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: 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

Comments Welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com