I was doing some soul-searching Thursday afternoon whether I should attend Advance the Colors as I'd planned. After the terrorist attacks, I was wondering (like other members, I imagine) if playing games seemed a frivolous way to spend a weekend. I know Americans have been urged to get on with their lives, otherwise "the terrorists win."

Working for an airline, though, made it strike closer to home. Finally, I decided that I could spend only so many hours in front of a television. Eventually, I would have to come to terms with the attack and extent of the tragedy. I would have to get on with my life.

So, Friday afternoon I said a silent prayer, loaded up the car and drove to Springfield. I felt better, immediately. Great Lakes is neither the smallest nor largest HMGS chapter. Were our flagship con to fail disastrously -- to have no one show up -- it would threaten our survival. I decided Osama bin Laden was not going to destroy Great Lakes. Wargamers are a patriotic group, well-versed in history and current affairs. They would not bow down to terrorism.

And so it was. ATC seemed to glow with gorgeous troops and terrain. Lions and herds of elephants menaced colonial soldiers beneath a verdant canopy of greenery in "Return to Colonial Africa!," my first game. I'd admired the Colby Street Irregulars event at previous cons, and itched to lead troops across that scenic slice of Africa -- perhaps even out onto the rickety wooden bridge over the crocodile-infested river!

The next morning, I unleashed my army of 15mm Slavs in the 4th Annual DBA Tourney. We raced through the woods, winning two battles while losing one, but having a riotous time. Many thanks to Jim Williams for stepping in to run it when Dennis Frank couldn't attend. In between my games, though, I was drawn to Craig Lechner's "Raid on Truk." The rolling tropical hills, blue water, intricate harbor with its Japanese ships and swarms of tiny U.S. aircraft merged for one of the most stunning wargame setups I'd ever seen. Nearby, was its gorgeous rival -- Brian O'Leary's sweeping, richly-detailed Pacific island of Ponape with its native temple, outriggers, colonial ships, Spanish fort -- all the makings of steamy, jungle intrigue and action.

I was glad I attended Advance the Colors. Spending time visiting with friends I seem to see only at cons, the camraderie, admiring the beauty of painted troops and terrain proved to be a joyful experience. After a week of watching tragedy, feeling cold and empty inside, ATC 2001 was the healing balm my soul needed.