Object

Heart of Targ

A single targ heart presented as a ritual entrée: a small, warm animal organ—deep red, sinewy, and unmistakably biological—served by a waiter among a grotesque spread of Klingon dishes in Ten‑Forward. Crew members recoil or force polite tolerance as Riker endures the offering.

1 appearances

Purpose

Culinary: served and (optionally) eaten as a traditional Klingon dish during a ritualized communal meal.

Significance

Functions as a cultural test and rite of immersion for Riker, converting comic discomfort into sober anticipation about his upcoming Klingon assignment; the dish heightens themes of honor, cultural difference, and personal risk within the send‑off.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

The Last Hour: Toasts, Jibes, and a Commander's Send‑Off

The Heart of Targ is identified by Riker as one of the ritual Klingon dishes on the table; it functions as a visceral symbol of alien tradition, provoking disgust and serving as a test of Riker's willingness to participate in cultural rites.

Before: Placed among the assortment of Klingon dishes on the Ten‑Forward table, presented as part of the send‑off feast.

After: Remains on the table uneaten (at least during the described beats), continuing to mark the grotesque nature of the ritual.

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