Thomas hooked his arm around Vy’s and walked her down the aisle between guests. A transparent veil as delicate as dragonfly wings covered her face. Thomas wore a jazzy waistcoat, having rejected shani fashion trends in favor of fashion from his homeworld.

A breeze shifted the hanging wisteria and other flowers. People watched as if they were participating in an enchanted fairytale. Many held their breaths while alien flowers sang like a choir.

There were no cameras. Vy had forbidden that, although Thomas knew the wedding would be captured in a holographic recording.

Ariock waited on the quartz slab of a stage. He stood between two stepped archways, each one draped in decorations. Thanks to those tall stairways, his bride and their officiants would be as visible as he was, boosted in height.

People sighed with emotion as Vy climbed the stairs on the right. Her bridal train trailed behind her.

She stood on the apex. That put her on kissing level with Ariock.

Ariock tenderly folded back her bridal veil, revealing her face.

Thomas climbed the opposite stairs, filing between Elaine Hollander, Pung, and the Great Mwagru. Weptolyso remained on the ground. He didn’t need a height boost.

The Great Mwagru seemed tickled and charmed to meet Thomas in person. He even offered a hug. He was the only shani present at the wedding, and he was so unlike his albino brethren, anyone ignorant of aliens would be grievously misled. Thomas was so surprised, he accepted the hug, offering a friendly grin to the flamboyant seer whom he had neglected to meet until now.

“Friends!” Pung’s voice was amplified to fill the pavilion. “Today we are here to celebrate the union of our beloved Bringer of Hope with our beloved Lady of Paradise.”

The audience was merry. Many guests laughed, having been unsure if the invitations were genuine or some sort of hoax.

“Please keep this event a secret,” Pung went on. “Our friends Ariock and Vy are taking a hiatus from their work. I’ll tell you, when I first met Vy, I mistook her for an embarrassed Blue Rank…” He launched into an entertaining speech.

Each of the masters-of-ceremonies had their own flair. Thomas felt markedly less appealing than Pung, Weptolyso, Elaine, or the Great Mwagru. When it was his turn to address the audience, he only offered a few dry remarks. Vy was his foster sister. Ariock was like a brother to him. They were both among his earliest and closest friends. What else should he say?

“…And now,” Thomas said, launching into the actual ceremony, “in full view of galactic law, do you, Ariock Dovanack, take Violet Hollander to be your life mate and wife?”

“I do.”

Ariock vowed to honor, cherish, and care about his wife, no matter what. Vy read similar vows for her husband. They promised to resist keeping secrets from each other, and they promised to enhance each other’s abilities.

Thomas raised his hands and created thermal currents. Flower petals swirled around the couple. “It is my great honor to pronounce you husband and wife.”

Delicate vines floated to the couple, laden with flowers. The vines magically braided into bracelets that matched in style and slid onto each of their wrists. Thomas had no idea whether the twined living bracelets were Ariock’s doing or Vy’s. Perhaps they had each used their powers to braid each other’s?

“You may kiss.” Thomas grinned, happy about their happiness.

With their height—Vy on the arch, Ariock standing—everyone could see the love in that kiss.

Thomas used his holographic power to add sparkles and floral designs in the air around them. He took some inspiration from the erstwhile gardens of the Upward Governess.

Next, he created fiery flares in order to summon his well-trained sky croc. Azhdarchidae swooped low and skimmed overhead. He caused a stir in the audience, and Ariock and Vy ended their kiss, laughing.

After the ceremony, the party truly got started.

“The reception will go on for as long as there are guests!” Pung announced to the excited audience. “We have guest cabins for everyone. When you’re ready to leave? Simply tell Ariock, Vy, or Cherise that you wish to go home.”

Thomas relaxed a bit. He would stay a short time longer, just for the sake of politeness.

He descended to join the mingling guests. People sampled snack foods with origins from all over the galaxy. A playlist of music piped across the pavilion, and Thomas sensed intrigue from the alien listeners. There was dancing. And laughter.

None of it included Thomas.

He made his way toward Ariock. The big guy knew about Thomas’s remote cabin in the rugged wilderness of a planet known as Reject-843. Ariock was the one who had transported Thomas there in the first place.

Ariock was happily chatting with Nethroko and other nussian guests. “Hey!” he said, noticing Thomas. “You did great. Welcome to the family!”

“I’m glad to have you as my brother-in-law.” Thomas smiled. He truly meant it, although he was all too cognizant of key differences between them. Ariock did not have to pretend to be human, whereas Thomas felt like he was pretending all the time.

“Hey,” Thomas said. “Um, would you mind if I leave the party early?”

Ariock looked perplexed.

“Like, now?” Thomas clarified.

Understanding dawned on Ariock. He excused himself from the other guests and drew Thomas aside. “I was hoping you’d stay a little longer. Don’t you want to see the drone show? It’s choreographed by Varktezo.”

The show would be impressive, but Thomas wasn’t going to tolerate several more hours of pretending to be a well-adjusted human being. Besides, he meant to avoid Kessa and her questions. “Sorry. I’m no good at parties.”

“Okay.” Ariock radiated disappointment, but he nodded toward the teleportation flat. “Let’s go over there so we don’t disturb the other guests.”

Once they were alone, Ariock knelt in order to confront Thomas. “Do you know why we decided to retire from public life?”

“I got it from Vy,” Thomas confessed. “So, extra congratulations. I guess she has the power to halt your constant growth.”

Ariock looked as if that miraculous idea had never occurred to him.

“Once she studies neurobiology for a few years,” Thomas amended. “She has a lot of catching up to do, to get to the level of skill that Evenjos had. In the meantime? She can resize herself, so she’s not worried if you end up being the size of a starship.”

Ariock rolled his eyes. He must be worn out on size jokes.

“Sorry.” Thomas didn’t want to ruin Ariock’s happiness today. “I wish you both a very happy life together. I meant what I said. You’re among my best friends. I do consider you both to be family.” He nodded upward, indicating Azhdarchidae. “We’re ready to go home.”

Ariock’s mind brewed. Thomas sensed what he was about to ask.

“Why are you avoiding people, Thomas?”

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“I’m not,” Thomas said. “I’m just tired.”

Ariock shook his head. He didn’t want vagueness. He and Vy had shared their secret with Thomas and no one else here. Shouldn’t that invite mutual trust?

Thomas bit his lower lip, mulling it over. He did owe Ariock the truth. That was fair. That was the Pact of Strength.

“I’m two million years old.” Thomas looked away, embarrassed. He hated to outright admit how alien he was. “That’s my lived experience. Most of it comes from Torth, from penitents and prisoners and enemy combatants. I’m no longer psychologically healthy, if I ever was.”

Ariock’s mood became tinged with guilt. He had urged Thomas to absorb a lot of those memories, back when he had worried about an assassin hidden among the penitent population.

“I have no peers.” Thomas forced himself to meet Ariock’s gaze. “I’m retiring for the same reason as you and Vy. I’m too dangerous to exist in society.”

He nearly went on, wanting to specify the dangers he posed to civilization.

But he had said enough. Ariock understood.

The giant straightened, emanating sympathy and insight.

They stood together for a moment, understanding each other.

“Would you mind if I interrupt you two?” Kessa walked up to them.

“Uh…” Thomas began to explain that he was just on his way out. Once Ariock collected Azhdarchidae for him, he would exit the reception.

Kessa planted her fists on her hips. “Thomas, when I ask you a question, I expect an answer. That is the pact you made with me.”

Pacts.

Thomas swallowed. He ought to honor the pact he had made with Kessa, if he was still honoring pacts. He needed to stick to his principles. If he began to disregard pacts—to tell lies—then he would slide down a road to tyranny. That was all too easy for him.

His principles were the only things stopping him from becoming a monstrous tyrant.

“Did I overhear you say you’re too dangerous to exist in society?” Kessa sounded disbelieving.

“It’s the truth,” Thomas said, defensive. Why did so few people take his warnings seriously?

“Oh, I’m dangerously powerful, too,” Kessa said. “I can order any penitent to be sentenced to death. I can likely order death for just about any sapient, and my orders would be carried out. I can send armies anywhere. Such is the authority I wield.” She gestured to her bejeweled headdress. “This much power is frightening. I can agree with you on that.”

Thomas inwardly admitted that she had scored a point. Kessa did wield power.

And she wielded it well. She understood that if she were to quit, the ensuing power vacuum might invite chaos. She was wise that way.

“Unlike you, however,” Kessa said, “I trust myself.”

Ariock gave Thomas a sympathetic shoulder pat. “I think she has a point.”

Thomas summoned the courage to be vulnerable. “I’m a civilization killer,” he explained to both of them. “I shouldn’t be involved with centers of power, no matter what benefits I can offer. You cannot trust me with power.”

Kessa clicked her beak. “Are you lying to me? Or are you lying to yourself? I cannot tell.”

That accusation stung. Thomas pretended to gawk in outrage, but what he actually felt was chagrin.

Kessa had seen past his excuse. That excuse—that he feared power—was his armor, but it wasn’t the whole truth.

He wondered if telepathy gas practice sessions had given her a bit of actual telepathy.

“A lot of people trust you at the center of power,” Kessa pointed out. “And you know that. I think you are avoiding us for another reason.” Her gesture included Cherise and the Hollander family, enjoying themselves at the party. “Is it that you don’t want to endure your friends? Are you afraid of disapproval? Or hatred?”

Thomas sensed her wondering if she had lost his trust. She was mournful.

“I didn’t leave because of any one person.” Thomas had not meant to hurt her. He should have considered how his abrupt retirement would make her feel.

Even so, Kessa had touched on a salient truth.

“Hatred of penitents is a major problem,” Thomas admitted. “It will be a challenge for civilization to overcome.”

Kessa softened. “I am doing my best. But the collective trauma of generations is being released for the first time in twenty-four thousand years, and it is not easy to shut down the potential for violence. I am doing everything I can.”

“I know,” Thomas said.

He did know. He had read a lot of minds, so he knew what most former slaves felt for their former masters and owners. No one protected reformed Torth better than Kessa. Penitents had guaranteed rights, a place in society, and a chance at redemption, all thanks to her.

But Kessa’s protections had limits.

Not even demigods such as Ariock and Glorious Vy could solve a society-wide problem with such deep roots.

Elaine Hollander approached, clearly wanting to include Thomas and Ariock in the party.

“I believe you could do a lot of good, if you return,” Kessa said.

Thomas overheard her inner thoughts, and he realized that she was actually right. His retirement sent a message to all of civilization. It implied that outreach efforts to penitents did not matter. Serette and Mondoyo were dead. Thomas had seemingly fled, so now it looked as if Kessa could not maintain any friendships with mind readers.

He had not intended to hurt intergalactic relations between liberated people and penitents. He had not meant to damage Kessa’s reputation.

“Why don’t you trust yourself, Thomas?” Kessa removed her gem-encrusted headdress, revealing the brocaded cloth underneath. “I am asking as your friend.”

Thomas felt a lump of emotion in his throat. Kessa’s lack of headdress was a sign of respect. It meant they were speaking as equals.

Thomas’s foster mother hesitated on the periphery of their circle. “Uh, am I interrupting?”

Thomas glanced at Ariock. His brother-in-law immediately grasped his unspoken request, and offered a nod. “I’ll check on you later.” He turned to Elaine with a smile. “Mom. Uh, can I call you mom?”

She chuckled happily. “Of course! Please do.”

“Great.” Ariock beamed. “I’d love to get to know the family better, Mom.” He escorted her toward the party.

That left Thomas alone on the teleportation flat with Kessa.

“You are a human.” Kessa radiated sincerity. “You deserve every honor you have earned. Will you ever let yourself believe that?”

Kessa wasn’t asking much from him.

Perhaps he might serve the peace council as a consultant? Like every ten years or so. Remotely. Surely he could handle that?

“Would it help if I release you from the pact I made with you?” Kessa asked.

Friends did favors for each other. Friends also let down their guard around each other. Kessa was willing to make concessions in order to regain the loss of friendship she perceived. She had shared her full name with Thomas. She had removed her headdress in front of him.

He had yet to share as much of himself with her.

It was time.

“I know what I am,” Thomas said.

Kessa clicked her beak a few times, prepared to interrupt a litany of self-hatred.

“I’m a superhuman,” Thomas said. “I’m smarter than everyone I meet. And I’m a better person than most of them. I’m definitely human in all the ways that matter.”

Kessa’s beak hung open. She knew all of these things, but she had never expected Thomas to admit them out loud. She had not guessed that he was so self-aware.

Thomas gave a single nod of acknowledgement. He knew. He had known who and what he was for a long time.

“Yet…” Kessa trailed off, and Thomas sensed her exploring possibilities in her mind. “You don’t trust yourself?” She squinted, trying to make sense of his claims.

“I trust myself alone. In a vacuum.” Thomas looked across the pavilion, to where Cherise danced with other wedding guests. Orb lanterns glowed as the afternoon light waned.

“You don’t trust yourself among other humans?” Kessa looked perplexed. “I don’t understand.”

Cherise aimed an enigmatic smile toward Thomas.

He looked away. He definitely did not need the augmented power Cherise could give him. He did not need gunpowder for the kinds of explosions he could spark.

“I think that waving extra power under my nose, constantly, would be a terrible idea.” Thomas turned back to Kessa. “That is the wisest advice I can give you, my galactic ruler friend.”

He had absorbed the memories of a goddess-empress from a bygone era. He had gained memories from two different prophets in their dying moments. He had never met an oracle, but he had the next best thing—an ability to form hypotheses based on multi-generational timeframes. He saw patterns that eluded most historians and philosophers.

“I think I see.” Kessa stepped back, assessing Thomas anew. “You are Gandalf the wizard.”

She had been watching movies from Earth. Thomas smiled.

“You purposely reject power,” Kessa said. “Instead of commanding armies and kingdoms, you are choosing to be a humble wanderer.”

“That’s right.” Thomas almost wished he could emphasize the point by making a pipe magically appear.

Eh, that was a Garrett move as well as a Gandalf move. Besides, he didn’t want to get addicted to tobacco.

“Well, then.” Kessa squared her shoulders. “How about this? You are subject to the needs of the peace council. You are not a galactic authority. I am. You are a humble wanderer who must obey when I call. Is this agreeable?”

Thomas laughed.

Then he thought about it. He wouldn’t mind an excuse to keep an apartment in Freedomland. He might be able to handle the temptations of power as long as everyone, even Cherise, grew to believe he was too self-hating, or too unambitious, to ever become a threat.

He would be just a lowly subject of the peace council.

Just a human with limited power.

“How about it?” Kessa probed.

Cherise was dancing with Varktezo. She whirled closer, her black hair swinging, and for a moment, her sparkling gaze connected with Thomas’s. He felt something like an electric tingle. It had nothing to do with power and everything to do with chemistry.

Maybe it would be all right to visit Freedomland on a regular basis.

“Give me a humble job title,” Thomas told Kessa. “I’ll accept a low key role as your advisor, but don’t ever let me make major decisions that enact sweeping changes to society. You are the decision-maker. Not me. Never me.”

Kessa grandly placed her headdress back on her head. With that gear, she became a towering figure. She had grown into her role, even more than Thomas had ever dared hope.

“Give my secretary a way to reach you,” Kessa commanded. “Assuming you accept a job as my personal advisor?”

“As long as it’s part-time.” Thomas wasn’t sure if Kessa fully understood what sort of advisor she was taking on. A telepathy gas session would expose his frighteningly alien mind. Then, sadly, she might learn to properly fear him.

“Don’t worry.” Kessa patted his shoulder. “I will not let you rule.”

She walked away, into the party, with one last fond look that radiated trust. Thomas sensed her thoughts. Out of all the people Kessa had ever met, she believed that Thomas was the one person with whom she would entirely trust with galactic power.

Thomas stood alone, pondering the nature of power, and what sort of person he really was.