Much like Pon Farr and Vulcans, Ferengi and money, or the USS Bozeman and the Typhon Expanse, some things are simply inseparable.  Also bonded at the Tachyon Particle level – Star Trek and science fiction conventions.  This writer was fortunate enough to have experienced the classic RiverCon events down in Louisville several times in the 70s.  Even then the show was populated by various Trek fans decked out in costumes (often hand crafted) to give honor to their favorite characters.  Self-published Fan fiction, homemade phasers, starship schematics, Mego action figures – the more things change, the more they stay the same and the Federation of Time would be proud.  Over the past 40+ years genre fads have come and gone.  Star Wars costumes come and go, men dressed as Predators can be found taking a leak in the men’s room, and the stray Babylon 5 t-shirt can be spotted now and again.  But one constant remains: Star Trek has won the war of ages.  If you need proof, rest assured it doesn’t require a sacrifice of Edith Keeler proportions to experience the past and future all at once.  In fact, one has to look no further than the Indianapolis Marriott East (7202 E. 21st St.).

From December 9 – 11, 2011, the greatest “Midwest fan-run sci-fi convention” known as Starbase Indy holds its sixteenth gathering of genre-soaked bliss.   Star guests representing the Trek universe include the legendary actor Tony Todd, John Billinglsley, and Deborah Downey.   Despite the threads of Star Trek woven into its DNA, this year’s event also offers a variety of guests for all levels of obsession: stars and guest-stars from shows such as Stargate SG-1, X-Files, and Chuck will be on hand to add diversity.  A masquerade, another staple of sci-fi cons, is another must-see event and the Klingon karaoke cannot be missed.  In the quest for knowledge that underlies the Trek experience, sessions on actual 21st century science will be offered, and the kids will have an opportunity to build their own Tribbles.

New this year is the first ever battle of the bands, but this year the fate of the neutral zone is at stake.  Yes, this battle of the bands will be waged between Starfleet and Klingons.  If you wear your freak status proudly and you’ve got a flag, this event will be the ideal time to let that freak flag fly.  Full disclosure – I am a self-admitted Star Trek freak on many levels (well, except for ST: Voyager…I was always a DS9 guy myself), and this event alone should be worth the price of admission.

Exploration, adventure, friendship, diversity – Star Trek has always been about many things.  One constant that represents the Federation is its desire to help and defend those in need.  To that end, Starbase Indy will be promoting and accepting donations for its chosen charities: Cat’s Haven, Jason’s Foundation, and LUNGevity.
These days when local and global events seem oh so heavy, we could all stand a little bit of futuristic optimism.  Do yourself a favor this holiday season and visit Starbase Indy, the 16th Generation.  Tell them the Emissary sent you!

Link: Starbase Indy