What is the exact nature of Kirk's...? (Mild Spoilers)

[Commander_Mills]

...Cheat? How exactly did he modify the test to make it possible for him to win? Was this ever explained? The only clue I have to this is some vague recollection of a friend telling me about a star trek novel where this was explained. IIRC, it had something to do with Kirk modifying his character's profile within the test to that of a legendary starfleet captain, which was just enough, along with some speech about possible full scale war and what not, to intimidate the klingons into retreating, allowing him to rescue the Maru and hence "win" at the no-win scenario. Now, I don't expect this HAS to be the explanation that Abrams "canonizes", but I was wondering if anyone can corroborate this or offer some alternative explanation?

thanks!!

 

[number6]

In TSFS, Kirk explains that he reprogrammed the simulator so that it would be possible to save the crew of the Kobyashi Maru. That is the only onscreen explanation of what he did. If this is, in fact, part of the new film, I guess we'll see how Kirk actually accomplishes this.

 

[David cgc]

There's never been an on-screen explanation, but various theories have been floated in novels and short stories.

There's the reputation cheat, which was used in the novel "The Kobayashi Maru," and the game "Starfleet Academy," where an Academy student tried to emulate Kirk's success. In the game, it works as it did for Kirk, with the Klingons running away as soon as they find out who they're up against. The novelization of the game takes a more interesting tack, with Kirk figuring out what the cadet was planning and counter-reprogramming the simulator so that, as soon as they found out who they're up against, the Klingons begin scrabbling over each other the be the one who kills him, forcing the cadet to use the fact that they're competing and not coordinating to win.

There was a Strange New Worlds story that had a different version, but I'll be damned if I can remember it, and my copy is in another city.

 

[Commander_Mills]

cool, that's along the lines of what I thought. I appreciate the references... thanks!

 

[martin]

The only thing that is truly canon, is where he says he didn't cheat, but "changed the conditions of the test so he could beat it"

 

[Jon1701]

His final solution was "shall way say - unique".

To me, thats a great set up for Kirk banging the chick who reprograms the simulation for him. Kirk spent the vast majority of TOS finding "unique" ways out of situations.

I cant wait to see Kirk in this new movie.

 

[martin]

Actually, I think I would prefer to see Kirk in a committed relationship with Carol Marcus until he receives his command. Then we see an emotional break-up as they go their separate ways. This will make her appearance the more sweeter in Wrath of Khan.

 

[Jimmy_C]

martin said:
Actually, I think I would prefer to see Kirk in a committed relationship with Carol Marcus until he receives his command. Then we see an emotional break-up as they go their separate ways. This will make her appearance the more sweeter in Wrath of Khan.

I want to see a bitter flaming train wreck! There's a reason Carol is so bitter that she hid her son from Kirk for decades...

 

[Trevacious]

David cgc said:
In the game, it works as it did for Kirk, with the Klingons running away as soon as they find out who they're up against.

No, it's much better than that. The Klingons are so Awed, that they're happy to HELP the honored Captain -- THE Captain Kirk!

(Or, in the Academy game -- "Captain" Forester.)