> I mean, the only real answer is "it depends on the writer," but given the general way the transporter is supposed to work most of the time (converting matter

> I mean, the only real answer is "it depends on the writer," but given the general way the transporter is supposed to work most of the time (converting matter to energy, transmitting the energy somewhere, then reconverting the energy back into matter and reassembling the original thing) then... yes, the original Kirk dies, and a facsimile Kirk comes out the other end. I agree. > what does it matter if the "you" entering the transporter ceases to exist? A lot! Most of us are hardwired to know that If you die, you die and knowing that a perfect copy would exist, doesn't compensate that.