The "Kobayashi Maru scenario" is something of a final examination for command-track cadets at Star Fleet Academy. To be very brief, you are in command and your ship receives a distress call from a disabled ship in the Neutral Zone. You can either ignore it -- in which case you've failed to render aid (per regulation) -- or you can respond, in which case your ship WILL be destroyed. Naturally, you're not told this ahead of time. It's featured in the movie "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
The Academy staff designed it specifically to be a no-win situation; "there's no right answer, it's a test of character." In the movie you find out that Kirk was the "...only one to ever beat the no-win scenario." How? "I reprogrammed the simulation to make it possible to rescue the ship." "You cheated!" "I don't like to lose."
The "lessons" here are 1) sometimes we find ourselves in no-win situations; 2) when we do, we're not necessarily supposed to "solve" them, but learn from them -- "it's a test of character"; and 3) if we are going to "solve" them, the only way may be to change the conditions AROUND the problem. The last point, I think, is a major focus of Michele's books.
So rent the movie and enjoy -- and watch out for the "gravitic mines" in your relationship.
Also, if your husband is a Trekkie also and having problems understanding you, you may want to remind him of this line from the episode "Elaan of Troyus" -- "Mr. Spock, on your planet, the women are logical. It's the only place in the galaxy that can make that claim."
Peace and long life. End transmission.
HERE is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin...sometimes he feels that there really is another way [of coming downstairs], if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it.
