Object
Pagh Mess-Hall Serving Plates
A set of shallow, well-worn metal serving plates used in the Pagh mess hall: roughly palm-sized, hammered steel with darkened edges and food stains. They sit warm from recent portions and sometimes hold writhing gagh or other Klingon fare. Crew members shove the plates forward as physical prompts—slapping them into a guest’s hands, pressing portions under a nose, or using them to provoke reactions—so the plates register as tactile, confrontational props rather than mere crockery.
2 appearances
Purpose
To hold and present communal portions of Klingon food in the Pagh mess hall for eating and informal service.
Significance
The plates operate as improvised social instruments: thrust at Riker to provoke ingestion, humiliation, or restraint, they functionally test composure and cultural fitness. Their use catalyzes social pressure, reveals Klingon values of endurance and honor, and helps escalate informal ribbing into a ritualized trial that raises personal and diplomatic stakes.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used