“Knowledge is Power” systematically inverts every colonial first-contact trope. We expected advanced humans to enlighten primitive aliens, but, in reality, “primitive” aliens manipulate sophisticated humans. Fyfe’s genius is making the Terrans sympathetic; they are scientists, not really conquistadors.

Kean genuinely likes Myru, teaches him freely and treats him as a colleague. In addition, their very decency blinds them to danger. They cannot imagine Myru betraying them because they have been decent to him. To be fair, individual colonisers might be kind, but the system is still exploitation. Myru does not hate Kean personally; he hates what Terran colonisation would mean for Vunor.

We sympathise with Myru’s suffering—Loyu chopped off his hands, blinded two of his four eyes and stole his partner. His desire for revenge is understandable. In contrast, his methods are ruthless, and his final betrayal of the Terrans is cold-blooded murder of people who helped him. The story refuses to make Myru purely heroic or villainous. He is a pragmatic survivor who understands that sentiment is a luxury he cannot afford. When Komyll reveals she genuinely loved the dictator, Myru orders her death, then specifies it should be painless. He is cruel and kind simultaneously, broken but brilliant.

Kean’s repeated mantra—”knowledge is power”—becomes the story’s tragic centre. Scientific knowledge creates technological power and knowledge of your enemy creates strategic power. Myru has minimal scientific knowledge but profound social knowledge. What is more, he understands power, loyalty and manipulation. Above all, he understands the Terrans better than they understand him.