This battle was intended to see how plasma weapons worked. The Federation found out, all too well.

The two ships went directly at each other. The Federation commander was not aware that the Klingon ship was equipped with a plasma weapon. As a result, the Carmichael decided to get in close to hit with its photon torpedoes. While this happened, it got more than it wanted then the Smilling Executioner hit it with a plasma blast. The one hit damaged the Carmichael's warp engine, seriously limiting its combat capabilities. After the plasma hit, it was only a matter of time before the Smilling Executioner was able to deliver another plasma hit, fatally crippling the Carmichael.

The Carmichael simply stuck its nose in front of the plasma weapon, and got what would be expected. The damage done by the first plasma hit decided the fight, as the Carmichael lost too much power to have a chance at victory.