10 Greatest Star Trek Pets

5. Bribble The Miscalculation

Bribble
CBS Media Ventures

If you thought tribbles were cute, this is going to blow your mind. And this delightful fluffball is all the more bewitching for what it represents.

Rok made no secret of her love for all things sweet and adorable throughout Star Trek: Prodigy. In fact, the fantasy that entrapped Rok during the episode Dream Catcher was a pile of cute creatures. Heartbreakingly, when it becomes apparent that it's all an illusion, it seems that part of the appeal was that something so lovely could like Rok in return. We're not crying, you are.

So when Rok attempts to help a Klingon re-engineer the out-of-control tribbles in A Tribble Called Quest, and accidentally creates the most enchanting tribble hybrid imaginable, we'd have thought she would be delighted. But no, realising the critter was the result of contamination with her own DNA, she becomes upset and frustrated with herself for making such a basic mistake. Not even the impossibly large eyes or irresistible pink and brown fur can win her over.

It's only when Bribble (named for its Brikar and tribble heritage) saves their lives that Rok realises there can be value in mistakes. Finally, Rok embraces her miscalculation and gives her new pet all the fuss and attention it deserves. It's a very Star Trek message that makes Bribble even more precious.

Contributor

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.