Riker's Joke
This was a challenge story from one of my groups. A chocolate dessert, tail of a comet, it's bigger than I thought, spurs, what is that smell and is that Starfleet issued were to be placed into the story.
Deanna was in Ten-Forward trying to relieve her desire for chocolate with a Chocolate Mousse when Beverly caught up with her. "Hi, I see you finally found some chocolate."
"Yes, I did." Deanna said with a satisfied smile.
"What happened? The replicator broke in your quarters?"
"No, it's just hot chocolate didn't cut it tonight." Replied Deanna.
"I see that."
Deanna turned to Beverly. "Did you come here to tease me about my craving for chocolate or was there something else on your mind."
"Actually, Jean-Luc wanted to invite Worf, Geordi, Will, you and me to the holodeck after everyone is off duty for some sort of horse riding or something."
"I love animals, but one that's as big as a horse I just have trouble dealing with." Deanna said.
"Oh, but not all of these horses are your usual
horses." Beverly said with a big mischievous grin on her face.
Deanna looked at her. "Beverly, are all of you up to
something."
"No, but you will have to come and find out what Jean-Luc has in store in the holodeck." Beverly said. "He hasn't really told me much, but what I can tell not all the every day horses."
"Oh, really." Deanna said with doubts as she finished the last of her mousse. "OK, I'll come and check out what fun and games he has in mind for us. You ready to drag me down there now?"
"Well, we'll have to wait a bit for Will." Beverly
said.
Deanna looked puzzled. "Why?"
"For some reason, he and Geordi are interested in the tail of a comet." Beverly informed her. "They won't say why. If anyone is up to something it is the two of them. Jean-Luc is dressing to go riding. He wants me to put on a riding outfit too."
"Really?" Deanna smiled.
"What are you thinking?"
Deanna shook her head. "It's nothing really. I was just
thinking that maybe Will and I gave him some ideas since he wants the two of you to be dressed in matching riding suits."
"They're not called suits."
"OK. Whatever they are I still say that our wedding plans have stirred something." Deanna said with a smile.
"He wants you and Will to dress for riding, too."
"You're kidding!" Deanna's eyes got wide. "I've never rode a horse before."
"Well, get ready for your first lesson." Beverly grabs Deanna by the hand and drags her out of Ten-Forward.
"Well," Said Geordi, seeming unsure. "When you play a pratical joke Commander, you go all out."
Will grins and tilts his head a little. "I try. You think I can get Deanna to ride this beast?"
"I don't know."
"Well, at least tell me if you think the captain will like my riding outfit?"
Geordi could not help but laugh. "I'm sure he'll say you're a real cowboy."
They heard the holodeck doors open and the captain walked in
dress in the standard black riding clothes with his riding stick. The captain takes one look at Will and the beast that stood beside him. "What the devil!"
"Don't worry, Captain." Will said. "He's not for you. I hope to get Deanna on him."
"Well, let us hope she is up to the joke." Picard said with a bit of an edge.
Then Deanna and Beverly walked in and Worf trailed behind.
"What is that smell!" Deanna exclaimed.
"It's the stable with horses, I'm guessing." Beverly said. "It smells like horses at least."
Deanna took one look at Will and the beast beside him. Then
looked at Will again and almost laughed. "Will, why are you dress as a cowboy?"
"Well, the captain said to dress for riding." Will
replied. "What do you think?"
Beverly and Deanna giggled. "Are those spurs Starfleet
issued, Will?" Deanna asked, still giggling.
Then Worf piped up. "Is that Starfleet
issued?" Pointing at the hugh horse beside Will.
"Him?" Will grinned and pointed to the over grown horse beside him. "I thought I'd get Deanna to ride him."
Deanna's eyes got big. "Will, it's as big as a dinosuar! What is it?"
"A Clydesdale!" Will grinned.
"It's larger than I thought!" Worf said. "A
creature worth riding, unlike other horses."
"You would say that." Deanna said turning to Worf.
"From your statement, I'd say you were in on this too."
Worf growled. "Please don't make me answer that."
"Oh, Deanna." Will teased. "You'd look good on him."
"I AM NOT riding that thing!"
"Well, if she won't I will." Said Worf.
Beverly and Deanna gave Worf a dirty look. Suddenly, there was the sound of running water and Will felt a leak in his boots. "I thought cowboys wore these boots so their feet don't get wet."
Beverly and Deanna started laughing harder. "Now that is larger than I thought!" Deanna said, then looked at Beverly and said, "I wonder if the female horses get a thrill from this large stud?"
Deanna's statement made Beverly laugh even harder and she could not stop laughing. Will looks at them with disgust and said, "Very funny, Ladies!"
"Well then." Deanna began. "Next time becareful what you use for a practical joke."
"I still say this animal is a horse that's worth
riding." Worf said. "Where's a saddle?"
Picard just stood back with his horse, shook his head and
thought, "I have the craziest crew, some days."
