"Absolutely perfect technical precision," he says, "extensive vocabulary, never a grammatical flaw. I remember thinking it was quite a feat for someone who clearly felt so passionately about genetics to drain every ounce of passion out of the finished product."

A half-shrug. "Don't get me wrong," he says, "I prefer that to scientists trying to be funny when they haven't the first clue how to maintain ordinary social interaction. By the way, you didn't bat an eye when I mentioned the Delta Quadrant. Is that because I insulted you directly after, or is there another reason?"