The super smart race wasn't remotely human, they communicated using molecules. The other smart planet, Path, is mostly genetically altered Japanese.
If you remember at the end of Giant, Bean leaves on a spaceship flying at relativistic speeds to preserve him alive long enough to find a cure. It would have to be going pretty fast right? That's where the new book is likely to come in. Jane is going to find Bean, realize who he is, and reunite him with the new and improved Peter. Then they can save the Hundred Worlds together.
That's my take, anyway.