In this Trekking Through Compliance episode, we consider the episode Errand of Mercy, which aired on March 16, 1967, Star Date 3194.8.
The Enterprise is sent to the world of Organia, a non-aligned planet near the Klingon border, to prevent the Klingons from taking advantage of its strategic location. Upon arriving on the planet’s surface, Kirk and Spock find a peaceful but technologically primitive town. When a Klingon fleet appears in orbit, Kirk orders the Enterprise to withdraw, which strands himself and Spock on the planet.
Kirk and Spock are captured by the Klingons but are released. They are both subsequently apprehended and released. As the Federation and Klingon fleets ready themselves for a confrontation in the system, Kirk and Spock raid the Klingon headquarters, hoping to rouse the population into resistance. They capture Kor and prepare to make a last stand. The Organians then reveal their true nature: highly advanced incorporeal beings. They instantly incapacitate both sides, forcing them to agree to a cessation of hostilities. Foreshadowing TNG, the Organians predict that the two sides will work together.
Compliance Takeaways:
1. In an investigation, trust but verify.
2. If your subsidiary’s financial statements are too complicated to decipher, you have a problem.
3. Do you know how far down your TPIs extend?
Resources:
Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein
MissionLogPodcast.com
Memory Alpha
