Text and photos by Ailsa

At long last I've returned to earth in the 20th century - after spending 4 wonderful days at the Palace Hotel in Manchester with good friends (thank you Ian, Hillary, Martin and Wendy) in the near vicinity of Robert Beltran (his suite was on the same floor as our room - just imagine the dreams......) at a superbly organised Convention. Well done to all the committee and special thanks to Andy (the best "chief" a steward could have).

The Dominion was the first of the two major conventions to be held in the UK this year. The May Convention tends to be my favourite. It occurs during the filming hiatus (so the current actors from Star Trek are able to come as guests). There are several months worth of previously un-aired, in the UK, episodes to view in the video rooms... (OK so I've had to let my square eyes become round again as well..) It is also the first big con following the dull winter months and a good chance to buy merchandise in the dealers room at none Christmas prices. As various dealers from the USA attend there are opportunities to secure items not easily available in the UK.

There were lots of guests besides Robert Beltran, all who helped bring a wonderful diversity to the convention. Colm Meany (Chief Miles O'Brien) brought some amazing stories with him - not all about ST. It was a pleasure to hear Richard Herd (L'Kor ST:TNG) sharing memories from his many years in the world of film, stage and TV. Doug Bradley (Pinhead from Hellraiser) and friends (from the series Archangel Thunderbird) gave a glance into the wider world of Sci Fi outside of Star Trek and a sneak preview of what is to come. Diane Duane (Sci Fi author, script writer, and lots more) and her husband Peter Morwood (fantasy writer) where witty and fun to be around. Diane also spent the weekend trying to write over 20,000 words for her editor's deadline of 5 May while at the convention!!!!!! Tom Benko (Film Editor on ST:TNG, ST:DS9 and ST:Voy) had some fascinating ST tales to tell that I'd not heard before. Tim Gaskell (Creator of the Official Star Trek Fact Files) and Chas Evens (Video Promoter for UIP) also attended ( I just ran out of time to listen to their talks and have heard them before.)

There were fiction, art and fancy dress competitions. (Sadly there were more costumes for the theme disco's than at the fancy dress competition....) Finally as at any convention, for those with the energy, partying went on into the small hours with disco themes of "Domination, Phage and Prozac". Then those still unable to sleep drifted into the bar, until sleep guided them to their beds.

So what or who at this convention caused my senses to reel and left me floating for days in an elevated state far above my norm. Why Robert Beltran of course and all that follows will focus on the impact of this guy.

I'll admit that my dreams, both sleeping and waking, around the character "Chakotay" probably indicate some deep psychological need, that's best not explored in these pages. There're definitely 18 rated and could be deemed adulterous (assuming Kathryn ever follows up the offer Chakotay made her in Resolutions). It's through this character and all the character means that my interest in Robert Beltran, and his previous work, grew.

I'm not sure how I expected to react to seeing Robert Beltran in the flesh - I had discussed the situation at length with one or two trusted friends...... On TV/film Robert's good looking, attractive, desirable (even if I don't like the role he's playing). On the down side the previous con reports I'd read on the inter-net were conflicted about his appearances. I was not sure if seeing him face to face would be a painful destruction of the dreams or a whirl wind of heightened emotions. Or which I even wanted it to be!!!!

Friday night and the Opening Ceremony gave the answers. Rumours abounded in the early evening as to Robert's arrival at the Hotel. There was intense speculation as to whether he would or would not appear. No chances were taken - seats filled quickly, camera's where prepared. One by one the other guests came onto the stage, breathes were held and then he was there. Centre stage, blinking and seemingly momentarily dazed as a wall of light was created by the many camera flash guns. It was a welcome he was to receive again during his two guest talks.

Luckily as a steward I was able to sit in reserved seating close to the stage, so once I'd regained my breathe I was able to take as many photo's as I wished. For those sitting further back in the hall (600 + people) the only way to get a reasonable photo was to come forward to the space in front of the stage, and then move quickly back to let others fill your space.

That initial impression was one that filled the senses - His hair is longer than I'd expected. The silver highlights (my husband reckons grey!!!) added distinction and maturity that just brought a catch to my throat..... The reddish brown jacket, I guess is a Beltran favourite, as I've seen him wearing it in other photo's on the inter-net. The black shirt and deep grey T-shirt worn underneath highlighted the colour of his skin, and gave the impression of rugged masculinity that caused hormone levels in the hall to peak sharply.

His response to the applause was genuine and warm, his voice richer and more vibrant than on camera. His face conveyed an wide range of expressions from amusement to serious. Frowning as he tried to look beyond the spot lights. Smiling as he just enjoyed the applause and adoration. His ability to communicate a thought, or answer by the expression of his face, the raising of an eye brow (which I always thought a Vulcan trait), the movement of his lips and the posture of his body was to be a hallmark of all his appearances during the weekend and left many doubled up in laughter and breathless.

The Opening Ceremony was followed by the first autograph session of the weekend. I really admire all the guests for the time they took to sign autographs. With over 1200 guests that's a lot of writing, particularly as many were prepared to sign more than one item. At this con a numbering system was used to assist with the organisation of the autograph queues. Though waiting times still lasted 3 hours plus at one point the system seemed fairer and better organised than at some cons I've attended. Well done to the committee for the innovation.

Watching Robert as I drew slowly closer to him in the autograph queue was a dream come true. The jacket had been laid aside, the black shirt matching the colour of his hair. His smile is spontaneous and fills the whole of his face and eyes causing dimples in his cheeks. He is relaxed and at ease with people and seemed to enjoy the interactions. By the time I reached him my nerves had calmed enough to enter into idle conversation, and to ask whether we might have a brief rendition from Hamlet at some point in the weekend. "We'll see, maybe" certainly set the tone for dreams that night.

Saturday lunch time was Robert's first guest talk. The hall was packed. Once the initial camera call was finished Robert's rugged presence just filled the stage. The deep charcoal grey jumper and cardigan/jacket helping portray this stance. The whole of the session was very "hormonal" with lots of Beltran hugs, kisses etc. etc. as well as people giving him presents.

Robert's style is very laid back and he enjoys the interaction with those present. Unlike other ST guests Robert does not have a prepared speech or routine. He speaks from the heart answering questions put to him, expressing his own views rather than those that might be expected. He is witty, sharp, does not tolerate fools easily, enjoys joking and tomfoolery. He is a natural mimic and his impressions of other actors are pointed and clever. It was easy to see how some of the previous USA con reports came to be written. His sense of humour seems more English than American and could be easily misunderstood.

The majority of the questions asked are ones that have been covered before in other Con Reports and magazine interviews. What particularly impressed me was the realisation that Robert must have answered them many times before, and yet had the grace to treat each question as though it were fresh and new to him - real skill indeed.

An accomplished actor, this session also demonstrated that Robert is a capable tap-dancer. The issue of the "River Dance Impression" that Robert used to christen a new Voyager set was raised. Calls to repeat the demonstration were made and within a short space of time, joined by a member of the audience, Robert was time-stepping, despite his protestations that he couldn't!!

Robert went on to shared how he was spending his filming hiatus travelling. Having attended the ST Convention in Bonn, two weeks earlier, he then had holidays in Amsterdam and London before coming to the Dominion Convention. Robert shared how he enjoys being in different places, but finds the travelling to them tedious.

Sunday started awkwardly. I like to burn the candle for as many hours of the day as possible, and will dance until the small hours and still be up 4/5 hours later for breakfast. I always have a low point during a four day convention, before I get my second wind, and Sunday morning was it. By lunch time I was rapidly making my way upstairs to my room, close to tears and oblivious to anyone around me. I was startled out of my self made misery by a body that was in the way and that husky voice pleasantly passing the time of day. Robert, I don't know whether your hang-over cure works (a combination of lemon, tomato, Tabasco and beer), but I do know that your warmth, smile and personality work wonders. Thanks for an "unusual" answer to mid-con blues.

An hour and a half later saw the start of Robert's second guest talk. It was a session blighted by technical faults that added a touch of unreality to the proceedings. Robert was once again in the rust brown jacket, with a black top underneath and at first seemed dwarfed by the darkness as a fuse blow the stage lights. Then a microphone stopped working part way through the session. The English language, and British dialects were also to become a barrier of misunderstanding that lead to amusing, but sometimes painful moments, as con goers tried to re-phase, sometimes suggestive, English idioms into words that Robert might understand.

Robert shared more of himself in this session talking of his love of classical theatre, particularly Shakespeare, and how theatre influences modern society. He told of actors who have influenced his life and his desire to act. He enjoys reading and writing and is currently working on an adaptation of Macbeth, but time is limited because of filming commitments. He hopes to do more stage work in due course and perhaps direct an episode of Voyager if opportunity allows.

It also transpired that Robert was travelling with a friend - Dan Ryan - who was in the audience, and at times more on the audiences side than Robert's. When Robert would not be drawn into doing some impressions Dan Ryan started the ball rolling. Robert does a superb Dean Martin impression and has a clear singing voice (joining the ranks of Robert Piccardo and Tim Russ who also sing - when will we have the CD of the Voyager male voice trio!!!!!). An off beat London Taxi driver impression followed - Do London taxi drivers really sound like a slightly drunk Dick Van Dyke? Mind you with the tap dancing the previous day was this yet another actor impression from Robert? (Beware Kathryn - Mary Poppins might be lurking in the wings somewhere!!!!!) Then as Robert joined the audience in laughing (at times almost doubled over) impressions of fellow cast members, con goers, and Michael Flately followed.

Part way through I was disappointed that extracts from Hamlet had still not occurred. So heart pounding I took my turn in the microphone queue reminding Robert of my request. After a moments hesitation, ducking his head and looking at the stage floor Robert let slip that he'd need his "arm twisting" before he'd consider doing extracts from Hamlet. "No problem" I replied - heart in mouth - running to get onto the stage before my nerve and legs failed me.

photo by menolly@dial.pipex.com
I was pleased that Robert didn't just allow me to twist his arm. He is strong and I was very determined to succeed - a token twist would have been disappointing. I'm also thankful that I was behind. I dread to think what expressions where on his face, and at that moment my senses where certainly aware of lots of other things....... (Don't ask just let your imagination run riot.....) I'm equally glad I couldn't see any faces in the audience (how do actors face that all the time). Once over I couldn't get back to my seat quick enough. I just sat and savoured the moment to such an extent that I missed lots of the questions.

I left the session exalted and drained. Amazed at my own audacity and worried that I might have inadvertently hurt Robert in my desire to twist his arm. There was still plenty of con to go but I was happy to just let it all pass by. Still with a very silly smile on my face and only one subject of conversation (sorry Ian and Martin if I bored you too much) I made my way to the stewards gathering. These occur at some conventions and on occasions (not all by any means) guest stars do attend.

On this occasion the gathering was very well organised (Special thanks to Andy and the Committee for this) and all the guests attended. The atmosphere was relaxed, but excited as the guests went walk about. Photo-calls were OK, as were hugs, kisses etc. etc. Not only is Robert's arm twistable, he is also very huggable. I was delighted to realise that he must be about six foot in height - just the right height to lean my head on his shoulder..... Robert is a tactile person and does not tense or shy from physical contact seeming to enjoy giving of himself, as well as receiving from those around him.... As I glanced upwards noticing the laughter lines round his eyes I realised that Robert doesn't noticeable use after shave or cologne. His scent is wonderfully masculine and natural.......

Sunday night then saw the Closing Ceremony and yet another side of Robert's personality shone through. Two girl's had won the fiction competition writing about their Father's interest in Star Trek. Robert was very gentle, taking the time to make them feel special, and help them over their nerves so they would recite the winning poem. Children need to feel safe and secure with the person encouraging them to take part in an event as big and awe inspiring as that was. With Robert's patience and gentle encouragement we all enjoyed listening to the poem.

Monday morning I planned to be up and in the Foyer for Robert's departure - a very late night / early morning, coupled with a brain that would not wind down for hours (lucid dreaming I think Chakotoy describes the state as in Waking Moments) made that hope impossible. In hindsight perhaps it was for the best - I was already suffering a keen sense of loss that this con was coming to an end. (More so than at any other I've attended). So much had happened, there had been so many highlights, that perhaps any more would have equalled overload and those silly tears of sadness, coupled with a wild desire to hold onto the dream, would have spoilt the ending. It seemed fitting that my last view, of anything Robert related, was of his white towelling robe draped forlornly across a chair at the conventions wind up meeting. (Robert donated the robe which was auctioned to raise money for the convention charity)

Having started the weekend with many doubts about the wisdom of attending the event, and fears that my dreams would be smashed irrevocably, I left physically exhausted and on a high. Robert has a charisma in person that simply does not come across on film. There is a vulnerability in his willingness to take whatever comes in guest talk time that is engaging and sweet. Yes much of the time it was a "flirt romp" Robert giving as good as any one in the audience and more than holding his own. Yet at other times there was great sensitivity and gentleness in his responses. Watching Voyager I've noticed that Chakotay has a gentle smile that sometimes momentarily graces his face as though he is smiling at something those around him can not see. I had always assumed it was an affectation, a part of the character. Now having watched Robert on stage and at the Stewards Gathering I wonder. That same hint of a smile is there in person. Just how much of Chakotay now reflects aspects of Robert as the series has developed over four seasons?

Robert, if you ever read the musing that are written about you, let me take this moment to say thank you for making a very good ST Con the best I've ever attended. I know that many con goers think they know (even own!) the stars and guests, and yet in reality we know only that part which you are willing to share. Thank you Robert for being prepared to share so much. When you eventually find time to finish your adaptation of Macbeth please remember there are lots of good theatre's here in the UK, both in the principle towns and rep - we'd love the chance to see you live in theatre and share the passion of the play with you......as well as seeing you at other UK ST Cons.

Ailsa

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