Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 13:19:52 -0400
From: Readersstop@netscape.net
Subject: Joseph Andrew Collins - 11 (LJB)(MM 1st anal coll slow)(11!18)

The following is a pure work of fiction and is the property of the author.
It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story.

Please remember this is fiction.  Representation of characters and
institutions may not be relevant to today's society.

I do not ***usually*** acknowledge e-mails, instead using my time to write.
I do appreciate hearing from you to let me know if this story is meeting
your expectations. 
Hope that you continue enjoying the story.       LJB

Happy Fathers' Day.

Seeing as it's a special day and Chapter 10 kind of left you hanging,
according to a few readers who let me know, I'm releasing this chapter a
bit early, so that no one suffers any serious damage.

For those who keep asking, I repeat, all my stories are posted to NIFTY.
You can find a comprehensive listing under the following: Gay/Authors.  In
the Prolific Writers Listing, I am recorded in the "L"s for LJB.  I wish
you happy reading.

Joseph Andrew Collins
Chapter 11


There was a strange tension in the air as I entered the lounge before 11
o'clock as we had been directed, so last instructions for tonight could be
received.  I went over and took my seat next to James, my current twin.
The silence among my Pledge brothers was almost deafening.  I believe at
times you could almost hear the proverbial pin drop.

The Pledge Master and several of the other Brothers came in from the main
lounge area.

"We pretty well covered the announcements earlier."  he commented.  "Pledge
Joe, remain here.  The rest of you are dismissed.  Showers and bed, right
away."  A couple of the Pledge brothers started to move, but finding the
rest of them remaining where they were seated, they settled back into their
seats.  Pledge Master Vince stood for a moment waiting for the group to
move and then realizing no one was going anywhere, he asked, "Do we have a
problem here ?"

"Yes, Sir."  Kirk answered, rising to his feet.  "There is word going
around that Joe is to be punished for how he handled Ty this afternoon.
Some of us have had a talk with Ty and he told us about his episode with
James.  James told us about what Joe did and we have a problem with Joe
being disciplined for defending one of our Pledge brothers."

"The Executive Council has reviewed the events and has made a ruling."
Pledge Master Vince declared.  "It is not the role of Pledges to question
the actions of the Executive Council.  Now off to bed, before I have to
start charging Lifesavers."

"Sir, you may as well take them all."  RAT stated.  "If Joe is disciplined
for what he did, 14 of us, not including Joe are prepared to resign
immediately."

"Sir," Tyler spoke, rising slowly to his feet, "I may hurt like hell right
now and worse later, but I agree with my Pledge brothers.  I wasn't asked,
but I'll make it 15 resigning.  I know what I did was wrong, but I did do
it.  Joe may not have followed procedure, but I'm certain if it had been me
it had happened to, he'd have taken the same action against my aggressor.
I hold no grudge toward him.  I deserved what I got."  He sat down again.
I stood up and turned to face my brothers.

"I thank you for your support, but what I did was wrong and I deserve to be
disciplined for my actions."  I said.  "What I did was wrong.  None of us
has the right on his own to punish one of our brothers.  I understand that
now.  The Fraternity, through the Executive Council has to retain that
authority."  As I spoke, my brothers rose to their feet.  I turned around
and found the rest of the Executive and all the Brothers were entering the
lounge and at the very end of the line filing in was my Dad.

"Brothers and Pledges," Chris announced, "Brother Michael, Chairman of DPD
National Board of Directors has decided to speak to us.  You may all be
seated."

"Tick, come here."  my Dad instructed.  He turned me to face my Pledge
brothers and stood beside me with one arm draped over my shoulder.  "I have
very strong ties and feelings toward this particular Chapter of DPD.  It is
the most special in the group of 34 Chapters we sponsor.  It is my Chapter.
I lived here and graduated from this College.  It is this Chapter that I
encouraged my sons to Pledge and be inducted into as members."  He looked
behind him and motioned Brad to come forward and stand on his other side.
Dad put his other arm around Brad.  It was pretty clear he had identified
and claimed us as his sons.

"I have a great deal of respect for the Executive Council of this Chapter,
for their diligence and adherence to the traditions of our Fraternity, but
also for the innovative way they attempt to keep us current with the times
and challenges of society and our new Pledges.  The one absolute that they,
nor any other Executive Council in this organization can not tamper with,
or allow others to disregard is the authority with which each Executive
Council is entrusted."

"I have discussed the matter at hand with the senior Advisor and Chapter
President as well as Pledge Joseph's Agent.  If you cannot accept the
directive of the Executive Council, then you must resign.  However, if you
can open your minds to realize how their decision reflects the quality of
their leadership and the honour of this Chapter, you will rethink your
options and become better men in the doing."

"Tick, do you freely accept the finding of the Executive Council ?"  Dad
asked me.  "Understand, if you do not, I will endorse your decision and
resignation fully."

"I freely accept, Sir."  I stated.  "I place myself in the hands of my
Brothers."

"Brother Brad, do you freely accept the finding of the Executive Council ?"
Dad asked.

"I do, Sir."  Brad responded.  Dad reached behind him to one of the
Brothers and brought forth the paddle.  He handed it to Brad.

"Pledge Joe, assume the position."  My Dad instructed.  I looked Brad in
the eye and he told me what to do.  I undid my pants and pushed them and my
underwear to my ankles as I bent over, exposing my bare butt to my brother.
The first crack of the paddle burned like fire.  I grit my teeth and
focused on Brad.  He coached me to dull my senses and control my reactions.
The second smack just about jarred me out of my focus, but I held it with
Brad's help.  The third hit connected with a message.  'The End.'  Brad
filled my mind with those two words, which drew me back to this plane.

"Your reprimand is complete."  my Dad stated.  The Council had modified my
reprimand to three paddles; on my Dad's recommendation the matter should be
completed and ended immediately.  I felt Brad beside me as I lifted my
pants and pulled them into place, hooking the waist snap.  After I adjusted
them, Brad hugged me and I hugged him back.  He was the only one who could
have discipline me without causing my Pledge brothers to rebel.  Everything
had happened so quickly, none of them had hardly moved a muscle before it
was all over.

No one actually said anything.  Pledge Master Vince motioned and the
Pledges quickly moved from their seats to the stairway and silently went up
to have their showers.  The Brothers turned to file out of the wing, back
to their own sections.  Many of them patted me on the shoulder as they
passed by me.  Sandy stopped and asked if I was okay.  I assured him I was.

Dad placed his arm around me again and guided me into the main lounge and
then to Chris' office.  Brad, Andrew and Chris followed behind us.

"How did you know to come ?"  I asked him, wrapping my arms around him in a
hug which he returned.

" I had an uneasy feeling about you all afternoon and was going to call
you, then Ken Williams called me this evening before he left here and told
me what you did to that boy."  Dad informed me.  "He and Darrin were both
concerned.  They'd never seen you hurt someone on purpose.  I must admit, I
didn't think it sounded like you either.  I understand why, Tick, but it
was wrong for you to do it."  He released me and I stepped back to look up
at him.

"I know, Dad."  I admitted.  "At the time, it seemed the right thing to
do."

"Not without talking to Brad," he reinforced, "or Andrew.  You know
better."

"There was someone else involved."  I stated.  "His privacy was important."

"Either one of them can keep a secret.  Stop making excuses."  he insisted.
"It was wrong."

"Yes, Sir.  I know."  I admitted, hanging my head.

We talked for about 15 minutes in Chris' office.  Most of the conversation
was questions from Dad and Andrew about how Brad and I felt being unable to
see and talk to each other like we normally do.  I had to admit it was
difficult and I was having a lot of problems about knowing what Brad was
thinking and reacting to me.  They all seemed especially interested in
that.  While we were all there together, I realized I could hear Brad again
and I could hear my Dad as well.  He made some silent comments to us as
others spoke and we would both smile and even laugh.  I felt a lot better.

"Dad, did you feel the paddles ?"  Brad asked.

"Did I ever."  Dad admitted.  "You sure you had to swing that hard ?  I had
to join Tick at his focus point on the second one.  Everyone would have
been a little shocked if I had started yelling."  We all laughed.  There
was a soft knock on the door.  Andrew opened it and admitted Vince.
Introductions were made.

"My youngest son seems to think you have an interest regarding his pants."
Dad said, as Vince shook his hand.  Vince's brow wrinkled in a puzzled
expression.  "I believe his exact words were to the effect that you wanted
to get into them."  I didn't know that much blood could rush to a person's
face that fast.  Vince looked like an overripe strawberry.  For a couple
minutes I thought he might have stopped breathing.  "Oh, don't worry, Son.
I had one son try to get in every girls' pants in the whole high school and
nearly succeed.  It's only reasonable this is going to work in the reverse
as well."

"Dad, you better order him to breath, or he's going to keel over."  Brad
suggested.

"Don't let me bother you, Vince."  Dad laughed.

"Now he's found out he can embarrass you," I warned Vince, "you'll never
have a moments peace."

"I take it you didn't tell him you weren't wearing any pants at the time."
Vince whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.  This time Dad coloured
red as he started laughing.  Brad, Andrew and Chris also gained a red tinge
as they laughed along.

"Touché, young man."  Dad cheered.  "You'll survive around our house.
Well, I've had a long day.  Who's got a bed for me ?"  Brad raised his hand
and Dad nodded.  "Tick, I'll have breakfast with your Pledge class tomorrow
morning, if that's all right."

"Sure, Dad."  I confirmed.  "Do you want to join us for our 5 mile run in
the morning ?  Pledge Master Vince might even let you ride in the jeep with
him."

"You mean your Pledge Master doesn't run with his Pledge Class ?"  Dad
asked in a shocked tone, looking over at Vince.

"No Sir, he doesn't," Vince confirmed, "but I'm certain all they've missed
by my not doing so, could easily be made up by you joining them for just
one morning run."  I thought how smooth he was, not taking the bait.

"Young man, do you think I got to be Chairman of the Board by doing stupid
things ?"  Dad responded, pretending to be indignant.  "Now point me to my
bed, Brad."  Dad shook everyone's hand as he and Brad moved to the door,
stopping to give me a hug and kiss on my forehead.  "You took your
reprimand like the man I believe your becoming, Son.  I'm very proud of
you."  Dad told me.  "I'm proud of all of you."  He looked around the room.

"Come on, Tick."  Vince said.  "I'll walk you up to the Pledge bedrooms."
We left the office and went to the Pledge wing.  As we crossed the lounge
and reached the staircase, Vince reached over and grasped my upper arm,
turning me back toward him.  "I'm so proud of you, I can't even begin to
tell you."

"How can you be proud of me ?"  I asked.  "I've screwed up royally.  I
manhandled one of my fellow Pledges, I've been paddled in front of the
entire House by my own brother, with my father looking on no less.  The
Chapter Archives, if they mention me at all, will describe a total screw
up."

"Nothing that's happened hasn't been repaired."  Vince consoled me.
"You've shown the capacity to learn and adapt, Tick.  Yes, you've made
mistakes, but they've been honest mistakes and always in an attempt to do
right.  The Brothers of this Fraternity are humans.  We make errors, but
learning from those errors makes them have value."  He leaned in and kissed
me.  It was passionate and I felt like I wanted to curl my toes.

"You better be careful doing that."  I warned him when he released me.
"I'm wound up pretty tight and my restraint might not be what it normally
is."

"Oh, how I've longed to hear those words and wouldn't you know I can't take
advantage of them."  Vince declared.  I leaned in and this time I kissed
him.  His hands moved up under the back of my sweatshirt and then down my
back and into my pants.  His palms felt cool on my bare butt cheeks, which
were still burning from the paddle. The kiss ended and I leaned back from
him so I could see his face.

"Vince, this is going to get me in more trouble if we don't stop now."  I
told him.  He sighed and slowly pulled his hands from my pants and stepped
back, nodding.

"I'll say 'good night' and leave you here, Tick."  he suggested and I
nodded.  I waited at the bottom of the stairs and watched him stride across
the lounge to the doorway to the main lounge, mentally peeling away his
clothing with every step.  He turned and waved before he exited.

Climbing the stairs, I went to my room and opened the door as quietly as
possible, so as not to disturb my roommates.  Slipping inside, the room was
still well lit by the brightness of the fall moon.  I sat down on the side
of James' and my bed to untie my shoes.  James sat up in bed behind me.  As
I turned to whisper to him, the overhead light snapped on and the bedroom
door opened with half a dozen guys spilling into the room.  Gary stood by
the light switch.  People kept pouring into our room until the whole naked
Pledge Class was there.

"What happened after we left ?"  James asked.  "Are you all right ?  Did
they do anything more to you ?"

"I'm okay guys, but thanks for asking."  I told them.  "I just visited with
my Dad for a little while.  He wants to have breakfast with all of us in
the morning."

"He let them pound you.  Even directed it."  Kirk growled.  "I'm not goin'
near the guy."

"Listen, I'm only going to say this one final time."  I stressed.  "I
deserved what happened to me.  What I did was wrong and it was the
responsibility of the Executive Council to set a reprimand.  My Dad is the
most special person I know and any of you who miss an opportunity to meet
and be with him, are missing out big time.  I love Brad, my brother more
than any other human, both before and now.  He did what was required, when
no one else could and I respect him for doing it.  This is over, we all go
on from here."

"I don't blame you Joe."  Tyler said.  "I told everyone before what I did
was wrong."

"I still owe you an apology, Ty."  I replied.  "I am sorry I acted like
that, but so help me God, you ever do anything like it
again...."

"There's no chance that will ever happen, Joe."  Ty declared.  "I got
carried away, I got wrapped up in my own desires and stopped thinking about
anyone but myself.  I've learned my lesson.  James I am so sorry for the
way I acted and how I behaved.  I apologize to you here before our Pledge
brothers and ask you if you can't forgive me, please at least not to hate
me."

"I don't hate you, Ty."  James stated.  "I forgive you, just never do
anything like that again, to anyone."

"What's going on in here ?"  a voice asked from the doorway.  "I thought
the Pledge Master had sent all you guys to your beds."  I peered around the
bodies standing in front of me and saw Andrew at the door.  There was
silence.  "I wonder if I should start asking to see the Lifesavers you're
all to have with you at all times."

I kept thinking, oh no, please don't have this happen now.  They were only
concerned about me; please don't make them pay for their genuine concern.
Then for the first time ever, Andrew spoke directly into my mind.

"For you little brother, this time only."  It was Andrew's voice, but it
was like when Brad speaks to me.  Andrew was looking directly into my eyes
as his words came to me.  He then turned and left.

"Everyone to bed."  I said, "Now, before he changes his mind."  The group
disbursed quickly and soon James, Gary, Gavin and I were the only ones
left.  I undressed and left my clothing on the chair beside the desk,
rather than taking them over to the drying room.

"Wow, Bro."  Gary whistled as I walked to the light switch to turn off the
overhead.  "Your butt has the very worst sunburn I've ever seen.  Does it
hurt ?"

"No. It's just hot."  I replied.  "James, I might need to be behind you
tonight.  I think my butt's going to have to hang out of the cover."

"Any way you want it, Joe."  he told me.  "You can even be on top tonight,
if you like."  He might not be saying that if he knew how horny Vince had
gotten me and it'd been two days since I'd gotten off."  I just switched
off the light and settled in for the night.

"Okay, men."  the loud voice cracked the peace of my sleep.  "Everyone up
and ready to go running.  Last five ready and in place, lose markers."  I
was pretty sure I was going to lose a Lifesaver this morning.  Soon as I
dressed I went to find Tyler.  James followed along behind me without even
asking where I was going.  As I expected, Ty was still in bed, hardly able
to move.  I looked over his body and it was a map of black and blue
bruising.  His twin was still here, but Tyler is a big football jock and I
kept thinking about whether the three of us were actually going to be able
to get him to the tub.  Before they arrived, I sensed Brad and Andrew were
on their way.

"You two are twinned for now."  Andrew instructed James and Verne, Ty's
current twin.  "Tell the Pledge Master you were helping me and I assigned
you to be with each other."  He sent them off for the run.

"We need to get him into hot water, to soak.  The big tub in the old
bathroom would be best."  I thought, knowing that there were different
bathroom set-ups in some of the other wings.

"That's not a problem."  Brad's voice answered in my head.

"We'll go thru to 2nd floor main, then into the 4th year wing."  Andrew
instructed.  Helping Tyler up, the larger men supported him as they took
him to the big bathtub.  I picked up his clothes from the drying room on
the way.  Once Tyler was soaking in the hot water, I had nothing to do but
wait.  Andrew came into the tub room and sat with me.

"Why last night ?"  I asked.  "Why did you choose last night to finally let
me know you could communicate with me ?"

"It seemed like the right time."  he responded.  "I was very proud of you
for what you said to the others.  You take a leadership role with them and
it's a natural thing for them to listen to you.  I thought it was time for
you to know."

"How long have you been able to do it ?"  was my next question.

"You mean with you, or others ?"  he queried, but I didn't need to reply,
he read the thought.  "Ever since I met you.  I've been in touch with you
since then, actually even before then, through Brad and your Dad."

"You knew my Dad before ?"  I wondered.

"Your Dad is my Uncle Seth's big Brother.  I met your Dad over 15 years
ago, when I was a kid."  he told me.  "I've been aware of you and Brad ever
since then."  Our discussion was interrupted with the need to tend to Ty.
Andrew worked on the opposite side of the tub from me as we moved Tyler
around and flexed his joints, working from the top down.  By the time we
had finished, Ty was moving much better and as we assisted him from the
tub, he told us his pain level was significantly reduced.  Andrew said he
would arrange with Coach Banks for Ty to receive a light massage following
breakfast.

We helped him to get dressed and then we all went down to the main lounge.
The Pledge Class arrived back from their run within a few minutes of our
going out to the front porch.  Andrew fed Tyler a couple Acetaminophen
tablets, to help him through the morningand gave him a couple more for
later.

After the runners had showered and changed clothing, we all walked over to
the cafeteria as a group.  Pledge Master Vince, Brothers Chris, Steve,
Andrew and Brad accompanied us.  My Dad had left the House earlier to see
some of the College Administrators for an early morning meeting and was to
meet us.  When we arrived, he was waiting in an area where the tables had
been arranged into a grouping.  Table clothes were on the tables and they
were set with silverware and water glasses.

Dad saw us coming and met us outside one of the entry doors.  He announced
we were not to go through the food line; our breakfast was to be served to
us.  We were ushered inside and invited to sit where we liked in the
segregated area.  As we entered in single file, Dad stood at the doorway
and shook hands with each Pledge as they passed him, asking each their
name.  From that point on, he could speak to each individual by name.  Two
distinguished looking gentlemen dressed in suits with ties were already
seated, one at each of two different tables and Dad claimed a seat at a
third and asked the Brothers to each sit with a group of Pledges.

"I am very pleased to be able to meet with this year's Pledge Class, before
the final selections begin.  The fact there are still twenty of you on the
first Friday indicates you all are valued highly by the Brothers who have
supervised you.

I would like to introduce my other guests to our little breakfast
gathering.  To my right is Mr. Graham Pritchard, Chancellor of this College
and to my left is Mr. Montague Steadman, President of the College.  These
gentlemen on hearing whom my breakfast companions were to be, insisted on
accompanying me, so they might meet the future members of Delta Phi Delta.
If you've had any problem with your College registration or classes since
your arrival at this institution, either of these gentlemen would be most
interested in hearing about it.  I might mention quietly that Chancellor
Pritchard is a DPD Brother and President Steadman wishes he was.  Everyone
chuckled as President Steadman nodded his head and voiced his agreement.

That set the pace for a light humoured greeting from each of the gentlemen,
both of whom made a point of shaking the hand of any Pledge, or Brother
within their reach.  They both welcomed us and assured us that our
involvement with DPD indicated, whether we achieved full membership or not,
their great expectations for our achievements during the time we would be
at the College, as the highest standards had already been applied to us.
It was apparent to me that both of them knew the Brothers that were with
us.

The more I looked at Chancellor Pritchard, the more I felt he looked
familiar to me.  It was his smile and a glance between them, which finally
made the connection for me.  I felt so stupid.  Brother Andrew, my
brother's 'big Brother' and my highly valued friend was Andrew Pritchard.
The Chancellor was his father, who he had referred to when he talked about
being a 'legacy' Pledge himself, because of his father.

Our breakfast was brought in and served by six Pledges from the Epsilon
Gamma Sorority, supervised by two of their Sisters.  A couple of our guys
knew some of them, so there was a bit of an undercurrent going on.  The
breakfast itself was outstanding.  It was served country style.  There were
platters of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hot cakes, syrup and butter,
hot biscuits, gravy, country home fries, toast, jams and jellies, Danish,
orange and apple juice, milk, tea and coffee.  Dad made a comment about
having gotten to us before any of our Coaches had us sitting a training
table.

When breakfast had finished, Dad thanked everyone for giving him the
opportunity to meet them.  He said, he knew many of us had classes, or
practices to attend and he would not keep us, but any who wished to stay
behind and talk with him were welcome to do so, he would be here until
anyone wishing to see him had done so.  When he was done speaking, my
Pledge brothers all looked to me to speak for them.  I stood.

"Brother Michael, Sir, Dad, or any of the above."  I said and everyone
laughed, especially Dad.  "My Pledge brothers have asked me to convey to
you their appreciation for being fed.  They always appreciate anyone who
will feed them."  Another round of laughter.  "Sir, we truly appreciate
your time and efforts in helping to guide us through a bit of uncertainty
in these, our Trials to become Delta Phi Delta Brothers.  You have helped
us to appreciate the role Fraternity is to play in our lives and many of us
have gained a renewed dedication to the values, which DPD represents.
Thank you."  There was a round of applause.

Neither James nor I had a class until 11 o'clock.  We held back, so I could
be with Dad as long as possible.  A number of my Pledge brothers remained
as well and there was a general discussion about the Fraternity and how it
was different when Dad was at school.  He talked about the changes in some
of the ways things were done and how the Frat House had changed and had
been expanded.  He stressed that the one thing, which had not changed at
any time was the value, which DPD members placed on fraternity as more than
an intellectual concept, but a way of living and joining with your
brothers.

"Those of you who are inducted as Brothers will be prepared to expand your
perception of family to include your Brothers.  As you become part of the
Brotherhood, you don't lose the family ties you have had growing up, you
expand them to include a web of Brothers, who are prepared to assist and
guide you, like you will do for the Brothers yet to come.  Those of you who
do not complete the Trials will still have the relationships established
with your Pledge brothers.  These can be lasting ties, providing you with
strong contacts and friendships throughout your lifetime.  I have two very
good friends who were Pledge brothers and over the years it has been my
genuine pleasure to be able to extend the assistance of the Brotherhood to
them during some very traumatic times in their lives."

Dad left shortly after ten.  He hugged me tightly and told me again he was
proud of me and loved me, then kissed me on the top of my head.  I felt a
little sad to see him go, but as he turned a corner at the end of the
walkway and passed from sight, I heard him tell me he would be back for the
ceremonial induction of the new Brothers, next week.  I turned toward Brad
and knew he had heard it as well.

Three classes rounded out my Friday.  I was back in my dorm room by 4:00
p.m., trimming my required essay on the aspects of love.  Kirk was there.
This essay was a real chore for him.

"I don't know about this 'love' stuff."  he railed.  "Shit, there isn't
anyone I love and you and the guys are the only people I really like, so
how am I suppose to write about love ?

"Stop complaining and start thinking."  I told him.  "Think about it.  You
know what love is.  Well, if you don't love me and only like me, what's the
difference between the two ?  Brad, loves me.  How is what you feel,
different than what he feels ?"  Kirk thought about it and sat down at his
computer and started to write.  An hour later, he declared he was finished.

"It wasn't so hard."  he attested.  "I guess I got more going on than I
first thought about."

"Can I read it ?"  I questioned.

"Noooooo way."  he said.  "This is private, between just Brother Andrew and
me."

"Well, I'm sure the two of you will be very happy."  I teased.  "I think
you're getting the best of the deal."  It took him a minute to figure that
one out, then he kiddingly threatened to kick my ass

At 6 o'clock we were seated in the lounge of the Pledge wing of the House.
We all stood as the Pledge Master and several of the Brothers entered the
room.  They told us to sit down and pay attention.

"This is the final time we will all formally be together."  Pledge Master
Vince announced.  "We will all be at the party tonight for some fun and
recreation.  Twelve of you will receive notice over the weekend to report
back here at six on Sunday evening.  Eight of you will not.  Those of you
who do not return are thanked for their participation in the first week of
Trials.  Those of you who return are warned that things will get rougher
from then on.  More demands will be placed on you, stricter compliance will
be expected, you will be judged on almost everything you do and say.  Are
there further questions ?"  Several Pledges raised their hands.  Vince
pointed.

"Sir, if we are not asked to return," Gary asked, "can we find out why ?"

"Yes."  Brother Andrew responded.  "You may call two weeks from today and
make an appointment to see me.  I will review the selection process with
you."  Vince pointed to another hand.

"Sir, why are there twelve returning ?"  Richard questioned.

"The final two Pledges will be eliminated next week."  Vince explained.
"It will be through the same process as you've undergone so far, but as I
warned you it will be more difficult.  We will be giving you assignments,
which will need you to think.  We will be demanding a higher level of
participation and involvement."

"We will also be dealing with you on a number of sexual issues next week,"
Brother Andrew warned, "so drop your embarrassment at the door when you
return.  There'll be no room for it here."  Andrew's face was absolutely
serious.  I could sense there was something important about what he had
just told us, but I couldn't read his thoughts.  He turned his head sharply
and glared at me.  He was blocking my thoughts, knowing I was trying to
read him.  I watched him raise his finger in front of him and flick it from
side to side as if admonishing me.

"All right, if we've covered everything, you're welcome back at the party,
which will run from 9 o'clock until it ends.  Don't forget the price of
admission is your essay assignment.  They all must be in by midnight.  You
may separate from your twin at this time.  Good luck to all of you.  You
have been an excellent Pledge class to this point."  Vince summarized and
dismissed us.  I gave James a hug and shook hands with him, saying I'd see
him soon.

"Tick, I'd like to see you in my office, please."  Andrew told me.  He left
the lounge before I got a chance to say anything.

"Yes, Sir."  I thought and knew he had heard.  As I started to go to the
main lounge and up to Andrew's office, I handed Vince my essay as I passed
by.  He took it and glanced at me, but I had to go.  I felt like I was in
trouble, but I wasn't quite sure what I had done.  The door to Andrew's
office was open and as I raised my hand to knock, he told me to come in.  I
closed the door behind me and he motioned me to sit down.

"Do you think what you did down there was proper ?"  Andrew asked, but I
just looked confused.  "You tried to read my thoughts.  Do you read other
people whenever you feel like it ?"

"No, Sir."  I replied.  "I only read people who read me.  Someone like Kirk
doesn't read me, he doesn't even know he can or how, so I don't read him."

"Tick, who else here can read ?"  he asked.

"You already know, Andrew."  I responded.  "Why are you asking me ?"

"Yes, I know," Andrew confirmed, "but I want to know if you know."  He
waited for me to answer.

"Well, everyone here is perceptive, they could receive," I answered, "but
only a few can actually read, if they knew how.  You, me, Brad, Chris,
Steve, Hogan, Gary, we can all receive and transmit, now.  Only you, Brad
and I can read, you know reach in and take without it being transmitted.
Of course my Dad can do it too.  I guess I can, because he can, though Brad
has trouble unless someone is really excited or he is able to see their
eyes."

"Did your Dad not tell you it wasn't polite to read someone without a
really good reason ?"  he asked.  I had to drop my head and not look at
him.

"Yes, you know he did."  I confirmed.

"Well, you just tried to read me downstairs."  he told me.  "That was not
right and you know it."

"Yes, Sir."  I acknowledged.  "I'm sorry, Andrew.  I knew there was
something important about what you were saying, but you weren't telling us.
I wasn't thinking about what I was doing.  Please don't tell Brad.  He
busted my butt about 5 years ago for doing it to him."

"Then learn this time," Andrew stated, "because I'll beat your butt if you
try it again with me, little brother and there'll be no escaping to another
plane when I do."  There was no doubt in my mind that he meant it.  There
was a tap on his door and Andrew called out for Vince to enter.

"I'll never know how you always know when it's me."  Vince exclaimed when
he opened the door.

"I don't."  Andrew lied.  "I just say, 'Come in, Vince.' to everyone, so
when it's you I'm always right."  Vince stared at him for a minute trying
to decide if he was being serious.

"Tick," Vince changed the subject, turning to me, "how come I find I have
your essay in my hand ?  How are you planning on paying your admission to
the party tonight ?"  I tried desperately to think of a good excuse.

"You're broadcasting."  Andrew said to me, as I realized I was pushing out
my thoughts right to him.  Vince didn't know what we were talking about and
didn't seem to take notice.  He just stood waiting for his answer.

"Well, the truth is," I finally decided to come clean, "I wasn't planning
on coming here tonight."  Andrew started to laugh and I gave him a severe
look.  I guess Vince did too.

'Yeah and are you going to tell him just where you were planning on
cumming, little brother."  Andrew spoke into my mind.

"I want you here."  Vince said sternly.  It didn't take any special ability
to know it was Vince speaking, not the Pledge Master.  "What do I need to
do to convince you ?"  The way he asked made it clear to me that this
evening was very important to him.

"You just did."  I told him.  "I'll be here at 9 o'clock."  He smiled and
handed me my essay back.

"Don't forget that."  he reminded me.

"Vince, shut the door and sit down."  Andrew instructed.  "I want to speak
with the two of you."  Vince did as Andrew directed and we both waited to
see what he wanted.

"You both came to this Chapter of DPD in somewhat strangely similar
positions."  Andrew observed.  "Tick, you have over the past two years
become a part of this House, in part because you belong here without even
knowing so.  Vince you have the right of membership to bring you to this
House, but in fact there were other reasons why you were selected to be
sent to this location."

"I came because there was an opening and the courses I needed were here."
Vince commented.

"Yes," Andrew agreed, "but the opening here was created and the courses
were arranged to be transferred to this College."  Vince sat staring at his
senior; uncertain he could dispute what he was being told.  He decided to
accept what Andrew was telling him.  He would place himself in his
Brothers' hands.

"Brother Michael told everyone this is his Chapter and it is a very special
place.  He was not speaking figuratively; he meant it in the literal sense.
This place and the people who have lived here and do now, are special.
They and you were selected to be here because of their special abilities.
Every person here has some ability in ESP, Extra Sensory Perception.  Every
year, this Chapter of DBD selects from the male Freshmen of this College,
the 10 individuals who have the highest indication of ESP ability and then
trains them to use those abilities."

"But why me ?"  Vince asked.  "I've never made anything move by thinking
about it.  I'm just a regular person.  Tick's just a regular person.  This
is really hard to believe, Andrew."

"Billie Jean MacKenzie."  Andrew said and I was flooded with images of a
beautiful, young lady in high school and of Vince along with her.  The
image sharply focused on a night of anticipated passion that didn't turn
out quite as expected.

"She actually turned out to be gay ?"  I asked in amused wonder, turning to
Vince.  "Neither one of you knew about the other ?  I chuckled.  "At least
it was a relief for both of you when you finally admitted it."  I smiled.
Vince was staring at me with eyes open wide enough for his eyeballs to fall
out.

"How do you know that ?"  he finally asked me.

"I drew the name from your memory."  Andrew explained.  "When I said it,
you thought about a time with her that was significant and Tick read you.
Brother Michael is a very strong reader.  Brad and I are both near his
level, but Tick, though still needing extensive training is the strongest
yet.  His perceptiveness has been active since birth and his father and
brother have trained him and held control over him"

"And what about the other Brothers and the Pledges ?"  Vince asked.

"Each has a degree of activity, or potential.  The four years in this House
is when they learn how to use what they have to their fullest potential.
You have a very strong potential, but because you were at one of our other
Chapters and somehow missed our screening, it was not identified until the
last school semester, when Brother Michael visited your Chapter."  I could
sense how overwhelmed Vince was feeling.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go over to my room and lie down for a
little while."  Vince stated. "I'd like to think about this for a bit,
before the Pledge class starts to arrive back."

"Can I come ?"  I asked him.  He looked at me for a moment then nodded.
Andrew excused us.

If anything was going to happen between Vince and me, it wasn't going to be
now.  We'd come back to his room from Andrew's office about 45 minutes ago
and so far 6 different Brothers had stopped by to check out various things
with him.  I decided to go back to Roberts Hall and get ready to return
here for the Friday Night Beer Fest.