"Have you? Has...any of it routed back to a science of some variation one just didn't have the words for?" It must, surely. Discrepancies in the levels of technology between worlds are endless here. "The only bits I've seen make no sense to me whatsoever." Comforting to know that he's not the only one to be unnerved by the entire thing. Taking for granted or messing with things one doesn't understand is often a recipe for disaster eventually.

The Andorian takes a moment to collect himself as he rummages for the best explanation he can give of his culture without touching too close on his own shortcomings.

"Not, not quite. Similar yes. To ah...to simplify, for every Andorian child there are two 'mothers' and two 'fathers' in human terms. Each is biologically necessary for procreation. Now consider the distress so many people have in finding one compatible person to be with. To be compatible with three other individuals is...it's exceptionally stressful and time consuming. Families take it quite seriously and romance is often only developed after contracts have been made if at all."

He's heard humans refer to it as more of a business affair than a relationship. And Norn has quite happily removed himself from it altogether. Not entirely by choice, but he tells himself it is.

"That's why most of my people remain on their home world and participate in their local military academies and service. Choosing any other path makes finding a household pact difficult if not impossible."