Mek'ba

A formal Klingon clan token presented at the Great Hall as the alleged 'complete' proof of lineage. The provided material does not specify exact materials, dimensions, or ornamentation; within the scene the mek'ba appears intact, portable, and authoritative, carried and held by DURAS while the chamber reacts violently to its presentation.

4 appearances

Purpose

To function as a clan lineage token or documentary evidentiary artefact used to establish descent, inheritance, or culpability under Klingon custom and to support formal accusations during judicial or ceremonial proceedings.

Significance

Serves as the central piece of contested evidence that drives the council toward public condemnation of Worf; its presentation crystallizes the political momentum against him until Kahlest's testimony ruptures the case and forces a private recess, raising stakes and altering the trial's trajectory.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S3E17 · Sins of the Father

Duras' Condemnation Interrupted by Kahlest

The mek'ba is presented by Duras as the decisive piece of lineage evidence—declared 'complete' and used to demand Worf's public condemnation. It functions as the narrative catalyst that rallies the crowd and compels formal ritual action until Picard and Kahlest's interruption challenges its authority.

Before: In Duras's control and on public display as purportedly complete proof of Mogh's treasonous lineage.

After: Still presented as evidence but immediately undermined politically and procedurally—its perceived finality eroded by the arrival of an eyewitness and K'mpec's recess.

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S3E17 · Sins of the Father

Kahlest's Unraveling Testimony — The Council Recesses

The mek'ba — presented moments earlier as the 'complete' clan token — functions as the focal piece of Duras's case. Its claimed completeness is directly challenged by Picard's interruption and Kahlest's testimony, which undermines the token's evidentiary authority and exposes the accusation's fragility.

Before: Held up and presented by Duras as incontrovertible proof; displayed on the dais as central physical evidence.

After: Remains in the contested display but its authority is compromised; its persuasive power is diminished pending private review.

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S3E17 · Sins of the Father

Picard's Mek'ba Gambit—Worf's Sacrifice and the Council's Shame

The mek'ba (a formal Klingon procedural token/rule) is invoked by Picard as the legal mechanism to demand that Kahlest's testimony be presented before the Open Council. It functions as the procedural wedge that converts a private, suppressed truth into a public evidentiary hearing and strips the Council of its ability to conceal wrongdoing.

Before: Conceptual and institutional artifact residing in Klingon legal tradition; not physically produced in the chamber but cited as binding procedure.

After: Activated rhetorically by Picard and acknowledged by K'mpec; it has been used to mandate that Kahlest present evidence to the open council, empowering public adjudication.

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S3E17 · Sins of the Father

Honor's Sacrifice — Worf Accepts Discommendation

The mek'ba is invoked as the formal rule that Kahlest's evidence must be presented in open council; it functions as procedural leverage Picard uses to force the admission and to demand public testimony, turning ritual law into a weapon to pry open the cover-up.

Before: Conceptually held as council ritual authority; the mek'ba's rule exists as the governing procedural precedent.

After: Its invocation has compelled Kahlest to be sent to open council; the object remains under council authority though its procedural use now threatens the Council's secrecy.

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