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"Les STARFLEET..." |
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"Les STARFLEET..." |
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When the member of the Maquis compared Captain Sisko and himself to the characters Javert and Jean Valjean from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, I cringed. "Why Valjean," I asked. Valjean kept himself fairly neutral when it came to politics; Enjolras would have been a far more likely role model for the young Maquis. However, it was nice to see a member of the Maquis interested in French literature. I am sure most of you felt the same way. I estimate that 95% of Fleet watches Star Trek's multiple series in order to discuss the writers' use of literary and historical references along with their responses to various political and social issues. I am aware that a small minority watch Star Trek for other reasons, and while they are a small minority, I feel we should make attempts to include them and come up with activities they too might enjoy. They assuredly would make attempts to include us if the tables were turned. Starfleet is primarily a social organization and we are here to make friends and have fun. Everybody's concept of fun might not agree. A variety of different activities will be required to suit the variety of different members. Yes, 95% of us are satisfied with the long discussions until 2 am in the morning about whether or not money exists in the 24th century, and if Starfleet doesn't have money how Starfleet crew can afford to eat at Quark's. However, there is the other five percent, and this five percent comes in a multitude of different sizes and shapes. In an article such as this it is tempting to categorize fans; why resist temptation? The novel Les Miserables takes place as the French are seeking indepencence, and this article will appear on the anniversary of the US seeking independence. As 95% of you were already familiar with Les Miserables long before the DS9 episode or instantly went out and bought the book or the CD of the musical in order to understand the reference, I feel comfortable using Les Miserables characters as analogies for the types of fans I see. For the other five percent, in the spirit of IDIC, I will provide brief descriptions. First, there is Grantaire. While most of the fighting at the Barricades took place, Grantaire was passed out underneath a table because he had drunk too much wine. While this type of Fleet member will occasionally engage in a spirited discussion, he is more interested in a discussion of spirits. Tours of local breweries or wine vineyards if your area is lucky enough to have them, regularly scheduled happy hours, New Years Eve parties, Independence Day parties, parties for the sake of parties, these are the type of events Grantaires will revel in. Next, there is Gavroche, the gamin. (While Gavroche is likely to enjoy RPGs, "gamin" is actually a French word for a mischievous child.) Starfleet, naturally, fully welcomes the Gamin or the Cadet. Star Trek spans the generations. Whether it's laser tag, or super soakers, trips to an amusement park or an arcade, semi-educational trips to a science museum or a planetarium, or Nintendo and/or Risk at someone's home, older members may find that they too have a little Gavroche inside of them. In the novel, Gavroche is pretty much abandoned by his parents; he gets involved in the activities of the older set, with disastrous consequences. I am of the belief that all cadets under a certain age should either be accompanied by a parent, or the parent(s) should at least be aware at all times what activities their cadets are participating in. What that certain age is I leave up to the individual ships to decide. Marius was distracted by his love for Cosette, and Cosette was distracted by her love for Marius. Several Starfleet members may actually be obsessed with individual actors or actresses. (Unfortunately in this case the obsession isn't often returned.) Episode marathons, trips to the theater, and conventions may be the only events they are interested in. Luckily, many others are interested in these as well. Prior to her obsession with Marius, Cosette was obsessed with a doll. There are several collectors in Starfleet. They too enjoy conventions along with trips to local antique or used book stores. Finally we come to Valjean. In the latter portion of his life, he was a great philanthropist. Starfleet is full of fundraising activities and community volunteers. Challenge of the Heart, the Stampede, and the Overseas Coupon Program are a few of the Fleet-wide projects. On the local level I have heard ships participate in a long list of activities. Some of these include: The Jerry Lewis Telethon, The March of Dimes, local Public Television pledge drives, Adopt-A-Highway, the American/International Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, volunteering at local hospitals, and the list goes on. It is of course important to realize that just as few people will enjoy all activities, few will also only enjoy activities in one category. Categories make writing an article a lot easier, but most people fall in several different categories depending upon their mood and the time of day. As a ship does more activities, it will attract more members, and a larger variety. In my opinion diversity is good for a ship, good for Fleet, and good for a nation. Through this article I hope I have started the creative juices flowing in those wondering how to liven up a stagnant ship, or make a lively one more lively. If I have also sparked an interest in reading a great work of literature in at least one reader, please let me know. I like to believe that my degree in literature is occasionally of use. Happy Independence Day to those in the United States; Happy Independence Day a week late to those in Canada; Happy Bastille Day ten days early to anyone in France.
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