Kate is a freelance writer who offers her advice on a wide range of subjects drawn from her own Trek life experiences. The views and opinions expressed by Kate are hers and hers alone... and trust us, she has opinions! Click here to send your question to Kate.

Hey Everyone!

Something that has been on my mind lately is technology and our, I guess you could say, dependency on it. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great and allows us to do a lot of things that were never possible before. But I see so many people walking around with those blinky Borgy bluetooth ear things on, others checking e-mail on their phone ... and even the younger kids are walking around with a video game ... and I wonder if this makes us more isolated or closer to each other. Y'know, if you really stop and think about it, because of things like the Internet, e-mail and cell phones, you would think that we would be able to be more — I was trying so hard not to use this word — connected to the people around us. And yet, sometimes even with all these advances and things that should bring us—as a species, planet and galaxy—closer together, it's doesn't seem that way at all! Believe me, e-mail is a wonderful thing and I stay in touch with many far-away friends — and you guys of course! But sometimes don't you feel the absence of the "human element"? There are still so many lonely, secluded and closed-minded beings in spite of all this. Is it possible that the technologic things that supposedly make our lives easier are actually making them more emotionally difficult? And how is it that as humans we are able to advance in one area — technology — but not advance our minds and hearts to see just how similar we are? We all have eyes, skin, muscles, bones... heh, Bones, can't say that and keep a straight face... my point is, I feel that sometimes we're all being assimilated by our technology, and maybe we should strive to find a little more balance... or maybe... maybe... I should answer some of your questions!

Dear Kate,
My name is Bruce. I attend Pittsburgh Job Corps Center. I have a question. While being at PJCC it's hard to make friends because of me being a fan of Star Trek, but I really don't talk about it. The only time I do is if someone asks me about it, but it is really hard to make friends because they don't want to deal with a trekker. They say that I'm a "nerd" just for watching it. Sometimes I do watch Star Trek here and there but not as often as I used to. Nowadays I read the books and I single myself out, mostly because they don't bother with me. Do you think I should just give up with Star Trek?
Bruce

Dear Bruce,

I actually have a question for you: Does Trek make you happy? I mean, who would you really be giving Trek up for? Okay, so that's two questions... But my point is, you can't do or not do something because others think you should or shouldn't. Sure, we all want to be popular and have a bunch of friends — but one really good friend is better than four or five who don't appreciate the very nature of your being. Trust me, I know this! You shouldn't have to change part of what makes you you, just to fit someone else's idea of the way things should be. The meaning of friends — and being one for that matter — is to accept others for who they really are. I'm not saying it's always easy to do this, or to live with people who make stupid comments about things they don't understand or refuse to learn about. But if liking Trek brings you joy, and harms no other creature, then live by that! Don't allow your own likes and interests to be a red shirt!

Dear Kate,
I've been traveling with a group of human companions for some time now. Unfortunately, our navigation array has been damaged and last word I received was from Vulcan, reporting the death of my betrothed mate. What am I to do, a human male is not preferable, though I do not know what else to do. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Live long and prosper,
T'Vel

Dear T'vel,

Hmm, this sounds to be quite the predicament... y'know, there are a few options open to you. Hopefully you've had a little bit of time to observe a human male — and hopefully pon farr isn't around the corner, otherwise you're just going to have to take what you can get. Well, if you have time, you could look at your coupling with a human male as a rather fascinating (heehee) opportunity to gain insight into the often illogical (yeah, that was on purpose too) human male psyche and mating habits. And perhaps you might be able to learn a few things! For example— affection ... love ... and why a broken heart can lead so many humans to wish they were Vulcan...

Dear Kate
I have a dilemma. I am a Trekkie (not a Trekker, there are basic differences, but I digress), I am a married 42-year-old fan of all Trek, who now has a son who has found Trek and likes it very much (mostly for the special effects, but he will learn in time). But I ask you, should I bring him as I did through TOS, Next Gen, DS9, Voyager then Enterprise? Or do you think it really matters? I ask this for a historical perspective.
Admiral Jim
Starfleet Command

Dear Admiral,

I am deeply honored that you would seek the advice of someone who is not a member of Starfleet... only because I haven't been able to find my local recruiting office... anyway! I do agree that the knowledge of where Starfleet has come from, has gone and is going, to be very important to know. However, I have also found that oftentimes, people are far more receptive to things that they find themselves. Although, something that could spark an interest in the other series for your son could be the way the special effects have changed. In recent years there have been so many advances that it is completely mind-blowing to look at the effects in TNG (model-based ships) and those in Voyager (computer-based ships)! Another way to entice your son to check out TOS is to watch an episode on DVD and then watch one of the new and "improved" CGI enhanced episodes. I think he'll be impressed with how beautifully the new images and effects blend with the old footage. And all the while you will be achieving your objective of having him watch the other shows — sneaky!

Hi Kate,
Welcome to the fold! It's great to hear a female's perspective in an area so frequently dominated by males. You're doing an interstellar job so far, keep up the good work. I'm wondering who you envision as playing the leads in the upcoming Star Trek film?
Regards and best wishes.
Ryano PS: Don't mind Carl, we can all see that he means well?

That's a tough question Ryano! I must admit I have thought about that quite a bit, and I still come up with the same answer — if the new movie is going to be about Kirk and Spock (which, I have no idea if it is so don't bother asking me — if I knew I would sell the story to the tabloids) then I think the wisest move would be to cast actors that we, as an audience, are not very familiar with, yet fit the bill perfectly! This will allow the audience to be taken in by the actors' performances instead of saying, "Oh, that's so-and-so! Gee he's a lousy Kirk." Although, I must admit, I would love to see two people screen-tested for the role of Jim Kirk: Billy Zane, and Ryan Reynolds. I think that could be interesting...

P.S. And about Carl — yeah, I know, but... Next question!

Dear Kate.
What do you think of blogs?
FL

Well, FL...

I don't read many blogs.
But I like to wear clogs.
Red clogs, blue clogs
Even while saying hello to little dogs.
But the green clogs,
They look like frogs.

And that's what I think.

Kate,
I was wondering if you could answer 2 questions for me. 1. Was the same model used for the Enterprise 1701 and 1701-A in the Star Trek movies? 2. In the Wrath of Khan, he only fires on the Enterprise's port side. Yet in the Search for Spock, there is massive damage on the starboard side as well. Can you explain that?
Friend From Kronos

Dear Friend From Kronos,

Well, you see, the Enterprise 1701-A... Hey, wait a minute! You're asking me for top-secret Federation information! How do I know you're not a Klingon spy? Hmmm?

Dear Kate,
Are there any Trek fan clubs out here who wouldn't insist that I own a Trek uniform to join? Or should I start my own? I love Trek, but dress-up has never been my thing.
A.H.

Dear A.H.,

I'm afraid I don't know much about the dress codes of the various clubs, but I do know that many of them use the uniforms to allow regular folks to identify their members or group. You could start your own club, I guess... but why not try to join one of your local clubs as the "Shore Leave Director"? That way it should be okay for you to not be in uniform — but you would still wear a comm badge. I mean, I know it's not Trek, but did you ever see Julie on "The Love Boat" wearing those white shorts like everyone else? I don't think so!

Whats stronger a klingon or a borg?
Jesse a trekker

Dear Jesse,

Hmm... well, I guess I would have to say Klingon. I mean, they are always doing battle stuff and training, and you have to be pretty physically fit to do that ... although, smell isn't the only thing that counts. On second thought ... what does a Borg smell like?

Hello Kate!!
First of all, I do very much love your column!!!
Re: your first answer to Bob N... You have implied that Vulcans and Humans are different "species". Actually, the definition of "species" is a group of anatomically similar organisms that interbreed in nature and produce viable and fertile offspring. By this definition, Vulcans and Humans must be of the same species, although likely a subset or subspecies. Humanoid species likely were 'seeded' all across the galaxy ... and evolved variations according to the planetary environment they were surrounded by ... Persons native to Vulcan and persons native to Earth are able to conceive together and produce living, fertile children. Therefore, Vulcans and Humans -- and other humanoids as well -- must be genetically similar enough to be considered the same species ... (I teach Biology and general Science.)
I look forward to reading your column, Kate. LLAP!!
Helen

Dear Helen,

Oops ... sorry! As you noticed Biology wasn't a very strong subject for me ... so much for thinking I wouldn't need that information in the real world. But I'm so glad you like my column anyway!

Dear Kate,
Do you know if Trek Life will ever become a sponsor of a Nextel Cup car? I think it would be cool.
Thanks,
Gern B.

Dear Gern,

I must admit that would be kinda cool! So, after reading your letter I started to see how much money we (Carl, Steve, me and Carl's mom) could raise to do this... Well, it turns out that sponsoring a car was a little outside our funds — but we did raise enough to get our names on one of the lug nuts ... kinda close ... okay not really.

Dear Kate,
I'm a forty-two-year-old Commander in Star Fleet. I recently discovered a young and lovely twenty-something Lieutenant is attracted to me. I want to pursue a relationship with her but, I'm hesitant because we may not find a common ground. I guess what I need is the go-ahead, because I'm very attracted to her as well.
Sincerely yours,
Victor

Dear Victor,

It can be a tough decision to make as to whether or not to pursue a fellow crewmate. Thankfully, there are no obvious rules against this sort of thing — if there were, boy, would Riker be in trouble! It's always good to start out simple. Why not ask her to the Holodeck for lunch. Nothing lavish, just a nice opportunity to get to know each other better. By having this friendly chat, you can get a sense of where she's at in her life. I mean, you're a Commander and she's a Lieutenant, so there is always the possibility that a relationship isn't foremost on her mind. If you are hoping that this will turn into something serious, it's especially good to know each other's ambitions. But most importantly, keep things light and casual — there is no need for you to feel pressured, or to make her feel that way. I really think it's great that you are giving this some thought, instead of just rushing into it. But wait a minute — you already know that she's interested! The hardest part should be over!

All right everyone, it appears that my work here is done — for now, anyway. So in the meantime, don't be mean. And keep in mind that what you do reflects on all humans ... or Klingons ... or Vulcans ... or Tribbles ... or whatever type of creature you are. Later!

If you wish to ask Kate a question or need some advice on your own Trek life, you can write to her at columns@startrek.com with the subject "ASK KATE." (Letters are subject to editing at Kate's discretion.)

Letters to Kate become Kate's sole property. Submitting to Kate relinquishes all ownership rights to, or any claims for financial or other consideration in connection with the submitted material, including any ideas, suggestions, script ideas, anything. This goes for you too, Carl!