Get this: I knew no one. And since I was a Gatecon "virgin," as they say, I had no clue what to expect. Would I be underdressed? Yes, we men sometimes worry about this. I walked in there and found people from both ends of the spectrum. Some were in jean shorts while others looked like they were at some kind of political dinner. It was nice to be somewhere in between.
What I can only call the grace of my higher power happened next. The first table I sat down at was one I clicked with -- a great group of Stargate people. Every one of them were Gatecon virgins, too, so no one could help anyone else out! What was great about it was that I was able to talk the Stargate lingo with people who actually understood me. Now that is saying something.
The cocktail party was invaded by several charismatic figures, including a fan dressed entirely in Unas garb, a young lady as a surprisingly realistic Dr. Simon Coombs, and a gentleman who took a leap in his own direction and designed an outfit which, he felt, the Ancients might have worn. For a while there he had me convinced that this outfit was to be featured in an upcoming episode. Alas, it was not -- it was just that good. Douglas Arthurs (left) and David Palffy (right) make the fans swoon at the cocktail party. More Photos > |  |
Before we knew it, Douglas Arthurs ("Heru-ur") and David Palffy ("Sokar," "Anubis") had joined the cocktail party. Tons of people were out of their seats, and I was one of 'em. You'd think these guys had never seen a woman before. They were sweeping some off their feet, posing for snapshots and, yes, even kissing the Gatecon staffers. I asked Douglas if he was upset with the decision to kill Heru-ur or tried to prevent the action. "No," was his swift reply. He made it apparent he was perfectly fine with how things turned out.
If I didn't know any better I'd say David was a bit bashful that night, though I quickly withdrew this observation when he planted a kiss on an unsuspecting girl who just wanted a picture with him. These two sure did know how to stir the crowd. It was quite a spectacular mingling.
I returned to my room feeling I had been given a fantastic experience. It wasn't just meeting Anubis and Heru-ur, but getting involved with people who were so much like I. Complete nerds for the big "O."
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