Thursday, December 29, 2005

Planning For New Year's Eve

I've had to call an Emergency Meeting of the senior staff in the Briefing Room.

Is there an alien invasion that threatens to destroy the Federation?

No, it seems there is a problem with the party planned for New Year's Eve on the Enterprise.

"What is the difficulty?" I ask Riker, who is the Party Organiser.

"Well, Captain, it seems that we cannot get Sid Starr to return for the occasion, as he is already booked at the Starfleet Officers Retirement Home. I suppose we just assumed he'd be free to attend."

"Maybe it's a good thing." suggests Geordi, "We could do with a band that's a little more hip for New Year's Eve. The only sort of hip Sid was is artificial hip."

Everybody laughs in a supressed way, except Data, who looks puzzled. Eventually he says, "Ah, artificial hip!" and gives a robotic stuttering laugh.

"What are we going to do?" inquires Beverly.

"How about a Klingon band?" suggests Worf.

"Though it's an idea," answers Riker, "They can tend to sing Klingon ballads and tell tales of how good everything used to be when Kahless was around."

"Are you suggesting that is wrong?" Worf answers angrily.

"Er, no." Riker says quickly, "But they are not suitable for a New Year's Eve party."

"Will" asks Deanna, "Do you know just who IS available?"

"I've made a lot of enquiries" he says, "And all the bands are either booked out to starships or Federation planets. The only one available is Dan Dreg and his group The Dregs Of Society."

"I've heard about them, Number One." I tell him, "They have a very bad reputation, ending up in jail. They verbally abuse all the audience that see them."

"The whole of Vulcan went into a month-long meditation after they had played a concert there. It sent them into shock." Data tells us.

"How about a holographic band in one of the holodecks?" suggests Beverly.

"I don't think that would work." answers Geordi, "It's like good food; the people will want the real thing, rather than a replica."

"Well," Riker imforms us all, "We either employ The Dregs Of Society or The New Year's Eve party is cancelled."

I check with everyone else, who each think the event is necessary for crew morale.

"In that case, Commander Riker," I reluctantly say, "Contact Dan Dreg and tell him we want his band to play on the Enterprise on that date."

"Yes, sir."

As the others file out of the Briefing Room, I ask Worf to stay behind for a moment.

"Mr Worf," I tell him, "Make sure your Security team are on standby while the evening is going on, and keep the Brig ready for use. I've a feeling it may be in use that night, and who it's first occupants of the New Year are likely to be."

18 comments:

Jardena said...

Wow, such the optismist, Captain.

Good luck with your party plans, and at least Geordi didn't try to get you all to book a disco group.

Vegeta said...

when entire planets are put in shock, this is the sign of a really good band, or a really bad one.

Ciera said...

hmm...don't let the EMH hear you turn down a holographic band...he might force the issue!

Trinity13 said...

Between the band and Wesley, you're gonna have a looooong night Capt!

Running2Ks said...

Oh I can't wait to see the party doings :)

Jon the Intergalactic Gladiator said...

This is just my recomendation, take it as you will, but I would stay away from Sid Starr. I think his best performing days are well behind him.

Nic said...

Ooooo, a New Year's eve party! I'm all a twitter to read about it! I will probably be staying home...again, just like I did the last 5 New Years Eves. It's no fun going out by yourself, plus I always took care of Em while Matt was off.

craziequeen said...

oh goody - another party!! :-D

what dress shall I instruct the computer to make me this time....?

Computer? Make me a dress that is AWESOME!
...and that matches my bitchin' crown!

cq

M. C. Pearson said...

I've been out of town for a bit...I must check out your log to see what I've missed. Sounds like New Year's Eve is going to be a BLAST!

Jen said...

Can't you get Riker to play trombone (or whatever that is) all night?

Oh, nevermind, I think the Dregs would actually end up being more entertaining...

dddragon said...

Can't you have Q bring your favorite band from wherever they're already booked?

Oh, or is that not fair?

damn, now I'm thinking like Q

Anonymous said...

Say, Jean-Luc...You do know that in some places, it's tradition to bring in the New Year with a kiss, don't you? I have this friend.............

Jean-Luc Picard said...

I'm very worried about this party, with the Dregs of Society playing there.

Lt Cmdr Oneida, I don't think Geordi's too keen on discos after than incident on the planet Travolta.

Ciera, the party will be shown from Sunday night English time.

Nic, I know what you mean about New Year's Eve.

CQ, that dress will look super!

M.C, sorry you've missed a fdews things. Just look back.

Jen, take a look on Sunday to see what actually happens.

Bob, we both know who that friend is, don't we!

R.A. Slater said...

whistles innocently and looks at ceiling

WendyWings said...

Just don't let Wesley get drunk again, it is hell to clean up afterwards.
Michele sent me today.

Lazy Daisy said...

Wow, I can hardly wait for the next chapter....I've heard several bands that sounded like the dregs of the earth! Michele sent me! Happy New Years!

craziequeen said...

Jean-Luc - always the gentleman, dear chap :-)

I'm definitely going with Purple and Silver this year...

Perhaps you could drop a few colour co-ordinating hints to Data? :-) oh, and give that girl wossername an away mission on the night?

cq

J Anderson said...

By jail I take it you mean a Federation penal colony. Michele sent me.