Free Psion Gamma by Jacob Gowans

had stayed as close of friends as they’d once been, long ago.
    “Anywhichway,” Wrobel said with a snap, “I’ll buzz you again to finalize the program. I have to go.”
    Before Byron could even say goodbye, Victor was gone. From the rec room cameras, he saw Brickert going ballistic, hugging his sister in a death squeeze. Byron smiled. Protocol had prevented Brickert from knowing about his sister’s Anomaly Fourteen, and Strawberry had been too young to bring to headquarters with him a year ago. On the other side of the room, Antonio Otravelli went around the room introducing himself to all the girls. Hefani seemed comfortable hanging back and watching others.
    Byron sighed and switched off the cameras. “And life goes on . . .”
     
    All the Betas attended Al’s graduation along with a handful of the youngest Alphas at Albert’s invitation. His new squadron leader and every member of Command took prominent seats.
    “Albert is more than just an outstanding young man. He’s more than a talented Psion,” Wrobel said in his opening address to the crowd of about sixty people. “He is a great follower, a loyal friend, and an excellent leader. Psion Command has no doubts he will have a significant impact on our efforts. But as I just said, Albert is more than what many of you may realize. He is the first second-generation Psion ever born. He is the son of Walter Byron and the late Emily Hayman.”
    Byron heard a few gasps and mutters at Wrobel’s words. Natalia turned to Kawai and mouthed, “I told you so!”
    “This was kept hidden only to allow him the privilege of being trained as your equal and to prevent any thoughts of unfair treatment. All of you know Al has proven himself to be a capable and worthy member of the Alpha ranks. And now it gives me great pleasure to allow him the time to address you.”
    A standing ovation came from the audience. As Byron watched his boy stand and walk to the pulpit wearing an expression of anxiety and reluctance, a warm tightness filled his chest and he said a prayer of gratitude for such a wonderful son.
    Albert cleared his throat and grinned nervously at Marie and Gregor. He had a note card tucked up his sleeve, and he inched it out just barely. “First of all, I have to thank three people in my life who have helped make me into what I am: my mother, my father, and my future wife, Marie. My mother gave her life in the war we are still fighting.”
    An image of Emily, aged but beautiful, sitting in the chair next to Byron was suddenly very strong in the commander’s mind. In that instant, he missed her more than he’d done in years. Across the stage, Commander Wrobel’s head dropped and his eyes closed.
    “Her example has taught me to give all my energy and heart in training and to carry on the fight she died for.” Byron had to close his eyes to continue listening to his son. “Marie and I met on her first day here. Despite her . . . reserved personality, I saw an inner strength that compelled me. I spent months trying to get her to open up to me, and I’ve found it was worth every second. She is a friend and support I will always treasure. I love you, Marie.”
    The commander glanced into the audience and saw Marie’s eyes shimmering as she smiled back at Albert, her face as red as the stripes on her uniform. Her sister, Rosa, held her hand and smiled at her.
    “Finally, I want to talk about my father,” Albert continued. “He is—he is the greatest man I have ever known.” A heavy weight settled in Byron’s chest. “My father, despite having to disguise our relationship for the last five and a half years, has always been there for me. After my mother died in battle it would’ve been easy for him to throw himself into his work and stop raising a child. Instead, he has made time for me regardless of the demands of his job. Even lately, as I’ve struggled to—to get through the recent events—my mission and such—he has been there for me, constantly