Foi quase certamente uma piada, e não uma mudança temporal:
Do script:
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.
Claro, então acontece que foi uma festa surpresa:
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.
Ênfase minha na palavra Na verdade. Se fosse uma mudança temporal em uma dimensão alternativa, Riker não teria dito "na verdade", o que enfatiza que o que ele disse anteriormente não era realmente o caso.