The Boys of the Lady Lex

Greetings To Our Readers,

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

Douglas and Ben

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

"No, no, no" said Dr. Kula. He was a black man who spoke with a thick Jamaican accent. He was thin and only stood to about five feet ten inches high. The top of his head was covered with black dreadlocks.

"We need you," said Amanda Creevey.

"Amanda, we known each other since college many years ago and there isn't a thing on this planet I would do for you."

"Then why won't you do it?"

"Because this requires me to go off the planet. Besides, I don't teach."

"You taught history for seven years. Plus you are qualified to teach other subjects as well."

"I don't think your captain would like the subjects I could teach. Besides, I gave up teaching three years ago, and there was a reason behind it. Me, children and teaching is a deadly combination. I'm not doing it."

"But you hold a Doctorate in History. You have experience at teaching."

"I am not going into outer space. I was born on this planet and on this planet is where I will keep me black butt."

"There is no way I can talk you into it?"

"No mon,"

"Space travel isn't bad,"

"Don't care, I'm not going."

"Why are you afraid to space travel?"

"I'm not afraid to space travel. I just don't want to do it. My teaching days are over with. Besides, there is no pay involved."

"Like you really need the money," said Amanda as she scanned around the lavish house of Dr. Kula.

"Besides, I am a very busy man."

"Busy? What are you busy with then? I know its not teaching."

"Well, uh, well,"

"I'm listening." "I have to take care of my plants," said Dr. Kula as he went over to his fern and picked up a nearby spray bottle and started spraying with it with water and talking to it as if it was a baby. "There my sweet heart. Have a little water you good girl."

"You can bring them with you, that way you can still take care of them."

"Look Amanda, I am not going and that's that."

"Okay, if you insist."

"I insist."

"I'll be on my way then." said Amanda as she began to leave, but without giving Dr. Kula something.

"What's this?"

"It's your credentials for customs at the space dock. I'll see you on March 1. Bye." she said as she left.

"You see me, not." said Dr. Kula as he threw the credentials into a garbage can.

Steve Hatcher lay on the couch with a cold compress on his head. His house was all disarrayed as his family was preparing for the big move. Every lead he had for a volunteer ended up being a dead end. He just hoped that Amanda was having better luck. There was a knock at the front door, but he just laid there. Hoping his headache would go away.

"Aren't you going to get the door?" asked Linda, his wife. She walked to the door and opened it up. Only to look at an alien. "May I help you?"

"Is this where Captain Steve Hatcher lives?"

"Yes,"

"Is he around?" said the alien in a deep powerful voice.

"May I ask who wants him?"

"My name is Sir Zjan-Ren of the Kriton Republik Army. I here am on behalf of Ambassador Ka."

Captain Hatcher stood up and looked to see who was talking to his wife. The mention of Ambassador Ka's name caught his attention. He walked over to the door and there standing in the door way was 6'7" Kriton. Like Ambassador Ka, he had shoulder length jet black hair that shined with strands of gray. His skin was golden brown with high cheeks bones. There was a scar that ran from the outside corner of his left eye down to his cheek, measuring in about 2 inches. He was broad shouldered and muscular. He wore a purple silky satin vest with gold trip. His black pants were a little loose and he had on black boots. Around his waist he wore a red sash. Strapped to his right leg was a small bamboo looking stick that was only about six or seven inches in length.

"I'm Captain Hatcher, may I help you?"

"Ah, Captain Hatcher. I am here on behalf of Ambassador Ka."

"I see. Please come in."

Sir Zjan-Ren ducked as he entered the house. He stood tall and proud once inside. "Captain Hatcher, Ambassador Ka sent me to give you two things. On his first visit on board USS "Excalibur", you gave him a schankquin, A prized possession from the host authority member to the visiting authority member."

"Yes, that's right; I gave him my hat trick hockey puck."

"It is our tradition of the schankquin that if the visitor was pleased with his visits, that he would return the gift. So on behalf of Ambassador Ka, I present you with this schankquin that you have declared as your most prized possession. You indeed impressed the ambassador." Sir Zjan-Ren gave Captain Hatcher back his hockey puck.

"Thank Sir Zjan-Ren. I am honored to receive my schankquin back to me."

"You're very much welcome Captain."

"Not to sound eager or anything, but you said you had two things to give me?"

"Ah yes, Captain. During the assassination attempt on Ambassador Ka's life onboard the "Excalibur", you saved his life. He did not forget that. He vowed to himself that one day he will pay you back for that."

"He doesn't have to pay me back. I was just doing my job."

"Captain, if you refuse his signs of gratuity, he will be insulted and trust me Captain, Ambassador Ka is not one you want to see insulted."

"Well, we don't want to insult him then do we?"

"No we don't. Captain, it is Ambassador Ka's understanding that you undertook a great tasking. A tasking that required honor, commitment and courage."

"Yes, that's right. I am trying to get a space academy together for juvenile delinquent boys."

"And you are in the need of volunteers?"

"Yes I am."

"Captain Stephen Hatcher of the JSFA Lexington. I Sir Zjan-Ren of the third family of the Kriton Republik declare my services to you." Zjan-Ren grabbed the bamboo stick off his waist and held it out in front of him. A blade made of water bloomed out of it and Sir Zjan-Ren jammed his blade into the floor and knelt down before Captain Hatcher. This was the first of three times that a Kriton would ever kneel before a human.

The air filled with sweet mesmerizing music coming from a grand piano. It would stop as abruptly as it would start. A note or two would repeat itself and then a long break. The music would start again replaying itself going farther then it did before and it would stop. Some odd notes were pounded out and then another long pause. Rev. David Kyle sat at his piano jotting notes down on a piece of paper, scribble them out and then add new notes to it. He would play the notes he written down and then decided if he needed to change them or not. Once he had what he thought he wanted he stood up and grabbed a flute off the table. He started to play the notes that he jotted down. He made some adjustments. He then went back to the piano and tested to see what his adjustments sounded like on the ivory. He then pulled out a trombone and repeated the process. He kept doing this to a variety of musical instruments until the song that the orchestra was playing in his head was written down on paper.

Rev. Kyle was an animated man. He was filled with life and lived life to its fullest. He was constantly humming a tune that was forming in his head and if he wasn't humming he was singing. But singing was his strength. Although he had a beautiful tenor sound, it was his sister, Sarah, who had the God given talent of singing. Whenever Rev. Kyle walked and stood around, his body always jived to a beat that no one else could hear. He was full of energy and it showed. He might be pushing forty, but he lived his life like a child. In a heart beat he would play tag, or hide-n-go-seek with the neighborhood children. He would play kickball or dodge ball with the churches youth group. Most people would say that if Rev. Kyle was around children and youth, you would have a hard time figuring out who the adult is in the group.

There were only two things that he loved more then music. The first thing was God. As the Bible instructs, he loved God with all of his heart, all of his soul and all of his mind. He wasn't afraid to share his faith with others. Matter of fact, he loved sharing his faith. But what impressed even the non-believers is that he didn't force his faith onto others or try to make them believe something that they didn't want to believe in. He respected other people's beliefs. He loved to share his beliefs and tell how God has worked in his life, but if he saw that his beliefs were pushing someone away and not drawing them closer, then he would step away. The last thing he wanted to do was to push someone away. Rev. Kyle firmly believed that one should not push religion on anyone. He believed that if one is ready for religion, God would plant a seed in that person's heart and then that is where the sharing and watering of faith begins.

Rev. Kyle was a man of many degrees. He has his Masters in Divinity where he became an ordained minister. However, he also has a masters in music, and a bachelor's in child psychology and counseling. He might not have been the senior pastor at his church, but he was the pastor of music and children ministries of the church.

There was a knock on the door. Rev. Kyle, so vibrant, so very much alive, was too busy playing on the drums that he didn't hear the knocking or the door opening. He swayed and bounced and acted like he drank too many cups of coffee as he pounded away on the drums.

A women with long brown hair let herself into the room. She was 35 years old and slender. She leaned back against the wall and watched her 37 year old brother pound away. She loved her brother so much. It was her brother that raised her and it was her brother that lead her to her salvation.

Rev. Kyle looked up and saw his sister there. He quickly stopped and put the drum sticks down. "Hey sis, I almost got the music to the lyrics I wrote done. The church's band will have it at tonight's practice and we should be ready to sing it this coming Sunday which will be our last Sunday before we go to the Lexington."

A solemn look came over Sarah's face. When her brother first told her about the Lexington looking for volunteers and the church offered to cover expenses on this mission trip, she told him she would go. But after lots of prayer and thought, she knew it wasn't her calling and she had to tell her brother that.

"David, there's something I have to tell you."

"You're not going, are you?"

"No David, I'm not."

"But Sarah, I thought...it was our calling to go."

"David, I feel God has called you on this adventure, but I feel he still needs me here."

"I can't leave you. I will stay here with you."

Sarah laughed. "David, I'm 35 years old. I can take care of myself."

"But we never been apart since you been born."

"I know that David and I will miss you very much, but I will be all right. God will see to that."

"So what are you saying? That you don't need me anymore?"

"I will always need you David. But those boys will need you too. Just as the kids I teach music to here needs me. We will always be together through God's love and prayers, but right now, God needs us to go our separate ways and I think if you look deep enough, you will find that I am right."

David didn't say a word. He knew, he already knew it before she told him, but he kept denying it. She was right. It was time for them to go in different directions. He didn't like, in fact he hated the idea. But he trusted God and he knew God would not let him down.

"We still get to do this new song of mine together on Sunday, right?"

"Nothing can keep me from doing a solo of a song you wrote while you played the piano one last time."

The brother and sister embraced in a deep hug and then they took some time and together as a brother and sister they prayed to their God thanking them for all the gifts He had given them and will give them and asked Him to continue to be a vital part of their lives. Little did they know that on Sunday, it would be the last time they would ever perform together.

"You wanted to see me Father?" asked Tim as he entered his father's office.

"Yes, Timothy, come in."

Tim walked in. He didn't care for his father much, but for the most part his father neglected him and left him alone. That was a blessing, but at times a curse as well. "What is it Dad?" said Tim as he plopped down into a chair in front of his father's desk.

"Timothy, I know you were expelled from the Port Royal this past October. I talked to the Academy board of directors and they decided to give you a second chance."

"What are you getting at?"

"Tomorrow, you leave to go to the JSFA Orion. You will have some catching up to do, but what you don't get caught up, you can catch it up during the summer session. You might even be able to participate in the academy Olympics if you work hard enough."

"I don't want to go," insisted Tim.

"You don't have a choice Timothy. No son of mine is going to be a loser. I worked hard to get where I am today and by damned I am not going to have my son fail me in not achieving accomplishments like I done. The Orion has the best chance this year to win the Olympics. It has the best officers, faculty and staff and the highest technology out there. You will be on that ship when she takes first place."

"But Father."

"There are no buts. You're dismissed son. I suggest you go back home," Admiral Whitaker turned his attention to some paperwork on his desk.

Tim was pissed. He stormed out of his father's office fuming and ready to explode. There was no way he was going. He didn't want to go and no one could make him. He had deceived himself that he wouldn't go, because the next day he found himself on a shuttle heading to the Orion.

Sister Agatha, the math teacher, at Pius X Catholic High School stood firm as she took the ruler and cracked it hard on the knuckles of the young boy standing in front of her. The boy was trying not to shed any tears. He was trying to be strong, but he wasn't succeeding.

"And number five," she snapped as the ruler came down hard one last time. "Now Mr. Anderson, maybe you will remember to do your homework that way you don't have to lie to me why it's not done. Now go stand in the corner."

Sister Agatha was in her mid fifties. She has been teaching math for over 25 years at Pius X. She was tough, strict and firm. She didn't bat an eye lash whenever she would crack the ruler on someone's knuckles or a paddle on their behinds. She never smiled and wrinkles were beginning to show upon her face.

"Now Class, open up the back of your trigonometry books to page 531. Complete exercise 17. There are 25 problems. At the end of class you will turn it in and it will be considered as a quiz." The class groaned. "Silence!" she snapped in a firm tone. "There will be no crying in my class. Because if there is, I will make you complete both exercise 17 and 18. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Sister Agatha," said the class in unison.

"You may begin."

The students immediately begin working on the problems Sister Agatha prowling the room, waiting and wanting the chance to pounce on someone to cheat. Her attention turned to the door as Father Tom walked in with Sister Elizabeth.

"Excuse me Sister Agatha, but Cardinal Eckerson and I need to see you in the Cardinal's office. Sister Elizabeth will watch your class for you."

She scowled at Sister Elizabeth the bright and cheery one. She didn't like the idea of leaving her class in Sister Elizabeth's hands. She didn't like the idea of leaving her class period. But if the Cardinal was calling for her, she would go.

Sister Agatha and Father Tom entered the Cardinal's office. The Cardinal motioned the two of them to sit down. Once they sat down, the Cardinal stood up and went over to his book shelf. He pulled a few books away and there behind them was a bottle of scotch. He poured himself a glass and offered some to Father Tom and Sister Agatha. Both of them politely decline the offer.

"Sister Agatha. You have been with Pius X for over 25 years. During those 25 years you taught discipline, math and behavior. Though your methods might be rough, they seemed to work."

"Those children need a firm hand. Too many people slack off in disciplining them. That is why the youth are in trouble all the time. No one teaches them discipline," said Sister Agatha coldly.

"Weather or not if that is the case, it is not why I summons you here. SFA is doing a test project of a space academy for juvenile delinquents. Because it is just a test project, not much support is being put towards it. The officers, crew, and staff are all volunteers, including the commanding officer."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"I will get right to the point. They need teachers. A Protestant church in the next town over is sending their music minister there. More then likely there will be Catholic children on board that ship too. We need to make sure their religious needs are met as well. So since your took the vow of poverty, you don't have to worry about pay. Room and board will be provided for you."

"You're not suggesting that I go to this academy and teach, are you?"

"No, I am not suggesting it. I am telling you that you are."

"This is absurd. I won't go."

"Sister Agatha," chimed in Father Tom. "There's been a law suit put against Pius X for your corrective measures. Our lawyers suggest that if you leave the school for six months, that's all the Lexington will be for, then this will blow over and you can come back and start the next school year."

"This is utterly ridiculous. Let these foolish parents take me to court. I will show them what I am made of," said Sister Agatha who was really beginning to steam over.

"No Sister Agatha. The Catholic Church has a bad reputation all ready because of the recent outbreaks of alter boys molestation by priests. We can't fight Sister Agatha. We need to get out of the spot light, at least the negative spot light. Sending you to the Lexington will at least show a sign of good gesture," said the Cardinal.

"And if I resign?"

"We won't accept it," replied Father Tom.

"All right then. I will go, but trust me, you haven't heard the last of me." She then stood up and left the room.

"That a woman scares me," said Father Tom.

"She scares me too," replied the Cardinal.

Tim was on board the Orion. He didn't like it. Most kids already didn't accept him there because he was coming in the middle of the school year. So much he wanted to do something to get expelled, but as his father put him on the shuttle, he was told that if he fucked up, he will be going to Nikonis Prime to military school where the word expel doesn't exist. And Nikonis Prime military school was not the place he wanted to go. So he would do the bare minimum on board the Orion just to keep himself from falling out of the frying pan and into the fire.

As Tim was taking his sonic shower, in walked a boy about his age. He met him earlier that day. He believed his name was Mark Hatcher. He thought the boy was very cute and had a hot body.

Mark noticed Tim staring at him. "Oh great, you're a faggot aren't you? Look, I have nothing against faggots just as long as you don't try any of your faggoty actions on me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Fuck you!!" and Tim left the shower. This was going to be a very hard place for him to spend the rest of his youth.

Nipper lay on bunk alone. He was wide awake and couldn't sleep. He hated it where he was at and wanted to go back to Earth where his home and friends were. His dad lied to him once again that made him even madder. He remembered his dad saying he wouldn't leave them again, but early in the morning before him and Douglas would get up, their dad was going to Saturn Alpha Five to pick up some medical equipment. He said he would only be gone five days and will be back the day that Captain Hatcher would return. Him and Douglas wanted to go with him, but he said that there was only enough room on the transport shuttle for him, but he said the days will go by quick.

Then Nipper thought of something he heard his father tell Douglas. That the transport shuttle that will be taking Lieutenant Colonel. Stone and his Marines back to Earth will be leaving a half hour after his father's transport vessel. Nipper knew what he promised his brother and he didn't believe in breaking promises. But he knew he had to go back home. He didn't belong here and he didn't want to be here. He knew what he had to do.

That morning Douglas got up. He looked at his brother's bed and saw Nipper was gone. He figured Nipper went to the bathroom or something. As Douglas went to the bathroom himself, he noticed a red message light was blinking on the wall comm. He went over to it and pressed the play button. A written message appeared on the screen.

Douglas,

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

Love, Dad

Douglas was glad that his dad took Nipper. Maybe that was the medicine that his little brother needed. He was going to miss him for the five days, but at least he will be coming back. He just wished he was able to do more sexual stuff with him then that first time when Nipper experienced his first orgasm. But Douglas knew there would be plenty of other chances when he gets back. He loved his brother so much.

Nipper peeked out the window from the transport shuttle that he stowed away on. He was hiding in a small room. As the space station grew smaller and smaller in the window tears begin to leak out of his eyes. He knew Douglas would be hurt, but he also knew he had to go back home.

"I love you Douglas!!!" and Nipper touched the window as if waving goodbye to his brother.

Andrew sat on Ben's bed alone. Even though technically this was his brother's bedroom and he shared a bedroom with his twin brother, he slept in bed with his older brother 99% of the time. He loved Ben, or Benji as he would often call him. He knew he was special to Ben because he was the only one who was allowed to call him Benji. Ben hated when other people would call him that and he been known to fly off the handle if someone did call him that. Ben would always give a warning to the first timer, but may their God help them if they become a repeat offender.

Andrew wiped away some tears as he sat there on the bed. He held his trumpet on his lap. He only been playing for a year, but as most things he picked up playing it pretty quick and easy. What Andrew lacked in common sense, he made up for it in intelligence. He was bright and smart and learning things came easy to him. Except when it came to sports. Andrew loved to play sports, but he was fair at them. He was no sports hero or all star. But he enjoyed playing the games. The only sport he was semi good in was soccer. He played best when he was goalie. Not many people could get the ball past him. But when he stood at home plate on the baseball diamond with a bat in hand, it seems like that ball had no problems getting passed him. But Andrew knew he wasn't the athletic one in the family. That was Trev.

Trev played sports all year round. Unlike Andrew and Ben, his favorite sport was football. He was quick on his feet and he could catch almost every ball thrown to him. When he wasn't making a touch down, he was on the basketball court scoring baskets after baskets. And if he wasn't on the basketball court, he was on the baseball diamond where he played short stop, diving for line drives, being a key player in double plays, and having the highest RBI hits and most stolen bases in his community's league. Trev didn't have power behind his swing, but he could pretty much get a base hit each time, driving the runners in scoring position home. But once Trev was on first base, 8 out of 10 times he would be called safe steeling second. Six out of ten times he would be called safe steeling third. Trev even stolen home a couple of times and lived to tell about it. But even though his athleticism was a strength, his cocky attitude, his temper and mouth tended to get him in trouble more times then not where he would be benched or thrown out of the game. His parents threaten him that if he got benched or thrown out of a game one more time, there will be no next time. They weren't going to have their son play bad sportsmanship regardless how competitive or how much he hated to lose.

"Andrew, it's almost time to go," said Ben as he walked into his room.

"Mom said I can't take my trumpet."

"I know. The only thing we are allowed to take is the clothes on our back and even they will be shipped back to mom and dad."

"I don't want to give up my trumpet."

"I know, Otter." Ben sat down next to his brother. He and other real close friends of Andrew's would call him Otter. About a year ago, Ben received the nickname of Dolphin Boy because he won a contest where he got to swim and play with dolphins at Sea World in Florida. After that, his friends started to call him Dolphin Boy, but then it got cut down to just dolphin. Andrew wanted to be like his brother so much he gave himself a marine mammal nickname too, Sea Otter. Eventually Sea Otter was cut down to just Otter. Trev on the other hand had the nickname of Mouth, if one ever met Trev, they would know why. But people only called Trev, Mouth behind his back. They knew if they called it to him to his face, their lips would meet Trev's fist.

"Ben, you think we will still be able to do some of the things we do in bed when we go to the Lexington?"

Ben put his arm around Andrew and pulled him close and kissed him on the head. "I don't know. Probably not. But I tell you what. I think we have time for one last hurrah."

Ben undid Andrew's pants. Andrew Lifted his butt as his brother pulled his pants and underwear to his knees, exposing his hairless, almost 4 inch boner. Ben gave a sweet kiss on his brother's lips and then his lips kissed the tip of Andrew's penis. Andrew laid back and covered his eyes. He loved it when his brother gave him a blow job. He also like giving them. He knew Ben was bisexual and Trev was straight. But even though he only had his brother and a friend of his jack him off and he jacked them off as well as giving each other blow jobs, he never gave up his boy cherry or took someone else's boy cherry. However, even though he never gave up his cherry yet or took a cherry, he pretty much knew that he was gay. Although the thought bothered him a little because he wasn't sure what other people would think, his big brother Ben ensured him it was okay to be gay.

Ben's tongue licked the small thin shaft of Andrew's hard dick. Then he blew a sweet whisper on the wet trail that his tongue left behind. It sent shivers up Andrew's back. He licked Andrew's balls and even took them in his mouth and sucked on them. Then let the small sack fall from his warm mouth and he took Andrew's entire cock into his mouth. Ben started to slowly suck on his brother's dick. Andrew started to let out muffled whimpers and groans. Andrew's hips started to hump his brother's mouth. Ben began to bob his head up and down faster and faster. Within a few minutes, Andrew's muscles tensed up and he let out a loud moan muffled by the pillow that he used to cover his face. Once the feelings settled down he removed the pillow and asked "Did I?"

"I'm sorry Andrew, not yet."

Andrew was so disappointed. He so much wanted a wet cum, but all he had was a dry cum. He knew his twin brother had wet cums because he had watched Trev jack off numerous times and saw the clear thin liquid seep from his dick after he reached the point of ecstasy.

"Don't worry Andrew; you will have a wet cum soon enough." He leaned over and kiss his brother once more on the lips. Andrew started to undo Ben's pants, but Ben stopped him. "We don't have time Andrew. They're waiting for us."

Andrew didn't say a word. He pulled up his pants and underwear. He picked up his trumpet and blew it one last time. He placed the trumpet on the dresser in its case and he and Ben went downstairs where his mom, dad and Trev were already waiting for them.

It took six hours to reach Chicago Space Port. Their instructions were simple. They were to take the boys to the station's security office. That is where they would say their final good-byes and the security officers would then take them to the docking port where they had to go.

There was not a dry eye in the security office as good-byes were said. Even Trev cried. Mr. and Mrs. Collins forced themselves to leave telling them that they will write and that they will always love them.

Once the parents were gone, the security officer put the three scared boys in a room and waited until he got the call to bring them to the shuttle dock. His heart went out to the boys, he could tell they were good boys, but he knew they did wrong, whatever that wrong was, and now it was time to pay the piper.

March first, had finally came around. Commander Creevey stood outside the transport shuttle that will take the crew and cadets to the Lady Lex. The transport shuttle had arrived earlier that day and preparations were almost done.

"Well, my family is all settled in." said Captain Hatcher as he came out of the transport shuttle.

"Your son and daughter didn't seem too excited on coming," said Amanda.

"No, they're not happy with their father. They just don't understand. Even Mark is still pissed at me. When we called him this morning to say goodbye he refused to talk to me."

"He'll be all right, Captain. He's just a kid."

"I know. That's what my wife says, but it bother's me that Mark is mad at me. We always have been so close. But enough family business. Who is all checked in, faculty wise?"

"Your family is on board. Rev. David Kyle is on board."

"I'm glad he volunteered. Not only can he teach music to the boys, but he can be a counselor too if needed."

"I noticed that on his credentials. I think he will make a fine asset to this crew" Amanda looked over her computer note pad. "Major Zjan-Ren is on board and so is Sister Agatha."

"Ah yes, the nun from Hell," smirked Captain Hatcher.

"Hello, Captain Hatcher?" said a man coming up the loading ramp.

"Yes?"

"I'm Harrison Wolfe. Your English teacher."

"We finally meet."

"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it on time. It was hard catching a shuttle out of Mars, but I managed and I am here."

"Mr. Wolfe, this is my Executive Officer, Commander Amanda Creevey."

"Nice to meet you. If you don't mind, I like to go onboard. I am tired from the trip I just made from Mars and I would like to rest." Plus I have this gear to stow away before we leave.

"By all means, Mr. Wolfe. And thank you for signing on."

"You're very much welcome Captain. Commander." said Wolfe and then he entered the transport shuttle.

Captain Hatcher looked at his watch. "Well the boys should be here shortly. Lt. Col. Stone said he wants to bring each group of boys in separately, since they haven't met yet."

"Which group does he want first, the boys from St. Joseph's, the Augustine..."

Captain Hatcher interrupted her before she started to name all the schools that were coming aboard. "It doesn't matter much. He wants to see who the self designated leaders of each school group is. He figures if he can make him break in front of the other boys, the other boys will listen a little better."

"How does he intend to break the lead boy?"

"Don't know. As long as he doesn't kill the boy, he can do what he wants. Alex assured me that he won't abuse the kids too bad. He can't promise he won't get a little rough with one or two of them, but he ensures me he won't be abusive."

"What about the four members of the alleged Donkey gang and the three boys from Virginia. All of them are being escorted here as I speak from the space port security office. The thing is none of them are from any one specific school" said Amanda.

"Just place my nephews and the Donkey gang in the group that would be going in next once they get here."

"Aye, Sir."

"Excuse me Ma'am, who do I give my credentials too" said a Jamaican accent.

Amanda Creevey looked up to see Dr. Kula standing there. "You finally made it."

"What makes you think I was going to come?"

"Because I knew you couldn't say no to me,"

"What makes you think that?" asked Dr. Kula.

"One of your flaws is that you can never say no to me," smiled Amanda.

"That's not true. I said no to you many times," insisted Dr. Kula.

"Yes, you have, but then you went ahead and did what I asked anyway. I'm glad you came though."

"I'm not. I don't like this space travel thing."

"You'll enjoy it. I promise you that." said Amanda.

Lieutenant Colonel Stone and Master Sergeant Flint came walking up the ramp. Behind them were several busses filled with yelling and screaming boys.

"Captain, I must ask you and the others to step inside. The cadets are here and I want complete privacy. I don't want them to interact with any of the faculty and staff until I condition them over the next two days."

"That's find Colonel. All of our crew members are on board. So you can start bringing them in."

"Very good. Please tell my sergeants inside to stand by, but have Sergeant Murdock come out side. The others will know what to do."

"Okay, Colonel. One other thing, did you get the seven boys that were being escorted from the security office?"

"Yes we did. I split them up and placed them on different buses."

"Very good, Colonel."

"I will inform you Captain, when the boys are all aboard."

"Very Well. Commander Creevey, Dr. Kula will you please join me inside. It's show time." With that, Captain Hatcher, CDR Creevey and Dr. Kula entered the skin of the ship.

Lt. Col. Stone and Master Sergeant Flint looked down the ramp. They knew this was going to be challenging. There were a lot of teenage rebellious boys who were about to board ship. There were some who were smart geniuses, and there were others that were complete rocks. There were weak ones and strong ones. Quiet ones and loud ones. Tough ones and wimpy ones. But he knew that he and his men could handle them regardless what kind of boy they were.

"You wanted to see me Sir?" said Sergeant Murdock.

"We are about ready to load up the cadets. They are a fiery group. One that needs discipline. And if we are to give them that discipline they so much deserve. Master Sergeant, I want you and Sergeant Murdock to bring the cadets in. I will be inside with the other marines."

"Yes, Sir. Which group did you want first?"

"It doesn't matter. Start with the first bus." said Stone.

"I believe there are 30 boys on that bus."

"Roger that. Let's load up Marines!!!" said Stone as he entered the ship.

Master Sergeant Flint and Sergeant Murdock went down the ramp to the first bus. Master Sergeant saw something out of the corner of his eye. Behind the bus was a young boy. He quickly singled Sergeant Murdock who responded to go around the front of the bus while he went behind the bus. The boy saw them and took off, but his small legs were no match for Sergeant. Murdock.

"Thought you could get away, huh? You thought wrong."

The boy was kicking and screaming. "Leave me alone. I'm Doctor Daniels's son."

"Sure you are," said Flint. Master Sergeant Flint and all the other Marines had never seen Nipper, because he always stayed locked up in his room. And the odds of the young boy making it here unnoticed were too great. He knew the boy had to be lying. He grabbed the boy by the collar bone and marched him back to the bus. Nipper was screaming and yelling and telling the Marine who he was, but no one was believing him.

Master Sergeant Flint climbed onto the first bus with Nipper and pushed him in the front seat next to another young boy about his age. Nipper wanted to try and runaway again, but his collar bone hurt and the other Marine stood guard and he knew he couldn't out run him. He figured his only alternative was to wait until he got back onboard the transport vessel. He was pretty sure the Captain would want to see the boys before they departed Earth. He knew Captain Hatcher knew him and would rescue him. But what he didn't know was that the Captain wasn't planning on meeting the boys until they reached Mothball Graveyard.

. There were 30 boys on board between the ages of 12 and 17. They were all screaming, yelling and having a good time. In the front seat behind the driver sat a quiet lonely boy. He wasn't joining in the chaos that the other boys were creating. He was wondering why the mean men put his big brother Ben and his twin brother Trev on different buses. Even the other four boys that were at the security office were split up and put on different buses. He looked at the boy that was thrown against him. The boy was rubbing his collar bone and neck. He thought that this boy looked about the same age as him. But the way he was screaming and carrying on when brought onboard the bus, made him think that this boy was like the others and wouldn't be a good choice for a friend.

Flint stood in the front of the bus and just watched as balls of paper were tossed about and the older boys were giving the younger boys wet willies, nuggies and wedgies. After five minutes waiting and coming to a conclusion that the boys weren't going to quiet down themselves he spoke.

"Shut your mouths, Cadets!" yelled Flint. The boys slowly settled down. "Now, Ladies, I am Master Sergeant Flint, your assistant company commander. You will refer to me as Master Sergeant. Do you understand?"

Andrew looked up and said "Yes Sir," while the other boys just mumbled here and there.

"Sir? That is for officers. I am an enlisted. I should only have to tell you girls something once. I am Master Sergeant and I worked hard to earn this rank. Do I make myself clear?" yelled Flint.

"Yes Master Sergeant," said a few boys barely audible.

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" "Yes Master Sergeant," yelled a few kids but not everyone.

"I STILL CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!"

"You don't have to scream old man," said a 17 year old boy. He had long straggly hair that was dyed a bright red, with some purple mixed in. He had a big dangling earring hanging off of his left ear with the other ear contained three small earrings. He had a loop ring in his right nostril and his tongue was pierced. He wore a white "wife beater" tank top T-shirt, a pair of camouflage pants with wholes in the knees, and a pair of converse sneakers. Through his shirt, you could tell that he had his nipples pierced as well. On his right arm was a tattoo of a heart with a dagger going through it. On his back shoulder blade, he had a large tattoo of a dark warrior on a flying dragon slaying a unicorn. He took a drag of the cigarette he was smoking.

"I did not ask for your comments. What is your name Cadet?" yelled Flint.

"Cooper. Johnny Cooper." He took one last drag and flicked the butt at Master Sergeant's chest.

Flint watch the cigarette butt land on the floor of the bus. "Well, Mr. Cooper, you just earned yourself twenty pushups for speaking out of line and another twenty for littering on the bus. Now drop and give me forty."

"Screw you. I ain't doing no pushups. None of us are, are we?" said Cooper to the other boys.

All the boys, except for Andrew and Nipper, scream and yelled agreeing with Johnny. By this time, Johnny Cooper had stood up from the back seat he was sitting in and stood in the aisle at the back of the bus. Flint still stood in his spot. Flint walked up to Cooper and put his face right up to Cooper's face and said very firmly and just loud enough for Cooper to hear "You will drop and give me forty or I will take that earring of yours and shove it up your ass so high, that it get wedged in your tonsils."

Cooper just gaffed him off. "Look old man, you can play tough all you want, but it's not going to work with me. Now out of my way. I want to get off of this bus; it's getting hot in here with all the hot air you are exhaling." Cooper then pushed himself passed Flint, knocking him into some of the boys sitting in the seat next to him.

Cooper strolled down the aisle, flaunting that he won the first battle with the Master Sergeant and showed the other boys that he wasn't going to take any crap from any body. Then without warning, he felt a strong force against his back, causing him to fall down hard onto his stomach. His nose slammed on the floor and began bleeding. Sitting on top of Cooper was Flint.

"Now listen here, you little shit. I've been in the Marines for twenty-five years and in those twenty-five years, I have never put up with bonified bullshit from somebody who is junior to me. And I'm not going to start now."

"You're hurting me," groaned Cooper as Flint twisted his arm a bit.

"I did not ask for your comments. You will keep that trap of your shut, until otherwise told. Do I make myself clear?" said Flint as he twisted his arm a bit more.

"Yes,"

"Yes what?"

"Yes Master Sergeant."

"That's more like it. Now you owe me forty pushups. Begin," said Flint who was still sitting on Cooper's back

"But you're on my back."

"I don't give a flying fuck. Now begin!!"

Johnny Cooper tried his best to do forty pushups with the Master Sergeant on his back. He managed to get two out, but no more. Finally Master Sergeant pushed Johnny's face into the floor one more time and stood up and told Johnny to continue.

"Now girls, as soon as Cadet Cooper is done doing his pushups, you will exit the bus and line up next to the bus in height. The shortest person in front, the tallest in the back. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master Sergeant" said all the boys really loud.

Cooper finished his pushups and stood up. He was breathing heavy and had blood stains on his white shirt, from his bloody nose.

"Okay Girls, move. Get into position outside." yelled Flint. The boys stood up and slowly started to get off of the bus. "We don't have all day Girls. I said move. Get the lead out of your ass. Move, MOVE MOVE!!!" yelled Flint. All the boys quickly exited the bus. As they exited the bus, they were greeted by Sergeant Murdock who was also yelling at them to move quickly and to line up into position.

All the boys were lined up shoulder to shoulder facing Sergeant Murdock. Some of the younger boys already were trying to keep the tears coming out of their eyes. Andrew wasn't succeeding. He was scared and he just couldn't hold back his tears. He looked at the boy who stood next to him. It was the boy who the Marine dragged on the bus just moments ago. Andrew could see that this boy was trying not to cry either. Cooper was still trying to look tough and cool, even though Flint took away his pride in front of the other boys. The boys that he managed to instilled fear and respect into so they would look up to him.

"Everyone raise their hands up in the air!" yelled Sergeant Murdock. Some of the boys did, some didn't. "Are you deaf, raise your hands in the air!!!" Finally all the boys raised their arms in the air. "Now run in place," the boys began to run, and when they started some of them dropped their hands. "I didn't say drop your arms, put them back up and run harder."

After ten minutes of running, Murdock stopped them. "I want everyone to turn to your left. The shortest guy will be in the front and the tallest guy in the back." All boys turned, some of them getting mixed up on which way their left was. But finally they all managed to be going the same way.

"Front, don't move. Everyone else, move forward until your nose is touching the back of the neck of the person in front of you." The boys did this, there was some moaning and groaning involved.

"This does not require talking." Finally the boys were in a single filed line, with their nose touching the person in front of them. Andrew placed his nose on the back of Nipper's neck. Nipper was fortunate because he was the lead person. Sweat from the Nipper was dripping onto Andrew's nose. Andrew tried not breathing through his nose because it smelled like that the boy in front of him didn't take a bath for over a week. But in all reality Nipper had taken a bath within the past week. Just not within the past three days, ever since he ran away from Mothball Graveyard.

"Now Cadets, I am going to march you up the ramp and into the ship. Your nose will remain touching the person in front of you at all times. Once we get into the ship, you will halt on my command. There you will receive further instructions. Now on my mark, you will begin walking. You will lead off on your left foot. March" said Murdock.

The boys began walking, most of them tripping over each others feet. They walked up the ramp and into the ship. Andrew saw out of the corner of his eye, that Flint was talking to someone else, who he hasn't seen before. Flint was pointing towards Cooper. Once they came to a halt, Murdock and Flint left. The man that Flint was talking to came forward and began talking as the boys still were in very close formation and their noses were touching the person in front of them.

"I am Lt. Colonel Stone, your Company Commander. I am your worst nightmare. However, you do what I say, when I say it, then we will get along just fine. On my mark, you will enter the room on your right. You will see cardboard boxes on the floor up against the wall. You will find a box and place your toes up against it and lean forward until your forehead is touching the bulkhead. You will then wait for further instruction. Now move." said Stone.

The boys went into the room. There was no furniture in it. The only things in the room were the boxes on the floor. They were about the size of a microwave oven. The boys each found a box and did as they were told. They placed their toes so it was up against the box and leaned forward so that their forehead was resting up against the bulkhead.

"On my command Cadets, you will take off all of your clothes, including underwear and place it in the box. If you have any body piercing, you will remove them and place them in the box as well."

This instruction worried Andrew. He was afraid that if he saw the other boys naked, he would get hard and everyone would laugh or run away from him.

"This task requires no talking. Begin." said Stone.

All the boys took off their clothes and placed them in the box. Andrew left out a big sigh. He managed to stay soft. He was pretty sure it was because he was too damn scared to get hard. He just wish his brothers weren't placed on different buses. He wanted the comfort that Ben always gave him. Before Andrew moved into Ben's room permanently, he would wake up in the middle of the night when he was sacred for one reason or another and climb in bed with either Ben, his mom or dad, or even Tom his munch older brother who Andrew thought was a butthead. But now, who would he climb in bed with when he needed comforting?

Nipper couldn't believe what was happening to him as he took off his clothes. Every time he open his mouth to explain who he was, a Marine's face would invade his personal space and his faced would be showered with Marine's spit as they yelled at him to shut up. He knew once he saw Captain Hatcher everything will be all right, but he just wish it was soon. He let out some more tears and mentally kicked himself in the butt for running away. Even though the space station isn't his home, at least he would be with Douglas who he loved very much and not being treated like some criminal.

Cooper left all his body piercing in. "Cadet Cooper is it?" asked Stone.

"Yes,"

"Master Sergeant Flint told me about you. If you think Master Sergeant is bad, don't try me. I will make him look like a pussy cat. Take this as a warning. Now remove those piercing."

"Screw you. I'm leaving them in." said Cooper. He still had to show the other boys that he was still in charge.

"What did you say?"

"You hear me. Screw you. They're staying in."

Stone reached out and grabbed onto one of the nipple rings. He gave it a hard yank, ripping it off of Cooper's body.

"Ouch, son of a bitch!! You Fuck!!!" screamed Cooper as he grabbed his chest and blood was running down it. "You mother fucker, that hurt, you crazy asshole!" Cooper was moving around trying to ignore the pain that was just inflicted upon him.

"Now, remove the rest of your piercing, otherwise I will be more then happy to do it for you."

"No, no, I'll do it. Can I at least have a band aide?"

"Corporal Danzig, go find Cadet Cooper a band aide."

"Yes Sir," said Danzig as he left the room.

"Cadets, I am in charge here. As you can see, I don't take shit from no one. If you don't do what I tell you to do, I will do it for you in a manner that you will not like. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Sir," said the boys.

"Those boxes are self sealable. Go ahead and close them up. When they are sealed up, raise your hand and I will come to you with a marker, so you can place your name on them. Now do it." The boys did as they were told. By this time, the Marines had them so scared, that they did what they were told with no questions asked. Corporal Danzig returned and gave Cooper the band aid. Cooper put it on his bleeding nipple.

"Corporal Danzig will take two you at a time. The rest of you will remain in that position with your toes up against the box and your forehead on the bulkhead. Okay, Cadet Cooper and you boy, go with Corporal Danzig," said Stone, pointing to some Asian looking boy..

Cooper and the Asian boy fell out and followed Corporal Danzig back out in the corridor. Andrew just leaned up against the wall. He kept trying to look at Nipper through his peripheral vision, but it was beginning to give him a headache. Andrew really needed a friend right now. Actually what he really needed was his brother, but since he wasn't there Andrew wanted a friend. Since this boy looked close to his age, not to mention cuter than the other boys there , he hoped that maybe he and this boy could become friends.

Another Marine came into the room just moments after Corporal Danzig took Johnny Cooper and the Asian boy away. This marine was short and stocky, but well defined muscles. The sides of his head were shaved and just a little black hair was cut short on top.

"Sergeant Rigby, take these two boys," ordered Stone as he motioned to Nipper and Andrew. The two boys were followed into the hall by Sergeant Rigby. Both of them feeling uncomfortable walking around a ship naked.

The boys were led into a small room that had two shower head nozzles sticking out of the bulkhead. There were also two toilets in the room and two sinks. There were no shower curtains or dividers or anything that would give anybody privacy in the room when doing their business. Next to each toilet was a stand with a plastic bottle on it.

"Okay, Cadets. On my command you will both step up to the toilet and take the plastic bottle. You will open it and then fill it up with your urine. Do not overflow the bottle. Once you fill it up, go ahead and finishing going in the toilet. Close up the bottle and place it back on the stand. We want to see if you boys are on any kind of drugs. Do both of you have to go to the bathroom now?"

"Yes Sergeant," said both boys.

"Now go ahead and go to the bathroom."

Both boys did as they were told. They both peed in the bottle and placed it back on the stand.

Sergeant Rigby came up to the boys and held out a small computer palm pilot. He had each boy one at a time; place their thumb on the palm pilot. The palm pilot scanned their thumb print. Sergeant Rigby then added some personal information into the palm pilot, like name, birth date, and academy serial number. Once finished the computer printed out a stick with all information on it. He handed it to each boy and had them place it on their bottle of urine.

Nipper thought that when he gave his name and didn't know what his number was, the sergeant would get a clue who he was, but he didn't realize that the Marine didn't know who the ship's doctor was, and that the Marine looked at Nipper not giving him a number as insubordination. He tried to ask about seeing the Captain, but once again he failed in his request.

"All right Cadets, on my command you will both go and take a shower. You will have five minutes to wash your entire body. Don't waste your time waiting for hot water, because there is none. You will soap up your entire body and wash thoroughly."

"Uh, Sergeant, do I need to take a shower? I just had one this morning." said Andrew.

"Yes Cadet. Everyone gets a shower."

Andrew was nervous that he would get a boner in front of this cute boy. He didn't want to be embarrassed. He kept catching himself looking at the boy's flaccid dick since they first got naked. He was so scared he would get a boner in front of him and then the boy wouldn't want to be his friend what he so much needed at this point.

"But..."

"No buts about it. Get in there."

Nipper instantly went to the shower and turned it on and quickly got in the water. Andrew saw goose bumps appear on Nipper's body as he entered the cold shower. Nipper's butt cheeks tighten up as the cold water flowed over his body washing the three days of crud that had accumulated on it while hiding in dirty spaces on the transport vessel on his way to Earth. Andrew felt a stirring between his legs. It was happening. Andrew then slowly and reluctantly turned on his shower and stepped in. He had his back facing Nipper and Rigby. He looked down and saw that the cold water stopped any stirrings that were beginning. He turned off the water and took the towel that was on a stand next to the shower.

"Cadet Collins, you didn't soap up. Turn that shower on again and this time use soap." ordered Rigby.

Andrew did as he was told. He turned on the shower. He washed himself and then turned off the shower and let out a deep breath of relief, knowing that neither Rigby nor Nipper saw what had happen right before he started to get a shower.

After the showers, the boys were led back into the room wear the other boys were at. Rigby took two more of the boys to do their showers as Nipper and Andrew took their position up against the bulkhead.

Master Sergeant Flint came into the room. He went to Lieutenant Colonel Stone and told him that the boys from Augustine were in another room placing their clothes into the boxes and that Sergeant Murdock would stay with them until it is time for the boys to get their showers.

Stone acknowledged it and told Flint to bring on another group. Once the boys were on board, he would notify the captain, so they could take off and head to the Lexington.

Once all the boys in the room that Andrew and Nipper were in had gone to the showers and returned, Corporal Danzig and Sergeant Rigby lead the boys to another room on the ship. Andrew wondered where his two brothers were at. Each group of boys were in different rooms. When Corporal Danzig took the Pittsburgh boys to the other room, Lt. Colonel Stone went to greet the boys from Augustine.

Andrew and the others entered a room. There were three barber chairs in the room. Corporal Danzig told the boys to stand up against wall, like they did in the last room they were in. When their name was called, they would take their place in the barber chair. One by one, Danzig called each boy. They would come and sit in the center chair. Danzig or Rigby would place a sheet around their neck and body. They would take out a pair of clippers and shaved off all of the cadet's hair, including any facial hair they might have, except for eyebrows. He then took some shaving cream and placed it on their scalp and took a razor blade to their head, making the top of their heads look like cue balls. Cooper was more upset at this, losing all of his hair, then he was when the colonel pulled out his nipple ring.

Nipper tried to argue the point on who he truly was, but no one would listen. He let out a few more tears as he felt the baldness on top of his scalp. He couldn't believe he was now bald. He kept coming down hard on himself for ever thinking about running away let alone doing it.

Once all the boys had their head shaved, Corporal Danzig led the boys to the rooms that would be their living quarters for the first night. Each boy entered their own room. The room was about eight feet by eight feet. There were no windows or closets or even furniture in it. The rooms were a dull gray.

Andrew was the last one to be shown to his room. "Excuse Corporal Danzig, what about our clothes."

"You will get your uniform in due process. Now you will stay in here until tomorrow. Your meals will be brought to you at meal times. The next meal will be dinner. I suggest you take this time of solitude and figure out what your goals are while here and figure out what you did wrong to cause you to come to this place. It is a time of reflection." with that, Danzig shut the door and locked it behind him. Andrew was all alone. He was cold, naked, hungry and very scared. He curled up in the corner on the floor and cried hard wanting his brother to be with him.

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

Andrew didn't do too much in his room, other then just sit curled up in the corner. When Danzig brought him is dinner, which was field rations, he barely ate anything. Eventually sleep conquered him and he woke up to Master Sergeant Flint yelling for him to get up and step outside of his room. Andrew had no idea what time it was, but he knew it had to be really really early. He could feel the ship vibrate as it headed towards the Lexington.

Master Sergeant Flint showed the boys the proper way to stand at attention. Andrew looked down and saw many naked boys up and down the corridor. Each of them standing outside of his room. He didn't recognize a lot of the boys. He figured that they must be from the kids that were on the other bus. He tried to find Ben or Trev, but he couldn't see them. He thought maybe they were around the corner in the other corridor.

After Flint showed the boys how to stand at attention, he spent the next hour having the boys do push up, sit ups, and all sort of grueling exercises. Nipper's stomach was growling and his bladder was going to burst if he didn't get to a bathroom soon. After they were done doing the exercises, they stood at attention in front of the door to their rooms.

Master Sergeant Flint called out a boy's name. "Scott Starr, front and center." A boy sheepishly went to the Master Sergeant. Andrew could tell just by the way he looked, that the boy hated being here as much as he did..

Master Sergeant and the boy left the corridor. About ten minutes later, Master Sergeant Flint returned alone and he called another boys name and took him away. One by one, the group of boys dwindled down. Soon they were down to three boys. Andrew, Cooper and Nipper.

Master Sergeant Flint returned. "Cadet A. Collins. Front and Center."

Andrew gulped and followed the Master Sergeant. He led up a spiral staircase to another corridor. He led him into a room.

"Cadet Collins this is your quarters until we get to the Lexington tomorrow. Find the cot with your name on it. As you can see there are two bed sheets, a pillow, a pillow case and one blanket on your cot. I want you to make your cot and make it inspection ready. After you are done with making your cot, you go through that door over there where you will find a bathroom. Take a shower and wash thoroughly. On the bulkhead in there, you will see some uniforms hanging up. Find the hook under your name and put on your uniform. Be sure to brush your teeth. After you are done, sit at attention on the foot end of your cot, until I tell you other wise. Any questions?"

"No Master Sergeant."

"Very well." Flint then left locking the door behind him.

Andrew looked at the first cot. Saw that it belonged to Nipper Daniels. So he moved onto the other cot and saw it was his name. Before making his bed, he decided to go to the bathroom first and take his shower before anyone else got here. Andrew took his shower, brushed his teeth and found his uniform. His uniform consisted of white coveralls and white slippers. It wasn't much, but it was better then being naked. Just as Andrew came out of the bathroom, Master Sergeant Flint brought in another boy who Andrew had showered with the day prior. Master Sergeant Flint gave the same spiel to Nipper and then left, locking the door behind him.

Nipper didn't say anything. He just sat on his bed and began to cry a bit.

"You okay?"

"Why are they treating me like this? I don't belong here. It's a mistake. My dad is the ship's doctor," said Nipper who put his swollen eyes in his hands.

"You're dad is the ship's doctor?" asked Andrew.

"Yeah, I shouldn't be here you know. I hated the idea of going to the Lady Lex with my dad and brother, so I ran away. When I tried to get off the transport ship in Chicago those Marines caught me and thought I was one of you."

"One of us?" said Andrew.

"Yeah, a criminal loser,"

Andrew was not mad that Nipper called him a criminal loser. Instead he was hurt. But he let it go by the way side and tried to believe the boy's story, even though it sounded a little far fetch. Nipper looked up and saw that his rash comment had hurt the boy.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. What's your name?"

"Andrew. And that's okay, I don't mind."

"I'm Nipper."

"Yeah, I know. I was in the room with you when you gave it to that Marine after we went pee in the bottle."

"I guess I better get a shower. I am tired of being naked and cold." said Nipper. He got up and went into the bathroom.

Andrew finished his cot and sat down like he was instructed to do so. Nipper came out dressed in the same outfit as Andrew was in and began making his cot. Andrew had finished his cot, so he decided to help Nipper with his. The two boys were trying to make the bed, but it just wasn't working out. With one comic action after another, both boys fell on the floor together and burst out in a fit of giggles. This was the first time either of them had laugh in a long time.

"What's going on in here?" yelled Flint.

"Uh, nothing sir." said Andrew.

"Cadet Daniels, I notice that your cot isn't completely made. And that none of you are sitting on your cots like you were told to do so. Each of you drop and give me fifty pushups." Once they were done, they asked for permission to get up.

"Cadet Collins you will continue to do pushups until Cadet Daniels here is finished making his cot." Andrew groaned. His arms already felt like Jell-O and had no energy in them. Nipper felt really badly because of his cot, his new...friend, yes Nipper has a friend, was being punished because of him.

Andrew struggled to do his push ups as Nipper finish making his cot. Nipper tried to hurry up as fast as he could. Flint stood there in delight, watching. Once Nipper got done making his cot, the boys were lead to an eating hall. All the other boys, wearing the same white coveralls were quietly eating their breakfast of field rations. The boys didn't like the taste of the food, but were so hungry that they would eat anything.

Nipper and Andrew hung close to each other. Andrew looked over the large room with 200 boys in it and he could see Ben on the other side. Ben went to wave to his brother, but a Marine stopped it before he could get started.

"Okay ladies, since you are late because of your cots, you only have five minutes to eat. I suggest you hurry." Nipper and Andrew got their breakfast and quickly began eating it. Master Sergeant Flint stepped outside where Lt. Colonel Stone and Captain Hatcher were standing.

"What was the delay, Master Sergeant?" asked Stone.

"One of the boys didn't have his cot made. I took care of it."

"I know that Cooper kid and that boy who calls himself Donkey are going to cause some trouble." said Stone.

"The Donkey kid is all talk. Cooper is more then talk. He's dangerous. He's not afraid to throw a punch." said Flint.

"Colonel, I don't want anyone getting hurt by this kid. Do you think we should keep him in solitary?" asked Hatcher.

"No Sir. Too early too tell. Let us break him down first. He'll come around."

"Keep me inform on what their progress is. Tomorrow when we arrive at the Mothball Graveyard station, I want to talk to the boys. Then you can transport them to the Lexington."

"Is she space worthy?" asked Stone.

"She isn't ready to take flight yet, if that is what you mean. But after talking to Ely this morning, the Lady Lex does have life support systems functioning through out the faculty and family quarters, the bridge, the aft hangar, and engineering spaces. Ely assures me that by the time we arrive tomorrow, there will be life support in Hangar 3 for the boys living quarters."

"What about the gravity generators?" asked Stone.

"There we ran into a problem. AstroStarr was sending two supply ships with a bunch of donated equipment and supplies, but on their journey to the Lexington, they were intercepted by Geldon Raiders. Everything was loss. Mr. Starr the owner of the corporation is trying to get more supplies sent, but it seems like his supplies ran low all of a sudden. But he is doing his best."

"You realize Captain, Admiral Whitaker will do any means possible that would cause us to fall flat on ass?"

"I know, but we're not going to give him that satisfaction. "Well, if you excuse us, Captain, it is time for Master Sergeant and I to do some more in processing" said Stone as he and Flint entered the eating hall.

Captain Hatcher nodded and he peered through the window to the galley. He saw a back of a head of a young boy that looked familiar sitting next to his nephew, Andrew. But with all the boys bald and looking the same, he just shrugged off the feeling.

Captain Hatcher stood by a window watching the stars fly by. Commander Creevey came up behind him.

"How's everything down stairs going?"

"The boys are having a hard time adjusting, but they need to be broken down, so we can begin the real training," said Hatcher.

"I was looking over the files and records and I was assigning the shuttle crafts to the different students. Now I understand that your son and Dr. Daniels's two sons all want to do the shuttle craft classes too."

"Yes they do."

"Do we want to assign them their own shuttle craft or should I put them in with the cadets?"

"You better assign them with their own craft. Just to be on the safe side."

"That means there will only be three in their shuttle. They should have at least three more?"

"Yeah, they will need a few more boys in it. Put my three nephews in that shuttle craft team. I know they're good boys for the most part and won't cause any problems with my son or Dr. Daniel's sons."

"Very good captain. Also Captain, I got an update from the academy counsel on the Olympics. The winner of the Olympics the year before chooses an athletic sport competition for the Olympics. This breaks up the monotony of the military and academy events."

"And what has the Port Royal chose?"

"Actually, the Port Royal didn't choose anything. It is also tradition when a new academy ship enters the Olympics, it's her captain that decides on the sport. And since this year there are two new ships, the council agreed on to have two sporting competitions."

"So I get to choose a sport?"

"Yes Sir, you do."

"What has the Orion chose?"

"They chose baseball this year."

"Not much of a contact sport, but nevertheless it is a good sport. Not as good as hockey, but still enjoyable. I know my nephew's Trevor and Ben will like this. They're quite good you know."

"There will be two leagues for the sports. There will be a junior varsity team and a varsity team."

"Good, I am sure we have enough ball players to make a decent team."

"And what about your sport, Captain?"

"That's simple. Hockey."

"Hockey? Do we have the talent on board for that sport?"

"I don't know, but I will be the hockey coach. Get Dr. Daniels to be the baseball coach. He knows a lot about baseball. He taught Douglas how to pitch."

"This brings up another point. Will your children and the Doctor's children be able to play?"

"Why the hell not? As far as I am concerned, they can take up any activity that our school offers. They might not sleep with the cadets or be put on work details like them, but if they want to play sports or learn how to pilot a shuttle class or take instrument lessons from Rev. Dawson, then by all means let them."

"Yes Captain. I will make the necessary arrangements then."

Andrew took off his uniform and hung it up neatly. It has been an agonizing and grueling day for him. Every muscle in his body hurt. His ears still rang from all the yelling that the Marines have done to him. He watched Nipper as he took off his uniform. Both boys collapsed on their cots naked. For they were never issued a pair of underwear. Just those white baggy coveralls.

The night went on and Nipper didn't fall asleep. He lay on his cot letting tears trickle down his cheeks from time to time. He thought for sure he would see the Captain today, but he didn't. But he knew tomorrow he will be back at Mothball Graveyard Station and he will get himself out of this mess. Nipper was missing his brother and his father very much. His heart ached as he thought about his mother and how much he wished she had never died.

Nipper's heart stopped as he felt someone climbed into his cot with him. Nipper realized it was Andrew. Andrew lay on his side like Nipper was doing and nestled his butt close to Nipper's groin. Andrew reached over and grabbed Nipper's arm and pulled it around him.

Nipper wasn't sure if Andrew knew what he was doing. He whispered Andrew's name, but he never responded to it. This was a new feeling for Nipper. Normally he was the one who cuddled into Douglas's arms; he never had anyone cuddle into his arms for comfort. It was definitely a new feeling, but a feeling he liked...a lot. He scooted in closer to the naked boy where his growing dick rested along the crack of Andrew's cute butt. Andrew pulled on Nipper's arm, as if telling Nipper that he was happy that Nipper had scooted in closer. Nipper felt needed here. His new friend needed him... Nipper Daniels. Douglas was right, maybe not all the boys needed him, but this one in particular did and he was there for him. Nipper was glad he became friends with Andrew. Earlier in the day he found out that he and Andrew were

in the same grade. So Nipper was excited that he could be with Andrew at school, even if he wouldn't be allowed to be with him outside of the classroom. He found out too that they had so much in common too. Especially that both of them played a musical instrument. Soon, the room was filled with light snoring from both boys.

Sergeant Murdock slammed open the door and turned on the lights to Andrew's and Nipper's sleeping quarters. Andrew fell out of Nipper's cot with a thud and Nipper quickly pulled the covers over his eyes to block the blinding light.

"Come on Cadets, time to get up. You have 20 minutes to shower and make your cots." Said Murdock not noticing that the two boys had slept together that night.

Nipper dragged himself out of bed. Andrew stood up and stretched and started to turn red when he noticed he had a morning boner. He tried to cover it up but it was too late. Nipper saw it.

"I got one too," giggled Nipper as he showed Andrew his dick standing up on end. The boys giggled together and they went on to make their cots and take their showers. Finally Andrew and Nipper were done and they had a quick breakfast.

Lieutenant Colonel. Stone stood in front of the boys standing in formation. He could tell some of them were fighting against the transformation, Cooper especially, but majority of them were falling into place pretty well. Among the cadets stood TJ, Ben, Trev, Scooter, Jeff, Mike, Gerbil, Andrew, Nipper, and Ryan.

"Cadets, we are currently docking with the space station in Mothball Graveyard. When told to do so, you will march nut to butt, like you did when you first came on this ship, into the hangar of the space station. You will then get into formation and stand at attention. The commanding officer will then address you all. Once he is done, you will be escorted on board a shuttle craft for transfer to the Lexington. There you will receive further attention. Everyone understand?"

"Yes, Sir!" yelled all the cadets.

Nipper was finally relieved. He will be able to see the captain and get himself out of this mess.

Corporal Murdock came walking in. "Colonel we are docked and have permission to proceed out."

"Very well Corporal. Cadets! Attention! On my mark, get in single file line, nut to butt, with the shortest man in front, tallest in the back. Now."

All the boys proceed to get into line. This position was all too familiar for them by now. Over the past two days, this is how they march to the different areas on the ship.

"Let's move out," said Stone as he leads them off the transport ship.

Ensign Kalon Masters sat in the co-pilot's seat of the McNair. Lieutenant Xara was acting pilot and was sitting right next to Kalon. Kalon was busy whittling a statue out of a piece of wood. Kalon was known through his ship, the "Renegade", for his talent in wood carving as well as practical jokes, breaking the rules, and always finding trouble.

Xara started to make some changes to the helm console.

"What are you doing?" asked Kalon.

"I have to adjust the course to Mothball Graveyard."

"Why?" "We are coming up to an asteroid field. I'm going to go around it."

"Asteroid field? How big?" said Kalon as he sat up and started looking at the computer console.

"It's about 50 kilometers deep." replied Xara.

"According to this, Mothball Graveyard is 20 kilometers past the asteroids. If we try going around the field it will take us over ten more hours." said Kalon.

"It could be worse."

"Xara," said Kalon in a "don't trust Kalon" tone.

"No!!!"

"You don't even know what I am going to say." said Kalon already defending himself.

"We are not doing an Asteroid run."

"I'm probably not going to be able to fly a shuttle for a long time. I will be too busy teaching kids how to wipe their butts and flush the toilet after they are finished. Please let me fly the McNair one last time."

"Kalon, if Captain E'Than would find out, I could be demoted."

"He's not going to find out. Come on, let me fly the McNair one last time. You know I can handle a small asteroid field like this one. I've done it many times."

Xara looked at Kalon. She knew he could handle it, for he was a really good pilot. She looked into his mismatched eyes. A blue one and a brown. Then she left out a big sigh. "I'm gonna regret this. I just know it. The console is all yours."

"Xara, you're the best, hang on, here we go."

Kalon removed his sunglasses that were hanging from his black T-shirt. He placed them over his eyes. He reached down and turned on some old Earth music. The sounds of Jimmy Buffet and his song Cheeseburger in Paradise blared throughout the shuttle. Kalon zoomed into the field, making hard turns and dodging small and large asteroids a like. He had lowered the inertia dampening field, so that he could feel the movements of the ship a lot more. If he would have left the dampening fields on full, he could slow down and speed up, with out feeling anything as if he was just standing still.

"Kalon, I am picking something up on sensors."

"What?"

"Some sort of a ship or station. I am having a hard time getting a fix on it."

Kalon did some more dodging and looping of the shuttle craft. He was having a blast in the asteroid field. "Anything yet?"

"Yes, I got a fix. Some sort of a station over on that huge asteroid over there," pointed Xara.

"It's probably a mining station. Did you try hailing them?"

"No, but you are probably right. Come on, let's get out of this asteroid field before our luck runs out."

Soon, the shuttle craft made its way out of the field with out a scratch on it. "See I told you I could do it. Not much farther now." said Kalon.

"Wow, look at all of those ships." said Xara.

"Haven't you ever been to Mothball Graveyard?"

"No, I haven't."

"It is only the largest star ship junk yard on this side of the universe."

"There's the space station. Looks like a transport ship is about ready to dock." said Xara.

Kalon Masters tapped on the communication link. "Mothball Graveyard, this is Ensign Kalon Masters of the SFA Renegade's shuttle craft, McNair requesting permission to dock."

"We have you on screen McNair," said a voice. "Please proceed to hangar 23 at the following coordinates. Once you reach position, our computer will lock on to yours and bring you into landing."

"Roger that." said Kalon.

After a half hour of docking procedures, Kalon finally opened the door to the McNair and stepped out. He had a big duffel bag of his belongings propped up on his shoulder.

"Xara, how about getting something to eat, before you head back?" asked Kalon.

"Excuse me, are you Ensign Masters?" said a women coming into the hangar.

"Yes I am."

"Hi, I am Commander Amanda Creevey. The Executive Officer of SFA Lexington."

"Nice to meet you Boss. This is LT Xara, she was my ride here."

"Lieutenant," acknowledged Amanda. "We just arrived here about an hour ago ourselves. The Captain is about ready to address the boys for the first time. After that, the boys will be transferred to the Lexington. He will then have a staff meeting in Conference Room 2 in A sector of the ship. He wants everyone to be there."

"I was hoping to freshen up real quick," said Kalon. "It was a long trip."

"Not a problem. I will show you to your quarters."

"But aren't we staying on the Lexington?" asked Kalon in confusion.

"Only the boys are. Life Support systems are only on line in 50 percent of the ship. The bridge, after hangar, Staff and family quarters, hangar 3, and engineering spaces are the only areas of the with life support. In addition, the Lady Lex has no gravity generators, so the Captain thought we could stay here until we find some somewhere."

"No gravity generators. We get to float around then. That could be fun."

"Now if you follow me Ensign, I will show you to your quarters."

Kalon turned to Xara. He couldn't' believe this was a good bye. He wouldn't see her or any other crew members of the Renegade for a long time. "Well, Xara, have a safe trip back. I'll see you when school lets out."

"Good luck Kalon. We'll miss you."

Kalon and Amanda then exited the hangar.

"Welcome back," said Ely Storm as he saw Captain Hatcher walk down the corridor of the space station.

"Thanks, Ely. How's the Lady Lex?"

"We have life support systems working on the bridge, aft hangar, Hangar 3, engineering, and family quarters. You wouldn't believe the mess that the systems were in. We still don't have gravity, weapons, propulsion, and communications. I know you want to get her moving by April first, but we will be lucky to get her moving by April 31 of next year."

Stephen Hatcher laughed. "I know she isn't the greatest shape, but we will manage."

"It wouldn't be so bad if the supply shuttles weren't attacked by the raiders. It pisses me off that it happened. Not to mention that Gordon Starr is trying to do his best to supply us with stuff, but everything is falling through. Something out there is working against us. And I think that something is called Admiral Whitaker."

"I know Whitaker is an ass, but I don't think he would hire raiders to attack some supply shuttles."

"Yeah, but try this on for size. The `Excalibur' is on the other side of the junk yard, doing nothing."

"But she is sold," "No she's not. Whatever Admiral Whittaker told you was a lie. He just didn't want us to get our hands on a ship like that. His odds of winning this wouldn't be as good."

"Maybe Mr. Chan will let us cannibalize the `Excalibur'."

"Steve, I already thought of that, but Mr. Chan has strict orders not to sell or give any of the Excalibur parts to us. Whittaker is making this impossible for us."

"We'll figure something out, we have to. We have to give these boys a chance to succeed. We have to. Look, I am due to meet the cadets here in a few minutes. Afterwards I am having a meeting with all the officers, we will discuss more then."

"Very well Steve. Oh, one other thing, we fasten a bunch of cots to the deck in Hangar 3 for the cadets."

"Good, as soon as the boys fix the life support systems in their living quarters, they can move into more comfortable rooms. I'll see ya in a few."

"Welcome back Captain, you just get in?" said Dr. Daniels as he came down from another tunnel ramp that lead to a docking hatch.

"Welcome back, yourself" said Hatcher.

"How did you make out with the medical supplies?" asked Ely.

"I might not have the state of the art equipment in my sickbay, but I do have enough stuff to get us through most casualties," assured Dr. Daniels.

"Good, at least something is going right for us," said Ely.

"Now if you don't mind Gentlemen, I am going to go see my boys, get cleaned up and get this gear unloaded," said Dr. Daniels. He then headed off to Douglas' and Nipper's quarters. He was excited to see them again. He knew Nipper was upset for leaving him behind, but he hoped that Nipper got over it.

"Excuse me Captain, but the boys are standing at attention in the hanger bay. They're ready for you," said Lieutenant Colonel. Stone.

"Very good Colonel. Well Ely it is time to address our cadets. I will see you in about an hour to discuss details on stuff."

"Very good Steve." Ely then went on about his business as Captain Hatcher and Lieutenant Colonel. Stone went to address the boys.

To Be Continued

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