Date: Mon, 24 May 2004 17:19:47 +0000
From: Douglas DD DD <thehakaanen@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Boys of Lady Lex Chapter 5

Greetings To Our Readers,

Thanks for hanging with us. This is Ben's chapter and it is a long one, so
grab some popcorn, an ice cold drink, and sit back and read an enjoy. A lot
of new characters, some major and some minor are introduced here. A budding
love relationship starts here as well.
Thanks to those of you who have written us. It sometimes takes a little bit
of time to get back to you since Ben and I both have to find time to write
our replies, but so far we've managed to answer everybody. Have fun, and we
hope to see you soon for chapter 6.

Douglas and Ben



The Boys of Lady Lex
Chapter 5
"The Conditioning"
Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin TC


	"No, no, no" said Dr. Kula. He was a black man who spoke with a
thick Jamaican accent. He was thin and only stood to about five feet ten
inches high. The top of his head was covered with black dreadlocks.
	"We need you," said Amanda Creevey.
	"Amanda, we known each other since college many years ago and there
isn't a thing on this planet I would do for you."
	"Then why won't you do it?"
	"Because this requires me to go off the planet. Besides, I don't
teach."
	"You taught history for seven years. Plus you are qualified to
teach other subjects as well."
	"I don't think your captain would like the subjects I could
teach. Besides, I gave up teaching three years ago, and there was a reason
behind it. Me, children and teaching is a deadly combination. I'm not doing
it."
	"But you hold a Doctorate in History. You have experience at
teaching."
	"I am not going into outer space. I was born on this planet and on
this planet is where I will keep me black butt."
	"There is no way I can talk you into it?"
	"No mon,"
	"Space travel isn't bad,"
	"Don't care, I'm not going."
	"Why are you afraid to space travel?"
	"I'm not afraid to space travel. I just don't want to do it. My
teaching days are over with. Besides, there is no pay involved."
	"Like you really need the money," said Amanda as she scanned around
the lavish house of Dr. Kula.
	"Besides, I am a very busy man."
	"Busy? What are you busy with then? I know its not teaching."
	"Well, uh, well,"
	"I'm listening." "I have to take care of my plants," said Dr. Kula
as he went over to his fern and picked up a nearby spray bottle and started
spraying with it with water and talking to it as if it was a baby. "There
my sweet heart. Have a little water you good girl."
	"You can bring them with you, that way you can still take care of
them."
	"Look Amanda, I am not going and that's that."
	"Okay, if you insist."
	"I insist."
	"I'll be on my way then." said Amanda as she began to leave, but
without giving Dr. Kula something.
	"What's this?"
	"It's your credentials for customs at the space dock. I'll see you
on March 1. Bye." she said as she left.
	"You see me, not." said Dr. Kula as he threw the credentials into a
garbage can.

*****

	Steve Hatcher lay on the couch with a cold compress on his
head. His house was all disarrayed as his family was preparing for the big
move. Every lead he had for a volunteer ended up being a dead end. He just
hoped that Amanda was having better luck. There was a knock at the front
door, but he just laid there. Hoping his headache would go away.
	"Aren't you going to get the door?" asked Linda, his wife. She
walked to the door and opened it up. Only to look at an alien. "May I help
you?"
	"Is this where Captain Steve Hatcher lives?"
	"Yes,"
	"Is he around?" said the alien in a deep powerful voice.
	"May I ask who wants him?"
	"My name is Sir Zjan-Ren of the Kriton Republik Army. I here am on
behalf of Ambassador Ka."
	Captain Hatcher stood up and looked to see who was talking to his
wife. The mention of Ambassador Ka's name caught his attention. He walked
over to the door and there standing in the door way was 6'7" Kriton. Like
Ambassador Ka, he had shoulder length jet black hair that shined with
strands of gray. His skin was golden brown with high cheeks bones.  There
was a scar that ran from the outside corner of his left eye down to his
cheek, measuring in about 2 inches. He was broad shouldered and
muscular. He wore a purple silky satin vest with gold trip. His black pants
were a little loose and he had on black boots. Around his waist he wore a
red sash. Strapped to his right leg was a small bamboo looking stick that
was only about six or seven inches in length.
	"I'm Captain Hatcher, may I help you?"
	"Ah, Captain Hatcher. I am here on behalf of Ambassador Ka."
	"I see. Please come in."
	Sir Zjan-Ren ducked as he entered the house. He stood tall and
proud once inside. "Captain Hatcher, Ambassador Ka sent me to give you two
things. On his first visit on board USS "Excalibur", you gave him a
schankquin, A prized possession from the host authority member to the
visiting authority member."
	"Yes, that's right; I gave him my hat trick hockey puck."
	"It is our tradition of the schankquin that if the visitor was
pleased with his visits, that he would return the gift. So on behalf of
Ambassador Ka, I present you with this schankquin that you have declared as
your most prized possession. You indeed impressed the ambassador." Sir
Zjan-Ren gave Captain Hatcher back his hockey puck.
	"Thank Sir Zjan-Ren. I am honored to receive my schankquin back to
me."
	"You're very much welcome Captain."
	"Not to sound eager or anything, but you said you had two things to
give me?"
	"Ah yes, Captain. During the assassination attempt on Ambassador
Ka's life onboard the "Excalibur", you saved his life. He did not forget
that. He vowed to himself that one day he will pay you back for that."
	"He doesn't have to pay me back. I was just doing my job."
	"Captain, if you refuse his signs of gratuity, he will be insulted
and trust me Captain, Ambassador Ka is not one you want to see insulted."
	"Well, we don't want to insult him then do we?"
	"No we don't. Captain, it is Ambassador Ka's understanding that you
undertook a great tasking. A tasking that required honor, commitment and
courage."
	"Yes, that's right. I am trying to get a space academy together for
juvenile delinquent boys."
	"And you are in the need of volunteers?"
	"Yes I am."
	"Captain Stephen Hatcher of the JSFA Lexington. I Sir Zjan-Ren of
the third family of the Kriton Republik declare my services to you."
Zjan-Ren grabbed the bamboo stick off his waist and held it out in front of
him. A blade made of water bloomed out of it and Sir Zjan-Ren jammed his
blade into the floor and knelt down before Captain Hatcher. This was the
first of three times that a Kriton would ever kneel before a human.

  *****

	The air filled with sweet mesmerizing music coming from a grand
piano. It would stop as abruptly as it would start. A note or two would
repeat itself and then a long break. The music would start again replaying
itself going farther then it did before and it would stop. Some odd notes
were pounded out and then another long pause. Rev. David Kyle sat at his
piano jotting notes down on a piece of paper, scribble them out and then
add new notes to it. He would play the notes he written down and then
decided if he needed to change them or not. Once he had what he thought he
wanted he stood up and grabbed a flute off the table. He started to play
the notes that he jotted down. He made some adjustments. He then went back
to the piano and tested to see what his adjustments sounded like on the
ivory. He then pulled out a trombone and repeated the process. He kept
doing this to a variety of musical instruments until the song that the
orchestra was playing in his head was written down on paper.
	Rev. Kyle was an animated man. He was filled with life and lived
life to its fullest. He was constantly humming a tune that was forming in
his head and if he wasn't humming he was singing. But singing was his
strength.  Although he had a beautiful tenor sound, it was his sister,
Sarah, who had the God given talent of singing.  Whenever Rev. Kyle walked
and stood around, his body always jived to a beat that no one else could
hear. He was full of energy and it showed. He might be pushing forty, but
he lived his life like a child. In a heart beat he would play tag, or
hide-n-go-seek with the neighborhood children. He would play kickball or
dodge ball with the churches youth group. Most people would say that if
Rev. Kyle was around children and youth, you would have a hard time
figuring out who the adult is in the group.
	There were only two things that he loved more then music. The first
thing was God. As the Bible instructs, he loved God with all of his heart,
all of his soul and all of his mind. He wasn't afraid to share his faith
with others. Matter of fact, he loved sharing his faith. But what impressed
even the non-believers is that he didn't force his faith onto others or try
to make them believe something that they didn't want to believe in. He
respected other people's beliefs. He loved to share his beliefs and tell
how God has worked in his life, but if he saw that his beliefs were pushing
someone away and not drawing them closer, then he would step away. The last
thing he wanted to do was to push someone away. Rev. Kyle firmly believed
that one should not push religion on anyone. He believed that if one is
ready for religion, God would plant a seed in that person's heart and then
that is where the sharing and watering of faith begins.
	Rev. Kyle was a man of many degrees. He has his Masters in Divinity
where he became an ordained minister. However, he also has a masters in
music, and a bachelor's in child psychology and counseling. He might not
have been the senior pastor at his church, but he was the pastor of music
and children ministries of the church.
	There was a knock on the door. Rev. Kyle, so vibrant, so very much
alive, was too busy playing on the drums that he didn't hear the knocking
or the door opening. He swayed and bounced and acted like he drank too many
cups of coffee as he pounded away on the drums.
	A women with long brown hair let herself into the room. She was 35
years old and slender. She leaned back against the wall and watched her 37
year old brother pound away. She loved her brother so much. It was her
brother that raised her and it was her brother that lead her to her
salvation.
	Rev. Kyle looked up and saw his sister there. He quickly stopped
and put the drum sticks down. "Hey sis, I almost got the music to the
lyrics I wrote done. The church's band will have it at tonight's practice
and we should be ready to sing it this coming Sunday which will be our last
Sunday before we go to the Lexington."
	A solemn look came over Sarah's face. When her brother first told
her about the Lexington looking for volunteers and the church offered to
cover expenses on this mission trip, she told him she would go. But after
lots of prayer and thought, she knew it wasn't her calling and she had to
tell her brother that.
	"David, there's something I have to tell you."
	"You're not going, are you?"
	"No David, I'm not."
	"But Sarah, I thought...it was our calling to go."
	"David, I feel God has called you on this adventure, but I feel he
still needs me here."
	"I can't leave you. I will stay here with you."
	Sarah laughed. "David, I'm 35 years old. I can take care of
myself."
	"But we never been apart since you been born."
	"I know that David and I will miss you very much, but I will be all
right.  God will see to that."
	"So what are you saying? That you don't need me anymore?"
	"I will always need you David. But those boys will need you
too. Just as the kids I teach music to here needs me. We will always be
together through God's love and prayers, but right now, God needs us to go
our separate ways and I think if you look deep enough, you will find that I
am right."
	David didn't say a word. He knew, he already knew it before she
told him, but he kept denying it. She was right. It was time for them to go
in different directions. He didn't like, in fact he hated the idea. But he
trusted God and he knew God would not let him down.
	"We still get to do this new song of mine together on Sunday,
right?"
	"Nothing can keep me from doing a solo of a song you wrote while
you played the piano one last time."
	The brother and sister embraced in a deep hug and then they took
some time and together as a brother and sister they prayed to their God
thanking them for all the gifts He had given them and will give them and
asked Him to continue to be a vital part of their lives. Little did they
know that on Sunday, it would be the last time they would ever perform
together.

  *****

	"You wanted to see me Father?" asked Tim as he entered his father's
office.
	"Yes, Timothy, come in."
	Tim walked in. He didn't care for his father much, but for the most
part his father neglected him and left him alone. That was a blessing, but
at times a curse as well. "What is it Dad?" said Tim as he plopped down
into a chair in front of his father's desk.
	"Timothy, I know you were expelled from the Port Royal this past
October. I talked to the Academy board of directors and they decided to
give you a second chance."
	"What are you getting at?"
	"Tomorrow, you leave to go to the JSFA Orion. You will have some
catching up to do, but what you don't get caught up, you can catch it up
during the summer session. You might even be able to participate in the
academy Olympics if you work hard enough."
	"I don't want to go," insisted Tim.
	"You don't have a choice Timothy. No son of mine is going to be a
loser. I worked hard to get where I am today and by damned I am not going
to have my son fail me in not achieving accomplishments like I done. The
Orion has the best chance this year to win the Olympics. It has the best
officers, faculty and staff and the highest technology out there. You will
be on that ship when she takes first place."
	"But Father."
	"There are no buts. You're dismissed son. I suggest you go back
home," Admiral Whitaker turned his attention to some paperwork on his desk.
	Tim was pissed. He stormed out of his father's office fuming and
ready to explode. There was no way he was going. He didn't want to go and
no one could make him. He had deceived himself that he wouldn't go, because
the next day he found himself on a shuttle heading to the Orion.

  *****

	Sister Agatha, the math teacher, at Pius X Catholic High School
stood firm as she took the ruler and cracked it hard on the knuckles of the
young boy standing in front of her. The boy was trying not to shed any
tears. He was trying to be strong, but he wasn't succeeding.
	"And number five," she snapped as the ruler came down hard one last
time.  "Now Mr. Anderson, maybe you will remember to do your homework that
way you don't have to lie to me why it's not done. Now go stand in the
corner."
	Sister Agatha was in her mid fifties. She has been teaching math
for over 25 years at Pius X. She was tough, strict and firm. She didn't bat
an eye lash whenever she would crack the ruler on someone's knuckles or a
paddle on their behinds. She never smiled and wrinkles were beginning to
show upon her face.
	"Now Class, open up the back of your trigonometry books to page
531.  Complete exercise 17. There are 25 problems. At the end of class you
will turn it in and it will be considered as a quiz." The class groaned.
"Silence!" she snapped in a firm tone. "There will be no crying in my
class.  Because if there is, I will make you complete both exercise 17 and
18. Do I make myself clear?"
	"Yes Sister Agatha," said the class in unison.
	"You may begin."
	The students immediately begin working on the problems Sister
Agatha prowling the room, waiting and wanting the chance to pounce on
someone to cheat. Her attention turned to the door as Father Tom walked in
with Sister Elizabeth.
	"Excuse me Sister Agatha, but Cardinal Eckerson and I need to see
you in the Cardinal's office. Sister Elizabeth will watch your class for
you."
	She scowled at Sister Elizabeth the bright and cheery one. She
didn't like the idea of leaving her class in Sister Elizabeth's hands. She
didn't like the idea of leaving her class period. But if the Cardinal was
calling for her, she would go.
	Sister Agatha and Father Tom entered the Cardinal's office. The
Cardinal motioned the two of them to sit down. Once they sat down, the
Cardinal stood up and went over to his book shelf. He pulled a few books
away and there behind them was a bottle of scotch. He poured himself a
glass and offered some to Father Tom and Sister Agatha. Both of them
politely decline the offer.
	"Sister Agatha. You have been with Pius X for over 25 years. During
those 25 years you taught discipline, math and behavior. Though your
methods might be rough, they seemed to work."
	"Those children need a firm hand. Too many people slack off in
disciplining them. That is why the youth are in trouble all the time. No
one teaches them discipline," said Sister Agatha coldly.
	"Weather or not if that is the case, it is not why I summons you
here. SFA is doing a test project of a space academy for juvenile
delinquents. Because it is just a test project, not much support is being
put towards it. The officers, crew, and staff are all volunteers, including
the commanding officer."
	"What does this have to do with me?"
	"I will get right to the point. They need teachers. A Protestant
church in the next town over is sending their music minister there. More
then likely there will be Catholic children on board that ship too. We need
to make sure their religious needs are met as well. So since your took the
vow of poverty, you don't have to worry about pay. Room and board will be
provided for you."
	"You're not suggesting that I go to this academy and teach, are
you?"
	"No, I am not suggesting it. I am telling you that you are."
	"This is absurd. I won't go."
	"Sister Agatha," chimed in Father Tom. "There's been a law suit put
against Pius X for your corrective measures. Our lawyers suggest that if
you leave the school for six months, that's all the Lexington will be for,
then this will blow over and you can come back and start the next school
year."
	"This is utterly ridiculous. Let these foolish parents take me to
court. I will show them what I am made of," said Sister Agatha who was
really beginning to steam over.
	"No Sister Agatha. The Catholic Church has a bad reputation all
ready because of the recent outbreaks of alter boys molestation by
priests. We can't fight Sister Agatha. We need to get out of the spot
light, at least the negative spot light. Sending you to the Lexington will
at least show a sign of good gesture," said the Cardinal.
	"And if I resign?"
	"We won't accept it," replied Father Tom.
	"All right then. I will go, but trust me, you haven't heard the
last of me." She then stood up and left the room.
	"That a woman scares me," said Father Tom.
	"She scares me too," replied the Cardinal.

  *****

	Tim was on board the Orion. He didn't like it. Most kids already
didn't accept him there because he was coming in the middle of the school
year. So much he wanted to do something to get expelled, but as his father
put him on the shuttle, he was told that if he fucked up, he will be going
to Nikonis Prime to military school where the word expel doesn't exist. And
Nikonis Prime military school was not the place he wanted to go. So he
would do the bare minimum on board the Orion just to keep himself from
falling out of the frying pan and into the fire.
	As Tim was taking his sonic shower, in walked a boy about his
age. He met him earlier that day. He believed his name was Mark Hatcher. He
thought the boy was very cute and had a hot body.
	Mark noticed Tim staring at him. "Oh great, you're a faggot aren't
you?  Look, I have nothing against faggots just as long as you don't try
any of your faggoty actions on me. Do I make myself clear?"
	"Fuck you!!" and Tim left the shower. This was going to be a very
hard place for him to spend the rest of his youth.

  *****

	Nipper lay on bunk alone. He was wide awake and couldn't sleep. He
hated it where he was at and wanted to go back to Earth where his home and
friends were. His dad lied to him once again that made him even madder. He
remembered his dad saying he wouldn't leave them again, but early in the
morning before him and Douglas would get up, their dad was going to Saturn
Alpha Five to pick up some medical equipment. He said he would only be gone
five days and will be back the day that Captain Hatcher would return. Him
and Douglas wanted to go with him, but he said that there was only enough
room on the transport shuttle for him, but he said the days will go by
quick.
	Then Nipper thought of something he heard his father tell
Douglas. That the transport shuttle that will be taking Lieutenant
Colonel. Stone and his Marines back to Earth will be leaving a half hour
after his father's transport vessel. Nipper knew what he promised his
brother and he didn't believe in breaking promises. But he knew he had to
go back home. He didn't belong here and he didn't want to be here. He knew
what he had to do.
	That morning Douglas got up. He looked at his brother's bed and saw
Nipper was gone. He figured Nipper went to the bathroom or something. As
Douglas went to the bathroom himself, he noticed a red message light was
blinking on the wall comm. He went over to it and pressed the play
button. A written message appeared on the screen.

Douglas,

A seat became available on the transport vessel. I decided to take Nipper
with me. I think he and I need some time alone together. If you need
anything, Captain Storm can help you. I love you and I will see you when I
get back.

Love, Dad

	Douglas was glad that his dad took Nipper. Maybe that was the
medicine that his little brother needed. He was going to miss him for the
five days, but at least he will be coming back. He just wished he was able
to do more sexual stuff with him then that first time when Nipper
experienced his first orgasm. But Douglas knew there would be plenty of
other chances when he gets back. He loved his brother so much.
	Nipper peeked out the window from the transport shuttle that he
stowed away on. He was hiding in a small room. As the space station grew
smaller and smaller in the window tears begin to leak out of his eyes. He
knew Douglas would be hurt, but he also knew he had to go back home.
	"I love you Douglas!!!" and Nipper touched the window as if waving
goodbye to his brother.

  *****

	Andrew sat on Ben's bed alone. Even though technically this was his
brother's bedroom and he shared a bedroom with his twin brother, he slept
in bed with his older brother 99% of the time. He loved Ben, or Benji as he
would often call him. He knew he was special to Ben because he was the only
one who was allowed to call him Benji. Ben hated when other people would
call him that and he been known to fly off the handle if someone did call
him that. Ben would always give a warning to the first timer, but may their
God help them if they become a repeat offender.
	Andrew wiped away some tears as he sat there on the bed. He held
his trumpet on his lap. He only been playing for a year, but as most things
he picked up playing it pretty quick and easy. What Andrew lacked in common
sense, he made up for it in intelligence. He was bright and smart and
learning things came easy to him. Except when it came to sports. Andrew
loved to play sports, but he was fair at them. He was no sports hero or all
star. But he enjoyed playing the games. The only sport he was semi good in
was soccer. He played best when he was goalie. Not many people could get
the ball past him. But when he stood at home plate on the baseball diamond
with a bat in hand, it seems like that ball had no problems getting passed
him.  But Andrew knew he wasn't the athletic one in the family. That was
Trev.
	Trev played sports all year round. Unlike Andrew and Ben, his
favorite sport was football. He was quick on his feet and he could catch
almost every ball thrown to him. When he wasn't making a touch down, he was
on the basketball court scoring baskets after baskets. And if he wasn't on
the basketball court, he was on the baseball diamond where he played short
stop, diving for line drives, being a key player in double plays, and
having the highest RBI hits and most stolen bases in his community's
league. Trev didn't have power behind his swing, but he could pretty much
get a base hit each time, driving the runners in scoring position home. But
once Trev was on first base, 8 out of 10 times he would be called safe
steeling second.  Six out of ten times he would be called safe steeling
third. Trev even stolen home a couple of times and lived to tell about
it. But even though his athleticism was a strength, his cocky attitude, his
temper and mouth tended to get him in trouble more times then not where he
would be benched or thrown out of the game. His parents threaten him that
if he got benched or thrown out of a game one more time, there will be no
next time. They weren't going to have their son play bad sportsmanship
regardless how competitive or how much he hated to lose.
	"Andrew, it's almost time to go," said Ben as he walked into his
room.
	"Mom said I can't take my trumpet."
	"I know. The only thing we are allowed to take is the clothes on
our back and even they will be shipped back to mom and dad."
	"I don't want to give up my trumpet."
	"I know, Otter." Ben sat down next to his brother. He and other
real close friends of Andrew's would call him Otter. About a year ago, Ben
received the nickname of Dolphin Boy because he won a contest where he got
to swim and play with dolphins at Sea World in Florida. After that, his
friends started to call him Dolphin Boy, but then it got cut down to just
dolphin. Andrew wanted to be like his brother so much he gave himself a
marine mammal nickname too, Sea Otter. Eventually Sea Otter was cut down to
just Otter.  Trev on the other hand had the nickname of Mouth, if one ever
met Trev, they would know why. But people only called Trev, Mouth behind
his back. They knew if they called it to him to his face, their lips would
meet Trev's fist.
	"Ben, you think we will still be able to do some of the things we
do in bed when we go to the Lexington?"
	Ben put his arm around Andrew and pulled him close and kissed him
on the head. "I don't know. Probably not. But I tell you what. I think we
have time for one last hurrah."
	Ben undid Andrew's pants. Andrew Lifted his butt as his brother
pulled his pants and underwear to his knees, exposing his hairless, almost
4 inch boner. Ben gave a sweet kiss on his brother's lips and then his lips
kissed the tip of Andrew's penis. Andrew laid back and covered his eyes. He
loved it when his brother gave him a blow job. He also like giving them. He
knew Ben was bisexual and Trev was straight. But even though he only had
his brother and a friend of his jack him off and he jacked them off as well
as giving each other blow jobs, he never gave up his boy cherry or took
someone else's boy cherry. However, even though he never gave up his cherry
yet or took a cherry, he pretty much knew that he was gay. Although the
thought bothered him a little because he wasn't sure what other people
would think, his big brother Ben ensured him it was okay to be gay.
	Ben's tongue licked the small thin shaft of Andrew's hard
dick. Then he blew a sweet whisper on the wet trail that his tongue left
behind. It sent shivers up Andrew's back. He licked Andrew's balls and even
took them in his mouth and sucked on them. Then let the small sack fall
from his warm mouth and he took Andrew's entire cock into his mouth. Ben
started to slowly suck on his brother's dick. Andrew started to let out
muffled whimpers and groans. Andrew's hips started to hump his brother's
mouth. Ben began to bob his head up and down faster and faster. Within a
few minutes, Andrew's muscles tensed up and he let out a loud moan muffled
by the pillow that he used to cover his face. Once the feelings settled
down he removed the pillow and asked "Did I?"
	"I'm sorry Andrew, not yet."
	Andrew was so disappointed. He so much wanted a wet cum, but all he
had was a dry cum. He knew his twin brother had wet cums because he had
watched Trev jack off numerous times and saw the clear thin liquid seep
from his dick after he reached the point of ecstasy.
	"Don't worry Andrew; you will have a wet cum soon enough." He
leaned over and kiss his brother once more on the lips. Andrew started to
undo Ben's pants, but Ben stopped him. "We don't have time Andrew. They're
waiting for us."
	Andrew didn't say a word. He pulled up his pants and underwear. He
picked up his trumpet and blew it one last time. He placed the trumpet on
the dresser in its case and he and Ben went downstairs where his mom, dad
and Trev were already waiting for them.
	It took six hours to reach Chicago Space Port. Their instructions
were simple. They were to take the boys to the station's security
office. That is where they would say their final good-byes and the security
officers would then take them to the docking port where they had to go.
	There was not a dry eye in the security office as good-byes were
said. Even Trev cried. Mr. and Mrs. Collins forced themselves to leave
telling them that they will write and that they will always love them.
	Once the parents were gone, the security officer put the three
scared boys in a room and waited until he got the call to bring them to the
shuttle dock. His heart went out to the boys, he could tell they were good
boys, but he knew they did wrong, whatever that wrong was, and now it was
time to pay the piper.

*****

	March first, had finally came around. Commander Creevey stood
outside the transport shuttle that will take the crew and cadets to the
Lady Lex. The transport shuttle had arrived earlier that day and
preparations were almost done.
	"Well, my family is all settled in." said Captain Hatcher as he
came out of the transport shuttle.
	"Your son and daughter didn't seem too excited on coming," said
Amanda.
	"No, they're not happy with their father. They just don't
understand. Even Mark is still pissed at me. When we called him this
morning to say goodbye he refused to talk to me."
	"He'll be all right, Captain. He's just a kid."
	"I know. That's what my wife says, but it bother's me that Mark is
mad at me. We always have been so close. But enough family business. Who is
all checked in, faculty wise?"
	"Your family is on board. Rev. David Kyle is on board."
	"I'm glad he volunteered. Not only can he teach music to the boys,
but he can be a counselor too if needed."
	"I noticed that on his credentials. I think he will make a fine
asset to this crew" Amanda looked over her computer note pad. "Major
Zjan-Ren is on board and so is Sister Agatha."
	"Ah yes, the nun from Hell," smirked Captain Hatcher.
	"Hello, Captain Hatcher?" said a man coming up the loading ramp.
	"Yes?"
	"I'm Harrison Wolfe. Your English teacher."
	"We finally meet."
	"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it on time. It was hard
catching a shuttle out of Mars, but I managed and I am here."
	"Mr. Wolfe, this is my Executive Officer, Commander Amanda
Creevey."
	"Nice to meet you. If you don't mind, I like to go onboard. I am
tired from the trip I just made from Mars and I would like to rest." Plus I
have this gear to stow away before we leave.
	"By all means, Mr. Wolfe. And thank you for signing on."
	"You're very much welcome Captain. Commander." said Wolfe and then
he entered the transport shuttle.
	Captain Hatcher looked at his watch. "Well the boys should be here
shortly.  Lt. Col. Stone said he wants to bring each group of boys in
separately, since they haven't met yet."
	"Which group does he want first, the boys from St. Joseph's, the
Augustine..."
	Captain Hatcher interrupted her before she started to name all the
schools that were coming aboard. "It doesn't matter much. He wants to see
who the self designated leaders of each school group is. He figures if he
can make him break in front of the other boys, the other boys will listen a
little better."
	"How does he intend to break the lead boy?"
	"Don't know. As long as he doesn't kill the boy, he can do what he
wants.  Alex assured me that he won't abuse the kids too bad. He can't
promise he won't get a little rough with one or two of them, but he ensures
me he won't be abusive."
	"What about the four members of the alleged Donkey gang and the
three boys from Virginia. All of them are being escorted here as I speak
from the space port security office. The thing is none of them are from any
one specific school" said Amanda.
	"Just place my nephews and the Donkey gang in the group that would
be going in next once they get here."
	"Aye, Sir."
	"Excuse me Ma'am, who do I give my credentials too" said a Jamaican
accent.
	Amanda Creevey looked up to see Dr. Kula standing there. "You
finally made it."
	"What makes you think I was going to come?"
	"Because I knew you couldn't say no to me,"
	"What makes you think that?" asked Dr. Kula.
	"One of your flaws is that you can never say no to me," smiled
Amanda.
	"That's not true. I said no to you many times," insisted Dr. Kula.
	"Yes, you have, but then you went ahead and did what I asked
anyway. I'm glad you came though."
	"I'm not. I don't like this space travel thing."
	"You'll enjoy it. I promise you that." said Amanda.
	Lieutenant Colonel Stone and Master Sergeant Flint came walking up
the ramp. Behind them were several busses filled with yelling and screaming
boys.
	"Captain, I must ask you and the others to step inside. The cadets
are here and I want complete privacy. I don't want them to interact with
any of the faculty and staff until I condition them over the next two
days."
	"That's find Colonel. All of our crew members are on board. So you
can start bringing them in."
	"Very good. Please tell my sergeants inside to stand by, but have
Sergeant Murdock come out side.  The others will know what to do."
	"Okay, Colonel. One other thing, did you get the seven boys that
were being escorted from the security office?"
	"Yes we did. I split them up and placed them on different buses."
	"Very good, Colonel."
	"I will inform you Captain, when the boys are all aboard."
	"Very Well. Commander Creevey, Dr. Kula will you please join me
inside.  It's show time." With that, Captain Hatcher, CDR Creevey and
Dr. Kula entered the skin of the ship.
	Lt. Col. Stone and Master Sergeant Flint looked down the ramp. They
knew this was going to be challenging. There were a lot of teenage
rebellious boys who were about to board ship. There were some who were
smart geniuses, and there were others that were complete rocks. There were
weak ones and strong ones. Quiet ones and loud ones. Tough ones and wimpy
ones. But he knew that he and his men could handle them regardless what
kind of boy they were.
	"You wanted to see me Sir?" said Sergeant Murdock.
	"We are about ready to load up the cadets. They are a fiery
group. One that needs discipline.  And if we are to give them that
discipline they so much deserve. Master Sergeant, I want you and Sergeant
Murdock to bring the cadets in. I will be inside with the other marines."
	"Yes, Sir. Which group did you want first?"
	"It doesn't matter. Start with the first bus." said Stone.
	"I believe there are 30 boys on that bus."
	"Roger that. Let's load up Marines!!!" said Stone as he entered the
ship.
	Master Sergeant Flint and Sergeant Murdock went down the ramp to
the first bus. Master Sergeant saw something out of the corner of his
eye. Behind the bus was a young boy. He quickly singled Sergeant Murdock
who responded to go around the front of the bus while he went behind the
bus. The boy saw them and took off, but his small legs were no match for
Sergeant. Murdock.
	"Thought you could get away, huh? You thought wrong."
	The boy was kicking and screaming. "Leave me alone. I'm Doctor
Daniels's son."
	"Sure you are," said Flint. Master Sergeant Flint and all the other
Marines had never seen Nipper, because he always stayed locked up in his
room. And the odds of the young boy making it here unnoticed were too
great. He knew the boy had to be lying. He grabbed the boy by the collar
bone and marched him back to the bus. Nipper was screaming and yelling and
telling the Marine who he was, but no one was believing him.
	Master Sergeant Flint climbed onto the first bus with Nipper and
pushed him in the front seat next to another young boy about his
age. Nipper wanted to try and runaway again, but his collar bone hurt and
the other Marine stood guard and he knew he couldn't out run him. He
figured his only alternative was to wait until he got back onboard the
transport vessel. He was pretty sure the Captain would want to see the boys
before they departed Earth. He knew Captain Hatcher knew him and would
rescue him. But what he didn't know was that the Captain wasn't planning on
meeting the boys until they reached Mothball Graveyard.
	. There were 30 boys on board between the ages of 12 and 17. They
were all screaming, yelling and having a good time. In the front seat
behind the driver sat a quiet lonely boy. He wasn't joining in the chaos
that the other boys were creating. He was wondering why the mean men put
his big brother Ben and his twin brother Trev on different buses. Even the
other four boys that were at the security office were split up and put on
different buses.  He looked at the boy that was thrown against him. The boy
was rubbing his collar bone and neck. He thought that this boy looked about
the same age as him. But the way he was screaming and carrying on when
brought onboard the bus, made him think that this boy was like the others
and wouldn't be a good choice for a friend.
	Flint stood in the front of the bus and just watched as balls of
paper were tossed about and the older boys were giving the younger boys wet
willies, nuggies and wedgies. After five minutes waiting and coming to a
conclusion that the boys weren't going to quiet down themselves he spoke.
	"Shut your mouths, Cadets!" yelled Flint. The boys slowly settled
down.  "Now, Ladies, I am Master Sergeant Flint, your assistant company
commander.  You will refer to me as Master Sergeant. Do you understand?"
	Andrew looked up and said "Yes Sir," while the other boys just
mumbled here and there.
	"Sir? That is for officers. I am an enlisted. I should only have to
tell you girls something once. I am Master Sergeant and I worked hard to
earn this rank. Do I make myself clear?" yelled Flint.
	"Yes Master Sergeant," said a few boys barely audible.
	"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" "Yes Master Sergeant," yelled a few kids but
not everyone.
	"I STILL CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!"
	"You don't have to scream old man," said a 17 year old boy. He had
long straggly hair that was dyed a bright red, with some purple mixed
in. He had a big dangling earring hanging off of his left ear with the
other ear contained three small earrings. He had a loop ring in his right
nostril and his tongue was pierced. He wore a white "wife beater" tank top
T-shirt, a pair of camouflage pants with wholes in the knees, and a pair of
converse sneakers. Through his shirt, you could tell that he had his
nipples pierced as well. On his right arm was a tattoo of a heart with a
dagger going through it. On his back shoulder blade, he had a large tattoo
of a dark warrior on a flying dragon slaying a unicorn. He took a drag of
the cigarette he was smoking.
	"I did not ask for your comments. What is your name Cadet?" yelled
Flint.
	"Cooper. Johnny Cooper." He took one last drag and flicked the butt
at Master Sergeant's chest.
	Flint watch the cigarette butt land on the floor of the bus. "Well,
Mr.  Cooper, you just earned yourself twenty pushups for speaking out of
line and another twenty for littering on the bus. Now drop and give me
forty."
	"Screw you. I ain't doing no pushups. None of us are, are we?" said
Cooper to the other boys.
	All the boys, except for Andrew and Nipper, scream and yelled
agreeing with Johnny. By this time, Johnny Cooper had stood up from the
back seat he was sitting in and stood in the aisle at the back of the
bus. Flint still stood in his spot. Flint walked up to Cooper and put his
face right up to Cooper's face and said very firmly and just loud enough
for Cooper to hear "You will drop and give me forty or I will take that
earring of yours and shove it up your ass so high, that it get wedged in
your tonsils."
	Cooper just gaffed him off. "Look old man, you can play tough all
you want, but it's not going to work with me. Now out of my way. I want to
get off of this bus; it's getting hot in here with all the hot air you are
exhaling."  Cooper then pushed himself passed Flint, knocking him into some
of the boys sitting in the seat next to him.
	Cooper strolled down the aisle, flaunting that he won the first
battle with the Master Sergeant and showed the other boys that he wasn't
going to take any crap from any body. Then without warning, he felt a
strong force against his back, causing him to fall down hard onto his
stomach. His nose slammed on the floor and began bleeding. Sitting on top
of Cooper was Flint.
	"Now listen here, you little shit. I've been in the Marines for
twenty-five years and in those twenty-five years, I have never put up with
bonified bullshit from somebody who is junior to me. And I'm not going to
start now."
	"You're hurting me," groaned Cooper as Flint twisted his arm a bit.
	"I did not ask for your comments. You will keep that trap of your
shut, until otherwise told. Do I make myself clear?" said Flint as he
twisted his arm a bit more.
	"Yes,"
	"Yes what?"
	"Yes Master Sergeant."
	"That's more like it. Now you owe me forty pushups. Begin," said
Flint who was still sitting on Cooper's back
	"But you're on my back."
	"I don't give a flying fuck. Now begin!!"
	Johnny Cooper tried his best to do forty pushups with the Master
Sergeant on his back. He managed to get two out, but no more. Finally
Master Sergeant pushed Johnny's face into the floor one more time and stood
up and told Johnny to continue.
	"Now girls, as soon as Cadet Cooper is done doing his pushups, you
will exit the bus and line up next to the bus in height. The shortest
person in front, the tallest in the back. Do you understand?"
	"Yes Master Sergeant" said all the boys really loud.
	Cooper finished his pushups and stood up. He was breathing heavy
and had blood stains on his white shirt, from his bloody nose.
	"Okay Girls, move. Get into position outside." yelled Flint. The
boys stood up and slowly started to get off of the bus. "We don't have all
day Girls. I said move. Get the lead out of your ass. Move, MOVE MOVE!!!"
yelled Flint.  All the boys quickly exited the bus. As they exited the bus,
they were greeted by Sergeant Murdock who was also yelling at them to move
quickly and to line up into position.
	All the boys were lined up shoulder to shoulder facing Sergeant
Murdock.  Some of the younger boys already were trying to keep the tears
coming out of their eyes. Andrew wasn't succeeding. He was scared and he
just couldn't hold back his tears. He looked at the boy who stood next to
him. It was the boy who the Marine dragged on the bus just moments
ago. Andrew could see that this boy was trying not to cry either. Cooper
was still trying to look tough and cool, even though Flint took away his
pride in front of the other boys. The boys that he managed to instilled
fear and respect into so they would look up to him.
	"Everyone raise their hands up in the air!" yelled Sergeant
Murdock. Some of the boys did, some didn't. "Are you deaf, raise your hands
in the air!!!"  Finally all the boys raised their arms in the air. "Now run
in place," the boys began to run, and when they started some of them
dropped their hands.  "I didn't say drop your arms, put them back up and
run harder."
	After ten minutes of running, Murdock stopped them. "I want
everyone to turn to your left. The shortest guy will be in the front and
the tallest guy in the back." All boys turned, some of them getting mixed
up on which way their left was. But finally they all managed to be going
the same way.
	"Front, don't move. Everyone else, move forward until your nose is
touching the back of the neck of the person in front of you." The boys did
this, there was some moaning and groaning involved.
	"This does not require talking." Finally the boys were in a single
filed line, with their nose touching the person in front of them. Andrew
placed his nose on the back of Nipper's neck. Nipper was fortunate because
he was the lead person. Sweat from the Nipper was dripping onto Andrew's
nose.  Andrew tried not breathing through his nose because it smelled like
that the boy in front of him didn't take a bath for over a week. But in all
reality Nipper had taken a bath within the past week. Just not within the
past three days, ever since he ran away from Mothball Graveyard.
	"Now Cadets, I am going to march you up the ramp and into the
ship. Your nose will remain touching the person in front of you at all
times. Once we get into the ship, you will halt on my command. There you
will receive further instructions. Now on my mark, you will begin
walking. You will lead off on your left foot. March" said Murdock.
	The boys began walking, most of them tripping over each others
feet. They walked up the ramp and into the ship. Andrew saw out of the
corner of his eye, that Flint was talking to someone else, who he hasn't
seen before.  Flint was pointing towards Cooper. Once they came to a halt,
Murdock and Flint left. The man that Flint was talking to came forward and
began talking as the boys still were in very close formation and their
noses were touching the person in front of them.
	"I am Lt. Colonel Stone, your Company Commander. I am your worst
nightmare.  However, you do what I say, when I say it, then we will get
along just fine.  On my mark, you will enter the room on your right. You
will see cardboard boxes on the floor up against the wall. You will find a
box and place your toes up against it and lean forward until your forehead
is touching the bulkhead. You will then wait for further instruction. Now
move." said Stone.
	The boys went into the room. There was no furniture in it. The only
things in the room were the boxes on the floor. They were about the size of
a microwave oven. The boys each found a box and did as they were told. They
placed their toes so it was up against the box and leaned forward so that
their forehead was resting up against the bulkhead.
	"On my command Cadets, you will take off all of your clothes,
including underwear and place it in the box. If you have any body piercing,
you will remove them and place them in the box as well."
	This instruction worried Andrew. He was afraid that if he saw the
other boys naked, he would get hard and everyone would laugh or run away
from him.
	"This task requires no talking. Begin." said Stone.
	All the boys took off their clothes and placed them in the
box. Andrew left out a big sigh. He managed to stay soft. He was pretty
sure it was because he was too damn scared to get hard. He just wish his
brothers weren't placed on different buses. He wanted the comfort that Ben
always gave him. Before Andrew moved into Ben's room permanently, he would
wake up in the middle of the night when he was sacred for one reason or
another and climb in bed with either Ben, his mom or dad, or even Tom his
munch older brother who Andrew thought was a butthead. But now, who would
he climb in bed with when he needed comforting?
	Nipper couldn't believe what was happening to him as he took off
his clothes. Every time he open his mouth to explain who he was, a Marine's
face would invade his personal space and his faced would be showered with
Marine's spit as they yelled at him to shut up. He knew once he saw Captain
Hatcher everything will be all right, but he just wish it was soon. He let
out some more tears and mentally kicked himself in the butt for running
away. Even though the space station isn't his home, at least he would be
with Douglas who he loved very much and not being treated like some
criminal.
	Cooper left all his body piercing in. "Cadet Cooper is it?" asked
Stone.
	"Yes,"
	"Master Sergeant Flint told me about you. If you think Master
Sergeant is bad, don't try me. I will make him look like a pussy cat. Take
this as a warning. Now remove those piercing."
	"Screw you. I'm leaving them in." said Cooper. He still had to show
the other boys that he was still in charge.
	"What did you say?"
	"You hear me. Screw you. They're staying in."
	Stone reached out and grabbed onto one of the nipple rings. He gave
it a hard yank, ripping it off of Cooper's body.
	"Ouch, son of a bitch!! You Fuck!!!" screamed Cooper as he grabbed
his chest and blood was running down it. "You mother fucker, that hurt, you
crazy asshole!" Cooper was moving around trying to ignore the pain that was
just inflicted upon him.
	"Now, remove the rest of your piercing, otherwise I will be more
then happy to do it for you."
	"No, no, I'll do it. Can I at least have a band aide?"
	"Corporal Danzig, go find Cadet Cooper a band aide."
	"Yes Sir," said Danzig as he left the room.
	"Cadets, I am in charge here. As you can see, I don't take shit
from no one. If you don't do what I tell you to do, I will do it for you in
a manner that you will not like. Do I make myself clear?"
	"Yes Sir," said the boys.
	"Those boxes are self sealable. Go ahead and close them up. When
they are sealed up, raise your hand and I will come to you with a marker,
so you can place your name on them. Now do it." The boys did as they were
told. By this time, the Marines had them so scared, that they did what they
were told with no questions asked. Corporal Danzig returned and gave Cooper
the band aid.  Cooper put it on his bleeding nipple.
	"Corporal Danzig will take two you at a time. The rest of you will
remain in that position with your toes up against the box and your forehead
on the bulkhead. Okay, Cadet Cooper and you boy, go with Corporal Danzig,"
said Stone, pointing to some Asian looking boy..
	Cooper and the Asian boy fell out and followed Corporal Danzig back
out in the corridor. Andrew just leaned up against the wall. He kept trying
to look at Nipper through his peripheral vision, but it was beginning to
give him a headache. Andrew really needed a friend right now. Actually what
he really needed was his brother, but since he wasn't there Andrew wanted a
friend.  Since this boy looked close to his age, not to mention cuter than
the other boys there , he hoped that maybe he and this boy could become
friends.
	Another Marine came into the room just moments after Corporal
Danzig took Johnny Cooper and the Asian boy away. This marine was short and
stocky, but well defined muscles. The sides of his head were shaved and
just a little black hair was cut short on top.
	"Sergeant Rigby, take these two boys," ordered Stone as he motioned
to Nipper and Andrew. The two boys were followed into the hall by Sergeant
Rigby. Both of them feeling uncomfortable walking around a ship naked.
	The boys were led into a small room that had two shower head
nozzles sticking out of the bulkhead. There were also two toilets in the
room and two sinks. There were no shower curtains or dividers or anything
that would give anybody privacy in the room when doing their business. Next
to each toilet was a stand with a plastic bottle on it.
	"Okay, Cadets. On my command you will both step up to the toilet
and take the plastic bottle. You will open it and then fill it up with your
urine. Do not overflow the bottle. Once you fill it up, go ahead and
finishing going in the toilet. Close up the bottle and place it back on the
stand. We want to see if you boys are on any kind of drugs. Do both of you
have to go to the bathroom now?"
	"Yes Sergeant," said both boys.
	"Now go ahead and go to the bathroom."
	Both boys did as they were told. They both peed in the bottle and
placed it back on the stand.
	Sergeant Rigby came up to the boys and held out a small computer
palm pilot. He had each boy one at a time; place their thumb on the palm
pilot.  The palm pilot scanned their thumb print. Sergeant Rigby then added
some personal information into the palm pilot, like name, birth date, and
academy serial number. Once finished the computer printed out a stick with
all information on it. He handed it to each boy and had them place it on
their bottle of urine.
	Nipper thought that when he gave his name and didn't know what his
number was, the sergeant would get a clue who he was, but he didn't realize
that the Marine didn't know who the ship's doctor was, and that the Marine
looked at Nipper not giving him a number as insubordination. He tried to
ask about seeing the Captain, but once again he failed in his request.
	"All right Cadets, on my command you will both go and take a
shower. You will have five minutes to wash your entire body. Don't waste
your time waiting for hot water, because there is none. You will soap up
your entire body and wash thoroughly."
	"Uh, Sergeant, do I need to take a shower? I just had one this
morning."  said Andrew.
	"Yes Cadet. Everyone gets a shower."
	Andrew was nervous that he would get a boner in front of this cute
boy. He didn't want to be embarrassed. He kept catching himself looking at
the boy's flaccid dick since they first got naked. He was so scared he
would get a boner in front of him and then the boy wouldn't want to be his
friend what he so much needed at this point.
	"But..."
	"No buts about it. Get in there."
	Nipper instantly went to the shower and turned it on and quickly
got in the water. Andrew saw goose bumps appear on Nipper's body as he
entered the cold shower. Nipper's butt cheeks tighten up as the cold water
flowed over his body washing the three days of crud that had accumulated on
it while hiding in dirty spaces on the transport vessel on his way to
Earth. Andrew felt a stirring between his legs. It was happening. Andrew
then slowly and reluctantly turned on his shower and stepped in. He had his
back facing Nipper and Rigby. He looked down and saw that the cold water
stopped any stirrings that were beginning.  He turned off the water and
took the towel that was on a stand next to the shower.
	"Cadet Collins, you didn't soap up. Turn that shower on again and
this time use soap." ordered Rigby.
	Andrew did as he was told. He turned on the shower. He washed
himself and then turned off the shower and let out a deep breath of relief,
knowing that neither Rigby nor Nipper saw what had happen right before he
started to get a shower.
	After the showers, the boys were led back into the room wear the
other boys were at. Rigby took two more of the boys to do their showers as
Nipper and Andrew took their position up against the bulkhead.
	Master Sergeant Flint came into the room. He went to Lieutenant
Colonel Stone and told him that the boys from Augustine were in another
room placing their clothes into the boxes and that Sergeant Murdock would
stay with them until it is time for the boys to get their showers.
	Stone acknowledged it and told Flint to bring on another
group. Once the boys were on board, he would notify the captain, so they
could take off and head to the Lexington.
	Once all the boys in the room that Andrew and Nipper were in had
gone to the showers and returned, Corporal Danzig and Sergeant Rigby lead
the boys to another room on the ship. Andrew wondered where his two
brothers were at.  Each group of boys were in different rooms. When
Corporal Danzig took the Pittsburgh boys to the other room, Lt. Colonel
Stone went to greet the boys from Augustine.
	Andrew and the others entered a room. There were three barber
chairs in the room. Corporal Danzig told the boys to stand up against wall,
like they did in the last room they were in. When their name was called,
they would take their place in the barber chair. One by one, Danzig called
each boy. They would come and sit in the center chair. Danzig or Rigby
would place a sheet around their neck and body. They would take out a pair
of clippers and shaved off all of the cadet's hair, including any facial
hair they might have, except for eyebrows. He then took some shaving cream
and placed it on their scalp and took a razor blade to their head, making
the top of their heads look like cue balls. Cooper was more upset at this,
losing all of his hair, then he was when the colonel pulled out his nipple
ring.
	Nipper tried to argue the point on who he truly was, but no one
would listen. He let out a few more tears as he felt the baldness on top of
his scalp. He couldn't believe he was now bald. He kept coming down hard on
himself for ever thinking about running away let alone doing it.
	Once all the boys had their head shaved, Corporal Danzig led the
boys to the rooms that would be their living quarters for the first
night. Each boy entered their own room. The room was about eight feet by
eight feet. There were no windows or closets or even furniture in it. The
rooms were a dull gray.
	Andrew was the last one to be shown to his room. "Excuse Corporal
Danzig, what about our clothes."
	"You will get your uniform in due process. Now you will stay in
here until tomorrow. Your meals will be brought to you at meal times. The
next meal will be dinner. I suggest you take this time of solitude and
figure out what your goals are while here and figure out what you did wrong
to cause you to come to this place. It is a time of reflection." with that,
Danzig shut the door and locked it behind him. Andrew was all alone. He was
cold, naked, hungry and very scared. He curled up in the corner on the
floor and cried hard wanting his brother to be with him.

  *****

	Trev yanked his arm from the Marine that drug him to the solitude
room. He showed his fear through attitude. He didn't like being naked in
front of other boys and he especially didn't like being thrown into an
empty room by himself. The door locked behind Trev and Trev kicked it and
punched it with all of his might. He began yelling and screaming at
it. Finally exhaustion took its toll and he collapsed on the floor crying.

*****

  *****

	Andrew didn't do too much in his room, other then just sit curled
up in the corner. When Danzig brought him is dinner, which was field
rations, he barely ate anything. Eventually sleep conquered him and he woke
up to Master Sergeant Flint yelling for him to get up and step outside of
his room.  Andrew had no idea what time it was, but he knew it had to be
really really early. He could feel the ship vibrate as it headed towards
the Lexington.
	Master Sergeant Flint showed the boys the proper way to stand at
attention.  Andrew looked down and saw many naked boys up and down the
corridor. Each of them standing outside of his room. He didn't recognize a
lot of the boys. He figured that they must be from the kids that were on
the other bus. He tried to find Ben or Trev, but he couldn't see them. He
thought maybe they were around the corner in the other corridor.
	After Flint showed the boys how to stand at attention, he spent the
next hour having the boys do push up, sit ups, and all sort of grueling
exercises. Nipper's stomach was growling and his bladder was going to burst
if he didn't get to a bathroom soon. After they were done doing the
exercises, they stood at attention in front of the door to their rooms.
	Master Sergeant Flint called out a boy's name. "Scott Starr, front
and center." A boy sheepishly went to the Master Sergeant. Andrew could
tell just by the way he looked, that the boy hated being here as much as he
did..
	Master Sergeant and the boy left the corridor. About ten minutes
later, Master Sergeant Flint returned alone and he called another boys name
and took him away. One by one, the group of boys dwindled down. Soon they
were down to three boys. Andrew, Cooper and Nipper.
	Master Sergeant Flint returned. "Cadet A. Collins. Front and
Center."
	Andrew gulped and followed the Master Sergeant. He led up a spiral
staircase to another corridor. He led him into a room.
	"Cadet Collins this is your quarters until we get to the Lexington
tomorrow. Find the cot with your name on it. As you can see there are two
bed sheets, a pillow, a pillow case and one blanket on your cot. I want you
to make your cot and make it inspection ready. After you are done with
making your cot, you go through that door over there where you will find a
bathroom. Take a shower and wash thoroughly. On the bulkhead in there, you
will see some uniforms hanging up. Find the hook under your name and put on
your uniform. Be sure to brush your teeth. After you are done, sit at
attention on the foot end of your cot, until I tell you other wise. Any
questions?"
	"No Master Sergeant."
	"Very well." Flint then left locking the door behind him.
	Andrew looked at the first cot. Saw that it belonged to Nipper
Daniels. So he moved onto the other cot and saw it was his name. Before
making his bed, he decided to go to the bathroom first and take his shower
before anyone else got here. Andrew took his shower, brushed his teeth and
found his uniform. His uniform consisted of white coveralls and white
slippers. It wasn't much, but it was better then being naked. Just as
Andrew came out of the bathroom, Master Sergeant Flint brought in another
boy who Andrew had showered with the day prior. Master Sergeant Flint gave
the same spiel to Nipper and then left, locking the door behind him.
	Nipper didn't say anything. He just sat on his bed and began to cry
a bit.
	"You okay?"
	"Why are they treating me like this? I don't belong here. It's a
mistake.  My dad is the ship's doctor," said Nipper who put his swollen
eyes in his hands.
	"You're dad is the ship's doctor?" asked Andrew.
	"Yeah, I shouldn't be here you know. I hated the idea of going to
the Lady Lex with my dad and brother, so I ran away. When I tried to get
off the transport ship in Chicago those Marines caught me and thought I was
one of you."
	"One of us?" said Andrew.
	"Yeah, a criminal loser,"
	Andrew was not mad that Nipper called him a criminal loser. Instead
he was hurt. But he let it go by the way side and tried to believe the
boy's story, even though it sounded a little far fetch. Nipper looked up
and saw that his rash comment had hurt the boy.
	"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. What's your name?"
	"Andrew. And that's okay, I don't mind."
	"I'm Nipper."
	"Yeah, I know. I was in the room with you when you gave it to that
Marine after we went pee in the bottle."
	"I guess I better get a shower. I am tired of being naked and
cold." said Nipper. He got up and went into the bathroom.
	Andrew finished his cot and sat down like he was instructed to do
so.  Nipper came out dressed in the same outfit as Andrew was in and began
making his cot. Andrew had finished his cot, so he decided to help Nipper
with his.  The two boys were trying to make the bed, but it just wasn't
working out.  With one comic action after another, both boys fell on the
floor together and burst out in a fit of giggles. This was the first time
either of them had laugh in a long time.
	"What's going on in here?" yelled Flint.
	"Uh, nothing sir." said Andrew.
	"Cadet Daniels, I notice that your cot isn't completely made. And
that none of you are sitting on your cots like you were told to do so. Each
of you drop and give me fifty pushups." Once they were done, they asked for
permission to get up.
	"Cadet Collins you will continue to do pushups until Cadet Daniels
here is finished making his cot." Andrew groaned.  His arms already felt
like Jell-O and had no energy in them. Nipper felt really badly because of
his cot, his new...friend, yes Nipper has a friend, was being punished
because of him.
	Andrew struggled to do his push ups as Nipper finish making his
cot. Nipper tried to hurry up as fast as he could.  Flint stood there in
delight, watching. Once Nipper got done making his cot, the boys were lead
to an eating hall. All the other boys, wearing the same white coveralls
were quietly eating their breakfast of field rations. The boys didn't like
the taste of the food, but were so hungry that they would eat anything.
	Nipper and Andrew hung close to each other. Andrew looked over the
large room with 200 boys in it and he could see Ben on the other side. Ben
went to wave to his brother, but a Marine stopped it before he could get
started.
	"Okay ladies, since you are late because of your cots, you only
have five minutes to eat. I suggest you hurry." Nipper and Andrew got their
breakfast and quickly began eating it. Master Sergeant Flint stepped
outside where Lt.  Colonel Stone and Captain Hatcher were standing.
	"What was the delay, Master Sergeant?" asked Stone.
	"One of the boys didn't have his cot made. I took care of it."
	"I know that Cooper kid and that boy who calls himself Donkey are
going to cause some trouble." said Stone.
	"The Donkey kid is all talk. Cooper is more then talk. He's
dangerous. He's not afraid to throw a punch." said Flint.
	"Colonel, I don't want anyone getting hurt by this kid. Do you
think we should keep him in solitary?" asked Hatcher.
	"No Sir. Too early too tell. Let us break him down first. He'll
come around."
	"Keep me inform on what their progress is. Tomorrow when we arrive
at the Mothball Graveyard station, I want to talk to the boys. Then you can
transport them to the Lexington."
	"Is she space worthy?" asked Stone.
	"She isn't ready to take flight yet, if that is what you mean. But
after talking to Ely this morning, the Lady Lex does have life support
systems functioning through out the faculty and family quarters, the
bridge, the aft hangar, and engineering spaces. Ely assures me that by the
time we arrive tomorrow, there will be life support in Hangar 3 for the
boys living quarters."
	"What about the gravity generators?" asked Stone.
	"There we ran into a problem. AstroStarr was sending two supply
ships with a bunch of donated equipment and supplies, but on their journey
to the Lexington, they were intercepted by Geldon Raiders. Everything was
loss. Mr.  Starr the owner of the corporation is trying to get more
supplies sent, but it seems like his supplies ran low all of a sudden. But
he is doing his best."
	"You realize Captain, Admiral Whitaker will do any means possible
that would cause us to fall flat on ass?"
	"I know, but we're not going to give him that satisfaction. "Well,
if you excuse us, Captain, it is time for Master Sergeant and I to do some
more in processing" said Stone as he and Flint entered the eating hall.
	Captain Hatcher nodded and he peered through the window to the
galley. He saw a back of a head of a young boy that looked familiar sitting
next to his nephew, Andrew. But with all the boys bald and looking the
same, he just shrugged off the feeling.

*****

	Captain Hatcher stood by a window watching the stars fly
by. Commander Creevey came up behind him.
	"How's everything down stairs going?"
	"The boys are having a hard time adjusting, but they need to be
broken down, so we can begin the real training," said Hatcher.
	"I was looking over the files and records and I was assigning the
shuttle crafts to the different students. Now I understand that your son
and Dr.  Daniels's two sons all want to do the shuttle craft classes too."
	"Yes they do."
	"Do we want to assign them their own shuttle craft or should I put
them in with the cadets?"
	"You better assign them with their own craft. Just to be on the
safe side."
	"That means there will only be three in their shuttle. They should
have at least three more?"
	"Yeah, they will need a few more boys in it. Put my three nephews
in that shuttle craft team. I know they're good boys for the most part and
won't cause any problems with my son or Dr. Daniel's sons."
	"Very good captain. Also Captain, I got an update from the academy
counsel on the Olympics. The winner of the Olympics the year before chooses
an athletic sport competition for the Olympics. This breaks up the monotony
of the military and academy events."
	"And what has the Port Royal chose?"
	"Actually, the Port Royal didn't choose anything. It is also
tradition when a new academy ship enters the Olympics, it's her captain
that decides on the sport. And since this year there are two new ships, the
council agreed on to have two sporting competitions."
	"So I get to choose a sport?"
	"Yes Sir, you do."
	"What has the Orion chose?"
	"They chose baseball this year."
	"Not much of a contact sport, but nevertheless it is a good
sport. Not as good as hockey, but still enjoyable. I know my nephew's
Trevor and Ben will like this. They're quite good you know."
	"There will be two leagues for the sports. There will be a junior
varsity team and a varsity team."
	"Good, I am sure we have enough ball players to make a decent
team."
	"And what about your sport, Captain?"
	"That's simple. Hockey."
	"Hockey? Do we have the talent on board for that sport?"
	"I don't know, but I will be the hockey coach. Get Dr. Daniels to
be the baseball coach. He knows a lot about baseball. He taught Douglas how
to pitch."
	"This brings up another point. Will your children and the Doctor's
children be able to play?"
	"Why the hell not? As far as I am concerned, they can take up any
activity that our school offers. They might not sleep with the cadets or be
put on work details like them, but if they want to play sports or learn how
to pilot a shuttle class or take instrument lessons from Rev. Dawson, then
by all means let them."
	"Yes Captain. I will make the necessary arrangements then."

*****

	Andrew took off his uniform and hung it up neatly. It has been an
agonizing and grueling day for him. Every muscle in his body hurt. His ears
still rang from all the yelling that the Marines have done to him. He
watched Nipper as he took off his uniform. Both boys collapsed on their
cots naked. For they were never issued a pair of underwear. Just those
white baggy coveralls.
	The night went on and Nipper didn't fall asleep. He lay on his cot
letting tears trickle down his cheeks from time to time. He thought for
sure he would see the Captain today, but he didn't. But he knew tomorrow he
will be back at Mothball Graveyard Station and he will get himself out of
this mess.  Nipper was missing his brother and his father very much. His
heart ached as he thought about his mother and how much he wished she had
never died.
	Nipper's heart stopped as he felt someone climbed into his cot with
him.  Nipper realized it was Andrew. Andrew lay on his side like Nipper was
doing and nestled his butt close to Nipper's groin. Andrew reached over and
grabbed Nipper's arm and pulled it around him.
	Nipper wasn't sure if Andrew knew what he was doing. He whispered
Andrew's name, but he never responded to it. This was a new feeling for
Nipper.  Normally he was the one who cuddled into Douglas's arms; he never
had anyone cuddle into his arms for comfort. It was definitely a new
feeling, but a feeling he liked...a lot. He scooted in closer to the naked
boy where his growing dick rested along the crack of Andrew's cute
butt. Andrew pulled on Nipper's arm, as if telling Nipper that he was happy
that Nipper had scooted in closer. Nipper felt needed here. His new friend
needed him... Nipper Daniels. Douglas was right, maybe not all the boys
needed him, but this one in particular did and he was there for him. Nipper
was glad he became friends with Andrew. Earlier in the day he found out
that he and Andrew were
  in the same grade. So Nipper was excited that he could be with Andrew at
school, even if he wouldn't be allowed to be with him outside of the
classroom. He found out too that they had so much in common too. Especially
that both of them played a musical instrument. Soon, the room was filled
with light snoring from both boys.

  *****

	Sergeant Murdock slammed open the door and turned on the lights to
Andrew's and Nipper's sleeping quarters. Andrew fell out of Nipper's cot
with a thud and Nipper quickly pulled the covers over his eyes to block the
blinding light.
	"Come on Cadets, time to get up. You have 20 minutes to shower and
make your cots." Said Murdock not noticing that the two boys had slept
together that night.
	Nipper dragged himself out of bed. Andrew stood up and stretched
and started to turn red when he noticed he had a morning boner. He tried to
cover it up but it was too late. Nipper saw it.
	"I got one too," giggled Nipper as he showed Andrew his dick
standing up on end. The boys giggled together and they went on to make
their cots and take their showers.  Finally Andrew and Nipper were done and
they had a quick breakfast.
	Lieutenant Colonel. Stone stood in front of the boys standing in
formation.  He could tell some of them were fighting against the
transformation, Cooper especially, but majority of them were falling into
place pretty well. Among the cadets stood TJ, Ben, Trev, Scooter, Jeff,
Mike, Gerbil, Andrew, Nipper, and Ryan.
	"Cadets, we are currently docking with the space station in
Mothball Graveyard.  When told to do so, you will march nut to butt, like
you did when you first came on this ship, into the hangar of the space
station. You will then get into formation and stand at attention. The
commanding officer will then address you all. Once he is done, you will be
escorted on board a shuttle craft for transfer to the Lexington. There you
will receive further attention. Everyone understand?"
	"Yes, Sir!" yelled all the cadets.
	Nipper was finally relieved. He will be able to see the captain and
get himself out of this mess.
	Corporal Murdock came walking in. "Colonel we are docked and have
permission to proceed out."
	"Very well Corporal. Cadets! Attention! On my mark, get in single
file line, nut to butt, with the shortest man in front, tallest in the
back.  Now."
	All the boys proceed to get into line. This position was all too
familiar for them by now. Over the past two days, this is how they march to
the different areas on the ship.
	"Let's move out," said Stone as he leads them off the transport
ship.

  *****

	Ensign Kalon Masters sat in the co-pilot's seat of the
McNair. Lieutenant Xara was acting pilot and was sitting right next to
Kalon. Kalon was busy whittling a statue out of a piece of wood. Kalon was
known through his ship, the "Renegade", for his talent in wood carving as
well as practical jokes, breaking the rules, and always finding trouble.
	Xara started to make some changes to the helm console.
	"What are you doing?" asked Kalon.
	"I have to adjust the course to Mothball Graveyard."
	"Why?" "We are coming up to an asteroid field. I'm going to go
around it."
	"Asteroid field? How big?" said Kalon as he sat up and started
looking at the computer console.
	"It's about 50 kilometers deep." replied Xara.
	"According to this, Mothball Graveyard is 20 kilometers past the
asteroids.  If we try going around the field it will take us over ten more
hours." said Kalon.
	"It could be worse."
	"Xara," said Kalon in a "don't trust Kalon" tone.
	"No!!!"
	"You don't even know what I am going to say." said Kalon already
defending himself.
	"We are not doing an Asteroid run."
	"I'm probably not going to be able to fly a shuttle for a long
time. I will be too busy teaching kids how to wipe their butts and flush
the toilet after they are finished. Please let me fly the McNair one last
time."
	"Kalon, if Captain E'Than would find out, I could be demoted."
	"He's not going to find out. Come on, let me fly the McNair one
last time.  You know I can handle a small asteroid field like this
one. I've done it many times."
	Xara looked at Kalon. She knew he could handle it, for he was a
really good pilot. She looked into his mismatched eyes. A blue one and a
brown. Then she left out a big sigh. "I'm gonna regret this. I just know
it. The console is all yours."
	"Xara, you're the best, hang on, here we go."
	Kalon removed his sunglasses that were hanging from his black
T-shirt. He placed them over his eyes. He reached down and turned on some
old Earth music. The sounds of Jimmy Buffet and his song Cheeseburger in
Paradise blared throughout the shuttle. Kalon zoomed into the field, making
hard turns and dodging small and large asteroids a like. He had lowered the
inertia dampening field, so that he could feel the movements of the ship a
lot more. If he would have left the dampening fields on full, he could slow
down and speed up, with out feeling anything as if he was just standing
still.
	"Kalon, I am picking something up on sensors."
	"What?"
	"Some sort of a ship or station. I am having a hard time getting a
fix on it."
	Kalon did some more dodging and looping of the shuttle craft. He
was having a blast in the asteroid field. "Anything yet?"
	"Yes, I got a fix. Some sort of a station over on that huge
asteroid over there," pointed Xara.
	"It's probably a mining station. Did you try hailing them?"
	"No, but you are probably right. Come on, let's get out of this
asteroid field before our luck runs out."
	Soon, the shuttle craft made its way out of the field with out a
scratch on it. "See I told you I could do it. Not much farther now." said
Kalon.
	"Wow, look at all of those ships." said Xara.
	"Haven't you ever been to Mothball Graveyard?"
	"No, I haven't."
	"It is only the largest star ship junk yard on this side of the
universe."
	"There's the space station. Looks like a transport ship is about
ready to dock." said Xara.
	Kalon Masters tapped on the communication link. "Mothball
Graveyard, this is Ensign Kalon Masters of the SFA Renegade's shuttle
craft, McNair requesting permission to dock."
	"We have you on screen McNair," said a voice. "Please proceed to
hangar 23 at the following coordinates. Once you reach position, our
computer will lock on to yours and bring you into landing."
	"Roger that." said Kalon.
	After a half hour of docking procedures, Kalon finally opened the
door to the McNair and stepped out. He had a big duffel bag of his
belongings propped up on his shoulder.
	"Xara, how about getting something to eat, before you head back?"
asked Kalon.
	"Excuse me, are you Ensign Masters?" said a women coming into the
hangar.
	"Yes I am."
	"Hi, I am Commander Amanda Creevey. The Executive Officer of SFA
Lexington."
	"Nice to meet you Boss. This is LT Xara, she was my ride here."
	"Lieutenant," acknowledged Amanda. "We just arrived here about an
hour ago ourselves. The Captain is about ready to address the boys for the
first time. After that, the boys will be transferred to the Lexington. He
will then have a staff meeting in Conference Room 2 in A sector of the
ship. He wants everyone to be there."
	"I was hoping to freshen up real quick," said Kalon. "It was a long
trip."
	"Not a problem. I will show you to your quarters."
	"But aren't we staying on the Lexington?" asked Kalon in confusion.
	"Only the boys are. Life Support systems are only on line in 50
percent of the ship. The bridge, after hangar, Staff and family quarters,
hangar 3, and engineering spaces are the only areas of the with life
support. In addition, the Lady Lex has no gravity generators, so the
Captain thought we could stay here until we find some somewhere."
	"No gravity generators. We get to float around then. That could be
fun."
	"Now if you follow me Ensign, I will show you to your quarters."
	Kalon turned to Xara. He couldn't' believe this was a good bye. He
wouldn't see her or any other crew members of the Renegade for a long
time. "Well, Xara, have a safe trip back. I'll see you when school lets
out."
	"Good luck Kalon. We'll miss you."
	Kalon and Amanda then exited the hangar.

*****

	"Welcome back," said Ely Storm as he saw Captain Hatcher walk down
the corridor of the space station.
	"Thanks, Ely. How's the Lady Lex?"
	"We have life support systems working on the bridge, aft hangar,
Hangar 3, engineering, and family quarters. You wouldn't believe the mess
that the systems were in. We still don't have gravity, weapons, propulsion,
and communications. I know you want to get her moving by April first, but
we will be lucky to get her moving by April 31 of next year."
	Stephen Hatcher laughed. "I know she isn't the greatest shape, but
we will manage."
	"It wouldn't be so bad if the supply shuttles weren't attacked by
the raiders. It pisses me off that it happened. Not to mention that Gordon
Starr is trying to do his best to supply us with stuff, but everything is
falling through. Something out there is working against us. And I think
that something is called Admiral Whitaker."
	"I know Whitaker is an ass, but I don't think he would hire raiders
to attack some supply shuttles."
	"Yeah, but try this on for size. The `Excalibur' is on the other
side of the junk yard, doing nothing."
	"But she is sold," "No she's not. Whatever Admiral Whittaker told
you was a lie. He just didn't want us to get our hands on a ship like
that. His odds of winning this wouldn't be as good."
	"Maybe Mr. Chan will let us cannibalize the `Excalibur'."
	"Steve, I already thought of that, but Mr. Chan has strict orders
not to sell or give any of the Excalibur parts to us. Whittaker is making
this impossible for us."
	"We'll figure something out, we have to. We have to give these boys
a chance to succeed. We have to. Look, I am due to meet the cadets here in
a few minutes. Afterwards I am having a meeting with all the officers, we
will discuss more then."
	"Very well Steve. Oh, one other thing, we fasten a bunch of cots to
the deck in Hangar 3 for the cadets."
	"Good, as soon as the boys fix the life support systems in their
living quarters, they can move into more comfortable rooms. I'll see ya in
a few."
	"Welcome back Captain, you just get in?" said Dr. Daniels as he
came down from another tunnel ramp that lead to a docking hatch.
	"Welcome back, yourself" said Hatcher.
	"How did you make out with the medical supplies?" asked Ely.
	"I might not have the state of the art equipment in my sickbay, but
I do have enough stuff to get us through most casualties," assured
Dr. Daniels.
	"Good, at least something is going right for us," said Ely.
	"Now if you don't mind Gentlemen, I am going to go see my boys, get
cleaned up and get this gear unloaded," said Dr. Daniels. He then headed
off to Douglas' and Nipper's quarters. He was excited to see them again. He
knew Nipper was upset for leaving him behind, but he hoped that Nipper got
over it.
	"Excuse me Captain, but the boys are standing at attention in the
hanger bay. They're ready for you," said Lieutenant Colonel. Stone.
	"Very good Colonel. Well Ely it is time to address our cadets. I
will see you in about an hour to discuss details on stuff."
	"Very good Steve." Ely then went on about his business as Captain
Hatcher and Lieutenant Colonel. Stone went to address the boys.

To Be Continued

The boys are now on the old and worn out Lady Lex. Where will they go from
here?