During Loscon 37’s “Delphic Oracle” game show Todd McCaffrey posed questions and the panelists built answers, each contributing one word in turn.

David Gerrold had just added the word “illuminate” when the hotel power failed. Everyone was plunged into darkness for a few seconds til the emergency lights came on.

Fellow panelist Tadao Tomomatsu, impressed by this special effect, immediately stood, bowed and salaamed David with outstretched hands.

Regular power was soon restored.