Shull : "Retribution"

anger, fear and guilt that had emanated from Thomas was beginning to take their toll on her. She was beginning to feel the edges of her own psyche fray with each new discussion she had with him.

But what really bothered her was a new sensation she had felt, and because of her exhaustion, she was unable to decipher its meaning.

She inhaled deeply, trying to clear her mind of the remnants of Thomas’ guilt and worry. She was actually a little amazed. For all of his torment, he still carried the ability to feel deep concern for another. Maybe that’s all he can feel she thought. Not once since he regained consciousness and a clearer thought process on the Jaguar had he experienced any concern with himself. He always seemed to be focused on those around him.

She had been troubled by his focus on her.

Troi allowed herself a brief respite from her apprehension when Thomas began to shift his focus onto Captain Steele, but only afterward did she understand that he was more than merely worried for Steele…he feared deeply for her.

She stopped in front of the door to her quarters.

Something else was eating at her tired and fatigued brain. She sighed heavily and stretched her neck and was just about to wash that feeling away again when that nagging little part of her said…wait.

She turned on her heel and moved down the corridor to the room adjacent to hers. She pressed the button. At least I know he’s not sleeping.

The door slid open. She smiled when she saw Data looking up at the door from his seated position at a 190