Iota Geminorum IV, also known as Tribble Prime, was the uninhabited fourth planet in the Iota Geminorum system, in the Beta Quadrant. The planet was home to the tribble, as well as an abundance of reptiles, the latter keeping the former in check. In the 23rd century, this planet was within the Klingon Empire's sphere of influence. (ENT: "The Breach"; TOS: "The Trouble with Tribbles")
In 2257, this planet's location was labeled on the star chart showing the trajectory of Lieutenant Spock's shuttle. (DIS: "An Obol for Charon")
Iota Geminorum IV listed on an analysis of a tribble
Around stardate 1421.9, Starfleet scientist Edward Larkin genetically-engineered sample specimens of tribbles from the planet. Larkin, who was later described as an idiot, believed them to be a suitable food source save for their very slow breeding rate, which he increased with disastrous consequences. (ST: "The Trouble with Edward")
In 2259, the location of this planet was labeled on a stellar cartography chart that was seen on the USS Enterprise's ready room viewscreen. This planet's symbol was a red Klingon Empire logo, indicating its affiliation with the empire. (SNW: "Strange New Worlds", "Children of the Comet")
Tribble Prime's location on the star chart.
Later that year, the location of this planet was labeled on a star chart that was seen on the Enterprise when a subspace fissure was discovered. (SNW: "Subspace Rhapsody" display graphic)
In order to fulfill their self-given task to hunt the tribble species to extinction, a Klingon armada obliterated the tribbles' homeworld, and by the late 23rd century, the species was entirely eradicated. (DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations")
Diagram of a tribble listing its home planet
In 2369, a chart illustrating various creatures, including tribbles, from around the known galaxy was displayed in a classroom aboard Deep Space 9. The tribble homeworld was mentioned on this chart. (DS9: "The Nagus" okudagram)
External link[]
- Iota Geminorum IV at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works