Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:10:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Eighteen

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for personal
enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any
means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
realistic level.  Comments on the story are appreciated and may be
addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  As such it is homoerotic, designed for the
entertainment of mature adults.  If you are not of legal age to read such
material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral
dilemmas, please exit now.

NOTE: The author would like to thank Colin Carr for his assistance and
guidance in editing this story and correcting my typing errors.  This
acknowledgement did not appear on Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen which the
author deeply regrets.  Generous gifts of time and knowledge should never
be received without proper acknowledgement.


Chapter Eighteen:  New Horizons


Daniel was sitting at the table enjoying his morning coffee while the boys
had breakfast when Jamie approached a little hesitantly.

"Mr. Dan'l, are you mad at me?"

"Jamie, not that I know of, why should I be?"

"'Cause, I was with Greg last night.  He told me you brought blankets."

"What else did he say, Jamie?"

"He said you told him to tell me who brought the blankets and that you
thought I was where I belonged."

"That's right, I did say that.  No, Jamie, I'm not upset with you.  Is that
Greg's breakfast you have there?"

"No, sir, it's mine.  They didn't give me any for Greg, I was going to
share with him."

Daniel took the boy's plate and added food for Greg, then sent the boy on
his way with a caution not to spill it.  Michael walked in as Jamie headed
out the door; Michael sidestepped to avoid a collision.

"Daniel, good morning.  What's got into Jamie, he sure looks happy today?"

"He's headed for the meeting hall to share breakfast with Greg.  He thought
he was in trouble for being with Greg last night and got perky when I told
him I wasn't upset with him. I think spending the night with Greg helped
him quite a bit, too."

"Do you think Greg can bail himself out this morning?"

"Actually, I have a pretty good feeling about it this time.  Mark woke me
last night and wanted me to take a look in the meeting hall latrine.  Of
course, there was Jamie spooned into Greg.  We took blankets over to cover
them and I had a little talk with Greg, I think he may have figured it out
this time."

"Yeah, knowing you I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't do everything but
put the words in his mouth to get him out of this thing.  Like I said
Daniel, you're just an old softie when it comes to these boys.  There was
no way you were going to let him go another night over there."

Daniel just looked at Michael with a 'yeah, guess that's true' smile.  One
of the kp boys brings both men a fresh cup of coffee.  After all the boys
have been served the men fix plates for themselves.  Daniel tells Michael
about this afternoon's visitors and it would be good for Michael to be
close by to answer any questions they might have on Sean's medical issues.

Near the end of breakfast Daniel reminded the boys they would have company
later in the morning and they should watch their language.  Also, the
guests included two boys nine years old, and a ten year old boy. It would
be good if they could be made to feel welcome and include them in some
activities.

***

The review board sat at the head table, waiting on the boys to settle down
and for someone to bring Greg in.  Daniel approached the board and advised
them he did see Greg the previous night and they talked.  Daniel didn't
know if Greg had the right answer today, but was hopeful.  When the clock
read ten Daniel nodded to Mark to bring Greg in, Jamie was with them.  Greg
looked more confident this time than on previous appearances.  Daniel took
Jamie by the hand and kept the boy with him when he sat in his place
between the board and Greg.  Kevin was spokesperson for the board.

"Greg, we ask you again, can you tell us what you did wrong or rule you
broke when you hurt Jamie?"

"I think so, sir."  Greg fidgeted nervously; now that the moment was at
hand, he wasn't quite so sure he had the right answer.  He looked at each
board member, then at Daniel and Jamie.

"Greg, we're waiting for your answer."

"Yes, sir.  Well ^Å uuhhhh ^Å trust, sir.  Jamie chose me as his mentor
'cause he trusted me to take care of him and protect him.  Mr. Dan'l let me
be his mentor 'cause he trusted me to take of Jamie and protect him.  When
I hurt Jamie I broke both trusts.  And that's all the answer I have
^Å.. sir?"

As Greg spoke Daniel gave a thumbs up out of Greg's eyesight to the board.
When Greg finished Daniel signaled the board to wait before acting further.
He then turned Jamie around to face him and held him by the hips.

"Jamie, do you remember when Greg hurt you?"

Jamie nodded.

"Were you upset with Greg then?"

"Yes, sir, but not really, now."  The boy answered in almost a whimper,
unsure of where this was going.

"Jamie, have you been worried about Greg these past couple of days and mad
because he wasn't with you?"

"Yes, sir.  If he hadn't been bad the other day and hurt me, then I
wouldn't had to be alone since then."

"Well, Jamie, would you like to let Jamie know how bad he's been and how
mad you were with him?"

 Jamie has a puzzled look on his face now, "Kinda ^Å"

"Jamie, you know Greg's supposed to get three more swats today.  Now he did
give us a good answer, don't you think?"  The boy nods.  "I tell you what,
if you want you can take this paddle and give Greg one good swat to let him
know he was bad for scarin' you and I think, maybe, we can get the board to
forget the other two swats."

At first Jamie wants nothing to do with the paddle.  He looked at Daniel,
then the review board, and then Greg.  After he stood there a couple of
minutes a sheepish grin begins to appear and he nods his head to Daniel.

"Okay, Jamie, but only if you want to, you don't have to do this.  Tell
Greg how bad he was, then tell him to bend over and let him have it."

"Greg, you shouldn't a scared me like that and Mr. Dan'l said I could give
you a swat to let you know I was mad at you.  Now bend over."

Jamie spoke like he was mad and was trying to be authoritative.  The tone
of voice made Greg worry some but he did as he was told; after all, one
from Jamie was better than three from one of the older boys.  Besides, Greg
knew Jamie wouldn't hurt him."

Daniel and most everyone in the room was in shock when Jamie reared back
and swung the paddle like he was trying to know Greg's butt out of the
ballpark.  None of the men or older boys would ever hit one of them that
hard.  You could hear the air travel past the paddle as he swung it.

WWHHAAAACCCKK!!!!  "OOOWWWWWWW!!!  DAMN JAMIE!!  THAT HURT!  Mr. Dan'l said
you could give my butt a swat, not try and break it."

The boys watching were first surprised and then laughed at the intensity of
the swat.  Daniel stood in shock and then began to laugh.  Jamie ran back
to Daniel at Greg's reaction.  He handed the paddle to Daniel and turned to
Greg with tears in his eyes.

"Greg ^Å I'm sorry.  Don't be mad at me."

Greg looked at the boy and knew he was really upset by what he did.  Greg's
butt felt like it was on fire, but he knew not to react in front of Jamie.

"Jamie, that's all right, I'm not mad with you.  I know you didn't really
mean to hurt me, just like I didn't mean to hurt you the other day.  Let's
call it even and forget it, okay?"

As he said this he held his hands out to Jamie who ran to him and jumped,
almost knocking both of them over.  Jamie wrapped his legs around Greg's
body and his arms around his mentor's neck.  The only problem was he had
his shoulder buried in Greg's throat cutting off his breath.  Greg adjusted
the boy and held him, letting Jamie find his comfort zone.

Daniel walked up to both boys, giving Greg an approving smile.  Patting
Greg on the shoulder, he walked behind him to look at Jamie.  When Jamie
looked to Daniel, Daniel held up a key.  Jamie lifted his head and gave
Daniel a puzzled look until Daniel nodded towards the lock on the collar
Greg was still wearing.  Jamie took the key and unlocked the collar.
Pushing back from Greg he let it go.

"Ooowwiiiee ^Å. Oowwwiiieee^Å" Jamie cried out.

"What's wrong, Jamie?"  Greg is looking for the problem.

"The collar caught my thingy, it hurt."

Greg turned Jamie to cradle him in his arms and asked where it hurt.  Jamie
pointed to the end of his 'thingy'.  To the surprise and amusement of all
there, Greg lifted the boy higher and kissed the hurt spot.  Jamie reacted
with a giggle.

"There, does that make it all better?"

"No, ^Å do it again."  The boy was grinning from ear to ear.

Everyone got a good laugh.  Daniel was proud of the way Greg reacted to
both Jamie's swat and Jamie getting hurt; he also knew this problem was
closed.  When the laughter died down, Daniel approached the boys.

"Greg, after three nights in the latrine, son, I'm afraid you smell a
little ripe; so does your little friend."

"Yes, sir. I'll get a shower now, and take Jamie with me."

"That, or I believe the pool is available and no one's out there if you'd
like a little time with him."

Greg smiled in appreciation as Daniel waived them out.  Daniel wanted the
two boys to have a few minutes to finish rebonding without the others
interfering.  Daniel kept the other boys in for a few minutes telling them
what they might expect when the visitors arrived.

***

Daniel spotted the mini-van as it pulled up to the administration building.
He walked out to meet the visitors as Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler exited
the van followed by three naked boys.  The boys looked a little uncertain
as they spotted Daniel, but were doing nothing to hide their nakedness.
Their uncertainty was rooted in not knowing where they were or exactly what
to expect.  Daniel also noticed none of the boys had tan lines, so running
free was nothing new to them.

"Jon, Betty, welcome to New Horizons."

"Daniel, thank you for letting us intrude on such short notice; also, for
allowing us to bring the boys.  Daniel, this is my son, Eric.  Eric, can
you say hello to Mr. Thompson?"

"Nice to meet you sir."

"Betty, thank you for coming.  I assume these are the twins?"

"Oh yes, these are my two challenges.  This is Travis and that's Timmy."

"Mo..om^Å you promised."

"I'm sorry, I forgot.  This is Travis and Tim or Timothy; he thinks he's
outgrown Timmy."

"Hi Mr. Thompson."

"What do you prefer, Timothy or Tim?"

"Tim, sir, thank you."

Betty and Jon watched the boys, knowing they were a little nervous.  Jon
decided to ease their anxiety.

"Daniel, the boys were fine when we left home but as we neared they became
concerned that maybe they aren't appropriately dressed?  When Eric and I
left our house he was dressed, until we picked up Betty and her boys.  The
boys just stayed natural after they got up this morning.  Before we could
clear her driveway, my boy had made himself comfortable."

The three boys blushed and were a little embarrassed by all the information
being given out.  They didn't care for being the center of attention for
this particular conversation.

"Boys, why don't you come with me and I think we can settle this real
fast."

Daniel lead the boys around and behind the admin building where they can
see the recreational areas.  As they turn the corner the boys break out in
smiles as they see over thirty other naked boys.  Erik looked to his dad.

"Dad, I never seen this many naked boys in one place before."

The adults laughed and Daniel told them this wasn't half the boys at New
Horizon and all have the same uniform.  Daniel saw Mark across the yard and
signaled for him to join them, bringing Mark's attention to the three boys.

"Mark, you remember Jon and Betty from the station?  These are their boys,
Eric, Travis and Tim.  Think we have some activities going on they might be
interested in?"

"Sure, we can probably accommodate them. Hi, boys; the kids here call me
Mr. Mark, you do the same, okay?  What are we into?  Swimming, soccer,
wrestling, baseball ^Å you tell me."

Eric declares swimming while the twins go for soccer.  Mark spotted Kevin
and signaled for him to come over with Ben.

"Eric, this young fella is Ben, and the old dude with him is his mentor,
Kevin."  Mark then turned to Kevin.  "Eric and these two boys will be
visiting with us this afternoon.  How about taking Eric over and introduce
him around before lunch.  He says he's into swimming."

Kevin and Ben greet all the boys and their parents, and then take off with
Eric.  Mark then leaves with the twins, headed for an ongoing soccer game.
Jon and Betty have been standing watching the New Horizon boys and are
surprised the boys don't appear to be the least bit flustered at Betty's
presence.

Betty voices her observation to Daniel.  "Daniel, I'm really
impressed. Most of these boys have turned and seen us.  Usually when I walk
in somewhere and there's a naked boy, he gets embarrassed and runs as fast
as he can to hide.  These boys don't seem the least bit bothered, are they
really that comfortable with themselves?"

"Well, Betty, you have to understand where these boys came from.  They
aren't naked because we told them they have to be, this is their choice.
When we got them from the detention center most were naked, it's standard
procedure for the state to take their clothes away during processing.
Those that had clothes were wearing rags".

"When the boys are transported from the slave processing center they are
given standard slave uniforms of shorts and a singlet.  After they reach
the detention center the uniform is taken back to be reused.  If the
uniform has been used to the point of being rags, the boy is allowed to
keep whatever is there.  The boys were also pretty dirty, allowed to shower
only every three or four days.  When we fired up the boilers and told all
of them to get clean and prepare for a fresh start, they did."

"The rags for clothes were tossed.  They symbolically were tossing out any
ties they had to their former lives and what the state planned for them.
In the beginning we said we would have to leave them naked because we
didn't have enough clothes for all of them.  Then, they just didn't care.
The way you see them reacting to your presence tells us they are now
becoming more secure with themselves and who they are.  We consider that a
big step in the right direction."

Daniel continued with the tour of the facility, showing the garden the boys
have planted and tend themselves, the ball fields the boys cleared off,
plus the volleyball sand traps.  As they walk around Betty spots both of
her boys playing soccer, one has been added to each team.  Both boys are
now covered in sweat, dirt and smiles.  As they tour the area a bell
sounds; Daniel explained its meaning.

"That's what we call the clean-up bell.  Barry, our chef, sounds the bell
to let the boys know it's time to get cleaned up for lunch.  They don't
have to get spic-'n-span, but they are not allowed to enter the dining hall
dripping in sweat and covered in dirt.  Let's walk over near the pool and
you can see how they get cleaned up."

'The boys use the pool shower for a quick rinse.  The older boys acting as
mentors get their charges, the younger boys, and make sure they rinse off.
The younger boys will sometimes try to sidestep the shower if they can;
you'd think it was punishment to listen to them sometimes.  They have about
five minutes before lunch is served, and that's usually enough time in the
sun for them to dry.  After lunch, the getting sweaty and dirty process
starts over again.  We joke around here that the amount of sweat and dirt
is a measure of the fun the boy had."

The three of them stand there as the soccer groups run in.  Travis and Tim
go past their mother like she's not even there; the boys have become a part
of the whole, distinguishable only by their haircuts.  Daniel asks Jon and
Betty in to see how the boys eat and to meet Barry.  When they enter Daniel
signaled Barry to join them and asked him to show them the food preparation
area.  As they left the shower area Danny spotted Daniel and ran over with
Sean close on his heels.  When he saw Jon and Betty he slowed down and made
sure to keep Daniel between them and himself.

Daniel picked the boy up and let him settle on his hip.  Danny wrapped both
feet around Daniel and propped one arm on his shoulder.  Two fingers in his
mouth say he's either tired or unsure of these new people.  Daniel asked
the boy if he remembers Jon and Betty from the television station the other
day, but he shakes his head.  Daniel tried to explain who they were, hoping
the boy would remember, but at the moment he's more interested in watching
their every move.  Betty sees Danny and steps over; Danny gets a tighter
grip on Daniel.

"Danny, do you remember me?  You and some of your friends came to visit me
at the television station.  You were wearing your Cherub outfit, remember?"

Danny looked at Betty for a minute, then at Daniel.  Soon, a sheepish grin
shows indicating he remembers.  Betty holds her hands out to the boy.

"Can I get a hug 'hello'?"

Danny starts to move towards her but then pulls back to Daniel.  Daniel
whispers words of encouragement in the boy's ear and Danny lets Betty hold
him.  Daniel knows the boy isn't as clean as the last time Betty saw him.

"Betty, you may want to be careful holding him, he likes playing in the
dirt and then wearing a good bit of it during the day."

"Daniel, a little dirt is the last thing I worry about; remember, I have
twin boys just a little older than Danny.  Dirt and boys seems to be
synonymous.  That's one thing I like about being able to let them run free,
just drop them in the tub, and a lot less laundry to worry about."

Daniel put his hand around Sean's shoulder as they entered the dining hall.
Daniel had not explained to Sean he was the purpose of this visit.  Betty
talked with Danny as they walked.  Daniel could see the boy becoming more
comfortable with her and was beginning to talk her ear off.  Daniel asked
one of the kp boys to let Barry know he was needed.

"Barry, this is Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler from the television station.
They are here to look around and discuss doing a special on new Horizons.
Could you show them around here and explain our system for feeding the
boys?"

Barry acknowledged Jon and Betty while Daniel explained what's happening as
the group toured the kitchen area and serving line.  He explained a serving
line proved to be the most practical and fastest way to serve the boys;
it's much like the cafeteria lines they would be using at school.  Daniel
let Jon and Betty know Barry was a certified chef and nutritionist so there
are no concerns whether the boys receive a balanced diet.  Jon saw the
amount of food being prepared and asked about supplies.

"A lot four food comes from two of the larger grocery chains.  Foods that
have reached their final sale date that would normally be tossed get
donated.  The food is normally good for a few days after the sale date so
long as it's kept frozen, but with the number of appetites at New Horizon,
there is little concern for waste.  The kitchen normally receives two or
three major deliveries each week that include meat, fruit and vegetables.
If the donations don't cover all the items we need we have the ability to
call the wholesaler and receive shipments from them.  Of course, we have to
plan and track inventory a few days in advance, that's where computers come
in handy. "

"What about the garden we saw.  Do you still need to take the donations?"

"The garden is new and hasn't produced anything for us yet.  When it does
begin to produce then we will be able to adjust the donations we accept or
use the garden as a supplement."

Jon and Betty both seem impressed by the organization and smooth operation
of the kitchen area.  Jon expressed their impression.

"Daniel, it looks like a professional operation.  The boys look healthy and
happy and I see you even have a kitchen patrol established so the boys
contribute also."

The boys entered the hall and passed through the serving line.  Barry had
two of the kp boys prepare plates for Daniel, the staff and their guests.
Sean took Danny through the line and rejoined Daniel and his guests.  While
sitting there watching the boys Travis walks by and waves at his mom.  He's
with part of the soccer group and appears to have made friends.  Daniel
doesn't know if it's because Betty is here or really why, but this is the
first time he's ever noticed that as the boys walk by their equipment jumps
around and their little bubble butts jiggle like mounds of gelatin.  It
doesn't seem to bother the boys or Betty, so why should it concern him?

As they eat Daniel notices Betty has concentrated on Sean and Danny, asking
questions that let her better understand each boy.  Jon is intently
watching all the boys; seemingly absorbing their actions and interactions.
When Jon asked about the unusual sunburst organization of the tables Daniel
explained it allows you to stand in the middle and address a group or all
of the boys at one time.  The arrangement also expedites collection of
dirty plates and cleanup for the boys on kp.  When the boys on kp finish
the cleanup after lunch they are not required to stay in the kitchen and
work, but leave to join the other boys in various activities.  While Daniel
talked to Jon, Michael walked in and joined them.

"Michael, this is Jon Caruthers and Betty Risler from the television
station.  They are here to discuss a special on New Horizon and the boys.
Today, they wanted to meet Sean and see about setting up special service
announcements for locating his brother."

After the cordialities were exchanged Jon asked Michael for specifics on
Sean's condition and benefits from locating his brother, Brad.  Michael
explained the hope was Brad could provide more family history as well as
more detailed history on Sean's condition.  The bottom line was that
surgery was an absolute must for Sean to have a normal life, including a
decent chance of reaching his majority.

Another consideration for locating Brad was Sean's mental attitude.  Sean
and his brother are thought to have been very close, and while Sean was a
real trooper and surviving, the heart surgery would require he be willing
to fight to live.  Brad could well give him that little bit of extra
support and willingness to survive.  Jon asked about time lines for Sean,
what could the boy expect in the near future?

Michael explained that there was no way of projecting a time line for Sean
until more tests were run.  Only preliminary tests were conducted until
now, and New Horizon was looking for a hospital to assist them.  Stated
another way, a hospital needed to be willing to run the tests as a donation
to New Horizon, the state would not contribute under the terms of the
agreement.

When Jon and Betty heard the facts they asked if Sean knew why they were
there; Daniel told them he didn't.  Betty asked to be able to speak with
the boy.

"Sean, do you remember when you visited the station we did a short segment
on New Horizons, and made a quick appeal for your brother to contact us?
We want to make another try at locating your brother and need your help."

"Ms. Betty, Brad won't contact you; he'd be afraid they would take him in
and sell him."

"Sean, do you think if we ask him to just call us, would he do that?  He
doesn't have to come see us, just call on the phone."

"I don't know, he might."

While Betty talked to Sean, Jon talked to Daniel and Michael and let them
know they had brought along a film camera and a still camera in the hopes
of doing a brief appeal to Brad and taking other photos that would help to
organize the larger special they want on New Horizons.  They want to use
both Danny and Sean for the spot and could prepare a script in just a few
minutes with Daniels permission.  Daniel called both boys over.

"Boys, how would you like to be on television again?"

"If that's what you want us to do, Mr. Dan'l, we will."

"Sean, you don't have to go to the television station right now.  These
people brought cameras with them and they want to film a spot to make an
appeal to your brother.  They're trying to help us find him for you,
understand?"

"Yes, sir, but it's like I told Ms. Betty, he probably won't.  He don't
want to be a slave."

"Sean, I understand what you're saying, and I don't want to say anything to
get your hopes up.  For now I need to ask you to just trust me and let us
see what we can do about the matter, okay?"

"Yes, sir, I trust you; what do want us to do?"

"Good boy; first thing, take Danny and the two of you head to the showers
and get spic- 'n-span for us; then come to my office."

The boys headed to the showers with Danny protesting he didn't get to go
back and play.  Daniel escorted the group to his office for planning.  Jon
stopped by the van to pick up their cameras.  In the office Jon and Betty
take pencil in hand for a quick script.  Danny looked out and saw Josh
walking by and called out to him to bring the twins in.

"Betty, if you think your boys are identical twins, wait till you see the
boys coming in now."

Josh came in with the twins, walking up to Daniel.

"Yes, sir?".

"Betty, if you thought your boys looked alike, look at this.  Josh, this is
Ms Risler from the television station, two of the boys visiting us today
are her sons."

"My heavens, Daniel, how do you tell one from the other.?"

"I don't, but their mentors can.  Betty, this is Josh, he's the mentor for
one of these boys his brother is mentor to the other twin.  I think Josh
and his brothers are the only one that can tell them apart.  Betty, this is
another example of the boys we have here.  Josh is here with two brothers
plus the twins here.  The twins are actually pretty much regarded as his
brother also. Oh, I almost forgot, he has two cousins here as well."

"How did so much of one family wind up here?"

"Betty, that's kind of a long story which I'll tell you another time.  They
were what we call party boys; part of an underground circuit and gave shows
as a family.  The twins were neighbors or belonged to a neighbor and joined
the troop a few months before the father was killed in an accident."

"Daniel, these boys are beautiful.  Where do they come from?"

"A farm, we think."

Betty turned and looked at Daniel in absolute surprise.  She had heard of
this type thing but never actually met anyone from one of those farms.  She
looked back to the twins.

"Yes ma'am, they called us fuck babies."

As soon as they said it the twins knew they made a mistake.  They both
threw their hands over their mouths and looked at Daniel, then Josh.

"Mr. Dan'l, we're sorry, it just slipped.  Are we in trouble?"

"Boys, haven't I always told you I don't expect you to be perfect and if I
hear the language around here when it's just us I won't say anything;
however, when visitors are here that's different.  Do you remember that?"

"Yes, sir. ^Å Mr. Dan'l are we going to get swats now?"

"What do you boys think I should do about this?  Don't tell me I should
tell you you're bad little boys and send you on your way."

"Swats, we guess, sir."

Daniel holds a hand up letting the boys know to stay where they are.  He
comes back in a couple of minutes with two cups of water and something else
in his hand.  He has the boys each drink a half cup of water and hands them
something, telling them to stick a piece inside each cheek.  The boys are
then told to use two fingers and rotate their cheeks clockwise for a
minute, then counter-clockwise.  The look on their faces says they are not
enjoying this at all.

"Boys, in case you don't know what that is ^Å. No, don't stop rotating,
keep going ^Å those were little slivers of soap.  Now, the next time you
want to slip in front of a lady I want you to think about this, because
next time it will be a bar of soap as big as the one in my hand."

One of the boys looked shocked while the other looked repulsed.  Neither
boy wanted any part of that bar.  Daniel told the boys to apologize to
Ms. Betty and be on their way.  The boys ran out of the office and straight
to the water hose.  They were ready to fight one another for enough water
to rinse their mouth out.  The adults laughed as they watched through the
window and really enjoyed it when Jon told Daniel he got it all on film.
Betty felt badly for the boys.

"Daniel, the boys didn't mean to say anything like that, and believe me,
I've heard a lot worse, usually from my own when they didn't know I could
hear them."

As the twins ran out, Sean and Danny walked in, wondering what was going
on.  Mark had discussed things with Jon and retrieved a pair of shorts and
shirt for Sean plus the boys' Cherub outfits.  It was decided they would
take photos of Sean in the shorts and shirt, but film him as a Cherub,
together with Danny.  While they were taking still photos of Sean, Daniel
started getting Danny ready.  When Daniel started rubbing the oil in, Danny
went limp, enjoying all the attention.  Mark took over getting Danny
dressed and accessorized when it was time to oil down Sean.  Betty helped
accessorize both boys so they would appear their best on camera.

While the crew filmed the scene, Daniel retrieved three of their new shirts
for Eric, Travis and Tim .  The new shirts had the New Horizons logo and
name located where the pocket was normally.  Daniel asked Jon and Betty to
let the boys wear them to school a couple of times and see what kind of
reaction came from other kids.  He knew that if you wanted to get a message
out, kids were the least inhibited about speaking up and saying what they
feel.

The shoot required most of the rest of the afternoon.  Multiple shots were
made from different angles and using different dialogue.  By the time it
was over both Sean and Danny were tired.  When Daniel told them it was over
and they could take off the cloths both boys removed the cloths and thong.
They didn't bother to leave, but just lay down on Daniel's couch.  Betty
sat on the sofa and, placing each boy's head in her lap, gently rubbed
their backs; something she knew from experience every boy enjoyed.

As he watched Betty rubbing the boys' backs, Daniel contemplated Sean's
statement about his brother not coming in and not wanting to be a slave.
If the boy did see the spots on television there was no reason for him to
trust them.  Daniel knew he didn't have the authority to promise the boy he
wouldn't be taken into custody and sold.  It occurred to Daniel that as
they traveled the state with The Cherubs, other boys might try to come to
New Horizon for help.  The agreement with the state did not address those
issues, but they needed to be addressed, and soon.

***

Jon and Betty toured the grounds with Daniel again before leaving; Sean and
Danny had attached themselves to her since she gave them some personal
attention.  The tour was more to observe the boys and assess how they
adjusted to the new program, and help determine what the television station
might be able to do to assist in the success of the project.  Jon stopped
as they approached the garden.

"Daniel, we'd like to meet with you and your staff to discuss ideas on how
the station can best support you.  There's no doubt you will need financial
contributions, but we believe we need to think on a large scale such as
golf tournaments, large fund raisers, things along those lines.  Also, we'd
like your permission to make some phone calls and get some medical tests
for Sean."

Daniel smiled, "Jon, we appreciate any support you give us.  We hoped to be
able to get sponsors for something like a charity golf tournament, or
possibly a spring fair or fall fair held here with, maybe, antique cars,
arts & crafts shows; you know, things along those lines.  We'll be glad to
sit with you at your convenience."

"Also, at one time you mentioned making appearances at some of the other
stations in the state.  We really appreciate that offer, and, if possible,
when that can be arranged we'd like to coordinate the schedule with Paul.
He is our public relations person tat schedules other appearances for us.
If we can schedule more than one appearance during a trip it becomes more
efficient for us and less taxing on our sponsors."

"Another that concerns us is it came to our attention when Sean said
something about his brother.  What happens if an abandoned boy comes here
seeking shelter?  The issue isn't addressed in our agreement with the
state; we do have extra room here, and there is no way I would willingly
turn a boy away.  What I'm getting at Jon, is I will contact Tallahassee
and seek an amendment to our agreement, but we may need some extra pressure
put on politicians, if you know what I mean?"

"We understand, Daniel.  We'll give all the help we can, and that includes
doing editorials that could pose interesting, and possibly embarrassing,
questions to any politicians that may try to interfere."

***

Daniel sat at his desk thinking this had been an eventful day, actually it
had been an eventful weekend.  Jon and Betty were very supportive of the
projects goals.  Daniel laughed as he remembered the trouble both had
getting their sons to leave.  All three were as dirty as any of the New
Horizon boys and had to take showers before loading up.  It was good for
the boys to arrive running free, this made it easier for the boys at New
horizon to accept themselves.  The biggest problem for Jon and Betty was
their kids wanted to stay and visit; maybe one day.

Daniel pulled out a slip of paper and began writing priorities for
tomorrow:
	Computers
	Testing school lessons
	Sean & Brad
	More boys
	Exemptions
	Amos Crawford
	Dad
	Birthdays


End Chapter Seventeen

To Be Continued: comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at
adm2780@yahoo.com