In Which Our Hero/Author Meets Chekov
I went to a small Star Trek convention, this past weekend. I wasn't expecting to see or meet anyone famous; the guest list looked small and I didn't really know or care about most of the people on the list. I knew Walter Koenig (aka Chekov) would be there, but the itinerary only listed a panel.
So, I'm browsing through the "hucksters' area" (the vendor's area), when my friend grabs my shoulder and whirls me around. He's pointing at the open area outside the hucksters area, but I don't see anything. He tells me Chekov just walked by. I didn't see him, but I wanted to.
Fast forward an hour or so. Having completed our tour of the hucksters area (and having bought two shirts, and Commander Sela figurine, six Star Trek Voyager books, and some Japanese Aloe soda), we approach the door to exit the vendor's area. When, who should appear but Commander (Admiral*) Chekov!
My friends (yes, more joined me after I arrived at the convention) and I wanted autographs. I had always wanted to meet Walter Koenig, and I was really trying to contain my fanboy squeals. I didn't want to ask him about stupid fanboy stuff, so I just played it cool. My friends had small chit chat with him ("I really enjoy your work", "Do you come to these often?", etc).
One friend asked if he had seen the new Star Trek movie, yet. Answer: "Not yet. I suppose I'll see it when everyone else does". My friend asked him if he liked the actor who will be playing the younger Chekov. He said Anton Yelchin is a good actor and will do a good job.
I honestly don't remember what I said to Walter, but I do know that I didn't squeal, drool, or any other stupid stuff. I know I was calm, cool, and I had a good conversation with him. I do know I/we spoke to him for a good ten minutes, maybe even fifteen. It was the highlight of my day.
So, we all pick out photo's we want him to autograph. For my friends, he signs "To: XYZ, Walter Koenig". For me, he signed "To Philip and Friendship. Walter Koenig". Wow!
Next, I asked him if we could get a photo of him. I didn't expect him to allow it, I know the actors usually won't let you do it unless you pay a fee. But he said sure. I thought I would just take a photo of him by himself, but he invited us to stand next to him to have our pictures taken. I went last.
With everyone else, he shook their hands, smiled at the camera. When it was my turn, he actually put his arm on my shoulder! Holy Cow, wow, squeal, etc. I don't know what I did or didn't do to engender this reaction from him, but I'll remember it always.
Walter, if you're reading this, thanks for making my day :D
Footnote: Yes, I'm a fanboy, but I contained it (at least, until I wrote this blog post, lol).
Footnote 2: * Chekov's highest rank, according to the Official Star Trek biography, is Commander. However, several books (including at least one by William Shatner) have Chekov at the rank of Admiral. Also, Commander William Riker (Star Trek TNG) made mention of having read Admiral Chekov's books.
So, I'm browsing through the "hucksters' area" (the vendor's area), when my friend grabs my shoulder and whirls me around. He's pointing at the open area outside the hucksters area, but I don't see anything. He tells me Chekov just walked by. I didn't see him, but I wanted to.
Fast forward an hour or so. Having completed our tour of the hucksters area (and having bought two shirts, and Commander Sela figurine, six Star Trek Voyager books, and some Japanese Aloe soda), we approach the door to exit the vendor's area. When, who should appear but Commander (Admiral*) Chekov!
My friends (yes, more joined me after I arrived at the convention) and I wanted autographs. I had always wanted to meet Walter Koenig, and I was really trying to contain my fanboy squeals. I didn't want to ask him about stupid fanboy stuff, so I just played it cool. My friends had small chit chat with him ("I really enjoy your work", "Do you come to these often?", etc).
One friend asked if he had seen the new Star Trek movie, yet. Answer: "Not yet. I suppose I'll see it when everyone else does". My friend asked him if he liked the actor who will be playing the younger Chekov. He said Anton Yelchin is a good actor and will do a good job.
I honestly don't remember what I said to Walter, but I do know that I didn't squeal, drool, or any other stupid stuff. I know I was calm, cool, and I had a good conversation with him. I do know I/we spoke to him for a good ten minutes, maybe even fifteen. It was the highlight of my day.
So, we all pick out photo's we want him to autograph. For my friends, he signs "To: XYZ, Walter Koenig". For me, he signed "To Philip and Friendship. Walter Koenig". Wow!
Next, I asked him if we could get a photo of him. I didn't expect him to allow it, I know the actors usually won't let you do it unless you pay a fee. But he said sure. I thought I would just take a photo of him by himself, but he invited us to stand next to him to have our pictures taken. I went last.
With everyone else, he shook their hands, smiled at the camera. When it was my turn, he actually put his arm on my shoulder! Holy Cow, wow, squeal, etc. I don't know what I did or didn't do to engender this reaction from him, but I'll remember it always.
Walter, if you're reading this, thanks for making my day :D
Footnote: Yes, I'm a fanboy, but I contained it (at least, until I wrote this blog post, lol).
Footnote 2: * Chekov's highest rank, according to the Official Star Trek biography, is Commander. However, several books (including at least one by William Shatner) have Chekov at the rank of Admiral. Also, Commander William Riker (Star Trek TNG) made mention of having read Admiral Chekov's books.