Frenzy & Torch

Chapter 48: Venus as a Girl

The laser ship was escorted by an armada of cruisers. They looked like a swarm of bees around somebody who punched their hive.

"Fuck," Violet muttered from inside a cloaked high-speed transporter, gawking at the sight like a curious child. "They have more ships out there than our entire navy back home."

Donoran made sure Violet was given the CIA operator's spare gear. She had black fatigues, a headset, a protective vest, and a submachine gun with an underslung grenade launcher. He still didn't think it was enough.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," he muttered. "You should be back at the intelligence center right now. We could've just sent Flamethrower here to handle things by himself!"

The magic wielder in question looked over from his seat way in the corner. "My name's actually—"

"Your name's Flamethrower now, son. It's easier to remember."

Flamethrower shyly rubbed his black hair. "Roger that, sir."

Donoran faced Violet again. "Look, I'll take the court martial. You stay here and head back to the intelligence center."

"My order still stands, Colonel. I don't need your permission, or have you forgotten the pecking order?" she said with additional sass. "I'll be fine. How many times do I have to say it?"

"Exactly like my daughter, I swear to God—" Donoran pointed at Flamethrower. "Restrain the queen!"

Flamethrower stammered. "Wait, wha— "

"Don't even think about it!" Violet said to Flamethrower with a deathly glare.

Donoran persisted. "That is a direct order!"

"I have the final say, not you!" Violet rose from her seat and got in Donoran's face. "I don't care how young and inexperienced you think I am, I am your queen, mister!" she jammed a finger into his chest.

Flamethrower's eyes went from one to the other as they argued. He then realized his pay grade was way too low to even watch this unfold.

"When's the last time you were in combat, old man?!"

"Before you were born! Doesn't mean I'm helpless!"

Donoran and Violet looked at Flamethrower and talked over each other.

"Don't you—"

"—Listen to him—"

"I'm your boss!" they said the last part simultaneously.

Flamethrower was sweating now. "I—!"

"Now or never!" the pilot yelled from the cockpit. The ship was passing through the designated drop zone and lasers rippled by menacingly. "They've got those damned cloak trackers!"

Flamethrower put Violet and Donoran in the protective sphere and they all tumbled out of the ship that banked away as soon as they dropped. They flew in a straight trajectory right into the laser cruiser's hangar.

The protective sphere bounced a couple times like a basketball and rolled to a stop. The crewmen and marines milling about the hangar immediately retreated into the safety of the ship's corridors.

"Shit, they've gotten smarter!" Donoran grumbled.

Violet looked at the small data pad that projected the ship's layout. "Well, they've been gettin' their asses kicked all this time. No surprise they wisened up a bit. C'mon!"

Donoran drew his sword and moved in front of Violet as they made their way to the hangar door. "Stay behind me, Your Majesty," he said sternly.

The door opened and they were met with a tidal wave of lasers. Flamethrower was nicked in the cheek as he put up a defensive shield and returned fire with lightning.