Gotta love Robert! He had the best flubs, too. He'd go to town. :D I think the Star Trek folk owe him royalties for giving them the template for Data...

I would guess that's exactly how it played out in Rimmer's mind. Lister is trying to counteract the "Rimmer hates himself" mojo, after all. And the latter seems surprised, not horrified.

I can't imagine that he's doing a good job of concentrating on his book! This is all about gestures, though; showing trustworthiness, showing trust, dipping a toe into giving Listy access to Rimsy's vulnerabilities.