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This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now
Chapter Nineteen: New Horizons
Daniel sat on the steps of the dining hall watching the sun break through. What was the old sailors warning? "Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning?" If the saying was true, this was going to be a challenging day judging by the number of red clouds on the horizon.
Larry, Jeff and Rick joined Daniel on the dining hall steps.
"Gentlemen, I could ask why everyone is moving about so early; I thought you guys would sleep in until the boys had to get up."
"Daniel, we've been waking up early from the beginning; there wasn't anyone out here to hassle before now, that's all. As for the boys, you'd be surprised how many are already up. The older boys like to rise early and take a shower before waking the little ones. The younger boys seem to require more time to get their bearings and take care of their morning responsibilities. The kp boys are already out and should be in the dining hall."
About then the dining hall door opened and Barry appeared in the doorway.
"Fellas, when I was doing my apprenticeship to become a chef we had a back door very similar to this one. Each day when I opened the door there would be a group of stray cats and dogs waiting for me to feed them. This group brings back some interesting memories."
Jeff looked at Rick, then Daniel, "Daniel, just what we need, a sunrise comedian who doesn't even have the courtesy to wait until the second cup is poured. Any chance we can replace him? "
"Only if you want to eat my cookin', Jeff, only if you want my cookin'."
One of the kp boys brought a tray filled with cups of coffee for the men, who continued to sit on the steps. Daniel remembered his list from the previous night.
"Rick, do we know anything about when we can expect more computers?"
"This afternoon; that's why you see this motley crew out so early. We're checking the cable connections and running whatever additional connections will be needed. If we get them shortly after lunch, we should have them up and running tonight. Daniel, don't you remember me saying something last week about getting them today?"
"Unfortunately, no, I don't remember. That means my mind must have been elsewhere or I'm developing a severe case of post-pubescent senility. Take your pick."
"After breakfast, say around 9:30, I'd like for us to have a staff meeting. Barry should have the kitchen under control by then and can join us. I have a list of several things we need to discuss, and they affect us all."
The men continued to relax on the steps, enjoying their second or third cup of coffee. They exchanged stories on how they had caught the boys in embarrassing positions. The rule was that so long as it didn't appear one of the boys was being forced to do whatever it was they were doing, or one of the boys was not complaining about being hurt, the men turned and walked off. The funniest stories were about the little ones having sword fights using their stiffies as weapons. None of the men knew how you could tell who won the fight and no one wanted to ask.
Hearing Daniels name called out they looked up and saw Danny in a dead run headed their way. Danny ran straight up to Daniel, stopped for a moment, and then climbed into his lap. Danny gave Daniel a hug and then sat there with his arm around Daniels shoulder; Daniel wrapped an arm around the boy's waste.
"Gentlemen, I think our little friend here is trying to tell us it's time for breakfast. Shall we?"
Daniel saw the boys filing in to the service line. He always enjoyed greeting the boys in the morning; there was something special about how the boys always appeared fresh and wearing a smile. He walked down the line, stopping when he saw Sean. After greeting Sean, Daniel gave Danny a hug, telling him he would see him later, and left the boy with his mentor. He then rejoined his staff for breakfast.
After breakfast, the staff sat at a table in the far corner of the dining hall. Several were still nursing a hot cup of coffee when Daniel began. He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket, and after advising the men he had jotted down a few subjects and concerns the night before, read off his list.
"Rick told me earlier the computers are expected in today, hopefully early this afternoon so we can be up and running today; if later in the afternoon I'll assume we'll be functional tomorrow."
"The next item was testing, and I'm talking primarily school work here. Where do we stand, how are the boys doing, when did they test last, when do they test again, etc.?"
Coordinating the school lessons had been Paul's responsibility; Paul began his report. "Daniel, the boys are allowed to test mostly at will. I say mostly because there is a time frame during which they must take a test on any given course. If they finish the material earlier than the time allotted, they can take the test early."
"We really haven't been doing this home schooling long enough to judge whether we are maintaining the required pace to meet our goals. However, the results we do have thus far show a number of the boys are working well ahead of the planned schedule. Most are on schedule and very few are a little behind. We are monitoring those that appear to be a little behind to be sure they receive any needed tutoring."
"The most difficult to judge right now are the real young ones like Danny or Ian. Both appear to be bright kids and do well with what they are told to do. They know some of their letters, numbers and colors and seem to be moving right on through."
"Paul," Daniel said, "the boys requiring tutoring, are we able to give them all they need or should we be looking to bring in additional help? You know at one time my dad was going to talk with the university about allowing student teachers to do their internships here as tutors. Would that be of any help?"
Mark intervenes before Paul can answer. "Daniel, the idea of using student teachers could have additional benefits for us. College students are known for getting involved with 'causes'. Personally, I think it wouldn't take much encouragement for students to support what we are trying to do here and once the youthful enthusiasm starts moving, well it's like trying to stop a boulder that's rolling down hill. We could get tutors for the boys and supporters for the project."
Daniel thought for a moment and realized the potential of Mark's suggestion. "Paul, can you contact the diocese and find out if they are willing to sponsor a few student teachers as interns for us? I would think the diocese does have student teachers almost every semester; we just need to get some of them here."
"Does anyone else have thoughts about tutors?"
Jeff was concerned, "Daniel, if we use student teachers from the university, are we in violation of our agreement with DCF. Seems to me student teachers from the university may be considered as state aid since the state pays for their education. The internship is part of their course requirement."
Daniel thought for a moment and decided Jeff may have a good point. "We'll need to get the use of interns cleared through DCF to avoid a possible violation. However, I'm guessing, and hoping, that as long as they are sponsored by the diocese we'll be in good standing. Thanks for pointing that out, Jeff."
"Paul, I just thought of another issue." Daniel said. "We maintain the boys' records, both personal and for school. Do we have the capacity in equipment and man power to keep up with the programs?"
"At the moment, I'd say yes." answered Paul. "Two of the boys come in part time to assist with posting records. However, at some point down the line we will need additional resources. When I see things getting a little tight I'll let you now, and we can address the issue then."
Daniel looked over the lists and decided to skip to the end before tackling the more intricate subjects. "Let's talk about birthdays, of course I'm talking about the boys' birthdays. I've thought about this for quite a while; it just seems to me every kid should be able to celebrate their birthday. Granted, if we did each one individually, we'd be having a part around here every week. Knowing that isn't feasible, somebody suggest something we can do for them."
"Daniel, why not do a monthly celebration?" Barry suggested. "We should have their birthdays in the records and can state who and how many for any given month. Do a celebration around the middle of the month. If Paul provided me with a list at the first of each month of who and how many, we'll get the necessary food supplies from sponsors to create a little party for them."
Mark agreed. "Yeah, and why not set up some special activities for birthday celebrations only? We could build a mud pit and let them do the tug-o-war thing into the pit for the older boys. The younger boys might enjoy the traditional games of pin the tail or bobbing for apples, or whatever games kids play at these things."
Larry joined in, "Yeah, and for a prize or present give them an exemption on kp for that month or their next scheduled detail. There should be a number of things these kids would appreciate that won't cost much. I bet all of them would love just a little one-on- one time with an adult. Take them down to the river for some fishing, or into town for a movie."
Before the mens' enthusiasm got out of hand, Daniel stepped in, "Okay, guys, we get the idea. I'm sure all of us agree with the concept all of you are expressing. Paul, how about you, Jeff and Larry put together a program that looks reasonable and let's start this as soon as we can. Plan on a big blast to cover all those that have already had their birthday this year, then we'll see if we can't make this a monthly event."
Returning to more serious matters, Daniel related the comment he heard Sean make about his brother not coming in, even if he did see the television spots, because he didn't want to be caught and sold as a slave. He reminded the staff what happened just a few days ago when Sean missed his medication. Concerned for Sean's welfare, the station offered to make calls and see if they could get the necessary tests donated.
Michael stepped in to supplement Daniel's statements. "Sean is a very sick young man, he doesn't realize how sick. Preliminary tests show he has a malfunctioning valve that interferes with the blood flow. Worse than interfering with the blood flow is the extra pressure placed on the heart to maintain some kind of flow. Sean gets frustrated with the physical restrictions we have on him, but they are necessary. Unless new tests cause me to change my mind, I believe the earlier Sean can get surgery, the better his chance of survival. Without surgery, there is a good probability he won't make it out of his teens."
"Brad's presence is critical both as a source of background information and emotional support for the boy. The two were very close from what Sean has told us. Brad was very protective of Sean, there were many offers from people who wanted to be the first to have the boy, but Brad wouldn't allow it. When the police tried moving in on the group all of them escaped except Sean, he couldn't keep up. Our guess is he didn't keep up because his heart couldn't pump enough blood and oxygen through his system and he almost passed out." Daniel again picked the story up
Daniel continued. "This actually leads to two more of the items on my list. The first item is exemptions for the boys. In other words, if Brad does contact us and is willing to come in, can he be exempt from sale? To put things in a broader perspective, if any boy needing help comes to our door asking for shelter, what can we do? The second item on the list of course, is more boys."
"Let's assume our agreement does say we can accept any boy who comes to us for shelter, provided he is not a fugitive felon. Do we have the capacity to take care of more boys? Gentlemen, we need your opinions."
Rick is the first to respond. "Daniel, from a facilities perspective, there shouldn't be any problem. Right now the boys all sleep in a barracks type arrangement and are single level. The beds are actually part of a bunk bed set up and are spaced further apart than is required. We have between twenty-five and thirty spares in the store room. We also have spare bedding, but I would have to verify the quantity on that."
Barry considered the food supplies. "There is plenty of food right now to care for another ten to fifteen without realizing even a dent in the supply. We are currently receiving the food quantities that were submitted to the sponsors. If we had asked for more from the beginning, I believe we would have received it. So, I don't see any real issues with just asking for a little more food to take care of a few more boys."
Mark interjects with a voice of caution. "Daniel, given the difficulty of getting this program approved initially, do you think the state will cooperate and modify the agreement?"
"Mark, the initial approval process taught me two very important lessons. First, you have to be patient when it comes to getting anything accomplished through the political system. Second, get the right people on your side from the very beginning."
"Right now I think we need at least the governor on our side. Later today I'm calling my dad, he and the governor are good friends. Things get passed between them that the public would never hear. The spots for Brad are supposed to begin with the early afternoon news today. Once we have verified they are running I'll ask Dad to make the phone calls."
"While Dad talks with the governor to get his support, I'll speak with Amos Crawford at DCF. All we can do is try."
Daniel sat at his desk waiting for the early afternoon news. Jon told him the community service announcement concerning Sean and Brad would be first. The segment opened with Danny introducing himself and his friend Sean. The boys then walked over to Betty who was sitting in an armless chair. The boys stood by her left side as she extended a motherly arm around them. She reminded the audience the boys appeared on the afternoon show only last week and a special announcement was made then regarding Sean. The station had since learned more about his condition and decided to make additional appeals to help him.
The segment moved to an interview with Michael as Sean's doctor. Michael explained in simple words Sean's problem and the need to contact his brother. Michael also mentioned private arrangements were being made to conduct additional tests for Sean and hopefully, get the surgery he would require. The last scene was a split screen picture of Sean and an artists rendering of his brother. Daniel had not seen the rendering earlier and assumed an artist at the station drew it from Sean's descriptions.
Daniel called Jon Caruthers to thank him for the segment and express how good he thought the presentation was. Jon confirmed the segment would run in Tallahassee at about 1:30 and then be repeated at 6:00. The segment would also run in Tampa and West Palm Beach. There was no reason to believe Brad would be near Tallahassee, but the governor, head of DCF and the head of DOC were there. The airing in Tallahassee would be a segue to the necessary phone calls. Daniel decided to call his dad, it would be good for him to see the segment before talking to the governor.
"Dad, if you aren't watching, turn on your television. There's something special I want you to see, then we can talk about it."
"Well, hold on, son. You know I have one of the old fashion sets where you have to push buttons. I haven't gotten accustomed t those new ones you just talk to."
"Dad, one day you'll catch up with the rest of the world. In the mean time I love you, anyway."
"Okay, stop the brown nosin' and tell me what's so special."
Daniel proceeded to tell his dad about Sean and the potential problems for brining in Brad. He explained they would like to modify the agreement to let him take in additional boys up to the capacity of the facility and want Brad to be part of the project. If Brad is with a group on the street he wants to try and bring all of them in. This could happen only if he could fulfill the promise of safe shelter.
"Boy, when you bite off something, you like to get a big chunk don't you? Daniel, do you think you have the capacity down there for more boys?"
"Dad, I've been through all this with the staff and we feel we can handle a number of additional boys. If necessary, we can stack the beds the way they used to in the service. We have the space, the beds, the equipment and the food. The state let this place to us with a capacity of one hundred and fifteen boys and right now we only have eighty- seven. We don't think the state should give us a hard time about taking on another twenty-eight boys if they come to us for help."
"You know we are going out to the various cities and towns for public appearances and to plead our case. What do you think is the probability that in some of those towns, boys will seek us out wanting safe shelter? How can we plead our case and then have to say 'sorry, no room' to a boy wanting help? Please, Dad, do us this one favor, call the governor and speak with him. We're only asking for the state to allow us to fill up to capacity. If we had waited one more day to assume responsibility for the boys in that detention center we may have had enough to fill up; but we would have lost three boys, too."
"Daniel, do you realize that if I had a dollar for every time you've said 'this one favor' to me I'd be a rich man now? You know, I think it's interesting that all I wanted was a personal servant. What I got was a son and a lifetime project." Daniel's dad began teasing his son, just as he does on every call between them.
"Yeah, and you wouldn't have it any other way and you know it. Besides, a son's life time responsibility is to make sure the dad has plenty of challenges to keep him busy so he doesn't get old. I thought I was doing a pretty good job for you." Daniel jousted with his dad; both men enjoying this bit of friendly teasing.
"Yeah, you are except on the getting old part. I'm afraid there's not a whole lot any of us can do about that. Somehow I get the feeling you knew I'd agree to this before you called. I'll let you know what he says." Daniel's dad stated the obvious, letting Daniel know he's not getting away with anything.
"Dad, do you know when you might have the opportunity to speak with him?"
"Daniel, don't push your luck, boy. I'll be back in touch within a couple days." The answer was given in jest with Daniel's dad fully understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Love you, Dad."
"Yeah, I hear ya. Take care, son."
As the call ended the memory of what this man did for him brought a small tear to the corner of Daniel's eye. He was trying to repay the debt by emulating his dad, but on a much larger scale.
His dad once advised him that if he wanted a favor he shouldn't call on Monday morning because they were trying to get organized for the week or complete a task left over from the previous week. Nor should you call them on Friday afternoon because they are trying to complete a project that was due the previous Wednesday and get ready for the weekend. So at mid-afternoon on Monday Daniel used Amos' private number and hoped the man was in a receptive mood.
"Amos ^Å. Daniel Thompson here, how are you?"
"Fine, Daniel, and from what I see and hear it looks as though you and New Horizon are doing pretty well yourselves. I saw the public service announcement earlier, looks like you may have picked up a strong sponsor there. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Amos; we consider the support of the television station a real boost for us. They are scheduling us to do public appearances all over the state and organize fund raisers." Daniel deliberately pushed the point of their future financial well being.
"Daniel, you know we all wish you and the project well. Somehow, I don't think this is a totally social call, what can I do for you. Haven't lost one of the boys have you?" Amos Crawford knew Daniel had a reason for calling but tried to avoid being too serious at the moment, at least until he knew why Daniel has called.
"Amos, actually we're trying to avoid losing one of the boys unnecessarily. You mentioned seeing the public service announcement about Sean and his brother, Brad. Well, that's why I'm calling. You know that Sean is one of the boys picked up off the streets; Brad is also one of those street kids. If the police pick him up you know what will happen to him. Sean feels his brother won't contact us or come in for fear of being sold as a slave^Å.."
"Daniel, you know as well I what the law is. If Brad is picked up and has no means of support, or in this case is a minor with no family willing to assume responsibility for him, he would be sold as a slave. That is the law." Amos was concerned that Daniel may want him to make an exception to the written law; a request Amos cannot honor.
Daniel continued, noting what Amos said. "Amos, I understand what the law is and agree. Believe me, I'm not calling to ask you to change the law. You just said if the boy is picked up and has no visible means of support of family willing to assume responsibility for him he would be sold. Right?"
"That's right. Where are you headed with this, Daniel?"
"Amos, if I recall correctly the law does not say 'no family willing to assume responsibility', the law says 'no one willing to assume responsibility'. That is a big difference and a very important point."
"There are two more points, equally as big and as important, that I need to make here, Amos. Our agreement with the state gave us responsibility for the boys then in the detention center outside Tampa, and a lease of the closed post in Fort Ogden. There is no provision is the agreement allowing for additional boys or for attrition. As each year passes boys will leave, educated and contributing members of society What happens five years down the road when only a few are left? The second point is that we have the physical capacity to handle more kids than we currently care for on site. Let us use that capacity to help kids that have done nothing wrong."
"If Brad contacts us we want to offer him a safe haven. Let him have the chance to be with his brother, get an education and become a contributing member of society. To do that we need the help and support of the Governor's cabinet and DCF so the agreement can be modified. Let us accept boys who come to us for help, so long as they are not fugitive felons."
"In Sean's case, the doctors believe Brad is essential for Sean to have a fighting chance at living. The television stations are assisting with getting the necessary facilities and personnel to do the operation. Think in terms of the goodwill that can be promoted for state government ^Ö a government willing to help its future citizens, not enslave them, and all being done at no cost to the general public. Amos, I'm pleading with you to help us help these kids."
Amos sat quietly as he considered Daniel's appeal. "Daniel, I hear you, believe me. I even feel for you and the boys, but I cannot make this decision myself. You know, from one perspective you're asking a lot; from another, you're asking for very little. I'll make this commitment, I will talk to the governor and other cabinet members on your behalf. Daniel, I do really want to see this project succeed and I'll try for you. In the meantime, you know how politics works, I suggest you get your dad involved and start politicking."
"Amos, I can't thank you enough. I've already spoken with Dad and he's going to speak with the governor. I'm hoping between the three of you we can get what's needed. Amos, do you think I should call Ron Wilson?" Daniel's voice sounded relieved now that he had the worst part of this call over. He's looking for guidance from the political experts.
"Daniel, Ron hates having to pick up kids and have them enslaved. You'll find him to be a big supported; call him and say just what you said to me."
"Okay, Daniel, good luck to you."
Daniel was glad that was done. If his Dad got the Governor on board and Ron Wilson, head of the Department of Corrections, comes on board, that gives them three powerful allies.
Daniel delayed the call to Ron Wilson until after the 6:00 o'clock broadcast. He was tired and needed the time to collect his thoughts before speaking to Ron. He also hoped that Amos or the Governor may have seen Ron during the afternoon and alerted him to what Daniel wanted.
Daniel ate supper in the dining hall with the boys. Seeing them seemed to recharge his energies and reinforce his commitment. When the meal was over, Daniel took a cup of coffee with him and settled behind his desk. It was time to make the call.
"Ron, Daniel Thompson ^Å. Hope I'm not calling at a bad time"
"Daniel, good to hear from you; no this isn't a bad time at all. In fact, I was rather expecting your call, I spoke with the Governor earlier this afternoon. I think I have a good idea what this call is about, but why don't you tell me."
Daniel answered with a light-hearted tone. "Okay, there's nothing like going straight to the point is there? Ron, we have a very sick boy here, we believe he will require heart surgery. The calls are being made now to get this done at no expense to the state, just as it's stipulated in our agreement. The doctor's believe if we can locate the boy's older brother it would be a big benefit; I'll assume you've seen the announcements running on the television."
"I've seen one, on the six o'clock news; you're looking for a boy named Brad."
"That's right. Our problem is that if we find the boy we don't have the option of offering him a safe haven. If he agreed to meet us and one of your men was there, the boy could be taken in, processed and sold. If you were in his position, would you agree to come in? I wouldn't. I'm asking the board to amend our agreement to allow us to bring in as many boys as we have the capacity to handle. That's it in a nut shell." Daniel now waits anxiously for Ron's response.
"Daniel, I think you know my feelings on picking up these kids and enslaving them. If something were to happen to me and for some unforeseen circumstance my family was to fall on hard times, it'd be very difficult for me to accept that my children were made slaves because of something beyond their control. At the same time I'm sworn to uphold the law. The law says I have to bring these kids in and let the system deal with them. Then we have New Horizons."
"In all fairness to you and your program I will tell you what I suggested to the Governor. My suggestion is that you be invited back to the capital, with your Cherubs, to make a presentation and plead your case. Show us where you began and what you have achieved thus far. I'd like to see the presentation as soon as possible. As for the boy you are looking for now, if he contacts you I do not expect you to tell us where he is. If you take him in while we work this out I give you my word we will not bother him. When a decision is made regarding your request, you can decide at that time what to do with him."
Daniel knew Ron was bending the rules concerning Brad. Still, he was concerned over Ron suggestion. The project had been operating for only three months, the question became whether enough had been accomplished to convince the board. There was no choice, Daniel had to do what Ron asked or there probably would be no amendment to the agreement.
"Ron, I appreciate and understand what you say. I will make myself available at the board's convenience. I also agree the sooner the presentation can be made the better for all concerned."
"Good, Daniel, we're in agreement then. I'll let the Governor know as soon as we hang up and hopefully we can do this within the next few days. We'll be in contact."
While Daniel considered his conversation with Ron Wilson, he again felt the weight of the project on his shoulders. Daniel was in deep thought when Paul walked in.
"Daniel, Jon Caruthers from the television station called while you were on the phone, he'd like you to call him."
"Did he say what he wanted or leave a message."
"He only said he had some good news and would like for you to call. He sounded real upbeat."
"Thanks Paul, let the guys know we need to meet again in the morning right after breakfast, would you?"
Daniel's thoughts turned from Ron Wilson to Sean and Jon Caruthers. Daniel was ready for some positive news.
End Chapter Nineteen
To Be Continued; comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com