Redsand Canyon Silver screen (shower scene).

She would not soon forget Tamar’s explanation of the rules of breeding in Mereo, especially since they flew in the face of what Towhee might’ve called the natural order. She knew, for instance, that her high rank didn’t mean anything, particularly because she would lose it the instant she conceived. She was also aware of the stipulation about marriage, which of course made Towhee want to wrinkle her nose.

But she’d kept an open mind. And now that she’d really carved out her niche and knew how things worked around here, she got the sense that a marriage could be more of a business transaction than anything. Towhee remembered a dismayed Meerkat using those exact words when speaking about her failed relationship with Issorartuyok. Suffice it to say, her approach to partnerships was very different than her daughter’s.

And you would demote me, Towhee said, looking to him for confirmation. Motherhood in Mereo would cost Towhee her independence and her rank. These were the very options she needed to weigh to make an informed decision. Let’s say I married a dude and took up a Plebian rank. Could I still advise and mentor? The title is great and all but it’s the purpose that really means the most to me, she did her best to explain.