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"Right. So, I'm told you refuse to tell us anything unless we provide you someone smart enough to not waste your time." The human sat down across from the small ferret-like alien who was handcuffed to the table. He was dressed in a disheveled white coat and his hair had the appearance of not being particularly concerned about appearances.

Yes, I'm certain that is what you were told. The small ferret, a Fero Xiang, sat quietly, his two black eyes sizing up the man as a predator would its prey. While not wholly inaccurate, it lacks the nuance I was expressing. What I communicated was that I would require someone more educated so as not to waste either of our time.

"I can see how that would be an important distinction," replied the man.

That you can understand the distinction being made indicates we can proceed. Nuance is at the heart of what I wish to impart. He regarded the handcuffs silently for a moment, then chuffed. It almost sounded like laughter.

"Might I ask you to elaborate. A better explanation might prevent further losses of time, should that prove to be a critical factor."

The ferrets snorted, sounding more like a sneeze. As you wish. Telepathy does not convey words. Whatever you believe you're hearing me say in your mind, it is an illusion you're telling yourself is happening. In reality, I'm expressing concepts, in a particular order, exactly as I wish to express them, and your brain is interpreting them as best it can. Humans think is words, so you're hearing my thoughts in a voice you believe I would have. I can only imagine how I sound to you. There was an unforgiving sarcastic tone to the last comment.

"I can see how the agent formerly interrogating you must have been a disappointment. Preconceived notions would be an impediment to such communication. He said you were silent for most of his questions, and that you told him to stop interrupting at certain points. Was this because he had so little understanding of the concepts you were trying to express that his mind had no basis for interpretation? "

Correct.

"Are you still willing to tell me what he couldn't grasp?"

We can try. I'm not certain any human is capable of grasping the nature of the Flow.

"Yes. The Flow. Your people have mentioned it many times. We don't understand it, but we hear the name. Why is that? Is it some sort of religion?"

I can see why you would think so. We have reverence for the Flow, in the way that one would revere the incomprehensible weight of eternity.

The man furrowed his eyebrows, trying to make sense of why that made sense. "Is the Flow your concept of infinity?"

I see you understand, but you do not comprehend. I will explain, but we cannot be interrupted. It would be dangerous for you. He removed his small paws effortlessly from the handcuffs and gestured to the door. Its internal mechanisms clicked as the locks engaged. That's should keep them distracted for about half an hour. I locked the door an isolated the control algorithms behind a 4096-bit cypher. Now I can begin your education.

The small Xiang climbed onto the table and stared deep into the man's eyes. Within seconds they were deep in a gestalt trance.