Guns And Dogs by T.A. Uner Read Free Book Online Page B

time since I almost did something stupid to myself.” Argos looked at Murdoc who nodded. Perhaps the doctor had read Argos’ mind and knew what Johnny was talking about. Who knew?
    “I think we should talk more about this subject in my office,” Murdoc said.
     
     
    Doctor Murdoc’s office was comprised of a large bookcase filled with large tomes. Many were classic Earth novels, but others were written in alien languages. Johnny wondered exactly how many alien races inhabited the Milky Way. Judging by the sheer amount of diversity here, probably a lot.
    “Agent Argos and I have been tracking your progress for some time.” Murdoc’s yellow irises pulsated like two circular coronas against the backdrop of space. Johnny didn’t know if this meant the doctor was excited or just plain irritated. “Even before your father’s disappearance we decided that you were a worthy AL prospect.”
    “Why?” Johnny shook his head. “Have you seen my grades? I’m not exactly Einstein.”
    Murdoc’s smile returned, the same one that made his face look elastic. “It’s ironic that you mention Einstein, Johnathan. It was he who said: ‘Imagination is everything. It is the preview for life’s coming attractions.’”
    “I still don’t get it Doc.”
    “Your test scores, Johnny,” Argos said. “They revealed elevated amounts of creativity, which is the result of a powerful imagination.”
    “Agent Better is correct.” Murdoc handed Johnny a digital tablet. On it was a profile picture of Johnny. Beneath the picture was a series of test scores he’d never seen before.
    “How did you know I was creative? It’s not like I openly advertise that I’m a writer. And even if I did I’m not a very good one.” He paused for a moment. “How is it you managed to evaluate me based upon these test scores?”
    “It wasn’t difficult. Over the years AL operatives were placed in your elementary, secondary and high school. It was their job to evaluate you based on your creative endeavors. Art classes, English writing assignments, test essays and industrial arts. Those scores alone are what convinced us that you’d make an excellent AL agent. And then of course there was your father, he was the greatest agent of his time. We knew you’d inherit some of his traits.”
    A ripple of woe passed over Johnny as he felt pinpricks stab his arms. It seemed that whenever someone mentioned his father it prevented the pain he had buried from healing. “But don’t you need someone who can use guns and has a black-belt in karate? Nerdy things are cool, but they’re not a skill set that secret agencies look for.”
    “Well AL isn’t like the FBI or CIA Johnny. We grade our candidates on a much different scale. Why do you think we invested so many resources to track your progress?”
    “Did my Dad know about this?” Johnny asked.
    Both men nodded. “Yes,” Murdoc answered. “He wasn’t thrilled that you were being studied all those years, but understood the necessity for AL’s recruiting practices; we’re always on the lookout for qualified applicants.”
    This was happening all too fast. First Argos’ appearance. Then Gina. Then all this AL stuff that was being spoon-fed to him. Johnny strolled over towards an aquarium in the corner of Murdoc’s office. The water’s fluorescent blue hue settled his nerves. “I don’t know. I mean it sounds like a lot of fun but I’m only 18 years old. And I’m not exactly sure about what I want to do after high school.”
    “If you choose to walk away from our offer then we will respect it,” Argos said. “The choice is yours, but we could really use you.” Both Jessie and Studs barked. Johnny smiled at them and scratched their heads.
    “Say I decided to join AL, what would I do?”
    “You’d be a Time-Healer like Agent Better here,” Doctor Murdoc said. “But you must first pass a series of tests at AL command before you could enter the field.”
    “What type of tests?”
    “The