“The three of us have been together practically since we hatched,” I reply, “we have always been brood brothers. When we were young, we spent time with the rest of the brood, but when we reached maturity we formed our own group.”
“Right,” she replies. “You explained some of that that earlier – about how your species reproduces and how your young are raised.”
“Which is very different from your species,” I note. “But then your females are so abundant compared to ours. Our females couldn’t possibly devote so much time to birthing and raising young when they are so few and their time so short.”
“Of course,” Wenschel says. “If you don’t mind my asking, what is your relationship with each other?”
Zann, Davix, and I exchange puzzled looks. “We are brood brothers. We share similar parentage. I believe it is similar to your siblings.”
Wenschel fidgets in her seat for a moment and glances at Ryder, but he shakes his head at her.
“This was your idea,” he mumbles.
“What was your idea?” I ask.
“Some of the soldiers have been asking me questions about the three of you. About how physical your relationships are,” Wenschel pauses. I notice that she has not answered my question yet, but she seems to be waiting for one of us to respond.
“I still do not understand,” I reply. “We engage in physical contact with each other when sparring or sleeping. We have known each other and been together our entire lives. Humans share similar relationships, yes?”
“Yes, but there are some types of physical contact that are only between certain individuals,” Wenschel offers. I am a little puzzled as to why Ryder is here when he seems reluctant to speak, but Wenschel glances at him often. “Anyway, some people are asking if our species are physically compatible.”
“Is this related to the female asking us questions in the med bay?” Zann asks. “I told her that haleens and humans seem to share many characteristics and biological needs.”
Ryder chuckles but then stops and straightens his shoulders when Wenschel glares at him.
I tilt my head and look at Wenschel. “I do not understand. What do you mean by compatible? We are capable of understanding each other, and we seem to share some interests in common. I very much enjoyed visiting the markets of which you are so fond.And we all enjoyed being in the park and being surrounded by living things.”
“Wenschel,” Ryder says, running a hand through his red hair. “You’re going to have to just come right out and ask it. Stop dancing around it.”
“Ugh, you’re right,” she says with an exasperated sigh. Then she straightens her spine and mutters, “I am a medical professional,” though she seems to be saying it more to herself than to anyone else. “I’ve been asked if humans and haleens have compatible anatomy and if it’s possible to have sex with one of you,” she finally blurts.
“You wish to breed with us?” Zann asks, his mouth dropping open in shock. Davix stands abruptly and disappears into one of the smaller sleeping chambers.
“Not me,” Wenschel replies hastily. “But basically, yes. I’ve been asked – because I’m the one who has spent the most time studying your physiology – if it's possible to breed with you. If our anatomy, well, would work together.”
Zann and I look at each other curiously. “Based on what we know of human physiology and our own, I believe our anatomy is similar enough,” I say. “Unlike humans, haleen male genitalia is protected until or unless it is needed. But even if we were not past breeding age, it is unlikely that we could produce young with a human, so what would be the point of breeding?”
Ryder and Wenschel both stare at us for several moments without speaking. Their expressions are difficult to read, butthey seem quite surprised. “Your species only engages in breeding for procreation?” Ryder asks finally.
I nod. “A female will select a group of potential sires and mate with them in rapid succession. It is a most effective and efficient way to ensure that her eggs will be fertilized and that the resulting offspring will have different sires. We often served as a breeding trio when we were younger.”
“Stars and planets,” Wenschel says, dropping her face into her hands. Ryder just continues to stare at us.
“Have I upset you?” I ask seriously. Humans are very confusing. From everything we have learned, friendliness and companionship are highly valued among humans, and yet Corrina is somehow in trouble because we have spent time together as friends and companions might. And Wenschel, who has been composed and curious about our physiology until this point, seems distraught now.
“No,” Wenschel says, lifting her face from her hands. “I’m not upset. There are just some differences that I didn’t anticipate between our species.”
“So, do you enjoy breeding?” Ryder asks tentatively.
Zann and I exchange glances. “It is generally pleasurable,” Zann says with a nod. “But for haleens, it is more important that it be accomplished efficiently and safely. It is not the same for humans?”
Ryder laughs. “I wouldn’t say that efficiency is high on the list, no. Safety, maybe. But the thing is,” he continues, “humansengage in sexual activity for pleasure and not simply for procreation.”
Zann and I stare at each other for a moment. I notice that Davix, while no longer in the room, is listening to the conversation from the sleeping chamber. We are silent for a moment, and then all at once all the pieces come together in my head. “Individuals are asking if we are biologically compatible because they wish to engage in sexual activity with us for pleasure?”
“Yes. Exactly,” Wenschel says triumphantly.
“Maybe it would help to get them some videos on the subject,” Ryder offers.
