The Boys of the Lady Lex

Between school, projects, commitments, and one balky computer (mine), our postings have been slow. Ben and I thank you for your patience. Lady Lex is nearing the end and we're working hard to make sure we tie everything up nicely. Of course some of you might want to have us tie up one of the characters and...oh....sorry. My mind can be a bit kinky at times. At any rate, the sex isn't much here, but the friendships grow. Enjoy and please write. Thanks

The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 45 "Blades, Grades and Dragon Hearts" Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin TC

"You're late," said Brian, as he was sitting at a table in the poor excuse for the ship's library. For the few who have been in Harrison Wolfe's private quarters, they would come to realize that he had more books on one of his shelves then the entire ship's library.

"There is no sense in studying tonight," said Trevor, as he avoided eye contact with Brian.

"What do you mean? You have a history test tomorrow. If you pass it, you will be eligible to play on the JV baseball team."

"It's no use. I need to score a 97 or better to bring my average up enough to be able to play. There is no way I can score that high. The highest I ever got on a history test was 71."

"So you give up before even trying?"

Trevor just shrugged his shoulders. He wandered over to where some three foot long metal dowels were propped up in the corner. One of the maintenance crews must have left them behind or something. Trevor picked one up and started to examine it.

"Trevor, from what I hear around the ship, you are the star player for the JV team. They need you. You just can't give up because you never accomplished a feat like that before. You try, and if you fail, you try again. Don't let the team down."

Trevor turned and looked at Brian for the first time since he entered the library. "Is that supposed to mean something coming from you?"

Brian looked at the floor ashamed. "I guess not."

"What's it like?" asked Trevor as he started to pretend the metal dowel was a sword.

"What's what like?"

"Being handicapped like you."

"Lonely"

"It doesn't have to be, you know."

"But no one wants to be friends with a handicapped freak."

"Aren't we friends?" asked Trevor, as he continued to sword play against an imaginary opponent.

"Keep your shoulders straight," said Brian.

"Huh?"

"You're hunched over too munch. Here like this." Brian got up and went over to Trevor. He stood behind him and bent Trevor into the proper stance. "There you go; you have better balance that way." Trevor continued to fight his imaginary opponent. "Now bring this arm out a little bit. There you go. Now parry to block the attack of your opponent. Now do a balestra."

"A what?" asked Trevor.

"A belestra. It is a forward hop or jump, typically followed by an attack such as a lunge or fleche. Here like this." Brian picked up a dowel from the corner. He then began to demonstrate the belestra and fleche by leaping towards Trevor." Trevor immediately put his dowel up to protect himself, but because of his non-experience at sword play, a point would have been taken.

"Hey that was pretty cool. Can you show me how?"

"I guess I can."

"Cool."

Brian started to show Trevor how to sword play. Before long the two boys were battling it out in the library. Brian brought his sword down as Trevor held his parallel to the floor at his eye level. The two metal pieces clanked together hard. Brian was putting force on the sword.

"Which amendment gave women the right to vote?" asked Brian through gritted teeth.

Trevor pushed upwards and spun around, breaking free of the attack. "The 19th Amendment." He then did a belestra towards Brian. He wasn't as successful as Brian, but he did make a nice attempt.

"Name me the law enforcing branch of the government." Brian then attacked Trevor. As the two dowels rang together, in between the sharp spine tingling noise, Trevor muttered "the executive branch."

The two boys continued to battle. Brian was showing Trevor different moves and techniques as well as quizzing him on his history. Trevor was so into the fencing aspect of the battle, that he didn't even realize he was answering all the questions correctly.

Over two hours went by. Both boys were exhausted, hot, and sweaty. But it was a good exhaustion. They both lay down on the floor trying to catch their breath after a bad assed duel. Both of them stared at the pipe covered overhead.

"I thought we were friends?" asked Trevor in between breaths.

"What do you mean?"

"Earlier tonight you said that no one wants to be friends with a handicapped freak. Well, aren't we friends?"

"I thought I was just your tutor."

"Can't you be both? I told you before that I was your friend."

Brian thought for a moment. Then a slight smile appeared on his face. "Yeah, I guess we can."

"Cool."

"Were you scared?" asked Brian.

"Scared of you? Nah. I knew you wouldn't hurt me."

"No, I mean when you went into that compound to rescue that kid."

"You promise not to tell anybody?"

"I promise."

"I was scared big time."

"You were? But I thought the Hawke didn't get scared. I thought he was brave."

"Dad always told me that being brave didn't mean you weren't afraid. He said that that being brave is doing something that you are scared of doing."

"I wish I was brave," said Brian.

"How come you quit the sword team?"

"Because I can't fight anymore, being handicapped."

"I don't believe you. You were doing pretty good against me just a few minutes ago."

"Nothing against you Trevor, but you're an inexperienced fighter. You put me up against someone who knows what they are doing..."

"You would kick his butt like you did mine," said Trevor as he finished the sentence for Brian.

"You're just saying that."

"No I'm not. You should know me by now. I don't say things I don't mean. I tell it how it is. You are good with the sword. You should see if you can get back on the team. I am sure they can use you."

Tears started to swell up in Brian's eyes. "But I'm scared."

"Good, it shows respect for your opponent. Harness that fear and turn it into positive energy, not negative energy. Just like you did on the 'Wonder Boy' with the desert rats."

Brian turned his head to look at Trevor who was now on his side with his head propped up by his hand. "You knew about those disgusting rodents?"

"Yeah, I knew."

"But how and why didn't you say anything before?"

"All the shuttles have video in them to record how we do, to teach us better. When I got back, I looked at the recording and I saw how you protected the 'Wonder Boy' from the desert rats. If it wasn't for you, we could be dead right now. If those rats had eaten through the circuit boards and wires, we would have been stuck on that planet and probably captured and killed."

"But why didn't you say anything?"

"I guess you didn't want people to know. I don't know why, but that is why I didn't tell anyone."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Since neither of us will be in the Olympics, you wanna hang out with each other?"

"That would be cool, but you will be playing baseball and stuff."

"No I won't. There is no way I can score a 97 or above on tomorrow's test."

This time Brain propped himself up on his side. "Trevor, you know the material. We studied it inside out. When we were fighting tonight, you knew the answers when I asked them. You need to trust yourself and believe in yourself. I know you can do it."

Trevor looked deep into Brian's eyes. "And you need to believe in yourself and trust your instincts."

"Trevor, it's different with me."

"No it's not. You might be physically handicapped for sword fighting, but I am mentally handicapped when it comes to history."

"Trevor, I can't do it."

"Fine, I can't pass my test either."

"But the baseball team needs you. And I know you can do it."

"Well, the fencing team needs you and I know you can do it."

"Why are you getting on my case? I thought you were my friend."

"I am your friend. That is why I am telling you this. You need to stop feeling so hopeless and sorry for yourself. You need to stop looking at your handicap as a weakness and start looking at it as a strength. I mean your opponent knows that you are handicapped, so they won't be expecting the blow that you are capable of giving. You will throw them off guard and for a loop. I know you can do this."

Brian had tears streaming down his cheek. "But Trevor, I am scared."

"Of what? It's not like you can be killed in your match. What's the worse that can happen? You lose the match. Big deal. I lost lots of baseball games before, yet I am on that field the next game ready to kick ass."

"But none of the other teammates think I should be on the team."

"Then prove them wrong. Show them that not only do you belong on that team, but you belong as their team captain."

"I don't know Trevor. It's hard."

"If it wasn't hard, everybody would be doing it. Go out for the team. Give yourself a second chance. You owe it to yourself."

"Alright look. I will ask Zjan-Ren if I can be back on the team, but you have to pass your history test so that you are able to play baseball."

"But I have to score a 97"

"So? I know you can do it. So is it a deal?"

Trevor thought for a minute. Then he stuck out his hand. "Deal!"

Both boys shook hands and sealed the agreement.

Douglas and Ben were cuddled up to each other. They had just finished making sweet love to each other. They heard a knock at the door. Ben grumbled and got out of bed to see who it was.

"What?" he said as he opened the door and saw Trevor standing there.

"I need your help."

Ben was shocked. This was the first time Trevor had ever come to Ben and asked for help. Ben was caught off guard by the gesture.

"Can I come in?" asked Trevor.

Ben stepped aside and let Trevor in the room. Trevor walked over to the empty bed and threw a bunch of books on it.

"What's the problem little bro?" asked Douglas, who was now sitting on the side of the bed.

"I need a 97 on tomorrow's history test. Otherwise Brian doesn't fence."

"Huh?" said a confused Ben. "I thought you needed a 97 in order for you to play ball."

"That too."

"Then what does this 97 has to do with Brian?" asked Douglas.

Trevor told Ben and Douglas the deal that he and Brian made. Both boys listened intently as Trevor told the tale.

"Trevor, I will stay up all night helping you study, but you must put forth the effort as well," said Ben who knew his brother's study habits all too well, especially when it came to history.

"I'll do whatever it takes Ben. Now where do we begin?" Trevor flopped down on the bed he put the books on and opened up one of them.

The remainder of the night and into the morning, the two older boys helped the younger boy with his history. As Douglas and Ben worked with Trevor, both of them realized that Trevor didn't need their help. He knew the stuff. The problem was that Trevor didn't realize he knew the stuff. But the three boys worked hard in preparing Trevor for the test anyway.

Brian McDowell rounded the corner making his way to the classroom where Trevor was taking his final exam. He wanted to be there when Trevor exited the classroom. Brian knew that Trevor had to score very high in order to qualify for the baseball team. As much as he wanted Trevor to pass, a part of him didn't want him to pass, because then he wouldn't have to ask Major Zjan-Ren to be part of the fencing team again, after he quit on bad terms. Brian came to an abrupt stop in surprise. There was a small group of boys hanging outside the classroom. Some of them were sitting on the deck with their backs up against the bulkhead, some were standing and leaning against the bulkhead, some were pacing back and forth in front of the door that lead into the classroom and there was even a boy sprawled out on the deck giving off a light kitteny snore.

Brian knew who all the boys were, but didn't know them personally. He saw that the Birds of Prey were all waiting there, Ian the Eagle, Chandler the Falcon, Spencer the Condor, Kyle the Harrier, and Dylan the Phoenix. Ben, Douglas, Nipper and Andrew were there too, waiting for the results.

"Why am I here?" Brian asked himself. He turned around to head back to his quarters.

"Hey, McDowell," said Ben, who saw Brian start to leave.

Brian shyly turned around. "Yeah?"

"You helped tutor Trevor, didn't you?"

Brian nodded. Even though Brian was in the same classes with Ben and Douglas, they didn't truly know him because Brian was always in the back corner alone and never socialized with anyone in class or out of class. He was an introvert at its best.

"You here to find out how Trevor did?" asked Douglas.

Brian nodded his head again. Brian kept looking at the ground, ashamed of the scars on his face. It was times like this that he wished he wasn't allergic to the medications that could have fixed his face.

"He's not done taking it yet. Everyone else is done, but him. But you're welcome to wait with us," said Ben, walking up to him.

"Yeah, Dr. Kula gave us an hour to take the test. Everyone been done for about 15 minutes now, but Trevor is still in there," said Chandler.

"How much longer does he have to finish it?" whispered Brian.

"About five minutes," replied Ian.

"So you might as well wait with the rest of us," said Ben. "Trevor tells me that you are into dragons."

"Yeah, a little bit."

"That's cool. Do you, like, have a favorite dragon story or anything?" asked Ben.

"Yeah, Dragonheart by Pogue."

"I'm not much into fantasy stories," said Douglas.

"I like it because everyone always thinks that dragons are fierce deadly creatures, but in Dragonheart, Draco the Dragon isn't the villain but the hero."

"That's cool," said Ben.

"Trevor also said you are pretty good with the sword," chimed in Douglas.

"I used to be."

"Are you going to battle it out in the Academy Olympics?" asked Ben.

"I made a deal with Trevor. So if he qualifies for the baseball team, then yes."

"Cool, I hope you win," said Douglas

"I just hope I survive."

Dr. Kula sat at his desk watching Trevor Collins working on his final exam. He could tell the boy was getting frustrated and aggravated. He could tell that Trevor was trying too hard and second guessing himself, not trusting his instincts. Dr. Kula wanted Trevor to score high on his exam as well. But unlike the others on the ship, it wasn't so he could play baseball, but to prove to him that you could accomplish anything if you put your mind to it and work hard.

Dr. Kula looked at his watch. He stood up and walked over to Trevor. "Time!" said the man with the Jamaican accent.

"One more minute," pleaded Trevor.

"Put your pencil down."

Trevor let out a disgruntled sigh, and placed his pencil on the desk. He then handed Dr. Kula his exam. Dr. Kula took the exam and went to his desk. Trevor remained seated, waiting to find out what he scored.

Dr. Kula turned and looked at Trevor. "You may go now."

"Aren't you going to grade it?"

"Eventually," said Dr. Kula who was obviously in no hurry to grade Trevor's exam.

"But I want to know now," insisted Trevor.

"The grades will be posted by dinner time. Now go on your way."

"That's two hours away. I can't wait that long."

"I'm sorry, but you have no choice. Now get out of here before I have to get Sergeant Flint to haul you out."

"Alright, alright I'm going." Trevor got up and walked to the door.

"Can't you just grade mine now?"

"OUT!!"

Trevor let out another sigh and exited the class room.

Every boy in the corridor waiting for Trevor to finish his exam turned his head as the door finally opened. The boys who were sitting or laying on the deck stood up. Everyone's attention was on Trevor as he came out of the class room.

"Well?" asked Ben.

"I won't know until evening chow. Man, I wish he would tell me now. I can't wait that long."

"How do you think you did?" asked Douglas.

"It was really hard. I was getting confused and my mind went blank a lot."

"Do you think you scored a 97 or higher?" asked Andrew.

"I don't know. The test was really hard."

"It wasn't that hard," said Andrew.

"Well, I'm not as smart as you." Trevor never did like the idea of Andrew being the brains between the two of them, but he was definitely the brawn and Andrew the brains.

"Since we have some time to kill, let's go up to the hangar and practice some pitching and batting," recommended Douglas.

"Nah, I want to stay here," replied Trevor.

"Trevor, it's a two hour wait," reminded Ben.

"Hawke stays, I stay," said Spencer opening his mouth for the first time.

"I'm staying too," said Ian.

One by one all the Birds of Prey said they were staying to wait with the Hawke. Ben, Douglas, Andrew and Nipper decided to stay as well.

"You staying too Brian?" asked Ben.

"I don't know, you guys really want me around?"

"I do," said Trevor.

"Stay with us Brian. Tell us more about your dragons," said Ben.

"I bet you have a lot of dragon stories to tell," said Ian.

"You guys really want to hear my dragon stories?"

"Sure, why not?" asked Kyle, another Bird of Prey who finally spoke.

"I don't know. I guess I never figured anyone would be interested in me or the things that I like."

"Why would you have that silly notion?" asked Ben.

Brian gently covered up his right cheek where the scars were from his accident. It was a constant reminder to him of why he thought people wouldn't be interested in him. He then looked down at the deck, embarrassed and ashamed.

Douglas went over to Brian and lifted his head. He pulled Brian's hand away from his face and replaced it with his hand. "Brian, this is nothing to be ashamed about. It is who you are, and if people can't see past this, then they don't deserve to have you as a friend. Now please stay and tell us about the 'Dragonheart'."

"Yeah, please stay," said Trevor. "What is 'Dragonheart' about?"

"It is about a dragon, Draco, but it is also about morals, codes, ethics, choices, and it is a story that makes you think."

"Well, we got plenty of time. Start telling us," said Chandler the Falcon, as he plopped himself on the deck to give Brian his full attention. Soon he was joined by the other boys.

"Well, a long time ago, there was a dragon named Draco," said Brian as he began to tell the story. All the boys were transfixed as Brian told about Draco the Dragon, Gilbert of Glockenspur, King Einon and the knight Bowen. As the boys sat there in awe as Brian acted out the scenes, not one of them noticed or saw the scar on Brian's right cheek, or that he had a limp, or that his right arm seemed weaker then the other. At times, Brian would take his cane and use it as a sword as he told the centuries old tale of "DragonHeart".

All the boys' attention was captivated by the story of Draco and Bowen. Brian had finished his story and the boys were mesmerized by it. It was definitely a story they would never forget.

"Hey look, the scores are posted on the bulkhead," said Ian as he stood up and saw a piece of paper hanging on the bulkhead.

"When did Dr. Kula put that there?" asked Nipper.

"I don't know. I didn't see him put it there," said Andrew.

All the boys mumbled among themselves that no one had seen Dr. Kula post the scores. They were so engrossed on trying to figure out when Dr. Kula put it there, that they forgot the reason they were waiting to begin with.

"So Trevor, you gonna check it?" asked Douglas, coming out of the trance first.

"Can you do it? I'm too nervous," said Trevor.

"No Trevor, you do it. You deserve to know first."

Trevor nodded and slowly walked up to the piece of paper. He took a deep breath and held it as his finger scrolled down the paper, looking for his name. He finally saw it. He didn't say a thing.

"Well?" asked Ben who was getting impatient.

Trevor turned around with depressed look on his face. A look of defeat. He walked over to Brian with his head held in shame and embarrassment. He looked up at him with a sad look. "Brian, you're off the hook. You don't have to fight in the Olympics." By this time tears started to fall out of his eyes.

Brian didn't say a thing. He didn't know what to say. He could see his friend was hurt and devastated. Trevor then drifted off alone.

"Damn, he must have missed it," said Douglas.

"He did. He scored a 96," said Andrew.

"Son of a bitch, he missed it by one point?" said Ben.

"Look on the bright side. It is a massive improvement on his test grades," said Douglas.

"He did better then me," said Chandler. "I got a 79."

"I got an 87," commented Nipper. "How did you do Andy?"

"I got a 98," replied Andrew.

"You missed two points, Andrew? That's unusual," remarked Ben.

"Can't win them all, I guess," said Andrew. He was happy with his 98, but he didn't feel like celebrating because his brother didn't score high enough to make the baseball team.

The door swished open and out came Dr. Kula. "Hello, men," he said with a bright smile.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Kula," said the boys together, without much enthusiasm.

"Why are you boys looking so glum? I figured you would all be celebrating."

"Why? Trevor didn't make it. Now he can't play baseball in the Olympics," said Andrew.

"What do you mean he didn't make it?" asked Dr. Kula.

"He needed a 97 to pass your class, and he scored a 96," said Ian.

"A 96?" Dr. Kula was puzzled. He looked at the grade list on the bulkhead that he posted earlier. "You boys don't go anywhere, I'll be right back." Dr. Kula walked into his classroom and returned a few minutes later holding a couple of tests in his hand. "Dummy me. I get you twins mixed up sometimes. Look here on the tests. Andrew you scored a 96 and look here, Trevor scored a 98." Dr. Kula showed the boys that Trevor did indeed score a 98. "So he can play baseball."

The corridor was silent with a long pause of shock, then erupted into cheers and screams. Brian felt his chest swell some with pride, when Douglas and Ben patted him on the back and said it was he who got Trevor that score.

"I can't believe I only scored a 96," said Andrew, who could no believe his twin brother actually did better on a test, and a history test of all things.

"You still did better then me," said Nipper as he gave his boyfriend a big hug and kiss.

"Come on, we gotta tell Trevor," said Ian.

"No! Wait!!" said Ben. "Let Brian have the honor to tell him."

"You want me to tell him?" asked Brian.

"Yeah, there isn't a better person I can think of to tell him the good news," assured Ben.

"Neither can I," added Douglas.

"OK, I'll go tell him," smiled Brian. He started to go down the corridor.

"Oh, and Brian?" Douglas said.

"Yeah?"

"After you tell him, we have room at our table for dinner if you want to join us."

A smile grew instantly across Brian's face. "Ok, thanks." He then disappeared down the corridor.

"GO AWAY!!!" yelled Trevor, as he sobbed into his pillow. It wasn't very often Trevor would cry, but once he started, he just couldn't stop.

The door opened and Brian walked in. "Hey, Trevor."

"Go away, you got what you wanted. Now you don't have to fight."

"You're right, I got what I wanted. But it's not what you expect."

"What do you mean," sniffled Trevor.

"I wanted you to score a 97 or better on the exam. I wanted you on that baseball team like everyone does."

"But I scored a 96. I missed it by one stink'n point."

"No, you didn't Trevor. We talked to Dr. Kula after you left. He mixed up yours and Andrew's grades. You scored the 98 and Andrew scored the 96."

"You mean I beat Andrew on a test?"

"Yes, you did," smiled Brian.

"Cool," said Trevor whose frown was replaced by a devious grin. "And I get to play baseball too?"

"Commander Creevey said if you were passing all of your classes before the Olympics you could play. This 98 brought your grade point average in History up to passing and you already brought your other failing subjects up too. You did it Trevor."

"Since I scored a 98, are you going to talk to Major Zjan-Ren about joining the fencing team again?

"A deal is a deal. I know I broke some deals in the past, but...this is one deal I won't break."

"Thanks Brian." Trevor then gave Brian a big hug which was totally out of character for him. Brian hugged him back and thought it was good to have a friend.

"Enter!!" shouted Zjan-Ren from his quarters. Brian walked into the darkened room illuminated only by candles. Zjan-Ren was on the floor. Brian knew he had been meditating. "Young McDowell, I am busy with my meditation," said Zjan-Ren coldly.

"I'm sorry Sir. But I wanted to ask you something."

"Out with it then." Zjan-Ren continued to sit on the floor, not looking at Brian, acting like Brian was intruding on his privacy.

"I would like to take my place on the fencing team, if it's ok with you." Brian was very nervous and scared.

Zjan-Ren finally looked at Brian in disgust. "And why do you want to come back? You made it clear to me that you didn't want to sword play ever again."

"I made a deal with this boy I was tutoring. If he scored a 97 or better on his final history exam, I would ask you to let me be on the fencing team again. He scored a 98, so now I am fulfilling my end of the deal."

"You expect me to take you back because of a deal? We had a deal too, but you threw that deal over the cliff with your sword. Why should I take you back?" Zjan-Ren was showing some fury in his tone.

"I guess there is no good excuse why you should. For what it's worth, I'm sorry." Brian turned to leave. He actually was disappointed that he wouldn't be on the fencing team. His eyes began to fill up with tears.

Zjan-Ren stood up. "Young McDowell."

Brian stopped, but kept his back toward his old teacher. "Yes Sir?"

"Have you found your balance yet?"

"I think in order for me to find it, I need to be on the team."

"Is that so? And how am I supposed to trust you and believe that you are sincere and true about seeking your balance?"

Brian was silent. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He looked at his right hand, holding on to his wooden cane. He looked up into Zjan-Ren's eyes with a look that Zjan-Ren never seen before. Brian lifted his cane high over his head and brought it down hard on the edge of a table, causing the cane to snap in two. Brian tossed the piece in his hand so that it fell next to its sister piece on the floor. He then looked back into this teacher's eyes, not saying anything. Zjan-Ren stood there in utter silence, looking back at Brian with no emotion on his face.

Zjan-Ren then turned away from Brian and went into his bedroom. Brian bowed his head. Zjan-Ren didn't say a word to him. Brian felt like Trevor did when the grades were posted; a failure, defeated. Brian kicked the cane pieces across the floor and started to hobble out of Zjan-Ren's quarters. Just as he reached the door, he heard Zjan-Ren's booming voice behind him.

"Young McDowell."

"Yes Sir?" said Brian facing the door.

"If you want to continue to seek your balance in life you will need this."

Brian turned around. There, standing tall, his hands held out in front of him with a sword resting upon them, stood Zjan-Ren.

Wide eyed and surprised, Brian hobbled over to Zjan-Ren. "My sword? But how? I threw that over the cliff on Phosphorous Prime."

"I know. And it took me, Ensign Masters and Mr. Wolfe several hours combing the ocean floor below the cliffs looking for it. On the last day that we were on Phosphorous Prime, before coming here, I took one more dive by myself. And that is when I found it. It's is yours Young McDowell. Take it and seek your balance with it. And I will guide you as I promised in the beginning."

Brian took the sword from Zjan-Ren and examined it closely. He could tell instantly that Zjan-Ren had polished it up and taken away the corrosion that the sea floor might have left on it. Brian slowly moved it through the air in front of him. It felt so real, so natural. He knew at that moment he was ready, fully ready, to seek his balance.

To Be Continued...