Free Singing the Dogstar Blues by Alison Goodman

will accept my sincere apologies. Aaronson will, of course, be disciplined.’
    I’d made Camden-Stone’s day. Not only was he ‘right’, he got to punish me. His favourite leisure activity.
    Refmol stepped forward. ‘Refmol sees this new pair is eager to join.’ Refmol bowed to me. ‘Perhaps such eagerness should not be punished. This pairing is, after all, a bridge between our peoples and their knowledge.’
    The Elders sang their agreement. No wonder Mavkel liked this Refmol character. Smooth as silk. But Camden-Stone wasn’t going to give in so easily.
    â€˜In our culture when one has done wrong, one must accept the consequences,’ he said, looking at me. ‘Isn’t that right, Aaronson?’
    Refmol spread out its hands. ‘As it is with our culture,’ it said. ‘However, this young pair was fulfilling the natural law.Two must join. No harm to any pair has occurred. Perhaps the young pair is correct. The time has come for them to join. The universe does not work to our time or our convenience.’
    I’d hate to debate this Refmol character. Camden-Stone knew he was on the losing team. He inclined his head.
    â€˜You have persuaded me, Refmol. Cadet Aaronson and Cadet Mavkel have now officially started their partnership. This episode shall be forgotten.’
    Refmol bowed again. Mavkel’s ears had perked up a bit. We were in the clear.
    â€˜The official reception for Mavkel will be during the introductory lecture tomorrow morning,’ Camden-Stone told me. ‘You should both take the opportunity to get to know one another and settle in. I believe an official introduction to the rest of the class is important. You might do well to stay here until then.’
    Translation: don’t leave this room until I’ve organised proper protection for Mavkel.
    â€˜Diana Rosso-Pike is still on-line,’ the computer said.
    â€˜I’ll take that,’ Camden-Stone said.
    While he calmed Rosso-Pike down, Mavkel sang its apology to the Elders. They ignored it. Refmol touched my arm.
    â€˜Refmol has felt the resonance,’ it sang. ‘The universe has prepared for the pairing of our peoples and Refmol is vowed to help.’
    I was getting sick of these cryptic messages. Just as I was about to ask ‘what resonance?’, Refmol was called over by Gohjec. Very convenient. If you want to be mysterious, always have someone call you away at the critical moment. That way you never have to explain yourself.
    The posse was leaving. Gohjec and Jecgoh turned away from a low bow from Mavkel. Refmol gave me a cryptic mysterious look. I nodded back. Hopefully, it was a mysterious nod. Finally they all left the suite. Mavkel and I were alone again.
    â€˜That was a close call,’ I said.
    â€˜Yes. My ears were heavy with their silence.’ It stroked my arm quickly. ‘Mavkel thanks Joss-partner.’
    â€˜I think we should both be thanking Refmol,’ I said, moving away from its insistent hand. ‘I’m going to unpack. I’ll see you later.’
    I picked up my duffel. Mavkel followed close on my heels.
    â€˜Joss-partner will try the thought cube now?’ it asked, holding the cube out on its outstretched hand.
    â€˜No, not now. I want to unpack. You should too,’ I said, stepping into my room and reaching for the door sensor. ‘We can get together later.’
    Mavkel started to hum an eerie low monotone, its ears collapsing until they looked like limp pigtails. My hand found the sensor plate and the bedroom door shut between us. I leaned my forehead against the cool plasboard, slowly rolling my head until my ear was against the door. Mavkel was still humming on the other side. The lonely sound snapped at my nerves like an alarm that no one turns off.
    I reached over to the sensor pad again, but dropped my hand. I needed to block Mavkel out, to block everything out. I dumped my duffel on the bed and