Qalu spoke over the top of the question, as Helix should know that there was no Choosing on Tiralan, if he had been reared by a proper family. “I’ve read a little about the practice, and it seems that it began when the world was desperately overpopulated and short of resources. There came a very bleak time on Barath, near cataclysm, when they nearly died out, so now they need to repopulate, but they want the best candidates to do so.” Or at least, that was what she had gleaned from the ’net. Curiosity had prompted her to research the planet where Helix lived before, but it seemed to be a fortuitous happenstance, as her mothers were diverted from interrogating Helix to arguing about Barath.

“Dreadful.” Solsan radiated deep disapproval, and Khrelasa seemed to agree, judging by her posture.

“That’s eugenics,” Inatol declared in a furious tone. “The idea of ‘best’ is so subjective, and it casts doubt on the rights of—”

“We didn’t come to quarrel,” Beh-latan said softly, resting a tender hand on Inatol’s forelimb. “And Qalu is certainly not defending this Choosing.”

Bel’s Burning Sack. For once, she wished her gentle alt-mother didn’t always want to keep the peace. Because now Inatol remembered that she was off topic, focusing on Helix with renewed intensity. “True. And since this one is still searching for a partner, we can assume Helix has not participated in such a competition.”

“When I was on Barath,” Helix said slowly, “it never occurred to me to ask these questions, but I believe you are correct. There should be an alternate means of obtaining such privileges.”

You dear genius. Qalu wished she could touch him to convey her appreciation for such a brilliant gambit. He directed the conversation with such finesse that Inatol didn’t seem to realize she had been deflected, or that they were once again discussing Barath customs instead of Helix’s personal situation.

“Education,” Khrelasa suggested. “Here on Tiralan, we’re required to take several courses to ensure we’re ready to take responsibility for another life.”

Beh-latan nodded. “Nurturing, psychology, emotional support, conflict mediation, appropriate discipline, and more. There’s also a unit for forming healthy love groups and division of domestic labor.”

“You hated that class,” Solsan said, gently teasing Inatol.

This…is going well. Better than Qalu had dared hope.

“We’re not here to talk about me,” Inatol said.

Oh no. I celebrated too soon.

Khrelasa took the cue effortlessly. “Yes, we’d love to get to know you better, Helix. First, what pronouns do you use?”

“He, for now. In regard to gender, I remain undecided.”

The four femmes exchanged a look and Qalu braced. Helix was long past the age of maturity when one normally resolved such matters. But Beh-latan only said, “Then you’re currently neutral with masculine inclination?”