A New Day Dawns

Short Residence, Des Moines, Iowa:

"DJ!!!" Timmy screamed. "Nooooooooooooooooooo!"

Sean and Cory jumped up and ran to the recliner to see what was going on. They were both surprised to see Timmy drenched in sweat; breathing heavily and showing his war paint.

"What's wrong, kido?" Cory asked in shock.

"Daddy!!" Timmy started crying hysterically as he lunged out to Cory. "DJ's hurt! He's hurt!"

It took a minute to calm Timmy down enough to talk, and then Sean asked him, "Who's DJ, munchkin?"

"I don't know Papa," Timmy sniffled. "But he's hurt."

"Was it just a bad dream, lil' guy?" Cory asked.

"NO, DADDY!" Timmy replied forcefully. "DJ's hurt and he is asking for help."

"Well tell us where to find him Timmy, and I promise we'll go help him." Cory calmly replied.

"I don't know Daddy!" Timmy said as he starting sobbing uncontrollably. "I (gasp) just (gasp) don't know."

Cory reached around and felt his son's forehead. He looked up at Sean and said, "Babe, go get Mom, Doc Austin and Dan. He's burning up; one of them has gotta know what's up. Jamie, Jacob; see if you can figure out what's happening!"

As Sean ran out of the room, Cory held his son, stroking his hair and telling him it would all be okay.

---

After their first night together, DJ and Tanner woke up early enough to watch the sunrise. As the first signs of light were making their way into the eastern horizon, Tanner was busy getting the fire re-started.

Once they had the fire going good and the water was getting hot for their cocoa, DJ said, "Last night was awesome. I am so glad I have you. I can't imagine life without you now."

"Me, too babe," Tanner replied. "I just hope and pray that we find a place to grow up and be who we are, without someone trying to tell us that our love is wrong."

"I have to be honest with you Tanner," DJ stated. "Last night I had a very strange dream. At first I was dreaming of you, but then it turned into yesterday all over again, and during all of that, a small boy named Timmy and an eagle was reaching out to me telling me to follow them and everything would be alright. It was as though I could feel everything going on in Timmy's mind, and I know he could feel everything I was feeling too. It was like we were connected."

"That is a weird dream DJ," Tanner replied. "Did the sight of the boy and eagle scare you?"

"No," DJ said. "Just the opposite. When Timmy told me to take his hand, I felt like everything would be okay. It was like he wanted to lead me to safety."

"Well then I think that is just God's way of telling you we are doing the right thing by getting out of that situation and trying to find a better life. Or," he joked, "it was indigestion from those burgers we ate last night."

Seeing that his stupid comment had just upset his love, Tanner reached over and pulled him into a hug and said, "I am sure it was the first thing and not the second. I was just trying to make you laugh."

DJ just stared at Tanner for a moment to see if he was serious. When he finally was satisfied he said, "Well, on a different note then, I think the person we read about in the paper is the right place to look. If I understood all of that correctly, she is helping kids in situations exactly like us."

"I agree," Tanner added, "But I still think we need to lay low for a while and make our own way to her, because I don't want your dad or my fosters causing them problems. Besides, I am not ready to face the world yet. I just want to be with you."

"Okay; but I think instead of lying low we should try to get out of here soon," DJ noted. "If they can track us using that ATM charge, and my dad sees Auburn, he will be able to figure out where we are. I think we need to eat breakfast and look at the map. Once we figure out where we are going we can discuss how and get a move on. I want to be able to throw people off. What do you think?"

"Makes sense, I mean what would they do to two 13 year old runaways," Tanner said. "We would probably end up in juvie and split apart forever. I would rather be dead than apart."

"I know, me to," DJ agreed.

As the two boys started getting ready for breakfast both was thinking about what was going on, what they could do, and where they were going.

---

Tanner's thoughts

'What a night. I can't believe that we are here. What happened to having loving families? Now all we have left is each other and the hope that we can find the love of a family again. I really think that this Teri person is the right person to ask, but what am I supposed to do, just call her and say, "Hi Ms. Short, I'm Tanner and I'm 13 years old. Can you help me?" Yeah right, she'd just send me right back to the foster �rents who would love to kick my ass again. All they ever did was drink, do drugs and spend time on the computer. No love there.'

'God, please help us to find this Ms. Short. I think that she is the direction you are pointing us in. Please help us find the way. Also, God ... Thank you for giving me DJ. I promise I won't let him down, Amen.'

---

DJ's thoughts

'I can't get over that dream. It was sooooo real. I swear that a kid named Timmy and an eagle was pulling me someplace. I think if I would have let them pull me away, I wouldn't be here right now. Was I dying? I know that can't be right. I can feel him right now. He is someplace talking about me. He wants to help me. Who is this kid? Will he help Tanner, too?'

'I feel so much better today though. I got away from dad and now I have Tanner. I don't know how we are going to get to Des Moines, it is sooooo far away. But I know that is where we have to go. I hope this Mrs. Short person is all she is cracked up to be in the papers.'

'God, thank you so much for Tanner. He is the missing part of my soul. I feel like I was always meant to be with him. Please guide us safely to where you think we should be, Amen.'

---

Once they had breakfast done, they started eating and looking at the map.

"Well," Tanner began. "It looks like we have about 1700 miles to get to Des Moines, and that is following the highway, which would be impossible to do all of the time. If we walked 30 miles a day it would take us about 2 months to get there. That would put us into November, and probably snow. So we have to figure out a better way to get there. We have the money to take the bus, but if we do that we would have to change our appearance and go in different directions so they couldn't track us as easily. I suggest we walk, then take a bus, walk some more, take a different bus and zigzag around so we aren't so traceable. What do you think?"

DJ digested all that Tanner had said, and stated very urgently, "I think we should get started as soon as possible then. The longer we stick around here the more chance there is of us being caught."

After they had finished talking the boys turned around to go and start packing. When they looked around both froze in sheer terror. There standing no more than 10 feet away from them was a young man and woman, no more than 20 years old staring at the two of them.

"We're not going to hurt you, and we're not cops," the man began. "My name is Russ and this is my fiance Sara. What are your names?"

Both boys looked apprehensively at each other, set their jaws, and kept quiet.

"Okay, I understand you not wanting to talk," Sara began. "So why don't you listen for a couple of minutes. Let us talk to you and if after we've had the chance to talk, we will walk away and leave you alone if you want us too, okay?"

"And then what!" DJ spat out. "You're gonna call the cops?"

"No," Russ promised. "We won't call the cops. Okay?"

DJ looked at Tanner and just nodded.

Tanner said, "I'm Tanner and this is DJ."

"Well guys," Sara stated. "We're glad to meet you. How old are y'all?"

"13," DJ replied.

"Do you mind if we sit down?" she asked.

"Please, help yourself," Tanner said as he gestured to his right. "Pull up a log."

"Thank you," Russ began. "So, would you like to talk about what happened to make you guys runaway?"

"What makes you think we're runaways?" DJ asked defensively.

"We kind of overheard a lot of what you were saying a few minutes ago," Sara said gently. "It's okay. I promise that you can trust us."

"Do you mind if DJ and I go and talk alone for a couple of minutes?" Tanner asked.

"Take as much time as you need," Russ said. "We aren't going anywhere."

When they were safely out of earshot Tanner looked at DJ and said, "I don't know, babe. They seem like they are being honest. What do you think?"

"The only thing I can say is that my gut tells me it's okay to trust them," DJ began. "I'm willing to talk to them and see where it goes. If they are really willing to help us, let's see how much. But before we make any decisions, you and I will have to talk them over. Does that sound fair to you?"

"It sounds fair," Tanner replied. "But I want to make sure that no cops or agencies get involved. I don't trust any of them. I don't want us getting split up."

"Okay then, let's go and hear what they have to say," DJ said.

While the boys were away talking, Russ looked at Sara and said, "I don't know why I feel this way, but we have to help them."

"I agree," Sara started. "Something about those two just cries for help. I am willing to help them in anyway that we can."

"I'm sorry that this is putting a damper in our weekend together," Russ said.

"Hey," Sara replied. "We have the rest of our lives together. You know my beliefs. God will give us challenges and projects as He sees fit. I believe we were sent here to help these little guys. So no apology is necessary. Lets see what we can do for them, okay?"

"Okay."

As Russ and Sara finished their conversation the boys walked back into the clearing and announced that they were willing to talk to them.

"I'm glad," Sara stated.

"But," Tanner interjected. "You have to agree that no matter what, you won't involve the police or any form of government, okay?"

"You're not going to tell me you're an axe murderer, are you," Russ joked.

"No," Tanner somberly answered. "We haven't broken any laws other than running away. Well, actually, I did, but I had a good reason. I was trying to save DJ's life, but we'll tell you all about that."

With that the boys made themselves comfortable and began with yesterday morning. They told them everything, even the part about coming out to each other. When they reached the abusive part Russ interrupted them by saying, "I think I'm going to be sick."

Sara watched in shock as her fiance ran to the trees and was violently sick. After the heaving subsided, he took a swig of his water, gargled and spit. He then made his way back to the group.

"I'm sorry about that," he began. "It just makes me sick to think that a father would do that to his son. He actually was going to force you to do that? Why?"

"Because I'm a no good queer," DJ said.

"Whoa," Russ growled. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop right there. Don't you ever let me hear you talk like that again! Do you know how much B. S. that is? Don't ever talk down about yourself like that. You're gay, not queer. And so what, it's who you are. Don't give up your own dignity and stoop down to the level of that no good s.o.b. by calling yourself that. Let me set you straight here. My younger brother was gay. That's right, was. He talked down about himself too; he let everyone talk down to him. He finally started to believe that he was no good. Finally I came home one day and found him hanging naked from the rafters in the garage. He killed himself. He was only 15! And do you know who called him no good most of the time? It was my father!"

Russ was so worked up by this that he was shaking, Sara was sitting in shock, and both boys were crying.

When they finally regained their composure Russ said, "I'm sorry guys. It hurts a lot to bring that stuff up, but you needed to hear it. I just don't want to see you go down the same path as my kid brother."

"What was his name," DJ asked?

"Colton."

DJ got up and went over to Russ and wrapped him up in as big a bear hug as he could and said, "Thank you, from me and Colton."

Russ looked at him with tears in his eyes and said, "No. Thank you."

When he was finally ready to let go, Russ reached up and tickled DJ's ribs. However, instead of a giggle, the response was DJ turning white as a sheet and whimpering.

"What's going on here?" Sara asked?

"They hurt really badly,"DJ replied.

"Let me take a look, okay," Sara requested. "It's okay, I'm almost finished with my nursing degree."

DJ reluctantly pulled up his shirt. What everyone saw was enough to make Tanner see red. There in the middle of DJ's stomach was a black, blue, purple, and yellow bruise about 8 inches in diameter.

"How did this happen?" she asked.

"It must have happened when my dad hit me," DJ replied.

"That jerk!" Tanner screamed. "If I ever see him again, he'll wish I would have killed him yesterday!"

With that comment both Russ and Sara looked at him strangely.

"Why don't you and I go finish our talk about what happened yesterday, while Sara bandages up those hurt ribs, okay," Russ requested.

While Sara was busy taking care of DJ's bruising, Tanner finished the rest of the story about how he had beat Colin with a baseball bat. He also told them about what had happened when they snuck into the foster �rents. He even went so far as to tell Russ about Colin being a cop, and how he was afraid that all cops stick together and no one would have believed them.

"I normally would never condone what you guys did," Russ plainly stated. "But under the circumstances, I think you did the right thing in running away. Who knows what else could have happened yesterday, or any other day for that matter, if you hadn't gotten out. I swear to you Tanner, we will help you in any way we can. I have a couple of ideas, but let's go discuss them with Sara and DJ as well, okay?"

"Okay."

The two guys walked back into the camp just in time to see Sara helping DJ get his shirt back on and say, "there, does that feel better?"

"A little bit," DJ answered.

"You're going to have to take it easy on those ribs for about a week or two. No wrestling with your boyfriend," she smirked.

DJ turned about every possible shade of red and meekly replied, "Okay."

Sarah then continued, "I don't think any of them are broken. Fractured maybe, but not broken. You just have one heck of a bruise. If it doesn't get any better soon, or you see blood in your pee, then its hospital time, understand?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good."

Russ and Tanner made their presence known when Russ announced, "Okay, I have some ideas as to how we can help you, but first I need to get some more information, all right?"

"What do you want to know?" DJ asked.

"Well for starters, when Sara and I walked up on you guys, you were talking about going to Des Moines, is that true, and if so why?"

DJ handed Russ the article from the paper and said, "Here, read this and you'll understand why we chose Des Moines."

After he and Sara had both read the article, she stated, "I've heard about that Safe Haven Act. It was first used to help Aaron Carter."

"Okay," Russ began. "I agree with your thought process that she is the one to ask for help. With that in mind, why don't you just call her?"

Tanner took over and told them that he believed that if they just called her, they would be sent back. That and they both wanted there to be some cool down time for both families involved. He explained their fears and finally told them that they thought it would be best if they made their way out to her and then asked her for help in person.

Russ said, "While I don't necessarily agree with your thought process on this one, I will respect it. Are you absolutely sure that you want to go that route?"

Tanner replied with certainty, "This might be our only chance to grow up without people telling us we are wrong for who we are. If we work our way towards our goal, we always have the option of making that call or going to some agency. But if we make that call now, we are not going to be given the same types of options, and we could very well be split apart. Does that make any sense to you?"

"Okay then," Russ stated. "Here is what I propose. You two should come with us to our hometown, Wendover, Utah. When we get you there, take a day or two break to look at your options of where you will go from there. Then Sarah and I will put you on a bus to your next stop. Does that sound okay so far?"

Both boys nodded in the affirmative.

"I know you thought that it would take you a couple of months to get to Des Moines. I would prefer it only take you a couple of weeks at most. The longer that you two are out on your own, the more chances there are for something bad to happen. Neither Sara nor I want to see that happen. I am already willing to break major laws to help you, but I also want to have some assurance that you are safe. Are you willing to agree with us on this?"

The boys looked at each other for a long moment before DJ gave their reply. "We appreciate what you are wiling to do for us, and we don't want to cause you trouble. We are wiling to go with you to Wendover. The further we get away from here the better. There are a few more things that I would like to tell everyone once we get going. And also, Russ, we are paying for the gas and any other expenses to get there or the deal is off, okay?"

"Okay."

"I guess we had better get camp cleared up and pack." Tanner said.

Since everyone worked together to get the boys ready to go, the job only took a matter of minutes. Before they left, DJ doused the fire and cleaned up any evidence of their ever being there. With one last glance around the perimeter, Tanner and DJ headed hand in hand for the car and the unknown.

Once they got to Russ's Chevy Avalanche and loaded up, Sara asked them if they had learned anything from this experience.

Tanner started off by saying that he had learned to show trust while being cautious. He had also learned that not everyone in the world was out to get him, and sometimes you just have to go with your gut.

DJ said a few different things. For instance he told everyone that he learned that you're not born into a family, a family is made of love and respect. For that reason his father was no longer considered family. Secondly he mentioned that he learned that sometimes it is better to get another person's opinion before reacting to something. And finally he changed the whole mood and even got Russ to shoot his soda 10 feet away through his nose when he said, "The biggest thing I learned, is that even though my dad is a jerk and I hate his guts for what he did, if I end up anything like him physically, I'm gonna be hung!!"

Tanner just turned every shade of red possible as he nodded his head.

Sara just smiled, shook her head and said, "Get in the truck, horse boy!"

---

Colin McAllister's House:

After being released from the hospital with a broken nose, mild concussion, and a splitting headache, Colin made his way home to begin working on damage control. His first call was to Steve and Mary.

"Steve," Colin began. "We need to get together, and soon, so we can get this situation under control."

"I agree," Steve replied. "We've already been visited by one of Dixon's finest to investigate."

"Who was it?" Colin asked.

"Detective Rob Gunn," was Steve's answer.

"Good," Steve laughed. "He couldn't find his own butt with a roadmap and a rope. Just get over here so we can go over things. There were a few interesting developments before I got this headache that will make our cash flow situation even sweeter. Bring some beer and a pizza when you come, okay?"

"Sure thing, Colin," Steve said. "Mary should be home soon, and then we'll be on our way."

As soon as Steve hung up with Colin, he called Mary and told her to grab the beer and pizza then pick him up so they could go and have their pow wow with Colin. Mary told him that she would be there in about 15 minutes. He told her he loved her and hung up.

---

Colin's Thoughts

'I've got to go about this the right way. First, I want to make that little shit pay for bashing me in the melon. But I have to do it in a way that he doesn't cry abuse. I need to apologize for what I did. Make him believe that I was just trying to scare him away from a gay lifestyle. He should believe that, after all I am his dad. I can't let him know that I want him to continue his escapades. Shit, the black market value for surveillance tapes of those two getting it on would be worth a fortune. Why should I care if he turns out to be a fag as long as I can make some god money off of it?'

'I also have to get in touch with that freak, Rob Gunn. I have to find out what he knows. Make him believe that I only want to find my son and bring him home. If I sweet talk the D.A., I can make sure that neither of the boys spends any time at all at Juvie. Rob has no reason to suspect anything anyway. I mean damn, I've been on the force for 18 years, his supervisor, Jack, is one of my oldest friends, and Rob and Jack have known each other since junior high. I think a few calls to some friends should get everything working in my favor. I want to make some money; a cop's salary is pitiful. I just have to play this like the grief stricken parent whose son is missing.'

---

When Steve and Mary arrived, Colin showed them to the living room and went into the kitchen to get some plates and napkins for the pizza. When he came back out, he said "The boys took over four hundred dollars from my safe when they left here. I think the little shit's have just gone off for a weekend of fun at my expense. My guess is that they are at the river, camping out, and letting things cool off."

"Why did they bash your head and run?" Mary asked.

"Well," Colin smirked, "that's actually part of the reason we are going to make so much more money when they get back."

Steve and Mary both looked at him with a confused look, so he continued by saying, "When I came home the other day, I walked in on them being queer with each other. Our two little boys have decided they want to play the fag game. So, if I strategically place some cameras in this room and Tanner's as well, we should be able to catch some stuff that is worth far more than the couple of thousand pictures we have of those two going solo."

"So they hit you and ran because you caught them?" Steve queried.

"No, they did that because I let my dick get the better of me. When I saw them doing that, I decided I would get in on the action. When I told DJ to go down, he threw up and I lost my temper and threw him into the wall. When I did that, his little boyfriend Tanner came to his rescue."

Steve looked at him with a grin and said, "You know, if we could get them to do some stuff like that we could really bring in the cash."

Mary just smiled and gave a weak laugh.

"So what I am going to do is first thing tomorrow I am going to make some phone calls to some of my good friends at the DA's office, Rob Gunn's boss and Rob himself. I am going to get as much information as I possibly can and see if I can help in the investigation. Seeing as how he is my son, they should welcome my help in finding him. But I bet they are home on their own before Tuesday. Let them have their little weekend out. Make them think they made a mistake. When they get home we have to show them love and caring and let them think they are forgiven. If we do that, by this time next year we will be very rich."

Before they got ready to leave Steve threw in one more piece of vital information when he said, "Tanner took his ATM card to his inheritance money with them. The funds in there are very low; about $500 I think, since we transferred all of his money to our accounts. If he tries to use it though, we will be able to find out exactly where they are."

"Good going Steve," Colin beamed. "See if you can track them that way, and I'll see what I can find out through my channels. We can get together for dinner tomorrow night and share what we know. Who knows? Maybe they will be home tomorrow night."

---

Rob Gunn's House:

As Rob was eating lunch and going over some of his notes from his investigation, the private cell phone rang; causing him to dump a forkful of macaroni and cheese right down his clean pressed white shit.

'Damn,' he thought, 'what a mess. I guess I am going to have to change shirts now.'

Rob picked up the phone and answered, "Gunn here."

"Rob, Jack here."

"Jack," Rob began, "I was just about to call you."

"I beat you to it," Jack teased. "Listen, there is a couple of reasons that I am calling. First of all, I needed to let you know that Jason set up an appointment for you to speak with Admiral Morrow at Starfleet. He will be expecting your call shortly. He will fill you in on some details that I am not privy to. Second, I am backing down from this investigation just a little bit. The reason for that, and Jason agrees, is Colin might try to contact me for some information and the less I know, the less he can try to pry out of me. Be warned, he will probably try to contact you as well, and if he does we have to play this right. You will have to act like you know nothing else and you are conducting a routine investigation to try and help one of your brother officer's get his son back. Finally, I wanted to tell you that I got Colin's house bugged for you. He came home today and I want us to know what is going on. Before you ask, Jason got that one done through his uncle. Do you have any questions for me?"

"No my friend, I don't right now," Rob stated. "I just want you to know that I will not let you or those boys down. I will see them to safety, and WE will see Colin and anyone else involved in this go down. I promise."

"Your promise to me is worth gold, Rob," Jack said. "This will have an acceptable ending. Now go and make that phone call. Jason has emailed you the correct phone number and authorization code. Be safe my friend."

With that Rob ended the call and checked his email. When he opened up the secure encoded message, he read it, and then began dialing the appropriate sequence on his phone. The call was immediately answered and he was prompted to give his authorization code.

"Gunn six one x-ray delta golf," he replied.

"Authorized. Transferring call, please hold."

Rob waited for all of 3 seconds before a voice came on the line saying, "Detective Gunn, I appreciate your promptness in this call. I will try to keep this short and to the point. First of all, I am Admiral Harrison Morrow, and it is a pleasure to be working with you. The reason I wanted to speak with you is this. I realize that you are on a detached duty status with your department to investigate the allegations of one Colin McAllister and the disappearance of two minor children DJ McAllister and Tanner Michaels. At the request of my nephew, your captain, you have the full assistance of Starfleet, and as of a short time ago, Clan Short of Vulcan."

"Pardon my interruption sir," Rob stated. "But did you just say Clan Short of Vulcan? Would this be the same �Short' as in Teri Short that I was briefed about?"

"Close, Detective," the Admiral began. "Teri Short is the mother of the Clan Patriarch, Cory Short. Cory also happens to be an Ensign assigned to the USS Enterprise . They will be assisting you as they have diplomatic immunity that will prove vital in bringing these boys to safety and putting that piece of trash Colin away for good. Mr. Gunn, I'll make no bones about it - I want to see these boys to a safe place and bring Mr. McAllister to justice, and you have our full support. From this point forward I would like to list you as a liaison between local authorities and Starfleet command. I would also like your permission to have some of my security personnel beam to your home and set up a console which will allow you to communicate better between Clan Short, Director Short, myself, and my security division. They will also assign you a communicator and a phaser, and give you instruction on all of their uses. Would that be acceptable?"

"Yes Admiral, that would be fine," Rob answered.

"In that case, please stand by while I have them beam to your location with the equipment. They will beam in right next to you, so don't be alarmed."

Rob, even though he had been warned, flinched when no more than 10 seconds later watched as 3 people materialized right before his eyes.

The security officer closest to him approached and said, "Detective, I am Lt. Commander Christiansen. Please continue your conversation with the Admiral. We will set this equipment up in the corner by your computer and explain everything to you when you are done speaking, is that acceptable."

"Yes Commander it is, thank you," Rob replied.

"That won't take them but a few minutes to complete, so I will finish this up," the Admiral began. "After you are trained, it would be in your best interest to contact Teri Short and Clan Short. They already have a great deal of information about the situation, and have already taken measures to ensure the success of this operation. I have been in personal contact with Ensign Short and have informed him of your pending contact with them. Please do not be offended when you see these people. Cory is only 14 years old, but he is a Starfleet commissioned officer, and has accomplished more in a short time than most men do in a lifetime. He, his mother, and Clan Short will be invaluable in assuring we are successful. Now as for timing, I realize that we will have to go about this delicately so we can make things stick, judicially speaking. For that reason, I have instructed Clan Short that they are to let the two boys make their way to where ever they are attempting to go, and just ensure their safety. When Cory feels that it is appropriate for contact to be made, he will confer with you and then act. It is my hope that Ensign Short will take the boys in to a protective environment and establish the correct procedures for the Safe Haven Act to be initiated. Do you find this to be acceptable, detective?"

"Yes Admiral, I do," Rob replied. "And rest assured that Ensign Short's age will have no bearing on my impression of him, nor will it affect our professionalism. We will work together to ensure a successful operation. I welcome his help and that of his Clan, as I also am very appreciative of your help."

"Very good then, feel free to contact me if I can be of any more assistance to you. Morrow out."

With that Rob ended the call and went to the security team to get his training on the use of the equipment they had brought.

Once the team had left and Rob had the chance to change shirts, he set down in front of the terminal, pressed in the sequence, and waited. After a couple of moments the viewer came to life. A young man appeared on the screen and said, "Clan Short Headquarters, Communications Officer Thomas Short. How may I assist you, Detective?"

Even though Rob was expecting it, the sight of a twelve year old Communications Officer threw him for a loop for a second. He recovered quickly and replied. "Good afternoon Thomas, I need to speak to Cory Short."

"Please stand by, Detective. He will be with you momentarily."

Rob had to work hard to keep a straight face when Thomas forgot to mute his end of the terminal before calling for Cory. "CORY! Stop chewin' on Sean's ear and git your skinny bee-hind over here! That there Detective Gunn the adm'ral was talkin' 'bout is waitin'!"

Cory appeared in front of the terminal, and turned seven shades of red when he noticed that it was not muted. "Good afternoon Detective Gunn, I'm Cory Short. I've been expecting your call; did the Admiral brief you on what we've discovered?"

"Well first off, you can call me Rob," he began. "If we are going to work together like partners in this, I would much rather lose the formalities."

"Okay Rob," Cory began. "I can handle that. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was kind of hoping that we could all get together and discuss what we know, and also the best way to approach this." Rob said.

"Give me one minute to gather everyone up that is involved, then we can conference about it, okay?"

"That would be great," Rob replied.

Cory walked over to the intercom on the wall and announced, "Hey! Intelligence team working on the DJ and Tanner case; please come to the Rec Room for a conference with Detective Gunn!"

Cory then turned back to the console and said, "They should all be here in a moment. While we're waiting, I am going to make an adjustment to the console so that you will be able to see everyone."

Once everyone was in the room and all of the introductions had been made, the team got to work on sharing the information that each had gathered.

Rob was quite impressed at how far everyone had gotten so far and was pleased to let them know this fact. "I am amazed at all of you. That little sleight-of-hand with the inheritance account is going to help a lot. You have done work in an afternoon that would have taken me many sleepless days and nights trying to compile. I think now that we know where they have been, and with the reconnaissance of your eagle William, we should be able to ascertain their whereabouts soon. Once we have an idea of where they are, we can place someone to guide them in the right direction. It is my hope that we can take care of this situation and bring these boys to place where they are safe, and do so in a reasonable amount of time. I am aware of the directive Admiral Morrow gave you with regards to that, and am of total agreement. As for the information you have on the adults in this situation, I will need to contact you about that tomorrow or the next day. I want to put together all of the information that we have shared about the boys and work on them at the moment. Colin, Steve, and Mary will hang themselves on this one. Is that okay with everyone?"

Once everyone had voiced their agreement, Rob finished up by saying, "I have always believed that you should never judge a person by their age, but by their actions. You boys have proven to me today that you are mature, knowledgeable, and most certainly the right people to be working with on this. I am proud to associate myself with you, and I look forward to our working together towards the same goal. I shall contact you soon to work on the next phase of this operation."

Cory looked at Rob and stated, "Rob, failure is not an option. Those boys will be safe and loved, and the three jerks will pay. I promise. Live long and prosper, Rob."

Live long and prosper, everyone," Rob replied. "Gunn out."

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TO BE CONTINUED...

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