Commander Riker entered the captain's ready-room. "I was told to let you know that Lxawana Troi is in Transporter Room 4, ready to beam down to Betazed."
"Good," Picard said, too quickly. He added, "Give her my well-wishes."
"Well, she asked if you would come and see her off, Captain."
"Um, tell her I'm busy." He shook his head before continuing. "If you and the senior staff could brainstorm a good excuse, I'd very much appreciate it. As long as it doesn't involve the holodeck." Picard cringed, remembering the last debacle with Troi's mother.
Riker smiled knowingly. "Well, we'll try our best, sir."