Letters from Siddig: December 2001

Phew! Well, that was the year that was … It turns out that the only seriously prophetic thing about Kubrick’s movie lay in its title. Now that I look back on it, 2001 has been a bit of a space odyssey of sorts, more of an oddity than odyssey perhaps.

Is it just me or did some other power turn up the heat on the planet this year? Even before 9/11 it was if every surface had become just a little too hot to touch, metaphorically.

I’ve managed to miss three conventions – surely no actor in the history of Trek has been so consistently missing. I apologise to all those who may have bought a ticket and been disappointed. There may even be one or two people who bought three tickets – I deeply apologise to you both. I’m trying to make a bit of a living in these stormy post-Star Trek waters. It’s intense and harsh and surprising and fun, all at the same time. The good news is that I hope I will be able to spend a great deal of next year in the US (if I can get through immigration!) – so meeting up from time to time won’t be so tough.

I have an idea. Christmas is coming, not to mention Thanksgiving – you guys are all part of a terrific club, a club that means a lot to me and of which I am proud. Will you try something? Call it a dare. Will you all write in and let people know where you’re all going to be hanging out this Holiday season and if someone in the club is going to be alone or can’t get about as well as they used to, or anything that might make the end of the year finish off on a down note .. will you give ’em a ring – send ’em an email or pop round with a piece of leftover Christmas cake?- ‘cos somehow 2001 has managed to get itself into trouble and it’d be nice if we could help it a little as it winds to a close and keeping in touch with each other seems to be something you’re all pretty expert at.

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to ‘put people out’ and who wouldn’t normally say “I’m alone this Christmas” – do us a favor will you and let us know? It’ll be an excellent way to usher in the New Year.

Having said that – we all have a solemn duty to enjoy ourselves this Christmas – get into a bit of trouble, be juvenile a little – have fun! Will ya?

Love,
Sid