New Horizons

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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 Three: New Horizons

"This has been one long day. It's been good, but tiring at the same time.. Michael, how long do think it will take us to reach Tampa tomorrow?"

"It's about 280 miles, I'd guess between four and a half to five hours, depends on the number of stops."

"According to the directions I have and the map, the detention center appears to be sitting just east of Brandon off State Road 60. We'll be following I-75, so call the guys and let them know we'll meet them say around 1:30 at an intersection near there. We can call them or they can call us when someone locates a spot to get a quick sandwich before going over. On the map it looks like we'll be within a half hour or so of the place.

Also, find out if Rick can call for the keys to the new facility and when he can get in for an inspection. According to these directions and the map it should be located near Fort Ogden, northeast of Port Charlotte. The governor said the facility was just recently closed and should be occupiable, needing only some cleaning which we'll do. We need to get a plan going for relocating the kids and setting up."

This has been a day with many victories and some heartache. As I watch Mark I can appreciate how he was feeling, I'm sure he was scared to death most of the time. He had no idea when he got up this morning he would get a second chance at a decent future. He and his parents knew his life, as they had dreamed it would be, was gone. He would have been a slave subject to the whims and commands of free people who regarded him as a thing to be used and tossed.

Mark's acting a little immature right now, certainly not the way I would expect a nineteen year old college student to behave. He's more on the level at the moment of a fourteen or fifteen year old. I know it's the relief from all the tension and he'll settle down when it's time to get serious. It just occurs to me that Michael only brought him one set of clothes, but that's easy to cure. He's just sitting in that chair by the window like he's waiting for someone to tell him what he should do next.

"Mark, there's some things you and I need to discuss."

"Yes sir."

"Did you receive any training or direction at the jail on how to address or respond to people and how to act?

"Yes, sir! We were told to always say 'sir' ^Ö that should both start and end our responses. We were not allowed to talk to a free person unless addressed first and given permission to answer. When approached by a free person we stopped what we were doing, stood straight with our feet twelve to fifteen inches apart, our hands behind the back, and head tilted to look down. Oh, and never look a free person straight on unless so directed."

"How many of those rules do you think you violated with me this morning?"

"Daniel, are you giving that boy a hard time again? What did he do this time?" Michael has just come out of the shower half dried off carrying only a towel which barely conceals anything. Mark looks surprised and forgets not to stare.

"Mark, put the eyeballs back in the sockets. It's just Michael and I know you've seen a naked man before.

Now listen, the whole staff will know your situation and they won't care as long as you do your job. I want you to forget what they taught you at the jail on how to address or respond to people, including how you look at them. For all practical purposes, as far as we are concerned, you are a free person with all the rights and privileges any of us has. . When I met you this morning one of the things I liked was how you present yourself. Also, I think you are young enough the kids will easily identify with you, but old enough to command their respect. Those qualities are going to be critical to communicating with the kids and winning their trust.

Do not address me as Mr. Thompson or Mr. Daniel, I am just Daniel. Michael is Michael or Mike or whatever he says is okay for you to call him. When directing one of the kids to us you should then refer to us as Mr. Daniel or Dr Mike or Dr Michael to let them know how to address us. Are we set on all that?"

"Yes sir^Å. Uhhh, yes^Å. Uhh,we're set."

I have to chuckle at this point, "Fine, I'm getting a shower and going to bed, you should consider the same. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

Coming out of the shower I realize the lights are off in our motel room. I'm not concerned, there's enough light coming through the curtain seam to let me see how to get to the bed. It's not that difficult in a motel room anyway, most are laid out the same. This happens to be a deluxe unit with twin queen beds plus a sitting area so I have room to walk without stubbing my toe on the furniture. "HOLY CRAP^Å. what the^Å" as I attempt to avoid falling flat on my face over I don't know what.

"OW!....."

A light comes on. "Mark! What are you doing down there?" I see Mark laying on the floor under the spare covers.

"Trying to go to sleep, sir."

"Why aren't you in the bed?"

"Well, I didn't know if^Å^Å"

"No, wait a minute. I'm going to get in bed. Michael and I will share this one. Then I'd like for you to get off the floor and into bed. But, you wait for me to get in bed first, then turn off that light."

The light goes out. "Uh, Sir^Å?"

"Mark, I want you to remember what the judge told you that I had suggested someone do with you regarding a foot and your butt. Then think about how you just addressed me."

"I know, but I was just wondering. With everything the way it's been and all, well, you know, it's been a long time since I was able to cuddle with anyone and, well^Å."

"Somebody's got to be^Å..'

"Daniel, he knows. We had a talk while you were in the shower." Then almost in a whisper, "I didn't tell him any history and I don't think he's seen your back. As for tonight, it's up to you, I don't care or mind. He is of age."

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. All I can do is look up and think 'God, why me^Åwhat did I do wrong?' "Alright, but this is not going to be a habit." With that the kid jumps into bed and under the covers right between us. He's even giggling.

"Mark, are you naked?"

"Michael didn't get me any underwear; and all I had before was those shorts."

"Uhhh, is that what I think it may be in my side?"

"Uhhh, yes sir. It'll go away, I can't help it right now. I'm kinda horny, actually I'm real horny right now."

"Daniel, did you hear how he addressed you just then? Didn't you instruct him not to address you that way? I think we may need to punish him a little."

"But, sir^Å." I nod at Michael and we dive simultaneously onto the unsuspecting boy.

"ARRRGGGHHHH^Å..DON'T BITE 'EM OFF^Åoh maaaannn^Åmmmphh^Å."

"That was Rick on the cell. He has an appointment at 2:00 o'clock to meet someone at the Fort Ogden facility. There is supposed to be a facilities manager with them. He hopes to begin the inspection this afternoon and will call tonight with a report."

"Good, at least we're moving forward. It's taken three years to get to this point and the past twenty-four hours feels like twenty-four years." I see a movement out of the corner of my eye. "Well, good morning sleepy head. Careful sitting up, I don't think your awake yet."

"Good morning. Where are we?"

"We're about half way to Tampa. How does your butt feel this morning?"

"My butt? Ya'll didn't attack that last night; I think it's about the only thing that didn't get attacked." Mark peeks down the neck of his shirt to examine himself. "My nips look like you tried to chew 'em off."

"Don't complain, you asked for it, we just obliged. I'm talking about your anus. I gave you some ointment to apply twice a day; it's to prevent infection and dull any discomfort. If your nips are real sore you can apply a little there and it will relieve some of the discomfort."

"I cleaned myself after my morning dump and applied some of the ointment. Other than feeling a little slimy it doesn't hurt or feel too uncomfortable. I think the muscle is still a little sore though. The nips are uncomfortable more from this shirt rubbing them at the moment. If you don't mind, I'm gonna take it off until we get wherever it is we're headed. If you think I'm bad and need to be punished some more be sure to let me know. I'll make sure I mess up real good so you can really really punish me again."

"Daniel, I think we've created a monster."

"Daniel, Michael, can I ask a question? Yesterday was a little crazy to say the least. I picked up on some of what was going on away from me, but not quite enough to put it all together. I heard 'New Horizon' mentioned and I've read some about it in the paper, you asked me if I wanted to be a part of it.. I guess the question is; Where do I fit in and what can I do to help?"

"You heard the judge refer to me as a reformer. The reform movement addresses two related issues ^Ö slavery and its affect on today's youth. We believe that the slavery movement has shifted from its original goal which was to keep criminals and those who were unwilling to help themselves from interacting with day to day society. By indenturing them into life-term slavery you provide a work force for jobs that most people don't want or refused to accept on a long term basis; the drain on public resources was also stopped. The funds from the auctions were placed in the public coffers and used to invest in the infrastructure. History has shown this to be a viable solution to many economic problems. There were rules and regulations in place controlling who and how a person would be indentured. Those rules have been chipped away over time. Originally, life-term slavery was restricted to those sixteen and older. You couldn't demand sex with someone under sixteen. There was a short-term indenture for juveniles fifteen and under, but that has since been incorporated into the slavery system. Today, they will auction off someone at age six. Also, there is no longer a law governing the minimum age for having sex with a slave. In addition to criminals and the homeless, the system will accept and auction off children age six and above to satisfy claims of the parent's creditors. This has evolved from revisions in the bankruptcy system and court cases recognizing claims that if a child can be recognized as a liability due to the cost of raising them, the balance sheet requires they be recognized as an asset for the cash benefit they can produce. The cash benefit being the price bid at the auction."

"How does 'New Horizon' fit into this?"

"Remember I said one purpose of slavery was to stop the drain from the public coffers? New Horizon is a privately funded program whose goal is to prove that children can be cared for without tapping into public funds. Here's a copy of the proposal we presented to the state. What you were witnessing yesterday was the culmination of three years worth of hard work by a lot of people. I received a call to attend that meeting yesterday morning. The gentlemen you saw in there consisted of the governor and his cabinet plus the directors of DCF and DOC. You met Ron Wilson, the Director of the DOC. That group held the fate of New Horizon in its hands. There was a split vote and I had to answer some questions prior to another vote. After they were finished with me I walked across the street for some fresh air, that's when I spotted you in the fountain. You know how everything worked out."

"Daniel, do you think all of us should know the full motivation?"

I know what Michael is asking, I need to think for a minute. "Mark, just before you jumped into bed with us last night did you hear what Michael was saying to me?"

"Not really. I picked up on a couple of words, but figured if it was any of my business he wouldn't be whispering like he was."

"Mark, I think you were playing a game with us last night." He just gives out a slight smile and a hand signal for 'just a little'. I'm realizing this kid isn't quite as immature as I had thought last night. He was just trying to relieve some of the tension of the day and have fun. Given he hadn't even known us for a full day he was being a little bold. "I'm not going to tell you the full history now, there are very few people who know it. Do you remember my Dad from yesterday?"

"Yes"

"Well, he's my adoptive dad. My real father had me indentured when I was thirteen. I was sold to a very sadistic man and his young sons. In less than a year I became an emotional vacuum that just existed. Dad was able to get me, help me regain my humanity, granted me freedom on my sixteenth birthday and simultaneously adopted me. Many of the rules you will hear me lay down for these kids and the people helping to care for them are based on my experience with that sadistic bastard, and then the care I later received."

"Daniel, you know one day he has to see^Å"

"Michael, if your talking about Daniel's back, I've seen it. I saw it last night while you were getting in bed. At first, it frightened me but I figured if you wanted me to know you'd tell me. I was actually feeling bad for myself until I saw that and realized my situation could have gotten a lot worse."

"The others know and understand how it affects what I do. When I was sold, but before delivery, the sons decided they wanted one more round of what they called 'fun' with me. They tied me to a rack. After putting a dildo in my mouth as a gag, they shoved an oversize one up my butt. The gag kept me from crying out from the pain I felt, but I did cry. They then whipped me with a telephone cord. I don't know at what point I passed out or how long they kept going after I passed out. Someone threw cold water on me, put some rags on me to cover the damage and delivered me to my new master. When my new master got me home he touched my back and I jumped away in pain. Rather than get mad and punish me as I was accustomed to, he saw my pain and cut the clothes off me. He gently nursed me back to health ^Ö that master became my dad. Don't worry, I've put most of the hurt behind me. It hurts to remember sometimes but by remembering I draw strength and conviction from my experiences." Mark sits back and I can tell he's in deep thought. I've given him enough to think about for a while.

The cell phone startles me out of my thoughts. When I look at my watch I realize we must be near our rendezvous point. "Daniel, it's Paul. We are almost there. We just passed a sign advertising a fast food place at the 75-60 exit. How 'bout we meet there to get organized?"

"Sounds good. We're about twenty to thirty minutes away. Do you have the laptops and cameras? Good, see you there."

Twenty minutes later we're parking behind Paul's van. Everybody gets out and starts passing around the congrats and high fives. 'Okay fellas, have someone for you to meet. Mark, come on over here. Guys, this is Mark, he'll be working mainly with Michael and then giving support elsewhere as we feel its needed, I'm thinking particularly with Larry. Mark, this is Paul. Paul is our front man or public relations person. I'll be doing speeches at various civic clubs and whatever other functions we think appropriate to win community support for what we are doing. Paul also helps maintain the administrative records on the kids. He'll be looking for you help on that, too, especially in the beginning when we are doing checkups and health records. This is Barry, our chef, and I do mean chef. Barry is a certified chef with a certificate from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Crafts. He will handle dietary needs and keep the kitchen going. His help will come from the kids who will be assigned kitchen duty on a rotating basis as part of their responsibilities.

"Hold it! Don't anybody move." This is Jeff, our documentary person. "Is this the kid we've been hearing about?" Mark begins to beam a little with this attention. "Hold still, kid, I need some good close ups of you for the documentary. When we tell people about that conference room gig we want them to see who the real star was. Hey, Michael, question. Did he do that on his own or did you give a little extra massage to the magic spot?"

Mark's eyes are popping and I think he has forgotten to breathe. "You told?...you told them? Oh, my God!"

Michael turns around with a big smile "He made me promise not to tell."

"Don't worry Mark, we wouldn't really show your face on the screen. At least not somewhere that it could be recognized." And the guys are about to roll on the ground laughing.

"Easy Mark. Everybody's just welcoming you to the group. You have achieved instant acceptance. Remember, I said we've been working through this for three years. We've shared a lot of heartaches and disappointment, as well as some victories and laughs. Last night you said you needed to let off some tension, that's what they are doing now. This is their way of celebrating in addition to welcoming you. However, you may not want them to see you without a shirt on for a day or two. They'd really start teasing all three of us then. Notice how they're all calling you 'kid'? That's a compliment. They're all older than you and have decided to take you under their wing like a kid brother. They are aware of your situation and will give you full support without ever saying a word. You may not realize it now, but I'm willing to bet things will work out real well for you. Come on, let's get something to eat."

Mark smiles and we walk start walking off with my arm around his shoulder. Just then I hear Larry calling behind us. "Wait up guys."

"Mark, this is Larry. He does part of the documentary work and still photographs. He'll be taking the initial file photos of the boys for us to use as a reference point to visually measure improvements down the road. Larry is also a certified teacher and will be looking to you for backup. You'll also find he's not quite the jokester Jeff is."

Larry gives me a wink. "Has Jeff already gotten to the kid? Don't worry Mark, Jeff doesn't mean anything bad, it's his way of saying he likes you. If he starts laying it on heavy let me know, I'll protect you. That's my way of saying I think your alright."

"Daniel, can I ask a question? Are the guys^Åwell^Åyou know^Å."

"Gay? I don't know. They know that Michael and I are close and I'm sure they've figured things out. As for them, well our bond stems from our commitment to the project and these kids. All of us have something in our past that motivates us. It will be up to each of them to tell you there experience. As far as last night is concerned, that is a private matter between us. Michael nor I will say anything. If the other guys find out it's only because you say something.."

We elected to go to the truck stop rather than the fast food place. We could sit at a table for a private conversation and it was quieter. We also wanted to be waited on. It's not quite two o'clock yet, so we are good on our time. After the food is served we get serious.

"The critical part here is two fold: first, we are required to let the boys know what is happening and give them the choice to opt out. Quite honestly, I don't see any of that happening, but I want to be sure we follow the guidelines in our agreement. Assuming they have a dining hall or something along those lines where we can gather everyone at the same time, we will use that to introduce ourselves and the program. Everybody hears the same thing at the same time. Now, where we go from there will depend on what Rick reports to us tonight. He's down at Fort Ogden and should gain entry any time now. His report will dictate the time frames for arranging transportation transferring the kids. As for this afternoon and tonight. Well, you notice I'm not eating much. I want to eat with the kids and eat what they eat. This place is under the direction of a James Tomlinson. If he doesn't ask us to stay I'm going to push it so he has to. Word is, this is not one of the better holding centers and I want to watch the kids. Their actions and interactions, or lack thereof, could tell us a lot about what we will have to deal with. I also understand Tomlinson doesn't support our program, so be careful with him. Paul, how about checking the lap top for an email confirming the DOC office called Tomlinson yesterday. Also, we are supposed to have a list of the boys held there. We were told to look for eighty-seven boys. One of the first things we should do is get a head count to verify everyone is there. If not, find out why. When we go into the admin area and all the introductions are completed I'll ask for a tour of the facilities. We can see how these kids are cared for. I'll also ask for all of them to be brought to the central hall or dining room or whatever they use. I want to take a lot of time with these kids. Remember, most of them are street kids the police have picked up. I'm expecting to find many of them hard and untrusting. We just need to find the few who will trust us and start the building process. After we eat I'd like to have the kids line up for their picture. This will be the initial picture we use for visual assessment. It may also be revealing as to how they have lived and have been treated, we'll see."

"Daniel, you said there were some changes to the agreement. How do they affect the project?"

"We had to make some compromises. We will need to sit down and figure out how to deal with them before too long, but for the immediate time frame we should be okay. We had requested a total exemption from what we term letting out pleasure boys. Well, that was denied; however, it was pointed out to me there are no rules or restrictions placed on us ^Ö we can set our own rules so long as we can give a reasonable argument for them. The second major compromise was regarding our request to exempt the boys from the organ bank. We've all heard the stories about how slaves are brought in and organs removed on request for free citizens without regard as to the effect on the slave. This stems from the attitude that a slave is not a person but a thing. The compromise is that a boy can be called in to 'harvest' a body part. However, the boy must be left with sufficient vital organs to sustain life. In other words, a boy may not lose more than one kidney, or one lung, or one eye. Also, the boy is a secondary source, all primary sources must be exhausted first. I just pray that I don't have to call one of these boys in and tell him he has to forfeit part of his body. The committee approved our request for the boys to be exempt from auction until age eighteen provided we have arranged an apprenticeship for them. With the apprenticeship the boy is exempt at eighteen and fully exempt upon satisfactory completion of the contract. Of course, with the support of our corporate sponsors I don't think there is much concern there. The other side of that coin is applications can still be filed by outside parties for apprenticing the boys at age fifteen. We all know this really means slavery. If taken they will serve as short term apprentices most likely for pleasure then turned away. When turned away they are then homeless and without a valid means of support or a sponsor, go to the slave auction. The committee agreed these applications will be held without action except in extreme extenuating circumstances. They wouldn't give me an example of extenuating circumstances except to say each case would have to be determined on its own merits. I'm thinking we would just have to pull a major screw- up or have a problem boy for anything to happen here. Another major change was the facility. I think we came out ahead on that one. The governor told me the facility was recently closed and should still be in pretty good shape; Rick will let us know when he calls tonight. This facility has a recreational area, full solar power units, and a water/sewer plant so we don't worry too much about water restrictions."

Jeff and Larry contribute there plans to begin filming the documentary data. They will begin shooting as we approach the detention center to show what we are trying to move the boys away from and will continue shooting while there. We'll edit the film somewhere down the road, but it's better to have too much at the moment. Barry will inspect the kitchen and determine what kind of diet these kids have had and whether it is nutritionally adequate. I look at my watch and without saying anything we all know it's time to go.

"Paul, why don't you ride with Michael and Mark. Take a laptop and give Mark a chance to get familiar with our programs. Mark, I'm assuming you are computer savvy. I'll ride in the van." Mark nods indicating he has at least some computer knowledge. I expected him to, he's part of that computer generation. I really wanted to ride in the van, it's roominess allows me to shift around and see the surrounding countryside better. I also wanted to be sure Jeff would have the camera going. We drive down Hwy 60, there's a sign directing us to turn left just ahead for the road leading to the center ^Ö Jeff films the sign to begin the documentary.

As we ride down this secondary road I notice how serene the countryside appears. Gently rolling pasture lands interspersed with wild flowers and cattle grazing here and there. More cattle are spotted lying in the shade. Fencing is the typical split rail sufficient to keep the cattle from wandering onto the road; occasionally there is a stretch backed with field wire. The road is gravel rather than the smooth black top I'm accustomed to. A sign ahead reads "Juvenile Detention Facility Entrance ½ mi." ^Ö we're almost there. What I see next makes my blood boil.

It's a work crew of young boys. They appear to have been working between the road and fence in front of the facility. I count seven boys; they all appear to be nine or ten at the most. They're all naked and dirty from head to toe, but that doesn't bother me. It's not unusual for masters to have boys, and men, subject to slave rules go naked ^Ö and these boys are subject to those rules. If they weren't subject to slave rules, civil law allows boys below the age of fourteen to appear nude in public. Social practice dictates boys, regardless of age, are dressed in business and commercial districts, but occasionally a little one will be running around enjoying the freedom of being nude. It's very common to see them running around in residential and rural areas. What has me infuriated is one of the boys is being used by a guard. The kid is completely impaled on the guard's dick with the guard holding the boy off the ground. The kid's face is bright red from his screaming; tears are running down his face and his arms are flailing in the empty air. The guard is pumping hard and fast into the boy and the smile on his face reminds me of the sadistic bastard that had me.

The other boy is screaming out as the guard hits him with a leather strap ^Ö I wonder if he's being punished for trying to help his friend. The scene reminds me of what my father had done to me. The other part that really bothers me is the boys are all wearing slave collars and are attached with a heavy chain. The chain appeared to be about six feet long from neck to neck. The boys had no choice but to stand there and watch what the guard was doing to their companion; the shocking part was the lack of emotion on their faces. They stood and looked as though they were staring at a blank wall. Cold chills run through me. Barry grabs my arm and starts to say something. I let him know I'm in control of myself.

"Jeff, did you get that on film?"

"We got it, Daniel. Barry, rewind and review that; I'll use the other camera to film our approach."

As we turn into the drive I see several buildings that appear to be constructed of a dark brown stone or brick. The surface is covered in dirt and mildew. The buildings are in a compound formed by a chain link fence I'm guessing to be nine or ten feet high topped with a double row of barbed wire pointing to the inside. The place is morbid. This isn't a juvenile facility, it's more like a maximum security prison. We stop at the guard house and identify ourselves. After making a call, presumably to someone in side, the guard passes us through and points out the administration building. As we enter the offices, a gentleman is there to greet us.

"Gentlemen. Welcome, I'm Jim Tomlinson, director of this facility; and, please, just call me Jim."

I reach out to shake the offered hand; I may be fuming but do remember the political niceties that I must follow. "Daniel Thompson, and this is part of our staff with New Horizon." I rattle off everyone's name, but doubt Jim will be able to remember them all. "I'm assuming you received the call from Ron Wilson's office?" I have deliberately dropped the name.

"Actually, we received a call from DOC and DCF. I understand these boys are your responsibility as of last night and you'll be transferring them to a new facility. My staff is boxing up their files for you now so you can have everything with you when you leave.".

"Thanks, we appreciate the help. Yeah, the boys are ours effective at six o'clock last night." I want the time frame understood. After what I have just witnessed, I don't trust anyone around here. "We have people at the new facility doing an inspection now to be sure it's ready for us. It's a little late to transfer them today, besides we need to talk to the boys before we can move them. According to our agreement we have to give the boys an opportunity to opt out if they choose. We also need to get pictures of them here and start our files prior to the transfer."

"Pictures^Å.?"

"They're the initial pictures we will use for comparison periodically to assess changes in the boys and their growth. Same type thing you do now."

"Gotcha. Where would you like to start?"

"Jim, we'd like to get a quick tour. See how the boys have been living, what their routines are etc. We're looking to try and keep some kind of continuity for them with standards and schedules. Barry is our nutritionist, he would like to visit the kitchen and see what kind of diet the boys have had and what we should plan on."

"Sure, we can probably cover more ground if we split up." Jim picks up the phone and calls for someone to come into the office. "Right now, most of the boys are on their work assignments. The youngest are in the yard area playing. We usually start bringing the boys into the dining hall a little after 4:30 and feed them around 5:00. Could I assume that all of you will join us for supper?"

"Thank you, we'd like that. In fact, I'd like to introduce myself and my staff to the boys while we have them there. Uh, I saw a work crew out front as we came in, are they part of the group we are taking?"

"Yes, they are. That's today's chain gang. When the boys break the rules and are to be punished we place them on the chain gang. At the end of the day we bring them in to the hall where the punishments are meted out in front of everyone. We like for the boys to see what happens when you break the rules. Hopefully, it works as a future deterrent. I'll show you how it works when we go in for supper."

"Good, that should be interesting." It is everything I can do now to stay calm. I realize I need to move in another direction. Fortunately, someone knocks on the door then and enters.

"Bob, come in. Gentlemen, this is Bob Abrahms, manager of our kitchen operations. Bob, this is Daniel Thompson and part of his staff with New Horizons." The expected hand shakes and acknowledgments are exchanged. "Barry here is New Horizons' nutritionist; he'd like to get a tour of your area and learn what kind of schedule and food we have for the boys." Bob and Barry then leave for their tour.

"Jim, is there anything any of us can do to help get things set for the transfer? Maybe help with packing the records, or^Å.?"

"No, no thank you, I think we have it all under control. It was just kind of short notice with the call only coming in yesterday. How about if we take a tour of our own?" That said, we start out.

The place is definitely old, or at least appears old from the narrow halls and small windows. Everything smells musty, I wonder how long it's been since this place has had a thorough cleaning. This building appears to be mostly offices. Doors have signs identifying records or finance rooms, there's one for first aid, and another for storage. We go outside into an area that has about a half-dozen little ones playing in the dirt, or its more like dust. There are two older boys around ten years old that I can see trying to entertain a small group of the younger boys. I notice one of the older boys is the only one here with any clothes ^Ö how did he merit that? As we stroll through Jim explains this is the 'yard' or play area for the little ones. They can't leave without going through one of buildings so it's almost impossible for them to get out without someone spotting them. As we stroll though I see one of the real young ones looking up at us. As I approach he puts his hand up to block the sun, tilts his head a little and gives me a grin. I look at him, smile and wave. He wiggles his fingers to wave back. He watches me as long as I'm looking back at him.

Walking through another building and then outside, Jim points out a long building that looks like an old military barracks the way the windows are lined up. It's also built of a dark brown brick and looks bleak. Jim says that's one of the dormitories and contains the boys' showers and other facilities. I look and realize there are bars on the windows. The windows also appear almost too small to provide good air circulation; the kids have to be sweltering at night during most of the year. When asked, Jim tells us they are set up to handle up to one hundred and twenty kids at any one time. That answers the question whether they can accommodate us tonight.

Jim points out a large warehouse building and says several of the older boys are working in there moving equipment and cleaning. We walk over to look inside. I see several boys moving boxes. It's obvious they are straining and the boxes are too heavy for them. Hand trucks and other equipment that can be used to make the job easier is sitting on the side secured to the wall. Jim says they work the boys this way because it helps to expend energy and tire them out; this makes it easier to handle them at night. When I ask about the remainder of the boys he says they are on various assignments in other areas of the compound but will be brought in shortly.

The next building is the gathering or dining hall. It's a long hall with folding tables lined up end to end in four rows. Chairs line each side of the tables. Jim says they set up a serving line on two shorter tables to the side where the boys walk through and are served. There is no particular sitting order; and head count is made to assure all boys are present or accounted for. The row of three tables at the front of the room is for the staff. Behind the staff tables is a platform that forms a stage about two feet above floor level. A curtain is drawn across the stage. I ask Jim about the stage. He gives a slight grin, steps up on the stage and opens the curtain. My blood runs cold when I see what is behind the curtain.

A round platform, most likely revolving, sits in the middle of the stage. On the left side is the 'X'-frame standing straight up. The unit is braced and secured at the bottom. This is like the one I used to be tied to for whipping. On each upper arm there is a wrist cuff hanging from a piece of chain; I'm guessing the chain allows them to adjust for the height of the boy being secured. At the end of each lower leg is an ankle cuff attached to a like piece of chain; again, designed to allow for adjustment to the boy being secured. When drawn tight, the boy won't be able to move. Behind the unit is a mirror to let the audience see the pain on the victim's face. On the right side of the platform is an arched band made of metal. Wrist and ankle bands are located at the forty-five degree points; each attached to an adjustable chain. The big difference here is the victim can be suspended in mid-air. Across the bottom is a metal band sitting just off the floor ^Ö this unit will rotate as punishment is administered.

In the middle is a leather horse. The unit is similar to the pummel horse used in gymnastics. Most have legs angled at each end. This one has the main body sitting on a horizontal bar attached at each end to vertical legs; I realize this allows the height of the main unit to be adjusted. The intent is to cause the victim to lay over the top of the horse with his butt sticking out. Hands can be secured to the front legs and ankles secured to the back legs. The stretch takes away any padding in the butt so the victim feels the full impact of any blows. Behind the leather horse is a rack with several paddles, leather whipping straps, there are three canes and two whips. I can not believe that something like this would be in a juvenile facility or fathom the effects on the little ones from witnessing there use.

Jim looks at me with a slight grin and tells me this is where they will deal with the chain gang members we saw earlier. He thinks my staring is in admiration of the setup. He's right, we will deal with the chain gang members here later, but he isn't the one who will be dealing with them.

End Ch Three