Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 15:42:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Fifty-Eight

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: I would like to thank Colin and John for their continued support and
patience while I try to write this story.  Their support and efforts at
editing and correcting my errors not only keep me in line, but contribute
significantly to a better story.


Chapter Fifty-Eight:  New Horizons


Jeremy was almost overwhelmed by the number of people and the festivities
at his home.  He had seen parties or celebrations this big and bigger, but
his training made him block out everything except what people demanded of
him.  The only times he had attended parties like this was when he was part
of the entertainment.  This time, he was the center of attention and it was
almost too much, both mentally and emotionally.

Since he was awakened that morning, everything that happened or was said
was about him.  Never had so many people expressed an interest in what
happened to him or how he felt.  He was so frightened during the hearing
that most of it was a blur. He remembered the judges asking him some
questions and trying to answer them as honestly as he knew how.  He
remembered thinking it was strange that adults would ask him questions.
The only time adults asked him anything in the past two years was to ask
him if he knew how worthless he was.  The intent was to admonish him for
not swallowing fast enough or not clamping down to make himself tight for
them.  He did remember the judge telling him he was free and that his name
was Jeremy Marshall.  He also remembered breaking down at the end and
crying so hard it hurt.

Now was not a time to hurt.  Now was a time to smile and be happy.
Surrounding him were his friends Ted and Derek and their families.  He also
recognized Mark, Clayton and Clayton's mother.  Suddenly, he panicked; he
couldn't remember Clayton's mother's name.  Then he smiled because he knew
he would be forgiven for the lapse, not punished.  There was another boy
there.  Jeremy studied the boy but couldn't remember why he looked
familiar.  This was another lapse for which he would have been punished.
Jeremy began to realize how much his life had changed and was changing.
Clayton walked over; his arm was around the shoulders of the boy stranger.

"Jer, congratulations, man.  This has gotta be a red-letter day for ya,
huh?"  Clayton patted Jeremy on the shoulder and showed Jeremy the biggest
smile he'd ever seen.  Clayton was really happy for the boy.  "Jer, I don't
guess you remember my brother, Marich.  He was here the first day you came,
but I don't think you were in any condition to remember any body.  Marich
is the same age as you."

The two younger boys greeted one another, hesitantly, as younger kids often
do.  Jeremy noticed that Marich had an olive toned complexion and the
darkest eyes he had ever seen.  His hair was almost black; it was also
thick and wavy.  He also knew that a boy with Marich's looks would have
been very popular and well used as a pleasure slave.  Ted and Derek
introduced themselves and Elizabeth's two boys appeared.  The seven boys
formed a circle to talk about whatever it is boys their age talk about when
standing in the middle of a room over flowing with adults.  Soon, a couple
of the boys spotted the punch bowl and food.  Seven boys then focused on a
single goal; the buffet pulled them like a magnet.  After filling their
plates, the boys decided to escape to the patio where the adults wouldn't
bother them and continued their conversation.

Arthur, Linda and Daniel moved through the room introducing everyone.  The
intent had been to have a small gathering to celebrate, but someone forgot
to define the term 'small'.  No one really cared because the event was
momentous enough to be celebrated for more than one evening.  Two open bars
had been set up and stayed busy.  After a while, Arthur tapped his glass to
get everyone's attention and called the boys in.  Jeremy stood in front of
Arthur and Linda, with Arthur's arm draped over the boy's shoulder.  Arthur
expressed his and Linda's gratitude at the support they and Jeremy had
received and thanked everyone for coming to help them celebrate a momentous
day.  Everyone agreed that it was a very appropriate toast and quite short
for an attorney.

During the toast Arthur mentioned that Jeremy would be going to the
hospital the next day to have the last vestiges of his slavery days
removed; his chip and tattoo.  Arthur noticed the concerned look on the
boy's face and knew he needed to talk with him later.

Daniel and Amos Crawford stood together talking when Daniel spotted Mary,
Clayton and Marich's mother.  Daniel motioned for her to join them and then
introduced her to Amos.

"Amos, Mary is Clayton's mother.  He's one of the boy's we picked up while
working with Captain Jackson.  Clay has spent the past several days back
home.  Of course, Mary wants him back home and we wanted to determine if it
would be feasible for him to return.  Can you tell us how the visit worked
out, Mary?"

"Overall, I don't think we could have asked for anything better.  We did
have one short period where there was some trouble, but it wasn't Clay's
fault.  His father, who was the one responsible for Clay being on the
streets in the first place, came by the house unexpectedly.  When he saw
Clay, he went ballistic and we had a show down.  I told him how ashamed I
was of him; but, mostly, I was ashamed of myself for not standing up to him
more the night he threw Clay out.  When I threatened to call the police on
him for breaking the court order keeping him away from the house, he left.
Clay was pretty shook-up, but he settled down and everything worked out
from there."

"Mary," Amos spoke with a concerned voice, "you say he has a court order
requiring him to maintain a distance from the house.  Does he have
visitation rights with the boys?"

"Only with Marich, nothing with Clay.  He threw Clay out of the house and
disowned him.  That was the main reason for our separation and now pending
divorce."

"So, you're telling me the only reason the boy was on the streets was
because of the father's actions, correct?"  Mary nodded. "I'll assume you
know that he is still responsible for the boy.  There's never been a TPR
hearing for Clay.  If he tries to give you any more trouble about the boy,
why don't you suggest that he discuss abandonment with his attorney?  This
state frowns on parents not fulfilling their responsibilities to their
children.  Have papers been filed for the boy to return home?"

"Not yet," Daniel answered.  "This was a trial run to see how everyone
handled the situation.  The plan is for Clay to speak with a counselor when
we return.  Their conversation is protected and Clay knows that.  The
counselor will then give me his recommendation.  We also thought that
Marich should be able to speak freely with a counselor."

"Sounds like a good approach for both boys." Amos commented.  "However, my
concern at the moment would be with the father.  Mary, has your attorney
mentioned anything about support or visitation rights?"

"He told me there is a statutory schedule for support and I told him I'm
not interested in getting any support.  I also understand there are
statutory provisions regarding visitation.  Right now, my real concern is
not with Marich, it's with Clay.  His father will not agree to see him and
I really don't want to see Clay hurt like that."

"I fully agree." Amos responded.  "At least, with the part about Clay
getting hurt.  However, even if you don't need any child support to take
care of the boys, have you thought about taking the money and placing it in
a trust for their educations?  You know, bad things can happen to good
people, even those that own their own business, regardless of how
successful they are.  Put the money into a trust and if it's needed later,
it will be there.  As for visitation, consider making it a requirement that
he sees both boys at the same time, or he doesn't visit either of them.
The boys can look out for one another.  Mind you, I'm only giving you food
for thought; I'm not interfering in any way with an attorney-client
relationship."

Daniel looked at Amos and laughed.  "Amos, if you do ever decide to
interfere, let me know so I can run far away, okay?"

As the evening wore on it became obvious that a decision had been made to
leave all the boys with Arthur and Linda as support for Jeremy.  The boy
was to have surgery the next day and the other boys would help keep him
distracted for the evening.  Ted's and Derek's parents left, as well as
some of the other neighbors.  Arthur escorted the guests to the door and
realized that many of the newspaper people and photographers were still
outside.  Each time a person came out of the door they were almost attacked
by the group hungry for any kind of news or pictures.  Arthur knew people
would be curious about Jeremy, but hadn't anticipated this level of
activity.

After helping a couple to clear their home, Arthur approached Daniel,
Elizabeth and a few others with his concerns.

"I'm worried about the group of people outside.  Every time someone leaves
here they are almost attacked.  What would those people do if Jeremy were
to walk out front?  We need to be able to protect him; particularly
tomorrow."

"You know, we have at least two other boys close to Jeremy's size."  Daniel
began.  "Suppose we dress them the same, put a coat over their head so no
one can identify one boy from the others, and then put them in separate
cars for the trip to the hospital?"

"Daniel, don't you think that maybe you've been watching too many cloak and
dagger movies?"  Walter asked with a chuckle.

"Maybe, but it works in the movies, why not now?"  Everyone realized Daniel
was serious.  "The main thing will be to move him away from here.  When
it's over and assuming he's up to it, he can travel to Fort Ogden with
Mark.  No one will bother him there."

"When is Mark going back?"  Linda asked.

"It could be as early as tomorrow afternoon."  Linda looked surprised.

"But, he's just been set free and we haven't had any time with him yet."

"Mo-om" Daniel cried out.  "He's been here for several weeks.  To you he
should be no different now than he was yesterday or last week.  I thought
we agreed he should go there and we pushed this freedom hearing to avoid
him having any conflicts with the police there."

"Well, you're right Daniel, but still . ."  and everyone began to laugh at
Linda who was rapidly regaining her motherly instincts.  While they
laughed, Arthur saw Jeremy walk up to the patio door and signaled for the
boy to come in.

"Sir, can we go swimming, please?"  Arthur wrapped an arm around the boy's
shoulder and pulled him in close.

"You may on one condition.  You must stop addressing me and talking to me
like I am your master.  You are a free boy now, you have no masters.  Can
you do that?"

"Yes, sir."  Jeremy answered without emotion and while looking Arthur
straight in the eye.  The others laughed and the boy didn't understand why.

Before he said anything else, Arthur looked the boy in the face and had to
smile.  "Jeremy, would you boys like to stay in the guest house tonight?
We'll let Daniel and Mark use your room; just for tonight, though."

"Yes, sir."  Arthur could only laugh and waved for the boy to go back out
and play.

Soon, seven naked and excited boys came running out of the guesthouse and
jumped into the pool.  The adults sat around and enjoyed watching boys
being boys.  They grabbed at one another, forcing each other under the
water.  Someone always had to be doing a cannonball off the diving board.
Arthur watched Jeremy at play, he had never seen the boy this relaxed.  He
remembered when he first tried to teach Jeremy how to swim and how
frightened the boy was.  Now, he took to the water as though he were born
to it.

When Elizabeth, Walter and Amos left, Daniel said he was about wiped out
from a long and satisfying day.  Arthur decided he needed to get the boys
to start settling down or they would never get to sleep.  He let the boys
know it was time for bed but he called Jeremy over to speak with him.
Arthur sat on the end of the chaise and held the hips of a very wet, very
naked, and very happy twelve year old boy.

"Jeremy, I wanted to talk with you for a minute.  I noticed earlier when I
said something about getting the last vestiges of slavery removed, you had
a very concerned and almost frightened look on your face.  Is there
something you want to tell me?"  Jeremy looked at Arthur and then down at
his feet.

"You know, I thought we had an agreement.  If there was something bothering
you, you would tell me and then I would do what I could to take care of
things.  If you don't talk to me, how can I help?  You have to trust me at
some point."  Arthur waited and could tell Jeremy was reliving a very bad
memory.  It was bad enough that the boy was almost in tears.

"Jeremy . . . come on now, trust me.  What's wrong?  Did they hurt you when
you were chipped?"  Jeremy just nodded.  When Arthur put a finger under the
boy's chin and lifted it, Jeremy fell into Arthur, wrapping his arms around
the man's neck and cried.  Arthur held him for a moment and then placed a
hand just under the twelve year old bubble butt, and lifted the boy onto
his lap.  He let Jeremy cry it out before speaking.

"What happened Jeremy, talk to me, son."  Jeremy left his head on Arthur's
shoulder and stared into the night as he spoke.

"About the third day I was at the place with a bunch of other boys.  They
kept all of us in the same room.  We ate there and slept there.  All of us
was naked; they said we didn't need no clothes.  A man came in and said we
was all goin' to get chipped and numbered and that number'd be our name
from then on.  A bunch of the boys was cryin'; I couldn't cry no more."
Jeremy paused for a moment and Arthur said nothing; he just held the boy
tight and rubbed his back.  Jeremy needed to say this his way.

"When they made us line up and start down the hall we saw two big white
doors.  Every time they opened we could hear boys in there screamin' and
cryin' 'cause they was bein' hurt.  I remember one time thinkin' a tattoo
was cool, but I got scared, real scared.  I wanted my momma or dad to come
get me so bad, but they said I didn't have a mom or dad any more.  We just
kept walkin', real slow and all I heard was boys screamin' and cryin'.
Some of the boys got so scared they got sick or peed right there on the
floor.  When they did, they got beat and beat real bad."  Jeremy took his
head off Arthur's shoulder and tried to sit up some, but remained in
Arthur's lap.  The adults inside watched.

"Then I didn't really even know what sex was.  I'd never been with a man
and never played with another boy.  Some of the boys in the neighborhood
did, but they said I wasn't old enough or big enough yet.  When I went
through the doors all I could see was this boy layin' on a table.  There
was a man standin' in front of him holdin' his arms down; I could see there
was somethin' stuffed in his mouth, but you could still hear him screamin'
some.  His legs was spread out by these shiny pipes stickin' up off the
table and another man was pushin' down on his back.  Another man was
standin' between his legs doin' somethin' to him.  I got so scared I peed
on the floor and got beat with a paddle."  Jeremy paused a moment to sniff.
Arthur rubbed the boy's back and pulled him in close.

"When they told me to move, I just stood there.  All I remember is bein'
picked up and dropped on the table and somethin' was pushed in my mouth.  I
started screamin' before they touched me.  Somethin' cold and hard was
pushed in my hole.  I never hurt like I hurt then.  They didn't care how
much I screamed or it hurt.  One of 'em said for me to just wait till they
popped my cherry.  I didn't know what he was talkin' about.  When I felt
that thing come out of my butt, they moved the table up and somebody
grabbed my ankle.  Somehow they used somethin' to bend my toes back and
then they burned me.  It was my tattoo number bein' put on.  They told me
the only way it'd ever come off was for somebody to cut my toes off or the
front of my foot."  Jeremy then looked at Arthur and began to cry hard.

"Easy, son, easy.  Now I understand."  Arthur whispered in the boy's ear
and patted his back.  Then he picked the boy up and carried him as they
circled the pool and Arthur continued to talk to him.

"Jeremy, we didn't know that had happened to you.  If we had, we would have
taken the time to explain more about what's going to happen tomorrow.
Listen to me Jeremy, I promise you, cross my heart and hope to die if I'm
not telling you the truth, no one is going to hurt you like that; we will
not let it happen.  No one will cut off your toes and no one will cut off
part of your foot.  Do you want to know what's going to happen tomorrow?"
Jeremy nodded, but said nothing.

"In the morning, you can not have anything to eat or drink.  You and I will
go into the bathroom and I have to give you an enema to make sure you're
clean.  Do you understand what that is?" Jeremy nodded. "When we go to the
hospital they will put a needle in your arm.  A tube will be attached to
the needle and they will give you something to make you very sleepy.  You
may still be aware of a lot of things going on around you, but it will be
like a dream.  When they put that hard thing in your hole, they implanted
what is called a chip.  A chip allows the authorities to track a runaway
slave.  We are going to take your chip out."  Arthur then didn't say
anything for a few minutes, but strolled holding the boy.

"You will be taken into a room.  You will be naked, and placed on a table.
The table will not be cold.  You may feel something, but it will only be
like me touching you with my finger.  The doctor is going to put a small
rod in your hole," Arthur patted the boy's bottom, "and using a clamp on
the rod, he will remove the chip.  While you are still lying on the table,
another doctor will remove the slave tattoo on your foot.  You will still
have your foot and all of your toes.  I promise.  And, you know what else?"
Jeremy shook his head. "Linda and I will be there on either side of you
holding your hand the whole time.  One of us will always be with you.  When
it's over you will feel a little sore, but remember, it should be a good
kind of sore.  The doctor said it will take about three days for your foot
to heal enough for you to walk comfortably.  Can you handle that?"

"You'll be there the whole time?  Promise?"  Asked a very frightened little
boy who was trying very hard to be brave.

"Promise.  Now, why don't you run inside and say good night to everyone and
then go join your friends.  I bet they are waiting on you to have a good
time."

                                            ****

The boys sat in the guesthouse waiting for Jeremy to join them.
Occasionally, one of the boys peeked out the window and reported that
Mr. Arthur was still talking with Jeremy.  The boys sat around impatiently
waiting.  While they waited, Derek was enjoying watching all the young boy
flesh bouncing around him; he particularly liked Elizabeth's two sons.

Elizabeth's boys had gone most of their lives without wearing any clothes.
On rare occasions, Elizabeth made them put on clothes which they shed as
soon as possible.  Their almost perpetual state of undress had allowed them
to get deep, even all-over tans that most boys envied.  It also allowed
them to experiment in ways their mother didn't know about and have
experiences well beyond their years.  Derek watched the boys and couldn't
help it when the evidence of his interest began to grow.  His own nakedness
made it impossible to keep his secret.

Clayton read Derek like a flashing neon sign and suspected Ted to also be
gay.  Clayton made it a point to never judge someone else by their sexual
preferences.  He also knew that most of these boys were young enough they
could just be experimenting with a new thrill and male-male sex was just a
convenient outlet.  Clayton couldn't help but smile as he watched the boys.
What surprised him was when Marich leaned into him and remained there. The
brothers had always been close, but this time was different; Marich had a
boner and Clay wasn't sure what to do or say.  Clay decided he had to move
when he realized that his brother's boner was giving him one also.  That
was one of the big disadvantages to running free, it was impossible to hide
certain feelings.

"Okay, guys, game time!"  Clay announced.  "Everybody, get on your knees
then sit back on your ankles.  Form a circle with your knees about twelve
to fifteen inches apart.  Your knees have to touch the guy on each side of
you."  The boys watched Clay and then Marich as they dropped to the floor.
Ted joined them, followed by Derek and Elizabeth's boys.  With a little
shifting around, the boys formed a circle with their knees touching like
Clay had instructed.

"Okay, good," Clay continued.  "Take your left hand and arm and wrap them
around the shoulder of the guy to your left; leave your right hand in your
lap.  Also, don't look around, you have to stare at the person in front of
you.  Now, use your right hand to reach over and grab the dick of the boy
to your right, and hold it."  The boys looked at one another, initially
unsure.  Each of them then developed a smile and reached for their
neighbors package.  Some of the boys made it a point to play with the whole
package before settling down with a good drip on the pole.  These actions
caused the boys to break into giggling fits.

"Okay, now, don't squeeze, that's cheating.  Just let your neighbor's dick
rest gently in your hand. Close your fist just enough so the palm of your
hand touches all the way around the pole.  Make sure your fingers are up
far enough to cover the head.  Gently squeeze so your neighbor gets a good
hardon.  When you feel the dick you're holding get hard, say so and we'll
keep going."

"Hey, Clay," Ted spoke up, "are we about to have a good old fashioned
circle jerk?"

"Kind of, but the trick is to not shoot off.  You shoot off, you lose.  You
lose, you got to kiss the ass of all the other boys.  Kissin' ass means to
pull his cheeks apart and kiss just above his pucker.  The only guy that
doesn't lose in this game is the last guy.  First guy to shoot kisses
everybody's ass.  Second guy kisses the ass of the guys that held out
longer than him, and so on.  Everybody got it?  Of course, the trick is to
get the guy to your right to shoot before you do.  You can not pump him.
All you can do is squeeze the pole and rub the flat of your thumb over his
head."

"Yeah, but what about these two?  They aren't old enough to shoot, yet."
Marich complained.

"Believe me, I've seen them at Fort Ogden.  They may not shoot, but they
can have one wild dry orgasm and you'll know when it happens.  They scream
like banshees.  Alright, remember to look only at the guy sitting straight
in front of you.  If you shoot, don't stop workin' on the guy you're
holdin'.  If the guy you're holdin' shoots, still keep goin'; it'll drive
him nuts.  Begin."

Six boys sat in a circle with one arm over their buddy's shoulder and the
other hand holding another buddy's pride and joy.  They stared at one
another and soon the giggles began.  Following the giggles were low moans
and whimpers mixed with quick breaths.  Heads rolled back in pleasure,
mixed with trying to concentrate so they weren't the first to shoot a load
of sweet boy juices.  Derek began to moan and then whimper.  Marich was
working on Derek and enjoyed hearing the boy vocalize his pleasure.  This
was a game Marich and Clay had played many times and both were very good at
focusing on something other than the pleasure emanating from between their
legs.

Derek became the loudest.  His cries of pleasure pushed the other boys to
vocalize their feelings.  Ted's head lolled from side to side as he bit his
lip and held his breath, trying to control the feelings coursing through
his body.  All the boys laughed as one of the younger boys started almost
screaming.  What was so funny was he screamed like a banshee.  He was the
first to have an orgasm.  It may have been dry, but the sounds and
convulsions emanating from the young body attested to its intensity.  The
young boy panted for breath but kept his hand wrapped around Clay's tool.
The problem for Clay was that as the boy progressed through his orgasm, he
squeezed Clay's tool harder and harder.

The boys in the circle fought to keep control and show the other boys how
strong they were.  The last one to shoot also got his ass kissed the most
times.  Six young bodies squirmed with sexual desire and shone with a light
sheen of perspiration.  One by one the boys lost control of their bodies.
Except for the two younger boys who were not mature enough to shoot, boy
juice flew through the air and landed on the boys, the floor and the
furniture.  After the young boy went over the edge, Derek was next,
followed by Elizabeth's other young son, Clay, Ted and then Marich.  At the
end, six boys coated in sweat and boy juice fell back exhausted and
grinning at one another.  Then the boys were shocked.

Since Jeremy was outside with Arthur, they had not locked the door.  As the
boys lay on the floor trying to recover from their game, the door opened
and Jeremy walked in, followed by Arthur.

"Why, hel-lo, boys."  Arthur said with a slight smile.  "Why are all of you
are so worn out?  Been doing exercises?"

"Uh . .uuhhhh . . yeah, Mr. Arthur, that's it, we been doin' exercises.
You know how it is, gotta keep the baby fat down."  Ted answered, but not
very convincingly.

"Yeah." Arthur responded. "Care to try again guys?  Looks to me like you
fellas have been playing a little game."  Arthur sniffed the air,
deliberately exaggerating the action.  "Kind of smells like it, too.
Somebody want to explain the rules?" Arthur knew the boys had been playing
a boy's game involving sex.  They weren't the first to do it and certainly
wouldn't be the last.  Arthur sat in a chair and decided to he would enjoy
his little mental torture game with the boys.  All the boys looked to, and
pointed at, Clay for the explanation.  Clay knew he was in a hot spot.

"Well . . . sir . . . you see, it's kinda like this.  We was all just
sittin' here wonderin' what to do while you and Jeremy was outside
talkin'."  Clay began to stutter out an explanation, deliberately talking
slowly while his mind raced.

While Clay struggled through his thoughts, Arthur extended his hand towards
Jeremy who walked over and stood between Arthur's legs.  The boy leaned
back and felt the warmth and protection of his mentor as Arthur placed both
hands on the boy's abdomen.  At first, Jeremy thought the boys might be in
trouble and felt that sickening knot form in his stomach when you know
something bad is about to happen.  Jeremy watched and laughed to himself as
he listened to Arthur.  Jeremy had learned quickly how to observe a person
and read particular expressions.  He watched Arthur's eyes and knew he was
teasing the boys.

"You know, it looks to me as though you boys figured out something to do
while Jeremy and I talked.  Do you think it would be fun if I joined in the
game?"  Six boys looked shocked.

"Ooohhhhhh," Arthur feigned sudden understanding and then continued, "you
mean it was one of those games.  Let me guess.  You guys got in a circle.
You put one arm over your buddy's shoulder and held another buddy's pride
and joy with the other hand.  The idea was to masturbate your buddy and
make him shoot first.  Let's see, if I remember the game correctly, the
loser either had to kiss the winner's bottom or his penis.  Am I right?"
Six boys sat back and looked at Arthur, astonished that he would know such
a game.  Their grins gave them away.

"Fellas, you forgot one thing.  Before I was a grown man, a husband and a
parent, I was a boy.  A boy who could get just as horny as you guys and
played games with his friends, just like you've been doing in here."  Six
faces looked down and blushed.

"Now, I'm not going to lecture you and I'm not about to think anything I
say is going to stop you.  What you're doing is perfectly normal for young
boys.  It will be part of the memories you carry with you for the rest of
your life.  You know, Jeremy and I were talking outside and there's
something that's been bothering both of us.  We think you guys have been
holding back some because of what Jeremy had to do over the past two years.
Am I right?"  The guilty look on the boys' faces told Arthur he was right.

"Listen guys, I appreciate you trying to show consideration for Jeremy.  He
knows, and I hope understands, that what he did was because he had no
choice.  If he didn't do what he was told, he was severely punished.  Think
about it this way.  There were other boys there too.  When they had to
entertain a client, the boys didn't usually get any personal satisfaction.
Does that tell you anything about what the boys probably did when they were
left alone?  I'm not sure what games he knows, but nothing would really
surprise me."  Arthur paused to watch the boys look at one another, trying
to hide a grin, and then at Jeremy who sat in Arthur's lap, smiling and
blushing.

"Only two quick points and I'll leave you boys alone.  What is said in here
and happens in here stays in here.  I don't want to hear of anyone getting
hurt, okay?  The last thing is that you don't leave the guesthouse a mess.
You're boys and I won't object to you behaving like boys.  However, if my
wife comes out here and finds boy juice staining her furniture, heaven help
all of you; and that includes Jeremy.  He's a free boy now and he'll have
to live by the same family rules as the rest of you.  With that, I bid you
all good night."  Arthur made it a point to push the door lock in as he
left and closed the door behind him.

                                            ****

The plan had been for Arthur and Linda to take Jeremy to the hospital.
Daniel decided he wanted to be there and all the boys wanted to be there
for their friend.  When they got up that morning all the boys were hungry.
Arthur looked at them and knew they hadn't had much sleep, but he wasn't
going to ask why.  The boys came in saying they were famished, causing
Arthur to laugh to himself.  When the boys found out that Jeremy couldn't
have anything to eat, they decided to wait also.  Linda tried to get the
boys to eat anyway, but they wouldn't budge.

As they neared the hospital, Jeremy became very nervous.  Arthur, but no
one else, knew the pain the boy had suffered when he was chipped and
tattooed.  Part of the agreement between Arthur and Jeremy was that they
could talk about 'boy stuff' and it would remain private, between them
only.  As they walked through the main doors, two photographers stood
discreetly to the side.  Jeremy thought he was going to be sick.  Arthur
and Linda felt the fear and tension in the boy.  Everyone at the hospital
that may have contact with the party had been advised this was a special
procedure and that the boy had just been freed.  They were all instructed
to be extremely patient and understanding of the circumstances.
Notwithstanding hospital rules, the Sinclairs were to be allowed to stay
with the boy through the entire procedure.

After checking in, they were shown to the pre-op area.  When the nurse
tried to prevent Daniel and the boys from following them, the senior nurse
cleared them through with the understanding that once they began
administering medication to Jeremy, only Arthur and Linda could remain with
him.  Nurses constantly moved in and out of the area, inquiring if anyone
had any questions or needed anything.

The hospital was quiet.  They were in a room by themselves.  Surrounded by
friends and protectors, Jeremy began to calm down until a nurse brought in
the IV cart.  Arthur noticed a look of almost sheer panic on Jeremy.

"Jeremy, look at me."  Jeremy continued to stare at the cart; perspiration
formed on his forehead.  "Jeremy, look at me, son.  I can tell by the look
on your face that you've seen a similar cart and something bad happened.
Do you remember that Linda and I made you a promise that we wouldn't let
anything bad happen to you?  We're right here, son, you need to trust us."
Arthur then turned to the nurse.

"Nurse, can you tell us what the cart is for?"

The nurse looked at Jeremy and felt sorry for the boy.  She also knew why
the boy was scared.  When a slave was to be put down, a cart very similar
to the one she had brought into the room carried the necessary equipment
and chemicals.  She guessed that Jeremy had seen or heard of this being
done.

"Jeremy, do you remember that you haven't had any fluids since midnight
last night?"  The nurse spoke quietly and very calmly to soothe the boy.
"I need to put this needle in the back of your hand.  This bag I'm holding
is like sugar water.  We have to replace the fluids in your system while
the doctor does his job.  Also, I'm going to put a needle in the line to
give you medicine that will set things so you don't feel any pain.  Is that
alright?"

When the nurse said she was going to put a needle in the line with
medicine, sheer panic registered on Jeremy's face.  The nurse knew why and
again approached Jeremy.

"Jeremy, I know why you are afraid and it's not what you're thinking.  That
is not going to happen to you, do you understand?  No one will harm you
here.  We are here only to help you."

Jeremy looked at the nurse, then at Arthur and Linda who tried to give the
boy reassuring looks.  He thought for a minute and then, still keeping a
death grip on Arthur's and Linda's hands, nodded to the nurse.

"Jeremy, I want you to understand that the medicine we give you today will
not put you to sleep.  You will feel like you're in a kind of dream world,
but you will be able to tell that your parents are with you.  I promise you
that I will not give you anything, or do anything to you, without telling
you first and letting you ask questions.  Deal?"  Jeremy tried to smile and
nodded.

The nurse kept her word and stepped into the room often to speak with
Jeremy.  Her constant coming and going helped calm the boy.  After what
seemed forever to the boy, but was really only a short time, the doctor
walked in and explained to Jeremy what he was going to do.

"My name is Dr. Williamson, but you may call me John if I can call you
Jeremy.  Is that alright?" Jeremy again tried to smile and nodded as he
whispered a response.  "Jeremy, I know you're frightened, but there is no
reason to be.  What I am going to do is give you a little shot that will
make the area around your anus feel numb.  You've already had a shot to
help you relax so we'll take you into the room in about five minutes.  Once
we have you on the operating table I'll explain everything I do and let you
watch through a mirror we have set up.  Arthur and Linda can watch too.
Then at the end of all this I'll have a special present for you.  Are we
ready?"  Everyone, including Jeremy, nodded.  "I'm going to scrub down and
I'll see you real soon."

The time had come for the boys and Daniel to leave.  They all said 'later'
to their friend and left for the waiting room.  Elizabeth's photographers
were in the room with Elizabeth.  To everyone's surprise, the station had
arranged to film the procedure and it would be broadcast via closed circuit
into the waiting room.  The room had been reserved exclusively for this
procedure.

When Jeremy was wheeled into the operating room and then lifted onto the
operating table, he noticed the table wasn't cold steel like he had seen at
the vet's office and other boys told him about.  The room was cool and he
was naked, but they kept him covered with a sheet and blanket; they let
slaves freeze, no one cared.  He had trouble focusing, everything seemed to
be in something like a fog.  He could hear voices around him, but what they
said didn't always register with him.  He knew that Arthur and Linda were
with him, holding his hands.  The way they held his hands was not to
restrain him, but to make him feel more secure.  He recognized the doctor
when he approached Jeremy.  He also recognized the long shiny rod the
doctor held, it was almost identical to the one used to chip him two years
earlier.  Jeremy wanted to run, but couldn't hardly move his legs.  His
legs felt very heavy, but he really didn't feel much with them.  He was
confused.

"Jeremy, I know what this looks like.  Look at the end and you will see two
little claws.  We call them pinchers.  This is almost identical to the tool
they used to chip you, but this one is designed to remove the chip.
Remember the shots and medicine you had?  With the shot and medicine you
shouldn't feel this go in you.  If you do, you let me know and we'll stop.
You should feel no pain whatsoever.  I'm going to begin the procedure now."

Jeremy felt something touch him, but it didn't hurt.  Instinctively, he
tightened his muscles, or at least he thought he did.  He looked in the
mirror and could see his naked body, at least the lower part of it.  When
the doctor moved out of the way of the camera he could see that something
was in him.  He felt it moving and the nightmares began all over again.
Too many times were things put in him that he didn't want there.  The only
thing that kept him from crying out was the presence of Arthur and Linda
and the doctor promised it wouldn't hurt.  Jeremy fought with himself to be
brave.  He turned his head from side to side, he didn't want to know.  Then
he heard a clunking sound, like metal on metal.  The doctor appeared next
to him.  Jeremy looked at the mirror again and for the first time ever, he
saw his own pucker.  There was nothing sticking out of him any more.

"All done; it's out.  You are no longer chipped young man."  The doctor
smiled.

"How?  When did that happen?"  Jeremy was confused, he hadn't really felt
anything.  Then he remembered again what the doctor had said and what
Arthur and Linda had promised.

"Jeremy, it's time to remove your tattoo.  This is going to feel real
strange.  When it's over and all the medications wear off, you will feel
some pain, but it shouldn't be real bad.  To get rid of the tattoo we have
to cut into the skin, just deep enough to get under the tattoo.  When we
finish there won't be a tattoo, but there will be a deep cut that has to
heal.  You won't be able to walk on that foot for about a week and it must
be kept clean.  When it begins to heal over you will have to do stretching
exercises so the scar tissue doesn't hinder your ability to walk or run.
Okay?  Here we go."

                                            ****

Jeremy fell asleep before they got him into recovery and then into his own
room.  He was in recovery only about an hour when he began to stir and
responded to the nurses.  Now, he just needed to rest.  Arthur and Linda
remained beside him the whole time, just as they had promised.  Elizabeth,
Daniel and the boys sat in the room, waiting.  The only topic of
conversation was the operation and what the boys had seen.  They were awe
struck.

A little more than three hours after the surgery, Jeremy began to moan and
then move.  Linda stood next to his bed, then she sat on the side of the
bed, still holding his hand.  Gradually, his eyes opened and he was able to
focus on what was around him.  The first thing he saw was Linda and felt
the warmth of her hand.  He immediately reached up and wrapped his arms
around her neck.  He bawled; he didn't care where he was or who saw him.
The pent-up fears of an abused young boy poured forth.  Linda maneuvered
herself to lay with him, cradling him as only a mother could.  As he
bawled, Arthur gently rubbed the boys back.  Elizabeth, Daniel and the boys
left the room to give them privacy.

When everyone walked back into the room an almost naked Jeremy sat on the
side of his hip.  He was wearing a hospital gown, but since nothing was
tied together, he was mostly exposed.  When the boys walked in they started
laughing at the site of Jeremy slapping and pinching his butt.  He looked
up at his friends, blushed and smiled.

"It's numb.  I can't feel nothin'."  Jeremy told them.

"Anything" Linda corrected, causing the boys to laugh even harder.

"Welcome to our world."  Ted told his friend, nodding towards Linda after
she had corrected his grammar.

The doctor and two nurses soon walked in smiling.  They looked at Jeremy
and his friends and thought it would be nice if every procedure they
performed turned out like this one.  The doctor examined Jeremy's foot and
bandage.  Afterwards, he had Jeremy lie on his stomach and stick his rear
end up.  When Jeremy told the doctor he couldn't feel anything the doctor
smiled and told him not to worry, he would just as soon as the medicine
wore off.

"Young man, do you remember me telling you there would be a special present
at the end of all this waiting for you?"  Jeremy looked a little confused.
He did remember someone saying something about a present.  Not knowing
exactly what to say, he smiled.

"This is a picture of what the bottom of your foot looked like when you
came here this morning.  This other picture is what it looked like after
the surgery.  Don't worry about the redness, it will heal and be just like
nothing ever happened.  This other envelope that Linda has contains pain
pills if you need them, and I suggest you at least use them today, and
instructions on caring for your foot.  As for your backside, don't worry;
everything will return to normal before this day is over.  Now, I'm going
to get you a wheel chair to get out of here.  Suppose you get dressed and
be ready to meet all the people out front."

"Doctor," Jeremy spoke hesitantly, then smiled as he said "thanks."

As they approached the main lobby Jeremy could see a crowd of people.  He
knew it was like this after the court hearing yesterday but still didn't
understand why people found him so fascinating.  The newspaper cameras
flashed and the television cameras filmed.  They stopped him in the middle
of the lobby and a man approached them carrying what appeared to be a book.

It wasn't a book, but a marble slab which the man set on some concrete
blocks next to Jeremy.  Jeremy was then handed a big hammer.  The boy could
only look at them, confused.  The doctor reappeared.

"Jeremy, this is the really special present I promised you.  This is the
chip I took out of you.  This is the little gizmo that said, no matter
where you went or what you did, you were a slave."  The doctor placed the
chip on the marble slab and looked at the boy and then at the hammer and
chip.  Jeremy understood.

With hammer in hand, Jeremy attacked the chip.  He lifted the hammer and
pounded the chip as hard as he could, time after time.  Arthur let the boy
strike the chip several times before stopping him.  Jeremy had demolished
the chip and pounded out a lot of frustration.  When Arthur took the
hammer, Jeremy showed everyone the biggest and brightest smile they had
ever seen on his young face.  There was more too, there was a twinkle in
his eye.

"Jeremy," Elizabeth, holding a microphone, approached the boy.  "How do you
feel now, Jeremy?"  Jeremy thought for a moment and then showed, for the
first time, a boy's mischievous smile as he answered.

"Hungry.  They wouldn't let me eat nothin'."

"Anything." Linda corrected, causing the boys to laugh again.

End Chapter Fifty-Eight

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