Singing the Dogstar Blues Read Free Page B

He knew I had him by the short and curlies. I was the chosen partner of the first Chorian student on Earth. He couldn’t touch me.
    I glanced at my new partner. It had flicked back its semi-opaque second eyelid and was squinting into the lights, staring at Camden-Stone.
    The audience finally caught on that the Chorian had found its partner. Clapping started. Camden-Stone jerked to attention. He walked over to us, holding his arms up for silence.
    â€˜Honoured guests, friends, students. History has been made in front of your eyes. The Chorian called Mavkel has chosen Joss Aaronson as its partner. Cadet Aaronson is the daughter of the highly-respected journalist, Ingrid Aaronson. Please join me in celebrating this new partnership.’
    The clapping became a thunder of approval. Mavkel leaned closer to me. I thought I heard it sing ‘be careful’ softly in my ear, but when I turned my head it was speaking to the Elder by its side.

Camden-Stoned
    The ceremony was almost over. We only had to parade down the central aisle, then we were free. The whole class was waiting backstage, sweating in heavy dress uniforms. A harried fifth year with an official clipboard was trying to get us in line, but it wasn’t happening. Chaney was refusing to stand near Mavkel. The others were lined up behind him, pressed against the wall.
    â€˜After the ritual is over, I will be back in two of your twenty-four periods,’ Mavkel said to me, ignoring the whispering Chaney brigade. It absently stroked the vertical ridges along its noses.
    â€˜Where are you going?’
    â€˜My people want to finish my preparation.’ It paused, the first joint of its ears flattening outwards as it concentrated. ‘Your slangsounds would call it a major yawn.’
    â€˜I can believe it,’ I said, smiling.
    Mavkel leaned even closer, watching my mouth. Then it tried out a double-barrelled smile. Not easy for someone with no lips. The result was hideous, but ten out of ten for effort.
    â€˜Joss-partner, be careful of your Elder Camden-Stone,’ it sang with that smile still plastered on its face.
    â€˜Yeah, I know. The guy’s got it in for me. But don’t worry, he can’t touch me now that I’m your partner. Thanks for picking me.’
    â€˜Of course I picked you.’ The quick lift of its ears was as expressive as raised eyebrows. ‘The Deetun in you called to me. The Elders felt it too.’
    Huh? Had I missed something important in this conversation? Before I could ask, the fifth-year student pushed Chaney into line. The class was called back on stage.
    When the procession finally ended, Mavkel and I didn’t get another chance to talk. The vid-teams were all over us, trying to get an interview. Camden-Stone finally gave a statement. No interviews at this time. Then the security guards shut the gates on the media and an armed escort hurried Mavkel and the Chorian Elders away.
    As I watched my new partner being hustled into a diplomatic hover, Camden-Stone caught hold of my arm. For an old guy, he packed a lot of strength.
    â€˜Don’t rely on your luck too much, Aaronson,’ he said. ‘Be at my office at ten tomorrow.’
    A mob of excited parents was heading towards us. Camden-Stone let go of my arm and stepped back.
    â€˜Tomorrow at ten,’ he repeated, then turned to meet a short, shrill woman who was complaining about the hover facilities.
    I quickly joined the crowd moving towards the free food and drink, but for some reason I had lost my appetite.
    That night, Lewis contacted me at the Buzz Bar. I took the call in Lenny’s office. Apparently, my dear mother wanted an exclusive interview with me about the Chorian, but was too busy to ask me herself. I told Lewis I’d think about it. Then I disconnected the comm-line and headed for the bar.
    I remember having eight shots of sake and beating Cross at pool, but after that all I get is static. Lenny said he put me to