Picard, Troi and others in “Unfinished Business”

Picard

Jeremy, Wesley's father died on a Starfleet mission, when he was younger than you are.

Troi

Wes, your mother told me you were finding it difficult to talk to Jeremy. Why is that?

Wesley Crusher

I don't know. I just don't want to think about it any more. All this has reminded me so much of that day.

Picard

The day I told you your father had been killed. As I recall, Wesley, you took it very well.

Wesley Crusher

My parents had told me about the dangers of Starfleet missions. I knew it could happen.

Picard

So, you were prepared?

Wesley Crusher

No! I wasn't prepared at all. How can anyone be prepared to hear that a parent is never coming home again? I tried to be what everyone expected of me. Brave and mature.

Picard

Wesley, are you saying you didn't want anybody to see what you were really feeling? [Wesley nods] What were you really feeling?

Wesley Crusher

Like... somebody had licked me in the head.

Picard

"Somebody?"

Troi

Go on. You've wanted to tell him for a long time.

Wesley Crusher

I was angry at you.

Picard

Why me? Why were you angry at me, Wesley? Were you angry at me because I was the one who told you your father was dead?

Wesley Crusher

No.

Picard

Then, why?

Wesley Crusher

Because you led the mission. You came home, and my father didn't.

Troi

How long were you angry with the captain, Wes?

Wesley Crusher

For a long time. But not any more.