Free Alex Armstrong: Awakening by Hayes Farley Page B

mean, besides telekinesis?” he answered with a wry, tight-lipped smile. “Yes, there will be some side effects. We’ll talk about them later.”
    Alex saw a headful of curly brown hair shift in his peripheral vision as Patrick leaned forward and raised his hand. “Are we still funded by the government?” he said.
    “Ah, another good question.” The professor hitched up his pants and retightened his belt. “Yes, Pal Tech is and always has been partially funded by the government. Technically, I am a federal employee paid by taxpayer dollars. Although, since they would never acknowledge this, I would like to think that my employment status falls into a nice big grey area in which I am quite comfortable.
    “Any guesses as to who else will be government employees four years from now?” Startsman said, smirking. “That’s right…‌all of you.”
    There were a few gasps and then they were back in the bistro.
    Professor Startsman’s voice cut through the chatter. “Folks, calm down. Please, calm down. Just let me explain. Every time I utter that line it starts a commotion. It’s like you all picture yourselves as some counter jockey at the DMV,” he said. “So let’s get this straight now; whatever idiotic notions you have pictured in your minds, I want you to just wipe them out. Go on. Out with them.
    “Now, remember how I told you President Joyce was working in special-ops missions? That’s more along the lines of what you’ll be doing. Those of you who are gifted enough to finish at the top of your class will become Palkins. Agents within the Palkin program travel the world performing covert, peacekeeping missions. Training begins right here on campus, in what’s known as the Greyjean program. These are our most elite students; I’m sure you’ll notice them arriving this weekend.
    “Other grads are working at the local level alongside law enforcement agents. Those who do not have the gift for field work, or simply choose not to pursue that lifestyle—because it is a choice—will be placed in a supporting role, working in the background to keep our Palkins safe. Some of you may even be placed in one of our other industries…
    “Whatever path you end up choosing, know that we do not require a lifelong commitment. If you want to enter the private sector after your service, you are more than welcome. Most, however, choose to serve their entire careers. Partly because it’s fun working alongside like-minded people, but mostly because you will be extraordinarily well-paid.” There were no whispers after that line.
    Alex looked at Eva. She was leaning forward with her hands on her knees, bouncing her legs. “You all right?” he asked.
    She grinned and her green eyes sparkled. “Can you believe it? A part of me keeps thinking some camera crew will rush in here and everybody will break out laughing and they’ll tell us this is all some big joke.”
    “It’s no joke.”
    “I know . It’s crazy!”
    “You nervous?”
    “Heck yeah I’m nervous. But I think I’m more excited than anything.”
    “Me too. And I’m not really the adventurous type.”
    “Not yet.” She elbowed him in the arm.
    “Yes, you in the back,” Professor Startsman said, pointing.
    “Why don’t I ever hear about this place in the news?”
    Startsman smiled. “Oh, I like answering this one. It gets asked every year.” He took a deep breath and scratched his belly.
    “Well, the most obvious answer is that we do our best to remain hidden. I’m sure you noticed the sod roofs? I assure you, those weren’t planted for any tree-hugging reasons. They’re there because they act as camouflage from anything flying by overhead. Even better, though, is our deal with Google. We don’t show up on Google Maps. If you go by the satellite imagery, we’re in the middle of a dense forest.” He looked around the room. “I see some of you checking it out right now. Go ahead. Pretty neat, huh?
    “Now, onto a more…‌touchy subject: