first time of many
[ Oh, that's a problem, because he could have dealt with loneliness. He could even have understood how the loss of a frenzy of voices in her head could upset her, because of Hugh, because of Jean-Luc. But humor. About assimilation. It's as alien to him as...well actually, there's nothing more alien to him. Having been knocked for six already, he takes another and makes it a round dozen at her revelation that it was meant to be a joke.
Because he just can't. He really can't. After everything Starfleet has been through. After all the people they've lost. The threats they've faced.
Actually yes, he can think of one thing that comes close. A joke a drunk Bajoran cadet had once been overheard telling about the first Legate to command Cardassian occupied Earth, and his so-called humorous exploits. Riker hadn't had any patience for that, either. The boy had become a quivering wreck when Will had leveled a glare on him, but Seven wasn't going to respond to that kind of pressure. ]
Before you try telling any more, I suggest you talk to Data about what sort of jokes are considered appropriate in polite company. Jests about assimilation aren't high on anyone's list.