Editing Kornberg (TOS-RH)

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations|lcont=Richard Hatch continuation}}

'''Kornberg''' (also spelled '''Komberg'''<ref name="PAR33">{{cite book/RH|7|33}}</ref>) is a young technician in {{TOS-RH|The Fleet|the Fleet}} during their stay in the [[Paradis system (TOS-RH)|Paradis system]]. {{RH|Paradis}}

==Biography==

===Technical Expertise===

Kornberg serves as a technical specialist aboard {{TOS-RH|Galactica|''Galactica''}} following the departure of the main fleet to a new solar system. Despite his youth and relatively low rank among technicians, he demonstrates exceptional aptitude in mastering advanced technology, particularly the systems recovered from [[the Ark (TOS-RH)|the Ark]].<ref name="PAR31">{{cite book/RH|7|31}}</ref>

His skills with machines prove remarkable, as he possesses an intuitive understanding of technological subtleties that he cannot easily articulate. Kornberg describes his relationship with machines as superior to his ability to communicate with people, finding that advanced systems "speak his language."<ref name="PAR31" />

===Basestar Reconnaissance Mission===

When [[Cylon (TOS-RH)|Cylon]] activity is detected in the Paradis system, {{TOS-RH|Apollo|Commander Apollo}} personally selects Kornberg to provide technical support for a reconnaissance mission to investigate a partially damaged [[basestar (TOS-RH)|Cylon basestar]]. Apollo chooses to pilot one of the Ark's advanced teardrop-shaped craft rather than a [[Viper (TOS-RH)|Viper]], requiring Kornberg's expertise with the new systems.<ref name="PAR32">{{cite book/RH|7|32}}</ref>

The technician finds Apollo's leadership style inspiring, particularly the commander's willingness to take personal responsibility rather than delegate dangerous tasks to subordinates. Kornberg accompanies Apollo and {{TOS-RH|Sheba}} aboard the teardrop shuttle, where he operates the vessel's sophisticated equipment systems.<ref name="PAR32" />

During the approach to the basestar, Kornberg successfully analyzes the derelict vessel's atmospheric conditions, announcing that breathable atmosphere exists in most sections of the damaged Cylon ship.<ref name="PAR34">{{cite book/RH|7|34}}</ref> He also identifies a suitable landing bay for the team's entry.

====First Impressions====

As the reconnaissance team approaches the basestar, Kornberg experiences his first direct view of Cylon military architecture. To his civilian eyes, the massive vessel bears little resemblance to {{TOS-RH|Colonial battlestar|Colonial battlestars}} despite their equivalent strategic roles. He compares the alien structure to modernist hotels from his homeworld smashed together around a central superstructure, and later likens it to an ostentatious chandelier his mother once saved to purchase for their family dining room.<ref name="PAR33" />

===Boarding Action===

When Apollo offers Kornberg the choice between staying with the shuttle or accompanying the combat team onto the basestar, the technician chooses to join the mission despite his lack of combat training. He rationalizes his decision by noting that having lost in the lottery—presumably the selection process that determined who remained behind when the main fleet departed—his life is already "on borrowed time."<ref name="PAR34" />

{{TOS-RH|Sheba}} issues him a weapon and verifies he has fired one before, though Kornberg admits he lacks proficiency. Apollo attempts to ease his concerns with characteristic humor, instructing him to simply point forward and avoid shooting his own team members if trouble erupts.<ref name="PAR34">{{cite book/RH|7|34-35}}</ref>

The presence of experienced {{TOS-RH|Colonial Warrior|Colonial Warriors}} around him provides some confidence, as Kornberg observes their professional competence and finds their assurance contagious.<ref name="PAR35">{{cite book/RH|7|35}}</ref>

===Combat Experience===

Kornberg's first encounter with active Cylon forces proves harrowing. When a nine-foot-tall [[Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurion]] emerges in the landing bay corridor, Sheba saves his life by pushing him to the ground, causing the Cylon's pulse rifle blast to merely graze the top of his head rather than striking him directly.<ref name="PAR35" />

During the intense firefight that follows, Kornberg remains prone on the floor as ordered. The warrior directly behind him is killed by a Cylon energy blast, and Kornberg feels the man's blood splash across his head, shoulders, and face. The experience triggers intense fear that temporarily overwhelms even his urge to vomit, effectively putting his bodily functions "on hold" aside from his racing heart and labored breathing.<ref name="PAR35">{{cite book/RH|7|35-36}}</ref>

Throughout this engagement, Kornberg's weapon remains unfired, his hand seemingly frozen to the metal. He watches from his position as the Colonial Warriors destroy the Centurion with concentrated fire.<ref name="PAR36">{{cite book/RH|7|36}}</ref>

===Continued Service===

Despite his traumatic introduction to combat, Kornberg continues to serve with the exploration team. During a later encounter with a particularly formidable Centurion that fights to the bitter end, Kornberg inadvertently embarrasses himself by wetting himself in fear. The Warriors notice but Sheba tactfully turns away to spare him further humiliation.<ref name="PAR48">{{cite book/RH|7|48}}</ref>

When {{TOS-RH|Boomer}} compares the Centurion's desperate fighting style to that of a Borellian Noman, Kornberg misunderstands the military context and asks why all Cylons don't behave similarly, prompting laughter from the veterans. Apollo explains that such tactics represent a last stand when no other options remain, though the Warriors soon cease their mockery when they recognize Kornberg's genuine hurt at being the subject of their amusement.<ref name="PAR48" />

===Final Mission===

As the team prepares for a major assault on the basestar's laboratory corridor, Kornberg convinces Apollo that he can handle a zap laser despite {{TOS-RH|Boomer}}'s skepticism. Apollo's determination to give the technician a chance silences any further objections.<ref name="PAR57">{{cite book/RH|7|57}}</ref> Boomer later references Kornberg when discussing the need for additional scientists and technicians on the mission.<ref name="PAR55">{{cite book/RH|7|55}}</ref>

During the final assault on the Centurion positions, Kornberg dies in combat. Before his death, he manages to fire his weapon, and his shot causes one Centurion to spin on the stump of its foot and knock down another. This action occurs at the precise moment that second Centurion has {{TOS-RH|Boomer}}—who has dropped from an air duct—in its sights, meaning Kornberg's final act directly saves Boomer's life.<ref name="PAR60">{{cite book/RH|7|60}}</ref>

==Notes==

* The character's name is spelled both "Kornberg" and "Komberg" throughout the novel, with the latter spelling appearing primarily in narrative sections describing the basestar reconnaissance mission.<ref name="PAR33" /><ref name="PAR35" />

* Kornberg's mother is mentioned as having saved money to purchase a chandelier for the family dining room, suggesting a middle-class background on one of the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]].<ref name="PAR33" />

* His description of viewing the basestar "to his civilian eyes" indicates that despite serving in a military capacity aboard ''Galactica'', he maintains a civilian rather than warrior identity.<ref name="PAR33" />

==References==

<references />

[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]
[[Category:Technicians]]
[[Category:Deceased Characters]]
[[Category:The Twelve Colonies Nationals (TOS)]]