I am very sorry to hear that Rex and it does sound very bad to me. I would be very pissed off also.

I hope the Alien suit is not to badly damaged. The worst I've seen is when a kid had a shotgun and forced it into Abe's mouth at the shopping centre at MK I think.

Please come down to the London Film and Comic Con as at Earls court it's a lot better. Mostly there a two marines for each bug to keep a eye out and also keep the crown back a bit and make room ahead.

Expo is not really my scene as I did it the once as I did not like the little people and that's why I went to Milton Keynes on my own.

Cheers,

Steve

_________________
Sgt Steven 'DATA' Pasek
A04/TQ8.0.24476E3
1st Batt. 69th Regiment, Homers Heros..

Jesus christ, Rex!

I wasn't aware of how many things piled up on you at the weekend!
*Hug*

I don't think this Expo was much different to any other - Or any other drop in a public space, like Collectormania and the like.
There's always gonna be one idiot that tries something silly - The number of members of the public that we meet makes that inevitable.
Most of the time, we deal with the matter - I, too, have been "glomped", and had folk try to pull my lamp off.
Gareth's had folk pull his spines ( Which resulted in the "spotter/chain" policy in the first place. )

But generally any given UKCMer will see one silly bugger per drop.
Somehow, Rex got everyone's quota all to herself!

We can't pretend it doesn't happen - Arseholes exist.
But as Jon says - We're a family, and we look after our own.

_________________
MSgt, UKCM 42nd Reg., 1st Batt. : Hadrian's Wall. UKCM

Wasteland Workshop
Props, cosplay pieces, upcycled ornamentation, and miscellanea;
For the discerning survivor of the apocalypse.
Steve Fletcher : Maker, Scavenger, and Junksmith.
linktr.ee/wastelandworkshop

well said scapey well said
dont worry rex we will make sure u have more fun next time

_________________
I'm the one they warned you about

Jeez Rex. I'm sorry this had to happen to you, and on your first drop as well.
Reminds me of one of the first drops we did outside the NSC.

We're outside the venue and we stop for a photo or two. Some 'Wee ned came up behind us and pulled Abe tail so hard he almost fell. 'Scapey' and I hustled over and extracted G. We worked the protection detail into all further drops on an informal basis. We failed to get your back and for that I apologise.

Whilst we've all had our share of little snags at drops. This is the first case of a member of the public Actually assaulting one of us. Rest assured we won't let it happen again.

We've been problem free for so long I guess we tend to assume everybody knows the score. Failing to watch out for the new guys is a failure on our part.

Give it another try Rex. The marines are there for your protection.
I just had a mental image of Aliens hiding behind marines..

_________________
STEVENSON F.
A11/TQ0.0.82148E1

"You are not your Drop Count."

As people have said - there is nothing new in what I posted at the top of this thread: It's the way we've worked for a long time.

In an ideal world, we'd be able to walk around in costume without a care in the world. But it makes you a vulnerable target and there are some twats who are just jealous and want to cause trouble. Also, when something happens then it can escalate fast if it isn't kept in check. Unfortunately, if any one of the Aliens or Preds had gone out at the weekend alone then they would have got similar grief. It's not right, but you just can't be alone in a crowd like you find at Expo.

What I wanted to say in the original post is, "When you roll in with the UKCM, then you roll out with the UKCM". No-one should be going it alone (not even Marines!) and we should all watch each other's back - Especially people who are new to their costumes. I wish I had made sure you were being watched because I should know better than anyone how nasty it is to get in a bad situation in an Alien costume.

Give it another shot. Drop me a line if you want to talk.

Holy shit, Rex....

Ordinarily, that sort of behaviour would have been stopped well before it got so bad.
I'm very sorry to hear you had a bad experience.

'course, you know now that whenever you put your name down for another Drop, there will be 20 Marines all signing up as your protection - You'll be the most heavily guarded entity since the US President!!

And my deepest sympathies - Watford is a terrible place!!
I know - I lived there for 19 years.

As it has been said countless numbers of times so far, theres always 'someone' there to ruin it for others, generally the majority of people come to these Expos/Events to have a good time and look at all the different costumes, I had very good chats with alot of them. I myself experienced some of the so called 'idiotcity' at the Expo, some kid who I later found out to be the kid bothering Rex came over and had my Vp-70 out of my hand which he then proceded to try and take it apart, this happened while I was talking to some people, he did eventually give it back but with a little FORCE needed....I did notice he had a black eye which I very much suspect came from Rex, Good on her!! little turd got what he needed.

But I agree totally with what all has been said about how the guys in Alien/Pred costumes need Marines around to keep off the over excited kiddie and twats, I was safeguarding Paul and Matt a few times and didnt mind at all, I got good photos, and photos of myself, woot! and its nice knowing your helping them out. So long as someone is willing to look after you and we're all in this together and one big family I heard someone say and we look after our own!

Dont let this put you off Rex, as you can see from what everyones said, they really want to see you again

_________________
Easily distracted by shiny things...

thats one of the reasons we encourage metal armor here. everyone and their mother wants to "knock" on it, and there was the girl who hurt her hand punching a marine at DC.

Let the boys with the guns back you up, no one will ever say no.

On the plus side, you got to punch someone, here you'd be the one dragged off, and it's good to know we haven't cornered the market on douchebags.

_________________
Rob Slater
A08/TQ2.0.42136E1

Rex it's safe to say the Expo is not like say LFCC , expo has a lot of people who don't pay to get in ,hanging around out side , plus at something like LFCC we stay inside all the time and it's a lot less crowded . so if you can come along to LFCC , we are a family and we stick together and look out for each other..

_________________
Pfc Glenn Allen ,
1st Batt. 69th Regiment,
Homers Hero's..
Drops so Far.... 29 and counting

While I agree with you, Glenn, in that were all a family that look out for each other, I wouldnt say theres a lot of people not there to be part of expo. Expo has been brilliant both times Ive been to it. Granted there seems to have been more hassle this year, but I cant say ive seen enough to say thats the norm.

Maybe even be something to do with the fact there was a Mixed Martial Arts event on at the same time; attracting the over-testosterone'd types?

_________________
MSgt Samantha 'Boltie' Watters
Chief Medical Officer, UKCM
1st Batt. 42nd Regiment - Hadrian's Wall

Area 52 Bioweapons division - Amber T. Alien


"Harsh"

Just one more piping up to ask you to stick with it! I wish I could volunteer to spot for you, but this pesky little ocean gets in the way. Personally, I love keeping an eye on you beasts and bugs - you all make the rest of us look that much better.

_________________
General all around pain in the ass and master of the overshare.
"...a geeky kinda dorky kinda nerdy kinda gurl...and I like it!"

UKCM FOREIGN LEGION:
"DEVIANT DRAGOONS"

The Marines look awsome, BUT the bugs and Preds bring in all that intoxicating attention, awsomesauce!

_________________
Easily distracted by shiny things...

awww haha thanks guys, i didnt expect this much support tbh, ive defonatly not been put off as i was saying to G, and im going to see if i can do LFCC aswell as fright fest, i need to get alice repaired ASAP tho as im moving to my first house tommorow =D cant wait!
I wasnt sure i was one of you guys after the november drop last year but now im defonatly certain and guess what! im here to stick around with the family and theres no way in hell some little chav fag is gunna put me off =D

Ooo Rah!

Good to know youve not been put off, Rex! =D

_________________
MSgt Samantha 'Boltie' Watters
Chief Medical Officer, UKCM
1st Batt. 42nd Regiment - Hadrian's Wall

Area 52 Bioweapons division - Amber T. Alien


"Harsh"

That's horrible Rex, I honestly hope the minority of idiots don't put you off coming out to play with the guys again. They're usually more than willing to babysit you guys and I'm sure if they had known you where alone they'd have been there for you.

Julie

most of us were ready to watch her on the sunday if she stayed

_________________
I'm the one they warned you about

A little note for those of us (myself) who costuming is a non issue due to cost or time or other reasons yet have developed a friendship with these guys.

You can be of help, I noticed last year people were coming up to me and asking me if they could take their photos with these guys. People sort of thought i was some kind of security for these guys! I was polite and allowed people their chance and i kept a discreet distance. People come to see these guys not some fat git in a bomber jacket. So don't crowd the costumers their will be plenty of time to chat here and there.

If people ask or you see people taking snaps get out of the way. Or help if you feel confident. If you think you are just being a brick wall, go look around and leave the guys to it for a bit. Plenty to see at a convention!

Although i have been accepted by these guys I am still a little apart due to the prohibitive cost of costuming despite the fact im a huge Alien fan. This means i have to be extra aware that my presence as a non costumer doesnt interfere with those who do. Be respectful, polite and helpful.

_________________

http://www.richarddaborn.com
Now a member of the Freebooters, another Pirate about! Aaar!
A12/TQ0.0.72138F1 ECG Daborn, R RustiSwordz South East England-UK
'In Space, there is no Horse'

Dude - Do NOT feel excluded because you have no costume!
Hell, anyone can be a minder, costumed or no. Or they can take photos... Or just hang out!
And if you would prefer a costume - I for one have spare labcoats, pilot costumes ( For the smaller framed personage ), flak vest... I ain't wearing them, so someone might as well!

UKCM's a state of mind, not an exclusive club.

_________________
MSgt, UKCM 42nd Reg., 1st Batt. : Hadrian's Wall. UKCM

Wasteland Workshop
Props, cosplay pieces, upcycled ornamentation, and miscellanea;
For the discerning survivor of the apocalypse.
Steve Fletcher : Maker, Scavenger, and Junksmith.
linktr.ee/wastelandworkshop

Thats OK matey, (im all welling up here... LOL!)

Thats it mate i think you got it better than me. I have been asked a few times to watch the guys backs, an im happy to do so. I enjoy it.

_________________

http://www.richarddaborn.com
Now a member of the Freebooters, another Pirate about! Aaar!
A12/TQ0.0.72138F1 ECG Daborn, R RustiSwordz South East England-UK
'In Space, there is no Horse'

Well, I didn't have a costume when I came to the expo.

I look like every other marine out there, Cause everyone clubbed together and outfitted me. - Interestingly, this gave me the nudge to splash out and buy a costume.. funny how that works out.

_________________
Sgt. Jake Tucker - 13th Regt. 1st Batt. Freebooters.

You could go the route I did with a WY worker. It's a pretty simple navy pants and blue work shirt with the right badges. I can help point you in the right direction if you need some pointers.

HOORAY for Rex staying!

_________________
General all around pain in the ass and master of the overshare.
"...a geeky kinda dorky kinda nerdy kinda gurl...and I like it!"

UKCM FOREIGN LEGION:
"DEVIANT DRAGOONS"

Or a check shirt and a body warmer. We need a company guy to talk trash to...
There's a though has anybody costumed as a company guy?

_________________
STEVENSON F.
A11/TQ0.0.82148E1

"You are not your Drop Count."

No, but I'm giving it great thought!

Rex, your story is absolutely horrific!
Like it has been said, there are plenty of us WILLING to help.

I’ve spent a few weekends minding Abe and the crew either in some sort of costume or none at all.
Hell, I even took my car on a 6 hour drive the Leicester full of sweaty marines, just for the privilege of hanging about helping out as and when I could. Minding, prepping costume components, photos, drinks runs etc.

So, never feel bad about asking a member of the UKCM for a bit of help!

_________________
Sgt A. Richardson CMD A04/TQ1.0.02151E1

I imagine you can slap a WY patch on anything hehe and have insta-costume! You shouldnt let not having a costume think your distanced from everyone else, I mean I bought a flightsuit and a few patches on my first drop cause I didnt want to feel left out lol, but thats just me

Its awsome here and everyone made me feel welcome and as said, you would only need a science coat, pad and paper and you can be our Xeno observer! But yeh.....awsomesauce

_________________
Easily distracted by shiny things...

Ive got a couple of Lab coats, my lieutenant's uni, a WY security guard all up for grabs. I dont mind even lending my armour on occasion; so long as I get to wear it sometime over the drop. =]

_________________
MSgt Samantha 'Boltie' Watters
Chief Medical Officer, UKCM
1st Batt. 42nd Regiment - Hadrian's Wall

Area 52 Bioweapons division - Amber T. Alien


"Harsh"