Kornberg (TOS-RH)

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch Novelizations separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Kornberg (also spelled Komberg) is a young technician in the Fleet during their stay in the Paradis system. (RH: Paradis)

Biography

Technical Expertise

Kornberg serves as a technical specialist aboard 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.

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."

Basestar Reconnaissance Mission

When Cylon activity is detected in the Paradis system, Commander Apollo personally selects Kornberg to provide technical support for a reconnaissance mission to investigate a partially damaged Cylon basestar. Apollo chooses to pilot one of the Ark's advanced teardrop-shaped craft rather than a Viper, requiring Kornberg's expertise with the new systems.

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 Sheba aboard the teardrop shuttle, where he operates the vessel's sophisticated equipment systems.

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. 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 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.

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."

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.

The presence of experienced Colonial Warriors around him provides some confidence, as Kornberg observes their professional competence and finds their assurance contagious.

Combat Experience

Kornberg's first encounter with active Cylon forces proves harrowing. When a nine-foot-tall 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.

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.

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.

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.

When 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.

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 Boomer's skepticism. Apollo's determination to give the technician a chance silences any further objections. Boomer later references Kornberg when discussing the need for additional scientists and technicians on the mission.

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 Boomer—who has dropped from an air duct—in its sights, meaning Kornberg's final act directly saves Boomer's life.

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.

• 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 Twelve Colonies.

• 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.