Black Moon by Romina Russell

Author:Romina Russell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2016-10-28T08:56:49+00:00

• • •

When I leave the Lounge, I survey the ballroom for Stan and Mathias and the others, but by now the place is so crowded that it’s hard to find anyone. Every few steps we take, Nishi flags down another dignitary or Party member to introduce me to, and between the fear of running into Hysan and the stress of interacting with so many new people, I feel drunk on my emotions, even though I’ve yet to try the House’s fizzy drink of choice.

Eventually a round of dinner trays begin to float among us, and Nishi and I fill up on finger foods—porkling burgers, aquadile cakes, falcon poppers. While we’re talking to a group of Aquarian, Scorp, Geminin, and Capricorn dignitaries, I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around.

“Wandering Star,” says a dark-skinned, middle-aged woman with fine, short hair. She’s wearing a striking gown comprised of glossy green feathers.

I grow alert when I recognize the Taurian Guardian. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone from such a high level of government at this youthful soiree.

“It’s an honor to see you again, Fernanda—I mean, Chief Executive Purecell.”

“Fernanda is still fine.” She transfers the drink she’s holding to her other hand so she can reach out for the traditional Taurian handshake. “Are you joining the Tomorrow Party?”

“I think so.” As I say the words, a fantasy unfolds in my mind of Nishi and me living together in our own home on the Black Moon settlement, of Hysan and me dating out in the open, of Stan and Jewel marrying and starting a family—and I feel myself smile. “How about yourself?”

“I’m one of the Party’s financial backers.”

“Oh—I had no idea.” Strange that with everything going on in the Zodiac, she took the time to travel here for a ball.

“I think any movement that embraces inclusivity and choice deserves our consideration and support, don’t you?” The focus of her sharp eyes reminds me of the horned hawks on Tierre.

“Yes, and having your support will mean a lot down the line.” The more I think about it, the more I like the Tomorrow Party’s experimental approach to uniting our solar system. After all, it’s unlikely we’ll convince every House to drop its walls and start welcoming everyone at once, so this small-scale trial run is far more sensible.

Fernanda leans closer, and her terse, no-nonsense voice brings the ball back into focus. “Nobody knows yet, but the Plenum has convened a confidential, multi-House tribunal to investigate me and my ties to Risers. If found guilty, they’ll try me for treason.”

My drunken emotions sober fast. “Why?”

“Because I’ve spoken out in support of Risers? Because my father was a Riser?” She shakes her head. “Because, as you well know, those in power always need a new boogeyman. It’s how they stay in power.”

Chieftain Skiff comes to mind; the last time a Guardian shared a secret with me, strings were attached. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because if they ask you to testify to what I discussed with you in my office—about my correspondence with Risers—I need you to lie.

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