Puzzling. I shall consult with Doctor M'Benga during his next shift. [ For the sake of science, of course. One must always record observations and follow through with experiments.

He unwraps another chocolate - how many is that now? - and breaks it into pieces again, slipping one into his mouth. Perhaps he can ask M'Benga about increasing lack of circumspect talk. ]

I would name you friend, Lenore, and be ever in your service should you require support. Your mind is illogical and rash, Lenore, and you are given to over-dramatic tendencies in your speech. But it is not small or narrow. Indeed, I believe your dramatic phrases to be the way you process complications. You are always capable of performing under pressure. Simply because we do argue in our approach does not mean we do not get along.

[ Besides, Spock has picked up on the fact that all of those insults from the doctor are simply her way of expressing frustration, and in some ways, a way to include Spock into the group at large. He has long since learned not to take offense.

Though he can't resist feigning offense at her words. ]

I am neither superior to anyone [ which is a complete lie ] nor domesticated hoofed mammal.

I simply must remind people of the egregious claims in their idioms.