Tag: Star Trek

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 2 – Charlie X

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider Charlie X, which aired on September 15, 1966, Star Date 1533.6.

Story

After receiving a distress call from a science party on Camus II exploring the ruins of a dead civilization, the Enterprise rushes to assistance. All members of the party appear to be dead except the leader, Dr. Janice Lester, and the medical officer, Dr. Arthur Coleman. According to Dr. Coleman, Lester is suffering from some unknown sort of radiation poisoning.

However, when the rest of the Enterprise landing party goes to aid a dying science party member and leaves Kirk and Lester alone, she activates an alien device she has discovered and exchanges bodies with Kirk. Lester is driven by jealousy and a persecution complex and complains to Kirk about the agony of being a woman. Lester-as-Kirk orders everyone to be beamed about and takes over the role of Kirk.

Lester-as-Kirk removes Bones as chief medical officer and installs Dr. Coleman, a former starship doctor who has been found incompetent by the Starfleet Surgeon General, in his place. Dr. Coleman attempts to prevent Kirk (in Dr. Lester’s body) from interacting with the crew by sedating her, but she escapes to the sick bay to talk to Bones and Spock. However, Lester-as-Kirk is also waiting for a physical examination ordered by McCoy. He proceeds to knock Kirk-as-Lester out and orders her to be put in isolation and incommunicado.

Spock suspects something amiss and speaks to (the real) Kirk in solitary confinement. At Kirk’s request, Spock does a Vulcan mind probe and discovers the truth. Spock tries to escape with the real Kirk but is stopped by Lester-as-Kirk and security guards. This leads to a court-martial trial for Spock. Spock puts Kirk (in Lester’s body) on the stand and testifies that Kirk’s mind is in her body.

In the meantime, Sulu and Chekov refuse to obey Lester-as-Kirk’s orders, and Kirk and Lester experience a temporary reversion of minds. To prevent reversion, Coleman informs Lester-as-Kirk that Lester must be killed. However, Coleman is too late carrying out the task, and Kirk’s and Lester’s minds revert to their appropriate bodies.

Commentary

The episode explores the story of Charlie Evans, a young man with dangerous telekinetic powers, and draws parallels to modern compliance and mental health issues. Tom discusses the responsibilities that come with power, the importance of training and supervision, handling unpredictable behavior, clear communication, crisis management, and addressing misconduct. He also reflects on recent real-world events, such as the Uvalde school shooting and the challenges of addressing mental health in compliance programs.

Key Highlights

  • Episode Summary: Charlie X
  • Charlie’s Troubling Behavior
  • Thematic Analysis and Real-World Parallels
  • Compliance Lessons from Charlie X

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 1 – Compliance Lessons from The Man Trap

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider The Man Trap, which aired on September 8, 1966, Star Date 1515.1.

In this episode, a landing party from the Enterprise beams down to perform an annual checkup of scientist Bob Crater and his wife Nancy, who have lived on the planet M113 for 5 years. Dr. Crater and Nancy appear to be in good health, but Dr. Crater goes out of his way to request an additional salt supply from the Enterprise’s stores. A crewman wanders off and dies under mysterious circumstances. Further tests show that his body is completely devoid of salt.

Scanning the planet’s surface reveals only a single life form, so Spock and Kirk realize that Nancy must have beamed aboard the Enterprise and started searching for her. They question Dr. Crater and learn that Nancy is dead and that her form has been taken over by the planet’s last remaining indigenous creature, which can assume any form and requires salt to live.

Kirk and Spock then beam Dr. Crater aboard the Enterprise, who prevents Kirk from killing the creature (which he still sees as Nancy Crater), and then stands idly by as she begins to drain the salt from Kirk’s body. At this juncture, Spock rushes in and demonstrates to McCoy that the woman attacking Kirk could not be Nancy by striking her repeatedly and forcefully. Nancy does not flinch, sending Spock flying across the room with a single counterblow. When the creature attacks Kirk again, its proper alien form is revealed, and Bones kills it with a phaser, even after it reverts to Nancy’s form.

Key Highlights:

1. Compliance and Leadership lessons.
2. Character dynamics.
3. Insights into ethical decision-making, vigilance, and communication in compliance programs.
4. The relevance of storytelling and visual branding in compliance training.
5. Lessons on balancing security and compassion in compliance efforts.

Resources:

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein for The Man Trap

MissionLogPodcast.com-The Man Trap

Memory Alpha

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 20 – Court Martial

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Court Martial which aired on February 2, 1967, Star Date 2947.3.

Story Synopsis

After sustaining severe damage in an ion storm, the Enterprise is forced to seek repairs at Starbase 11, where  Commodore Stone investigates the death of records officer Ben Finney, who died in the storm. Stone finds it was Kirk’s negligence that led to Finney’s death.  A trial ensues, and Kirk’s former flame Ariel Shaw is the prosecuting attorney, and Kirk seeks the services of attorney Samuel T. Cogley.

Spock discovers something amiss in the program bank of the Enterprise after he can beat the computer 5 times, even though its program should not be capable of losing. Recognizing the computer has been tampered with, they find Finney and  Kirk’s record is cleared, and Samuel Cogley takes on a new case: defending Finney.

Commentary

In this episode of ‘Trekking Through Compliance,’ host Tom Fox explores the compliance lessons learned from the ‘Star Trek’ original series episode ‘Court Martial.’ Featuring the trial of Captain Kirk for an alleged violation during an ion storm, the episode delves into themes of due process, conflicts of interest, evidence preservation, and the role of expert testimony in compliance investigations. Tom draws parallels between the show’s narrative and key compliance principles such as transparency, accountability, and whistleblower protections, providing insightful takeaways for compliance professionals.

  • The Incident at Starbase 11
  • Kirk’s Court Martial Begins
  • Spock’s Discovery and the Final Verdict
  • Compliance Lessons from Court Martial

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

 

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 12 – The Menagerie (Part Two)

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Menagerie (Part Two), which aired on November 24, 1966, Star Date 3012.4.

This was the original pilot episode presented to NBC. Spock’s trial continues, and the transmitted scene resumes with Pike in 2254 in a cell with a transparent wall. The Talosians begin their “experiment,” which consists of several illusory situations involving Pike and Vina. The Talosians hope that Pike and Vina will mate and find a race of slaves who will reclaim the war-damaged surface of the planet.

That night, Pike can capture the Keeper as he attempts to confiscate the weapons. The captured crew proceeds to the surface. Number One sets her phaser on overload, preferring to die rather than be enslaved. The aliens have found that humans’ “unique hatred of captivity” makes them unsuitable for the Talosians’ plans, which must be abandoned. The crew beams back to the Enterprise.

Back in 2267, the transmission ends as the Enterprise arrives at Talos IV. The court-martial was a ploy to buy time to bring Pike back to Talos IV, where, if willing, he could enjoy the illusion of everyday life. Pike is transported to the planet and rejuvenated Pike.

Compliance Takeaways:

  1. What happens with your counterparty refuses to comply with FCPA requirements?
  2. When the time comes, will you, as a CCO, speak truth to power?
  3. Sometimes failure and being left behind are options.

 Resources
Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein for The Menagerie (Part Two)
MissionLogPodcast.com-The Menagerie (Parts 1 & 2)

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 11 – The Menagerie (Part One)

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Menagerie (Part One), which aired on November 17, 1966, Star Date 3012.4.

This was the original pilot episode presented to NBC. Set in 2267, and the Enterprise arrives at Starbase 11 in response to a subspace call Spock reported receiving from the former captain of the Enterprise, Christopher Pike, under whom Spock had served. Pike cannot move or communicate other than answering yes/no questions with a device operated by his brainwaves. Pike refuses to communicate with anyone except Spock.

Spock, meanwhile, commandeers the Enterprise by means of falsified recordings of Kirk’s voice and orders the ship to depart under the computer’s control. After several hours, upon learning from the computer that the shuttlecraft does not have enough fuel to return to the starbase, Spock brings them aboard and then gives himself up, confessing to mutiny. Mendez convenes a hearing, at which Spock requests immediate court-martial, which requires three command officers. The tribunal begins, and Spock offers as his testimony what seems to be video footage of the Enterprise’s earlier visit to Talos IV in 2254.

In 2267, the scene is interrupted by a message from Starfleet Command, which reveals that the images they have been viewing are transmitted from Talos IV. Mendez is placed in command of the Enterprise, but Spock begs Kirk to see the rest of the transmission.

Compliance Takeaways:

  1. Leaders must take care of themselves as well as their crew.
  2. What does it mean if a deal is too good to be true?
  3. Trust but verify.

 Resources
Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein for The Menagerie (Part One)
MissionLogPodcast.com-The Menagerie (Parts 1 & 2)

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance-Episode 6-Mudd’s Women

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Mudd’s Women, which aired on October 13, 1966, Star Date 1329.1.

Harry Mudd attempts to evade the Enterprise with his small class J cargo ship and leads it into an asteroid field. The Enterprise extends its shields over Harvey’s ship, burning out three of its four lithium crystals. The crew of the Enterprise becomes fascinated with the three beautiful women Mudd has been transporting.
As a result of the destruction of three of its lithium crystals, the Enterprise is forced to divert to Rigel 12 to obtain new crystals. Mudd makes his bargain with the lithium miners on the planet. At Mudd’s prompting, the miners offer to provide Kirk with lithium only in exchange for Mudd’s freedom and the three women. Kirk learns the women’s beauty secret: Mudd has been providing them with the Venus drug. Kirk beams down to collect the lithium from Childress while providing Evie with red gelatin she believes to be the Venus drug. Evie believes herself again to be beautiful and unintentionally reveals her natural inner beauty. In the end, Kirk gets his lithium, Evie remains with Childress, and Mudd is taken into custody.
Compliance Takeaways:
  1. How can your risks change, and are you prepared?
  2. A CCO needs to understand you may not be telling the truth to them.
  3. Have you added the Modern Slavery requirements to your compliance regime?
Resources
The story synopsis comes from the Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein for Mudd’s Women.
Additional insights from the MissionLogPodcast.com episode Mudd’s Women
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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance Episode 3 – Compliance Lessons from Where No Man Has Gone Before

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider Where No Man Had Gone Before, which aired on September 22, 1966, Star Date 1312.4. The first Star Trek episode was made (not counting the pilot episode, The Cage), although not the first aired. It differs from subsequent episodes in that there is no “Space, the final frontier” voice-over during the theme song at the beginning.

Story

The Enterprise discovers a 200-year-old ship recorder from the SS Valiant near the galaxy’s edge. Shortly after, the Enterprise passes through an unknown phenomenon that causes major damage and knocks out navigators Gary Mitchell and Dr. Elizabeth Dehner (both of whom have high ESP ratings). When Gary recovers, he begins to acquire telepathic and telekinetic powers. Kirk alarmed at the prospect of having his ship taken over by an increasingly powerful and tyrannical Mitchell, is convinced by Spock to maroon Mitchell at the lithium cracking plant of Delta Vega. Dr. Piper has no explanation for what is happening. Gary kills Lee Kelso and escapes from his imprisonment. Kirk follows him and can destroy him with the help of Dr. Dehner, who is also beginning to acquire the power but kills herself in the process.

Commentary

We take a deep dive into into compliance lessons drawn from the episode’s plot, emphasizing the importance of root cause analysis, risk management, adaptability, ethical leadership, monitoring and controls, balancing innovation with safety, effective team communication, and understanding human behavior in the context of compliance. These lessons are crucial for building and maintaining effective compliance programs in any organization.

Key Highlights

·       Plot Summary of Where No Man Has Gone Before

·       Key Compliance Takeaways

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

 

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 2 – Charlie X

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider Charlie X, which aired on September 15, 1966, Star Date 1533.6.

The USS Enterprise meets the merchant vessel Antares to take charge of Charlie Evans, the sole survivor of a transport ship that crashed on Thasus. For fourteen years, 17-year-old Charlie grew up alone, stranded in the wreckage, learning to talk from the ship’s computer systems, which remained intact.

Despite his eagerness to please, Charlie becomes obnoxious since his lack of upbringing has left him with no knowledge of social norms or control of his emotions. He latches on to Captain Kirk as a father figure and develops an infatuation with Yeoman Janice Rand. He demonstrates extraordinary powers of telepathy and matter transmutation. When the Antares is nearly out of sensor range, it transmits a message to the Enterprise. The message is cut off before it can convey a warning. Scanners show the Antares has been reduced to debris.

Realizing Charlie’s powers are too great to be controlled, and Kirk opts to divert from Alpha V to at least keep Charlie away from a civilized world where he would wreak havoc. Charlie discovers Kirk’s plans and takes control of the Enterprise.

A Thasian ship approaches and restores the Enterprise and its crew to their proper forms. The Thasian commander says that his race gave Charlie his powers so he could survive in their world, but these powers (which they can’t remove from him) make him too dangerous to live among humans. Charlie begs Kirk not to let the aliens have him since the Thasians lack any physical form or capacity for love. However, the Thasians reject Kirk’s argument that Charlie belongs with his kind, with a final echoing wail of “I wanna stay!

Compliance Takeaways:

  1. Ask more of your front-line employee, and they will respond positively.
  2. Compliance is like a multi-dimensional chess match.
  3. As a compliance professional, who are you mentoring?

Resources:

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein for CharlieX
MissionLogPodcast.com-Charlie X

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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do – Picard, Season 3, Episode 8 – Surrender

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In it, Tom and Megan review Picard, Season 3, Episode 8, Surrender. In this episode, the hosts delve into the character development of Jack and his mind-bending powers, comparing them to the actions of the Borg. They share their surprise at Deanna Troi’s unconventional parenting decision and reflect on the unsettling scene of the bridge surrender. The hosts also discuss emotional character deaths and the anticipation of discovering what is behind the red door. They appreciate the message of surrender and how it applies to regular life. Take advantage of the final stretch of this exciting podcast series! Listen now to uncover the secrets of Picard.

Highlights:

  • Jack’s Mind Power Development and Ethical Implications
  • The Evolving Dynamics of Riker and Troi
  • Killing by Airlock: Discussing Effectiveness and Emotions
  • Reflections on the Surrender Theme
  • Easter Eggs

 Resources

Megan Dougherty 

LinkedIn

One Stone Creative

Twitter

Tom 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do – Picard, Season 3, Episode 7 – Dominion

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In it, Tom and Megan review Picard, Season 3. In this episode, we discuss the heavy themes and difficult topics tackled in the show. They are disturbed by the revelation of unethical practices by so-called “good guys” in the show. The hosts also discuss the possibility of Picard viewing the Federation in a different light and the evolution of the character Seven of Nine. With emotional moments and a cliffhanger ending, this episode will not be missed! Tune in now to “Because That’s What Heroes Do” and join the discussion today!

Highlights:

  • Analysis of the latest episode and character backstories
  • The Complexities of Loyalty and Love in Star Trek
  • Seven and Tuvok
  • Vadic
  • Geordi and Data
  • Easter Eggs

 Resources

Megan Dougherty 

LinkedIn

One Stone Creative

Twitter

Tom 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn