As far as Riker knew, this ensign basically killed the 8 other members of her away team. She was only pardoned because Starfleet needed her. She informed Riker and Picard that she didn’t want to be there, and the only reason she accepted the assignment was because it was better than prison.
He threw the book at her because, as far as he knew, she was a despicable person deserving of far worse.
It was later discovered that the deaths were not her fault, and Picard and Riker both treated her with tolerance and respect.
And when she does actually ask Picard about the earring at the end, they don’t even give Patrick Stewart a line, because it’s obvious she’s going to be allowed to wear it
As far as Riker knew, this ensign basically killed the 8 other members of her away team. She was only pardoned because Starfleet needed her. She informed Riker and Picard that she didn’t want to be there, and the only reason she accepted the assignment was because it was better than prison.
He threw the book at her because, as far as he knew, she was a despicable person deserving of far worse.
It was later discovered that the deaths were not her fault, and Picard and Riker both treated her with tolerance and respect.
And when she does actually ask Picard about the earring at the end, they don’t even give Patrick Stewart a line, because it’s obvious she’s going to be allowed to wear it