SHORT STORY
A Test of Character
Attribution
Series:	The Original Series
Author(s):	Kevin Lauderdale
Publication information
Printed:	June 2004, in Strange New Worlds VII
Pages:	3-14
Chronology
Date:	2254

A Test of Character is a short story by Kevin Lauderdale about how then-cadet James T. Kirk beat the Kobayashi Maru scenario.

Contents 1 Summary 2 References 2.1 Characters 2.2 Starships and vehicles 2.3 Locations 2.4 Species and cultures 2.5 Governments and organizations 2.6 Other 3 Chronology 4 Appendices 4.1 Connections

SummaryEdit

Before his third attempt at the Kobayashi Maru scenario, Kirk reprograms the computer, eliminating those parts of the program that made it impossible to win, thus creating a level playing field where success was at least possible, though not guaranteed. Admirals Jublik and Zheng gave Kirk a commendation for original thinking, as well as ninety-nine demerits, just short of the expulsion limit.

The Kobayashi Maru scenario was first depicted in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, as was Kirk's admission of his unconventional approach to the test. This story is inconsistent with what Kirk told his crewmates in the novel The Kobayashi Maru. It is possible, given the campfire-story tone of the novel, that Kirk was telling a "better" story than what was strictly true.

ReferencesEdit

CharactersEdit

Gaton • Jublik • James T. Kirk • Mordock • Malcolm Sloane • Zheng

Starships and vehiclesEdit

USS Horizon

LocationsEdit

Species and culturesEdit

Governments and organizationsEdit

OtherEdit

floppy disk • History of Technology

ChronologyEdit

AppendicesEdit

ConnectionsEdit

published order
Previous story: first story	Strange New Worlds VII	Next story: Indomitable
chronological order
Previous Adventure: The Better Man Chapters 3-7, 13 & 15	Pocket	Next Adventure: The Kobayashi Maru Chapter 2