KATHRYN: Taboo might be the wrong word. The Esspererin seem to have a set of "hard coded" biological imperatives that governs the way they can and cannot use outside technology.
Esspees won't do cybernetics, for example. It disgusts them. Kind of like how we're disgusted by the thought of eating our own poop.
CDRE TAGON: That's a stirring comparison. Very evocative.
CDRE TAGON: I assume you know how closed-system life support works on a warship?
KATHRYN: You used the word "stirring" on purpose.