Over the past few days, Xi P's shedding problem has worsened considerably.
Even the slightest friction causes several hairs to fall out, and the alien's appearance is already showing signs of this. In some places, the skin underneath is faintly visible through the sparse fur.
Honestly, even though Min has prepared himself mentally, he is still shocked when Xi P confirms that they really do shed. Although he know it's unlikely, he can't help but imagine a creepy completely bald Xi P. At first, Min assumes that shedding season has arrived, but Xi P soon informs him that the theoretical shedding period won't begin for another three months and that it shouldn't be shedding now. There are many potential reasons for this abnormal shedding, ranging from climate change to medication side effects. Even Xi P can't pinpoint the exact cause, but it doesn't seem to be a sign of illness — it is as lively and energetic as ever.
In that case, it's nothing to be particularly concerned about. For animals, shedding primarily serves to replace fur that is unsuited to the seasonal climate — for example, shedding excessively thick winter coats before summer arrives or adjusting coat colour for camouflage. However, neither of these functions is particularly relevant for creatures living in a highly developed civilisation where there are no predators and where homes and clothing maintain stable temperatures. Even if there are issues with temperature, it could just wear more clothes. Clothes made for humans would probably fit it — whether they're the right size is another matter. In short, Xi P itself doesn't really care about this unusual shedding.
That said, for Min, compared to the stench, slime, and daily human flesh consumption — the "usual" elements of harbouring aliens — shedding some fur really isn't much to complain about. Unlike ordinary pets, it even tidies up after itself.
***
Xi P continues to make rapid and steady progress in learning, showing no sign of waning enthusiasm for mastering the human language. Sometimes, Min can see that Xi P has a lot to say, but is struggling to express itself, looking visibly frustrated. Putting himself in that position, Min can't help but feel sympathy for it.
'I wonder if Xi P is the kind of 'person' who feels restless if they don't chat with someone every day? If so... hmm. Maybe this state is a better way to get people excited than just curiosity.'
After observing how quickly it learnt chess and administering a quick IQ test, Min concludes that its IQ is probably around 130. In truth, IQ itself lacks a solid definition, and such simplified tests are inherently inaccurate. It's even harder to gauge how meaningful a test designed for humans would be for an alien. So this number is purely for reference. However, considering that Xi P was an important figure in its own society, an IQ over 130 does not seem implausible. It is just that, every time it beats Min at chess, the thought of their IQ gap makes Min feel a bit uneasy. If that's the average IQ for its species, the idea that there might be beings smarter than humans is genuinely unsettling.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
'Well, maybe that's just individual variation, of course, yes, has to be that. After all, it's well known that one cannot generalise about 'people'.'
Moreover, Xi P absolutely loves playing chess. It even tried to invite Min to play their kind of board games. Min had to make a considerable effort to decline politely.
***
Setting aside how uncomfortable Min feels about Xi P's intellect, he would likely be even more astonished if he knew Xi P's opinion of his own intelligence and work.
Over the past dozen days, as Xi P has gradually learned about Min's identity and profession, he has never once felt intellectually superior to the alien who is housing him. In his view, Min is sharp and adaptable — not much different from himself. Yet here, Min remains an obscure figure on the periphery of academia. In Lierus, under the leadership of Director Kalle Tor, individuals deemed promising and free of misconduct can quickly attain higher social standing and better employment opportunities. Xi P was one beneficiary of this system. Even if Palirian's system is unique, shouldn't a highly intelligent, well-educated person live a better life?
Of course, like many people's initial reaction upon first hearing this decree, the decree itself is indeed quite absurd. While it does increase the utilisation of talent, it has also led to incidents such as the massive corruption scandal several years ago. When that scandal broke, the public outcry that ensued nearly toppled Kalle from power. Had he not swiftly revised the moral evaluation criteria and repeatedly pledged to prevent a recurrence, he probably would have been overthrown by the furious populace. Even when the Xi P star ship incident occurred, the aftershocks of the grand corruption scandal had yet to fully dissipate.
As for now, Xi P is lost in thought, his mind drifting into tangential realms. Upon reflection, perhaps all lifeforms that are about to leave, or have just left, their homeworlds share similar intellectual capabilities. After all, intellectual evolution is a protracted process under natural selection — negligible compared to the rapid pace of civilisational advancement. In the past, this kind of thinking might have been seen as complacent, but now that he has arrived on a planet full of extraterrestrials, it has taken on a new, irrefutable significance.
That doesn't stop him from entertaining other possibilities, though. What if this theory is wrong? What if he had landed on a planet where the average intelligence of sentient beings was vastly superior? Suppose those creatures had suddenly evolved such intelligence for some reason. After briefly imagining the possible scenarios — like being treated as a clumsy giant, locked in a cage for fear he might hurt himself due to stupidity, or being handled like a juvenile — Xi P shudders and concludes: Perhaps only beings of comparable intelligence can offer the joy of communication!
Whether a solace or not, it is a comforting thought. Even if Min's status truly stems from a lack of talent, the average IQ of their species is probably not much higher than a tuefue's.
'Yes, it has to be that...'
