by Marcellus, who has Reynolds escorted into the house and directs Fiddler and Kunte to their own accommodations, in a barn. Noting the house slave's fine clothes and regal manner, Fiddler jokes that he must be "the King of France." At the Parkers' party, the Revolution is discussed. Edmund mentions that there are black troops fighting for both sides, and others express horror at the prospect of arming men of color. Talk turns to a nearby slave uprising, in which all the participants were killed. Meanwhile, Hattie Carraway visits Moyer, in the stall where he is chained. She praises his strength, and says with relish that he offered "a good hunt," but notes that she would just as soon release him. Carraway hasno love for "planter aristocracy," which she describes as "a fantasy," vulnerabl e to the same Revolution it is trying to promote. "If I had a thousand like you...." she says wistfully. Moyer suggests she could cause real change now, but Carraway dismisses the idea; helping slaves escape, while exciting, isn't nearly as profitable as capturing them. Moyer tells her some things are more important than money. "You're a man, Moyer," she answers contemptuously. "I chose adventure, and I pay my own way." Moyer's next visitor is Kunte, who says he wants to be free again. A desperate Moyer divulges the mission he was on when captured. At a certain cave he was to meet a contact, a man he knew as "Cirrus," and receive a map of the route he could use to lead a band of escaped slaves north to freedom. Kunte must meet up with Cirrus and tell him he'll have to find someone else to lead the slaves. Kunte says he doesn't think he can find the cave by himself, but, swayed by Moyer's urgency, he manages to talk Fiddler into guiding him. At the rendezvous, they learn that "Cirrus" is Edmund Parker. Parker tells them that some escaped slaves are already on their way to the cave. They're to go from there to a cabin at the Parker plantation, then on along a path to the river, where a boat will take them to freedom. More slaves, including some of Parker's father's slaves, will join the exodus en route. With Moyer's capture, someone else will have to lead them. Back at the Parker plantation, Kunte tells Fiddler that they must help the escaping slaves. When Fiddler refuses, Kunte decides he will bring the slaves to the Parker plantation himself. Then he will escape with them. To be free is to be alive, he tells Fiddler. After Kunte leaves, Fiddler goes to Moyer. In a powerful scene, Moyer demands that Fiddler help lead the exodus; if no one leads them out, the escaping slaves will be retaken and killed. A frightened Fiddler protests that he doesn't know how to do what Moyer wants. He doesn't know how to be free. When word reaches the Parker plantation of a slave revolt, all the slaves, including a recently-returned Kunte, are gathered up and made to watch as Moyer and two would-be escapees are hung. Moyer dies with a ringing shout of "Freedom!" Moyer's death moves Fiddler to lead the escaping slaves. As they travel, Fiddler finds himself becoming fascinated with the prospect of freedom. Before long, the two men are missed, and Dr. Reynolds and Mr. Parker send Hattie Carraway and her band to find them. Edmund Parker witnesses her departure. When they reach the river, the escaping slaves board the waiting boat, but the man operating the boat tells Fiddler and Kunte there isn't room to take both of them. Sooner than choose, they decide to remain on shore together, in hopes that the boat will return. While they wait, they are discovered by Edmund Parker, who tells them the boat will not return until spring. Following Edmund is Hattie Carraway, who, drawing a gun, tells him she'll take the slaves back. When Edmund tries to get her to back down, she says coolly that she's already lost her bounty (for Moyer), so she'll take the reward for these two. When the white man's appeal to her principles fails, Fiddler suggests that maybe he should speak to the lady in her own language. Edmund doesn't understand. Fiddler says delicately, "Money, suh." Edmund directs the bounty hunter to the contents of his saddlebags. When one of her men finds a bag of gold inside, Hattie grins and says, "You have dealt with me fairly, sir." She rides off. They get back to the plantation, where Edmund "discovers" Fiddler and Kunte on the estate, seemingly drunk. Reynolds is satisfied, and returns to the house. Then Edmund tells Fiddler and Kunte that, if they see a light at a certain spot on a distant hill, they'll know the escaped slaves made it to their destination. Seeing the light, they know the people they helped are free. An unusual Christmas story with a strong cast, Roots: The Gift is a must-see for Trek fans, Voyager fans, and Kate fans. Though the part of the Hattie Carraway is not a sympathetic one, it's about as rare to see a woman cast as such a tough character as it is to see one cast as, oh, say, a starship captain. And I have to say it's a real kick to see our noble captain as a villain. She makes a terrific one - cool, swaggering, utterly amoral, and with such strong presence that you keep forgetting she's a small woman, even though she plays against some pretty big guys. I was a little troubled that Hattie's conversation with Moyer seemed to suggest that women's independence was a threat to African-American independence when, of course, the American women's suffrage movement was actually an outgrowth of the abolition movement, involving many of the same women. But this isn't a movie about women - and in all fairness, the conventional women we see are much less interesting than Hattie, and no more likable. Burton brings passion to his role, and Brooks is a commanding and impressive hero. Though Tim Russ's role is small, he has a few nice moments, including one where, when all the slaves are herded together at gunpoint, he quietly places himself between the gunman and some of the slave women. If for some reason you haven't managed to see this movie yet, it's definitely worth a look. MURPHY BROWN By Anneke Apperloo It usually takes a while but, eventually, we - a.k.a. the poor & deprived Dutch Now Voyagers - WILL get what you people in the States get! (At first, I wasn't too thrilled about the introduction of commercial television but, when I found out it basically meant more Kate on Dutch TV, I rapidly changed my mind.) Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, the Murphy Brown episode in which our beloved & admired Kate is a guest star finally aired - a BIG "thank you" to RTL5! I had already heard Kate had gotten an Emmy nomination for the way she played the role of Hillary Wheaton in this episode, so my expectations were quite high - and I wasn't disappointed! For people who aren't familiar with Murphy Brown: Murphy (Candace Bergen) is a (famous) journalist, working for an American network TV station in New York - the show's about her and her crew's daily struggle to report the news. In this episode, Murphy's about to deliver her child, so the network had to find a replacement for her for the time she'll be gone. Enter Hillary Wheaton. Hillary, like Murphy herself, is a very successful career woman. However, her success had a high price: she had to sacrifice a lot - her whole personal life, basically - to get to the top. This resulted in a drinking problem, which she managed to hide from the outside world, as well as from herself, for a long time. Murphy immediately sees through Hillary, because she had the same problem in the past - and it's still a difficult thing for her to handle. Naturally, Hillary doesn't want to admit it when Murphy confronts her: she accuses Murphy of being jealous of her success. Nevertheless, Murphy warns her that a crash'll be coming - soon. Of course, Murphy's right: by the time Hillary's supposed to do her first news show within 15 minutes, she's sleeping on Murphy's desk, intoxicated. Then, Murphy finally gets through to Hillary: she tells Hillary she'll help her - but only if Hillary herself admits that she needs it. Which she does, in the end. As far as the episode itself is concerned, I think half an hour is, in principle, too short for a story like this: in reality, I don't think an alcoholic would change from denial to admission of her problem within a day or two - not even if she crashes. (Like Hillary said to Murphy, at first: "You know how hard this business is, especially for women..." And: "I just need some rest - I haven't had a vacation in three years...") However, the intentions behind the story are crystal clear - and the fact that the "fast forward" button is pushed a couple of times, in my opinion, doesn't change those! About Kate's acting: it struck me - once again - how VERY talented this woman really is, as an actress - she made Hillary Wheaton a real person, in whom's position people can place themselves. (Just like she does with Kathryn Janeway, now.) I think, this way, she reached out to people in a similar position - and watching this "Murphy Brown" episode might just have been the 'touch' they needed to acknowledge their problem and seek help! One more thing - I just couldn't help noticing the similarities between Hillary Wheaton and Kathryn Janeway: both are beautiful - well, that's because Kate is, of course - intelligent, sensitive and strong women, who sacrifice(d) their personal lives to reach their goals. Luckily for her, Kathryn Janeway's one of the few female Starfleet captains: Paramount just couldn't afford to have her have a drinking problem. However, it could create interesting possibilities. "Good morning, Kathryn." "CHAKOTAY? What the hell are you doing in my bed?" Reviewzzzzzzzzz Note to members: All KMAS members are encouraged to write reviews of episodes of Voyager. We are particularly interested in reviews that emphasize Kate's performance and Janeway's character development. Reviews should be sent to Donna Christenberry at vulcan@iquest.net or by "snail mail" at 1315 South Fifth St., Terre Haute, IN 47082. We reserve the right to edit reviews for length, grammar, content, etc., and reserve the right not to print every review sent. NIGHT What an excellent way to begin the season! This episode has everything: humor, adventure, human frailties, wonderful character moments, a crisis of the week with an environmental theme, no romance per se, but some good fights, and the deflector dish once again saves the day! In the words of the doctor, "Who can argue with that?" I was hooked from the first entrance of the black and white adventures of Captain Proton to the return of the starfield once they crossed the threshold of "The Void" and returned to normal space. It's funny that the episode was so engaging since the premise was basically that "nothing's happening." With this episode, the writers brought back an essential element that Voyager lacked during the fourth season: emotions, particularly humor. Even in the most tragic of times, humans have used laughter as a survival tool. After watching an entire season of stiff Starfleet officers going about their unrelenting duties as stiffly as possible, I was beginning to wonder if Starfleet had an obscure protocol against laughter. But just the look on Harry's face as he informed the evil Chaotica that "...someone pushed the self destruct button..." (like captain, like crew, I guess!) was enough to make me giggle. And then to have Tom Paris proclaim himself the scourge of intergalactic evil was just too much! They looked like they were having such fun, and we haven't seen the crew enjoying themselves since... well, I can't think of anything since "Resolutions." They're always too busy saving the universe. They save the universe again this time, or at least the deflector dish does, but it's the emotional issues that bring them up to that point that makes this episode a winner. The briefing scene was something I have been waiting for from the very start of Voyager. The senior officers stopped agreeing with everything and started questioning the command team. How intriguing. Is this allowed? The absence of Janeway certainly facilitated a more relaxed atmosphere on the entire ship (also intriguing), but it's the edginess that gives this scene its energy. They laugh, but they also say what they think; they become real characters. B'Elanna is grouchy and sarcastic, Chakotay is defensive, Tom is snotty, and nobody buys Chakotay's lame excuse that the captain can run the ship from wherever she wants. They push their right to know what's going on, and then act disgruntled when they leave the briefing without an answer. The edginess continues in Tom and B'Elanna's fight-for-the-sake-of-fighting, and Neelix's emerging fear of the nothing that is outside his viewing port. Finally some character conflict. I hope we see more of the same in future episodes. The biggest inner conflict is, of course, the captain's. We've all been waiting for her to start questioningas well, and the fact that she holes up in her quarters when she does start to investigate her feelings and falls apart as a result is consistent with her behavior in Mosaic, though it's frustrating to watch. I wish she was stronger than this, but at the same time I know that she's more human this way. However, I found it disturbing that she hid in her quarters, wrapped in the security of her guilt, and was able to return to her crew only when some crisis required her presence. Her character would be more appealing if she would at least acknowledge her fears and frailty, giving herself the opportunity to grow from that admission. (It's an oversight in the story that she never overcomes her guilty feelings and need for redemption, one that leaves a rather startling gap in the storyline. I sometimes wonder if the writers don't leave these obvious gaps on purpose, to give the fans something to write about in between episodes.) I very much wanted Janeway and Chakotay to have a fight in this scene, just to make her stop feeling sorry for herself if nothing else. Fortunately I'm not Chakotay. The fact that Chakotay doesn't grab her and shake the daylights out of her the moment he enters her quarters illustrates the extreme amount of patience and self-control he possesses. A fight here would have ruined the pace of the episode as a whole. The lighting in this scene was also wonderful: dark, shadowy, not penetrating, barely enough to illuminate Janeway's facial expressions - a nice way to bring "The Void" inside the ship. The mutiny scene rounds out the emotional journey in this episode. True, the crew knew what was going to happen, and the viewers had an idea, but Janeway did not. Hearing B'Elanna speak up like she did must have made Janeway's stomach twist like a knife. But the best part of all this was the gentle way Janeway handled it; the only real reprimand she gives for mutiny is to softly accuse Chakotay of keeping the crew informed, hardly a deed deserving of being hanged. I personally expected her to be outraged. Except for Chakotay, none of the crew have ever really questioned her decisions before. How refreshing to finally hear somebody say, "No, Captain." Janeway's response was equally as refreshing. There was no, "You must comply!" in the ridiculously stubborn vein that she frequently employed last season. She was on the verge of making a huge command mistake, and had the grace to back down in the face of the more intelligent option offered by her crew. She's saved from a fate worse than death, the ship is pushed two years closer to home, and Neelix doesn't have to waste replicator rations on curtains: on the whole, a very enjoyable episode. I laughed a lot and had fun watching it. Which, naturally, is the point. Quote of the episode: it has to be Seven of Nine - "I am Borg. The robot has been neutralized. May I leave now?" -Linda Bindner I had to admit that when I first starting hearing spoilers on this episode, I just knew that I would hate it. Between the "crisis of captaincy" for Janeway and the Captain Proton creation of Tom Paris, there just didn't seem to be anything new or exciting for season five. But after seeing "Night" I confess that I was quite impressed. It is without a doubt the first time I have ever truly connected with Captain Janeway on an officer/military level. As an officer in the Army Reserves, I have always understood some of the things she has done and loudly criticized the stupid stunts she has pulled. Granted, I am a Reserve officer, but I go through the same training as all active duty officers, I take my part-time status very seriously and I have spent a lot of time on active duty, including eight months recently deployed in Bosnia. What Kathryn Janeway was going through was a perfect example of the constant pressure a captain is under and how one might deal with it when there isn't any release. She doesn't have any higher authority or even peers to consult with and she doesn't even have the benefit of an onboard counselor. She never gets a break from being in command, can never truly be off duty, never gets a mental break from the stress of so much commitment. For those of you with kids, multiply the stress from your children until you reach 145 (or whatever the crew count is this year) and that's what she deals with. Officers are taught total responsibility for those that they command, no matter what rank. Each and every day we make decisions that can effect many people. To expect Janeway to never have questioned her decision to destroy the Array is putting unbelievable expectations on a human being. Uncertainty over such a decision can gnaw away at a leader over time until there is a breaking point. Deep in her heart, she knows she did the right thing four years ago. But as she sees the crew slowly coming apart, suffering in loneliness and even dying at the hands of hostile aliens, she is absolutely justified in questioning her decision. The isolation from the crew is a reflection of the dark outside the ship. The emptiness, the feeling of being trapped, the endless nothing. And she kept her emotions to herself. While that may not always be a wonderful thing, it's better than a restless and angry captain roaming the corridors, looking either for a fight or begging redemption from her subordinates. At first I was mad at Chakotay for letting her get away with her tantrum. I even yelled at the screen: "Don't take that Chakotay! You drag that woman-kicking and screaming if necessary-to the bridge, plunk her happy ass in The Big Chair and make her stay there. Sit on her if you have to." That's what I, as an experienced second in command, would have done. I wouldn't let my commander get away with such behavior. But, after watching the episode one more time and thinking about it, I realize Chakotay did the right thing-he let her vent. He let her stomp and snort and plant her hands on her hips and waggle her finger at his face. He is smart enough to know that she wasn't yelling at him, just yelling. She wasn't blaming him for anything, and the fact that he didn't pick a fight with her makes him an excellent choice (finally!) as her first officer. There have been many times in my military career where my superior has reamed me a new anal orifice, not because I did something wrong, but because life sucked and I was there and it was my job to listen. Chakotay also was very careful in his words to her...using "we" instead of "you." He did the right thing informing the crew of her actions. I can assume that he just let them know her plan, but didn't sway them into mutiny. He slowly but surely let his captain know that she was wrong in her thinking, that the crew didn't hate her for stranding them all in the Delta Quadrant. And he did that with tact and diplomacy and he used the one thing that would make her realize that she was wrong: her own crew. I was also impressed at how Chakotay showed a brave front to the troops, even though his captain had basically abandoned him and he himself was stressed. First officers have more contact with the crew anyway, acting as a liaison between crew and captain. That means that they catch hell from above and below and must deal accordingly with everyone. He maintained a decent level of decorum, still conducting meetings even though they were long unnecessary and reminding the senior staff that Janeway can do as she pleases. I strongly believe that Janeway's isolation, not to mention the boredom and anxiety of the rest of the crew, would have had far more impact if they had been in the void longer than 56 days. Remember, they have already been in the DQ for four years-more than enough time to adapt to being so far from home. They've already been lonely, tired, hungry, horny, overworked, shot at, beat up and frustrated. And I would expect that during the first boring month they would have all felt relief at finally catching up on sleep, reading, working on the warp engines or starting a fitness regime. Maybe at six to eight months they would have felt effects of cabin fever more. I have heard a lot of comments about Janeway's behavior and how it is so "female." Let's get one thing straight right here, right now. Command is not gender-based. There are no separate female and male command schools. There are no separate female and male options when making decisions. There are different styles, tactics, approaches and personalities, but the responsibility is the same no matter what the sex of the officer is. Someone reading my evaluations would only know that I am female by my name. I don't remember anyone ever being concerned about my leadership skills because I am a female, certainly not any troops that I have ever commanded. I consider myself an "officer." I just happen to be a woman as well. And I can assure you that my style of leadership has varied A LOT from some of my former commanders, male and female. Yeah, Kirk probably would have handled things differently, but all I can remember about Kirk was how he chased women. Even in today's army, officers are relieved of command for such behavior. And let's face it, Picard isolated himself from the crew for the entire seven-year run of TNG. Remember...he only joined the poker game in the final episode. I'm sure Sisko would have thrown a baseball at someone then loudly proclaimed himself Most Valuable Player. My point? Leave her alone and stop comparing her to the three male captains on a gender level. I can't believe I am saying this, but I actually liked the Captain Proton portion. I could have done without the screaming and scantily-clad blonde at the beginning, but her screaming into Harry Kim's ear was hysterical. I hope further adventures include more of the main cast (Kate Mulgrew in black and white...Yum!) but I never, ever want to see Kathryn Janeway in the role of "secretary" while Tom is out "saving the world." I also loved how this was an ensemble show. Janeway's isolation wasn't the focus of the episode and neither was the Captain Proton scenario. Everyone had a part, everyone had good screen time. So, if "Night" is any indication of the forthcoming season, I'm ready to watch. -Annmarie Daneker "Night" was an odd choice for a season premiere; an episode about people being bored usually can't help but bore the audience, so the first fifteen minutes seemed a miscalculation. I couldn't help but share the crew's sense of demoralization, which reflects badly on previous seasons of Voyager-seemed like a declaration on the part of the producers that being lost in the Delta Quadrant has been pretty miserable for everyone involved. Nonetheless, there were some nice elements in this episode: Tuvok developing a sense of humor, Chakotay standing up to the senior staff in a meeting, Janeway in a tight black t-shirt (not that I was looking, of course). But Janeway's behavior disturbed me. Much as I hate to see depression dismissed with an instant cure, I'd just as soon they move past this latest loneliness-of-command schtick and give us back the captain who loves to explore. Kathryn Janeway is clearly depressed, yet her senior staff goes out of the way to make her feel more isolated and disempowered rather than talking to her about it. I understand that Janeway's the captain and thinks she's not supposed to confide in the crew, but isolation is a major cause of her depression-she needs dialogue, along with whatever kind of light therapy they'll be using to treat the deep-space equivalent of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the 24th century. I also find it impossible to believe that she thinks a captain in hiding is more effective than a captain who asks her crew for help. This sort of behavior is a major difference between Janeway and the other captains, and while it's somewhat excusable on her part given her circumstances, it makes her crew look ineffective. When Kirk got depressed over losing command to the M-5 or losing Rayna to Flint, he talked to Spock and/or McCoy. He didn't worry that they were suddenly going to stop taking him seriously as a captain if he confessed his deepest fears, and they didn't walk out when he got sulky. Sisko has an even bigger support system-Dax, his oldest friend, who is now also a counselor, and Kira, who is often at her best when Sisko needs to be kicked in the butt, as she forgets that he's her Emissary and deals with him as a fellow military leader. Picard was a lot more closed-off than the other two, but even he had Crusher, and frequently Troi and Guinan, forcing him to notice when his behavior was affecting his crew. So I want to know why Tuvok and Chakotay were in the briefing room discussing behind her back how to help Janeway, instead of both of them marching into her quarters to talk to her, or marching to Sickbay to ask the Doc for medical advice. Leading a pseudo-mutiny hardly seems a good answer. Kate Mulgrew saved the mutiny scene by playing it as if she were amused and unsurprised, which at least gave the appearance that Janeway had control and a greater vision, but it's still disturbing. Chakotay, too, looks good in a t-shirt...better than Seven, in my book. Seven still looks like a Barbie doll and says "I am Borg" whenever a laugh is needed, but hey-at least she didn't save the ship! On the other hand, I am really getting tired of the crew's proclivity for holonovels which reduce women to secretaries, doormats, and other ephemera. Much as Janeway's wanting to be a governess irked me, it was vastly preferable to the roles given women in Captain Proton thus far. Let us hope that situation improves. At least Torres is back in engineering and spouting technobabble. I liked the way she jumped down the alien's throat. Paris should appreciate what he's got instead of playing superhero with his buddies. -Em Wycedee Season Four opened with a clamor when "Scorpion II" burst onto the screen and ended with a whimper with "Hope and Fear," a good but rather drab season closer. Season Five's opener "Night" picks up last season's rather meandering pace and barely wavers from its trajectory. Our intrepid crew is immersed in a dead area of space, and it appears it will take two years to get to the other side. Morale is at an all-time low, and Janeway has chosen this unfortunate moment to cower in her cabin and wallow in guilt about her four-year-old decision to destroy the Caretaker's array. In the meantime, Paris alternates between bickering with B'Elanna and jaunting about the holodeck as Captain Proton, a 20th century hero. Neelix struggles with his own personal demons, including a phobia which Holodoc bills as the fear of nothing. Chakotay attempts to run the ship in the Captain's absence, and the rest of the crew goes along for the ride. This episode tried to accomplish way too much in one hour. For example, considering Janeway's rather rash series of actions over the last four years, I think she's picked a rather odd time to start this self-imposed isolation. The story of her introspection was given short shrift, and far more attention was given to Tom's new holodeck program. Janeway's problems and the impact on her crew would have made for compelling drama in the right hands, but those hands clearly belong to someone other than Brannon Braga. We find out more about Janeway's history when her oldest friend (Tuvok) meets with her best friend (Chakotay). The uneasy truce between the two men is clearly delineated, and is not only the best scene in "Night," but is one of the best they've ever done together. Tuvok explains the captain's penchant for self-sacrifice and warns Chakotay that she'll probably try it again. Indeed, Janeway appears on the bridge and attempts to order her crew to let her stay behind in a shuttle to permanently close the vortex. They stand firm against her, and she warns that mutiny is a hanging offense. Gee, she got me with this one. I didn't realize that they still hanged people in the 24th century. In any case, her whole idea was silly when we knew that the alternative plan would work just fine. Janeway and Chakotay's scenes together weren't quite as cardboard as those between Tom and B'Elanna, or Chakotay's wooden dialogue with Seven at the beginning. The P/T relationship is as flat as ever, and their bickering is as tiresome as their cooing and billing. After seeing Neelix and Chakotay together, I'd be inclined to argue that they make the best couple on the ship (just kidding). Phillips and Beltran have great chemistry, and I really liked seeing Chakotay looking out for Neelix as they struggled through dark corridors. I can't say much for Garrett's one-note performance or Harry's two-note composition called "Echoes from the Void". Harry's most exciting moment was his easy vault over the deck rail. As for his role in the Captain Proton adventure, there isn't much to say. Captain Proton is as campy as an Ed Wood movie, but it did produce a few laughs, especially when Seven pulled the plug on the evil robot. Another high point was that "Night" avoided being another installment in the Seven of Nine show, and for that, we can all be thankful. The aliens were hatched from the same nose and brow-ridge mold used for all Delta Quadrant aliens, and their story was only marginally interesting. So, in summary, I thought that "Night" was a passable outing. As a mid-season show, it would have been perfectly fine, but as a season opener, it was less than stellar. I certainly hope that it's not indicative of the rest of Season Five, whose course now lies under Mr. Braga's jurisdiction. -Elizabeth Klisiewicz Well, the first episode of the fifth season of Voyager has come and gone, and after watching it, I couldn't help but feel that it was just okay. It wasn't bad or really good and breathtaking as "Scorpion, Part II" was. First off, the special effects were again at their top performance. Seeing Voyager against the blackness reminds me of looking up in the night sky and making out a commercial airplane by only its running lights and the windows. Kind of cool-looking to me! Plus seeing the Malon freighter and the Void-ians' (my name for the people who live in the void since their name wasn't even mentioned) ships were a bonus. The plot was okay until meeting the Void-ians, which was when things started to pick up with interest. The conflict between the Void-ians and the Malons was far more interesting than the first and second act with the crew being depressed. Now, the depressed Captain Janeway and crew is what brought down this episode to being okay. It's quite understandable that things may get depressed and boring after 50 days in the middle of nowhere, but I would think that 50 days is relatively short amount of time for the crew to fall into such a state. What about having alert drills? Sporting events? Doing special projects - like making new shuttles? There are so many things to do that I say that these people are being lazy - especially leaving the bridge unmanned expect for a bored Harry Kim playing in the captain's chair. Janeway, to me, is not being a leader at all by locking herself in her quarters. She blames herself for the stranding her crew in the Delta Quadrant and for their present predicament. I say having such a depression for something that happens five years ago is bit...too late. What about Chakotay and Tuvok? They didn't even bother to directly confront Janeway about her unhealthy mood to lock herself away from the rest of the crew. Chakotay in "Night" certainly wasn't the Chakotay I knew in "Caretaker" or "Scorpion" who took charge and knew what to do as first officer, and Tuvok certainly wasn't the same man in "Scientific Method" who confronted Janeway about her overreacting mood. Instead both allowed her to brood, thus taking the rest of the crew into a depressed funk. Long before this episode, I always believed that the crew follows the example made by the commanding officer. Janeway, or Chakotay or Tuvok, was not making a good example to the crew by brooding and sitting around doing nothing. Janeway always kept saying that the crew's needs come before her own, but in "Night" she certainly was not acting to help the crew what so ever. Summing it up, "Night" feels like an episode made more for the middle of the season than the premiere. The way the characters were behaving and acting, before meeting the Void-ians and Malons, didn't look, feel, or sound right, thus leaving the Void-ian/Malon conflict and the special effects to carry the rest of the episode. I consider "Night" better than "Basics, Part II," but after five years, I would've thought the premieres would be getting better not worse. I hope the rest of the season doesn't end up being the same as "Night", because that will only leave us...in the dark. -George Padovan Unfortunately, I think that this show fell flat as a season premiere. There wasn't a whole lot of action to draw me in, and it was a little too "dark"and depressing for a beginning show. It moved along slowly until the action at the end. This show might have worked better in middle of the season as an episode exploring the characters and psychological issues. A show which starts out lively and active would have been better for the beginning of this season. As for the show itself, it was mediocre. There were positive and negative qualities about it. I could relate to the "humaness" of Captain Janeway and Neelix, and enjoyed the crew pulling insubordination toward the end. Contrary to how most people have viewed Captain Janeway's isolation as neurotic, I do not. I do not believe that leaders must be perfect and not show their "human" sides. I also do not believe that leaders do not suffer from guilt or depression at times. It is what makes them human, and someone that subordinates can relate to. The administrator in my agency that I admire the most was a former battered woman, and she will have days where she withdraws from us, never saying a word. But I can always count on her backing us up in what we do, and leads us by example and putting herself on the line first. That was how I viewed Captain Janeway's reaction to the void. The trouble that I did have with this show is the same objection that I had with "Retrospect." It appears as if by the 24th century, they still don't have any knowledge on handling psychological issues like depression. Once again, it appeared as if all that we have learned in the 20th century has been forgotten again 300 years later. On a 24th-century starship, there are no psychological drugs like prozac to alleviate Janeway's feelings of depression? The doctor gave Neelix a shot to alleviate his symptoms of a panic attack, but he didn't have shots for Captain Janeway, especially when it is crucial for the captain to be accessible to her crew and running the Bridge. This episode, once again, revealed to me the ignorance of the writers on psychological issues, what causes them, and the current methods used to deal with them. It would help, if the writers wish to continue tackling current 20th-century psychological issues, to learn from those of us who are out there tackling these problems everyday and possess the current knowledge. Again, it was a bit of an insult to a professional. I enjoyed the crew's refusal to let Captain Janeway stay behind in a shuttle to destroy the vortex. Especially Ensign Kim. It made him a bit stronger in my eyes. It was a little endearing actually, making the crew like a large family. It also revealed the crew's devotion to our beloved captain. The show as a whole was a little too "dark" for an optimistic show like Star Trek. After dealing with real-life all day, looking at battered women and children, and dealing with courts who still favor the batterers, it's nice to come home, sit down, and watch a show I can get lost in, forgetting about the day's frustration, refreshing me to face the next one. An episode that addresses the very problems I face daily is not refreshing, and only reminds me of the frustration. I look forward to watching a female captain take on menacing aliens, and triumph. It gives a little hope for the female cause. It took too long for that to happen in this episode. I do feel they addressed the "garbage-dumping" issue realistically. Much of the reason that nuclear waste is still a problem today is that the perpetrators are afraid to embrace the new technological advances that would solve it, and "money" still rules. The solution that Voyager attempted to offer fits in with Gene Roddenberry's original vision of the positive impact of technology in solving our problems. All in all, this episode was mediocre. It lacked action, was too "dark," didn't address the psychological issues properly, but revealed a "human" side to Janeway, introduced some new aliens, and brought the crew closer together as a family. -Suzanne Godfrey DRONE This is an episode for all of us who have ever been told we were an accident or a mistake or a surprise. This is an episode of smiles. It's an episode of pain and loss and growth. This is one damn good episode! As happens to so many, Seven of Nine wakes up one day and suddenly finds motherhood thrust upon her. Without warning, she moves from student to teacher, from the pain-in-the-butt ex-Borg with an irascible personality to the mentor responsible for an advanced Borg drone's upbringing. Growth is inevitable in such a situation, and the writers don't disappoint us. Seven's character undergoes many transformations in the short span of One's existence. She moves from irritation to reluctant acceptance of her new responsibility, and from there is open to further emotions: fear of One, awe of One, and eventually love and pride. Her final transformation comes when she is in Sickbay, desperately trying to convince One to allow the doctor to perform surgery, yet fearing that she'll never be able to persuade him. Seven experiences real pain for the first time in her Human existence, and like most of us, she doesn't know how to stop it. It was just as painful to watch her walk directionless around Sickbay, barely able to breath, trying to escape the void of nothing that One's death has opened for her, and knowing that there's nowhere for her to go; the nothing is all she has left. Seven simply can't escape her loss, but at the same time, she doesn't know how to adapt to it. Watching her nearly made me sick to my stomach. Jeri Ryan looked like she was sick too! This scene is probably one of the most powerful and wrenching scenes in Voyager to date - simply excellent. Watching One grow from a designationless drone to a character with a definite personality and quirks was just as enjoyable as watching Seven of Nine. As One learns and adapts to Voyager and his new surroundings, he shows the eagerness, innocence, dependence, abandon, and awe of a child. He is so determined to please the Voyager crew and be of use to them that, in a way, it almost hurt to watch. It reminded me of too many times I showed such unbridled and childish enthusiasm, only to be teased about it later. I was glad when nobody made fun of One's thrill for learning. In fact, just seeing Janeway smile in delight of that enthusiasm erased my discomfort. If Janeway is so happy with childlike behavior, it makes me think Voyager needs more children on board; it could prove a great way for the crew to relax. Then again, there's the theme of the unwanted child, the mistake, the convergence of technology into a mishap that someone must now be responsible for. One must come to terms with this issue just as Seven is forced to accept the pain of loss. In the larger picture, the premise for Drone reminds me a great deal of Sacred Ground. Just like Janeway when she underwent several ordeals in order to save Kes's life, Seven is forced into a situation she could not possibly foresee and must adapt to insure the survival of another crewmember, and One must do the same. Along their journeys, Seven discovers that she has finally accepted Voyager as her home, and One realizes that in order to save Seven and his home, he must leave it. It's the traditional motif of the hero sacrificing his life for the greater good, and though it may have been predictable and contrived, (everybody knows you can't add new characters to a Star Trek show!) it's handled with sensitivity and simplicity, but it's not the focus of the episode. That moment in the cargo bay where Seven looks into her mirror, but can't smile, brings the episode full circle. She's back where she started, but she's not the same person anymore. This scene, after the emotional trauma of One's death in Sickbay, reminds us that it's the quiet moments that are the most powerful. Quotes of the episode: "Is it true you make them call you Captain Kim?" - Chakotay "You are hurting me!" - Seven of Nine -Linda Bindner Yes, the episode and the focused relationship in it did echo Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Offspring". But, the reason I sort of found the episode enjoyable was because of the premise. Thanks to Star Trek: The Motion Picture, we all know what happens when organic matter gets fused in a transporter mishap. I liked seeing what happened with technologies. Especially since Seven of Nine's implants and the Doctor's mobile emitter are "new" to Voyager's computers. They do a lot of travel via shuttlecraft. What would the transporters think of them? My favorite scene was towards the end of the episode when the Collective spoke to One and to Seven of Nine. Her evident attraction to the voices manifested itself in her voice. Janeway, and especially Chakotay, looked just a little nervous. I know my eyebrow climbed up to my hairline. Other than that, the story was predictable leading to a predictable ending. It was predictable that the Borg would be kept, since Janeway wouldn't have allowed otherwise [and otherwise we wouldn't have had an episode]. It was predictable that the plan would be for the Borg to be taught to be, and would finally learn what it means to be, an individual and to think of others. And it was predictable that the Borg would die so that the Doctor could get his mobile emitter back, since the writers made it so vital to One's systems. Seven of Nine got to play teacher to One just as the Doctor got to play teacher to Seven of Nine. The difference being that Seven of Nine got to play more of a "mommy" figure. The pair got to walk around the ship exploring points of interest. He got to ask the "who", "how", and "why" questions. I hate to say it, because it is such a sad line and meant to be meaningful.... However, that second time listening to Seven of Nine tell One that he was hurting her made me roll my eyes and remember Counselor Troi's "I feel...pain!" Heck, forget Seven of Nine's suffering I was "hurting"! For me, the only emotional part of their relationship that I came across was the final scene in Cargo Bay Two when she deactivated the Gamma Regeneration Unit. That was touching, and sad. Now, the music for the episode, it was wonderful! If there are any future commercial recordings of music for particular episodes as Star Trek and ST:NG did, I think "Drone" should be featured. -Rhonda E. Green "Drone" was extraordinarily well-done, despite a smattering of inconsistencies with previous shows about the Borg. It's easily my favorite Seven of Nine episode to date, and Jeri Ryan gave a moving and credible performance, though J. Paul Boehmer's portrayal of One made him the focus of every scene he was in. His walk and talk reminded me of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, which made him immediately sympathetic despite the Borg hardware (smoother and sleeker than the Borg we're used to, though I don't understand how nanoprobes could have duplicated so much of the 29th-century materials in such a short time, nor why Seven said the Borg do not reproduce through fetal cultivation when we saw on TNG that they do). He made a convincing child despite looking older than Seven herself, and his farewell was emotionally charged though played with great restraint. Science fiction shows seem to have a perverse obsession with turning women into mothers against their wills: they did it to Deanna Troi, they did it to Kira Nerys, they did it to Dana Scully, they did it to Xena's Gabrielle, so I was really in dread of Seven of Nine's maternal instincts. The show was blissfully restrained in that regard, too, though I was surprised that neither the Doctor nor poor Mulcahy was permitted more contact with their "offspring." The Doctor accepted the potentially permanent lossof his emitter with admirable grace after throwing a fit initially about its absence (thus permitting a gratuitous shot of Roxann Dawson in her nightgown, and then topless). But I wonder whether we're going to see him next week with the emitter back in place and no explanation of its recovery and decontamination; the thought that they will have to cut it out of One's skull is rather grisly. In general this episode seemed a little rushed - it featured one of Trek's patented instantly-maturing children, after all - and wasted a little too much time having Seven and One recite Borg cliches rather than engaging in dialogue which might have illuminated their growing rapport. But Janeway came across particularly strongly, which was very important after last week's crisis of command - I like it when she takes risks with the ship in the name of new life, rather than out of some urge to look benevolent as in last season's "Prey." She's not entirely consistent with the captain from "Tuvix," but that's okay. I am always a little uncomfortable with how easily "human values" are substituted for Federation values on this series, but it worked here with the Borg collective (and a ship which resembled the Borg queen's) as contrast. And Neelix was the most human of them all - a nice touch of character growth for a character who started out as comic relief. -Em Wyceedee "Drone" was an effective and wonderfully moving episode that caught me by surprise. Want to know why? Season Four was like a sucker punch that kept me reeling from start to finish. Certainly there were some stand-out episodes, but they were far and few between. The writers and producers shifted the spotlight away from the regular cast and focused it on Seven's Double D's. Week after week, we were forced to endure these camera shots that seemed riveted to this Borg babe's T&A and left room for little else in the way of plot or continuity. And after all of that, here is yet another episode about our favorite Borgette and damned if it wasn't good! I was put off by the usual cheesy commercials that hinted at Seven's coming motherhood and figured it was their usual cheap ploy to draw viewers. You could almost imagine the gears grinding in their tiny little minds: "Hmm, if we suggest any sexual activity, then they'll be sure to watch." Well I hate to disappoint the young male demographic, but "Drone" had nothing to do with sex. Seven's progeny is created entirely by accident when she and the Doctor transport back to Voyager. His holoemitter acts up and is sent to a lab for testing. Apparently, the emitter picks up a few of Seven's nanoprobes in transit and the result is One, a 29th century Borg. Janeway accepts this new addition to the crew and tasks an astonished Seven with mentoring him and acclimating him to the Human Collective. This could have been YABE (Yet Another Borg Episode), but it managed to transcend the usual limited scope of a Borgian script and become something entirely different. TNG fans will be reminded of "Offspring", the episode where Data creates a child who ends up dying. Seven, who is much like Data, is forced to confront her own internal divisiveness as well as her child's burgeoning humanity. One questions everything, and is intensely curious about the Borg Collective. One, who is ably played by J. Paul Boehmer, is a charming combination of wide-eyed wonder and steely technology. He grasps new concepts so quickly that he soon leaves people like B'Elanna in the dust. Quite naturally, his technology overcomes his good intentions and his Borg circuitry ends up activating a beacon that calls out to a Borg mother ship which looks like a leftover from First Contact. Janeway appears unruffled as they engage the Borg sphere and she is willing to accept any help that One can give. He ends up beaming over to the sphere and mucking around with their navigational controls so they are drawn into the spatial anomaly of the week. The sphere explodes and One barely survives. In the most moving scene in the episode, One refuses medical treatment and nearly sends Seven into an emotional tailspin. By shielding his body, he sacrifices himself for the good of the ship, convinced that the Borg will continue to dog Voyager in order to grab all that luscious technology. At the very end, in a scene which is a bookend to the show's opening scene, Seven has no phony smiles for the mirror. In summary, I truly enjoyed this one and think that Jeri Ryan gave one of her best performances. The writers outdid themselves in furthering her character's emotional development, and I sincerely hope that this trend continues. -Elizabeth Klisiewicz EXTREME RISK Is it me, or has Braga really turning out very good Voyager episodes? Some people hate him, others like him, but no matter what opinion the fans hold, he seems to be just what Voyager needs to get good quality Trek episodes. "Extreme Risk" is another fine example of Bradga's work with excellent story telling blending with great character interactions and growth. It was good to see Torres deal with the sense of guilt of being a Maquis survivor when many of her comrades in the Alpha Quadrant are dead thanks to the Cardassians and the Dominion (Episode "Hunters"). Instead of grieving, she held it inside and started running risky holoprograms with the safeties off. Soon she is in such a deep depression that everyone could see that there's a problem. This results in great interactions with Neelix, Janeway, and Chakotay. The actors each turned in excellent performances. The 'Race to the probe' plot was also well done even if the villain was kind of annoying. The Malons are a nuisance and the way they act makes me think they're the Delta Quadrant version of the Ferengi. Unless Braga and Company can make them better, I wouldn't recommend them as a recurring villain. Hope the Kazon lesson is remembered well. But nevertheless, the Malon captain was really sly in his choice of words with Janeway as he and crew tried to get to the probe first using every trick they have in the book. I really like his answer to Janeway's reply of him trying to intimidate her since it wouldn't work. He said, "I'm not. I'm just saving you the embarrassment of losing." Oooooooh, I could feel Janeway's blood being boiled by that statement, and a boiled Janeway is a Janeway who becomes more determine to make him eat his words. Now the Delta Flyer is what I considered a fine addition to the Trek Ship Rooster. It's sleek, fast, and packs a punch with Seven's Borg weaponry installed. Its design is what I expect when Tom Paris is designing and leading the shuttle construction. After all, Tom enjoys the 20th century and it came to no surprise to see him build a 'Hot Rod' shuttle. The Flyer itself is what wonderfully blended the Torres plot with the 'race to the probe' plot. Only Torres could keep the Flyer together to get to the probe, and unless she can overcome her guilt of her old friends' death, she wouldn't able to do her job and the result would have been losing the probe. This was wonderfully done, and I could hear Janeway mentally smirking when the Flyer returned with the probe. Overall, "Extreme Risk" was another great episode of what, I hope, to be the best season for Star Trek: Voyager. -Geordi Padovan This episode had really positive positives and really negative negatives. It could have been worse. I found the episode.. satisfying. In an interview, Dawson mentioned that the episode's contents would be stand alone. Everything would be cleaned up by the end of the episode and wouldn't be revisited in future episodes. For this reason, I figured that Torres would just be really sad or depressed. However, you know that something's wrong when Torres not only concedes to Seven of Nine without a fight, but also allows Seven of Nine to take point on an Engineering responsibility. I blinked and stared right along with Seven of Nine. Torres was diagnosed with clinical depression. She had been suffering for two to three months. The depression was so bad, that she hid serious, untreated, internal injuries. This Chief Engineer, who reconfigured a Cardassian missile in her own image, had no interest in the development of a new spacecraft. But, with all of this, all it took to cure her, was a few minutes of in-your-face discussion with her mentor. Gee, if only today's doctors and patients could figure it out this easily. Go to the scene of the crime and talk about it. The girl has some serious, long-term issues, and to make it worse, Klingons are already emotionally unsophisticated when it comes to dealing with the sensitive. Uh huh. Ladies and gentlemen, I know that this is fiction and all..but come on.. puh-leez! [The prescription for clinical depression? Talking to your best friend. Previously, the victim of an alleged rape was the one taken to task. And before that, rumor central states that the original script for "Deadlock" had Ensign Wildman reporting to her battlestation post just minutes after giving birth and with her child's life in danger. The writers should stay away from issues like this as they don't do them well. Suspension of disbelief has limits.] In terms of continuity, I was glad to see that Torres and Chakotay didn't forget that their friends and compatriots had been taken care of. For awhile, it seemed as though they did. Also in those terms, I think that this episode would have been better placed between "Night" - in which we found out that Torres and Paris had been fighting for several weeks and in which those weeks and their problems happened off-screen - and "Drone" - in which Torres showed a nice bit of attempted humor through her dealings with the Doctor in her bedroom and bathroom. As a result, I'm not going to say anything about hopes for continuity in the future. I've said those sort of things before in past seasons. I don't want to be proven wrong again. Not so early in the year. Yes, this was a Torres episode, but it was also meant to introduce the audience to the new small passenger spacecraft, the Delta Flyer. I never did figure out if one of the stories was to be dominant over the other. They seemed to be equal in importance and time spent on screen. The existence of the Flyer, as well as the probe it was built to retrieve, shows a fashion of continuity in that the technology used for both represent the application of the different things that have been learned or encountered during their trek. In an effort to bring a little bit of the holodeck into daily work life, Paris installed more tactile knobs, buttons, and dials onto the flight control panel of the prototype Flyer. I guess he assumes that he would be the only one to ever fly the thing. Something positive about the episode was Chakotay. He got to be a leader, doing something positive even. The writers remembered that he knew B'Elanna long before anyone else, that they have a connection that predates the trip to the Delta Quadrant. The standout of the episode was Janeway. Thank God! It's about time! Her standout scene was her first conversation with Controller Vrelk while on the bridge. That was great! She was decisive, no-nonsense, sincere, authoritative with just a hint of domination... She was commanding, she was in control! I remember this woman! The last time that I saw her other than as a incorrect holographic representation in a museum exhibition or having spokes drilled into her skull making her slighty "unbalanced" was in "The Year of Hell", which never really happened. The bridge scene was followed later by her conversation with Torres in Sickbay. She all but dared her officer to tell her something that she didn't already know. She didn't back down from her opinion and stance on the issue in a misdirected and misguided act of compassion. Her compassion for Torres expressed itself in the Captain's will having priority, so as to protect Torres..from Torres. Forget Janeway's softer tone of voice when speaking with Kes. Forget the year of Janeway trying to understand Seven of Nine and trying to make Seven of Nine understand her. Forget those bookend scenes of Janeway and Seven of Nine in the Voyager and Dauntless brigs. For an example showing Janeway's kindness and caring and gentleness, one need look no further than her simple act of hooking her finger beneath Torres' chin so that she could make eye contact. This Janeway was an example of one of those moments of brilliance that ST:VOY shows every so often, which keep me hoping for more, and making me disappointed when I don't get more, because I know that more is possible. It's these moments of brilliance that prove the potential that the Janeway character has and why I am attached to her. Sisko went MIA in second and third season. I thought that that was bad. It's more wrenching having Janeway the commander of a starship and focus for a group of people trying to get home pop her head up like a groundhog, once a year. -Rhonda E. Green Let's face it - it's not much fun watching anybody that we like fall into the pit of despair. At the same time, it's less fun to watch somebody we like do a complete turnaround simply for the sake of plot. Without warning or acceptable character buildup, B'Elanna Torres suddenly slips off the edge of sanity and becomes the Delta Quadrant's resident psycho patient, a woman addicted to pain, avoidance, and lack of control. The death of the Maquis, something that hasn't been mentioned for months, suddenly becomes the mental downfall for Lieutenant Torres. Uh-huh. But I have to admit that this isn't what bothered me about this episode. I didn't buy it, but B'Elanna's mental withdrawal didn't disturb me nearly as much as the way the people around her handled it. Doesn't anybody in Starfleet know how to be sympathetic and concerned for a friend? Is empathy a banned emotion? We've all been in situations similar to B'Elanna's where we're so far down into our depression that all somebody has to do is ask, "Gosh, what's wrong?" with their brow all furrowed in concern and we instantly burst into tears, glad for the release. The fact that nobody ever asked this question, especially when many of the scenes are set up for the asking, is indicative of the flaw that's been inherent to Voyager over the last few years. Oh, I know that there were some attempts to uncover B'Elanna's problem; the scene with Tom in his quarters was one of nice character interaction, and it was good to see these two relating to each other, at least. But Tom comes on a tad too strong to encourage anybody as stubborn and closed off as B'Elanna to open up to him. He doesn't ask what's wrong with her, he asks for an explanation for her behavior, and then to add further insult, he doesn't pursue her and force the issue when she practically runs away from him. Tom should be the one person who is closest to B'Elanna, but he doesn't notice or even seem to care that his girlfriend is becoming comatose. He's so wrapped up in the new shuttle, his technological dream come true, that he can't take the time to pay any attention to the woman he's supposed to be in love with. I just don't buy it. Tom's a better person than this. His reaction only makes me think that if this is the best that he can do, B'Elanna needs to start looking for a new boyfriend. It also makes me think that this show has become so sucked up in technology that it's lost its humanity. This loss of humanity is perfectly exemplified by Captain Janeway and her scene with B'Elanna in Sickbay. Remember how Janeway used to be so much fun to watch? How she used to enjoy spending time with the members of her crew? The touchy-feely quotient? If ever there was a moment that screamed for a little touching and feeling, this was it. This was another chance for Janeway to be a real human for a change instead of just a Starfleet officer, and she blows it. The look on her face from the minute she walks into Sickbay indicates that B'Elanna is on trial, and the scene deteriorates from there. The captain shows all the warmth and compassion of sludge hammer in this scene. She's more interested in punishing B'Elanna than in creating an atmosphere that might facilitate the sharing of a confidence. She knew something was wrong - she said that herself - but like Tom, she doesn't pursue the issue. She just walks out, all huffy and bent out of shape. Janeway's capable of more than this too. It's as if Janeway and Paris felt they had to make an attempt, and they each had a token scene that says, "See, I tried. It's not my fault it didn't work." My thought is: try harder! All this sets Chakotay up to redeem the episode, and he's a pretty fair redeemer. His scenes with B'Elanna, both in the holodeck and in the corridor where she's begging him to give her another chance at her job, sparkle with sympathy and real interaction. Finally, two characters have an impact on each other! Chakotay does what a true friend would do - he hauls B'Elanna's sorry ass to a place where she has to confront her problem and talk about it. He doesn't solve it for her - that would be too unbelievable - but at least we feel that she's on the right road even though there's no definite resolution (naturally some catastrophe has to occur to interrupt the moment). The fact that B'Elanna rises above her withdrawal so well and saves the shuttle (I have to admit that it's a pretty nifty shuttle!) from instant incineration is a little too pat, and leaves the episode with a feeling of the two-minutes-or-less wrap-up, but she's still not completely back to her normal self by the end, and that's believable. You get the feeling that she has a ways to go yet in her recovery, but she'll get there eventually. The rest of the episode, the typical technological crisis that Star Trek is famous for, was fun to watch, especially the interactions between Tom and Tuvok, but I couldn't escape the feeling that some characters were being purposefully manipulated to the specific advantage of other characters. Yes, I know this is only a TV show and it's not meant to be realistic, but at the same time, if it can be better, shouldn't it be? Quote of the episode: "You'll feel wittier on a full stomach." - Neelix, who is "... not completely inept." -Linda Bindner First, let me say that the women on this cast play depression very well. Kate was very convincing as a frustrated, isolated captain in "Night"; Jeri was very convincing as a lonely Borg experiencing loss for the first time in "Drone"; Roxann was very convincing as an unhappy, paralyzed engineer in "Extreme Risk." This newest episode was certainly interesting to watch, with all the exciting shots of Torres' skydiving and and tank tops. But how many episodes can the writers come up with about depressed women who can't do their jobs without pep talks? They're three for three this season on the tragic-babe-with-instantaneous-recovery count, and I'm already sick of it. The humor in "ER" was quite well-done; I liked Tuvok cracking that Paris hasn't been paying attention, I liked Paris using Captain Proton's control panel in his shuttle, I liked Neelix asking why Torres wasn't insulting his cooking (though he was ill-used in this episode; when Voyager's crew encountered him, he was working in salvage, yet they never asked his advice on retrieving their probe from the aggressive salvaging Malon). Ironically the best joke was the building of the flyer itself: so THAT'S how this crew has managed to blow up forty or so shuttles since the series started and not run out! Good thing they didn't take Chakotay with them in the end, though, because we ALL know it would have blasted apart if he'd been aboard. I also giggled a bit at Janeway's willingness to risk a majority of her command crew on a mission to salvage one probe while testing an experimental flyer - if Torres had not gone along, she'd have lost Chak, Paris, Kim, and Seven - but coming from a woman who complains that she needs disasters to keep her distracted from sulking, it's really not that funny. I can't say Torres' behavior has been inconsistent this season - she has been very cranky at Paris, at the Malon in "Night," at One in "Drone." But we really have seen nothing to indicate despondence growing over several months, even if we have also not seen any P/T development or any humor on her part. (I seem to remember B'Elanna getting sexy with Paris in "Vis a Vis" while he wanted to build a car - an event which took place well after she's now telling Chakotay she lost interest in Tom.) The inconsistency makes it slightly easier to take her instantaneous recovery at the end with no medical intervention or counseling...but not much, considering that Janeway also just snapped out of serious depression similarly two episodes ago. These writers are being VERY flip about the seriousness of this condition and the difficulty of recovery for people. Ahh, the Braga administration, in which previously competent women get too depressed to do their jobs. Fortunately - with the help of a good strong man like Chakotay to make them face their fears - they always recover in less than half an hour. But what will they do next week while he's busy getting whipped by another devious alien babe? Guess we will have to tune in and see... -Em Wycedee "Extreme Risk" is a story about B'Elanna's depression and Tom's new shuttle. Everything worked very well here, but it left me with one nagging question: Why? After we heard the Maquis were destroyed, shouldn't B'Elanna have shown some sign that something was wrong? I believe there were episodes last season where she was kissy-kissy with Tom, and she was her usual obnoxious self in the last few episodes, so "Extreme Risk" seemed like a rather inappropriate subject. It's kind of like the feeling I got when they ignored the Maquis, then suddenly brought them up again. OK, so despite my initial confusion, I found a lot to like about this episode. The action was well-paced and the ensemble work was outstanding. I especially liked Chakotay and B'Elanna's scene where he strong-arms her onto the holodeck and forces her to face her demons. We haven't seen much of their friendship of late, so this was a nice bit of acting from Robert Beltran and Roxann Dawson. I could never believe a romance between them, but I can definitely buy friendship. Janeway was also forceful, but in a thoughtful sort of way. In her encounter with Torres in Sickbay, she manages to be both friend and captain at the same time. And for once, B'Elanna's scene with Tom didn't make me cringe. He showed a sensitivity that has been sorely lacking in their past encounters, and neither of them resorted to their usual petty squabbles. Roxann gave us one of her best performances, and showed us what she is capable of when she gets the right material. As someone who has experienced mild bouts of depression, I can vouch for the validity of her experiences. Still, here we are in Episode Three, and we have another depressed woman. Janeway led off the season with "Night" and quickly came to life when they handed her a phaser rifle. B'Elanna is not so easily swayed, but since she knows how risky the shuttle's situation is, she jumps at the chance to 'do her job'. The B-story is the story of Tommy Boy's dream shuttle, which he calls the Delta Flyer. Robert Duncan McNeill seemed to have fun with this one, and he even got to throw in some controls from his Captain Proton program. The scenes where the team was designing the shuttle were a lot of fun, especially when Tom butted heads with Tuvok over wing design. Our favorite flyboy gets to strut his stuff as he races with the Malon (the bad trash dudes from "Night") to retrieve Voyager's multi-spatial probe. Does anyone wonder where they get the materials to build these things? Time was obviously not a problem when they drifted in that void, but the replicators can only spew up so many tons of metal. The Delta flyer is another case in point: how many shuttles did they blow up last season, and why have they waited so long to build another one? At the rate that the assembly line was working, it would take them quite awhile to replace all those Class 2 shuttles. In any case, although the story worked well and the writing was tight, I sincerely hope that the writers come up with better ideas than the continuing depression of the Voyager crew. Next time: Mr. Unforgettable takes up with another Janeway lookalike who appears to be a hologram. -Elizabeth Klisiewicz IN THE FLESH This wasn't David Livingston's first directing experience, nor was it Nick Sagan's first writing experience. That's why I'm upset with the focus, or lack thereof, of the episode. Even the more unfortunate episodes of ST:VOY have a focus. It may be wrong, or it may be uninteresting but it's there! Watching the episode was like catching part of a conversation. The viewer came in the middle, sort of muddled through some dialogue, and then left before it was over. What course of action did Livingston decide on? Was the episode trying to be a drama with Janeway figuring out how her one little ship could protect the Alpha Quadrant from an invasion. Was it a drama with Seven of Nine learning to ask questions first and shoot later? Was it an adventure with Chakotay infiltrating the enemy camp to learn their intentions? Was it an adventure meant to have eye-catching elements like a Ferengi, other than Nog, in a Starfleet uniform or an Admiral behaving like Mr. Roarke of Fantasy Island? Was some emotion supposed to be garnered from the audience with Commander Archer's admission that the plan was only for reconnaissance or with Janeway's ordered disarming of the nano-warheads? All of this can be done within the same story. However, the two types of stories are usually left completely separate or they are blended together, not just dumped in together, so that the audience can act accordingly. Sagan couldn't figure out whether he wanted Janeway to be a diplomator a warrior, instead of both. A commander is supposed to determinedly try the one while being prepared for the other. But it's supposed to be subtle. Here, it was so obvious that it bordered on schizophrenia. One minute Janeway is screaming at Seven of Nine to do whatever it is she must do to make more nanotechnology weapons, to be ready for an all-out battle, and taunting her with reminders of the thousands of Borg drones that were killed. Then, without missing a beat, she quietly expresses her sincere wish to adhere to, and to share with Seven of Nine, Starfleet's Directive 010. It's certainly a credit to Mulgrew the Actress that even with so quick a turnover, both opinions and the involved emotions from the character were completely believable. But, that's not a credit to Janeway the Commander. I can buy the impetus behind the existence of Terrasphere Eight. I can understand the desire to bring back Species 8472. I can accept not being told how Species 8472 got their information. I can even see the need to find a use for all of the retired costumes from ST:DS9. But, there simply had to be a better way. Could I have done it? No. Probably not. Which is why I'm not part of the creative team of a television network series. I see that it wasn't a bad dream after all. Seven of Nine really was given a post on the bridge behind the command area. In this episode... She got to oversee the construction of weapons. She performed all the necessary scans in preparation for and during Chakotay's mission. Conveniently, she was the Doctor's nurse during an autopsy so that she could test the weapon. She was ordered to target the weapons array [why would the captain give that important order to someone who might disobey, or at least whine?]. Last year, she replaced Torres in her position and part of Kim's. This year, she's taking what's left of Kim's job and replacing Tuvok in his position. I guess putting her in Sciences division blue was supposed to be a concession. Did I like the episode? I did like the little touches. Mr. Boothby being the top gun for real instead of being "the power behind the throne" as he is in ST:TNG. Listening to Commander Archer discuss the joys and pains of "being human". Pon farr night at the Vulcan nightclub. Total immersion training as happened during the Cold War. "Boothby" telling Janeway about having to go home with a crazy idea of peace with the aliens. And, of course, Janeway asking about "The Night Owl", a coffee place on Market Street. And others. It was for these touches and to watch Vernon and Smallwood again that I watched the episode a second time. However, based on this season alone, I'm seeing that this is what the series as a whole is becoming. A collection of moments, vignettes if you will, presented with good performances. More and more, Braga's admitted lack of a overall plan is showing. The episodes look exactly like what he said in an interview they are "winging it". Is it any wonder why and we're in the fifth season now! daily reruns are not being aired? [Those daily reruns sometimes helped the uninitiated get into ST:TNG and ST:DS9, thus building the fan base.] Finally, twice during the episode, the same commercial aired. It was a locally-made job with two members of the Philadelphia Flyers ice hockey team and two other men. The other men were watching the hockey players from a distance as the players were discussing [in Russian] Star Trek: Voyager! The one player said he wanted to watch the show. The other player replied that he hadn't missed an episode since they got Seven of Nine. Last year, it was gratuitous mentions by characters in an episode of The Love Boat. -Rhonda E. Green This was quite an engrossing episode, apart from unfortunate similarities with the excellent Deep Space Nine episode "Homefront," which also took place at Starfleet Command and focused on shapeshifting aliens who were planning to infiltrate Earth. Janeway recited a few too many Starfleet platitudes, but not as many as in her last encounter with an 8472 in "Prey" where she risked the ship to keep it safe from the Hirogen - though that incident seems to be forgotten here by both sides. Harry's recall of his last "date" with an 8472 (which tried to kill him horribly) wasn't quite as vehement as I would have liked, but at least he remembered that it happened. I really enjoyed the disputes among Voyager crewmembers and among the 8472 about what to do about one another - this episode had nice balance and some clever wit, though what's with all the slams at Vulcans these days? Archer's a witty, intelligent character who reminds me a lot of first-season Janeway in both her appearance and demeanor. She's dangerously charming, even doing gratuitous things like giving herself a shot on the upper thigh; I wouldn't mind seeing her again. Chakotay, however, remains very flat during romantic situations where one would expect some emotion from him. He's been through similar torments with Seska, Riley, etc., yet doesn't seem fazed that every woman he's attracted to turns out to be hiding a horrible secret. I'd expect more overt desire and/or horror in his dealings with Archer, yet he barely blinks when she sticks a needle in his neck Seska-style to steal his DNA - last time that happened, he almost became a father and the results almost destroyed the ship, so one would think he'd freak out at least as much as Harry over his bad luck with alien dates. Also, I don't understand how everyone in Starfleet knew he was a commander when he wears a Maquis rank bar, and I want to know why he didn't recognize Boothby. I love the idea of Species 8472 being able to impersonate humans, but if killing most life in the galaxy is their aim, as they suggested in "Scorpion," why the elaborate plan to study Earth? Like just about every alien threat ever encountered on Star Trek (Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Borg, Kazon, etc.), 8472 got way too tame way too fast. I am holding out hope that we're not through with them - that if Voyager ever does get home, this plot will have consequence, like maybe Janeway will realize the Boothby at Starfleet isn't the real thing - you know, like, an arc. (I don't think 8472 has made it to Earth; everyone was wearing old Starfleet uniforms, a dead giveaway.) My biggest fantasy is that the Chakotay they bring back to the ship at the end will turn out to be a fake, and he'll run around all season doing stupid things until they realize that he's not who he's supposed to be...if anyone notices. Heh heh heh. Nice directing. Nice dialogue too. The writers did a good job of placating Janeway/Chakotay fans by having a couple of nice scenes between the two of them, including the one where she starts giving him suggestions for dates and they end up swapping confidences about the last time they were in the officer's mess (for Chakotay, it was the day he resigned from Starfleet, while for Janeway it was right before she was sent out to arrest him; one might really wish for elaboration on their feelings about those events.) Unfortunately the producers are permitting Janeway so little in the way of sexuality and giving her such awful hairdos from week to week that Archer outshone her - but given Chakotay's level of apathy, it's easy to believe he didn't notice. -Em Wycedee Nick Sagan, one of Voyager's new writers and son of Carl Sagan, is responsible for scripting "In the Flesh", an outing that closely resembled DS9's "Homefront", the episode where the Founders infiltrate Starfleet. In a slightly different twist, Species 8472 has set up a series of training camps where their people masquerade as Humans and prepare for a wide-scale invasion of Earth. The setting is San Francisco on the Starfleet Academy campus, complete with the irascible groundskeeper named Boothby (Ray Walston), who is actually the leader of this training camp. The camp is scoped out by Chakotay, who wanders around the grounds and spies on his fellow cadets. He enters the bar and picks up Captain Valerie Archer (Kate Vernon), who resembles yet another incarnation of Kathryn Janeway. He figures that he might find out more detailed information if he dates this rather attractive alien. I liked the alien female, but her interaction with Chakotay was as flat as a pancake. It's like someone let all the air out and forgot to tell the principals as they gasped out their lines. "Help! Life support systems are off-line." Never mind, "Disease! Humans". Kate Vernon was passable, but there's no excuse for Robert Beltran's leaden performance. I can excuse that they don't give him much to do, but I can't excuse his stiffness or seeming lack of interest in this role. He was just as wooden in last year's bimbo-of-the-week episode, "Unforgettable." It puzzles me, because he always cites that episode as one of his favorites. It's difficult to give him any latitude, because the man can act. From his fiery stage performances in "Hamlet" to his seductive moves in "Kiss me a Killer", it's clear that Robert can deliver the goods when the circumstances are right. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of them. He had no visible reaction when they injected him with a hypospray, so I guess he forgot that big honkin' needle from "Maneuvers" where the Kazon tried to rewire his internal circuitry and forced him to give his best Brando performance. I was equally disappointed with what was done to Species 8472. Here was one of the most malevolent and fearsome races ever created, and they've been reduced to mimicking Humans. Don't these guys have better things to do than morph themselves into Starfleet officers and force their bodies into those uncomfortable jumpsuits? If this telepathic species is so superior, then why are they wasting time at Starfleet Academy? The Academy is an illogical proving ground for an invasion and is hardly representative of mankind. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point. In summary, "In the Flesh" was a minor Season Five footnote that reduced Species 8472 to a quivering puddle and advanced Robert Beltran's status as that 'wooden-faced actor'. - E. Klisiewicz Well now, what an interesting premise for an episode. The paranoid species 8472 decides to sprout wings, as the saying goes, and infiltrate Starfleet headquarters in order to preclude a supposed invasion of their space by the Federation. An equally paranoid Voyager crew decides to infiltrate the infiltration in order to ascertain the aliens's plans and perhaps take the opportunity to strike the aliens before the aliens strike the Alpha Quadrant. Yes, an interesting plot. I have to say, I wouldn't have come up with this one on my own. Maybe I'm not paranoid enough. After all, if species 8472 was really worried about an invasion by violent Human antagonists, wouldn't they simply open a singularity directly into the Alpha Quadrant, fly through in those cute little bio ships they have, and fire directly at Earth, destroying the threat in one blow? Poof - no more Earth, no more Starfleet, very little Federation left, the term "wrap up in two minutes or less" is given an entirely new definition, end of episode! Okay, maybe that's not such a great idea... not to mention, it's depressing as hell. Besides, letting species 8472 pose in Human form is much easier on the budget department - an actor must cost less than a CGI. In fact, that's what I liked best about this episode: there was so much dialogue and interaction, so much human emoting going on, that there wasn't even time for any special effects. At last, the human element returns to science fiction. As alien as 8472 is to us nonfluidic, nontelepathic beings, it's interesting that what motivates them to begin the simulations of Starfleet Headquarters in the first place is fear, a very basic Human emotion. Maybe they're not so alien after all... which, naturally, is the point of this episode. The enemy is never as evil as you want them to be after you get to know them and discover that they're just like you. Of course, this maxim goes both ways; both sides of this conflict allow fear to motivate them. Captain Janeway is no exception. She reacted exactly how I wanted and expected her to react - by predicting the worst. It's easier, and safer, to expect the worst than to be diplomatic. Enter Chakotay. He's becoming quite a diplomat, thank goodness. (It's been very interesting to watch the way Chakotay and Janeway have each been playing their strengths to offset the others' weaknesses this season. The first hint of that element to their relationship came in Scorpion, and I have to say that I'm enjoying watching it pan out. They're beginning to make a more solid team, one where Janeway is less "alone.") Add a dash of jocularity from the doctor, Harry, and Tom, and you have a fun avert-the-war episode, complete with gross-out moments (when Ensign David Gentry reverts to his original species form on the biobed in Sickbay), momentsm of fear and panic (illustrated by Janeway and Seven's obsessive push for more Borg-enhanced weapons as well as the will to use them), and even a little romance (though it would be nice to see someone besides Chakotay get the alien babe of the week for once!). I'm sure we were all cringing at the romance. On the whole, I liked this episode, especially the parts where the gardener is the head honcho, and how nobody steps off the sidewalk onto the grass when Chakotay is captured - that was hysterical! Quote of the episode: "Chakotay can take care of himself. And if he can't, who better than us to come to the rescue?" - Tom Paris, Captain Proton himself. -Linda Bindner Who is Nick Sagan and why hasn't he been writing more Trek scripts??? (Or has he and I've just not been paying attention?). For the first time in quite awhile, this episode felt like it was written by someone DIFFERENT and NEW. Loved the beginning - terribly intriguing, and grabbed me right away. Ray Walston's always a treat. From a Martian uncle to disguised Species 8472 freakazoid... Helluva career span, that guy. Almost mid-way thru, I wasn't pleased with the direction of the episode. I thought "oh great, this is all we need, another simplistic marauding evil alien race invading earth." (And apparently the Federation consists only of humans and earth). But even so, the episode was definitely absorbing. And Kate Vernon is light years better than Virginia Madsen - I thought she and Beltran actually had real chemistry. Tho much of that was due to her, not to him. I'll join in the chorus of fans complaining about Beltran mailing in his performances. I'm sick and tired of watching him walk thru these episodes like a zombie. The man can act, he just doesn't seem to care enough to prove it on Voyager. I was very confused about just how and where the 8472 guys got all that info on Starfleet/Feds. Voyager? The Borg? It would've been great if their recreation wasn't so detailed perfect, but had instead some visible imperfections. I was initially relieved that Chak's involvement with the 8472 woman was clearly for strategic reasons, and nothing more. But naturally the writer(s) couldn't keep it that way. Once again, they just HAD to have the guy wither under the powers of a duplicitous female. Not that I hated Riley in "Unity" but the pattern's definitely there. I was firmly hooked when I realized that Sagan wasn't taking this story in the direction I thought. He was trying to write a story about misunderstandings and miscommunication between 2 very different sides in a conflict. I was convinced by his portrayal of the 8472's POV and the reasons behind their mistrust. Janeway's strategic alliance with the Borg comes back to haunt her once again (again, vindicating Chak's position). Unfortunately, the briefing room scene where both sides hash things out, tho not bad, resolved things too quickly and easily. Boothby changed too fast. But that's what you get with 42 minute episodes and complex ideas. I was very happy to see Janeway's adherence to classic TOS ideals (so often derided by both fans and the writers) given the respect it is due. And to finally see 7 proven wrong. Unfortunately, this episode's punch wasn't as strong as that in "Prey" and I'm sure many viewers just looked askance at Janeway's idealism. Arguing FOR survival and war is usually more persuasive. Having liked a great deal about this episode, what I found unfortunate was just how much it robbed Species 8472 of its alienness. On a recent trip to the UK, I met several people who said they just couldn't get into Trek because the stories (the ones they'd seen at least) seemed to be perfectly conventional plots that could happen to anyone today on planet earth, except they had weird makeup on. That's been a main complaint of mine as well, esp. with DS9 and Voy. There have been precious few characters that convince me as alien. Neelix to me has always just seemed a human with strange makeup on. The characters that successfully maintained their alienness to me throughout their Trek lives were Spock and Data. I include Sarek in TOS and in the films but not on TNG. I included Odo for a time but for me he's lost that distinction entirely. Kes wasn't bad, and Tuvok's been pretty good at times. And of course Garak who, before he became a good little Starfleet puppet, was definitely alien. While I was never a Borg fan, they always seemed pretty alien. Downright creepy in fact. The Founders as well, tho the Dominion war has made them awfully pedestrian. When we first saw 8472, I was very intrigued by them, tho I felt disappointed when Kes translated the pilot's words into a boring oversimplified evil threat. This episode makes them out to be rather pedestrian. Disguised as humans, they sound and act exactly like humans would. As I said, I wish more attempt had been made to demonstrate flaws in their recreation, their difficulty in acting like humans. This is such a different species taking on the form of, and thinking like humans - a species that should seem radically different from them. I don't think such an approach would hurt the message of the episode. Giving an enemy a point of view, depicting them with dimension, need not suddenly make their position defensible or justifiable. If DS9 attempted to DRAMATIZE the Founders' side of things, I could believe in the Dominion's war. On B5, JMS portrayed the Shadows' side of things fairly well. Their position was compelling and intriguing, as was the recent episode focusing on the Psicorps and Bester's students. Both the Shadows and Bester became dimensional, yet remained villainous. This is the problem we often run into on Trek. I know many fans complain about how Trek often waters down its villains. Well, the first victims ofthis were the Klingons, but with a difference. I'm no Klingon fan but at least the writers were interested enough in developing their culture to make it believable and absorbing to many fans. Unfortunately, what happened with this is that the Klingons became such nice guys, albeit a bit rough on the edges. This is an imperialistic race that has built its own empire ruthlessly, often using mass enslavement. And yet they're the sweeties while the Cardassians (who aren't any different) are the baddies. Sorry, but I don't think the Klingons are any more democratic than the Cardies. The Borg were created as the ultimate enemy and lots of fans liked them because they were so effectively chilling and nearly impossible to defeat. But I disagree with the complaints about how they were watered down. There really wasn't anything more you could do with them. That's the problem when you create a villain that gives you no room to dimensionalize them, and the Borg didn't. How many more times could you write episodes with those cubes intoning "Resistance is futile," "We are the Borg" and "You will be assimilated." So I fully supported the writers when they tried for different takes on the Borg in "Unity" and "Scorpion," tho I don't think 8472's motivation was as convincingly portrayed as the Borg's was. The uniqueness of the Borg was that they were both mindless and yet compelling in their mindlessness. I was convinced by their motivation and POV. But the writers had reached a creative dead end with them. I really don't believe there was anything more you could do with the Borg except take them into a different direction. It's other villains that have been ignored and consistently portrayed like cartoons: the Romulans, lately the Cardies (that wasn't always the case). And with this episode, whatever potential Species 8472 had (and I'm not sure they had much) is gone. They wrote this episode too soon. Or, barring that, they didn't keep enough of 8472's uniqueness while at the same time eliminating them as a threat. I do think it's possible to do both. Other points: Continuity cried out for attention here. Janeway nearly risks all their lives trying to protect one of them in "Prey" and everyone's forgotten it. I loved the banter and the disputes among the crewmembers. Harry's best scenes are always with Tom. I also liked the scene between J and C when she tells him he needs to be tested. At the same time, however, that scene was rather depressing because they seemed so remote to one another. Not even close friends. And WHAT in the world is up with that mousse/gel-drenched HAIR???? -Sandra Necchi CHARITY NOTES Kate Mulgrew will be appearing at the Technology For Kids 3.0 Annual Gala Dinner to benefit the Alliance For Education in Seattle, Washington, on October 22, 1988 at the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Individual tickets, $125, include cocktail reception and silent auction, dinner, and speakers. Kate is scheduled to speak for half an hour on "Charting A Course for Our Children's Future." Contact the Alliance For Education at 206-343-0449. Kate made a brief appearance at the Sojourn Services for Battered Women Annual Gala om September 12 at the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California, to present this year's Inspiration of the Year award (which Kate received last year) to Christine Lahti and her husband. If you wish to donate to Sojourn, please call 310-399-9232. Kate will also be appearing on "Conversations With..." Women of Los Angeles (an affiliate of Women of Washington), November 19, 1998, at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, where she will be interviewed by Judy Muller of ABC, followed by a Q&A with the audience. DREAMWERKS SCI-FI COLLECTORS EXPO Bellvue, Washington, July 25-26 1998 When I asked Michelle if I could say a few things as an introduction to the con reports, I knew what I was going to say. I've changed my mind about three times since then. As a con committee member, it's hard to organize things for a convention 2000 miles away that I'm not going to be at. luckily, we had some people going who were very gung-ho and who did a lot to help. In particular, Jeanne Donnelly, our charity coordinator, arranged for us to give a charity donation to ICC and talked to con organizers a lot, and Meg LeFever did endless foot work for us in Bellevue and managed to arrange for us to give Kate - get this - two buckets of flowers from the club. I've seen pictures of them; the quantity and beauty were staggering. Thanks, also, must go to the online mini-list. As part of my job, I put all online people who request it on an electronic mailing list; and we talk about plans for the con, gatherings, dinner arrangements, hotels, and yeah, we gush about Kate an awful lot. This group was so full of energy and love for Kate that I spent over 8 hours that weekend either on the telephone or online with various attending members, trying desperately to live vicariously through them. Kate is lucky to have this group, and I wish she could've experienced what I did through the online list. For those who are online, but don't know about the con mini-lists, please feel free to write to me at molikne@mallard.duc.auburn.edu whenever there is a Kate con, and I will gladly put you on. It's worth all the extra mail. To all who donated to ICC for this con, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. No one deserves AIDS, especially a child, and no one should have to face such a problem alone. We can make a difference. And Kate. Thank you more than we can ever say for being everything you are to us. I could go on for days, but suffice it to say that you continue to make us fall head over heels in love with you. We are lucky. We can only hope we give to you some of the joy you give to us. On with the reports! -Nancy Molik, Now Voyager Con Coordinator What can you say about Kate Mulgrew that really describes her? She has a magnificent personality, is compassionate with her fans, a ready smile and a willingness to give us her time. She was all of these at the Dreamwerks con in Bellevue, WA. The convention was well run. Mr. Harris kept things right on time, especially the first day. When Kate was introduced at precisely 3 p.m., the only delay was caused by the fact that Kate was with a UPN reporter for an interview and didn't come out immediately. She started out by saying that many things have changed on Voyager, that it was an interesting year last year. She mentioned the loss of Kes and personally felt the loss keenly as she loved Jennifer Lien and felt it was never a good thing to disassemble a crew like that, but added she was not a numbers cruncher. Kate continued by talking about the introduction of the "splendid Seven of Nine," who has enjoyed Star Trek success, and that she is provocative, challenging, a lovely girl and the crew is happy to have her. Continuing in this vein, she said Seven of Nine makes the stories very compelling for Janeway et al. Then she explained that et al. means "all you people of the other gender," that it doesn't matter if it's E.R., science fiction or The Simpsons, because the show always has to have a pretty girl, because boys just like to look at pretty girls! Someone in the audience called out "We already have one!" She responded with "Well thank you," then laughed and said, "I'm assuming she meant me, but she probably meant B'Elanna!" A few more remarks on this topic ensued, then she ended with "But anyway I am very cool with what's going on." (Ever the gracious lady.) She mentioned Jeri Taylor leaving and that she had been very important for creating and fashioning Janeway, but is now going on to live her life. Regarding writers and producers, she said, "Those people work like dogs." This season was then brought up and she mentioned Brannon Braga taking over, calling him Mr. Danger. "He's dark, bold, brave. He's a risk taker because he doesn't know how not to take risks. He's compelling with the way he thinks so that his writing leaps off the page. He understands Mulgrew intrinsically so that Janeway now has a new voice. I'm very relaxed and feeling a little dangerous myself." Kate felt this is true of the rest of the crew, saying "We're no longer lost in the Delta Quadrant, let's take a quaalude" (said in a very morose tone). Then added she very emphatically, "We are going home." NOTE: don't take this to mean Voyager is getting back to the Alpha Quadrant. What she meant was the attitude of the crew being at peace with the fact they're in the DQ, and their determination to work their way home. Continuing, she said this has infused the ship with a whole new mind set. "There is going to be laughter. There is going to be mistakes. There are going to be new chemical matches on that ship that you wouldn't have dreamt of. Chakotay and Janeway are going to deepen their relationship," and after saying that she walked out from behind the lectern, threw her hands up in the air and said, "I don't know what that means." The roar of the crowd was very loud on the "deepen their relationship" remark, and it was difficult to hear the "don't know." She then went back to the lectern and continued with, "Every time I say that I have to pay Robert Beltran, like, a million dollars!" which caused much laughter. Continuing on the J/C topic, she mentioned that she and Brannon Braga had dinner together before the season began and he asked what were her basic concerns. "I said basic and major, is this relationship between Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay. What is it? WHAT is this relationship all about? Are they friends? Are they comrades? Are they acquaintances? Are they peers? Is he subservient to her in every way?" she said in a lowered, double-meaning tone! (Of course, the crowd reacted with loud laughter to this.) Then quickly with a smile she added, "Don't anwer that question," and looking at someone in the audience, laughed and said, "Shame on you!" which immediately brought more audience laughter. Kate said that she told Brannon "without getting into the actual erotic aspects of their potential, why don't we intensify their relationship the way EVERYBODY would enjoy seeing it intensified. Why can't they have a profound relationship and leave the rest to everybody's imagin...no," she said pointing to someone in the audience, "Look at that, he said forget it! I want to see and I want to see it..." (rest lost in everybody's cheering and laughter.) NOTE: It was interesting Kate said 'he' which showed there are also males who would like to see this relationship develop, not just women. She ended with: "Anyway, I think that relationship will be enhanced without question." Changing topics, she mentioned we were going to see things between Paris and B'Elanna, that she adored Roxann Dawson, that Dawson had a baby last year and thought it was so funny how they filmed B'Elanna in the beginning and then tried shooting her from the neck up while she was pregnant and that it's funny when they try to deceive an audience. Kate felt it would have been better to have just shown B'Elanna pregnant, "but, of course, they couldn't figure out a way to do that." The next two topics were interesting. She mentioned that Neelix is back in an unusual and wonderful way, that Ethan Phillips is the heart and soul of this ship. She said when she mentioned that before, people would look at her in a questioning way and say, "How could that be?" Her reason: "It could be because Neelix is utterly without style and if you were to take the soul of Neelix and the splendor of a great leader and courage of a great saint, you would have this composition. He is the license and a joy, the depth of an absolute allegiance that we need on our ship" and she felt quite strongly they were going to find new and very provocative ways for Neelix to reveal himself. She then laughed a little and said, "Uhm...I don't know, they don't tell me everything...they've learned the hard way...I think there has been some talk of returning to the Alpha Quadrant by the end of the season," and looked out at the audience which had groaning, shaking of heads and "no's." She mentioned her concern for this, then followed with "But look on the bright side, it opens up Pandora's box. Who do we have on our ship that we love? We have the Maquis. B'Elanna and Chakotay, OK? They're criminals by Starfleet standards, right? If we get home they have to undergo court-martial, do they not? I mean it opens up so many opportunities for wonderful stories. However, they have not said yes or no to me regarding that." When she mentioned they have two seasons left, three at the most, the crowd groaned and indicated to her the desire for "Voyager" to go three seasons. On that response she said "Good." At this point she mentioned she had a wonderful hiatus. She did a movie in Europe called Riddler's Moon that has nothing whatsoever to do with Janeway. She plays a farmer in Indiana whose crop has gone under and she really had a blast doing it. "I took my mother to Turkey, Israel, Germany and then London to see my baby sister who is having her first child. Uhm...I told my mother how much I loved her, I knew it would be the last - probably the last opportunity to do so." (She didn't explain this remark and I have found myself wondering if her mother is ill.) Moving on she explained that Janeway just isn't a character, she's a way of life, and that she (Kate) takes Janeway very seriously as well as what she represents for the future of women, "and as a result of that so do I." She explained that she not only felt responsible, but also very humble. She is first and foremost an actress who wants to give us a Janeway that we love. At this point she opened up the floor to questions. Several women stood up and commented how she had changed their life and Kate was very compassionate listening to their stories, even having two of them come to the stage and giving them a hug. The Kate Mulgrew Appreciation Society gave her flowers and a check for her babies' charity. She talked of this for a moment, calling this place in NY "where babies can go to die." A funny moment occurred when a man stood up and asked what is the most unusual thing she has ever autographed and she replied with much laughing, "Oh naughty question - I'm going to have to think about that one and get back to you." A question came up about new uniforms. "We have them. What Brannon has done is we now have a T-shirt, bolero jacket and full riding pants which will be more comfortable." She then laughed and said, "And I will beat you to this about the hair...I said cut it off and put her to work! No more puffy hair!" Then she added with a sly smile, "You guys were fine with Patrick Stewart and his hair." Other questions concerned the first day on the set. Her saying her lines, cut, and everybody clapped and saluted her and how great she felt about that. Sir or Ma'am? She likes ma'am although she hears a lot of sirs now. Alien Voices? (John de Lancie's venture of recording classic science fiction) Didn't have the time right now. Grand Slam convention? She discussed Grand Slam, saying it was a lot of fun, a lot of questions and remarks about hair She was the only girl and a comment which elicited laughter from her and the audience was when she mentioned, "It's real difficult to be uncomfortable with Bill Shatner, because Bill is so comfortable with himself." Other questions concerned Gargoyles, Roots, when she started acting, the theater group in which she performed in Seattle. Then someone asked about how she felt about Seven of Nine and the focus on her last year. "I know last year was a lot of Seven of Nine, but we're all back, enough is enough, right. This is what Star Trek is all about, is family. It was discomforting and I think there was resentment, and I think they felt they had to do it, but it was probably more a network choice than anything and they did it and now we have to move on. But Jeri is probably more delighted than anybody that it's done. That poor girl was worked to an absolute tizzy last year." She then got into skateboards and wearing protective gear because one month ago Alexander - her youngest son - was skateboarding and suffered a compound fracture to his right foot, broke four metatarsals and won't walk for four months. More questions: Will she feel typecast when ST is over? "If I give Voyager the most splendid Janeway and they remember that I wouldn't feel too bad about that." How was it playing a Klingon? Hard work, long rehearsal, boots weigh 50 pounds and the head weighed 20 pounds, then on top of all that they gave her a bat'tleh. "I was exhausted, I did everything, and I do my own stunts except for the death-defying ones." Her favorite car? She drives a Jeep Cherokee. She doesn't really care about cars, doesn't care about material things except shoes!! Heroes? Not really. Mother Theresa, she likes the pope for his strength and dignity, but not sure she agrees with his dogma. The terror of the technobabble the first year? She said she should have earned a million Oscars trying to say that technobabble. Q? She would love for him to come back but there seems to be a creative problem. At the end she explained her audition, how her first was an embarrassment, then when Genevieve Bujold quit she went back and got into the final three, then to the knockout auditions where you stay and keep going back into the room until only one is left. When they were down to two there was a lot of laughter with the other auditioner, so she decided she wasn't going to be funny, just gave them a Janeway, said thank you very much, good luck, I'm going home. When she got home her two boys and her nanny of 14 years were standing on porch waiting for her and telling her to get her messages, it was Rick Berman and all he said was, "I just want to welcome you aboard, Captain." The autograph session followed, and Kate was in a very gracious mood and volunteered to sign for everybody. As said in the beginning, Kate was simply tremendous. Her obvious joy at playing Janeway is very apparent. She has the personality and grace during a con to win over even the most ardent opponent of a woman in the captain's chair. She makes you feel as though you are the most important person in that room, and there are too many stars who tend to kiss off the fans once they become stars, but Kate is fully cognizant the fans' acceptance of her has put her in a very rewarding position and she shows her appreciation openly. Simply stated, she was great and the star of the con, despite the fact four other actors were there. The other actors were Bruce Campbell (Autolycus in Xena) and he is a very funny man; Mark Alan Shepherd (Morn in DS9) and it was nice to see who is under all that makeup; Majel Barrett Roddenberry, who gave an interesting talk; and Claudia Christian (Babylon 5) who was a riot. -Dolores Price While I use quotes to indicate when the presenter is speaking, I make no claim to be quoting verbatim. In the heat of being there and enjoying the presentations, what I jot down is the gist of the conversation, although hopefully I do catch the best phrases as spoken. Any misinterpretations or errors are solely my own. Kate arrived in the auditorium to thunderous applause. She was wearing a silky white pant suit with orange/white scarf, her hair pulled gently back in a low ponytail. Seattle/Bellevue was in the midst of a heat wave - 90s. "Thank you! My goodness, how amazing to see you all here on such a beautiful day! I thought the plane had just circled L.A. for 2 1/2 hours when we landed." (What she wasn't acknowledging was the number of Seattleites who can't hack the heat and were thrilled to have something enjoyable to do in an air-conditioned auditorium, including yours truly!) "I love coming to Seattle. Not only did I spend a lot of my early life here, it is clear that Seattle has one of the largest Star Trek fan bases around. I would never say 'No' to coming to Seattle." "Well, it's been a real different season, hasn't it? We felt the loss of Kes keenly. I loved Jennifer Lien very much. Seven of Nine was introduced and her presence has been provocative and challenging, but she is a lovely person. You know, I have learned that no matter what it is, you've got to have a pretty girl around for the boys. Captain Janeway...well, not to get too Freudian...but boysare just uncomfortable about her. They have a hard time dealing with Mother in the captain's chair!" "When Jeri Taylor left, I really missed her. She was very important in defining Janeway. But I also respected her decision. She had the guts to recognize what she really wanted in life. The top execs work like dogs; Jeri wanted a full life with her family." "In comes Mr. Danger, Brannon Braga ...dark, bold, brave, risky. I've relaxed with him. Janeway is feeling a little dangerous too. There's been a real shift - a strong shift. We are no longer the woebegone lost-in-space crew. We are going home." (Roar of approval from audience.) "There's a new chemistry in the Chakotay/Janeway relationship. You know, I have to keep asking, 'What is this relationship? Are they companions, buddies, rivals, peers, co-workers, partners, potential lovers?' I like the idea of a profound relationship. You will be seeing some new angles...and that's all I'm going to say!" "You know, Roxann has just had a baby girl. It was so silly last season; they started out giving her full shots and as her pregnancy advanced they had her hiding behind consoles or doing tight head shots...why not just let her be pregnant? But they couldn't figure a way to work it in." "Neelix is being given some fresh development. Ethan is such a joy. He is a man without guile." "There's been some talk of Voyager arriving back in the Alpha Quadrant...I'm not saying it's in the works, but consider the possibilities it offers. It doesn't have to simply mean the end of the series. There are issues. The Maquis on board would all be subject to court-martial as criminals. The reintegration of characters...all sorts of story lines present themselves..." The first audience member to get Kate's attention was the local representative of her fan club. She and other members asked to make a presentation. Huge bouquets of flowers were brought on stage and Kate was handed an envelope. In it were funds raised for her favorite charity in Harlem, N.Y., - a hospice for AIDS babies who are dying without family to look after them. Volunteers come in to give them one-on-one attention. This check was for $300. Kate mentioned a fund-raiser she held recently which she and Geraldo Rivera co-hosted. Geraldo personally donated $3 million! How was it for her when they brought the four captains together on stage at the Grand Slam convention? "It was very interesting. It was an odd dynamic...there was an edge of competitiveness. But we really don't know each other...I'd worked with Avery before, but never with the others. I was the only girl...just ask who was prettiest." Was it uncomfortable being with Shatner? "No, it would be very difficult to be uncomfortable around Bill Shatner...he's so comfortable with himself." (Said with sly tongue-in-cheek.) Janeway has been such a rock. Is she ever going to lose it? "Wait for the season premiere..." One fan said she'd enjoyed Kate's career ever since her role on Ryan's Hope. And she enjoyed the recent article in Ladies Home Journal about women and success. "Thank you. I truly feel that women can succeed without losing heart or compassion. That's a message I really want to share." Is there any chance she and Peter Falk might do a Mr. & Mrs. Columbo? "Peter created an absolute classic in Columbo. Mrs. Columbo couldn't possibly match that success - it was a mistake to try. First of all, I was 23 playing 37. Peter was offered a couple of chances to appear on the show and he very wisely refused. 'She's 23! They'll throw me in jail!' " How long has she been an actress? "It would have to be a boy asking that...(it was a boy of about 11)...I was 12 years old when I was pierced by the arrow of passion...do you know what means? (She suddenly realizes the double entendre.) LET ME REPHRASE THAT!" (She turns beet red and doubles up.) "I went to Catholic School in Dubuque, Iowa, and was asked to do a reading. There I was standing before those hard, hateful, formidable Catholic nuns and I deliberately chose that romantic, emotional, sensual work 'The White Cliffs.' When I was done, they were all sobbing and I, inwardly, ra ised my fist and said 'YES!' I knew what I wanted to do with my life." "I was 18 when I turned professional. I completed my academic and stage training at New York University. (To the boy...) Get your education. And READ as much as you can now and in the future. Do you promise?" Kate had further words for aspiring actors, that they read, that they develop a capacity for self-amusement - not merely amusing oneself with TV or computer games or the Internet, but in looking within, observing people, nature and other aspects of life around them. Developing this skill can be invaluable not just for acting but for being able to live enthusiastically and respond to life itself in the here and now. How did it feel to play such an evil role in Roots? "Oh, I don't think she was evil. She was a bounty hunter...a professional and quite dispassionate about it. In fact, what I enjoyed about the role was the lack of intensity about it. Most of my roles are quite intense. This character had a more neutral tone about her. And I was playing opposite Avery Brooks. Avery, LeVar Burton and I all played together in Roots, never knowing where we would all end up!" Someone made a slightly disapproving comment about Avery's intensity and seriousness. "Avery and his family have put a great deal of energy into increasing opportunities for Afro-Americans, especially males. You and I can't really know what that's all about. But Avery is an intelligent and serious man who has worked very hard. I loved my scenes with him in Roots - the give and take of our discussion, each trying to convince the other of our position. I have nothing but respect for the man." Does she feel that this last season of Voyager has been too focused on Seven of Nine? "I think we are past that. Seven of Nine required some introduction and integration into the crew, and her popularity created a demand, but I think this particular type of ensemble cast show suffers anytime the focus gets lopsided. The coming season will be more balanced." (An older woman) How are her boys? "Ian and Alex are fine...(she hesitates) well, almost...let me tell you a story. One month ago, a friend carried Ian into the house. He had been skateboarding without protective gear and his right foot was mangled. He had in essence completely severed the foot...the bones were all separated. But he has been put back together and will be OK. Let that be a lesson to you (the audience as a whole.) 1. Don't ever let me SEE you skateboarding and 2. If you skateboard, WEAR YOUR PADS." (Same woman) How's puberty? "That's a issue to discuss over drinks, sometime..." One person told Kate she makes a good Klingon! "Oh, I enjoyed playing a Klingon, but it was exhausting! The boots are 50 lbs and the head piece is 20 lbs and those bosoms! Then they expect you to wield a bat'tleh!" Who does her stunts? "I do most of my own stunts...but I'm not crazy, I don't do anything death-defying! I didn't realize how physically demanding this role would be. You have to be fit!" What's her favorite car? "I drive a Jeep Cherokee.. I've always driven a Jeep. But I don't really care about cars or any material things...except shoes." What's her favorite book? "War and Peace. I love the Russian authors; everything they write is so grand, so sweeping, so epic. I also like Dickens." Someone notes that during Kate's run on Dallas she ultimately was "involved" with all three Ewing brothers. Kate feigns shock. "You know, Larry Hagman is the funniest man in the world. He would literally have me in stitches on a regular basis." After several references to reading and her love of various authors, she was asked if she would write a book. "I have thought about it. When I have more time available, I would like to try. I'd like to write about my childhood." Several people, especially women, had expressed admiration for Kate as a role model. She was very moved. One asked, "Who has inspired you?" "Well, I'm not inspired by actors or celebrities per se. Mother Teresa, the Pope - I don't agree with everything he says, but I admire the person he is - I like Britain's prime minister, but my main sources of inspiration have been authors like Shakespeare, Faulkner, Dickinson. I do like and admire the work of a number of actresses - I fear largely of English extraction - Dame Judith Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Maggie Smith..." One young woman who had been particularly affected by a comment Kate made to her personally at an earlier con presented her with a hand-made knitted quilt. Kate was deeply moved. She was asked if she is surprised by this response from her fans. "I am overwhelmed! I have been thoroughly daunted by the attention, but I think I should be." Does she expect to work more with Q (John de Lancie) on Voyager? "I haven't seen any plans for further encounters. Of course, you know he is a good friend of mine. I never talk on the phone - I get straight to the point, get my business done and hang up. But get me on the phone with John and I can talk for three hours or more. He is such a witty and enjoyable man." Her acting is usually pretty intense; does she ever lose herself in Janeway? "Acting is a discipline. A part of the actor always has to be outside the action, directing words, movement...if I were totally absorbed in the role, I would lose the words." Does she still have to study? She mentioned at one point her discomfort with the technobabble and her need to study the underlying science... "Oh, when I first started the technobabble just floored me! I could barely remember it, because it just made no sense. So, yes, I had to study up on what it was all about. But now I know it and it's a lot easier." Someone expressed their enjoyment of the Da Vinci episodes. "Da Vinci's workshop was my idea. Janeway needed an outlet that would tap both her artistic sensibilities and her scientific interest, yet allow for creativity. Da Vinci's workshop seemed the perfect vehicle." Was it inevitable that there would be a female captain in Star Trek? "I believe Gene Roddenberry planned for the eventuality. Paramount was more intent on the numbers. When Genevieve Bujold pulled out at the last minute, Paramount was just as ready to go with a man if another woman wasn't readily available and right for the part. I auditioned three times. The first time was during the original search-they looked at 900 actresses. I sent in a tape, but that particular day I was just unfocused and it wasn't very good. When my agent called about Bujold's cancellation, I told him, 'Get me in the room with them.' I got one more callback, and was in the waiting room. A strong contender had just gone in and I could hear laughter in the office. I said to myself, 'Well, that's it...' When I was called in, I was all seriousness - 'Give them Janeway,' I said to myself. Afterwards, I just couldn't go straight home. When I did finally go home, my sons were on the porch with my Mexican housekeeper. 'Senora, you must check your phone messages!' She never pushed me about phone messages before. I just wanted to go inside and relax. 'Senora, YOU MUST CHECK PHONE....' Well, there was a message from Rick Berman, 'Welcome aboard, Captain...' I couldn't believe it! I turned around to everyone and said, 'On your knees, we are going to say an 'Our Father!'" Someone talked about having been on a studio tour and having had the opportunity to sit in the captain's chair! "That captain's chair is something else, yes? The pressure when I arrived on the set that first day was just immense. Especially after the false start of losing Bujold. I was so scared that I was going to trip over the technobabble or otherwise disgrace myself. All the execs were present. I just forged ahead, said my lines, did my circuit of the set and sat down in the captain's chair - end of scene. The room exploded with applause and cheers! Oh, what a relief!" Does she have a message for today's youth? "Practice your passion. It bothers me to see so many young people lacking that electric spark of interest in anything. You must find that thing that excites you and go after it. " -Marjorie Jodoin This is different a pproach to a con report. It's rather tongue-in-cheek, but also rather honest...it just screamed to be written this way, as opposed to the 'normal' con report everyone expects. Anything in quotations is a direct quote from Kate herself, and is used on purpose. "Shangri-La" the road to shangri-la was long and pitfalls did befall me but thru it all my will was strong till the goddess stood before me she dressed so simply, all in white radiant in her celestial light to bask in her presence was all i desired a momentary reprieve from daily strife her early words then were truly inspired "Janeway isn't just a character. In may ways, it's a way of life." the more she spoke, the more i came to see the woman deep inside this celestial being and once again she graced us with a paintive decree: "Life is intensely short not to do the bold and courageous thing." she spoke of those who inspired her great persons past and present told of the joys and sorrows of being a mother then of those close to her who'd already went she was possessed of a rather saucy, sassy wit describing tales of her various coworkers "Every time I talk about this (J/C), I have to pay Robert a million dollars." then lowering her voice huskily to urge beyond the snickers: "Practice your passion. And if you think you don't have passion, learn it." she discussed her alter ego in detail and a few things she said my interest did pique because Kathryn Janeway is no ordinary female "Her holoprogram has to be very unique" she received questions from her followers with delight answering with a mixture of mischief and compassion she told of her induction to the path of her star's flight: "I was 12 years old when I was pierced by the arrow of passion." and then her time of passing wisdom was thru and on to greet her followers she went because they'd been so loyal and true to personally greet each one did she consent and so i waited patiently in line hoping to be able to say a word of thanks to her finally i was able to share a moment of her time and received a hug and photo with her to remember and in the end, after she took her leave of us amidst a flurry of photos, fans, and fuss i know that this will be among the memories i've had that i can look upon when times get bad and remember that no matter what else i do i finally had the chance to meet Kate Mulgrew -a.j. nordall WHY OLDER IS BETTER (OR WHY KATE IS A GREAT CON GUEST) By Sashi Alexandra German Being the "con slut" that I am from year to year, especially during the summertime, I get to see a variety of Star Trek and other genre guests... everyone from Kate Mulgrew and Nichelle Nichols to Robert Duncan McNeill and Avery Brooks. I have been going to conventions for the better part of 18 years (OK, I started going when I was a mere 14 years old and thought I would get tired of it eventually, but here I am at the age of 32 and I still love going to these things! I have yet to tire of seeing these people!) This brings me to a new way of looking at convention guests the last two years or so - after seeing, among others, Kate (VOY), Rene Auberjonois (DS9) and especially Erin Gray (Col. Wilma Deering on Buck Rogers). Convention guests can be entertaining in different ways - funny and personable on stage (George Takei, Jonathan Frakes, Nana Visitor) or they can be obnoxious and get worse as years go by (Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden). Sometimes it's a crapshoot on what you're going to get when you see a guest - even when you've seen them before. As has been the case with many of the TNG cast, they started out, early on, as very nice guests, willing to bend over backwards for the fans to address questions and sign autographs. Unfortunately that changed after about four to five years as guests slowly changed their demeanor to a demanding and nastier tone. This is a definite pattern I have seen in guests from the various Star Trek series over the last several years. It is a sad truth. I don't know if this has something to with the guests' lack of age and experience (and who keeps them popular), but I get the impression that the older the guests, the more wisdom, experience and meaningful things they have to say, which often have nothing to do with Star Trek or whatever TV show/movie they are involved in. This point struck home to me after the annual Shore Leave convention in Hunt Valley, Md., this past June. One of the guests was actress Erin Gray, best known for her roles in the TV shows Buck Rogers, Silver Spoons and Starman. I had no idea what to expect in seeing her, but I was anxious because Colonel Deering was one of my childhood heroes and I really wanted to see what the actress was like. I was totally blown away by her talks on Friday and Saturday because, aside from discussions on Buck Rogers and the other shows she starred in, she had numerous and amazing things to say about life, acting, personal tragedies and how she dealt with it all. As sad as this is to say, from my personal standpoint I felt there many things she said to the audience that weekend which probably flew right over the heads of many of the con attendees. It would seem that often fans are interested in ONLY the career aspects of the stars, and other information not relating to career is regarded as boring and unimportant. I am one of the people who loves it when a convention guest is able to speak beyond the TV show, play or movie they are known for. And, in recent years, I have found most of the older guests, who bring wisdom and experience to their roles on TV, often bring that to conventions as well. They may not be as rowdy and entertaining as many fans would prefer, but they bring a dash of real substance to their stage talks and it is becoming a pleasure to see this more often among the older stars. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the likes of Robert Duncan McNeill, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Marina Sirtis and others who have very little of any real substance to talk about. It's fine for them to do little more than just talk about the shows they are on, their favorite episodes, funny stories from the set, etc. However, as a longtime con-goer, I have started to become rather bored with the same routine that guests follow again and again. It would be nice if, a little more often, guests would speak with some substance - any substance - and fortunately I have three very good examples of just that! Three guests that I would recommend over a host of others (for those of you with access to conventions at all): RENE AUBERJONOIS: I have seen Rene twice since Deep Space Nine premiered and both times he was simply a wonderful gentleman, answered even the strangest con questions with dignity and grace and renewed my faith in the fact that there were many more things than just Rene's career to talk about. What clued me in to the fact that he really had something to share with people was when someone asked him at one convention how he liked the role of Odo - what was it like playing this new alien character who had never been seen before, etc. And Rene replied that one of the reasons he truly loved Odo was because Odo's job on DS9 was to search for and find the truth - of any situation. That, as a law enforcement officer, it was his responsibility to go beyond the falsehoods, go beyond the lies and bring justice and truth to the light of day. He explained to the convention audience that it has been his personal goal in his life to also find the truth - especially "personal truth" in finding and sticking to the truth with regard to your own life and the needs of those people around you, family or friends. I remember him explaining this and thinking it was one of the more meaningful and personal things a guest had talked about in front of a few thousand people. It's a shame that it looked like it had gone right over the heads of half the crowd. But this was a chance to see an older guest (in his 50s) sharing things beyond the norm, and with Rene that is always a wonderful change from the average con guest. Rene, to this day, is still a wonderful guest to see at a convention - especially if you're interested in hearing something beyond the on-set stories and anecdotes. ERIN GRAY: Here is someone who only a year ago or so began traveling the convention circuit and has already proved herself to be a fantastic guest in terms of sharing not only TV show-related anecdotes but also real, personal, and heart-wrenching stories. As was the case with Rene, I had never seen Gray at a convention before - so I didn't even have any kind of marker to judge her by. But she was terrific right off the bat - just like Rene, in everything from stage talks to autograph line conversations. She had an aura of experience and wisdom about her that was most satisfying to see (and, like Rene, putting other guests to shame in how well she spoke and interacted with the fans both on stage and off). Gray shared a number of things, from on-stage antics on the set of "Buck Rogers," to her experiences through physical and emotional abuse, and how T'ai Chi has helped her in focusing on career and personal actions as well as health. Gray, in her late 40s, was able to draw on a great deal of wisdom and experience that hopefully didn't sail over the heads of too many at Shore Leave (and other conventions). And finally KATE MULGREW: Granted, I have seen Kate only once (Denver, April 1996), but it was an experience that I have never forgotten. I remember quite a bit - everything from her personal "breakfast" time with us to her two talks on stage that weekend, she came across as the epitome of class and wisdom, a real pro at speaking with fans off and on the stage... and her sharing everything from her impressions of her fellow cast members to life experiences that taught her lessons she has never forgotten. Seeing Kate in person and hearing about her from other convention appearances, she has clearly shown a skill in handling people, from years of experience in the acting business (she was doing television in her late teens) and in dealing with people. She had by far more substantive stuff to say than almost any other cast member on Voyager - which, to a certain degree, isn't much because so many of the cast is made up of unknown actors who did mostly unimportant television before they were hired by Paramount for Trek. But I remember so clearly coming away from Denver and thinking what a confident woman she was who had no problems sharing special insights in her life (only marry for love and no other reason - it sounded like she spoke from experience and not wishful thinking). What a pleasure to enjoy such guests, like Kate, Rene and Erin who have meaningful things to say other than what the latest TV show they worked on was like. It has became more apparent to me after seeing Kate talk, as well as Rene and Erin, that older guests are in a different class. They have been in the business longer, know the ins and outs and have a great deal more things to talk about than the standard fare doled out by most other guests. It's just with four Star Trek series and a number of other popular science fiction/fantasy programs on the air, there are more guests available for conventions than ever, and so many of those guests are rather one-dimensional. I fear that is what I have gotten used to over the years. Then along comes the likes of Kate, Erin, Rene, Armin Shimerman and precious few others who are above the standard convention fare - guests who have much more to deliver than the unusual string of guests and from whom we can perhaps learn things, if we take the time to listen. What a pity that too many fans, especially of the younger generations, find that so blasted boring and uninteresting. Their loss, and our personal gain. So a piece of advice to all you convention-goers out there - the overwhelming number of con guests are smart, good-looking and are truly entertaining. But if you're interested in more than just script stories off the set of Trek, how fortunate for us to be part of a fan club, worshipping one of the best actors the whole genre has had to offer! I was sitting in seat A002 when Jeanne turned to look at me. "She'll be coming out that door," she said. I turned to my left to see a large gray door. My stomach was almost in knots at the thought. I couldn't believe I was in Seattle. I couldn't believe that while I sat there and listened to Jonathon announce her name that she would be walking through that door. As the door opened, I saw Kate sitting on a bench of some kind in a very comfortable quietness. Unaware that she had been announced, she stood quickly and entered the hall. With a bright smile and genuine eagerness, she emerged, hand waving in greeting to every eager fan that had come to see her. Adorned in what looked to be a silk cream tunic with matching pants, Kate took the stage with elegance and a natural poise. Her opening words were intelligent and concise. Her messages of self-exploration, of reading to learn and know, and of finding the passion and courage within to be oneself were as true as the lady herself. Be bold. Be educated. Be real. Kate asked if anyone had questions, and that was Jeanne's cue to stand. She approached the stage to tell Kate that the members of KMAS had raised over $1700.00 for her charity, ICC, as Meg, Sharon, Dottie and I brought two huge buckets of wild flowers to the stage in Kate's honor. To my surprise Kate bent down to hug and to thank us. She walked over towards me, extended her hand and smiled. At that moment...I can't explain it. I was standing there in the presence of the woman who has had the most profound effect on my life. She brought out an energy in me that made me feel as if I could take on the world and as the con went on, it became quite apparent that I was not the only one. We all returned to our seats and listened as other young ladies expressed with shaky voices the admiration and love that we all felt for Kate. It was as if you could feel this tangible energy and warmth that filled the room. With young children, Kate was sweet, yet motherly. With young women, her demeanor was very heartfelt and sensitive. At times, you could see her eyes tear and hear her voice quiver when she was especially moved. And in true Kate style, with the men, she purred with Janeway-like strength. And just what else did she say? Kate mentioned that a lot of things had changed on Voyager. With the addition of Jeri Ryan and the loss of Jennifer Lien, she felt an excitement but at the same time felt a keen loss. She referred to Brannon Braga taking over, calling him "Mr. Danger," and said that she was happy that Jeri Taylor was finally getting some time to live her life. As the question and answer session continued, the inevitable topic of Janeway and Chakotay arose. Kate's reply? After some quick and rather suggestive insights into what she saw happening with the relationship, she announced that the relationship would be enhanced and with that answer, Kate was met with tremendous cheer. She went on to mention other characters and how she felt their roles would come into focus and deepen this year. She also discussed the trip to Turkey, Israel, Germany and London that she had taken with her mother. "I told my mother how much I loved her, I knew it would be the last...probably the last opportunity to do so." Kate quietly said and the crowd became very still for a moment as minds began to wonder what was wrong. Rather quickly she changed subject to Janeway, a subject that Kate takes very seriously. "I want to give you a Janeway that you love." The questions that followed covered everything from Kate's first day on the set, "Alien Voices," when she started acting, her heroes, Q returning, technobabble, and her hair to the new uniforms, her sons, and Grand Slam. "It's real difficult to be uncomfortable with Bill Shatner, because Bill is so...comfortable with himself." She remarked. An hour and fifteen minutes later, Kate made her way to the autograph table where she generously agreed to sign for everyone who attended. Fans wielded posters, action figures, original artwork, publicity photos, and even a pair of handcuffs for Kate to sign. As I stood there and watched her sign my artwork, I thought to myself, "Erin, you've arrived. Kate actually thinks you are talented." And I am telling you now it's the greatest feeling in the world to have another artist tell you as an artist that you are talented. As the line kept moving, Kate received a handmade scarf, money for ICC, copies of artwork, a silver cross, a handmade quilt and enough gifts to fill almost three bags for her to take home. She allowed the fans to have their pictures taken and even missed her plane to have group photos taken with the members of KMAS. As I said before, gracious to the end. With all the photos signed, all the questions answered and all the pictures taken, Kate left Bellevue with her entourage of assistants and friends, to return to her own artistry: her moving and beautiful creation of Janeway. So what did the members of KMAS do to deal with the "Post-Kate-al Bliss"? We had a party! Over ten members of KMAS convened in a hotel room to commence with "KateFest 98" and take it on onto the night! There are so many ways to describe the absolutely fabulous time we had and they are the words that follow: Kate movies and the VCR, pizza and every other kind of food you can think of, the "Holy bottle opener," ten people piled up in the bed for pictures, handcuffs (signed by Kate), sketch books, assorted mood enhancing beverages, talks out on the patio, on-line chat room with one hand and a cell phone in the other telling other members about the experience, comparisons of who got what signed, exchanging of addresses and business cards so we could all keep in touch, Diet Coke can, laughing until our sides hurt, and generally having the most fun we have ever had in a long time. What can I say, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Salon, that sums up my first convention experience? It was splendid, amazing, and truly, for me, a religious experience. When I returned home, I began to do things I would never have dreamed I would be able to do and I can only thank Kate for the inspiration. She gave me the ability to believe in myself and she brought together the most colorful group of people of which I am proud to be a part. So thank you Kate. Thank you for everything you are and everything you do. You have given me, and the members of KMAS so much and we will continue to live by the standards you have so passionately set before us. - Erin Blalock Eileen Collins: A Woman in the Captain's Chair by Amy Spagna When the shuttle Columbia lifts off on STS-93 in March, it will be adding to its long list of "firsts." Columbia was the first of five orbiters to be launched into space, the first used as a platform for a spacewalk, the first to be launched in darkness, the first to carry the Space- lab module, and has also set many endurance records. And now, it will be the first to rocket into orbit with a female in the commander's seat, Lt. Col. Eileen Collins, USAF. Not bad for the first reusable space vehicle. As many would say, it's about time. Manned spaceflight originated as the purview of male test pilots and scientists. NASA set out to change that when it recruited the first group of female astronauts for the shuttle program in 1978. That first group included Sally Ride, who was the first American woman to fly in space aboard Challenger in 1983, and Judith Resnik, who was killed in the Challenger explosion of 1986. Since then we've heard of female astronauts like Mae Jemison, Shannon Lucid, Bonnie Dunbar, and Kathryn Sullivan, all of whom have contributed enormously to the space program. All of them were also mission specialists, scientists and engineers assigned to missions to perform specific tasks. Collins belonged to a different group; she was among the first group of female pilots selected by NASA in 1990. Her promotion from shuttle pilot to shuttle commander was announced by Hillary Rodham Clinton at a White House ceremony March 5 attended by Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Collins knows people will be watching her. "People will be watching, all kinds of people inside and outside NASA, just because it's the first,'' Collins told the Associated Press. "Hey, it's just more motivation to work harder.'' "I like stress,'' she said. ``Sometimes I work better under stress.'' But the hoopla is another matter. David Leestma, director of NASA's flight crew operations, told the AP that Collins just wants to do her job and not be treated any differently from any other commander. Toward that end, she's exercised her commander's prerogative and decided her crew will not give interviews in the months prior to the flight in order to concentrate on their mission. She told the AP she dreamed about becoming an astronaut while growing up in Elmira, N.Y. But back then, only men flew in space. Her father suggested a more practical pursuit: accounting. She also considered a teaching career, but "I was just too interested in flying." Collins earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from Syracuse University in 1978. During that time she worked to pay for both tuition and flying lessons. The year after her college graduation, she graduated from pilot training at Vance AFB, and became an instructor pilot for T-38 aircraft. After that, Collins changed to the C-141 Hercules cargo plane, becoming an aircraft commander and instructor pilot from 1983 to 1985. She was decorated for her meritorious service during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada during 1983. Following that, Collins was assigned as an assistant professor of mathematics to the Air Force Academy, where she taught from 1986 to 1989. In addition, she served as a T-41 instructor pilot. Collins attended the Air Force Test Pilot School, from which she graduated in 1990. She was selected for the Astronaut Corps that same year as a member of the first group to include female pilots in addition to mission specialists. Collins earned her astronaut wings in 1991. When she is not in preparation for a flight, her primary responsibility includes various aspects of orbiter engineering support. She has assisted with prelaunch checks of orbiter vehicles, crew ingress/egress, landing and recovery, final flight configurations, and has worked in Mission Control as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM. Most recently she has served as the Astronaut Office Space Systems Branch Chief. In an interview for the Discovery Channel program "Inside the Space Shuttle," Collins talked about the serious side of flight training, preparing for the unexpected: "When you start getting additional malfunctions, when you have many to look at at the same time, you need to accept priorities. Look at those problems and say, 'Which one of these is most important and which ones of these are going to kill me?' " Collins has flown on two previous shuttle missions, both as the pilot. Her first flight, STS-63 in February 1995, was the first shuttle mission to the space station Mir. Also featured on that flight was the operation of the Spacehab module aboard Atlantis, as well as the deployment and retrieval of an astronomy satellite and an EVA. Collins told the AP that she has encountered little discrimination in her chosen work, but not all the public has been receptive. The month after she piloted her first shuttle mission, Collins had to skip a parade in her honor in Elmira after she received a death threat. Her second flight, the STS-84, was also a Mir docking mission, which delivered some four tons of supplies to the space station. Collins has logged a total of 419 hours in space. According to "Inside the Space Shuttle," Collins has more than 1,000 practice approaches to shuttle landings under her belt. "The shuttle is a difficult aircraft to fly," Collins said on that documentary, "especially having flown military aircraft or other civilian aircraft. It doesn't have engines when it comes back to earth...it has short, stubby wings, and I guess you could say it's a low lift-to-drag ratio." The approach to a landing is challenging. "You're descending on a 20-degree glide path, which is about six and a half times greater than what you would descend at in a commercial airliner." Regarding those practice approaches, Collins said, "It's very, very important training for shuttle pilots." Collins told the AP that while she is in space, her husband will take time off from his Delta Air Lines piloting job to take care of their young daughter. She considers mothering one of her most important jobs. "He's just been great, and I couldn't do it without him," Collins said. "Now the additional responsibility I'm taking with this flight is as a commander ... but I'm going to work hard and not slack on either side of my two most important jobs.'' Donna Christenberry contributed to this article. PATHWAYS, A STAR TREK VOYAGER NOVEL BY JERI TAYLOR This is one of the most enjoyable Trek novels that I've read in a long time. I liked it far more than Mosaic, Taylor's other book about the life of Kathryn Janeway. With that first novel, I had high expectations that Janeway would turn out to be everything I'd hoped and dreamed for in a woman character. Instead, we got an insecure Daddy's girl who got to be captain by some miracle. With Pathways, there are few surprises with any of the characters except Neelix and Tuvok. Chakotay is as gullible as ever and you can almost visualize the nose ring that his lovers used to jerk him around. He turns his back on his people's ways, only to discover that he really doesn't care much for Starfleet either. He joins the Maquis, not because of a message about his father's death, but because his girlfriend draws him into the conflict. Discovering that his spirit guide is a snake is not only a blow to his character, it also contradicts the Voyager bible which stated that his guide was a timber wolf. His tribe is never specifically named, but we are supposed to believe that its origin is somewhere in the jungles of Central America. Jeri also throws in the obligatory Indian creation tale, and I wonder if it has much validity in actual Native American culture. So, although I was neither surprised or disappointed by his back story, I still liked his various references to Captain Janeway as a 'goddess' and saying she 'looked particularly lovely this evening'. The two of them share a cozy moment of intimacy at the book's very end where they hold hands and he practically begs her to wear a certain garment again. This scene was such a treat that I wonder what the series would have been like if Jeri had been allowed to develop the love scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor. Tom Paris's story only contained a few surprises. We've always known about the chip on his shoulder, but I had no idea that the chip was a boulder. His father is far more proud of him than we've ever been led to believe in the series, and you start to realize that most of the alleged parental disappointment is all in Tom's mind. His womanizing gets him in trouble with one of his few serious girlfriends, a French girl who eventually gets killed along with two other friends due to Tom's piloting error in an asteroid belt. I always thought that Tom crashed the ship containing his three friends, but in fact, he was leading the charge in a separate vessel to divert some asteroids and got just a bit too cocky. Harry Kim is the pampered son of wealthy Californians. His life's ambition appears to be music until some cadets on a mission save his father's life. Suddenly, Harry decides that he wants to explore the stars and throws himself totally into preparing for the Academy's entrance exam. After that, his path follows an unremarkable course. B'Elanna's story is also predictable and doesn't shed any real light on her character. She's embarrassed by her mother and uncomfortable with both Humans and Klingons, a trait which continues to the present day. It's not until she reaches sexual maturity that she learns to use her appearance to her benefit and befriends a Human who becomes her closest friend. Later, while acting as engineer on a Bolian ship, she encounters Chakotay and Seska and falls in with them. We learn about her secret passion for Chakotay, who neatly fills the gap left by the father who abandoned her. Tuvok's story was rather interesting and a bit surprising. He and Janeway did not become instant friends. In fact, he was ordered to investigate her tactical logs and had her brought before a board of inquiry. Later, he was assigned to her ship and his greatest impression seemed to be that she was a foolish woman who took far too many risks. As for his family, I always thought he had four children but this story revealed that he has four sons and a daughter. Speaking of foolish, he decides to take a journey across the Vulcan desert to Mt. Seleya, a venture which nearly costs him his life. The most endearing moment of his trip is his association with a sehlat, a normally fierce animal. Man and beast form a bond of survival and the sehlat follows him across the desert and stays with him until the end of his journey. Most touching of all are the stories of Neelix and Kes. Neelix grows up surrounded by a loving family and is a child who wants for nothing. He's a trusting young man who eventually sours on life when his family is destroyed by war. His grief overwhelms him so much that he becomes a drug addict and his life nearly ends in disaster. However, he befriends Wix (from "Fair Trade") who helps him kick the habit. Neelix repays the favor by leaving his friend behind when they attempt to swindle the Ubeans in a weapons deal. We follow along the path towards his meeting with Kes, whose own story is one of courage. This seemingly frail young woman has the courage to speak out and demand some answers from the Ocampan elders. She is not satisfied to wallow complacently underground, dulled into oblivion by the screens that pass for entertainment in this society. Instead, she finds her way to the surface to see the sun for the first time and is unfortunately snagged by the Kazon-Ogla. They drag her back to camp to function as a serving wench, a wretched, pitiful life if ever one existed. As she wastes away, she encounters Neelix, who falls under her spell and brings down a rival sect onto the Ogla in an attempt to save her life. In the melee, Kes saves Jabin's life, and is rewarded by his promise to never beat her again. Little changes until our favorite captain shows up with her vessels of water. Despite its predictability, Pathways is a finely written novel that is well-paced and doesn't disappoint. Its premise of having the crew imprisoned in an alien prison camp works just fine and demonstrates some real teamwork between the crew. The back stories are typical Trek: full of dysfunctional families. Each back story portrays the crew member as an only child or as a member of a large family full of sisters. Few of the stories end happily, and my conclusion is that this crew is exactly where they need to be at this point in their life. Good luck and a fond farewell to Jeri Taylor. This novel is indeed a fine start to her writing career and is recommended for any Voyager fan. -Elizabeth Klisiewicz FIRE SHIP: CAPTAIN'S TABLE #4 BY DIANE CAREY Diane Carey is a good writer, and Fire Ship is a decent book, but it has little to do with Star Trek Voyager or the Captain Janeway we know from the screen. This novel uses the first person narrative, which is a very risky thing to do if you don't know the character. I'm not saying that Carey hasn't watched at least a few Voyager episodes, but her experience seems to be limited to Season Four, the season in which Janeway is transformed from a sensitive, caring leader into a half-crazed harridan with little on her mind except getting home. In Fire Ship Voyager is purportedly destroyed by enemy fire while Janeway is on a diplomatic mission. Escaping with her life in a pod, Janeway is thrust into the arms of some technically inferior aliens who have good reason to distrust her. Taking on the name of 'Kay,' she is little more than a prisoner at first and her resentment spills over at being relegated to scrubbing tiles. She has several little rants and raves about the unfairness of it all, passages which increased my dislike of this character. Surely she can't expect 'these boys' to hand over command of their vessel (the Zingara), but it seems that's exactly what she expects. I suppose I should mention the plot. After Janeway flees from the Menace (the name she uses for the aliens who destroyed Voyager) and is picked up by the Zingara, she tries to warn them about the coming threat. Naturally, it takes a lot for her to convince them of her sincerity, and she pulls one of her madman stunts to get their attention. Through a series of hostile encounters with other aliens, Janeway manages to rise through the ranks and become captain of the Zingara by the end of the story. Did any of you have any doubt as to the outcome? Yawn! Carey's biggest mistake was removing any familiar frame of reference that would make it possible for readers to become immersed in this tale. None of her aliens were terribly interesting and seemed to follow the same old formula we see every week on the series. Is it me, or does it get a bit old when crews are made up entirely of men? On the show, we had the Kazon, the Vidiians, and the Hirogen, all widely used and all comprised of male members (pun intended). So, Carey is merely treading the same tired ground, and I find it disappointing, just as I'm disappointed with the writing on the series. Her version of Janeway barely spares a thought for her crew and seems far more concerned with asserting her authority and fixing her hair than shedding a tear for anyone in the Voyager family. So, here we have a wildly out-of-character captain who is placed in a terrible situation and we all know it will end well. After all, this is Gene Roddenberry's vision, and no one is supposed to mess with that. -Elizabeth Klisiewicz STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS edited by Dean Wesley Smith, with John J. Ordover and Paula M. Block Strange New Worlds is the result of a Star Trek short-story contest sponsored by Pocket Books. 371 pages long, it features 18 stories from all four incarnations of Star Trek. Though written by amateurs, the stories had to adhere to pro Trek novelists' standards, in that they could make no major changes in the lives and/or relationships of the characters depicted. Undoubtedly because of those strictures, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds doesn't have much that's strange - or much that's new, either. Almost any fanzine, and many of the stories available on the Net, include material that's bolder and more speculative. It's still a decent book. Most of the works are fairly well-written, with acceptable characterization and more plot than is common in fan fiction. They're also free of any of the excessive emotionalism, melodrama, or sentimentality that sometimes crops up in amateur ST tales. But, in attempting to avoid the depths to which fanfic can sink, this book for the most part also misses the heights to which it can rise. A wonderful exception is the grand-prize winner, Landon Cary Dalton's "A Private Anecdote." A story about Captain Pike and how his adventure on Talos IV ("The Cage") affected his life and career, it's intelligent, plausible, and emotionally engaging. Not only is it a worthy winner, but it's also a superb example of character-driven fan fiction. Another exception is Peg Robinson's "The First," which puts Picard in the position of deciding the fate of a woman, and a race, who have just discovered space flight. Robinson demonstrates a real understanding of Picard's and Star Trek's, adventurous spirit. But if you like her work here, you have to check out some of her Voyager tales on alt.startrek.creative. This story is very good. Those are remarkable. Fairly entertaining stories include Alara Rogers' "Civil Disobedience," Kathy Oltion's "See Spot Run," and Dylan Otto Krider's "What Went Through Data's Mind 0.68 Seconds Before the Satellite Hit" (TNG), and Christina F. York's "Life Lessons" (DS9). Other works are less successful. Second-prize winner Franklin Thatcher's "Of Cabbages and Kings" (TNG), despite an innovative premise, is convoluted and difficult to follow, and Phaedra M. Weldon's third-prize story "The Lights in the Sky" (TOS) tries to pack too much into too small a space. Bobbie Benton Hull's "Together Again for the First Time" (TNG) involves a plot twist that is, bluntly, ridiculous. The five "Voyager" stories are mostly decent, but not outstanding. J.A. Rosales' "Ambassador at Large" is the best of the group, as "Voyager" encounters a First Federation ship and its human ambassador, Bailey, formerly a crewman on Kirk's Enterprise. The story's entertaining, and the crew is well-characterized, but it's a irritating to see Janeway again comparing her people (and herself) unfavorably to heroes of the past. Jackee C's "I, `Voyager'" seems the most "fannish" of the batch to me, but it has a cool point-of-view character, and I like how it managed to sneak in a J/C element despite contest rules. Though jaQ Andrews' "Fiction" has one of the most unique premises in the book, Janeway and Chakotay are both out of character in the resolution - and Chak being misled by a woman isn't exactly new territory. Patrick Cumby's "Good Night, `Voyager'" has some nice bits, but I figured out the solution to the mystery pages before the crew did. Craig D.B. Patton's "Monthuglu" is the weakest "Voyager" tale. Its most memorable aspect is a very-multiple-first-person point-of-view that's so distracting it's easy to see why it's rarely employed. Is Strange New Worlds a worthwhile investment for the Voyager fan? Probably not, especially if Voyager is the only Trek you really enjoy. The material isn't distinguished, and there isn't that much of it. If you like the other Treks too (especially TNG, which has the most stories), you'll get a bit more for your money. And that has to be a consideration here, especially since Pocket - for reasons known only to God and Paramount - decided to release the book, not as a $6 paperback, but as a $14 softcover. That's about the price of an average fanzine, and if you want "strange" and "new" that fanzine would probably be a better investment. Side note: besides the contest winners, "Strange New Worlds" also includes stories by two of the judges. John J. Ordover's "The Man Who Sold the Sky" is sentimental and somewhat amateur, but Viacom rep Paula M. Block's "The Girl Who Controlled Gene Kelly's Feet" (which originally appeared in a 1970's TOS fanzine - Block's a longtime fan) is exceptional. Intelligent, insightful, innovative, it manages to be both entertaining and disturbing, and may well be the best piece in the book. It also violates nearly every rule the contestants had to abide by, which tells you something about the real nature - and the real strengths - of fan fiction. - Brenda Shaffer-Shiring AN OPEN NOTE TO WRITERS OF ZINE REVIEWS: I try never to censor anyone's opinions, but in the case of reviews of amateur fiction, I have chosen to excise comments which I found particularly critical or cutting. Several of the writers in the zines reviewed here are members of this fan club, and none get paid for their writing. The purpose of a zine review should be to tell a reader whether the zine is worth his or her money. We all have different tastes in fanfic just as we all have different tastes in episodes, so I am reluctant to permit severe criticism of an amateur writer in this publication. The following reviews have been edited for content, and I take full responsibility for the excisions. - Michelle DELTA QUADRANT 6, A VOYAGER FANZINE PUBLISHED BY ORION PRESS In January, Orion Press debuted the next issue in their Star Trek: Voyager series. (Still awaiting Wayfarers, a 'zine concentrating on the series' relationships.) The cover art is a head & shoulders portrait of Neelix by the talented BEKi. "A House Divided" features Janeway and Chakotay [not J/C] and is a nice little vignette, another possible conversation that brought the two crews together. "Ghosts" features Janeway and Chakotay [kinda J/C] and has Chakotay dealing with some feelings after Janeway's loss in "Coda". Both three-page stories were written by Andra Marie Mueller and although short, I found each piece to be a pleasing read. I am not a J/Cer, but I do enjoy seeing, and reading, examples of an intimate friendship between the two leaders who must depend on one another. "Lovers and Friends" features Paris & Torres [not P/T] and has B'Elanna lashing out at Tom while Chakotay was missing in "Nemesis". "Evening Thoughts" features Tuvok and has him contemplating life without Kes. Each of these two three-page stores by Brenda Shaffer-Shiring explored and gave a little bit of insight into the thought processes of the characters and their relationships with one another. I found both stories touching, but especially "ET". "Fresh Deck" by BEKi was a first-season story depicting anti-Tom feelings. Most [if not all] of BEKi's stories seem to take place in a universe where Starfleet somewhat resents the Maquis and the Maquis don't really trust Starfleet. I like this. In doing so this time, she was able to explore the nobility that was always in Paris, but that no one really wanted to look for or believe existed. Also, the reader gets to spend time with some crewmen and junior officers. "A Matter of Time" by Andra Marie Mueller is advertised as a story involving stopping an assassin from the future. However, since the J/C elements were the more dominant, received the most time, a J/C story is how I would categorize it - with the assassin story providing filler. It might have been more engaging had I been a J/Cer; nevertheless, it was a pleasant read. "Survivor's Epitaph" by Morgan Stuart was a thoughtful and thought-inducing look at Captain Kathryn Janeway's isolation from her crew. For this reader, Stuart opened lines of deliberation on whether this isolation is self-imposed or due to circumstances and whether or not it is right. Using the events in "Deadlock", a THIRD Voyager is created and taken captive by the Viidians, and a year later, THAT Janeway launches a buoy into space relating their experiences. It is recovered by the crew of the Voyager that survived. I consider this an excellent story because it generated extra consideration. "This Man Is My Friend..." by Ann Harding is a wonderful exploration into the relationship of Tom and Harry. The action takes place in the intervening days of recovery between their rescue from the Akritirian prison and their trek to have their planned, fantasy dinner. I enjoy reading about the friendship between these two characters as I enjoy reading about Kirk and Spock. The ONLY problem with the fanzine was the editing. It could have been better; throughout the 'zine there were spelling errors, grammatical errors, and evidence of deletions that were not made. This was most especially true in "This Man Is My Friend..." which suffered MUCH MORE than the rest of the 'zine combined. Errors were so prevalent, that they interrupted the rhythm of the reading. At most times, the story read as though someone was learning the English language. - Rhonda E. Green DELTA QUADRANT 7, A VOYAGER FANZINE PUBLISHED BY ORION PRESS Orion Press has released a good zine with this volume of Delta Quadrant 7. The editing is finally up to snuff and the illustrations are crisply produced. Most of the cartoons focus on Seven of Nine's physical assets and many of the stories focus on Janeway and Chakotay or take place after Voyager communicates with Earth. In "A Penny," Janeway reflects on her message from home and what it means for her. She finally confronts Chakotay and admits that she loves him. In "Food For Thought," Andra Mueller examines Janeway and her feelings about motherhood. This takes place after "The Q and the Grey" and has Janeway discussing children with Chakotay. "In the Spirit of Things" once again focuses on J/C when Chakotay is injured in a plasma storm and Voyager has no luck finding him. In an interesting story twist, Janeway communes with her spirit guide and manages to locate her first officer. In "First Meeting," Patricia Hammer writes a moving tale about Voyager's first contact experience with an interesting Deltan race called the Irrellians. With her usual attention to detail and wonderfully lavish descriptions, Pat managed to draw me in and keep me intrigued for the entire story. On their return trip from the planet, Janeway and Chakotay are shot down by the Kazon and Janeway is critically injured. Out of all the J/C stories in this collection, "First Meeting" stands head and shoulders above the rest. BEKi brings us another interesting Chakotay story in "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been." Although her examination of Chakotay's past does not match his back story in Pathways, I found her take on things to be a whole lot more interesting than Jeri Taylor's characterization. We get to see Chakotay when he was a lieutenant and is being considered for a promotion. He's unfairly judged on his heritage and has racially biased questions fired at him by none other than Commander Shelby. His refusal to answer is seen as guilt, and when his father's death further colors the picture, he returns to Dorvan to pay his last respects. The outcome of this story might be inevitable, but as usual, BEKI makes the journey a worthwhile venture. "The Lehmas Catcher," written by the normally reliable Anne Davenport, was not as successful. Without any warning, we are thrust into the clutches of some alien culture without knowing who or what they are. The action seesaws between the alien point-of-view and that of Harry and Janeway, who've been captured by these creatures. Because this story lacks any familiar frame of reference, its premise failed to make any lasting impact. In "The Mention That I Miss," the talented Morgan Stuart presents us with a post-"Threshold" view of the three kidzards created by Janeway and Paris. These offspring have evolved into higher life forms that are far beyond the capabilities of Humans. When one of them is dying, the trio make contact with Voyager and force Janeway, Paris and Chakotay to re-examine their actions against these creatures. "The Courtship of Seven" by Miranda Greene is a rather weak story about Seven's progression towards humanity. Since I've had more than my fill of Seven during Season Four, I can't say I was real interested in reading about her here. "Prison Without Walls" describes Tom Paris's condition after being rescued from the Akritirian hell-hole. He has a series of accidents that nearly kill him, and it's discovered that he was brutalized by one of the prisoners during his ordeal. I really felt for him during this story, but I found that his sudden ability to discuss a painful event that he'd been hiding from everyone was rather unbelievable. Paris confides in Captain Janeway, which leads to jealousy on the part of B'Elanna Torres. Since she and Paris have yet to be involved at this point, I found this sidebar rather irritating. Still, this story was different enough from the others to stand on its own. "Homecoming" was a treacly and overly predictable alternate-universe story about Voyager's return home. The Maquis are treated shabbily by Starfleet and are exiled from Federation space. Considering that the Maquis are no longer considered criminals and have been wiped out, I found this story thread to be ludicrous. It unfortunately sets up a parallel story where Janeway goes after Chakotay and declares her love for him. We all know how this ends, don't we? Everyone lives happily ever after and Janeway and Chakotay raise a passel of brats while still advancing in their illustrious Starfleet careers. Oh, did I forget to mention that Starfleet has a change of heart and decides to pardon all the Maquis? Moving right along..... "Time in a Bottle" melds Chakotay's vision quest to an encounter with Wesley Crusher and the Traveler. This was a different twist on the usual fan fiction story, but by the time you get to this point in the zine, you've already read so many Chakotay stories that he's grown rather tiresome. It really was a pretty good story, but I can't say I cared much about it one way or the other. Finally, in "Re-Notification," BEKi looks at Tom Paris's letter from home. This was really sweet, and a nice way to end this seventh volume of stories. In summary, this is a decent collection which is weighed down by too many stories about Janeway and Chakotay. I only hope that Delta Quadrant 8 has a wider variety of stories. Strongly recommended for J/C fans or people who are dying for Season 5 to start. - Ben Dover This fanzine was very good and a worthy addition to the series. There were charming little stories that made you smile, stories that made your lungs gasp and your eyes widen in disbelief, and stories that were just simply sad. For those wondering, Captain Kathryn Janeway was featured prominently in seven of the twelve tales, but was only alone for a two-page story. The issue's first two stories were a total of five pages long. "A Penny..." by Cat Lain was slightly J/C as Chakotay found Kathryn updating her letter to Mark after the Doctor's return, and she realized the feelings she had for Chakotay. "Food For Thought" by Andra Marie Mueller, had Janeway re-examining, and partly regretting, her decision not to have children, after being introduced to Q's son. Both authors were good and their stories' shortness was the perfect length for their subject matter. Any longer, and the thrust of the story would have been lost to verbiage. "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been" by BEKi and "Time In A Bottle" by Rosalie Blazej are two solely Commander Chakotay stories. BEKi wonderfully explored a possible cause behind Chakotay's turn to the dark side through his main adversary - Commander Elizabeth Shelby. The Communist witch hunts of the 1950s are recreated in this story. As usual with BEKi's Chakotay stories, I was very engaged in learning what was next, who was friend or foe, and how Chakotay would deal with Starfleet's prejudices and with his people's prejudices. Blazej also used blasts from the past - Wesley Crusher and the Traveler. They show up during his meditations and return Chakotay to the Alpha Quadrant with the option to stay. The two sad, emotionally-charged stories in the 'zine involved Lieutenant Tom Paris. "Prison Without Walls" by Valerie DeVries is a continuation of "The Chute". The adult-oriented premise is that Paris was sexually assaulted in the Akritirian prison. The story has Paris' dealing with this with the assistance of a select few officers. The story was interesting and was handled candidly. The subject matter did not detract from the characters' interpersonal relationships. And, those relationships did not in appropriately lighten the seriousness of the subject. The issue's final story, "Re-Notification: A Letter From Home" by BEKi was a very fitting closure to the 'zine. It revisited the episode "Hunters" with the letter that Admiral Owen Paris sent to Tom, from the Admiral's point-of-view. The story acknowledge my opinion that B'Elanna lied to save Tom's feelings by saying that the letter was lost. "The Lemhas Catcher" by Anne Davenport and "First Meeting" by Pat Hammer were less to my taste. Davenport's story involved Janeway and Kim's capture by strange aliens. The story was kind of difficult for me to get a hold of. As the reader, I was given the opportunity to see things from the aliens' point-of-view. From a science fiction angle, the story was fine, it was different, because the aliens were so different. But they overshadowed our heroes. The story didn't need Janeway or Kim; any bodies would have sufficed. The first paragraph of Hammer's story grabbed and excited me as I discovered that an injured Chakotay and a seriously injured Janeway crash-landed on a planet. The next half of the story then dealt with describing and explaining to the reader all of the events that preceded this emergency. By the time the story returned to the heroes, I was bored. It seemed to me that Hammer and Davenport became a little too enamored of the well-thought-out alien cultures that they created. "In the Spirit of Things" by Debra Lynn Brei has Janeway leading the search for a missing and injured Chakotay. Chakotay went planetside for Shore Leave to meditate and reflect and wound up stranded. After exhausting the regular means, Janeway sought theadvice of her Spirit Guide to locate her First Officer. This was a very good Janeway and Chakotay, not J/C, story. I enjoyed the examples of the relationship between the two characters. Seven of Nine made her Orion Press/Delta Quadrant entrance in Miranda Greene's "The Courtship of Seven or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Borg." The story was quaint and enjoyable. It dealt with Seven of Nine's socialization, and as in the show, Harry Kim was a significant part of her life on board Voyager. In thinking of Morgan Stuart's "The Mention That I Miss," I can only describe it as "cool" [as in a good thing]. Janeway and Paris' three children from "Threshold" come a-knocking on Voyager and they aren't all that happy about being abandoned by Mom and Dad. The oldest was a daughter, next a son, then another daughter. They were subject to the same evolutionary changes, and therefore, are uber-beings. The stars of the story were the guest stars, who were given much attention while Janeway & Co. handled the situation formula. If you really need for our heroes to be the foci, then this story isn't for you - although Janeway has more page time than the others. Otherwise, everyone was sorry, Janeway cried, Paris cried, Tuvok "felt" bad, Chakotay was guilty, blah, blah, blah. Even with this, I found the story itself "cool" because, for what was there, was handled very well. The most extensive story in the 'zine was "Homecoming" by Andra Marie Mueller. In my opinion, this was one of the better examples of the many 'return to Alpha Quadrant' stories. The ending was predictable - Torres and Paris paired off and Janeway and Chakotay paired off. According to popular formula both couples had children and [unfortunately], per formula, their children paired off. And they all lived happily ever after. Yippee, skippee. The only dilemma I encountered was academic - much of the page time was spent with the Quartet while the other characters were relegated to the background and only a mention made of their plans or where they wound up. This was not a problem for me, since the Quartet is comprised of the characters I enjoy. When considered, these things were small and did not detract from the story of the crew returning home, everyone trying to figure out where they belonged, to whom they owed loyalty, Voyager's crew[s] dealing with Starfleet and Starfleet dealing with them, etc. Intrigue, conflict, alliances, individual characterization, and interpersonal relationships. It was all excellent. Once again, Mueller got her personal preferences in the story without them taking away anything. Much, but not all, of the artwork was provided by Glenn Lash who chose Seven of Nine as the primary target for his merciless wit. -Rhonda E. Green MAQUIS, A STAR TREK FANZINE PUBLISHED BY ORION PRESS Orion Press' new "resistance fanzine" was such an EXCELLENT 'zine! EVERY story was good! As expected, since the subject matter concerns persons who rejected the Federation in favor of murder and mayhem, the stories are not exactly comedic, whimsical, or "cute". They ARE serious, sometimes dispiriting, involving mature situations and circumstances. I recommend this 'zine not just for fans of the particular Maquis characters, but for anyone who enjoys well-executed drama. Once again, BEKi did the cover artwork - a portrait of Chakotay and his younger and older brothers. To lighten the sober mood just "a little bit", editor Brenda Shaffer-Shiring included her filk, "Vulcan Agent Man". "The Sons of Kolopak" by BEKi and "A Rude Awakening" by Charles H. Shiring both offer opinions on how and why Chakotay made the choice to go from decorated Starfleet officer to wanted outlaw. Both were good expositions into the character and into possible scenarios that, based on the lack of canon information, were quite conceivable. The difference came in the environments. In "The Sons...", Chakotay the Individual returned to Dorvan V for his father's funeral and had to deal with his people's feelings that he "forsaked" them for Starfleet. In it we saw BEKi's Chakotay that had been intimated at in the show, but never seen [except for her "Assimilation"]. In "A Rude...", Chakotay the Officer returned to Dorvan V after his father's murder and saw and experienced firsthand why choices were and had to be made. "Parameters" by Robert J. Stouffer was a very interesting story which took place in an alternate ST:VOY universe and indicated how things COULD HAVE turned out before and during "Caretaker". "Charting a New Course" by Kathleen Speck and "The Needs of the Few" by Brenda Shaffer-Shiring were both introduction stories relating how Captain Kasidy Yates and Lieutenant Michael Eddington, respectively, got involved with the Maquis. Kasidy's entrance was pretty much uncomplicated as someone made her an offer she wouldn't refuse; but the story itself provided worthy insight into the character that has yet to be seen on the screen. Eddington wasn't so lucky as HIS tete-a-tete forced him to question who and what was right in this darkened account of events. "Big Lesson, Little Package" by Dianne Bellomo was a really nice tale about a young girl who decided AGAINST joining the Maquis, after learning what was expected of her, and after meeting Ziyal. Finally, there was "Habeas Corpus" by Gill Marsden, a novelette featuring Sito Jaxa, Tom Riker, and Ro Laren. After escaping, Sito and Riker headed for Ro's Maquis cell where they had to make choices. This story was the best. Its length allowed for full explanations and descriptions and satisfying character development. -Rhonda E. Green THE FUNNY PAGES FROM FNN (FEDERATION NEWS NETWORK) As Reported By Diana Kornfeld It has been twelve months since the return of the Starship Voyager from its remarkable journey in the Delta Quadrant. Unfortunately, during the past several months the celebratory mood of their return has been marred with charges of misconduct and violation of protocol by no less than Voyager's captain herself. Faced with the impending investigation that will include DNA testing on a confiscated Starfleet uniform, Captain Kathryn Janeway made the following public address concerning the alleged affair between herself and her first officer, an affair that she had previously denied when questioned by Starfleet counsel. The viewing public has long suspected such a situation was progressing behind the scenes, but has been lied to and misled by sources close to the captain, and indeed by the captain herself. Transcript of Janeway's speech follows: Good evening. This afternoon in this room, from this chair, I testified before the Office of Starfleet Counsel and the grand jury. I answered their questions truthfully, including questions about my private life, questions no Federation citizen would ever want to answer. Still, I must take complete responsibility for all my actions, both public and private. And that is why I am speaking to you tonight. As you know, in a deposition in January, I was asked questions about my relationship with Commander Chakotay. While my answers were legally accurate, I did not volunteer information. Indeed, I did have a relationship with the Commander that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong. It constituted a critical lapse in judgment and a personal failure on my part for which I am solely and completely responsible. But I told the grand jury today and I say to you now that at no time did I ask anyone to lie, to hide or destroy evidence or to take any other unlawful action. I know that my public comments and my silence about this matter gave a false impression. I misled people, including even my Security Officer, Tuvok. I deeply regret that. I can only tell you I was motivated by many factors. First, by a desire to protect myself from the embarrassment of my own conduct. I was also very concerned about protecting my family. The fact that these questions were being asked in a politically inspired investigation, which has since been dismissed, was a consideration, too. In addition, I had real and serious concerns about a Federation investigation that began with my mission to rescue a Maquis ship six years ago, a mission I might add about which an independent Federation agency found no evidence of any wrongdoing by me or my first officer. The Federation counsel investigation moved on to my staff and friends, then into my private life. And now the investigation itself is under investigation. This has gone on too long, cost too much and hurt too many innocent people. Now, this matter is between me, the two people I love most - my security officer and my morale officer - and my conscience. I must put it right, and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to do so. Nothing is more important to me personally. But it is private, and I intend to reclaim my family life for my family. It's nobody's business but ours. Even Starfleet captains have private lives. It is time to stop the pursuit of personal destruction and the prying into private lives and get on with our role in the Federation. Our Federation has been distracted by this matter for too long, and I take my responsibility for my part in all of this. That is all I can do. Now it is time - in fact, it is past time to move on. We have important work to do - real opportunities to seize, real problems to solve, real security matters to face. And so tonight, I ask you to turn away from the spectacle of the past seven months, to repair the fabric of our Federation discourse, and to return our attention to all the challenges and all the promise of the next Federation century. Thank you for watching. And good night. JUST ANOTHER ELVIS SIGHTING By Sister Mary Kathryn Special thanks to Michelle for introducing me to fanfiction and the stories of Laura Williams. No thanks to Laura for making me think of a frog every time I see Voyager, but a great big thanks for letting me steal her image. "Late one evening back in the Alpha Quadrant, Mark and Phoebe stood by the Starfleet Voyager Memorial hugging each other as they wistfully stared at the stars. 'ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT, Mark?' Phoebe asked." "No one wants to hear a story about Mark and Phoebe, Chakotay. Especially me." "But no one, especially you, wants to hear a story about Mark and Phoebe, so we'll quickly move ahead to the part of the story you want to hear." "That's better. This is going to be a fable about a woman warrior and her tribe, right?" "Legend. No, this is just a story, Kathryn. It isn't a legend, and anyway, I don't tell fables." "The one about the fox and the scorpion was a fable." "That's just a technicality. Are you ready for me to tell this story?" "Depends. Who is the main character?" "A starship captain." "Describe her." "What makes you think it's a her?" "It better be a her. Is her first officer in this parable too?" "Story." "Whatever. Is he?" "Yes. This is the story about how a female captain and her first officer got together." "That should be interesting." "Kathryn, do you want to hear this story or not?" "Yes." "Once upon a time not so very long ago a female captain - a beautiful female captain - was leading her crew valiantly through never before explored space." "I like stories about me. This one is pretty good so far." "Kathryn, are you going to let me tell this story?" "I didn't realize I was stopping you." "Well, you certainly aren't making it any easier." "Okay, I'll hush. You can continue now." "Thank you. She led her sleek ship -" "I overheard Ensign Williams saying Voyager looked like a frog the other day." "Kathryn." "Sorry." "She led her sleek ship through many dangerous and strange new worlds seeking out new life forms and boldly going where no man -" "Chakotay." "Sorry." "It's okay. I kind of like it when you get carried away with your fairy tales." "Story. This one is a STORY." "Hey, you're the one who started it out with 'Once upon a time.' In my book that makes it a fairy tale." "Kathryn!" "I love you Chakotay." "Yeah, well, sometimes loving you is harder than others. Anyway, it seemed to be just another day in the beautiful captain's journey when suddenly a green ensign -" "We don't have any green ensigns on Voyager, Chakotay. There's a blue one down in stellar cartography, but no green ones anywhere." "Green, fresh, newbie, not green green Kathryn." "Just making sure." "So this gr- newbie suddenly discovered strange readings on his console." "Now this story is beginning to get interesting. I'll bet the beautiful captain jumped right in to find out what those strange readings were." "Kathryn, this is my story and I'll tell it the way I want to. The beautiful captain didn't have time to jump right in. Before she had a chance to do anything, her sleek ship flew into an anomaly." "Gotta love those anomalies. Let me guess, the crew found themselves ALL SHOOK UP." "For a moment. But everyone on the bridge pulled themselves together. At first, no one seemed to be affected." "Yep. This is a fairy tale." "But a few minutes later the ship's pilot jumped up out of his seat, swiveled his hips and started singing something about a JAIL HOUSE ROCK." "Cocky pilot. I'd never let a pilot on my ship get away with something like that. What happened next?" "Next her first officer hopped up on the pilot's station and started singing about a HARD HEADED WOMAN." "He was referring to some alien bimbo, no doubt. What did the beautiful captain do?" "She decided she'd better retreat to her ready room to figure out how to stop this madness, which, unbeknownst to her, had just begun." "Retreated? I'd never retreat in a situation like that, Chakotay!" "You're the one who said this story was about you. I didn't." "This story better pick up and get better soon, or I'm going to find a new story teller to tell me bedtime stories." "If you'd just listen and quit interrupting it will. So anyway, her first officer, who loved her more than anything, followed -" "Like a HOUND DOG at her heels?" "If you want him to follow that way, he did." "I do." "He did." "Okay. Then what?" "Well, just as soon as her ready room doors shut, he grabbed her by the shoulders." "First contact?" "Yes. But not because he hadn't tried. Every spirit in the universe knew how hard he'd tried." "I like a captain who plays hard to get. Bet she removed those hands from her shoulders fast enough." "Well at least you got that part of the story right. But you just might be surprised with what happened next." "I'm listening." "'DON'T,' her first officer said." "That should have been the captain's line." "Kathryn. Do you want to tell this story?" "No. What did the first officer say to her next?" "He said 'Don't leave my embrace for here in my arms is your place.'" "Yeah. Right." "That was about her reaction too. She decided she'd better get to engineering to see if she could figure out what had happened to her once sane but still suave first officer. Quickly she sidestepped him and headed for the turbolift. But her first officer followed right behind her. 'DON'T BE CRUEL to a heart that's true,' he begged. 'Baby, if I made you mad with something I might have said, please forget my past. The future looks bright ahead. I don't want no other love. Why should we be apart?'" "I would have interrupted a few sentences ago, but I'm speechless." "It's about time. Fortunately for the captain, the turbolift doors opened and she was sure she would be able to sidestep her first officer once more. Her first officer, however, had caught on to this dance move, and pulled her back into the turbolift." "I knew this was going to end up being just another turbolift story." "Aha! So you do agree that it's a story, not a fairy tale." "I didn't say that. The story isn't finished. Why have you stopped telling it? I believe you stopped with him pulling her back into the turbolift. Is this the part where he kisses her and they make mad, passionate love?" "No. This is the part where the first officer said to her 'ONE NIGHT WITH YOU is what I'm praying for. The things that we two could plan would make my dreams come true.'" "Bet he'd used that line before. Then what?" "Then he kissed her." "I knew it." "Then he said 'When we kiss, my heart's on fire, burning with a strange desire. And I know each time I kiss you that your heart's on fire too. So my darling, please SURRENDER all your love so warm and tender. Let me hold you in my arms, dear." "Where do you come up with this mush, Chakotay? What did she do?" "She said 'I can't. I'm the captain and -'" "Chakotay!" "Well she did. She said 'I'm the captain and captain's don't have that luxury.' And quite frankly, Kathryn, the first officer was sick and tired of hearing that line from her." "Oh really. What did he do about it?' "He gave her an ultimatum." "An ultimatum?" "An ultimatum. He said 'IT'S NOW OR NEVER, come hold me tight, kiss me my darling. Be mine tonight. Tomorrow is too late. It's now or never, my love won't wait. When I first saw your smile so tender, me heart was captured; my soul surrendered.'" "This first officer had a real way with words, didn't he?" "He certainly did. Then he planted one last and very good kiss on her speechless lips, just for good measure and left her standing high and dry in the turbolift all by herself." "That's sad. I don't think I'm liking this story very much." "Don't worry. It has a happy ending." "It better." "It does. This is the part where they pass through the anomaly again and this time she is affected." "Now we're getting somewhere. A captain over the top story. I love good captain over the top stories. What does she do?" "She discovers that being alone in the turbolift isn't nearly as nice as being in the turbolift with her first officer. She begins to hallucinate and talk to herself." "Over the top. That's what I said. And just what does she say?" "Lordamighty, feel my temperature rising. My brain is flaming and I don't know which way to go. Your kiss just lifts me higher and higher. Burning and nothing to cool me. BURNING LOVE." "You have to be kidding." "Just wait, I'm not finished. She rushed out of the turbolift and down the corridor yelling at her first officer." "I can't wait to hear what she was yelling." "She was yelling 'wise men say only fools rush in, but I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU. I WANT YOU, I NEED YOU, I LOVE YOU." Finally she caught up with him and threw herself into his arms and whispered 'LOVE ME TENDER, love me sweet. Never let me go. You have made my life complete and I love you so.' He pulled her closer into his arms and their lips met -" "What happened to Mark and Phoebe?" "Mark and Phoebe?" "They're who you started the story with. Mark and Phoebe. You left them standing next to the Voyager Memorial back on earth." "Oh, them. Well Mark said to Phoebe 'don't you kiss me once or twice and say it's very nice and then you run, LITTLE SISTER don't you do what your big sister done.' Then they checked into HEARTBREAK HOTEL. Ouch! That hurt, Kathryn! If you do that again, I'm going to have Tuvok declare your elbow a lethal weapon." "That wasn't funny." "You asked." "Is that the end?" "Yes, that's the end." "Let me get this straight. This captain and her first officer run into a strange anomaly and are overtaken by the spirit of Elvis Presley who causes the two of them to fall in love?" "Stranger things have happened. We ran into Amelia Earhart out here didn't we?" "Chakotay, that has to be the worst story I've ever heard." "Fine. Then you can tell the story tomorrow night." "I will. And I'll do a damned better job of it too." "Kathryn." "Yes?" "Are you ready to fall asleep yet?" "Yes. Chakotay?" "Yes." "It would have been funny if we'd found Elvis Presley when we found Amelia Earhart, wouldn't it?" "Hilarious. 'Night." "'Night." TOP TEN CHANGES NOW THAT VOYAGER HAS AN ALL- MALE WRITING STAFF By Jackie LeBoeuf 10. "What's New In Star Trek" calendar changed to "Women Nude in Star Trek." 9. Braga memo to new writing team: "Let's dig up that spec script that was tossed last year - you know, the one about expelled body gas and BIC lighters." 8. Planning on continuing the practice of being sensitive to viewers by changing the food mutiny scene from cutting Neelix's fingers off individually to pulling out his nose hair instead. (still individually, however) 7. Weekend spa bonding meetings changed to male bonding around the campfire...with drums. Scratching is optional. 6. Godiva chocolates replaced with chocolate Seven of Nine "Lick-a-Sticks." 5. Jeri Taylor's purple-penned comments to each fan who wrote her a letter replaced with Brannon Braga'a form letter: Dear @#*@//@! Fan, I'm the boss now, and if you don't like one of my shows, I have a suggestion as to where you can stick your fandom. Sincerely, The Big B 4. Voyager is NEVER getting home 'cause you know darn well they are never going to have a show where the crew has to ask for directions! 3. Flowers in vase replaced with a tasteful collection of little tribbles speared on a stick. 2. Seven of Nine gives birth to seven females who, in a week's time, are all fully grown and fully developed, just like their mom. (hey, if ONE busty Borg babe can increase the ratings...) And the number one change now that Voyager has an all-male writing staff: 1. The toilet seats will ALWAYS remain up! TOP TEN CHANGES IF THE STAR TREK FRANCHISE BECAME A SOAP OPERA, EXCUSE ME, DAYTIME DRAMA By E2JORL 10. Riker discovers he has an exact double who becomes a terrorist and lands in jail...Hey, that actually happened.. 9. Tom Paris replaced by Charlie from All My Children...Whoops, that one happened too... 8. All the women are good looking, thin, have perfect hair at all times, and wear really tight clothing...Well, I guess that already applies too... 7. Captain Janeway replaced by Mary from Ryan's Hope...Gee, I think I'm detecting a pattern here... 6. Kirk finds any excuse to strip down to his bare chest...Oh, man! 5) Vorick wants B'Elanna. B'Elanna doesn't want Vorick. Tom wants B'Elanna. B'Elanna sort of wants Tom. Vorick tries to get B'Elanna. B'Elanna tries to get Tom. B'Elanna fights Vorick. B'Elanna tells Tom to be careful what he wishes for...Aw, nuts, this list just isn't working out... 4) Beverly falls in love with a ghost in a really cheesy Gothic Romance plotline...Rats! I can't win!... 3) That cad Worf takes up with Jadzia without even a thought to poor Deanna...Damn! Not again!... 2) Kira has to carry Miles and Keiko's unborn child even though the baby is really Bashir's...On second thought, I don't think even a soap opera would try this one!... And the number one change if the Star Trek franchise became a soap opera: 1) Riker marries Laura from General Hospital...Uh, let's forget I even started this one... Editor's note: The following story contains themes and issues which are controversial in this century, and from what we've seen (or, more to the point, haven't seen) on Star Trek, they won't be gone by the 24th century. If discussion of same-sex attractions or the politics and science of sexual orientation make you uncomfortable, you may not wish to read it, though the material is suitable for a general audience. WHAT IS LOST by Jennifer Pelland (Siubhan) This story takes place during "Future's End," and owes a lot to the story "Out There" by Matthew Jones. It's an idea that I'm sure has been going through the minds of many of us queer Trekkers, but he got there first, so I need to honor and acknowledge that. My story is not meant to steal his thunder. I just had to write one too. I think mine is a little more hopeful than his, but that also makes it less powerful. If you haven't read Matthew's story, do yourself a favor and go to the A.S.C. archive (it's in the TNG section). Thanks to Michelle Green, Carla Coupe, and Kristin Fiebelkorn for editing this for me. This story was originally written and posted to the Internet in April 1998. Dedicated to the memory of Matthew Shepard. *** Some nights I lie awake in bed thinking of that quick visit we made to 20th century Los Angeles. I was on the boardwalk, and I saw two men holding hands. I'd never seen Human males do that before. Females, sure, but not males. I didn't think any of us were wired that way. It was just something that other species did. I askedChakotay if he knew what that was about, and he said it still existed in his people-that they hadn't participated in the genetic engineering craze of the twenty-first century that all but wiped male/male attraction from the Human gene pool. He gestured at a rainbow flag festooned bookstore across the way from where we were standing and told me I might want to check it out. We had twenty minutes before we needed to be anywhere, after all. I couldn't bring myself to go in right away. I don't know why-I just couldn't. There weren't many social taboos left in Human culture, but I could feel the full weight of this one on me. It was weird. So I just stood outside, looking at all the stuff in the window, trying to figure out what it all was. There were half a dozen things with a pink triangle motif, a red ribbon t-shirt that said "Silence=Death," lots more rainbow flags, a suncatcher with a double-bladed hatchet design, a poster of different-gendered combinations of people that read "Kissing Doesn't Kill," and a weird-looking cartoon called "Hothead Paisan." I probably would have stayed there for the full twenty minutes just looking at everything and trying to figure it all out if it weren't for the warm hand that descended on my bare arm. I must have jumped sky-high, and whirled around to see who it was. It was a man, about my age, who smiled and said, "Hey, it's all right. Go on in. We don't bite unless you want us to." "Oh, that's - I mean, I don't-" I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "My name's Shea." he said, holding out his hand. I took it. "I'm Tom." He seemed friendly enough. Might as well be polite. Good firm handshake, nice smile, slight sunburn, dressed pretty much like I was. Good, that meant I'd chosen my outfit well. Wait, he's checking me outŠ "Is this your first time to L.A.?" he asked, running quick fingers through his short, bleached hair. "It's been a long time." Well, technically that was true. "Your first time at a bookstore like this?" "Definitely." He smiled sympathetically. "Want me to recommend some books?" "Would you? I'm totally in the dark," I admitted. We walked in, and if I thought the window was filled with neat things, that was nothing compared to the inside of the store! Any wall space not devoted to books was covered with posters, some of which repeated things I'd seen in the window. A few of them were even moderately explicit. I mean, there was this series of black and white male nudes that were so beautifully done that I forgot to be shocked at the subject matter. The bulletin board by the door was completely covered in colorful paper, most of which mentioned something called "Pride Day" which evidently was happening in two weeks. Oh, and there was going to be a protest tomorrow night for "AIDS research funding." Was that a rainbow kite hanging from the ceiling? The oddest thing had to be the Cole Porter music drifting through the store. I guess I expected something different, but I'm not sure what. It just seemed so out of place in the 1990s. The people were interesting as well. At first, I thought there were mostly men in the store, but then when I stopped looking for tight clothes, long hair, and makeup, I realized that the clientele was pretty evenly mixed. In fact, the one person I immediately pegged for a woman was in fact a guy dressed like a woman. I don't think I'd ever seen a woman with short hair, no makeup, baggy clothes, and hairy legs. I'd almost forgotten that women grew hair on their legs. Not all the women in the store were like that, but those women stood out the most to me because they were so different from what I was used to. Hell, they even looked comfortable. I don't know when I'd last seen a woman who looked completely comfortable in what she was wearing. It really struck home just how artificial "femininity" is in the 24th century. The men looked equally comfortable, and a few of them struck me as being really at home in their bodies. I felt downright stiff and stodgy in comparison. Shea took my hand and led me straight to the history section. "This is a good place to start. I could recommend so many books - How much are you looking to spend?" "Oh, um, not more than $70 or $80, I guess," I shrugged, mentally calculating how much money I needed to keep on my person. The captain had granted us all a little extra spending money, and this was as good a place as any to spend it. Five minutes later, I was heading to the counter with a heavy stack of paperbacks, covering everything from modern day history to ancient history to activism to homosexual pop culture icons. I almost couldn't find enough space to put all my books on the counter, what with the racks of pins and magnets and jewelry, stacks of newspapers, and the basket of something called "free condoms." A tall black man wearing rainbow-colored rings on a chain around his neck walked behind the counter, looked at my books, then at Shea, then back to me and asked, "You're new to the community, aren't you?" "The community?" "Give him time," Shea said with a knowing grin. As the guy behind the counter rang up my purchases, I read some of the pins. "Silence=Death," "Straight-Acting," "Visi-BI-lity," "Two-Spirited," "Pride," "I'm bisexual and I'm not attracted to you," "Hatred is not a family value," "If homosexuals get equal rights, then everyone will want them," "Yes I Am." There were just too many to read, and I couldn't understand half of them. The man behind the counter took my cash, packed my books in a lavender bag, and with a wink, tossed in what looked to be a dirty magazine. "On the house," he grinned. "Consider it a 'welcome home' present." I'm sure I blushed at that. When we hit the sunlight again, I turned to Shea and said, "Thanks, but I really have to go and rejoin my friends." "No problem. Hey, it was good meeting you," he said, reaching out and taking my hand in his. Giving it a firm squeeze, he said, "I'd really like to see you again." "I'm not going to be here too long," I said apologetically. "Well, next time you're in the area, stop by the shop and leave me a note. I come here often." "Thanks, I will." As I watched him walk down the boardwalk, I felt a small pang of regret that I'd never be able to repay him for his kindness. Then again, maybe taking these books to the 24th century was payment enough. What was so wrong about the folks in that store that they had to be wiped out of history? Janeway took one look at the size of the bag I was carrying and had me beam it to the ship as soon as we were in a quiet alleyway. *** I'd almost forgotten my bag of books. After saying goodbye to Rain Robinson, I wasn't thinking too clearly about my time on Earth. She was - well, I couldn't help but think that maybe she could have been the one. She was smart, sexy, playful, resourceful, and there was something really free about her. Life was offering her a wide variety of possibilities, and she was planning on working them for all they were worth. You didn't see that on Voyager, or even in the Federation-at least not in the same way. Rain might have had opportunities, but she also had real obstacles to navigate, and failure had more serious consequences for her than it did for the average 24th century Human. Sure, it was great that we'd eliminated hunger, most disease, and the need for money, but that also seemed to have cheapened our struggle towards our goals. The consequences of failure just weren't great enough. Five days after I was safely back on Voyager and back in my own time, the lavender bag caught my eye, so I opened it up and pulled out a book at random. Thumbing through the book on the history of the struggle for homosexual rights-"queer" rights, they called it-I was assaulted by images of sheer brutality. Hateful words leapt off the pages at me, and I had to put the book back down, hands shaking. I'd known that the racial struggles in the middle of the 20th century had been difficult and bloody for the United States, but why hadn't I heard about this? A phrase on the back of the book caught my eye: "Homophobia is the last generally acceptable social prejudice in America today." Of course, with a history like that, who wouldn't blame parents for wanting to spare their children that hate? I mean, homosexuality wasn't racial, and it wasn't a belief system passed through a family. It was just a spontaneously occurring variation in the population. My eyes drifted back to the pile of books, and seeing them triggered a memory of just how damn many books there were in that store. I didn't recall seeing any unhappy people in that bookstore. Hell, they welcomed me. That doesn't sound like the behavior of a group that isn't happy about who they are. Maybe I should start reading Voyager's historical records to see what happened before reading through these books. *** Here we go. The eugenics/genetic reengineering craze of the twenty-first century. They didn't find a homosexual gene, per se, but they found a combination of four genes that occasionally would affect the mapping of a male fetus's brain, making the child be born with a greater possibility of becoming homosexual or bisexual. Doctors first used this knowledge to "fix" boys born with that mapping by crudely rewiring their brains, often leaving them with debilitating brain damage. Civil libertarians and medical ethicists screamed bloody murder and started dragging physicians who performed this operation into court, so they had to stop. Then doctors found a vaccine that would kill any eggs and block production of sperm that carried at least one of the four genes. Medical ethicists warned that science was getting in over its head with this, but the civil libertarians couldn't build a solid legal case against it, and society at large was clamoring for the vaccine, so it was given to any potential parent who wanted it. Research continued to try and find the cause for female homosexuality, but at least there weren't any more homosexual boys being born, so that was a start. The first casualty of this craze was the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Seems that no one realized that their population was super-saturated with one of the four offending genes. They didn't have the entire gene combination in any greater numbers than the general world population, but since the vaccine attacked the parts, it rendered the majority of their population effectively infertile. By the time anyone realized what had happened, it was too late. The vaccine was primitive enough that the effects were irreversible. Not everyone went for this vaccine, but enough parents did that generation by generation, Earth saw fewer and fewer homosexual men. The same couldn't be said for homosexual women, because despite the early optimism, no one ever found a genetic or physical reason for female homosexuality or bisexuality. Some people proposed sending all homosexual and bisexual women off to "reprogramming centers," or forcing them to live a celibate life, but it didn't take a civil libertarian to point out that that was illegal. After all, homosexuality had pretty much been decriminalized all over the planet, so you couldn't lock someone up for doing something legal. Finally, two centuries too late, the head of Earth's government issued a general apology for the genocide that had claimed a large chunk of the Jewish population and nearly all the homosexual male population. By then, space travel was easily available to everyone, so the few remaining homosexual men had left Earth and all her colonies to live with other species that had larger homosexual populations, or had joined the ship of Native Americans that were out looking for a new homeworld. Like Chakotay had said, homosexuality had never been weeded out of his population. Eventually, they faded from memory and from history. The irony of all this was that homosexual women had been fully accepted in to Human society. In fact, the very fact that there was no way to genetically weed them out of the population was what finally did it. Society as a whole shrugged and said, "If we can't get rid of them, guess we'd better accept them." Parents who had gotten their potentially homosexual sons "fixed" or had rushed for the vaccine had almost always done so to "spare their children the pain of growing up as part of a hated minority," or just "didn't want my son to be a degenerate." If they'd only waitedŠ There was a footnote on one of these records about the huge blow to the arts community, but with no explanation. That doesn't make sense. Hmm. Guess I'd better turn back to the books I bought. *** I started with the general history book. Apparently, there were many cultures in Earth's history that were tolerant of homosexual activity, and even a few who were very much in support of it. Wholesale persecution seemed to be a fairly recent thing-only really rearing its head in the late nineteenth century. There were entire cultures that incorporated homosexual acts between men into ritual. Unfortunately, they were in the minority. As Europe and North America became more intolerant, a homosexual subculture began to form, setting its firmest roots in the literary and arts communities. No one could really explain why they gravitated towards the arts in such large numbers-some thought that maybe it was genetic, and others claimed that being ostracized forced them to express themselves artistically. The more intolerant society became, the richer the subculture became, incorporating music, symbols, slang, slogans, clothing, pop iconsŠthe works. Eventually, things got so bad that they decided to fight back. God, some of these stories are ugly. Entire bars rounded up, the women forced to suck off the cops, the transvestites raped, everyone beaten. Random attacks on homosexuals, sometimes going so far as murder. And I never realized that the Nazis imprisoned homosexuals in their concentration camps. Pink triangles for the men, black for the women. No wonder they had them up so defiantly in that store in L.A. I just can't understand it. It's just sickening-killing someone because of who they love. They weren't hurting anyone. What were people so afraid of? Sometimes, the perpetrators cited religious reasons for their attacks, but mostly they just sounded like complete and total pigs. After all, these were the people who managed to establish equal rights for people of all colors and genders. What, did they still need to have something to hate? Oh, here's something. Some of them used a plague as their excuse. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome-AIDS-a disease which just happened to root itself in the homosexual male population of North America and Europe. At the time these books were written, there was no cure, and the disease was fatal. Some folks took it upon themselves to try and kill off the disease by killing any and all homosexual men they came across. It didn't matter if they had the disease or not-that was beside the point. Now those buttons from the bookstore make more sense. I can't imagine fighting a disease and hatred at the same time. It just seems too overwhelming to bear. Maybe the geneticists should have tried to figure out what gene caused homophobia and wiped it out of the population. *** The next night, I sat on the observation deck and flipped through the more "recent" history book. Powerful stuff, and it certainly expanded my vocabulary and my mind. The history of "drag queens" and "trannies," of "dykes" and "fags," "butch," "femme," "top," "bottom," "fag hag"Š My mind was spinning with all these new words, plus the whole concept of reclaiming slurs as a way of showing pride and a refusal to be crushed. "What are you reading?" I looked up and saw Chakotay staring down at me with curiosity on his face. Holding up the book, I said, "Some stuff I got back in L.A. at that bookstore. It's fascinating." "I would have said tragic, not fascinating." "Well, yeah, it's tragic what happened, but when you read about the subculture and the people and what they were capable of, it's hard not to admire their strength and perseverance. I'm not sure I could survive against such overwhelming opposition and hate." "They had no choice." "Yes and no. I mean, they could have chosen to live celibate lives to avoid persecution." "Have you ever tried living a celibate life?" "I've never had a reason to try." "I'll grant you that," Chakotay conceded. "But do you think you could?" "If people were going to kill me over my sexuality, I might try. Wouldn't you?" "Probably not." "How can you be so sure?" Chakotay sighed, then looked out the window. "Luckily I've never been in a position where I've needed to know." Looking over my shoulder at the picture of Patrick Stewart and Brian Batt smiling with their arms around each other, he asked, "Can I borrow your books when you're done?" "Sure, but why?" "The official history records are so damn sterile and clinical. From what I've been able to read between the lines, it sounds like the gay subculture was incredibly vibrant, and those books are as close as I'm going to get to a first-hand look for myself." "No problem." "Why are you reading in here anyway?" "I just needed to be able to see the stars. Gives me a sense of perspective." "I understand. Goodnight, Tom." "See you, Chakotay." I looked back down at the picture in the book. Cute couple. *** The pop culture book was a kick in the pants. I think I want to be just like Talulah Bankhead when I grow up. The thing that gets me is that folks were so homophobic against gay men, but they still had far more gay pop icons than lesbian icons. Taboo sells, I guess. I mean, once you know what to look for, how much more obvious could Liberace have been? Now he was a hoot! And Ru PaulŠI would never have known that there was a man under all that. Damn, but he looked good! Of course, I'd known about drag. I'd seen plenty of John Waters films. Still, I hadn't put two and two together, I guess. I mean, why would I have? I didn't know what it meant until reading these books. It sure puts a whole new spin on Lust in the Dust! I wonder how I could have missed that. It seems so obvious now! What the hell was I thinking? You know, it's a real shame that we lost camp. It looks like it must have been so much fun. Seems like men were more into it than women, but then again, k.d. lang was pretty campy, and Greta Garbo had a seriously campy side to her as well. Hey, if folks are going to stomp on you, you may as well have as much fun as you can when their backs are turned. I think I would have really loved to go to one of those drag clubs, or to a gay Mardi Gras festival. I don't think I would have dressed up myself. Well, maybe I might have given it a try, just to see what it was like. It really does look like fun. Wonder if I can whip up something authentic on the holodeck? Too bad I didn't think to grab some videos when I was in that store. It's a real shame that no gay movies were preserved for the future. After World War Three, movie preservation wasn't much of a priority, so the only ones that survived were the ones that people fanatically protected. Lucky for me, bad science fiction B-movies tended to attract fanatics, but apparently gay movies didn't, especially after gay men stopped being born. There was no one left to preserve what had been left behind. I'm kinda surprised that lesbians didn't work harder to preserve gay male culture, but then again, lesbians protested the vaccine louder than anyone, knowing that their turn would be next. I guess I can't fault their priorities-fighting for life rather than for movies. But I can't help but wish that I could see Jeffrey or Tales from the City. Still, I didn't understand it. I mean, considering all the crap they got from society in general, why didn't they just hide their sexuality? Why didn't they try to change so others would leave them alone? Why did so many of them call attention to themselves with their slogans and symbols and protests? I didn't get it. My eyes fell up on the dirty magazine the shopowner gave me, and out of curiosity, I opened it up. I think my eyes did their damndest to fall out of my head. I didn't think that Human bodies could do that! Wait Their faces. I pulled the magazine closer to me, riveted by the looks of total abandon on the two men's faces. Flipping through the magazine, I saw picture after picture of men having sex with other men and looking like the happiest people in the world. I don't know if I'd ever looked that content in my entire life. If something made me feel that good, I'd cling to it and never let go. Guess that answered my question. *** "I get it now," I said as I dropped the books on Chakotay's end table. "What did it?" "Believe it or not, the dirty magazine." "With you, I believe it," Chakotay laughed. "It's not like it sounds," I protested. Picking up the magazine, I opened it to a page, covered up the bodies with my hand, and said, "Look at their faces." Chakotay let out a low whistle. "Yeah, my thought exactly. They're not just posing." "No, they're not. You can't fake that." "I can leave it for you, if you like," I offered. "You don't want it?" Looking down at it in my hands, I felt a strange stirring inside. I couldn't explain it-wasn't this weeded out of the general Human population? Then again, maybe they hadn't gotten it completely. After all, the Native Americans who fled Earth to find their own planet hadn't been touched. Maybe it was coming back, slowly but surely. I couldn't be the only one, right? Or maybe it wasn't strictly genetic after all. "Actually, I think I do," I replied softly. "I'd like to borrow it some time." I smiled at that. "Sure. Any time." I wonder if Oscar Wilde would be proud right now? THE END HOMEWARD BOUND By Sister Mary Kathryn Disclaimer: In the end, no one will care who owned them. Captain Janeway sat staring out the portal, the PADD with the message she'd received earlier in the day from home was still in her hand even though she hadn't looked at it once in the last forty-five minutes. The chirp of the ready room door brought her back to attention and she stood up slowly, PADD still in hand and crossed to her desk before giving permission to enter. Janeway noted his smile as he entered. It wasn't his usual cheerful smile, but more of an "I'm here if you need to talk" smile and that was the last thing she was in the mood to do right now. "Still working on breaking the coded message from Starfleet, Captain? If there's any way I can help - " "No, Neelix," Janeway cut him off. "I decided to give that battle a rest a little over an hour ago. I was thinking about-" she stopped, realizing immediately the mistake she'd made. It was easy to make mistakes like this with Neelix. He had a way of gaining confidence and trust that had helped her get through trying times on more than one occasion. They'd run into each other on many sleepless nights in the hydroponics bay, and had sat among the tall, vining plants Kes had started from seeds and clippings only a few years ago, talking into the wee hours of the morning. Still yet, she made a mental note to be more careful about letting her guard down. "Home." Neelix stated it matter of factly as he sat the tray he carried on her desk. That was exactly what everyone aboard Voyager, with the possible exception of Seven of Nine, was thinking about right now. He was well aware that some of the messages that the Voyager crew was receiving weren't exactly what they'd hoped to hear, and from Janeway's somewhat stoic expression, he suspected she was in that unfortunate category. He took the cover off the tray and set a bowl of stew closer to her side of the desk. "There are a lot of crewmen in the mess hall right now. Tom suggested they resurrect the resort program and move over to one of the holodecks, but the crew liked Harry's idea better." "What was that?" Janeway took the proffered spoon and dipped it into the steaming soup, perhaps she would be able to draw this conversation away from the contents of her letter after all. "Harry suggested they bake cookies and set up a card tournament. Last I saw, Harry was up to his elbows in dough." Janeway smiled. Harry Kim had proven himself to be not only an invaluable member of the crew, but a real trooper when it came to dealing with troubled crew members. She had appreciated the time he'd taken to make sure Seven of Nine was adjusting to becoming human again. "Truth of the matter is," Neelix continued, "the party in the mess hall reminded me of the times when I was little and would come home from school. Alixia would always be in the kitchen whipping up something to tide us over until dinner time, and as the others got home -" Now it was Neelix turn to pause a moment, the sounds of his family's voices and laughter echoing hollowly in his mind. Those early years had been happy ones, but they seemed a million years away. They certainly weren't a part of this lifetime anymore. "I guess maybe that's part of the reason I enjoy being ship's cook so much," he added, attempting to break the sudden silence that seemed to have loomed for even more lifetimes around the room. "You're good to let the crew into your kitchen, Neelix." Her voice was sure and sincere, and touched Neelix to his core. He watched as she dipped the spoon into the bowl. "They are the only family I have. I'm always happy to do what I can." His help to Voyager was neither a gift nor a job. It simply was. This day was one he had been given. Voyager was his home. And they were his family. He'd had other family members that hadn’t been so lucky. "I'm fortunate, Captain. I've had two families in my lifetime. I've seen a lot of love." For a second she thought that maybe if she could hold her breath and tense every muscle in her face, she could erect a dam and stop the tears that had suddenly filled her eyes. But not only was it too late, she realized that she had never had a chance, and what was worse, he wasn't even going to have to offer his listening skills to her. She was going to take them and she couldn't stop herself. "It was from Mark. My message," she added, realizing a tad late that she had changed the subject somewhat abruptly. "He's married." She swipped at the tears, trying to regain some sense of composure and orderliness in a life that lately seemed more and more out of order. "I'm sorry, Captain." He sat down on the chair across from her desk. In times like this, he'd found that it was much better to just listen. His sisters had usually started conversations like this with him by instructing him to shut up and go away. He never did, and he wasn't going to now, even if the Captain ordered him to. "No." The wet hand she was using wasn't doing much good at drying her face, and she switched, hoping against hope that she could pull herself back together. "It was what I wanted to hear." Finally taking her hand from her face, she looked across her desk at Neelix. "It was the message I wanted to get." "Wanting and getting can be two different things, Captain." Neelix leaned forward and filled the cup that still sat on the tray, then pushed it across the desk as he had done the bowl minutes earlier. That comment and gesture was too much like she knew Chakotay would make when she finally got up the courage to have this conversation with him, and her defenses awakened and jumped to readiness once more. She eyed Neelix a moment, then took a deep breath and continued. "No, the hard part isn't the message from Mark." She pushed her chair back from the desk and stood up, looking down at Neelix a moment before rounding the corner of her desk and heading in the direction of her sofa, Neelix following closely behind her. "The hard part is being reminded that the Alpha Quadrant is still there, but we're no closer to getting home. The hard part is having Chakotay remind me over and over again that Voyager is home." Her hand strayed to her throat and she tugged at the turtleneck that suddenly seemed all too constricting. "The hard part," she looked at Neelix, and he felt as if her eyes were burning into his very soul, "is hearing you tell me about the family gathering in the kitchen to bake cookies and play cards." And then she gave him what Voyager crew members refered to as the "Janeway glare." Those who had experienced it advised others to avoid it at all costs. "Chakotay's right, Neelix. Isn't he?" Neelix matched her stance with his own. "I don't know much about right or wrong. I only know that I’m home right now." Neelix stood firm. "It doesn't keep me from missing those I've loved who aren't here with me now, though, Captain. Maybe I'll see them all again someday. Right now I'm going to head back down to the mess hall and see if I can whip up some spiced cider to go with those cookies Harry is baking." Any reply she might have made was interrupted by the beep of her communicator. "Chakotay to Janeway." Neelix eyes never left hers as she answered Chakotay's call. "Seems the crew is throwing an impromptu get together in the mess hall, Kathryn. B'Elanna said something about cookies and cards. Might be good for morale if the Captain and Commander put in an appearance." Only a few moments earlier Neelix had reminded her of Chakotay, and now Chakotay was beginning to sound like Neelix. Maybe she had been alone too long. Neelix shook his head, and gave her arm an encouraging squeeze and was rewarded with a smile. Not just one that played at the corner of her mouth, a full, wide smile. When she smiled like that, she reminded Neelix of Alixia, and it made his heart feel like it was so full of love, both for his old family and his new one that it would burst. "Meet me in my ready room, Chakotay?" "I have to swing by stellar cartography, then I'll head on up." Janeway closed the connection, then picked up the spoon and bowl Neelix had given her earlier. The smile he now sported had definitely changed from the one he had worn into the room. She liked this smile. She liked them both, she suddenly realized, finally taking a taste of the stew. "This is good," Janeway returned Neelix's smile, "kind of tastes like what mom used to make in the winter time. The fields would be covered with snow, and we'd come home from school nearly frozen. As soon as we'd come through the back door, mom would stick a mug of hot chocolate in our hands. I wasn't one for sitting around the kitchen table though. I always took my hot chocolate up to my room where I could plunder through my homework in peace, but the smell of the stew she'd have simmering would always make it up to my room and draw me back down." "I'm glad you like it." Neelix patted his chest then started toward the door. "I guess I better get back down to the mess hall and make sure Harry hasn't burned up the galley. I'll see you there in a few minutes, Captain." "Kathryn." Neelix froze in his tracks, then turned slowly to face her once more, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Kathryn." His voice was hushed, but the pride and love with which he accepted her gift was unmistakable. He might not know what tomorrow would bring, but he did know that right now he was home. And he had family he loved. And he'd do everything he could to help this woman as she continued her journey. THE END REVENGE by Cybermum The Captain of Voyager strode onto the bridge Her hands on her hips, her brow in a ridge. Her helmsman said nothing - he stared straight ahead, Her Ops man looked down at his station instead. "Mr. Tuvok," she muttered, "I want a report. And I want it right now, keep it simple and short. I want to know why, in this sector of space Where we've conquered many an alien race, Where we've beaten the Kazon, and slipped by the Swarm, Where we've worked with Vidiians, and weird is the norm, Where things come and go that are more than bizarre And Q causes wars and destroys the odd star, I want answers right now, with no hesitation Or you'll be removed, post-haste, from your station." "But Captain," said Tuvok, his brow in his hair As he tried unsuccessfully to outstare 'the glare,' "I've checked all the data and found nothing to fix I've been to the mess hall...I've talked with Neelix. I've prowled the ship from her stem to her stern, I've informed the whole crew of your growing concern. I've searched high and low for the missing ingredient, I've used techniques that are the most expedient, But so far Captain Janeway, I am loath to confess I haven't had one little bit of success." "Have you checked with our Borg?" said the Captain quite clearly. "Oh my, now's a time that I'm missing Kes dearly." "Mr. Paris," said Janeway, "get rid of that smirk Or you'll soon find out why they call me 'she-Kirk'". "Mr. Kim." She whirled 'round and confronted the other. "Don't say a word or I'll write to your mother." The Captain sat down without one more word. As a matter of fact, not a breath could be heard. The atmosphere gave no appearance of clearing The tension seeped right down into engineering. Then all of a sudden, through the turbolift door, Commander Chakotay rushed onto the floor. His dimples were flashing, his manner was dashing But all he received was a major tongue-lashing. "Commander," said Janeway, her voice made of ice, "I'd like to impart to you some sage advice. When your captain is visibly under such stress I'd suggest that you handle her with greater finesse." "But captain," said he with a glint in his eye. "I think that I've found the solution, first try." "Chakotay, I cannot believe this is so. You can't move without me - why, this we all know." "Well, Captain," he said "from now on things change. I've decided that this situation is strange. For the rest of this journey, or at least Season Five, We'll try something different to keep us alive. We're going to make changes all over our ship And first we rework this relationship. If you free up some time on the holodecks, I'll try not to bother you too much for sex. And if sometimes I can rescue the crew Instead of the Borg babe, I won't stage a coup. I'll revisit my roots and my spirit guide And regain some of my manly pride." The captain considered his words for a while, She weighed pros and cons and started to smile. She knew when to attack and when to retreat, And she knew that in this case she was truly beat. A redhead enraged is a frightening thing, But a Janeway subdued made Chakotay's heart sing. "I agree," said the Captain. "Your battle is done. You will indeed be my Number One." And then from behind him without saying more, He held out her coffee, her own private store. THE END VOYAGER FAN CLUBS NOW VOYAGER Official Kate Mulgrew Fan Club P.O. Box 88341 Carol Stream, IL 60188-8341 kmasinc@aol.com THE COMMANDER Official Robert Beltran Fan Club 330 Greenwich Street Reading, PA 19601-2821 oleary1@uscom.com B3 PRIME Official Roxann Dawson Fan Club 1630 Ft. Campbell Blvd., Suite 143 Clarksville, TN 37042 blilsism@aol.com RANDOM FLIGHT Official Robert Duncan McNeill Fan Club 850 Mellowood Avenue Orlando, FL 32825-8085 rdmfanclub@aol.com EPIC Official Ethan Phillips Fan Club P.O. Box 4818 Waterbury, CT 06704 randeg@aol.com CARPE Official Robert Picardo Fan Club P.O. 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Box 632 Enfield, CT 06083-0632 GRMC Official Gene Roddenberry Memorial Club P.O. Box 3177 Greensburg, PA 15601 WALTER KOENIG FAN CLUB c/o Miss C.A. Heslop Fens Crescent Hartlepool, TS25 2QL UK JULIE CAITLIN BROWN FAN CLUB P O Box 191 Kerman, CA 93630 dkountz@aol.com STAR TREK WELCOMMITTEE P.O. Box 12 Saranac, MI 48881 TO CONTACT TREK TALENT PARAMOUNT PICTURES TNG/DS9/VOY Actor, Producer Star Trek: TNG/DS9/VOY 5555 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 LINCOLN ENTERPRISES Classic Trek Actor, Producer 14710 Arminto Street Van Nuys, CA 91402 1999 KATE ART CALENDARS! A 26-page calendar featuring renditions of Kate by KMAS artists will be available in mid-November 1998. This calendar features the work of D. Rush, Erin Blalock, Ute Koberstein, and L.R. Bowen. Many of you have seen some of these drawings in Now Voyager. There are new drawings of Kate displayed in a creative layout by graphic artist Erin Blalock. Each month contains at least two pieces of art, along with information about Kate. The calendar costs $11.50, and proceeds will be donated to one of Kate's favorite charities-ICC, Incarnation Children's Center. This is a limited-edition calendar and will be available on a first come, first serve basis while the supply lasts. Please send checks to Dianne Dressor, 6905 Cisco Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Now Voyager Announcement Hotline! Starting Sunday December 6th! You asked for it - now you got it! Created for the use of all KMAS/NV members, a telephone announcement hotline which features the latest and greatest information about Kate Mulgrew and her upcoming appearances, including TV, radio, movie, convention and charity events! To be updated as needed every few days, call to find out what Kate's next TV appearance will be! What radio show she is scheduled to be on while in New York City? Is it true she's attending a convention on the East Coast next summer? What 15 magazines is she featured in next month? Keep updated on club events! Maybe two dozen other Now Voyager members will be attending a convention held near you next month! What about club auctions and charity contributions? Find it all here! Created especially for our members who are not connected to the "online internet community," this can be great resource to keep up with current news about Kate! Starting SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th you can call our regularly updated, 24-hour hotline at: (610) 642-0652 This is not a free call - the NV Hotline is located in suburban Philadelphia, PA (USA). Be aware of the long distance charges you will be billed for. All About Now Voyager Greetings from the Kate Mulgrew Appreciation Society, KMAS Inc., a Maryland non-profit corporation. We're at P.O. Box 88341, Carol Stream, IL 60188-8341, and online at KMASinc@aol.com. KMAS Inc. is Kate Mulgrew's official fan club. Current yearly dues are $25/U.S.-Canada-Mexico, $40/Overseas (U.S. bank funds only). 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PHOTO AND ART CREDITS 1, 41-Illustration (c) D Rush, 1998 4, 24,25, 47-Photos (c) Paramount 15, 18-Illustrations (c) Jennifer Pelland, 1998 23, 29-31-Photos (c) Jeanne Bellvue, 1998 23, 25, 28-Photos (c) Tschiponnique Skupin 24-Photos (c) Chris Bennion, 1984 24-Photos (c) ABC TV 34-Illustration (c) Anne Davenport 37-Illustration (c) Erin Blalock 44-Illustration (c) Fabienne 45-Illustration (c) Ute Koberstein 46-Illustration (c) Kristi Herd ____________________________________________________ KMAS INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michelle Erica Green, President Joan Testin, Vice President Beth Schuman, Secretary Lauren Baum, Treasurer Paul Anderson, assistant secretary Donna Christenberry, assistant editor Jeanne Donnelly, charity coordinator Peter Castillo, legal advisor Sashi Alexandra German, newsletter coordinator NOW VOYAGER STAFF Cheryl Zenor, web page designer Nancy Molik, convention coordinator Connie Bell, photo researcher Member of The National Association of Fan Clubs