Object

Pipius Claw

A single, claw-shaped Klingon delicacy presented whole on a low tray: mottled, dark shell lacquered with oily juices and flecks of bright red spice. Steam and a pungent marine tang rise as the waiter sets it before Riker; he pokes it with reluctance while Pulaski offers wry comments and Picard watches, steadying the moment.

3 appearances

Purpose

Served as a ritualistic Klingon food item consumed during cultural toasts and farewells, intended for tasting as part of immersive cultural customs.

Significance

Functions as a ceremonial culinary test that heightens comic discomfort and signals Riker’s impending Klingon assignment; the dish underscores themes of cultural immersion, honor, and the personal risk of participating in alien rites.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

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

The Pipius Claw is called out by Riker as another Klingon delicacy; it functions narratively to heighten comic revulsion and to concretize the cultural gap Riker is about to cross, testing his composure and humor.

Before: Set on the Ten‑Forward table among other Klingon dishes, awaiting inspection or tasting.

After: Left on the table after Riker's brief handling and grimacing; remains a prop representing cultural strangeness.

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S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

The Mess Hall Test: Riker's Social Trial

The pipius claw is referenced by Riker as a dish he enjoyed, functioning as conversational ballast—his compliment signals effort and cultural research, helping diffuse initial suspicion and establish polite reciprocity.

Before: Served earlier at the table and consumed by Riker; on communal plates prior to the current exchange.

After: Mentioned as eaten and appreciated; not actively in front of Riker during the gagh exchange.

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S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

Mockery as Ritual: Riker Tested in the Mess Hall

The pipius claw is referenced by Riker as a dish he enjoyed earlier; its mention establishes Riker's attempt at cultural fluency and signals his effort to fit in through researched compliments.

Before: Served earlier and presumably consumed; recalled by Riker as a point of conversational currency.

After: Remains a conversational prop — serving to justify Riker's effort to integrate rather than an active object on the table.

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