Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:57:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons Chapter Seventy-Nine

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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 Matthew for their continued
support and patience while I try to write this story.  Their support and
efforts at editing and correcting my errors keep me focused.  It is the
emails and comments I receive from you, the readers, that encourage me to
continue.


Chapter Seventy-Nine:  New Horizons


Daniel drove the bus with Michael and the boys.  They followed Elizabeth's
mini-van that contained Elizabeth, Arthur, Linda and Colin.  The boys were
nervous, they had learned on the street that the worst fate that could
befall them was to be caught by the police and taken to court.  Captain
Jackson and his men had spent a lot of time with the boys, and the boys
were comfortable with them.  This was different; they were going to court
before a judge.  Daniel knew the boys wee nervous and joked around with
them, trying to ease their fears.  Daniel had called Captain Jackson and
asked if he and a couple of his men could be there to escort the boys and
make them feel more secure.  Unknown to Daniel, Arthur had received a call
from his office during the trip.

Elizabeth had worked with the boys almost from the beginning when they
first arrived at New Horizons.  The boys had stayed many nights in her home
and, many, were friends with her sons who were also on the bus and dressed
as Cherubs.  Chris and Eddie thought this was an adventure.  Elizabeth was
both curious and excited as a newsperson; she was uncertain as a mother.
As they rode along, Arthur's phone rang.  Elizabeth could tell the call was
from his office, but couldn't hear enough of the conversation to understand
what the call was about.  When he hung up, Elizabeth looked at Arthur
expectantly.  Arthur looked at Elizabeth and jokingly told her there would
be no news scoops until Daniel was present.

As they pulled in next to the curb in front of the courthouse, Daniel
spotted the Captain and four of his men.  Parking the bus, Daniel told the
boys to stay put until he came back for them.  He stepped off the bus and
greeted the Captain and his men.  Arthur joined the group while Colin and
the ladies stayed a few steps back.

"Daniel, good morning," the Captain greeted.  "This should be an
interesting meeting."

"Captain, good morning.  Right now I'm not too sure how interesting this
will be; the boys are really uptight.  I think you can understand why the
courtroom would not be their favorite tourist attraction."  The Captain
smiled and nodded.

"Good morning," Arthur greeted the group. "Daniel, I got a call from my
office; I asked my admin to do some checking on this judge.  It's always
nice to know something about the person that will decide your case.  Most
of the info we already knew, there's a little bit that's new.  It seems
that Judge Moss, or at least his family, are quite well known around here.
The family is one of the original pioneering families and what we would
refer to as old line; they are very prominent both socially and
financially.  We also found out he was appointed to his judgeship just a
few months ago by the governor.  Before that he was in private practice and
took on a number of different kinds of cases."

"What does that mean for us?"

"Not sure.  Seems the judge is well known, but he manages to balance
maintaining contacts while protecting his privacy."  Arthur turned to the
Captain.  "Captain, do you know anything about the gentleman that you could
share with us?"

"Not a lot, Mr. Sinclair.  I can tell you that in the department he has a
reputation for being very fair.  I can also tell you that those different
kinds of cases he took, a lot of them involved children.  In my book, that
would make him a pretty good man."  The Captain then changed the subject.

"Gentlemen, we need to head upstairs.  Has anyone briefed the boys on what
to expect?"

"Not yet," Daniel responded.  "We weren't too sure what to tell them,
they're nervous enough."  The Captain then entered the bus to talk to the
boys.

"Fellas, how about if all of you turn and face me so we can talk a minute."
The Captain paused while the boys focused their attention towards him. "We
are about to go inside and I wanted to let you know what to expect.  First,
understand that you will probably get a lot of stares.  Most people appear
in court dressed in uniforms like I'm wearing or in a suit.  Obviously, you
are dressed a little differently."  The Captain paused a moment and got the
light chuckle from the boys he had hoped for.  "Part of those stares will
be because you are dressed differently, and part will be because, quite
frankly, as a group you are beautiful.  I don't think anyone will be able
to look at you without smiling and admiring you.  In fact, I wouldn't be
surprised if more than one young lady, or old lady, just flat out swooned
when they lay eyes on you."  The Captain smiled and was pleased when most
of the boys laughed a little.

"We are not going to the courtroom.  The judge thought that was just a
little too formal under the circumstances.  Next to each judge's office
there is a hearing room.  It's just a large room with a desk and a long
table in the middle.  When we go in, there may or may not be enough chairs
for all of us.  The attorneys will sit on either side of the table; the
judge at his desk.  Chairs will be along the walls.  Walk over and take a
seat.  If there aren't enough chairs, then take a position behind one of
the chairs.  When the judge enters the room, stand up quietly until he
tells you to be seated.  From then on the judge will tell us all what to
do.  Any questions or concerns?"

"Yes, sir, Captain," Jacob spoke up. "Uhh . . .well, you see . . .well
bein' nervous and all we kinda . . ."

"I understand.  We can take a quick stop by the boy's room when we get
upstairs.  Is that what you needed?"  The Captain smiled as Jacob blushed
and nodded his head.

As they walked through the halls the boys did receive stares from all
directions.  The boys also heard comments like "handsome" or "beautiful"
and even a "gorgeous" here and there.  They also heard one person telling
others who the boys were and where they were from.  The boys were also
curious about the people walking through the hall, and whenever they made
direct eye contact with someone, the boys smiled.  Their attitudes and
friendliness won them many more friends and supporters.

After a short elevator ride and making the requested detour, the boys
entered the reception area for judges.  They were immediately shown into
the hearing room where three suited men carrying briefcases sat on one side
of the table.  Arthur greeted the three men and set his briefcase on the
opposite side of the table.  All of the boys found a chair except for the
three youngest.  Danny sat in Daniel's lap while Brian made himself
comfortable in Michael's lap; Jacob held Ian.  Within a couple of minutes
the judge entered the chamber and the boys rose.  Danny was too busy
looking at the new surroundings to notice the judge until he said
something.  Danny turned to see who was talking.

"NOOOO!!!. . . .NOOOO!! . . .Mr Dan'l, please . . .NOOOOO!!!!. . .I don't
wanna . .  .mmmpp . . .me!"  Danny screamed out in hysterics as he tried to
climb up Daniel and tightened his grip around Daniel's throat.  The boy's
face registered sheer panic!

Danny had never reacted like this to anything or anyone.  Everyone was
surprised.  Daniel realized the boy was distraught over something and
hysterical.  Daniel carried the boy out of the room, followed by Linda and
Sean.  Everyone else stood in stunned silence until the judge spoke.

"I've been told I was an ugly and mean looking old coot, but I thought they
was just kiddin'.  Guess not."

Daniel sat on a bench in the hall with a still crying and very upset Danny.
Danny was so upset that his whole body was shaking, he wouldn't release the
grip he had on Daniel.  Daniel sat quietly with the boy and rubbed his back
while he whispered words of comfort.  Sean sat next to Daniel and soon,
Danny let Sean hold one of his hands.

"Danny, what's wrong?  What frightened you so badly?"

While Daniel held the boy and Sean held his hand, Linda ran her fingers
through the boy's hair and talked to him.  Danny turned his head to look at
Linda and began to settle down.

"Daniel, do you have any idea what frightened him?" Linda asked, concerned.

"Yes, I think so.  I think it was the judge.  Danny was fine until he saw
the judge.  Remember, we don't have a lot of history on Danny.  We do know
that his parents were taken away for debt and Danny was too young to be
enslaved.  He was supposed to go to a nursery."

"Ya mean a puppy farm," Sean added, sarcastically.

"Yes, Sean, I know that's what a lot people call them.  Just remember, he
didn't go; we were lucky enough to get him.  I think he saw the judge's
robe and related that to losing his parents.  It would have been pretty
traumatic for him.

"Danny, can you stay here with Sean and Ms. Linda while I go see about the
other boys?"

"Nooooo, don't leave me," Danny whimpered.

"I'll be back, I promise.  Have I ever broken a promise to you?"  Daniel
hugged the boy and handed him to Linda.

Daniel re-rentered the hearing room where everyone waited patiently.  When
he walked in, everyone looked at Daniel expectantly, concerned over Danny's
well-being.  Daniel was surprised when he saw Grandpa Smith sitting with
the boys.  TJ and Evan sat on either side of 'their' Grandpa.  Jeremy sat
in the man's lap.

"Mr. Thompson, is the boy alright?"

"He's settling down now, Your Honor.  Please accept our apologies for the
disruption."

"Nonsense.  I'm not worried about a disruption, I'm worried about the boy.
Any idea what upset him?"

"Yes, your Honor, I think I know.  I believe it was when you entered the
room wearing your robe.  Danny was taken from his family in a courtroom.
At his young age, he probably related the robe that judge wore to the robe
you are wearing."  The judge listened and thought a moment.

"Ms. Harris, you have anything in that goody drawer that a little boy might
like?" The judge asked his admin.

While Ms. Harris left to retrieve something from her goody drawer, the
judge stood and removed his robe.  When Ms. Harris returned with a red
sucker, the judge took it and headed toward the hall after telling everyone
to get acquainted during his absence.  As the judge approached Danny, the
little boy clung tighter to Linda and then reached for Daniel.  Daniel and
the judge sat on the bench and the judge wrapped an arm around Sean's
shoulder, making sure Danny could see them.  They sat there for about five
minutes while Danny surveyed the situation.  Finally, the judge broke the
silence.

"Danny, do you know who I am?"  Danny shook his head.  "Well, I'm Mr. Moss,
and I'd like to be your friend.  Can I be your friend?"  Danny didn't
answer, but continued to study the judge.  The judge reached in his pocket
and pulled out his wallet.

"You know, I have two grandsons just about your age.  Want to see their
picture?"  The judge opened his wallet and showed the pictures to Danny.
Danny leaned over, without letting go of Daniel, and looked closely.  When
he straightened up he looked at Daniel with a questioning expression."

"It's okay, Danny.  Mr. Moss is a friend; he won't hurt you."

"Danny, I know something my grandsons like that I'm willing to bet you'd
like, too.  How about a red sucker?"  The judge smiled as he held the
sucker up for Danny to see.

"Brian and Ian, too?" Danny asked as he reached for the sucker.

"Yes, we have enough, not only for Brian and Ian, too, but for all you
boys.  But, we have to go back in my office to get them.  While we do that
do you think you could help me?"

"How?"  Danny asked hesitantly.

"When I give a ruling or make an order in court, it's not official until
somebody takes my wooden hammer and hits a special piece of wood we have.
Can you help me by being the one to bang that wood when we need to make
something official?"

Danny looked at Daniel and smiled when Daniel told him that was an
important job.  Holding his sucker, Danny climbed off Daniel's lap.
Everyone laughed when Danny tried to take one of Daniel's hands and one of
Sean's hands, but couldn't figure out what to do with his sucker.  Sean
suggested to Danny that he put the sucker in his mouth until they got back
inside.  While Ms. Harris passed a bag of suckers around for everyone, the
judge, holding Danny in his lap and having handed him the gavel, began the
hearing.

Judge Moss quickly reconvened the hearing which became official when he
gave Danny the signal and the gavel struck the block of wood.  Danny
smiled, proud of his contribution.  The preliminary statements were made
regarding the choice to not go to trial by jury but allow the judge to make
the final rulings.  The attorneys were introduced for each side with
Mr. Jeffers acting as lead attorney for the state.

"Gentlemen, we all know why we're here.  Since we have chosen to do this
rather informally, I'm going to take a moment to acknowledge Mr. Thompson
and his boys.  The reports I have show that Mr. Thompson and his staff have
done a remarkable job for the boys."  The judge then turned to Grandpa.

"Keith, I owe you an apology.  When you told me how beautiful these boys
were, I thought you were exaggerating.  If anything, your description was
an understatement.  Now, I've met Danny and Sean.  Would I be correct to
assume that the two boys standing on either side of you, letting you slide
your hand over their sitting area, are TJ and Evan?"  Grandpa smiled while
TJ and Evan blushed.

"That is correct, Your Honor, and this fine young man in my lap is Jeremy."

Daniel observed the judge and Grandpa.  This was the first time he had
heard anyone address Grandpa by a proper name.  It was obvious the two men
were not strangers and Daniel wondered just how involved Grandpa was in
some of the happenings affecting the boys.  There was no doubt that
Grandpa's background gave him influential contacts; but why?  Why New
Horizons and why the boys?  Who else might be involved?

"Jeremy, are you doing alright?"  Jeremy stood and faced the judge.  He
almost folded his hands behind his back, but let them drop to his side.

"Yes, sir," Jeremy answered meekly.

"Jeremy, I know who you are and I've been briefed on some of what you've
been through.  Maybe it would be easier if I asked if you've been able to
adjust to not being a slave-boy?"  Jeremy became nervous and shuffled his
feet.  Grandpa patted Jeremy on the side of his hip and whispered
encouragement to the boy.

"Pretty much, sir.  I'm still trying to figure some of it out, though."

"I understand.  I've been told that you've made remarkable progress and
there's a lot of people very proud of how strong you've been.  You just
take your time.  I have a feeling you're going to be just fine.  Okay?  Can
you tell me something that you've learned to do that's fun?"

"Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir.  I can skateboard now."  Jeremy answered
proudly to the judge's amusement before he sat back in Grandpa's lap.  When
Grandpa wrapped an arm around Jeremy's waist, the boy held on tightly.
Grandpa leaned forward and whispered in Jeremy's ear.  Jeremy moved to sit
with Linda who wrapped a mother's loving arm around the boy.  Grandpa moved
his hand back to it's favorite resting place and enjoyed the silky feel of
youthful down.  The judge watched Grandpa and smiled to himself.

"Mr. Sinclair, your complaint alleges violations of both statutory rights
and constitutional rights.  Is that correct?"  Arthur nodded and Judge Moss
continued.  "Were there any other matters that we needed to consider?"

"Yes, Your Honor.  In addition to the statutory and constitutional rights
violations, we are petitioning for damages which the court may deem proper
and appropriate under the circumstances.  Also, Your Honor, attorney's fees
and costs."

"Mr. Jeffers, I believe we can all agree that the first part of the
complaint is almost identical to a suit that has already been decided and
acts as the guide for this suit.  I also understand that the state contests
part of the petition.  Would you care to share your thoughts with the
court?"

"Your Honor, the state believes that the boys in question were properly
enslaved under the laws and guidelines in effect at the time.  As you know,
a statute can not be enacted and retroactively applied.  Further, the
families of the boys had the right and the opportunity to defend the boys
and their position at the formal hearings of enslavement.  When they failed
to appear, they waived those rights.  The boys were properly enslaved and
auctioned according to the guidelines set forth in the statutes."

"Mr. Sinclair, do you have a rebuttal?"

"Yes, Your Honor.  The boys in question were minors and not capable of
understanding their rights much less asserting them.  It has been a long
standing practice, as well as a rule, that if a minor does not have an
adult to represent them, the court is obligated to appoint a guardian ad
litem to protect the child's interest.  In the cases that are the subject
of this petition, the boy's parents were eventually enslaved or removed
from the scene.  At the time the boys were taken, the parents were not free
to assert civil rights.  No time was given to contact a next of kin to act
on behalf of the child, and no guardian was appointed by the court.
Further, we believe that the improper enslavement constituted a violation
of the right to liberty, cruel and unusual punishment given the way minor
male slaves are treated, and a gross violation of personal rights."

"Your Honor, we object," Mr. Jeffers interrupted.  "How can Mr. Sinclair
make a claim to cruel and unusual punishment?  He has presented no evidence
of how the boys are treated and is only attempting to taint the court's
perception. We have been assured the boys were treated properly and cared
for with their health and well-being given the highest priority."

"Mr.Sinclair, you made the claim.  Do you have anything to support the
claim?"

"Your Honor, it's common knowledge how young slave boys are treated and
what they are used for.  They become sex slaves."

"That doesn't mean they are treated badly," Mr. Jeffers interjects.  "Most
slaves are trained to perform sexual acts.  It has been established that a
master owns the slave and the slave's body, and has a right to use that
body in any way he deems proper.  We acknowledge that many of the young
slaves are eventually sold to a boy brothel.  However, it only makes sense
that the boys would be protected and not harmed because of the money their
owner can earn with them.  The claim is unfounded and, unless Mr.  Sinclair
can produce proof to the contrary, the state asks that part of the petition
be dismissed."

"Excuse me, Your Honor."  Daniel stood to address the court.  "I believe I
can offer evidence of how the boys are treated.  It would require that I
remove a piece of clothing."

"Your Honor, the state objects."

"Quiet, Mr. Jeffers.  You are the one that was insisting on proof.  I think
it's widely known that Mr. Thompson was enslaved as a young boy and is
familiar with the subject.  Proceed Mr. Thompson."  Daniel proceeded to
remove his shirt and displayed his scarred back to the state attorneys and
the court.

"When I was enslaved by my father, I was thirteen.  That was the minimum
age back then.  I became a sex toy for my master and his two sons.  One of
their favorite games to play before sex was whipping me.  They made bets on
how many lashes I could take before passing out."  Daniel looked at the
judge and then Mr. Jeffers.  "I can tell you a lot more, but I'm not sure
you would want to hear it."

"You Honor, the state regrets what happened to Mr. Thompson, however, that
was a long time ago.  Things are different now; there are rules in place.
What happened to Mr.  Thompson is regretful, but that was an isolated
issue.  Again we assert the boys were properly enslaved under existing laws
and there were no civil rights violations."

"Mr. Sinclair, as much as I would like to rule for the boys and against the
state, unless you have fresh evidence of mistreatment the best I can do is
withhold judgment on that part of the complaint.  I can leave it open and
you may petition for a new hearing on that matter."

"Sir, would what happened to me help?"  Jeremy stood and addressed the
judge.  The room went silent.

"Jeremy, Mr. Sinclair can get evidence from the boys we are talking about;
there is no need to put you through this."

"Sir, I want to help the other boys.  I know what a boy sex slave goes
through; I was one."

"We know you were, son; that's why I said you don't need to do this.  We
don't want you to feel you have to relive what happened; not if it will
harm you."

"I can do it, sir."  The judge looked to Daniel and then to Arthur and
Linda.

"Mrs. Sinclair, may I impose on you and ask you to take the younger boys
down the hall?"

"I need ta stay and hit the wood for you so it's 'ficial," Danny protested.

"Well, you will be back real soon.  I promise to wait until you come back
so you can make everything official.  Okay?"  Linda took the younger boys
out.

Jeremy told his story.  As he spoke of being taken away from his home,
stripped and put in a pen, everyone in the room could see the glazed look
come over his face.  Jeremy continued to talk, describing hanging from the
ceiling while men bid for the right to take his innocence.  Jeremy's tone
was almost void of any emotion as he relived those moments of fear and
humiliation.  There was no anger or bitterness, just a plain matter-
of-fact monotone as he told of becoming a thing to be bought for the
evening.  He told of how men paid for the right to tie him up, sometimes to
a pole and sometimes, by his wrists and hung from the ceiling.  They did it
to whip him.  They made bets on who could make the boy cry for mercy with
the fewest numbers of lashings.  When they tired of whipping him they used
him for sex and usually walked out leaving him tied to the pole or hanging.
Caretakers released him when they had time.

Judge Moss looked around the room as he listened to Jeremy.  The boys sat
to the side with tear-streaked faces.  Arthur sat in anguish, watching the
boy and holding him with one arm around Jeremy's shoulder.  Grandpa
slumped, anger written all over his aged and wrinkled face.  Mr. Jeffers
and his associates sat slumped over, defeated and sad.  Jeremy finished his
story in the same tone and speaking in the same cadence as when he started.
When he stopped, Arthur pulled the boy to him, lifted him into his lap and
held the boy.  With an arm over Arthur's shoulder and his head buried in
the man's chest; it was Jeremy's turn to cry.

"Mr. Jeffers, do you have anything else to add?"  Jeffers shook his head as
he stared at the floor.  "Ms. Harris, would you please get Amos Crawford,
Ron Wilson and whoever is managing the slave facility in Tampa on the
phone.  We need a four-way conference call.  Gentlemen, we'll take about a
fifteen minute break while Ms. Harris sets up the call."

                                       * * * *

"Mr. Crawford, Mr. Wilson and, I believe, it's Gerald Nelson at the Tampa
facility."  The three men responded.  "Gentlemen, I'm sure you realize we
are sitting in my hearing room regarding the case with fourteen boys
currently at the Tampa facility.  Mr. Nelson, may I assume you have all
fourteen boys there?"

"Yes, Your Honor, the last two came in last night."

"May I assume that you have files on all of the boys?"

"We do not have files on three of the boys at this time.  However, the
files are expected in here this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest."

"Gentlemen, I believe that all of you have anticipated how this court will
rule on those boys; they are to be freed.  Mr. Nelson, you are to maintain
control of the boys until Daniel Thompson and his associates have arranged
to take them to New Horizons.  However, before that happens, there is to be
a full medical and psychological evaluation done on each boy.  The boys are
not, I repeat and I want everyone to understand this, the boys are not to
be told they are free until Mr. Thompson and his staff are there.  They
will break the news to the boys.  The reason for this is I don't think it's
fair to the boys to tell them they are free and still hold them.
Mr. Thompson will be in a position to tell them they are free and what to
expect.  No one is to touch them.  There will be no punishments, no caning,
no whipping, no flogging, no restraining, no prodding, no nothing!  Are
there any questions?"  Mr Nelson acknowledged the instructions followed by
Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson.

"Gentlemen, Mr. Sinclair, in addition to seeking the release of the boys,
has filed a claim of civil rights violations and a few other items.  All of
you have been provided a copy of his complaint with the allegations, so I
won't go into any detail at this time.  This court is going to grant
everything Mr. Sinclair asks for in the complaint.  As far as the fourteen
boys are concerned, the court expects the state to bring in an offer of
compensation in cash or in kind.  I'm holding this case open until all
issues have been settled.  Mr.  Sinclair's argument revolves around
constitutional violations and public policy violations.  I'm giving the
state twenty-one days to respond and another hearing will be scheduled.
Danny, bang the gavel to make it official."  Danny banged the gavel twice
to make it doubly official, much to the judge's entertainment.

During the conversation, Ms. Harris left the room.  The group didn't know
she was on the phone in the judge's chambers when the conference call
ended.

"Mr. Jeffers, if you have nothing else, this hearing is adjourned."
Without being asked, Danny banged the gavel to make it official.  "That's
right Danny, make it official."

As Mr. Jeffers and his associates left the room, the judge signaled Arthur
and Daniel to remain.  After whispering something in Danny's ear, the boy
ran back to Daniel.  The judge excused himself for a moment and returned to
his office.  Neither Daniel nor Arthur had any way of knowing the judge was
on the phone with Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson.

"Amos, it's probably a good thing I don't care if I'm reappointed as judge
when this term is over.  If you could have seen the look the deputy
attorney general's face you'd know I didn't make a friend with him today.
After he reads my ruling, particularly the part about constitutional
violations and public policy, I doubt if he'll give me the time of day."

"Fred, knowing you, I don't think you'll be losing any sleep," Amos relied
jovially.

"The only sleep I'm gonna lose is over how long it'll still take to
straighten out this mess.  I'll send both of you a copy of my final order.
We know the state will appeal some of the findings based on abuse of
discretion, but let them have at it.  I'll make sure there's enough in
there to push this thing all the way to the high court.  I assume we still
want to keep Thompson and his group out of this?"

"Fred, thanks for the support.  Don't tell Daniel anything.  The way it is
now only a few of us would have to take the heat.  If this thing blows up
in our faces, the state might take the boys away from Daniel if they
thought he knew about the plan.  We know it would be easier on him, and the
boys, but we can't risk it."

"I understand.  I think I'll go back in there and offer the boys a little
treat.  I'm gonna give Keith a hard time while I'm at it.  Let me know if
you need me."  Judge Moss hung up and returned to the hearing room.

"Keith!  I should find you in contempt of court.  You know that, don't you?
Since when is it appropriate to fondle teen boy butt while the court is
conducting a hearing?"  Grandpa fought to suppress a smile at the judge's
statement.

"Mr. Thompson, I understand you don't have any plans until tomorrow; that
true?"  Daniel nodded. "How about if we give the boys here a little treat.
How about an afternoon at Sea World?"  The boys immediately showed their
approval of the idea and the judge knew he had Daniel in a position where
he couldn't decline the offer.  "In fact, I will find Keith in contempt of
court and his fine will be to pick up the tab.  Danny, bang the gavel."
Danny ran up to the judge, took the gavel and, with a big bang, everything
was official.

"Your Honor, that's a nice offer for the boys, but we didn't bring their
regular uniforms with us.  Their other clothes are back at Elizabeth's."

"Boys, are you embarrassed to be seen as Cherubs?"

"No sir!" was heard from several of the boys while others giggled.

"Good, it's settled.  Suppose we stop for lunch first.  I never knew a boy
that wasn't hungry."

                                       * * * *

The boys entered the park.  Guests stopped and stared at the unusual sight,
but there were no objections to the boys' attire or lack thereof.  The park
waived its normal dress code requirements and with parental consent,
children who met legal requirements swam au natural.  Daniel, Arthur,
Grandpa and Judge Moss stood watching the three young boys, accompanied by
their brothers, swim naked with the dolphins.  All of the adults laughed as
they listened to the squeals of delight.

"Daniel," Judge Moss began, "you have quite a group of boys.  You've done a
good job with them."

"Thank you, Judge, but I can't take full credit.  The boys were already
good when we got them.  We just gave them the security they needed to be
themselves again."

"I think you're being too modest," Judge Moss responded.  "Let me broach
another subject with you if I may.  I've been around here for a long time.
I've seen good things and I've seen bad; they all had one thing in common,
the support of the public.  To get that support you sometimes can just talk
to the people, other times, you first have to do something to get their
attention.  What I'm trying to say, politely, if I can, is that you have
been talking very nicely to the people.  The people believe what you tell
them, but they don't act.  My advice to you, now, is to do something to
wake them up enough to get the people to act for you.  When I say
something, I even mean to the point of insulting them if you have to, or
showing them their own shortcomings."  Judge Moss spoke in an even tone and
smiled as he finished his statement.  Daniel studied the judge for a moment
before responding.

"Your Honor, with all due respect, my instincts tell me something is going
on that I don't know about.  Something that could affect New Horizons and
the boys.  Am I correct?"

"Daniel, something is always going on in this crazy world we live in," the
judge answered with a smile.  He then added, "Did you know that this park
has added several new theaters?  One of my favorite is the Nautilus.  The
play is called Odyssea, it's along the lines of Cirque du Soliel, but
underwater.  Shall we?"

And the judge moved off in another direction.

End Chapter Seventy-Nine

To Be continued

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