The Trek Prop Zone: The Trek Prop Zone -> A Nod To Influence

When the occasion comes to rearrange The Museum, it tends to become more than a simple maintenance task. There are those who have called my collection of props "a hobby." Rather sardonically, at that. My response has always been that it is "a nod to influence."

A rack of faux weapons, scanners and communications devices sufficient to put down a Yang insurrection may seem a little excessive, but then, few might understand the depths of that influence.

I can't begin to understand the confluence of effects that transformed me as a child; all I am sure of is that "Star Trek" was instrumental in creating the person who is writing this today. I was never deluded into believing there was some alternate universe in which Starfleet actually existed - but it existed within me. My first schoolyard fight was with a schoolyard bully who was in the habit of toughing up little girls. I had no particular affinity for the critters at the time, but putting a stop to it was simply the "Starfleet Thing To Do."

And it continues to exist in me. Within the last week, I've been called off into the night on rescue missions with histories and complexities to long to list here. Not My family. Not My Problem. But not to answer those calls to get off the couch, turn off the TV and intercede before disaster struck someone else's family would have been a betrayal of everything I hold as sacred in my view of my humanity. I can't Not get involved. I can't let it fall apart. I can't walk away.

I am Starfleet. And as all the Christians sit at home, watching the 11:00 news, I'm scouring the streets. Because something has to be done, and everyone else is busy. Because Jesus saves on Sundays, in the pews, and the rest of the times and places rely on people who are willing to fight for people, simply because someone has to.

Some polish their crucifix; I keep imaginary technology under glass. The meaning in both exists only in those who believe. One declares that good works are unnecessary for salvation - it's a gift, a free ride. The other declares good works are the only road to salvation - something to fight for... something Worth fighting for.

That... is an influence. And, speaking for myself only, that is why these tokens of my past are more than simply a hobby.