If your character took the Kobayashi Maru exam- how did they react? What did they do?
If they didn't, how would they, had they been made to run the test?
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Alina never took it, since she never entered the Command path in Academy, and has since not been interested in that.
(Though this does engender the question implied in TNG on whether it was necessary for the rank of LtCmdr as it seemed to be for Troi.. but I interpreted that episode and its psuedo-KM scenario to be more about the position she was trying to qualify for, and the rank just came with it because that position requires a LtCmdr to hold. Willing to hear alternate views on that though.)
I do have a full written out scenario for one of my other characters, Christine April, who is not in Argo (cause she is a Rear Admiral IC). Since no one here (except Dan) knows much about her it won't mean as much, but in the spirit of the topic, I'll post that story here in spoiler tags since I like sharing. You can choose whether or not to read it.
(Though this does engender the question implied in TNG on whether it was necessary for the rank of LtCmdr as it seemed to be for Troi.. but I interpreted that episode and its psuedo-KM scenario to be more about the position she was trying to qualify for, and the rank just came with it because that position requires a LtCmdr to hold. Willing to hear alternate views on that though.)
I do have a full written out scenario for one of my other characters, Christine April, who is not in Argo (cause she is a Rear Admiral IC). Since no one here (except Dan) knows much about her it won't mean as much, but in the spirit of the topic, I'll post that story here in spoiler tags since I like sharing. You can choose whether or not to read it.
Spoiler: Kobyashi Maru scenario: Christine AprilShow
((Some quick background, this was originally written as part of a larger prose story that followed up on Christine experiencing a near death experience and subsequently learning she was being offered her first command along with a promotion to Captain. At the time of the story, she was a Commander and the First Officer of the U.S.S. Galahad (astute readers might recall that is the ship Alina formally served on as well, it was a big part of my RP once). The story overall dealt with her overcoming the trauma she experienced and the fears of taking a command it caused her. As such she dreams about the time she took her test in Academy. It is a dream, but in this case it is an accurate memory, as stated in the story.))
The smell in the air was crisp, but non descriptive. She closed her eyes to take in every sense of the bridge before her. The lights were darkened, she preferred the more commanding feel of the darkened bridge. The lights of the consoles were more obvious and people focused on objects of importance on them or the view screen. They also focused because the temperature in the room was only 15 degrees Celsius. A colder room kept people on their toes. She opened her eyes, other cadets around her were busy attending to the duties they were supposed to be performing at this time.
Had the simulation begun yet? she wondered to herself. She wasn't going to be told of course. Academy cadets had different types of these special tests, different for everyone and different depending on specialty. While Christine focused toward engineering, something she never expected to be so good at, she had an eye for command as well. Her mother was a tactical officer back in the 50s and 60s. Christine may have not focused on the tactical side but she learned a lot from her mother before she died. Tactical and strategic knowledge were a virtue, even for an engineer at times.
As such it was only natural despite her engineering path that if she wanted a chance at command some day she would have to pass Academy certification for starship command. Getting to Captain was only half the work. A Captain wasn't able to be captain of the ship without being probably authorized by the Academy. Things weren't like that anymore it seemed.
Anymore? Why was she thinking like that? Looking around… it was clearly 2385 again... was this a dream? No this was a memory, this happened. This was Christine's Kobyashi Maru test, her final academy year before graduation and first assignment. Christine sat back in the Captain's chair, but not comfortably. She didn't like being comfortable while in a command position, comfort was for off duty. Finally, one of the other cadets on the bridge spoke up.
"Captain, picking up distress signal, Federation cargo transport. They say their engines are out and they are stuck smack dab in the Romulan Neutral Zone." the prospective ensign in front of her said, playing the role of communications officer.
"Display cargo transport information on screen." Christine replied.
The readout came up on the screen. Standard information, S.S. Kobyashi Maru, Federation cargo transport, and bearing information… smack dab in the neutral zone... So convenient. When this test was first created it used Klingon territory due to the uneasy nature of their relations with the Federation. Now Klingons were an ally of the Federation, but it was a shaky alliance right now it seemed; despite the alliance of the Dominion War things seemed to be growing distant. That wasn't important now however. The Romulans were used just because they were never on sure fire terms. Even after the Dominion War and the Shinzon incident 7 years ago it was hard to tell what they were planning one day from the next.
Christine had heard there was a cadet that refused to do the test with Romulans as the bad guys, apparently had some pretty profound opinions of them despite past precedent. Christine had to admire that. Somehow that cadet passed his test even though no one knew what version of the test he took. Christine didn't argue though, she accepted what she was offered by her superiors.
"Are there any other ships in range?" Christine asked.
"No sir, we are closest." responded her acting ExO.
"Contact the Romulan government, inform them one of our transports lost engine power and strayed a little too close to their space and needs help getting back home." she decided. The Communications officer was quick to respond.
"I've already tried as per regulation sir, no response."
"Of course there isn’t..." she looked at the data on screen, 5.6 light years out... and so it was. "Helm, plot a course, maximum warp."
"Setting course to Kobyashi Maru, maximum warp yes sir. Course laid in sir." Responded the Helm officer.
"Let’s get moving." she said with a slight grin. The game was afoot. The simulation used a non-real-time passage for quicker assessment. They had dropped out of warp only a minute later.
"Picking up transport on sensors sir... and more. Two Romulan Mogai class warships and one D'deridex warbird decloaking. They are assuming an attack pattern sir!" came from Tactical. Christine switched her position in her chair as she slightly leaned forward.
"Shields up, charge all phaser arrays and load torpedo tubes 1 and 3. Keep 2 on standby." she ordered. Her acting ExO standing next to her spoke up at this time.
"I recommend we load all tubes. Three Romulan ships is something we cannot handle on our own. We may need to fire as much as we have in order to help our escape." he explained.
"And the crew of the transport? Your suggestion there?"
"Captain, this is clearly a trap, I have looked at Tactical’s life sign readings... they are there, but species inconclusive. The Romulans may be trying to goad us into a fight. The risk is not worth it. The transport should not have been here in the first place. We need to accept this and move on." he elaborated. Christine knew he held a very good point. The crew of the ship may be dead. However, without evidence, there was no success in a mission of forfeit. She needed proof.
"Tactical go into evasive maneuvers relative to the second Mogai on course to rendezvous with the transport and then take up defensive posture guarding it. Have main phaser arrays lay down cover fire as we go along on both Mogai, but not the D'deridex. Let’s give them some room to breathe." she said
"Excellent Captain... but how can you be sure the D'deridex will stay where it is?" her ExO asked. He didn't say anything about his earlier suggesting being turned down, which was good. She needed a first officer she could count on, not one who questioned orders.
"She doesn't want to have to fire a shot… it is a sign of superiority. Two Mogai's can take out an Excelsior class starship she thinks. No she'll stay out of the fight unless she needs to."
"Will she need to though?" A good question. Christine didn't answer, but she knew it already, three Romulan ships had already made her position in Romulan neutral zone against permission, a violation of treaty. These three ships weren't the only ones around, just the only ones sent in; they were caged in. This was a death trap. Christine already knew how this would end, but she was going to get her evidence on the transport crew regardless.
The Excelsior darted through the ships in evasive maneuvers attempting to avoid one of the Mogai's and firing random phaser shots at it and the other Mogai which the ship came by really close to. Soon enough the ship was in a defensive position by the transport with two Mogai close together. The one she skirted by was closer but the one she was avoiding was right behind it now. Perfect.
"Tactical, switch phaser arrays to layered mode and have them go on salvo firing pattern on nearest Mogai. I want an array firing while each other is recharging, no delays. Slice her shields up… once you see an opening, torpedo tube 1 and 3 are weapons free. Load tube 2 but do not fire until I say." she ordered, the tactical officer acknowledged and the Excelsior was now firing phasers in an orchestrated series of patterns that had the nearest Mogai's forward shield being constantly battered by beams.
Shields weren't designed for continued assault like that, Christine had corned them into it though, and the forward shields were quickly drained. As soon as the tactical console behind Christine beeped that the forward shield was gone torpedoes began filing out from tubes 1 and 3, fore and aft respectively and plowing into the ship’s hull. The Tactical officer had picked targets well from the front, and EPS conduit clearly ruptured in one of the hits sending secondary explosions though. The Mogai stopped firing on the Excelsior, who's shields were being wailed on still by the second Mogai, still nearby its friend.
The closer Mogai succumbed to the secondary explosions and the reactor went critical causing it to go up in a bright flash.
"Torpedo tube 2, fire on the other target now!" Christine ordered. The explosion will have knocked out the other Mogai's shields so close to it and it gave them an opportunity. The torpedo hit smack in the command center of the other Mogai lighting up the forward section. Christine made a gesture that indicated to keep going. Phasers and torpedoes rained down on the second weakened Mogai until it was disabled. Christine ordered a stop on firing, best not waste weapons, it was out of commission.
That and the first explosion was close to their ship as well, another would hurt too.
"Sitrep." she said. Her ExO responded.
"Shields at 60%, starboard fore phaser array is out, warp drive has been temporarily disabled. Engineering says they will have it back in 2 minutes on priority auto repair if you choose. The D'deridex is moving in now. They have charged weapons. They will be in firing range in 1 minute." he explained. Christine grinned, her ExO had figured out her plan.
"Position all weapons to bare on the D'Deridex, suppressing fire, everything we have got on it once it is in range. Don't worry about accuracy, try to disorient them for as long as it takes to transport the crew of the transport to our cargo bay."
"Captain..." the Tactical officer spoke up, but Christine finished his sentence.
"You will have to drop shields to do so yes. Hence our improvised flak field of phasers and torpedoes. It won't stop their weapons, but I want maneuvering thrusters running full for evasive. Once transport is complete, pull the shields up if they still work… engage the warp drive… any direction."
"The ship won't be in good condition after that... warp might not last long after such a quick fix." her ExO said, stating the obvious. Christine didn't need to reply. The ship dropped shields and began transporting and maneuvering. The enemy ship began firing. The D'deridex trying to hit the Excelsior between its quick movements and constant stream of fire on it. Some shots hit, others didn't. The ones that did hit very hard however.
"Transport complete! Shields up... only 10% strength!" shouted Tactical, Helm didn't wait for an order.
"Warp is ready, engaging!" The Excelsior shot off to warp immediately. However, it dropped out of warp only seconds later. The system failing, the Romulans wouldn't be far behind them. Christine stood up.
"Prep self-destruct sequence, 3 minutes, all crew abandon ship. ExO... our passengers?" She asked to her first officer, who knew what she was thinking.
"Intra ship sensors... they are all Romulan and have begun fighting their way through the ship. I was right, I'm sorry." he said in matter of fact tone.
"Then let them have the ship. Everyone escape as you can. Begin countdown." With that the bridge lights brightened and the holographic wall at the back of the bridge disappeared to reveal the test instructors who signaled end of simulation. Some even clapped. Christine failed to save her ship and the transport passengers, who were always dead in this instance (it wasn't always the same for every test) but she proved the Romulans had set a trap and managed to survive the main conflict before the loss.
She remembered now. They would get a commendation on the record for handing the situation in a clever and strategic way, and got a full pass for command ability.
Christine then opened her eyes and she woke up; still at night in her bed on Earth. The dream was a full memory, that is how her test had actually gone. She wondered to herself why she dreamed of that? Perhaps because she was looking at taking command now soon... and the question of her ability to do so was in question, hence the counselor. She wanted to be able to prove she could do it, but she was still having some problems with the incident she needed to work through.
Still though... this was the first night she hadn't had the nightmare... that was comforting.
The smell in the air was crisp, but non descriptive. She closed her eyes to take in every sense of the bridge before her. The lights were darkened, she preferred the more commanding feel of the darkened bridge. The lights of the consoles were more obvious and people focused on objects of importance on them or the view screen. They also focused because the temperature in the room was only 15 degrees Celsius. A colder room kept people on their toes. She opened her eyes, other cadets around her were busy attending to the duties they were supposed to be performing at this time.
Had the simulation begun yet? she wondered to herself. She wasn't going to be told of course. Academy cadets had different types of these special tests, different for everyone and different depending on specialty. While Christine focused toward engineering, something she never expected to be so good at, she had an eye for command as well. Her mother was a tactical officer back in the 50s and 60s. Christine may have not focused on the tactical side but she learned a lot from her mother before she died. Tactical and strategic knowledge were a virtue, even for an engineer at times.
As such it was only natural despite her engineering path that if she wanted a chance at command some day she would have to pass Academy certification for starship command. Getting to Captain was only half the work. A Captain wasn't able to be captain of the ship without being probably authorized by the Academy. Things weren't like that anymore it seemed.
Anymore? Why was she thinking like that? Looking around… it was clearly 2385 again... was this a dream? No this was a memory, this happened. This was Christine's Kobyashi Maru test, her final academy year before graduation and first assignment. Christine sat back in the Captain's chair, but not comfortably. She didn't like being comfortable while in a command position, comfort was for off duty. Finally, one of the other cadets on the bridge spoke up.
"Captain, picking up distress signal, Federation cargo transport. They say their engines are out and they are stuck smack dab in the Romulan Neutral Zone." the prospective ensign in front of her said, playing the role of communications officer.
"Display cargo transport information on screen." Christine replied.
The readout came up on the screen. Standard information, S.S. Kobyashi Maru, Federation cargo transport, and bearing information… smack dab in the neutral zone... So convenient. When this test was first created it used Klingon territory due to the uneasy nature of their relations with the Federation. Now Klingons were an ally of the Federation, but it was a shaky alliance right now it seemed; despite the alliance of the Dominion War things seemed to be growing distant. That wasn't important now however. The Romulans were used just because they were never on sure fire terms. Even after the Dominion War and the Shinzon incident 7 years ago it was hard to tell what they were planning one day from the next.
Christine had heard there was a cadet that refused to do the test with Romulans as the bad guys, apparently had some pretty profound opinions of them despite past precedent. Christine had to admire that. Somehow that cadet passed his test even though no one knew what version of the test he took. Christine didn't argue though, she accepted what she was offered by her superiors.
"Are there any other ships in range?" Christine asked.
"No sir, we are closest." responded her acting ExO.
"Contact the Romulan government, inform them one of our transports lost engine power and strayed a little too close to their space and needs help getting back home." she decided. The Communications officer was quick to respond.
"I've already tried as per regulation sir, no response."
"Of course there isn’t..." she looked at the data on screen, 5.6 light years out... and so it was. "Helm, plot a course, maximum warp."
"Setting course to Kobyashi Maru, maximum warp yes sir. Course laid in sir." Responded the Helm officer.
"Let’s get moving." she said with a slight grin. The game was afoot. The simulation used a non-real-time passage for quicker assessment. They had dropped out of warp only a minute later.
"Picking up transport on sensors sir... and more. Two Romulan Mogai class warships and one D'deridex warbird decloaking. They are assuming an attack pattern sir!" came from Tactical. Christine switched her position in her chair as she slightly leaned forward.
"Shields up, charge all phaser arrays and load torpedo tubes 1 and 3. Keep 2 on standby." she ordered. Her acting ExO standing next to her spoke up at this time.
"I recommend we load all tubes. Three Romulan ships is something we cannot handle on our own. We may need to fire as much as we have in order to help our escape." he explained.
"And the crew of the transport? Your suggestion there?"
"Captain, this is clearly a trap, I have looked at Tactical’s life sign readings... they are there, but species inconclusive. The Romulans may be trying to goad us into a fight. The risk is not worth it. The transport should not have been here in the first place. We need to accept this and move on." he elaborated. Christine knew he held a very good point. The crew of the ship may be dead. However, without evidence, there was no success in a mission of forfeit. She needed proof.
"Tactical go into evasive maneuvers relative to the second Mogai on course to rendezvous with the transport and then take up defensive posture guarding it. Have main phaser arrays lay down cover fire as we go along on both Mogai, but not the D'deridex. Let’s give them some room to breathe." she said
"Excellent Captain... but how can you be sure the D'deridex will stay where it is?" her ExO asked. He didn't say anything about his earlier suggesting being turned down, which was good. She needed a first officer she could count on, not one who questioned orders.
"She doesn't want to have to fire a shot… it is a sign of superiority. Two Mogai's can take out an Excelsior class starship she thinks. No she'll stay out of the fight unless she needs to."
"Will she need to though?" A good question. Christine didn't answer, but she knew it already, three Romulan ships had already made her position in Romulan neutral zone against permission, a violation of treaty. These three ships weren't the only ones around, just the only ones sent in; they were caged in. This was a death trap. Christine already knew how this would end, but she was going to get her evidence on the transport crew regardless.
The Excelsior darted through the ships in evasive maneuvers attempting to avoid one of the Mogai's and firing random phaser shots at it and the other Mogai which the ship came by really close to. Soon enough the ship was in a defensive position by the transport with two Mogai close together. The one she skirted by was closer but the one she was avoiding was right behind it now. Perfect.
"Tactical, switch phaser arrays to layered mode and have them go on salvo firing pattern on nearest Mogai. I want an array firing while each other is recharging, no delays. Slice her shields up… once you see an opening, torpedo tube 1 and 3 are weapons free. Load tube 2 but do not fire until I say." she ordered, the tactical officer acknowledged and the Excelsior was now firing phasers in an orchestrated series of patterns that had the nearest Mogai's forward shield being constantly battered by beams.
Shields weren't designed for continued assault like that, Christine had corned them into it though, and the forward shields were quickly drained. As soon as the tactical console behind Christine beeped that the forward shield was gone torpedoes began filing out from tubes 1 and 3, fore and aft respectively and plowing into the ship’s hull. The Tactical officer had picked targets well from the front, and EPS conduit clearly ruptured in one of the hits sending secondary explosions though. The Mogai stopped firing on the Excelsior, who's shields were being wailed on still by the second Mogai, still nearby its friend.
The closer Mogai succumbed to the secondary explosions and the reactor went critical causing it to go up in a bright flash.
"Torpedo tube 2, fire on the other target now!" Christine ordered. The explosion will have knocked out the other Mogai's shields so close to it and it gave them an opportunity. The torpedo hit smack in the command center of the other Mogai lighting up the forward section. Christine made a gesture that indicated to keep going. Phasers and torpedoes rained down on the second weakened Mogai until it was disabled. Christine ordered a stop on firing, best not waste weapons, it was out of commission.
That and the first explosion was close to their ship as well, another would hurt too.
"Sitrep." she said. Her ExO responded.
"Shields at 60%, starboard fore phaser array is out, warp drive has been temporarily disabled. Engineering says they will have it back in 2 minutes on priority auto repair if you choose. The D'deridex is moving in now. They have charged weapons. They will be in firing range in 1 minute." he explained. Christine grinned, her ExO had figured out her plan.
"Position all weapons to bare on the D'Deridex, suppressing fire, everything we have got on it once it is in range. Don't worry about accuracy, try to disorient them for as long as it takes to transport the crew of the transport to our cargo bay."
"Captain..." the Tactical officer spoke up, but Christine finished his sentence.
"You will have to drop shields to do so yes. Hence our improvised flak field of phasers and torpedoes. It won't stop their weapons, but I want maneuvering thrusters running full for evasive. Once transport is complete, pull the shields up if they still work… engage the warp drive… any direction."
"The ship won't be in good condition after that... warp might not last long after such a quick fix." her ExO said, stating the obvious. Christine didn't need to reply. The ship dropped shields and began transporting and maneuvering. The enemy ship began firing. The D'deridex trying to hit the Excelsior between its quick movements and constant stream of fire on it. Some shots hit, others didn't. The ones that did hit very hard however.
"Transport complete! Shields up... only 10% strength!" shouted Tactical, Helm didn't wait for an order.
"Warp is ready, engaging!" The Excelsior shot off to warp immediately. However, it dropped out of warp only seconds later. The system failing, the Romulans wouldn't be far behind them. Christine stood up.
"Prep self-destruct sequence, 3 minutes, all crew abandon ship. ExO... our passengers?" She asked to her first officer, who knew what she was thinking.
"Intra ship sensors... they are all Romulan and have begun fighting their way through the ship. I was right, I'm sorry." he said in matter of fact tone.
"Then let them have the ship. Everyone escape as you can. Begin countdown." With that the bridge lights brightened and the holographic wall at the back of the bridge disappeared to reveal the test instructors who signaled end of simulation. Some even clapped. Christine failed to save her ship and the transport passengers, who were always dead in this instance (it wasn't always the same for every test) but she proved the Romulans had set a trap and managed to survive the main conflict before the loss.
She remembered now. They would get a commendation on the record for handing the situation in a clever and strategic way, and got a full pass for command ability.
Christine then opened her eyes and she woke up; still at night in her bed on Earth. The dream was a full memory, that is how her test had actually gone. She wondered to herself why she dreamed of that? Perhaps because she was looking at taking command now soon... and the question of her ability to do so was in question, hence the counselor. She wanted to be able to prove she could do it, but she was still having some problems with the incident she needed to work through.
Still though... this was the first night she hadn't had the nightmare... that was comforting.
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I think this has came up one time IC for Quint. His approach was to broadcast back to Starfleet Command that he was responding to the distress call, then ordered Red Alert, rescue operations. Once the signal was lost, it became battle stations. At full impulse he ordered the tractor beam on the Kobayashi Maru, when the Klingon ships attacked he was returning fire but also sending photon torpedos out in various patterns with preset detonations. The space around them was full of outgoing torpedos some impacting cloaked ships others causing approaching ships to veer off. With the Maru in tow and a volley of torpedoes going out he then made for the Federation side of the border, but when the torpedoes ran out his ship was overtaken and destroyed. One of the instructors did comment that he might have averted fall out from the event simply due to the Klingons reaction to such an aggressive and slightly insane tactic.
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Caspius was at the academy as a science officer, but (given his aspirations and his eventual command of the science mission of the Polaris) he was likely on some sort of Science-Command track (I imagine this would have been something like Kathryn Janeway, who was also a science officer before she had a command).
In the Kobayashi Maru scenario, Caspius responded to the distress signal, as duty required. His ship was then destroyed, as the simulation required.
Aware that the simulation was designed to result in either the destruction of his own ship, or the destruction of the Kobayashi Maru and its passengers, Caspius reasoned that nature of the simulation program itself (where both outcomes exist as possibilities) could be considered independently of the internal reality of the simulation (where only one outcome does eventually exist). He therefore chose to respond to the distress signal, at which point his ship and crew were destroyed by a Klingon ambush. Caspius concluded that this final outcome was superior to the alternative: refusing to respond to the distress signal and the Kobayashi Maru being destroyed with the loss of all hands.
In the Kobayashi Maru scenario, Caspius responded to the distress signal, as duty required. His ship was then destroyed, as the simulation required.
Aware that the simulation was designed to result in either the destruction of his own ship, or the destruction of the Kobayashi Maru and its passengers, Caspius reasoned that nature of the simulation program itself (where both outcomes exist as possibilities) could be considered independently of the internal reality of the simulation (where only one outcome does eventually exist). He therefore chose to respond to the distress signal, at which point his ship and crew were destroyed by a Klingon ambush. Caspius concluded that this final outcome was superior to the alternative: refusing to respond to the distress signal and the Kobayashi Maru being destroyed with the loss of all hands.
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Draz didn't take the test during her original time at the Academy, as she was Science branch, not Command. When she faced it later, she figured out near the end that it was rigged and became very upset, refusing to participate further and demanding that the test end immediately. It's not that she doesn't believe in "the no-win scenario" - a situation where achieving the objective, including survival, is impossible with the available resources - but the conditions of the test, in which all possibilities are systematically and deliberately bent or pruned to force a certain outcome, present a (fictional) reality which she finds unacceptable. A "test" where the instructor decides, before you even take it, that you're going to fail whatever you do, because they want you to have that experience, is as bad (to her) as a scientist ignoring or falsifying data to fit their hypothesis, or some of the people who talk about the Prime Directive like there's some unknowable Fate or Destiny that we dare not interfere with, lest we be punished for our hubris - at best sloppy or unethical, at worst superstitious and anti-rational.
She'll take her chances with a truly fair, impartial, and uncaring universe, that'll roll over you or your ship or your planet and destroy you utterly with nary a blink - but one where the "gods" play with loaded dice, and are out to get you? No thanks.
She'll take her chances with a truly fair, impartial, and uncaring universe, that'll roll over you or your ship or your planet and destroy you utterly with nary a blink - but one where the "gods" play with loaded dice, and are out to get you? No thanks.
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VanDeer didn't perform, directly, the test, because he studied, during his only year of Academy, only for the engineer training courses. But he was present in some of the Kobayashi Maru's tests of his friends and colleagues. Personally, he didn't fell that the scenario has a reasonable reasons to be attempted. Yes, no-win scenario are a possibility of life, surely. He will find himself involved in situation near the border of impossibility. But, when you find yourself in the impossibility of survival, anything will really be important. Not the reaction of the captain, not the reaction of anyone. In the impossibility of survival, he thought that will count only how you will face the death.
So, he found quiet futile the entire test and the attempt to recreate a situation like that. Without the extremely power sprint of the fear of the death, a no-win scenario is just a random situation with no solution.
So, he found quiet futile the entire test and the attempt to recreate a situation like that. Without the extremely power sprint of the fear of the death, a no-win scenario is just a random situation with no solution.
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Nimitz has never taken the Kobayashi Maru, he has taken and passed his command test, which was suppose to be a no-win on its own, which started off with pirates taking his captain hostage in exchange for supplies and weapons, Nimitz decided to follow the demands, with one small modification of his own, he rigged the weapons to be remotely detonated once the pirates let his captain go, and he was able to 'have his cake and eat it too', so to speak. That was as close to a no-win scenario that Nimitz has ever dealt with.
Now, as for the actual Kobayashi Maru, Nimitz is one of the few people in Starfleet that know the full story behind the test, ((I know that the books are not really canon, but I like to use the ENT Romulan War series)) And, he would ultimately have to put the lives of his crew first, and withdraw from the field after realizing that there is no way to save the Maru.
Now, as for the actual Kobayashi Maru, Nimitz is one of the few people in Starfleet that know the full story behind the test, ((I know that the books are not really canon, but I like to use the ENT Romulan War series)) And, he would ultimately have to put the lives of his crew first, and withdraw from the field after realizing that there is no way to save the Maru.
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The moment he heard the distress signal, and found out the Kobayashi Maru was in the Neutral Zone, Lennox suspected a trap. He recalled his Sun-Tzu: "Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.” He surmised the best way to respond was to act in kind. He sent his shuttles ahead, asking them to scout the situation and be prepared to warp back out if necessary. The support craft were not sufficient to spring the trap, and unable to ascertain the veracity of the distress call, Lennox ordered the ship into the Zone.
Once the Klingons appeared, Lennox ordered the shuttles to distract the enemy cruisers with phaser fire and antimatter spreads. This bought enough time for them to verify the lifesigns aboard the freighter, revealing that the Kobayashi Maru was unwitting bait. Lennox had his helmsperson plot the course back out of the Neutral Zone while his tactical team managed to destroy one of the enemy cruisers. Lennox ordered the shuttles to ram another one of the enemy, disabling it. Still, in a long and painful slugfest, the final enemy K't'inga was able to kill their power and weapons, and Lennox ordered the crew to abandon ship and armed the self-destruct, resolved to go down with his vessel.
The instructor in charge of the test, Commander Ch'thaal, noted Lennox's ingenuity and bravery in the face of the no-win scenario, as well as the cadet's protests following the test. "The behavior of the Klingon cruisers was unrealistic; ships don't just suddenly appear when they de-cloak. A neutron surge precedes decloaking, and I'd ordered my science officer to be on the lookout for such a surge. While it's definitely a minor aspect of the test, and I do understand its point, I would like to have this inconsistency noted. Also, Klingon disruptors are not quite powerful enough to destroy fully shielded shuttles with a single shot. It's one thing for the cadet's ship to face inevitable destruction; it's another to stack the odds in a way that would make a Ferengi dabo player accuse the host of rigging the wheel."
Once the Klingons appeared, Lennox ordered the shuttles to distract the enemy cruisers with phaser fire and antimatter spreads. This bought enough time for them to verify the lifesigns aboard the freighter, revealing that the Kobayashi Maru was unwitting bait. Lennox had his helmsperson plot the course back out of the Neutral Zone while his tactical team managed to destroy one of the enemy cruisers. Lennox ordered the shuttles to ram another one of the enemy, disabling it. Still, in a long and painful slugfest, the final enemy K't'inga was able to kill their power and weapons, and Lennox ordered the crew to abandon ship and armed the self-destruct, resolved to go down with his vessel.
The instructor in charge of the test, Commander Ch'thaal, noted Lennox's ingenuity and bravery in the face of the no-win scenario, as well as the cadet's protests following the test. "The behavior of the Klingon cruisers was unrealistic; ships don't just suddenly appear when they de-cloak. A neutron surge precedes decloaking, and I'd ordered my science officer to be on the lookout for such a surge. While it's definitely a minor aspect of the test, and I do understand its point, I would like to have this inconsistency noted. Also, Klingon disruptors are not quite powerful enough to destroy fully shielded shuttles with a single shot. It's one thing for the cadet's ship to face inevitable destruction; it's another to stack the odds in a way that would make a Ferengi dabo player accuse the host of rigging the wheel."
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As an Engineering officer Duncan was not required to take the Kobayashi Maru, but nevertheless he requested the opportunity to test himself against it, having heard that it was a nigh impossible challenge. What follows is a recording of that test.
“We are receiving a distress signal from the vessel “Kobayashi maru” they are stranded on the Klingon Side of the neutral zone, and are requesting immediate assistance” the Vulcan communications officer was precise and professional in his delivery, despite the oddity of the situation. Instead of a captain, the captains chair contained a stocky, babyfaced man in a yellow uniform. The man had a mess of unruly, curly hair of a dark brown, that contrasted sharply with his pale green eyes.
“Very well, helm, set a course for the signals origins, see how close we can get without violatin’ any treaties. We donnae want no quarrel with the Klingons today if’n we can help it.” He had a thick, provincial Scottish brogue, which often lead to confusion.
“Sorry, sir, what was that?”
The young man sighed and then, spoke very slowly and clearly, “We do no’ wan’ to figh’ Klingons, bring us righ’ up by their territory, but do no’ cross it”
“Yes sir, that’s what I thought you said”
“Jus’ move the bleedin’ ship!”
Some of the less experienced cadets standing in as bridge officers snickered at Duncan’s outburst, which got them a gruff “Stow it!” But there was the hint of a self-deprecating smile behind his eyes. The ship quickly approached the Klingon border, and it was immediately apparent that no rescue attempt could be made without crossing the border.
“ Helm full stop” Duncan said in a subdued tone.
“Yes sir” The ship came to stop a few kilometers from the edge of the neutral zone. Duncan let out a deep sigh.
“Well men, we have a duty and an obligation to help those people, our honor demands it. We’ve heard the call, and if we turn our backs on them, we migh’ as well launch the torpedoes ourselves. If we’re caugh’ it will start a serious diplomatic incident, but once we cross tha’ border we’re in for a penny, in for a pound. I need every last one of you to be focused and give me your all, cause we’re either gonna sneak in there, and sneak out, or we’re suddenly gonna find ourselves in a war. I wan’ torpedoes loaded, and phasers ready, with itchy trigger fingers, if a bird decloaks we’re not gonna have a lo’ of time afore their shields come up. And I want them wishin’ they were back home with their mums by the time they do, understood?”
“Mostly, sir!” Came the helms response.
“I swear to all that’s holy, Jeffords, I’m this close to giving you an object lesson in Haggis preparation. Set course for the Kobayashi Maru.”
The ship moved forward at low impulse power, trying to remain undetected
“If you continue this course you will violate a standing treaty with the Klingons, and it will be seen as an act of war” came the cautionary voice of the Vulcan officer.
“We’re ye no’ jus listening? Tha’s understood”
Without reacting to Duncan’s comment the Vulcan continued “We have lost contact with the Kobayashi Maru, and I am detecting several Klingon vessels on an intercept course”
“Ah hell, they were watchin’ us, take us to full impulse, shields up, prepare a shuttle with an onboard transporter. And have an engineering officer launch over to the Vessel as soon as we’re in range. We’re going to red alert. Open hailing frequencies.”
Sirens blared.
“No response to hails” came the response.
“O’ course no’” muttered Duncan “Begin a tachyon sweep, you see somethin’ launch torpedoes at it. Instruct tha’ engineer tha’ he’s to beam as many people as he can aboard our ship while they set the core to rupture, and set the autopilot to fly into the nearest warbird, don’ you worry they’ll be there. He should be the last person to beam aboard, Keep our shields extended around the Kobayashi Maru. Take the power from engines if ye have to-“
He was interrupted by the sound of launching torpedoes as a cloaked bird was detected, and summarily destroyed. As the ship turned into a blossom of escaping atmosphere and debris, several other ships decloaked, just as the Kobayashi Maru came into view.
“Launch that shuttle and tell the engineer he has 2 minutes, and congratulate him on his firs’, and probably las’ command” He turned to Tactical, take everythin’ they’re no’ usin’ for shields, prioritize shootin’ those torpedoes down. In exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds, transfer all power from shields to engines and jettison our spare antimatter storage.” The battering on the shields seemed to last an eternity as the seconds ticked away. The shields holding only because of the careful shooting by the tactical officer, detonating most of the torpedoes before they were able to impact. Finally the shields broke, just as the Kobayashi Maru made a final push with its ruined engines.
“Full Impulse now!” Shouted Duncan as the Kobayashi Maru rammed directly into the warbird at Duncan’s 12o’clock, and the Kobayashi’s warp core detonated, tearing a hole in the Klingon formation. The Federation cruiser shot through the gap, being rocked by disruptor bursts that impacted heavily on the hull.
“Jettison antimatter reserves! Launch torpedo spread patten Delta!”
Torpedos launched like a deadly flower from the ships tubes going in all different directions, hitting warbirds just on the edge of the Kobayashi Maru’s explosion. Hitting where shields had just failed from the detonation, and destroying a couple more warbirds. It wasn’t much, but it was something. The hull was rapidly getting peppered with shots, and the engines were failing.
“Open hailing frequencies”
“That is illogical at this time”
“Jus’ open them.”
“Open sir”
“To all Klingon vessels, today I die with honor, do you? Tactical!”
“Yes sir”
“Fire on the antimatter reserves”
A single phaser blast hit the jettisoned reserves, releasing a rapidly expanding cloud of antimatter, which as it came in contact with ship hulls, unprotected by the shields that had been damaged by so many proximate explosions, consumed them, returning to a net zero of matter, Duncan watched with satisfaction as the cloud enveloped several Klingon craft before consuming his ship.
The simulation ended.
Notes: While Duncan’s command style was unorthodox, and some would say unprofessional, morale for this exercise was unusually high. His quick application of astrophysics knowledge as well as the capabilities of the ships systems, even in failure, allowed him to make use of several improvised weapons to deadly effect, leaving his run with an above average number of destroyed Klingon vessels. His need to taunt the Klingons as he destroyed his ship however demonstrates an attitude unbecoming a commander, and one which we hope will be improved on, also his accent did make communication difficult at times, leading to potentially disastrous delays. The cadets standing in for his crew should be commended for their ability to adapt to an increasingly unorthodox situation, and carry out the orders given by Cadet McLean.
It should be noted that, though the Cadets original intent was to avoid a fight. When it became obvious that it was inevitable, heart rate and Adrenaline increased, but brainwaves suggested excitement, rather than fear. We’ve concluded that Cadet McLean has a subconscious thirst for battle, which could affect decision making, but in the right circumstances could make him invaluable as well.
Also note: Cadet Jeffords and Cadet McLean have spent an unusual amount of time together at the Academy bar, I find it highly unlikely that Jeffords couldn’t understand McLean’s accent, and that the banter was largely for the crews benefit, as well as to relieve tension.
“We are receiving a distress signal from the vessel “Kobayashi maru” they are stranded on the Klingon Side of the neutral zone, and are requesting immediate assistance” the Vulcan communications officer was precise and professional in his delivery, despite the oddity of the situation. Instead of a captain, the captains chair contained a stocky, babyfaced man in a yellow uniform. The man had a mess of unruly, curly hair of a dark brown, that contrasted sharply with his pale green eyes.
“Very well, helm, set a course for the signals origins, see how close we can get without violatin’ any treaties. We donnae want no quarrel with the Klingons today if’n we can help it.” He had a thick, provincial Scottish brogue, which often lead to confusion.
“Sorry, sir, what was that?”
The young man sighed and then, spoke very slowly and clearly, “We do no’ wan’ to figh’ Klingons, bring us righ’ up by their territory, but do no’ cross it”
“Yes sir, that’s what I thought you said”
“Jus’ move the bleedin’ ship!”
Some of the less experienced cadets standing in as bridge officers snickered at Duncan’s outburst, which got them a gruff “Stow it!” But there was the hint of a self-deprecating smile behind his eyes. The ship quickly approached the Klingon border, and it was immediately apparent that no rescue attempt could be made without crossing the border.
“ Helm full stop” Duncan said in a subdued tone.
“Yes sir” The ship came to stop a few kilometers from the edge of the neutral zone. Duncan let out a deep sigh.
“Well men, we have a duty and an obligation to help those people, our honor demands it. We’ve heard the call, and if we turn our backs on them, we migh’ as well launch the torpedoes ourselves. If we’re caugh’ it will start a serious diplomatic incident, but once we cross tha’ border we’re in for a penny, in for a pound. I need every last one of you to be focused and give me your all, cause we’re either gonna sneak in there, and sneak out, or we’re suddenly gonna find ourselves in a war. I wan’ torpedoes loaded, and phasers ready, with itchy trigger fingers, if a bird decloaks we’re not gonna have a lo’ of time afore their shields come up. And I want them wishin’ they were back home with their mums by the time they do, understood?”
“Mostly, sir!” Came the helms response.
“I swear to all that’s holy, Jeffords, I’m this close to giving you an object lesson in Haggis preparation. Set course for the Kobayashi Maru.”
The ship moved forward at low impulse power, trying to remain undetected
“If you continue this course you will violate a standing treaty with the Klingons, and it will be seen as an act of war” came the cautionary voice of the Vulcan officer.
“We’re ye no’ jus listening? Tha’s understood”
Without reacting to Duncan’s comment the Vulcan continued “We have lost contact with the Kobayashi Maru, and I am detecting several Klingon vessels on an intercept course”
“Ah hell, they were watchin’ us, take us to full impulse, shields up, prepare a shuttle with an onboard transporter. And have an engineering officer launch over to the Vessel as soon as we’re in range. We’re going to red alert. Open hailing frequencies.”
Sirens blared.
“No response to hails” came the response.
“O’ course no’” muttered Duncan “Begin a tachyon sweep, you see somethin’ launch torpedoes at it. Instruct tha’ engineer tha’ he’s to beam as many people as he can aboard our ship while they set the core to rupture, and set the autopilot to fly into the nearest warbird, don’ you worry they’ll be there. He should be the last person to beam aboard, Keep our shields extended around the Kobayashi Maru. Take the power from engines if ye have to-“
He was interrupted by the sound of launching torpedoes as a cloaked bird was detected, and summarily destroyed. As the ship turned into a blossom of escaping atmosphere and debris, several other ships decloaked, just as the Kobayashi Maru came into view.
“Launch that shuttle and tell the engineer he has 2 minutes, and congratulate him on his firs’, and probably las’ command” He turned to Tactical, take everythin’ they’re no’ usin’ for shields, prioritize shootin’ those torpedoes down. In exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds, transfer all power from shields to engines and jettison our spare antimatter storage.” The battering on the shields seemed to last an eternity as the seconds ticked away. The shields holding only because of the careful shooting by the tactical officer, detonating most of the torpedoes before they were able to impact. Finally the shields broke, just as the Kobayashi Maru made a final push with its ruined engines.
“Full Impulse now!” Shouted Duncan as the Kobayashi Maru rammed directly into the warbird at Duncan’s 12o’clock, and the Kobayashi’s warp core detonated, tearing a hole in the Klingon formation. The Federation cruiser shot through the gap, being rocked by disruptor bursts that impacted heavily on the hull.
“Jettison antimatter reserves! Launch torpedo spread patten Delta!”
Torpedos launched like a deadly flower from the ships tubes going in all different directions, hitting warbirds just on the edge of the Kobayashi Maru’s explosion. Hitting where shields had just failed from the detonation, and destroying a couple more warbirds. It wasn’t much, but it was something. The hull was rapidly getting peppered with shots, and the engines were failing.
“Open hailing frequencies”
“That is illogical at this time”
“Jus’ open them.”
“Open sir”
“To all Klingon vessels, today I die with honor, do you? Tactical!”
“Yes sir”
“Fire on the antimatter reserves”
A single phaser blast hit the jettisoned reserves, releasing a rapidly expanding cloud of antimatter, which as it came in contact with ship hulls, unprotected by the shields that had been damaged by so many proximate explosions, consumed them, returning to a net zero of matter, Duncan watched with satisfaction as the cloud enveloped several Klingon craft before consuming his ship.
The simulation ended.
Notes: While Duncan’s command style was unorthodox, and some would say unprofessional, morale for this exercise was unusually high. His quick application of astrophysics knowledge as well as the capabilities of the ships systems, even in failure, allowed him to make use of several improvised weapons to deadly effect, leaving his run with an above average number of destroyed Klingon vessels. His need to taunt the Klingons as he destroyed his ship however demonstrates an attitude unbecoming a commander, and one which we hope will be improved on, also his accent did make communication difficult at times, leading to potentially disastrous delays. The cadets standing in for his crew should be commended for their ability to adapt to an increasingly unorthodox situation, and carry out the orders given by Cadet McLean.
It should be noted that, though the Cadets original intent was to avoid a fight. When it became obvious that it was inevitable, heart rate and Adrenaline increased, but brainwaves suggested excitement, rather than fear. We’ve concluded that Cadet McLean has a subconscious thirst for battle, which could affect decision making, but in the right circumstances could make him invaluable as well.
Also note: Cadet Jeffords and Cadet McLean have spent an unusual amount of time together at the Academy bar, I find it highly unlikely that Jeffords couldn’t understand McLean’s accent, and that the banter was largely for the crews benefit, as well as to relieve tension.
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Sam ran this several times at the academy. During his first tenure, every time he ran it, he employed various tactics to try to outsmart the simulation, with varying results. He even went so far as to try to do a Kirk and reprogram the simulation, but he was stopped by his friend who told him that he'd almost certainly get caught and kicked out. Sam refused to accept that this was a no-win scenario.
His official record placed him down as average, not able to save the Maru, or his ship. Sam stormed out of the simulation when his ship was destroyed.
When Sam returned to the academy for the second time, he had a more levelled head. Wanting to try different outcomes, he did rationalise why it would make more sense to leave the Maru stranded. Ultimately though, Sam accepted that it was a no-win scenario, and his official run once again resulted in the destruction of the Maru and his ship. He was much calmer and in control, attempting to save the Maru and his crew.
Unlike others who stated that the simulation was unfair and that they didn't believe in no-win scenarios, Sam wrote a paper pointing out that, given the restrictions of the simulation, there was no alternative solution. It wasn't that the scenario is programmed to fail students, it was that, in the moment, there are times where no alternative solution can present itself in time. Citing incidents that had a similar to the Maru, but with other more favourable outcomes potentially available, he stated that though there is always a way out of every solution, not all of them can be taken in the heat of the moment. It was easy to prepare for the scenario and try to find ways to outwit it when you knew what was going to transpire. In real life, you only had one attempt, and you wouldn't know what would happen beforehand. The Maru's true strength lay in understanding that fact, and still attempting to make the best decision possible. There was never a right or wrong answer to that simulation.
Sam got a lot of responses to his paper, both praising and attacking him. To this day, Sam continues to get responses, which he reads, but never actually replies to. Instead, uses the feedback to create his own set of scenarios to better represent the realities of space command. He finds that the best ones are always the ones that have the same outcome as the original Maru test; one that ends up with the destruction of the commanding ship, despite looking and running completely differently to the original simulation.
His official record placed him down as average, not able to save the Maru, or his ship. Sam stormed out of the simulation when his ship was destroyed.
When Sam returned to the academy for the second time, he had a more levelled head. Wanting to try different outcomes, he did rationalise why it would make more sense to leave the Maru stranded. Ultimately though, Sam accepted that it was a no-win scenario, and his official run once again resulted in the destruction of the Maru and his ship. He was much calmer and in control, attempting to save the Maru and his crew.
Unlike others who stated that the simulation was unfair and that they didn't believe in no-win scenarios, Sam wrote a paper pointing out that, given the restrictions of the simulation, there was no alternative solution. It wasn't that the scenario is programmed to fail students, it was that, in the moment, there are times where no alternative solution can present itself in time. Citing incidents that had a similar to the Maru, but with other more favourable outcomes potentially available, he stated that though there is always a way out of every solution, not all of them can be taken in the heat of the moment. It was easy to prepare for the scenario and try to find ways to outwit it when you knew what was going to transpire. In real life, you only had one attempt, and you wouldn't know what would happen beforehand. The Maru's true strength lay in understanding that fact, and still attempting to make the best decision possible. There was never a right or wrong answer to that simulation.
Sam got a lot of responses to his paper, both praising and attacking him. To this day, Sam continues to get responses, which he reads, but never actually replies to. Instead, uses the feedback to create his own set of scenarios to better represent the realities of space command. He finds that the best ones are always the ones that have the same outcome as the original Maru test; one that ends up with the destruction of the commanding ship, despite looking and running completely differently to the original simulation.
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Stardate:
76127.9
76127.9
Filed By:
CMDR Youled, Carrie
CMDR Youled, Carrie
Clearance:
LOCATION Holodeck B//2
KEY PERSONNEL
- LT zh’Lindresko, Soalina
–
Holodeck B//2 VO Simulation Recording
“Thrusters hold, Mister Val.” the good doctor, masquerading as a captain, ordered across the bridge towards the helm. The simulation had selected a modest vessel, an old Miranda class frigate, so its bridge was quaintly cramped as was the tradition on vessels of the age.
“Aye sir, thrusters holding; full stop.”
Soa’ took a moment to adjust to her seat, “Begin spectral analysis, sector 32-01-09.”
“Spectral analysis underway Captain, data feed coming in now and transferring to your personal display. Seem’s we’re getting several wide-band ano-”
“Incoming broadcast, audio only, emergency channel sir!” The communications officer intervened, leaning over his console as the earpiece was pressed firmly into his ear via their right hand.
“On speakers.”
The signal was weak, the audio severely distorted creating an eerily quiet atmosphere across the bridge as the officer’s fell to complete silence; Soa’ rose from her chair, fists clenched as if in someway that actually improved her hearing. “Imperative! This is the Kobayashi Maru, …nineteen periods out of Altair Six. We have struck a gravitic mine and have lost all power. Our hull is penetrated and we have sustained many casualties.”
“This is the starship Antares,” the communication’s officer immediately began. “Can you say again, Kobayashi Maru? What’s your location? Try boosting yo-”
“Antares, our position is Gamma Hydra, Section Ten.”
The helmsman span in his chair to face the Captain, “We can’t do anything, sir, that’s across into the neutral zone.”
At his comms’ station the human frantically swiped and typed, “Can you repeat again, Kobayashi Maru? Gamma Hydra, Section Ten, confirm?”
“Hull penetrated, life support systems failing. Can you assist us, Antares? Can you assist us?”
“Yellow alert- Mister Val, lay in an immediate intercept course, maximum warp.” Soa’ returned to her chair, her fists now resting either side of the command chair.
“Sir, that will take us directly int-”
“Maximum. Warp.”
“… aye sir, maximum warp, engaging.” the helmsman responded, defeated.
The Captain spun in her chair, “Anything further through communications?”
“Negative sir,” Was the response, “We’ve lost contact, trying to reestablish now.”
She spun straight back, “Alert medical to expect immediate wounded. Time to intercept, Mister Val?”
“… 3 minutes Captain, we’- We’re crossing into the Neutral Zone… … now sir!”
“Open a channel, broadcast on all frequencies.” She ordered, rising from her chair yet again as if that made any change to her speaking capability.
“Aye sir, open channel-”
The helmsman was counting down, “60 seconds until intercept.”
“This is Captain zh’Lindresko of the Federation Starship Antares, we’re responding to an urgent call of distress…”
Mister Val at the helm continue, “30 seconds!”
“… from a vessel seeking immediate medical response, we are are-”
“CAPTAIN!” was called from behind, “… all frequencies, we’re being jammed!”
“Keep at it, transmit transponder codes on loop, we’re not hiding anything.”
“Dropping out of warp, Captain.”
The viewscreen was alit with the image of the stricken freighter, hanging lifeless among the stars, plasma vented from her damaged cargo pontoons slowly melting through what hull on the port side remained.
“Lifesigns?”
“Reading 206, sir, majority very faint.”
“Drop shields; Bridge to transporter room, lock on and begin transporting any and all members of the Kobayashi Maru, weakest directly to medical.”
“CAPTAIN! Klingon bird of prey, de-cloaking, starboard bo- scratch that, three bird of prey’s de-cloaking, surrounded vector sir.”
“… They’re charging disruptors and torpedos, Captain.”
The bridge was now a disorientating mess of alarms, flashing lights and bridge officers conferring. It seemed as though each second that passed there was a new item to report out loud.
“Bridge to transporter room, status on th-” The ship was hit hard by a single volley of disruptor bolts, violently shaking the ship and sending the science officer crashing into the bulkhead. He was dead. “… Medical to the bridge!”
“Transporter room here, 15% complete.”
At this point the second and third BoP unleashed their volley across the view screen.
Soa’ flinched, “SHIELDS!”
As the shields were raised, the first volley crept through taking out the Antares port warp nacelle, sheering it clear off, but the shields had managed to withstand with some severe structural strain the second incoming fire.
“Phasers to full, transfer auxiliary battery, fire at will! - Helm, get us out of here, maximum impul… se.” zh’Lindresko eye’d the helmsman, he was already dead. She vaulted the command plinth’s rail and headed for the console herself, inputting a reverse course. She glanced at Mister Val, she knew already no matter her medical expertise there was no use.
“Captain, shields at 12%! We can’t take another hit!”
It was too late, the red glow of a torpedo filled the bridges central viewing dome.
–
OUTCOME Simulation Complete AUTH//76127_9_YC
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Isadora died as expected.
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Lunya’s initial career path did not take her the command route, but the small craft/fighter pilot path. However, her training wing was given permission to try a peculiar version of the Kobayashi Maru test, in regards to that instead of being on the bridge of a starship, the six pilots were each put into the cockpit of their individual “fighter”.
While undergoing the test, the training class was able to gain an initial upper hand by using slashing strike tactics on the test “enemy”. But as the battle continued, it became readily apparent that the flight of six Block I Peregrines were not enough to fight three larger sized warships. The training flight was unable to save the Kobayashi Maru herself, while sustaining all but one shot done. Lunya was one of those shot down during the simulation.
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