to boldly go . . .

As the virus that has invaded my home sensed my presence and began its assault, I turned, as I have so many times before, to a favourite and cherished comfort food for the soul. Original Star Trek. Because nothing eases the discomfort of a horrible cold like immersion in the futuristic adventures of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Complete with visible strings attached to the star ships and walls that shudder when the turbo lift opens. All part of the charm.



And yesterday, as if knowing that I would need this long-treasured comfort, the stars aligned and the DVD of the new Star Trek film was released.



No visible strings here. But it stayed remarkably true to the spirit of the original. I knew it was just what I needed. I dragged myself off to purchase it and then settled in on the couch. And when it had ended, my mind drifted to next Halloween.

Okay, perhaps the path in my mind from Star Trek to Halloween 2010 was not quite so straightforward. But the film reminded me of the original series. Which reminded me of the original actors. Which reminded me of Walter Koenig, who played Chekov. Which reminded me that he will be in Halifax next year for the first (and hopefully annual) sci-fi/comic convention, Hal-Con. Which reminded me that the organizers had inexplicably decided to hold the event on the last weekend in October. Which reminded me that I would need a costume for both Hal-Con and Halloween on the same weekend. Which reminded me that I should start planning early to avoid complete insanity next October.



But what to do?

My first idea was one costume that I could wear at both the con and on Halloween night. This idea was quickly scrapped. I tend to be a Halloween traditionalist and have never made flying saucers or aliens or vortexes part of my celebrations. And probably never will. I couldn't imagine a costume I would be happy with that could be worn both nights. Moving on then, I thought perhaps one of the costumes could be very simple and one more elaborate. Perhaps a detailed costume for Halloween; and for the con, an anonymous, doomed Star Trek red-shirt?



Too simple.

Or perhaps a more original costume for the con. . .





. . . and something basic for Halloween.



But only this year had I finally broken my habit of leaving my costume until the last minute and resorting to something mundane. Never again.

So at the moment I remain undecided. And still sick. And with only eleven short months to prepare. Perhaps a little more classic Star Trek and inspiration will strike.