STbtM 032: James T. Kirk, Step Forward

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Previous: Cheating to Win

Back in the simulator control & observation room, a male test administrator turns away from Kirk, (now looking at them and waiting to converse), asks "How the hell did that kid beat your test?" as the camera zooms in on Spock who answers: "I do not know." Apparently, not a single member of the test administration team is interested in asking the one person who presumably knows what happened and has indicated he wants to show off his efforts. They prefer to stare at each other or into space and ponder deep, inscrutable mysteries rather than say, "Nice one cadet! What did you do?" How can these writers become so famous (and rich?) writing characters that constantly ignore the obvious and even act contrary to minimal sensibilities? It blows my mind that there are people giving this film 5 stars!

We cut to a large meeting auditorium, where 10 senior officials, numerous lower officials, aides, and hundreds of Academy members fill every seat. The head of the meeting, (male) announces "This session has been called to resolve a troubling matter. James T. Kirk, step forward." Kirk inappropriately looks surprised, as if he was unaware that everyone we've seen at the academy, including Gaila, McCoy, Uhura, and his instructors are here for him to explain evidence that he cheated on the Kobayashi Maru test. This makes no sense at all, but then again, the idea of the grandiose meeting makes no sense either. Kirk was standing in the simulator, facing the administrators and waiting for questions and to explain what happened and why, and now we go to a trial-format inquiry involving hundreds of people, and much of the senior staff of StarFleet Academy.

The head of the board of inquiry continues "Cadet Kirk, evidence has been submitted to this council suggesting that you violated the ethical code of conduct pursuant to regulation 17.43 of the StarFleet Code." Apparently StarFleet takes schooling very seriously if they have cadet test performance in the code for all of StarFleet, rather than in an academic code of conduct, as is appropriate and customary for most schools. "Is there anything you care to say before we begin, sir?" asks the council lead. Am I supposed to overlook that a senior member of StarFleet Academy, head of a council, and primary authority on a board of inquiry is addressing a cadet suspected of ethics violations with the honorific "Sir"? Orci & Kurtzman, did you honestly write this dialogue?

"Yes," Kirk replies "I believe I have the right to face my accuser directly." Spock rises from an aisle seat and in response to the request "Step forward, please" he walks down as head of the council introduces him with "This is Commander Spock, he is one of our most distinguished graduates. He has programmed the Kobayashi Maru exam for the last 4 years." This gives us some additional timeline information, and we now know that Spock is highly respected at SFA as well.

Only men speak in this segment.

Next: Why Spock Never Made the Debate Team

Comments

muser said…
"He has programmed the Kobayashi Maru exam for the last 4 years."

Why does it have to be done over every year? This is a "no-win" scenario so what exactly changes? All the test has to consist of is a ship to rescue, and too many Klingons to win against. My video games don't have to be programmed every year. True they come out with new versions periodically, but that's because the games can (eventually) be beaten.
April 7, 2010 at 8:33 PM
BurntSynapse said…
Good point!

Improvements and additions perhaps?

Spock's proposal for renewal of his gig: New and exciting levels with better graphics, updated Bridge consoles for the latest starship, combat and science vessel classes featuring detailed crew assignment options with realtime responses, status updates, and better command flexibility.
April 8, 2010 at 9:41 AM
muser said…
Love it. ROTFLMAO!

Maybe the bridge consoles have newer, bigger sparks shooting out of them?
April 9, 2010 at 8:37 PM
BurntSynapse said…
(to quote Kung Fu Panda)

...with AUTHENTIC BATTLE DAMAGE!!
April 12, 2010 at 8:42 AM
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