Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2006 03:22:52 +0000 From: Jacob Latson Subject: Washington Academy16 Disclaimer: This story will describe the life of Robert David Mathews from his time as a teenager, through prep school, and into military service. If stories involving sex between consenting teenagers, including both straight sex and gay sex, offends you, go back to the Archives and pick a different story for your reading pleasure. There has been minimal research for this story therefore, names, places, dates are mostly fictitious and similarities to real life are coincidental. Some companies and organizations mentioned actually exist, but references to the activities, policies, programs and procedures are fictitious. I was not a SEAL and have limited knowledge of the force. I am writing this story from imagination and a little research, not from personal experience. My editor, Bill, is a dedicated friend. His improvements in my writing style are greatly appreciated. Feedback is appreciated to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com Author's Notes: I apologize for the delay in posting a new chapter to my story. Even Nifty authors get to take a vacation once in a while!!! I was very happy to read over 30 email messages from readers who are enjoying my story (and asking for a new chapter). We're going to jump ahead in time, so hang on to your ass (or other prime body parts) and learn how life has treated the cadets at the Academy. Washington Academy Chapter 16 Time Passes The Eagles of the George Washington Academy had taken 2nd Place in their league in basketball and finished 3rd in baseball. Graduation ceremonies were scheduled for the 3rd week of May 1993, along with the Grad Ball where the first and second-class cadets would be allowed to bring dates to the campus. Robbie had won varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball and baseball, along with being crowned as the Martial Arts Champion. He had volunteered to decorate for the Grad Ball, and was back in his dorm room with his buddies when they heard the announcement over the Public Address System. "All cadets from the Jefferson Dormitory are asked to report to the Amphitheatre immediately" the system announced. 242 cadets of all ranks streamed into the Amphitheatre and immediately took seats in the front rows of the meeting area. They all wondered why they were the only cadets asked to appear, but quickly stopped talking and stood at attention when Chancellor Brown walked out onto the stage. "Gentlemen, be seated!" Vincent Brown said after saluting the handsome cadets. "Before I introduce a special visitor, I want to put your fears to rest. You are NOT in trouble! Alger County Sheriff Richard Denehey is here to ask your help in a very important mission. None of you are obligated in any way to volunteer for this important task, but please give Sheriff Denehey a warm welcome and your undivided attention to his request." Richard Denehey was impressed by the reputation of the George Washington Academy, and hoped that the selected cadets would be receptive to helping him with a very serious situation. He was surprised when the cadets clapped and cheered when he was introduced, and decided to be very direct in describing his need for help. "Yesterday, we received an emergency call from the Fish Point campground about a missing child," Richard Denehey began. "A frantic parent pleaded for help in finding a lost child named Toby Wilson. The Wilson family was camping and their eight-year-old daughter, Julie had fallen off a swing and broke her right arm. During the confusion that happens when a child's injured, their son, Toby walked away from the campground and was missing. Toby's a special 10-year-old child, because he's autistic. For those of you that don't know about autism, I'll describe the general symptoms. Toby can speak, but most of the time he's silent and doesn't even acknowledge that someone is talking to him. He rarely interacts with other children and often just sits and looks at his surroundings or gets occupied with a simple toy and seems oblivious to everything else. Autism is a disorder that has been difficult to understand and even more difficult to treat. It's like Toby's in his own world, and he has wandered away from his home in the past. With all of the confusion because of the injury to Julie, Toby was able to wander away from the campgrounds and has been missing for almost 24 hours." Vincent Brown listened to the sheriff and watched the reaction of the cadets. When he was first contacted for help in finding Toby Wilson, he knew that nearly every cadet on the campus would volunteer. He had called an emergency meeting of his staff and followed the recommendations of Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon in asking only the cadets housed in the Jefferson Dormitory for help. "Right after the 9-1-1 call came in, it started to rain," Sheriff Denehey continued. "Tracking dogs were unable to pick up a scent trail, and the ground search by my deputies and local firefighters turned up nothing. Because of the time that has elapsed since Toby disappeared, we need to search several square miles of wooded areas along with a large lake and several small streams. I asked Vincent Brown for help, and he suggested that I talk to you today." Vincent Brown interrupted the sheriff to say, "None of you is obligated in any way to volunteer for this search. It's still raining, and the temperature's dropping. It will be a wet, cold and muddy search for this young boy, and the best I can offer is that you will be sleeping in tents with sleeping bags. I already alerted our Food Services Department, and they'll be providing beverages and sandwiches to all of the searchers, but don't expect any hot meals. I'd like a show of hands for any cadet who will volunteer for what will surely be a difficult mission." Richard Denehey was thrilled when 242 hands flew into the air. Every single cadet from the Jefferson Dormitory had volunteered to join the search for the lost boy, and he was excited about getting the search started. "I'm overwhelmed by your response!" Sheriff Denehey said to the cadets. "You'll be organized into groups of ten with a deputy, firefighter or staff member from this fine Academy in charge of your group. My deputies have already obtained maps of the search area and will coordinate all activities from the Fish Point Campground. Thank you very much for volunteering for this vital community service!" "Gentlemen, you have 15 minutes to return to your dorm and pack only the barest essentials," Vince Brown announced. "I suggest you wear your 'grubs' and pack a spare set along with a change of underwear. We'll try to provide laundry services, but that might be impossible for the number of cadets needed for this search. You're dismissed!" Robbie was excited about helping to find Toby Wilson and wanted to be in the same search group with Drew, Keith, Tracker and Trip. He joined the other cadets in running towards their dormitory, and saw the confused looks on the other cadets who hadn't been asked for their help. Buses were used to transport the cadets to the Fish Point Campground, and the cadets were relieved that the rain had stopped so they could erect their tents and arrange the other camping equipment. After getting their campground established, the cadets headed for the main tent where they were organized into groups of 10 with an adult designated as their leader. Robbie was excited about helping in the search for Toby Wilson, and was pleased that he got his wish to be in a group with Drew, Keith, Tracker, Trip and five other cadets with Guy Stephens in charge. When it was time for their group to get their assigned search area, they went inside a large tent to listen to the search instructions. "You're Team #14, and your search area is outlined in red on this map," Sheriff Denehey announced. "Toby likes to play 'Hide and Seek' and might think that this is a game. He probably won't respond if you call his name, and might already be exhausted and too weak to reveal his hiding place. Each Team Leader has a portable GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and a two-way radio to contact the Command Center with status reports. We have about three hours of daylight left, so let's get started!" Team #14 searched their assigned area, but didn't find any traces of Toby Wilson. The young boy had been wearing jeans, tennis shoes, and a yellow T-Shirt when he left the campground, and the cool evenings and rain caused everyone to be concerned that the boy might have died from exposure to the elements. On the second day of the search, the weather turned bad, and rain poured down on the entire area. Sheriff Denehey reluctantly called off the search to wait for the rain to subside, and feared that the rescue efforts would turn into a search for the body of the young boy. All of the cadets were soaked from the rain when they returned to the campground to change into dry clothes and have lunch. "We won't go back out until this rain lets up," Guy Stephens said to Team #14. "I need to be honest with you guys. The chances of Toby being alive are very slim. With the rain and the cold nights, his body's too frail to survive being exposed this long." "What if we're searching the wrong areas?" Robbie asked. "We were over two miles from the campground where he disappeared." "Sheriff Denehey and his deputies searched the areas around the campgrounds on the first day of the search," Guy Stephens replied. "They would have found him quickly if he was close." "What if he was playing 'Hide and Seek' with them?" Tracker asked. "I know they told us to stay inside our tents until the rain stops, but I'm getting weird sensations that Toby's close right now!" "HOLY SHIT!" Robbie blurted out. "Remember when Cataline was stalking us near the Snake Pit? You could sense the danger, and even knew when he was climbing that tree to shoot at us. Let's go outside so you can use your powers!" "We were ordered to stay inside until the rain stops!" Guy Stephens stated emphatically. "Tell us the truth!" Robbie said. "Haven't you disobeyed a direct order before?" "Don't be a smart ass!" Guy replied. "He's always been a smart ass, and won't change in the future!" Drew offered. "What's the harm in giving Tracker a chance to see if he can find Toby?" "It's pouring buckets out there," Guy said. "We won't be able to see 10 feet in front of us." "What's the harm in trying?" Trip asked. "Instead of sitting here in this fucking tent, we can search near the campgrounds and head back here if the rain lets up." "I'll be right back," Guy Stephens said to the group of cadets. "I say we go without Mr. Stephens," Robbie offered. "He never believed that Tracker knew that Cataline was a danger to us without actually seeing the jerk. I'll go by myself if you guys don't have the balls to join me!" "I heard what you just said!" Guy Stephens said when he returned to the tent. "I don't tolerate insubordination from anyone, especially from a smart ass who calls me an old man when my back is turned!" Robbie was pissed, but could see that there was no "SEAL Look" in the eyes of his coach and friend. He was confused until Mr. Stephens told everyone to sit down. "I told the Dispatcher that we're gonna take a little walk," Guy Stephens began. "He said that we must be insane to go out in this rain, but contrary to what Robbie said about me, I do believe that Tracker has some special powers. I brought something for Tracker to use to help locate Toby. This is the sweatshirt that Toby was wearing on the day that he disappeared. The bloodhounds used this to get the boy's scent, and we have to keep it dry in case they need it again." "I apologize, Sir," Robbie said to his coach. "I'm just frustrated from thinking about Toby out in this damn rain, and no one searching for him." "Will you stop calling me an old fart?" Guy Stephens teased. "I promise to be more discrete so you don't hear me!" Robbie promised. His honest response caused everyone to laugh, and that broke the tension in the tent. "I need to be outside near the woods to meditate," Tracker said. "Can we put the sweatshirt in a plastic bag so it stays dry? I'll reach inside the bag to touch Toby's clothes and try to connect. I've never done this before, but I have the feeling that he's not far away." Guy Stephens had heard about the meditation exercises that Tracker led during Hell Week the previous summer, and wondered if the Native American actually had special powers or was a fake. He decided to cooperate with the group of anxious cadets, primarily because he was frustrated at the thought of a 10-year old boy dying in the woods. He thought about his own son, Eric, and couldn't imagine the anxiety of the Wilson family with their son missing and possibly dead. The rain was pouring down, but Tracker led Team#14 to the edge of the woods that surrounded the campgrounds. Ignoring the torrential rain and saturated ground, Tracker sat down and asked his buddies to form a circle and hold hands. He was pleased when Guy Stephens pushed his way into the circle and sat down on the wet ground with the ten cadets. Everyone knew to be quiet and try to help Tracker focus. The rain was beating down on the small group, and everyone was soaked to the skin. "Everyone close your eyes and help me meditate," Tracker asked. "Picture Toby in your minds. Think about the picture of Toby that we all saw and visualize him wearing jeans, tennis shoes and a yellow T-Shirt." The rain continued to pour down on the circle of Team #14 volunteers for several minutes before Tracker pulled his hands away and said, "Don't move or say anything. Let me focus!" He reached into the center of the circle and put both of his hands inside the plastic bag to make contact with Toby's sweatshirt. He felt a warm glow radiating from his hands, up his arms, and through his body before breaking contact with the sweatshirt and grabbing the hands of the person next to him. The only sounds from the circle were the sounds of the rain pouring down to hit the leaves on the ground or the bodies of the group. "HE'S CLOSE!" Tracker yelled over the sounds of the pelting rain. "FOLLOW ME!" Guy Stephens jumped up and ran to the main tent to return the sweatshirt before running back to the group of cadets heading into the woods away from the campgrounds. Robbie was trying to keep up with Tracker, but slipped and fell in the combination of wet leaves and mud. He was surprised when Guy Stephens helped him up, but wondered how the coach could move so fast through the slippery woods. "Not bad for an old man, right?" Guy teased Robbie. "Get your ass moving or we'll lose Tracker!" Robbie wasn't the only one having trouble moving through the woods to follow Tracker. All of his cadet buddies were stumbling and falling trying to follow Tracker up a ridge and down the other side. The pounding rain kept them from being able to see tree roots or fallen branches that caused them to trip and fall, but Tracker and Guy Stephens moved through the woods with little effort and never fell. To Robbie it was like the two leaders were deer in their natural habitat, and he and the other cadets were bouncing off the trees and ground like tennis balls. "WE'RE CLOSE!" Tracker yelled over the sounds of the pounding rain. "SPREAD OUT AND SEARCH. HE'S UNDER A TREE!" The group was almost a half mile from the campgrounds when Tracker sounded the alert, and they moved about 10 feet apart and began searching the downward slope of the ridge. Some sort of tornado must have hit the area in the past, because downed trees covered the side of the ridge. Everywhere they looked, they found broken trees covering the ground, and searching was very difficult with the constant rain clouding their vision. Robbie was staying near Tracker and saw his friend slide down the side of a washout and disappear beneath a downed pine tree. He could see water pouring down the ridge into the washout and feared that Tracker was hurt. "HELP ME!" Tracker screamed. "HE'S HERE!" Robbie slid down the slope and ducked under the pine tree branches where he struggled to find Tracker. The gully was filled with water, and he could barely pull his feet out of the sucking mud to follow the sounds of Tracker's voice. "TOBY, MY NAME'S TRACKER!" Robbie heard his buddy yell. When he struggled through the branches, he found Tracker holding the boy's head up and out of the water, and he quickly realized that the boy would drown if they didn't get him out quickly. He tried to help Tracker lift a pine tree that had Toby pinned to the ground, but they couldn't get a grip on the tree trunk without slipping in the mud. "I'll hold his head up! You get help!" Tracker pleaded with Robbie. "His eyes were open, so I know that he's alive!" Robbie could see that the area where Tracker was holding Toby was so small that only one other person could get in position to try and lift the pine tree trunk. He struggled out of the gully and screamed for help. Guy Stephens and the other cadets tried to find Robbie and Tracker, but couldn't see where they were until Robbie struggled out of the gully. "TRACKER FOUND HIM!" Robbie screamed to his coach. "HE'S ALIVE, BUT HE'S PINNED UNDER A BIG TREE!" Guy Stephens saw that a torrent of water was flowing into the gully, and knew the gully was filling up fast and would soon be flooded. He took charge when Robbie said that only one other person could fit in the tight area and try to lift the tree. "ALL OF YOU! START PULLING THOSE BRANCHES AND TREES OFF THE PILE!" Guy Stephens ordered before jumping into the flooding gully. Tracker was still under the pile of trees and trying to hold Toby's head above the rising water when he saw the coach push his way through the branches. He knew he wasn't strong enough to lift the tree to free Toby, and continued praying for help while the water continued to rise. "I'M GOING TO TRY TO LIFT THE TREE!" Guy Stephens yelled to Tracker. "IF I CAN LIFT IT, YOU TRY AND PULL HIM FREE! GET HIM OUT OF HERE FAST! DON'T WAIT FOR ME!" Guy Stephens had to duck under the surface of the water to get in a position to try and lift the large tree. For him, it was a flashback to his SEAL days, and he calmly moved around to gain the best footing and grip on the tree. Trackers was alarmed when he saw his coach disappear under the muddy water, and feared that Mr. Stephens would become tangled in the branches and drown. After what seemed like an eternity, he felt the tree move, and used all of his strength to pull Toby free from the tangled mass of branches. He was floating Toby through the muddy water, just like he'd learned in the life saving classes at the Academy, and feared that Mr. Stephens would be tangled in the branches and unable to get to safety. Drew and Keith had jumped down into the gully and were frantically waiting for any sign of Tracker, Toby and Mr. Stephens. Just as they saw Tracker struggling through the muddy water with the small boy, they heard a crash and saw branches falling into the gully. They quickly helped Tracker out of the gully and handed Toby to Robbie and Trip. "WHERE'S STEPHENS?" Drew yelled over the pounding rain. His fears that his favorite coach had become trapped or had drowned were quickly extinguished when he heard a familiar voice. "IT'S MR. STEPHENS TO YOU!" Coach Stephens yelled. LET'S GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" Everyone had trouble getting out of the slippery gully, and they all shook with fear when another tree came crashing down on top of the large pile of tangled branches. Before they were able to get organized to leave the area, the gully was filled with water. "Trip, you're the fastest runner!" Guy said. "I lost the radio under that water, so run back to the campground and get the paramedics ready with an ambulance! We'll have to go slower to keep from hurting Toby!" Robbie and Drew took off their sweatshirts and offered them to Mr. Stephens to wrap around Toby. The sweatshirts were covered in mud and were soaked, but they would still provide some protection from the cold rain that was still pounding down on everyone. Sheriff Denehey was in the main tent and talking to his office for an update on the weather forecast. His heart sank when he heard that the rain would continue all night, and the temperature would drop into the high 30's. He could see the looks of despair on the faces of the Wilson family and the rest of the volunteers, and didn't know what to say to them, when he heard some screaming. "WE FOUND HIM!" Trip screamed when he skidded inside the large tent. "HE'S ALIVE!" Everyone ran to the center of the tent where Trip was struggling for his breath, and it was pure bedlam when everyone heard the good news repeated by the small cadet. "GET THE PARAMEDICS READY!" Trip screamed when he was finally able to talk again. "THEY'RE RIGHT BEHIND ME WITH TOBY, AND HE'S ALIVE!" Guy Stephens was carrying Toby down the hill and into the campground when he saw the crowd of volunteers waiting for him. He saw Tom and Judy Wilson running towards him, and he called out to Tracker. "You found him, and I want you to be the one to take him to his parents," Guy Stephens said while handing the small boy to Tracker. "Thanks," Tracker said to his coach. He quickly took Toby and ran towards the rush of concerned people streaming out of the tents. Words can't describe the emotions that flooded through the campgrounds when Tom and Judy Wilson saw their son again. They had tried to remain positive, but after hearing the weather forecast, they feared that their son was already dead. Toby was quickly placed in the ambulance, and the paramedics took over his care and treatment. Only after the ambulance left the campgrounds, reality hit Guy Stephens and the cadets in his rescue team. Tracker broke down sobbing and was being comforted by Guy Stephens when Sheriff Denehey approached them. The Sheriff hugged both men and joined them in shedding tears of relief and exhaustion over the stressful ordeal. All the other cadets from Team #14 were exhausted and didn't care who saw all of them crying from the tension and fear. "I don't know what to say to you and your team of cadets," Richard Denehey said to Guy Stephens. "I thought you were insane for even thinking about going out in this damn rain, but we never would have found Toby alive without your bravery. Let's get you guys out of those wet clothes and near the heaters to warm up." "You guys are a fucking mess!" Derrick Harmon teased his boss and the cadets from his rescue team. "Head for the campground showers, and we'll round up some dry clothes for you. The showers will get rid of all of that mud and get your body temperatures back up. I called Vince with the good news, and he's planning a special celebration for everyone tomorrow." "You're a hero, and I'm proud of what you did for Toby and his family!" Guy Stephens said when Tracker finally calmed down. "I probably won't ever understand what I witnessed, but I'll never doubt you again! This could have been a disaster, but you performed a miracle!" Before morning the rain stopped and the cadets worked hard to take down their tents and pack the buses for their return to the Campus. When they arrived at the front gates, they saw the road lined with cadets in their dress white uniforms. The cadets were cheering and holding banners that showed their appreciation for the successful rescue of the little boy. Tracker was overwhelmed when he read the makeshift signs and banners that identified him as a hero. He moved to the back of the bus and tried to hide, but Guy Stephens found him and told him to read the signs and banners and accept the praise of his cadet buddies. "This is your day in the spotlight!" Guy said to Tracker. "You've earned a place in history, and I want you to be recognized by the entire world for what you did!" When the buses stopped in front of the Jefferson Dormitory, the occupants saw the entire staff of the George Washington Academy waiting for them. Everyone was wearing their dress uniforms, and a multitude of radio and television reporters were anxiously waiting for a chance to interview Tracker Whitestone. Guy Stephens made sure that Tracker was the first cadet to exit the bus, and was pleased to see that microphones had been placed on the front steps of the dormitory. The crowd cheered wildly when Tracker stepped off the bus, and the reporters pushed and shoved to get their microphones in his face. Tracker waved to the screaming crowd, but wasn't prepared for the crush of reporters. He was relieved when Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon guided him through the crowd to approach the collection of microphones. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention?" Vincent Brown announced through the large speakers on the steps. "We know that you all want to interview Tracker Whitestone about the heroic rescue of Toby Wilson, but please understand that you need to respect his personal wishes to make this press conference very brief. Mr. Michael Edwards, Personnel Director here at the George Washington Academy has a few words before we allow any questions." Mike Edwards briefly described how Sheriff Denehey had come to the Academy to ask for help in finding Toby Wilson. He expertly summarized the rescue plans and how the search was organized, before describing how Tracker found the missing boy. "For those of you that don't know it, Tracker Whitestone is a Native American," Mike Edwards said. "He's pure Cherokee and fully embraces the beliefs of the George Washington Academy of Honor, Dignity and Service. Please show Tracker your respect in your questions, and I'm sure that he'll do his best to answer them. It's my privilege to introduce to you, Cadet Fourth Class Tracker Whitestone!" The huge crowd of cadets, staff members and reporters cheered and applauded when Tracker walked in front of the microphones and television cameras. Mike Edwards controlled the excited crowd in identifying who would be allowed to ask the first question. "We heard that you used your Indian background to find Toby Wilson," Martha Jenkins from WTCM television began. "What powers do you have, and how did you use them?" "First of all, I'd appreciate it if you referred to my heritage as Native American, and not Indian," Tracker said. "My great-grandfather was a Medicine Man in the Oklahoma branch of the Cherokee Nation, and I was told that he could connect spiritually with Nature. I don't know if that's where my insight came from, but I've only been able to connect twice in my entire life. Once was last summer when a terrorist threatened the lives of my friends and me, and I was able to recognize the danger. The second time was when I had the feelings that Toby Wilson was close to the campgrounds in an area that had already been searched. Finding Toby trapped under a tree in a gully that was filling with water was only the start of the rescue. Without the leadership, determination and sheer physical strength of Mr. Guy Stephens, Athletic Director here at the Academy, Toby would be dead right now. I don't know of another man on earth who could have gone underwater and lifted that huge tree to free Toby from those tangled branches, but I want all of you to recognize Mr. Stephens for his bravery and leadership in the rescue." The crowd erupted with cheers when Michael Edwards pulled Guy Stephens in front of the microphones. The two heroes stood together and answered questions for over 20 minutes before Vincent Brown interrupted and ended the press conference. At first the crowd was upset when the Chancellor stated that no more questions would be allowed, but the crowd cheered when Vince announced that pizza, Greek salad, breadsticks and soft drinks were now being served in Grant Hall. The reporters laughed when they taped their closing statements for their broadcasts over the shouts of hungry teenagers running for a special celebration. They packed up their equipment and happily accepted the offer to join in the celebration and food in Grant Hall. For the remainder of the week leading up to the Grad Ball and Graduation Ceremonies, Tracker was constantly flooded with fame and the accolades of everyone on the George Washington Academy Campus. Robbie was manning the refreshment table when Drew walked up with a beautiful blonde haired girl. He knew that Drew had been dating a girl named Allison Smith, but he'd never met her. "Ally, this is my Little Brother, Robbie Mathews," Drew said while introducing his date to Robbie. Robbie was impressed by the beauty of the young girl, and politely offered her a choice of bottled water or fruit juice. He made sure that Allison saw that the seal hadn't been broken on the bottle of apple juice before opening the plastic bottle, pouring the contents into a plastic cup, and handing the cup to Drew. It was the standard way for a cadet to dispel any concerns that the beverages had been "spiked" with alcohol or any form of drugs. "Drew's been talking about you, and I'm happy to finally meet you," Robbie said to Allison. "You're a beautiful girl and you two make a handsome couple!" Robbie was happy to be working during the fancy dance, but wished that he had a date of his own. He'd met several girls from Traverse City, and enjoyed the passionate times in the back of his Blazer when his date was receptive to sexual activity. He was still enjoying trips to the Storage Room with his cadet buddies, but had noticed that Drew joined him less often. On Graduation Day, the cadets celebrated the changes in their status. It was a bittersweet day for many cadets when they realized that the First Class cadets would be leaving for new challenges in their lives. They would miss the graduating cadets, but celebrated their own promotions to the next higher ranking. Robbie, Trip and Tracker were sewing the new stripes on their uniforms to show that they were Cadets Third Class when Drew walked into their dorm room. "The new room lists just got posted," Drew said. He had to back away to keep from being trampled when all of the guys ran out of their room. He laughed and followed the former plebes to the bulletin board to read the new room assignments. Robbie, Trip and Tracker were thrilled to learn that they had been assigned to a four-man room with Pat Leahy. "You guys must have blown the entire staff to get a four man room!" Drew teased. He knew that the Third Class Cadets were normally housed in eight man rooms, but also knew that there were only 230 cadets in the new Second Class, and that made some four man rooms available. "Holy Crap!" Robbie exclaimed when he looked at the room assignments. "You and Keith got the room that David Benson and Tyler Mason used to have! That's the same room that you and I shared after I got shot!" "I was wondering if you would recognize that," Drew replied. He leaned over and whispered in Robbie's ear, "You got 'shot' in that room too!" "The biggest surprise is on the other bulletin board," Keith said to the three cadets. "WE'RE GONNA GET LITTLE BROTHERS!" Trip screamed when he read the meeting announcement. "We have to attend a meeting tomorrow after we move our junk! This is awesome!" "GOD HELP THIS ACADEMY!" Drew teased. "The three biggest pranksters in the history of the Academy will be polluting the minds of three innocent plebes! Chancellor Brown must be smoking crack!" "I heard that!" Vincent Brown yelled. "Maybe I should revise the room list and put you in the basement!" "I'm sorry, Sir!" Drew said after standing at attention and saluting the top administrator of the Academy. He couldn't take back the nasty comment so he just hoped he wouldn't be put on detention. "I was a sweet innocent boy when I started the Academy, but Drew poisoned my mind!" Robbie teased. "I never made any wise guy comments to anyone until I met him!" Drew glared at Robbie and wondered if the Chancellor was going to punish him in front of the group of cadets who were listening to every word that was being spoken. "Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" Chancellor Brown shot back at Robbie. "You've been in more trouble than any plebe in the history of the Academy, and if anything, you poisoned your Big Brother!" All of the cadets laughed at how the Chancellor had put Robbie in his place, and were relieved when Vincent Brown turned and walked out of the Jefferson Dormitory without punishing anyone. "You fucking jerk!" Drew said to Robbie after Mr. Brown left. "You could have landed both of us in detention!" "I thought if I made a smart ass comment, he might forget about you saying he was smoking crack!" Robbie replied. "You have to admit that it worked," Keith said to Drew. "The squirt always cracks jokes, and this time it saved your ass!" The next day, Chancellor Brown walked into the Amphitheatre to meet with a group of cadets. He loved the Academy, and was always thrilled to talk to the handsome cadets in formal or informal situations. "Gentlemen, be seated!" Vincent Brown announced. "There have been some changes in our Operating Principles that affect each of you. The Board of Directors has authorized us to increase the size of the incoming Plebe Class from the normal number of 250 young men to 325. There have also been some major changes to the activities during Summer Training and Hell Week that we feel will reduce the 'ringers' and result in approximately 300 new cadets. We are NOT lowering the standards of this fine Academy! Our selection process is the most stringent of any High School in the nation, and we will NEVER compromise our integrity." Robbie thought back to the vigorous physical demands of Summer Training, and how he was ready to "Ring Out" several times during Hell Week. Only the leadership of Tracker Whitestone had given him and his buddies the strength to persevere. He welcomed the changes and hoped that he and his buddies would have some input to the Hell Week activities. "There are only 230 Second Class Cadets on our campus, and that leaves us short 95 cadets to mentor the new plebes," Vincent Brown stated. "95 cadets have been selected from the Third Class based on academics and Administration Evaluations to give every new plebe a mentor during the Summer Training. Mr. Michael Edwards, our Personnel Director, will now distribute and discuss the guidelines for your new roles as Big Brothers." A new chapter in Robbie's life was beginning. Comments are appreciated to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com