For Love of a Dream 5

FOR LOVE OF A DREAM - 5

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for strictly personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. However based on real events and places, "For Love of a Dream" is strictly fictional. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Further, as in real life, sexual themes unfold gradually. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author at carl_mason@verizon.net

If you would like to read additional stories by this author, please turn to the "Authors/Prolific Authors" link at the beginning of the Nifty Archive.

This story contains descriptions of sexual contact between males, both adults and teenagers. As such, it is homoerotic fiction designed for the personal enjoyment of legal, hopefully mature, adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, if those in power and/or those whom you trust treat it as illegal, or if it would create unresolvable moral dilemmas in your life, please leave. Finally, remember that maturity generally demands safe sex.

CHAPTER 5

(Revisiting Chapter 4)

Finally, Jason Sears cleared his throat and stood tall. Looking down on his son's ravaged body, he said, "I have an international specialist in mind whom I would like to conduct an autopsy. Naturally, I shall willingly share the results of his investigation."

The three figures whom he faced - each a consultant to the National Security Agency - had their orders from about as high up the security chain as possible. In short, they were to determine the details of this outrage to the son of an individual important to the Pentagon. The fact that the elder Sears was personally involved suggested that a thorough study would take place, that it would begin immediately, and that they might escape full responsibility for a potentially monumental expenditure. (It also said that there would be a high price professionally for failure to satisfy Sears.) His offer and their promise to guard Nels' body and to deliver it as requested were accepted before the Government men left the site.

(Continuing Our Story: The Fat Lady)

As soon as a grim-faced father could reach a fully secure phone, he spoke at length with Prof. Ishikawa in Tokyo. After listening carefully, the world famous scientist quietly responded, "I shall have certain drugs sent to the Consulate-General in San Francisco tomorrow. They will be carried by diplomatic courier. I shall follow two days later.

"However painful the moment, do not give up hope," he continued. "What is it that you Americans say? 'It's not over until the fat lady sings.'?" Sears smiled slightly and murmured, "Yes...something like that. I must compliment you on your colloquial English, Professor. (Pause.) You will let me know as soon as possible?" "Absolutely, sir," the brilliant Japanese scientist replied forcefully. "Beyond my obligations to you, I trust you realize that this is the supreme work of my life. I shall leave no stone unturned. In the meantime, however, we really don't need CIA types nosing about the Consulate, trying to identify my chemicals, procedures, and the like. So... Trust me, sir. We shall talk again at the earliest possible moment.

(With Open Arms)

The call for Jason came to his personal phone in his office desk exactly one week after Ishikawa had arrived in the United States. On behalf of the Consul and Prof. Ishikawa, the Science Attaché invited him to a Consulate lecture scheduled for 10:30 the next morning. (Sears had to admit that his work during the week past had not met his usual standards. Now he would neither sleep nor eat for another 24...no, 23...hours!) Swallowing a mild obscenity, he refocused his attention strictly on the Attaché.

As in an earlier visit to the Consulate, Sears was honored by being personally greeted by the Consul. Following a few minutes given over to more formal amenities, the Consul guided him to the third floor of the diplomatic structure. Jason was able to observe that one hall contained several doors that apparently opened into small, beautifully decorated and appointed apartments. Pausing at one of the closed doors, the Consul smiled sadly, murmuring, "Good friends of Japan have suffered much. We hope that happiness and peace will soon return to their souls." With that he bowed slightly, knocked on the door, and walked back towards the elevator.

His heart in his mouth, Jason clearly heard a voice say, "Enter!" Slowly opening the door with a trembling hand, he beheld a tableau that would forever be seared into his soul. Clothed only in the bottoms of a pair of cotton pajamas and partially supported by Prof. Ishikawa, Nelson Sears sat up on the edge of a hospital bed that had been brought into the Consulate apartment. His tanned, heavily muscled arms and upper torso gleamed softly in the dim light. Seeing his father, an expression of nervous resignation turned into a wide grin that transformed his handsome face into a picture of utter joy. Tears burst from his eyes and rolled down his cheeks as he held out his arms to the man who would not give up on him. The short, gray-haired Japanese helped the spectacular youth to his feet as Jason reached him and engulfed him in a wild bear hug. For a moment they stood hugging, crying, and touching each other as if to convince themselves that this was real and not one more dream that would crumble and dissolve into thin air. Jason quickly realized that Nels was quite weak and gently helped him to lie down on the bed. His last words before lying back and peacefully falling asleep were, "I'll love you always, Dad. Thanks for your faith in me." Jason bent down to softly kiss the boy's forehead, before rising and turning to the Japanese miracle worker.

Ishikawa stood off to the side, watching the pair with deep pleasure. As soon as Jason began to rise, he said firmly, "No, I am not a 'miracle worker'. Rather, I had the advantage of knowing about two highly classified documents in the files of our national Ministry of Defense. They concerned Allied efforts to destroy an experimental version of a 'perpetual power generator' in the last weeks of World War II. At the time, they believed that It would have had an effect on the war greater than that of the atomic bomb. Additionally, the second document mentioned the possibility of placing a nuclear generator within a complex robot (These were the types of special weapons that Hitler was sure would win the war. Fortunately, when there was success, they came on line too late for maximum impact.) To be sure, these mid-1940s efforts failed. Nevertheless, they cleared away much of the "undergrowth". Today, study and exploration of such topics begin from points considerably ahead of those which were possible for earlier investigators."

Continuing, he spoke clearly and with great emotion. "As of this moment, my friend, I have not restored Nelson to perfect...health. Nevertheless, I have repaired the most grievous damage and added several updates that significantly add to his capacities. For instance, future repairs will be accomplished far more easily and quickly than was possible this time. Hopefully, repairs to a unit's 'piping' (e.g., bowels, colon, arteries, arteries, and the like) should never require an entire day's work. On the other hand," he mused, "let's admit that whoever worked on...Nelson was highly gifted electronically. Fortunately, several of the connections under the rib cage was hurriedly done and caused much of the trouble. It's really surprising that any of Nelson's power was available to prime the external generator, for it was 'leaking' throughout his body. In fact, the rapid loss of power was the main cause of the condition of the boy's body. Give their lead technician credit, however. He or she generally realized what was involved and actually performed several insightful moves with exceptional skill. Your Government's part in all this raises several interesting questions.

The discussion had awakened Nels, who slightly raised his head from the pillow and looked around groggily. After only a brief pause, he smiled and murmured a greeting to the two men. Jason rose, went over to the youth's bed, knelt beside it, and gently rested his head on the boy's body. As the lad fingered locks of his father's hair, Ishikawa had to chuckle: The scene could have been taking place in the deep jungle where a young chimp sat, grooming the great Alpha Male. Father and son...yes. Father and son... His plan was still intact. Obviously, Jason Sears had clarified some of his feelings, especially those connected with his son. Thus, the outlook was even more promising than before the U.S. Government's heavy-handed interference!

"Dad," Nels said weakly, "Will you try to take me home as soon as possible?" "Absolutely!" the elder Sears said with authority, "although I suspect you will want to be sufficiently recovered for all to go well." "Oh sure, but..." Nels began to reply. Their Japanese benefactor quickly interrupted: "Actually, Jason, the boy may not be that far off track. He is healing more quickly than I would have ever believed possible. In truth, this is probably not the best place for him to rest and continue to build up his strength. Yes, you would probably need to secure round-the-clock nursing for him and, perhaps, an experienced guard...at least for a while. I can remain here for at least one more week. Furthermore, I think all of us would agree that long as the young man's condition is placed at the top of the list, it would be best to avoid a confrontation between officials of our two countries. One suspects that from this moment on, serious pressure will be placed on this Consulate's diplomats as well as those who serve in the ministries of both countries. It seems to me that you have two options: You can try to deflect these pressures and continue to hold your son close. You could also turn my experimental robotics work over to them with all of its potential for developing weapons and a most promising source of energy in the field. I see few other options. Take him home soon, Jason, while the choice remains in your hands!"

Over several days - five of which saw the Professor remain in the States - Nelson was moved back to Hillsborough. Jason Sears reported to the Government that the scientist had identified several fleeting signs of electrical energy in the youth's cruelly used body and was attempting to reenergize them. Hence, the visits of NSA consultants were severely restricted for "health" reasons. When they did enter Nelson's presence, they found a body that was barely alive, a nonresponsive body that was thickly swathed in unfamiliar ointments and dressings. When, after weeks, they had done no more than coax a few guttural sounds out of the seemingly broken body, their interest in the project gradually lessened. One final effort saw them demand an examination by one of their medical doctors. Jason was able to substitute another young athlete who had been involved in a terrible auto accident and was on the verge of death. Herein he had the full cooperation of Professor Ishikawa, Jason, and Nelson's chief M.D. The heavy bandaging and other bindings that the Japanese expert recommended be left alone were never touched, for the dangers of that which he called "Hiroshima Radiation Sickness #3" were simply too great. In any case, the data he collected offered little support for the Government to continue its present expenditures of money, energy, and manpower. Years later, Nels would encounter the professor-scientist who had served on the Government's team (and undertaken some of the exploratory surgery on the "cadaver"), but for now her professional superiors ordered her return from the Bay Area. She did tell him that the case had never been closed.

(Could He Really Be the Father Who Wanted Me?)

When Nels returned to Hillsborough, Bill had been off to college in Fresno for a good part of the fall (California State University, Fresno, aka "Fresno State"). The word was that he thoroughly enjoyed the school and had even gone out for Bulldog frosh football. Most telling, he praised that which he saw to be a "more comfortable" balance between academics and other activities than he had experienced at Crocker Memorial. To tell the truth, Jason was relieved. He had come to admire Nelson's courage and stamina over the preceding month. Even though he sensed "something different" in their relationship, he thought that this determination would continue. Whatever Nelson had noticed of father's involvement with Bill would result in some separation between the two life-long friends, as would their diverging paths. Clearly, his son would now need even more of his father's help in getting his act together and building a life that he (Nels) could enjoy and through which he could contribute to life. Jason was determined to offer that help.

The very best nursing, therapy, and security that power could locate and money could buy slowly had a visible effect on his son's recovery. Perhaps more important - or, at least, as important - was the time his father spent with him daily. Chatting about everything under the sun, they came to really know and appreciate each other for the first time since their mountaineering days. As Nels healed and began spending more time in physical therapy, Jason joined him in increasingly long rambles through the estate's hills and vales. Thus, it wasn't a complete surprise when the youth appeared one night at his doorway after they had retired to their separate rooms.

"Dad," he began as if reading from notes. "Dad, I think I overdid it a bit today - and now I'm cold and kinda sore." The eighteen year old continued...just a bit tentatively. "What are the chances that I could play the younger kid tonight (Pause) and sleep in here with you?" As if reluctant, Jason grumbled, "Well, I guess I could stand one night of vibrating sheets and smelly farts. Get over here, beast!" "DAD-D-D!" his son yelped, stumbling as he tried to remove his briefs while staggering across the floor. As the youth reached the bed and threw himself under the top sheet and blanket raised high by "dada", he protested, "I'll have you know...Father...that I do not fart in my sleep, although I may occasionally brush the bedclothes as I try to straighten them out. You wouldn't have me try to sleep on rumpled sheets, would you...Father?"

Lightly kicking the boy as he tried to claim at least 25 percent of the bed, Jason growled, "I see you still prefer to sleep au naturel. And the relative lack of body hair... That's new, isn't it?" "Yeah," Nels mumbled. "A long time ago, Bill slipped and mentioned your preference for smooth skin. It came back to me as I was dreaming. Is it ok?" "Yes, Nelson, it's 'ok', but I think we could both use some sleep. Is that acceptable?" "Yes, sir," the youth responded. The bedsprings groaned as he turned onto his back...and vigorously stretched! "Oh, man...your son," he moaned. "How could a guy be so lucky? Good night, Dad. (Pause.) I love you." "Good night, son," Jason replied, something in his voice suggesting the deepest joy. Tousling the boy's hair, he added, "Believe that I know how lucky I am, too."

Though he didn't think he would ever fall asleep, Jason slept like a log for some hours. Awakening abruptly, he smiled as he smelled the sweet spring air coming in the partially open window and noticed the bright moonlight that had banished the darkness. As he suddenly sat up in bed, he realized that in sleeping with someone else, Nelson must have become too warm and kicked off his covers. Now he lay stretched out on the sheet, every detail of a superb body open to his eyes. That firm chin line...the dimpled chin... (Jason chuckled as he thought, "Thank God those stupid adolescent chin whiskers are history!") Breathing the hypnotic scent, it took every bit of power he could summon to avoiding pressing his lips against his son's. He almost ran a trembling finger up that thick, corded, jock neck, but he pulled back just in time. Just in time? Not quite! Gleaming in the moonlight, Nels' eyes were open...and laughing! Turning over and pulling himself up between his dad's thighs, the young man raised his torso and passionately kissed the lips that lusted over him. They answered...and the rest is history.

The laughter, the touching, the giggling and joking that filled the kitchen the next morning suggested that another barrier had been surmounted by father and son. And so it went for long weeks as Jason's son recovered fully from his ordeal. As noted earlier, the father was determined to be there as his son grew into a joyfully resilient adult...and so he was. Not that there weren't some difficult moments... There were. We know, for instance, that before the Denali tragedy Nels seemed to be revealing a heterosexual orientation. During Ishikawa's efforts to save and transform the youth, however, something went unchecked. Due to lack of knowledge or accident...whatever the factor or factors...subsequent behavior established that Nels' sexual orientation had shifted towards the homosexual pole. As he developed during his "post-Denali" period, however, this is not to say that his path was smooth or without serious challenges. (As each of us knows, there is a price to be paid, be it in fiction or nonfiction.) Nevertheless, Jason Sears efforts to provide conditions in which Nelson could continue to grow - not only in the sexual realm, but in so many others - suggests the importance of the father's continuing role in his son's development.

(To Be Continued)