Dominic Keating: Hi guys! Thanks for showing up! How come you're not at work? Or maybe you are...!  We know who you are!

GalaxiiGrl: Dominic, you're known for being incredibly gracious with your fans. Could you talk a bit about what prompts your positive attitude towards fan interaction? Thanks!

DK: Well, I would find it odd not to be gracious to them. They are, after all, the reason we're all employed. Yeah, I just think it's the way my mother raised me, to show graciousness and courtesy to all those around. So don't cross me!

Guest: I understand that you have a fight scene in Harbinger airing this evening, can you divulge a bit about it?

DK: It is tonight! I do — big fight, with the Major! [Steven Culp as "Major Hayes."] And I get a couple of good blows to him as I remember. And well deserved, I might add! It's a good fight. The editor of the show said it was pretty much the most electrifying fight sequence he's ever worked on.

Admiral Jason: What has been your favourite moment in the series so far?

DK: Well, y'know, I always come back to the ol' "Shuttlepod One." That was a fabulous week, working with Connor [Trinneer], and getting to show a side of Malcolm Reed that I didn't think they were going to explore. Very fond memories of that week. Jerry Fleck was the assistant director on that show, and he passed away last year, and I have a picture in my office of me and him on that show, and it's a very fond memory. I remember shooting the last scene on the Sickbay bed, and thinking I didn't want it to end. It was kinda like a movie you were watching, and it was about to close and you didn't want it to end.

Lt. Samantha Reed: Do you have a favourite actor on the show to work with? Who do you have the best chemistry with?

DK: I supposed Connor has become my 'acting partner' on the show in some respects. I think the funniest stuff I've done on the show is with him. I hadn't really done much with Scott Bakula until "Minefield," but after that week we definitely bonded and we became 'acting buddies.' There's a special sort of relationship when you work together in close quarters, so those two are probably my favorites.

ensignPGM: Hello Mr. Keating, I'm a UK fan and I really enjoy the show. What's your favourite Enterprise episode so far and in Harbinger, did you have to do any special training for your punch-up with Steven Culp?

DK: Yeah, we did, the day before, we spent a few hours in a crash course in martial arts moves and basic fight blocking. Anthony [Montgomery] is trained in ju-jitsu, so he was already ahead of the game. I had had some experience prior to that, but mostly I was just faking it. For U.K. fans, I'd get the green light on Faking It.

spacecowboy66: In the episode "Proving Ground", there seemed to be some sexual tension between you and the Andorian Lt. Talas. Is this something we can expect to see in the future, and is there the possibility of something developing between them?

DK: No, I don't think so. Not this season, I would think, while they're wrapping up this arc. Big Moll, as she liked to be called — Molly Brink — was the actress. She was a tall girl! Very fun scenes. My girlfriend actually liked those scenes, because I don't get a lot of scenes with the females on the show, but she thought I came through them pretty well. She [Molly Brink] had a great immortal line, "It's not the size of the weapon, but the soldier who wields it." I wield well!

Guest: In the UK we are only three quarters through season two, I hear that you are keen to direct an episode, is there any news on this?

DK: I haven't approached 'the powers that be' again. There were some political considerations about first-time writers and directors. But it's still in my mindset.

EmmaF: Hi Dominic! You've worked on shows in both Britain and America. How do the two countries compare when it comes to television productions? PS: Looking forward to your appearance with Connor Trinneer at the London Expo in May!

DK: The main difference is about $35,000 an episode! (Laughs) Other than that, you're still just a mushroom sitting in the dark. Every now and again, someone opens the door and shovels crap on you. And looking forward to seeing you at the Expo too! Bring cash! (Laughs)

Archer48: Hi Dominic, I was wondering, do you think Malcolm has changed any since the show began three years ago and if so how do you feel he has? Thanks.

DK: Well, I suppose, originally, you might have been allowed to think that he was a bit two-dimensional. And if anything, what's transpired over the last three years is the fleshing out of a third dimension. And I look a little older!

Zoe: Hi Dominic. I would like to ask, if you weren't already playing Malcolm Reed in Enterprise, which character would you like to have portrayed? Also, I would like to thank you for the signed photo I received recently, it's wonderful. Thanks.

DK: I reckon I'd look pretty good in a catsuit. And I have photos! Bring cash!

MCC2153: We really enjoy your performance each week! Do you have any special Hobbies or Collections?

DK: My main hobbies are surfing and golf, I would say. If I collect anything, it's mostly junk that I can't let go of. I'm a bit of a pack rat.

Reedfem: Do you have anything exciting lined up for hiatus this year?

DK: Well, the Expo in London in May. And maybe a tour of Ireland to visit relatives. There is also a possibility of another job, but I won't talk about that yet.

Miha: Hi Dominic ... I must say that the gay community in Slovenia, Europe, loves you. Is there any chance that a gay character will be introduced to the show? Thx

DK: I think it doubtful. Sorry boys. I don't think the powers that be would be comfortable introducing that element into their present format. A well-dressed cat amongst the pigeons.

Branis: Which handicap (golf) do you have?

DK: I play around 8. I haven't put a card in in a little while. But it's about 8-10.

Lt. Samantha Reed: What was the first thing you did when you found out you got the role as Lt. Malcolm Reed?

DK: I went for coffee with John Billingsley, and we hummed the original theme song all the way down Hollywood Blvd.

KB24: Speaking of the ladies ... What does Reed really think of T'Pol?

DK: She'd be a lot cuter without the ears! (Laughs) I'm just being facetious. I'm sure he has private thoughts, but I don't know what they are.

nan5724: Is there any episode of Enterprise that you are looking forward to seeing aired and hearing the fans reactions?

DK: Yeah, the one tonight actually, was a good show for me. I had some nice scenes in it, as I remember. It should be a good show — Manny Coto wrote it; he's really found his speed on writing our show. It's got some great drama and some lovely plot development, and as I remember it, it's very witty.

LondonTrekkie: What inspired you to go into acting?

DK: Well, I guess I just followed my heart. I had acted at school and university, and had been told I was, you know, 'competent.' It took a little bit of time to pluck up the courage to take it on professionally. But once I had, I remember thinking to myself, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, outhouse or penthouse ... I'm gonna be an actor.

malachistarwolf: What do the folks in your hometown in England think of the hometown guy being involved with a series that has become a legend?

DK: I don't talk to them! (Laughs) I do believe that Leicester is somewhat proud. The local paper has run one or two articles on my 'emerging career' from the days when I was in Desmond's (a sitcom in the U.K.). And now the world-renowned Star Trek: Enterprise.

Archer48: Would your girlfriend be ok if you had a love scene like T'Pol and Trip's?

DK: Yeah, I think so! She's an actress too, so she's privy to the game. And Lord only knows, in the shooting of those scenes that look so tender and private, they are very public and mechanical.

JeanLucArcher: Has Patrick Stewart given you any secret British acting tips?

DK: (laughs) 'Say it like me'! 'And I shall make it so'!

sylver: Were you asked to make your English accent stronger for the show? Or is that just how you talk?

DK: Actually, I do Americanize my English voice in certain areas. But otherwise, it's pretty much my voice.

Reedie: Scott Bakula referred to you, in one of his chats, as: "Lord DK, the tyrant." Why?

Host: (This was in context of talking about Dominic as a potential director.)

DK: (laughs) There's a new sheriff in town! And he's very good friends with the acting police!

everythingsroses: Hi Dominic, Sci Fi Junkies just have to know, is there any chance that Malcolm will get something cooking with Hoshi?

DK: I doubt it. But you never know! They may be looking for a B-story next year. Fingers crossed that there is a next year.

Crewman#6: Were you a Trek fan before joining Enterprise? If so, which show was your favorite and why?

DK: I did watch the Original Series growing up in Leicester. And loved it very much. It was definitely part of my childhood memories, as it were. But I did watch a few of Next Generation when I came out to America, simply because it featured a British actor in an American TV show. But other than that, I can't say I was a devotee. However, I watch Enterprise religiously now! As you might understand.

Kay: How long is your typical script and do you read everything or do you just scan the pages to get the gist of the show and focus only on your lines?

DK: No, I read the script in full. (laughs) I refer you to Connor Trinneer for the other part of that question. He's gonna love that! There is one script I didn't read: "Doctor's Orders." We were all asleep, and I thought, motivationally speaking, that it wasn't right that I should know anything, so I didn't read it.

Host: "Doctor's Orders" airs next week [Feb. 18].

tripsyatlady: Are you the one who is the clown on the set? Because you are hilarious!

DK: (laughs) Oh, I don't know, I'm sure some of them would call me a clown! I'm sure it wouldn't be in the same context, though! But I like to have a giggle. Saving the universe can be very taxing!

Broadcasterbot: Do you ever log on to message boards to get fans reactions to an episode?

DK: I used to, when I knew how to, but my webmaster changed all the formats, and I don't have the patience to learn it all again. I must get her to show me how to do it again.

loricart: Do you miss doing live theatre? Any chance you might return to the stage?

DK: I do! And I hope I will. One of these days, yeah, I would definitely consider doing a play during hiatus or at the end of the show, as it were, and use my notoriety to do a play we'd like to do. Connor and I have actually spoken about it.

LondonAngel: If you could have your choice of any part in theatrical history, what would it be?

DK: Any part in theatrical history? Oh, blimey. I wouldn't mind an Oscar! Is that historical? Oh, a part in a historical piece? God, I have no idea. No real aspirations.

Carl S.: Throughout the past two seasons we have seen Lt. Reed make a number of technological advances that have benefited Enterprise, such as the EM Barrier, Phase Cannons, etc. In future episodes will we be seeing Reed make anymore upgrades to the ship?

DK: Some new curtains in the Ready Room. That's for the boys in Slovenia. 'He's a little bit tactical.'

Kay: Who is your most favorite director to work with? How about a favorite writer?

DK: I like working with David Livingston as a director. He can get taxing toward the end of the shoot, but that's because he's very passionate about it. And he loves actors. He did "Harbinger." All the best shows I've been in, he's directed them. As for writers, along with Brannon [Braga], Manny [Coto] is definitely a shot in the arm on the writing staff. But you know, all the writers are very competent — Chris Black, Mike Sussman, Andre Bormanis, Phyllis Strong. We have a strong writing staff, and the scripts now really reflect that.

Kay: Is there one particular scene that stands out as one you wish you could go back and change?

DK: Not really, to be honest! Like I say, I watch the show pretty religiously, and I'm pretty critical of my work, at least. There are some little touches here and there that I might have changed — intention and so forth — but as a broad sweep, I'm not ashamed of what I've done.

tripster47: Dominic, how much influence do you have in determining aspects of your character?

DK: None at all, to be perfectly frank. They make all those decisions in the rooms up in the Cooper building [where the producers reside on the Paramount lot]. Though I dare say, if I read something in a script that week that I thought was completely out of sorts, they might heed my remarks. But otherwise I leave the destiny of Malcolm Reed in the hands of the people who write the checks.

Foiled again: Is sliding down the stairwells as fun as it looks?

DK: Actually, I'm still suffering from a terrible twisted hand injury from sliding down the stairwell ... it's still giving me a lot of gip. And it's interfering with my golf swing. I won't be doing that again! Yeah, I really twisted my fingers sliding down the Armory stairs in "Hatchery" in a Reed-rescue moment.

Host: "Hatchery" airs Feb 25.

Dodo: Which British foods and drinks do you miss the most living in the States?

DK: To be honest, there are a couple of little stores in the Hollywood Hills where you can get your English condiments and peculiar tastes. But I guess if I was gonna miss anything, it's good ol' stodgy fish 'n chips!

Doggett66: What is the best bit of gossip you've heard about yourself?

DK: (laughs) That I'm a tyrant! I refer you to Scott Bakula! All I can say is, unlike Bush's intelligence-gathering services, Scott Bakula's are spot-on! I take no prisoners!

logic: What is it like to act under the direction of Star Trek actors from other shows?

DK: It's fine! We have Roxann Dawson working with us this week, LeVar [Burton] was last week. And they have a certain understanding of the genre, and just to see an ex-castmate, as it were, following in the shoes of what you might like to step into, is encouraging.

Sam B.: What's the worst bit of technobabble you've had in a script and how did you deal with it?

DK: You know, I must really get an answer to this, because I've been asked this many times before! I can't really give you the line that's the miserable line from hell. Ask me again later, and I will go back through the scripts and I'll find you something. There are plenty, I just can't recall one of them. I'm an actor; in one ear and out the other.

Host: Dominic, thank you very much for chatting with us on your day off! We had a great time.

DK: Thank you everybody for getting on-line, and thank you for your support, as usual! It's much appreciated! Don't think that it isn't!

Host: Contents of this chat Copyright (C) 2004 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Host: Don't forget our next chat with Scott Bakula - Wednesday March 3! Thank you all for attending. And thanks for all the great questions.

soleta: Thanks, Dominic!

sylver: That was an awesome chat, thanks :)

tripsyatlady: Bye Dominic.......you rock

qlotti: thanks for chatting with us Dominic.

Guest: BYE DK

Guest: Thanx a bunch!

Angel: Thanks

Captain Robert: Bye Dominic! Keep up the great acting!

StargateX1: See ya Dominic!

Chunderfish: Cheers Dominic!

KaiserDay: KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

Guest: Thank yoou!

KB24: You rock, DK!

spacecowboy66: Thank you Dominic!!

tiggedy1: Wonderful chat. Dominic was great!

Guest: thanks Dominic - excellent chat!

Valandil: Good luck in all your future endeavours!