Amai laughs anyway, because what an absurd prospect, but she humors the idea nonetheless.

"Heavens, no. I'd sooner die than endure that torture. Having children shouldn't necessitate such a great risk to oneself." Her chuckles die off with a little ha. "But I suspected she might not be a body birth. She certainly doesn't look like the product of -- well, of leaving such things to chance, though you are clearly an exception."

She smiles radiantly at him, not bothering to mask her flattery. Why should she? It's not as though she needs him to get anywhere. "She must have had some gene cleaning, at least, if not...further selection."