While attending the Vulkon Science Fiction Convention in Orlando the weekend of November 17-19 at the Hilton in Orlando, The Rag Tag Fleet's own public relations officer had the opportunity to meet and talk with the builder of the awesome production model of the Battlestar Galactica, James Creveling. What seems to be several miles long in movie magic's outer space is actually about five feet in length and stands in all it's gleaming whiteness atop a sturdy tripod. These mini space giants are placed before a blue screen and a special computerized camera is used to make the image of the ship look one thousand times its actual size and allows the audience to see it move among the stars.

James' beauty will probably never see real production, but it has thrilled both avid model builders and Battlestar fans alike. James, a very pleasant, dressed down and relaxed sort of fellow stood guard over his amazing starship like a proud dad. I asked him what made him want to spend what seemed to me to be countless hours assembling his replica right down to the smallest laser cannon and sharp fiber-optic lights throughout the hull of the tiny giant.

Surprisingly, he smiled and told me that he built it on a bet. In actuality, James has always loved the Battlestar. As a matter of fact, when he was a youngster, he dreamed of what it would actually be like to have a ship like that and vowed that, one-day, he would find a way build a replica of the grand starship. All in all, it took James a ton of glue and about six months to build the Battlestar. The fiber-optic lights did not originally come with the model, this was James' own idea. Looking at it's sleek appearance overshadowing a smaller ship that won its Galactica claim to fame by displaying "Colonial Movers, We Move Anywhere" on its hull.

The room was full of wonderful facsimiles of all sorts of Star Wars, Star Trek (several generations) and Babylon 5 vessels. Some were the size of a pencil, some looked impressively delicate and detailed, but they all paled in comparison to the famed Battlestar Galactica. Many of the models in the room were for sale. Some asked a mere $50 and others wanted $30. James told me that unfortunately, his model spends a lot of time entombed in its crate because there is no room in his house to display it in it's massive entirety.

Before I left, he asked me why I didn't ask him the going price on the ship. I thought that, if this were my masterpiece of the starship model world, I'm not sure that I'd sell. I asked him.

"O.K.," I asked ready for the grand sum of all his work rolled up in one big fat check..."how much would it take to buy this baby?"

"Oh, it is not for sale," James replied.

"No way!" I smiled and nodded...Just as it should be.

The November Vulkon in Orlando, Florida was a great opportunity for fans to meet and talk to the stars of Battlestar Galactica, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict. A myriad of fans stood in long lines to get the chance to interact up close. Whenever Richard is asked to do a convention, he is happy to bring along with them the trailers that represent the two projects that have grown near and dear to his heart.

One trailer is a small sneak-peek at the newest Su-Shann project, The Great War of Magellan, and the other is the fantastic trailer worked on by countless talented CGI artists and modelists, superb actors like Jack Stauffer and Richard Lynch, and spearheaded by the man...Richard Hatch...whose will it is to bring back one of the greatest Sci-Fi television shows to ever air on network television...Battlestar Galactica. This was a treat for the standing room only crowd who assembled in the auditorium-style conference room provided by the Hilton of Orlando.

Amidst what seemed to be an audience of Star Trek aficionados (hence the convention named "Vulkon"), BSG'S own crusader, Richard "Captain Apollo" Hatch, bounded on stage with a rush of enthusiasm. Richard spoke about dreams and about what it is that inspires people to take on projects such as this one. He told the audience about what this show meant to him, and about the great affection that fans all over the world seem to hold for this particular show. He went on to point out that although this series was on the top ten ratings list, and was the top-rated Sci-Fi show of it's time, Galactica was abruptly canceled without a word. "Most television shows," Richard explains, "use their first year to test new ideas and get their feet on the ground.

The second year is always much better than the first. They didn't give Galactica that second year. They have reunited The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island and similar shows, they keep doing re-makes of super-hero after super-hero shows, like Batman and Superman, but they didn't even think to reunite the cast of Galactica for even a single made-for-T.V.-movie. Now Lorne Greene is gone, so is Lloyd Bridges and John Colicos." Richard went on to explain the great potential that is evident in the show's story-line. It is not just a yarn about a bunch of "space jockeys," it's a story about the struggle for survival, it is a story of human relationships, and of courage.

Powerfully, and with much vivacity, Mr. Hatch worked to justify the hard work of many dedicated CGI artists, camera men, crew, actors, and fans who donated their time to this worthy cause. "Let's bring back this show...let's give Galactica it's Second Coming!" is the new battle cry! Raising his arm over his head, and clinching his fist in gesture, Richard shouts out..."Freedom!" and the crowd reacts in kind. As the audience sits on the edge of their seats, Richard knows that it is time to play his trailers for them.

He explains with humor the hours, day, weeks, and months that gone into each frame of the four-minute (six now I believe) work. The lights dim, and the video begins. Richard reminds the person who is in charge of the video equipment to turn the volume up so that the audience can get the maximum effects of the film. He fades off to one side as the mighty trailer speaks for itself.

Dramatic, and packed with action, civil unrest, danger, real heroes, and enough special effects to thrill the most cynical of us all, Richard's trailer is a titillating hit. The crowd goes wild as the credits roll on the screen, and Richard is touched by the enthusiasm that is given back to him by the audience's overwhelming approval. "It always amazes me that fans will remember this show with so much feeling and love. I speak to them at every convention and they all tell me the same thing.

Many of them didn't even see the original series air. They caught the show in re-runs. And those who do remember the show from it's original season have never forgotten it." Only allowed thirty minutes to present, Richard is hurried to show his behind-the-scenes trailer introducing to the fans the newest Su-Shann undertaking. He explains that actions speak louder than words in the eyes of the television mogul's of Hollywood.

If his actions do, then possibly they will back this project and then perhaps they will give him the keys to Battlestar Galactica. Mr. Hatch is excited to be working on something "that is all our own." He rolls his video and the crowd is pleased. As he is reminded that he has only a moment left with the fans, he sends his deepest appreciation to each and everyone of them as well as all the people who gave him their all for the film, and they grab onto that gladly.

Richard is a true motivator. No one could convert an audience of "Star Trekker's" so easily into enthusiastic Galactica fans. That is, no one except Captain Apollo, Richard Hatch himself.

An interesting note to readers...after such a strong showing, Richard was invited to do another panel on Sunday as well.

Expecting to get another thirty minutes, Richard was better prepared, but the Vulkon staff gave him almost two hours to visit with his fans both old and new. It was plain to see that each and every one of them left that auditorium supporting Richard Hatch's "Second Coming!"

Laurette was friendly and eager to talk to us about here experiences with the guys of Battlestar Galactica. She told us that she was amazed by them and loved working with them although she knew they had major crushes on her. She thought that Dirk was especially a lady's man. He commented that his trailer was always the subject of many jokes. There was something about a revolving door being assembled?

Laurette tells us that she likes to keep in touch with many of the cast members although she hadn't seen either Richard or Dirk in a while. She has kept in touch with Jane Seymour and Anne Lockhart. She told us that she hadn't seen or heard from Maren Jensen, the lovely starlet who played Athena on Battlestar Galactica, in many years. It is as though she had fallen off the earth, and she suggested that if someone could find her, she would certainly want to be the first to know where she has been. Laurette's first and foremost happiness is her family and children. She is a dedicated mother. She really has no intention to return to the world of Hollywood unless there is some kind of Galactica reunion.

She also commented about being able to work with Lorne Greene and Lloyd Bridges as well as Patrick Macnee and Fred Astair. She says, as they all do, that Lorne was like a father figure to the cast. He taught them much about doing a television show and treated them all like a part of his personal family. We got a laugh when she told us about some of the pranks that used to happen on the set. For example, she told us about how she and Anne really liked to see the boys wear those cute Triad costumes! She said that she and Anne used to wait outside the door and give the guy's a wedgie when they went to enter the room. It was funny seeing them squirm! The guys apparently didn't like the costumes as much as the ladies did.

Lastly, Laurette was asked about signing our petition by one our members. She spoke to Dirk at length about what they should do and told us that Dirk and she had decided to support Richard in different ways. She thought that if they were to sign the petition, that it would take away from it's importance. She explained that this should remain a grassroots movement. Only the fans will speak and the big-wigs will have to listen to them eventually. She said that she hadn't seen Richard's trailer, but would like to. She did not comment about Mr. Larson at all.

We noticed that on Saturday the Galactica representatives were seated far apart from one another. They did not acknowledge each other from where Laurette and Dirk set up their tables and Richard set up his. It was a large room and they were placed in either corner.

Now here's the interesting thing...and this happened at the Vulkon dinner on Saturday evening and was an event that the diners will not soon forget. It was a real Kodak moment when Richard walked over to to Laurette's table and they talked and he gave her a big hug.

Then, Dirk came in. Richard extended his hand and Dirk shook it. Soon, they were hugging as well. All the fans exploded with excitement to see their two heroes, Starbuck and Apollo together after so many years.

This only goes to prove that there is an interest out there to see these wonderful actors reunited. We, as well as many others who had their cameras handy, took photos of them together. It was good to see them speak...Dirk spoke to Richard for about ten minutes in private and before Richard returned to our table, they shook hands again. Richard Hatch has walked through fire to see his dream of a Galactica Reunion come true. This meeting seemed to solidify his efforts.. That evening, Richard celebrated and Dirk even joined in later that night.

Our interview with Dirk was short, be he said a lot in those few minutes. He was there with this youngest son who, by the way, was a smaller version of his dad. Dirk told us that he would like to do Starbuck again. If there was a go on any project, he would be willing and most happy to play the role. Dirk was very interested in peddling his newest of three books at the convention as well. People seemed interested and he us that he had brought about 50 books with him and sold a little less than half. Fans were eager to speak to him and he likes to take plenty of time to talk to each and every one of the them.

His line was the slowest and Laurette took every opportunity to tease him about it. Dirk also wanted to talk at length about his movie: Cahoots. It was a feather in his cap to have been able to direct this movie and to work with the actors that played the lead roles. He told us that this was a story about a mid-life crisis and growing up and moving ahead. He said that it took about ten years for him to get the backing to proceed with the project, so we were sure that he could identify with Richard's projects as well. He gave a great deal of credit to his short time working on Battlestar Galactica. He said that the experience was a positive one. It taught him much more about film making and script writing.

Dirk also told us that Galactica was really a program that came before it's time...it was new and innovative and had great production values. Of interest Dirk himself is a pilot, actually he has always been interested in aviation and made a few movies about aviators. As it turns out Galactica allowed him to fly among the stars!

He was grateful to work with such a great cast and learned much while a part of show. "Galactica would not be Galactica without Starbuck," says Richard.

He is an important character in the series. We all hope that Dirk can bring back his beloved character in the near future.

November 17-19, our staff was privileged to attend the Vulkon in Orlando, Florida. We had the most amazing time, thanks in large part to all the Galactica representatives we were able to meet, interview and hang out with. If you weren't there, shame on you-contact us next time, and you too will have a ball! (Editorial note: Upcoming conventions in our area are announced in our newsletters).

Overall, the convention atmosphere was very intimate, considering the rather small scale...compared to, let's say...DragonCon in Atlanta. While on Friday, we were able to purchase some pictures and get our tickets in order, the real convention did not get underway until Saturday. At 1 p.m. in the afternoon-a Galactica triple header presentation took place in the Grand Ballroom. Three different speakers-Richard Hatch, Laurette Spang and Dirk Benedict (in the order of appearance)-gave half an hour talks each.

Richard presented his Galactica trailer; Laurette spoke about some of her experiences on Battlestar Galactica, and Dirk pushed his new book. All three were doing Q&A's.

On the upside, everybody was very entertaining. Richard was his usual self, presenting his trailer (which has undergone some transformations since we last saw it in August-dare I say it? (It's even better now!) with unbridled enthusiasm, which the fans in response returned. Many Star Trek fans were attending this convention and quite a few were impressed both with Richard's easy-going nature and the fresh, new direction and astounding quality of the Galactica trailer. Sadly there is no word from Universal, yet hope remains.

Laurette's half an hour consisted of answering questions from the audience, not all of which were pertaining to Galactica. Since the show, she has been mostly involved in her family life and raising her children.

It was clear that she still was very amicable with Dirk Benedict, who, according to her, was just as amorous off-screen, as his character, Lieutenant Starbuck was on-screen. Lastly, Dirk was also answering questions from the audience, with the added incentive that he promised one of his new books (which had unfortunately not sold well during the week-end) to the person who would ask him the most interesting question...and to the person who would ask him the rudest question! And boy were they rude! Just an example: "So, Dirk...Laurette told us you had quite a few girls over...did you have a counter on you're trailer?"

Trust me, this was one of the tamer ones. Should you be interested more lewd and lascivious details, you can order a video of the con with all the panels from us. (E-mail us if interested). On the downside, there was very little or no interaction between Richard and Dirk or Laurette. In the autograph room also, they were seated on opposite ends of the room, seemingly oblivious of each other. Things did change for the better late that night, though.

After having had lunch with Richard-who we can attest has a ferocious appetite-we met for the official dinner of the Vulkon. Naturally, our group was sitting with the Galactica stars and we were delighted to witness a lengthy conversation between Dirk and Richard. Richard came up to Dirk, and they seemed to mend at least a few fences.

Laurette talked to both men as well. All of this is, of course, important for any hopes a Galactica Revival may have. IMHO, only if the old cast will agree to step up to the plate once again-at least Starbuck and Apollo-will fans really get what they bargain for.

But I digress...anyway, we are at the dinner. Dirk flirts shamelessly with a blonde at the table behind us (what is it with Dirk and those blondes anyway?), while Richard and his girlfriend, Sophie La Porte yet again astonish us with their apparently bottomless appetites. Later, at the dance, we had an opportunity to see our actor's dancing skills or lack thereof. Note to Richard: You're arm movements should actually resemble the letters "YMCA"-without help from our staff members!

Some time after midnight, everybody kind of tapered off and disappeared though. Heavenly sleep... Sunday, whilst everybody made an extremely sleepy impression, was another day that showcased Richard's success with the fan's. An impromptu hour panel discussion was added (that turned into 1 1/2 hours). This time, we did not only see the Galactica trailer again, but also were privy to the new, and yet unfinished "Great War of Magellan" trailer. Richard's newest baby looks very promising. He is not yet sure what form Magellan will eventually take, so it may be a TV series, Theatrical or even digital release.

We concluded this exciting weekend with a night at Universal Walkway with Richard and Steve Parady. It was a great time and we hope to see them again in the future.

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