Chapter Two

No one knew why the assemble had been called. It was unusual but not unprecedented. Called from our classes, hundreds of cadets streamed across campus. I would have like to have sat with my brother and our friend Bones but I was required as a Senior officer to sit on the outer row of seats to keep the underclassmen under control. The Vulcan who I have come to know as Spock was seated in front of me.

The Academy commandant, Admiral Richard Barnett, spoke crisply into the silence. I had a feeling that what he was going to say was going to end in trouble for my brother.

"James T. Kirk, step forward." once my brother halted to attention the Admiral continued, "An incident has occurred, that concerns the entire student body. Academic immorality by one is an assault on us all. It will not be allowed to stand." oh god what had Jim done now, I thought he had straightened himself out since he's been enrolled in the academy. "Cadet Kirk, evidence has been submitted to this council suggesting you violated Regulation Seventeen four-three pursuant to the Starfleet Code of Ethical Conduct. Is there anything you care to say before we begin?" Jim was so going to be expelled if not court marshaled for this.

"I believe I have the right under the same code of conduct to face my accuser directly." at least Jim was being smart about this and not running his mouth off like he so normally does. Please Jim just keep your calm. The Admiral discussed this with the follow academy advisors before looking back but not at Jim the lone figure that sat before me rose and made his way down to the floor.

"Cadet Kirk, this is Commander Spock one of our most distinguished graduates. He's programmed the Kobayashi Maru for the last four years."

"Cadet Kirk," Spock's voice was so controlled. "Much time was spent assessing relevant information following your recent taking of the test in question. Upon careful review it became clear that you activated a subroutine that had been embedded in the programming code, an insertion that somehow succeeded in evading all protective firewalls and resets, thereby changing the conditions of the test."

"Your point being?" damn it Jim don't piss off this guy or the advisors use your head.

"In academic vernacular," Admiral Barnett interjected coolly, "You cheated."

"Respectfully, you wouldn't accuse me of cheating unless you knew something I don't. The test's rigged, isn't it? I pretty much figured that out after I failed it the second time. Follow-up research into four years proceeding failures that I carried out on my own time only confirmed what I already suspected. You programmed in to be unsinkable. Given the available parameters, there's no way of saving the Kobayashi Maru and its crew and passengers. So the only way to win is to alter the parameters." wow Jim really is putting some thought into his argument. I'm impressed hopefully the schools advisors will see it that way as well.

Spock's star had not shifted in the least, "I fail to see how that is relevant to these proceedings."

"Don't you? Allow me to enlighten you, Commander. If I'm right, if my assumptions and research are correct, then the test itself is a cheat."

"Your argument precludes the possibility of a no-win scenario." I knew it was taking every ounce of strength my brother had not to throw a punch at the Vulcan.

"I don't believe in no-win scenarios." Well this hearing was turning bad quick.

"Then not only have you violated the rules, you have failed to understand the principal lesson that is embodied in the test." Spock informed him calmly.

"I would have though my brother would bow with his next rash comment, " I abase myself before your superior knowledge. Please, enlighten me."

"Their argument went on a little longer than needed and Jim finally lost his control. Instead oof speaking reasonably now he was bent on using sarcasm.

"Have you taken the test, Commander Spork?"

"Spock. As a Vulcan, I require no additional training to control my narcissism when making command decisions." even if he was Vulcan this guy seriously needed to stop being a walking encyclopedia.

An officer I had not seen before unexpectedly appeared and march straight towards Admiral Barnett. Handing him a hard copy to the commandant, he leaned over and whispered something into the Admiral's ear. As the intruding officer stepped back, Admiral Barnett rose from his seat.

"This is a Red Alert, all officers are to report to duty stations. All graduating cadets, report to your barracks' officers in hanger one for immediate assignment. This is not a drill. I repeat this is not a drill." the hearing was going to have to wait. The Admiral voiced me thoughts a moment later. I saw Captain Pike speak briefly with my brother before making his way in my direction.

"Captain." I stood at attention as he stopped in front of me.

"Commander Kirk, go hand out your Junior Officers assignments, once you are done I requested your presence on board the USS Enterprise. From now on you are under my command." Pike ordered before stepping away to go man his ship.

"Aye Captain."