There are a few things that make life worthwhile but having the lady who played your favorite character wrap her arms around you while you are surrounded by the cast of your favorite series will certainly do that. What a wonderful memory I will cherish and be able to tell my children one day. Happy 30th Anniversary, my beloved Voyager....
Back: Garrett Wang (Harry Kim), Robert Duncan McNeil (Tom Paris), Tim Russ (Tuvok), Robert Beltran (Chakotay), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Ethan Phillips (Neelix)
Front: Myself with Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), Kate Mulgrew (Kathryn Janeway) and Roxann Dawson (B'Elanna Torres)
Who would think back in 2018 when this little lady would become enthralled with Seven of Nine, watching Voyager each night during her senior year in high school that one day she would attend a convention that each cast member of the show would appear and take the stage celebrating thirty years. After being introduced to Star Trek and finding my way into the arms of Voyager, this series has been a second home and family to me. The stories, the characters and humanity gave me glimmers of hope during some very dark and indecisive times. Seeing myself in Seven and my mother in Captain Janeway formed a bond between me and these characters, especially as component and strong female role-models. From high-school to now, post-collage, they continue to inspire and drive a part of me to be intellectual, to use my knowledge and to never let an obstacle let me down. Voyager was a series that invited you into their world and for 45 minutes per episode told you a moral to a story. Now, of course there were episodes that were dull, but as the whole, most notably from season 4-7, it was a series that gave the viewer a sense into how the world could be someday and the tools that humanity could use to better itself and others (in this case, aliens). Of course I could continue on, but as I already stated in "My Voyage With Voyager" Voyager held its own from beginning to end...and to me it is the best Star Trek series to this date.
Back in June I was contemplating whether or not to go to the 2025 Star Trek: Las Vegas. I had gone back in 2021 and 2022, and although very enjoyable, the hotel experience and some issues made me not want to go again. Times had been difficult during that period with bouts of online bullying and being quite busy getting two degrees in college. In a way, I took a step back from the fandom after much toxicity on social media, but deep down never let it affect my undying love for Voyager. Like at previous times, it had always been there for me. A yearly rewatch year after year, an episode when a monumental stepping stone transpired and remembering what it always meant to me remained in the back of my mind. In 2024, a convention in San Antonio took place in which most of the Voyager cast were to attend. I went ahead and bought tickets, but unfortunately due to conflicting performances, I declined to go and thankfully sold my tickets to a fan who could attend. In other words, it was not meant to be. When STLV 2025 was announced and I had seen a somewhat change in management took place, coinciding with a promised 30 Year Reunion of the Voyager cast I delved in and bought my admission pass. As the weeks went by I saved and bought a ticket here and there for autographs and the full cast photo op. Perhaps now...a dream come true would transpire.
On 8/9/2025 it did.
As both panels intertwined with time, the audience members were given a moment to take a picture of the entire cast...30 Years Together
Ethan Phillips, Jeri Ryan, Roxann Dawson, Tim Russ, Robert Beltran, Kate Mulgrew,
Robert Picardo, Brannon Braga, Robert Duncan McNeil and Garrett Wang.
If anyone in the Trek fandom knows me they know I am in the mighty minority of those who loved (with a capital L) the pairing of Chakotay and Seven of Nine. Can you imagine what it was like to take a picture with the two players who brought my favorite on screen pairing to life? Well, here it was after years of rooting for "C/7 Forever" - this photo made my convention entirely made.
The photo of the century...
Myself with Robert Beltran (Chakotay) and Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine).
My expression? In the happiest state of shock.
And of course, the convention would not be made without me dressed as a mini-Seven with the true version right beside her (Jeri Ryan is so gracious and always photogenic!)
With the man, the myth, the legend: Robert Beltran
Caught this picture during the panel. Robert and Jeri making adorable eye contact.
As previously stated in "My Voyage With Voyager", I said "
If I one day have the honor of meeting the writers, I would tell that to them with much pride and truth that this show has been a bright spot in my life..." Well thanks to this year's STLV, I actually had the honor of seeing Brannon Braga and telling him what Voyager, and especially his episodes "Human Error" and "Endgame" meant to me. His response
"you just made the past 30 years of my life worthwhile" made my entire journey to Star Trek worthwhile. Writing this article one week after that still makes my heart happy and I am so glad that I decided to come and celebrate my favorite series with the players who made such a fine specimen in television possible.
Two incredible pieces of artwork done by my artist friend Roman Pönopp. I was able to get these signed by the stars at STLV and now they will forever hang with great pride. Jeri's reaction to the C/7 one? "Awwwww!"
Seven of Nine, signing out her most memorable stardate yet 🖖🏻
I want to write a special thank-you to my friends Dr. Mohamed Noor, Ann Marie Segal and Ryan T. Husk for doing such an incredible job at this year's STLV and for helping bring joy to this girl's heart. And a special thanks to the entire Voyager cast for coming to STLV and taking a moment with each fan who graced your table. Lastly, a nod to Roman Pönopp for your incredible artwork that made its way into the hands of each Voyager cast mate to sign.
Live Long And Prosper,
Katie
"To the Journey"
Dedicated to the memory of my late friend Renee McCloy. "In a world of Seska's...be a Janeway."
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