Date: 2246

Following a catastrophic fungal blight that destroyed the colony’s food supply, planetary governor Kodos declared martial law and instituted population “triage” to preserve what he judged to be the strongest survivors. Kodos ordered the execution of nearly half the colony, selecting victims based on perceived weakness, illness, or lack of utility. Approximately 4,000 colonists were killed before relief ships arrived and halted the killings. Kodos fled the planet and was presumed dead, becoming known in Federation history as “Kodos the Executioner.” The massacre left deep psychological scars on its survivors, including a young James T. Kirk, whose later encounters with Kodos shaped his views on authority, moral absolutism, and the dangers of utilitarian logic. Starfleet investigations later confirmed that Kodos’ actions were unnecessary, as food relief would have arrived in time without mass executions.