Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2001 18:10:25
From: Gary Q. <gary_q@hotmail.com>
Subject: My Carl Chapter 15

My CARL
By Gary _Q

This is a copy righted story.  It may be copied only for personal use not
to be redistributed without this copy right notice, use of this document on
any pay site is expressly forbidden.

This is a work of fiction.  It is based on an actual relationship between a
man and several boys but only fiction.

AUTHOR'S COMMENTS: Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out, but
life has been busy.   Also I ended up rewriting the chapter, part of it
twice, to get what I wanted.

CHAPTER 15:  SETTLING THE FLOCK

     As I rounded a corner in the Gazebo's main concourse I saw the
overhead sign I was searching for 'Administrative Offices'.  I tried to
calm myself as I rushed toward it, trying to force my stomach back down out
of my throat and panic from my mind.
     "Pop, POP!"  Carl's high pitched voice rang into my ears.  "POP!"  It
repeated as I slowed my pace looking around.
     Mike and Carl rushed to me, their faces as pale as I'm sure mine was.
They both slammed against me circling their arms around my waist.  I hugged
them briefly and somewhat instinctively kissed each of them on the top of
their heads.
     "What's wrong pop?"  Carl asked.  "Why do the cops want you?  Why do
they keep calling you!"
     "I don't know let's go find out."  I said rather forcefully, tucking
them under my arms as I pressed on.  "Where are Timmy and the twins I
thought you guys were together."  I asked.
     "They went cruisin' a little ago I don't know where they went.  Did
they do something?"  Carl asked.
     "What if there's a war!  Maybe they gotta get you to go take care of
the computer ranch Carl said you got!"  Mike suggested.
     Without thinking I checked my cell phone for messages as we arrived at
the glass doors, before realizing how ridiculous his statement was.  I
reached for the handle when Carl pulled back almost slipping out from under
my grasp.
     "Well are the cops after me, well or Mike and me?"  Whimpered Carl.
Mike stiffened his shoes sticking to the floor like suction cups.
     "No one's after you guys, come on."  I replied hoping I was correct,
that Carl hadn't added a platoon or so of policemen to his tally.  "Come on
guys, I'm sorry but everyone is GOING to stay together until I find out
what is going on, you two ARE going with me."
     "Sorry guys, but that's an order, let's go."  I added, pulling them
tightly against me.
     I relaxed ever so slightly when we entered the Security Office.  Timmy
was sitting in a chair in the reception area, seemingly doing well
excepting his frightened face.  Before I could move toward him a uniformed
officer approached me.
     "Mr. Miller?" he asked.  Before I could respond he asked me to follow
him into an inter office.  Directing Carl and Mike to stay with Timmy I
followed him.
     I looked away and closed my eyes briefly, wondering what I was getting
into as I entered the office.  The twins were sitting aside each other in
front of a desk occupied by a less than friendly looking security guard.
Each boy only briefly glanced at me before returning their stare to the
floor tiles in front of them.
     "Mr.  Miller?  Are these two youngsters your's sir?"  The guard asked.
When I acknowledged he continued "I am Captain Royce.  We detained them
because they were being mischievous disturbing our guests."  He claimed,
pointing at several items on his desk.
     He went on to explain that the twins had purchased the items, an
'invisible leash' (a starched dog leash and collar, fashioned to appear as
if the holder was walking an invisible dog on the end of it) and a squirt
can that looked like a soda can but actually was a water pistol, from a
souvenir shop.
     They then walked up one of the mall's guests.  One of them would hold
the stiffened leash near their victim's leg while the sprayed their prey's
ankle with water.  As soon as the unsuspecting tourist felt the dampness
one of them would yell 'NO, BAD DOG!  BAD DOG!'
     "Is this true?"  I asked the twins.  Both meekly nodded yes.
     "It was just a joke!"  Jeff whimpered.
     "We received reports from five people, and from their descriptions the
boys were very easy to find."  The guard almost snickered, a 'what a couple
of dumb asses' look on his face.
     "Gee, I wonder why." I quipped, causing them to blush.  "Was the other
boy, the one in the lobby involved?"  I asked the guard.  Getting his
assurance Timmy had not, that he followed them into the office asking about
his friends, I asked what happens next.
     "We aren't going to press any charges or anything.  They told us you
were in the mall with them and I wanted to release them to you, its in your
hands now."  Royce replied.
     "Let's go." I ordered after thanking the guard for his consideration.
The twins started toward the door then looked over at the leash and squirt
gun.  "Captain, I'm sure you have needy kids come here, could you see to it
a couple of them enjoy the boys' toys."
     I could tell from their concerned looks that Timmy had filled Carl and
Mike in on the twins' escapades.  My initial intent as we silently left the
office area was to end the outing immediately, mainly so I could get the
twins home and kill them.  I looked back a couple of times to be sure
everyone was behind me as we walked toward the exit and noticed
disappointment blending with concern on my three innocent charges faces. I
thought about the recent events for a minute before opening my cell phone,
making a quick call as we walked.
     "You two are going home, gramps is on the way to pick you up." I
informed the twins as we approached the exit gate.  "I have to escort them
outside and wait for gramps."  I continued to the other boys, pointing at
my admission bracelet.  "You guys go grab a couple of rides or something.
Meet me at the food court in twenty minutes, I'll buy ice cream for
everyone."
     My comments got much more reaction than I could have imagined.  The
twins stiffened like boards, I think probably more from missing out on
getting ice cream than from being sent home.  Timmy's face almost melted in
relief I'm sure realizing he was indeed off the hook and would not be
turned over to his dad by an angry neighbor.
     Carl and Mike exchanged glances, their faces changing almost in unison
from confusion to relief and back again.  They shifted their gazes several
times between my face and each other's before I reiterated my request,
tussling their hair.  I had started to turn toward the exit when Carl took
a cautious step toward me.
     "You're not mad?"  He asked almost whispering.  He gently touched my
forearm and pulled back as if testing to see if it was safe.  "I mean mad
at us?  We don't gotta go get, well, punished?"  He jerked nervously when I
slipped my hand over his shoulder.
     "Yeah, I'm probably mad at you too."  I said, causing his muscles to
visibly tense.  "I just have to figure out what I'm mad at you for, any
suggestions?"  His face almost oscillated between concern and his classic
lost look.  "Oh, I know, I saw you sticking your nose up at the Shark Snot
Pizza, now your in BIG trouble!"  His face locked into his Hollywood class
lost look, his neck cocking to the side.  "Maybe you better get out of here
before I can think of something else!"  I added, popping him on the butt.
He started away but turned back.
     "You're weird!  Ah you're weird sir!"  He whined, hugging my forearm.
He dodged my second swipe at his backside as he rushed off.
     "You two are restricted to your room, you are go directly there when
you get home.  No TV, no music, phone or computer, understand?  I'll decide
how to deal with this tonight or tomorrow."  I told the twins as we waited
outside the mall for my dad.
     "We're sorry sir!"  Jerry told his shoes.
     "We are dad!  But they didn't catch us really, we were just walking
and the busted us for nothing."  Jeff added.
     "Let's see now."  I responded.  "How many pairs of identical twins,
both wearing car bumpers on their faces and carrying a dog leash and squirt
gun do you think cruise the Gazebo at any given time?  Not real swift boys,
besides you admitted you did it."
     Dad drove up interrupting our conversation.  They started toward his
car before Jeff looked up at me asking how long the were grounded.
     "Get comfortable in your room boys, you might be there awhile."
     None to my surprise everyone was waiting for me at the food court
entrance.  From Mike's teasing I was sure Carl or Timmy had informed him of
Carl and my inside joke about Shark Snot.  Much to Carl's embarrassment
Mike even asked me if they had 'Snot' flavored ice cream, earning him a
death stare from Carl.  When I suggested Mike try the 'Chunky Carmel"
topping as substitute I earned my first really earnest 'Up your's dad!'
glare from my new son.  He cut Mike an equally evil scowl before ordering a
Chocolate cone.
     We walked the Gazebo for two hours or so, riding several rides, before
visiting the gift shop.  I bought each boy a tee shirt along with a pair of
key bobs for Mike to give to his parents.  We were walking across the
parking lot toward the van when I noticed Carl shying away from everyone,
seemingly deep in thought.  I gave Timmy the van keys asking him and Mike
to go ahead and unlock the doors.  He glanced back at Carl and understood,
encouraging Mike to go ahead with him.
     "What's wrong son?" I asked, pulling Carl under my arm.  He resisted
briefly before leaning into me and taking a couple of timid steps.
Ignoring his two or three claims that nothing was wrong I prodded him
further.
     "What are you gonna do to Jeff and Jerry?"  He whimpered, more to my
belt buckle the me.  "Please pop, please don't, , , well please not while
Mike's here."  He added, a couple of his tears dripping onto my shirt.
     I slowed my pace trying to figure out what he was so upset about, what
had caused him to revert to the frightened, almost paranoid kid that he had
been before the New Year.  The tighter he pressed against me the more
concerned I became.
     "Please don't what?" I asked.  Getting no reply I added "The twins
screwed up, what they did was wrong, do you agree?"  Getting no response I
continued "I am going to punish, , , well discipline them for misbehaving,
you don't think I should?  What's wrong son?"
     "Nothing sir just please don't, well nothing sir" He added, pushing us
toward the van.  Even with several tries I couldn't get any response out of
him.
     Carl was very quiet during the drive home.  Mike, Timmy and I talked a
little about the evening, but I could feel a tension in the van.  As I
turned into my driveway Tim crossed the street.  Saying he had talked to my
dad he asked what had happened and what Timmy's involvement was.  Timmy's
lanky arms and legs wobbled briefly, almost like a string puppet when I
informed Tim his son's behavior was admirable, but he quickly recovered
shining a proud silver 'See dad!' grin at his dad.
     "Call me.  I know you need to deal with the twins right now, but we
need to talk tonight."  Tim told me before tucking Timmy under his shoulder
and leading the lad home.  His salty expression expressed his concern.
     "Interesting afternoon!"  Said dad, greeting me by stuffing a beer
into my hand as we walked into the house.  "You have a pair of embarrassed
boys to deal with, but they've been good.  I haven't heard a peep from
them."
     "They'll keep."  I responded as Carl and Mike carried their souvenirs
to Carl's bedroom.  "I'll deal with them in a little later, it will be good
for them to stew a while.  They didn't do anything that bad, in a way I'm
impressed with their inventiveness."
     "It had to take both of them to dream up a stunt like that!"  Dad
snickered after I filled him on the details.
     "A day or so on room restriction should get my point across, they've
done worse!"  I replied.
     "Not that I ever have, but this latest antic leaves no doubt who is
their dad!  Like what your mother said so may times, What goes around come
around!"  He snipped, a slightly vengeful gleam in his eyes.  I was in the
middle of giving dad a one finger salute when Carl and Mike appeared from
the hall, now wearing only gym shorts.
     I suggested Carl and Mike get a snack, then take their showers.  They
only looked slightly disappointed when I said I wanted them in bed at a
reasonable time, that we had a busy day tomorrow.  A dozen or so cookies
and half gallon of milk later they started back toward Carl's room.  Their
eyes were starting to show their tiredness, the several miles we walked
today made a soft bed feel inviting to everyone including me.
     Dad excused himself right behind the boys, going into his bedroom to
watch some TV.  I relaxed in the kitchen for a minute or so and was about
to go have a 'chat' with the twins when Carl walked back into the room.  He
carefully surveyed me before rather timidly walking to me, staring at my
knees.
     "What's wrong turkey?"  I asked, extending my hand toward him.  He
redirected his gaze at my feet saying nothing.  "I know you, I know when
something's wrong son, please talk to me."  I asked.  "Come on son, what's
on your mind?"  I again asked after a pause.
     "What are you gonna do to Jeff and Jerry? Are you gonna, , , ?"  He
asked. His voice climbed to an even higher pitch as he added.  "PLEASE
don't pop, well please don't while Mike's here.  PLEASE wait till he's gone
home.  Mike thinks your neat and he's still sorta scared a lot too.  Please
pop, can he go home before you, , ,?"  He fell silent without finishing his
thought.
     "What's wrong son, please don't what?  What are you afraid I'm going
to do?  Remember me, pop, the dad you said you could talk to?"  I asked,
this time my voice whimpering slightly.  "The pop you trust?"  I added
after failing to get a response for several seconds.  "Talk to me son, I
love you!" I tried, lifting him into my lap.  "I don't hurt kids too,
remember me?"
     I tried to analyze, or interrupt, his request as I further extended my
arm, warping it around the back of his narrow waist.  He offered no
resistance as I drew him next to me.  Was he asking I show Mike a 'Father
Knows Best' or 'Leave it to Beaver' facade, where no one has to pay
consequences for their actions and everyone rides arm in arm happily off
into the Hollywood sunset?
     "I'm going to punish the twins not Mike!"  I exclaimed.  "I know Mike
is a guest and you want him to have a good time, but how is disciplining
Jeff and Jerry going to ruin the good time you and he are having?"
     "Well they made you mad I saw it."  He replied after a pause.  "Your
gonna, well you gotta whip them, but PLEASE don't till Mike goes ho. . . ,
well please don't let Mike hear he'd get totally freaked again!"  He
begged.
     My stomach bounced off my rectum, ricocheting against my Adam's apple
as I recalled the first time Carl thought he was to be punished.  His urine
soaked pants that predawn morning in my bedroom replayed in my head as
vividly as it was happening again.
     The words from his FBI interview, 'His wire sir.  He hit me with that
wire!' rang into my thoughts as clearly as they did that day in Colorado.
I fought back the urge to vomit as the image of him pulling up his sweater.
Carl showing Stan he had been beaten on the same thin, soft back I was now
caressing came to me as a flashback.  I downed the rest of my beer mostly
to force the rush of bile back away from my throat.
     "I'm not going to whip anyone son.  I'm not going to hit anyone, I
promise that I wont.  I going to punish the twins for their poor behavior
but I'm not mad at them, they are my sons just like you are!"  I replied.
His questioning look made me quickly review his last statement.
     "I was a little mad when we went to the security office, I was angry
that the twins interrupted our evening.  I was angry about that, not
directly at them."  I tried as a stumble at an explanation.  "I'm going to
pun, , , discipline the twins for their, , , poor judgement but I'm not mad
at them, I still love them just as much as I love you."
     "But you had to go talk to the cops, they coulda put you in jail!"  He
countered after analyzing my face briefly.  "My old dad would have killed
me if I got him around. . ."
     "I'm not your old dad."  I interrupted somewhat authoritatively.  "The
reason I was so worried when we went to the security office was that I was
afraid one of you guys had been hurt or, whatever.  The police have no
reason to arr, , , to put me in jail."  He seemed to relax slightly in my
arms.
     "How do you think I should deal with the twins?"  I asked.  The
question worked well, as I had hoped his face changed from one of fear to
deep thought.
     "Ah, , , maybe they should say they are sorry?"  He more asked than
suggested, leaning tighter against me.  "I don't know I'm still a kid I
just get punished is all!"
     "Do you think saying 'I'm sorry' is enough?"  I asked.  He ever so
slightly turned his head side to side before burying it under my neck.  "Do
you want to know what their punishment is going to be?"  I asked.  I could
feel his fragile little body tighten against me before he whimpered
something to my collar bone I could not understand.  I waited a few seconds
for more of a reply.
     "The twins are going to be room grounded, at least until we get back
from taking Mike home."  I began.  "If they're good they probably will be
restricted from their music and from TV until the end of the month.
Probably no computer except for homework too."
     He continued to lean into our hug for a few seconds, I could almost
feel gears grinding in his little head.  Suddenly he pulled away wrapping
his arms round my chest before leaning back against me pulling himself
tightly into a hug.  I pulled his thin waist tighter against me, stroking
his shoulders with my other had for three or four minutes, wishing I could
absorb his pain and fear out of this beautiful little boy into my fingers
and hands.
     "That's all your gonna do to them?"  He asked almost in a whisper.
     Accepting my nod as an answer he tightened his snuggle for a second or
so before climbing off my lap.  I gently slapped his butt suggesting he get
in the shower and to bed.  He took five or six steps toward the hall before
turning back to me.
     "Well but how's Mike gonna get home?"  He asked.  "If the twins don't
get to go who's gonna fly, is he still gonna get to ride in the our
airplane?  I mean your airplane sir."
     "Shit I don't know!"  I proclaimed.  "I think I remember how to fly,
but its been a long time since I flew solo."  I mucked a concerned look.
     I was about to continue when I saw the reflection of white cloth in
the hall.  I watched for a few seconds until I saw it again, this time what
I was sure was a lanky boy's briefs hiding in the shadows.
     "I guess I have to find someone to fly right seat, any ideas?"  I
asked. Carl blushed, looking at the floor.  "What about you Mike, any
ideas?"  I asked the hallway shadow.
     After several seconds a very red faced lad slowly shuffled into the
kitchen.  He glanced between Carl and I giving us a very sheepish grin.
     "Ah, a spy in our midst!" I commented, gesturing him toward us.  "Come
on, I wont bite. Maybe you two are kin, a pair of nosy turkeys."  I added.
I reached around his thin back wrapping my hand around his long skinny arm
and pulling him next to me.
     "I'm sorry sir I was just,, , ," He began.
     "I'm kidding son, I'm not mad okay?"  I interrupted.  "Ah, squeaky
clean." I commented, lightly tickling his tight stomach to relax him.
     "Well you didn't really forget how to fly, did you?"  He whimpered.  I
snickered and was about to reassure him I was kidding when his sheepish
grin turned slightly more impish.  "Well I could just stay here till the
twins can fly again!"
     "I think I can manage."  I replied.  "Besides, I got a good right."  I
added, pulling Carl back against me.  "I'm sorry the twins got themselves
into trouble, but I bet the three of us are going to have a good time
tomorrow.  Well if we can wake up, we need to get this turkey scrubbed"
poking Carl I added "and both of you tucked in, let's go."
     I walked them down the hall, one under each arm.  Carl went into the
bathroom as I ushered Mike into Carl's room, telling him I would be in to
tuck both of them under the covers soon.  He started into the room but
turned back to me.
     "You're a neat pop."  He declared, throwing his arms around my waist.
"I love you pop!"  He continued, pressing his head into my chest.
     "I love you too."  I replied without thinking.  I rubbed his back for
a few seconds before shoeing him toward the bed.
     My chat with the twins went better than I could have expected.  They
were both staring out the window when I came into their bedroom, their
faces showed they were clearly awaiting their doom.  I only informed them
they were on room restriction until I returned from taking Mike home, that
we would talk again then.  I could tell they were crushed at the idea of my
aircraft leaving the ground without them aboard, but they were equally
relieved their punishment was not going to be harsher.  Ten minutes later I
got a kiss on the cheek from each of them as I tucked them into their beds.
     When I heard Carl leaving the bathroom I went back into his room.  He
was just climbing into bed as I entered, Mike seemed asleep already.
Deciding not to disturb him I tucked Carl in to bed kissing him on the
forehead before walking around the bed to Mike's side.  I was rearranging
the blankets over his shoulders when he looked up at me with a wonderfully
happy face.
     "Sleep good turkey, promise?"  I suggested, stroking his bangs.  I
enjoyed his sweet innocent smile for a few seconds after he muttered
something before kissing him on the forehead.
     After he closed his eyes again I started out of the room but stopped
at the door.  I turned back around and stood for probably five minutes
these two wonderful little angels sleep.  I started back into the kitchen
but stopped in my bathroom.  'What kind of sub-human deviance would make
someone do anything to hurt fantastic little guys like them.' I asked I
guess the sink as I washed the tear stains from my face.
     I decided to get into bed early too.  I went back into the kitchen to
turn the lights off when I remembered Tim's request.  I considered ignoring
it but called him.  Not offering me any option he informed me he would be
right over.  He was in the kitchen about a minute after my hanging up the
phone.
     As usual he grabbed a couple of beers from the refrigerator.  When I
declined the one he offered me stating I had to fly tomorrow he sat the
unopened can in front of me, opening his.
     "My worker that deals with Mike's case and I have been working
regarding his, well the concerns about his relationship with his parents,
the situation as you and I talked about."  He began.  "My worker is doing
well with the parents in most regards, well but not all.
     "I'm not sure how well things are going to play out here, Jack is
still playing his Red Neck Willie act in some areas.  I've talked to him
two times myself and I think he's trying to work with us, but," He took a
long swig of beer.  "There is new problem to deal with.  Open your beer!
     "I think you're going to need it."  He added when I again declined.
     "One of the other kids involved in all this tested positive for HIV.
My worker found out Friday and informed me this morning."
     I looked over at the clock.  I had a couple of hours before FAA
regulations required me not to drink.  I bit my lip and popped the can
open.
     "They want help and I hope things will soon get much better for the
boy at home.  Still, I know this is going to go over like a fart at a
funeral."  He continued.  "All the kids were tested when they were
recovered, but now they will have to retested.  Actually tested
periodically for a long time.
     "We need your help."  He added, fetching two more beers from the
refrigerator.  "Feel them out while you're there dude.  I need to know if
what we did today helped, especially Jack.  I need to know if he's going to
accept Mike.  Not the AIDS part, the problems from yesterday."
     I digested what he had told me for several seconds, trying to connect
the dots regarding the HIV development at the same time.  As this sunk in I
unthinkingly downed most of my beer.  I agreed saying I'd call him as soon
as I got home tomorrow.
     "If you have any concerns call me while you are there.  My people have
been told to stay available."  He requested.
     "You are not considering, , ,"
     "Removing him?" he interrupted me.  "Only if I had to, but I WILL make
sure he is safe and in a nurturing setting."
     "Can you?  He is with his parents, wouldn't that take an act of God?"
      "They might have conceived him, but I until we are sure he is being
well enough cared for to release him, I still own Mike."  He explained.
     I finished my beer as I tried to digest his request.  From his
statement he was clearly suggesting I could directly, well immediately
effect Mike's home setting, something I was not too comfortable with, was
not qualified to do.
     "I know I'm dumping a load on you, but I trust you."  He said, pushing
the other beer in front of me.  "Hey dude, anyone that can keep those two
twin rats alive for this long knows how to be a parent!  The way you turned
Carl around, you should teach kid-raising in grad school."
     "Yeah, what about Carl."  I more stated than asked.  I stared at my
beer can for several seconds I guess asking it for the strength to
continue.  "Carl and Mike have had sex with each other."
     "Yeah."  Was his only response.  We stared at each other for probably
a minute or two.
     "What, well, what, , ," I began, unsure how to continue.
     "I don't know."  He answered.  "There are a lot of things to
consider."  He added after a long pause.  "We know pretty well all the kids
were forced to, to sleep with each other at one time or another.  The dick
heads we so kind as to document it on video.  F***, there's still plenty of
proof bouncing around the internet!"  He growled.  We both emptied our beer
cans before he continued.  This time I fetched more beer.
     "When was who infected, before or after who was with who.  When was,
who with , , with Carl or Mike.  It's the classic example of when you sleep
with someone you sleep with the world."  He stood up, walking to the patio
door.  He stared out at the darkness for several seconds before continuing.
"Remember when we used to ride, remember racing our hogs title for title?
Remember the old winner takes all poker games, your bike's title in the
pot?
     "You were pretty good, you never lost a bike did you?  You always have
been lucky, when you sat down to the cards I pretty well expected you to
walk away with enough smoke to hold us a week at the least."  He almost
snickered.  I didn't answer.  "Well this hand is gonna last about ten
years, how's your luck holding?"
     "Too late to call for a new deck."  I answered.  "What are the odds?"
     "Just like poker, wait and see what the next card brings."  He told
the darkness outside my door.
     When I awoke I regretted the last three or four beers I had drank last
night as Tim and I continued to talk.  Something I rarely do, I pushed the
'eight hours between the bottle and the throttle' rule almost to the
minute.  Binki showed no sympathy as he sat on my pillow and watched me
crawl out of bed, his twitching nose almost seemed to be laughing at me.
     I crawled down the hall to the sacred coffee pot and stared at the
microwave's clock until my morning fix of caffeine began to take effect
'7:00.  Why do I get up at such a God awful hour' I asked the ever blinking
colon of my early morning companion.  The better part of a cup later I
drifted back down the hall to check on the boys.
     The twins were far away in dreamland, probably not having moved since
I tucked them in. Mike was also still sound asleep, but no sign of Carl!
My eyes to jerked to his bedroom window but it was closed and intact.  When
he wasn't in the boys' bathroom I began to panic, rushing back down the
hall.  I verified he wasn't in my bed wondering in case I was so sleepy I
had not noticed him.  I was rushing to check the front and back doors when
the computer screen in the family room caught my attention, a narrow body
complete with headgear straps in front of it.
     As I stepped into the room I could see he was flying a sortie on the
flight simulator program.  The instrument panel the monitor showed clearly
a simulation of my Mooney.  Instead of the room's surround sound speakers
he was wearing headphones, somehow intertwined with his headgear straps.  I
started to ask him what he was doing on he computer so early, but his
straight tense posture made me wait.
     I went back into the kitchen and after pouring another cup of coffee
debated for a minute or so how to react.  He wasn't suppose to be on the
computer this time of day, or actually no time of day without permission.
I was sure what he was doing, practicing for what I was sure to him his all
important task later today, being my right seat while Mike watched.
     I had about decided to act ignorant of what he was doing, maybe make
some noise to let him know I was in the kitchen, when my dark side
perverted my thinking.  A sip of coffee later my plot was finalized, his
fate sealed.  For the rest of the cup of coffee I quietly practiced
imitating the robotic sound of the flight simulator's audio until I felt
comfortable.
     I quietly stepped back into the family room.  I was thrilled that my
timing could not have been more perfect, he was beginning an approach to an
airport.  Softly kneeling behind his chair I found the volume knob for his
headset carefully turning it to mute.
     "Mooney three two Charlie, turn right to heading three nine four." I
mimicked the simulator's robot voice into his ear.  He stiffened to the
unexpected ATC command.
     "Mooney three two Charlie turning to three nine, , ," He began to
respond.  He stiffened even more, his head jerking between the computer
screen and simulator yoke.  "To three nine four?  I mean three two Charlie
repeat?"  He asked, his voice going to soprano.  (There are only 360
degrees on a directional compass, the course direction I was assigning was
impossible)
     "Mooney three two Charlie, ATC.  You are directed to correct your
course to three nine four degrees magnetic.  Please comply IMMEDIATELY
Ma'am!"  I mimicked in my best robotic voice.  He leaned forward touching
the area of the computer monitor that depicted the aircraft's directional
compass.  I could almost feel gears grinding inside his little head as
cocked his head into his classic lost look angle.  I expected any second to
see saw dust puff out his ears.
     "Mooney three, , ," I tried to broadcast only to screw it up by
snickering, unable to control myself.
     "POP!!!"  He shrieked.  He looked back at the computer monitor in time
to realize he was doomed to crash.  "Your MEAN!"  He yelled.
     "But I got'ya!"  I more giggled than spoke.  Ignoring his angry face I
said "Come on Captain Turkey, I'll buy you a tall cup of hot chocolate."
Before he could answer I carried him into the kitchen.  Ignoring his angry
face I plopped at the table and started his coco.
     I wasn't very surprised when Mike appeared in the kitchen shortly
after I began cracking eggs for scrambling.  He was much, too much like the
other two 14 year olds in my house, the twins currently restricted to their
room.  Did he hear me whipping the eggs against the bowl, or smell them as
I cracked their shells open?  I decided not to venture any further that way
and started frying bacon.
     After I made sure Bandit and Binki were with us I ignored what I am
all but sure was scratching sounds on a door as I finished preparing
breakfast.  The twins were far less than pleased with the tray I delivered
to their room, but I did manage to get out with all ten fingers intact.
     I grinned as I watched Carl making a show out of clipping his Base ID
Badge, making sure Mike saw it.  When Mike scanned it Carl was quick to
point out the bold letters 'VIP' at the top of it. All the way to work he
told Mike about the huge 'computer ranch' we were about to tour.  The more
he talked the more excited Mike became.  After correcting him several times
it was a 'server farm' I gave up, by the time I turned of the highway
toward the base he was referring to it as a 'server ranch' which I decided
was good enough.
     By coincidence the base was having an Operational Readiness Exercise
(ORE); a drill during which the base is closed down with high security, all
critical activities heavily guarded and everyone entering having to present
their identification card at the entry gate.  During these exercises
vehicles are also chosen at random to be searched, and I drew the short
straw.  One of the several Military Policemen (MP) motioned my truck to the
search area as we approached.
     I was used to the drills and was completely legal taking the boys on
base but became concerned as the boys looked around wide eyed at the twenty
or so soldiers conducting the operation.  All of them were in full battle
dress and wearing handguns.  Many of them were also armed with M-16 rifles,
holding these at ready.
     "Everyone please exit the vehicle.  I need to see your ID card sir."
A leather faced MP Sargent requested.
     "You guys climb out my door, okay?"  I suggested to the boys, wanting
to keep them near me in case the got too scared.
     I did my best to look in my wallet for my ID card with one eye while
watching my young charges with the other.  They seem to be doing well,
watching as a couple more MP's searched my truck.  The Sargent looked over
both side of my card.  He held it out to comparing the picture on it to my
face before handing it back to me.  I looked down to put it away when his
hand, reaching toward the boys caught my eye.  I looked over just in time
to see Carl holding his badge out.
     Although I am sure he knew it was a courtesy badge, not worth the
paper it was written on, he accepted it.  He inspected it as carefully as
he did mine even verifying Carl's picture before handing it back to the
boy.  As soon as Carl took the card the man snapped smartly to attention.
     "Thank you sir."  He barked at Carl, giving the lad a crisp military
salute.  I dropped my jaw when the salty warrior turned to me and winked
his eye at me.  "Cute kids, I have one about their age."  He whispered as
he walked past.  My eyes rolled back in my head as I watched Carl very
pompously strutted back to my truck, glaring back at Mike and I as if
commanding us to follow.
     My staff flocked around Carl as soon as they saw him.  Soon Mike was a
co-celebrity, everyone asking Carl questions about his trip and meeting
Mike.  I did manage to drag a few of them away long enough to get a quick
update on our operational status.  I checked in with my supervisor.  We
reviewed a few matters she had questions about before I excused myself,
explaining I was leaving town soon but wanted to show Carl's friend our
operation.
     The boys were polishing off the fourth or fifth round of cookies and
snacks all the ladies offered when I found them again.  They had eaten
their way though most of the building so we went directly to the computer
room.  As I expected during an ORE there were two MP's guarding the
entrance to the server room, both armed with M-16s.
     As the Network Administrator I was one of probably three people that
could authorize or escort guests into the server room during an ORE. After
securing a visitor pass for Mike the boys proudly presented their badges.
To my surprise they were not at all intimated by the guards as they
verified my credentials and the boys.  Reminding them they had to stay
close to me I entered my code into the security lock and guided them into
the server room.
     Mike seemed a little timid about going much further when another MP
confronted us just inside the door, one of four in the room.  I put my arm
around his shoulder to reassure him, but when I turned back to Carl he was
already in front of the stern faced soldier proudly presenting his ID Badge
and metallic smile.  Mike pulled away from me, lining up next to his friend
and offering his badge.
     I'm not sure who was more excited as we walked among the rows of large
server racks, Carl or Mike.  Several of my staff took time to say hi to
Carl and meet Mike, a few of them teasing Carl about his braces and
headgear.  It was disappointing that the boys could not touch any of the
equipment because of our alert status, but one of my staff saved that part
of the day.
     "Do you have e-mail?"  He asked Mike.  After I nodded it was okay Mike
told the technician his e-mail address.  "Do you know what the Pentagon
is?"  Mike acknowledged he did. "Have you ever gotten a letter from the
Pentagon?  Check your mail when you get home!" Mike was told.
     I enjoyed watching Mike as we entered the airport.  He was riding
between Carl and I in the front seat of my truck.  He stretched his thin
neck almost as if a Whooping Crane, pushing against Carl then me trying not
to miss anything.  We didn't have any luggage excepting Mike's backpack so
I parked outside the ramp.  I hadn't noticed Carl had changed badges, now
wearing his Line Badge until we started toward my plane.
     "You gotta stay with pop or me out here so they don't bust you."  He
informed Mike, proudly pointing at his card.
     It probably took an extra half hour to do my pre-flight check of the
aircraft with a nosy kid under each arm.  Carl did surprisingly well when I
sent him into the cockpit, operating the lighting systems, flaps control
surfaces and other controls as well as the twins could.  I had just started
my final walk around of the craft when he then Mike bailed off the wing
joining me, I think they inspected our steed closer than I.
     I helped Mike strap into his seat restraints as Carl brought to life
the aircraft's electronics. After checking Carl's harness, tightening his
shoulder straps to my satisfaction I strapped myself in.
     "Well?"  I asked after waiting for a minute or so.  "Are we going
flying anytime today?"
     He cast me a frightened look.  Getting no response he timidly flashed
his gaze between me and the control panel.  His beautiful blue eyes got
deeper as he stared at me the second time.
     "Taxi us out, you can do it turkey!"  I added.  "I think you can
handle the take off, want to try?"
     He stared at me then the cockpit a couple of times before reaching
down and starting the engine.  I monitored the instrumentation, almost as
carefully as Carl, as as he began slowly steering us down the taxiway to
the runway.  He very professionally ignored ATC addressing him as 'Ma'am',
as well as Mike's giggles, cutting Mike angry glares as he turned onto the
runway.
     He gave me another nervous glance when ATC cleared us for takeoff.  I
gave him a reassuring nod as I discreetly grasp my yoke with my left hand,
and as I had done with the twins countless times placed my right hand on my
lower thigh only a few inches from the aircraft's other critical controls.
He flashed me an almost blinding silver smile before bringing our engine to
full power and launching us down the ramp.
     "Dude!!! Dude, TOTALLY AWESOME!"  Mike howled as Carl left the airport
behind, banking perfectly onto our course and leveling off at altitude.
Even through my sunglasses I had to squint as Carl broke an almost ear to
ear wide silver smile beaming with pride.  "This is SO TOTALLY BAD!  Your
BAD DUDE!" Mike shrieked, jerking against his seat harness.
     Shortly after I told Mike he could release his safety harness I
started to regret it.  He immediately leaned between the front seats.  He
looked over the instruments for several seconds before beginning the
thousand questions routine.  As he pointed at this gauge then that knob
asking what each did he seemed to levitate forward with each question.  He
reminded me of Carl's flight to Houston, but I didn't have Jerry in the
back seat to pull Mike back.
     I turned my attention to Mike for a second, reminding him not to lean
too far over the controls and not to touch anything.  When I turned back
and checked my our status Carl had drifted several degrees off course and
lost some altitude.  He was devoting more attention to answering Mike's
questions than piloting the craft.  He quickly corrected when I pointed out
his error and offered no argument when I suggested he set the autopilot.
     "What does that do?"  Mike asked in a high pitched curious voice.  I
look down to see his hand on the lever controlling the wing flaps.
     "It makes the airplane crash if you move it."  I replied.  His bony
fingers instantly disappeared from the center council.
     I waited several minutes to make sure things had calmed down before
calling the Snyders on my cell phone.  As arranged they agreed to meet us
at the airport, stating my timing was perfect.
     Carl made a textbook landing.  I had my hand on my yoke but didn't
have to make even the slightest correction.  He turned bright red when Mike
giggled at ATC referring to him as 'Ma'am' but didn' take even look back
toward Mike as he taxied the aircraft to the FBO.
     After Carl powered down our craft I turned in my seat to make sure
Mike didn't have any trouble releasing his seat restraints.  He looking
motionless out the window still strapped in.  Following his gaze I saw Mary
and Jack standing next to their car in the parking lot.
     "He looks pissed again."  Mike almost whispered when I touched his
knee to get his attention.
     "I don't think so, let's go find out."  I suggested..  He hesitated
for a second before slowing slipping out of his harness.
     'Well, here we go!'  I told myself as I walked toward the parking lot,
a turkey under each arm.

NEXT: I'm going to have to keep you in suspense right now, I cant think of
a good chapter title.  But, more coming soon!  Gary