Love is in the air at Fanbase Press! In this magical month of romance and enchantment, the Fanbase Press Staff and Contributors decided to stop and smell the roses. Throughout the week of Valentine’s Day, a few members of the Fanbase Press crew will be sharing their personal love letters to the areas of geekdom they adore the most.

Dear Sir Patrick Stewart,

For the majority of my 36 years, somewhere near 30 of them, I have been fond of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Not only has this series been a life-long favorite, and I consider it my go-to for watching reruns of TV shows, I have always been charmed by your role: Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Starship USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-D. Your foundation of respectful candor, established inadequacies with children, and dealing with stressful situations with a calm demeanor became a significant force during my younger years. I hoped to be that calm. I hoped to be that leader. I hoped to be you.

To this day, I admire your ability to portray such a determined leader who defends his actions, and stands by the crew, while humbly accepting other opinions as equally significant. The crew might’ve feared Captain Picard, but this behavior might’ve been from a stern exterior; however, those closest to him seemed to want to take pride in their own work – something exemplified by his professional approach. As a youngster, there was always an awkward presence that never seemed to escape my mind. I was uncomfortable with approaching other kids and making friends, so the discomfort you showed as Picard seemed relatable to someone the very age you would’ve avoided on the small screen.

Despite my growing in height and years, that oddity still comes and goes. I believe a future where traveling the stars, like the Federation, is an amazing thought, and I hope the simplicity in which your character roamed the stars with a strong, subtle command will lead the world in any endeavors moving forward. Yes, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a wonderful work of fiction, but your ability to make his presence live long into the ages allows me to believe that those qualities will remain for as many years as humankind exists.

One of the most significant descriptions of any character, in any work of fiction, perfectly describes Picard and quite possibly a purposeful or subconscious reason for my attachment for all of these years”

“You who have the heart of an explorer and the soul of a poet.”

The influence of your depiction proves the significance of powerful, emotional ties to fictional characters. Perhaps this is a starting point for characters I would tend to gravitate toward as I got older: reserved, intelligent, respected, and an ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. It seems ridiculous to say aloud that such fictional attributes are something to aspire to, yet it’s probably a reason I continue to watch this series.

With my utmost gratitude for your creation I adore,
Travis