Aliena Too by Piers Anthony

exchange.
    Quincy did it too, to his muted amazement. He caught a deer-like creature that came to the river water to drink, and went through the process there on the shore, one body remaining under the water, the other remaining on the land. At last the operation was complete, and the two bodies separated, with their brains exchanged.
    â€œAt this point,” Aliena told the class, “you have learned the minimum. You may now relax a few days until the race. The simulation is open to you until then, but its layout will change for the race.”
    There were eleven in the class, including Quincy. Six of them were glad to retire from the simulation, relaxing. Four of them continued to explore the simulation, going after other creatures for potential brain exchanges. Quincy went through the entire simulation methodically, mapping every feature of the landscape and every plant and creature in it to the best of his ability. The others ignored him; if he wanted to waste his time memorizing a layout that would not be valid for the race, that was his folly.
    â€œWhy are you doing this?” Aliena inquired as she joined him for the night.
    â€œI have always been a realist. That has enabled me to handle situations that sometimes confuse others. Maybe it will be similar this time, though I know that my chances are not great.”
    â€œHow does realism relate to this effort?”
    â€œThe layout will change, but I figure that its elements will remain, albeit in new locations.”
    â€œThat is true. Learning their present locations will not help you.”
    â€œIt should help me, because I will know what to expect. When I pass a certain kind of formation, I will know it will not appear elsewhere. When I encounter one of two of a certain species of fish, and one is taken by a competitor, I will know to look for the other. When I see a challenging feature of geography, I will know its nature and limitations regardless of its placement. This will make learning the new simulation much easier; I will simply need to place its pieces on the new board. Then I can study how best to navigate it.”
    â€œThis is a sensible approach,” she agreed. “I gather you intend to make a respectable showing.”
    â€œI’d like to win the race. It may be a long shot, but I’ll do my best.”
    Her color shifted thoughtfully as she contemplated him. “Why would you want to win it?”
    â€œSo I can breed.”
    â€œBut you know it would really be your host body breeding, not your human lineage.”
    â€œI do.”
    â€œThen what is the point?”
    â€œIt is twofold. First, I want to do as well by my host body as I can, just as I hope Gloaming is doing for my human body. It’s a matter of honor.”
    â€œThis is good,” she agreed, shifting hues again.
    He took the plunge. “Second, I would like to breed with you.”
    Her colors froze. “Why?”
    â€œBecause I am coming to care for you, Aliena. I know your love is elsewhere, as is mine, but sex is not necessarily love, and you appeal to me on that level. So I would like to win the right to do it with you, if you are amenable.”
    â€œYou assume I am amenable?”
    â€œNot at all. In fact I doubt that you are. I just want to have the right should you ever become interested.”
    â€œWhy do you think I might ever become interested?”
    â€œThere are only two fully mature starfish on the ship. The others are, as yet, immature. If you got a desire now, your choice for a partner would be between me and one of your students. I am sure that any of your students would like to mate with you; you have impressed them.”
    â€œI also teach the females, who are equal in number and similarly limited about breeding. There will be eleven prospects for the winning male.”
    â€œNot if they have to run the same gauntlet. Then there will be only one. And you. So your chances of being chosen are even,