Pasadena: The Final Frontier

About 5,000 “Star Trek” fans beamed into the Pasadena Conference Center over three days this spring for the 10th annual Star Trek Grand Slam. The massive convention of fans, celebrities and vendors is one of the largest in the world, according to organizers from Creationent.com. We probed the minds of some of the participants to see what planet they’re on.

Darrell Lahman

(a.k.a. “Klingon Lt. Col. Hekor”)

46, courier, Vallejo

How long have you been a

Trekkie or a Trekker?

I’ve been a fan since 1968.

Which “Star Trek” series rules?

“Deep Space Nine.” There’s more Klingons in it.

What is a tribble?

Some kind of fuzzy little animal. They’re good for cannon fodder.

Any public appearances in your “Star Trek” costume?

I’ve worn it in restaurants and management seminars. A group of us went to a mall to sing Klingon Christmas carols. Six of us crashed a wedding in costume.

Who is the sexiest “Trek”

character?

My wife will kill me, but Grace Lee Whitney as Yeoman Rand.

What “Trek” character do you most resemble?

I don’t portray a set character. You can be as nasty as you want and people expect it from a Klingon.

If space was the final frontier, where’s the next frontier?

The next dimension.

Frank Nigro

(a.k.a.”Farek the Ferengi”)

20, student, Watsonville

Which “Star Trek” series rules?

“Next Generation.” The characters are cool and look cool. They did a lot in that show.

Fave bit of “Trek” trivia?

I read that their costumes were very smelly.

What is a tribble?

A little, furry creature, born pregnant. They’re everywhere.

What “Trek” character do you most resemble?

I’m about the same age as Wil Wheaton [Ensign Wesley Crusher from “Next Generation”].

If space was the final frontier, where’s the next frontier?

Time. That’s the only thing I can think of.

Nichelle Nichols

(Lt. Uhura on the original

“Star Trek”)

age, “timeless” actress, author, recording artist, Woodland Hills

Which “Star Trek” series rules?

“Classic ‘Star Trek,’ ” [the original series], was the best of Gene [Roddenberry’s] dream.

Your favorite episode?

Any time Uhura got off the bridge.

Fave bit of “Trek” trivia?

We stole Leonard Nimoy’s bicycle and hung it in the rafters. He didn’t find it for several days.

What is a tribble?

A fuzzy, furry little animal whose unique characteristic is it’s born pregnant and can multiply.

Who is the sexiest “Trek” character?

Bones [DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. McCoy]. There was something so subtly sensuous about him. He had that gentility and charm.

What “Trek” character do you most resemble?

Spock. I actually read for Spock.

If space was the final frontier, where’s the next frontier?

The mind. We’re only using 10%. Imagine the possibilities! I used to have this argument with Gene Roddenberry.

Beverly Potter

(Andorian)

55, Lucerne Valley

Marci Mesnard

(Andorian)

“over 55,” retired computer technician, Lucerne Valley

Which “Star Trek” series rules?

Beverly: I like “Deep Space Nine.”

What is a tribble?

Beverly: Those little things that purr and calm you down. Klingons hate tribbles.

Marci: They reproduce worse than rabbits.

How have you incorporated “Star Trek” into your life?

Beverly: I wear my Bajoran earring all the time. My husband made it.

Marci: My license plate holder read “My Other Car Is a Shuttlecraft.”

Any public appearances in your “Star Trek” costume?

Beverly: We do Sunday school lessons in costume. Once I stood outside and waved at truckers.

Marci: We do volunteer work for libraries and at William Shatner’s Hollywood Charity Horse Show.

If space was the final frontier, where’s the next frontier?

Beverly: I think energy.

Marci: Time. It’s another dimension.