The featureless polar scientist is talking to his chess opponent at the Antarctic station.
"I've never felt the need for human touch," explains the scientist, "It's warmth is toxic to me."
The opponent nods. "I see..."
"So you understand?" asks the scientist.
"Yes," says the opponent, "I understand."
The scientist pauses for a moment.
"But you're still willing to play with me?"
The opponent nods.
"Interesting," says the scientist, "I've never understood human desire before. I prefer to remain cold and distant, because if I ever get too close to anyone, I'll just end up hurting them. I don't want to do that. I know my nature, and I know that it's not compatible with human emotions. I'll never be able to feel what they feel, so why even try? I'm fine by myself."
"I'm still willing to play," says the opponent, "You don't need to be human to play chess, and I'm happy to be your opponent no matter what."
The scientist is silent for a moment.
"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
The opponent smiles.
"So, what's your move now?"
The scientist looks down at the chess board and thinks for a moment.
And then, suddenly, a thought comes to the scientist's mind.
A thought so brilliant that they can't help but laugh out loud.
"Ah ha!" says the scientist, "I think I know what I'll do now..."
As the scientist laughs, the opponent looks at them curiously.
"What are you thinking of?" asks the opponent.
"Well," says the scientist, "I think I'll make my move."
"Let's see it," says the opponent.
"Oh, you are going to love this."
The opponent leans forward in curiosity.
"What's going to happen?!"
The scientist grins.
"You'll see."
With that, the scientist makes their move, and the chessboard becomes an exact replica of itself.