Counselor Troi felt awkward asking the computer where Will Riker – Commander Riker – was, even though she had more of a right to know than anyone.
She began following the computer's instructions down the corridor – he was nearly on the other side of the ship. Troi guessed she was about halfway there before she almost bumped into him.
"Sorry, Counselor, I didn't see you there," he said, politely.
Too politely.
Troi had grabbed his arm out of instinct when they'd gotten close, but she quickly let go of him. "I was looking for you," she said.
"Oh, you were? Did you need something?" he asked, smiling.
She felt stupid now, face to face with him. She didn't bother with their link; the corridor was empty. "You didn't have to be so callous," she accused, "on Farpoint."
Something like shock crossed the commander's face. "I didn't mean to be," he said. "I was trying to protect you."
"Protect me from what, exactly?" she asked, but they both knew the answer already.
Riker left the answer unsaid.
He placed his hand on Troi's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Deanna," he said, and she knew it was sincere. "I'm your commanding officer now. Things are different. It feels like it was another lifetime."
"I know, Will," Troi said. She was struggling to keep it together. "Please try to remember."
"I will," he said, and continued down the hall.
But it was almost certainly a lie.