The Last Phoenix

Peter slowly woke up.  He'd had such an incredible dream last light.  But here he was back where he belonged, cuddled to his best friend; the kid who had saved him from his Aunt.  Peter smiled and opened his eyes.  Wait, this was wrong.  He was indeed snuggled up to a kid, but obviously not the one he thought.  No dark brown skin or kinky hair.  Now he realized it wasn't a dream.  This was a kid named Luke.  Now he was awake.  He climbed out of bed and almost tripped over the huge black dog and the little boy curled up with him.

Peter made it to the bathroom and returned and got dressed.  He decided to walk around a little and see if anybody else was up yet.  He went out to the main hall; everything was so quiet.  He heard some mumbling and soft whispers from a room in the Squad 2 area.  He went into the Squad room and nobody was there.  He listened carefully and when he figured out the room where the voices were coming from, he tapped lightly on the door.

The voices stopped then the door opened.  There were two older guys there.  The tallest said, "Yeah?  What can I do for you?"

"Ah, I was awake and heard you guys talking..."  Peter trailed off.

The other boy asked, "Who is it Jason?"

"The new guy." Jason said over his shoulder.  Returning his attention to Peter he said, "Sorry dude, I don't remember your name."

"Peter."

"Well, good morning, Peter.  Come on in.  This is Texas." Jason introduced the boys.

"Your name really Texas?" Peter asked.

"Not really.  It's Austin and someone teased that my middle name should be Texas and well it kind of stuck."

"Okay, Kewl."  Peter smiled then asked, "So how come you guys are up already?"

"I've got a problem with my roomie and I was talking to Jason about it." Texas explained.

"Yeah it's a tough one and I don't have a clue.  See, his room mate thinks he is sick and wants to help a couple of others who really are, and doesn't do games and stuff with Texas any more.  Yesterday he went and helped paint the Squad, but he just wanted to paint Glenn and Aaron's room.  He didn't help Texas at all with their room." Jason said.

"Yeah, it gets real lonely when a friend isn't there anymore.  I gots sold and taken away from my friend and I'll never get to see him again.  It must be worse if he is right here but you can't be with him at all.  If he won't come and hang out with you, could you maybe go and spend time with him?"

Texas reached out and picked up Peter and gave him a wonderful hug.  "Thanks, Peter! That's a great idea.  Now I know what to do.  For a little guy, you sure are smart."

Peter was dazed; a big kid said he was smart.  No one had ever said that to him before.  Jason looked at the clock and said the others would be getting up soon and Peter should head back to his Squad so nobody was worried about him.  He walked down the hall and now heard that several rooms were beginning to stir.  As he neared his Squad the huge black dog came out and stopped to watch his approach.  The other boy was with him.

"Hi.  I'm Tym.  Walter was worried about you," he said, petting the huge head. 

"Hi Tim..."

"That's Tym, T, Y, M."

"Oh, Tym, I'm Peter, anyway, I woke up and went to look around." Peter was a bit confused because he said Tym just like he said Tim.

"Yeah, this place is pretty cool.  It took me a while to get used to it but these grown ups really care about us and love us.  It is so kewl!"  He grinned at Peter and then he and Walter went down the hall.

Peter entered the Squad 6 area and Bob was heading out in just a pair of shorts.  "Oh, there you are.  We were worried something had happened."

"I'm sorry.  Nobody was up and I just took a walk around." Peter said, fearing he had done something wrong.

Bob gave him a hug, "That's fine, Peter, we were just worried.  Next time if nobody's up, just leave us a note so we know you didn't like run away or something."

"Oh. Okay, I can do that. I just didn't think about it."

Luke came running out of the bathroom when he heard Peter's voice.  He gave him a big hug.  "I was worried when I woke up and you weren't there.  Come on we need to get ready for Church."

Peter followed Luke back into the bedroom.  "Church?  I can't go to Church."

Luke smiled at his new friend.  "Sure you can.  We all go.  Even Moe goes and he's a Muslim."

Peter started to cry, "They won't let me in.  I done bad things.  Aunt Marcy said people who do bad things can't get in Church."

"She don't know nothin'.  Last week, the Minister said that Jesus said everybody was supposed to love everybody and that Jesus especially liked little kids like us.  Come on, here is a shirt and pants your size.  Get dressed and we'll go get breakfast.  It's Sunday and that means pancakes or waffles."

Peter dressed quickly, he hadn't had a breakfast like that in years.  Reality was even better than he remembered.  He was real careful not to get any syrup on his clothes.  Before he knew it he was sitting on the bus headed for the Church.  He and Luke were sitting right behind the driver.

"Uncle Oliver, this is my new roomie, Peter."

Oliver looked in the mirror and smiled at the new boy, "Hello Peter.  Welcome to The Phoenix House."

It was a pleasant ride to the church.

When Tom and Leo went to their Sunday School room Eric Henry was waiting outside and he was in his Sheriff's Uniform.  "Tom, Leo, I hate to cut into your Sunday but this is really important."

"It must be if you're here in uniform.  Let's find somewhere to talk." Tom replied.

"Dr. Hall said I could use his office since he will be busy."

The three men walked to the pastor's office and Eric closed the door behind himself.  "Things were pretty grim in that place.  Do you have any idea how long that boy was there?"

"According to Neal, he was bought by Dummesel maybe six months ago.  Of course he has been alone since Dummesel died.  As far as we can tell, only the two jerks Neal fired knew he was there."

"They knew?"

"Well they joined in and abused him, so I guess they knew."

"Jeez, Tom, now they have a head start!"

"Stop sounding like Neal!  'Philip' made the arrangements for their move, so you can bet your life he knows exactly where they are, and probably has some sort of monitor on them."

"Okay, I'll get in touch with him.  Sometimes I think I should deputize him." Eric smiled at the thought, "Leo, how is the boy?"

"Remarkably well, considering all he's been through.  Other that being nearly starved he is bouncing back quite well.  He is eating well and I make sure he gets a vitamin supplement drink at each meal.  I expect he will be perfectly normal physically, in a few weeks.  Mentally, I'm not sure.  I called Dr. Lisa and she is going to see him on her Wednesday visit."

"Do you think I could talk to him?"

"I don't see why not.  Let's go get him before Sunday School starts."

Peter and the other third grade boys were playing with cars in the room when the adults arrived.  As soon as he saw the policeman, he started to cry.  He got up and said to Luke, "See, they sent the police to get me."

Luke followed Peter, "Hi Uncle Eric.  How come you are in your workin' clothes?"

"Hi Luke.  Well I'm working.  Is this Peter?"

Peter wiped his nose and nodded.

"Can I talk to you for a few minutes?"

Peter nodded more tears escaping.

The three adults and two boys walked to Dr. Hall's office.  Leo asked Peter, "What's the matter, Peter?  Why are you crying?"

"I told Luke they wouldn't let me in.  See, they called the Cops on me already." Peter sobbed.

Eric sighed, "I'm sorry I scared you, Peter.  I'm not here to take you away.  I'm really here just to ask you a few questions.  Honest, you aren't in any trouble at all. I promise."

Peter didn't believe a word of it.  He sat and looked at the large man in uniform.

"Leo, how about you go and get Dr. Hall when he is done.  I'm sure he can clear things up with Peter." Tom suggested.

"Good idea.  He should be done with the early service in just a few minutes."  Leo smiled and patted Peter on the way out.

"So peter, did you ever see what Dr. Dummesel did in his lab?" Sheriff Henry asked.

"After they did stuff to me, they locked me in the back room and let me out as they left."

"By they, who do you mean?"

"The fat guy always, then the Germans, usually both, but sometimes only one and sometimes just fatty but he kind of needed the other two to watch and get his willy up."

"Did Dr. Dummesel ever say anything about his work that you heard?"

"He used to talk about his sons not being worth as much as me and how he was working on them so he could do to them what he was doing to me.  Oh. And there was something about one was a complete failure and he had thrown him away.  I got the idea that he meant like in a dumpster.  He mentioned it being deformed and he should have expected that from the fat bitch."  Peter took a deep breath, "Mostly, I had to take care of the mice and rabbits.  When nobody came and the food was getting low, I turned them out and hoped they could find some food on their own.  I missed their company though.  I ate the rest of their food, it isn't very good."  Peter was done; he had told everything.

Eric had been writing in a little notebook.  "Thank you very much, Peter that was wonderful.  You really remembered a lot of very helpful information.  Can I come and talk to you again if I have any more Questions?"

Peter was confused, wasn't he being carried off?  "I guess.  You mean you really ain't goin' to throw me in jail?"

"Not from my Church he's not." the authority in that voice was absolute.

They all turned to see Dr. Hall standing in the doorway.  His black robe and colorful stole made him quite an imposing figure.

Eric stood and shook hands with the Pastor.  "He hasn't done anything against the law, so I couldn't carry him away. Besides he was very helpful, and I wouldn't want to be mean to someone that helped me like he did.  We sent for you because Peter thinks he should be thrown out of Church."

"Peter, you stay here with me; the rest of you, OUT!"

When the door closed, the Pastor unzipped the black robe and stepped out of it.  Peter couldn't help it, he giggled, the man was wearing a white dress shirt and tie, plaid shorts and black dress shoes and socks.

 Putting his fingers to his lips he said, "Shhhh, please don't say anything; if the Session knew what I wore under the robe...  Well, never mind.  Now for your problem, I cannot think of any reason that I would not want a child in my Church.  Now I want you to understand that part of being a minister is that I'm not allowed to tell anybody anything that you tell me, unless someone is in danger.  I would always have to have your permission to tell.  So that means you can tell me things you can't tell anybody else, and it will always be our secret.  Now do you mind telling me why you think we should want to kick you out of Church?"

"I done bad things."

"We all have.  But Jesus forgives us.  He knows all the things that we have done and it is all forgiven.  Really.  If you are sorry and will try to not do it again, then there is something called Grace.  If you believe in Jesus, then, all you have to do is accept that he forgives you." Dr. Hall told Peter.

"That sounds too easy.  What's the catch?"

The minister laughed, "That is the catch, it's way easy!  You don't have to earn your way to heaven, you just have to accept Jesus and BINGO, you're in."

"Wow, I don't remember much about Jesus. I'm sorry."

"Well Peter, you are in the right place.  We like to teach about him here.  How about I walk you back to your Sunday School class.  Which class were you in?"

"I don't know.  Luke, my roomie was there."

"Well, let's walk down the hall and you can tell me when you see Luke."  About half way down the hall Peter pointed, "There he is. Thanks.  And thanks for letting me stay."

Dr. Hall gave Peter a big hug and whispered to him, "When you pray, thank Jesus."  He turned and Left Peter to join his friend.

Later during the service, before the prayer, Dr. Hall held out his hands and said, "Let us Pray."

Peter's exuberant young voice rang out loud and clear, "Thank you, Jesus!"

There were smiles and a couple chuckles.

Dr. Hall simply said, "Amen."

*  *  Back at the nearly deserted Haven Manor  *  *

Aaron and Glenn were still in their room.  Glenn was doing much better and adjusting to the handfull of pills fairly well.  He was up and dressed but staying close to Aaron, who was still sleeping a great deal, but at least he was able to eat and keep it down. 

Aaron woke and saw Glenn there watching some show on the TV.  "You could have gone to Church with them this morning, but I'm glad you're here."

"Maybe next week, if you're better."

"Glenn, I am better.  And every time I wake up I feel better and stronger.  Do you think you could help me dress?  I'd like to eat lunch downstairs with everybody.  I want Juan to know we are okay.  I think Texas is really missing him."

Glenn thought for moment, "Yeah, he was like stuck to Juan this morning.  I'm pretty sure if Juan hadn't gone to Church, Texas would have stayed here."

Aaron giggled, "I wonder if they've kissed yet..."

Glenn got busy and soon Aaron was dressed and ready to go down to the Banquet Room.  In the elevator, Glenn said, "Every time I ride in this thing, I worry that it might get stuck."

'Fear not, Master Parker, I monitor it closely. After all, with great power comes great responsibility.'

"Thanks, 'Philip', I feel so much safer," Glenn replied.

'I believe I detect a trace of sarcasm.'

"I can't imagine why..." Glenn retorted and Aaron giggled.

The doors opened and the boys stepped out.  "Thanks 'Philip'.  Great ride." Aaron said giggling.

A disgruntled harrumph was heard as they walked slowly to the banquet room just down the hallway.  By the time they reached the banquet room, Aaron was really pushing himself and was grateful to sit down again.

"It sure took more to get here than I thought." Aaron panted as he sat down. 

"Okay, we'll have the whole Squad to help get you back to the room."

Leo came in at this point and was surprised to see his two patients.  "Hey there, guys!  It's good to see you came down.  Aaron, if you need a wheelchair I can get you one."

"Thanks Doc.  I'm pretty tired but let me see how it goes.  If I'm still tired when it's time to go back up I'll let you know." Aaron responded.

"Well if you two are moving with everyone else tomorrow, I think you will need it."  Leo gave Aaron a hug.  "I want to run a few tests later this week at the hospital and you'll need it there too.  Do as much as you can, but don't be silly; use it when you need it. That's what it's there for."

"Okay, that sounds like a reasonable plan."  Aaron beamed a smile at Leo.

While they were talking, the kitchen staff had been loading the buffet line.  Leo got up and asked Aaron, "Can I go fix your plate so you can save your energy?"

"Thanks Doc., I like really crispy bacon."

Glen said, "That ain't kosher."

"It's okay Glenn.  I'm not supposed eat pork, but that doesn't mean you guys can't and I don't mind at all.  Actually, if you must know, I like really crispy bacon too.  I try to obey the kosher rules but I do have a few weaknesses.  Hey I'm human after all."

Glenn followed Leo over to the buffet, "You're really kewl, for a grown up.  I don't know what would have happened if we were still in Juvy."

"I really don't want to think on that one.  Those older guys were on a path of destruction.  I hope they aren't able to do those kinds of things to anyone else.  We filed charges against them on behalf of all you guys and hopefully they will be charged as adults and be kept locked up, for a long, long, time."

"Thanks.  Sometimes I still have nightmares about being back there and being forced to do stuff.  I really hated that, even though it felt good, it was awful.  Is that crazy?"

Leo put his plate down and faced Glenn.  "No, Son, it's not at all crazy.  I want you to really listen to me.  You body reacts to certain things, and any time your penis is stimulated, it feels good, you can't help it.  The bullies will point at it and say that is proof you like what they are doing or that you are gay or whatever.  You could take the straightest man in the universe, show him gay porn and rub his dick and it would respond, he might be totally repulsed by the porn, but his penis would get an erection.  That doesn't mean he's now gay.  They forced you.  That is awful and a terrible thing and the fact that you felt that way shows that they did not win."  Leo gave Glenn a hug.  "Have you told Aaron how you feel?"

"No, 'cause I didn't understand.  Could we maybe talk.  The three of us?" Glenn asked.

"No problem, any time you guys need or want to talk, I'll be around.  Now let's get our plates; it's almost time for them to return.  The kitchen staff doesn't start bringing out the food until Oliver calls to say Church let out."  Leo finished Aaron's plate and took it over to him.  He hurried back to fill his own plate and he and Glenn got drinks, OJ, milk and coffee.  As they sat down, the rest came rushing in and the locusts descended once again on the locus of the buffet.

The Squad 6 table was full for the first time.  Seven boys and Neal in the guest place.  "So, how did it go, Peter?" Neal asked before digging into his heaping plate full of food.

"Parts of it were really scary, like when the big cop came and then the priest."

"What!?!" Neal said, nearly loosing a fork full.

Luke giggled, "The Sheriff came to ask Peter some questions about that place he was in and Luke thought he was being thrown out of church, 'cause he had been bad.  Then Dr. Hall came and explained things."

"I told you Uncle Eric would want to ask you some questions." Neal stated.

"He... He is your Uncle?"

"Well, not a real Uncle, but we all think of him as an Uncle.  He's now your Uncle too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really.  He would do anything he could to protect us, all of us.  I'll tell you the story about the first time we met him and how that got all of us into the Scouts."  The rest of the meal Neal told the story between mouthfuls of food. (See Haven for the full story.)

Squad Two was delighted to have Aaron and Glenn back at their table.  Leo stayed and explained to the boys' how Aaron was going to need their support, especially when they moved to the Phoenix house.  He told them things to watch for and gave each of them a card with his cellphone number on it, with instructions to call him any time day or night if there were any problems at all.

Before the second assault on the buffet, 'Philip' announced two guests arriving.  Tom got up to go see who was coming, right at mealtime.  He returned with Fred and a younger man in a 'BEAT ARMY' T-shirt. 

When they entered, Eddie jumped up and came to greet them.  "Fred, Fred!  What brings you two out here?"

The younger man pointed to the older and said, "His big black SUV."

The other Fred rolled his eyes and replied, "Two things, actually, first, the Sunday Brunch Buffet and second, an e-mail that came from a certain Navy Captain." 

The two new comers made a bee line for the food, just before the boy horde descended.  They joined the adults, and Eddie told his two that he had some business to attend.  The two boys grinned when they saw Fred wink and give them a thumbs up.

Eddie sat down and waited patiently, like a hungry tiger, for the two lawyers to give him their news.  "This is one fine spread of food, Master Sergeant Richards," Fred Clemets said.

"I thought I was just Eddie Richards."

"Not since 0800 this morning.  It seems that two new residents of Fort Leavenworth were busily altering official records and the Department Of Defense has accepted the reconstructed records, as submitted by Nick Regnad Investigations, with the concession that one Dennis White be replaced in all official records with the name Edward Thomas Richards.  Also, you are to receive another purple heart and a Navy Cross.  The Captain said he would see you in Officer Candidate School if you wanted, but he thinks you should just retire and spend as much time with your boys as you possibly can."

"So when can I retire, officially?"

"It can be as soon as tomorrow, or the Captain has offered full honors to present the medals and retirement ceremony.  He said something about a week from tomorrow.  He asked if there was a place to use as a Parade Ground."

The boys who were all listening to every word cheered and that pretty much settled it.  Eddie was just as happy to leave quietly, but this was a chance for his boys to see him one more time as a Marine.  He was not going to deny them their pride in their father.  That was something he had never had for his own father and he would do whatever was required to be a better man than his father.

Tom watched the emotions pass over his Uncle Eddies face.  When he saw the love and pride he answered, "Yes, we have all that area in front and a staging ground behind the Manor.  Just what does the Captain have in mind?"

Fred (senior) replied, "I have no idea, but he was asking about a landing area for helicopters and possibly a Harrier or two.  I told him we could do.  I gave him 'Philip's' contact information.  I figured it would be a go and told him to proceed and if there were any problems on this end we would be in contact.  I also have your back pay, with interest, and a financial settlement which I had wired to your bank account."

"Ah, Mr. Clemets, I don't have a bank account here."

"Eddie, Mr. Clemets is my father, I'm Fred, and of course you do. It's with Haven Savings and Loan, its interest bearing, too."  Fred reached into his pocket and then handed Eddie three Check Books. 

Eddie looked at them, "My God, where did all this come from?  And accounts for the boys too?"

"I had a certain CPS official whom I have very close contact with, talk to the state office about a pending case, and for some reason, they were soon begging for settlement.  That is their third offer.  So I accepted on your behalf, since it was actually quite a bit more than I had planned on asking for.  It seems that we have quite a reputation..."  Fred had an ear to ear grin.

"When I get out of the Navy, I'm coming to work for Uncle Fred."

"No problem, Nephew Fred.  After all, we have a reputation to uphold."  All the gathered adults laughed.

Over at Squad 6, Peter was watching the reactions of everyone else.  He asked Luke, "Who are those men?"

"The older guy is Uncle Fred; he's our lawyer..."

"We have a lawyer?"

"Sure.  I don't know the younger guy.  Then there is Uncle Eddie, he was a Marine and we found his two boys on the way here from Juvy, then he showed up lookin' for Uncle Tommy.  Looks like everything is working out for them.  Kewl."

"There are so many people, I'm confused."

"Well, we all have been there. Don't worry, if you want to know anything, just ask, and we'll fill you in."

"You guys sure got a bunch of uncles."

"Yeah, pretty kewl, huh?  It has been hard to accept that all these grownups actually care about us and even love us, no strings.  I'm still not used to that."

"But you've only been here since like New Years."

"Yeah, but it somehow seems longer and shorter too. It's weird." 

Neal interrupted the conversation, "Hey, Peter, When you're done, how about meeting me over by the door."  Neal pointed to the double doors.

"Ah, okay."

With a grin Neal left.

"Wonder what he wants?" Luke said.

"Don't know.  But I ain't tellin' him no more."

"Hey chill, Dude.  Neal is okay.  Besides, he controls what happens to us." Luke informed Peter.

"Oh shit!"

"Want me to go with you?"

"No. I don't want to drag you into this."

Then it was time for Squad 6 to take their dishes up and then they could go.  Peter kind of dragged his feet going to meet Neal.  Finally he arrived.

"So come on, Peter.  Shorty is taking us to get you some new clothes and stuff." Neal said.  "Here, I borrowed Moe's coat for you 'cause it's cold out."  Neal handed Peter the coat which was a bit too big, but a lot better than just a T-shirt.  Neal led the way out to the bright red van.  Shorty had it warming up. 

Peter stopped short, Santa Clause, complete with red coat and black boots was standing by the van.  "N... N... Neal!?!"

Neal realized what was going on.  "Hey, I got connections, Come on; Santa's a good driver, really."

"Ho, ho, ho.  Neal, don't tease the boy too much.  Peter, I'm known around here as Shorty.  Just so you know, this is real, and I promise, your wish is going come true."

"How?  I mean..."

"Ho, ho, ho.  Trade secret.  Come on, First things first; let's get you outfitted."

Peter had never had a day like this in his whole life.  Shorty took them to the fancy M store in the mall and bought three carts full of clothes, school supplies, computer games, toys, a sleeping bag and an MP3 player Neal recommended with headphones, from the music department. 

Then it was off to the mall computer store, the manager recognized Neal and came over personally.  "Mr. Richards, how can we serve you today?"

"Do you have one of those Watkins Enterprises�, laptops?" Neal asked.

"Yes sir, of course.  Mr. Phillips ordered several dozen and they just came in."

Neal rolled his eyes, "Ah, how many did he order?"

Starting to look worried, the manager answered, "Six dozen.  Is that a problem?"

Neal grinned, "Not for me.  Maybe for him, but not for you or me.  Okay, well we just need one for right now.  Follow his directions for the rest.  72 Jeez�!"

Authors Notes:
I wonder just what 'Philip', oh excuse me, Mr. Phillips, is going to do with 72 laptops.  Especially one's running $3000 apiece.  
Peter seems to be quite well outfitted and ready for school tomorrow.  Good old Shorty.  I wonder what he meant when he told Peter his wish was coming true.  Does he know something we don't?
Tune in next time to find out how the boys make the move to The Phoenix House.
            Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:

One of the things that really makes my day is to see the kids faces light up when they realize that what is happening to them is real and not just a dream.

Peter found out that he wouldn't get thrown out of Church. It is nice to see a Church and its minister who understand what their religion is supposed to be based on, namely love and forgiveness.

I hope that 'Philip' has been keeping close tabs on the Nazis and can give Eric the information on how to locate them, so the can be charged with some of the more severe charges that await them. 

It looks like Aaron is doing better. He is able to get out of bed and he can now keep his food down.

I hope that elevator holds up till a new one can be installed.

There are still quite a few surprises waiting for everyone. I think they will be quite good surprises, but if I told you what they were, I would have to kill you, and you wouldn't want that, now would you?

            Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:

 It seems that the new moral to this story is don't mess with Lawyers named Fred and don't mess around with Neal.

This story continues to be filled with love and care for all of the children whether male, female, black, white, white, gay, straight, or confused. If only the rest of the world would realize that it is the inner person who counts and that love should be unconditional. You should be able to love whomever your heart decrees not have to follow a bunch of misguided and outdated social mores.

While the real world took a giant step forward with the Presidential Election it also took several giant steps backwards with the Gay Marriage Bans. I cannot for the life of me understand how a same sex marriage is going to destroy marriage????

            Thanks for another wonderful chapter Mr. Evil Author now I want more "{CENSORED}" ;)  {Sorry TSL, I don't want to give too much away.}

            The Story Lover AKA FCE