Tonight I am going to see Leonard Nimoy speak on "his role in the history of Star Trek, its origins and how a new genre for television and movies was created". As a card carrying Trekker, I felt somewhat obligated to attend, even though it conflicts with a well-established game night.

Sorry fellas, you'll have to do without me tonight. I don't really have a choice: the original cast is getting near their expiration date.

I'm curious to hear what Mr. Nimoy will have to say about the show and its legacy, as well as his part in it. After all, Mr. Spock is one of the more iconic characters in television history. Plus he's in that Information Society song, which I think above everything else, really cemented his place in pop culture.

The last time I went to a talk at this venue there was a book signing afterward. I wonder if Leonard will do the same (though I suppose "I'm Not Spock" is probably out of print). If so, I almost certainly have to stand in line, but I have nothing for him to sign. At least nothing distinctly Spock-ish. I suppose I could have him sign my copy of the video game Civilization IV, in which he provided voice-over narration.

"I really loved you as... you know... the encyclopedia guy in the game. I was all like, 'Wow... Mr. Spock really knows a lot about history'."

A friend warned me not to go up to him and say, "Live long and prosper" which, fortunately, I have enough sense not to do in person. But the question does remain: what does a fan say to someone like Leonard Nimoy upon meeting them? I'm sure he's heard it all:

"Did you ever sit in The Chair when Kirk wasn't looking?"

"That Pon farr sure is a bitch, ain't it?"

"What was it like having your soul trapped in McCoy's body?"

"I never really watched that Star Trek thing, but I loved 'In Search Of...'!"

Obviously, he's tired of these questions. I wracked my brain for some time, but I think I've finally figured out what I'll ask him, if the unlikely chance arises:

"So, Mr. Nimoy, what was up with 'The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins'? Seriously?"

(Happy 40th Anniversary, Star Trek!)