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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 45 – Leadership Lessons from The Gamesters of Triskelion

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Gamesters of Triskelion, which aired on January 5, 1968, and occurred on Star Date 3211.7.

Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov prepare to beam down to Gamma 2 and are whisked away from the transporter platform. They are captured and fitted with “collars of obedience” by Galt, master Thrall of the planet Triskelion. Spock finds them 11.630 light-years away but is prevented from beaming down.

The providers who started all this threaten to destroy Kirk and the Enterprise, but Kirk makes a bet with the gamekeepers about his ability to survive in combat. If he wins, the Providers must free Kirk and the Thralls. If he loses, he offers the entire Enterprise crew up as Thralls. Amazingly enough, Kirk wins, even after one of the opponents is replaced by Shahna. Kirk, Chekov, and Uhura are returned to the Enterprise, leaving behind a saddened Shahna.

Commentary

The episode features Captain Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov being abducted to a planet where they are forced to participate in gladiatorial games run by the Providers. Fox delves into the storyline, discussing key plot points and the leadership and ethical lessons that can be drawn, such as ethical decision-making, effective communication, empowerment, resilience, and collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, a fun fact reveals that Sulu was initially intended to be a significant character in the episode, but George Takei’s filming commitments for ‘The Green Berets’ precluded his participation. The episode is examined for its mix of serious and lighthearted elements and Biblical allusions. Fox ties these elements back to modern compliance and leadership practices, offering valuable insights for compliance leaders.

Key Highlights

  • Episode Overview: The Gamesters of Triskelion
  • Fun Facts and Behind the Scenes
  • Leadership Lessons from The Gamesters of Triskelion

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 44 – Compliance Lessons from The Trouble with Tribbles

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Trouble with Tribbles, which aired on December 29, 1967, Star Date  4523.3

The Enterprise is called to Deep Space Station K7 by a priority 1 distress call. A Klingon ship arrives at the space station and requests that its crew be granted shore leave. Meanwhile, the intergalactic trader Cyrano Jones gives Uhura a thrilling creature called a tribble, who brings it to the Enterprise, where it promptly begins reproducing.

The tribbles begin proliferating throughout the Enterprise. After Kirk finds that tribbles have spread aboard the Enterprise through air vents, he becomes concerned that they may have also infested the grain storage lockers on the space station. However, Spock notes that many of the tribbles are dead inexplicably.

When the station transporter room is being cleared of tribbles, one of them yelps at Baris’s assistant Darvin. Kirk verifies that Yelp for Klingons. McCoy verifies that Darvin is a Klingon and reveals that the grain was poisoned. The tribbles are finally removed from the Enterprise when Scotty transports them aboard the Klingon ship.

Commentary

This episode’s storyline calls attention to various compliance lessons, such as the importance of product safety and quality control, supply chain management, incident response, compliance culture, and regulatory awareness. The show also delves into fun facts about the episode’s popularity and discusses David Gerrard’s impactful yet strained relationship with Gene Roddenberry. Finally, Fox offers actionable compliance takeaways for organizations inspired by the episode.

Key Highlights

  • Story Synopsis: The Trouble Begins
  • The Klingon Conflict
  • The Tribble Infestation
  • The Big Reveal: Darvin’s True Identity
  • Fun Facts About the Episode
  • David Gerrard’s Journey
  • Compliance Lessons from Tribbles

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 43 – Ethical Lessons from Wolf in the Fold

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Wolf in the Fold, which aired on December 22, 1967, with a Star Date of 3614.9.

Scotty, Kirk, and McCoy beam down to Orgellius II for shore leave when Mr. Scott is accused of murder. His fingerprints are the only ones on the murder weapon, and he has a concussion and amnesia.

Mr. Scott claims that he felt the presence of a foul, cold, evil creature. A search of crime records shows the following pattern of unsolved mass murders: 1932 Shanghai, 1974 Kiev, 2105 Martian colony, and 2156 Heliopolis on Alpha Eridani 2. To avoid making the creature stronger by allowing him to feed off the crew’s fear, McCoy injects everyone with a tranquilizer. The creature returns to Hengist’s body. However, Hengist is quickly subdued and tranquilized, and Spock transports him into space with the widest possible separation. Kirk and Spock must wait 6 hours for the tranquilizer to wear off their extremely “happy” crew.

Commentary

The episode revolves around Scotty being accused of murder while on shore leave on Orgalius II. The investigation reveals the presence of a malevolent entity capable of possession and murder. Tom Fox discusses five key ethical lessons from the episode: the presumption of innocence, objectivity, and impartiality in investigations, respecting cultural differences, the ethical use of emerging technologies, and accountability and responsibility. These lessons can help compliance professionals strengthen their programs and promote fair and impartial practices within organizations.

Key highlights

  • Episode Synopsis
  • Investigation and Revelations
  • Fun Facts and Behind the Scenes
  • Ethical Lessons for Compliance Professionals

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 42 – Ethical Lessons from Obsession

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Obsession, which aired on December 15, 1967, with a Star Date of 3619.2.

Kirk notices a sweet, honey-like odor on a planet that he recognizes. He orders the security guards to scan for choronium and fire at any gaseous cloud. Before they can do so, 2 are killed and one seriously injured. Kirk becomes obsessed with the destruction of the creature, which killed half the crew of the U.S.S. Farragut, which was  Kirk’s first deep-space assignment.

Scanners report that the creature is in a border state between matter and energy. The creature slows and heads for the Enterprise, entering the ship through the number 2 impulse vent, which Scott had inadvertently left open after performing maintenance. The creature then leaves the ship and heads away at warp speed, but Kirk has a hunch about where the creature is headed; it’s a home planet, where it is destroyed.

Commentary

In this episode,  Captain Kirk has become fixated on a gaseous creature that killed half his crew 11 years prior. Fox also discusses the updated visual effects in the remastered version and shares personal anecdotes. Furthermore, he extracts five key ethical lessons from the episode: promoting healthy coping mechanisms, establishing clear privacy policies, encouraging ethical reasoning, demonstrating accountability, and integrating ethics into strategic planning. These insights help organizations build trust, enhance reputation, and achieve sustainable growth.

Key Highlights

  • Kirk’s Personal Struggle and Pursuit
  • The Creature’s Attack on the Enterprise
  • The Final Confrontation on Tycho 4
  • Fun Fact: Favorite Star Trek Line
  • Remastered Star Trek: The Original Series
  • Ethical Lessons from Obsession

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 41 – Leadership Lessons from The Deadly Years

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Deadly Years, which aired on December 8, 1967, with a Star Date of 3478.2.

When Chekov, Spock, Lt. Gallway, McCoy, Kirk, and Scotty beam down to resupply the experimental colony on Gamma Hydra 4, they initially find no one home. They see the leader, Robert Johnson, and his wife, Elaine. Both appear to be extremely old. Kirk beams the landing party up together with those of the colonists who are still alive. Aboard the Enterprise, the colonists die of old age.

Kirk then begins to lose his memory and displays advanced arthritis. Commodore Stocker becomes increasingly concerned about Kirk’s condition and forces Spock to hold a competency hearing. Kirk is found incompetent, and Commodore Stocker takes over. An injection containing adrenaline, used on Kirk and the shot, is compelling. Kirk assumes back control of the Enterprise, which is now under attack by the Romulans thanks to Stocker’s incompetence in violating the Neutral Zone.

Using an old subterfuge, Kirk transmits a message that he will destroy the Enterprise using a corbomite device. The Romulans give a little ground lest they be destroyed in the upcoming explosion, and Kirk immediately races out of the Neutral Zone and into Federation space at Warp 8.

Commentary

The episode features the Enterprise crew grappling with a rapidly aging affliction after an encounter on Gamma Hydra 4. Fox uses the plot as a springboard to discuss crucial compliance and leadership lessons, emphasizing the importance of tone at the top, robust internal controls, empowering whistleblowers, and maintaining transparency and accountability. He argues that these principles are essential for creating a resilient, ethical organization.

Key Highlights

  • The Aging Mystery Unfolds
  • Kirk’s Clever Strategy
  • Reflections on Illness and Aging
  • Leadership Lessons for Compliance Professionals

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 40 – Compliance Lessons from Friday’s Child

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Friday’s Child, which aired on December 1, 1967, Star Date 3497.2.

Kirk attempts to secure a mining agreement for topaline on Capella 4, where Bones had once been stationed.  He warns Kirk that although the Capellans are scrupulously honest, they are war-like. After beaming down, a security guard pulls out a phaser to shoot a Klingon emissary and is instantly killed by a fleet-wielding Capellan.

On the planet, the leader is killed in a coup, and his pregnant wife Eleen is sentenced to death because she carries a royal child. After giving birth, Eleen escapes and runs to give herself up to the Capellans. She claims to have killed the child and the Earthmen as they slept. The Klingon does not believe her and demands that the Capellans, under threat of phaser fire, verify Eleen’s story. Suddenly, Kirk shoots the Klingon with an arrow, and an exchange between the Capellans and Kirk and Spock follows. The Klingon threatens to shoot anyone who raises a weapon against him. This does him no good, however, since Maab exchanges his life for that of Eleen by confronting the Klingon, and Keel uses the opportunity to kill the Klingon. Kirk gains mining rights when Eleen is regent for the child Tierr-to-be, Leonard James Akaar.

Commentary

The narrative showcases key compliance themes, including the importance of due diligence, respect for local customs, avoiding conflicts of interest, clear communication and transparency, and adaptability in conflict resolution. Through the interactions with the Capellans and Klingons, the episode illustrates how a lack of understanding and respect for cultural norms can jeopardize high-stakes negotiations. The discussion also touches upon the complexities of the Prime Directive and its application in interstellar relations.

Key Highlights

  • Episode Overview: Friday’s Child
  • Mining Agreement on Capella IV
  • Conflict with the Klingons
  • Discussion: The Prime Directive
  • Compliance Lessons from Friday’s Child

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 39 – Culture Lessons from Journey to Babel

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Journey to Babel, which aired on November 17, 1967, and occurred on Star Date 3842.3.

The Enterprise transports ambassadors to a conference to discuss the admission of Corridon to the Federation. Sarek is the ambassador from Vulcan, accompanied by his wife, Amanda. To Kirk’s surprise, they turn out to be Spock’s parents. Also, to Kirk’s surprise, Sarek is cool towards Spock because Spock has chosen to devote his life to Starfleet instead of Vulcan science.

The Tellerite ambassador is murdered, and Sarek falls under suspicion. Meanwhile, Spock detects titanium emissions from an alien ship’s hull after it transmits a message. Sarek requires an open heart operation, and Spock provides a blood transfusion.

Kirk is attacked and requires medical attention, so Spock assumes command. Under these circumstances, he says he cannot take time off to give the transfusion to Sarek and cannot pass the command on to anyone else because he is the best-qualified person to command the Enterprise. His mother pleads with him, but he refuses.

The Enterprise is attacked by an alien ship while Sarek and Spock are on the operating table, endangering their lives. Kirk fools the alien ship by turning off shields and internal power, luring the enemy ship for the kill. Kirk hits it with phasers and disables it when it begins moving in.

However, they blow themselves up before he can ask them to surrender.
McCoy confines the injured Kirk and the recovering Spock to sickbay, shushing all protests. “Well, what do you know,” he says with a grin, “I finally got the last word.”

Commentary

The story features the Enterprise transporting ambassadors, including Spock’s parents, Sarek and Amanda, to a conference on Babel. Amidst diplomatic challenges, an unidentified transmission and a Tellarite ambassador’s murder put Sarek under suspicion. Despite suffering from a heart condition, Sarek is saved through Spock’s blood transfusion. The episode emphasizes medical technology, diplomatic protocols, conflict management, inclusive cultures, whistleblower protection, crisis preparedness, and cybersecurity—offering valuable lessons for modern compliance programs.

Key Highlights

  • Sarek’s Medical Emergency
  • Uncovering the Spy
  • The Final Confrontation
  • Medical Science in Star Trek
  • Cultural and Compliance Lessons

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 38 – Ethical Lessons from Metamorphosis

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Metamorphosis, which aired on November 10, 1967, and occurred on Star Date 3219.4.

Commissioner Nancy Hedford, who had been on a diplomatic mission to stop a war, is ill with Sicuro’s disease and needs treatment aboard the Enterprise. The shuttlecraft is forced down on a small planetoid, and Kirk cannot contact the Enterprise despite the communications equipment functioning perfectly. On the planet, they find a man named Cochrane, who claims he has been marooned but has a being known as the Companion.

Cochrane is greatly disturbed by the knowledge that the Companion is in love with him and storms out, saying he doesn’t want to be “fodder for any inhuman monster.” Hedford, in a feverish daze, remarks that it is strange that Cochrane runs from love while she has never had the opportunity to be loved. But the Companion occupies and cures the body of Commissioner Hedford, who had been on the verge of death and restores the shuttlecraft and communication devices to working order. However, the Companion cannot leave the planet without dying, and Cochrane decides to remain with her. As they prepare to depart, Kirk agrees not to mention his adventure with Cochrane.

Commentary

The episode features Zephryn Cochran, the discoverer of the Space Warp, who is kept alive by a sentient alien entity known as the Companion. Key ethical issues discussed include the dangers of absolute power, the importance of consent, respecting diversity and self-determination, the balance between duty of care and paternalism, and the need for transparency and accountability. Cochran’s interactions with the Companion serve as a backdrop to highlight these important ethical principles for compliance professionals.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary of ‘Metamorphosis’
  • The Companion’s True Nature
  • Ethical Analysis of the Episode
  • Ethical Lessons for Compliance Professionals

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 37 – Ethical Decision-Making Lessons and the Return of Harry Mudd in I, Mudd

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider episode I, Mudd, which aired on November 3, 1967, and occurred on Star Date 4513.3.

The Enterprise finds Harry Mudd (Harcourt Fenton Mudd) on a planet and the “ruler” of 500 robot women. Mudd is being studied by the robots, who are accommodating but refuse to let him go. The androids tell Kirk people from the Andromeda galaxy built them. However, the civilization that constructed them was destroyed by a supernova, so the androids were left without supervision. Now, they have found a new purpose in Mudd. Spock makes inquiries and discovers that there are 207,809 androids, and, most importantly, they seem to be controlled by some central coordinating power.

The robots find people too destructive and plan to take over and “serve” all humans in the galaxy to control them. Kirk leaves Harry on the planet with his attendant robots to serve as an example of human failure to them. The robots are also reprogrammed to perform their original task of rendering the planet fit for human life. As a final blow to Mr. Mudd, Kirk also leaves behind several android copies of his shrewish wife, Stella.

Commentary

The episode features the return of Harcourt Fenton Mudd, who hijacks the Enterprise and takes it to a planet of robots. The crew must outwit the androids using illogical actions to regain control. We delve into the episode’s ethical lessons and connect them to compliance practices, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement in compliance programs. Fun fact: NBC considered a spin-off series for Harry Mudd due to the episode’s success, although it never came to fruition.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary: The Hijacking and Mudd’s Rule
  • The Androids’ Purpose and Kirk’s Plan
  • The Climax: Overloading the Androids
  • Ethical Decision-Making in Compliance

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

 

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 34 – The Apple

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the compliance and leadership lessons from the episode The Apple, which aired on October 13, 1967, and occurred on Star Date 3715.0.

A Landing Party finds danger on a seemingly pristine planet as the Enterprise is threatened. The planet’s inhabitants are the feeders of Vaal. Kirk asks to be taken to Vaal, just as Scott reports that the Enterprise is being dragged into the planet by a tractor beam from the planet.

Kirk and Spock go to confront Vaal. Vaal responds by calling a thunderstorm and striking Spock with a lightning bolt. The people of Vaal then attack, killing a security guard. As usual, the rest of the landing party fends off the attack and gets off unscathed. Kirk has Scott attack Vaal with the ship’s phasers to weaken. This drains Vaal’s power reserves and frees the people from his grip. Spock accuses Kirk of giving the people the equivalent of the apple of knowledge and driving them from their Eden, but Kirk maintains that Spock’s resemblance to the Devil is much more apparent than his own.

Commentary

The episode follows Captain Kirk and his landing party as they encounter the planet Gamma Trianguli VI and grapple with its godlike ruler, Vaal. The discussion highlights critical business ethics lessons, including the dangers of paternalistic control, respecting cultural sovereignty, ensuring transparency, avoiding disruption of stable systems, fostering self-determination, and balancing short-term and long-term impacts. Additionally, this episode reflects on the broader implications of Kirk’s actions on the planet’s civilization and draws parallels to modern ethical concerns in compliance programs.

Key Highlights

  • Story Synopsis
  • Fun Fact and Episode Themes
  • Business Ethics Lessons from The Apple

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha