New Horizons

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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 Matthew for his unwavering support and patience while I write this story. Also, my thanks to those who have taken the time to send me their comments and encouragement.

Chapter Ninety-Four: New Horizons

"Daniel, I had planned on driving to Tampa this morning to see the group of boys they are holding. Would you like to join us?"

Daniel, the governor, and most of the remaining adults sat around a picnic table enjoying their morning coffee while most the boys still slept.

"Will the state be turning the care of these boys over to New Horizons?" Daniel asked. The governor didn't seem surprised and showed a slight smile.

"Forgive the smile, Daniel. I wondered how long it was going to take you to ask that question. The boys in Tampa, we believe, are a good example of the groups in the other cities I mentioned. The reports I've been given show their ages range from around nine to sixteen. There are a number of older boys in the group with some having been enslaved for over six years. As you can imagine, we think the broad range of ages and length of enslavement will have a strong affect on how the boys react to us and to being free." The governor paused and studied Daniel for a moment.

"Daniel, I have too much respect for you to play games. Some people have suggested that once a boy has been enslaved for a certain period of time . . .well, the thought is that the boy may be beyond redemption and better off remaining enslaved."

Daniel didn't respond to the governor's statement immediately. He looked off, beyond the governor, and watched as a few of the boys came out of their tents. The boys were still half asleep. They stretched and yawned; some said something to a friend or smiled when a friend said something to them. All of the boys arose with the typical boy's morning issues but acted as though they were totally oblivious to their predicament as the boys made their way to the restroom facilities. Daniel looked at Elizabeth and picked up on the laughter in her eyes and the hand over her mouth, hiding an obvious smile.

"There is no such thing as a boy beyond redemption, Governor. It may be true that some have had harder experiences than others, or have been enslaved longer than others and be further behind in their education or social skills, but that is due strictly to a lack of instruction. It may take a little while, but we believe that all children can be helped and taught to lead productive lives." The governor smiled, having expected such an answer from Daniel.

"To say a boy may be better off remaining enslaved, is like telling a poor man that he's better off to remain poor; makes no sense whatsoever. I always wonder when someone makes a comment like that if they would feel the same if it was a member of their own family; particularly a son."

"Understand Daniel, I'm not stating an opinion, I'm relaying comments that are suggestive of some of the opposition we could be facing. It's because of those comments, and knowing your attitudes, that I'm here now. We are asking for your help with these boys."

"From what you are telling us, can we assume that you will soon be ready to release the boys to us?"

"Whenever you think you have the facilities to handle them," Amos answered. "Your program was designed to address the needs of boys like these and, quite honestly, is the only program in existence that can even come close to helping them. The question we have for you is whether you have the facilities to take the boys."

"By facilities, I'll assume you're referring to not just the physical facilities, but the financial and support staff issues as well?" Daniel asked.

"As far as the financial issue goes, Daniel," the governor interjected, "the state is prepared to pay New Horizons the same per diem that is given to the slave centers for caring for the boys. If we were to go over that amount, it could cause some trouble. There are other considerations, also." Daniel looked at the Governor, waiting.

"Daniel, these boys are going to need more than just emotional support. These boys, particularly those that have been slaves for several years, are going to need counseling. Assuming you will be reuniting many with their families, the whole family will need counseling. Then they will need educating and job training. The experiences of other states and countries tells us that if the boys are not given the necessary skills to care for themselves as adults, they will most likely wind up right back in the slavery system.

"So, if you fully understand the significance of what I'm going to ask you, let me explain our ultimate goal. We want to change the system. We want to go back to the original concept of using slavery as a way of controlling hardened felons and make them contributing members of society. You know from your studies that this whole thing started as a way to relieve taxpayers from the burden of supporting those who refused to follow society's rules. Over time, it just got out of control or, as some would say, it came under the wrong control and influences. We think the time is right to correct our mistakes and I want it to happen before I leave office. To accomplish the goal, we need your help."

"Aside from caring for these kids, what do you want from me?" Daniel asked.

"I'm asking you to be part of a confidential study group. You will need to travel to other states, possibly other countries, and study how they have approached the same problems. The group will present its report to include proposals on, not only how to deal with the children enslaved, but with children who, in the future, may find themselves homeless. The group will have ninety days to study and write a proposal for a complete privatization of foster care."

"Sixty days?" Daniel remarked, amazed. "Governor, I'm sure you realize that sixty days may not be long enough. That would mean I would have to be on the road almost full time."

"You, and the rest of the group," the governor corrected Daniel. "I didn't say it would be easy. I'm assuming that you trust your staff to care for the boys in your absence. The time frame is critical. We want to introduce the foster-care legislation in the next session. It will be the final session under my time in office. The group will consist of you, Amos, another member of his staff, and two child psychologists. Of course, I think you're overlooking one important item. Today, we can use computers to teleconference and do research; it will save a lot of time." Daniel paused a couple of minutes before answering.

"Excuse my hesitancy, Governor. I'm hesitant, not because I have concerns over the project; actually, I'm very excited about the opportunity. I'm hesitant because I'm not sure you have the right mix of people to accomplish the goal." The governor gave Daniel a questioning look.

"You said earlier that you planned on driving over to Tampa to see the boys. Maybe we should talk this over some more as we ride. Is that convenient?"

The governor, Daniel, Amos, Arthur, Michael, Dr. Thompson and Elizabeth sat in a stretch limo headed for Tampa. With them were Jeremy, TJ and Evan. Danny had wanted to come, but Daniel would not allow the boy to be exposed to a slave center. The boy was much too young to see, much less understand, what went on inside those walls. The three boys looked around the limo in awe of the luxury and space. They had heard of such vehicles, but this was the first time any of them had seen the inside of one. The wet bar caught their attention. The governor noticed them looking at the bar and offered each of the boys a coke.

"Jeremy, boys," the governor spoke quietly to the boys, "I need to ask a favor of you." The boys sat quietly, waiting. "I need to ask you some questions. More importantly, we need for you to answer us honestly, even if you think we may not like the answer. It is extremely important that you be honest with us. Can you do that?"

The boys all nodded. Daniel noticed that Jeremy seemed to move closer to Arthur, almost as though he wanted to meld into the man. TJ and Evan sat near Elizabeth, but the two boys moved closer together and were holding one another's hand.

"You boys know where we are going. I hope you understand that you have nothing to fear from anyone there. You also know that we are going to see some boys who have been slaves, some for several years. I've never been to this place and I've never seen boys in this kind of position. Quite honestly, I don't know what to expect. Can you help me?"

The three boys looked at one another and then back to the governor and Daniel. Jeremy looked to Arthur for guidance.

"Jeremy," Arthur placed an arm around the boy's shoulders and spoke softly. "The governor wants you boys to explain to him how you felt or what it was like when you entered the slave facilities. What went through your minds?"

"I was scared both times," Jeremy simply stated.

"Can you explain that to me, Jeremy?"

"When they took me away from my home they tied me up and put me in this truck. When I asked what I'd done wrong they told me to shut-up and if I said anything they'd punish me. I was too scared to say anything else. Then they took me to this big place where there was a bunch of people lined up with some grownups walking beside them. The grownups had something in their hands that I found out later was what they called a slave prod. If they touched you with it you got shocked."

"Did you ever see anyone get touched with one of those slave prods?"

"Yes, sir. It was a boy, older'n me; he was a teenager. He tried to argue with the men that he didn't belong there. They told him to shut up a couple times and then touched him. I saw him scream and fall to the floor. He looked like he was hurtin' pretty bad. I never got touched with one 'cause I was too scared ta say anything.

"In that place they put me in a room with a bunch of other kids about my age. All of us was scared and one of the kids said we was slaves now. After a while, some men came in and made us get naked. They took our clothes and just left us there. We was there a long time. The only thing we could do was sit on the floor and if we had to go to the bathroom we had ta use this thing they said was a trough. If you wanted to do more than pee, you squatted over a hole in the floor.

"I remember fallin' asleep on the floor and somebody nudged me and said ta get up. They took us where people gave us shots and examined us, like a doctor. They shaved our heads and some of the guys had other hair that was shaved off, too. There was people everywhere, but most of 'em were naked. One of the other boys said anybody that was naked was a slave or 'bout to be a slave."

The adults watched Jeremy as he relayed his story. All of the adults knew the story, but hearing it from Jeremy created a whole new depth of meaning. The boy spoke as though he were in a trance, holding Arthur's arm around him tightly. A tear rolled down the young face. A tear of hurt and fear and loss.

"Jeremy," the governor spoke softly, aware of the boy's emotional state. "Was there ever a time that you were not afraid?"

Jeremy looked at the governor and, after a moment, appeared as though he was coming out of a trance.

"Yes, sir. The first time I was scared, more scared than normal cuz they put a blindfold on me and I didn't understand why. There was a man that came ta see me and when he did all we did was lay on the bed. He'd put his arm around me and pull me so I was spooned against him. We were both naked, but his hair felt soft and I could feel him breathe. After the first couple times he did that to me I'd get excited when they put the blindfold on me 'cause I knew it was him. When they first took me to him, he'd lay on the bed and hold me against him. Then one time he turned me over so I was facing him. He'd talk to me and it was nice. He made it so I didn't have ta be scared.

"I remember one time when he was holding and talkin' to me he asked me if I was scared and I wasn't sure what ta say. I think I kinda shrugged my shoulders and then he told me if I was scared that sometimes it helped ta cry. Every time after that he'd hold me and I'd lay there with him and cry. After a while I got ta where I thought I loved him." Jeremy laughed to himself. "Funny it'n it? I didn't think I'd ever feel like that 'bout anybody again. But him, I did. After Mr. Arthur and Mr. Dan'l set me free, I found out it was Grandpa Smith." Jeremy looked at the governor and smiled.

Arthur held on to Jeremy. He rubbed his fingers through the boy's hair and then leaned down and kissed the top of his head. Jeremy looked up and smiled. No words needed to be said. Arthur wasn't letting go and Jeremy didn't want him to.

Daniel looked at TJ and Evan and could see the emotion in their eyes. Tears ran down Evan's face.

"Governor, the strange part of all this is that for these two boys it wasn't much different. They hadn't been formally enslaved and sold like Jeremy, but they also lived in fear everyday. They lived in abandoned buildings, afraid to talk to any adult. They did what they had to do to survive and sometimes got hurt. TJ was taken by one of the guards at the holding center and tortured." The governor looked at TJ and then Daniel.

"That's right, sir. He pretty much had me passed out when Mr. Dan'l found me. He did a real job on me with whips and electro stuff; a real sicko. Mr. Dan'l kicked his butt real good, too, and then carried me out. That guard's a slave now."

"Do you wish that you could be his master?" the governor asked.

"I used to, but not anymore. The Father said it was best to move on."

"The Father?" the governor asked.

"The diocese has three priests that come to the camp and minister to the boys. They also act as counselors in addition to any religious needs," Daniel advised. "That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. These priests know these boys better than anyone. They have no political agenda, only the welfare of the boys. I'd like to suggest you consider making them part of the advisory group." The governor nodded his head but did not make a commitment.

"Governor, do we know how many boys we're talking about right now. I'm asking about all the centers you mentioned earlier."

"I'm guessing two hundred or more. My concern is where to place them. I'm not so sure you have the facilities, Daniel."

"Governor, we don't worry about the facilities. When it comes to these boys, we make room if necessary. I'll have to call Barry and get a report on how he would plan on handling that many more boys. You're talking about more than doubling the group."

"Tents?" Evan almost whispered. Daniel looked at the boy and smiled. Jeremy also nodded his agreement.

"Not meanin' ta be disrespectful, sir," Evan continued, "but those boys aren't gonna get over anything unless you get 'em outta that slave place."

"Can I ask you boys one more question?" the governor asked, looking at all three boys. "Jeremy, I know as a slave, you were required to remain nude. I know that in Fort Ogden, at your camp, you boys stay nude and I've seen you running around your camp- site at the resort nude. I thought that once you were free, the last thing you'd want is to be nude all the time."

The boys looked at one another, each waiting for the other to speak first.

"Sir," TJ spoke first, "when we lived on the streets we wore rags, we were dirty, and we lived in fear. I remember when Mr. Dan'l first came and he can tell you how dirty we were; we weren't allowed to take baths. The guards said it was a waste of good water. Mr. Dan'l not only had us take baths, but we got to take hot showers for as long as we wanted. After the shower we took our dirty clothes and threw 'em away. The clothes reminded us of how low they said we were. We stay naked as much as we can and like it." Evan leaned into his lover and smiled. Both boys knew other advantages to being naked all the time but knew they shouldn't say anything.

"They told me slaves weren't good enough ta wear clothes," Jeremy commented. "I remember goin' into a room and people lookin' at me naked and tellin' me how nice I looked and it was a sin to cover somethin' as beautiful as me." Jeremy couldn't help but grin, and blush. "Bein' naked doesn't make me a slave; that's all in your head. I remember when Mr. Arthur used ta hold me when he first got me. When he let me feel his skin I thought he felt so warm and comfortable. I always wanted to be naked with him." Jeremy's face turned crimson as he looked up at Arthur who tightened his hold on the boy. "It's not 'cause I wanna be sexy with him, it's just nice and comfortable."

"I think I just got insulted," Arthur interjected. "Someone once told me you know you're getting old when someone describes you as comfortable."

The adults laughed as Arthur affectionately rubbed Jeremy's head.

Jeremy was saved from further embarrassment and teasing when Amos' cell phone rang. The group remained respectfully quiet while Amos handled his call. Since it was impossible not to eavesdrop, the group quickly determined the call was regarding the number of boys held at each facility and the status of the release papers. When Amos ended the call, he addressed the governor as the limo pulled into the slave center parking lot..

"This is a list of the number of boys and where. Note that the boys that were in Orlando are now part of the Tampa group we are about to see. There should be fifty-six boys here and I've been advised the list is being submitted to the court with a no-contest affidavit. Everything will be sitting on the judge's desk when he comes in Monday morning."

"Monday morning?" Daniel responded. "Is there any way to contact the judge today and get the releases approved? What about the boys at the other locations?"

"Whoa, Daniel, slow down." The governor laughed as he responded to Daniel. "Let's talk with the people inside and see how close we are to having the boys, and their paperwork, ready. If we're close enough, I'll make a couple of calls myself, if necessary."

As they talked in the limo, the vehicle was approached by a man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties. He was casually dressed and appeared a little nervous. Upon exiting the limo, the group learned the man was David Sims, the supervisor on duty that day. Sims escorted the group inside. Jeremy stayed close to Arthur and Elizabeth. Evan and TJ made sure that Daniel and Michael did not get more than six feet away from them. The men smiled when they heard TJ comment that they had worked and fought hard not to ever get near a slave pen and now they had volunteered to come here.

"Don't worry TJ," Michael commented, "I'd be willing to bet that Daniel's not about to let anything happen to any of you." TJ and Evan smiled nervously.

"We know, Dr. Mike, it's just that . . . well, you know." Michael smiled in response and put an arm around each boy's shoulders.

The group followed Sims down a hallway. Everyone noticed that there didn't appear to be any activity at the center because they didn't see anyone in the halls. Sims showed the group into a small office furnished with a simple utilitarian type desk and four wood chairs. Without any additional words, Sims picked up a folder off the desk, opened it, and began explaining what had been done with the boys as he stepped between the governor and Amos Crawford.

"This is a list of the boys we are holding now. The first boys came to us about five days ago, the newest yesterday. We've compiled a spread sheet showing the boy's SIN, where he came from, age, and when he was enslaved. There's a total of fifty-one boys in the holding area."

The governor handed the folder to Daniel. Daniel looked at the boys' ages and then the date of enslavement. As he thought, overall, the younger boys had been enslaved any where from eight months to three years. One boy, only ten years old, had been a slave for thirty-two months. The range for the oldest boys ran from a year up to eight years. While Daniel was concerned about all of the boys, those who had been enslaved the longest, he knew, would present the greatest challenges. Sims waited until Daniel looked up from the folder before he continued.

"The boys are all held in a single area; a room actually. The guards have been told the boys are not to be treated as slaves and they may not use electric prods if any of the boys got out of line. They've been given regular exercise periods with an instructor and we feed them separately from the others we are holding here."

"Have the boys been told anything about what is going on?" Amos asked.

"No, sir, Mr. Crawford; not as far as I know. The only thing they've been told is that they will be here for a few days."

"Mr. Sims, you say the boys have been given regular exercise periods with an instructor." Daniel observed. "Can you tell us if the instructor is the same as one of the instructors that works with those about to be sold and is following the prescribed regimen of exercise?"

"Yes, sir," Sims answered, looking pleased that they had followed the standard guidelines. "He is and they have followed the standard routines."

"Gentlemen," Daniel turned and addressed the Governor and Amos Crawford. "I think we can assume that these boys believe that their situation hasn't changed except that they have no idea what the future holds for them. I think Jeremy can attest that the boys in there are probably pretty frightened at this point. My suggestion is that we do something to give them hope."

"Mr. Dan'l?" TJ spoke up, "Excuse me, but do you remember what it was like with that last group of boys we got? When they were told they were going to be free again by the adults, well, they didn't believe it. Slave boys know better than to trust adults. They believe adults like to tease them and get their hopes up just so they can say or do somethin' ta smash 'em down and then laugh about it. I think what I'm tryin' ta suggest is that me, Evan and Jeremy see 'em first. They'll come closer ta believin' us."

"Governor, TJ's right," Daniel addressed the men. "The last group we tried to talk to, and got nowhere, until the boys joined in and spoke with them. After a few minutes, there wasn't any real problems." Daniel again turned to Sims. "Do you have any history on how these boys have been treated?"

"Not really," Sims answered. "I've seen the boys and I can tell you that five of 'em look like they've had it pretty rough, though."

"Rough? In what way?"

"Their backs are scarred. Three of them are the three oldest in there. The other two are just a year or two younger."

Daniel looked at the governor and then Amos Crawford. No one said anything, but watched Daniel, who appeared to be staring into space while he considered the situation. Finally, Daniel turned to the three boys.

"Jeremy, TJ, I think you two would be the most likely to have difficulty with this and I'm not going to tell you to go into that room. If you choose to go, I want you to spot the five boys Mr. Sims just described and separate them from the others. I want to talk to them myself after you've gotten the boys to listen."

"It's okay, Mr. Dan'l," TJ answered, "I can handle it; Evan too." Jeremy looked at Daniel and nodded.

The boys entered the room with Daniel and Sims. Sims gave the boys a moment as they hurried to line up and assume the slave rest position.

"Boys, this is Mr. Thompson and three of his boys. They are here to talk to you." Daniel immediately noted that Sims had done nothing to put the boys at ease or make them comfortable with what was happening.

"Boys, my name is Daniel Thompson and I'm with New Horizons. Before we begin I want all of you to relax. You don't have to be in the slave rest position and you can look up here at us." Daniel paused as he saw a few of the boys relax and take a peek at the people standing in front of them. When the boys realized that Daniel could see them looking up, they quickly resumed looking down at the floor. Daniel understood.

"The three young men standing up here with me are Jeremy, TJ and Evan. They are from New Horizons. I know you don't understand what that is and that's why these three will be talking to you. I'm going to leave you alone for a little while, but while I'm gone I want to encourage you to talk to these boys. However, to help get things started, there's two things I want to tell you. First, when you leave here you will not be leaving as slaves." Daniel noticed an immediate, but controlled reaction from the boys. "Second, with a little luck, you may be leaving here later today, but most likely tomorrow."

Daniel exited the room; the door closing with a solid thud as he left. The boys stood in their position waiting for their orders. Jeremy, Evan and TJ looked at one another trying to figure out the best way to start. Finally, Jeremy began by removing his clothes. When he stood before the boys, naked, he told all the boys to raise their heads and look at him. Some of the boys were visibly surprised, others remained controlled. All of the boys understood that a free boy did not voluntarily remove his clothes. They also knew that slaves were not allowed to wear clothes. Jeremy's actions confused them. Jeremy pointed to one boy and motioned for him to step forward.

"What is your name?" Jeremy asked.

"Master, my SIN is 147 . . ."

"No," Jeremy interrupted in a low tone. "I don't want to know your SIN and I'm not your master. What was your name before you had an SIN?"

The boy looked at Jeremy and swallowed hard. He wasn't sure how to answer. All slave boys were taught from the beginning that the person they were before being enslaved was dead and they were to never think of themselves as that person or use their former name; if they did, they would be severely punished. Also, if the boy at the front of the room was not their new master, who was he? The boy continued to look at Jeremy, frightened, but curious.

"Toby," the boy whispered.

"Toby," Jeremy repeated. "Toby, you started to tell me your SIN. Is that number in a tattoo located at the top of your leg where it meets your butt?"

"Yes, sir." Toby knew the correct response to a superior without using the term 'master'.

"Toby, I'm going to turn around and I want you to look at that same place on me and then tell the other boys what you see."

Jeremy didn't wait for a response as he turned around, bent over and grabbed his ankles. Toby looked down at Jeremy, unsure what he should do. Any time Toby had been ordered to be that near someone's butt, it wasn't to examine it. Jeremy encouraged the boy. Toby knelt on one knee and looked at Jeremy.

"Toby, what do you see?" Jeremy asked.

TJ stepped over next to Jeremy. Placing one hand on Jeremy's back, he used his first finger of his other hand to point at what Jeremy wanted Toby to see. Toby looked and stared; he looked up at TJ who waited on an answer. Toby whispered to TJ what he saw. Jeremy stood and turned around; his face was crimson from the flow of blood to his head. Jeremy stood next to Toby and turned the boy to face the group. He placed a hand on Toby's shoulder and told him to tell the boys what he saw.

"He's got scars. It's where there was a SIN but it ain't there no more." The boys looked at one another.

"I used ta be a slave, just like you guys." Jeremy could now tell his story without being ashamed. "Mr. Dan'l and Mr. Arthur bought me in Miami where my master kept me as a boy whore. When they bought me I was shipped to my new home that I learned was Mr. Arthur's home in West Palm Beach. Instead of putting me in a cage or locking me in a closet, I stayed in the guest house. I was scared shitless.

"Mr. Dan'l tried to talk to me, but I wasn't sure I could trust him. He told me he was a slave once. Between just us, I didn't believe him; I never told him that, though. Then, one night, Mr. Arthur came to the guest house. He got naked and I figured he was gonna fuck me. That's what I was, a sex toy for men, and I knew that the truth was about ta happen. I understood then why I wasn't in a cage in the garage or somewhere else; the place they had me had ta be his playpen. I was really scared then 'cause I hadn't been prepared. I'd never been dry-fucked before, but some of the other boys where I was had been and they'd told us how bad it hurt. All I could think of was how many times I'd been told it didn't matter if it hurt me or not; I was a slave and I was supposed to please the man I was with. He didn't . . . he didn't fuck me." A tear began to run down Jeremy's cheek.

"Mr. Arthur picked me up and carried me into the shower. He bathed me and then he dried me off. He did for me what slaves that belonged to my old master did for free men. There was one big difference though, he talked to me. He kept tellin' me stuff that no slave boy was gonna believe, but always hoped for. He told me I was goin' ta be free. I can't remember how many times he said that to me over the next few weeks. I wanted to believe him, but I was afraid. That night he bathed me, he took me to his bed. He didn't fuck me. He didn't make me give him sex. He turned me on my side, my back was to him, and he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. He held me like that all night and for a bunch of nights after that. Then one night, I don't know how long it was, when he pulled me close to him, I turned over and looked up at him. He ran his fingers through my hair and let me know everything was going to be alright. I cried till I fell asleep."

The boys stood still and stared at Jeremy. They could tell that he wasn't lying to them, but they didn't know what to say or do. Finally, the boys noticed that TJ and Evan were taking off their clothes too.

"We weren't slaves like Jeremy or you guys. We were street boys and we had to whore ourselves to survive. We hid in vacant buildings and ran from the cops. We lived dirty and scared. Eventually we were caught and were in a holding place not far from here. Then Mr. Dan'l came. We didn't trust him or believe him at first. We learned that he'd never tell us something that wasn't true and if he said he was gonna do something, he did it. He runs New Horizons and he'll be the one takin' care of you guys, too. Anybody wanna ask us somethin'?"

The boys stood quietly until one of them tentatively raised a hand and asked where New Horizons was. That first question broke the ice and the boys couldn't ask their questions fast enough. Many just wanted to be told again and again that they were going to be free. A few of the younger boys asked about their families and if they could go back home. Most of the older boys just stood and watched, and listened.

"If you're not slaves, how come you're naked like us now? How come you took your clothes off?"

"They don't have no tan lines neither," another boy added. "They go naked like us all the time."

"Yes, we do," TJ answered. "We go naked because we want to. The last clothes we had before Mr. Dan'l got us was just rags. At first we thought just like you, that bein' naked made us slaves. That was before Father Andrew and some of the other priests came and talked to us. They showed us where the Pope said that we were God's children, He created us and God never created anything that wasn't beautiful. He showed us where the Pope wrote that it was okay to be naked. Bein' naked was bad only to those people who had evil minds. Mr. Dan'l says anybody that'd enslave a child was as evil as they come. We're proud of who and what we are and don't care if people see us. Like Danny says, 'we're bootiful'."

Daniel had to laugh as he and the other adults watched the proceedings through a one- way mirror. Daniel wasn't surprised that it was one of the younger boys that asked the first question and helped get things moving. The younger boys had not been enslaved as long and didn't have the long, dark history of the older boys. The longer a slave remained in the system, the more he understood not to hope, or to trust. Long-term slaves understood, often learning the hard way, that to say nothing meant they were less likely to get in trouble and face punishment.

While the boys asked questions and they talked, TJ moved around the room. When he found the boys with the scarred backs, he took them by the arm and led them to an area near, but separate, from the other boys. When he had all five, he opened the door to let Daniel know. Daniel entered with Michael, Arthur, the governor and Michaels. Daniel looked first to Michaels.

"You said it was close to time for the boys to exercise. I remember picking up a few boys from here a few months back and there was a swimming pool outside."

"It's there, but reserved for staff only." The governor looked at Michaels; Michaels understood. "But, I think we can make an exception if you'd like to use it."

"Boys, how would you like to go for a fun swim before lunch. We'll skip the exercise period and do it the New Horizons way. I notice that my boys seem to have dressed, or undressed in this case, for the occasion." Daniel smiled as he talked with the boys. Jeremy, TJ and Evan also smiled at the light joke.

"You comin' with us, Mr. Dan'l?" TJ asked.

"Yes, I'll be there. First, I want to talk a few minutes with these five other boys."

Daniel watched as David Sims led the rest of the boys out of the room and to the pool area. The rest of the adults remained with Daniel. With only a look to Arthur and Colin, Daniel conveyed the message he wanted to talk to the boys alone. The governor quickly picked up on the message and everyone left except Daniel and Michael. When they were alone, Daniel turned to the boys.

"Boys, as you've heard before, my name is Daniel Thompson. The boys at New Horizons call me Mr. Daniel, or Mr. Dan'l." Daniel worked to keep the exchange light. "The gentleman behind all of you is Dr. Mike. The files I've seen tell me you five boys have been enslaved longer than the other boys, and your bodies tell me it's been rough for you. When the boys were talking I noticed none of you really said anything, and I want you to know that I understand. Now, with just the seven of us, I'm hoping you will talk to us."

The boys remained quiet. They looked primarily at the floor in a slave rest position. They peaked at one another, but a leader did not come forth. Daniel waited a few minutes while Michael continued to look at the boys. When Michael touched one of the boys, the boy didn't even flinch. However, Daniel could see the boy's muscles tense. The boys were well trained and disciplined. When no one said anything, Daniel removed his shirt and turned his back to the boys.

"Boys, look up here, at me." Daniel spoke firmly; it was an order. The boys understood the tone and obeyed. No one said anything, but Daniel did hear a couple of light gasps. When Daniel turned to face the boys, three boys were looking at him, the other two looked around.

"I'm sure you boys can recognize the scars and know how they got there. If you listened to Jeremy earlier, he told you that I had revealed to him that I was also a slave at one time. All the boys at New Horizons know it. You boys and I do have something in common. Now, what I would like is for each of you to tell me your name, age and how long you've been enslaved. I also want to know where you were a slave and I hope that you will share some of your experience with us. Since you are lined up, we'll begin from my left and work to my right." Daniel made the statement using a tone the boys could not interpret as anything other than 'this is how we will do it'. The boys didn't question the directions.

"Edward . . .my master called me Eddie, sir. I'm sixteen and I was made a slave when I was eleven. I'm . . . I mean, I'm part of a private club, sir." Before Daniel could ask a question, the second boy started to speak.

"Anthony, sir, but my master calls me Tony and I just turned sixteen. I was made a slave when I was ten and have always been at a private club, sir." Daniel held his hand up to stop the next boy from talking.

"Both of you mentioned a private club. Were you at the same private club?"

"Yes, sir," the boys answered in unison.

"Were all of you at the same club?"

"Yes, sir," Tony answered. The other boys said nothing.

"Okay, let's hear from the last three."

"David, sir. Fifteen and . . ." Daniel held his hand up and looked to the next boy.

"Nathan, sir. Fifteen . . ." Nathan paused when he saw Daniel look to the last boy.

"Richard, sir. I'm sixteen and been a boy-toy for six years."

"Tony, can you tell me something about this private club?" Daniel saw the hesitation and fear on the boys' faces. A strict rule of slavery was the slave did not talk about the master or the master's business. "Tony, slave rules do not apply. You speak openly and you are not in trouble. To help you, we need to know."

"Sir . . . well sir, it was a private club and we belonged to all the members. At meetings the men bid for us. Each man had a different thing he liked to do to us. Sir . . . I heard some of the men call it a BDSM club. They auctioned us to the men who tortured us for their pleasure." Tony paused and looked at Daniel for reassurance.

"It's okay, Tony. Go ahead."

"Sir, we didn't know the rules. Sometimes they made up games." Tony saw Daniel's questioning look. "One game they liked before they auctioned us was to line us up and make us beat off. When each guy shot his load he was tied so he hung from a hook and whipped. The whipping stayed going until the last boy shot his load and he was the only one that didn't get whipped. At least not that time around."

"Is that how your back's got so chewed up?"

"Some, sir. You see they had a lot of games they made us play. One of the things they'd make us do was whip each other. They said it was like a game boys did in Sparta where they had to hold onto a pole and get whipped. The winner was the one that got the most licks without crying or passin' out. We didn't understand 'bout Sparta, but we understood 'bout the whip. They told us it was a badge of courage.

"Sometimes one of us got messed up pretty bad and a doctor came in and took care of us. If you got messed up, you didn't have ta play again until the doctor said it was okay. They had nurses that stayed with us too. Do you want me to tell you 'bout some of the other games and stuff they did, sir?"

"No, Tony. I think I understand." Daniel turned to Michael.

"Daniel, some of these scars are old, some aren't. However, whoever took care of them knew what they were doing because they aren't too deep. We'll have to run some tests, but I think they can all be taken care of. Worst case scenario, there will be minimal scarring that the sun can hide. My concern on the scarring would go a lot deeper than the skin."

"Boys, what Dr. Mike is saying is that you won't be going with the rest of the boys. We're going to move you to a hospital for tests and, if they come out the way we think, you will all receive treatments to restore your backs. It takes a while for the full treatment but the initial treatment takes around two to four weeks. The rest of the treatments will be handled at New Horizons. When it's over your backs will look just like any other boy's. Dr. Mike can explain the treatment in more detail a little later. Any questions?"

"Sir?" Nathan spoke up, hesitantly. "Suppose . . . well, suppose we don't want to be set free?"

Daniel looked at the boy and knew the boy was serious. He could guess that the boy's background as a free boy wasn't much better than as a slave. He had heard of such situations, but this was his first real encounter. The child really had no life except to live in fear and depravation. As a slave he would know and understand what was expected of him and know that he would at least have food and shelter. Neither choice was good.

"Nathan, would I be correct if I said you were abused at home before you were a slave? Maybe you were beaten or went hungry?"

"Some," Nathan barely whispered, a little surprised that anyone would know about his former life. "Sir, actually I was only beaten and not given food if I didn't come home with money. My Pa and brothers pimped me. They'd give me ta people for the night, lyin' to 'em 'bout me. After I got rode that first time they made me practice screamin' like it was my first time. If I didn't do good and bring money home then they'd make me go hungry and tied me up and used me. Somehow, after a while, I didn't care. At least they paid attention to me."

"Nathan, why or how did you become a slave?" Daniel recognized the blank look from the boy.

"One night this man showed up. I recognized him as somebody who'd bought me before. He liked ta play games. Sometimes they scared me but he always took care of me afterwards and fed me and hugged me. The next day, I was here. He took me away from here after I got tattooed and marked. He was one of the owners of the club."

"Nathan, all of you boys, I want all of you to listen very carefully. You are all going to be set free, but you are minors and wards of the state. Your primary care giver will be New Horizons. Nathan wants to go back because it was no worse than his life as a free boy. Unfortunately, it almost sounds as though being a slave was better for him than being free. Nathan, I hope we can show you a better life as a free boy. You will not be abused or pimped.

"All of the boys at New Horizons will tell you that going hungry is not a problem for them. We serve meals on a regular basis and you can go to the mess hall for a snack any time you want to. You will be given an education and receive counseling. All this is to prepare you to take care of yourself as an adult. As an adult you will make your own choices. I can only hope that you do not choose to become a slave again. Please believe me when I say that there are people out there that care about you and don't have to abuse you to show how much they care.

"Right now, Dr. Mike will make the phone calls to arrange for your treatments. As I said before, he will discuss the treatment in more detail later. You will not be abandoned; someone will be with you through the whole process. I know we've thrown at lot at you this morning so. Most of you look as though you're in a state of shock trying to decide what's happening right now. So, why don't we take a break right now? Let's go outside and join the others. After you finish swimming, it will be lunch time and then if you want to talk some more, we can."

Daniel watched as the boys walked out of the room. He placed a hand on Nathan's shoulder and held him back. When the other boys were gone, Daniel turned Nathan so the boy faced him. Placing a hand on each shoulder, h looked at the boy a minute before saying anything. As the boy stared back at Daniel, tears formed in his eyes.

"Nathan, it's important to me that you understand the things we've said this morning. You will be a free boy when we leave here. Believe me when I say that there are a lot of people out there that truly care about what will happen to you. I understand that it will be a little scary at times, but promise me this. When you get scared or just need someone to talk to, come to me. I'll always be there for you. Can you do that?"

Nathan continued to look at Daniel. Slowly the boy moved closer to the man and wrapped his arms around Daniel. When he lay his head against Daniel's chest, he began to cry.

"It's okay, son. Sometimes big boys need to cry, too."

End Chapter Ninety-Four

To Be Continued

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