Categories
Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance: Episode 11 – Ethical Lessons from Menagerie, Part 1

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.

Story Synopsis

This was the original pilot episode presented to NBC. Set in 2267, 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 using 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.

Commentary

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, host Tom Fox delves into the first part of ‘The Menagerie,’ a pivotal Star Trek episode derived from the original pilot, ‘The Cage.’ The episode follows the Enterprise’s detour to Starbase 11 after Spock receives a message supposedly from former Captain Christopher Pike, only to find Pike severely injured and unable to communicate. Spock’s subsequent actions lead to a gripping courtroom drama and examination of ethical dilemmas. Tom highlights key ethical lessons, including informed consent, disability rights, truthfulness, ethical decision-making, and whistleblowing, showing how these can be applied within compliance programs to foster a more moral and just organizational environment.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary of The Menagerie Part 1
  • Behind the Scenes and Fun Facts
  • Ethical Lessons from The Menagerie Part 1

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

Categories
Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance: Episode 10 – The Corbomite Maneuver

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode The Corbomite Maneuver, which aired on November 10, 1966, with a Star Date of 1512.2.

Novice navigator Lt. Dave Bailey spots a giant spinning multi-colored cube floating in space. He advocates attacking it with phasers. Kirk instead orders the ship to back away from the object. The cube pursues them, emitting harmful radiation, and Kirk reluctantly destroys it. After that, a gigantic glowing sphere approaches the Enterprise, explaining that the destroyed cube was a border marker and that the First Federation will destroy the Enterprise for trespassing into their territory. Kirk tries to bluff Balok, telling him that the Enterprise contains “corbomite, ” which automatically destroys any attacker.

Kirk, McCoy, and Bailey form a boarding party to render assistance. They beam over and discover that the “Balok” on their monitor is an effigy. The real Balok, looking like a hyperintelligent human child, enthusiastically welcomes them aboard. He explains that he was merely testing the Enterprise and its crew to discover their true intentions. As Kirk and company relax, Balok desires to learn more about humans and their culture and suggests they allow a crew member to remain on his ship as an emissary of the Federation. Bailey happily volunteers, and Balok gives them a tour of his ship.

Commentary

In this episode, we draw out parallels between the episode and compliance leadership. The discussion covers key leadership lessons: adaptability, maintaining calm, leveraging limited resources, trusting team expertise, and handling ambiguity. Special attention is given to the episode’s production history and its potential allegory of Cold War tensions. Fox emphasizes how these lessons can help compliance professionals navigate complex regulatory challenges.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary of The Corbomite Maneuver
  • Behind the Scenes and Fun Facts
  • Ethical Lessons from The Corbomite Maneuver

Compliance Takeaways:

  1. Never pass up the chance for cross-cultural exchange.
  2. Should discipline have a remedial component or be simply punitive?
  3. How much stress can you or should you put on your employees?

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

Categories
Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance: Episode 9 – Compliance Lessons from Dagger of the Mind

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Dagger of the Mind, which aired on November 3, 1966, with a Star Date of 2715.1.

The Enterprise makes a supply run to planet Tantalus V, a colony where the criminally insane are confined for treatment. The facility’s director is Dr. Tristan Adams, a psychiatrist famous for advocating more humane treatment of such patients. After the Enterprise delivers supplies and receives cargo from Tantalus, a man emerges from the container taken aboard and assaults a technician. Reaching the bridge, the intruder demands asylum, but Spock subdues him with a Vulcan nerve pinch. In Sickbay, the intruder identifies himself as Simon van Gelder, and a computer check reveals that he is not a patient but Dr. Adams’ assistant.

Gelder becomes increasingly frantic on the Enterprise van, warning that the landing party is in danger. Spock learns that the neural neutralizer can empty a mind of thoughts, leaving only an unbearable feeling of loneliness, and that Adams has been using it on inmates and staff to regain control of their minds.

Kirk tests the neutralizer on himself, with Noel as the control. Adams appears, overpowers Noel, seizes the controls, increases the neutralizer’s intensity, and convinces Kirk that he has been madly in love with Noel for years. Adams inadvertently reactivates the neural neutralizer, emptying his Mind and killing him. On the Enterprise, Kirk is informed that van Gelder has destroyed the neural neutralizer. McCoy is surprised that loneliness could be lethal, but Kirk, after his experience, is not.

Commentary

Key compliance lessons from the episode include the importance of human rights and ethical treatment, whistleblower protection, oversight and accountability, due process and fair trials, data privacy, informed consent, and corporate social responsibility. The episode also highlights mental health issues and the first appearance of the Vulcan mind meld in Star Trek.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary of Dagger of the Mind
  • Behind the Scenes and Fun Facts
  • Compliance and Ethical Lessons from Dagger of the Mind

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

 

Categories
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

 

Categories
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)

Categories
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)

Categories
Because That's What Heroes Do

Picard, Season 3, Episode 3-17 Seconds

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 Episode 3, 17 Seconds.  We take a deep dive deep into the “Wrath of Khan” theme and discuss fascinating theories about Jack’s possible connection with the Borg. They also express their disconcertment with the end of the Dominion War and its impact on the federation. However, the conversation doesn’t stop there as they explore the dynamic between Riker and Picard, uncovering past experiences that may have affected Riker’s decision-making abilities. The hosts also share their thoughts on Riker’s character development and question the use of modern language in the Star Trek universe.

Along the way, the speakers delve into the growth of characters such as 7 of 9, highlighting her evolution as a character and the importance of loyalty. They also touch on the lack of Easter Eggs in the episode and mention an upcoming cameo that has them buzzing with excitement. Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking and insightful episode of “Because That’s What Heroes Do.” Join Tom and Megan as they discuss everything Star Trek and share their passion for the universe.

Highlights

  • Episode 3 Synopsis
  • Analysis of Episode 3’s Plot Points & Theories
  • The Tension between Ryker and Picard
  • Character development and language
  • Character development of Shaw and 7 of 9
  • Analysis of Raffi’s Pragmatism
  •  Star Trek Cameo and Episode 3 RecapEaster eggs

Resources

Megan Dougherty

LinkedIn

One Stone Creative

Twitter

Tom

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Categories
Because That's What Heroes Do

Picard, Season 2, Episode 10

In this podcast series, two complete MCU fans, Tom Fox, founder of the Compliance Podcast Network, and Megan Dougherty, co-founder of One Stone Creative, indulge in a passion for all things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by re-watching each movie and then podcasting on every movie in the MCU. However, we will go in a different direction over the final two episodes in this series on Picard, Season 2 by reviewing the final episode.

Join Tom Fox and Megan Dougherty for the podcast: Because That’s What Heroes Do and hear about the latest storylines in Picard Season 2, discussing Wesley Crusher’s character journey, Will Wheaton’s roles, the Picard and Talend farewell scene, and the importance of the Picard-Q scene. Learn about the impact of Queen Jurati’s leadership, the changes in Klingon and Borg villains, the conversations and experiences Raffi and Guinan shared, and the reunion between Raffi and Elnor. Join us as we explore the evolution of adventures and love between characters in the 25th century. 

Key Highlights

The Representation of Queer Couples in Television

The Power of Transformation in Star Trek: A Discussion of Wesley Crusher and Renee

The Power of Male Love in Q and Picard’s Farewell Scene

The Lessons Learned by Picard

The Transformative Power of Protection

The Impact of Queen Gerardi on the Timelines in Star Trek: Picard

Notable Quotes

“Q after years of kind of plugging Picard and other captains throughout and around the galaxy, gave Picard this really beautiful gift of self forgiveness and self expression and opening helping Picard open himself up to deeper affection and deeper relationships.”

“And of course, the field commission of 7 and just that center chair looks really good on her too. She looked right in the center of this chair. I was super into that. And I think it was a great way to end the series.”

“It actually gave me some hope that maybe the Borg’s future might be different, and maybe there is a way. There’s certainly a way for former enemies become friends.”

“Even gods have favorites. But he’s no god, just a guy with some really cool powers.”

Categories
Because That's What Heroes Do

Picard-Season 2, Episodes 7- 8

In this podcast series, two complete MCU fans, Tom Fox, founder of the Compliance Podcast Network, and Megan Dougherty, co-founder of One Stone Creative, indulge in a passion for all things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by re-watching each movie and then podcasting on every movie in the MCU. However, we will go in a different direction over the next three episodes and review Picard Season 2. In this podcast, we take up episodes 7-8.

Key Highlights

Episode 7-Synopsis [1:16]

Episode 7-Commentary [2:37]

Episode 8-Synopsis [8:13]

Episode 8-Commentary [9:33]

Next time, we will conclude our deep dive into Picard Season 2 by looking at episodes 9-10.

Categories
Because That's What Heroes Do

Picard-Season 2, Episodes 5-6

In this podcast series, two complete MCU fans, Tom Fox, founder of the Compliance Podcast Network, and Megan Dougherty, co-founder of One Stone Creative, indulge in a passion for all things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by re-watching each movie and then podcasting on every movie in the MCU. However, we will go in a different direction over the next three episodes and review Picard Season 2. In this podcast, we take up episodes 5-6.

Key Highlights

Episode 5-Synopsis [1:16]

Episode 5-Commentary [2:41]

Episode 6-Synopsis [15:54]

Episode 6-Commentary [17:14]

Next time, we will continue our deep dive into Picard Season 2 by looking at episodes 7-8.