Riker hesitated in the doorway of Picard's ready room.
"Something bothering you, Number One?" the captain asked.
"I guess so," Riker said. He walked to the front of Picard's desk. "Ever since we encountered Q again, I've been wondering something."
"And what would that be?"
"Why didn't he just bring the girl in the mine back to life himself? I'm sure he could have done that. Instead he wastes his time with us, playing cruel games of his own making."
Picard chuckled darkly. "Commander, has Q, in our encounters with him, ever demonstrated anything remotely resembling something like compassion?"
"I suppose not, sir."
Picard looked thoughtful for a moment. "Though I do hope that is something he might learn from us, should we encounter him again."
"More than likely we'll be playing by his rules, so I guess we'd best be prepared."
"Agreed."
Riker turned to leave but Picard waved his hand. "You did the right thing, Will. On the mining planet. Resisting the power."
The first officer nodded, but knew the image of the dead girl would continue to haunt him. "I appreciate that, Captain."