RATING: utter silliness, but we'll say "T" just to be safe ;)

DISCLAIMER: Some of the characters belong to Paramount, some to Python (Monty). No infringement is intended or profit gained.

SETTING: After Generations

AUTHORS: Jaxonii and co-written with Squeek E Bat

Author's note/warning: This is something my best friend and I, along with 27 East Texas dancing llamas, a lost moose, and a half-bee named Eric worked on for fun. As you probably noticed in the disclaimer, there are several Monty Python characters in this story. If you know anything about the Python, you can expect this to be silly, insane, and probably make little sense in some instances. If you don't… you might want to at least watch The Holy Grail before reading this; otherwise, you'll probably be lost. :-o

Enough warning, now… GET ON WITH IT! lol ;)

The Grail

Data walked with an even gait as he approached the turbolift. He felt anticipation over the small holochip in his hand. It was all very fascinating that such a small device could evoke such feelings.

He looked up, taking note that Counselor Troi entered the lift before him. She placed her hand on the door, allowing him to join her.

"Thank you, Counselor," he said as he passed through the doors. "Deck eight. Is that your destination also?" He tossed an isolinear chip into the air, catching it with his left hand.

"Yes," she answered, watching the chip as it flipped into Data's hand. "What is that, Data?"

"This holochip contains several 20th century comedies from Great Britain. Ensign Johnston from Engineering recommended them to me." Data felt a wave of excitement as he told her about his prize. "I cannot wait to watch them."

That was a true statement. Data really wanted to watch, to experience, this new selection of comedy he had been advised of.

Deanna spoke, taking the android out of his musing. "You are really enjoying humor, aren't you?"

He smiled broadly. "Yes, indeed I am, Counselor!"

The lift stopped, depositing the two officers on Deck Eight. As they stepped into the hallway, Deanna walked past Data, saying over her shoulder, "I hope you have fun watching the comedies!"

"Thank you again, Counselor!" He replied and continued to his quarters.

Data walked into his room, taking a seat at his desk. He inserted the chip into a slot by the computer display and watched the screen.

The android's brow furrowed when an error message came up. He cocked his head to the side and typed a few commands into the computer. "Curious," he said aloud.

After a few moments of adjusting the chip's programming, the error message disappeared and the video began.

……Unbeknownst to Data, a stream of commands left from the chip, flowing to every active interface on the ship, including the holodecks…..

As Deanna strode to her quarters, shaking her head in amusement at Data's enthusiasm toward comedy. It was almost like watching a child learning something new and exciting about the world around him. She made a note to ask him about the experience later.

In the meantime, Troi had to get ready for an evening in the holodeck with Will. Things had been quite busy since they'd moved to the new Enterprise-E, and both had earned a well-deserved break. Will suggested a nice quiet picnic and she couldn't think of a better way she would want to spend her off-time.

Deanna entered her bedroom and found a comfortable green dress to wear. She brushed and pinned her hair up before leaving to meet Will.

The holodeck doors opened to reveal a beautiful clearing full of spring flowers. Smiling, Deanna entered. She could see Will on the far side of the meadow by a vast forest. Slowly, she made her way toward him, so to take in the bright sunlight and cool breeze.

Troi observed him for a few moments as he spread out a blanket and placed a picnic basket on it. She always liked watching Will; especially when he was wearing the blue tunic and dark gray trousers he had on. That was her favorite outfit and he knew it!

Will waved, flashing that amazing smile of his at her.

She waved back to him, noticing she could already see the dazzling blue of his eyes. That's all it took for Deanna to walk a little faster.

Troi couldn't wait to see what he'd packed for their picnic, either. Will was always the romantic and he knew better than anyone about her likes and dislikes. Carefully, she stepped onto the blanket he'd just spread out and took a seat.

As Will joined her, he stretched out on his side, resting his head on one hand. "How was your day?"

"It's getting better." Deanna smiled as she played with the troublesome lock hanging over his forehead. "What about yours?"

"Long." He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "I'm glad it's over. I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this."

Riker's beard tickled the back of her hand, making her giggle. "So, what's in the basket?" she asked.

"I thought you'd never ask!" Will sat up, opening the basket to pull a few things out. "It's not much, but we can always get something more if needed." He closed the lid, placing a bottle of red wine along with two glasses on top of the basket. Pouring some of the dark maroon liquid into each glass, he said, "I thought we'd start out with this."

"That sounds like a lovely idea." Deanna took the glass Will offered to her and took a sip. Carefully, she shifted to her side and leaned on one elbow, parallel to him.

Will gazed at her lovingly and took a sip of his wine; then smiled as he placed his and Deanna's glasses to the side.

He reached out and traced the side of her face and down to her neck.

Deanna caught his hand before it could go any lower and brought it to her lips. She could feel that was all the encouragement Will needed. He leaned toward her, taking her into his arms to capture her mouth with his.

They were lost in each other for untold moments.

Slowly, the light of the holographic sun dissipated and Will to broke away from Deanna. He looked around with a confused look on his face.

Deanna followed his gaze to see the previously unclouded sky was now a dull gray color, and the trees that surrounded the clearing were now shrouded in mist. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"The program was supposed to be for a nice, sunny spring day."

"Does that really matter? I like the rain." She smiled seductively at him.

"Well, I guess not. It just caught me off guard." Will returned the smile as he replied, "Now, where were we?" He reached back to take the pins out of Deanna's hair, allowing it to fall to her shoulders. "Much better." He cupped his hands at the base of her skull and kissed her again.

Deanna heard a clicking sound, almost like the sound of a horse trotting. This time, she pulled away. "What is that?" she asked.

"What?" Riker huffed, clearly irritated with the distraction.

She placed her finger across his lips. "Relax and listen."

The sound of hoof beats continued, sounding like they were getting closer.

"What is this?" Will asked. "That's not supposed to be in the program either." He looked up toward the sky. "Computer, end program." When nothing occurred, he called to the computer again. "End program!"

Nothing happened.

Deanna could feel Will's frustration as he loudly addressed the computer again. "Computer, arch! This is Commander Riker! END PROGRAM!"

Still no response.

Deanna stood up, a bit concerned. "That's interesting. I wonder what's going on?"

He joined her. "That's what I'd like to know. It looks like we're caught on the holodeck, again."

"Yes," she answered, "and if it's anything like the Ancient West program Alexander had, the only way to get out it is to play out the entire program… whatever it is."

Will sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I guess we should start out by finding the person on the horse."

"That would be a good start!" Deanna smiled, wrapping her hands around his arm. "I have a feeling this is going to be fun, Will. I don't feel anything negative coming from the ship denoting any foul play. I think we should try to enjoy our little adventure."

"You know, you're right. For once, maybe our lives won't be in danger from whatever's going on in here." Riker placed his free hand on one of her hands on his arm, smiling mischievously. "Let's go!"

They followed the sound through the woods, eventually coming upon a grassy plain with a castle nestled near the center. A winding dirt path led up to the gates of the structure.

Will rolled his eyes. "Great, another castle. You remember who was involved last time we saw one in the holodeck."

"I don't think Q is here, though. He would've made an appearance by now." Deanna paused for a moment, then pointed toward one of the walls. "I see a couple of people over there."

Near the stone structure stood two men. Both clad in what appeared to be clothing similar to what was worn during medieval times in Great Britain. One had a huge backpack on.

Amazed, Deanna tapped Will's shoulder. "Do you see that? That man's backpack is almost twice his size!"

"I know," he said, "but I thought we heard hoof beats. Where are their horses?"

After a few minutes the two men walked away from the castle. The one with the pack was beating something together, making the sound Will and Deanna had been hearing.

"What the--?" Riker shook his head. "I must be seeing things."

Deanna laughed both at the men and at Will's amused confusion. "No, I don't think you are. Did you see the way they're walking? It's almost like they're skipping."

"Yeah, kids on earth skip like that when they're pretending to ride a horse." He also started to join in her . "I guess that's why the other is clapping those objects together to make the hoof beating sound!"

He took her hand. "Come on, I've got to see what happens next!"

"We don't have to go far." She said, giggling. "They've changed direction and are riding toward us!"

In a few moments, the two men approached Will and Deanna. They noticed the one in front was wearing a crown. He was the one who spoke. "Greetings, Sir Knight and my lady!" He spoke loudly as he turned to Will. "I am Arthur, King of the Bretons, and this is my servant, Patsy! I am searching the length and breadth of the land for knights to join me in my court at Camelot. Will you join me?"

Will looked to Deanna and she shrugged. "Sure! Why not?" he answered.

"You make me very happy, good Sir Knight!" The King drew his sword. "What is your name, so I may dub thee?"

Will tried not burst into laughter at the man in front of him. "My name is William Riker."

Arthur didn't seem to notice Riker's amusement. "Now, kneel before me!"

Riker knelt in front of the King, bowing his head.

"I dub thee, Sir William Riker of the Round Table!" He tapped Will on each shoulder with his sword. "You may rise."

Slowly, Riker stood and stepped back to Deanna's side. "Thank you, Your Majesty. May my friend accompany us?"

"Of course!" Arthur looked at him for what seemed like the first time. "You are oddly clothed for a knight, Sir William! And where is your sword?"

Will glanced at Deanna, then back to the king. "I - uh - left it at home, sir!"

Deanna nearly choked with laughter.

"Well, then, we may have to find you a new one!" The King turned toward the forest, skipping again. "Let us be off!"

Patsy handed Deanna a coconut, which had been cut in half, as the group began the trek toward the woods. Confused, she stared at the two pieces for a moment, then, the servant produced another coconut from his pack and began banging the halves together.

Troi nearly burst into another fit of giggles watching Will trying to skip in the same fashion as Arthur and Patsy. She quickly recovered and followed Patsy's lead, using the coconut halves to make the hoof beats for Will's imaginary horse.

TBC...