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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. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com
Chapter Ninety-Six: New Horizons
As Daniel parked the van, he looked up and saw Danny running around the corner of the cabin. It wasn't unusual for Danny to come running when a vehicle pulled up, particularly if Danny thought Daniel was coming home. Daniel had no way of knowing that Danny had done just that the previous afternoon, only to be disappointed. This time, Danny stopped to see if his hero had returned. When Danny spotted Daniel, he let out with his usual cry and ran towards the van. When he was close, Danny jumped, knowing Daniel would catch him.
"Little man, you have grown! I hope you realize that one day you will be too big for me to catch like that."
"No, I won't," Danny responded innocently.
Daniel gave the boy a hug, but continued to hold him. He turned to make sure Arthur and Colin were out of the van. Danny turned to look, also.
"What's that?" Danny asked, pointing to the things Arthur and Colin carried.
"Those are clothes for the new boys that stayed here with you last night. Do you know where they are?"
"Over there," Danny answered as he pointed towards the boys. "They put two tents toget'er and made a big one and all of 'em sleeped in it."
"They did. Who's tents did they use?"
"Sean's and TJ's. They sleeped in it, too. They made funny sounds until late, too." Daniel looked at the boy and smiled.
"You mean they disturbed your sleep? Did you tell them to be quiet?"
"No. They wasn't real bad. They was just funny sounds."
"Have you had your breakfast this morning?" Daniel asked, knowing he should change the subject. Danny just nodded.
"Well, I had my breakfast a long time ago. Most of the boys weren't even awake when we left to come here. How about if I put you down so I can get a cup of coffee? Do you know where Dr. Mike is?"
"In dere," Danny answered as he pointed to the cabin.
"While I'm getting some coffee can you find TJ, Evan and the new boys for us?" Danny looked at Daniel and then down at the ground as though he was in deep thought. Suddenly, he looked at Daniel and smiled.
"Okay." Daniel set the boy down and watched as a naked six year old, without a worry or problem in his little world, bounced off.
Michael, the governor, and Amos Crawford sat at one of the tables drinking coffee while Michael explained the procedure the boys would undergo. The governor and Amos were both curious, but it was more important to Michael that he could explain the procedure in such a way that the boys didn't feel threatened or afraid. The men stopped talking and looked up when they heard the door open. They smiled as Daniel, Arthur and Colin walked in.
"Well, welcome back. How'd it go?" Michael asked.
"Better than I expected," Daniel answered. "Of course, I'm not really sure what I expected. I knew the boys at camp would welcome the new boys, but you could feel the tension and anxiety on the bus. I almost laughed though when the bus pulled up and the boys came running from everywhere. One of the boys on the bus made a statement about all the boys being naked and running around every which away. One day, I'm going to ask one of them to explain that phrase to me. I told them that's what we expected them to do, too; just be kids."
"Half of them got off the bus like they were in shock," Colin added. "They stepped off the bus with their mouths wide open and just stared. Most of them got off though and just stood close together until Daniel and Jeremy got off. Jeremy stood in front of the new boys and did introductions."
"Introductions?" Amos asked, surprised.
"Well, their kind of introductions," Arthur explained. "Jeremy stood in front of the new boys and, looking at both groups of boys, simply introduced them by saying, 'Guys, this is the guys.' It was a bit oversimplified, but you'd be surprised how many of them started saying 'hi' to one another."
"You should have seen the look on the new boys' faces when Jimmy asked them why they were wearing slave clothes. Those boys weren't sure what to do at that point until someone in the crowd yelled out for them to get naked and throw the slave crap away."
The men all laughed as the stories were told. One of the boys on KP duty brought cups and a fresh pot of coffee for the group. Also on the tray was a selection of pastries. Daniel looked at the boy.
"Sorry, Mr. Dan'l. Kitchen's bein' cleaned right now. We got no place ta cook somethin' hot."
"That's okay; we're not complaining. Are you doing the cleaning?"
"Some. We're all chippin' in ta get it done. When we get our part done, then we're off duty and can play and some other guys take over for the afternoon."
"Well, s'pose you tell whoever put this tray together for us that we do appreciate it. We knew breakfast would be over and were just hoping for a cup of coffee. The pastries are a bonus for us. Okay?"
"Yes, sir, Mr. Dan'l. Thanks." The boy, beaming with a big smile, rushed back to his duties.
The governor watched the boy and laughed. Daniel gave him a questioning look.
"Daniel, I just can't quite get used to seein' these boys working in the kitchen like they do, wearing a chef's apron. Then, when they turn around and take off, they aren't wearing anything, and all you see is a bare butt bouncing off. Think I could get away with having a few of them help out at the capital without stirring up too much trouble?"
The men shared a light laugh as they poured themselves a fresh cup of coffee. Michael let Daniel know that Elizabeth had come by to pickup Jeff and head to Orlando. She would meet them at the hospital. Carl and his group had gone on to Jacksonville.
The door opened and the five new boys, TJ, Evan and Sean, all led by Danny, entered. Daniel was initially surprised to see Danny coming in, but realized that he had only asked the boy to get the others for him. Daniel hadn't said anything about Danny going to play. The boy, obviously, wanted to be right where he was currently going, climbing up on Daniel's lap.
"Mr. Dan'l," TJ greeted as he entered, "Danny said you wanted to see us?"
"Come on in, boys. I think it's actually Dr. Mike that needs to talk to the new boys. All of you can stay if you like."
Daniel immediately noticed that all of the boys were nude. They had already discarded the 'slave crap' they wore when leaving the slave center. It never ceased to amaze him how quickly kids could get other kids to become part of the group. Daniel also caught the look in the boys' eyes when they spotted the pastries.
"Would any of you boys like a cinnamon bun?" Daniel offered.
Danny didn't wait to be asked twice. He immediately turned and nodded his head.
"Danny, those are some really big cinnamon buns. Do you think you and I could share one?" Danny's only response was a simple nod. He was content where he was.
"I see you boys didn't waste any time getting rid of the clothes Mr. Sims gave you yesterday." The new boys looked at the men, trying to judge whether they had done something wrong.
"Mr. Dan'l," TJ answered for the group, "you know us. We don't waste any time gettin' comfortable if we can." TJ paused and then added, "We saved the clothes, Mr. Dan'l. They weren't thrown away. They're with our stuff."
"That's fine, TJ. Maybe on another trip to Tampa we can return them," Daniel commented as he handed TJ the pastry tray to pass around. "We brought the boys some of our clothes so they can walk into the hospital as New Horizon boys." Daniel watched the boys' faces and could easily see the boys liked his suggestion much better than the thought of having to wear slave clothes.
"Boys, you met the people here yesterday, but we know yesterday may have been a little overwhelming, so we'll do it one more time. Sitting beside me is Colin Smythe. He's a journalist from England and is doing a story on New Horizons and related topics. His son is here also; his name is Nigel. The other gentleman is Arthur Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair is the attorney that filed the law suit that resulted in you being with us.
"Across from me is the governor and Amos Crawford, the Director of DCF." Daniel paused a moment to enjoy the look of surprise from the boys. "Both of these gentlemen have had a great deal to do with you being here. That's Dr. Mike on the end and I believe he wants to talk to you." The boys sat and beamed as they ate their cinnamon rolls. The boys seemed to be enjoying the cinnamon rolls so much, Daniel was fairly sure they had heard only half of what he said, if that much. He could tell that Danny had totally ignored him.
"Gentlemen, these five boys, so totally engrossed in their cinnamon rolls, are Tony, Eddie, Richard." Daniel saw the boy give him a strange look and stopped to think for a moment. "Not Richard, David. Right?" David smiled, his mouth too full to answer. "Okay, that's David, this is Nathan and that's Richard." The men were too amused watching the boys devour the cinnamon rolls to worry about names.
"Daniel, if it's all the same to you, I think I'll wait until they've eaten their rolls before we begin. Somehow, I think it would be a waste of energy to try now," Michael commented.
Daniel turned his attention to Danny who looked up at him, wearing as much cinnamon frosting as he had consumed. Danny grinned and his eyes sparkled; he didn't care how messy he became. Each of the men took another cinnamon roll and then handed the rest to the boys, who quickly made them disappear.
"Boys," Michael began and then waited till he knew he had their attention. "Shortly, we are going to get into the van and drive over to the hospital. I wanted to explain to you what you would be seeing and going through. Hopefully, we can take care of any fears or concerns you may have and it will be much easier for everyone." Michael paused to be sure the boys were following what he said.
"When we arrive, there will be reporters and television crews there. It will be Ms. Elizabeth and her people. Whether you realize it or not, you boys are somewhat of celebrities at the moment. Actually, she will report what has happened to you and why you are at the hospital. By reporting the events, it educates the people in the state on the ugly side of slavery. We want that because we are fighting to have child slavery laws changed.
"Now, once inside, you will be admitted and a special identification band will be put on your wrist. The band has a number that is used to follow your records and progress in the computers. Following your admission, we will go to your rooms. We don't know exactly where they are, but I understand they are preparing a couple of adjoining rooms in long term care. There will be a number of people in that same wing that you can get to know and visit with.
"If there is time today, you will be given physicals and tests will be made to determine that you are not allergic to any of the medications or chemicals that will be used. Assuming everything is okay with all of you the treatment will begin tomorrow or, as soon as the doctors are satisfied with the test results. Any questions?"
"Sir?" Tony raised his hand and Michael nodded to him. "Can you tell us what they are going to do to us? I mean, I know it's to fix our skin on our backs and all, but . . . well, how?"
"That's a fair question . . .Tony. Right?" Tony smiled at being remembered. "Tony, why don't you step up here and I'll use you to help explain the process." Tony smiled at being asked to help, but he still had mixed feelings. The boys had told him, repeatedly, that he didn't have to be afraid of any of the adults with New Horizons, but he was still nervous. Tony stood and stepped up to stand next to Michael. Michael turned the boy so everyone could see his back.
"Scar tissue is not like regular tissue. For one thing, it's not as sensitive; it's almost numb. Also, notice that where Tony's normal skin is, he has these fine body hairs, but the hairs don't grow over the scar tissue. That's because part of the nerve endings and hair follicles have been destroyed. The treatment was originally developed in Europe, but refined over here. Slowly, the chemicals will remove all this dead skin on top, allowing the good tissue underneath to come to the surface and grow. Assuming everything works the way we want, most, if not all, of your scars will be removed. The new skin will be sensitive, but running around New Horizons, it will quickly tan over and no one will ever know you had these scars. That's an over-simplification of the process, but basically, that's it."
"Sir?" Tony turned to look at Michael, who could see the distress in the boy's eyes. "You mean they're gonna skin us?"
"Not the way you're thinking, son. No one is going to skin you. Your backs will feel sensitive and you'll have to sleep on your stomachs for a while. You'll be in treatment rooms where you lay on your stomach and what looks like a wet cloth will be laid over the treatment area. It may burn or sting a little, but that's good. That means the chemicals are working. In the beginning you may be a little afraid, but it won't be nearly as bad as what you are probably imagining right now. You'll be fine; we promise."
"Mr. Daniel, sir," Nathan spoke up, the concern in his voice was apparent to all. "Yesterday you said you wouldn't leave us and wouldn't let nobody hurt us. Are you gonna be with us, sir?" Daniel didn't notice the governor, Amos and Michael exchanging quick glances.
"I'll be with you when you go to the hospital and stay with you until you have been checked into your rooms." Nathan's longing look towards Daniel didn't change. "Would you guys feel better if maybe TJ and Evan rode along with us?"
"Me too?" Danny asked.
"No, you're going to stay here and play. Are you going to finish your cinnamon roll?" Danny looked at the roll and took another bite. Danny grinned at Daniel. He had become distracted by the other boys and forgotten his treat.
The boys smiled and looked at one another. Tony seemed to speak for the group.
"Mr. Daniel, is that the same hospital that Grandpa Smith is at? Will we meet him?"
Daniel looked at Tony, surprised and amused. The other men looked at one another and laughed. All of them knew Grandpa and his desire to 'protect' boys.
"Michael, do we know if there are any boys in the other two groups that will be joining these boys?"
"Fortunately, no. Carl did call and say he needed to talk with you about one of the boys, though. They plan on leaving Jacksonville this afternoon. They're trying to finish the paperwork."
The van turned into the entry drive at five minutes before ten. Daniel looked ahead and spotted Elizabeth with a camera crew. Next to Elizabeth was Clinton Thorp, the hospital administrator, what appeared to be a doctor and two men wearing hospital greens. The van moved forward, slowly, until given the signal to stop. Daniel, the governor and Amos exited the van and were asked to stand with Thorp and Elizabeth. After exchanging greetings and introducing the doctor and hospital staff, two groups were formed.
The staff in greens stood with the boys. The boys were lined up in two rows with TJ and Evan at either end. Behind the two boys were Arthur and Colin. The second group was the group with Elizabeth. On signal, the camera crew began filming and Elizabeth led the interview. The interview also included showing the boys and a brief exchange between Elizabeth and two of the boys. The boys were nervous, particularly the two who had to answer questions. The boys were then taken inside to begin their processing.
Clinton Thorpe deftly watched his staff efficiently handle the boys' paperwork and the boys themselves. The staff knew from years of experience that it was important to get the patient to feel relaxed and secure. Two of the technicians responsible for drawing blood samples, easily old enough to qualify as the mother of any of the boys, played the role to the hilt. Daniel watched and smiled as the ladies had the boys laughing, and blushing.
Daniel, the governor and Amos stayed with the boys. They talked with each boy and stood, with a comforting arm around the boy's shoulders, as each had a blood sample taken. Each boy cringed and squinched his eyes closed as the needle entered their arm. The technician laughed and assured each boy they would survive. Daniel's cell distracted him. He stepped away to answer the call.
"Daniel, this is Carl. We have an unusual situation up here. One of the boys doesn't want to come with us. He wants to be taken back to his master."
"Carl! Why? You're right. That's unusual. But why?"
"We're trying to get confirmation of his story. His master is also here and refuses to leave. Daniel, I think this is something you'll need to hear from them. However, just from what I've heard so far, I'd be tempted to send the boy back. I don't approve of the boy being a slave, but there has to be an answer somewhere."
"Carl, can you give me some idea of why?"
"I could, but you need to hear the story from him. Slavery was this boy's salvation. I know it sounds strange, but like I said, you need to talk to them. The boy's name is Elijah."
"When do you think you'll be ready to leave there?"
"We've been told we should be ready within the hour."
"Okay, we're at the hospital. The governor, Amos and Elizabeth are with us. If this is so unusual, they may want to hear this, too. Rather than head straight to Fort Ogden, stop here."
Daniel ended the call and rejoined the group. When the paperwork was complete, and the boys were being escorted to their rooms, Daniel told the others about Carl's call. Daniel could only repeat what he had been told. When he looked at his watch he knew the bus from Jacksonville should be on its way.
Clinton Thorpe led the group to the area Daniel knew was the senior citizens section. This was where they brought the Cherubs to serve lunch every other Wednesday. When they stopped, Daniel saw a member of the hospital staff moving a computer into one room. He looked around and Thorp pointed to a doorway. Daniel stepped in and saw four beds set up like a typical hospital ward. The adjoining room, which could be accessed without going out into the hall, was similarly organized. The boys, just as curious, also looked through the rooms.
"Boys, these rooms will be your home while you are with us," Thorpe informed the boys. "Each room is equipped with a television and has a private bathroom. Three of you will stay in this room, two in the adjoining room. We'll let you decide who stays in which room and pick your beds."
While the boys looked through the rooms and decided who would take what bed, Thorpe talked to Daniel. The governor and Amos listened as Thorpe asked if it would be possible for TJ and Evan to stay and help the boys. Thorpe then explained the boys would be heavily medicated and would need assistance with personal matters for a few days. Daniel called TJ and Evan over for a talk and explained the situation. Both boys readily agreed to stay. They also looked at one another and smiled. Daniel knew they had thought about Grandpa. Thorpe returned to the boys, joined by the two orderlies.
"Okay boys, we know no one likes wearing hospital gowns. What we have for you to wear are outfits like you see these gentlemen wearing; they are called greens. Now, it's time to change. Off with the shorts and t-shirts and on with the greens. I think you'll find them to be very comfortable."
The boys quickly stripped and were each handed a fresh set of greens. They quickly realized the biggest difference in each set was the length of the pants. The younger boys had to have their pants legs rolled up to keep from walking inside the leg and tripping. When they were dressed, the boys looked at one another and smiled. Daniel watched the boys until he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. He was surprised when he turned and saw his father and mother standing behind him.
"Dad? Mom? When did you get here? Why?"
"Daniel, your mother and I have been talking." Dr. Thompson addressed his adopted son. "We, and everyone else standing here, including the governor and Amos, think it's about time for you to put some things behind you. This seems to be an excellent opportunity and the hospital agreed." Daniel looked at them, perplexed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Daniel," Linda's tone became more forceful, "I think you know exactly what we are talking about. It's been fifteen years that you've walked around with those scars as a reminder. You've used those scars as a driving force; a reminder of what happened. Now, it's time to let the past go and move on."
"Mom, you heard what the doctor said. It could be two weeks before these boys can leave here. The governor has asked me to be on an advisory committee and there's too much work to be done. I can't just . . . ."
"Actually," The governor interrupted, "you can, Daniel. Your room will be right next to the boys'. A computer has been placed in there with wireless access and a video cam. You will be able to participate in meetings and do research from that room."
"Who had a computer put in?"
"I did." Daniel turned at the voice; it was Grandpa. "I know what you're supposed to be doing and I know how to set it up so you can handle those responsibilities and do something for yourself." Grandpa just looked at Daniel. "I can also arrange to have you tied to that bed if I have to. Now, you going to do this the easy way or do I need to make a couple of calls?" A few of the adults had to turn away to hide their smile because of how Grandpa talked to Daniel. Grandpa looked at his 'nurse', who then moved towards Daniel with a package. "That's your set of greens. Time to get dressed; the doctors are waiting."
"Mr. Dan'l?" Nathan spoke hesitantly, "does this mean you're gonna stay with us like you said?"
"How many of you are in on this little conspiracy?" Daniel asked.
"Just about everyone; and don't even try to tell me you're going to let that boy down; I know better." Grandpa answered. "Now, stop wastin' my time; I'm too old and don't have enough time left to waste any of it. Where's my favorite boys? Somebody told me they were here."
"Right here, Grandpa."
The adults turned to find all the boys standing in the hall. TJ and Evan stood at the front. The adults stepped to the side to let the boys through. They eagerly hugged Grandpa and then stood to either side.
"Guys," TJ addressed the boys, "this is Grandpa."
"Boys," Grandpa said in greeting and then turned to TJ and Evan. "I don't think I've ever seen you two wear so much clothing. Almost didn't recognize ya." The boys stood back to model their greens for Grandpa.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Evan said.
"Well," Grandpa said turning to Daniel, "you gonna get to lookin' as cool as them or what?"
The hospital staff used needles and pricked each boy on his forearm several times. Each prick represented a chemical that would be used during the treatments. If the boy had a positive reaction to any chemical, his case would have to be reviewed. Daniel was subjected to the same tests as the boys. Something Daniel had not revealed to anyone was his fear of needles. By the time the last test was completed, Daniel was exhausted from the tension.
In addition to handling his own fears, Daniel had to give support to Nathan. Nathan's fears included, needles, doctors, strangers, and just about everything that was going on around him unless Daniel stood next to him. Nathan didn't realize it, but his needs helped distract Daniel from his own fears.
"Nathan, after everything you've been through, this should be easy," Daniel tried to encourage the boy.
"No sir, Mr. Dan'l. I had to go through that other stuff and when I was whipped, they liked it when I screamed and cried. Somethin' like this, the guys'll never let me hear the end of it if I complain now. The doctor said that stuff on us might hurt some and sting or burn. I'm scared I won't be able to handle it and break down." The boy looked at Daniel, visually pleading for help.
"I'll tell you what we can do. I'll insist they give each of you something to help you relax and sleep. The doctor did say you would be given something for pain. That's why TJ and Evan will be with you. The medicine is strong enough that you shouldn't try to walk alone."
"Mr. Dan'l, I'm not sure I can ask another boy to help me take a leak. Ya know . . .umm, I mean . . . they made me do lots a things I did'n like, but, now . . .well, that's kinda personal. Ya know?"
"You should remember, all of you will be in the same position, and if things get too uncomfortable, I doubt that you'll really care how you get relief. But, yes, I know and I understand. You're right, that is kind of personal. I think you'll find TJ and Evan will be sensitive to the situation and do their best not to embarrass you. There's something else to think about; I'll be in the same predicament." Daniel smiled, trying to lighten the boy's mood.
Nathan didn't say anything more but made sure he remained close to Daniel.
Daniel watched all the boys and understood they were nervous. Less than two days ago they were slaves, afraid to even look at something the wrong way for fear of being punished; afraid their name might be called to be that day's entertainment on the torture rack for some perverted bastard. Any time an adult touched them, it was to hurt them. Now, Daniel was asking them to trust him and the doctors. Trust they wouldn't be hurt, but be protected. The boys didn't have any basis for such trust. Daniel realized it was good for him to remain with the boys.
TJ and Evan moved with the boys. They talked and joked around with them, trying to get the boys to relax a little. When TJ looked at Daniel, Daniel motioned for TJ to join him. With his eyes, Daniel guided TJ to look at Nathan. TJ moved next to Nathan. Daniel watched out of the corner of his eye. Soon, the two boys were jabbing one another and there was the sound of light laughter. Kids relating to kids.
During a break in the physicals, the boys were taken to the dining hall. A table had been set up for them. When they walked in, Daniel recognized several of the senior citizens; they also recognized him.
"Daniel, no one told us the Cherubs would be here. Where's Danny?"
Daniel recognized the lady talking to him was Danny's 'grandma', the lady who enjoyed hugging the boy to the point of almost crushing him.
"These are a few of our new boys. The Cherubs aren't with us. These boys will be staying in this wing for a couple of weeks while the doctors treat them.
"Treat them? What's wrong with 'em? They look healthy to us," One man commented.
Daniel didn't say anything. He pulled Nathan to his side, turned him around, and lifted the back of his top.
"My God! You poor baby!"
It was Danny's 'grandma' that reacted and she was on the move. Before Nathan knew what was happening to him, the lady had her large arms around giving him a bear hug. Nathan's face was buried in the ladies boobs. Daniel couldn't understand how Nathan could breathe. Now, he better understood some of Danny's complaints about almost being smothered. Daniel worked to suppress laughter.
"Mr. Dan'l?"
Daniel looked up at TJ who pointed behind Daniel. Daniel turned around to see Carl Hofstetter with a boy who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen. Behind them was Terry and a man Daniel didn't know. Daniel assumed the boy was Elijah.
End Ch Ninety-Six
To Be Continued
Comments welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com