Star Trek

According to the books, the Andorian species is unique in that it is composed of four sexes- chans, thaans, zhens, and shens. Chans and thaans were roughly comparable in reproductive function and appearance to the male sex, while the latter two were roughly comparable to the female sex.This came from the TNG episode "Data's Day" where Data said Andorian weddings require 4 people.

I can understand 2 males and a female.  An old game named Spacebar had a race like this where a masculine male gender provided the sperm, a feminine male provided the egg and the female was the carrier. 

But how does 4 genders with 2 females work?  Anybody have any good speculation?

I let everyone know in a year or so ...

Come ladies ...

Princess Andoria

Lt.Commander Indigo

It's Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl. Male1 inseminates the ovulating Female1. Male2 then retrieves the fertilized egg from Female1 and implants it inside Female2. My only question is at what point in the process do they bring out the whipped cream and handcuffs?

Don't forget that Species 8472 has 5 genders.

P.S.

Nice Andorian pictures

They could be bisexual in some fashion that made them dependent on some biochemical reaction created by the presence of another of their own gender with out any actual physical/sexual contact. Therefore the female would need to be in the presence of another female, and the male another male. This would mean there could be two distinct couple within the relationship. That theory would more fully explain why 4 are need for a marriage. Or it could simply that 4 in a marriage is culturaly based and have nothing whatsoever to do with procreation. Then again it could just be a refference to the cerimony only and not the relationship. 5 are required in our own culture now. A Bride, A Groom, 2 wittnesses and an officiate.