All the high-maintenance staff are on the bridge.

Someone had to protect Wesley from Picard.

i can imagine the unimportant meetings that werent part of the show... you know like routine runs.

"i am captain jean luc picard of the USS Enterprise. to my right is my number one, commander riker. to my front left is my number two, lieutenant commander data... as opposed to this random lady sitting next to me who has nothing to do with leadership on the bridge."

[everyone glares at troy]