Tim Piai Special to the Plain Dealer

For most writers, previewing a science fiction convention is like previewing someone else’s family reunion - the people attending the event know far more about the subject matter than you do, and a majority of the remaining readers know almost nothing about the topic.

But wait. You remember when Neroon replaced Ambassador Delenn on the Grey Council? And you knew that Quark stocked Aldebaran whiskey in his bar? And you’re certain you could pick Scorpius out of an interplanetary police lineup?

And you don’t have tickets to Vulkon Cleveland?

OK, this article is for you, the dedicated science fiction fan who loves the movies, the television shows, the books and the Web sites - but hasn’t journeyed to the final frontier.

The conventions.

Ah, the conventions (or "cons" as the regulars call it). Visions of jet propulsion know-it-alls sporting Federation uniforms and toting around children named Obi-Wan and Janeway. People getting flushed over a Cmdr. Data doll. Line-dancing members of the Imperial Klingon Empire.

And yes, the guy in the pointy ears.

It’s enough to keep the more mainstream fans on the sidelines.

But according to Vulkon co-promoter Fernando Martinez, there’s a parallel dimension at play that the public never sees.

"A lot of people have a negative connotation about cons because whenever a news crew arrives they always gravitate to the guy in the absolutely worst costume," he says.

"We love the costumes, but somehow that guy never turns out to be indicative of the majority of our audience."

So what is the true makeup of the audience?

"Most science fiction fans are cerebral," says Martinez. "These are people interested in the future, in technology and the study of life in the universe and on Earth.

"They’re open-minded, and they have a wonderful curiosity."

If curiosity is the key, then - costumes and free-flowing fandom be damned - what a time it is to act on your sci-fi mojo. Just last month, Mars was tailgating Earth 100 million miles closer than usual. The next time things will get that close will be a very Capt. Kirk-like 2287. Plus, NASA now has two "rovers" tearing through space on their way to the red planet, while its recently launched Space Infrared Telescope Facility is preparing to "peer into the deepest reaches of space."

"It’s very exciting," says Martinez. "That’s why we’re excited to have [Apollo 7 astronaut] Walt Cunningham at the show."

Martinez brings things back to earth for another reason to finally join the party.

"Because of the economy and because the Star Trek franchise has lost some steam, a lot of conventions have gone out of business," admits Martinez.

"But so far, Cleveland has always been supportive of both our Trek and Buffy [the Vampire Slayer] shows."

This fall’s show offers something new, something old and something older.

The "new" is Dominic Keating, the English actor who portrays weapons officer Malcolm Reed on "Enterprise," Paramount’s latest addition to the Star Trek franchise. The "old" is Michael Dorn, the affable actor with the basement bass vociferation who helped create the boom in all things Klingon when he starred as Worf on the now-scuttled "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

"More fans dress up like Klingons than anyone else," says Martinez. "People like the fact that they get drunk and are always ready to fight.

"They’re like space bikers," he adds.

The "older" is recognizable to even your casual couch potato. He’s James Doohan -who portrayed the ebullient and dependable engineer "Scotty" in the original Star Trek series. While it’s nothing new to have Doohan aboard for a convention, there is speculation that the 83 year-old fan favorite is ready to give up the travel and grind of the circuit sooner than later. To make things easier for the actor, Vul- kon is limiting his autograph sessions on both days, with special tickets required.

As for the uninitiated, Martinez has timely advice for everyone beaming aboard for the first time.

"Get there early," he says. "A lot of people show up right before the main guest speaks and they have already missed a lot of our programming."

"I tell people that if they get there at 10 in the morning on Saturday, we’ll keep them busy until 2 in the morning."

But is 12 hours with androids, photon torpedoes and Klingon blood wine too much for fans fresh off the (warp) bubble?

"No way," says Martinez. "First-timers always love it."

"They’re usually the ones who come back the next year in full costume."

Piai is a free-lance writer in Rocky River.

To reach Tim Piai:

entertainment@plaind.com