AER: The Houston Con – Summer 2014

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Stardates: 68064.9 to 68074 (Aug 7-10, 2014)

Waking up early I set myself to drop off the (new) miniature targ at the local veterinarian for boarding. Even though the locale of our away mission (Houston Hilton North) was animal-friendly, Osi’ris would require much more supervision than I was able to give. It was my second large away mission to what is now known as Houston Con, and I didn’t want any distractions.

After dropping him off I proceeded to load my personal shuttle, the Artemis, with various supplies and sundries needed for the mission. I also stopped at a maintenance supply store, known on Terra as Loews, to grab some tools for cutting pipe. Apparently the tool I had acquired the night before had been shoddy and broke easily. Once I was packed, the pipes in my shuttle (stretching across it from the cargo bay at the back to the co-pilot seat at the front, I made my way to the mission location, about 45 minutes to an hour from my home.

When I landed, I met with Squeeze and Salek of the IKV Melota, who helped me “move “into my quarters for the remainder of this away mission. My XO wouldn’t be arriving until the evening, and I was carrying all the supplies for our table. I proceeded, then, to prepare the tubes and such for cutting and assemble them down by our table, staking our claim, and providing a hint as to our information booth. I had not expected the tubes to cut as easily as they did and in a matter of several minutes I had assembled the frame. It was a proud moment, as I hadn’t thought I would so as well as I did.

Once Squeeze and I got the sign tightened, and the table covered in preparation for the first day, we went to dinner, then I headed up to my room to prepare for the next night, catching sight of my XO, Morakh, and a Starfleet member from Fleet 31 to whom he had provided transportation. She would be staying with us in our quarters. It was an exercise in interfleet relations.

The next morning, we woke early to set up our table. I wore a traditional “TOS” style uniform and honor sash, though sadly, many newer Star Trek fans weren’t aware that I was a Klingon until I started carrying around my bat’leth. It could have been the smooth forehead. We proceeded to set up our table, including items such as a disruptor, a bear version of the great Kor, and a signed Klingon monopoly board. My mek’leths were also on display, as were a drawing of a K’t’inga class battle cruiser (a nod to the honor of my XO’s grandfather) as well as an ownership guide to a Bird of Prey, such as the IKS Rotarran. As a way to foster interest, and share Klingon culture, candied sour gagh was available on the display for people to take. Friday passed with little in the way of event, though I got to meet General Martok once more, which was a real honor.

Saturday, however, was busy. I was dressed in my gray battle uniform, as well as sporting my ridges. I started my morning with a raktajino before making my way to the room for my Panel on KAG and Klingon Culture. Salek and Morakh provided support and much-needed context to the topics. At the conclusion of the panel we took names and read aloud the names of fallen warriors, culminating the panel with a Death Howl for the honored dead. It was a glorious conclusion worthy of the Black Fleet.

Shortly afterward, Salek’s panel on Klingon Language was presented, and Morakh and I were present to provide support, as well as lyrics to Klingon songs. We sang “Hear! Sons of Kahless” for those present as an example of Klingon language, and at a participant’s request. The rest of Saturday passed with alternating sitting at the table to promote KAG, and walking around with my bat’leth to promote KAG. I also took the opportunity to take photographs with Tony Todd, Richard Hatch, and J.G. Hertzler, the latter being one he referred to as “the Death of Martok” as I was beheading him with my bat’leth. I also watched the Prelude to Axanar panel, and enjoyed learning more about the project. One of the highlights of the day was when Richard Hatch stopped by our table and signed my brother Dragen’s Klingon Monopoly Board, and told Morakh that he would make a great Klingon in Axanar. I could not have been prouder of my XO!

In the evening, I made the decision to participate in the Houston Con Cosplay Contest as a way to promote KAG and Klingon culture, as well as my ship. Though I didn’t win, I made an impression on the audience, and I highlighted KAG in the Houston area, which made the endeavor a success in my eyes.

Sunday, the last day of the Con saw me dress in my KAG t-shirt and jeans. I was, “A Klingon working undercover as a human.” I continued carrying my bat’leth around so that I could highlight that I was, in fact, Klingon. Interestingly, it caught the attention of Eaddy Mays, who was one of the emcees of the Cosplay contest. She asked to take some photographs with my bat’leth, but I suggested she borrow one of Salek’s (who was sitting at our table) and we would battle. One of our friends from Fleet 31, was also present, and she became a part of the shot. It was both an honor and a great deal of fun to partake in this activity with “the mean mom” on Teen Wolf.

At the end of the event, I wished Salek and Squeeze safe travels, said farewell to my crewman and friends, then joined the crew of the USS Zavala for some dinner at Potatoe Patch, where I proceeded to eat steak tips and corn, Klingon style – only using my hands. The corn was a bit of challenge, but aside from some stares by the staff, it was a successful experience. I reminded the crew of the Zavala that our Good Day to Dine event was coming up later in the month, before heading home.

Special thanks and recognition to:

Salek and Squeeze of the IKV Melota
Crew of the USS Constancy – Fleet 31
Crew of USS Zavala – SFI
Morakh, Son of Khorus, my XO

For the Glory of the Empire!

2nd Lt. tai, Q’alara
CO, IKV Logh Veng

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