Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:15:41 -0500 From: Eff Del Subject: The Oak and The Ash-Chapter 8 *Chapter 8* The world is filled with so many reasons to be happy. Never waste time feeling bad or regretting something that once made you smile. The fact is it was once significant enough to have made you happy. Every moment is precious and the ones that make you happy are jewels more precious than diamonds. "That didn't hurt a bit." Sean said as he hopped off the table after Doctor Mohamed had inserted his GPS chip into his right thigh. He pulled his pants up and Brian dropped his shorts and took his place upon the table and the doctor loaded his medical syringe with a second chip and injected it into the boy's hip. "I hardly felt it!" Brian exclaimed and I suspected that it was an exclamation of surprise. "You or me Jack?" "Me I guess" he said with a wide grin as he dropped his shorts an laid down on the table and Doctor Mohamed quickly injected the tiny chip into his hip. "Wow. I didn't feel a thing and to think that little chip could have saved me all those days when I was stranded on the ocean." I dropped my pants and laid down on the table and frankly, it hurt more than I expected but it certainly wasn't what you would call painful...just unpleasant. Richard smiled as he logged each chip into his spreadsheet. "Now there's no place in the world you can be that we can't find you. Of course, after yesterday, that applies to me as well." "Isn't there some way these chips could be beneficial to our enemy's Richard?" "No Eric because their programing is changed on a momentary basis. Only our master computer keeps track of them and no one else would be able to keep up with the logarithm...not even Barry. The only consistent thing is their identity code and even that would be useless without their current program code which changes as often as most people blink and only we have access to that information. Trust me that it's perfectly safe...remember that I've got one stuck in my ass as well. I trust Barry's system Eric and so should you." "Of course I trust this system Richard I'm only trying to be interactive...you know, asking intelligent sounding questions" I grinned and he smiled back. "You know that you're probably the best boss in this entire world don't you?" "Well, I doubt that but I've certainly got the best employees in the world and that surely includes you my friend. Walter knew how to pick people and when he picked you he was spot on." I realized that I was beginning to cry and I grabbed a towel from the side cupboard. "Richard, I'm sorry but I still often cry when I think about Walter he meant so much to me." "Eric, I cry over him almost every day. He was like my father. If it weren't for him, I'd probably be in prison. I can't imagine what my life would have been without Walter. Thanks for letting me share some tears." "Let's share a scotch and then get on with our day yes?" "Yes Boss." We'd walked down to my study and I filled two tumblers with two ice cubes and then a generous pour of Glenn Fiddich. We sat and then sipped. "You and the boys you know, you're something special. I've never seen so much love. It's really astonishing." "I think we are something that was meant to be. I honestly don't think I had anything to do with it. The world works like that you know. However, it won't always be like this. The boys will grow. Hell, Jack is almost a man and Sean and Brian are right behind him. I suspect our love will continue but it will be different. Doc Swaim warned me about that way back when I considered adopting Sean. It was actually a tough part of the decision. When you have a sweet little boy, you want to keep him that way but you can't Richard. You have to be willing to let him grow and that's what I'm trying to do with the three of them." "Yeah Eric but they're not spoiled `privileged' kids. They're regular fun nice boys. I'd like them even if I didn't work here if that makes any sense." "It does and I thank you for saying that. I want them to grow to be fine and responsible men. I want them to be positive influences upon the world and above all, I want them to do no harm only good. That's how I'm trying to raise them and that's how I'm hoping they'll grow. The money doesn't mean a thing to them thanks to their upbringing they pretty much have no concept of money, they just love life." "Loving life is certainly something that they do and it's contagious. You can't be around any of them without being happy and optimistic. Even after all of the recent trouble, they kept their eyes on the bright side and therefore, anyone around them had to do the same thing. Brian is new to the mix, but he's a perfect fit. They'll be a cohesive team and loving brothers for the rest of their lives. I'm envious of them." I sipped my scotch and blinked back a tear. "I am too Richard." He smiled gently, drained his glass and stood up. "See you later this afternoon Boss." He walked out of the room quickly enough so that he didn't see or hear my weeping. I suspect that he sensed it coming and didn't want to embarrass me. Despite everything, I wasn't over the loss of my parents nor the loss of Walter and most certainly the death of my beloved Kyle. I was beginning to understand that in one way or another, I'd never recover from that grief. For better or for worse, it was a permanent part of my life that I just needed to learn to cope with. I wiped my eyes and decided that this was a `two drink morning' after all and so, I dropped two ice cubes into my tumbler and made a healthy pour. Just as I was finishing my drink, Daniel stood at the door. I smiled because after all this time, Daniel refused to enter the room without my permission. He was so formal in his protocol that he made Walter seem trite and when Walter was playing `butler', you could have cast him in a movie. "Yes Daniel?" "Eric, there's a gentleman in the parlor who claims that he's been trying to get hold of you without success and that he has matters to discuss with you of great importance." "OK Daniel, I've got some time right now. Bring him here." A few minutes later, Daniel returned and formally said; "Mr. Tucker, this is Mr. Charles Chang." I almost spit out my mouthful of scotch. "You are not the only man in the world with resources Mr. Tucker and please tell me that you truly didn't think I'd signed over all of my wealth to you. The fact is, you only got a small portion...the portion in my American holding company and I still have the rest. May I sit down and would you be gracious enough to offer me a whiskey?" "Please sit Mr. Chang. Would single malt scotch be satisfactory?" "That would be excellent Mr. Tucker." As I poured his drink, I turned to him. "If you don't mind my asking Mr. Chang, how were you able to get off that island?" He accepted his tumbler and smiled. "As I said Mr. Tucker, you are not the only man in the world with resources." "So how may I help you Mr. Chang since it seems I can't keep you on a South Pacific Island?" He smiled and took a sip of his scotch. "A truce Mr. Tucker. I simply want a truce. I know that you enjoy boys and you know that I enjoy boys. It's a very specific appetite that we share though you don't share the taste for variety, diversity and constancy that I am apparently cursed with. I'm willing to give up my attempt to recreate or reclaim the NEST since (for whatever horrible reason) you've destroyed that beloved and wonderful establishment. I'm going down to Brazil and I'm going to finance a new NEST down there. The streets are full of young boys selling their little asses just for enough to eat. I propose to set up a school very much like the old NEST...teach them, train them and make them responsible important young men but in the meantime...yes fuck them and love them. Fuckable little boys are easy to find all over the world. They're a fact of life...but intelligent, talented versatile boys are not so common. That's what you've destroyed Mr. Tucker but I'm going to rebuild that resource in Brazil. I just don't want any trouble from you. I want you to leave me alone." I took a long pull from my drink as I thought about what he'd said. "So you'd pick up little boys from the street?" "At first yes, but we'd keep them safe, warm and well fed. Soon, just like the old NEST, we'd adopt little kids and bring them up under the original system. They'd be educated and trained and after three years of `service', they'd be sent to University. I'm not a monster Mr. Tucker...I'm just a boy lover. I don't want to be your enemy; the fact is that we don't need to have a relationship at all. I'll be in a different country and it won't really be any of your business will it?" "Not for now Mr. Chang. Bye the way, how is your partner the Proctor I sent you down there with?" He smiled. "A razor opened up his throat the second week we were there. It turns out that he was a shitty Gardner." I grimaced and stood up. "Well, be very careful of our next encounter Mr. Chang. Enjoy your little Brazilian boys and stay the hell away from American children because I'll hunt you down and there will be no South Pacific Island for you next time and remember...you may have resources but I've got far more." He nodded his head solemnly and left. This was not the way that I'd expected my day to begin. ************************************* I walked up to the command center and filled Richard and Barry in on what had just happened. They were both quite concerned. "Security on the island isn't Skuggor controlled Eric but none-the-less I wouldn't have suspected a man in Chang's position could have escaped. The guy obviously has connections and colleagues we had no idea about. What do you want to do about him?" "I think for now, we'll just keep an eye on him. If he told me the truth, he'll be Brazil's problem shortly. We can't police the whole world and we can't save everyone...besides, there were a lot worse things than growing up to be a NEST boy back then. I just don't want for Chang to drop off our radar guys." "Got it Eric." Barry replied. ************************************** We were all in the jet flying back from the Capital after a third spectacular state swim championship. The apple of my eye was bringing back his third consecutive `Best overall' trophy but each of the boys including Brian had garnered at least one hunk of sparkly metal. I smiled to myself as I recalled my thought from weeks ago; `Brian and the Seven Samurai'...what a name for a rock group. Too bad only Sean and Ricco were musical. As we landed and everyone got off, Coach Riorden pulled me into a hug. "You know Eric, we can only do this four more years and then half of them will age out." I smiled. "It would be great if it could go on that long Clay but we both know that boys change their interests and I suspect that the `seven samurai' may have swum for the last time although I hope I'm wrong. Except for what happened that first year, it certainly has been fun. It's reminded me of another little boy that..." I couldn't go on and I realized that I was going to cry. Would I ever get over my grief over Kyle? Probably not I suddenly realized. Clay took me into his arms and pulled me tight. "You know Eric, that terrible day, my sister had flown out from Cleveland. She was on a business trip and we made plans for her to watch the swim meet and then we had dinner together. If she hadn't flown in, I was scheduled to drive back with your family. Your Dad always made certain that I drove with them...he was like that you know? I'd have been the fourth body in that car and I swear to God that I think about it all of the time." "W-well, thank goodness you weren't Clay or else, who would have coached Sean, Brian and the other six `Samurai'?" Tears were pouring from my eyes so I just patted his shoulder and walked away. All of the bags were unloaded and I caught up with Sean and Brian. "I got your bag too Dad." Sean smiled. "Let me carry that son, you've got to hang onto your bag and your trophies." "Kay, everything is kina heavy." I grinned at him and took my overnight bag from his shoulder. "Maybe a certain young man shouldn't go around wining so many trophies eh?" He grinned back but to his credit, he didn't make a typical wise-assed comment. "And what about you young Spider? From a kid who barely knew how to swim to the state champion in the 50 meter free-style...that's something to certainly be proud of. I think instead of young men, I've adopted three fish." They giggled and both drew close to me just seeking body contact. I appreciated it as much as they did. "Dad, are you taking the guys up to the lake again this year?" "Absolutely Sean. You and Brian get to make the invitations and I'm thinking we should shoot for two weeks." "Yes!" Brian was pumping his arms up in the air. "Dad, is Jack gonna come with us?" "Most certainly Sean. I can't believe he hasn't been to the cabin yet but of course, he's had an "interesting life" recently hasn't he?" The offer of two weeks at the lake for the `Samurai' was accepted by all of the parents and therefore, the entire six little men were camped out in the solarium after a wonderful fried pork chop dinner. "How about a story from Professor Swaim?" Ricco called out from his sleeping bag. "Sorry boys, there will be plenty of those up at the cabin but we're leaving very early in the morning so you need to get to sleep." One of the boys and I suspect it was Charlie muttered; "Bummer Mr. T." I didn't react. I also didn't snoop on the activities going on in the solarium that evening. They were getting older and they all certainly deserved their privacy. ******************* As always, Doc Swaim sat in the back with the boys and somehow managed to keep them captivated throughout the entire trip. Youthful arms and legs flying, the boys all piled out of the motor home. Windy and LC were waiting with cold drinks and nachos and little meatballs bobbing around in a cheesy sauce that were absolutely delicious. Jack stood by the door of the motor home and just looked around. "How the hell can something this beautiful exist?" "Well, obviously it can Son." He hugged me and after a few moments he whispered; "You're like some kind of miracle you know that don't you?" I just hugged him back. "Let Sean and Brian show you around the place and then pick out your room. You'll spend several nights in my room I suspect but we can work that out. I'll meet you for a beer on the balcony in about an hour." "You bet Dad! I'll see you a little later." He stopped in mid-step and turned around and kissed me. He smiled and was quickly off in pursuit of the two younger boys. John had witnessed the little interaction and his face was lit with a smile. "Man, I sure hope that I've got a relationship like that with Little Walt as he grows up Eric." "Of course you will John. The boy is going to grow up at Joyous Gaurde with you and Jenny as his parents. How could his life not be loving and perfect?" My big friend grinned and nodded his head. "And on top of that, he'll have you for his Godfather and three perfect `Uncles' Not too much later the telephone rang and the Commodore issued his typical invitation for us all to spend the night at Camp West Wind. He was disappointed to learn that Will Fletcher wasn't with us but he understood. "Next year we'll break him in." he'd laughed into the telephone. "Yes Sir, I suspect we truly will." *********************** It wasn't a campfire but it was a close gathering in the mess hall of the camp and after a short but stirring little talk by the commodore, he introduced Doc Swaim who soon gathered all of the boys into his magic. This was a story that I'd never heard before and so, I was as captivated as the rest of them. Sean was sitting between my legs and Brian and Jack were on either side of me. We were cuddled as close as could be and all of us were mesmerized by that great storyteller as he wrapped us all into the tale that he was telling and kept us hung upon the adventure. I have no idea how he does it. It's just extraordinary. I think Doc is a treasure. There will probably never be another like him. ************************ The other boys were out on the lake with John and Doc. "We gotta take you to the grotto Jack." Sean smiled. "OK Sean, then let's go." The four of us were soon walking down the trail and it didn't take long before the sound of the waterfall was predominant. "Wow!" was all that came out of Jack's mouth as he saw the pool and the falls. "It's cold Jack but it's wonderful." Brian said as he began disrobing. I'm not certain if it was Brian or Sean who was naked first but they were both soon in the pond squealing with shock and glee. "Come on Dad...come on Jack what are you waitin' for?" Jack beat me. He peeled off his clothes and was soon with his brothers splashing in the cold water. I wasn't very far behind and I soon joined the trio in the decidedly frigid little pond. Action makes things warmer and so I urged the boys through the apron of falling water. "Come on guys...through the curtain and into the other side." Jack had no idea what I was talking about though Sean and Brian did so they just grasped his hands and pulled him under the falls. I came through just in time to hear Jack mutter; "Holy shit!" "Special huh?" "Very special Dad." "Well, it's even more special than you think because that slab back there is the `blowjob' bench and I suspect you know what that means." I motioned to them to sit on the rock slab. "Brian is the youngest so he goes first." I kneeled between his long strong legs and took his cock into my mouth. Though not as skillful as Jack, I am a rather gifted cocksucker. Brian was a thirteen year old boy and he didn't stand a chance. He blew his load in minutes. Sean was next and he never tried to prolong his pleasure. He came quickly and gratefully. "Ready Jack?" "Yes Dad. I'm always ready." His devilish grin flashed. I kneelt down and took his `big boy' cock into my mouth and began my game. He came really quickly and after that, we all four plunged through the waterfall and into the cold little pond. *********************** "John, are you going to teach me to drive this thing?" Jack asked as he motioned around the motorhome. "Well sure Jack. We could start that right now. Only your father has to get out of his seat and plop his ass back there." Jack gave me `the look' and I got up and moved to the back. John moved over to my former seat and Jack took over the driver's seat. "So Jack, not much about driving this is different from Bony Blue except for the size and the weight. You've got to plan your stops...frankly Jack, you've got to plan for your accidents. Keep your speed moderate, keep alert and don't get distracted. This is a substantial vehicle that requires an alert driver. If you're ready young man, take us out onto the road. The smile on Jack's face was enough to make my heart throb. My little boy was so proud that I couldn't believe his smile actually fit his face. ******************************** After dropping off all of the `Samurai', we pulled into Joyous Gaurde rather late. Sean and Jack were awake but Brian was out like a light so I threw him over my shoulder and after saying goodnight to Doc and John, we made our way into the house and down to the elevator. I just dropped Brian into his bed after removing his shoes and socks. I pulled the comforter over him, kissed him and closed his door. Jack was already naked and beginning to climb into bed. He grinned at me. "Pretty good trip wasn't it?" "Yep, those brothers of yours certainly did a job at the swim meet a couple of weeks ago as well eh?" "Well Tadpole kinda owns the pool but Brian sure has learned to swim hasn't he? I'm proud of him and Dad, I'm so happy that he earned a trophy." "Me too Jack. He's certainly quite a little athlete. He could have been a NEST kid Jack. Between all of you, the trophy area just may have to expand. Do you want to come into my bed tonight Jack?" "I'd love to Dad but Tadpole is planning on doing that." I smiled because the apple of my eye was crawling under the covers with me tonight. He was pulling off his clothes as he giggled and wiggled in the dim light of the room. Finally naked, he spread his arms and said; "You do realize that you're finally going to share a bed with the three time overall state championship swimmer right?" "No, but I DO realize that I'm going to share a bed with one of the sexiest and cutest young men I've ever seen in my life. Isn't that better?" "Yes, that's way better. Anybody can swim." I took him into my arms and we folded against each other. Eventually, he raised his little legs up over my shoulders and I entered him slowly and gently. Our coupling lasted at least an hour as we cooed and whispered to each other and moved slowly and passionately. Finally I came and collapsed onto his little body. I pulled him against me and we fell asleep almost at once. Just before sleep took me, I had the thought that I'd never loved anything more than I loved my little Sean except for my long lost Kyle. I adored Jack and Brian but my heart and soul belonged to Sean. **************************** Author's note... For those of you who have been so kind as to write me with feedback for several chapters back and have not received a response from me, please accept my apology. I suffered a very tragic death in my life unexpectedly and of a much beloved person and frankly haven't recovered from it yet. Foolish as it may sound, taking some time to write my silly little `Joyous Gaurde' chapters is one of the ways I've found some comfort but I haven't had the strength or the will to respond to email. I'm not going to attempt to go back and respond to your kind past posts. Please know that I've read them all and hope to be far more diligent in replying from now on. Thank you for reading and (hopefully) enjoying my little story. I so appreciate those of you who take the time to write a comment