EVER BEEN HAD?
Yeoman Janice Rand was about to ring the chime of Captain Kirk's quarters when whe heard sounds coming from within, like echoing blows. She stayed her hand when she heard her Captain's voice:
"It's a different shape from the usual, isn't it, Spock?"
"Not really, Captain, the length is just the same, it's just the head that's different. As a matter of fact, I've got two here."
"Oh, good. How do you hold it?"
"Just find the grip that you are most comfortable with, Captain, but if you hold it this way you get a chopping action that pulls the balls down."
"The balls are different, too."
"Yes, they are small and black and hollow inside. They come in different speeds, too, the blue is very bouncy and the yellow scarcely rises at all when it is cold. They flatten on impact, hence the name."
"I see. It looks very energetic, Spock."
"Yes, but, as with all exercise, it is most satisfying and you feel really fit afterwards."
"I dare say. How about scoring?"
"You can only score when you are 'hand-in', and the first one to reach nine, or fifteen, dependent on which system you use, is the winner."
"Is there somewhere on the ship we can go to try it, Spock?"
"There is an area at the back of the main Rec. Deck that would suit admirably, Captain, and I do not think anybody will be there at this time, so we will not cause hilarity if we miss."
"Very well. I see you're stripped for action - just give me a couple of minutes and I'll be ready, too."
Janice Rand was still supporting herself on the wall of the corridor, helpless with laughter, when Kirk and Spock emerged wearing sweat shirts and track-suit trousers. Under his arm Kirk was carrying a videotape, entitled "How to Play the Ancient Game of Squash Rackets".
---oo0oo---