S&S&ST Chapter Six: Enter Willoughby
Kirke was finally getting tired of the deluge of assignments he was give every single day. Would it really be too hard to give him a break once in a while? He groaned and put his head in his hands, but picked it back up when he heard two cadets talking.
The subject of their conversation was an impossible test. No one had been able to save the crew of the Kobayashi Maru since its conception four long years ago. “The Kobayashi Maru!” he breathed, his eyes shining bright, “What a wonderful name for a test! I must make myself more intimately acquainted with it.” For Kirke thought so highly of himself that he was certain he could succeed where so many had failed.
From that moment on, he could think of nothing but the strategy he would employ to pass the test. Every moment of spare time was used studying the command techniques that had failed before.
Spock, looking on at Kirke retreating into his own head, felt he had to do something about it - not only as a brother, but as a friend. “Jim, I’m worried about you,” he said “You are taking this fascination with the test to an unhealthy level. Perhaps you should give it a rest.”
“But Spock,” he protested, “I need to make sure I get it right the first time. It’s important to be prepared for any tricks those bastards decide to throw at me.”
Spock shook his head bemusedly. “But you have already ascertained the reaction the test will give in almost every matter of importance. You know the dangers of entering the neutral zone, and the equal and opposite dangers of raising shields - or not raising them. And you have perfected the art of spinning away from enemy fire. What else is there to know?”
Starting to become agitated, he grabbed at Spock’s shoulders. “I can’t mess this up like I’ve messed up everything else!”
Spock had never seen his brother on the verge of tears like this before. He nodded tersely. “Alright. I can see that this is something you feel you have to do. I won’t try to stop you.” He raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. “Live long and prosper, my brother.”
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine