We partied with [redacted]

[barondave]

Baron Dave and new friends, faces blurred because [redacted]
Marscon, Bloomington, MN March 1, 2008CE
Science fiction conventions attract all types. I first saw [uniformed personnel] when they were waiting with fans in the elevator lobby. One fan was dressed in camouflage gear, a type different than [they] had. Two of [them] tried to buy said gear, but were unsuccessful.

They were [professionals] from [not Mpls], and had an [evening of free time] before moving on to [facility] and thence to [disputed area]. They didn't know what to expect, and neither did we. But we were friendly and supportive of their efforts, not like [allied country] where the [engagement] is even more unpopular than here. In the US, we separate the war from the warrior (no matter what the [poopy-head] Republicans say), and welcomed them as heroes and guests.

In one of the great class moves of science fiction fandom, Marscon comped all [not inconsequential number] of them.

They had a blast, going from room party to room party Saturday night, and we had a blast hosting them. Girls melted semi-chastely in their arms. Unusual drinks were proffered and accepted. [Esprit de corps] was everywhere. Incidents of overzealousness were few and handled by [someone older and wiser].

Pictures were taken, including the one above. Alas, their [outing] is [completely uninteresting, really] and we can't show their faces or [gauche] incidents. Some conreports beat the request. I hope it all gets straightened out. I really can't imagine that [the bad guys] pay much attention to Marscon reports, or could do much with the information if they did. Still, the request was made and I intend to honor it until [head honcho] says otherwise.

So in the mean time: Thanks for coming to Marscon! Go get 'em! Perhaps you'll come back when we can [show you the rest of the convention].

Comments

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

Cool. I hope they had a great time. That was indeed a classy move on Marscon's part.

[davidwilford.livejournal.com]

I think that cow left the barn already, otherwise they'd have never been allowed to stay in a rather public motel!

[barondave.livejournal.com]

There's a big difference between being seen in public and having your pictures splashed all over the net. Why, that could lead to a [potentially unfortunate incident] or their [parental unit] finding out what they really did.

[asimovberlioz.livejournal.com]

For this post, I think we owe a great big "[redacted] you!" to our Commander-in-Chief.

[freeimprov.livejournal.com]

Well stated. :}

And I thought their presence was terrific all around. I met several of them over the evening and they were all excellent guests. And I'm quite proud of how we (Marscon and its attendees) treated them!

[freeimprov.livejournal.com]

As their commander put it, "No pictures a minister wouldn't approve of". I'd be more worried about angry parents then [redacted]s...

[gamerchick.livejournal.com]

[Redacted] was made of awesome and win. I agree with you that we all got the chance to see one of the great class acts of fandom history this past weekend.

[kj.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize the con had comped them all their passes. That's fantastic.

[radparker.livejournal.com]

I love it! Very cool.

[invader-tak-1.livejournal.com]

They were ok till about two or so when they started to get REALLY drunk.

One of them decided to come in and harass Betty and me in her room party the cosmic tulip lounge, neither of us who really liked being addressed as "the freaks". Some others were outside decimating plantlife and dragging big clots of soil in the elevators.

Lastly, before the invite when they were gathered in groups watching up they were saying pretty non charitable things about the fans in general.

They were good most of the time, but really I think people are really starting to hang halos on them a bit too much.

The Invasion of 2008

[(Anonymous)]

I am SO sorry they were giving you a hard time in the Lounge - if that happens again at ANY MarsCon with ANY persons, PLEASE give ConCom the opportunity to take care of it and make sure it doesn't happen again. If you had let us know, we would have got the head honcho in there, and he would have taken care of it IMMEDIATELY. Our Security team is willing and effective - and that is why they are there. Please allow me to offer our apologies to both you and Betty on behalf of MarsCon and the Convention Committee.

[rvrjoe775.livejournal.com]

Hmm, interesting. I suspect it would not have enhanced my con experience, but I'm glad some were able to appreciate the surprise guests.

:(

[(Anonymous)]

What a shame! That's so sad that some of them got a bit out of hand because in general they seemed to be completely lovely.

I think some of the ones who showed up around 2-3 are the guys who had been out at bars rather than partying with us the whole time. So maybe they hadn't gotten acclimated to the oddities to be seen at a sci-fi con.

It's a shame but most of them deserve the halo's we're hanging. I have nothing but lovely memories and opinions of the lads I hung with. They're being sent somewhere dangerous and unpleasant and no one can pretend the US doesn't have something to do with that so they deserved to let loose and relax for a night.