New Horizons

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now.

Chapter Two: New Horizons

The fresh air gave me some relief. I hadn't realized that telling my history would create so much emotional anxiety. After all those months working with psychologists and the support from my dad I thought the scars would have healed over better. They will always be there; I just don't want to have to deal with it any more than is absolutely necessary. However, if revealing my past will help get this project moving then it was worth it.

The park looked like most in a small southern city. A little formal and well maintained. It occupies a full city block with walks coming in from four directions. There are three prominent features. A gazebo on the far end painted white. I could see intricate woodwork along the eaves and side rails. In the middle there is a tall monument with a horse and rider on top. It looks typical of monuments you find in the south erected to honor the city's founding fathers or possibly fallen heroes. The weathered finish tells me it's been there a while. This end is dominated by a two tiered fountain with a porpoise or dolphin on top shooting water out of the mouth straight up in the air. The fountain looks as weathered as the monument. The walks circled around each feature. There was also plenty of well maintained landscaping. I recognize azaleas and rose bushes, with no idea of what the other bushes are. Several huge live oak trees draped with Spanish moss give plenty of shade for people using the park benches. This place actually looked like something you would see on an old post card.

I notice someone coming around the fountain. At first I think it is a city worker cleaning and then realize this person is naked. The lack of clothes and short haircut tell me he's a slave. He doesn't realize I've been standing here watching him for the past few minutes. His muscular development tells me he's no kid, but he's not a full grown man yet; I make a mental guess he's about nineteen or twenty. His overall appearance, particularly his complexion, tells me this boy has been eating well and doesn't suffer from the malnutrition issues common to street kids. I stand there for three or four minutes before he sees me. When he does see me he quickly drops his cleaning cloth, steps in front of me and assumes slave rest position with his feet about a foot apart, his hands behind his back and vision directed down.

"Sir, my apologies for not acknowledging your presence sooner. I will report my negligence to my supervisor, sir."

"And if you report your negligence to your supervisor, what will he do?"

"Sir, he will make a report in my records of my negligence and I will be properly punished on Saturday, sir."

"Saturday afternoon, is that when all slaves are punished for their errors during the week? As I recall, those used to be public affairs. What's your name?"

"Sir, yes, sir. Mark, sir."

"Mark, I'm familiar with the rules and requirements for slaves, you're fine. Uh, just in case you haven't realized it yet, you're all wet and those goose bumps tell me you may be chilled." I was hoping to get a little smile and get him to relax a little. "I'd like to talk with you a little. Step out of there and we can walk in the sun. Maybe it will give you a chance to dry off a little and warm up."

Before getting out of the fountain Mark looks as though he's looking around the fountain for something. I realize it's his clothes he's trying to get. "Mark, if you put those on while you're wet you'll wind up with wet clothes to wear at the end of the job. The idea of walking out here is to let you dry off and get warm. As a slave, you aren't required to wear clothes around the job if it isn't customary. If you're embarrassed you better adjust soon. You don't strike me as someone who's been a slave for very long. How did you get here?."

"Sir, I am new. The final order hasn't come down but my lawyer said I might as well get used to this cause this is what my life will be from now on. Me and some buddies were arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after a frat party. "

"Those aren't felony charges; you shouldn't be enslaved for that."

"Sir, because I was a little wild in high school the prosecutor claimed I was incorrigible and a career offender. I had some trouble with skipping school, out beyond curfew, and as a minor in possession of alcohol. My attorney said with my juvenile record I could be sentenced as a felon and made a slave. I'm waiting for my final sentence now. The jail said for me to get used to it, I was under slave rules and put me here."

"You don't strike me as a trouble maker. You said a frat party, what year and what about your family?"

"Sir, I was a sophomore at the university studying a physical therapy major with a psyche minor. I had a good family until I messed up. I'm told that soon I will officially have no family and they have no son. Sir, here are some bushes we can step into if you like."

"Okay,^Å.. and why do I want to step into the bushes?"

"Sir, didn't you want pleasure from me?"

I smile and let out a chuckle. "Do you think that's why I asked you to walk with me? How often does this happen?"

"Sir, usually when someone tells me to leave the fountain that's what they want; I'm obligated to do it for a free man. Yesterday, a gentleman told me to get my sorry ass out of the fountain and service him. He grabbed me by the arm and directed me over near the azaleas near the fountain. He pushed to the ground on my back, spread me and took his pleasure. It's happened twice in the past three days."

"Mark, you say that like you didn't enjoy it."

"Sir, it was a little rough and hurt. At the jail I heard about those things, but wasn't prepared and wasn't sure how to handle it except to do what I was told. Someone saw what happened and when we got back to the holding area I was teased pretty bad by several of the guys who then took their pleasures with me."

"Rape? Why didn't you report this to a guard? They're supposed to protect you."

"Sir, a couple of the guards also took their pleasures. In jail, you don't squeal like that without serious retribution. Sir, I didn't mean to offend when I suggested^Å.. I'm sore from last night and afraid I'll suffer a repeat tonight once word spreads around."

I just nodded, understanding his fears, and suggested we get back before he got into trouble. Before leaving him I told him I appreciated the company and wished him luck. He smiled and waved as I walked away. I wonder if he knows he could get into trouble for that.

A quick glance at my watch tells me I've been gone for almost forty minutes. As I enter the reception area the butterflies in my stomach decide to take flight. Ms. Johns greets me with a smile, as always.

"Welcome back, you're expected."

I knock and enter the office. "Daniel, welcome back. We had some sandwiches delivered for a working lunch, care for one? " I silently decline, knowing my stomach couldn't handle it at this moment. I'm looking at my dad and the governor to give me a hint of what happened while I was out. Dad is trying to keep a stoic look but his eyes suggest something good may have happened.

"Daniel, your Dad filled us in on parts of your story you had left out. We knew there was something in your past that was probably motivating you, but never realized the depth of your experience. The way you handled not only what happened but how you told your story speaks volumes on your behalf. Your story certainly answered the first question, and your determination to survive and adapt answers the second question. I'm sure you want to know what happened while you were gone. We held another vote. We've satisfied the technical requirements on a vote and as governor and committee chair, I officially announce for the record that by a vote of eight to two the New Horizon Project: Privatization of Care is approved. However, there are certain changes and conditions you will need to agree to."

At that moment I reached out for my dad who gave me the hug of a proud father and supporter. I really need him to be with me. While still holding on to Dad and fighting back tears, I turn and thank each committee member including the two who voted against the project, whoever they are. I heard the part about the changes and conditions, but that doesn't bother me, we'll wok it out.

"Daniel, we need to review the conditions and changes before this agreement is finalized. If you like we can all meet back here tomorrow morning^Å^Å."

"Excuse me; governor, how many changes or conditions do we need to review?" The governor shows me a typed page with about seven or eight items including details. "You said you had sandwiches brought in for a working lunch, could we go through these items now."

Dad steps up next to me. "Daniel, we have taken the governor's whole day so far. Maybe, it's better for him if we come back tomorrow."

"No, no, no ^Ö my day was planned around this meeting this morning. I would have been extremely disappointed if we had not reached this point today ^Ö we just did it earlier than I thought we would. If most of the committee can stay, we can have that working lunch." To my relief, the members acknowledged they would stay.

"Governor, would you mind if I had that sandwich now?" Everyone chuckled with a sense of relief. "If we finish this today, when could we take control of the kids?"

'The project goes into effect at six o'clock pm on the day and date this agreement is signed." I was more than determined to get this finalized today.

"Mr. Wilson, before we get started could I speak with you a moment?" Dad gives me his 'what are you up to now' look.

"Daniel, you can speak with me anytime as long as you remember its Ron, not Mr. Wilson."

I smile an acknowledgement for his courtesy and lead him to the window overlooking the park. "The young man in the fountain^Å" Ron nods. "^Åwhile I was outside earlier I spoke with him. It appears he is about to become a slave for life. He's a college student arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after a frat party. He has a juvenile record for dumb stunts like truancy and violating curfew. The prosecution claimed he is incorrigible, a career offender, and requested the charges be upgraded to a felony status. If the judge concurs, he will become a slave for life. Earlier, I said society is using the slave system as a panacea. I think this is a good example. I spoke with this kid, my impression is that he's no criminal to the extent the prosecution presents. He may have pulled some dumb stunts but I would say he's more in need of a swift kick in the rear and some guidance, but not slavery for life. He presents himself well, he's courteous, well educated, and considerate.

Dad interjected. "Daniel, you can't save them all."

"I know Dad, but you know how I feel. Believe me, if you take just a few minutes to talk to him you will feel the same as me. This young man is no hard criminal who should be enslaved for life. He could be a credit to society. He could actually help complete my staff. He was a sophomore with a physical therapy major and psyche minor. Under the guidelines I'm being given, as I understand them, he could be apprenticed to Michael Worthington, our doctor, for two or three years. We can arrange for him to take on-line courses to work towards his certification. He can assist with physical education to comply with state education guidelines. At his age, the kids will more readily relate to him and he could help counsel them. Also, I found out he had to accommodate a citizen yesterday. It was harsh and observed by someone from the detention center; he was chided about it when they returned to jail. A group of detainees and guards forcefully took their pleasure with him last night - he was raped. He's afraid of what is going to happen tonight."

"Whoa. Now I understand why your dad says you can be a handful. You don't give up do you? Let me go talk to the boy myself and draw my own impression. Then we'll talk." I smiled as Ron left the room.

"Daniel, while Ron visits with your friend in the fountain how about if we address the changes and conditions? " I know that's my cue to focus on what's happening here.

"First, the issue of a free citizen requesting to take a pending slave or slave out for a 'trial run'. Now, we all know what that really means and understand you don't want someone using these kids as toys. But, we have political issues to consider. You wanted the boys exempted; we modified your proposal to exempt them for the first sixty days of the project and let you set reasonable rules thereafter. The rules will have to be approved by DCF."

"Governor, I'm trying to protect the kids from being used and abused by people who think these kids are things that can be used and dropped at a whim^Å^Å

"Daniel, think about what I just said. You can set 'reasonable rules'; that's the best I can do for you now."

The look I'm getting from the Governor and my dad tells me to stop and interpret what is being said and not be too stubborn. "I understand governor."

"You wanted an exemption from sale at auction at age sixteen. You made a good argument for the older boys and giving them a chance. The committee agrees so long as the project remains self supporting and you can show with this first group that by age eighteen you have them under apprenticeship contracts. We can't take the chance these kids could wind up back in the care of the state. This project is supposed to relieve the state and the tax payers of that expense. If there is no apprenticeship contract then they will be transferred into the system.

Further, applications for control under apprenticeship can be made by outside parties when the boys turn fifteen. These outside applications will remain on file without action so long as your program shows positive results. However, the committee reserves the right to over ride should it perceive extenuating circumstances. Each occasion will have to be independently evaluated to determine if those circumstances exist. Next, your request for the boys to be exempt from the organ bank is denied. However, they will be classified as a secondary source available only when primary sources can'y meet the needs. Also, there will be limited removal of organs vital to sustaining life. In other words, if lungs are needed, the donor will be required to lose one, but retain one to sustain life. The same with kidneys, an eye, etc. Daniel, you need to understand these items are non-negotiable. We are trying to give you a decent chance at success and can bend guidelines only so much."

"Governor, I understand. Dad tells me that sometimes I grasp for too much at one time and fail to appreciate the small victories. Believe me, I do appreciate what has happened in here today as a major victory. May I ask about the facilities and whether the department has chosen the kids for the project?"

"The facility you requested just east of West Palm is slated for other uses. There is a closed National Guard facility on the southwest coast that we can work with under the same lease conditions and believe it will satisfy yours needs. Here is a diagram of the facility identifying the buildings and amenities. Notice that this facility has its own water and sewer plant and solar panels for powering the electrical needs. This is one of the experimental stations we had established several years ago but was recently closed due to budget demands. Also, note the proposed facility has a recreational area including a pool. We don't have a recent inspection report but have been told the facilities are in good order, needing only cleaning to be occupiable. There isn't as much land for your agricultural project as you requested; we were hoping the extra one hundred acres you see on the diagram would suffice. The area is fenced off in a manner designed to keep outsiders out. As far as number of people that be accommodated, we have calculated one- hundred and fifteen. If acceptable, it's yours with a phone call. Someone will meet you there to unlock everything. It will be your responsibility to clean it."

"The facility looks good. I'm not familiar with it, but I do like its proximity to health care facilities and transportation routes. It's also near major metropolitan areas where I'm fairly certain we can find retail outlets for some of our major sponsors. The sponsors have contributed in the way of credit lines allowing us to purchase supplies and equipment as needed. In many respects, this facility looks to have some advantages over the initial proposal. The kids should particularly enjoy the recreational area. What about the kids and numbers?"

The governor gives me a little grin as he continues. I know I'm pushing this, but I want this done today. "There is a detention facility east of Tampa where kids are taken for temporary holding until we can process them through and move them to the slave processing center. There are some young ones there we normally move to other shelters until they come of age. In other words, this is a short-term high-turnover holding facility. These kids are mostly those the authorities have found on the street. There are various reasons for them being there. Since we are unable to identify where all of them come from and why, the state makes an assumption they have been abandoned because the parents don't want to support them; or, because they are part of the slave lottery or subject to being sold by the courts to pay family debt. Our latest data shows there are eighty-seven kids ranging in age from five to fifteen. Now understand, these are mostly street kids and are not necessarily little angels. You may have your hands full. If you like we can wait until another group comes through^Å.."

"No, we will go with these kids. I don't want to sacrifice them for others just because they may present a challenge. With your permission I'd like to call my Board of Directors. The board must approve the changes before I can proceed."

While talking with the governor I hear Ron on the phone in the reception area. I can't make out exactly what he's saying but do pick up on 'Mark', something about records, and a call to the prosecutors office. I excuse myself to the governor's conference room to make the conference call to my board. In less than fifteen minutes I have clearance to exercise my own judgment and execute the necessary documents. The required resolution is being typed and faxed within a few minutes.

When I return I see the governor, Ron and Dad in a huddle. They ask me why I think this kid would work for the project and why am I willing to stick my neck out. I tell them it's 'gut instinct'. They look at me for a moment and I look at Dad and ask why he was willing to take a chance on me. Ron and the Governor laugh. The papers with the approved changes to be incorporated into the final agreement are given to the governor.

Ron gets a very serious look on his face. "Daniel, the Governor has intervened with the prosecutor and discussed the matter with the judge. They will work with us on three conditions: one, you will be the responsible party, if he messes up you and your project will pay the penalty. Second, he must identify the parties that jumped him last night; and third, he has to be apprenticed and continue his education. I left it up to you to give him the chance. He needs to understand a number of people are putting a lot on the line. If this works out you'll be able to take him with you tonight. By the way, when I told him who I was I think it scared him to death, he started shaking. I settled him down and then when I told him your name he recognized it and started shaking all over again."

After profuse and sincere thanks, I headed to the fountain. "Mark, (he comes to an immediate rest position) we don't have much time. Mark, why are you shaking so, are you scared, cold, or what?"

"Sir, I think maybe all of the above. Mr. Wilson was here ^Ö I thought I was in some real bad trouble. He told me your name. But he didn't tell me why he was here; he just asked me a few of questions about how I got here."

"First, get out of that water. Now, tell me what you know about the New Horizon Project, if anything."

"Only what I had read in the paper. It's to privatize care for abandoned children that are to be enslaved. I think the goal is to prevent the children from being sold and give them a chance. I know there's more, but that's all I'm pretty sure of right now. It's your project, I recognize your name from the papers."

"Ok. So far you're right. Now I'll tell you something the papers don't know yet ^Ö the project has been approved and we're signing papers today. How would you like to be a part of it?"

"Sir? What could I do? I'm to be sold soon."

"Mark, do you think I'd be here talking with you if I didn't think we could counter that? Mr. Wilson and the governor have intervened on your behalf. If you agree to this you will be paroled in my care. I will apprentice you to Michael Worthington, our doctor for New Horizons. However, there are conditions; first, you must identify the men who raped you; and second, arrangements will be made to continue your education via the internet. You must continue with the courses and maintain good grades. During probation your file will remain open. You will most likely be required to wear a slave collar that will enable the state to track you in the event you attempt an escape. Other than that you will be able to function as a free person. I know this is going real fast, but I need an answer."

"Sir, I don't know if I can identify all of them. I know the names of three or what others were calling them. I think I can identify the others on sight."

"That's ok, we'll work this out. The governor isn't making the final calls until I get you back to his office."

Looking more than a little overwhelmed Mark asks "The governor's office?"

"Yes, the governor's office. What building did you think that was across the street? You may want to get your clothes this time." With a red face, Mark retrieves his clothes, such as they are.

"What happened to your clothes? Those shorts aren't covering a whole lot. Here, wear my coat and let's go."

On the way back I call Michael on the cell. "Michael, the project is approved. We're trying to get everything signed. Also, I need for you to come over with your little black bag ^Ö I have an apprentice for you. He got raped last night and you may need to do some probing for evidence." Just then Mark gave a really shocked look. "By the way he doesn't have any clothes either. How about stopping at the store for some jeans, shirt and sneakers so he doesn't get picked up for indecent exposure." I'm laughing, partly with Michael and partly with Mark, "^Å here's the phone, tell Michael what sizes you need."

When we enter the governor's office I'm not sure if Mark isn't ready to bolt ^Ö his face couldn't have turned a darker shade of red. Everyone looks at him wondering where his clothes are. "Some kids tried to take my clothes. They got my t-shirt and sandals, but I was able to wrestle the shorts away from them."

"I don't think you were able to save a whole lot. Come on in, and don't be embarrassed. Of course, you remember me, this is the governor." Mark is really starting to squirm now. "The governor is going to make the necessary calls on your behalf. The prosecutor and the judge should be here in a little while. In the mean time there's a representative from DOC in the conference room ^Ö I'd like for you to talk with them. Did Daniel explain the conditions of this to you?"

"Y-Yes sir, Mr. Wilson. Mr. Governor, I'm sorry to be so much trouble, sir."

"That's fine Mark, but you shouldn't be thanking me. Daniel is quite persuasive. I just hope you appreciate what he's doing and how much he's risking. Now, why don't you step into the conference room for a discussion with the investigator." Mark tentatively knocks and steps into the conference room; we try to stifle smiles and laughter while feeling sorry for the boy at the same time.

The investigator comes out after about twenty minutes. Almost simultaneously, Ms Jones announces the arrival of Dr Worthington. The investigator tells us Mark has been able to identify at least three offenders, one being his supervisor, but not the remaining two. He believes he can identify them from pictures if we have any. The prosecutor is hoping for something a little more concrete to take to court. Michael says he may be able to help if there's any DNA evidence left. He's shown the conference room.

"Mark, I'm Michael Worthington. I understand we will be working closely together."

"Yes, sir. Mr. Thompson says I'm to be your apprentice if it's alright with you."

"Alright, Daniel has told me what happened last night. I need to ask a personal question. Did you have an enema last night and did the attack happen before or after the enema?"

"Yes, sir, but the attack was after."

"Good, now have you had a bowel movement since it happened?" Mark looks a little stunned. "Mark, have you taken a dump since it happened?"

"Uh, sir, I understand bowel movement. You just caught me by surprise. No sir, I haven't used the bathroom. No, wait, I did. We couldn't get to the facilities but there is a hole in the floor of each cell for drainage when they clean. After they let me up cum leaked out and down my leg. One of the other guys told me to squat over the hole and let it drain, but don't push 'cause it would hurt. I didn't think it could hurt any worse."

"That's alright. I think there's a good chance some of the semen didn't leak out if you didn't push hard. I need for you to lose those shorts and lie down on the table."

"Sir, that's the governor's conference table!"

"Well, you could go out there and lay on his desk. Which would you prefer? I need to take a look inside your butt and I don't plan on getting on the floor to do it." Mark drops the shorts and lies down on the table. "Prop your feet on the back of these chairs. Now this may feel a little uncomfortable, I need to spread the muscle so I can look inside. I'll make this as easy as possible. I'll let you know everything I'm doing and what to expect as I do it, ok? Now, I'm using a depressor to slightly open you to examine the side; uh-huh, now the other side. I believe Daniel said there were several of them; I don't doubt it, they've done some damage. It's not anything that won't heal; it'll just be a little uncomfortable for a few days." Mark, look at me. "I need to probe inside to find out if there is any semen. There should be, but since there's only me to do this I'm going to have to open you a little and insert a small cylinder to keep it open. I'll be using one hand to probe with these long swabs and hold a small light in the other hand. Just try to relax, I'm going to apply a little lubricant but I can't use too much without risking compromising the samples. Here we go."

"Oh, Gawd, Doctor Mike, ohhh, maaaannnn^Å^Å."

"Ok, it's in. I'm going to wait a couple of minutes and let you get used to it before I continue. Try taking some slow deep breaths to help you relax. I'll try to get this done with only four or five probes, but you must remain still or I'll have to go for more. Here we go."

"Ohhhhhh, geeeez. Easy, Dr. Mike, easy, pleeeease. Go ahead. Uhhmmmmph^Å Oh, shit^Åoh, gawwwd^Å.eeeeaaasy, Dr Mike^Å"

All of us in the governor's office can hear Mark and wonder what's going on. Knowing it's Michael I'm not worried, but it sure sounds strange. Those sounds could be interpreted in more than one way.

I slip into the conference room and see Mark laid out on the governor's conference table, his back arched, he appears to have a good sweat going, and both hands are covering his face. He doesn't realize I'm here. He's taking short quick breaths through gritted teeth and I'm wondering if he's in pain or ecstasy. Michael looks up at me with a quick smile. I'm wondering if Michael is doing this to the poor kid on purpose. I slip out of the room.

"He's ok. Michael is probing a sensitive area for evidence. From all appearances I'd say Michael is hitting the prostate once in a while and it's giving the kid some trouble."

"From the sound of things it must be more than once in a while."

While we are all standing there having a good laugh at Mark's expense in comes the judge. The governor points to the conference room. Before we can stop him he walks in. "JESUS CHRIST!,,What the hell is going on? Governor, we've done a lot of favors for on another over the years, but you definitely owe me on this one. That damn boy is laid out on the table, stark naked, probes stickin' out his ass, and unless I'm sorely mistaken, he's about to have one hell of an orgasm." At this point everyone breaks out in hilarious laughter. Everyone, except Mark that is.

"Oh God! I'm dead now. Please, Mr. THOMPSON! Dr Michael, ^Å.oh, geeez, I know that was the judge."

Hearing Mark crying out my name I slip past the judge who is by now gasping for breath from laughing so hard, to get to Mark. "Michael, did you get what you needed?" He nods. I grab Mark's hand, the poor kid is in tears at this point. "Mark, relax. You don't know it but you have provided some of us with the brightest moments we've had in a several days. Relax, you'll be fine."

"But Mr. Thompson, that was the judge. Ow! (Michael just removed the cylinder.) Do you realize what was happening when he walked in? I'm dead^Å"

"Yes, I know what was happening and so does the judge, that's why he's sitting out there in hysterics now. Look at it this way, there aren't too many people who can say they've been observed by a chief judge while they were having an orgasm on the governor's conference table. In fact, I doubt there's many people who can say they've had an orgasm on the governor's conference table." Everyone thought this was funny but poor Mark who would just like to crawl in a hole at this point. "You see the door over in the corner? That's the governor's private shower. There's soap, a wash cloth and clean towels. Here's the clothes Michael brought for you. I suggest you get cleaned up and don't keep the judge waiting. Also, make sure this table is clean before you come out."

A very meek, but clean and fully dressed, Mark soon appears.

"It's about time you got here, boy. It's not many people I let keep me waiting like this." The judge is actually ribbing mark but realizes he is scared to death and would really rather bolt off somewhere and hide. He decides not to pick on him anymore and takes the edge off, "Mark, just relax and come over here, we're just having a little fun at your expense, sit down. While we were waiting I spoke with the prosecutor's office and, also, with Mr. Wilson and Daniel. I've had this affidavit prepared based on what you told them. I want you to review it and if it is correct you'll sign it under oath. Dr Worthington tells me he thinks he's collected enough evidence to get the DNA results needed to handle the situation from last night. So, read the affidavit and let's get that behind us. With all this, you won't be returning to that center."

"Sir, may I ask where I will be going?"

"Well, that depends. Look at the affidavit and let's deal with that first. I promise you won't be going anywhere that you'll be in danger of retribution." Ms. Johns enters and hands a file to the judge. After flipping through the file the judge looks at Mark with a grim expression. Mark looks down at his feet. "Ok, Mark, you know this is your file. The prosecutor had wanted me to commit you to slavery for life based on a continuing record of offenses. Individually, none of these are bad enough to warrant such a move. Collectively, if someone had a bad attitude, I would certainly consider the request. I don't like it when people waste my time and good intentions by repeatedly coming before the bench. Daniel, as you may have guessed, is a reformer. He believes the slave system has been used as a crutch. Daniel's also a very good salesman. If he wasn't so committed to this New Horizon project I'd try to talk him into becoming a lawyer or entering politics. As for your situation, I'm charged with the responsibility of carrying out the laws of this state as I see fit to protect the citizens. There's no doubt from this file that you've had your share of brushes with the law. Note that I said brushes and not abject violations. There's nothing that would be considered extremely serious, but there is enough here to suggest that someone could have exercised better judgment. (The judge opens the file to look at something, and then rises.) Mark Germaine Walters, you will stand before me to hear the judgment of this court. The court hereby declares that you shall remain under arrest subject to the final control and disposition of the Department of Corrections. The court further finds that you are a habitual offender that is on the verge of being a career offender and a nuisance to society. (It doesn't take much to realize Mark is crying at this point.) The court, giving proper consideration to statements submitted, and the overall circumstances of this case and your background, believes it is not in the best interest of society for you to be committed to slavery for life at this time. Mark Germaine Walters, you are hereby sentenced to (I have to move over to support the boy, he's so distraught he's about to fall over) three years probation in the control and custody of Daniel Whitehurst Thompson and apprenticed to Dr. Michael Worthington. If you complete this probation without incident, your file will be closed and sealed as though this had never occurred. Mark, I hope you are smart enough to take advantage of this and appreciate what these gentlemen have done for you." Mark turns in my arms, holds on and begins to cry his eyes out; the dam holding back the fear and tension of the past few weeks bursts. "Damn, I always like it when there is a good outcome. Mark, I'm going to tell you what Daniel said you needed and I'll also tell you my response to him. Daniel said you just needed a good swift kick in the rear end and some guidance. I told him to be careful because after what I saw going on in there he's liable to get his foot caught." Everyone, including Mark, gets a little laugh from this. "Ron, someone with higer authority needs to take Mark back to the detention center ^Ö I don't want to risk anyone figuring out what has happened and giving him a hard time. He'll need his personal belongings and an anklet. Mark, when you are on probation like this you normally are required to wear a collar similar to a slave's collar. The unit allows authorities to track your whereabouts should you try to escape. I think Daniel is right about you. We've had some good laughs at your expense this afternoon and you've handled it well. The anklet I just asked for is in place of the collar. I know you will be at the New Horizon facility, whenever you leave there you will be required to wear it. If you are ever caught outside the facility without it, you will be incarcerated immediately with no chance to explain ^Ö it's that critical. The papers for the probation will be prepared and should be ready in a couple of days. Normally I would require you remain in custody until they are complete and signed. Under the circumstances I'm releasing you in Daniel's custody effective immediately.

"Sir. Thank you."

"Don't thank me, son. It was these other men who made the call to help you. Thank them. I don't now what you did or how you managed to get their attention, but lucky for you that you did. Just don't let them down."

Ron has helped Mark retrieve his belongings; the paperwork and anklet will be forwarded to the new facility. We're waiting on the final draft of the New Horizons Project Agreement. All the technicals have been satisfied and we just need signatures. We are discussing some of the details when the governor looks up and then over to me "Daniel, I think you may have a lost puppy." I look over and see what he means.

"Mark, you haven't had anything to eat today. It's going to be a few more minutes before we can leave. There's a half-sandwich and drinks on the side table if you'd like it."

"Thank you sir, but I don't think my stomach could handle anything at the moment. I'm caught between nervous and excited."

Michael looks over and with a smile, "Mark, doctor's orders. At least take the coke, it'll help settle your stomach."

Then I'm back to him, "Mark, get the drink and come over here, I have something you need to do." He looks puzzled, gets the drink and walks over to me. "There is another phone in the conference room. I don't think the governor would mind if you used it to call your parents and let them know what's happened. Remember, right now they think you are being sold into slavery for life and they have lost a son. Let them know you will be with us and you'll contact them again in a few days with a phone number and address." That really lights up his face and off he goes with a nod from the governor. "You know, he may be nineteen, but right now he's reverted to a happy kid who's found a little security."

In a few minutes Mark reappears not quite as happy as I expected. "Mr. Thompson, my parents are on the phone and I don't think they believe me. I told them I was in the governor's office^Å." Without hesitating, the governor spots the line, picks up the phone and speaks to his parents. With another nod from the governor Mark disappears into the conference room.

The New Horizon documents are signed. The governor lets us know as far as he's concerned the kids are now under our control. Mr. Crawford says he will make the calls to advise the center nothing is to be done with the kids without contacting me. Dad gives me a handshake and a needed hug.

Mark reappears. It's obvious he's been crying again. I look at him questioningly. "All three of us spent more time crying than talking, especially Mom."

"Daniel, that boy reminds me a lot of you. His stomach appears to be a bottomless pit; I'm glad we didn't go to the big steak house for dinner."

"Dad, you know you wouldn't have cared. But you are right; he does appear to have regained his appetite. I'm going to take it easy on him for a few days; he needs a chance to settle down before I start assigning too many responsibilities. Speaking of responsibilities, Michael and I need to make some quick calls to get the staff ready to move. Someone needs to get down to the facility and open it. We plan on seeing the kids tomorrow afternoon and getting started. We'll be on the highway tomorrow morning."

"Well, son, you've worked hard for this one. You know where I'll be if you need me. Just be sure to stay in touch."

End Ch Two