The Black Stars by Dan Krokos

they are of the Blood, it will be apparent this very night. If they belong to Stone…” Master Zin looked over the purple side of the room, as if daring them to object. There were a few mutterings but no obvious talking. “That will also become clear.”
    Reckful bowed again. “Of course, Master.” Then, to Mason and Tom: “I tried.”
    â€œThank you,” Mason said. “I owe you.”
    Reckful only winked like he had before, but it didn’t feel natural, almost like he’d learned that some humans wink and was trying to appear more human to Mason and Tom. As if reading his mind, Reckful whispered, “Do you wink with your left or right eye?”
    â€œI don’t think it matters,” Mason said.
    â€œNow then,” Master Zin said, rubbing his hands together. “We have a few more menial matters to discuss. Is there anyone here who would be kind enough to escort our newest rhadjen to their living quarters while we finish and prepare the rooms below?”
    Please someone volunteer, please someone volunteer, Mason thought. The rejection was already stinging his face.
    But then a member of the Bloods stood up, a tall boy already possessing the animal grace of the Tremist Mason had met in battle. Many of the students gasped, and Mason couldn’t tell if that was a good or bad thing.
    â€œI will take them,” the student said.

 
    Chapter Nine
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    The student looked over his shoulder at Mason and Tom but didn’t stare at them the way Lore did (who, by the way, was still sneaking glares at them). Instead, he seemed to be enjoying the spectacle.
    â€œThank you, Po,” Master Zin said, nodding.
    Po bowed, then shimmied out of his row and into the aisle. Every eye was on him, and Mason heard more than one person mutter traitor quietly. From both sides. It only seemed to make Po smile. And then smile wider as he reached Mason and Tom.
    â€œShall we?” Po said, gesturing toward the doors.
    â€œWe shall,” Mason replied. “Thank you.”
    â€œDon’t thank me yet,” Po replied. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.”
    Mason and Tom opened the doors wide enough to slip through, then shut them as Master Zin began to talk. The feel of glaring eyes on Mason’s back was severed like an electrical current.
    The trio walked down a hallway in silence for a full minute. Mason didn’t know if he should try to strike up a conversation or wait and see if Po was feeling talkative. He shared a look with Tom, who shrugged.
    â€œDo humans have a hard time speaking?” Po asked finally.
    â€œNo, I—” Mason began.
    Po grinned. “I’m kidding. You’re nervous. You should be.”
    â€œWhy did you offer to take us?” Tom said, a hint of accusation behind his voice.
    â€œMaybe I’m just curious about you two,” Po replied.
    The line in the floor was once again leading them somewhere, though Mason had no idea how it could know where they were going.
    â€œNo really, why would you volunteer in front of everyone?” Mason asked. “Did you not hear what they were saying?” There had to be some underlying motive; perhaps Po wanted something from them.
    For the first time, Po’s face became somber. “You want the truth? Once, my older brother’s ship was boarded by some ESC special forces. They had him cold. A few of the humans executed his men, but one human put a stop to it. He had to draw his weapon against his own kind.” Po’s eyes were far away, remembering. “My brother told me there was more to humans than we thought. He died three years later, but I still like to believe it’s true.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Mason said. “It’s true, though. Just as there is more to Tremist than humans think.”
    Po nodded. “You should hear the stories they tell about you guys—humans, I mean. Scary stuff.”
    â€œOh, we have