Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 10:07:23 -0600 From: TagsNOLA@lycos.com Subject: The Charges 18 Disclaimer This story is a work of fiction. None of the characters portrayed herein represent any real person, living or dead. It includes characters invented by Chip Masterson including the muscle super kid, "Danny Henderson" who appears in a number of stories created by Chip. These characters are used in this story with his express permission, (Thanks, Chip!) although this story differs substantially in tone and theme from stories written heretofore by Chip. There are inconsistencies between Chip's story line and mine. The characters in my scenario dwell, therefore, in some sort of `parallel universe.' Also included in this story is a character inspired by "Billy," the lead character in John D's "Billy Muscles up." One incident is borrowed directly from the "Billy Muscles Up" series and some of the things Billy does in this story echo "Billy Muscles Up." However, although this "Billy" begins with more or less the same personality and physical strength as the original, events take "my `Billy'" in a somewhat different direction. My use of the "Billy" character is with John D's express permission. Thanks, John D! If you are looking for erotic stimulation, please look elsewhere because you won't find that here. Aside from some coarse language and violence, this story could almost be rated "G." But if Chip's "Danny" series is one you have enjoyed, you may find this story entertaining as well. My interest in Chip's "Danny" series has been mainly, "what are people thinking and feeling?" (Something Chip has preferred to leave to the reader's imagination.) This story delves into that question in just a little bit more detail. Of particular interest to me as well, is how some of these characters respond to situations and circumstance that could happen to anyone as well as how they react to extraordinary situations. I've introduced my own characters in this story, among them, "Andy Jackson Partlowe," and, to some extent, this is HIS story... how he came to meet Billy, Danny and his friends and how he reacts to their phenomenal strength and abilities. My thanks to the web master for his work in maintaining this site and for posting this story. I would like to express my special thanks to Chip Masterson and John D. for graciously sharing their characters with me and especially for their work and creativity in creating their stories. This story is dedicated in their honor. Thanks a lot for sharing, Chip and John D... Tags ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- It was sunup. Billy woke up first. He elbowed Andy gently in his ribs. "C'mon dude. Rise'n shine. Mom's got breakfast goin'." "Oh yeah, Billy! Race yah to the bathroom!" They were dressed and ready and in less than a minute, they went into the kitchen together. Billy had his arm over Andy's shoulder and Andy had his wrapped around Billy's middle. Mrs. Hartlander turned from the stove and greeted them. "Oh, good morning boys. I'll have this ready in just another couple of minutes. Why don't you pour yourselves some juice and sit down?" Andy smiled and said, "Mornin' 'mom' and squeezed Billy just a little tighter around his waist. Billy responded, squeezing back. After retrieving Andy's truck from the parking lot of his burned out apartment, they drove out to Salas' base, soon to be officially designated "MCALF (Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field) El Toro Alfa Three." Salas' car was kind of a tight fit for the supermen, so he had arranged for a Marine Van to be delivered from MCAS El Toro "mainside." They would be allowed to keep the van at Salas' base along with a couple of jeeps, a pickup, a flatbed truck and two aircraft tugs. Salas and Cole rode in the front seat. Danny and Scotty rode in the second and Billy and Andy rode in back. As they drove to El Toro, Salas said, "OK, guys, the only easy day was yesterday. You're really gonna have your hands full this morning. We're gonna launch and go directly to training box Lima One. You youngsters will fly the super harrier. Cole and I will fly formation on your lead in standard fleet harriers. As soon as we arrive inside Lima One, it'll be two v. one. Cole and I will 'hassle' with you guys. Andy, you're gonna get your wish today little man. Cuz your aircrew coordination is gonna be taxed to the limit. You'll be dodging two 'aggressors,' not just one. Just like last time, Andy, you're 'safety officer.' Everybody understands that when it comes to safety of flight, Andy's word is law. Billy, you'll fly left front and Scotty, you'll have right front. Danny, you'll fly in the left rear seat and Andy, you'll fly right rear. I don't want you guys flying in the same seating arrangement two sorties in succession. You gotta keep mixin' it up from now on. Scotty, I want you to maintain our air to air 'mind link' this morning. You need the practice. Andy, you'll standby to back Scotty up if he needs help. Second alternate is TAC CHAN, button six. All safety of flight issues to be communicated via VOICE over TAC CHAN. Except for that, the sortie will be flown 'zip lip' as long we're inside Lima One. Any questions?" "Sir, no sir," all the young supermen bellowed in unison. And then Danny cracked up. The boys had their hands full with Salas and Cole. Whenever they managed to get into Cole's "six," (the six o'clock position, directly behind) they found Salas in theirs or the other way around. Either Salas or Cole always seemed to find a way to get on their tail. Finally, Scotty managed to yank back on the sick, nosing up the aircraft, gaining altitude and bleeding airspeed. as Salas' harrier flashed past underneath. Scotty dropped the nose and fire walled the throttle. Now he was behind both aggressors with a 'double kill target solution!" "Fox One! Fox Two!" (missiles away) Scotty 'screamed' over his 'mind link.' Salas replied over the link, "OK, boy, you got us. Good flyin'!" The rest of the young super airmen had their turn and each of them managed, with some difficulty to get their 'double kill' target solutions.' Salas keyed his mike, transmitting on button six, "OK, knock it off! Let's head out to our base. You're all turnin' out to be great aviators and shit hot 'dog fighters! Time for the next training evolution." They set down at Salas' base and deplaned. Salas lined up his young charges. "OK, guys, Danny will demonstrate. Cole, go ahead and climb back aboard your jet. Danny run into the hanger and bring out the cable." Danny returned with a two hundred foot length of high test wire cable and attached one end to an eyebolt affixed to the belly under the tail of Cole's harrier. Then he ran out the cable to its full length, wrapped the end of it around his right forearm, gripping it tightly in his right fist. "Salas yelled, OK, Cole, light off the jet!" The Rolls Royce Pegasus turbofan engine in Cole's harrier whined to life. Cole brought RPM to idle. Danny stood behind the aircraft, the two hundred feet of heavy cable strung between himself and the tail of the harrier. Cole advanced the throttle to taxi RPM and the jet lurched forward a couple of feet as Danny dug his heels into the tarmac. The jet stopped dead. Cole advanced the throttle to takeoff RPM and his jet lurched forward again. Danny dug his heels deeper into the tarmac and again the jet came to a stop. Finally, Cole advanced his throttle to full military power but the jet was unable to move. The screaming jet engine could not overpower Danny's irresistible strength. Then Danny started to reel the jet in, pulling on the cable hand over hand as the howling, protesting jet inched backward. The aircraft vibrated, violently rocking from side to side on its undercarriage as Danny continue to pull against thousands of pounds of raw brute jet engine thrust. Danny released the cable and the harrier shot forward until the cable snapped taught, bringing the aircraft to a dead stop. Again Danny pulled on the cable, overpowering the squalling jet until he was standing directly at the rear aperture of turbofan engine, momentary bathed in the fiery jet exhaust. He was unharmed, but his fire resistant nomex flight suit began to smolder. Again, Danny released his hold on the cable and the jet shot forward until, once again, the two hundred foot cable paid out to full length. Danny held the jet stationary with the length of cable wrapped around his right forearm and held firmly in his powerful fist. Then he turned his back to the jet, draped the cable over his right shoulder and dragged it along behind him. The jet engine was still developing maximum thrust, Cole's throttle set to full military power. Danny stopped alongside a padeye tie down loop embedded in the tarmac. He knelt down and grasped the steel tie down with his left fist. Salas signaled to Cole, seated in the cockpit of his harrier. Cole engaged vectored thrust and his jump jet lifted into the air. Danny was pulled horizontal, into what resembled a sideways gymnast's "iron cross." His body stretched between the padeye and the cable, one end of the cable wrapped around his right forearm and the other attached to the eyebolt, mounted under the tail of the harrier. In vain, the jet engine strained to break free of Danny's powerful grasp. He muscled himself down with his left arm, maneuvered his left foot under the tie down loop, stood and began to haul the aircraft down like a kite. When the wheels touched the tarmac, Cole throttled back and shut down the engine. Salas turned to Scotty who, even though he had seen this before, was awestruck by Danny's demonstration of muscle power. Salas smiled at Scotty. "OK you 'super brute.' Now it's your turn..." Scotty stammered... "Oh FUCK, Salas. No way! You gotta be SHIT'N me!" "No, Scotty, I'm not. Your days of sittin' on the sidelines are over. Now you step up and take that cable from Danny and do just like he did. You show that harrier who's the fuckin' boss. C'mon. If this little thirteen year old whippersnapper can do it, this'll be a piece of cake for your big strong ass." Cocking his head, Danny beckoned to Scotty... "C'mon! Make me proud of you, big bro!" Scotty stepped up and took the cable from Danny and wrapped it around his now obscenely massive right forearm. Cole lit off the jet and rammed the throttle to full military power. The cable paid out to full length, pulling Scotty off his feet and dragging him over the tarmac. His flight suit shredded and peeled off his muscular frame. He was left with nothing but his briefs and flight boots. Scotty rolled and reoriented his body. Now he was being dragged down the aircraft parking ramp on his rock hard butt with his feet out in front of him, knees bent. He planted his heels into the asphalt and began to plow two parallel furrows into it as he dug in even deeper. The harrier slowed and finally stopped as Scotty's super powerful legs overpowered the jet. He rose to his feet and pulled back on the cable, working hand over hand until he stood in the super hot jet exhaust. He stood like that for a full minute, defying the searing heat. Then he turned around, still bathed in the fiery jet blast, and dragged the screaming jet behind him all the way back to the padeye. He bent over at the waist and gripped the tie down loop with his left fist. Salas signaled to Cole who engaged vectored thrust. The aircraft popped up, pulling Scotty into a horizontal "iron cross." Scotty let the cable pay out through his right fist. Then, as Danny had done before him, with his left hand, Scotty muscled himself down to the deck, maneuvered his left foot under the tie down loop, rose to a standing position and pulled the shrieking harrier down to the tarmac. Again, Cole shut down the engine. Scotty stood there in his shredded briefs and flight boots his bare bubble ass hanging out in the breeze. He looked like a sculpted young god, his chiseled muscles gleaming with sweat. Scotty had conquered the jet. Salas tried to play it cool, but it was no go. He ran up to the boy, Danny hot on his heels. He wrapped Scotty in a powerful embrace. Scotty, that was fantastic! Absolutely fantastic! Godddamn, boy, I can't believe how strong you've gotten!" Scotty was overcome with emotion. He sagged to the tarmac. "Oh God... Oh God... I can't believe this! I can't fuckin' believe I did that!" Danny knelt alongside his friend. "Well, Scotty boy, you better believe it... Cuz you just... ...DID!" Scott looked up at Danny and reached out for him, as Billy had to Andy the week before after his muscle feat with Salas' police cruiser, and wept. Danny held onto Scotty and both young 'supermen' lost themselves in their tears of joy. Finally, Danny murmured to Scotty, "Well dude, you did a lot better than I did my first time! At least you didn't break the jet!" Andy and Billy had come alongside. "Wow, Scotty," Billy said, "Oh, fuckin' WOW!" Typical of him, Andy was a bit more reserved, although no less sincere, in his congratulations. "Well, Scotty, I think I might have some idea what this means to you! "Bravo Zulu!" (Navy parlance for "Well done!") Salas tapped Billy on the shoulder. "OK, son. You're up next. Just do like Danny and Scotty did. You're gonna overpower that muther and show it who's boss!" And Billy did. And then Andy. They both wrestled the tactical jet into abject submission to their sublimely beautiful, turbocharged young muscle. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as these young men took stock of who they were and what they'd become... what were still becoming. In character, it was Andy who introduced a note of sobriety into the emotional mix. He said simply to all of them, "To whom much is given, from whom much is expected." They all looked up at him as he turned to Salas. "OK, Salas. Now we have at least some idea how strong we've become. It's all well and good we'll be working for the Admiral, at least a good bit of the time. But do we just let it end there? Is that all we do with this? There's gotta be more. There must be more meaning to all this than just serving as Admiral Tucker's 'muscle.' I don't wanna back out of our deal with him you guys. But with these awesome gifts we've been blessed with... We'll there's GOTTA be some more reason behind it than just that. This can't be just some blind, dumb accident. That just doesn't make any sense, does it?" Billy answered, "Well, I guess we gotta make our own sense out of it. Don't we Andy?" "Well, Billy, I guess maybe we do. I don't know where we go from here. But I can't see us just going on, 'business as usual.' These 'gifts' aren't just ours to enjoy. They're not even Admiral Tucker's or even Uncle Sam's to just take advantage of from time to time. I think we owe it to each other to make this really count for something. I have no idea where to start, but think of all we could do with this." "Just for example, I'll bet if we put our minds to it, we could, the six of us, irrigate and cultivate the frickin' Mojave desert and feed every man woman and child on the planet workin' with nuthin' but our bare hands. Think of how we could help with all the natural disasters around the world. How many lives could we save with what we can do? My God, guys, I can't begin to think of what all we could do. But I sure do think we outta start givin' it some serious thought!" Salas said, "Well, guys, we're still gonna owe the lion's share of our time to training and gettin' ready for tasking from Admiral Tucker. But none of us needs much in the way of sleep. We could function almost around the clock if we had to. I say we knock off work for the evening. You guys get on home and have supper with your folks and then lets meet at my place around eight and maybe kick some ideas around. Might turn out we all go off in different directions with some of the other stuff we do. Cole and I have pretty much dedicated our lives to law enforcement. What we've got sure comes in handy in that arena. Each of you has to follow his own heart and his own conscience and find his special calling or avocation. But we still hafta remain accountable to each other for everything we do with this." Everybody agreed with that. "OK, guys, we gotta get these jets back to El Toro mainside. Then I'll drive us all back here in the van and we'll break up till around eight. We'll meet at my place and talk some more." Salas grinned, "Meanwhile, Scotty, you'd better go on inside the hanger and find yourself another flight suit. There's a locker room inside on the right side of the hanger. I mean, you look all studly with your bare ass muscle showin' for all the world to see, but I doubt that'd go over real well on the flight line at El Toro mainside." Everybody had a good laugh as Scotty turned bright red from head to toe. Danny giggled. "Well, Scotty, no need to dress up on my account. You look just fine to me 'au natural.'" Scotty smirked, "Yah, Danny dude, I'll bet I do seein' as how you got that big tent stickin' out from the front of your 'zoom bag.' (flight suit)." Danny stuck out his tongue. "In your dreams, Scotty boy. In yer fuckin' dreams." But, truth be known, Scotty was close to bang on. Danny did have just a little bit of a worship woodey goin' on for his new found 'super hero.' They met at Salas' at eight. Danny was last to arrive, as usual. Salas called the little 'meeting' to order. "OK, guys, anybody hadda chance to think on this some?" Scotty said, "Well, don't look for me to pull on blue spandex tights and a red cape. That's out." Salas smiled, "Well, in your case, that nomex flight suit didn't hold up too well either." Billy spoke up. "For one thing, with the jets, we could fly nearly anywhere in the world as long as we could get Air Force midair refueling support. Next big earthquake, I'd say we could sure make a big difference with the rescue effort... and typhoons, forest fires and other natural disasters... I'm not sayin' we could do everything on our own, but if we lent a hand to the pro's who deal with stuff like that, it'd hafta make a difference..." Andy said, "Well, Salas, you and Cole are cops. Mebbe sometimes we could help you guys. We're not commissioned police officers, but if we worked with you, mebbe that could make a difference. Not that I'd wanna take the law into my own hands. But if we were with you..." "Let me think on that, son. I'd wanna make sure any of you who wanted in on that got some training. Law enforcement has its own special requirements. I'm willing to consider the offer. I think you guys could do a lotta good if its done right and if you're ready to do exactly as you're told. There can be a fine line between rendering aid to the police and taking the law into your own hands. We'd wanna steer well clear of any problems." Andy replied, "Just say the word, Salas. I'd be all for any training in that area that could make us ready." Then Andy added, "Well, my dad was a fireman. He lost his life saving some kids from a big apartment blaze here in town. I'd sure be up for something like that..." Salas smiled. "Yah, Andy, I understand you and Billy lost your apartment last night. I'm real sorry that happened. I got the scoop from the substation fire chief. We've known each other for years. You and Billy are heroes down at the fire station because of what you did to rescue that lady and her three kids. You guys bugged out before the fire chief could get your names, but your downstairs neighbor gave him the lowdown. They're gonna pin medals on your chests... Both of you. I've convinced my friend to keep the real 'story' on you guys quiet. But you're gonna hafta own up to having something to do with putting out that fire and saving that lady and her kids. The fire chief hadda little talk with your neighbor downstairs, Andy and she's cool. She'll keep her mouth shut. By the way, she took the day off and went into your apartment and salvaged a lot of your stuff. She found a big notebook in the drawer of your desk... Said it looked like a diary or something. She swore she never looked past page one, but she seemed to think you might wanna go back and get that. She's keeping to for you." Andy said, "Oh wow! My JOURNAL! I completely forgot! Oh thank GOD! I've been keepin' that thing up since before I met Billy back when I was in grammar school I started it right after my dad died!" Scotty said, "What if all of us did all of that stuff? Who says we gotta specialize? I'm for just goin' where we're needed and doin' what hasta be done. If we work together, there's no tellin what we could make happen..." Danny agreed. "I'm with Scotty... We all just do everything we can to help each other in this... I think that beats us all splitting up and doin' things on our own..." "...And I got another idea... Andy, you OK if I tell the guys about what we were doin' last Sunday?" "Sure Danny... I got no problem with that... But all that's kinda overcome by events with what's happened since... Now I'm kinda curious where you're goin' with this..." Danny smiled. "Scotty, Andy and I were kinda preparin' a lil' surprise for your birthday. Nuthin' like what's happened sorta 'spontaneously,' since... I guess because of Andy's 'mind thing,' but still. We were working on an injection treatment, diet and training regimen that would have substantially increased yours and Andy's strength, way over 'normal.' Nothing like where you two wound up, but a lot stronger than you were only a couple of days ago... Scotty looked at Danny. "Aw, baby bro..." He reached over to Danny, hugged him tight and kissed his forehead." Danny beamed. " ...Well, anyway, I almost hate to abandon all that work. Andy and I put our hearts into it. And if things had worked out differently, Scotty, we'd be almost ready for your little 'surprise.' Andy was gonna take the treatment and, I'm sure, by your birthday, he coulda lifted Salas' car off the deck and pumped off a good ten to a dozen reps with it. I was just WAITIN' for the day, Scotty, cuz I really wanted to see your face when Andy did that. And that was gonna be our present to you, Scotty. Because you'd have seen with your own eyes what was in store for you. Well, 'me of little faith,' I guess since things wound up like I'd always dreamed... Better even! But that work Andy and I did last Sunday afternoon could still count for something. If Andy and I finished our development, which is a no brainer for either of us now, what could that mean? Do you think Staff Sergeant Hernandez and his guys would go for something like that? They wouldn't be as strong as any of us, but they'd sure be way beyond anything they ever dreamed possible. We could give that stuff to people who could handle it... good people who'd do something with it that really mattered. This 'thing' doesn't hafta be just us, Salas. We could bring a lot more people into it. And now I'm thinkin' I really wanna work with Andy and try finding out how his 'mind thing' made these 'miracles' happen for us." Andy interrupted. "Danny, we're still not sure that's what is was..." "Not positive, maybe. But I've come up with an answer to at least one of your questions from the other day. You remember said your hands and wrists healed really fast. Not as fast as when you got shot the other night, but way faster than they should have. Well, Billy said it the other day. When you two guys were back in middle school and high school, you had the 'mind meld' thing goin' on, even way back then..." Billy laughed. "That wasn't all that long ago, Danny. Quit talkin' like Andy and I are a couple of old men!" Danny grinned. "Well, when you were twelve, Billy, I was seven. I've lived nearly half my life since way back then. So it's sure a long ass time ago as far as I'm concerned..." "... Anyway, so Billy, you said last week that you always felt stronger when Andy was in your head. But you ALSO said Andy was a lot stronger when you were inside HIS head. AND you BOTH said you could feel Andy's body was stronger even back then that it should've been. Andy, I don't think you've been really totally 'normal' for years. I think you've been way over your head, at least with your potential, since you and Billy first started with your 'mind link.' But, Andy, maybe you never really got all the way to the level you could've reached. We already KNOW Billy hadn't until he met up with us. And isn't it true, both of you, that you've done more 'mind melding' since we first got together last week than you ever did before?" Andy and Billy nodded. "Well, there yah go. The 'process' was just accelerated. And I'm thinking that if you do it often enough, you could pull nearly ANYBODY up to the highest level of whoever is in your 'link,' at least with the strength thing. I guess somehow, transfer of the 'mind thing' works differently since only Scotty's gotten that from Andy. But, who knows, maybe Salas, Cole and Billy and I will eventually get some of that, too... At any rate, I wanna work with Andy and the rest of you guys to isolate the factor or factors in Andy's 'mind link' responsible for transfer of our strength to you and Scotty. If we do that and find a way to 'synthesize' it. Well... we'd change the whole course of human history. What would it be like if everyone alive were super strong super geniuses?" Cole said, "Woah, boy! You're WAY out in the ozone, now!" Danny's eyes, sparkled. "Well, Cole, that's what they told Thomas Edison when he told his friends he was gonna invent the electric light bulb. But yah know, so many times, the people with the most extravagant, outrageous imaginations have proven to be laughably conservative in hindsight. I guess I always WAS a little crazy, Cole. Hell, can yah blame me? But I don't mind bein' just a little crazy as long as I can do it in a good way... Havin' you guys has helped this 'crazy' I got goin' on make a lot more sense to me than I ever thought it would. Anyway, Andy said we oughta make what we have count for something. And I say we apply that to our brains, not just our brawn." Andy said, "We'll Danny, the work we did last Sunday is a start. I doubt it would count for much in trying to verify that it's the 'mind meld' that's responsible for what's happened to Scotty and to me... much less isolating the specific factors. But at least we'd have a good opportunity to develop some kinda 'protocol' for who we decide bring along with the 'super strength.' Of course, once Staff Hernandez and his guys get here. We'll probably find out soon enough if the 'mind meld' is what did it for Scotty and me. Cuz if it is, it'll happen for them too!" Salas nearly went into shock! "Oh my God, Andy! I never THOUGHT of that! When those guys show up at our door, that's EXACTLY what's gonna happen! Shit!" Danny asked, "What's wrong, Salas? What's wrong with that?" "Well, two things I can think of right off the bat! I got NO problem with Scotty or Andy. I'm so happy for you two guys I dunno what to do! But Hernandez and his guys? I'm not all that sure... I think they're great guys, but I'm not sure they're ready for anything like this. And from what we've experienced so far, with any consistent application of the 'mind link on them,' it could happen really fast. And now we got TWO of you with 'mind linking' abilities and NO guarantee it won't spread to all of us eventually. So here's the deal. Andy, Scotty, no 'mind linking' with those guys, EVER! ... until further notice.. We don't even wanna let on to those guys that you're doin' anything like that. I HATE to cut guys in our own outfit outta the loop on anything. But we'd hafta make sure they could handle it. And we'd hafta let them know beforehand, even if we did decide they were good to go. We'd be messing around with their genes for God's sake. Something like this would ultimately hafta be THEIR decision. With Scotty and Andy, we didn't know. And maybe we still really DON'T... KNOW. But we've damn well got good grounds to suspect. We'll hafta be very careful with this. And, ultimately the choice is theirs. We'd have no right to ram something like this down anyone's throat now that we've got a fairly good idea what makes it happen. DAMN, Andy! I'm sure as hell glad you brought that up! Shit! I didn't even THINK of that! I'd better give the Admiral a call and see what he thinks. Long term, I don't wanna hafta keep ANY secrets from those guys. I can't have us needin' to hide anything we do on our own base. We're gonna hafta be able to trust Staff Hernandez and his men and we need them to feel like they can trust us. I wish I'd thought this out a little more before I asked the Admiral to assign them to us..." Billy said, "Well, you could always just tell the Admiral you've changed your mind..." "I don't wanna do that, Billy. Because if Hernandez works out like I'm expecting he will, well, he's not a guy I'd wanna give up having. I'm still really lookin' forward to workin' with him. I think he's 'top drawer.' I just wish to hell I knew him a little better. I know he operates well under pressure. But I'd like to see how he does just workin' day to day. I'm thinkin' I may figure out a way to spend some time with him and his guys to get better acquainted with them. Meanwhile, I'll have the Admiral hold off on offering Hernandez the option of comin' on board with us until I've had a chance to get to know him better. I'll let you guys know how that plays out and mebbe set it up where you all get a chance to spend some time with him and his guys. He's assigned with the 'ground pounders' over at El Toro, so, once he gets back from DC, it'll be easy to set up." Billy said, "Well, Salas, why don't you get him and his guys assigned over to us TAD (temporary additional duty) from MCAS mainside? That way, we could 'test drive him' and he could sorta 'test drive us.' He'd never even realize we were lookin' each other over for a more permanent arrangement. If you like what you see, then you could get the Admiral to find out how Hernandez and his guys felt about comin' over to us on permanent duty assignment." "Damn, Billy! Yer a genius! I think I'm gonna hold onto you, boy! That's exactly how I'm gonna handle this! You just solved my problem! Good thinkin'!" Salas said, "Well, guys, I think we've broken some ground on some of these ideas and they all sound pretty good to me. I guess we outta chew on this some more and try to work out some kind of plan of implementation... see who wants in on what. I want all of you to think seriously about what you wanna do and what you might NOT wanna do. Then we'll get together and hash this out some more. Meanwhile, everybody get on home and get some rest. This was a great day today. I'm really proud of you guys. We'll meet tomorrow morning out at the base." The guys broke up and everybody went home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- Scotty walked in on a fight between his mother and dad. His old man was whipping up on his mom again. Scotty's heart sank. This had been getting worse and worse as the years had gone by. He'd interpose himself between them and then, his dad would turn on him. Even as a 'normal' young man, Scotty had been a strapping varsity quarterback and could take his father's blows, even though they hurt like hell. Even before he'd become a 'superman,' he'd been strong as a young bull, but he could never bring himself to raise a hand to defend himself from his father's abuse. He just stood there like a punching bag, absorbing the blows of his old man's drunken rage. Scotty couldn't remember one time his father had ever lain a hand on him except in anger. He couldn't remember a single time either his mom or his dad had ever told him they loved him. He had been told by them so many times that he'd been nothing but an "accident" and was nothing but a burden to them. He's spent most of his younger years just trying to stay out of their way. Since he'd gotten older and stronger, he'd taken to intervening whenever his dad began to beat his mother, deflecting his father's abuse from her to himself, even though she never said or did anything to indicate she appreciated it. As a youngster, his father had broken him of ever crying. "Real men NEVER cry... No matter WHAT. Only kinda 'man' that ever cries is a fairy. Yer not a fairy are yah boy?" The little boy had choked down his tears and learned to cork his emotions. Even as a child, Scotty could never afford to reveal his weaknesses or his vulnerabilities at home. As a survival imperative, it became essential that he bottle everything up inside himself. This night, Scotty stepped between his mom and dad, ready to take another beating from the old brute. He knew the blows couldn't hurt him any more, at least not physically. But, still, they broke his heart. With his right hand, his father landed a blow to Scotty's steel hard gut. The blow landed with a sickening crack. Scotty's father yelped in pain. He'd cracked his knuckles. He looked at Scotty in stupefied outrage and began to hammer the boy's face with his left hand. He cracked the knuckles in his left hand against Scotty rock hard jaw. Then he reared back and kicked, hard, landing the toe of his shoe in Scotty's groin. Scotty didn't budge. The drunken old man backed off and cussed. Still Scotty didn't move. He remained riveted where he stood. Scotty's father stormed out of the room, making for the kitchen. He came back with a heavy rolling pin. Even with his cracked knuckles, he managed to land the rolling pin across the top of Scotty's skull with quite a wallop. It broke over his head. Finally, Scotty moved. He grabbed his father's wrists, immobilizing them. "Dad! Dad! Stop! You're only hurting yourself! You can't hurt me, now, no matter what you do. And I can't just stand here and let you hurt yourself anymore. And I WON'T stand by and let you hurt mom." He squeezed his dads wrists in a vice like grip. The old man cried out in pain. "Dad, I hope you're getting the message. You may whip up on your WIFE like that. Maybe that'd none of my business. But she's MY mother. And if you ever touch my mother again the way you did just now, I promise you, it'll be the last time you ever do." And then Scotty took what was left of the rolling pin from his father's throbbing hand and, with his fist, pulverized it into sawdust." Momentarily, his father was shocked and profoundly intimidated. But he soon recovered himself and his rage. "Why you little piece of shit! You let those assholes turn you into one of THEM! You're nuthin' but a Goddamn FREAK like the rest of those weirdoes you've been hangin' around with. Get your shit and get the fuck outta my goddamn house... And don't ever come back! ...Now git!" Sadly, Scotty trudged to his room and packed a change of clothes. He returned to the living room and faced his dad. "I'll be back here tomorrow to clear out the rest of my stuff... I am so... sorry... I was never what you wanted in a son, Dad. Because God knows I tried the best I could. I really tried hard for you and mom. Scotty opened the front door and stepped outside. Softly, he closed the door behind him and walked down to the street. He had no idea where to go. He would've gone over to Andy's but his place was in ruins from the fire last night. He didn't feel he should go to Andy's or Billy's moms. He thought, mebbe Salas would take him in for the night. He knocked on Salas' door. Salas answered. "Oh, hi, Scotty. What's up?" Scotty looked down at his feet and asked, "Can you let me bunk over here for the night?" "Sure Scotty. I gotta spare bedroom. You can crash in there... Is everything OK?" "No, Salas, not really... Dad kicked me out and I'm gonna hafta find some place to stay. I gotta get my stuff outta the house by tomorrow so I guess I'm not gonna be able to show up out at the base till I find a way to get myself situated somehow." "C'mon inside, Scotty and sit down. Yah wanna talk about it?" "No thanks Salas, not really. I think I just wanna rack out and go to sleep if that's OK." "Well, as far as findin' a place, Scotty. That's OK I guess. But, boy, you're welcome here as long as you want. I mean that. Man, I'm really sorry. Can I get you anything right now? Coke? Coffee? Beer? Anything?" "Naw, Salas. That's OK. I really appreciate your putting me up tonight. I guess I'll find myself someplace tomorrow and get settled in. I'll be back on track by tomorrow or Saturday... I'm sorry about not showin' up tomorrow morning. Mebbe if I get lucky, I can get set up early enough so I can still catch part of the afternoon with you guys." "Scotty, would it help if I went over and talked to your dad. C'mon, son. What's this all about? Why'd he throw you out?" "Salas, it's just such a long story. There's nothing you can do... nothing you can say... I just gotta get out and that's the end of it." "Scotty, I know how these things usually go... By morning everything will probably be just fine.." "No, Salas, it won't. This has been comin' for a long time. Me movin' outta the house has been long over due. I guess I waited just a little bit too long. I really DO hafta get outta there. I just hate leavin' mom behind..." "Oh?" "Yeah, Salas. Dad whips up on her pretty bad sometimes. I step in when I'm there... And then he starts in on me. That's easier to take than standin' by and watchin' him beat up on mom. But she's as bad as he is, in some ways. I mean, she stays there and takes it. I know he takes advantage whenever I'm not there and does whatever he wants to her. But I can't get her to leave. I guess I might've left home a long time ago if only she'd left my dad. The whole thing is just so crazy and mixed up... Half the time she gets as mad at me as he does whenever I step in between `em. I guess that's the main reason I never fought back... Whenever I ever tried, mom'd join right in with dad and start wailin' into me too." Salas was neither mind reader nor empath, strictly speaking. Not like Andy or Scotty. But he could feel the grief and sorrow coming off this boy. He embraced his young friend and said, "Scotty... You gotta let this out. C'mon son, now's NOT the time to be 'strong.' You've GOTTA cry this out." "Salas, I guess I would if I could. But it's been so long. I'm just numb. I guess maybe when all of this really sinks in, that it's finally OVER between me and mom and dad, then I guess I'll get around to that. But right now, man, I'm really bone weary and I just gotta crash. Thanks for bein' there for me, man. Thanks a lot, Salas." Salas led Scotty to his spare bedroom and helped him get settled. "Scotty, I'm gonna call up the guys and arrange to get them over here first thing in the morning. We'll help you get your stuff moved over here. I'll clear out whatever I hafta from this room and put it out in the garage. Then we'll get you set up in here." "Aw gee, thanks, Salas. But please DON'T tell any of the guys about this... PLEASE!" "Sorry, Scott. That ain't the way it goes. One thing you gave up when you joined this outfit was your privacy. Just kiss that good bye. Cuz when you're hurting, we're all hurting. Besides, the other guys find out I held out on `em, I'd be on all their shit lists and rightly so. This ain't just YOUR problem, Scotty. It's OUR problem. You've GOT to trust us to be there for you. All of us. We're not gonna let you carry this load all by yourself. Now lay yourself down on that bed and get some rest." "OK, Salas. Thanks again... G'nite." "G'nite Scotty." Friday (the second) It was past midnight. Salas hated to call the homes of his charges' parents at that hour, but he wanted to make sure he started trying to catch everyone now. Given the fact that for all of them, a full night's sleep was nothing more than an option, they could be anywhere, especially Danny. Having spent most of their lives as 'normals,' more or less, Billy and Andy were more likely to be home sleeping. Old habits sometimes die hard. Salas decided to call the Hendersons first. "I'm sorry to bother you Mrs. Henderson, but it's very important that I speak with Danny. Is he available?" "Hang on Detective Salas and let me check. I'll be right back." Momentarily, Danny came on the line. "Hi Salas." "Danny. I need you to come over to my place tomorrow morning. We're gonna meet over here instead of out at the base." "OK, Salas. What's up?" "It's Scotty. His parents kicked him out. He's bunking over here for now. I've told him he can stay as long as he wants. But we gotta go over to his dad's first thing in the morning and get the rest of his stuff and bring it over here. I'd appreciate it if you'd help us out." "Sure, Salas. Yah know, Scotty would've been more than welcome to stay over here with us. I wonder why he didn't come to me." "Well, Danny, my guess is, for one thing, he didn't wanna barge in on your parents. Stayin' here with me makes better sense. Besides, I think he needs someone a little older to lean on right now. But, Danny, Scotty needs all of us really bad. I don't think any of us really knew the burden that boy's been carrying. Frankly, until the last couple of weeks, we've all be so focused you and your situation. And, Danny, I know you've had one helluva tough row to hoe. But Scotty..." Salas couldn't go on. He choked. "Oh, Salas. This sounds really bad. Look, man. I'm comin' over there right now. I really wanna be there for Scotty." "No, Danny, please... Scotty's already gone to bed. And I think sleep is the best thing for him right now. But I'd like us all to gather here at seven thirty and get his stuff moved over here. Now, Danny, would you call over to Billy's mom's and make sure he and Andy know to meet us over here in the moring? I'm gonna try and see if I can catch Cole." "I gotcha covered with Andy and Billy. We'll see you over there tomorrow morning." They rung off. Salas called Cole, got his answering machine and left a message. Then we went down the hall to check on Scotty. He was on the bed, face down, sobbing softly. Salas wanted so badly to reach out and take him in his arms, hold him and comfort him as best he could. But he knew Scotty just wanted to be alone with his grief. He backed out of the room and gently closed the door. At six thirty a.m, Danny knocked on Salas' front door. He was uncharacteristically early. Salas answered. "Oh, Hi, Danny. My, you're sure an early bird, this morning." "How is he, Salas?" "He's still in his room. I figured I'd give him another half hour of sleep if he doesn't come out before then. C'mon in. Want some breakfast?" "Yeah, thanks, Salas, that'd be cool. I can wait till Scotty gets up. But I could sure use a cup of coffee. Mom won't let me have any and, God knows, I love the stuff." "Pot's on in the kitchen. Go ahead and help yourself. There's creamer and sugar in the cupboard right above the coffee maker." "Thanks, Salas. Want me to bring you a cup?" "Yah, thanks, kid. That'd be good. Just black for me." "Yeah, that's how I take mine, too." Danny was back in Salas' living room with the coffee in less than a minute. He sat down on the sofa and asked, "OK, Salas. What happened last night?" "Well, Scotty didn't really say too much. But from what little he did tell me, he's been goin' through hell at home since he was just a little boy. His dad's a drunk and he beats up on his mom fairly regularly. Scotty tries to get between them and then they both turn on him. He's been livin' with that for years... It breaks my heart, Danny... He's such a good kid. I can't begin to figure out how he turned out so well, cuz it doesn't sound like he got any of it from home." Danny sat quietly for a moment. He sighed. "And I thought what I had goin' on was hard. I never knew any of that... Yah know, looking back... all that ever went on between Scotty and me was nearly all about me... I never once thought to ask anything about him... or wondered what kinda burden he might be carrying..." "Well, Danny, he wouldn't have told you anything if you had asked. Sharing his feelings with others is still a new thing for him. You know, his father never let him cry as a little boy... said if he did, that made him a fairy. Cuz only weak people let their feelings out." Sadly, Danny shook his head. "I shoulda known, Salas. I shoulda been there for Scotty, like he's always been there for me. Oh God, I've been so selfish and insensitive with him... I owe him so much and, up until now, it's all been such a one way street between us. It'll take me the rest of my life tryin' make it up to that boy..." "Danny, no. Since your experience Andy at the mall, you've really 'turned a corner' and grown up. And that's really carried over into your friendship with Scotty. That was so sweet of you and Andy... what you two did for him at the shop last Sunday. I'm so proud of both of you for doing that for Scotty's birthday... And, Danny, all that's happened for Scotty these last few days... Well you've just been there for him, sharing his joy, making it your own. Scotty knows very well how much he means to you." "...And, even before all that, hard as it's sometimes been for him with you... and, Lord knows, you were more than a handful for all of us... I don't think you quite realize how good you've been for him since you two first met. For the first time in his life, Scotty's had someone who really NEEDED him. I think you may have been the first person in his life who ever said to him "I love you." Salas faltered. "...So don't be TOO hard on yourself, Danny. Cuz, right from the start, you've done more for Scotty without even tryin' than anybody else in his life before you came along." "Well, Salas, between him and Andy, I finally learned the world doesn't revolve around me, no matter what I got goin' on with all this muscle and brain power. Yah know, livin' only for yourself is such a shallow, lonely existence. Findin' that out has made everything so much easier and happier for me. And I owe that all to Scotty and to Andy... and to you and Cole, of course. I guess I found out, no matter who you are or what you've got, yah gotta find a way to be part of something bigger than just yourself... I just hope bein' with us is gonna be enough for Scotty. Cuz it sounds to me like he sure got shortchanged at home..." "...I guess I've been a real little shit with my folks, but in spite of it all, I never doubted for one minute that mom and dad love me. Hard as I was to handle, they always tried to do their best for me. And in spite of Andy and Billy loosin' their dads while they were so young, it sounds like they sure did all right by their moms. And now, come to find out, us guys are about all the 'family' Scotty's got..." "Well, Danny, you're growin' up fast. Mebbe a little TOO fast in some ways. I guess you've had to. But, all things considered, I'd say you've done all right by yourself. So, like I said, don't go beating up on yourself about Scotty. The best thing for him... for all of us is to move forward from here and just 'be there' for him. He's gonna need all the love and support we can give him right now." "Well, Salas, you can count on me... and so can Scotty. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him..." "He knows that, Danny. And so do I. That's all anybody could ask." Scotty walked into the room. "Oh, hi Danny! You sure showed up early..." Danny got up, went over to Scotty and hugged him and Scotty hugged back. "Thanks for comin' lil guy..." Salas asked, "You sleep OK, son?" "Yeah, Salas. Thanks. Took me awhile to drop off last night, but once I finally did, I slept like a baby. Thanks for givin' me a place to crash. Lemme get my act together and I'll get down to the business of findin' myself a place to stay..." "No, Scotty... There's plenty of time for that if you wanna get your own place. But I think, at least for awhile, I'd feel better havin' you stayin' here with me. I got more than enough room and I think it'll be better if you just waited awhile on that place of your own." "Aw, Salas, that's so nice of you. But I don't wanna do that..." "No, Scotty. We're not goin' there. You're gonna stay right here with me, at least for now. End of story." Scotty smiled. "It's sure nice to have friends around when yah need `em, Salas. You don't know what you and all the guys have meant to me." Billy and Andy knocked on Salas' door. Danny answered it. "C'mon in guys..." The two young men walked into the living room, nodded to Salas and went over to Scott. Billy asked, "You OK, Scotty?" Scotty nodded. "Oh yeah... I think I'm gonna be just fine, thanks to you guys..." Billy said, "Scotty, if there's anything you need, anything at all, Andy and I are here for you. You know that don'tcha buddy?" Scotty looked up and smiled. "Yeah, Billy, I do..." He looked away. He was surrounded by his friends. People who cared and weren't afraid to say so. People he could be himself around without fear of their judging him. He was finally free of the bondage that had shackled him since his childhood. And he just let go... He disintegrated and dropped to the sofa, his body racked with sobs. The grief and joy were all mixed together. All those years of isolation came out in his tears. And the relief from knowing that he wasn't alone... not anymore. Finally, he was surrounded by people who cared. People who believed that he, "Scott Edward McFarlane," was a worthwhile human being... someone who mattered to them. With these friends he was not an "accident" or a burden. Finally, he had people in his life who looked on him and his life as a blessing. Danny sat alongside Scott to his left with his right arm wrapped tightly around his waist. Billy sat on the other side with his left arm over Scotty's back. The physical contact felt so good to Scotty." In a few minutes, Scotty was all cried out. He turned first to Danny, then to Billy. "Thanks fellahs. I love all you guys. More than I could possibly ever tell you." Salas said gently, "OK guys, I got some chow for us in the kitchen. Let's tank up and move out. Cole's gonna meet us over at Scotty's folks and we're gonna get him moved in over here this morning. Andy, did you bring ole 'Nellie Belle?'" Andy smiled, "Sure did, Salas. She's all ready to go. I dunno if we can get everything in one load. Might take a couple of trips." Scotty said, "We'll prolly get it all in one trip. I don't have that much. Most of my stuff is in my room and I'll leave the furniture. All I'll be takin' is stuff I paid for myself. I gotta few things out in the garage. We can get in and outta there pretty fast. I wanna keep our time there to a minimum. I'll just be glad when it's over." Salas asked, "Would you rather we do this for you, Scotty? You don't hafta come along if you'd rather not. You could stay here..." "Naw, Salas, this is my thing to do. I just appreciate your comin' along. But I need to be there to get you in the door... That's probably gonna be enough of a job even with me there, depending on what kinda mood dad's in. And I gotta be there to pick out what's mine and what's not. And I'm not gonna argue with dad over anything. Anything he questions, I'll leave behind. Might turn out I don't get outta there with anything more than the clothes on my back. But I'll be damned if I'll let him goad me into a fight with him over anything. It's just not worth it." "Well, OK, Scotty. But when we knock on the door. I want you to let ME do the talking. I think if you let me run interference for you, we can get in and outta there a little easier... Let's do this my way, Scotty. I know this'll be hard but at least it'll be a little easier if we do things my way... OK?" "Aw, Salas... you guys..." Scotty choked again. It felt so good to be surrounded by these friends who were just THERE for him. Salas laid on a big breakfast for all hands. He'd invited Cole but he said he had a case he needed to get wrapped up. He'd meet them at Scott's dad's at eight a.m. A little after seven thirty, Salas steered the guys out the door. Scotty and Danny rode with Salas. Andy and Billy followed in Andy's pickup. As he drove, Andy took Billy's hand. "Kinda makes yah think, huh, Billy..." "Yah, lil bro. We sure got lucky with our moms. And we've had each other all these years... and now the rest of these guys. It looks like Scotty struck out with his parents. I just hope to God he hits a home run finding himself someone he can spend the rest of his life with like we have. He'll be a great catch for somebody." Andy replied, "Well, in the meantime, he's got Danny. They really do seem like they've gotten almost as close as brothers. You notice how Danny's taken to callin' Scotty 'big bro?'" Billy smiled to himself. "Yeah. And now sometimes Scotty call's Danny 'baby bro!' Where have we seen THAT before? Yah know, I could almost see those two getting together once Danny got a little older..." Andy said, "Well, mebbe. But that's a ways off yet. I don't know where either one of them is on that score... but, come to find out, Danny's thought about it some... even as young as he is. And he said to me that if it ever came to that, once he's old enough, he'd face it like a man and make sure Scotty did too. All that came up last Sunday when he talked to me about the two of us. Yah know, if it weren't for Danny givin' me a 'heads up,' I'm not really know HOW I would've reacted to what you said to me last Sunday night. But, thanks to that young boy, I was at least a little better prepared. Because of him, I had at least some time to try and figure out exactly where I was at on what we have together... what we really mean to each other. That little man isn't only a super genius. He's got a lotta wisdom in that little noggin of his." Billy squeezed Andy's hand. "Someday I'll find a way to let Danny know how much I appreciate his intervening on my behalf..." "... On OUR behalf," Andy corrected. "Oh yeah... duuuhhh." They both laughed. Salas pulled up to the curb in front of Scotty's house. Cole was waiting beside his car, parked in front of the house next door. Andy backed his truck into the drive way, got out and opened the tailgate. He and Billy stood by as Salas and Scotty strode up the driveway and approached the front door. Danny and Cole walked up alongside Billy and Andy and waited with them. Salas knocked on the front door. At first, no one answered, but finally, after the second try, Scotty's dad opened the door. When he saw his son and Salas standing side by side in front of him he scowled. "Well, boy, I see nothing's changed. You weren't man enough to come over here and face up to me by yourself." Salas intervened. "Mr. McFarlane, there's no need for this. We've just come to help Scott pick up his stuff. We'll be out of your way in a few minutes." "Well, mister, if you're here to take this ungrateful little shit off my hands once and for all, you're doin' me a big favor. So I sure as hell won't stand in your way. He backed inside, turned on his heel and walked away." Salas placed his hand on Scotty shoulder and squeezed gently. "OK, son. Let's go ahead and get your things. He motioned for Cole, Billy, Andy and Danny to join him and Scotty. Scotty was the first to enter his room. He came to a stop. This would be the last time he would ever see this room again... See this house... See his parents... He sighed. Salas said, "Scotty, if you'll just point out what you want us to take, we'll pick it up for you and carry it out to Andy's truck..." "Naw, I'm OK, Salas. I can help with this... Well, there's all my clothes. I've got some football and basket ball trophies from high school over there, and my books, my stereo, TV and computer. I'll pull those posters off the wall and we can just toss them. And I've got a couple of basket balls and my bike in the garage. That's about all I've got to my name. Not all that much, really." They were loaded up in fifteen minutes. Scotty surveyed his room, his little 'refuge,' one last time. For most of his life, this had been the ONLY place on earth Scotty could be alone and just be himself. Now it was barren of any evidence that he'd ever lived here. He followed Salas and the others into the living room and called out, "OK, Dad, we're done." The old man walked into the living room. As a young man, he had been as strapping good looking as his son. But through the years, with his drinking and sedentary lifestyle, he'd allowed himself to go to seed. With his beer gut, a couple of days worth of graying stubble on his face, wearing nothing but his dingy undershirt and a pair of grimy tan Dickie work pants, he presented a slovenly appearance. He said. "You got all your shit? Good! Now get yer ass outta here... all of you. And, Scott, don't ever come back here again... and don't call me "Dad." You AIN'T no son of mine." Scott sighed, "I understand. I am just... so sorry that's how you feel. As long as you never lay a hand on mom again... I'll never darken your door again. But if you hurt her, I'll know. And if you do, I promise, I'll come back here and hurt you. Please don't test me on that Da'..." (Scotty choked. He'd almost called the old man who'd just disowned him "Dad.") His voice quavered as he continued, "...Cuz, no matter what you say, you're still my father, and I really don't wanna hafta do that to you. But I will if you make it come to that." In his right hand, Scotty held a baseball he'd retrieved from his room. He crushed it easily in the steely grip of his super powered fist and dropped it to the floor. With that, he turned on his heel and followed his friends out the front door, gently closing it behind him. They arrived back at Salas' and carried Scotty's belongings inside. Scotty said, "Guys, lets just set everything down on the floor except my clothes. I'll get those hung up and we can get on out to the base. Salas asked, "Are you SURE you're OK, Scott?" "Well, Salas, I will be, thanks to you guys. Yeah, I really wanna see if we can do something constructive with the rest of the day. Funny thing, my muscles are craving some really heavy resistance right now. I wanna break a sweat real bad. And now that it's harder than ever to make that happen, I'm gonna need you guys to show me how." Salas smiled, "OK, kiddo, I'm sure we'll come up with a way to make that happen." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- Comments welcome. TagsNOLA@lycos.com