Det var nästan säkert ett skämt, och inte ett temporärt skift:
Från skriptet:
WORF: Because it is my birthday... I assumed that you or one of the others would try to mount an unexpected... social gathering.
RIKER: You mean a surprise party? Worf, I hate surprise parties. I would never do that to you.
WORF: I am... sorry, Commander.
RIKER: Why don't you settle in and I'll meet you on the Bridge.
WORF: Aye sir.
Det visar sig självklart att det var en överraskningsfest:
TROI, BEVERLY, GEORDI, DATA and SEVERAL N.D.S as they rush out of the bedroom. Many hold birthday GIFTS -- others have party favors, noise-makers. It's the most human and obnoxious party you can imagine. They come up shaking his hand, offering birthday wishes, patting him on the back. Troi and Beverly kiss him on the cheek. Riker ENTERS during the middle of all this, comes up behind Worf with huge smile on his face.
RIKER: Actually, Worf, I love surprise parties.
Riker then puts a big, ridiculous PARTY HAT on Worf's head.
Fokusera på min på ordet. Om det var ett temporärt skift till en alternativ dimension, hade Riker inte sagt "egentligen" vilket betonar att det han tidigare sagt inte var riktigt fallet.