This First Person column is the experience of Patrick Kwok-Choon, who was born and raised in Montreal. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ . I was on the set of Star Trek: Discovery and my character Gen Rhys had been thrust into the captain's chair, burdened with making life-and-death decisions for himself and his crew.
I can't believe this was happening to me. It was a milestone for my character — the first time as acting captain on the Starship Discovery — but also an important moment for me as a lifelong fan of the franchise. Sitting in that chair, I couldn't help but think of the iconic performances by Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew and Avery Brooks.
The weight of their legacy was palpable, and being part of that tradition felt incredibly significant. But my real concern wasn't the scene; it was the crisis unfolding at home. At 3 a.
m., my wife went into labour. When her contractions increased, we called our midwife at 9 a.
m. Despite the unpredictability of childbirth, she assured me, based on her extensive experience, that it was OK for me to go to work. She mentioned that while it's not guaranteed, deliveries typically occur at night, offering me some peace of mind.
Kwok-Choon shot his big scene in the captain's chair as his wife was in labour. (CBS/Paramount+ Star Trek: Discovery) I was contractually obligated to go into work that day and my wife reassured me that her contractions were only uncomfortable, not painful. She insiste.