"Don't be. It's perfectly understandable." But she couldn't understand. Even if she made herself read Picard's account on having been connected to the hive mind over and over in an attempt to relate. She would never truly understand what it was like to have your thoughts harmoniously intertwined with those of others. Or what it was like to have their collective will thrust upon her. "You've been through a lot. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you weren't dedicating a little time to yourself after what happened."

Though if he hadn't, she'd be the pot calling the kettle black. All too often, she opted to dive headfirst into work instead of giving herself the time and space to breathe after a rough or even traumatic experience. It's a wonder she even suggested that spur of the moment sail on Lake George, let alone saw it through.

But it had helped. Even if work did well to distract her, slowing down for a bit -- if only for a moment -- had helped put her mind at ease after her near death encounter with that alien's matrix.

"If I suggest a trip to the holodeck to help get you out of it, will you come willingly or do I have to make it an order?"