It doesn't seem fair. If you paint your face and chest and go shirtless to a football stadium in the middle of a blizzard, people call you a devoted fan. But if you slap on a pair of pointy rubber ears and spend the weekend hobnobbing with film and television actors in the warmth of a luxury hotel, everyone thinks you're some kind of freak. We joined the Trekkies last weekend at the Star Trek Convention inside the Westin St. Francis Hotel, where Patrick Stewart (Capt. Picard) and William Shatner (Capt. Kirk) took the stage to address the minutiae of the classic science fiction franchise. Here's what we learned: Stewart becomes giddy with delight whenever Trekkies bother to ask him about his accomplishments as a Shakespearean actor; and Shatner has no problem telling a 10-year-old "Star Trek" fan exactly what she can do with her microphone if her question isn't up to par. Still, it was fun to see the Bay Area's Trekkie contingent out in force, plastic light-up phasers ablaze and dressed to the Deep Space Nines.
Amy Loux, ageless
Profession: Bookkeeper
Neighborhood: Marin
Why are you so crazy about "Star Trek"?
It's a vision of the future that's hopeful, inclusive and interesting. It's also an adventure.
Who's the better captain: Kirk or Picard?
That's hard. I'm more of a Spock gal.
The Vulcan benediction is "Live long and prosper." What's yours?
I'd take "Live long and prosper." You can't improve on a classic.
Robin Mock, 39
Profession: Environmental geologist
Neighborhood: Napa
What's a common misconception about Trekkies?
That we all live at home with our parents. That might be more true for men.
Who's the better captain: Kirk or Picard?
Picard. He's a little more dignified. And while I always loved Kirk, Spock was my favorite. He's the ultimate unattainable man.
The Vulcan benediction is "Live long and prosper." What's yours?
We'll just go with Picard: "Make it so."
Bill Lyons, 52
Profession: Database analyst
Neighborhood: Lincoln (Placer County)
Why are you so crazy about "Star Trek"?
It's a combination of an idealistic vision of the future and fun. Some people take it too seriously, but I think of it as fun.
Who's the better captain: Kirk or Picard?
Picard, definitely. To me Picard is more real, deeper.
The Vulcan benediction is "Live long and prosper." What's yours?
Peace and long life.
Barron Toler, 58
Profession: Sci-fi entrepreneur
Neighborhood: San Jose
What's a common misconception about Trekkies?
That they're addle-brained and idiotic. But anybody that has a cell phone, you're into "Star Trek."
Who's the better captain: Kirk or Picard?
Knowing Bill (Shatner), I'd better say Kirk.
The Vulcan benediction is "Live long and prosper." What's yours?
I usually say to people, "Stay beautiful."
David Liu, 33
Profession: Grad student
Neighborhood: Los Altos
Who are you dressed as?
I'm trying to be Capt. Kirk, but unfortunately everyone thinks I'm Sulu.
What's a common misconception about Trekkies?
That we're all thirtysomething virgins that live in our mom's basements.
Who's the better captain: Kirk or Picard?
Oh, Kirk, no question. He's got swagger.
What was the highlight of the convention?
Seeing Shatner was pretty much my Graceland.
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