Guns And Dogs by T.A. Uner Page B

anyone’s psyche, and she’s no different. Just make sure that you’re careful not to bring it up around her, Johnny. The last thing we need is friction between you two. The three of us will be working closely from this point forward.”
    Jessie and Studs barked. Argos looked at them and shrugged. “Excuse me,” he told the dogs, “I meant the five of us.”
    “Now get some rest Johnny, tomorrow morning you’ll be expected to attend your first mission briefing. We’ll be taking Gina out on a search operation.”
(3)
    The briefing room was a large conference table equipped with built-in view screens for each seated participant, while an oval shaped ceiling dotted with circular lights provided illumination and completed its streamlined look. Patrice was waiting for them while a HoverBot brought coffee.
    “This is where the fun begins, Johnny,” Argos said.
    Johnny took a seat next to Argos as the aroma of the coffee teased his nostrils. He was too excited to drink coffee, and wondered if his father had used this briefing room for his mission briefings.
    “Good morning Agents Better and Veto,” Patrice said. The lights to the room dimmed and Johnny’s view screen came alive. “Today’s briefing is about an informant of ours who’s been violating his agreement with AL Command.” A projector-like device descended from the ceiling and projected images onto a screen.
    “What is that?” Johnny said, pointing to a strange-looking alien on the screen.
    Argos whispered into his ear. “I know it’s your first briefing but you should really try and contain your excitement. Patrice doesn’t like having her presentations interrupted.”
    “Sorry,” Johnny said.
    “That, Mr. Veto,” Patrice said, “is a Xenaroid. They’re an insectoid species from Xenar IV. A planet 23 light years from Earth. They’re renowned throughout the galaxy as the most efficient assassins.” She ordered the projector to enlarge the display, which showed a centipede-like creature with red eyes. It wore two bandoliers and had two large antennae protruding from its head. “This is Dicer. He’s been hiding out on Earth for the past two years; a member of our AL witness protection program for providing us with valuable information. Unfortunately, one of our SpyBots has detected him starting wildfires outside of Bakersfield. You two are to apprehend him and find out why he’s violated the terms of our agreement.”
    “I know Dicer,” Argos said, “I was the one who helped broker his deal. He’s a shifty creep.” Argos turned towards Johnny. “You should gain some good experience on this first mission.”
    “Dicer’s last known coordinates have been provided to Gina, Agent Better. You and Agent Veto are to proceed immediately. Any questions?”
    Johnny raised his hand. “Don’t we get like, guns or something? This Dicer doesn’t look like someone who’ll come along quietly.”
    “Agent Better will brief you on field equipment protocols,” Patrice replied automatically. “Good luck to you both.”
    “So where exactly are you taking me Argos?”
    “Armory Room One.”
    After passing through an armed security checkpoint, they arrived in front of a large vault door. Argos entered a code into a door keypad and it hissed open.
    Inside were rows of strange-looking gadgets. Both Jessie and Studs barked before heading inside.
    Johnny’s eyes took in its contents. “What the…?”
    “I knew you’d find it interesting. This is where AL agents gear up before missions.”
    “To say I’m impressed would be an understatement.” Johnny removed a small pistol from a rack. “Lemme guess…a ray gun?”
    Argos nodded. “Correct. It’s a Mercury-Class gravity pistol. Specially designed to ruin any bad guy’s day.”
    “Hope I’m going to receive some advanced weapons training,” Johnny replied. “Otherwise, I’ll probably end up frying my ass if I tried using one of these gadgets.”
    “Of course you will.” Argos pressed a