I’m not sure how much longer I can keep away from him – I mean, keep him distracted.“

Picard had to wonder just how willingly Q had consented to play decoy. Was he voluntarily luring 0 away from the bridge, or was he merely putting a self-serving face on circumstances he was helpless to prevent? "What do you mean?” Picard asked. “What do you need us to do?”

“How should I know?” Q said impatiently. “You’re the ones who specialize in triumphing against overwhelming odds. Have Data whip up some technobabble. Tell Counselor Troi to get in touch with her feelings. Let Riker punch someone.