Nova Con to Nova Gone

On the 09 November 1996, Nova Con was held in Halifax.  It was the last time the Black Ice Squadron would gather as a group at a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Convention.

The IKV SonchIy was growing in numbers.  In our first year, 1996, we were involved in sixteen events.  Our focus was community involvement.  We were starting to investigate what would be required to start face painting.  When we went out into the community we needed something to do besides just stand around.

Going into Nova Con, we were more seasoned, comfortable in our costumes and confident in ourselves as a group. 

MarFest 96 was our introduction as a Klingon Fan club.  When we attended, we were overshadowed by those who were established.  At MarFest we did not have the same level of confidence as that of our peers.  At Nova Con we were ready to take our place with the other Klingon Ships, as equals.



Left to Right Sue, Denise, Joe, Jason, Paul Carreau, Rob Uhrig, Paul G.



When we made our entry into the Assembly, we wanted to have a little 'theater'.  We had approached some Mundanes, (fans not in costume), and asked if they would mind if we pushed them out of the way.  The impression being that we were mean, tough Klingons.  This photo shows Rob (Korath the Kruel) Uhrig passing a small boy to me.  When we asked the fans to help us stage an entry, the boy asked if we could push him out of the way.  That was a little too much theater for us, so we passed him down the line.



Rob Uhrig, Paul G. Paul Carreau





Everyone has a three foot space that is theirs.  By tacit consent, we all respect that invisible barrier.  One of my best, Klingon - politically incorrect lines happened at Nova Con.  When I was registering to get into the Con, a woman grabbed the right panel of my Command Cloak. She was focused on the pins that I had on the cloak.  I was amused and intrigued that this stranger would be fondling my costume.  I had no idea who she was, and she did not know me.  I turned and offered the left panel on my Command Cloak.  She rifled through the pins, asking questions and generally made a fuss.  I told her that if she liked my pins, she would love my Bird Of Prey.





Jason gets promoted.



One of the traditions at Nova Con was to parade into town and take over a restaurant, Alfredo Weinstien's and Ho.  This was my first time at a Nova Con, and the first time I had participated in the take over of a restaurant.  I think the attraction for me was the dumbfounded look on the other patron's faces as we took over a corner of the restaurant.  This was my first, but not my last time participating in an invasion of a restaurant.

It was just after Nova Con that I received an e-mail from the Fleet Commander, Botaq (Alan Bowbrick) birJablU, advising me that Halifax/Dartmouth now had boundaries.  The SonchIy was not allowed to go into Halifax to do events.  I called Alan to find out what was going on. 

Alan told me that there were complaints that the SonchIy was taking all the events, and that the ships in Halifax wanted to do events, but could not because of the SonchIy's monopoly. 

I protested.  Any events I was doing in Halifax, I had arranged or was called by someone who wanted the SonchIy's participation.  I asked him if we were now not going to the Premier of First Contact or the Blood Feud.  Alan told me that they, meaning Lloyd and Floyd, wanted numbers at the theatre and the Blood Feud was already scheduled.  

The Next Generation Movie First Contact

Alan then told me that he was sending a map with the boundaries clearly drawn.

On the 22 November 1996, we attended the premier of the TNG movie First Contact. There were many more Klingons in attendance than when I attended the 1994 premier of Generations.  In fact, I had come full circle.  Except for the paper. 

Barry came up to me and told me that Lloyd was talking with a reporter and kept pointing at me.  He thought that I was being set up.  We decided to dodge Lloyd and the reporter.  Whenever I saw Lloyd, I would turn and walk away.  I did not want to stay too stationary for too long, so I kept moving.  I tried to stay with and around members of the SonchIy.  This went on for about three quarters of an hour. 

I was feeling fairly smug.  I was effectively dodging Lloyd's bullet, or the reporter's microphone.  I turned a corner, and the microphone was in my face.  The reporter asked me, "Why do you think your ship is the best in Halifax?"  

Denise

Karen

Lloyd was standing beside her, and I knew the question had been coached.  I looked at Lloyd, the reporter, Floyd was standing nearby and the gaggle of Klingons.  I took a breath, and said, "Each Klingon club is known as a ship. Each Ship has its strengths.   The different Ship's make up the Squadron and the Black Ice Squadron is the strongest in KAG Kanada." 

Lloyd whispered to me as I walked away, "Good answer."

On the 08 December, we attended the Merry Children's Christmas Party.  We had been asked if we could face paint.  Of course we could.  The fact was that none of us had a clue what was entailed for the art of face painting.  Sue started calling around and found a theatrical supply company.  They advised us that the best paint for faces was a water soluable powder based paint. 



Sue



It was our first event where we would actually interact with children.  This would also become the IKV SonchIy and eventually Squadron's signature contribution.

 On the 28 January 1997, I was getting ready for bed.  I received another phone call from Alan.  I was now on charges brought by Lloyd and Floyd. 



Alan told me that I was being charged with Insubordination.  Floyd wanted me removed as his 2 i/c.  

I was accused of :

'Elitism', having such a high standard of costuming that few could join my ship;
making a statment at a Squadron meeting, that I found Floyd amusing; and
stealing a member from one of the ships in the former Black Ice Squadron.

 

I was laughing, my answer to Alan was to talk with Denise.  She had put her costume together for under ten dollars. 

The costumes were personal.  My goal was to get people involved.  I wanted participation.

As to laughing at Floyd.  Though I don't remember making the statement, I couldn't really deny that charge, I think I was a threat to his author-it-tay.

Alan later told me that this is not the way things were handled in KAG Kanada, and that he had told Floyd to deal with it himself.

The next day, an e-mail titled "Independence Declared" was sent from Floyd, removing Nova Scotia's Black Ice Squadron, without the IKV SonchIy, from KAG Kanada.  The new club was called KAG Atlantik.  In twenty four hours, I had gone from being under a cloud of suspicion to being the point man for KAG Kanada.







25 November 1996

On 18 September 1996 I had made my first appearance in costume at the Canadian Red Cross in Halifax. 


A year later, we were planning another appearance at the Red Cross for the 25 November 1996.  This time, I started promoting a "National Blood Drive".  The challenge would be to see how many blood donors we could get in to donate blood. 

We were being cautioned by the Red Cross that a coordinated effort was not what the Red Cross was about.  The Red Cross would not support such an effort.  The Red Cross in Halifax was appreciative of efforts we were making - in Halifax.  Any coordinated efforts outside of Halifax would have to be coordinated by local Klingon clubs and sanctioned by the Red Cross. 

Flier we passed out

This raised a logistical problem of having the clinics on the same day.  It was decided within KAG Kanada,  that if we could even have the events coordinated during a week period that would suffice.  The challenge would be how many donors could we entice to come through the doors.  The ship with the most donors would win the challenge.

This was also before the Red Cross transferred blood services to the two new agencies, the Canadian Blood Services and Hema-Quebec in May of 1998.

Their was a lot of excitement generated in Ontario and the Maritimes.  We caught the attention of the local news, and we were connected via satellite to the Red Cross in St Johns NB. We were going to be on the news - via satellite!  There were Klingon displays at the Red Cross Center, models, Star Trek toys and lots of Klingons.

There were six clubs represented at the Red Cross Center in Halifax.  Scotia Square is just a couple of blocks away.  A few of the members of the SonchIy decided to troll Scotia Square to see if we could recruit some potential donors.  We hung out in the mall for about an hour, passing out fliers Sue had made up.  Our goal was to make people aware that a Blood Donor Clinic was in progress and see if we could entice a pedestrian or two to give blood.

We worked the mall for about an hour, then made our way back to the Red Cross building.

Jason Donates

Within half an hour of our return, Lloyd announced that he was going to recruit some donors by working Scotia Square.  Denise, who was relatively new to the SonchIy went along.  When they returned to the Clinic, it was apparent that something was wrong.  Denise was very agitated. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that Lloyd had been taking credit for the Blood Drive.  He had met a friend of his and was stating that he, Lloyd, had been responsible for the National Blood Drive.  She told me that when Lloyd took credit, she corrected him. 

I was flattered, and told Denise not to say anything else.  I did not want to escalate friction between the ships.

A short time later, Barry whispered to me that he thought something was up.  Lloyd was in an animated discussion with Floyd and pointing in our direction as he talked. 

Later as I was walking I saw Lloyd and Floyd sitting together, and Floyd pointed at me and indicated with his finger for me to join them.  Both had very stern expressions on their faces.  I went over and Floyd told me that one of my crew had embarrassed one of his ship captains.  Floyd also told me that insubordination would not be tolerated, and what was I going to do about it. 

My first thought was, are these guys serious?  My second thought was, is this worth starting a fight?  I was also curious as to how far they wanted to take this, so I asked what did they want me to do. 

Floyd stated bluntly that I was responsible for my crew and I should discipline Denise for being insubordinate with Lloyd.  I guess he wanted me to organize the equivalent of a Klingon Firing Squad. 

I put my best serious face on, and promised to "have words" with Denise at my earliest opportunity.

At the next meeting of the IKV SonchIy when we had concluded the Ship's business, in the hallway of the YWCA, I asked Denise to stand.  I tried to look as stern as Lloyd and Floyd had with me.  I stated that Denise had been accused of being insubordinate with Lloyd at the Red Cross Blood Drive.  Did she have anything to say in her defence. 

Left to right  Paul, Rick, Jason, Karen Paul Carreau, Denise Baarry, Sue

Denise went crimson.  She is the only person I have ever met who does a full body blush.  She was angry, and I think she felt betrayed by me.  She started to tell her story of how she was "standing up" for me.  I cut her short.  I stated that she had embarrassed a Ship's Captain.  I further told her that I had promised to the Black Ice Squadron Commander that I would have a talk with Denise about this incident.

I then stood up, and started clapping.  My words to Denise were, "well done".

Sep - Oct 1996

I am going to skim through some of the events the SonchIy organized.  On their own, they were not that significant, however they laid a foundation that we were able to build on.  the following photo's were taken at a Canadian Forces Base Shearwater Family Day. 

Karen was a Sergent in Shearwater.  She worked on the Avionics side of the base.  I was a Corporal, and my area of expertise was Administration.  Karen made the arrangements for us to appear as part of the Family Day activities.  For this 'event' we were still unsophisticated in what we did. 

I think that is an oxymoron, a sophisticated Klingon!

Jason, a couple of Scouts and Paul Carreau

Left to Right - Jason, Karen Barry, Sue and Paul Carreau

This is my second Children's Wish Parade, October 19, 1996.  A year earlier, three Klingons paraded with the Children's Wish Foundation.  In this parade there were three Ship's represented.

Karen and Sue

This photo is had special meaning for Sue.  She confided in me much later on in our relationship that she had doubts about her participation in the club.  It was this 'event' that gave her her purpose.  When Sue realized that we could help make a difference for children like Sarah, The Children's Wish Ambassador, Sue realized that there was value in what she was doing.


Left to Right - Karen, Paul C., Sue, Frank, Sarah, Jason, Angela, John, Jane Paul Carreau Adam


This photo also has a lot of meaning for me.  This picture was taken by my former wife.  It was almost prophetic.  Sue showed this to her co-workers.  At the time she was still new on the base and not much was known about her.  She was asked if this was her family.  Years later, Sue, Angela and I would live together as a family.


Paul Carreau, Angela and Sue


We were invited to the Nova Scotia Hospital to participate in their Halloween party.  Who would have thought that costumed Klingons would be invited to a Halloween party? 

The IKV SonchIy would develop a relationship with the Nova Scotia Hospital later on.



Left to Right - Jason, Corey, unknown, Denise, Paul G, unknown Paul Carreau Sue



.It was during this time that a friction started to develop among the leadership.  I had been appointed Floyd's Second In Command or 2 i/c.  Because of my Administrative background, I felt that I was well suited to follow up his direction as Squadron Commander.  Primarily I sent out reminders to the other Ship Captain's for their Ship Reports.  Nova Con was looming, and the Ship Reports would be the basis for the various forms of recognition for participation and effort in the various ships.

On the 28 September 1996 Floyd and I were scheduled to do an Inspection of one of the Ship's in an outlying area, Oxford NS.  I had suggested this to Floyd as a way of motivating the crew by allowing them to show off what they were accomplishing and recognizing them for their effort.

When I arrived to pick up Floyd, Lloyd was there as well, and joined us in the car.  I was doing double duty as Transportation Officer because I was the only one with a car.

When we got under way, Lloyd told me that he was also Floyd's 2 i/c.  I questioned this, and was told by Floyd that he needed two 2i/c's.  I found it strange, but let it go.  This was after all recreation.  My Military side was telling me, "This is NOT how it's done!".

At a Squadron meeting, a meeting that the Ship Captain's gather, Kill Stripes were being discussed.  Kill stripes were used to recognize the different types of events that a member participated in.  I do not remember the color scheme except for one, red.  That was used to identify participation at a Blood Drive.  At this meeting, Floyd was going over the different colors, and stopped.  He looked puzzled for a moment, asked, "is that what we decided last meeting", then exclaimed, "it doesn't matter this is what we are doing now!".

I wasn't feeling comfortable with this arrangement.  I asked Karen to come along to the next Squadron meeting  to witness what I was seeing.  I thought this bizarre enough that it could have negative effects on the club.

The next meeting things took an unexpected turn.  Karen and I were in attendance.  It was more social than anything.  One of the women at the meeting asked Karen who she was, and what ship she was on.  When Karen stated she was on the SonchIy, the woman stated in a condescending way, "Oh, your with the party ship". 

If that was our reputation, it was a good thing.

Lloyd asked if he could get a ride home with Karen and I.  I said sure.  When we left the party, Lloyd asked if we could stop for a coffee on the way home.  We stopped at a Tim Horton's and when we were settled, Lloyd stated that, "Some people are saying that you are elitist." 

I asked Lloyd what he meant by that.  His response was, "Some people think that you are hogging all the events for yourself."

I had a strong suspicion that those gray,  vague, fuzzy unknown "some people" were probably Lloyd.  I asked Lloyd what he thought the solution should be.  Lloyd stated that I should make room, or replace my crew with members of his crew. 

I looked at Karen.  She was mirroring what I felt.  Disbelief.

I restated, to make sure I understood what was being said.  "You want me to restrict the involvement of the crew of the SonchIy, to accommodate your crew?"

Lloyd smiled and stated that was correct.

I told Lloyd that I would take his proposal to the SonchIy crew, and put it to a vote.  If the crew of the SonchIy thought it was a good idea, then we would implement it.

It was evident that the coffee was over.  I offered to take Lloyd home, however he decided he would rather walk.

It was during this time that I met Rob "not the actor" Uhrig. 

My title was CSOR Support in CFB Halifax.  My position was to support two Orderly Rooms.  I provided the stationary, business machine support, and to some extent document tracking.  My office was a mini-supply room. 

A Leading Seaman, (Navy Pusser) walks into my orderly room.  I am expecting him to ask for supplies or directions.  He asks me, "Are you Corporal Carreau?"

"Yes." I replied.

He then proceeds to unbutton his shirt. 

To put this in context, my military trainging, attitudes and indoctrination up until this point had been extremely homophobic, and here is this big sailor complete with beard, in the process of undressing in my office.  My Fight-Or-Flight instincts are taking over, and I am speechless.

He pulls back his shirt and exposes his chest and shoulders.  On his right chest is the tatoo of the Klingon Trefoil.  He proudly states, "I'm a Klinon too!" 

I wasn't going to argue!  Rob joined the SonchIy that day, tattoo and all.

07 September 1996

I maintained a dialogue with Sue by way of e-mails.  The plans that we were making for the IKV SonchIy and the direction that I wanted to take my ship, I would put into the e-mails.  I wanted to impress on her how dedicated we were as a group. 

Guilty - I was also infatuated with her and I may have been trying to impress her with...me.

I found out much later that she thought I was, in her words, "full of shit".  The e-mails I was sending her, she was sharing with a co-worker, named Stacey.  The serendipity in this is almost beyond belief.  Stacey was one of the "original crew" that John Gannon put together when he brought KAG into Canada.

Sue later admitted that all the plans and promises I had made were  far less than what I actually accomplished..

Stacey was the reason that Sue had attended MarFest.  Stacey dragged Sue to the Con and had helped Sue make two costumes.  One a Vulcan and the other a Romulan.  Stacey had a history with the club, and I suspect that she is the reason Sue was curious enough to listen to me.

Sue reported to CFB Halifax on the 02 September, and made her first appearance on 07 September.  She had less than a week to put her costume together.  We began talking by phone and I told her what the arrangements were for our party at Coles Book Store. 

On Saturday, I met Sue at Starbucks.  I was sitting at a table when she came in.  She was already in costume when she arrived.  When she had her coffee, she joined me at the table.  I had not yet put my costume on.  Members of the club, from the IKV SonchIy and elsewhere, were getting their caffeine fix as well.  Some stopped by the table to say hi.  Not one was in their costume.  They, like me, were planning on transforming later in the public washroom. 

Sue, victim, Karen and Jane

Sue was not saying much.  She just sat there, hiding behind her cup.  There was a break in the traffic and she said to me, "If this is a practical joke, you'll never see me again."  I was caught off guard.  It was something I had not considered.  She was sitting there, in full Klingon costume, alone.  Not even a week in Halifax. 

When it was time to celebrate the 30th Anniversary, Coles laid out a cake.  I do not think Coles expected the turn out.  There were Klingons from Wolfville, Oxford, Truro, Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.



Left to Right:  Paul Carreau, Jane, Sue, Barry, Karen and Rick

 We were there for at least a couple of hours.  At one point, I was told that the concessions in the Food Court were becoming irritated because tables were being taken by Klingons, and customers could not find places to sit.  I do not think it would have made much of a difference if the Klingons had been buying anything.  This was something that would become a concern for me as we started to do more high profile events.  Klingons tend to gaggle.  They like to gather in groups, especially around doors.

Barry came up to me and told me that a Photo Studio wanted to take a small group picture.  Very quietly, I gathered the members of the SonchIy and we made our way to the Studio.  One thing about Klingons, we do like to have our picture taken.

15 August 1996

At one of our ship's meetings, the idea of hosting an event for the Children's Wish Foundation was discussed.  What could we do?  Where would we do it?  How much would it cost to put together. 

I can't remember if it was Rick or Barry who suggested that we get in touch with Sam Moon of the Matt Minglewood band in Halifax.  I can not remember the exact connection, personal, a friend or a friend of a friend.  We had the means to talk with a local, established popular band.

I worked at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, and lived in the Private Married Quarters in CFB Shearwater..  As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed in Halifax and being a member of the Junior Ranks Mess, I was entitled to rent the Mess for an evening, in essence have my own private bar.  My costs would the Mess, the bartenders, the cleaners and Sam Moon.

Sam was approached and was enthusiastic.  "Klingons!  I hear you guys like to party!" 

We set the date for August 15, 1996, the only night it was available.  We photocopied some papers to advertise this event and went over Halifax and Dartmouth handing them out.

During this weekend Halifax was hosting its Annual Busker Fest.  We thought that with the number of people on the waterfront we could reach our target audience most effectively.  It was also the cheapest way we could go without paying for media advertising.

Armed with our photocopied fliers, we breached the Halifax defenses and started handing out our photocopied paper.

The evening of the 15th arrived.  Sam was set up, sound checks done, the lights were just right, bar tenders ready to serve and I don't think we had more than ten people come through the front door.

 Karen and Jane

One of those people was Lloyd.  Even though the turnout was breaking my VISA card, Lloyd was impressed.  It was an impressive event.  We were hanging, having a few drinks.  We danced - why not, the music was paid for.  It was one of the best private parties I ever hosted.  (The only private party I ever hosted!)

Jane, Sam Moon and Karen

Lloyd commented that the SonchIy had the best looking women in the Halifax area.  Gee, I really hadn't noticed...  Actually, as I think about it, we went out of our way to make ourselves look aggressive.  The best compliment I ever received was that I was so ugly I was cute.  I now wonder if Lloyd was putting the women of the SonchIy down?

Think And Grow Klingon

A challenge, as Ship Commander, was to maintain a level of interest for the members of the group.  The next event that would get the members out in costume was Nova Con in November.  I realized that I would have to generate events that we could participate in.

One of my first priorities was to find a neutral location for our meetings.  I didn't like holding meetings in a home.  The model I was using was what I was used to in the Military.  I was the Commanding Officer, and the members of the ship were my section heads.  I carried a ledger to the meetings, and would delegate a task to someone at the table.  In my ledger I would note who and when the task was to be accomplished.  This became part of my agenda for the next meeting.

This works in a perfect world.  Holding a meeting in someones home defeated the purpose.  I did not want to compete with the dog, cat, parakeet or even worse the children.  When the dog - cat or little Johnny crawls in being too cute and takes away the focus of the meeting; well Moms just do not like it when you tell them their precious is interrupting the meeting.   This sounds harsh and I did not want to put myself or the others in this situation.  My other option was to find neutral territory.

I had heard that the YWCA by the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth could provide meeting space.  There was a nominal fee for the space.  We would take up a collection at the meeting.  Nominal Fee - We got what we paid for.  Our meetings were held in the hallway.  We could hear the sounds of ballet music from one side of the building and the thud-slap of the judo classes on the other side.  Anyone who had to use the washrooms had to pass by our 'conference table'.

Truth be told, I did not want to host the meetings at my house. 

I was relying on my Military experience.  A busy soldier is a happy soldier.  My Amway experience was to build for the event.  Make sure:  the experience is positive;  the people involved have to feel good about what they are doing and themselves; and  recognition for accomplishments.

Question:  "How do I generate an event?"  Looking for events was my challenge.  I was constantly looking for people of influence in any organization that was trying to raise money.  The Klingons were different and attracted attention.  I started talking to anyone and everyone.  My attitude was that I did not know who I was talking to.  A casual conversation could and did lead to, "Oh, I know someone you should talk to." 

One of the more unusual events, (Note to self - define usual.), was one of our first.  In October of 1995, we had been invited to participate in a "Skate-A-Thon".  If you can imagine a cadre of Klingons cavorting on skates.  I did my first split ever - my first and only split.  On a personal note, the Ice Capades never really did it for me after that. 

We had participated with the Children's Wish Foundation in Bedford.  Our participation at that time was to show up in costume.  We would walk among the crowd, have our picture taken and just add presence.  This was a lot easier and even safer, for me, than trying to keep my balance on skates.

During the early summer of 1996, Henry had quit KAG Kanada.  Henry had been the Ship's Captain of the IKV Praksis as well as the Squadron Commander of the Black Ice Fleet. The new Squadron Commander was Floyd.  (Not his real name.)

I was appointed as his Second In Command or 2 i/c.  I saw my role as administrative.  Following up on Ship Reports and maintaining a dialogue with the other ships in rural Nova Scotia.  The Internet was starting to take shape.  I had migrated from the Bulletin Boards to an Internet account.  We were in a rush to take advantage of the GUI features of the relatively new Windows platform.

IKV SonchIy

I had bought a book on HTML coding, and was keen on posting a picture on a web page.  I had bought my first computer, a 286.  1 mega byte of ram and 40 mega bytes of hard drive.  The computer store that I bought it from told me, more accurately the sales man told me that I would never need another computer.

We had a crest for the ship, compliments of Rick.  Rick was also the first one in the group to become proficient in HTML coding.  That translated to Rick was spending a fair amount of time at my house, on my computer.

I wanted to establish a web presence as soon as possible.  I wanted to get the name of the ship, the crest and visual proof of our events on line and as soon as possible.

Sue had gotten in touch with me regarding the picture she had taken at MarFest.  We were communicating via e-mail.  Sue also was in the Military.  She was posted to CFB Moncton.  The base was in the process of closing down.  During the course of our correspondence, she confided that she was being posted to CFB Halifax.  I knew that she was into costuming, and I wanted her to join my ship when she arrived in Halifax.

What I did not know was that her participation at MarFest had also been her first time in costume at a convention.  The only question was when she would be in Halifax to hand over the copy of the photograph she had taken.

There was another new ship in Halifax, under the command of Lloyd, (again, not his real name), who was committing himself totally to establishing a presence in Halifax.  My impression, at the time, was that he was in competition with the Praksis.  I remember the ship's name sounding like the Shang Way.  My spelling, not the Klingon.

His targeting scanners were not on the Praksis as much as on the SonchIy.  I would find that out much later.

Marfest 96 - Post Partum

The build up to MarFest had been long and tiring.  Going into the convention, the expectations I had were eclipsed by the success of the event.  I experienced a euphoria of feelings and emotions.  MarFest had been successful and the members of the SonchIy had bonded in a way that I hadn't expected nor even hoped for.

We were already talking about the next Marfest.  In Halifax, and I think it is fair to say the Maritimes, MarFest had been the largest Con east of Toronto. 

There were other Cons, Wolf Con in Wolfville NS and Nova Con in Halifax in November. 

The number of Guest Stars, programming, community involvement and media attention far exceeded what was the norm for Eastern Canada. 

As a member of the ConCom, I was taking my cues from the more 'seasoned' local Con attendees.  There had been a few Toronto Trek veterans in attendance as well, and they were impressed with what we had accomplished.  Toronto Trek being the standard we were trying to meet.  We were not at par, however for our first time out we had been impressive. 

The committee members were already talking about when we should hold our first meeting to plan for MarFest 2. 

The one negative that the committee shared was Henry's micro managing of the various departments.  I also believe Henry was very insecure about his position as Chair.  Out of his earshot, we referred to MarFest as 'Hanky-Con'.  On more than one occasion he asked us, as a group, to stop referring to it as 'Hanky-Con'. 

From March to September 1996, the IKV SonchIy was involved in thirteen events.  It was during this time that we aligned ourselves with the Children's Wish Foundation in Halifax and did our first event with them on the 20th of June.

On the 15th of August.  Children's Wish Dance CFB Shearwater.  We decided we would host our own event, with the proceeds going to the Children's Wish Foundation. 

On September 07, Cole's Book Store in the Mic Mac Mall hosted their 30th Anniversary Star Trek event.

On September 29, The AIDS coalition 10 Kilometer March in Halifax.

On September 30, we participated in a National Blood Drive. 

Each one of these events; the planning and preparation; the personalities; the event itself; and the follow up started to define the IKV SonchIy and set a direction that continues to this day.

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. 


 


Robin Curtis and Paul Carreau

 



Robin Curtis and Suzanne (Sue) Larose

 Four years later Sue and I were married.