Chapter 49
The Plan (Part 1)

The flash disappeared as quickly as it appeared. John and Mike rubbed their eyes. Immediately, they saw they were back in the humming cave. The familiar sound that first brought them here was present, but before they said a word, they looked down and saw that both were standing inside the white circle. As though a simultaneous thought entered their minds, the two jumped outside the circle as though they had been standing on hot coals. They saw the sliding door open and immediately exited the strange room. Once they were outside, they looked at each other. Mike leaped into John's arms as they both realized they were back on Paradise Island.

"Oh God, John, I thought I would never see you again."

"Same here Mike. Each day that went by, I was losing hope of being reunited, much less coming back home."

The boy slid from John's embrace, "I bet the two of us have one heck of a story to share." Mike looked at his wrist. "What about the bracelet?" John noticed he still had it on his wrist.

"Grab one of those bracelets in that receptacle, Mike. I'm going to put these three in my locked safe."

"But what about the fourth one still here?"

I'm thinking of a plan whereupon we might be using it," getting a puzzled look from the boy.

"That's fine with me. It was a pretty trinket, but a constant reminder of where we were," Mike responded.

Looking at his other hand, John wondered, "Strange, we're still holding our flashlights. I wonder why it didn't go with us into the past? It's like we were frozen in that position when we left and returned the same way."

"Could be. Maybe something from this century couldn't go back into the past."

The man chuckled. "Well, thankfully we arrived in London and Rome dressed in the appropriate clothing from those eras. Otherwise…?"

Mike caught what John was trying to say and laughed. "We would have shown up stark naked!"

Before they began their return to the surface, Mike took a last look inside the room. "I never want to come here again. You were right John. Destroying this cave is what we have to do."

John looked at the boy. "Yes, it has to be destroyed, but maybe we can kill two birds with one stone," getting a puzzled look from Mike. "Let's go."

The boy looked down the hallway, "What do you think happened since we were gone? It's been over a month."

"I don't know. I guess everyone will be shocked to see us again, but let's not say anything about our travels until we see what's happened while we were away."

Getting a nod of the head from the 12-year-old, the two began the walk back to the cave entrance. As soon as they were several feet away from the humming cave, the door slid shut and mysteriously the humming sound stopped. The two were plunged into darkness as they turned on their flashlights.

"Huh, batteries' still good," John stated with a little surprise in his voice.

He and Mike looked at each other and continued walking. Another surprise greeted them as they came upon the rope they had used to guide their way back to the surface.

"What's going on?" Mike asked.

"I don't know. Let's grab this and get out of here as quickly as possible."

Pulling the rope behind them, both traversed the distance before they reached the steps going upward. They quickly climbed them and soon were in the initial tunnel. John and Mike quickened their pace. Soon, some flashing lights could be seen as they approached the cave entrance. Faces could be seen ahead that soon were recognizable. A moment later John and Mike were outside the cave, hit by questions from three boys.

"Well, what did you find?" Matt was the first.

"How deep is the cave?" came Joshua.

"Where did that noise and ground shaking come from?" Chris wanted to know.

John and Mike looked at each other, both thinking and hoping the same thing. "How long have we been gone?" John directed his question at the three.

It was Joshua who answered. "Almost the two-hour limit you set. We were starting to get a little worried."

With the realization that the time away had no effect here, Mike and John grabbed each other's hands and danced in a little circle laughing and shouting. The three boys looked at each other.

"The humming noise must have affected their brains," speculated Chris. All continued to watch the little scene until both John and Mike stopped, panting from the excitement. Then they looked at the three boys. As if on a signal, both took turns hugging and squeezing their fellow islanders, getting strange looks from all.

Mike looked at his three companions. "You don't know how much I missed you. I'm going to give each one of you the best blowjob you ever had." This got puzzling looks from everyone.

"What's wrong with you two?" Matt inquired, "What happened in the cave? Are you alright?"

John put his arm over the boy's shoulders, "We're fine, Matt. Come on let's go home, but don't plan on any sleep though. Mike and I have an adventure story to share with you."

Still confused by the behavior of the two after they exited the cave, Chris, Matt, and Joshua followed Mike and John as they returned to the house. Their confusion increased as they saw the two give extra attention to the dog, as though they hadn't seen her in a long time. John suggested fixing some sandwiches and then all reassemble in the living room.

As they settled down munching on snacks quickly prepared, John began by telling of the cave route as he and Mike descended until they thought they had reached a dead-end when a moving door of some sort opened and they found the source of the humming sound, as well as other mysteries. They described the interior as best as they could, along with the panel covered in lighted geometric symbols. John showed the three boys the bracelets he brought back.

"They will go in my safe and are never to be touched," he warned.

While both man and boy searched for the strange sound, they had stepped inside a white circle painted on the floor that somehow transported them back in time. Then, for the next hour he and Mike shared what happened and their short stay in London in the year 1820.

"You're saying the humming cave is a time machine?" Chris interrupted, finding it hard to believe what he had been hearing.

"I guess that's the best description of it. What's its real purpose and, more importantly, who placed it there we may never know," John answered.

Mike then picked up the story to the part where they first encountered Miles.

"Peg boy?" Matt asked.

"Yes," Mike confirmed. "We rescued him from being a peg boy. John bought him from Fletcher and gave him his freedom."

"What's a peg boy?" Matt repeated the question. Mike looked at John.

"Go ahead, tell them. After all, you were a peg boy, too."

"I was just showing that stupid kid that I wasn't a sissy and could handle the peg." So Mike graphically described the basement and what the boys had to do to get prepared before going to a client.

"You're saying you got naked and sat on a greasy wooden peg up your ass?" Chris stated, disbelief in his voice. Mike nodded his head.

"Are you two making this up?" Joshua wondered out loud.

"Sounds crazy, doesn't it?" the man looked at the 13-year-old. "But what we are telling you is the truth. If you think that sounds incredible, wait till we tell you about our month in ancient Rome. Mike and I were separated the entire time, so we'll be hearing the other's adventures for the first time. You go first, Mike."

So the boy related his story from being kidnapped to the long cart ride to the coast and the time spent training as a pleasure boy at the villa of the emperor Tiberius. He spoke of being despondent at times, not seeing any hope of leaving.

"I was about to throw away the bracelet as I figured I was never coming back home."

John listened intently as he wondered what happened to him after they were separated. John then shared his version of the time in Rome as a vineyard grower and producer of wine.

"I started to adapt myself more and more to where I was living and had begun to accept the fact that not only was this was going to be my permanent home, but that I would never see Mike again. While we were there, Mike's name was Appius and mine was Ionannes."

"And you said you spent a month living in Rome?" Joshua asked.

"Yes, we did," the man confirmed. "Listening to Mike's story, I see he began to feel like I did, that we would never see each other again, return home or see any of you. When we did return to the cave, we thought an entire month had passed here. We had no idea what we would find. I never thought of time passing differently in two separate periods."

Mike looked at John, "So you went out and got another boy to replace me?"

John looked at the boy. "I had to. The tutor was planning on leaving since he had no pupil and Roman tradition required a son to take over the family name and business when he passes on. I couldn't let Petronius depart. He was the main reason I was able to live and act as if I had been there all my life. I wasn't replacing 'you'. I missed you more than I can say."

As the night wore on, and John and Mike's experiences were being told, what seemed like endless questions were asked. The man and boy tried to answer those affecting their personal experiences as much as possible.

"So the bracelet saved you from being the sex toy of a 77-year-old man," Joshua said with a laugh, joined by Matt and Chris.

"Maybe it did, but you couldn't say no to the most powerful man in the world." Mike paused for a moment as a thought hit him. "I wonder what happened when I didn't enter the bed chamber when Tiberius called me?"

"Guess you'll never know?" John answered.

"What were you doing when the bracelet lit up?" Chris asked.

John was afraid that question might come up. He didn't say anything for several moments as the boys waited for an answer. It was Mike who took a guess. "You had sex with Miles when we left London. Were you having sex with this boy, Cadeyrn?"

"Yes, I was. You see, the original Ionannes was a widower who had no sons. So he got this former slave boy at the age of seven and had the tutor educate him while the boy was also learning the trade of a vineyard. From what I understand, he and the real Appius developed a close sexual relationship as well. Petronius was aware of it. He shared that with Cadeyrn and that afternoon was the first time we were in bed together."

"Well, I got to pop a cherry," as Mike gave the more intimate description of his relationship with the young boy, Marcus, and the month spent together from Rome through training.

"What do you think happened to Marcus?" Joshua inquired.

Mike was silent for a moment. "I'll be honest with you. I sort of looked after him as my little brother. He knew absolutely nothing about sex, yet was being trained to please men. I tried my best to get him through the training. I hope that as he got older he lived a good life."

When the questions turned to the function of the time portal, no real answers could be given. "Since you know you can end up anywhere in the past, without losing time here, are you planning another trip? I want to go with you this time." Chris put in, also echoed by Joshua and Matt.

"No!" John stated emphatically. "This isn't a Disneyland ride. It may sound like an adventure, but it could have easily been a matter of life and death. No, no one outside our group will know about the cave. This you have to swear upon. If word of the cave gets out, I'll let you think of what will happen when this island gets overrun by outsiders and what would happen to the five of us."

"John?" Matt began slowly, "What if the cave could send us back and we could prevent our parents' deaths. You wouldn't let us try?"

"Matt, I have no idea how that cave works. Maybe it was pre-programmed for London and Rome when Mike and I stepped into the white circle. Maybe if someone else stepped inside that same circle, they could end up repeating our journey. It's possible the symbols on the panel function in some way to set time, place, and for how long. How would we test it? I couldn't have any of you guys stand in that circle, while I press some buttons. I could be sending you back to appear in front of a dinosaur looking for lunch," getting chuckles from the boys.

"Let's say you got to prevent your parents' deaths. When you return here, nothing would have changed. You saw how it happened with Mike and I being gone a month and only two hours here. They would still be gone. From what I understand, maybe you can change time and events in the past, but everything resets itself once you return here. But answer this Matt, how would you react going back in time, meet your parents, and..yourself?"

This got a puzzled look from the boy. "There could be two of you. No, that cave is too dangerous for us, even though it would be the greatest find in human history, I don't want it to be discovered."

"So are you going to board it up again?" Joshua asked the man.

"Maybe for now, but one day it will have to be permanently sealed forever. Look, guys, it's 3 AM. Let's go to bed. I still have to meet with Troy and Chief Haoa in a few hours about Lam Sin."

"Back in my bed. I'm going to sleep all day tomorrow," Mike yawned.

"I agree, Mike. I look forward to mine too," John concurred.

An hour later, John looked at the illuminated dial of the clock by the bed. It read almost 4:00. He hadn't been able to fall asleep thinking about the humming cave. Was he making the right decision to seal it from ever being discovered? More than likely, if he told the right authorities, the cave would be kept secret from the public, as an Area 51 in Nevada–Life on Paradise Island would change forever.

He could be forced to leave, the boys would be taken away, and had he accomplished anything while being in London or Rome? If Miles did exist, did his departure reset time and place the 12-year-old right back with Fletcher and being a peg boy? And was the real Appius with his father? There were so many questions, but the biggest was how to seal the cave for good. He had toyed with an idea during the time in Rome. The plan was simple, but getting it to work seemed impossible the more he thought about it. Finally, sleep did take over for a few hours until Troy came by to pick him up.

***

Several hours later John was aboard Troy's helicopter as they headed to Kalauka Island. He asked his friend not to go directly to the island, but to take a long roundabout approach.

"Why John? Is anything the matter? You look tired."

"I didn't get much sleep, Troy. I may have a plan to get rid of Lam Sin, but it involves telling you a fantastic story you're going to find it very hard to believe."

"John, after you've already shared with me about your past and your special relationship with the boys, I don't think you'll surprise me."

The man could only smile, "What I've shared with you so far is tame compared to what I'm about to say. Do you recall telling me about the previous owner of Paradise Island abandoning it so abruptly and how you heard through another agent the man's fear of strange noises?"

"I don't recall the conversation, but yes that was what I had been told."

"You and I discussed probable causes, like volcanic action, as a possible reason for any unusual noises."

"So, what are you telling me?"

"There was a reason for the strange noises and vibrations."

"I don't understand where this is going, John."

"Well, keep flying as I tell you a fantastic story."

For the better part of an hour, John shared with Troy the discovery of the humming cave, the travel portal, and his and Mike's trips into the past. For a long while, the pilot was quiet as he mulled what his friend had just told him. Looking at the man seated in the co-pilot seat, he stated what his mind was telling him.

"That is a fantastic story: time travel, London in 1820, Rome in the first century. Are you sure something in the cave could have been the cause for some sort of hallucination that made you and Mike think you were at those places when you were unconscious? After all, you stated you found yourself back in the white circle and no time had passed instead of the month you said you were away."

"I understand your skepticism. If it was an hallucination, it was the most realistic one Mike and I ever experienced. There is no way to prove it short of stepping back into that circle–and I'm forbidding it."

"Let's say, John, that everything you said is true. Isn't this a scientific discovery that will shock the world, an actual time travel device placed on this planet by people from another world? Do we have a right not to share it?"

"Troy, I'm looking at it from a different perspective. Maybe it would be a grand discovery, the biggest in the history of mankind, but I'm looking at Paradise Island and the boys. What do you think will happen to all of us once hundreds of people descend on my shore? And Kalauka Island: they're just 25 miles away. Do you think they will be untouched? I have to think of now and those who will be affected."

"All right, let's just say what you told me is true. How does that figure into getting rid of Lam Sin?"

"The cave, along with the boys, will be the bait to lure him inside. Once in the cave, we set off explosive charges to seal the cave forever."

The pilot exhaled a long breath. "Whew! That's quite a plan. I like it, but I see a hundred things we would have to overcome to get to that point."

"That's what kept me up all night. There are just too many variables to deal with and that can go wrong. You and I could be killed and the boys taken away."

"That prospect doesn't appeal to me," Troy began. "First, we have to admit we have the boys he's looking for. Second, we have to convince him to come and get them–He never leaves his palace. Third, assuming he did, he's going to be accompanied by a small army of bodyguards. Then how do we get him inside the cave? And if we ever got that far, how would we escape the tunnel before the explosives went off? If we survive that, how about the rest of Lam Sin's men waiting outside? And when he didn't return to Singapore, how are we prepared when his men come looking for him?"

"Anything else you forgot?" John asked with a wry grin.

"I'm sure there are a dozen more 'variables' I haven't thought of. Look, like you and just about everyone else in a thousand square mile area, we'd all like to see Lam Sin dead and gone, but you, me, and some Kalaukans are no match for this man."

"If I didn't know better, I'd swear you're trying to discourage me."

The pilot chuckled as he resumed his course to Kalauka Island, "Maybe I'm just being a realist."

"Troy let me explain the cave to Chief Haoa. I don't want to mention it as a time portal."

"Don't worry, I doubt he'd believe you. I'm not sure if I do yet."

The rest of the journey was made in silence and soon the outline of Kalauka Island appeared and several moments later the copter landed. To everyone's surprise, Chief Haoa was there to greet the two, along with Aukai.

"Greetings Chief Haoa. I apologize for keeping you waiting. I wanted to discuss something with Troy before our arrival here."

"I just got here a few moments ago," the chief graciously responded. "The schoolhouse is empty; shall we continue our discussion on how to make this world a better place without Lam Sin?"

"Hey, did you forget about me?" Aukai addressed himself to John.

"Of course I haven't," as he hugged the boy. "As you know, we have a lot to talk about with your father."

"Father, please let me join you today. You shared a lot with me yesterday. I want to be a part of helping you."

The Kalaukan chief looked at John and Troy. "I didn't want to treat him as a child since his 'Right Of Manhood' passage, so I explained what the three of us discussed yesterday. Now he's asked to be a part of our group."

John replied, "You are the chief as well as his father. I have no objection to him joining us. You, Troy?" getting the same response.

"All right, my son. Let's go to the schoolhouse."

Aukai went up to John and asked him to bend down so he could whisper in his ear. "Can you stay for a while? I miss having fun with you," giving that mischievous grin. The man's cock twitched at the thought of spending time with the boy and ending it inside a nice tight 12-year-old tunnel. "We'll see Aukai. I have to leave with Troy, so there may not be time, but I promise you, I'll be back to stay for a visit."

"Maru has asked for you, too. He promised you the enjoyment, now that he's passed his test."

John recalled the newest graduated young man's invitation to also enter the anal channel of delight. He was going to be busy the next time he came here for a social visit.

"Shall we go?" the chief interrupted John's thoughts. The four then proceeded to the schoolhouse where they sat at the school desks. It was John who made the opening statement.

"Chief Haoa, first, I reluctantly must agree with Troy's suggestion of yesterday that my three boys must be the bait. Also, I will sweeten the pot by including Joshua, my newest arrival."

"And that will accomplish what?" the Kalaukan chief asked.

"To lure him to Paradise Island."

Haoa gave John a long look. "Why change?"

"It's the only way we can get rid of him. As you stated, he's not going to take any personal risk unless there is something he wants very badly, and you know he wants my boys in the worst way. Tell him he can only have them if he comes and gets them himself."

"Lam Sin is not stupid; he'll suspect a trap. Why risk his neck when he has soldiers that can just walk in on your island and forcibly take the boys, probably killing you in the process?"

"I'll have a new inducement for him, Chief Haoa."

"What do you mean, a new inducement?"

"I discovered some ancient writings in one of the caves on my island. I'm going to have Troy take some pictures when we get back, along with one of Joshua. I'll make a deal with Lam Sin to give him the boys and the island if he just lets me go."

Troy had sat quietly listening to this exchange unfolding and understanding that his part was about to be brought up. "That puts the crux of the plan in my lap. I'm the one who has to contact Lam Sin and convince him to come in person."

"Do you think you can?" John asked.

"I'll have to. If I tell them the boys are on Paradise Island without convincing him to pick them up himself, as Chief Haoa said, he'll just send men and it will be a disaster."

"Let's be optimistic," the chief inserted. "So assuming part one works and Lam Sin takes the bait, next is the issue of the men he will bring. Any ideas?"

"We must assume he's coming by plane or boat," John began.

"I doubt the plane," Troy spoke up. "His flight could be tracked and recorded on radar. I'm sure he has a personal yacht. He can bring more men easier that way."

"How many men do you think he'll bring?" Chief Haoa asked.

"I'm taking a guess, at least twenty," John replied.

"A good number," Haoa agreed. "After all, what is he going to face, two unarmed men and four boys?"

"Even with your superior number, Chief Haoa, they will have weapons. As you stated yesterday, the element of surprise may not be enough. Once the guns start firing, you'll be wiped out."

"Father, no!" Aukai finally spoke his first words.

"Easy my son. I'm not going on a foolhardy mission to get my men and I killed."

"You have a plan?" the inquiry came from John.

"How about this," as the Kalaukan chief told the other three of what he had devised. Grins broke out on everyone's faces.

"I feel a lot better," John told the chief. "It gives us some better odds, but the chances for success are still against us. We must get Lam Sin into the cave to personally look at the strange symbols."

"What good is that?" Haoa looked at John.

"Once he is inside the cave, Troy, the boys and I have to get out as quickly as possible." John paused before he continued. "The cave will be mined with explosive charges. Once we're safe, we blow up the cave sealing it forever."

The Kalaukan chief was quiet for a while. "Okay, let's say we kill Lam Sin and the men he brings along. How do we prevent others from coming to Paradise Island looking for him?"

It was Troy who had an answer. "If your plan to take care of the men succeeds, I believe I know a way where we erase any traces of Lam Sin and his men ever setting foot on John's Island," as he shared what he had in mind.

"You're a genius, Troy," as John slapped his friend on the back. "This might work."

It was the Kalaukan chief who sobered the atmosphere, "Right now, we seem to have every angle covered, but one bad timing or mistake will mean death for all of us. John, this is not SP1. If none of us gets hurt, it will be a miracle.

" I will be asking men to put their lives on the line. We must go over the plan again, breaking it down into small details and ask ourselves, 'what if' and be prepared if that happens."

John looked directly into the Chief's eyes. "I'm sorry. You are right. It seemed like this might work, that we might even get away with this. Troy was smart enough on the trip here to remind me that many variables needed to be planned for. Lam Sin isn't a fool; he hasn't lasted this long making mistakes. We must think of every possible thing that could go wrong and plan a counter for it."

For the next six hours, the three did just that. The setting sun was the signal that it was time for John and Troy to leave. The concentration was so heavy that no one realized that they hadn't eaten. As everyone walked to the helicopter, it was Troy who spoke.

"I guess I'm the first to get this plan in motion. As soon as I can convince Lam Sin to come to Paradise Island, I'll let you know the day and time. Then, we'll prepare his welcoming."

"Good luck, Troy," as Chief Haoa extended his hand to the young pilot.

Aukai came up to John, "I know it is necessary to get rid of Lam Sin, but I'm afraid that after today, I may not see you anymore."

"You've been with us all day. You've seen how we tried to think of everything that could happen. I'll admit, this is a very dangerous mission, but I think we have a chance to win. If I didn't, I would take the boys somewhere Lam Sin couldn't find them–but it's not just the boys and me. Your brother could have ended up in Singapore. Look what he suffered just being on that island. Other boys have disappeared too; it has to stop. This is our chance to do it. I'll be careful; I want to spend time with you again, plus, remember, you gave me Maru's invitation? I promise I'll be back."

As the copter ascended into the night sky, John turned to Troy, "Come over first thing in the morning. I'll show you the cave and you can take photos of it, and of the boys. Bring a current copy of the local newspaper."

"Why the newspaper?"

"To prove everything is on the up and up. Each photo will have the newspaper in the foreground. Then it'll be up to you to convince Lam Sin to come to Paradise Island."

"I hate talking to that man, but I'll get him to personally come to pick up the boys. Knowing it will be our last conversation, will drive me to give a command performance."

The rest of the trip was made in silence. As soon as John's home was spotted, the landing pad lit up, the four boys were waiting."

"You want to come inside a bit, before heading back to Majuro?"

"No thanks, John. I need to do some thinking. I'll see all of you in the morning," and quickly the craft rose in the air and disappeared in the night sky.

"What did Troy mean by thinking?" Mike asked.

"Come on guys, let's go back to the house. I hope you left me some dinner; I'm starving."

The boys sat quietly around the dining room table as John ate some casserole the boys had put together. "You didn't eat while you were on Kalauka Island?" came from Chris.

"I guess we got so wrapped up in our planning the hours just slipped by. If it wasn't for the sunset, we'd probably still be at it."

"So are we going to get rid of Lam Sin?" Matt nervously asked.

"We hope so," pausing, "but you're going to have to be the bait. Lam Sin will not take it unless he knows all four of you are here."

"Four?" Joshua asked.

"Yes, Joshua. We're trying to get Lam Sin to come here to Paradise Island. We have a plan to…not have him bother anyone ever again."

"You mean kill him?" again a nervous Matt.

"That's the plan."

"But you said four of us have to be bait," The 13-year-old asked again.

"You have to be included, Joshua. Lam Sin has to be persuaded to come here. He's already paid for three boys. So we're going to toss in a hot-looking 13-year-old for free."

"For once, I don't like being called hot-looking."

John started laughing. "I'm sorry Joshua, you know what I'm trying to say. Only by getting him here do we have a chance to get rid of him, once and for all. I'm also going to send pictures of the time portal cave as another piece of bait."

"Isn't Lam Sin going to bring a bunch of men with him?" came from Chris.

"He probably will; Chief Haoa will be taking care of them. The main goal is to get Lam Sin in the cave so that we can set off explosives and destroy the cave with him in it."

"What if it doesn't work and he tries to take us with him?" Matt couldn't stop thinking something would go wrong.

"Chief Haoa, Troy, and I have a backup plan to get you off the island to safety." John could sense the uneasiness of the situation.

"Look guys, originally I didn't want to involve you directly in this. Planning to murder a man is not something to be taken lightly, but I honestly believe that if we don't, somehow, someway, Lam Sin will get his hands on all of you. And you know from Troy's own experience what will happen then, and afterward when he grows tired of his play toys. More than likely I'd be killed, too. So I'm looking at this as self-defense–It's either him or us."

"We understand," Mike spoke for the first time, "Lam Sin has to die."

"Come here, guys," as all embraced in a group hug. "It's not fair that boys your age have to go through something like this," John began. "I had hoped Lam Sin would grow tired of looking for you, give up and leave us in peace to live the life we all enjoy, but it wasn't to be. So we're going to deal with it and pray it works. Remember, Troy will be here, too. And Chief Haoa is bringing men, so the five of us are not battling this alone."

"We'll do whatever it takes," Mike spoke, getting concurring nods from the other three boys.

"Ok, it's getting late. Troy will be here first thing in the morning, so I suggest we head to bed. No sex for me tonight guys; I doubt I'll be getting much sleep. Once Lam Sin is gone, we'll have a huge orgy, and invite the Kalaukans to join us!" getting smiles from everyone.

As the last light was turned off and John crawled under the covers in his bed, he raised his right arm, seeing it shaking in the dim light. "Some strong support I am," thinking to himself, "shaking like a leaf. I'm supposed to be the rock the boys can depend on."

He couldn't fool himself–he was scared. This wasn't a game or a TV show where people who are shot don't die. This was a live human being whose death was being plotted. He recalled how scared he was during the rescue mission to SP1, and he played no direct role. This time it was up to him to lure a man to his death. He heard his bedroom door open and saw Mike enter.

"Mike, I'm not in the mood for anything tonight." The boy just crawled under the covers.

"I'm not either. I let Matt have the bed to himself. I thought after what we went through, we could use each other's company tonight. Not for sex, but just to let each other know we're not alone."

John wrapped an arm over the nude body of the boy. "Thanks, Michael."

"You never called me Michael before."

"Maybe because after what we went through, I feel a lot closer to you than I ever did before," as the two lay quietly, until welcome sleep overcame them both.

Chapter 50
The Plan (Part 2)

On any other morning, the rising sun would signal another day of fun and camaraderie among the residents of Paradise Island. A man and four young boys would anxiously await the opportunity to once again enjoy the erotic pleasures they discovered their bodies could produce. Dispelled had been the myth that sex before the age of adulthood was forbidden, or worse, a sign of sickness. The boys of Paradise Island quickly learned that age made no difference when it came to experiencing an orgasm. The amount of semen ejected didn't lessen the sensation a body went through when that magical peak was reached. Each boy had his definition of what he had gone through during those few moments when nothing else in the world mattered but riding that cloud of pure enjoyment.

It was not so on this particular morning. It was a solemn group that sat at the table for breakfast. Today was the first day of a plan to finally get rid of a man whose fixation to possess the boys was frightening, but also a man despised by everyone who ever had to deal with him. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was a nightmare. The fact that all were participants, directly or not, was frightening in its concept.

John was the one to break the silence. "When you're through, go, and do your chores. If you need to shower, go ahead and dress in regular clothing for Troy to take pictures of you. Then the hard part will come while we wait to see if Troy convinced Lam Sin to come here to get you."

"This is unreal, John," Matt began. "All this time, we've been trying to stay away from that man. We survived sitting in a lifeboat. We have a wonderful life here, and now we're telling Lam Sin to come and get us!"

"He's not going to get any of you. How many times must I say that? Just when he thinks he's leaving the island with the four of you, we'll spring the trap. I know you're scared–so am I. I want us to never be scared again; this is our chance. If we don't, then Lam Sin could still sneak in here unexpectedly and take all of you. This way, we're controlling the situation."

"What about me," Joshua was next. "Why are you adding me. He didn't buy me; why would he want me?"

"Well, you do have a cute little butt," coming from Mike, getting everyone to laugh, breaking the tension for a moment.

"That's not funny!"

"You're right, Mike. Even at the age of nine, I thought one of his best features was that small baby butt I could grab and squeeze," getting more chuckles from the other boys.

"John!"

"We're not picking on you, Joshua. We could all use a little laughter. I'll tell you why you were added in a moment. Until this is over, we may not get many more chances to laugh. Now listen, guys, we could spend the entire day discussing this. You have to believe this will work and that soon, we'll spend the next years together without any more fears. I need to know you trust me. I'll have enough on my mind without thinking you doubt me."

"We know you'll do it, John," Chris spoke for everyone. "We'll do our part. Don't worry."

"Thanks, all of you. Now get going with the chores. Joshua, hold on a second," as the 13-year-old approached the man. "You're being added because you are going to perform a part that hopefully will help lower Lam Sin's defenses," as he explained what he wanted the boy to do. "Do you think you can do it? Lam Sin will believe you. So will Mike, Matt, and Chris. Of course, you can't tell them. They have to be just as shocked."

Joshua stood there, quiet for several moments. "I'll try."

"That's all I can ask. Now go do your chores and get ready for Troy's visit."

As the boys went about their responsibilities, John was left alone with his thoughts. Despite trying to cover every contingency yesterday with Troy and Chief Haoa, he kept telling himself that something was overlooked, that the entire plan could backfire. Not only could Chief Haoa and many, if not all, of his men get killed, but odds were also so would he and Troy. But the worst thought going through his mind was Lam Sin in possession of the four boys. That must not happen under any circumstance!

The boys returned from their chores, showered and dressed when the familiar sound of Troy's helicopter punctured the silence. Everyone proceeded to the helipad to greet the pilot. As he stepped out of the cockpit, he got a weak "Hi Troy" from the boys.

"Did I land on Paradise Island where the boys there I know were the happiest I ever met or did I land at a cemetery where a funereal is being held?"

"Sorry, Troy," John explained. "They realize how precarious this plan is, and like all little boys, got scared easily."

"We're not scared," Mike shouted back. "We believe this is going to work, don't we," addressing the other three boys, who nodded their heads.

"Well then," Troy continued. "Now that I know you have confidence in the plan, the hardest part is over. The rest is a piece of cake," getting some smiles in return.

"I see you brought your camera," John observed.

"And a fresh copy of this morning's newspaper," as Troy reached into the cockpit and pulled the periodical out.

"All right. Let's go to the house, grab a couple of flashlights and I'll take you to the cave."

"I can't wait to see it." Troy then looked at Mike. "Did you go to London and early Rome?"

"I sure did. For a while, I was living at the Villa Jovis on the isle of Capri, the home of the great Emperor, Tiberius Caesar."

Troy gave John a strange look. "Is he telling the truth?"

"I really can't tell you, Troy. I was too busy growing grapes," getting a hearty laugh from Mike.

"You made up this whole thing of time travel, didn't you two? See if you could sucker me into believing such nonsense."

"It's the truth. You'll just have to take our word for it. Now let's get those flashlights," as John led the group to the house.

Thirty minutes later, both John and Troy stood at the entrance to the cave. The copter pilot noticed several timber boards lying close by. "What's with the wood here?"

"When we first heard what we called a humming sound, we realized it came from here. It might have been the same sound that frightened the previous owner, causing him to sell this place. Anyhow, I had the opening covered and told the boys never to go inside. A couple of nights ago, the sound returned, even louder than before, accompanied by a vibration."

"A vibration?"

"Yes, hard to describe. It wasn't an earthquake type, as the ground wasn't shaking. It was like a harmonic vibration is the best way I can describe it. Like a bass on an amplifier being turned up. This time we went to the cave. I decided to investigate and took Mike with me."

"And this is where you found the time machine?" Troy asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'll let you decide. Shall we go?" Both men proceeded into the cave entrance after John told the boys to wait outside. Mike wanted to go along since he was already familiar with the tunnel and its strange alien room, but John told the boy to stay with the others and wait for the men's return.

As John and Troy began their walk, the smooth floor was pointed out. "I thought it was strange to have a cave tunnel with such a polished floor," John shared with his friend.

Troy shined the flashlight beam on the ground but said nothing. Instead, he took a couple of digital photos with his camera. Both continued until they reached the right-hand turn and the twenty steps that led downward. "Now tell me that's a natural formation!" John challenged.

"I'll admit this is unusual," as the camera flashed again. "These steps look like they were cut into the rock."

"My assumption exactly."

Upon reaching the bottom, Troy shined his light ahead, seeing nothing but darkness. "How far does this tunnel go?"

"I'm guessing 700 to 800 feet. Mike and I brought a 300-foot rope, and shortly after entering this stretch, we reached the end of its length. It's a straight tunnel from here on."

The two continued until they reached the rock wall indicating the end of the tunnel. Flashlights reflected its beams off the sides and ceiling. "Is this it?" came from the helicopter pilot.

"Just wait a little bit?" as the two stood still. Then as if on cue, a humming sound began to encircle the duo. Troy swung his flashlight, trying to pinpoint its origin.

"Where's it's coming from, John."

"Everywhere and nowhere."

"Thanks. That tells me a lot." Then Troy jumped back startled as the far wall slid to one side, revealing a lighted room.

"Welcome to The Twilight Zone," John smiled as he led his friend inside. Troy was speechless as he slowly walked inside, taking his first look at the panel with the geometric symbols. "Look around and take pictures, but don't touch anything and do not step into the white circle there. Mike and I made that mistake while trying to find where the humming sound was coming from. Next thing we knew, we were 200 years in the past in London."

"I don't believe it," as Troy's camera snapped shot after shot. "These symbols don't look alien, square, triangle, etc."

"I'm assuming a square is a square no matter what universe you're in."

"Who dug this tunnel and installed this…equipment?"

"I don't know and I don't care. Right now, I want to lure Lam Sin in here so we can blow up this cave and entomb him here, so he never bothers anyone anymore."

"If you and Mike did travel into the past, do you realize what a discovery this is? I thought you were pulling my leg, but you can't seriously think of destroying this?"

"I have and I will. I don't have the time to debate this with you. Please understand that I'm doing this to protect my island and especially the boys."

Troy sighed, "I understand what you're saying. You have my word that this will be kept a secret. I'll just send these pictures and let Lam Sin's curiosity get him to come here."

"That's what I'm hoping. Shall we go?" As they started the walk back to the cave entrance, John brought up another topic. "Can you get the explosives necessary to seal this tunnel from the entrance to that room?"

Troy thought for a moment. "I've been giving that some thought. We can't dynamite that room or the long walkway to it."

"Why not?"

"First, the number of explosives would be staggering. I don't know if I could obtain that much without arousing suspicion. Second, such a huge explosion would trigger curiosity as there are seismic sensors all over the world. If they recorded this explosion, the secrecy you want would disappear. Every seismologist would be heading this way thinking that a new or former volcano is starting up."

"Goes to show how much I know," John admitted. "So what can we do?"

"Just collapse the first 20 feet or so of the entrance. Enough tonnage will collapse that it would take huge digging machines to bore it back out. The problem I see is trapping Lam Sin long enough to get out of the tunnel without being killed by the guards."

"I've been thinking along that line Troy. I don't want Lam Sin's corpse on this island. So somehow, he has to step into that white circle and hopefully instantly disappear. Then the tunnel gives him no way of getting back even if he returned to the cave."

"If that works, technically, you're not killing him, but like sending him to jail in another time and place."

"That's what I'm hoping for, Troy. There'll be enough death as it is. But I don't want Lam Sin's on my conscience regardless of how evil he is and deserving of such."

"Will the cave bring him back as it did you and Mike?" the pilot asked.

John gave it some thought. "If it did, he won't even have a flashlight. When he looks out into the corridor and sees pitch blackness and realizes there's no way out, he'll gladly go back and step into the white circle. Anywhere he's sent is better than here."

The boys were waiting outside when the two men emerged. "Do you believe us now?" Mike asked.

"I'll admit, it's nothing I've ever seen before. You have never lied to me, so I have to believe that room is for the purpose you described."

"Okay, let's get back to the house. Troy needs to take pictures of you to send to Lam Sin."

Before Troy began to take each boy's photo, he plugged in his camera to John's computer and showed Matt, Chris, and Joshua the pictures he took of the tunnel and the alien room. For the three boys, it was their first look at the strange panel with its geometric symbols that had the capability of taking people into the past and back again. Then each boy holding the current day's newspaper in front of them had their picture taken. When Troy was satisfied with the results, everyone headed to the helipad.

"What happens now, Troy?" John asked.

Taking a deep breath, the pilot responded. "I call Lam Sin, send the photos, see if he takes the bait, and let you know when he's coming. In the meantime, I'll be back to set the explosives."

"Good luck," as everyone waved. Soon the blades were turning and Troy eased the helicopter into the air and began his trip back to Majuro.

When John and the boys returned to the house, he clarified his intention of getting Lam Sin to step into the white circle whereupon he would be transported to wherever the time portal's next destination was programmed. "His body won't be on our island. He'll be alive, but someplace else in time and we didn't have to kill him."

"Maybe he'll be that dinosaur's lunch you mentioned yesterday," Matt remembered John saying, getting agreement from everyone else.

"Well, there's nothing else we can do until we hear from Troy. So right now, I want a sexy young boy to have fun with. Any volunteers?" as four sets of hands were raised with Chris ending up as the lucky selection.

***

As Mr. Yang entered the very familiar room where Lam Sin sat on his usual elevated throne chair, he stopped when his eyes spotted two naked boys on the floor at the base of the chair. Both appeared to be 11 years old and they were currently in a '69' position, a young cock in each boy's mouth. The Oriental watched intently as the frightened boys were sucking on a cock that couldn't get hard, much less react to the stimulation it was receiving. The man was getting impatient.

"Come on, you little brats! Suck on that little prick in your mouth. I want to see it get hard."

Mr. Yang could tell that the boys' attempts were not going to produce any results. He could see the fear in their eyes, their mouths making the suction motions, but nothing else. More times than not, small soft cocks kept sliding out of a mouth, making it difficult to produce the results the man in the chair wanted.

"Stop! Stop! You two are not entertaining me in the least. Guards, take them back to their quarters."

As the two young boys, with tears in their eyes, were led out of the large room, Lam Sin finally acknowledged Mr. Yang's presence. "This was a private performance; I don't recall inviting you, or have you come to see what delights a young boy can provide?"

Trying his best to hide his utter loathing of this man and that the only reason he served him was the astronomical salary he would never get anywhere else, he bowed. "Master Sin, Troy is calling you."

"Troy? This is a surprise. Have the call scrambled and forward to me here." The lawyer gave another bow and quickly exited the room. A few moments later, the man's cell phone rang.

"I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. I hope you have something fruitful to tell me."

"Master Sin, first I must apologize to you."

"Apologize! The last time I heard an apology was from your father. What could his son be apologizing for?"

Troy was doing his best to control his temper and not just hang up on this man, but he knew that all the planning done so far would only stand a chance of success if he did his part. "I've known all along where the three boys you had been looking for were located."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I remembered my treatment in your hands and didn't want to see these boys suffer the same fate."

"How touching–and now you've changed your mind?"

"I still think you're a monster, but I know that sooner or later, these boys would be found and possibly even worse harm would come to them. So I'm hoping there's a chance that their lives would be spared when you are done with them. Maybe drop them off at some embassy or somewhere safe."

"So in exchange for delivering them to me, you want my assurance they will be freed afterward, alive and well?"

"That's the request. They will never know where they have been held and therefore can't implicate you. They'll just be returned to the United States and placed in some foster home. Look at me. Even after my father died, I have never divulged to anyone about where I spent my six months."

There was silence on the line before Lam Sin spoke again. "Troy, there is a lot more than you're not telling me. Have you seen these boys?"

"I've not only seen them, I'm sending you at this moment photos I just took this morning of the three," as Troy tagged the photos of Mike, Chris, and Matt and hit the 'Send' button. There were several minutes of silence as the man awaited the Oriental's response.

Lam Sin stared hard and long at the pictures sent to him. Yes, these were the same boys whose original photos came from the ranch in California. Finally, they were close enough that he could almost touch them. What delights they would provide him for many months. Finally, he spoke to Troy: "Where are they?"

"Hold on Lam Sin, there are a lot of details that need to be agreed to before you can have them."

"Don't play games with me. I've been waiting for many weeks for these three. Once I have them, you will receive the $300,000. That's all I promised you, and I will keep that arrangement."

"I know that, but the person who has the boys fears for his safety. He realized that sooner or later, you would find them. He doesn't want a group of your men to come and take the boys by force."

"So what is he proposing?"

"You come and get them in person. He assumes with your presence, the boys can be given directly to you peaceably and he is left alone."

"You speak of this person as though he is a man. Is this the American that owns Paradise Island?"

"Yes, it is. The boys landed on his island in a lifeboat and he has taken care of them since. The boys told him of your interest in them and he has sort of protected the three from discovery. I knew almost from day one of their presence. After our conversation a few days ago, I confronted him with a story that you were closing in on him and the boys and that it would be in his best interests to give them up."

"And he has agreed?"

"They don't belong to him. He enjoyed their company but wasn't going to risk his life for them."

"What's to stop me from sending men over anyhow and taking the boys?"

"Master Sin, as you deduced, he's an American. If his government finds out you harmed an American and taken three American boys…well, I don't believe you want them poking around your business. I'm sure you want to keep this as quiet as possible. Surely, regardless of your secret location, it can't be any more secret than Osama Bin Laden's was."

"Are you making some sort of a threat?"

"No, Master Sin. I'm acting as a middle man trying to find the best solution that will get you and John what you both want."

"Why can't we meet at a neutral location?"

"The man feels once off his island, he won't have his government help or connection if something happens."

"I do not like this, Troy. I suspect a trap of some sort."

The helicopter pilot tried to make his laugh sound convincing. "Trap! You could bring a small army with you. He is only one man. Plus…there could be a bonus for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"There is a fourth boy on that island. I'm sending his picture. I don't know much about him, except he's not related to the man either. An old friend passed away and gave him guardianship of this kid. I believe the man is holding the boy as an incentive for a safe transaction."

Lam Sin looked at the recently received photo. His eyes widened at the handsome features of the boy, whose name he didn't know was Joshua. Four American boys! "What else?"

"John wants to sell his island to you. There's a strange cave on the island that he has no idea what it could be, and it bothers him? It doesn't appear natural."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw it this morning. I'm sending over the photos I took."

Lam Sin's eyes widened as he received the pictures of the tunnel, the cave room, and its control panel. Troy was right. This was unnatural. This might be worth going to the island in person to investigate. "How much does he want for his island?"

"The same price he paid for it," giving the Oriental the dollar amount.

"Anything else?"

"That's it. He just asks that you come in person to hand you the boys and negotiate the sale. I'll be there too. You pick the day and time, how many men you want to bring, whatever security you need. John wants assurances he can return to the United States unharmed, and I want assurances I will never be contacted by you again."

There was silence once more as Troy nervously wondered if he had been convincingly enough. Finally, the Oriental's voice returned. "Agreed! I will contact you when arrangements have been made," abruptly hanging up.

Troy heaved a big sigh. His performance had been good enough to convince Lam Sin to personally travel to Paradise Island. He then began to dial another number.

Lam Sin turned to look at Mr. Yang, who had quietly returned to the throne room. The lawyer had listened in on the exchange between the two men. "Mr. Yang, get me a detailed map of that island. I want to know every hill, buildings, or any other structures on it. Did you ever find out more about this American?"

"Not much Master Sin. He won a contest in America and used his winnings to purchase his island. He has no other family. I can do more research if you desire."

"Do that. I want every piece of information about this man as possible. Also, have my yacht readied for a moment's departure."

"Are you going to that island for the boys? Don't you suspect a trap?"

"Of course I do. Yes, I am going to Paradise Island, and whatever plan Troy and this man John may have plotted, I will make sure it is never executed."

Yes, Master Sin."

***

"John, I think he bought it. He said he agreed. He'll call back to let us know what day and time he'll come by."

"Thanks, Troy. I know it wasn't easy talking to that man."

"You haven't met him in person yet, John. He drips pure evil."

"What now?"

I'm going to get the explosives we'll need to destroy that tunnel."

"Okay. Come by tomorrow morning and we'll return to Kalauka Island and bring Chief Haoa up to date."

"Sure thing John. See you then."

John turned to look at the four boys. "Well, the trap has been set. Now we wait to see if he takes the bait."

"Okay. While we wait, it's my turn to have some fun with you," Matt pointed out.

John smiled, thinking of the just-completed sexual enjoyment he had with Chris, tasting the boy's small contribution of boy juice after sucking the 12-year-old's cock to an earth-shattering orgasm, followed by his organ resting inside the tight boy chute. Moments later, he too rode the wave of a great explosion as he shot several streams of his cum inside the boy.

"Well, I haven't fully recharged yet, but until then, I'm ready for whatever else you want to do," as he got up from his chair, heading to the bedroom followed by Matt.

"Don't worry, John," the 12-year-old boy smiled. "I'll have you recharged in no time."

Chapter 51
The Plan (Part 3)

It was an agonizing seven days as everyone waited for some word from Lam Sin. Troy called John daily to inform him that he hadn't received any news from the secretive Oriental. "I wonder if I was convincing enough, John. Maybe he didn't buy my story of you just handing over the boys without a fight."

"If not Troy, we're in real serious trouble. He now knows the boys are here. There's nothing to stop him from sending men over and taking them by force."

"Maybe I should call him again."

"I don't think that's a good idea. If he's suspicious of anything, your call might confirm it. I may need to go to Plan B to get the boys safely out of here. Have you checked on those documents you were getting for Mike, Chris, and Matt?"

"I can pick them up in two days. I had to push and offer that bonus you added to rush things up. Per your instructions, funds will be transferred at the same moment I have the new identities in my possession."

"Okay. If it comes to it, I can get the boys on a plane away from danger."

"But where? Are you considering returning to the United States?"

"I'll probably send Joshua back to his mother. He was never part of Lam Sin's original purchase, so he should be safe. The boys and I will start a new life somewhere else where that man can't reach us."

"I hope it doesn't come to that John. Lam Sin won't give up looking for you, and then no matter where you think you're safe, he'll be close. Plus, he'll still be a menace to everyone here–he's got to go."

"We've done everything we can Troy. The tunnel's wired with explosives. Chief Haoa is ready with his men. We just need that call from Lam Sin. I'm surprised that as badly as he wanted these boys, he's taking so much time in coming to get them."

"Well, as I told you before, he hasn't lasted this long by making mistakes. Just as we tried to do when planning this to cover all possibilities, he's doing the same thing."

And so it was as another day passed by without a word from Singapore. John tried his best to keep the boys' thoughts over the impending meeting from dominating their life on the island. He kept them busy with chores and continued studies–but the mood was there. Sex was non-existent. He got the boys to stay naked as much as possible in the hopes that their special lifestyle would help take their minds off Lam Sin. No boy refused John's invitation to go to bed with him, but it was like playing with a rubber doll. The boys' minds just weren't into sex. As the days passed, Joshua started dropping hints of wanting to go home.

"If Lam Sin takes me, how will my Mom know?"

"I promise you; Lam Sin will not take you."

"How can you say that? He could be here any minute. How do we stop him?"

"Remember our emergency plan to hide in the humming cave? If we see him and/or his men approaching before we're ready we'll hide there. There are many caves on this island. He'll never find us. He'll think we've gone and left the island. Then I can take you to the airport and get you on a plane home. If you leave now, Joshua, how do you think the other boys will feel? You've become a member of the family. The four of you are like brothers. Can you take off and just leave them? Don't you think they're scared too?"

Joshua reached out and hugged the man tightly. "I'm sorry, John. I was being selfish."

"No, you weren't. If I were you, I would have felt the same way. The problem is you're thinking something is going to go wrong instead of being excited that finally we're getting rid of a dangerous enemy. Don't forget, if it doesn't go as planned, Chief Haoa will come here and get you from the cave. He will make sure you get home to your mother."

"Do you think you can send him back in time in that cave?"

"That's the plan. Although he deserves to die for all the boys he's abused, tortured, and killed. I'd rather send him somewhere where he can't bother us ever again and not have to live with the thought we killed him. Sadly, there will be enough blood on this island."

Three days later, the word came from Troy that everyone was waiting for. "Lam Sin called. He's coming tomorrow evening."

"Did he give any details?"

"Not much, arriving just after sundown. He's too crafty for that to say any more. I imagine he's been planning for this very carefully."

"All right. Time to put our plan in motion. Remember, make your trip to Kalauka Island look like a regular run. Let Chief Haoa know what's going on."

"Got it. I'll arrive on your island tomorrow afternoon to make one final check on the explosive wiring of the cave and make sure they can't be spotted before he arrives."

"I think we're okay there. We'll be using flashlights, so unless they're always looking at the ceiling, nothing should be discovered. Thanks, Troy. Good luck to you."

"Good luck to all of us."

***

"Master Sin, do you think it wise exposing yourself to danger going to this island? You can send your men to get the boys now that you know where they are," the lawyer, Mr. Yang, asked as he gazed at the man sitting on his elevated throne.

"That's why I had you and others research all that information on the American owner and the island he owns," as Lam Sin looked again, as he had numerous times, at a consolidated report he finally received from Mr. Yang. An evil smile creased the wrinkled face as he read through the lines once more. "Are you sure this American can't cause any more problems afterward, even if he's…not around anymore?" The lawyer just nodded his head.

Lam Sin gave a wicked laugh. "With his background, no one will care what happens to him." The Oriental began reading aloud from the report. "A convicted sex offender in the United States having molested a 9-year-old boy and spending three years in prison."

He paused for a moment. "A nine-year-old; a little young for my taste. Ten to twelve-year-olds make better fuck toys." Looking back at the report, he continued. "Won a multi-million dollar lottery and spent months trying to find an island he could purchase. Finally, with Troy's help, procured the one he now calls Paradise Island." He paused again. "It won't be paradise much longer. Anyhow, he lived by himself until almost two months ago when the American boys landed on his shores." Taking one last break, he concluded, "I will enjoy putting a bullet to his head."

"Why kill him? And what about Troy?"

"My dear Mr. Yang, I will answer the second part first. Troy's involvement has become a liability to me. I don't want any witnesses to what's going to happen. His body will be found somewhere in Majuro, the result of a robbery. I have an associate ready to take over his business. As for this man John, haven't you come to the same conclusion as I have?"

The lawyer gave the man sitting on the elevated throne a puzzled look. "I don't understand."

Lam Sin gave the man a look of disgust. "Sometimes, I wonder why I keep you on. Let me paint the picture for you. John is a convicted felon who was caught molesting a young boy. Three boys land on his island, having spent a month at the ranch preparing for their servitude to me. What do you think the four of them have been doing all this time, playing card games?"

"You think he's been having sex with them?"

"Of course he has! Three boys having been introduced to sex, landing on an island with a man who enjoys sex with boys. This man has been enjoying my boys. My boys!" as Lam Sin slammed his fist down on the arm of his chair. "I paid a million dollars to have the pleasure of fucking each boy for the first time, to hear their screams as I take their virginity–and this bastard has been doing it for weeks."

"Are you positively sure, sir?"

The man held up a photo from among those sent to him earlier from Troy. "This boy, although now 13-years-old, is the same boy this man went to prison four years ago for molesting. He's now with him on his island. Why?"

Cocking his head to one side, the lawyer replied. "Apparently, to resume where they left off. And the parents allowed it?"

"They are divorced. She signed all the legal documents giving this man guardianship. Unless she's insane, she knew what the relationship would be between the two."

"Amazing!" was all Mr. Yang could say.

Leaning back on his throne chair, Lam Sin spoke softly. "You know, I almost like this guy. A lover of boys as I am, enjoying himself all this time with four beautiful sculptures of youthful flesh." Closing his eyes for a moment, he continued, "Soon I will behold that same beauty as I bring them back here to pleasure me whenever I desire."

Mr. Yang stood quietly. He felt sorry for what was to happen within a few hours. Two innocent men would be murdered and four innocent boys would be brought here to a life of fear and pain. He tried not to dwell on that. He had seen enough misery on the boys who had been kidnapped and made to suffer such humiliation to please this sick individual. He kept asking himself why he doesn't leave. He should have turned the position down years ago when it was offered to him, but the money he was to be paid clouded his judgment and made him quickly forget all the stories he had heard about this man. He thought he could numb himself from the sights he saw so very often within this palace of sadness and sorrow. Now, with regret, he knew he could never leave. This was a lifetime appointment. As he later learned about his predecessor, trying to leave Lam Sin was a death sentence. He looked back up at the man as the Oriental began to speak again.

"Have all the arrangements been made?"

"Yes, Master. The yacht is ready and the men will board when you give the word. Sir, twenty guards seems like a lot for just two men and four boys."

"I want no surprises, Mr. Yang. This must be done quickly and quietly. I don't want to spend any more time on that island than necessary."

"Yes, Master Sin."

"One last thing Mr. Yang. Although I pay you well for your services, I have neglected to reward you for your trust and loyalty. Therefore, I have a gift for you."

"Sir?"

"When I return with the four American boys, they will be all I need for the time being. Therefore, I am giving you the four boys taken from the Ulanti village who just arrived here for your enjoyment and pleasure. You may do what you want with them and dispose of them whenever they no longer please you. I have kept you here within these walls since you began working for me. I'm sure you would enjoy some sexual release."

"Thank you, Master Sin. You are most generous," as the attorney tried hard not to throw up.

***

If the previous seven days seemed like an eternity waiting to hear from the Oriental, the next 24 hours were even worse. Everyone now knew that Lam Sin himself was coming. John tried to project that as a good start on their plan to get rid of him and his men.

"Now, we don't have to worry about a surprise attack. I'm sure everyone was concerned about that. Lam Sin is coming in person. That's what we wanted."

"But won't he bring lots of men?" came from Matt.

"Don't worry about that. Chief Haoa will take care of them. Your part is to act scared, thinking of the prospect of going to Singapore with him. He must never suspect it's a trap."

"I don't think we'll be acting," Mike stated, getting nods from the other boys.

"In a few hours, we'll be rid of this man forever. We can live our lives in peace and security as we've always wanted." John wanted to give a final assurance to the four boys.

Trying to lighten the mood, he added, "You guys haven't been much fun in bed lately. After tonight, I want some real hot sex from all of you," getting nervous chuckles in return.

There wasn't much else for anyone to do but wait. Troy returned a couple of hours before sunset and once again checked the string of explosives lining the entrance where they hoped to trap the Oriental. Chief Haoa and his men were stationed at various spots surrounding the house and cave; their canoes were hidden. Everyone nervously watched the setting sun, as they knew Lam Sin was finally on his way here. All that was left was the performance everyone had to give to make the plan work.

When John and Troy were alone away from the boys, the pilot confirmed a thought John already had in the back of his mind but never spoken out loud. "You know that despite what Lam Sin said about just wanting the boys and nothing else, he can't afford to leave any witnesses."

The man felt that familiar shivering he experienced on the rescue mission to SP1, but had now been a daily reminder of the extreme dangers ahead. "I know, Troy. I guess we both knew it was either him or us. I just pray that if you and I don't make it, Chief Haoa can get the boys to safety."

"He'll do it, John. He has all the new documents I gave him yesterday to get them away from here. He'll make sure they are safe. Now, why don't you go to the boys? They could use your company now. I'll watch out for Lam Sin's arrival." Reaching out, the two men shook hands as Troy, with a pair of binoculars and a walkie-talkie, headed to one of the higher points of the island.

John found the boys sitting quietly in the living room, dressed in polo shirts and cut-offs. The look of fear was on each boy's face. The man sat down and looked at each one. "I wish there could have been a way to do this without involving all of you, but the only way we could get Lam Sin to come here is to have you present so he could pick you up in person. That part of the plan has worked. So that's a good omen. Chief Haoa's men are here hidden on the island. The cave is ready. All we have to do is play our parts."

The man didn't know how to explain the amount of blood they may see tonight. He just prayed that whatever carnage witnessed would not damage them so traumatically that their entire personality would be altered, never to be the same again. How would he explain it to Joshua's mother, Laura?

"We know John," Mike spoke first. "It's just hard not being scared."

"This may sound cruel, Mike, but I want you to be scared, as much as possible. Lam Sin needs to be convinced you won't give him any trouble and have resigned yourselves to going back to Singapore with him. Anything we can do to lower his guard is a plus for us."

Chris was next. "What if Lam Sin brings a hundred men? The Kalaukans can't take on that many."

John gave a slight smile. "Lam Sin may be a cautious man, but he probably thinks there's just Troy, myself, and the four of you. He'll bring plenty of men, but not an army. Remember, if anything goes wrong, head for the cave. Chief Haoa will rescue you and get you off this island."

A moment later, Troy's voice came over the walkie-talkie. "Looks like Lam Sin is approaching. He's coming by yacht. I've signaled Chief Haoa."

"Okay, Troy. Meet him at the dock. We'll be ready and waiting here." John looked at the boys and then quickly hugged each one. "I love you guys. No matter what happens, always remember that. Now let's get ready to meet our enemy."

Troy stood quietly as he saw the yacht approach the dock. His heart was beating a mile a minute, getting ready to lay eyes on a man he hadn't seen in eight years. Although he had tried during all this time to bury the nightmare of his months spent with Lam Sin, they came flooding back as he thought of the near-daily sexual abuse he received from this man. It took months after he was released before he let his father hug him, screaming at him to get away every time he approached. He recalled his father crying and begging for his forgiveness. He thought his hole would never close as it felt like a gaping tunnel after months of being raped.

The yacht approached and stopped within a couple of hundred yards from the dock, apparently not wanting to get trapped where it couldn't make a speedy escape if necessary. Troy smiled. "Nice thinking," he said to himself. "That makes my job easier." Then two small-motorized crafts were lowered over the side and Troy counted about ten men crowded in each, one that must have Lam Sin as a passenger. His heart raced faster, if that was possible, as his eyes tried to penetrate the darkness searching for the Oriental. A couple of moments later, he was spotted. The two crafts approached the dock and several men, fully armed, jumped out and secured the launches. Twenty men made a semi-circle as an old man dressed in a long robe stepped through the line and approached Troy.

Lam Sin was perhaps in his late 50's. He had kept himself in good shape and Troy hardly noticed any aging in the years he last laid eyes on him. The Oriental approached the young man, stopped, and gave the figure a long look. "Hello, Troy. You look well."

"Master Sin. I see you brought enough men. Are you frightened of four little boys?"

Before the next blink of an eye, Troy felt a sting as a hand slapped against his cheek. Lam Sin gave a slight smile. "I should have kept you longer with me. Maybe the extra time would have taught you manners." Turning to the men who landed with him, he shouted a few words in what sounded like an Indonesian dialect. Troy didn't understand although over the years he had become pretty fluent in many languages while visiting different cultures connected with his business. Immediately, half the men left the group and headed toward the interior of the island. Each carried an assault rifle with a large, presumably fully loaded, magazine clip attached. Looking back at Troy, Lam Sin explained, "Just wanted to make sure you and your American friend haven't planned any surprises. Shall we go? I want to see my boys."

The helicopter pilot, trying to control the anger boiling within him after that slap, silently led the remaining ten men to the house. Standing on the porch waiting was John. Lam Sin and his entourage climbed the steps and soon a crowded group of men stood at the entrance of the house. Catching John off guard by a gesture, the Oriental stuck out his hand. "You must be John. I am Lam Sin."

Slowly, John took the offered hand and shook it. "Mr. Sin. Welcome to Paradise Island."

"I am to be addressed as Master Sin."

"What an egomaniac," John thought to himself. "Of course, my apologies…Master Sin."

The formalities over, Lam Sin got to business. "You know why I am here. I came to get the boys I purchased, plus…that bonus you threw in. Let's conclude this as quickly as possible."

"Yes, Master Sin, and afterward, I'll show you the cave with the strange noise and instrumentation Troy has told you about."

"I decided not to see that cave this evening. Maybe another time."

Both John and Troy were stunned. If Lam Sin didn't go to the cave, the entire plan for getting rid of the man was in serious jeopardy, and more than likely, after the boys were taken away, the two men would be executed. Trying not to betray their shock and fear with any facial changes, John calmly replied. "Of course, as you wish. Let's go inside and I'll call the boys out."

As John, Troy, Lam Sin, and six of his men entered the house, the remaining four staying behind on the porch, they went to the living room whereupon the Oriental took a seat. John shouted down the hallway where the bedrooms were.

"All right boys. Master Sin is here. Come out now." In the meantime, John was trying to think of a way to get the man's interest back in the cave so he would want to go and see it for himself.

Lam Sin's eyes lit up as the three castaways and Joshua entered the living room and stood in a straight line about five feet from the man they were dreading to meet. The visitor from Singapore slowly looked over each boy and John saw the man even lick his lips as though anticipating savoring some delicacy. Then a second comment came from the man causing another shock.

"I want to see them naked. Have them take off all their clothes."

The four boys looked at John bewildered. Again, something like this wasn't anticipated. The plan was that once Lam Sin saw the boys in person, then he would go to the humming cave, but this additional delay might prove fatal to everyone. Knowing his hands were tied at the moment, John looked at the boys. "Do as the man says. You belong to him now."

Slowly the boys removed all their clothing and stood naked, shaking with fear and embarrassment. Lam Sin told them to keep their hands by their sides, not to try to cover anything. His eyes spent several moments going over each boy as though studying every square inch of their anatomy.

When he spoke again, it was to reflect on what it took to come to this point in time. "It's been a long wait to finally see you. It started earlier this year when the caseworker discovered three of the most beautiful boys he had ever laid his eyes upon and sent me your pictures. I paid a lot of money to that caseworker to coordinate all three of you to arrive at Mrs. Janice's ranch and have her boys begin a preliminary training until it was time to bring you to me. You would have arrived at my palace two months ago if the captain of the Sea Queen hadn't betrayed me and put you in that lifeboat.

"Now I see good fortune was with me as you landed safely on this island and were taken care of by John. Sadly, a lot of people were hurt and even killed in my attempts to find you, but that is all in the past. Soon you will go with me and we'll have lots of good times together," the man rubbing his crotch with a hand in an obvious gesture of what lied ahead.

The Oriental pointed a finger at Mike and motioned for him to stand directly in front of him. The man then ran his hands down the chest and went lower to play with the 12-year-old's genitals. He turned him around and squeezed the ass cheeks roughly, making the teen wince. Turning him back to face him, he commented, "So you are Mike. I'm glad you show no signs of nearing puberty. Let's hope that continues. I don't like boys who grow hair anywhere on their bodies except, of course, on their heads." This went on as Lam Sin called Chris and then Matt, again rubbing hands down their chests and then fondling their non-erect cocks, balls, and ass.

Lastly, he called forward Joshua. Going through the same ritual with his hands, he then asked the boy a question. "Aren't you disappointed or angry? You and John shared a sexual relationship that began four years ago. He spent three years in prison because of it. Then your mother allows you to go live with him after what she knew happened before. And now John is giving you away for free to save his miserable hide. If I were you, I'd be a little pissed off."

"Fuck you!" the anger in Joshua's voice evident.

"No, my young friend. It will be I fucking your sweet little ass as well as the rest of you. Make no mistake; you will suck my cock whenever I tell you to, and by the time I'm through with you, you will think you were born with a cock up your ass."

Although the boys knew they would be facing Lam Sin and hoping they would be saved through the trap presently awaiting this evil man, John felt sorry as he saw the four naked boys. Their shivering was not a result of being cold but scared beyond belief. Their eyes widened in shock as they heard what the Oriental had planned for them when they reached Singapore and his secure palace.

Lam Sin then looked at John. "So did you enjoy fucking my boys these past couple of months?"

"What?" was all John could mutter back.

"Don't act surprised! They were supposed to arrive at me as virgins, untouched. So don't try to deny what you've been doing. If it weren't for the upcoming pleasure of enjoying these boys and after all I went through to get them, I'd take them on my yacht and dump them in the middle of the ocean: this time without a lifeboat."

Turning to one of the guards, Lam Sin ordered, "Take these boys to the dock and wait for me." As the boys bent to pick up their clothes as though they were going to get dressed, the Oriental shouted, "No! From now on you will wear no clothing. Blankets will be given to you at the dock to wrap around you."

John and Troy looked at each other, thinking the same thoughts. No matter what contingencies you may think you've got covered, something will come along and surprise you. They had no idea how Chief Haoa's men were progressing on their end of the plan. If the boys were taken away, the very real prospect loomed that soon they would both be dead. John hoped that the boys would be freed from Lam Sin's men before they left the island. John had not heard a gunshot, so supposedly the armed men hadn't discovered the trap that awaited them.

It was Joshua who saved what could have been a disaster with his outburst as he rushed towards John, hugging him tightly. "Please, John, don't let him take me. You promised I could hide in the secret cave. It would protect me until Lam Sin left and then you would take me to the airport so I could fly back to my mother. I don't belong to him. Please!"

"Secret cave?" the Oriental asked.

Thinking very quickly, John replied. "That was what we called the cave I wanted you to see. Originally, when Troy told me of your call to him, my first inclination was to hide the boys in the cave until you were convinced they weren't on my island. When it became obvious that sooner or later you would discover that I had your boys, I told Joshua that he alone would hide in the cave. But hoping to sweeten the deal with you for your promise never to bother Troy and me ever again, I threw in Joshua along with the others."

"You were willing to give up this boy that cost you three years of your life, just to save yours?" Lam Sin looked at John intently. "People call me a monster. You are even worse."

"Please, John, don't make me go."

"Quiet boy," the Oriental barked out as he motioned to two of the men to escort the four boys. One dragged Joshua from his clutches to John. All of them turned and looked at the man who had been their older brother/father figure. He softly said to them, "Don't worry, everything will be all right."

Lam Sin laughed. "You're right, John, everything will be all right. Now, I've had a second thought. Before I leave, I will see that cave of yours."

Chapter 52
The Plan (Part 4)

John and Troy gave each other a quick look. Maybe there was a chance of pulling this off. "Of course, Master Sin. Let me get some flashlights and I'll show you the way."

As John went to get the flashlights, the Oriental whispered to the four guards still inside the house with him. "When we get to this cave, I want you two to stay outside and make sure no one leaves. You two will go with me. When we reach this secret room or whatever this is, wait for my signal and kill Troy and John," Smiling fiendishly, the man concluded, "This secret cave will now be their secret deaths."

"Here we are," as John returned and handed Lam Sin and Troy a flashlight with him having one also. "It's about a ten-minute walk."

"Lead the way," Lam Sin instructed as he and the four guards followed John and Troy. Nothing was said during the short hike to the humming cave. It was eerily quiet and John wondered how Chief Haoa was doing in neutralizing Lam Sin's men. No shots were heard, so the man again took that as an encouraging sign. It wasn't long before they stood at the entrance to the cave. As if on cue, the strange humming sound began.

"What is that?"

"It's part of the mystery of this cave, Master Sin. We've never been able to discover its source. This is the first time I've heard it in nearly two weeks."

The Oriental was quiet for several moments. Finally, in that native dialect, the man repeated the instructions he gave the guards earlier at the house. Two men positioned themselves on either side of the cave entrance. Waving his hand at John as a gesture to lead the way, Lam Sin followed as the remaining two guards brought up the rear.

Despite John's desire to get to the time portal room as quickly as possible, he forced himself not to as it could cause some suspicion from Lam Sin. Instead, he acted like a tour guide giving his impressions of the unusual formation of the tunnel they were in. Recalling how he and Mike first observed the way the tunnel had been carved out, he repeated that to the Oriental. The relatively smooth floor gave way to the cut steps leading further down. Then it was the long walk to the end of the tunnel, the humming sound softly playing in the background. When they reached the solid walk, the humming ceased. Lam Sin quickly got behind his two guards who pointed their rifles, one each at Troy and John.

"Was this some trick to trap me? You will now die for this."

"Wait a minute! It's not a trap. Just give it a few seconds and you'll see," John hurried an explanation.

"You have ten seconds before these men kill you."

No sooner was the threat spoken than a rumbling sound was heard and the far wall began to slide sideways as a bright light emanated from the room ahead and the humming sound resumed. Looking directly at Lam Sin, who cautiously peered over the shoulder of one of his guards, John announced, "This is the secret cave or what we sometimes call it, the humming cave."

Leading the way, John and Troy stepped inside. Lam Sin instructed the guards to stand at the entrance while he slowly made his way into the room. Again, not wanting to arouse suspicions, John pointed to the panel with the lit geometric shapes. "As you can see, these are common mathematic symbols. But how they work, I don't know." The Oriental moved closer to the panel, lightly touching the symbols.

"What else have you learned?"

"You can still hear the humming sound, but it appears to be coming from everywhere. Its amplification is enough so that it permeates anywhere on the island, as you heard. I did observe the symbols on the panel lighting up in various combinations when I stepped into that white circle, but I had no idea what, if anything, I was doing. Somehow, maybe telepathically, instructions can be sent to the panel.

"For what purpose?"

"I don't know. All this is beyond me. Maybe you and your resources can determine what this room is, who built it, and what 'is' its purpose. Maybe you have some unknown telepathic ability to understand how to operate the panel. I also noticed that when I put on that bracelet you see there in the corner, the humming becomes more pronounced as though waiting for instructions."

This was it, the final lie as he watched the Oriental walk back to the panel, picked up the bracelet, and put it on his wrist. He then looked at the white circle. "Go on. Step into it!" John's mind screamed. He looked at the guards who still had their rifles pointed at him and Troy.

Slowly, Lam Sin turned around and approached the white circle. Giving one last look at the panel, he stepped within the painted circumference. For a few seconds, nothing happened. Then a brilliant flash of light erupted, blinding everyone in the room. Reaching out and grabbing Troy's shirtsleeve, John pulled him to the ground, not knowing if the guards would begin shooting. For John, the familiar blue dots danced once again across his eyes, but this time he knew he wouldn't open them to discover he had been sent to a different time and place. He then felt a couple of hands helping him to stand on his feet. He slowly opened his eyes.

In front of him stood Chief Haoa and Tangaroa. He quickly looked around. There was no sign of Lam Sin or the guards. Chief Haoa guessed his question. "The guards have been taken care of. We were right behind you, but where is Lam Sin? You said he would be trapped here."

"He is Chief Haoa. He can never harm anyone ever again. The rest of Lam Sin's men?"

"With the help of the Ulanti, all of them have been killed." Looking at Troy, he finished, "Their bodies will be on the yacht awaiting your next part of the plan," as the two warriors exited the room.

Troy nodded his head. He turned to his friend, "So this is a time machine. Where do you think it took Lam Sin?"

Recalling a comment he made to the boys, he smiled as he looked at Troy. "Maybe some dinosaur is right now looking at a tasty snack." Troy laughed as the two men slapped each other on the back.

"Okay. Let's get out of here and seal the entrance."

Looking around, Troy lamented, "I realize this is necessary, John and sadly, we'll never know what other wonders we could have discovered from this cave."

John took the last look. "It's better this way. I'm not God, but I don't think mankind is ready yet for time travel. Mike and I were lucky and hopefully didn't do any damage due to our presence. If time travel is to be a scientific reality in the future, let the human race develop it."

Thirty minutes later, everyone was outside the cave. Making sure the area was clear, Troy shouted the traditional "Fire in the hole," and moments later, a strong rumbling was heard as the entire tunnel collapsed, sending clouds of dust through the air. When the dirt settled, everyone stood at the cave entrance. Just a few feet inside, it was blocked. Tons of rock now prevented anyone from ever entering the cave again.

John turned to Chief Haoa, "Where are the boys?"

"They're at the house waiting for you. My men and the Ulanti are heading for our canoes we hid on the other side of the island. A few will be going with Troy to bring him back here."

"Were any of your men hurt?"

"Fortunately, no. The element of surprise was complete; not one man fired a shot."

"Yes, I never heard a rifle going off. Chief Haoa, I'll never be able to thank you for risking your men in this venture. Thankfully, all went well–and please thank the Ulanti. I'm glad they came."

"When I sent the invitation for them to join us, they were most anxious to do so. They had a score to settle with Lam Sin after his men murdered their elders and kidnapped some of the young boys. Also, this has opened an opportunity for both tribes to once again talk to one other. Maybe one day we can be one people like we were many years ago."

"I hope so." Turning to his friend, John stuck out his hand. "Troy, thanks also. This would have never been possible if you hadn't convinced Lam Sin to come here himself."

"It was a team effort. Each of us had a stake, and a reason, for wanting to get rid of that man."

"What do you think will happen when Lam Sin doesn't return to Singapore?" John wondered.

"I don't think we have to worry. We created a huge power vacuum within his organization. I don't believe they will send any serious search parties out and draw attention. They will assume something went wrong and leave it at that. There won't be too many tears shed for that man." Turning to the Kalaukan, Troy asked, "Is the canoe tied to the yacht Chief Haoa?"

"Yes, it is. Three men will accompany you and bring you back here so you can leave in your helicopter."

"How far out are you going?" John asked.

"I think five miles should be enough. According to the charts, that depth is nearly 9,000 feet. I'll scuttle the yacht there and it will sink to the bottom, taking every bit of evidence of their visit here."

Looking once again at the Kalaukan chief, John asked, "Did the boys have to witness any of the violence?"

"Don't worry, John. Several of my warriors snatched the boys before Lam Sin's men knew what had happened. By then, it was all over."

Saying goodbye once more to Chief Haoa and Troy, John rushed to the house, and as he entered four boys, now dressed, rushed up to him, hugging and crying. He gave them the news.

"It's all over, guys. Lam Sin is gone. His men are dead and soon, the yacht they came in will be sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. We are free, safe, and together."

"We heard the explosion," Mike spoke.

"Yes, the cave is sealed forever. Lam Sin stepped into the white circle and disappeared. He has no way of coming back." Looking intently at each boy, John said softly. "I'm proud of all of you. I realize this was very difficult and you probably even thought you were going to be taken by Lam Sin. But everything worked out okay. Chief Haoa has invited us to his island for a big celebration next week. I thank the four of you for being very brave."

It was at that moment that Joshua ran from the group and outside the house. "I'll talk to him, guys. He probably felt he let us down with his outburst. Go shower and head for bed. We're all very tired." Giving each boy a hug and a kiss on their foreheads, John proceeded outside, where he spotted the 13-year-old sitting on the sand by the ocean's edge. Silhouetted in the dark, the man could see the boy's shoulders heaving, indicating he was crying. He waited a few moments before walking to where he was and sitting next to him. Nothing was said for several moments before the teen spoke.

"I want to go home, John. I don't belong here anymore."

"What makes you say that, Joshua? You did exactly as I asked you to. You were very convincing. If Lam Sin hadn't believed your act, you would be on that yacht on your way to Singapore at this very moment, but you mustn't tell the others of our plan. I don't want them to think I couldn't trust them."

The boy looked at John. "Didn't you see how scared I was and begged not to be taken? I wasn't acting–I was petrified. The others were brave."

"Now you stop it right there, young man! You acted the way you did because you had a mother and brother you could go home to. So I understand why you were more concerned about being taken away. The other three just had me. They were counting on me to save them."

"I should have counted on you too. I bet Chris, Mike and Matt hate me, like the first day I came here."

"No, they don't. They understood you still had a family to go back to. And don't ever think you're a coward. Who stood up to all the pressure of the police and your parents not to testify against me four years ago? I can't think of any other 9-year-old brave enough to do that. And you fought for the past year to see and be with me again. Now that's what I call courage." John put his arm over the boy's shoulders. "You and the others have been exposed to terrors no boy should ever have to go through. I pray none of you ever have to experience anything close to that again, but if you still feel you must go home, I won't stop you. I know the boys, and especially me, would miss you very much."

The boy hugged John. "I want to stay."

"Good. Tell you what. Let's go back inside and celebrate. All of you are truly free now. We'll unwind as we get back to life as before, and then I expect four hot-looking boys to be available for some great sex," getting a big smile from the teen.

Laughing, Joshua replied, "I've got almost a week of horniness to give you," as both held hands as they walked back to the house.

Although it was never brought up in any future conversations, especially with the boys, the reality of what happened was that twenty men died that day and possibly 21 depending on where Lam Sin ended up in time. Chief Haoa tried to make John understand that there wasn't any choice.

"Do not feel sorry or let your conscience burden you with that," he tried to explain. "Being hired gunmen, they knew risks being employed by that man, and who knows how many innocent people were killed by them on orders from Lam Sin. I'm sure each man had kidnapped boys from their families, never to be heard or seen from again. It was necessary this time to save four boys from the same ending."

John nodded his head and thanked the chief. Yes, there was no other choice, and as time would go by, the horror of what happened would fade.

***

24 hours later, Chin Lee entered the office of his superior, Mr. Yang. Waiting for a motion from the lawyer to sit down, he proceeded to do so.

"Any news, Mr. Lee?"

"None, sir. It's like he and his men just vanished. The GPS on the yacht showed it arrived at Paradise Island, was there for over an hour. It left and about five miles out, it disappeared. No signal from the transponder. I sent some men over to search the area, but found no wreckage or anything to indicate what happened."

"Whatever it was Mr. Lee, it happened so quickly that the crew wasn't able to signal for help or get into lifeboats, maybe some sort of an explosion. We must assume all was lost at sea."

"But sir, shouldn't we continue our search?"

"No. That might draw attention and start rumors that Lam Sin may be dead. He is a secretive symbol within this organization. As long as everyone believes he's alive, no one dares question or take any action contrary to that."

"Should we go to Paradise Island? Maybe there are some clues there."

"Again, no. We will leave that island alone. Unfortunately, it looks likes the American boys also died with Master Sin."

"Who will run things while Master Sin is…away?"

"Why? Are you offering to take over?"

"Oh no, Mr. Yang!" the young lawyer said quickly. "I have no aspirations for such a responsibility."

"Glad to hear that, Mr. Lee. I will continue in the background to run this organization as though Master Sin is alive and well and in control. As long as you and I keep our mouths shut, there should be no problems."

"I understand, sir. Is there anything else?"

"Now that you mentioned it, yes. Take those four Ulanti boys that just arrived and quietly return them to their island."

"Sir?"

"Do as I say!"

"Yes, sir," as the younger advocate left the office.

As the door closed, Mr. Yang pressed a button on a machine that had recorded an anonymous message received just a couple of hours earlier. "Mr. Yang, Lam Sin is dead. His attempt to kidnap more innocent boys failed. He and his men paid with their lives. They now sit at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. This is a warning to anyone else who tries to forcibly take children away from their parents."

Mr. Yang sat quietly for a moment. He reached out and pressed the 'erase' button deleting the message. He leaned back on his chair. If he worked this right, he could be running this empire under the illusion that Lam Sin was making all the decisions. The Oriental's sexual deviancy had destroyed him. Mr. Yang had no such desires. There was no money to be made bringing little boys here. Lam Sin lost a million dollars trying to satisfy his pedophile lust for the Americans.

He left his office and went into the throne room. He climbed into the chair he had always had to look up to when conversing with his master. It was nice and comfortable and did project an aura of intimidation to those who looked upon it.

"First order of business," Mr. Yang said to himself, "is to turn this chair into firewood."

With a smile on his face, he returned to his office. There was a mountain of paperwork that awaited him. Thankfully, the years of working for Lam Sin had taught him how to masterfully forge the now dead man's signature.

***

One week later, it seemed that every canoe on Kalauka Island paddled out to greet John and the boys as they arrived to partake in the celebration of Lam Sin's demise. As always, Aukai was first to board John's yacht and jump on him, nearly knocking him down.

"Whoa! One of these days, you're going to break my back."

Releasing John, the chief's son smiled at his friend. "Welcome. I've been waiting for your visit for a long time. My father says we will have three days of celebration. You know what that means, don't you?" giving a coy smile.

"That your little butt is going to be very sore by the time we leave to go back home."

"Right." Looking at the four boys, Aukai added, "And while he is resting in between sessions, the five of us will shoot lots of cum," getting grins in return.

John smiled as he saw the boys gather around Aukai, all excitedly talking about the sexual fun all would enjoy for the next three days. Although he looked forward himself to whatever enjoyment awaited him within the Kalaukan village, he thought to the past seven days, which weren't too bad either.

Except for that night when Lam Sin attempted to take the four boys, it took nearly two full days before everyone could accept the fact that Lam Sin was gone and that they could live their lives in peace. Sex between everyone wasn't bad before, to be sure, but now there seemed to be a little extra spark, an additional twinkle in the boys' eyes as they looked forward to hopping in a bed with John or one of the others to lick, kiss, suck and fuck.

Two days before they departed for Kalauka Island, everyone decided to have a sex marathon, non-stop sex with a ten-minute break every hour. Poor John just couldn't keep up with the stamina that youth brings when it came to sex. But he enjoyed watching the rotating pairs put on a show starting with a 69 sucking session ending with each sliding his young cock into his partner's ass and leaving their small residue of boy cum inside. John and each boy were learning about edging their partners while sucking to bring them ever so close, then backing off a little, then a little bit closer. What started as lasting barely ten minutes had almost doubled. The results were orgasms that lasted longer, making each boy feel like it was never going to end.

And yes, their anal skills improved also. Each looked forward to the man's cock inside them. The practice had taught each how to control his ass muscles, to squeeze at the proper moment as John's cock slid inside, making a tight grip around the visitor impaling them. Although the man knew it was just his imagination, these additional talents made John's orgasm seem longer, thinking he had pumped more cum than he ever had before. As he softened and slid out, he relished the sight of a long dripping trail of his conquest coming from his just conquered prize.

John tried to get Troy to come along to Kalauka Island, as he was just as important in getting rid of Lam Sin as everyone else. Troy was told he didn't have to undress, just observe the celebration, but the helicopter pilot politely declined. Even after eight years gone by and knowing his tormenter could no longer haunt him, it would be difficult for him to be around naked children, even if it was in fun, he explained. He confided in his friend how seeing the four boys naked in front of Lam Sin triggered many memories of how he once stood naked in front of that man, knowing that in a few moments, he was going to feel the pain again as he was being raped. At the last thought, he added, "He thought for sure I would be dead as there was never $300,000 waiting for me."

"Do you think Troy will ever change?" Chris asked one day.

"You would think after all this time and Lam Sin gone; he might start feeling his nightmare is finally over with. But some events are so traumatic that they last a lifetime. He's done well burying it and not letting it interfere with his daily life. I watched him when Lam Sin made you get undressed. Later he told me seeing you humiliated was like flashbacks of his hell all over again, but he controlled himself. Don't ever ask him to play some sex game or pressure him into anything sexual. If he ever wants to climb out of that shell, he will."

As everyone climbed out of the yacht and into the canoes, musical instruments could be heard as those onshore were beginning the celebration. There seemed to be more people than usual, which Chief Haoa explained. "Nearly all the Ulanti village is here to celebrate also. You and the boys will meet many of them."

"That's great! Maybe the unification of the two tribes will be quicker than hoped for," as the visitors saw everyone dressed in colorful costumes adorned with bright feathers and beads. Living naked most of the time, this was a rare opportunity to dress up in traditional native attire.

"The Ulanti received a special surprise, the Kalaukan chief started. "The four boys who were kidnapped were returned home. Some men in a boat came to their shore, dropped the boys off, and left. From what I was told, the boys had just arrived in Singapore when they were mysteriously brought back home. Nothing physical or sexual was done to any of them."

John was glad to hear the happy news. "With Lam Sin gone, maybe there is no need for kidnapping boys. Whoever's running things now decided to return them. That's a good sign."

"We'll see," the chief concluded as the canoes touched shore and the Paradise Island visitors were swarmed by men, women, boys, and girls as everyone proceeded to the village, anxious to shed their clothing and begin the three-day festival of sexual delights.

Even though John had spent the last few days having wonderful sex with his boys on the island, the sight of so many more beautiful pre-teens excited him once more. As the entourage walked toward the village, several boys, whose faces he didn't recognize, greeted him. He later learned they were part of the Ulanti contingent that came to celebrate with their relatives of Kalauka Island. Little Mauro, who recently took the 'Right Of Manhood' test, reminded John that he looked forward to spending some time with him also. There were so many beautiful boys and only three days to enjoy them as many as he could. He knew he had his work cut out for him.

After the three-day celebration, John and the boys returned to Paradise Island. Hours went by as each shared their wonderful memories of the time spent with the Kalaukans and the Ulanti. When they weren't eating or sleeping, sex took up the remainder of the day. It was two days before sex resumed on the island. Cocks and asses were very sore from so much use. Joshua had trouble telling his mother in an email about visiting a native island, making friends, and learning about their traditions without mention of the sex that played a prominent part in that visit.

"It sounds so boring when I read it," the teen complained.

"I guess when you compared it with what happened, I guess it does," John concurred, "But to your mother, it will sound like a live description of a journey she would have read in a National Geographic magazine. Next time we visit, we'll take a camera and you can take pictures of everyone dressed in their traditional clothing and attach it to that text message you send."

"Can I ever tell her what happens when we visit?"

"Maybe one day Joshua. Right now, it's just another secret you must keep, along with what happened when Lam Sin came here. Let's just let her assume it's just you and I picked up from four years ago. She knew you and I was going to have sex. She had no objections to that."

With that, life returned to normal on Paradise Island. In the weeks and months ahead, the five of them shared a wonderful relation shared emotionally and sexually. Periodic visits were made to Kalauka Island. On occasion, when John and the boys returned home, some of the Kalaukan boys came and spent several days on Paradise Island.

Many times John would sit on the porch, his dog by his side, and watch whatever boys were on the island at that moment, usually naked, running along the shore, little cocks jumping around, cute butts wiggling, and tell himself how fortunate he was. Yes, there had been some rough rides during the past four-plus years, but it was all in the past. The most difficult decision he had to make each day was which boy did he want to suck and to slide his cock into a tight little ass. He wasn't sure if there was a heaven above, but for now, he was enjoying the heaven he called Paradise Island.

The End