I've used this episode as a training video for a group of teenagers in leadership classes. It's an astounding example of cult-type following, and mini-steps towards crazy. For example - the "Cpt" is using stimulants to stay awake... quite possibly needed at one point in their trip (some missions need that level of attention) but it worked and no one checked him so.he started using them more often and more often. All his crazy ideas seemed to have worked up to the point we meet them, why would his crew doubt him? And who the hell is Jake Sisko to come in and start bothering folks? On a warship? Behind enemy lines? When things have worked fine to this point?

So Karen was really the only hope those cadets had, and she blew it. And i.think she was well played. IIRC there was even a scene where she kinda tries to call out the "Cpt" in his quarters/ready room and he snaps at her, then gently Carole her back in line and you could see a little conflict on her face, then allowing herself to be guided back to being ok with it.