Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 16:49:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons Chapter Fifty-One

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for personal
enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any
means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
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

Note: I would like to thank Colin, John and Greg for their continued
support and patience while I try to write this story.  It took all three to
handle my wandering mind on this one.  Their support and efforts at editing
and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's pleasure.


Chapter Fifty-One: New Horizons

Daniel and his supporters were backstage at the auditorium waiting for the
appointed time to speak.  While they waited, the boys were getting dressed
and Larry made last minute adjustments to the slide show presentation that
would run while Daniel spoke.  Larry also downloaded the photos that Jeff
sent over the previous evening.  The photos were of the boys they had just
picked up at the various sheriff's offices and depicted the frightening
conditions the boys were required to survive.  Jeff and Mark were nearing
the end of their trip and Daniel had decided to have them meet him in West
Palm.  He was still considering whether to allow the boys they had picked
up this week to make an appearance during this session.  The boys were
freshly removed from their homes, most likely still frightened, and could
make a strong statement.  Daniel decided not to spend any more time trying
to reach a decision since he didn't know if the boys would even get to the
auditorium before or during the presentations.

Linda and Arthur stood to the side, watching all of the activity.  With
them were Jeremy and his two friends, Ted and Derek.  Daniel had not met
Derek until that morning, but thought he seemed to be a nice enough young
man.  Derek knew who Daniel was and was a little nervous when they were
introduced.  Soon, Daniel was able to put the boy at ease.  Jeremy had
offered to assist Daniel in any way he could to promote their cause.
Daniel looked at the boy's face as they left the house, and then again,
when they walked into the auditorium, and knew he wasn't ready to face the
public.  There was a look of almost pure fear on the boy's face.

Slave training was designed to make the slave realize he was no longer
equal to free men; slaves were less than men, they were property.  A slave
was not allowed to look directly at a free man nor speak unless it was to
answer a question.  Jeremy survived slave training by learning to do what
he was told, when he was told, and to never challenge anyone.  Even now,
after being told he should look someone straight in the face when speaking
to them or observing the activities around him, he had trouble keeping his
eyes up.  Daniel could tell that Jeremy learned his lessons well.

With Linda and Arthur, Jeremy was just finding a place where he could feel
secure and not threatened physically.  When he put on the New Horizon
shorts and t-shirt that morning he kept pulling at the clothes, as though
they irritated his skin.  That was the first time he had worn anything in
over two years.  He wanted to help, and his friends wanted to support and
help him, so Daniel allowed them to accompany the group to the auditorium.
Now, Jeremy and everyone around him could better understand that although
the boy appeared to have made rapid progress towards returning to a normal
life, he still had a long way to go.  It took months to break Jeremy down
to where he was; it would take months, or more, to bring him back.

"Jeremy, are you doing all right?" Daniel asked with concern.

"Yes, sir.  Kinda, I mean, well . ."  Jeremy wasn't sure what to say to
Daniel.  He really wanted to help, but felt lost.  This was a different
world than what he was accustomed to.  He knew that he lived in it once and
never had second thoughts.  When he left that world, his new world was
highly restricted ^Ö physically, emotionally and mentally.

"Jeremy, that's all right, you're doing fine.  There's an old saying that
says a trip starts with the first step and then proceeds one step at a
time.  Your trip to returning to being a normal, free boy has begun.  Today
is just another step.  The best that you can do for yourself, and us, is
stand here and watch what's happening around you.  More importantly, feel
free to look where you want to look and ask any question you may have.  Can
you do that?"

"Yes, sir.  I think so," Jeremy answered hesitantly.

"Daniel," as Daniel turned, Elizabeth continued. "I won't ask if you're
ready; I know better.  Have you heard from Jeff and Mark?  I understand
you're having them come here?"

"I spoke with them this morning, and if they don't run into any unexpected
bumps, they should make it before this presentation ends.  Jeff emailed
some photos of the boys they have and we've incorporated them into our
slide show.  Care to get a preview?"  Elizabeth nodded and stepped over to
face the viewing screen.

"My God, Daniel.  How can people treat children like this?  This is almost
sickening."

"There's no 'almost' to it.  The conditions are less than ideal; that's a
given.  But, let's also not forget that the public elected, through a vote,
to do away with juvenile facilities.  The sheriffs had no choice but to put
the kids in general lock-up.  At least they tried to keep them segregated.
The kids were scared to death, but at least, as far as we know, none were
molested."  They stood and continued to watch the slide show.  When they
reached the end of the new photos, Daniel turned the projector off.

"Daniel, how can anyone see that and not want to take every one of those
boys home with them."

"You're forgetting something.  I am taking all those boys home with me."
Daniel smiled as he spoke and emphasized 'am'.  Elizabeth also smiled when
she realized how obvious his statement really was; after all, that's why
New Horizons existed.  Daniel continued.

"There might be an interesting story with three of the boys.  Jeff told me
they are brothers, aged ten to thirteen years.  From what we can find out,
their father acted as their pimp.  They've been trained as pleasure boys
since a very early age.  For some reason, they were being sold to satisfy a
debt, but we don't know how big the debt was or with whom."

"You sound as though you think there's more to it; am I right?"  Daniel
again smiled before he answered.

"Guilty," He answered jokingly.  "Pimping your sons is illegal; pimping
slaves is not.  I've heard of schemes where, for a fee, someone could have
papers drawn against sons to get them enslaved.  The perpetrator advances
money to the father to be able to buy the boy, or boys in this case, at
auction.  The bid is always the amount of money owed plus a percentage fee.
Sometimes, the perpetrators got cute and didn't advance enough funds.  At
auction they received the higher price which satisfied the note the father
signed, and the father received a little money.  The father couldn't
protest without revealing the scheme he was involved in.  It was a swindle
game with the kids as the only losers."

"Interesting," was Elizabeth's only comment while she went into deep
thought. "I'd like to see those boys and their files if you don't mind.
It's a good human interest story and maybe we can get them a little
justice."

                                                               ****

Daniel watched the reaction of the audience members as Arnold extolled the
virtues and benefits of slavery.  Arnold was very precise about reminding
the people how bad the Second Great Depression really was, and how
virtually everyone not only suffered, but the extent of the suffering.
They suffered, that is, until a man was elected chief of state who had the
foresight, strength and wisdom to eliminate much of the public debt and
turn idle, asset wasting resources, into positive assets.

"I'm sure that many, and probably most, of you here today can remember the
Second Great Depression and its devastating consequences.  Social welfare
and spending was so high that the minimum income tax was increased to
fifty-percent of earnings.  A person was better off to not work and receive
welfare than he was to find a decent, honest job.  There was no incentive
to be a contributing member of society.  Slavery changed all that."  Arnold
paused to let his audience think.

"Criminals lived better in prison than they did on the outside.  Do-gooders
insisted that prisoners be provided with private cells equipped with a nice
mattress, private toilets, air conditioning and cable television.  Who paid
for all that?  You did!  It was you, the citizen that worked hard all day
but couldn't afford the simple luxuries the prisoner received.  Now, ladies
and gentlemen, I submit that there was something wrong with that.  How did
we resolve the problems?  Slavery.  It was that simple.  If a person could
not get out and work for a living, but insisted on being cared for by the
state, then that's what that person received."

"The master replaced the state.  The felon who refused to abide by the laws
of society lost any civil rights and the right to be part of our society,
except as a slave.  If the slave wanted to rebel, appropriate measures were
formulated to deal with the problems.  The master had full control and
responsibility, and received the benefit of the slave's labor.  Society
recovered part of the costs expended to support the law breakers."

"Funds raised at auctions were used to rebuild our infrastructure, allowing
us to enjoy the benefits of new roads and utilities.  Social welfare
spending was drastically reduced, and with it, taxes were reduced.  The
average citizen was again able to realize and enjoy the fruits of his
labors.  Slavery has brought us a long way back to being able to enjoy a
modern society."

Daniel had to give Arnold credit, he was a good speaker.  He had the
ability to capture the audience's attention and retain it.  The more Arnold
spoke, the more heads began to nod in agreement with what he said.  Most of
what Arnold said was in reality, true.  Daniel knew it would be difficult
to argue with Arnold and decided he wouldn't even try.  When Arnold's
allotted twenty minutes were up, he sat down and it was Daniel's turn to
speak.

Daniel shook hands with Arnold and then approached the podium.  He paused
and then turned to look at the Cherubs.  With a nod from Daniel, the boys
stepped forward.  Danny wore a tangerine loin cloth with gold and silver
adornments for this outing which accented his darkly tanned little body.
The highlights in his hair were predominantly gold with a light touch of
silver and tangerine for accents.  As always, he was the charmer.

"Hi!  I'm Danny 02780 and me and my friends are here to visit with you."
Danny followed his opening line with the ever present smile and tilt of the
head.  He looked to Daniel for another signal and with a nod of the head
the boys walked out into the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, these boys, whom we affectionately refer to as the
New Horizon Cherubs, will circulate through the auditorium while this
program continues.  Please feel free to stop any of them and ask them
questions.  Also, while we discuss this afternoon's topic, I'd like to ask
you to study the slide shows that will appear on the screens behind me.
The content and purpose will be made clear as we proceed.

"First, after listening attentively to Mr. Arnold's statements regarding
how slavery played a major role in bringing this great country out of the
worst depression in its history, we agree with what he said; at least, for
the most part.  Understand that we cannot totally agree or we wouldn't have
any need for a forum such as the one we have here today."  Daniel smiled
and the audience returned some laughter, indicating it understood what he
said was not meant to be ill will.  "What I would like to discuss with you
now is this: how did we get into such a depression in the first place?  To
find that answer, we have to look at a little socio-economic history.

"The two decades preceding the depression were known as some of the most
prosperous years in our history.  Interest rates were low.  The stock
market seemed to know no limits.  The real estate boom was unprecedented in
both the residential and commercial markets.  So, what happened?  History
shows that we became both complacent and greedy.  We thought there would be
no end to the growth and ability to make money.  Did you know that
investors would sign contracts to purchase homes in new developments,
placing a minimal down payment or deposit in escrow.  The market was so
strong that while the house was under construction, the investor could just
sell his interest in the contract to a real buyer.  There were many who
left their regular jobs and did nothing but invest and reap speculative
profits."

"Real estate investors were not the only parties who made fortunes.  Think
about the price of oil.  Oil tripled in a matter of two short years and
then kept rising.  The same went for natural gas and other natural
deposits.  Families were able to enjoy a standard of living unheard of in
the free world.

"The government benefited, also.  All the investing and sales created major
windfalls of revenue for the government.  The nation's debt was wiped out;
in fact, there was a major surplus.  Now, being good citizens we were not
about to sit around and let the government enjoy the benefits of our
efforts.  We wanted our money back; if not in cash, then in kind.
Societies form governments and charge them with the responsibility of
providing for the needs and protection of its citizens.  Our society was
and is no different.  The government had the money and we had the needs.
Simple.

"I know there are many of you here today that can remember the events of
those days.  But, there are many here that have only read stories of those
days.  Please allow me to give you a brief synopsis of the events.  First,
the government gave bonus tax rebates to all citizens.  Money was being
returned to its source.  Not once, not even twice, but three times that
happened.  At the same time there was a large contingent of citizens that
didn't have even the most basic health insurance coverage.  The government
stepped up and met the needs of those people and protected them from the
diseases and ravages of poor health.  Let's not forget that the government
promised a free college education to all who could qualify for entry.  The
number of advanced level training facilities grew by leaps and bounds.
Private enterprise knew how to get its share of the government's budget.
Again, the government stepped up and met the needs of its students and
protected them from ignorance.

"Those were truly times of rags to riches stories being made on a daily
basis.  People who had no education could apply a little common sense and
become overnight millionaires.  It was so easy to make money that no one
wanted to take the menial jobs that paid minimum wage.  To counter the
trend the government began to raise the minimum wage.  They had to raise it
three times to an amount equal to quadruple the amount of just five years
earlier.  Actually, that really didn't help much because people just didn't
want to perform that kind of work.  How was the problem solved?  Easy, open
the borders to immigrants willing to work for a fraction of what our
citizens demanded.

"With cheap labor, guess what happened.  Our citizens were laid off and the
immigrants were hired.  Businesses could make more money that way; at
least, until they were caught paying less than the minimum wage to illegal
aliens.

"Of course, you can't keep taking in a dollar here and a dollar there while
spending five dollars here and five dollars there.  Sooner or later,
someone would have to pay the piper.  The economy began to slow down;
revenues to the government fell dramatically.  One big problem, though; the
citizens refused to lower their expectations and adapt.  Eventually the
government was bankrupt for all practical purposes and we slipped into the
depression.  People continued to experience the inability to make ends
meet, but our demands and what we believed to be our 'needs' didn't change.
With depression came the crimes and the burgeoning prisons that continued
to drain our social and economic pocketbooks.  In short, success led to
more success, which led to greed which led to our downfall.

"We continued the downfall until we hit rock bottom and reality slapped us
in the face.  We elected a chief executive with the fortitude to call a
spade a spade and tell us what we had to do to once again become a great
nation.  The citizens suffered enough and accepted his statements.
Insurance benefits were cut in half.  Welfare rolls were slashed by two
things.  The first was a limit on monetary benefits.  That required all
recipients to accept some type of job.  Secondly, any one refusing to
accept a job could be enslaved for life.  Yes, this was our reintroduction
to slavery.  Those who refused to become contributing members of society,
were forced into it.  The success of the slavery program led to its
expansion.

"The program grew to include felons who sat in air-conditioned prison cells
watching high definition television.  Their sentences commuted from a life
sentence served in luxury, to a life sentence served in slavery and service
to others.  Funds realized at the auction of slaves were used to reduce
national debt and restore our infrastructure and economy.  It was just as
Mr. Arnold stated so eloquently; slavery saved this nation.  We have indeed
come far.  Now, my question to you is this: have we come too far?  Think
about it."  Daniel paused to let his audience think about what he just
said.  He could tell from the expression on many faces that they didn't
fully understand the meaning of his question.

"There was a limited supply of felons that could have their sentences
commuted to slavery.  Persons who may have contemplated committing
felonious acts were deterred by the threat of slavery.  Slavery helped by
reducing the number of crimes.  Unfortunately, the idea of forced labor to
perform menial tasks was so successful that the demand for slaves continued
to rise.  Again, success led to greed.

"To satisfy the demand, the government began enslaving the homeless.  When
that source ran dry, the politicians had to look elsewhere.  Where did they
look?  To the juvenile shelters.  Juveniles who would have been guilty of
committing felonious acts if they had been of age were enslaved.  To
accomplish this the minimum age for enslavement was reduced from eighteen
to sixteen.  Eventually, the minimum age was reduced several times to
fifteen, then twelve, then ten, and eventually six.  Think about it!  At
six years old a child could be sold as a slave!  We continued to seek and
find sources to satisfy our greed.  But, at what price?

"The boys walking amongst you now could have become part of that price.
Why?  For most of them, their parents, for one reason or another, became
victims of the system; leaving them homeless.  We no longer had facilities
to care for orphans or abandoned children.  Why should society worry about
unwanted children?  Slip them into the slavery system and let them be
contributing members; let them be someone else's problem.  That's what the
ardent supporters of the slavery system would advocate.

"In the latter part of the twentieth century there was a famous comedian
named Red Skelton.  He was a well known and highly respected entertainer
that had his own television show.  The show was known for providing family
entertainment.  What do we mean by family entertainment?  We mean
entertainment suitable for the whole family to watch.  They didn't need to
rate shows for content in those days.  In 1969, which was about the time
that people decided to become conscious of a possibility of one person
saying something that might offend another, that court cases were filed by
individuals claiming that their children's civil rights were being violated
because they were required, not asked, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ironic that they were being required to pledge to the very country and
values that allowed them to protest and file their suits.  Mr. Skelton's
statements went something like this.

"He was from Indiana.  One day, one of his teachers felt like his students
didn't appreciate the meaning of the words in the pledge, so he decided to
explain the meaning.  The words to the pledge are now on the viewing
screens behind me.  I'd like to pick up where it goes '..And To The
Republic': A state in which power is invested in representatives chosen by
the people.  The government is the people, and it's from the people to
leaders, not from the leaders to the people. That thought needs to be
repeated: power runs from the people." Daniel paused a moment, then
continued. "For Which It Stands, One Nation': One nation, meaning, 'so
blessed by god'. 'Indivisible': can not be divided. 'With Liberty': Which
is freedom, the right of power to live one's own life without threats, or
fear, or some sort of retaliation.  'And Justice': The principle or quality
of dealing fairly with others. 'For All': For all, which means, boys and
girls, it's as much your country as it is mine."  Daniel again paused to
let his audience read the entire pledge and think on the meaning; then
continued.

"That last part is one of my favorites.  Think about it: "boys and girls,
it's as much your country as it is mine."  Doesn't that mean that we are
all entitled to the same protections, and the same freedoms, unless we have
done something to violate our obligations and lose the privilege of
citizenship?  You know, back in those days, the courts even recognized that
citizens who committed felonious acts had rights until they were convicted.
Remember the phrase "innocent until proven guilty"?  The courts even
required the authorities to advise the suspect of their rights.  It was
called the Miranda decision, and is valid to this day.  I find it
interesting that persons arrested for committing a felonious act have the
right to know their rights, but an innocent child, these innocent children
walking among you now, can just be seized and enslaved.  That's just a bit
incongruous with the right to live one's own life without fear; and,
where's the justice in that?"

Daniel spotted Jeff standing at the rear of the auditorium and motioned for
him to come forward.  When Jeff was near, Daniel told him to bring the new
boys in.  As Daniel continued, the boys entered and lined up in front of
the stage.  They all just stood in place and looked out into the audience.
The boys didn't now what was happening and looked lost.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my time is almost up.  I'd like to leave you with
one more thought.  The boys you see standing here are boys we have just
picked up from across the state.  They were slated to be enslaved until the
recent injunction was issued and then upheld on appeal.  Look at these
children as though you were their parents.  Until recently, each was a
care-free, laughing, happy child.  Each was the center of some family's
universe; their hope for the future.  One day, strangers appeared, seized
the children, and then set the wheels in motion to sell them as slaves.
Were the children afraid?  How would you feel?  Their world was taken away
from them.  There was no one to care for them or about them.  They no
longer represented the future.  They became part of the bottom line profit.

"Did you know there are businesses in this state that specialize in
purchasing money judgments at a reduced rate?  They are very choosey about
what judgments they purchase.  Most are judgments against individuals with
children, sons being preferred.  Since children have been declared assets,
they seize the children, train them and sell them for a profit.  As
parents, think of what kind of future your child would be forced to endure
if you ever got into financial trouble.

"When I began speaking, I asked you to follow the slide show on the screens
behind me.  I'll tell you now that the pictures up there are pictures of
the boys we have at new horizons.  They were taken when we first got the
boys.  However, two documents have appeared on a frequent basis.  I'll ask
my associate to freeze the show on those documents.  Also, Danny, come up
here with me, little guy."  Danny looked at Daniel and then broke into a
run to join him.  As he went on stage, Daniel scooped the boy up in one arm
and held him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Danny.  I'm sure you remember him as the one
that made the brief announcement in the beginning about his friends being
here to visit with you.  Danny is five and a half years old.  The screen on
my left shows a copy of Danny's birth certificate.  It tells us who he is,
where he's from, and how old he is.  Remember when he introduced himself he
said his name was Danny 02780.  The screen on my right is a Certificate of
Ownership, please notice the number on the certificate.  That is part of
the preliminary paperwork completed for when Danny turns six.  Danny is the
victim of something bad happening to his family.

"He was homeless and that certificate would have been his future.  Six
months from now he would have become a six year old pleasure slave in a boy
brothel.  His master would have held a bidding auction with the winner
being the first to be with him and break him in.  The, his master would
still have demanded top dollar from any many wanting to use him.  That's
what would have happened to him, he would have been a child to be used and
abused.  After a couple of years his little body would have been worn out
and he would be sold or recycled.  Is there any one here that can say it
was just and fair for him to face that kind of future?  Now, he will remain
with us at New Horizons where he will be loved, nurtured and cared for to
become a responsible citizen.  Just in case you don't know what I'm talking
about, or can't imagine it, look at the screens behind me now.

"On my right is a happy, smiling ten year old boy.  He was typical of any
boy his age.  He didn't particularly care to have to go to school every
day.  He would have much preferred to be riding a skateboard, or his bike,
and playing with his friends.  This boy came home one day and was seized
under an execution order.  His father lost a civil law suit, but wasn't
even given the chance to refinance his home to pay the debt.  On my left is
that same boy two years later.  Notice the blank stare.  Notice how
emaciated he appears.  Two years in a brothel and his body was so abused
that he could no longer control his bodily functions and had to wear a
diaper.  We found that boy at an auction.  We thought about having him
appear before you today, but he isn't ready yet.  He is in counseling and I
can tell you that one day soon, he will no longer be a slave, but a healthy
young boy well on his way to becoming a productive citizen.

"As for the boys standing before you, we will care for them and make a
strong effort to locate their families.  We hope to return most if not all
of them to loving families.  For those who we can not locate families or
relatives for, we will care for at Ft. Ogden.  I'd like for you to look at
them, look into their eyes.  Behind those eyes you will find a child who
only wants to love and be loved.  Look closer and you will see innocence,
faith and imagination.

"Imagination gives them the ability to dream of things we adults can no
longer think about.  It gives them the ability to dream of a better world
in the future and a way to achieve that better world.  These children are
our future.  They will shape it; they will guide it.  But, how they do that
will depend on the values we instill in them today.  Look at them again.
Before you stands a future doctor that may find a cure for the incurable
disease; a politician that will help shape a world of peace; . . . a
minister, . . . or a lawyer, . . . a business man or a professor.  Suppose
this was your child; would you be willing to sacrifice their life to
satisfy society's greed?

"I'm sure all of you studied some history in school and read about Abraham
Lincoln.  He was the President during the Civil War, a war fought to end
slavery in the nineteenth century.  Mr. Lincoln once said, 'The best deed
in the world, after creating human life, is saving human life.'  There are
politicians in Tallahassee right now trying to pass a bill that would
codify the court's decision declaring our children, our future, to be
property that can be bought and sold at will.  Remember that we are a
republic, power passes from the people.  Ask yourself if we have come too
far, and if you agree with us, exercise that power and let your
representatives know that we have come far enough and it is time for
change.  We need to stop focusing on ourselves and our selfish wants now,
and focus on our children and their future.  We do not need a statute
declaring our children to be property.  We need a statute that prohibits
enslaving innocent children!"

When Daniel finished speaking, Jeff and Mark escorted the new boys to the
side and then back stage while Daniel and Arnold responded to questions
from the audience.  Danny remained in Daniels arms.  Ryan stepped up nest
to Daniel and grabbed a handful of his pants leg.  A panel of five reports
was assembled to ask the questions.

"Mr. Thompson," the first question came from a television reporter. "In the
past you seemed to have advocated doing away with the entire slavery
program, but today you only address abolishing enslavement of children.
Why the change?"

"Actually, I still disapprove of the slavery system in principle.
Remember, this country nearly destroyed itself two hundred years ago
arguing over slavery, and now we seem to be letting history repeat itself.
Also, if you have followed our efforts I'm sure you know that we worked
extensively with politicians to bring about the New Horizons program.  One
thing I have learned over the years is to set priorities and fight for one
small victory at a time.  Our priority now is to protect the children."

The second reporter posed a question for both Daniel and Arnold to respond:
"Mr.  Thompson you stated there are companies purchasing money judgments at
a discount and enslaving the children for a profit.  Can you identify these
companies and Mr. Arnold, your response after Mr. Thompson, please."

"Since the court ruling that children are property that can be seized and
sold, the activity for execution on judgment as increased substantially.
Since this has been going on for about two years, it was fairly easy to
research the public records and run a correlation with the enslavement of
children.  We identified five companies that seem to be very active in the
area.  We are working now to determine if there is any common links.  We
would prefer not to identify those companies until we have more evidence,
but the data will be released in due time.  We know enough that I have no
problems standing here before you today and making those statements."

"Mr. Thompson has made an accusation, but seems unwilling to offer us any
evidence."  Arnold responded quickly, moving to attack Daniel. "I submit to
you that Mr. Thompson will not identify any of these so called companies
because he lacks sufficient evidence to avoid a slander suit.  I'm willing
to speculate that the companies he refers to are financial institutions
because they are the lenders of money who must act to recover bad debts and
prove to their shareholders that they operate in a responsible
business-like manner.  Being a responsible business is not the same as
being an ogre as Mr. Thompson suggests."

Back stage, while Daniel and Arnold continued to answer questions, Jeff and
Mark saw Linda and Arthur standing with Jeremy and his friends.  Jeremy
appeared to have been crying.  Linda stood behind Jeremy with an arm over
each of his shoulders and crossed over his chest.  His right hand held one
of her hands, tightly.  Jeff had not met Linda and Arthur, but knew who
they were and knew of Jeremy.  Mark had met them previously, and made the
introductions.

"We missed most of his statement," Jeff commented. "How did he do?"

"Great," Arthur said simply. "He should have been a lawyer.  He went out
there and smacked the people in the face with the truth; and he did it with
passion!"

"Jeremy, do you remember me?"  Jeremy looked at Mark and gave a slight
smile.

"Yes, sir.  How are you, Mr. Mark?"

"I'm doing much better now that I see you out and around people.  Is this
your first time?"

"Yes, sir.  I wanted to help Mr. Daniel, and my friends here, Ted and
Derek, came to support me."  Jeremy looked down. "But, I got scared,
Mr. Mark.  I wasn't ready."

"Jeremy, Daniel tells us you've come a long way.  Be patient; it will take
some time.  You may not realize it, but just by being here and wanting to
help, that means a lot to Mr.  Daniel."  With that, Jeremy looked up and
smiled.  Mark gave the boy a nod and a smile.

"Jeff, are these all the boys you picked up on the trip?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, sir.  We were supposed to get forty-three.  Five were returned to
their families, so we have the remaining thirty-eight.  Hopefully, we can
locate family members for most of them."

"Jeff," Linda interjected "if you can locate family members, why couldn't
the authorities?"

"We think it's primarily a matter of resources.  The authorities have only
so many people to work the case load and due to heavy case loads, they just
don't dedicate the time required.  Not only are we able to put in extra
time, many of the boys will help and right now we have two college students
volunteering.  To us, there is no such thing as too much time to solve the
puzzle of the missing families."

While they talked backstage, they heard the sound of applause coming from
the audience.  Soon, Daniel walked through the curtain carrying Danny and
Ryan, followed by the rest of the Cherubs.  The two young boys immediately
spotted the new group of boys and began assessing each boy.  The adults
watched the two young boys who were so intent on what they were doing, they
didn't realize they were being watched.  Finally, Daniel spoke to them.

"Danny, now that you and Ryan have had a chance to inspect all of them do
you think it's alright for them to go home with us?"  Danny looked at his
hero, smiled and nodded.

"Good, I'm glad we got you're approval," Daniel said smiling.  "Now, how
about if you two go back with the other boys and change?"

"No," Danny answered abruptly, "I wanna be naked again."

"Danny, didn't we talk about this before?  I thought we agreed that when we
are away you would wear the shorts and shirt like the other boys, didn't
we?"  Danny gave an impish nod. "So, how about you and Ryan go in the back
and change."

"Jer'my take me," Danny said with a smile.  Daniel looked to Jeremy who
didn't know what to say until Linda whispered in his ear.  Jeremy than took
Danny from Daniel while Derek reached for Ryan.  All three boys took the
younger ones to the dressing area.

"Mark," Daniel called out as he switched his attention from the boys, "I
received a call from the school about you."  Daniel now had Mark's
undivided attention.  "Seems they finished grading your tests.  You
finished the semester with a perfect 4.0 grade score.  Congratulations."
Daniel enjoyed seeing Mark's face light up at the news and the attention
everyone poured on him with their congratulations.  Daniel saw a much more
mature person in Mark now, compared to the frightened young man he found
cleaning the fountain.

"Elizabeth brought us another good bit of news, too.  Remember the boy that
worked at the television station?  The boy you promised to come back and
get?  Well, he's protected under the injunction and is now back home with
his family.  That, my young friend, is thanks mostly to you're quick
thinking and help."  Daniel had a hand on Mark's shoulder.  The look in
Daniel's eyes told Mark how proud Daniel was of what he had done.  Daniel
then became serious.

"Mark, there's something I'd like for you to do.  Your new schedule and
books won't be here for another week.  I want you to take one of the vans
and go visit your parents.  You've worked hard, and I think they would
really enjoy seeing you; it would be good for you, too.  Sometimes,
surprise visits can be the best visits."

"Daniel, thank you, but I can't do that now.  You'll need all the help we
have to get these new boys settled in. Besides, if I take the van, how will
you get back to Ft. Ogden?"  Before Daniel could answer, Mark hopefully
asked another question.

"Daniel, do you think, maybe, I could take Kevin with me?  My parent's home
is big and they have plenty of room."  Daniel laughed to himself.  The
second question told him that Mark thought he shouldn't leave now, but he
wasn't going to let the door hit him on the way out.

"I don't know, Mark.  I know you and Kevin have become very good friends, "
Daniel placed emphasis on 'very good', "but I think you need to talk with
him."

Mark found Kevin and told him the good news.  Kevin thought it would be
great to visit with Mark's parents.  When Mark left to tell Daniel Kevin
was going, Kevin saw Ben and the look on the younger boy's face.  After
looking at Ben for a moment, Kevin knew what he needed to do.

"Mark, Mark," Kevin interrupted, "I can't man.  I really appreciate it, and
it sounds like fun, but I can't." Kevin pointed over his shoulder to Ben.
"If you'd seen the look on his face when he thought I was going to leave
him, you'd understand.  You go, and I'll see ya when you get back.  You are
coming back, right?"  Mark and Kevin smiled at each other and exchanged
shoulder bumps.  Kevin then turned and held his arms out toward Ben who
came running.  Mark watched them, knew Kevin was right and felt guilty.

"Daniel, how are you getting the boys back if I take the van?"  Mark asked
again, but this time he waited for an answer.

"That's easy, we'll put them on the bus.  The bus was going to Ft. Ogden,
right?  And, don't worry about us getting them settled in, we'll manage."

"Not tonight, you won't," Linda stated in her 'I won't have it'
tone. "These boys have been through enough.  You'll go back home with us so
they can rest.  You'll have all day tomorrow to head back to Ft. Ogden."

"Mom!" Daniel tried to respond, "Do you realize how many boys we have here,
now?"

"Doesn't matter."  Before Daniel could say anything, Linda approached the
group of new boys. "Is there any one here that doesn't like pizza?  Is
there anyone that would object to sleeping on the floor for one night?"
When no one responded Linda turned to her son, "See, it's that simple.  You
and Arthur better figure out how much we need to order.  And don't forget
to ask Elizabeth to join us."  Daniel threw his arms up in surrender.

As Daniel threw his arms up in surrender, Danny came out of the dressing
area.  Seeing Daniel's arms up, Danny thought Daniel wanted to hold him, so
he ran and jumped into Daniel's chest.  Daniel had to react quickly to
avoid dropping the boy.  He also needed to sit down at that point and get
his breath.  When some of the other boys emerged from the dressing area,
Daniel thought he should address the new boys.

"Boys, my name is Daniel Thompson, and this little man here is Danny.
We're both from New Horizons.  I know this has been a hectic and trying
week for you and I wish I could say it was going to settle down, but I
think we have a couple of more days to go.  I'm sure all of you have
questions you would like to ask, but for now, we need to ask you to just
trust us.  The original plan was to take you to Ft. Ogden tonight, but my
mother insists you stay here tonight and rest.  We will be staying at my
parent's home and will have pizza for dinner.  That's assuming we can find
a pizza place willing to take a telephone order for thirty pizzas.  The
boys behind me are from New Horizons and I think this may give all of you a
chance to talk and get acquainted.  Right now, we all need to load up and
get out of here."

                                                               ***

Arthur opened the door to find four pizza delivery boys.  They delivered
thirty pizzas, plus pizza sticks with dipping sauce and a dozen liters of
soft drinks with cups and ice.  One of the delivery people was the manager
of the restaurant.  He told Arthur he had never had a request like this and
just had to come along to see what was happening.

When the delivery boys entered they were at first surprised and then
laughed at seeing all the boys.  Some of the boys were dressed, some were
naked, and some were in between.  There were boys in the pool, spread out
on the floor, and all over the back yard.  Everywhere you looked, there
were boys.  Daniel saw the look on their faces and started to laugh.

"That's alright guys, we're accustomed to people staring."  Just then a
naked Danny ran up and grabbed Daniel's leg. "Believe it or not, they're
all ours and this is only part of them."

The manager laughed and introduced himself to Daniel.  Then the manager saw
the logo on the shirts the boys wore and asked about it.  Daniel explained
who they were and what they were doing.  When he finished, the manager just
stood and watched the boys.  Then, to everyone's surprise, he reached for
the bill and tore it up.  Dinner was on him.

The house was pure chaos, but it was a happy chaos.  Daniel noted that
several of the new boys were talking with some of the cherubs.  He also
noted that many of the new boys had managed to shed their clothes, had been
swimming and were now sitting outside enjoying their new found freedom.
Looking around, Daniel also saw Clayton talking with his mother.  Daniel
watched them for a little while, and tried to get a read on how Clayton
felt.  After a few minutes, Clayton left his mother and approached Daniel.

"Mr. Daniel, my mother wants to know if I want to come home.  I don't know
what to say to her.  I do love her, honest; but, I just don't know."

"Clayton, do you know what it is that makes you unsure?"

"Not really, Mr. Daniel.  You know that I've been gone for a while and
where I am now I know I'm safe.  I'd like to see my brother again.  We were
real close, but suppose he blames me for our parents splitting and breaking
up his home?  Then there's the neighbors, I'm sure they all know about what
happened and why.  My father would have told all of them and then bragged
how he disowned the trash."

"Clayton, let me ask you something.  Are you going to live the rest of your
life letting what other people might say or know control you being happy?
If you do, you will have a miserable life.  There will always be people who
will accept you and people who will reject you.  Some, because you're gay,
and some for a reason probably not even known to them.  What I'm trying to
say is that you have to do what you feel will be best for you.  Don't worry
about other people.  If they didn't have you to disapprove of, they'd just
find something or someone else.  As for your brother, I know the two of you
wee close.  I saw how the two of you interacted when he visited several
weeks ago.  I'm pretty sure you'll find that he's missed you as much as
you've missed him and he doesn't blame you for anything."

"Mr. Daniel, if I go, how long do you think it would be okay for me to be
gone?"

"Mark is staying over here to visit with his parents.  He'll be here for
several days.  Suppose you visit with your family and then Mark can bring
you back.  However, if you decide you want to go, I'll need to speak with
your mother first.  How's that?"

Clayton returned to his mother's side and they talked.  After a few minutes
Mary began to cry and hugged her son.  Daniel knew that Clayton told her he
would come for a visit.  Mary released her son and joined Daniel.

"Daniel, I can't thank you enough.  I have no way of expressing how much
this means."  Mary was elated.

"Mary, please understand that I need to be sure this is in Clayton's best
interest, and I think it is.  What I'm talking about now, is this visit.
Mark will be here a few days, and when he returns he needs to bring Clayton
with him.  When Clayton gets back I'll want him to talk to a counselor.  It
would probably be a good idea for his brother to be able to speak with
someone also.  We need to get an understanding of their real feelings and
whether this will work in the long run.  You do understand that he's not
the same boy that was thrown out that night, right?"

"I know what you're saying, and yes, I understand.  I also understand that
deep down he is that same boy.  He's not as innocent or naïve as he was,
but he is still that same caring and generous boy that I call my son.
Daniel, please understand that I am his mother.  I, too, must make
decisions.  As much as it would break my heart, if I felt that it was in
his best interest to stay at New Horizons, for whatever reason, then as a
mother, I would tell him to stay."  As Mary spoke, the tears that ran down
her cheeks told Daniel how sincere she was.

"Mary, I suggest that you say goodbye to my mother and Arthur.  The two of
you should just slip out of here quietly.  I'll give you the number to
contact Mark and I'll see that he has your number.  Clayton should be able
to stay with you for about five or six days."  Mary simply leaned over and
kissed Daniel on the cheek before she rose and left with her son.

End Ch Fifty-One

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