"Did you have a question, Data?" Counselor Troi asked, approaching Data's table in the cafeteria. He often sat at a table, watching other people eat but seldom doing so himself.
The android looked at her quizzically. "How did you know?"
Troi laughed. "You've been glancing over here every few minutes."
Data looked embarrassed. "I was not sure whether I should approach a subject with you."
"As the captain might say, indecision makes fools of us all." Troi sat at one of the empty chairs. "So what did you want to ask?"
"Does your mother hate the Millers? I am still puzzled over their behavior at the dinner."
"No, she doesn't." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "They have... sort of a rivalry, I suppose."
"A rivalry? I find that very intriguing."
Intriguing is one way to put it, Troi thought. "They find Betazoid tradition confusing and strange, but they're too polite to say anything directly. So she finds ways to make fun of them."
"Fascinating. I do not understand why they do not address their differences directly, however."
"Well, Data, addressing conflict requires a certain... vulnerability and trust, which I don't believe my mother or the Millers have. Especially my mother."
Data cocked his head. "I may be inferring here, but it seems like that would make being around your mother... hm." He stopped for a moment.
"I think the word you're looking for is 'exhausting,'" Troi said.
Data nodded. "Yes."
"Oh Data," Troi said, shaking her head, "You have no idea."