Chapter One: Attention

"All right, we'll remain in orbit for two more weeks, after that Starfleet Command has a mission for us near the Neutral Zone." Jean-Luc Picard placed his fists on the table and pushed himself up.

"The meeting is adjourned." She sensed the shift of emotion from Commander Riker, he was disappointed, like all of them, sad but also sure of something and definitely up to something. She was a little disappointed as well, she had enjoyed her time on the planet fully. The Ryarans were very open and free which reminded her of home. Will left immediately probably to beam down again. He had spend a lot of his time on the planet's surface, the planet had a calming and up-lifting influence on him...and on everybody else.

The Senior Staff officers left, leaving Deanna and Captain Picard behind. She looked up and smiled, she knew what he was about to ask.

"Counselor, I was wondering...have you talked to Commander Riker lately?" She couldn't hide her surprise, this wasn't a question she was prepared for.

"Uhm, well yes. Occasionally in my office and in Ten-Forward."

"Anything about the mission?" Much to her dismay, she didn't know what he was aiming at.

"Well, apart from the usual discussions...no, not really."

"Hmm." Jean-Luc frowned, she sensed he was uncertain how to proceed.

"Captain, is there a problem?" He looked up as if she was talking Klingon.

"Huh? Oh, no, nothing I suppose. It must be my mind playing tricks with me."

"Well, that happens more often to 'elderly' men." She was teasing of course, but Picard didn't seem to take notice of it.

"Captain, something is bothering you." She looked directly at him now, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders, resting on the table's surface.

"I'm sure it's nothing Counselor." He refused to meet her gaze and bend his head down.

"Captain, I'd feel better if you'd told me what is bothering you before I have to try to figure it out myself, with all consequences of those actions." He heard the coy smile underneath her words. She kept throwing that sentence back to him.

"Look Deanna, I appreciate what you've done for Beverly and I, you really don't have to keep using that against me you know." Deanna leaned forwards and looked him in the eyes.

"Well, as long as it works..."

"Alright, you win." Satisfied she sat back and waited for his words.

"I've been reviewing the transporter logs and I noticed that Commander Riker has spent more than twice as much time on the surface than anyone else. I wondered if he had told you anything." She was surprised...again... "I guess he hasn't." The Betazoid folded her hands on the table and watched them for several moments, then she looked up and spoke.

"No, he hasn't. I found though that some crew members are reluctant to return to the Enterprise, the atmosphere on the planet has and 'up-lifting' effect on them."

"I am aware of that Counselor. Did you sense anything from him when I informed them of our departure in two weeks?" He really was deeply concerned.

"Disappointment, sadness and certainty." She intentionally left out the 'up to something' part not even sure whether she had perceived it correctly. Jean-Luc was considering her words.

"I see." The slender woman laid her hand on her Captain's.

"Captain, I'm sure he's fine. The planet is bound to have a captivating influence on people, and besides, Will has always been a 'nature-man' so to speak." Her smile was reassuring, reassuring enough for Jean-Luc to drop the issue...for now. What he didn't know though was that Deanna had adopted his concern. Will hadn't spoken to her, not the way he used to. A bit ashamed to admit it, she knew she hadn't really made time to see him. The planet with all its colours had been absorbing most of her time as well. Maybe she should talk to him and she would.

~D~