[Intro] [Cold, mechanical synthesizer drone] [Robotic Voice]: Scenario 81. Loading. [Driving Bass line enters - Fast and Tense] [Verse 1] I’m sweating in the sim, the academy is watching me I’m staring at a screen that decides my destiny The Klingons cloak off the starboard bow I need a miracle, and I need it now. I’ve read the books, I know the stats I know there’s no escaping where the trap is at It’s the ultimate test of a captain’s pride To see how you stand when there’s nowhere to hide. I execute the orders, perfect and precise But the computer doesn't care if I’m brave or I’m nice. [Chorus] It’s the Kobayashi Maru, the game is rigorous The logic is cold and the math is dangerous You can fly the perfect line You can be right every time But the hull still breaches and the systems fail It’s the ship that was never meant to sail. (Heavy guitar hit) Welcome to the no-win scenario. [Verse 2] [Music softens slightly, becoming more melodic] I tried to pull a Kirk, yeah, I tried to cheat I tried to hack the code to avoid defeat I walked into the room with an apple in my hand Acting like I was the one in command. But then I looked up, and I saw your face And suddenly I wasn't in outer space. I wasn't fighting ships in the Neutral Zone I was standing on your doorstep, feeling alone. I realized the test wasn't tactical fire The test was a woman I couldn't acquire. [Pre-Chorus 2] I optimized the dates, and I said the right lines I bought the expensive wine, I read all the signs I was the perfect captain, I did everything right But you still went home with him that night. [Chorus] You are my Kobayashi Maru, my beautiful war The test isn't "can I fight," it’s "what am I dying for?" I can execute the pattern, I can love on the beat But your heart is programmed for my total defeat. Yeah, I can do it right Navigate the light But we end in the freezing cold of night. You are the no-win scenario. [Bridge] [Tempo slows, emotional build, soaring vocals] There is no override! There is no command console to open up your side! I can’t reprogram the way you feel This isn't a simulation, this is real! I’m taking fire from a silence so loud I’m drifting aimless in the mushroom cloud. Captain Kirk got a medal for breaking the rules I just got a broken heart for playing the fool. [Guitar Solo] [Melodic, crying guitar tone - akin to "November Rain" or "Comfortably Numb"] [Verse 3] [Stripped back to just Piano and Vocals] So I’ll sit in the chair while the bridge burns down I won't try to change it, I won't wear a frown. The point of the lesson isn't to survive The point is knowing I’m lucky to be alive Just to be near you, just to take the hit. If losing you is the test... then I’ll never quit. [Outro] [Slow fade] Hull breach imminent. Heart support failing. I’d do it all again. End simulation. [Silence]
