New Horizons

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: The author would like to thank Colin Carr for his assistance and guidance in editing this story and correcting my typing errors. This acknowledgement did not appear on Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen which the author deeply regrets. Generous gifts of time and knowledge should never be received without proper acknowledgement.

Chapter Eighteen: New Horizons

Daniel was sitting at the table enjoying his morning coffee while the boys had breakfast when Jamie approached a little hesitantly.

"Mr. Dan'l, are you mad at me?"

"Jamie, not that I know of, why should I be?"

"'Cause, I was with Greg last night. He told me you brought blankets."

"What else did he say, Jamie?"

"He said you told him to tell me who brought the blankets and that you thought I was where I belonged."

"That's right, I did say that. No, Jamie, I'm not upset with you. Is that Greg's breakfast you have there?"

"No, sir, it's mine. They didn't give me any for Greg, I was going to share with him."

Daniel took the boy's plate and added food for Greg, then sent the boy on his way with a caution not to spill it. Michael walked in as Jamie headed out the door; Michael sidestepped to avoid a collision.

"Daniel, good morning. What's got into Jamie, he sure looks happy today?"

"He's headed for the meeting hall to share breakfast with Greg. He thought he was in trouble for being with Greg last night and got perky when I told him I wasn't upset with him. I think spending the night with Greg helped him quite a bit, too."

"Do you think Greg can bail himself out this morning?"

"Actually, I have a pretty good feeling about it this time. Mark woke me last night and wanted me to take a look in the meeting hall latrine. Of course, there was Jamie spooned into Greg. We took blankets over to cover them and I had a little talk with Greg, I think he may have figured it out this time."

"Yeah, knowing you I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't do everything but put the words in his mouth to get him out of this thing. Like I said Daniel, you're just an old softie when it comes to these boys. There was no way you were going to let him go another night over there."

Daniel just looked at Michael with a 'yeah, guess that's true' smile. One of the kp boys brings both men a fresh cup of coffee. After all the boys have been served the men fix plates for themselves. Daniel tells Michael about this afternoon's visitors and it would be good for Michael to be close by to answer any questions they might have on Sean's medical issues.

Near the end of breakfast Daniel reminded the boys they would have company later in the morning and they should watch their language. Also, the guests included two boys nine years old, and a ten year old boy. It would be good if they could be made to feel welcome and include them in some activities.

The review board sat at the head table, waiting on the boys to settle down and for someone to bring Greg in. Daniel approached the board and advised them he did see Greg the previous night and they talked. Daniel didn't know if Greg had the right answer today, but was hopeful. When the clock read ten Daniel nodded to Mark to bring Greg in, Jamie was with them. Greg looked more confident this time than on previous appearances. Daniel took Jamie by the hand and kept the boy with him when he sat in his place between the board and Greg. Kevin was spokesperson for the board.

"Greg, we ask you again, can you tell us what you did wrong or rule you broke when you hurt Jamie?"

"I think so, sir." Greg fidgeted nervously; now that the moment was at hand, he wasn't quite so sure he had the right answer. He looked at each board member, then at Daniel and Jamie.

"Greg, we're waiting for your answer."

"Yes, sir. Well ^Å uuhhhh ^Å trust, sir. Jamie chose me as his mentor 'cause he trusted me to take care of him and protect him. Mr. Dan'l let me be his mentor 'cause he trusted me to take of Jamie and protect him. When I hurt Jamie I broke both trusts. And that's all the answer I have ^Å.. sir?"

As Greg spoke Daniel gave a thumbs up out of Greg's eyesight to the board. When Greg finished Daniel signaled the board to wait before acting further. He then turned Jamie around to face him and held him by the hips.

"Jamie, do you remember when Greg hurt you?"

Jamie nodded.

"Were you upset with Greg then?"

"Yes, sir, but not really, now." The boy answered in almost a whimper, unsure of where this was going.

"Jamie, have you been worried about Greg these past couple of days and mad because he wasn't with you?"

"Yes, sir. If he hadn't been bad the other day and hurt me, then I wouldn't had to be alone since then."

"Well, Jamie, would you like to let Jamie know how bad he's been and how mad you were with him?"

Jamie has a puzzled look on his face now, "Kinda ^Å"

"Jamie, you know Greg's supposed to get three more swats today. Now he did give us a good answer, don't you think?" The boy nods. "I tell you what, if you want you can take this paddle and give Greg one good swat to let him know he was bad for scarin' you and I think, maybe, we can get the board to forget the other two swats."

At first Jamie wants nothing to do with the paddle. He looked at Daniel, then the review board, and then Greg. After he stood there a couple of minutes a sheepish grin begins to appear and he nods his head to Daniel.

"Okay, Jamie, but only if you want to, you don't have to do this. Tell Greg how bad he was, then tell him to bend over and let him have it."

"Greg, you shouldn't a scared me like that and Mr. Dan'l said I could give you a swat to let you know I was mad at you. Now bend over."

Jamie spoke like he was mad and was trying to be authoritative. The tone of voice made Greg worry some but he did as he was told; after all, one from Jamie was better than three from one of the older boys. Besides, Greg knew Jamie wouldn't hurt him."

Daniel and most everyone in the room was in shock when Jamie reared back and swung the paddle like he was trying to know Greg's butt out of the ballpark. None of the men or older boys would ever hit one of them that hard. You could hear the air travel past the paddle as he swung it.

WWHHAAAACCCKK!!!! "OOOWWWWWWW!!! DAMN JAMIE!! THAT HURT! Mr. Dan'l said you could give my butt a swat, not try and break it."

The boys watching were first surprised and then laughed at the intensity of the swat. Daniel stood in shock and then began to laugh. Jamie ran back to Daniel at Greg's reaction. He handed the paddle to Daniel and turned to Greg with tears in his eyes.

"Greg ^Å I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me."

Greg looked at the boy and knew he was really upset by what he did. Greg's butt felt like it was on fire, but he knew not to react in front of Jamie.

"Jamie, that's all right, I'm not mad with you. I know you didn't really mean to hurt me, just like I didn't mean to hurt you the other day. Let's call it even and forget it, okay?"

As he said this he held his hands out to Jamie who ran to him and jumped, almost knocking both of them over. Jamie wrapped his legs around Greg's body and his arms around his mentor's neck. The only problem was he had his shoulder buried in Greg's throat cutting off his breath. Greg adjusted the boy and held him, letting Jamie find his comfort zone.

Daniel walked up to both boys, giving Greg an approving smile. Patting Greg on the shoulder, he walked behind him to look at Jamie. When Jamie looked to Daniel, Daniel held up a key. Jamie lifted his head and gave Daniel a puzzled look until Daniel nodded towards the lock on the collar Greg was still wearing. Jamie took the key and unlocked the collar. Pushing back from Greg he let it go.

"Ooowwiiiee ^Å. Oowwwiiieee^Å" Jamie cried out.

"What's wrong, Jamie?" Greg is looking for the problem.

"The collar caught my thingy, it hurt."

Greg turned Jamie to cradle him in his arms and asked where it hurt. Jamie pointed to the end of his 'thingy'. To the surprise and amusement of all there, Greg lifted the boy higher and kissed the hurt spot. Jamie reacted with a giggle.

"There, does that make it all better?"

"No, ^Å do it again." The boy was grinning from ear to ear.

Everyone got a good laugh. Daniel was proud of the way Greg reacted to both Jamie's swat and Jamie getting hurt; he also knew this problem was closed. When the laughter died down, Daniel approached the boys.

"Greg, after three nights in the latrine, son, I'm afraid you smell a little ripe; so does your little friend."

"Yes, sir. I'll get a shower now, and take Jamie with me."

"That, or I believe the pool is available and no one's out there if you'd like a little time with him."

Greg smiled in appreciation as Daniel waived them out. Daniel wanted the two boys to have a few minutes to finish rebonding without the others interfering. Daniel kept the other boys in for a few minutes telling them what they might expect when the visitors arrived.

Daniel spotted the mini-van as it pulled up to the administration building. He walked out to meet the visitors as Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler exited the van followed by three naked boys. The boys looked a little uncertain as they spotted Daniel, but were doing nothing to hide their nakedness. Their uncertainty was rooted in not knowing where they were or exactly what to expect. Daniel also noticed none of the boys had tan lines, so running free was nothing new to them.

"Jon, Betty, welcome to New Horizons."

"Daniel, thank you for letting us intrude on such short notice; also, for allowing us to bring the boys. Daniel, this is my son, Eric. Eric, can you say hello to Mr. Thompson?"

"Nice to meet you sir."

"Betty, thank you for coming. I assume these are the twins?"

"Oh yes, these are my two challenges. This is Travis and that's Timmy."

"Mo..om^Å you promised."

"I'm sorry, I forgot. This is Travis and Tim or Timothy; he thinks he's outgrown Timmy."

"Hi Mr. Thompson."

"What do you prefer, Timothy or Tim?"

"Tim, sir, thank you."

Betty and Jon watched the boys, knowing they were a little nervous. Jon decided to ease their anxiety.

"Daniel, the boys were fine when we left home but as we neared they became concerned that maybe they aren't appropriately dressed? When Eric and I left our house he was dressed, until we picked up Betty and her boys. The boys just stayed natural after they got up this morning. Before we could clear her driveway, my boy had made himself comfortable."

The three boys blushed and were a little embarrassed by all the information being given out. They didn't care for being the center of attention for this particular conversation.

"Boys, why don't you come with me and I think we can settle this real fast."

Daniel lead the boys around and behind the admin building where they can see the recreational areas. As they turn the corner the boys break out in smiles as they see over thirty other naked boys. Erik looked to his dad.

"Dad, I never seen this many naked boys in one place before."

The adults laughed and Daniel told them this wasn't half the boys at New Horizon and all have the same uniform. Daniel saw Mark across the yard and signaled for him to join them, bringing Mark's attention to the three boys.

"Mark, you remember Jon and Betty from the station? These are their boys, Eric, Travis and Tim. Think we have some activities going on they might be interested in?"

"Sure, we can probably accommodate them. Hi, boys; the kids here call me Mr. Mark, you do the same, okay? What are we into? Swimming, soccer, wrestling, baseball ^Å you tell me."

Eric declares swimming while the twins go for soccer. Mark spotted Kevin and signaled for him to come over with Ben.

"Eric, this young fella is Ben, and the old dude with him is his mentor, Kevin." Mark then turned to Kevin. "Eric and these two boys will be visiting with us this afternoon. How about taking Eric over and introduce him around before lunch. He says he's into swimming."

Kevin and Ben greet all the boys and their parents, and then take off with Eric. Mark then leaves with the twins, headed for an ongoing soccer game. Jon and Betty have been standing watching the New Horizon boys and are surprised the boys don't appear to be the least bit flustered at Betty's presence.

Betty voices her observation to Daniel. "Daniel, I'm really impressed. Most of these boys have turned and seen us. Usually when I walk in somewhere and there's a naked boy, he gets embarrassed and runs as fast as he can to hide. These boys don't seem the least bit bothered, are they really that comfortable with themselves?"

"Well, Betty, you have to understand where these boys came from. They aren't naked because we told them they have to be, this is their choice. When we got them from the detention center most were naked, it's standard procedure for the state to take their clothes away during processing. Those that had clothes were wearing rags".

"When the boys are transported from the slave processing center they are given standard slave uniforms of shorts and a singlet. After they reach the detention center the uniform is taken back to be reused. If the uniform has been used to the point of being rags, the boy is allowed to keep whatever is there. The boys were also pretty dirty, allowed to shower only every three or four days. When we fired up the boilers and told all of them to get clean and prepare for a fresh start, they did."

"The rags for clothes were tossed. They symbolically were tossing out any ties they had to their former lives and what the state planned for them. In the beginning we said we would have to leave them naked because we didn't have enough clothes for all of them. Then, they just didn't care. The way you see them reacting to your presence tells us they are now becoming more secure with themselves and who they are. We consider that a big step in the right direction."

Daniel continued with the tour of the facility, showing the garden the boys have planted and tend themselves, the ball fields the boys cleared off, plus the volleyball sand traps. As they walk around Betty spots both of her boys playing soccer, one has been added to each team. Both boys are now covered in sweat, dirt and smiles. As they tour the area a bell sounds; Daniel explained its meaning.

"That's what we call the clean-up bell. Barry, our chef, sounds the bell to let the boys know it's time to get cleaned up for lunch. They don't have to get spic-'n-span, but they are not allowed to enter the dining hall dripping in sweat and covered in dirt. Let's walk over near the pool and you can see how they get cleaned up."

'The boys use the pool shower for a quick rinse. The older boys acting as mentors get their charges, the younger boys, and make sure they rinse off. The younger boys will sometimes try to sidestep the shower if they can; you'd think it was punishment to listen to them sometimes. They have about five minutes before lunch is served, and that's usually enough time in the sun for them to dry. After lunch, the getting sweaty and dirty process starts over again. We joke around here that the amount of sweat and dirt is a measure of the fun the boy had."

The three of them stand there as the soccer groups run in. Travis and Tim go past their mother like she's not even there; the boys have become a part of the whole, distinguishable only by their haircuts. Daniel asks Jon and Betty in to see how the boys eat and to meet Barry. When they enter Daniel signaled Barry to join them and asked him to show them the food preparation area. As they left the shower area Danny spotted Daniel and ran over with Sean close on his heels. When he saw Jon and Betty he slowed down and made sure to keep Daniel between them and himself.

Daniel picked the boy up and let him settle on his hip. Danny wrapped both feet around Daniel and propped one arm on his shoulder. Two fingers in his mouth say he's either tired or unsure of these new people. Daniel asked the boy if he remembers Jon and Betty from the television station the other day, but he shakes his head. Daniel tried to explain who they were, hoping the boy would remember, but at the moment he's more interested in watching their every move. Betty sees Danny and steps over; Danny gets a tighter grip on Daniel.

"Danny, do you remember me? You and some of your friends came to visit me at the television station. You were wearing your Cherub outfit, remember?"

Danny looked at Betty for a minute, then at Daniel. Soon, a sheepish grin shows indicating he remembers. Betty holds her hands out to the boy.

"Can I get a hug 'hello'?"

Danny starts to move towards her but then pulls back to Daniel. Daniel whispers words of encouragement in the boy's ear and Danny lets Betty hold him. Daniel knows the boy isn't as clean as the last time Betty saw him.

"Betty, you may want to be careful holding him, he likes playing in the dirt and then wearing a good bit of it during the day."

"Daniel, a little dirt is the last thing I worry about; remember, I have twin boys just a little older than Danny. Dirt and boys seems to be synonymous. That's one thing I like about being able to let them run free, just drop them in the tub, and a lot less laundry to worry about."

Daniel put his hand around Sean's shoulder as they entered the dining hall. Daniel had not explained to Sean he was the purpose of this visit. Betty talked with Danny as they walked. Daniel could see the boy becoming more comfortable with her and was beginning to talk her ear off. Daniel asked one of the kp boys to let Barry know he was needed.

"Barry, this is Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler from the television station. They are here to look around and discuss doing a special on new Horizons. Could you show them around here and explain our system for feeding the boys?"

Barry acknowledged Jon and Betty while Daniel explained what's happening as the group toured the kitchen area and serving line. He explained a serving line proved to be the most practical and fastest way to serve the boys; it's much like the cafeteria lines they would be using at school. Daniel let Jon and Betty know Barry was a certified chef and nutritionist so there are no concerns whether the boys receive a balanced diet. Jon saw the amount of food being prepared and asked about supplies.

"A lot four food comes from two of the larger grocery chains. Foods that have reached their final sale date that would normally be tossed get donated. The food is normally good for a few days after the sale date so long as it's kept frozen, but with the number of appetites at New Horizon, there is little concern for waste. The kitchen normally receives two or three major deliveries each week that include meat, fruit and vegetables. If the donations don't cover all the items we need we have the ability to call the wholesaler and receive shipments from them. Of course, we have to plan and track inventory a few days in advance, that's where computers come in handy. "

"What about the garden we saw. Do you still need to take the donations?"

"The garden is new and hasn't produced anything for us yet. When it does begin to produce then we will be able to adjust the donations we accept or use the garden as a supplement."

Jon and Betty both seem impressed by the organization and smooth operation of the kitchen area. Jon expressed their impression.

"Daniel, it looks like a professional operation. The boys look healthy and happy and I see you even have a kitchen patrol established so the boys contribute also."

The boys entered the hall and passed through the serving line. Barry had two of the kp boys prepare plates for Daniel, the staff and their guests. Sean took Danny through the line and rejoined Daniel and his guests. While sitting there watching the boys Travis walks by and waves at his mom. He's with part of the soccer group and appears to have made friends. Daniel doesn't know if it's because Betty is here or really why, but this is the first time he's ever noticed that as the boys walk by their equipment jumps around and their little bubble butts jiggle like mounds of gelatin. It doesn't seem to bother the boys or Betty, so why should it concern him?

As they eat Daniel notices Betty has concentrated on Sean and Danny, asking questions that let her better understand each boy. Jon is intently watching all the boys; seemingly absorbing their actions and interactions. When Jon asked about the unusual sunburst organization of the tables Daniel explained it allows you to stand in the middle and address a group or all of the boys at one time. The arrangement also expedites collection of dirty plates and cleanup for the boys on kp. When the boys on kp finish the cleanup after lunch they are not required to stay in the kitchen and work, but leave to join the other boys in various activities. While Daniel talked to Jon, Michael walked in and joined them.

"Michael, this is Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler from the television station. They are here to discuss a special on New Horizon and the boys. Today, they wanted to meet Sean and see about setting up special service announcements for locating his brother."

After the cordialities were exchanged Jon asked Michael for specifics on Sean's condition and benefits from locating his brother, Brad. Michael explained the hope was Brad could provide more family history as well as more detailed history on Sean's condition. The bottom line was that surgery was an absolute must for Sean to have a normal life, including a decent chance of reaching his majority.

Another consideration for locating Brad was Sean's mental attitude. Sean and his brother are thought to have been very close, and while Sean was a real trooper and surviving, the heart surgery would require he be willing to fight to live. Brad could well give him that little bit of extra support and willingness to survive. Jon asked about time lines for Sean, what could the boy expect in the near future?

Michael explained that there was no way of projecting a time line for Sean until more tests were run. Only preliminary tests were conducted until now, and New Horizon was looking for a hospital to assist them. Stated another way, a hospital needed to be willing to run the tests as a donation to New Horizon, the state would not contribute under the terms of the agreement.

When Jon and Betty heard the facts they asked if Sean knew why they were there; Daniel told them he didn't. Betty asked to be able to speak with the boy.

"Sean, do you remember when you visited the station we did a short segment on New Horizons, and made a quick appeal for your brother to contact us? We want to make another try at locating your brother and need your help."

"Ms. Betty, Brad won't contact you; he'd be afraid they would take him in and sell him."

"Sean, do you think if we ask him to just call us, would he do that? He doesn't have to come see us, just call on the phone."

"I don't know, he might."

While Betty talked to Sean, Jon talked to Daniel and Michael and let them know they had brought along a film camera and a still camera in the hopes of doing a brief appeal to Brad and taking other photos that would help to organize the larger special they want on New Horizons. They want to use both Danny and Sean for the spot and could prepare a script in just a few minutes with Daniels permission. Daniel called both boys over.

"Boys, how would you like to be on television again?"

"If that's what you want us to do, Mr. Dan'l, we will."

"Sean, you don't have to go to the television station right now. These people brought cameras with them and they want to film a spot to make an appeal to your brother. They're trying to help us find him for you, understand?"

"Yes, sir, but it's like I told Ms. Betty, he probably won't. He don't want to be a slave."

"Sean, I understand what you're saying, and I don't want to say anything to get your hopes up. For now I need to ask you to just trust me and let us see what we can do about the matter, okay?"

"Yes, sir, I trust you; what do want us to do?"

"Good boy; first thing, take Danny and the two of you head to the showers and get spic- 'n-span for us; then come to my office."

The boys headed to the showers with Danny protesting he didn't get to go back and play. Daniel escorted the group to his office for planning. Jon stopped by the van to pick up their cameras. In the office Jon and Betty take pencil in hand for a quick script. Danny looked out and saw Josh walking by and called out to him to bring the twins in.

"Betty, if you think your boys are identical twins, wait till you see the boys coming in now."

Josh came in with the twins, walking up to Daniel.

"Yes, sir?".

"Betty, if you thought your boys looked alike, look at this. Josh, this is Ms Risler from the television station, two of the boys visiting us today are her sons."

"My heavens, Daniel, how do you tell one from the other.?"

"I don't, but their mentors can. Betty, this is Josh, he's the mentor for one of these boys his brother is mentor to the other twin. I think Josh and his brothers are the only one that can tell them apart. Betty, this is another example of the boys we have here. Josh is here with two brothers plus the twins here. The twins are actually pretty much regarded as his brother also. Oh, I almost forgot, he has two cousins here as well."

"How did so much of one family wind up here?"

"Betty, that's kind of a long story which I'll tell you another time. They were what we call party boys; part of an underground circuit and gave shows as a family. The twins were neighbors or belonged to a neighbor and joined the troop a few months before the father was killed in an accident."

"Daniel, these boys are beautiful. Where do they come from?"

"A farm, we think."

Betty turned and looked at Daniel in absolute surprise. She had heard of this type thing but never actually met anyone from one of those farms. She looked back to the twins.

"Yes ma'am, they called us fuck babies."

As soon as they said it the twins knew they made a mistake. They both threw their hands over their mouths and looked at Daniel, then Josh.

"Mr. Dan'l, we're sorry, it just slipped. Are we in trouble?"

"Boys, haven't I always told you I don't expect you to be perfect and if I hear the language around here when it's just us I won't say anything; however, when visitors are here that's different. Do you remember that?"

"Yes, sir. ^Å Mr. Dan'l are we going to get swats now?"

"What do you boys think I should do about this? Don't tell me I should tell you you're bad little boys and send you on your way."

"Swats, we guess, sir."

Daniel holds a hand up letting the boys know to stay where they are. He comes back in a couple of minutes with two cups of water and something else in his hand. He has the boys each drink a half cup of water and hands them something, telling them to stick a piece inside each cheek. The boys are then told to use two fingers and rotate their cheeks clockwise for a minute, then counter-clockwise. The look on their faces says they are not enjoying this at all.

"Boys, in case you don't know what that is ^Å. No, don't stop rotating, keep going ^Å those were little slivers of soap. Now, the next time you want to slip in front of a lady I want you to think about this, because next time it will be a bar of soap as big as the one in my hand."

One of the boys looked shocked while the other looked repulsed. Neither boy wanted any part of that bar. Daniel told the boys to apologize to Ms. Betty and be on their way. The boys ran out of the office and straight to the water hose. They were ready to fight one another for enough water to rinse their mouth out. The adults laughed as they watched through the window and really enjoyed it when Jon told Daniel he got it all on film. Betty felt badly for the boys.

"Daniel, the boys didn't mean to say anything like that, and believe me, I've heard a lot worse, usually from my own when they didn't know I could hear them."

As the twins ran out, Sean and Danny walked in, wondering what was going on. Mark had discussed things with Jon and retrieved a pair of shorts and shirt for Sean plus the boys' Cherub outfits. It was decided they would take photos of Sean in the shorts and shirt, but film him as a Cherub, together with Danny. While they were taking still photos of Sean, Daniel started getting Danny ready. When Daniel started rubbing the oil in, Danny went limp, enjoying all the attention. Mark took over getting Danny dressed and accessorized when it was time to oil down Sean. Betty helped accessorize both boys so they would appear their best on camera.

While the crew filmed the scene, Daniel retrieved three of their new shirts for Eric, Travis and Tim . The new shirts had the New Horizons logo and name located where the pocket was normally. Daniel asked Jon and Betty to let the boys wear them to school a couple of times and see what kind of reaction came from other kids. He knew that if you wanted to get a message out, kids were the least inhibited about speaking up and saying what they feel.

The shoot required most of the rest of the afternoon. Multiple shots were made from different angles and using different dialogue. By the time it was over both Sean and Danny were tired. When Daniel told them it was over and they could take off the cloths both boys removed the cloths and thong. They didn't bother to leave, but just lay down on Daniel's couch. Betty sat on the sofa and, placing each boy's head in her lap, gently rubbed their backs; something she knew from experience every boy enjoyed.

As he watched Betty rubbing the boys' backs, Daniel contemplated Sean's statement about his brother not coming in and not wanting to be a slave. If the boy did see the spots on television there was no reason for him to trust them. Daniel knew he didn't have the authority to promise the boy he wouldn't be taken into custody and sold. It occurred to Daniel that as they traveled the state with The Cherubs, other boys might try to come to New Horizon for help. The agreement with the state did not address those issues, but they needed to be addressed, and soon.

Jon and Betty toured the grounds with Daniel again before leaving; Sean and Danny had attached themselves to her since she gave them some personal attention. The tour was more to observe the boys and assess how they adjusted to the new program, and help determine what the television station might be able to do to assist in the success of the project. Jon stopped as they approached the garden.

"Daniel, we'd like to meet with you and your staff to discuss ideas on how the station can best support you. There's no doubt you will need financial contributions, but we believe we need to think on a large scale such as golf tournaments, large fund raisers, things along those lines. Also, we'd like your permission to make some phone calls and get some medical tests for Sean."

Daniel smiled, "Jon, we appreciate any support you give us. We hoped to be able to get sponsors for something like a charity golf tournament, or possibly a spring fair or fall fair held here with, maybe, antique cars, arts & crafts shows; you know, things along those lines. We'll be glad to sit with you at your convenience."

"Also, at one time you mentioned making appearances at some of the other stations in the state. We really appreciate that offer, and, if possible, when that can be arranged we'd like to coordinate the schedule with Paul. He is our public relations person tat schedules other appearances for us. If we can schedule more than one appearance during a trip it becomes more efficient for us and less taxing on our sponsors."

"Another that concerns us is it came to our attention when Sean said something about his brother. What happens if an abandoned boy comes here seeking shelter? The issue isn't addressed in our agreement with the state; we do have extra room here, and there is no way I would willingly turn a boy away. What I'm getting at Jon, is I will contact Tallahassee and seek an amendment to our agreement, but we may need some extra pressure put on politicians, if you know what I mean?"

"We understand, Daniel. We'll give all the help we can, and that includes doing editorials that could pose interesting, and possibly embarrassing, questions to any politicians that may try to interfere."

Daniel sat at his desk thinking this had been an eventful day, actually it had been an eventful weekend. Jon and Betty were very supportive of the projects goals. Daniel laughed as he remembered the trouble both had getting their sons to leave. All three were as dirty as any of the New Horizon boys and had to take showers before loading up. It was good for the boys to arrive running free, this made it easier for the boys at New horizon to accept themselves. The biggest problem for Jon and Betty was their kids wanted to stay and visit; maybe one day.

Daniel pulled out a slip of paper and began writing priorities for tomorrow:

Computers

Testing school lessons

Sean & Brad

More boys

Exemptions

Amos Crawford

Dad

Birthdays

End Chapter Seventeen

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