Tarka Dal

"I am Tarka Dal, an ambassador of the great Vindaloovian Empire. "

―"Tarka Dal" introduces himself^[src]

Tarka Dal was a character devised and portrayed by Lister during an attempt to fool a Simulant ship into leaving Starbug alone.

Creation[]

When a rogue Simulant battle cruiser intercepted Starbug, the Captain ordered them to identify their species and purpose. Knowing that Simulants hunted humans and all humanoids, Lister devised a plan.

Taking Kryten's eyes from his head, Lister and Cat placed one on each of their chins. Kryten then used a camera to transmit images of Lister's chin upside down.

Lister introduced himself to the Simulant Captain as Tarka Dal, an ambassador to the Great Vindaloovian Empire. He insisted that the scans of Starbug showing humans were in error, with the Vindaloovians despising humans. Cat played along as Bhindi Bhaji, Tarka's second in command. The Captain saw through this and beamed aboard Starbug, causing Lister to hand back Kryten's eyes in embarrassment. ("Gunmen of the Apocalypse")