Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:55:55 -0800 (PST)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons   Chapter Ninety-Four

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 Matthew for his unwavering support and patience
while I write this story.  Also, my thanks to those who have taken the time
to send me their comments and encouragement.


Chapter Ninety-Four:  New Horizons


"Daniel, I had planned on driving to Tampa this morning to see the group of
boys they are holding.  Would you like to join us?"

Daniel, the governor, and most of the remaining adults sat around a picnic
table enjoying their morning coffee while most the boys still slept.

"Will the state be turning the care of these boys over to New Horizons?"
Daniel asked.  The governor didn't seem surprised and showed a slight
smile.

"Forgive the smile, Daniel.  I wondered how long it was going to take you
to ask that question.  The boys in Tampa, we believe, are a good example of
the groups in the other cities I mentioned.  The reports I've been given
show their ages range from around nine to sixteen.  There are a number of
older boys in the group with some having been enslaved for over six years.
As you can imagine, we think the broad range of ages and length of
enslavement will have a strong affect on how the boys react to us and to
being free."  The governor paused and studied Daniel for a moment.

"Daniel, I have too much respect for you to play games.  Some people have
suggested that once a boy has been enslaved for a certain period of time
. . .well, the thought is that the boy may be beyond redemption and better
off remaining enslaved."

Daniel didn't respond to the governor's statement immediately.  He looked
off, beyond the governor, and watched as a few of the boys came out of
their tents.  The boys were still half asleep.  They stretched and yawned;
some said something to a friend or smiled when a friend said something to
them.  All of the boys arose with the typical boy's morning issues but
acted as though they were totally oblivious to their predicament as the
boys made their way to the restroom facilities.  Daniel looked at Elizabeth
and picked up on the laughter in her eyes and the hand over her mouth,
hiding an obvious smile.

"There is no such thing as a boy beyond redemption, Governor.  It may be
true that some have had harder experiences than others, or have been
enslaved longer than others and be further behind in their education or
social skills, but that is due strictly to a lack of instruction.  It may
take a little while, but we believe that all children can be helped and
taught to lead productive lives."  The governor smiled, having expected
such an answer from Daniel.

"To say a boy may be better off remaining enslaved, is like telling a poor
man that he's better off to remain poor; makes no sense whatsoever.  I
always wonder when someone makes a comment like that if they would feel the
same if it was a member of their own family; particularly a son."

"Understand Daniel, I'm not stating an opinion, I'm relaying comments that
are suggestive of some of the opposition we could be facing.  It's because
of those comments, and knowing your attitudes, that I'm here now.  We are
asking for your help with these boys."

"From what you are telling us, can we assume that you will soon be ready to
release the boys to us?"

"Whenever you think you have the facilities to handle them," Amos answered.
"Your program was designed to address the needs of boys like these and,
quite honestly, is the only program in existence that can even come close
to helping them.  The question we have for you is whether you have the
facilities to take the boys."

"By facilities, I'll assume you're referring to not just the physical
facilities, but the financial and support staff issues as well?"  Daniel
asked.

"As far as the financial issue goes, Daniel," the governor interjected,
"the state is prepared to pay New Horizons the same per diem that is given
to the slave centers for caring for the boys.  If we were to go over that
amount, it could cause some trouble.  There are other considerations,
also."  Daniel looked at the Governor, waiting.

"Daniel, these boys are going to need more than just emotional support.
These boys, particularly those that have been slaves for several years, are
going to need counseling.  Assuming you will be reuniting many with their
families, the whole family will need counseling.  Then they will need
educating and job training.  The experiences of other states and countries
tells us that if the boys are not given the necessary skills to care for
themselves as adults, they will most likely wind up right back in the
slavery system.

"So, if you fully understand the significance of what I'm going to ask you,
let me explain our ultimate goal.  We want to change the system.  We want
to go back to the original concept of using slavery as a way of controlling
hardened felons and make them contributing members of society.  You know
from your studies that this whole thing started as a way to relieve
taxpayers from the burden of supporting those who refused to follow
society's rules.  Over time, it just got out of control or, as some would
say, it came under the wrong control and influences.  We think the time is
right to correct our mistakes and I want it to happen before I leave
office.  To accomplish the goal, we need your help."

"Aside from caring for these kids, what do you want from me?" Daniel asked.

"I'm asking you to be part of a confidential study group.  You will need to
travel to other states, possibly other countries, and study how they have
approached the same problems.  The group will present its report to include
proposals on, not only how to deal with the children enslaved, but with
children who, in the future, may find themselves homeless.  The group will
have ninety days to study and write a proposal for a complete privatization
of foster care."

"Sixty days?" Daniel remarked, amazed.  "Governor, I'm sure you realize
that sixty days may not be long enough.  That would mean I would have to be
on the road almost full time."

"You, and the rest of the group," the governor corrected Daniel. "I didn't
say it would be easy.  I'm assuming that you trust your staff to care for
the boys in your absence.  The time frame is critical.  We want to
introduce the foster-care legislation in the next session.  It will be the
final session under my time in office.  The group will consist of you,
Amos, another member of his staff, and two child psychologists.  Of course,
I think you're overlooking one important item.  Today, we can use computers
to teleconference and do research; it will save a lot of time."  Daniel
paused a couple of minutes before answering.

"Excuse my hesitancy, Governor.  I'm hesitant, not because I have concerns
over the project; actually, I'm very excited about the opportunity.  I'm
hesitant because I'm not sure you have the right mix of people to
accomplish the goal."  The governor gave Daniel a questioning look.

"You said earlier that you planned on driving over to Tampa to see the
boys.  Maybe we should talk this over some more as we ride.  Is that
convenient?"

                                           * * * *

The governor, Daniel, Amos, Arthur, Michael, Dr. Thompson and Elizabeth sat
in a stretch limo headed for Tampa.  With them were Jeremy, TJ and Evan.
Danny had wanted to come, but Daniel would not allow the boy to be exposed
to a slave center.  The boy was much too young to see, much less
understand, what went on inside those walls.  The three boys looked around
the limo in awe of the luxury and space.  They had heard of such vehicles,
but this was the first time any of them had seen the inside of one.  The
wet bar caught their attention.  The governor noticed them looking at the
bar and offered each of the boys a coke.

"Jeremy, boys," the governor spoke quietly to the boys, "I need to ask a
favor of you."  The boys sat quietly, waiting.  "I need to ask you some
questions.  More importantly, we need for you to answer us honestly, even
if you think we may not like the answer.  It is extremely important that
you be honest with us.  Can you do that?"

The boys all nodded.  Daniel noticed that Jeremy seemed to move closer to
Arthur, almost as though he wanted to meld into the man.  TJ and Evan sat
near Elizabeth, but the two boys moved closer together and were holding one
another's hand.

"You boys know where we are going.  I hope you understand that you have
nothing to fear from anyone there.  You also know that we are going to see
some boys who have been slaves, some for several years.  I've never been to
this place and I've never seen boys in this kind of position.  Quite
honestly, I don't know what to expect.  Can you help me?"

The three boys looked at one another and then back to the governor and
Daniel.  Jeremy looked to Arthur for guidance.

"Jeremy," Arthur placed an arm around the boy's shoulders and spoke softly.
"The governor wants you boys to explain to him how you felt or what it was
like when you entered the slave facilities.  What went through your minds?"

"I was scared both times," Jeremy simply stated.

"Can you explain that to me, Jeremy?"

"When they took me away from my home they tied me up and put me in this
truck.  When I asked what I'd done wrong they told me to shut-up and if I
said anything they'd punish me.  I was too scared to say anything else.
Then they took me to this big place where there was a bunch of people lined
up with some grownups walking beside them.  The grownups had something in
their hands that I found out later was what they called a slave prod.  If
they touched you with it you got shocked."

"Did you ever see anyone get touched with one of those slave prods?"

"Yes, sir.  It was a boy, older'n me; he was a teenager.  He tried to argue
with the men that he didn't belong there.  They told him to shut up a
couple times and then touched him.  I saw him scream and fall to the floor.
He looked like he was hurtin' pretty bad.  I never got touched with one
'cause I was too scared ta say anything.

"In that place they put me in a room with a bunch of other kids about my
age.  All of us was scared and one of the kids said we was slaves now.
After a while, some men came in and made us get naked.  They took our
clothes and just left us there.  We was there a long time.  The only thing
we could do was sit on the floor and if we had to go to the bathroom we had
ta use this thing they said was a trough.  If you wanted to do more than
pee, you squatted over a hole in the floor.

"I remember fallin' asleep on the floor and somebody nudged me and said ta
get up.  They took us where people gave us shots and examined us, like a
doctor.  They shaved our heads and some of the guys had other hair that was
shaved off, too.  There was people everywhere, but most of 'em were naked.
One of the other boys said anybody that was naked was a slave or 'bout to
be a slave."

The adults watched Jeremy as he relayed his story.  All of the adults knew
the story, but hearing it from Jeremy created a whole new depth of meaning.
The boy spoke as though he were in a trance, holding Arthur's arm around
him tightly.  A tear rolled down the young face.  A tear of hurt and fear
and loss.

"Jeremy," the governor spoke softly, aware of the boy's emotional state.
"Was there ever a time that you were not afraid?"

Jeremy looked at the governor and, after a moment, appeared as though he
was coming out of a trance.

"Yes, sir.  The first time I was scared, more scared than normal cuz they
put a blindfold on me and I didn't understand why.  There was a man that
came ta see me and when he did all we did was lay on the bed.  He'd put his
arm around me and pull me so I was spooned against him.  We were both
naked, but his hair felt soft and I could feel him breathe.  After the
first couple times he did that to me I'd get excited when they put the
blindfold on me 'cause I knew it was him.  When they first took me to him,
he'd lay on the bed and hold me against him.  Then one time he turned me
over so I was facing him.  He'd talk to me and it was nice.  He made it so
I didn't have ta be scared.

"I remember one time when he was holding and talkin' to me he asked me if I
was scared and I wasn't sure what ta say.  I think I kinda shrugged my
shoulders and then he told me if I was scared that sometimes it helped ta
cry.  Every time after that he'd hold me and I'd lay there with him and
cry.  After a while I got ta where I thought I loved him." Jeremy laughed
to himself.  "Funny it'n it?  I didn't think I'd ever feel like that 'bout
anybody again.  But him, I did.  After Mr. Arthur and Mr. Dan'l set me
free, I found out it was Grandpa Smith."  Jeremy looked at the governor and
smiled.

Arthur held on to Jeremy. He rubbed his fingers through the boy's hair and
then leaned down and kissed the top of his head.  Jeremy looked up and
smiled.  No words needed to be said.  Arthur wasn't letting go and Jeremy
didn't want him to.

Daniel looked at TJ and Evan and could see the emotion in their eyes.
Tears ran down Evan's face.

"Governor, the strange part of all this is that for these two boys it
wasn't much different.  They hadn't been formally enslaved and sold like
Jeremy, but they also lived in fear everyday.  They lived in abandoned
buildings, afraid to talk to any adult.  They did what they had to do to
survive and sometimes got hurt.  TJ was taken by one of the guards at the
holding center and tortured."  The governor looked at TJ and then Daniel.

"That's right, sir.  He pretty much had me passed out when Mr. Dan'l found
me.  He did a real job on me with whips and electro stuff; a real sicko.
Mr. Dan'l kicked his butt real good, too, and then carried me out.  That
guard's a slave now."

"Do you wish that you could be his master?" the governor asked.

"I used to, but not anymore.  The Father said it was best to move on."

"The Father?" the governor asked.

"The diocese has three priests that come to the camp and minister to the
boys.  They also act as counselors in addition to any religious needs,"
Daniel advised.  "That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.
These priests know these boys better than anyone.  They have no political
agenda, only the welfare of the boys.  I'd like to suggest you consider
making them part of the advisory group."  The governor nodded his head but
did not make a commitment.

"Governor, do we know how many boys we're talking about right now.  I'm
asking about all the centers you mentioned earlier."

"I'm guessing two hundred or more.  My concern is where to place them.  I'm
not so sure you have the facilities, Daniel."

"Governor, we don't worry about the facilities.  When it comes to these
boys, we make room if necessary.  I'll have to call Barry and get a report
on how he would plan on handling that many more boys.  You're talking about
more than doubling the group."

"Tents?"  Evan almost whispered.  Daniel looked at the boy and smiled.
Jeremy also nodded his agreement.

"Not meanin' ta be disrespectful, sir," Evan continued, "but those boys
aren't gonna get over anything unless you get 'em outta that slave place."

"Can I ask you boys one more question?" the governor asked, looking at all
three boys.  "Jeremy, I know as a slave, you were required to remain nude.
I know that in Fort Ogden, at your camp, you boys stay nude and I've seen
you running around your camp- site at the resort nude.  I thought that once
you were free, the last thing you'd want is to be nude all the time."

The boys looked at one another, each waiting for the other to speak first.

"Sir," TJ spoke first, "when we lived on the streets we wore rags, we were
dirty, and we lived in fear.  I remember when Mr. Dan'l first came and he
can tell you how dirty we were; we weren't allowed to take baths.  The
guards said it was a waste of good water.  Mr. Dan'l not only had us take
baths, but we got to take hot showers for as long as we wanted.  After the
shower we took our dirty clothes and threw 'em away.  The clothes reminded
us of how low they said we were.  We stay naked as much as we can and like
it."  Evan leaned into his lover and smiled.  Both boys knew other
advantages to being naked all the time but knew they shouldn't say
anything.

"They told me slaves weren't good enough ta wear clothes," Jeremy
commented. "I remember goin' into a room and people lookin' at me naked and
tellin' me how nice I looked and it was a sin to cover somethin' as
beautiful as me." Jeremy couldn't help but grin, and blush.  "Bein' naked
doesn't make me a slave; that's all in your head.  I remember when
Mr. Arthur used ta hold me when he first got me.  When he let me feel his
skin I thought he felt so warm and comfortable.  I always wanted to be
naked with him."  Jeremy's face turned crimson as he looked up at Arthur
who tightened his hold on the boy.  "It's not 'cause I wanna be sexy with
him, it's just nice and comfortable."

"I think I just got insulted," Arthur interjected.  "Someone once told me
you know you're getting old when someone describes you as comfortable."

The adults laughed as Arthur affectionately rubbed Jeremy's head.

Jeremy was saved from further embarrassment and teasing when Amos' cell
phone rang.  The group remained respectfully quiet while Amos handled his
call.  Since it was impossible not to eavesdrop, the group quickly
determined the call was regarding the number of boys held at each facility
and the status of the release papers.  When Amos ended the call, he
addressed the governor as the limo pulled into the slave center parking
lot..

"This is a list of the number of boys and where.  Note that the boys that
were in Orlando are now part of the Tampa group we are about to see.  There
should be fifty-six boys here and I've been advised the list is being
submitted to the court with a no-contest affidavit.  Everything will be
sitting on the judge's desk when he comes in Monday morning."

"Monday morning?" Daniel responded.  "Is there any way to contact the judge
today and get the releases approved?  What about the boys at the other
locations?"

"Whoa, Daniel, slow down." The governor laughed as he responded to Daniel.
"Let's talk with the people inside and see how close we are to having the
boys, and their paperwork, ready.  If we're close enough, I'll make a
couple of calls myself, if necessary."

As they talked in the limo, the vehicle was approached by a man who
appeared to be in his mid-thirties.  He was casually dressed and appeared a
little nervous.  Upon exiting the limo, the group learned the man was David
Sims, the supervisor on duty that day.  Sims escorted the group inside.
Jeremy stayed close to Arthur and Elizabeth.  Evan and TJ made sure that
Daniel and Michael did not get more than six feet away from them.  The men
smiled when they heard TJ comment that they had worked and fought hard not
to ever get near a slave pen and now they had volunteered to come here.

"Don't worry TJ," Michael commented, "I'd be willing to bet that Daniel's
not about to let anything happen to any of you."  TJ and Evan smiled
nervously.

"We know, Dr. Mike, it's just that . . . well, you know."  Michael smiled
in response and put an arm around each boy's shoulders.

The group followed Sims down a hallway.  Everyone noticed that there didn't
appear to be any activity at the center because they didn't see anyone in
the halls.  Sims showed the group into a small office furnished with a
simple utilitarian type desk and four wood chairs.  Without any additional
words, Sims picked up a folder off the desk, opened it, and began
explaining what had been done with the boys as he stepped between the
governor and Amos Crawford.

"This is a list of the boys we are holding now.  The first boys came to us
about five days ago, the newest yesterday.  We've compiled a spread sheet
showing the boy's SIN, where he came from, age, and when he was enslaved.
There's a total of fifty-one boys in the holding area."

The governor handed the folder to Daniel.  Daniel looked at the boys' ages
and then the date of enslavement.  As he thought, overall, the younger boys
had been enslaved any where from eight months to three years.  One boy,
only ten years old, had been a slave for thirty-two months.  The range for
the oldest boys ran from a year up to eight years.  While Daniel was
concerned about all of the boys, those who had been enslaved the longest,
he knew, would present the greatest challenges.  Sims waited until Daniel
looked up from the folder before he continued.

"The boys are all held in a single area; a room actually.  The guards have
been told the boys are not to be treated as slaves and they may not use
electric prods if any of the boys got out of line.  They've been given
regular exercise periods with an instructor and we feed them separately
from the others we are holding here."

"Have the boys been told anything about what is going on?" Amos asked.

"No, sir, Mr. Crawford; not as far as I know.  The only thing they've been
told is that they will be here for a few days."

"Mr. Sims, you say the boys have been given regular exercise periods with
an instructor."  Daniel observed.  "Can you tell us if the instructor is
the same as one of the instructors that works with those about to be sold
and is following the prescribed regimen of exercise?"

"Yes, sir," Sims answered, looking pleased that they had followed the
standard guidelines.  "He is and they have followed the standard routines."

"Gentlemen," Daniel turned and addressed the Governor and Amos Crawford. "I
think we can assume that these boys believe that their situation hasn't
changed except that they have no idea what the future holds for them.  I
think Jeremy can attest that the boys in there are probably pretty
frightened at this point.  My suggestion is that we do something to give
them hope."

"Mr. Dan'l?" TJ spoke up, "Excuse me, but do you remember what it was like
with that last group of boys we got?  When they were told they were going
to be free again by the adults, well, they didn't believe it.  Slave boys
know better than to trust adults.  They believe adults like to tease them
and get their hopes up just so they can say or do somethin' ta smash 'em
down and then laugh about it.  I think what I'm tryin' ta suggest is that
me, Evan and Jeremy see 'em first.  They'll come closer ta believin' us."

"Governor, TJ's right," Daniel addressed the men.  "The last group we tried
to talk to, and got nowhere, until the boys joined in and spoke with them.
After a few minutes, there wasn't any real problems." Daniel again turned
to Sims. "Do you have any history on how these boys have been treated?"

"Not really," Sims answered.  "I've seen the boys and I can tell you that
five of 'em look like they've had it pretty rough, though."

"Rough?  In what way?"

"Their backs are scarred.  Three of them are the three oldest in there.
The other two are just a year or two younger."

Daniel looked at the governor and then Amos Crawford.  No one said
anything, but watched Daniel, who appeared to be staring into space while
he considered the situation.  Finally, Daniel turned to the three boys.

"Jeremy, TJ, I think you two would be the most likely to have difficulty
with this and I'm not going to tell you to go into that room.  If you
choose to go, I want you to spot the five boys Mr. Sims just described and
separate them from the others.  I want to talk to them myself after you've
gotten the boys to listen."

"It's okay, Mr. Dan'l," TJ answered, "I can handle it; Evan too."  Jeremy
looked at Daniel and nodded.

The boys entered the room with Daniel and Sims.  Sims gave the boys a
moment as they hurried to line up and assume the slave rest position.

"Boys, this is Mr. Thompson and three of his boys.  They are here to talk
to you."  Daniel immediately noted that Sims had done nothing to put the
boys at ease or make them comfortable with what was happening.

"Boys, my name is Daniel Thompson and I'm with New Horizons.  Before we
begin I want all of you to relax.  You don't have to be in the slave rest
position and you can look up here at us."  Daniel paused as he saw a few of
the boys relax and take a peek at the people standing in front of them.
When the boys realized that Daniel could see them looking up, they quickly
resumed looking down at the floor.  Daniel understood.

"The three young men standing up here with me are Jeremy, TJ and Evan.
They are from New Horizons.  I know you don't understand what that is and
that's why these three will be talking to you.  I'm going to leave you
alone for a little while, but while I'm gone I want to encourage you to
talk to these boys.  However, to help get things started, there's two
things I want to tell you.  First, when you leave here you will not be
leaving as slaves."  Daniel noticed an immediate, but controlled reaction
from the boys.  "Second, with a little luck, you may be leaving here later
today, but most likely tomorrow."

Daniel exited the room; the door closing with a solid thud as he left.  The
boys stood in their position waiting for their orders.  Jeremy, Evan and TJ
looked at one another trying to figure out the best way to start.  Finally,
Jeremy began by removing his clothes.  When he stood before the boys,
naked, he told all the boys to raise their heads and look at him.  Some of
the boys were visibly surprised, others remained controlled.  All of the
boys understood that a free boy did not voluntarily remove his clothes.
They also knew that slaves were not allowed to wear clothes.  Jeremy's
actions confused them.  Jeremy pointed to one boy and motioned for him to
step forward.

"What is your name?" Jeremy asked.

"Master, my SIN is 147 . . ."

"No," Jeremy interrupted in a low tone.  "I don't want to know your SIN and
I'm not your master.  What was your name before you had an SIN?"

The boy looked at Jeremy and swallowed hard.  He wasn't sure how to answer.
All slave boys were taught from the beginning that the person they were
before being enslaved was dead and they were to never think of themselves
as that person or use their former name; if they did, they would be
severely punished.  Also, if the boy at the front of the room was not their
new master, who was he?  The boy continued to look at Jeremy, frightened,
but curious.

"Toby," the boy whispered.

"Toby," Jeremy repeated.  "Toby, you started to tell me your SIN.  Is that
number in a tattoo located at the top of your leg where it meets your
butt?"

"Yes, sir."  Toby knew the correct response to a superior without using the
term 'master'.

"Toby, I'm going to turn around and I want you to look at that same place
on me and then tell the other boys what you see."

Jeremy didn't wait for a response as he turned around, bent over and
grabbed his ankles.  Toby looked down at Jeremy, unsure what he should do.
Any time Toby had been ordered to be that near someone's butt, it wasn't to
examine it.  Jeremy encouraged the boy.  Toby knelt on one knee and looked
at Jeremy.

"Toby, what do you see?" Jeremy asked.

TJ stepped over next to Jeremy.  Placing one hand on Jeremy's back, he used
his first finger of his other hand to point at what Jeremy wanted Toby to
see.  Toby looked and stared; he looked up at TJ who waited on an answer.
Toby whispered to TJ what he saw.  Jeremy stood and turned around; his face
was crimson from the flow of blood to his head.  Jeremy stood next to Toby
and turned the boy to face the group.  He placed a hand on Toby's shoulder
and told him to tell the boys what he saw.

"He's got scars.  It's where there was a SIN but it ain't there no more."
The boys looked at one another.

"I used ta be a slave, just like you guys."  Jeremy could now tell his
story without being ashamed.  "Mr. Dan'l and Mr. Arthur bought me in Miami
where my master kept me as a boy whore.  When they bought me I was shipped
to my new home that I learned was Mr.  Arthur's home in West Palm Beach.
Instead of putting me in a cage or locking me in a closet, I stayed in the
guest house.  I was scared shitless.

"Mr. Dan'l tried to talk to me, but I wasn't sure I could trust him.  He
told me he was a slave once.  Between just us, I didn't believe him; I
never told him that, though.  Then, one night, Mr. Arthur came to the guest
house.  He got naked and I figured he was gonna fuck me.  That's what I
was, a sex toy for men, and I knew that the truth was about ta happen.  I
understood then why I wasn't in a cage in the garage or somewhere else; the
place they had me had ta be his playpen.  I was really scared then 'cause I
hadn't been prepared.  I'd never been dry-fucked before, but some of the
other boys where I was had been and they'd told us how bad it hurt.  All I
could think of was how many times I'd been told it didn't matter if it hurt
me or not; I was a slave and I was supposed to please the man I was with.
He didn't . . . he didn't fuck me." A tear began to run down Jeremy's
cheek.

"Mr. Arthur picked me up and carried me into the shower.  He bathed me and
then he dried me off.  He did for me what slaves that belonged to my old
master did for free men.  There was one big difference though, he talked to
me.  He kept tellin' me stuff that no slave boy was gonna believe, but
always hoped for.  He told me I was goin' ta be free.  I can't remember how
many times he said that to me over the next few weeks.  I wanted to believe
him, but I was afraid.  That night he bathed me, he took me to his bed.  He
didn't fuck me.  He didn't make me give him sex.  He turned me on my side,
my back was to him, and he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close.
He held me like that all night and for a bunch of nights after that.  Then
one night, I don't know how long it was, when he pulled me close to him, I
turned over and looked up at him.  He ran his fingers through my hair and
let me know everything was going to be alright.  I cried till I fell
asleep."

The boys stood still and stared at Jeremy.  They could tell that he wasn't
lying to them, but they didn't know what to say or do.  Finally, the boys
noticed that TJ and Evan were taking off their clothes too.

"We weren't slaves like Jeremy or you guys.  We were street boys and we had
to whore ourselves to survive.  We hid in vacant buildings and ran from the
cops.  We lived dirty and scared.  Eventually we were caught and were in a
holding place not far from here.  Then Mr. Dan'l came.  We didn't trust him
or believe him at first.  We learned that he'd never tell us something that
wasn't true and if he said he was gonna do something, he did it.  He runs
New Horizons and he'll be the one takin' care of you guys, too.  Anybody
wanna ask us somethin'?"

The boys stood quietly until one of them tentatively raised a hand and
asked where New Horizons was.  That first question broke the ice and the
boys couldn't ask their questions fast enough.  Many just wanted to be told
again and again that they were going to be free.  A few of the younger boys
asked about their families and if they could go back home.  Most of the
older boys just stood and watched, and listened.

"If you're not slaves, how come you're naked like us now?  How come you
took your clothes off?"

"They don't have no tan lines neither," another boy added.  "They go naked
like us all the time."

"Yes, we do," TJ answered. "We go naked because we want to.  The last
clothes we had before Mr. Dan'l got us was just rags.  At first we thought
just like you, that bein' naked made us slaves.  That was before Father
Andrew and some of the other priests came and talked to us.  They showed us
where the Pope said that we were God's children, He created us and God
never created anything that wasn't beautiful.  He showed us where the Pope
wrote that it was okay to be naked.  Bein' naked was bad only to those
people who had evil minds.  Mr. Dan'l says anybody that'd enslave a child
was as evil as they come.  We're proud of who and what we are and don't
care if people see us.  Like Danny says, 'we're bootiful'."

Daniel had to laugh as he and the other adults watched the proceedings
through a one- way mirror.  Daniel wasn't surprised that it was one of the
younger boys that asked the first question and helped get things moving.
The younger boys had not been enslaved as long and didn't have the long,
dark history of the older boys.  The longer a slave remained in the system,
the more he understood not to hope, or to trust.  Long-term slaves
understood, often learning the hard way, that to say nothing meant they
were less likely to get in trouble and face punishment.

While the boys asked questions and they talked, TJ moved around the room.
When he found the boys with the scarred backs, he took them by the arm and
led them to an area near, but separate, from the other boys.  When he had
all five, he opened the door to let Daniel know.  Daniel entered with
Michael, Arthur, the governor and Michaels.  Daniel looked first to
Michaels.

"You said it was close to time for the boys to exercise.  I remember
picking up a few boys from here a few months back and there was a swimming
pool outside."

"It's there, but reserved for staff only."  The governor looked at
Michaels; Michaels understood.  "But, I think we can make an exception if
you'd like to use it."

"Boys, how would you like to go for a fun swim before lunch.  We'll skip
the exercise period and do it the New Horizons way.  I notice that my boys
seem to have dressed, or undressed in this case, for the occasion."  Daniel
smiled as he talked with the boys.  Jeremy, TJ and Evan also smiled at the
light joke.

"You comin' with us, Mr. Dan'l?"  TJ asked.

"Yes, I'll be there.  First, I want to talk a few minutes with these five
other boys."

Daniel watched as David Sims led the rest of the boys out of the room and
to the pool area.  The rest of the adults remained with Daniel.  With only
a look to Arthur and Colin, Daniel conveyed the message he wanted to talk
to the boys alone.  The governor quickly picked up on the message and
everyone left except Daniel and Michael.  When they were alone, Daniel
turned to the boys.

"Boys, as you've heard before, my name is Daniel Thompson.  The boys at New
Horizons call me Mr. Daniel, or Mr. Dan'l."  Daniel worked to keep the
exchange light.  "The gentleman behind all of you is Dr. Mike.  The files
I've seen tell me you five boys have been enslaved longer than the other
boys, and your bodies tell me it's been rough for you.  When the boys were
talking I noticed none of you really said anything, and I want you to know
that I understand.  Now, with just the seven of us, I'm hoping you will
talk to us."

The boys remained quiet.  They looked primarily at the floor in a slave
rest position.  They peaked at one another, but a leader did not come
forth.  Daniel waited a few minutes while Michael continued to look at the
boys.  When Michael touched one of the boys, the boy didn't even flinch.
However, Daniel could see the boy's muscles tense.  The boys were well
trained and disciplined.  When no one said anything, Daniel removed his
shirt and turned his back to the boys.

"Boys, look up here, at me."  Daniel spoke firmly; it was an order.  The
boys understood the tone and obeyed.  No one said anything, but Daniel did
hear a couple of light gasps.  When Daniel turned to face the boys, three
boys were looking at him, the other two looked around.

"I'm sure you boys can recognize the scars and know how they got there.  If
you listened to Jeremy earlier, he told you that I had revealed to him that
I was also a slave at one time.  All the boys at New Horizons know it.  You
boys and I do have something in common.  Now, what I would like is for each
of you to tell me your name, age and how long you've been enslaved.  I also
want to know where you were a slave and I hope that you will share some of
your experience with us.  Since you are lined up, we'll begin from my left
and work to my right."  Daniel made the statement using a tone the boys
could not interpret as anything other than 'this is how we will do it'.
The boys didn't question the directions.

"Edward . . .my master called me Eddie, sir.  I'm sixteen and I was made a
slave when I was eleven.  I'm . . . I mean, I'm part of a private club,
sir."  Before Daniel could ask a question, the second boy started to speak.

"Anthony, sir, but my master calls me Tony and I just turned sixteen.  I
was made a slave when I was ten and have always been at a private club,
sir."  Daniel held his hand up to stop the next boy from talking.

"Both of you mentioned a private club.  Were you at the same private club?"

"Yes, sir," the boys answered in unison.

"Were all of you at the same club?"

"Yes, sir," Tony answered.  The other boys said nothing.

"Okay, let's hear from the last three."

"David, sir.  Fifteen and . . ." Daniel held his hand up and looked to the
next boy.

"Nathan, sir.  Fifteen . . ." Nathan paused when he saw Daniel look to the
last boy.

"Richard, sir.  I'm sixteen and been a boy-toy for six years."

"Tony, can you tell me something about this private club?"  Daniel saw the
hesitation and fear on the boys' faces.  A strict rule of slavery was the
slave did not talk about the master or the master's business.  "Tony, slave
rules do not apply.  You speak openly and you are not in trouble.  To help
you, we need to know."

"Sir . . . well sir, it was a private club and we belonged to all the
members.  At meetings the men bid for us.  Each man had a different thing
he liked to do to us.  Sir . . . I heard some of the men call it a BDSM
club.  They auctioned us to the men who tortured us for their pleasure."
Tony paused and looked at Daniel for reassurance.

"It's okay, Tony.  Go ahead."

"Sir, we didn't know the rules.  Sometimes they made up games."  Tony saw
Daniel's questioning look.  "One game they liked before they auctioned us
was to line us up and make us beat off.  When each guy shot his load he was
tied so he hung from a hook and whipped.  The whipping stayed going until
the last boy shot his load and he was the only one that didn't get whipped.
At least not that time around."

"Is that how your back's got so chewed up?"

"Some, sir.  You see they had a lot of games they made us play.  One of the
things they'd make us do was whip each other.  They said it was like a game
boys did in Sparta where they had to hold onto a pole and get whipped.  The
winner was the one that got the most licks without crying or passin' out.
We didn't understand 'bout Sparta, but we understood 'bout the whip.  They
told us it was a badge of courage.

"Sometimes one of us got messed up pretty bad and a doctor came in and took
care of us.  If you got messed up, you didn't have ta play again until the
doctor said it was okay.  They had nurses that stayed with us too.  Do you
want me to tell you 'bout some of the other games and stuff they did, sir?"

"No, Tony.  I think I understand."  Daniel turned to Michael.

"Daniel, some of these scars are old, some aren't.  However, whoever took
care of them knew what they were doing because they aren't too deep.  We'll
have to run some tests, but I think they can all be taken care of.  Worst
case scenario, there will be minimal scarring that the sun can hide.  My
concern on the scarring would go a lot deeper than the skin."

"Boys, what Dr. Mike is saying is that you won't be going with the rest of
the boys.  We're going to move you to a hospital for tests and, if they
come out the way we think, you will all receive treatments to restore your
backs.  It takes a while for the full treatment but the initial treatment
takes around two to four weeks.  The rest of the treatments will be handled
at New Horizons.  When it's over your backs will look just like any other
boy's.  Dr. Mike can explain the treatment in more detail a little later.
Any questions?"

"Sir?" Nathan spoke up, hesitantly. "Suppose . . . well, suppose we don't
want to be set free?"

Daniel looked at the boy and knew the boy was serious.  He could guess that
the boy's background as a free boy wasn't much better than as a slave.  He
had heard of such situations, but this was his first real encounter.  The
child really had no life except to live in fear and depravation.  As a
slave he would know and understand what was expected of him and know that
he would at least have food and shelter.  Neither choice was good.

"Nathan, would I be correct if I said you were abused at home before you
were a slave?  Maybe you were beaten or went hungry?"

"Some," Nathan barely whispered, a little surprised that anyone would know
about his former life.  "Sir, actually I was only beaten and not given food
if I didn't come home with money.  My Pa and brothers pimped me.  They'd
give me ta people for the night, lyin' to 'em 'bout me.  After I got rode
that first time they made me practice screamin' like it was my first time.
If I didn't do good and bring money home then they'd make me go hungry and
tied me up and used me.  Somehow, after a while, I didn't care.  At least
they paid attention to me."

"Nathan, why or how did you become a slave?"  Daniel recognized the blank
look from the boy.

"One night this man showed up.  I recognized him as somebody who'd bought
me before.  He liked ta play games.  Sometimes they scared me but he always
took care of me afterwards and fed me and hugged me.  The next day, I was
here.  He took me away from here after I got tattooed and marked.  He was
one of the owners of the club."

"Nathan, all of you boys, I want all of you to listen very carefully.  You
are all going to be set free, but you are minors and wards of the state.
Your primary care giver will be New Horizons.  Nathan wants to go back
because it was no worse than his life as a free boy.  Unfortunately, it
almost sounds as though being a slave was better for him than being free.
Nathan, I hope we can show you a better life as a free boy.  You will not
be abused or pimped.

"All of the boys at New Horizons will tell you that going hungry is not a
problem for them.  We serve meals on a regular basis and you can go to the
mess hall for a snack any time you want to.  You will be given an education
and receive counseling.  All this is to prepare you to take care of
yourself as an adult.  As an adult you will make your own choices.  I can
only hope that you do not choose to become a slave again.  Please believe
me when I say that there are people out there that care about you and don't
have to abuse you to show how much they care.

"Right now, Dr. Mike will make the phone calls to arrange for your
treatments.  As I said before, he will discuss the treatment in more detail
later.  You will not be abandoned; someone will be with you through the
whole process.  I know we've thrown at lot at you this morning so.  Most of
you look as though you're in a state of shock trying to decide what's
happening right now.  So, why don't we take a break right now?  Let's go
outside and join the others.  After you finish swimming, it will be lunch
time and then if you want to talk some more, we can."

Daniel watched as the boys walked out of the room.  He placed a hand on
Nathan's shoulder and held him back.  When the other boys were gone, Daniel
turned Nathan so the boy faced him.  Placing a hand on each shoulder, h
looked at the boy a minute before saying anything.  As the boy stared back
at Daniel, tears formed in his eyes.

"Nathan, it's important to me that you understand the things we've said
this morning.  You will be a free boy when we leave here.  Believe me when
I say that there are a lot of people out there that truly care about what
will happen to you.  I understand that it will be a little scary at times,
but promise me this.  When you get scared or just need someone to talk to,
come to me.  I'll always be there for you.  Can you do that?"

Nathan continued to look at Daniel.  Slowly the boy moved closer to the man
and wrapped his arms around Daniel.  When he lay his head against Daniel's
chest, he began to cry.

"It's okay, son.  Sometimes big boys need to cry, too."


End Chapter Ninety-Four

To Be Continued

Comments Welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com