"Why are we watching this? It's boring."

"This isn't boring. This is history. We are witnessing the exact moment that humanity's definition of life expanded to include all sentient beings, even those that aren't completely organic. Plus it's educational, and I like it, so hush."

"Yeah, you would." The young woman who traveled with him sighed, a puff of breath that made her fringe of blond hair fly up. How like her, he thought. Only interested in the journey so long as it stayed exciting. He didn't think this unkindly; he liked the adventurous type. He'd take her somewhere nice next, some place properly dangerous where they could run for their lives. Until then, he turned his attention back to the unfolding events. Congress had just adjourned following their groundbreaking decision.

That was when he noticed her: one of the senators, the Independent from California unless he missed his guess, and he never did. She was the one who had introduced the bill, had fought harder than anyone to ensure its success, and although she shook hands with allies and opponents alike, celebrating when appropriate and trying not to gloat when not, her eyes were locked on him, and every step carried her closer to the place where he stood and watched.

"Wait here," he told the girl, ignoring her inevitable protests and moving forward to meet the senator.

She was not a young woman, he knew, though she also didn't look terribly old. Her short hair was just barely brushed with white, the corners of her lips only faintly creased, and when she smiled at him, her eyes crinkled very slightly around the edges. She looked to be in her early forties, but that had not been true for a few decades at least.

She stopped in front of him.

"Senator," he said, inclining his head. "Congratulations."

"I thought that was you." Her smile widened. "You've changed completely, but it's still you, right?"

"Yes," he said, "I think so," because when people were that certain that they knew who he was, they were usually right.

"I didn't think I'd see you again after last time, but I'm glad you could make it. This is great, isn't it?"

"It's a start. Admitting the sentience of other life is one thing, but equal rights and all that? You've still got a long road ahead."

"Yes," she said faintly. "It's already been a long road. You said it would be. I always hoped I would see the end of it, but..." She trailed off. For a long, uncomfortable moment, he thought she might cry, but then she lifted her chin and her smile returned. "I really am happy to see you again. I used to think of what I'd say to you if this ever happened, and I wonder- can I ask for a favor?"

"You can ask," he said, well aware that he might not be able to grant it.

"When it's time... will you look after him? Because he's going to need you, and I kind of think you need someone like him, too. You and him, you're kind of the same."

"Are we?" he asked. It was all he could think to ask.

Someone in the crowd called out, "Senator, he's here!" and there was no more time for explanations.

"Guest of honor," she said, and then suddenly, unexpectedly, she leaned in and hugged him. "He'll want to see you again, but I guess you're not going to stick around this time, either."

"I'm always around," he said, but the moment she stepped away, he turned and moved back to his traveling companion, waiting for him on the sidelines. He shooed her away from the history shaping behind them, onward to the next adventure.

"What was that about?" she asked, her voice laced with residual distrust. Their own road was only just starting.

"Honestly? I have no idea."