Over Thanksgiving weekend I attended the Star Trek convention in Indianapolis. Despite differences between TV, convention, and internet fans, all Trekkers enjoy a reputation of extended family and it was apt season for sharing good spirits.

The hotel was filled with about 1000 (Humans, Klingons, Cardassians, Borg, Andorians, a Vulcan, no Romulans) packed into aisles and crammed in close seating. Dealers were plentiful yet helpful.

No VOY cast participated but Max Grodenchik, Aron Eisenberg, and Chase Masterson represented DS9. Half the TNG contingent, Denise Crosby screened her film "Trekkies" and relayed plans for a sequel. (She also refused to sign my discreetly offered copy of her March '79 published work. Go figure.)

ENT dominated the audience Q&A. (A call-out request for cast to attend future conventions was quickly met by a child yelling, "Porthos!") Scott Bakula does few conventions so catch him anywhere you can. Anthony Montgomery is a maybe (a native, his parents were rumored to be scoping the audience), John Billingsley is confirmed, and Connor Trinneer appears early next year. Linda Park, bothered by creepy fan letters, is apparently wary of fandom.

Walter Koenig and George Takei led the TOS charge. Walter seemed elsewhere but George was effervescent (while queuing the autograph lines we were sternly warned, "Don't Talk To George!"). I gladly received their handshakes, reasoning that while I might lose a signature, I'll never forget their handshake!

During Saturday's dinner many stars appeared for walk-around photo ops. Walter performed a moving Scrooge moment; George sang "16 Tons" with the crowd joining loudly. The evening's highlight was two 40-minute acts of Spock vs. Q, with Nimoy and de Lancie fully in character if not in costume.

Sunday morning things warmed up as Jerry Doyle tossed hilarious, foul-mouthed swipes at everyone from Shatner to Streisand. John de Lancie spoke of his orchestral work and teased interest in the Weakest Link special. Astronaut Dick Gordon - my guess for most popular man at the show - celebrated the 32nd anniversary of Apollo 12's splashdown with a vivid recap of mankind's excursion into space.

Then came Leonard, impressive and respectable as ever. Making small talk on-stage, he informed us that his focus now is on personal matters and these are his final handful of conventions. Godspeed to him.

I'm tempted to join him except like those silly commercials say, I suppose the cost of the ticket pales beside the priceless experience of meeting the heroes that inspire one's imagination. Thanks to all for everything - especially a Thanksgiving I won't soon forget.