Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 11:02:19 -0800 (PST)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter thirty

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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: Once again, I would like to thank Colin for his support and efforts
at editing and correcting my errors.  His suggestions and comments have
been a significant contribution to the development of this story.


Chapter Thirty: New Horizons


"Daniel", Paul called over the intercom, "Captain Jackson's on line one for
you."

Daniel answered the phone.  "Captain, good to hear from you."

"Daniel, just called to confirm we're still on for this weekend.  We have
all the materials and equipment we think we'll need to build the basketball
court and ball diamond.  Are you prepared for us to come in tonight?"

"I'm told we are.  We're talking about ten men, right?"

"Daniel, a few of the men have sons they'd like to bring with them,
including me.  I have two.  I think there'd be about seven or eight boys.
We can bring sleeping bags for them, if that's alright."

"No problem at all, Captain.  I'll assume all the men know the boys run
free here?"

"Daniel, we're policemen, but we're also fathers.  Mine run free quite a
bit of the time and I know some of the other men let their boys do the
same.  My guess is once we get there the boys will want to lose it all and
stay that way till we make 'em get dressed again.  Daniel, we don't want to
be messin' up your schedules or supply allotments.  We can bring our own
provisions."

"Nonsense, there's plenty of room and plenty of food.  Did I ever tell you
the man running our mess hall is a certified chef?  Be sure to bring good
appetites or he's liable to be insulted."

"No problem.  We'll leave here about mid-afternoon; three or so.  That
should put us there before dark.  Daniel, I have a situation I want to talk
with you about.  I think your boys could be a big help."

"Captain, we'll try.  Would you like to give me a hint?"

"I'm not supposed to speak of it on a non-secured line.  We can talk when I
get there.  I think this problem may be right up your alley.  See you
tonight."

After Daniel hung up the phone he asked Paul if he knew where Rick was.
Paul knew that Rick hadn't said anything about leaving so he guessed he was
on the grounds.  Daniel left to find him and confirm they were prepared for
tonight's visitors.

As Daniel walked around searching for Rick, he spotted Danny wrestling in
the dirt with Ian and Ryan.  Daniel watched the boys at play.  If the
amount of dirt they had on them was a measure of their fun, they were
having a great time.  When Danny spotted Daniel he came running to the man
with his arms open.

"No way little guy.  Do you have any idea how dirty you are?"

"Me and Ryan and Ian been playin' wrestlin'."

"I saw the three of you.  You looked like you were having fun."  Danny and
Ian nodded their heads.  "You boys go ahead and have fun, but do everyone a
favor and stand under the shower by the pool before you go in for lunch,
okay?  Have you thought of getting one of the new little bikes or a
skateboard or wagon from Mr. Paul and playing with that?  It's a lot
cleaner."  As soon as he said it, Daniel knew he shouldn't have said
anything about being cleaner.  Clean and little boys did not seem to go
together.

The boys nodded, turned and ran back to their play area.  They didn't even
hint at heading to administration to get something to play with.  As they
ran off Daniel thought he should consider taking one of the other boys on
the week tour to give Danny some company his own age.  One of the boys
could also learn what Danny does just in case they needed a backup one day.

***

Late in the afternoon and some of the boys had finished their supper and
exited the dining hall.  As they walked into the courtyard they spotted the
caravan of trucks and equipment turning off the highway.  One of the boys
ran back inside to alert Daniel that somebody was coming.  Daniel told the
boys it was most likely the policemen that were going to help build the new
court and ball field.  Daniel and Rick walked out to greet their guests.

Rick guided the trucks to an area where they would be out of the way, but
easily accessible.  There were seven trucks.  Mostly pickups, but there
were two two-and-a-half ton stake-beds pulling trailers.  One had a big
dozer with a blade.  The other held two bobcats.  The beds appeared to be
loaded with building supplies and small equipment.  Daniel also saw that
the truck cabs carried both men and boys.  Daniel also noticed something
else that was going to be interesting.

All the boys at New Horizon were white.  Some of the policemen were black,
and had sons with them.  The subject of race and racial bias had never come
up before.  Daniel didn't know what the boys' attitudes would be.  This
would be an interesting lesson in diversity and acceptance.

When all the vehicles were parked the drivers exited the cabs and gathered
in front of their vehicles.  Daniel noticed a number of boys in various
stages of dress.  Two were in the process of getting undressed when an
adult said something to them.  Captain Jackson approached his men and their
sons.  He said something to them very briefly and then approached Daniel.

"Daniel, we made it.  Good to see you."

"Captain, welcome.  We've been waiting.  The boys know why you're here and
are really excited.  I think you will have more volunteers to help with
this project than you'll be able to keep busy."

"No such thing.  The more workers we have, the faster we finish and the
sooner the boys can enjoy the facilities."

As the two men exchanged pleasantries they both watched the boys.  The New
Horizon boys stood naked, eyeing the new kids.  The new kids, in various
stages of dress, stood eyeing the group of naked boys.  After watching the
two groups for a couple of minutes Daniel and the Captain signaled for
their respective groups to step up.

Daniel was the first to speak.  "Boys we have guests.  Don't you think you
should welcome them?"

The Captain called out to his group.  "Fellas, we can't get any work done
hanging around the trucks.  Time to get friendly."

The Captain then turned to Daniel.  "As you can see, some of the boys were
already getting comfortable as we pulled in.  I stopped them and told them
they should ask first."

The men stepped forward and introduced themselves to Daniel and Rick.  It
was obvious which boys belonged to which man since the boys stuck to their
parent like glue.  When the introductions were complete the visiting boys
stood in front or next to their father waiting for instructions.  Daniel
counted twelve boys, five of whom were black.  He saw the look of
excitement and anticipation in his boys' eyes and the visitors' eyes.

"Gentlemen, and boys, I'll assume you drove straight in and haven't had
supper.  Our chef was anticipating your arrival and has supper waiting for
anyone that's hungry."  This announcement brought smiles from several of
the boys.  "Also, we want all the boys to feel right at home.  Subject to
their father's approval, you are welcome to make yourselves just as
comfortable as you like.  As you can see, our boys believe in being very
comfortable and you are welcome to join them.  You may do so now, or later,
what ever is more comfortable to you.  The boys in the dining hall are just
as comfortable as the boys you see here."

All the boys received a nod from their parent and were stripped before they
even got to the trucks to store their belongings.  When the boys rejoined
the group they all headed for the dining hall.  The group entered through
the side door normally used by staff.  The room went eerily quiet after the
visitors entered.  Daniel took advantage of the quiet to introduce the
visitors and let the boys know what was expected of them.  As the visitors
were served, the quiet mumblings began.

Daniel signaled for Danny to step up.  Danny was introduced to one of the
younger visitors who happened to be his age, and was black.  The visitor's
name was Kai.  Daniel thought it was interesting how the two boys eyed one
another.  At Daniel's request, Danny took his guest through the line and
then led him to their table.  Two of the older boys followed the example
and stepped up to welcome the visitors and invite them to sit with them.

"Daniel, we were a little concerned about letting the boys come.  We
weren't sure your boys would appreciate them being here.  Looks like we
worried over nothing.  Our kids seem to have mixed right in with your
boys."

"Captain, I've learned one thing about kids.  They like being with other
kids and usually don't go looking for something to cause trouble.  I was
curious, though, about one thing.  You'll notice all the boys here are
white.  I was curious to see how they would react to some of your boys.
Right now I'd say they are all color blind; that's how it should be."

"We talked about the same thing before we left.  You're right, though.  We,
as adults, seem to look for the worst.  The kids seem to just accept things
at face value and move on.  I think there's a lesson in that for all of
us."

"Captain," Daniel said, changing the tone in his discussion, "you said you
had something important you wanted to discuss.  Can you do that now or is
it better to wait?"

"I think we can talk now.  Of course, I'll have to ask you and your staff
to understand that what I'm about to tell you is not for publication.
Daniel, we've been receiving a lot of complaints lately about thefts and
vandalism in a particular area of downtown.  The general belief is the
problem is caused by a small group of homeless people.  When I say homeless
people, of course, I'm really saying street kids.  Kids in the same
position as Brad and his group that we processed for you."

"The issue has to do with petty thefts and some minor property damage.
There's enough going on that the mayor is catching some heat and the heat
is being pushed all the way to Tallahassee.  I've received orders to do a
sweep, and do it soon."

"By sweep," Daniel interrupted, "I assume you mean you have orders to raid
the buildings and pick up the kids?"

"Exactly." The Captain responded. "We've conducted some reconnaissance and
located a small cell staying in one of the garages downtown.  We know where
they are and could move in with force to get them, but I'd rather do it
another way.  You've heard me mention that I wanted to change the
perception these kids have of the police force.  We want to help these
kids.  We have already announced our policy of asking the boys if they want
to come to New Horizons, assuming you have room.  If we move in on them in
uniform and en masse, they will most likely panic.  Of course, when we try
to clear them if we find there is a warrant out, then that kid has to be
enslaved."

"Captain, I don't understand.  Other than being willing to accept more
kids, how do we fit into this?" asked Daniel.

"Daniel, there's no way these kids are going to trust us.  We are the
police; we are the enemy.  However, we believe that kids will listen to
kids.  What we are proposing is simple.  Let us borrow a couple of your
boys as volunteers to work with us.  We know where the cell is.  We will
let your boys go in and talk with them.  Tell them everything that's going
on.  If there are boys that can't qualify they don't have to come out.
Those that do qualify and want into your program, let them walk out with
your boys.  Your boys will have a laptop to check the registry.  We'll be
parked two blocks away and come when your boys call us.  We'll accept those
on the sidewalk and assume there are no more in the building.  We have to
do this next week."  As he spoke the Caption gave Daniel a 'do you
understand what I'm really saying' look.

"I understand what you're saying.  I'll have to talk to the boys.
Remember, Captain, our original group really isn't that far removed from
the street either."

While the adults talked, most of the boys finished their supper and were
outside.  Daniel asked Paul to post a sign for a meeting with all level
four boys at ten the next morning and then offered to show his guests their
accommodations.  They said they preferred to view the area for the proposed
basketball court and ball field.  The adults left with each staff member
escorting one or more guests.

Daniel showed the men the area used for playing basketball.  The plan was
to use the same area, but with a proper court rather than the existing
clay.  Walking over to the area for the ball field the group walked passed
the swimming pool.  Some of the boys were enjoying the pool with a couple
of their guests.  They also passed an area covered with hedges.  Looking
just beyond the hedges the group could see Danny with Ian, Ryan and Kai.
The boys played their version of 'doctor' or 'personal inspection'.  Kai's
father stood with Daniel to observe the activity.

Kai was bent over.  He was holding Ryan's butt cheeks apart and seemed to
be making a serious visual examination of Ryan's private parts.  Danny was
doing the same thing to Kai.  Ian was on his knees holding Kai's penis
between his thumb and first finger.  He held the boy's penis away from the
scrotum, examining both very carefully.  After watching the boy's for a
couple of minutes they saw Kai encircled by the other boys.  Danny wiped
his hand over Kai's back and then held his palm up to examine it.  Was he
expecting something to rub off?  Kai's father gave the signal for the men
to move on.

When the group was out of hearing range of the four boys, all began to
laugh.  Particularly humorous was Danny's inspection of his palm after
rubbing Kai.  He looked as though he expected his hand to turn brown.
Kai's father laughed and acknowledged he never knew his son was so curious
about a white boy.

They arrived at the site behind the buildings.  Daniel explained this area
was chosen because of the open space and the boys wouldn't be hitting the
ball towards a window.  The men surveyed the topography and soil
conditions.  With no trees to worry about the group thought this project
would take less time than planned.  Initial steps included staking,
stripping and grading, and then irrigation.  Equipment and supplies were on
hand for the heavy work to be accomplished by machines.

The group headed back to the center of the compound.  They again saw the
group of young boys who were now absorbed in a game of tag.  It was getting
a little late and Kai's father was about to call him in when Daniel stopped
him.

"The two older boys you see walking towards the little ones, they are the
boys' mentors.  People ask how we care for so many boys with a small staff.
Watch and you'll see."

Sean and Isaac were mentors for Danny and Ryan.  The older boys approached
the little ones and then called to them.  The little ones stopped to
listen.  The frowns, followed by those angelic pleading expressions, told
Daniel the little ones were being called in for the evening and pleading
for a few more minutes.  At first, Kai looked a little lost, being
unfamiliar with the routine, and then put on his pleading expression.  Ian
tried to give them some trouble.  Daniel guessed he was letting them know
his mentor hadn't called him in.  Isaac didn't say anything to Ian, he just
picked him up and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  It
was hard to tell if Ian screamed in protest or delight.  Soon, Sean and
Isaac were escorting the four little ones to the dorm.

"The mentors," Daniel explained, "are taking the boys in to get cleaned up.
It looks like the boys have adopted Kai.  The young ones think taking a
shower or bath is punishment and a waste of time.  They figure they'll just
get dirty again tomorrow.  Every day they protest and every day they lose.
The mentors will make sure they are properly cleaned and brush their teeth.
Afterwards, they can go to the rec room and play a game or watch some
television.  The televisions are separated to let different age groups view
different shows.  Danny's group has to be in bed no later than nine, but
preferably around eight thirty.  The older boys go to bed around ten."

"Daniel, I have Kai's sleeping bag in the truck.  I better get it.  I was
going to keep him with me tonight, mainly so he wouldn't be frightened.
Looks like he'd rather be with his new friends, if you don't mind."

"Whatever's good with you.  We want the boys to feel comfortable and right
at home."

Later, Daniel and a few of his guests made the nightly round of the dorms.
When they approached Danny's area they saw that he wasn't on his bed,
neither was his mattress.  Kai's sleeping bag was still rolled up and on
one of the beds.  As they got closer they saw an interesting sight on the
floor.  The boys had pulled three mattresses off the beds and laid them on
the floor.  All four boys were curled up with one another, sound asleep.
The men walked out as quietly as possible.

Making the tour the men found all the visiting boys sleeping with their age
groups.  In more than one instance a couple of the resident boys put
mattresses on the floor and three or more boys were sleeping on them.  One
of the Captain's boys was sharing mattresses on the floor, sleeping with
the twins.  Daniel hoped that the twins didn't try to teach the boy
anything.  His other boy was just lying on the floor with Kyle's group.
It'd be interesting to hear the stories these boys would tell when they
returned home.

***

After an early breakfast, the boys were divided into groups under the
supervision of the policemen.  Daniel reminded the boys the men were not
here as police officers, but as private citizens who volunteered their time
and efforts to make life a little more normal for the boys.  The men
understood the boys' apprehension and hoped by working together they could
build a stronger relationship.  At ten o'clock the level four boys left
their groups to meet with Daniel in the dining hall.

Daniel first inquired about any problems with the current projects.  The
boys assured Daniel that things were going good.  He then told the boys
about the discussion he had with Captain Jackson and the Captain's request
to have a couple of the boys work with the police department.  The boys'
primary responsibility would be to act as lead liaison between the street
kids and the police.

"Mr. Dan'l", one of the boys spoke up, "is he askin' us to help him arrest
these kids?"

Daniel saw the expressions on the boys' faces and realized that they didn't
fully understand what the police were asking.  "Guys, to say the police
want your help in arresting these kids isn't a fair statement.  The Captain
is asking you to help them get these kids off the street.  Understand, they
will be taken off the street.  The Captain has orders to conduct the sweep
and he can't ignore those orders.  Now, I want you to think about the
interview at the hospital when we brought Sean back.  Not all of you were
there, but all of you have seen the interview more than once.  What would
be the advantage of you going in first?  Think about the last group of boys
that just came in."

Daniel watched the faces.  Some of the boys were thinking about his
question.  Other boys were mumbling amongst themselves.  Daniel decided to
help them.  "In the interview the Captain said his men would ask the boys
that qualified if they wanted to come to New Horizons.  What about the boys
that don't qualify, what happens to them?"

"They'd be sold as slaves."  One of the boys responded.

"Exactly," stated Daniel, "Now, think about if the Captain gives you a lap
top and access to the warrant postings to check the boys.  What happens if
you find one of them on the warrant list?  What happens to them if the
police find them listed?"

"We could warn 'em so they could get away, but if the police have 'em,
they'd get enslaved?"

"Correct," Daniel stated. "So, are the police trying to hurt these boys or
give them a chance?"

"Give 'em a chance one way or the other." Another boy stated.

"That's right.  Now, does everyone understand?" Daniel waited for any
questions.  When no one said anything he continued. "Boys, I'm not going to
say you have to do this.  We are looking for volunteers.  Think about this
though.  Those men came here without being asked.  They are trying to prove
to you they can be your friend.  Aren't they just asking you to help
convince other boys that the police can be their friend?  Think about it
guys and let me know."

"Mr. Dan'l," Kevin stood to ask his question. "When do you need to know and
who will come with us?  Will you be with us?"

"Kevin, we would like to know something before these men leave here.  So
far as someone being with you, I hadn't really thought about that.  Would
you feel better?"

"Yes sir, I think so.  Mr. Dan'l, understand, we were street kids and when
we got picked up, well, you know.  We appreciate what they are out there
doin' for us, but right now we're bein' asked to put a lot of trust in
people that we feared and haven't really had a chance to get to know.
Understand what I'm sayin'?  Suppose they decide not to let us come back?"

"Okay, I understand what you're saying.  Let me talk to the Captain about
that part and you boys talk between yourselves.  Let me know what you want
to do.  I don't see any reason we can't work something out to satisfy
everyone.  Right now, though, I think we need to get back outside."

When the boys left the dining hall, Daniel noted most went directly to
their work group.  A small core group of boys gathered together and were
discussing something.  Daniel assumed it was the issue they just met about.

***

"Kevin, you think we can trust these cops?  Maybe they just came here to
make us think they care, but they're really tryin' to get us away so they
can have us enslaved."

"Joey," Kevin started with a little exasperation in his voice. "think about
what you just said.  If they wanted us they could've given us trouble at
the hospital in Orlando.  I think what they're sayin's for real, but I'd
feel better havin' Mr. Dan'l or somebody else from here with us.  Brad, you
had the most recent experience with 'em.  What do you think?"

"At first, I didn't trust 'em.  When Mr. Dan'l said we had to go to the
police station for processing I was ready to run. When we got to the
station I was more than ready.  So was a couple of the other guys.
Mr. Dan'l and Mark was with us and kept us from getting panicky.  Mr. Dan'l
stayed with us through the whole thing 'cept right at the end when he had
to sign papers."

"The Captain, I thought at first he was kinda gruff.  He came out and
talked to us.  He stayed with us through the whole thing, too.  In fact, he
said he had a special crew set up to handle us all together instead of one
at a time.  Thought we'd be more comfortable that way.  The Captain tried
kiddin' around with us some, but you know how it is with cops.  They don't
got a very good sense of humor; it's kinda warped.  Know what I mean?"

"Guys," Kevin spoke up to refocus the conversation. "Let's suppose that
Mr. Dan'l or Mark or one of the other guys will go with us.  What do we do?
Do we volunteer?  As for me, I'm goin' to tell Mr. Dan'l I'll go if he says
it'll be safe.  I'll probably be scared shitless the whole time, but I'll
do it for Mr. Dan'l."

***

Daniel watched as the last peg for the basketball court frame was hammered
in.  One of the boys was working with two men measuring the frame and
verifying the dimensions were correct.  Kevin and Brad were by the building
mixing concrete in wheelbarrows.  Kyle and Jamie were shoveling dirt at the
older boys' directions.  Sean handled the water hose.  Daniel laughed when
he looked at the boys.  Running around naked, the older boys had developed
a dark tan and the new boys were catching up.  The white cement powder
stuck to their sweaty bodies making them look like characters out of a
Keystone Cops movie.  Daniel knew the boys would not have any trouble
sleeping tonight.

Daniel complimented the boys on their hard work.  Lots of praise was given
to the younger boys for their hard work and help.  Daniel did have to
question whether some of the help from the younger boys was constructive,
but knew they needed the praise.  When all the boys had been acknowledged,
Daniel moved out to the ball field area.

Captain Jackson directed the work on the ball field.  The field was already
scraped and graded.  Two trenching machines worked to dig the trenches for
the irrigation lines.  One crew composed of one man and three boys followed
the machines dropping pvc pipe and sprinkler heads.  Another crew worked to
run a line from the water plant to the primary box containing the area
valves.  Daniel couldn't even count the number of men and boys hauling off
the dirt pile created by the grading.  Daniel approached the Captain.

"Looks like you have a very efficient operation going here."

"Well, thank you, Mr. Dan'l" replied the Captain, being a little
sarcastic. "We try to please." Then the Captain became more serious,
"Daniel, I wouldn't have believed how hard these boys would work.  Most of
the time when you're working boys this age it's easier, and faster, to just
do it yourself.  Some of the men were questioning whether we needed to come
back next week.  I believe we'll finish this weekend, though."

"They're good boys Captain.  They just need for someone to give them a
break and let them be kids again.  Knowing they have a good chance at a
decent future doesn't hurt, either."

"Hey, Mr. Dan'l," one of the boys called out, "you gonna stand there or are
you gonna help?"

"From the looks of it, you guys don't need my help.  You're doin' great
without me."

"Strip on down, Mr. Dan'l.  The exercise'll do you good.  You're getting'
pale too, like a tourist." Another boy called out.

"Are you sayin' I'm out of shape?" Daniel called back.

"You said that, Mr. Dan'l, not us. But, the old sayin' is 'if the shoe
fits^Å'"

The Captain watched and listened as Daniel bantered back and forth with the
boys.  Listening to them he understood why Daniel was able to handle them
as easily as he did.  The banter was friendly, filled with caring and
mutual respect.

The Captain looked at Daniel who was removing his shirt.  "Daniel, are you
going to strip down and join them?"

"I was thinking about it.  Are you going to arrest me?"

"I don't see or know a thing, Daniel.  Besides, this is state property and
I don't have any authority here.  I'm guessing you've done this before?"

"Many times Captain.  Unless you're real shy, you might try it.  You'd be
surprised how a little step like this goes a long way to winning a lot of
trust.  Have you ever been skinny dipping with your boys?  No different,
just more boys.  I will warn you, be prepared for a lot of razzing."

The Captain thought about what Daniel said for a moment.  Giving a 'why
not' shrug of his shoulders, he began to strip.  While stripping he saw
Daniel's back and froze.

"Daniel, your back ^Å" the Captain stammered.

"Sorry, Captain, I should have warned you.  All of the boys have seen it.
You know, I was once a slave.  My back is my constant reminder of my
treatment and why I want to protect these boys."

The Captain didn't say anymore.  When both men were naked they joined the
boys.  When the Captain's men saw him they gave some wolf whistles and
hoots, then joined him in getting comfortable.  The boys teased all of them
about having lily-white butts, except for the black men who surprised the
boys when they said they could get sunburned, too.  The visiting boys
joined with their hosts to give the men a very loud and unforgettable
'welcome to our club' afternoon.

Supper was hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on an open grill.  The group
gathered around the pool and the volleyball area.  After supper men and
boys mixed, talking and laughing openly.  Daniel noticed the boys seemed
much more at ease now with their guests.  Stripping down and joining the
boys at work had the desired effect.  Funny, after everyone stopped working
and rinsed off at the outdoor shower, no body bothered to get dressed
again.

As the evening wore on the boys began to retire without being told.  Daniel
knew they were tired.  Regardless of how they felt, the mentors took care
of their charges, some of whom had to be carried in.  The Captain and
Daniel stood watching the boys as they all appeared to run out of energy.

"Daniel, it was a good afternoon.  Working with the boys the way we did
accomplished more than ten days of talking could do.  However, there was a
price to pay.  The boys elicited a promise from us that we must fulfill."

The Captain looked at his men and gave a nod.  On signal, his men tackled
all the staff members and unceremoniously threw them into the pool.  Most
all the policemen, including the Captain, wound up in the pool also.  The
sound of the men shrieking their surprise and hitting the water was matched
by the cheers from the boys standing by the pool.  All the men laughed and
started reaching for the leg of the nearest boy who soon found himself
joining them.

***

"Mr. Dan'l?" Kevin called out, he was accompanied by Brad and
Sean. "Mr. Dan'l, can we talk?"

"Sure, boys, you know I'm available any time."

Kevin spoke for the group.  "A group of us got together and we figure since
those men came here to help us, and considering the sports equipment
donation, that, well, maybe they are tryin' to be friends.  Anyway, we
figured we are the best ones to work with the police.  We probably owe 'em
something for the sunburned butts they got yesterday.  Brad may know some
of the boys, same with Sean.  Plus, with all the television and paper
stories about finding Brad, they may recognize him.  I can speak to them
about how it was for the rest of us and what you did to help us.

We do have two questions though.  First, when do they want to do this and
how long will we be gone?  Some of us was kinda hopin' you'd take us on the
week long tour.  That's just over a week away now.  Second, could Mr. Mark
go with us?  He's still kinda young and the boys would talk to him, and
we'd feel better."

"I understand, guys.  Let me talk with the Captain, I'm sure he'll
understand.  The sweep has to come down this week.  He's been pushing it
off until he could see you guys, but he thinks he's pushed it about as far
as his superiors will let him.  Also, I promise not to tell Mark you said
he was just 'kinda' young."

Daniel found the Captain working on the ball field.  The work moved along
faster than anticipated and there was a good chance of finishing today.
The field would be seeded, so it was up to nature to stay warm and let the
grass grow.  Daniel noticed that Danny and Kai were no longer working, but
had discovered the pleasures of a mud pit.  The two boys turned themselves
into mud monsters.  Daniel signaled one of the boys with a hose and pointed
to the mud covered boys.  The older boy waved and acknowledged what Daniel
was asking.

 "Captain, I just spoke with the boys.  They've picked a group of three
they think will function best for what you want to do.  They are asking
when and how long they'll be gone.  They also want to take Mark with them."

"Well, Daniel," the Captain said "guess I really can't blame them for
wanting to have someone with them they trust.  The sweep has to be this
week.  I think the boys can tell us the best time to find all of the group
or gang together.  Given what some of these kids have to do to survive,
we're guessing early morning is best.  If the boys are willing, I'd like to
take them with me tonight and pull the sweep as soon as possible.  We can
process in the afternoon and, hopefully, have everyone back here that night
or the next day.

Daniel, would it help if I were to leave my boys here with you until I
bring your boys back?  Assuming they'd want to stay, of course."

***

When the Captain asked his boys if they'd like to stay and play with their
new friends for an extra day or two, the boys were real excited.  The other
boys, hearing this, told their fathers they wanted to stay too.  The other
boys were disappointed when told they had to go home, but could come back
for a visit before long.  Some of the boys were really unhappy.  As a
consolation, since the boys were of a legal age their fathers told them
they didn't have to dress but could remain running free.  The boys didn't
act overly excited or happy, but neither did they protest.  All of them
procrastinated and found more excuses than anyone could count not to leave.
However, leave they eventually did.

Daniel and the boys thanked the volunteers.  A couple of the boys gave
advice on how to handle the sunburned buns.  The fact the boys grinned from
ear to ear and couldn't avoid laughing took some of the sincerity out of
the advice.

Mark drove the New Horizon van with Kevin, Brad and Sean.  All four wore
identification necklaces and knew how to use them if necessary.  The boys
would stay with the Captain who assured Daniel the boys would be fine
unless his wife thought they were too thin and decided to keep them up
eating all night.

When they left, Daniel spotted Josh and called him over.  "Josh, one of the
Captain's boys has been hanging around the twins.  How about making sure
they don't get into anything we wouldn't want them repeating to their
parents, okay?"

"Uhhhh ^Å Mr. Dan'l," Josh responded hesitantly, "that may be a little too
late.  Yesterday I caught 'em out back."  Daniel looked at Josh with his
'go on' expression.  "All three were on there knees comparing equipment ^Ö
up front, around back and underneath, if you know what I mean.  Then I
caught 'em sword fighting, but they weren't using sticks.  Last night they
were all three on mattresses on the floor.  They were kinda spooned."

"What do you mean 'kinda' spooned?"

"Well, the twins were bookends.  One of the twins was facin' the Captain's
boy.  The other twin was behind the boy.  They were in as close as they
could get.  I think they were belly rubbin', but stopped and acted like
they were sleepin' when they heard me comin'.  That's all as far as I know.
I don't think they did anything real bad, Mr. Dan'l, they were just bein'
little boys satisfying their curiosity."

Daniel let his head fall so his fingers could massage his temple.  After
taking a deep breath he spoke.  "Josh, do us all a favor and sleep with the
three of 'em tonight.  Please, try to keep them out of trouble.  I hope
those twins haven't taught that boy anything else, and if they have, I
don't want to know about it."

Josh couldn't help but smile at the way Daniel spoke. "Yes sir, I'll keep
'em straight."


End Chapter Thirty

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