Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:38:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Nineteen

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As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
realistic level.  Comments on the story are appreciated and may be
addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  As such it is homoerotic, designed for the
entertainment of mature adults.  If you are not of legal age to read such
material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral
dilemmas, please exit now


Chapter Nineteen: New Horizons


Daniel sat on the steps of the dining hall watching the sun break through.
What was the old sailors warning? "Red sky in the morning, sailor take
warning?"  If the saying was true, this was going to be a challenging day
judging by the number of red clouds on the horizon.

Larry, Jeff and Rick joined Daniel on the dining hall steps.

"Gentlemen, I could ask why everyone is moving about so early; I thought
you guys would sleep in until the boys had to get up."

"Daniel, we've been waking up early from the beginning; there wasn't anyone
out here to hassle before now, that's all.  As for the boys, you'd be
surprised how many are already up.  The older boys like to rise early and
take a shower before waking the little ones.  The younger boys seem to
require more time to get their bearings and take care of their morning
responsibilities.  The kp boys are already out and should be in the dining
hall."

About then the dining hall door opened and Barry appeared in the doorway.

"Fellas, when I was doing my apprenticeship to become a chef we had a back
door very similar to this one.  Each day when I opened the door there would
be a group of stray cats and dogs waiting for me to feed them.  This group
brings back some interesting memories."

Jeff looked at Rick, then Daniel, "Daniel, just what we need, a sunrise
comedian who doesn't even have the courtesy to wait until the second cup is
poured.  Any chance we can replace him? "

"Only if you want to eat my cookin', Jeff, only if you want my cookin'."

One of the kp boys brought a tray filled with cups of coffee for the men,
who continued to sit on the steps.  Daniel remembered his list from the
previous night.

"Rick, do we know anything about when we can expect more computers?"

"This afternoon; that's why you see this motley crew out so early.  We're
checking the cable connections and running whatever additional connections
will be needed.  If we get them shortly after lunch, we should have them up
and running tonight.  Daniel, don't you remember me saying something last
week about getting them today?"

"Unfortunately, no, I don't remember.  That means my mind must have been
elsewhere or I'm developing a severe case of post-pubescent senility.  Take
your pick."

"After breakfast, say around 9:30, I'd like for us to have a staff meeting.
Barry should have the kitchen under control by then and can join us.  I
have a list of several things we need to discuss, and they affect us all."

The men continued to relax on the steps, enjoying their second or third cup
of coffee.  They exchanged stories on how they had caught the boys in
embarrassing positions.  The rule was that so long as it didn't appear one
of the boys was being forced to do whatever it was they were doing, or one
of the boys was not complaining about being hurt, the men turned and walked
off. The funniest stories were about the little ones having sword fights
using their stiffies as weapons.  None of the men knew how you could tell
who won the fight and no one wanted to ask.

Hearing Daniels name called out they looked up and saw Danny in a dead run
headed their way.  Danny ran straight up to Daniel, stopped for a moment,
and then climbed into his lap.  Danny gave Daniel a hug and then sat there
with his arm around Daniels shoulder; Daniel wrapped an arm around the
boy's waste.

"Gentlemen, I think our little friend here is trying to tell us it's time
for breakfast.  Shall we?"

Daniel saw the boys filing in to the service line.  He always enjoyed
greeting the boys in the morning; there was something special about how the
boys always appeared fresh and wearing a smile.  He walked down the line,
stopping when he saw Sean.  After greeting Sean, Daniel gave Danny a hug,
telling him he would see him later, and left the boy with his mentor.  He
then rejoined his staff for breakfast.

After breakfast, the staff sat at a table in the far corner of the dining
hall.  Several were still nursing a hot cup of coffee when Daniel began.
He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket, and after advising the men he
had jotted down a few subjects and concerns the night before, read off his
list.

"Rick told me earlier the computers are expected in today, hopefully early
this afternoon so we can be up and running today; if later in the afternoon
I'll assume we'll be functional tomorrow."

"The next item was testing, and I'm talking primarily school work here.
Where do we stand, how are the boys doing, when did they test last, when do
they test again, etc.?"

Coordinating the school lessons had been Paul's responsibility; Paul began
his report.  "Daniel, the boys are allowed to test mostly at will.  I say
mostly because there is a time frame during which they must take a test on
any given course.  If they finish the material earlier than the time
allotted, they can take the test early."

"We really haven't been doing this home schooling long enough to judge
whether we are maintaining the required pace to meet our goals.  However,
the results we do have thus far show a number of the boys are working well
ahead of the planned schedule.  Most are on schedule and very few are a
little behind.  We are monitoring those that appear to be a little behind
to be sure they receive any needed tutoring."

"The most difficult to judge right now are the real young ones like Danny
or Ian.  Both appear to be bright kids and do well with what they are told
to do.  They know some of their letters, numbers and colors and seem to be
moving right on through."

"Paul," Daniel said, "the boys requiring tutoring, are we able to give them
all they need or should we be looking to bring in additional help?  You
know at one time my dad was going to talk with the university about
allowing student teachers to do their internships here as tutors.  Would
that be of any help?"

Mark intervenes before Paul can answer.  "Daniel, the idea of using student
teachers could have additional benefits for us.  College students are known
for getting involved with 'causes'.  Personally, I think it wouldn't take
much encouragement for students to support what we are trying to do here
and once the youthful enthusiasm starts moving, well it's like trying to
stop a boulder that's rolling down hill.  We could get tutors for the boys
and supporters for the project."

 Daniel thought for a moment and realized the potential of Mark's
suggestion.  "Paul, can you contact the diocese and find out if they are
willing to sponsor a few student teachers as interns for us?  I would think
the diocese does have student teachers almost every semester; we just need
to get some of them here."

"Does anyone else have thoughts about tutors?"

Jeff was concerned, "Daniel, if we use student teachers from the
university, are we in violation of our agreement with DCF.  Seems to me
student teachers from the university may be considered as state aid since
the state pays for their education.  The internship is part of their course
requirement."

Daniel thought for a moment and decided Jeff may have a good point.  "We'll
need to get the use of interns cleared through DCF to avoid a possible
violation.  However, I'm guessing, and hoping, that as long as they are
sponsored by the diocese we'll be in good standing.  Thanks for pointing
that out, Jeff."

"Paul, I just thought of another issue."  Daniel said. "We maintain the
boys' records, both personal and for school.  Do we have the capacity in
equipment and man power to keep up with the programs?"

"At the moment, I'd say yes."  answered Paul.  "Two of the boys come in
part time to assist with posting records.  However, at some point down the
line we will need additional resources.  When I see things getting a little
tight I'll let you now, and we can address the issue then."

Daniel looked over the lists and decided to skip to the end before tackling
the more intricate subjects.  "Let's talk about birthdays, of course I'm
talking about the boys' birthdays.  I've thought about this for quite a
while; it just seems to me every kid should be able to celebrate their
birthday.  Granted, if we did each one individually, we'd be having a part
around here every week.  Knowing that isn't feasible, somebody suggest
something we can do for them."

"Daniel, why not do a monthly celebration?" Barry suggested.  "We should
have their birthdays in the records and can state who and how many for any
given month.  Do a celebration around the middle of the month.  If Paul
provided me with a list at the first of each month of who and how many,
we'll get the necessary food supplies from sponsors to create a little
party for them."

Mark agreed.  "Yeah, and why not set up some special activities for
birthday celebrations only?  We could build a mud pit and let them do the
tug-o-war thing into the pit for the older boys.  The younger boys might
enjoy the traditional games of pin the tail or bobbing for apples, or
whatever games kids play at these things."

Larry joined in, "Yeah, and for a prize or present give them an exemption
on kp for that month or their next scheduled detail.  There should be a
number of things these kids would appreciate that won't cost much.  I bet
all of them would love just a little one-on- one time with an adult.  Take
them down to the river for some fishing, or into town for a movie."

Before the mens' enthusiasm got out of hand, Daniel stepped in, "Okay,
guys, we get the idea.  I'm sure all of us agree with the concept all of
you are expressing.  Paul, how about you, Jeff and Larry put together a
program that looks reasonable and let's start this as soon as we can.  Plan
on a big blast to cover all those that have already had their birthday this
year, then we'll see if we can't make this a monthly event."

Returning to more serious matters, Daniel related the comment he heard Sean
make about his brother not coming in, even if he did see the television
spots, because he didn't want to be caught and sold as a slave.  He
reminded the staff what happened just a few days ago when Sean missed his
medication.  Concerned for Sean's welfare, the station offered to make
calls and see if they could get the necessary tests donated.

Michael stepped in to supplement Daniel's statements.  "Sean is a very sick
young man, he doesn't realize how sick.  Preliminary tests show he has a
malfunctioning valve that interferes with the blood flow.  Worse than
interfering with the blood flow is the extra pressure placed on the heart
to maintain some kind of flow.  Sean gets frustrated with the physical
restrictions we have on him, but they are necessary.  Unless new tests
cause me to change my mind, I believe the earlier Sean can get surgery, the
better his chance of survival.  Without surgery, there is a good
probability he won't make it out of his teens."

"Brad's presence is critical both as a source of background information and
emotional support for the boy.  The two were very close from what Sean has
told us.  Brad was very protective of Sean, there were many offers from
people who wanted to be the first to have the boy, but Brad wouldn't allow
it.  When the police tried moving in on the group all of them escaped
except Sean, he couldn't keep up.  Our guess is he didn't keep up because
his heart couldn't pump enough blood and oxygen through his system and he
almost passed out."  Daniel again picked the story up

Daniel continued.  "This actually leads to two more of the items on my
list.  The first item is exemptions for the boys.  In other words, if Brad
does contact us and is willing to come in, can he be exempt from sale?  To
put things in a broader perspective, if any boy needing help comes to our
door asking for shelter, what can we do?  The second item on the list of
course, is more boys."

"Let's assume our agreement does say we can accept any boy who comes to us
for shelter, provided he is not a fugitive felon.  Do we have the capacity
to take care of more boys?  Gentlemen, we need your opinions."

Rick is the first to respond.  "Daniel, from a facilities perspective,
there shouldn't be any problem.  Right now the boys all sleep in a barracks
type arrangement and are single level.  The beds are actually part of a
bunk bed set up and are spaced further apart than is required.  We have
between twenty-five and thirty spares in the store room.  We also have
spare bedding, but I would have to verify the quantity on that."

Barry considered the food supplies. "There is plenty of food right now to
care for another ten to fifteen without realizing even a dent in the
supply.  We are currently receiving the food quantities that were submitted
to the sponsors.  If we had asked for more from the beginning, I believe we
would have received it.  So, I don't see any real issues with just asking
for a little more food to take care of a few more boys."

Mark interjects with a voice of caution.  "Daniel, given the difficulty of
getting this program approved initially, do you think the state will
cooperate and modify the agreement?"

"Mark, the initial approval process taught me two very important
lessons. First, you have to be patient when it comes to getting anything
accomplished through the political system.  Second, get the right people on
your side from the very beginning."

"Right now I think we need at least the governor on our side.  Later today
I'm calling my dad, he and the governor are good friends.  Things get
passed between them that the public would never hear.  The spots for Brad
are supposed to begin with the early afternoon news today.  Once we have
verified they are running I'll ask Dad to make the phone calls."

"While Dad talks with the governor to get his support, I'll speak with Amos
Crawford at DCF.  All we can do is try."

***

Daniel sat at his desk waiting for the early afternoon news.  Jon told him
the community service announcement concerning Sean and Brad would be first.
The segment opened with Danny introducing himself and his friend Sean.  The
boys then walked over to Betty who was sitting in an armless chair.  The
boys stood by her left side as she extended a motherly arm around them.
She reminded the audience the boys appeared on the afternoon show only last
week and a special announcement was made then regarding Sean.  The station
had since learned more about his condition and decided to make additional
appeals to help him.

The segment moved to an interview with Michael as Sean's doctor.  Michael
explained in simple words Sean's problem and the need to contact his
brother.  Michael also mentioned private arrangements were being made to
conduct additional tests for Sean and hopefully, get the surgery he would
require.  The last scene was a split screen picture of Sean and an artists
rendering of his brother.  Daniel had not seen the rendering earlier and
assumed an artist at the station drew it from Sean's descriptions.

Daniel called Jon Caruthers to thank him for the segment and express how
good he thought the presentation was.  Jon confirmed the segment would run
in Tallahassee at about 1:30 and then be repeated at 6:00.  The segment
would also run in Tampa and West Palm Beach.  There was no reason to
believe Brad would be near Tallahassee, but the governor, head of DCF and
the head of DOC were there.  The airing in Tallahassee would be a segue to
the necessary phone calls.  Daniel decided to call his dad, it would be
good for him to see the segment before talking to the governor.

"Dad, if you aren't watching, turn on your television.  There's something
special I want you to see, then we can talk about it."

"Well, hold on, son.  You know I have one of the old fashion sets where you
have to push buttons.  I haven't gotten accustomed t those new ones you
just talk to."

"Dad, one day you'll catch up with the rest of the world.  In the mean time
I love you, anyway."

"Okay, stop the brown nosin' and tell me what's so special."

Daniel proceeded to tell his dad about Sean and the potential problems for
brining in Brad.  He explained they would like to modify the agreement to
let him take in additional boys up to the capacity of the facility and want
Brad to be part of the project.  If Brad is with a group on the street he
wants to try and bring all of them in.  This could happen only if he could
fulfill the promise of safe shelter.

"Boy, when you bite off something, you like to get a big chunk don't you?
Daniel, do you think you have the capacity down there for more boys?"

"Dad, I've been through all this with the staff and we feel we can handle a
number of additional boys.  If necessary, we can stack the beds the way
they used to in the service.  We have the space, the beds, the equipment
and the food.  The state let this place to us with a capacity of one
hundred and fifteen boys and right now we only have eighty- seven.  We
don't think the state should give us a hard time about taking on another
twenty-eight boys if they come to us for help."

"You know we are going out to the various cities and towns for public
appearances and to plead our case.  What do you think is the probability
that in some of those towns, boys will seek us out wanting safe shelter?
How can we plead our case and then have to say 'sorry, no room' to a boy
wanting help?  Please, Dad, do us this one favor, call the governor and
speak with him.  We're only asking for the state to allow us to fill up to
capacity.  If we had waited one more day to assume responsibility for the
boys in that detention center we may have had enough to fill up; but we
would have lost three boys, too."

"Daniel, do you realize that if I had a dollar for every time you've said
'this one favor' to me I'd be a rich man now?  You know, I think it's
interesting that all I wanted was a personal servant.  What I got was a son
and a lifetime project."  Daniel's dad began teasing his son, just as he
does on every call between them.

"Yeah, and you wouldn't have it any other way and you know it.  Besides, a
son's life time responsibility is to make sure the dad has plenty of
challenges to keep him busy so he doesn't get old.  I thought I was doing a
pretty good job for you."  Daniel jousted with his dad; both men enjoying
this bit of friendly teasing.

"Yeah, you are except on the getting old part.  I'm afraid there's not a
whole lot any of us can do about that.  Somehow I get the feeling you knew
I'd agree to this before you called.  I'll let you know what he says."
Daniel's dad stated the obvious, letting Daniel know he's not getting away
with anything.

"Dad, do you know when you might have the opportunity to speak with him?"

"Daniel, don't push your luck, boy.  I'll be back in touch within a couple
days."  The answer was given in jest with Daniel's dad fully understanding
the gravity of the situation.

"Love you, Dad."

"Yeah, I hear ya.  Take care, son."

As the call ended the memory of what this man did for him brought a small
tear to the corner of Daniel's eye.  He was trying to repay the debt by
emulating his dad, but on a much larger scale.

***

His dad once advised him that if he wanted a favor he shouldn't call on
Monday morning because they were trying to get organized for the week or
complete a task left over from the previous week.  Nor should you call them
on Friday afternoon because they are trying to complete a project that was
due the previous Wednesday and get ready for the weekend.  So at
mid-afternoon on Monday Daniel used Amos' private number and hoped the man
was in a receptive mood.

"Amos ^Å. Daniel Thompson here, how are you?"

"Fine, Daniel, and from what I see and hear it looks as though you and New
Horizon are doing pretty well yourselves.  I saw the public service
announcement earlier, looks like you may have picked up a strong sponsor
there.  Congratulations."

"Thank you, Amos; we consider the support of the television station a real
boost for us.  They are scheduling us to do public appearances all over the
state and organize fund raisers."  Daniel deliberately pushed the point of
their future financial well being.

"Daniel, you know we all wish you and the project well.  Somehow, I don't
think this is a totally social call, what can I do for you.  Haven't lost
one of the boys have you?"  Amos Crawford knew Daniel had a reason for
calling but tried to avoid being too serious at the moment, at least until
he knew why Daniel has called.

"Amos, actually we're trying to avoid losing one of the boys unnecessarily.
You mentioned seeing the public service announcement about Sean and his
brother, Brad.  Well, that's why I'm calling.  You know that Sean is one of
the boys picked up off the streets; Brad is also one of those street kids.
If the police pick him up you know what will happen to him.  Sean feels his
brother won't contact us or come in for fear of being sold as a slave^Å.."

"Daniel, you know as well I what the law is.  If Brad is picked up and has
no means of support, or in this case is a minor with no family willing to
assume responsibility for him, he would be sold as a slave.  That is the
law."  Amos was concerned that Daniel may want him to make an exception to
the written law; a request Amos cannot honor.

Daniel continued, noting what Amos said.  "Amos, I understand what the law
is and agree.  Believe me, I'm not calling to ask you to change the law.
You just said if the boy is picked up and has no visible means of support
of family willing to assume responsibility for him he would be sold.
Right?"

"That's right.  Where are you headed with this, Daniel?"

"Amos, if I recall correctly the law does not say 'no family willing to
assume responsibility', the law says 'no one willing to assume
responsibility'.  That is a big difference and a very important point."

"There are two more points, equally as big and as important, that I need to
make here, Amos.  Our agreement with the state gave us responsibility for
the boys then in the detention center outside Tampa, and a lease of the
closed post in Fort Ogden.  There is no provision is the agreement allowing
for additional boys or for attrition.  As each year passes boys will leave,
educated and contributing members of society What happens five years down
the road when only a few are left?  The second point is that we have the
physical capacity to handle more kids than we currently care for on site.
Let us use that capacity to help kids that have done nothing wrong."

"If Brad contacts us we want to offer him a safe haven.  Let him have the
chance to be with his brother, get an education and become a contributing
member of society.  To do that we need the help and support of the
Governor's cabinet and DCF so the agreement can be modified.  Let us accept
boys who come to us for help, so long as they are not fugitive felons."

"In Sean's case, the doctors believe Brad is essential for Sean to have a
fighting chance at living.  The television stations are assisting with
getting the necessary facilities and personnel to do the operation.  Think
in terms of the goodwill that can be promoted for state government ^Ö a
government willing to help its future citizens, not enslave them, and all
being done at no cost to the general public.  Amos, I'm pleading with you
to help us help these kids."

Amos sat quietly as he considered Daniel's appeal.  "Daniel, I hear you,
believe me. I even feel for you and the boys, but I cannot make this
decision myself.  You know, from one perspective you're asking a lot; from
another, you're asking for very little.  I'll make this commitment, I will
talk to the governor and other cabinet members on your behalf.  Daniel, I
do really want to see this project succeed and I'll try for you.  In the
meantime, you know how politics works, I suggest you get your dad involved
and start politicking."

"Amos, I can't thank you enough.  I've already spoken with Dad and he's
going to speak with the governor.  I'm hoping between the three of you we
can get what's needed.  Amos, do you think I should call Ron Wilson?"
Daniel's voice sounded relieved now that he had the worst part of this call
over.  He's looking for guidance from the political experts.

"Daniel, Ron hates having to pick up kids and have them enslaved.  You'll
find him to be a big supported; call him and say just what you said to me."

"Okay, Daniel, good luck to you."

Daniel was glad that was done.  If his Dad got the Governor on board and
Ron Wilson, head of the Department of Corrections, comes on board, that
gives them three powerful allies.

***

Daniel delayed the call to Ron Wilson until after the 6:00 o'clock
broadcast.  He was tired and needed the time to collect his thoughts before
speaking to Ron.  He also hoped that Amos or the Governor may have seen Ron
during the afternoon and alerted him to what Daniel wanted.

Daniel ate supper in the dining hall with the boys.  Seeing them seemed to
recharge his energies and reinforce his commitment.  When the meal was
over, Daniel took a cup of coffee with him and settled behind his desk.  It
was time to make the call.

"Ron, Daniel Thompson ^Å. Hope I'm not calling at a bad time"

"Daniel, good to hear from you; no this isn't a bad time at all.  In fact,
I was rather expecting your call, I spoke with the Governor earlier this
afternoon.  I think I have a good idea what this call is about, but why
don't you tell me."

Daniel answered with a light-hearted tone.  "Okay, there's nothing like
going straight to the point is there?  Ron, we have a very sick boy here,
we believe he will require heart surgery.  The calls are being made now to
get this done at no expense to the state, just as it's stipulated in our
agreement.  The doctor's believe if we can locate the boy's older brother
it would be a big benefit; I'll assume you've seen the announcements
running on the television."

"I've seen one, on the six o'clock news; you're looking for a boy named
Brad."

"That's right.  Our problem is that if we find the boy we don't have the
option of offering him a safe haven.  If he agreed to meet us and one of
your men was there, the boy could be taken in, processed and sold.  If you
were in his position, would you agree to come in?  I wouldn't.  I'm asking
the board to amend our agreement to allow us to bring in as many boys as we
have the capacity to handle.  That's it in a nut shell."  Daniel now waits
anxiously for Ron's response.

"Daniel, I think you know my feelings on picking up these kids and
enslaving them.  If something were to happen to me and for some unforeseen
circumstance my family was to fall on hard times, it'd be very difficult
for me to accept that my children were made slaves because of something
beyond their control.  At the same time I'm sworn to uphold the law.  The
law says I have to bring these kids in and let the system deal with them.
Then we have New Horizons."

"In all fairness to you and your program I will tell you what I suggested
to the Governor.  My suggestion is that you be invited back to the capital,
with your Cherubs, to make a presentation and plead your case.  Show us
where you began and what you have achieved thus far.  I'd like to see the
presentation as soon as possible.  As for the boy you are looking for now,
if he contacts you I do not expect you to tell us where he is.  If you take
him in while we work this out I give you my word we will not bother him.
When a decision is made regarding your request, you can decide at that time
what to do with him."

Daniel knew Ron was bending the rules concerning Brad.  Still, he was
concerned over Ron suggestion.  The project had been operating for only
three months, the question became whether enough had been accomplished to
convince the board.  There was no choice, Daniel had to do what Ron asked
or there probably would be no amendment to the agreement.

"Ron, I appreciate and understand what you say.  I will make myself
available at the board's convenience.  I also agree the sooner the
presentation can be made the better for all concerned."

"Good, Daniel, we're in agreement then.  I'll let the Governor know as soon
as we hang up and hopefully we can do this within the next few days.  We'll
be in contact."

While Daniel considered his conversation with Ron Wilson, he again felt the
weight of the project on his shoulders.  Daniel was in deep thought when
Paul walked in.

"Daniel, Jon Caruthers from the television station called while you were on
the phone, he'd like you to call him."

"Did he say what he wanted or leave a message."

"He only said he had some good news and would like for you to call.  He
sounded real upbeat."

"Thanks Paul, let the guys know we need to meet again in the morning right
after breakfast, would you?"

Daniel's thoughts turned from Ron Wilson to Sean and Jon Caruthers.  Daniel
was ready for some positive news.


End Chapter Nineteen

To Be Continued; comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at
adm2780@yahoo.com