Posted by Russell Watt in Animal Naming Ceremony - Rick Gruby/MaQmlgh
Nervously, the Tribble made sure that all was in readiness, he hadn’t done one of these in a while, but Rick, or MaQmlgh, was promoted to captain back in March, 2008, in Sarah H’s 3rd go straight at President, so the time between drinks for the Tribble was nothing compared to Rick’s wait for an animal nickname.

The tribble bounded up to his specially sized podium, resplendant in his finest tribkini, with combadge placed strategically. He began to speak.

“No no no, klingon dancers, it is not kick stab turn stab, it is kick turn stab stab …” he looked at that card again, “sorry, wrong card, those klingon dancers with bat’leths are always dangerous.”

“Ahem, let’s do this again,” the Tribble said, “animal captains, yet to be animal captains, those not yet animal captain, and those who don’t wish to be animal captains, we are gathered here today to honour another captain from our midst. Now this member was promoted to captain a long time ago, moved ships, had to step back from the club for a while, but is now back, and serving as Captain of the USS Memorial. He told me shortly after his return that he’s ready for an animal nickname, and at the time I didn’t have the time to look after it for him, but I am today, and I am pleased that you were all able to gather at such short notice. So, because I’m hungry and I want to get into the grain, I’m going to ask the Coyote, the Munchkin Cat, the Kelpie and the Jaguar to bring Rick/MaQmlgh out to the podium.”

They led the currently human captain to the podium alongside the tribble, who suddenly became nervous to be so close to such a noted Klingon afficionardo.

“Rick, I believe you are klingon at heart, and there seemed to be a few animals that seemed appropriate for you … Glommer was considered, but I didn’t want to be seen as a food source by a fellow captain. We know that there is the Coyote who always tries to get the Roadrunner, but there’s is more a … friendly and nuanced relationship. But there is another animal, they have spikes on their back, a horn on their head, can be furry and are kept as pets, even by klingon children. This animal plays a significant role in Klingon culture, are considered to be ‘vicious and destructive’ animals’, ‘a warrior’s best friend’ and are often found on klingon ships and colonies. Plus, this animal does not hunt or eat Tribbles, remember that, Rick! Instead when threatened or overheated, they may be found hiding in dirt.”

“So, without any further ado, and to put everyone, including Rick, out of your misery, and with the power invested in me by the Official Unofficial Department of the Public Nuisance, not to mention the Church of Carrotism, I hearby name you ‘Targ’.” A flash of light, and where Rick/MaQmlgh once stood, he was now a Targ.

“Arise, Rick/MaQmlgh ‘Targ’ Gruby and join the animal zoo, your Tarkini*” Tribble said, a smile on his face, “and may the Ox, the Dove, the Tadpole and the Bear have mercy on our souls. Now, let’s eat, I see a pile of grain with my name on it.”

• Tribble, Animal Naming Ceremony Host

OOC: Apologies for the delay, Rick, hope this does you proud.
*For anyone who does not know, a Tarkini is a bikini for a Targ :) And yes, I hope you all have that image in your mind, your are really welcome!

Congratulations Rick! Welcome to the Zoo!

Jenn/Kelpie