"We are so glad to have you here and are very excited you are showing "Blood & Fire" to us!" enthused Shore Leave 30 Convention Vice President Marilyn Mann. Marilyn was instrumental in scheduling the screening of "Blood & Fire" to a prime-time audience of convention goers on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. And for the second year in a row, the audience at this Baltimore-area gathering got the first public glimpse of the newest that Star Trek: Phase II has to offer.

This night, a crowd of 300 watched the David Gerrold story unfold. As is typical with Gerrold's work, the portrait of the characters painted on the ballroom screen resonated with the viewers. Laughter was appropriately prevalent at times as were gasps and tears for this enormously emotional story of love, conflict, loss and redemption. The comments from audience members was most gratifying for James Cawley who took the stage after the presentation and took questions from the emotionally moved crowd.

The convention, celebrating their 30th year as one of the nation's largest fan-run convention for science-fiction, could not have been more pleased at what happened next. James auctioned off a movie-sized poster for "Blood & Fire" that was signed by the entire cast, and a piece of art from his private collection--a print of the 'Gorn' creature that was created specifically for him. Then, two trips to visit the sets of Phase II were auctioned, and all proceeds went to the convention's bone marrow donor program drive that was going on in conjunction with their regular outreach to the blood banks in the local area and the blood drive that occurs with it. In all, nearly $1,400 was raised.

Mann was also responsible for the next prime-time scheduling event for Phase II. Joining George Takei on stage near the end of his convention appearance James Cawley talked about George's participation in the episode "World Enough and Time" which George had already mentioned prominently in his discourse. George had also mentioned the "Blood & Fire" screening. James had the opportunity to show George cuts of the episode prior to his talk. So moved was Takei by what he saw, he wept. George was very enthusiastic about Phase II, "Blood & Fire" and his participation and helped to introduce a screening of "World Enough and Time" following his presentation.

The convention was heavily attended and Phase II was warmly received. It is a fan-film dream to have had the prominent slots in the main ballroom schedule that we received--any similar project would have done anything to have matched this. So many inquiries about our project and where to find it were answered, that its a good bet you can all welcome many new members to the Phase II forums in the very near future.

Enthusiasm remains high for Phase II and the work that was on display in Maryland this past weekend. It is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and love of Star Trek that James Cawley has and the volunteers he has assembled to bring it all to life. The future holds so many new stories--perhaps Baltimore audiences will be the first to glimpse those too.

For more information on Shore Leave, visit their website: www.shore-leave.com

Story by: Rich Newman