If I had to compile a "top ten" list of things I've written since I decided I was a capital-W Writer, the story I've excerpted for this week's Geek in Review would easily make the top five. I love this story, and it's one of my absolute favorites to perform live, for Trekkies and mundanes alike:
WILLIAM FUCKING SHATNER, Part II've never put this story online before, because it was part of Dancing Barefoot, and I figured back then that it was a good enough reason to buy the book (<shill>it still is, kids, and it makes a lovely gift for virtually any occasion!</shill>) but I'm pretty sure I've earned everything I'm going to earn from it, and I'm too proud of the work in it to allow it to gather dust in a warehouse while top men wonder why it isn't in the Star Trek section like that Geek book was.
"So . . . you're the kid on that show?" He seemed annoyed.
My throat and mouth were dry, and my palms were sweating. My heart pounded in my ears, as I answered. "Uh, yes, sir. My name's Wil."
He continued to look at me. I carefully wiped my hand on the hip of my spacesuit, and extended it. "Nice to meet you," I said.
He didn't take my hand.
"What is that, your spacesuit?" He said, and made a sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a cough.
"Oh? This? Yeah. It's not as cool as yours, but it's what they tell me to wear." I put my hand down. I really wanted to leave. I felt a little light headed. Why wouldn't Captain Kirk shake my hand? And why didn't he like my spacesuit? Could he see the fake muscles? Maybe he didn't like the color. I became hyper-aware of the spandex, clinging to my body, and longed for the comfort of my fleece jacket.
"Well?" He asked.
Oh no. He'd asked me a question, and I'd missed it.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
"I said, what do you do over there?" he asked. There was a challenge in his voice.
"Oh, uh, well, I'm an acting ensign, and I sometimes pilot the ship." Maybe he'd be impressed that I'd already logged several hours at the helm of the Enterprise D, all before the age of 16.
"Well, I'd never let a kid come onto my bridge." He said, and walked away.
If you like it, please share the link with your friends, and look for part two, one week from today.
