Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 17:46:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: Ch 117 New Horizons

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means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually. .  If you are looking
for sex on every page, then this is not the story for you.  Comments on the
story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at
adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  However, if you have gotten this far in the story,
any additional warnings are most likely for naught.

As an author it is a pleasure to both write and to share.  I have shared
this story for almost four years.  In return, I have received many emails
expressing the pleasure the story has brought readers.  Thank you to all
who have sent those messages.  However, as with all things, an end must
come.  What follows is the final chapter.


Chapter One-Hundred Seventeen: New Horizons

"Daniel, can we speak with you a moment?" Mark asked as he approached
Daniel in the hall; Elizabeth was with him.

"Sure," Daniel responded.  "I was just on my way to the kitchen for a cup
of coffee.  The governor called a brief recess to our meeting."

"Is everything going like you wanted?"

"Not everything, but I'll have to admit it's going better than I really
expected.  There's a lot to be worked out, but no one's threatening to
leave . . . . yet."

"We've received a number of calls from different news groups wanting to
know what's going on, Daniel," Elizabeth interjected, directing the
conversation back to the original reason she and Mark needed to speak with
Daniel.

Daniel responded with a questioning look and waited for Elizabeth to
elaborate.

"Look out front.  News vans are parking out front.  Reporters are at the
driveway wanting in.  The only reason they aren't in here now is because of
the US Marshals.  Whenever you have a group of powerful politicians
gathered, news people will show up; add on top of that the dignitaries and
federal officials.  There's no way this is going to stay quiet."

Daniel took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he stared at the floor.

"Mark, I believe there's an empty room on the other side of the building.
Check it out; see if it can be used as a temporary press room.  Elizabeth,
these people will know you.  Suppose you and I walk out front and talk to
them.  We'll just tell them the governor is here on state business and will
give them a press release later."

As they walked towards the front of the property, Daniel asked Elizabeth
how things were going with her gathering of the wives.

"Interesting might be a good description at the moment," Elizabeth answered
with a smile.  "These ladies have really surprised me.  They definitely
have their own opinions and not all of them agree with their husbands."

"Mmmm.  Have they just been playing the role of the dutiful wife?"

"In public, apparently.  They don't seem to mind telling one another just
exactly what they feel about political issues, and each other, sometimes."

"Sounds entertaining," Daniel responded, laughing.

"Actually, that's a good description, except when I think they may be ready
to come to blows.  Seriously, though, there is something I wanted to talk
to you about.  I spoke with your father and he suggested I just lay it out
for you."

"Uh-oh, sounds serious.  Can it wait until we've talked with these
reporters?  We can find a quiet place to talk on the way back."

As Daniel and Elizabeth approached the line of marshals blocking entry to
the facilities, the members of the press spotted them and rushed forward.
Before Daniel and Elizabeth could address them, so many questions were
thrown at them at one time that no one question could be understood.
Daniel held his hands up as a signal for the people to quiet down so he
could speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please," Daniel
announced and waited for everyone to be quiet.

"I am Daniel Thompson, head of New Horizons.  The lady accompanying me is
Elizabeth Risler; I believe most of you are familiar with her as a
newscaster in Orlando.  At this time we can give you a statement, but we
will not take any questions."

"Is it true the governor's here?" a voice called out, either not hearing or
ignoring Daniel's statement around not taking questions.

"As I said, we can give you a statement, but no questions at this time.  We
can confirm for you that the governor and a few members of his cabinet are
here.  Also with us are representatives of the local, state and federal
governments.  In addition, we have present representatives from South
America.  During the raids that were made by the authorities a few days ago
it was discovered that some boys that had been kidnapped in South America
were being held at one of the facilities.  We cannot give you any more
details until the data is released by the officials.  However, we can
. . ."

"Mr. Thompson, why is Elizabeth allowed in and we're not?"

"Ms. Risler is here by special invitation.  The invitation was extended
prior to the discovery of the events I just mentioned.  Out of respect for
your profession, and the people that are here, we are asking Ms. Risler to
assume the role of press liaison."

Elizabeth, initially surprised but showing a good reporters ability to
adjust quickly, placed a hand on Daniel's arm as a signal for him to let
her step in.

"At the moment we are setting up a room for the press.  Understand that
there is limited space, but it should be more comfortable than having to
stand out here.  If several of you are from the same station or
organization, we may have to ask you to choose a representative.  Once
inside, there are rules that you must follow."

Elizabeth smiled as she turned to look at Daniel.  Daniel again stepped
forward.

"All of you know that we have a number of boys here taken during the raids.
These boys are free, they are not slaves.  However, they have been through
a lot.  No one is to talk with them or even try to approach them.  The
families of some of the politicians and dignitaries are also here.  Do not
approach them or attempt to speak with them.  If anyone fails to respect
these rules, that person will be summarily escorted from the premises and
not allowed back in."

"Excuse me, Mr. Thompson," an attractive lady who appeared to be a little
older than Daniel spoke up.  Because she was polite, Daniel acknowledged
her.

"If we cannot approach or interview anyone, how are we supposed to get a
story?  Can you tell us why all these people are here?"

"To be honest with you, we did not anticipate a large news media presence.
That's why we are trying to set up facilities for you now.  When I have had
the opportunity to speak with the governor and other people, we will make
arrangements for a news conference and take questions.  When that occurs,
I'm sure you will have more than enough information for your stories.  In
the interim, Elizabeth will try to keep you posted as best she can.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Daniel turned to the full gathering, "thank you for
your patience and understanding.  You will be escorted to the press room in
a few minutes."

Some of the news people still tried to call out their questions as Daniel
and Elizabeth walked away.  Daniel ignored them and kept walking back
toward the offices.

"We should be far enough away from the news hounds that they won't be
picking up on our conversation," Daniel commented.  "Still like to talk?"

"Yes and no," Elizabeth answered.  "I'd like for you to talk, but not to
me.  A few of the ladies have been sharing their thoughts and experiences
with the others.  There's one person in particular that I'd like for you to
talk with."

"Are you going to tell me why?  I know you well enough to know there's more
to it."

"She's said enough to convince me that she's Calvin's former mistress.  She
hasn't told anyone the boy's name, but she doesn't need to.  Her story
comes too close to Calvin's for her not to be his former mistress.  Daniel,
all I can tell you is that you'll have to hear and see the emotion in her
voice.  She cares about that boy and feels guilty that he could be out
there somewhere with a cruel master.

"By the way, I haven't said anything to your father yet.  I know that he's
staying in a room with Calvin right now.  He told me that the boy's former
master is here and that Calvin has spotted him and is frightened.  After
the story I heard, I understand why.  Your father didn't tell me who the
master was, but I think I know now."

"Who do you think is the former mistress or master?" Daniel asked.

"The Karringtons," Elizabeth responded and waited for confirmation.

"Well, since you've guessed that part, I'll also assume you know
Karrington's stand on slavery."

"I know his stand by reputation.  After listening to Terri, I don't think
that's necessarily his personal position.  What is he saying in the
meeting?"

"I don't know yet," Daniel offered.  "He's been pretty quiet, which, when I
think about it, could be saying a lot.  He's not offering much support, but
he's not really opposing anything, either.  That could suggest something."

"Daniel, do you think the governor will be able to get something worked
out?  After all, the ceremony will be tomorrow afternoon and then everyone
will be ready to leave.  The press will need to be told something or
speculation will run rampant."

"They worked late into the night.  The governor just told me it was going
better than anticipated.  Maybe it's time for me to rejoin them.  Let's
check on the news room first.  Then, I'll talk with Terri Karrington."

* * * *

"Calvin.  Son, I want you to listen to me and hear what I'm saying to you.
No one will force you to do anything you don't want to do.  Understand?"

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson.  The boy trusted the man, but he was still
scared.

"Son, you can't go through life being afraid of everything.  I know it's
been rough, but you can't keep hiding.  Mrs. Karrington has told Elizabeth,
Daniel and me about the slave boy who became friends with her son.  The
tone of her voice and the look in her eyes tells us she's honestly worried
about you.  She was told by the people who ran that place where we found
you that you had been sold.  They wouldn't tell her to whom and where you
were taken."

"It's not my mistress that I'm scared of, sir," Calvin replied.  "It's
Master.  He beat me.  He beat me hard and he was so mad at me and all.  You
weren't there and didn't hear 'im.  He said he was gonna beat bad so I'd
wish I was dead."

"Calvin," Elizabeth interjected.  "I've talked with Mrs. Karrington.  I get
the feeling that when you were with the Karrington family she didn't treat
you like we hear a lot of slaves are treated.  Actually, I think she may
have treated you more like a member of the family; at least, as much as she
could."

Calvin didn't deny what Elizabeth said.  Of course, he really didn't know
how other slave boys were treated by other families.  His reaction was to
look at her and give her a nervous smile.  Elizabeth continued.

"Calvin, when you were with the Karringtons, other than the last time that
Mr. Karrington beat you, did he treat you badly at other times?"

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson, who immediately understood the problem.

"Calvin, you're free now.  You don't have to be afraid to say anything
about your former master."

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson, then Daniel and Elizabeth.  It was obvious
that he was trying to decide how much he should say.

"Actually, I didn't know it then, 'cause I never talked to another slave
boy, but from what the other boys said at that place I guess I got treated
pretty good.  I mean, Master, he never used me like some of the other boys
told me they got used.  Sometimes, when he was outside with Mathew, he'd
let me come outside and throw a ball with 'em or even play some
basketball."

"Calvin, did Mr. Karrington ever say anything to you or do anything, other
than to tell you what to do around the house?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes'm, but I didn't always understand what he was talkin' 'bout.  I
remember one time when I got sick he called a doctor.  When the doctor got
there, I heard some arguin'.  Mathew told me later the doctor said he
didn't treat slaves and master told the doctor that I might be a slave, but
I was still a sick boy and needed medicine."

"Sounds as though the Karringtons at least tried to be civil to you.  Of
course, not knowing any other slave boys you wouldn't have known that at
the time."

"No, ma'm.  But, at the slave place the other boys told me what got done to
them sometimes.  It sounded bad, real bad sometimes.  Still, it wasn't no
fun bein' a slave."

"Tell me," Elizabeth continued, "do you miss seeing Mathew or the
Karringtons sometimes?'

"Yes, ma'm; specially Mathew.  Me and him got to where we were more like
friends; until that night anyway."

"Calvin, the Karringtons, including Mathew, are here.  I think
Mrs. Karrington would enjoy seeing you, knowing that you are alright."

"Do I hafta see Master?"

"No, you don't.  By the way, he's not Master anymore.  He's Mr. Karrington
and you don't have to see him.  Would you like to see Mrs. Karrington?  We
can bring her in here."

"Will you stay with me?" Calvin asked, looking up to Dr. Thompson.

"If you want me to.  Yes."

Elizabeth left and returned about ten minutes later with Terri Karrington.
As they entered the room, Terri spotted Calvin.  She stopped for a moment
to look at him.  Calvin turned to face her, but held on to Dr. Thompson's
hand.  Terri approached the boy slowly.

"Calvin, we've missed you," Elizabeth said with tears forming in her eyes.

Calvin looked up at his former mistress.  He, too, had tears forming in his
eyes.  Suddenly, he released Dr. Thompson's hand, wrapped his arms around
Terri's waist and began to cry.  Terri held the naked boy, gently stroking
his back, and let him cry as the others left the room to give them privacy.

"Daniel," Elizabeth spoke after they were out of the room.  "There's
something that I didn't say in there that may help you and the governor.
Terri Karrington told me that after she took Calvin to the facility, Jerry
had nightmares for several nights.  They were caused by his mistreatment of
the boy.  She also said that Jerry told her he would never again raise a
hand in anger against another boy.  When they went to get Calvin and bring
him home, and discovered that he was gone, she said Jerry was devastated."

"Sounds as though there was a lot more there than a master-slave
relationship," Dr. Thompson commented.

"I agree," Daniel added.  "Maybe he's not the ogre personified that his
reputation leads us to expect.  Elizabeth, why don't you and Dad go out and
find Mathew.  Maybe he would like to join Calvin and his mother.  I think
I'm going to drop in on our politician friends and see what's happening."

* * * *

"Jerry, you seem to be quiet for someone that lead the opposition to New
Horizons," Gary Daniels, a representative from the Lauderdale area
commented.

Jerry Karrington looked at his fellow career politician and, for the
moment, said nothing.  He slowly looked around the room at the rest of the
men; all of them seemed to be waiting for him to say something.  Daniel
entered the room quietly and took a seat.

"Well, Gary," Jerry began.  "I'm afraid I'll have to acknowledge that
you're right.  I did lead the opposition to New Horizons just about a year
ago.  Right now I think . . . no, make that I know, that I'm glad that I
failed.  I believe Daniel Thompson is to be commended not only for having
saved so many boys, but for the campaign he has run to win permanent
approval for his program."

Jerry paused, enjoying the look of surprise on many of the men's faces.
With the timing of a veteran politician who knows when he has milked all
the effect he can from a surprise statement, he continued.

"We had a slave boy in our house.  Notice that I said 'had', not 'have'.
His name was Calvin.  Did any of you know that was the most common name
assigned to a slave boy?  Records show that almost half the boys came out
of training with that name.  The boy was placed into slavery and sold to
pay his parents' debts.  He was a good boy, a good slave . . . . never gave
us cause to be concerned.  One day I came home and caught him doing
something that I thought was just completely horrific.  It doesn't really
matter what he was doing, only that I disapproved to the extent that I lost
my temper.  I lost all sensibility and reason.  If he'd been a free boy I
might have even considered having him enslaved just to get him out of our
lives permanently.  I hung him by his wrists in the garage and beat him
with a leather strap.  If he'd been a free boy, I could have been arrested
for abuse and imprisoned for a very long time."

"But, that was your right as a master," one man interjected.

Jerry stared at the man for a moment.  While his expression remained
neutral, inside he was filled with pure contempt.

"By law, you are correct.  But, remember who wrote those laws . . . who
passed those laws . . .  and why.  I'll admit that I never thought about it
much until that night.  When I did think about it, I realized that I wasn't
mad at the boy so much for what he had done, but how others might perceive
me or members of my family because of it.  I had sold out.  I sold out not
only myself, but my family.  I wanted us to be what others thought we
should be; which is not always what we really are.  As politicians, each of
you knows what I'm talking about.

"As candidates, we started out espousing a particular set of values.  I bet
none of us spared any rhetoric condemning our predecessors for having sold
out to the establishment.  When re-election time came around we said what
we thought the voters wanted to hear.  In time, we changed.  Who in here
can honestly say that they haven't stretched things just a little, if not
more, to please a fat pocket contributor?  We all know that to hold office
we need votes.  To win votes takes money.  To get the money we make
compromises.  We became what the big money contributors wanted us to be."

"So what, Jerry?" Gary Daniels interrupted.  "We've all done it; had to.
So, what's your point?"

"My point?" Jerry replied.  "My point is that we all became what we
originally opposed.  We sold out just like our predecessors sold out.  One
day there's going to be some young buck step up to the plate and accuse us
of the very thing we accused our original political opponents of doing;
selling out to the big bucks.  There's not one of us in this room that can
deny that it's been big business that's driven the slave laws to where they
are today.  There's not one person in this room that can deny having
supported those laws because that's what the big money in our respective
districts wanted.  If one of you can deny it, speak now."

Daniel eased his way out of the room while Jerry waited for someone to deny
the accusations.

"That's what I thought," Jerry continued.  "Our silence screams the truth.
Every one of us has prostituted ourselves to the big money.  Gentlemen,
almost every person in this room is a family man.  Some of us have grown
children and grandchildren.  Should something happen to you, and your
family find itself in a financial hardship, would you want your child or
grandchild sold into slavery to pay the debts?  Sounds like a foolish
question, doesn't it?  But, is it?  Isn't that exactly what we have done to
other families with these laws?

"We have been presented with the perfect opportunity to correct our sins.
Under the New Horizons program the cost of caring for the children will not
totally rest with the taxpayers and voters.  Daniel Thompson has big
business backing him.  He has made numerous appearances, in person and on
the media, and created a ground swell of support.  Those people supporting
his program are the very people that will vote in the next elections to
keep us or throw us out for not staying in touch with our constituents'
feelings."

Karrington again paused, knowing that no politician liked the idea of
losing.

"I said the cost would not rest totally with the taxpayers.  The taxpayers
will have to take on part of the cost; but, is that really so bad?  We are
one of the few states without an income tax.  We have some of the lowest
property taxes in the nation.  I haven't thought this through enough to
suggest how to provide funds to the program.  All I know is that we need to
do this."

"Are you advocating total abolition?" a voice called out.

"Senator, right now the only thing I'm advocating is that we need to fix a
system that we have allowed to get completely out of control.  No, I'm not
suggesting that we totally abolish slavery.  I see nothing wrong with
taking adults that refuse to abide by the laws of society and turning them
into slaves.  However, that's a far cry from taking innocent children and
enslaving them because of someone else's mistakes.

"If the governor will forgive me being so presumptuous, I have a
suggestion.  Let's take a brief recess.  Go outside and look at the
children.  While you are looking at them, maybe recognizing a few since
many of us brought our own sons with us and they are with the other boys,
playing, think about what you want to do.  Think about what you want to do
not from your big money supporters' perspective, but from the perspective
of a parent.

"When we come back in here, I propose . . . .."

Jerry noticed that everyone had focused on something behind him.  He turned
around to see what had distracted his fellow politicians.

"Dad?"  Mathew said, almost sheepishly.

Terri stood in front of Daniel.  On her right, she held Mathew's hand.  On
her left, she held Calvin's hand.  Jerry approached them, slowly, gently.
He reached over and lovingly rubbed Mathew's head.  He smiled at his wife
and, then, turned to face Calvin.  Calvin looked down at the floor as his
slave training required.

"Calvin," Jerry whispered almost as a question.

"Master," Calvin replied.

"No, Calvin.  You are free and I'm not your master."

Calvin remained standing, looking at the floor, shaking and keeping almost
a death grip on Terri's hand.  Jerry slowly knelt to look at the boy.  He
placed a gentle hand on either side of the Calvin's hips.

"Calvin, please look at me so I can tell you that I'm sorry.  I am, son.  I
am sooo, sooo sorry; I was wrong."

Calvin looked up.  He looked into Jerry's eyes.  Both man and boy had
trouble seeing through the tears that welled in their eyes.  The boy
understood what he was being told.

* * * *

"Governor, is it true?  Are you here with members of your cabinet to draw a
bill to abolish slavery?"

The governor smiled and waited for the news people to calm down.  The smile
was because he never ceased to be amazed at how the press managed to find
out, or guess, what might be happening behind closed doors.

"What about the people from South America, governor?  Who are they?  Why
are they here?"

"Ladies and gentlemen," the governor tried to settle the people down so he
could talk.  "Please.  Please quiet down and be patient.  I have a brief
statement to make and then, when I'm done, I will take a few questions."

The governor then paused as the news people began to try to quiet down
their own.

"First of all, the officials from South America are here to escort, and
return to their home, some young men who were kidnapped and brought here
illegally.  The federal officials are here to assure their safety and their
privacy.  I am not at liberty to give you any details until we have
consulted further with the South American representatives.

"Secondly, I will confirm to you that I am here with a few members of my
cabinet, notably Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson.  Since you are aware of the
raids that recently took place, I'm sure you can understand why they are
here.

"Third, I made a promise to the members of the news media when I first took
office.  I promised to be as open and honest with you as possible, whether
the news be bad or good.  Therefore, I will confirm for you that certain
elected officials are here meeting with us.  We are not discussing the
abolition of slavery.

"The people of this state have stated on more than one occasion that they
will not tolerate a country club atmosphere in our penal institutions.
Modern slavery was originally based on the premise that if a citizen
refused to get a job and become a contributing member of society, then the
rest of society would not support them, but provide a means for them to
work and make a valuable contribution to society.  There is general
agreement that that should not change without the consent of a majority of
the people.

"However, there is also agreement that, perhaps, the slavery system has
been pushed a little too far.  We moved from merely enslaving those
unwilling to assume proper responsibility for their actions, to making
innocents pay for the sins of others.  I am not at liberty to disclose the
content of the current talks beyond what I have said.  However, I believe I
have said enough for you to come to your own conclusions.  We will attempt
to keep you informed as matters progress."

"Governor!  Governor!" a reporter called out.  "A question.  Please."

One young reporter attempted to gain the governor's attention by asking to
be acknowledged while all the others attempted to scream louder than their
contemporaries.  The governor acknowledged the young reporter.

"Governor, I've been here since yesterday afternoon.  I believe that I have
seen Mssrs.  Karrington, Baker, Daniels, and others who are outspoken
supporters of the current system.  Are you telling us they are agreeing to
modify the current system?"

The governor looked at the young reporter and smiled.  He was young, and
obviously, inexperienced in politics.

"Sometimes an elected official will say what he or she believes is
expected.  Sometimes, an elected official will say what he or she feels in
their heart.  When this is over, I'll let you decide where these officials
are speaking from."

The governor heard a sound, turned and looked over his shoulder as
Karrington and Baker entered the room.  Behind them was Dr. Thompson with
Terri, Michael and Calvin.

"Senator Karrington," a reported called out.  "Senator Karrington!  Are you
here to support the governor's program?"

"Senator," another reported called out.  "Isn't that naked boy back there
your son?"

Jerry looked at the second reporter and then back to his son.  He held his
hand up as a sign for the people to be quiet.  When the reporters were
quiet he silently looked around the room and then spoke to the group.

"I have always found it interesting that people who rely upon both the
written and spoken word can sometimes abuse it so badly.  I'm talking about
people from all walks of life.  Politicians, to be sure; salesmen,
teachers, and even reporters."

Jerry paused, turned to the two boys and signaled for them to step up next
to him.  They stepped around the podium to be in full view of the
reporters.

"The boy standing to my right is my son, Michael.  The boy standing to my
left will soon be my son, if he is willing.  I will tell you now, because I
know you won't stop digging until you can find out something to use to
write another story, the boy standing to my left was formerly our slave
boy, Calvin.  Know now, and print this, Calvin is no more.  His name is to
be changed to Christopher Thomas Karrington.

"You asked me about the naked boys.  With the boys' permission, I will ask
you to look at them.  The boys are not naked, they are nude.  There's a big
difference.  Look in the dictionary and you will find that naked is not
only being without covering.  It is to be stripped, destitute, defenseless
and unprotected.  In law, it is to be unsupported and hollow.  No, these
boys are anything but naked.  They are nude, which merely means they are
without covering.  Why should they have covering?  Years ago we recognized
that children are born with an innocence and purity, and a beauty, that is
to be admired.  I can also assure you that neither of these boys is
destitute, unloved or unprotected.  As far as I'm concerned these boys may,
no, let's make that I prefer that they go nude for so long as that
innocence and purity prevails.  To see them in all their natural beauty is
something that all of us should appreciate and remember.  In return, my
wife and I will do our best to protect them and smother them with love.  We
will protect them and guide them.  They are our future."

* * * *

Daniel stood to the right of the ceremonial altar, the position of honor
reserved for the immediate family members of the honorees.  Standing with
him were Michael, Dr. Thompson and Grandpa Smith.  Several of the boys,
including Danny, were dressed as Cherubs.  Only this time, they were not
Cherubs, but boys dressed in the traditional garb of ceremonial assistants.
On the left side of the altar stood the governor and his cabinet, the
politicians and other government officials.  The South American ambassador
stood with the governor's group acting as interpreter.

The boys had made it through the test of the ceremonial hut.  Each had
experienced a vision and the priest was interpreting that vision for the
people.  Evan was a visionary; TJ a healer.  Brian and Josh were strong of
spirit; they would lead and protect.

Daniel had initially been reluctant to consent to a portion of the
ceremony.  It was only when he had been assured, more than once, that the
boys would not be hurt, or feel any pain, that he agreed for them to let
themselves be marked.  A salve was rubbed into the skin covering the left
pectoral, just above the heart.  The salve numbed the nerve endings.  At
the end of the ceremony the boys would be marked with a sunburst symbol
about the size of a nickel coin, forever marking them as members of the
Maya.

"Daniel," Dr. Thompson spoke softly.  "I think all of us were more than a
little surprised this morning when the chief and ambassador told us about
the reward for the two sets of twins.  That money will go a long way for
the other boys."

"I know," Daniel replied.  "Five million dollars will help a lot, but
first, we need those laws changed."

"Oh, I don't think there will be much problem with that now.  As I
understand it several of the politicians have voiced plans that go well
beyond anything you had hoped for."

"I hope so, Dad, I really do.  When Senator Karrington stood before that
room of reporters and admonished them for saying the boys were naked, I
just wanted to jump up and shout.  I relive those words in my head several
times each day."

"I understand.  It was quite a surprise; a pleasant one, though."

"Daniel," Grandpa Smith was now next to Daniel.  "Have you heard about the
annual stipend for the four boys?  You know the tribe will deposit funds to
New Horizons accounts annually to pay for the boys' care and educations."

"It was mentioned to us, Grandpa.  However, no one has given us a figure;
it didn't seem appropriate for me to ask."

"Well, why don't we just say that the tribe expects you to take very good
care of the boys and understand that it can be very expensive.  The tribe
expects nothing less than first class."

Daniel watched as the salve was rubbed onto the four boys' chests.  One by
one the priest extended his right hand, placing it over the boy's left
pectoral.  Daniel noticed the boys seemed to tense a little, but there was
no other reaction.

"Relax, Daniel," Michael almost whispered to his partner.  "I checked on
what they were using.  There's no threat of harm to the boys.  It feels
like a mosquito bite to them.  When the salve wears off, we have an
ointment to use to prevent infection and any discomfort.  Those boys will
be going around showing their marks off to everyone."

Daniel smiled, knowing Michael was right, at least about the showing off
part.

Near the end of the ceremony, Daniel was surprised when he was called to
the altar.  Dr.  Thompson was asked to accompany him.  For what he had done
for the boys, Daniel was also adopted into the tribe as a protector and
advisor to the boys.  Daniel was a little surprised when he was asked to
remove his shirt.  The salve was rubbed in and the mark made.  At the end,
Daniel was presented with the feathered robe of a noble.

* * * *

Daniel and his group watched as the last of the official vehicles pulled
away.  As the cars departed, two large busses pulled into the parking lot.
The busses would take the boys to Fort Ogden and a new life.

Danny had removed his loincloth and again ran around in all his natural
beauty; Danny being Danny.  As the adults watched and talked amongst
themselves, Danny stood quietly.  Like most small children, Danny knew when
to be quiet for just a few minutes, but that didn't keep him from fidgeting
as he repeatedly poked the fingertips on his right hand into the palm of
his left hand.  The little boy didn't fully understand what had been
happening, but he was okay with that.  He was with Daniel and the others
who mattered to him.

Daniel knelt down to talk to Danny.

"Hey, Little Man, you ready to go home?"

Danny stopped fidgeting and with the irresistible charm and smile of a
small child, he tilted his head to one side and said, "I'm hungry."

Daniel laughed, as did the rest of the group.

"I think someone is getting ready to do a lot of growing, given how much
he's been eating lately.  How about we find you a snack and then we'll get
on a bus with the rest of the boys and go home?"

Danny's response was to smile some more and jump at Daniel, wrapping his
arms around the man's neck.

As Daniel stood, Danny held on to his neck.  Daniel took a good grip on
Danny's thighs and helped the boy climb up on his shoulders for the walk
down to the mess hall.  Daniel had taken only a few steps when he had to
quickly turn his head to avoid a sharp little knee in the face.

"Sean!" Danny turned and cried out.  "Sean!  C'mon!  We're goin' home."


The End





Epilogue


Daniel and Michael sat together in the dignitaries box.  The box was a
slightly elevated platform in the middle of the large meeting hall.
Surrounding them were many guests.  Daniel considered the most important to
be the boys of New Horizons.  Boys?  Daniel assumed they wouldn't object to
him referring to them as such; now, most of them were grown men.  Some had
married and had families of their own; some remained single.  Some were
professionals, some were still in school; all were a credit to society.

It was hard to believe that eight years had flown by since that fateful
raid in South Florida.  Six boys were returned to their homes.  Four other
boys were adopted into the Mayan culture.  Another boy was returned to his
former master who became his adopted father.  An ardent supporter of civil
enslavement became an outspoken advocate for children's rights.  The fight
to repeal laws that allowed children to be enslaved wasn't easy.  When big
business learned of the proposal, they mounted a strong, well-financed
campaign to stop the legislation.  Politicians from both sides of the aisle
and powerful members of society joined together to fight the big money.
Daniel remembered the times the polls showed they were losing the battle.
Those polls served to push his team harder.  The turning point came when
Daniel's group decided to reveal who held the stock in some of the larger
businesses that profited from child enslavement.  There were some who
really didn't understand that their investment counselors had invested
retirement accounts in the enslavement of children.  When the names became
public, some turned their loyalties, others adamantly denied the
allegations, a few lost their positions in the next election.

The deciding factor was when the governor issued his proclamation freeing
all child slaves.  Many declared that he had exceeded his limits of
authority.  The governor declared that if Abraham Lincoln could do it for
the nation two hundred years earlier, he could do it for his state.  The
governor forced a vote not only in the legislature, but at the polls.  A
prohibition of civil enslavement became part of the state constitution.

Michael nudged Daniel in the ribs.  Daniel had been daydreaming while
Governor Karrington sang the praises of New Horizons and its leader.  He
also lauded the man known to all simply as Grandpa.  Grandpa died less than
two years after civil slavery ended, but he got to see the dream come true.
He also helped to guaranty that New Horizons would survive for many years
to come.

Grandpa, as it turned out, was an extremely wealthy individual.  Everyone
knew that he had many contacts and was comfortable, but no one expected the
level of wealth he actually possessed.  He was an unassuming man who
appreciated the simpler things life offered him.  He thought the sun rose
and set around two of New Horizon's boys.  On his death bed, he asked only
to be able to see them one more time.

Daniel remembered the then fifteen and sixteen year old TJ and Evan, and
that time.  A tear came to his eye.  Grandpa had long since assured the two
boys of a college education and a good start in life.  All he asked was a
few minutes of their company once in a while.  Everyone knew that the boys
engaged in physical satisfaction with the old man, but the boys seemed to
enjoy it as much as he did.  Grandpa was just that to the boys, their
grandpa.  When informed of Grandpa's wish, the two boys didn't hesitate to
go to him.  Both boys, freshly showered and nude, lay on the bed next to
the dying man.  Lying on their sides, each boy lay a head on a bony
shoulder and cocked a leg over the man's legs.  Daniel cleared the room,
leaving the two boys crying, hurting from the loss they would have to
endure.  They lay unmoving as the man they lovingly called Grandpa took his
last breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I could stand here all night and tell you of the
good that Daniel Thompson and New Horizons have done for this state.  As a
politician, I have colleagues, and some who are not necessarily colleagues,
that can vouch for my ability to rattle on.  However, we are here to
dedicate this new youth ranch, and this magnificent residence hall, Smith
Hall.  No one can do that better than the young man who worked his way into
all of our hearts more than eight years ago with his smile and special way
he looked at us.  It is my pleasure to introduce, along with a few friends,
Daniel Thompson III."

As the curtains opened, there were many oohs and aahs as the boys stepped
forward.  Dressed as cherubs, they stepped fort slowly, deliberately.  Each
of the older boys held the hand of a little brother.  Daniel looked at
their leader who had grown into a boy who was more beautiful and loving
with each passing year; of course, those were the observations of a proud
father.  Daniel wiped a tear from his cheek as Danny began.

"Hi, my name is Danny and me and my friends are here to visit with you."

Danny smiled and cocked his head over in his own inimitable way.  The crowd
stood and applauded.  As the crowd applauded Danny looked directly at
Daniel.  Was that a twinkle in his eye, or a tear?  His expression conveyed
the deep love of a boy for the man he had chosen on that first day to be
his dad.

* * * *

Thank you for reading my story.  I hope you derived as much pleasure
reading it has I did in writing it.

Dwight Wilson