Quoted By:
You decide not to peek on any one else taking the test- after all, the shapes, solutions, and sequences are all randomized and unique to each test so it wouldn't help you. Moreso, you just wanted to compare yourself to others in your group. But it's fun to think about a curvy...
Wait, did that actually work? Turning the cones opposite each other and placing a ring between like a nice thin Jaxtian girl's waist actually completed the sequence. The holograms bleep, showing you found the solution, before the cones noiselessly open up like flowers, blooming into a much more complex shape requiring yet another set of motions to complete. At least you aren't stuck anymore! You spend the rest of the test quietly advancing and trying new things, though perhaps you didn't get quite as good as a result as you could have, you didn't stress about it.
Near the end of your allotted time, a Swall student in your class calls out for the instructor, saying his “AI has run out of sequences to solve.” The Jaxtian teachers scowls at him for disrupting the class, but says something quietly to him while everyone reorients after the distraction. You did steal a quick glance though, and see that he wasn't lying. The hologam in front of him was gone. Did he... finish an IQ test? That's food for thought.
After the test concludes, you step off the treadmill feeling not at all tired. An hour of trodding along doesn't exhaust you any more then a Jaxtian or Swall sitting in a chair for the same time. You think you did pretty good! You get a personalized result from the professor, who congratulates you and your above average score, and tells you to keep at it. Feeling accomplished, you step out into the hall.
<span class="mu-g">”How did you do on your Quest, Alfred? I think I did pretty good!”</span> You beam to the Swall, recognized by the long ribbion-like fins his family is known for. <span class="mu-g">”...I don't think I ever seen anyone run out of shapes. That's crazy good!”</span>
The Swall rolls his eyes, seemingly not wanting to answer. “It's easier for you, anyway. I wanted to boost my scores more. They should have me in an accelerated program if I maxed it out.”
<span class="mu-g">”I don't understand, shouldn't you be happy? That means you're the smartest in our whole class!”</span>
“Don't patronize me! It's not enough to be the “best” in a class of a few dozen colonist kids! It's the best of the best. Excellence! You wouldn't get it! You're already accepted just as you are, precious cattle. I need to be the <span class="mu-i">best</span>!”
You lean back, not liking how he's poking his finger at you. You're uncomfortable, both with having set him off but also the fact he keeps flashing his sharp, predatory teeth as he speaks. Just seeing those makes you nervous even as his mouth only opens for moments between his words.
<span class="mu-g">”Talacenti forgive me for asking...”</span>
