Some of you may be wondering what a Star Wars blog has to do with Star Trek, but as a kid who grew up with both Luke Skywalker and James T. Kirk... this "captain kirk(han)" has been trekking across the galaxy of sci-fi here in the midwest. Things have been busy here in OH-IO, in more ways then you can imagine... but here's a summary of what my crew have been up to.

As always, Free Comic Book Day was a BIG project for us. After the success of last year's events, members of Midwest Base and Ohio Garrison were making stops at local comic shops all over the Cleveland area.

First off was Carol and John's Comics and their midnight madness comic release party. Carol and John's is the place to go for Free Comic Day, and once again they had fans lined up around Kam's Corner plaza waiting to get in the door at 12:00 ... jsut to be 1st to get their hands on comic books. My favorite part of the night had to be the "race around the world" (aka: Kam's Corner plaza) by John (Superman) and a friend (The Flash) with a suprise "attack" by Captain Cold... HILARIOUS!

Next morning, it was time to split up... with one team heading over to Comic Haven while Tatooineboy and myself visited a new comic store called Kidforce Collectibles and later Recess (Southpark Mall). I haven't gone cruising a mall with the troopers in a while, but Jason didn't disappoint me: between posing for pictures with a Chick-Fila "cow" and stopping by stores like Hot Topic and FYE (in full armor) he reminded me of all the good times I've had over the years... before I knew anything (or had to deal with) about the politics that goes on with groups like our's... gawd I miss those times!

Last month, Charlie Ross and his "One Man Star Wars Trilogy" show came to the Cleveland Playhouse... so of course, you know we were going to be there for the entire run of the show (May 6th-10th). As always, the show itself is hilarious and everyone from Cleveland Playhouse was excited to have us there in costume to mingle with the crowd before and after the show. Again, a busy couple days for us... but one of those experiences you don't soon forget.

My favorite event of the past month had to the wedding of Darth_Dragoon and BlondeLeia. These two joined us just over a year ago, and this Han and Leia have quickly become part of our local "family" but on May 15th, Jeremy and Lindsey became a family of their own.

Personally, I try and avoid weddings. Being single, they remind me of a time in my life I've worked very hard to put behind me, and that's tough when you're surrounded by family... and it's just easier NOT to go. That being said, Jeremy and Lindsey's wedding made me feel good. It felt good because I was sitting with my "padawan" Fuzzball (and his date) and watched Lindsey walk down the aisle (happy-crying like you would NOT believe) and Jeremy just couldn't stop smiling... you knew those two were gonna be alright. The wedding and reception had a princess (imagine that considering Lindsey love Princess Leia) and fairytale theme, but you know these two had to put a Star Wars spin on things, when the bridal party walks in to the "Throne Room" theme and the newly married couple entered to the Star Wars theme (also played "Across the Stars"). During her speech, Lindsey's bridesmaid said it best:

"Jeremy and Lindsey are truely a match made "in a galaxy far, far away" - Paige Lehnert (maid of honor)

I couldn't agree more!

The following morning, several of us "Buckeyes" loaded up our cars and minivans to make the now annual trek up to Motor City Comic Con in Novi (just outside of Detroit).

Since Motor City was celebrating it's 20th anniversary, they decided to bring in the BIG names stars: Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Erin Grey (Wilma Deering), Michael Hogan (Col. Tigh - BSG) Luciana Carro ("Kat" - BSG), Aaron Douglas (Chief Tyrol - BSG), Richard LeParmentier (Admiral Motti - ANH), and Anthony Forrest (sandtrooper - ANH). But the BIG name everyone was talking about was: Carrie (frakking) Fisher.

Now ya gotta understand, having one of "the BIG 3" of Star Wars at your con means this was going to turn into the "midwest mecca" for all the Leia and Padme members of Rebel Legion. And let me tell ya, our girls didn't disappoint... everywhere you turned, there were cini-bun hairdos and white robes all over the place; as well more then a few metal bikini ladies walking around (some were our's... some aren't, it's complicated). darthmitsy was (as always) her rock-star self... her picture with Carrie turned out awesome; Em waited 2-3 hours just to get her copy of Carrie Fisher's new book signed (and personalized... not everyone got that) and Carrie even complimented Em on her "pilot" costume (well done Shadow Leader!), and Carrie was presented an Honorary Membership to Midwest Base and Great Lakes Delegation (the Leia and Padme detachment for MWB). Overall, a good day to be a "rebel."

Em and I had planned on getting our photo shoot together, we've been trying to meet Carrie ever since Celebration II... we got autographs, thanks to a good semaritan (from Akron) we just happened to be standing in line with on Sunday (before they capped the line)... but we ended up splitting up: me with my "padawan" Fuzzball and Em with (fellow TPM handmaiden) Darth Revan. (Em still got a picture with one of us in costume... HA, HA!)

Then... there was the Great Lakes Garrison afterparty: OMG, there ain't no party like a GLG party!

So what does all of this have to do with the release of the recent "Star Trek" movie you may ask?

Having raised a both lifetime Star Wars and Trek fan, I was really frustrated with SW fans and wanted to "get away" from the fan GFFA... so I decided to take my mom out for a "mother's day" night out at the movies. She always enjoyed watching the original Trek series and movies with me growing up and she was interested in the "new" movie and the cast. As we were leaving the theater, I noticed my old friend Sonya (I've organized some SW fundraiser events with her over the years) was setting up in the lobby and went over to say hello. She was setting up her ususal fundraiser table, Sonya is still waiting for a heart transplant, and she wanted me to bring my mom over... she wanted to tell her (in-person) what a good man I was. She told my mom that she was forever greatful for what I did, leading this crew (of SW geeks in costumes), in an effort to save a life... her's.

Mom was so proud, she got me an "early birthday present" ... a toy replica of the NCC-1701-A Enterprise (my favorite) which is sitting prominently in my room at home.

I've been going through some tough times in the world of SW group politics, I've made my fair share of enemies, and it's even costed me my Ohio MWB "command" and Shadow Squadron. But through it all, my crew stood by me and I'm forever greatful to them for that. And my experience with Sonya reminded me that what I've done has impacted the lives of "real" people, regardless of my popularity of some message board. What have I learned from Trek... I don't believe in the "no-win scenario."

Live long and prosper!