Helix regarded her in silence for so long that it was unnerving, not least because he was too damned attractive. “No one has ever expressed a desire to earn my trust.”

“That’s regrettable,” Qalu said. “As it’s the most crucial part of a relationship.”

“It’s a pity none of this is real. I truly had no idea that my imagination was sufficient to conjure up such savory delusions.”

“I’ll try to make your stay enjoyable.” She didn’t address his assertion that he was inhabiting a fantasy. Eventually he would accept his new reality.

He’d already adapted quite well to his new physical form, all things considered, but it would be so awkward when she had to teach him about other biological requirements—oh. Perhaps there was a solution. Before clearing away the remnants of their meal, she brought a holographic reader, loaded with some key facts about Tiralan physiology, such as fecal evacuation procedures and the system developed to dispose of it. No matter how dedicated she was to her work, she couldn’t bring herself to offer a more interactive tutorial.

Qalu hurried away, leaving him to scan the information. By the time she stored the food, he was visibly agitated. “Are you telling me I must do…that? Regularly? Forever.” Such an aggrieved and horrified tone. His head tendrils drooped, a palpable aura of misery about him. “How often?”

It would be so inappropriate to reveal her amusement, but she struggled to quell it. “Yes, yes, and it’s impossible for me to say. Your biological cycle will be unique, though it will certainly depend on your alimental intake.”

“I will never consume anything again.”

An adorably childish declaration, and she had no intention of arguing, though she predicted when he got hungry again, he would change his mind. “It’s late. Let me show you to your personal space.”

Qalu didn’t often have visitors, but sometimes one of her altmothers argued with her foremother and retreated to Qalu’s residence until the quarrel cooled. There were no particular parameters on Tiralan for familial units, and four strong-willed femmes formed Qalu’s foundational nurture-bond, so occasional conflict was unavoidable. Brimming with nervous anticipation, she tried not to hover as she led the way.

Any Tiralan visitor would find this space calming, as it was free of color and distraction, light as the only adornment, but she wondered how Helix felt. Perhaps he would prefer more objects, though of what type, she had no notion. Just as she was about to inquire, he said, “This is to be my domicile?”

“Yes.” She hesitated, reluctant to leave, but there was no reason to stay.

“Do you have an AI to assist with household tasks? If so, it would be polite for me to introduce myself before I withdraw.”