MINDSCANNER #56

THE LONE K'RANGER

Greetings fellow Warriors!

It has been another busy quarter for the IKV Dragon's Fire and friends. Our biggest highlight was attending two great conventions: Fantasticon and ComicCon. A good time was had by all and yes, there will be a rematch of AlexKlagg and the Kouch at Fantasticon 2000. Just can't let that boy out of our sight for even a few minutes without his finding more trouble. But he does keep life exciting!

This submission includes two reports, one about Fantasticon written by Capt. K'Mar sutai-Kahl and one about ComicCon written by Lt. Cmdr. Melk-tag vestai-Stavones.

FANTASTICON REPORT
by Paul Anthony

Our destination was the city, Los Angeles, CA. It's a big city with lots of things happening, and lots to see and do. The movie and television industries are located here, providing plenty for folks to see and do at home or away. Some of their shows become so popular that fans organize conventions to see the stars, buy merchandize, and swap stories. When they do, that's when I go to work. I carry a bat'leth.

(The story you are about to read is true. Nothing has been changed to protect the innocent. If they're innocent, they have nothing to worry about. Okay? OKAY!!).

It was Friday, July 30th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working out of Volunteer Division, Security Section at Fantasticon. The boss' name is Connie Poquette. My partner's name is Adam Jefferds. My name's K'Mar.

10 am. We all knew it was going to be a fast paced weekend, and we were ready. Fantasticon is a sci-fi convention put on by William Campbell (KOLOTH, Squire of Gothos), to benefit the Motion Picture and Television Fund. Proceeds go to the Actors Hospital in Los Angeles. In addition to a tribute to DeForest Kelley, there was a silent auction, and personal appearances by many stars from the world of sci-fi. Included were the casts of Crusade, B5, Voyager, and Lost in Space. Other stars included (but not limited to) Don Pedro Colley, Martin Milner and Kent McCord, Lee Meriwether, Francie Nuyen, Barbara Luna, and Tiny Ron. (I'm sure these names are familiar to you. If not, get your head out of the antimatter chamber).

What makes this convention different than others you ask? First, it's more personable than any other I have attended. We all have been to cons where you get rushed through an autograph line. Not here. At Fantasticon, you can spend time with the stars, and get to know them. Second, the stars actually seem to like this one. The atmosphere (in addition to being oxygen/nitrogen) is relaxed, and friendly. Third, two of the highlights of this convention are the Gala Awards Banquet on Friday night, where folks can mingle and dine with the stars they saw during the day, and the concert performed Saturday night. This year as last, Tim Russ (Tuvok) sang.

This year's Fantasticon featured several of the actual props used in DS9, including replicator stations, the one and only chair of the Grand Nagus, the one and only Dabo wheel, and Cardassian control panels. The silent auction also offered for sale a variety of items from Trek, and other sci-fi shows. The bidding was almost intense enough for a Ferengi.

If you are looking for a different style of convention next year, drop in. Fantasticon 2000 will be at the Westin Hotel by LAX, July 28-30, 2000. (Further information will be forthcoming as these dates draw nearer). You won't find another one like it anywhere.

Qapla To Those Who Serve The Empire!
Capt. K'Mar sutai-Kahl
Commanding Officer
Kri'stak Quadrant, Ring Of Fire Fleet

COMIC-CON REPORT
by Lynda Ortiz

ComicCon was two weeks after our trip to Fantasticon. The IKV Stranglehold held their usual nentay and party but the best time came at Saturday evening's Masquerade. Robert Trebor (Salmoneus of Hercules and Xena) was the MC and extremely entertaining. There were many fine acts such as the Kikkoman/Top Ramen Rumble, Poison Ivy, Shazam/Isis and several Darth Mauls and Sailor Moons. There were also previews of upcoming movies including Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp, the new James Bond flick with Pierce Brosnan and Brad Dourif and Battlestar Galactica with Richard Hatch who also answered questions about his movie.

We met a variety of Klingons, including those KiB folk from the IKV Kahless Ro of Las Vegas and Twisty, Kerla, and Kris. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Lt. Cmdr. Melk-tag vestai-Stavones
XO, IKV Dragon's Fire
BGW, KAG

So, stay tuned for further developments in the continuing saga of the IKV Dragon's Fire. We will be on the hunt again for Zantai Klaus. Young AlexKlagg thinks he has a definite lead but understands he will be cleaning (again!) any reindeer emissions we attract. He is, however, supremely confident of his ability to avoid such emissions. Also, the crew has graciously volunteered to try more tribble recipes for the cookbook since Kellien was able to replace her herd. This was no small feat since the crew, lead by K'Mar, were eating and shooting them as fast as Kellien was catching them! Needless to say they have ALL been banned - permanently - from the tribble holding pens. Melk-tag is currently searching for a rigorous diet and exercise program for the crew. Seems gorging on all those tribbles caused more than a few uniforms burst at the seams!

Submitted by,
Lt. Cmdr. Kellien vestai-Ramoth
CO, IKV Dragon's Fire
BGW, KAG