Putting On The Ridges: MarFest 96 Part 3

Anticipation for MarFest was high. Barry had been making banners for the SonchIy. There were going to be Klingons from across the Maritime s. MarFest was going to be our "coming out". For most of us, this would be the first time we would meet Klingons from outside the Metro Halifax area.

Rick, to my knowledge, was still working on translating Hamlet into Klingon. The Guest Star that he was eager to meet was Mark Okrand, the author of the Klingon Dictionary.

Friday April 12, 1996 was a very busy day. The guest stars started arriving at the Halifax International Airport. I was tasked with picking up and transporting some to the Ramada Renaissance Hotel. The first person I was to meet was in fact Mark Okrand.

I stood by the Arrivals gate, with a sign that read Mark Okrand. I did not have any idea what he looked like. I am six foot two and I was also judging Mark's height based on his reputation. I had spent too much time around Rick.

As I stood there, scanning the crowd, looking for someone who would look like a "Mark Okrand" a voice said, "Hi, I'm Mark".

In Rick's apartment, things were hectic. There were at least four people, Rick, his girlfriend, Barry and another or more. I was not there, however I heard the stories. Rick's phone was constantly ringing and Rick was getting irritated. He was trying to focus on the final details of his costume. According to Barry, Rick stated that he would not take any more phone calls.

I knew that Rick would be thrilled at getting a personal phone call from Mark. I asked Mark if he would do me a favor and say Hi to one of his biggest fans. I dialed Rick's number on my cell phone and passed it to Mark.

Rick Zhukow, Mark Okrand and Paul Carreau

Mark asked for Rick, identified himself, a look of puzzlement and irritation crossed his face and he passed the phone back to me. Mark asked if there were connection problems between the airport and Halifax. I didn't think so, I did not have any problems when I phoned from the airport to Halifax.

I found out later, via Barry, that when Mark identified himself, Rick slid down the wall, his eyes bugged and all that he could say was, "MA-MA-MA-MA!". (I think he was trying to say "Mark".)

Robin Curtis, the second actress to play Lt Savik in the third Star Trek movie The Search For Spock, was also a Guest Star. Part of my Con Com duties was to escort her through the convention. This was also the first time I had spent any time with a "Movie Star".

My function was to not let any of the fans get too close to her while we were walking to and from her venues. I have to admit that I was star struck, and the fact that Ms Curtis is an attractive lady who was also outgoing and gracious all the time I was in her company, made this a very pleasant duty. I think one of the biggest thrills I received that weekend was when she referred to me as, "my friend, Paul".

When it was time for the Assembly, I felt humiliated when the Master of Ceremonies could not pronounce the name of our ship. He stumbled three times and then gave up. The crew of the IKV SonchIy gathered outside of the Assembly area, and I remember stating that never again would the name of the SonchIy be mispronounced.

That weekend was one of most intense I had spent outside of the Military. My commitment to the Con Com and my involvement with the SonchIy kept me busy well into the evening.

Any one who attends cons has a Con story. I have a few. The following s is without question my favorite.

On Sunday morning, while escorting Robin, I saw a woman in a Romulan costume. The day before I had noticed her in a Vulcan costume. What caught my attention was the disposable camera she carried in her hand. Robin had stopped to sign an autograph so I quickly blocked the path of the Romulan with the camera.

I asked if she would take my picture with Robin Curtis. I had not had an opportunity to have my picture taken and I wanted proof that I had indeed been with Robin Curtis. The lady smiled and said yes, provided I would take her picture.