XiiZ hadn’t been having the easiest time on Earth. Being among humans meant that he could at least manifest as one in their visual field, which was desirable as it helped him navigate without drawing attention, but that came with drawbacks on the use of his exceptional transcendental abilities.

‘No telekinesis. Act human!’ She had instructed him.

XiiZ looked up at the high shelf where the water bottles were pressed back against the wall, then drew the attention of the staff before him.

“May I please have your help with getting carbonated water bottles from that top shelf?”

“Sure! How many?”

XiiZ raised his hand and stretched open his palm to signal the number.

The staff brought the bottles down one by one.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

“Hm?” XiiZ scratched his white, shiny, bald alien head.

Despite having loaded a human skin onto his default extraterrestrial appearance, he’d still only ever had the experience of four fingers.