Where No Kitty Has Gone Before

Riley explores his Bajoran faith.

Trixie leaves for the Star Trek National Convention in just a few days. This is a HUGE yearly event in the Cats and Catts house involving months of planning and preparation. It's kind of a big deal.

Last year, Trixie wore two Deanna Troi costumes. This year, she's rocking another Troi outfit (it looks awesome!), a Trill costume (with airbrushed Trill spots), and a Dabo Girl costume. Dabo girls are Bajoran, so Trixie and her sister have hired a former Star Trek make-up artist to come to their hotel room in the morning to affix the proper Bajoran nose. Hardcore. I know. I live with it (as well as the voice-activated Tribbles in our living room). 

But I get it now. I watched the different series with her over the last few years and I think I finally understand the unique depth and devotion of Star Trek fans. Why is the Star Trek universe so awesome? I could reference its inter-textuality, how the plots, themes, and characters of Next Generation, Voyager, and DS9 form a canonical narrative, a grand story historically rooted in the original series and Enterprise. Or, I could make a "works on multiple levels" argument and list the layers of appeal (science, adventure, war, romance, etc.).

But the best argument for Star Trek are the Bajoran. I'm not saying that to be controversial. I'm not saying that because Kira Nerys (played by Nana Visitor) is my all-time favorite Star Trek character (although that's obviously part of the calculus). It's just ... I believe in Bajor. When I'm feeling down about the Earth world I can cheer myself up by envisioning a gorgeous planet with five moons, lush landscape, and occupied by humanoids with cute nose wrinkles and fun earrings. Bajoran culture, religion, and lifestyle are something to which we can aspire. And as for the "Kirk vs. Picard" debate, I would ask "So, refresh my memory: which of those Captains was the Emissary of the Prophets?" ('nuff said).