It is necessary to disclose fairly early in this conversation that she is in fact a hybrid of two similar species.

He is extremely fascinated and asks lots of intrusive questions about reproduction in Vulcans and Humans! And will explain Hiver reproduction if she asks.

Isabella answers the intrusive questions in clinical, general terms, and yes, she's curious about the reciprocal, having gotten a few puzzling hints.

This is very interesting. Species of which Isabella was previously aware cannot do that, except insofar as it would theoretically be doable by the unethical application of particularly versatile psi powers.

He explains the results, but doesn't want to get into the details of exactly how it works. Incidentally, Hivers who are not reborn usually want their memory crystals to be consumed by someone because this imparts a bit of their skills and memory even to non-breeders. The harshest possible punishment is execution followed by deliberate destruction of one's crystal.

That makes sense.

The geneticist turns the topic back to Vulcan and Human biology, leaning into the 'technical detail' side of things now. RNA transcriptase, immune response, blood types. He asks why she was designed with hair, what purpose does it serve?

"In both humans and Vulcans, fur or hair is common to the clades they evolved from as an insulator, sun protection, and other purposes. In sapients it is mostly vestigial. We don't actually know why it can grow so long on the scalp in the first place but it's often allowed to do so as a form of ornamentation."

He accepts this explanation with mild confusion. There are a few more questions, but he recognizes that they're venturing into 'research scientist' territory, and cuts off by imploring her to get someone who knows alien biology well to visit.

"...My actual job is surveying uninhabited systems, or systems with less advanced life. The Federation will be surprised that I found you, and more surprised that I talked to you. They might not be glad that I talked to you."

"Tk! Politics always get in the way of scientific investigation! You will want to speak to the princess about that. I am but her loyal geneticist."

"Yes, but it sounded like she was busy. Perhaps you know enough to guess - would your people be interested in learning how to warp like my ship does and then pretend you invented it yourselves?"

"...You plan to deceive your hive? Well. We always suspected aliens would have bizarre priorities compared to our own, and now I have proof. As to the technology, free stuff is free stuff."

"My Federation is not a hive like your own. I am unusual, but it is not out of the ordinary to wish to contravene the government on smaller matters."

"I have less than zero desire to discuss politics. Shall I inform my princess that you wish to speak to her again?"

"Yes, please."

The geneticist closes the connection. A little later a non-princess Hiver hails her ship. "Princess Zztk'n will be ready to talk to you in approximately thirty minutes. Do you mind waiting?"

"No, I'm not in a hurry."

"Somewhat. The Federation doesn't approve of interacting with people who don't have that technology yet. I could be in a lot of trouble for talking to you at all, let alone telling you how warp works. If you're willing to pretend to have invented it yourselves, when you encounter other Federation members, I am happy to explain it to you."

"And you ask for nothing more than our cooperation in your deception?"

"I would also appreciate your promise not to instigate conflict with the Federation. They may or may not offer to let you join them, when they detect your warp signature, but they will almost certainly at least invite some trade, which I encourage you to consider."

"I find your priorities strange, but I imagine the reverse is just as true. I will accept your technology. I have no intentions to be the aggressor in any war though I will not promise nonviolence in response to invasions. And the hive will certainly trade where trade is profitable."

"Does this apply to your entire species?"