First Act

Maine woods, summer 1982.

Eighteen year old Clem Miller was finally alone with twelve year old Gavin Charles.

They had arrived the day before, in the late afternoon with ten other boys and their scoutmaster in a moderately sized bus belonging to the troop, pulling a small trailer with all their gear. Most of them had been quite impressed by the dense woods and tall trees all around them, the Allagash Wilderness. They all thought it was really going to be quite an adventure. They were far away from any civilization.

That evening, setting up camp and preparing dinner had taken all of their energy. They were exhausted, having come from the suburbs of Boston. Clem and Gavin shared a tent with the Petersen twins, who were already in a deep slumber. They had just enough time for a quick sixty-nine before the younger boy also fell asleep, joining the twins, with his lover's cock still in his mouth.

It was lucky that Mr. Olsen wasn't very strict with rules; otherwise, he would not have been allowed to sleep with the scouts, having just turned 18. True the man also appreciated having a tent to himself.

The temperature was still nice outside but it was not going to last. Clem was not ready to sleep and couldn't resist the two scouts in the tent with them, and as far as he knew, dead to the world. The Petersen twins were difficult to differentiate, which reinforced their appeal to him. His excitement was at a peak, and now was a good occasion to check the goods. He was very thorough in his examination, lingering as usual on the boys' firm and well-formed buttocks, slipping a finger down the crack and turning them a bit to have a peak at the rather small boy parts, lovely!

He had had a few contacts with them already, thanks to Gavin, but nothing intimate like that. They were a delight, perfect in every sense of the word and so alike. The twins were at the top of his list as well as Julian Barrett who had slightly girlish looks and was all boy for everything else, a charming combination. He used the sleeping Gavin for an intercrural fuck to satisfy himself one more time while facing and kissing one of the twins whose arm he had wrapped around his back. As he was orgasming, the boy opened his eyes and smiled fleetingly before falling asleep again, a good omen.

The night would be cold, no more than fifty degrees Fahrenheit [10° C], and they all slept close together leaving a large part of the tent unoccupied.

***

They were in a small clearing face to face, shorts down and cocks almost touching. It was hot with the sun shining on them. There was a slight breeze. It was perfect. Clem saw that Gavin was no less exited than he was; his young cocklet erect and ready for action. They had told Mr. Olsen they were going to explore the surroundings, so they would have enough time to try to do everything they could think of. Gavin was no virgin; he had been his boy for a year now. He just had to place his hand on the boy's head and gently push it down for Gavin to know what was asked of him.

Gavin, for sure, did know how to perform. His blowjob was a work of art. His soft lips, tongue, and mouth were managing Clem's moderately sized cock expertly. It was clear that he liked what he was doing.

It was going to be a great two weeks, thought Clem, as he held the younger boy's pretty head while he fucked his mouth. He had already scored with Gavin repeatedly and was now enjoying the prospect of doing the same with the Petersen twins. It would be a first for him, identical twins. Then he would move on with two or three more hot prospects, Julian with his good looks and long lashes being high on his list, too bad he was not in their tent it would have been very convenient: four boys all to himself to satisfy his deepest cravings. Not that much of a dream and quite feasible, he thought.

He had been a junior assistant Scoutmaster for two years with all the opportunities it brought. That would be five new boys on an already rather long list. There was nothing better than helping them discover the pleasures of sex.

He had volunteered for the task of selecting the scouts for this trip among those who were ready for their "Backpacking" merit badge, which had a lot of requirements. He had been careful, out of the forty candidates, to accept only the most attractive, and among those, the ones he thought could be easily enticed to participate in his games. Of course, he added to the bunch two or three he was not interested in, he didn't want it to be too obvious. Olsen had made no comment on the matter. As long as Clem took care of the boys and that it went smoothly and without any problems he did not seem to care.

***

He pulled out of Gavin's mouth before cumming. He wanted the boy's ass first.

"Let's get naked. I brought the lube," he simply said, pulling off his shirt before taking care of his shorts and underwear. He got rid of his shoes last.

They had taken a blanket that he unfolded and set on the tall grass, then waited for the younger boy to join him.

They had been at it for more than an hour now. Clem had cum twice and they had tried every conceivable position. Gavin was a very willing partner, having a few dry cums himself.

The next one would have to be the last one, though, he decided, as he had a look at his watch. Lunch hour would come soon and they would be missed.

"Oh, oh, Oh, OH. Hold on, Gavin, here I come again. YESSS," said the older boy, deeply embedded, as he sprayed the younger boy's tight canal with a generous amount of sperm. At the very same time, they heard:

BANG!

"What was that?" asked Gavin. Clem had collapsed over his slight frame in post coital bliss.

"Clem, did you hear that?"

"Don't worry, must be hunters," answered Clem enjoying the contact of the velvety skin, kissing, licking an ear, a nose, a mouth.

"It came from the direction of the camp, I thought there was no one but us around here." insisted Gavin.

"Too bad we haven't got time for one more."

"You're insa… insati… insatiable Clem." He liked complicated words but they were sometimes hard to say.

"I'm not the only one; remember that night in May, you were asking for more all the time, got me exhausted. I'm still in and hard again. Do you feel it?"

BANG!

Clem turned his head in the direction of the sound, hating the interruption and disengaging himself.

"You're right. It's close. Let's get dressed."

They rapidly got into their shirts and shorts. Gavin wasn't the prettiest boy in the troop, but he sure was the sexiest and he knew it and liked it. He wanted to differentiate himself from the others so he wore the shortest, tightest gym shorts and shirt. Shorts were the right color, light blue, it had not been easy to find those, and it made them acceptable if not part of the regulation uniform.

***

 At the camp, there were four tents in the middle of a clearing: three large ones and a smaller one. The ten scouts were huddled together, surrounded by three menacing men, two of them armed with guns. They stood beside a table where lunch was being prepared.

A man in a scoutmaster uniform was lying on the ground a few feet away, his chest and abdomen a mass of blood and viscera. He was on his back, his eyes wide open facing the clear blue sky, a few droplets of blood had caught in his mustache. His expression of surprise could have been thought funny in other circumstances.

There was a fourth man with a shotgun by his side. After giving a kick at the bloody body and reloading, he returned to the group of boys, the shotgun nonchalantly swinging by his side.

"Why did you shoot him again?" asked his brother Reece Wallace.

"Saw him move," answered Larry Wallace.

"He was deader than dead already."

"I wanted to be sure and I like the feeling."

"You're crazy."

"That might be true, brother."

They were both big men and Reece was all muscle, massive, almost a giant. They were ruthless criminals, violent and unpredictable most of the time but certainly not half-wits or stupid like many would think.

"What's done is done. Now these kids understand we are serious," said a third man with authority, Vance Haley with a large scar on the left side of his face. "We were looking for a quiet place for a few days, until the roadblocks were lifted and the cops forgot about us. We got it. There's even food and a vehicle, pointing at the troop's bus parked at the entrance to the clearing, and we got hostages now."

"That's Alex who should be happy. He'll have a few days with all those pretty boys and no one to tell him to keep his hands off them. Isn't that why you were with us in that prison? Ain't you been lucky to find yourself in that paddy wagon with us? And now you got a whole bunch of kids, all yours? You like kids…boys, don't you?"

Alex Drake did not answer. He thought the less he talked the better for him, being in that van with the other three had not been his lucky day, even if he was free now.

"Honestly, I would not be against having some fun with that pretty one," said Larry lifting the chin of 12yo Julian Barrett with the still hot muzzle of his shotgun. "See that long hair and lashes; looks girly enough for me."

"What a perv you are! You can have all the fun you want, but later," said their obvious boss, Vance. "For now, get them all tied up and secured. Don't want them to try anything stupid. Let's get to work. Then we'll have a bite. Reece, get that dead body out of here first, we'll bury him later."

The giant of a man pulled the scoutmaster's corpse by one foot for twenty feet without the slightest effort and left him behind a small copse of trees.

"Tying scouts up, that's quite appropriate, don't you think Alex?" teased Larry again. "Were you one? Did you learn your ways there? If so, you must know all kinds of knots."

"No, I've never been a scout. I don't know much about knots either." But I'm ready to learn with that bunch. He had to say they were all comely enough, he never thought there could be that many pretty ones in the same troop.

He made his picks, going for the most appealing of the scouts first: young, blond, slender, twins. He didn't need too much time to make his choice. Larry had taken charge of the long-haired looker, so he had to pass on that one. Still with these two, he was certainly lucky and enjoyed immensely handling them and tying them. He was much more gentle than Larry and Reece and took his time, getting a feel here and there, resulting in a strong stirring in his crotch despite the tense atmosphere. The boys were as puppets in his hands, not daring to look him in the eye: the brutal death of their scoutmaster having left its mark.

Reece was all business and had done two already, trussed like lambs to the slaughter and left one above the other in a pile.

Alex sent glances to Larry handling his chosen boy; he seemed as interested in the boy as he was himself with the twins, and he was certainly taking his time. Against his will, Alex was finding that scene quite exciting.

"What's your name, pretty boy?" Larry was asking his appropriated and charming boy.

"Julian," answered the child hesitantly.

As he was performing his duty in a laid-back manner but pulling the knots tight, he was closely examining the scout when he said with a chuckle:

"Look at that." He was showing one of the scout's badge, "They all got the same."

There was good reason for some dark humor, it said, 'Scouts in Peril'.

"Couldn't be more appropriate," concurred Alex with a smile, who had been more attentive to the boys' shapes and flesh than their clothing.

Ten minutes later the job was done. The boys had been left in the middle of the clearing lying on the ground, feet and hands tied together, they were in two piles like discarded toys and not too comfortable. It was intentional, they needed to understand they were dispensable, unimportant, perhaps even an annoyance. The thugs were seated at the table eating their lunch. Larry had put poor Julian in his lap, and was exploring his slim forms with one hand, the other occupied with the food.

They had ransacked the scouts' provisions taking only what was to their liking, finding even some beer in the scoutmaster's small tent.

"Guys I'm getting definitely horny!" He shoved his hardened cock up against the boy's buttocks, making sure it was not missed by his crying captive."

"Knowing you, I think this one's peril is coming closer by the minute," laughed Reece.

Second Act

"What are we going to do with them, Vance?" asked Reece, indicating the piles of tied scouts.

"We need to lay low for a day or two, perhaps even three, till the cops think we're far away. No one will find us here. I told you. Then we move and cross the border; get our money."

"But what about the kids?"

"They're our insurance policy. I did not expect to meet anyone in these parts. In fact, we can consider ourselves lucky, in case of a problem here or at the border, we now have precious hostages. We could even use the bus to cross… that would be a great decoy."

"There's too many of them," declared Larry.

"Maybe we'll leave a few behind, you're right, we don't need that many. I'll look to see if the scoutmaster had some spare uniforms, the one he wore is wasted now; we could put them on, at least one of us."

"Not sure they would fit me," said Reece.

"You can't leave them tied up like that for three days," said Alex pointing to the scouts.

"I see they've piqued your interest Alex, which one will you have for your fun?" Larry had pulled Julian's shorts and underwear to his shins, exposing the poor boy to his designated punching bag – Alex. "Is that one to your liking, are you jealous?"

Alex was the only one without a gun: they did not trust him. He was about to tell Larry that he was the one having fun with a boy just now, but he did not think it was wise in his position. He had to find another angle to turn the table to his favor.

"For me it will be the twins."

"One is not enough! You need two?" Larry was playing with the boy's ass. Doing all he could to annoy Alex, make him react the wrong way.

Alex had to think of something, or it would end badly. Larry would never leave him alone. In the end, the best defense was often to attack as he had learned during his stay behind bars.

"I heard you had yourself quite a lot of fun with that eighteen-year-old. What was his name again, Gerome? And your brother too, and now you seem, yourself, quite interested in boys. Isn't that what you got in your lap?"

"Got you there, Larry," said his brother enjoying the exchange.

Alex stood up and went to one of the two piles of boys. They had been left more or less, one above the other while being tied.

"That's different, that was jail. You have to get some release. He was a great sucker. Wasn't he, Reece? This one is just a distraction to pass the time." He added slipping his hand under the scared boy's shirt.

Alex was making his way to the twins in the pile, pulling out one, then the other, pushing the others away.

"Don't think your story is the same. What were you in jail for, again? Raping a boy? More than one, you really dig them, don't you? What about chicks? That's not for you?"

Alex had put one over his shoulder and was pulling the other by his feet.

"I got convicted for rape yes. But there's been much more than that." Making room, he deposited one of the twins on the table, leaving the other by his feet."

"Ain't you bragging?"

"What for? In fact, I snuffed a few kids too, if you want to know…didn't want to get caught."

"I don't believe you and that's not the story I heard. Ain't you afraid to get ratted if we get caught again? Why you telling us that?"

"Because you don't seem to take me seriously and you'll never get any proof of it." Alex was playing with a knife that he had picked up from the table.

"Since we got two of the same, you won't mind if I snuff one of them?" Alex had seized the boy on the table by his hair, placing the sharpened knife against his throat. "That, you'll be able to tell the cops!"

Larry was smiling, watching the show, holding the head of the boy in his lap, making sure he had a good view of the action. His brother was alarmed, "Wait a minute, what for?"

"Just to prove myself." The knife had cut the flesh and a pearl of blood had formed."

The boss, Vance, finally stepped in. "Leave it at that. Put down the knife. We got a few days to spend with these kids, no need to go to extremes just yet. We got your message."

Alex let go of the boy's hair, whose head fell down to the table with a thud.

"And now you're damaging the merchandise. Watch out!" said Larry. "What kind of a guy are you?"

"The kind of guy who doesn't want to go back to jail and wants to keep fucking kids when he feels like it. By the way, you should know there are two scouts missing."

"What do you mean?" Reece and Larry had gotten up and looked at the piles of scouts, counting." They're all there."

"I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the two we missed."

"The two we missed? We missed no one. They are all here," said Reece repeating himself.

"There are two more, or at least one. It should be easy to know." Alex had picked up the knife again, approaching the terrified boy's left eye. What do you think boy? Am I right?"

"He's doing it again," said an appreciative Larry, he might have found his equal, he thought.

The boy was so afraid he could barely talk. He let go of his bladder, as his twin brother still on the ground shouted:

"Leave Ethan alone! Don't hurt him anymore, please! I'll tell you everything."

"Disgusting, he peed himself; take him off the table or it will smell of piss for the next few days," said Larry.

Vance had jumped at the second twin on the ground and pulled him up. "Go on, talk, or I'll let Alex play with his knife this time."

"There's two more, there's two more," blurted out the poor boy, seeing his brother pushed off the table unceremoniously.

"And who are they?"

"Gavin, he is twelve, and Clem, who just became an assistant scoutmaster."

"Where are they?"

"I don't know, they went exploring, they said they would be back for lunch."

Vance let go of the boy, and looked around at the forest. "That means they are probably watching us at this moment. Alex you'll have to tell me how you knew that."

Larry, stood up, gripped his gun, and began to panic. "They must have seen us by now, they heard everything. They might be on their way to get help!"

"Very unlikely, we are at least twenty miles from any sign of civilization; we have the bus, the car; they have nowhere to go." He started shouting without much conviction: "BOYS, COME OUT OF THE FOREST. COME TO US, I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED."

***

Clem and Gavin had watched the scene with horror from the forest edge that was so dense as to make them invisible from the clearing. Young Gavin was clutching at the older boy with all his force.

"Let go, you're hurting me," complained Clem.

"What can we do?" asked Gavin close to tears. "Go for help?"

"That's impossible. It could take days. We could get lost. We are at least twenty miles from the nearest town through the forest. Following the road would add perhaps ten more."

"Then we have to take the bus, or their car. You can drive, can't you?"

"We would have to wait for the night then. No way I'll get close enough during the day. Mr. Olsen had the keys," he added, looking in the direction where the scoutmaster's bloody figure had been dragged.

"What are they gonna do with the others, do you think?"

"No idea, but I prefer to be here, with you."

"Me too," concluded Gavin. "No way I'm gonna surrender."

Third Act

"BOYS, DON'T GET ME MAD! I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE, LISTENING!"

Vance was not smiling. "How did you know," he asked Alex, once more.

"Just counted the sleeping bags, that's all."

Alex refrained from smiling; he didn't know what would be Vance's reaction. He appeared more civilized and educated than the other two but he remembered the conversation he had with Reece and Larry before getting in the car. They had spoken in a hushed tone:

"You know, Alex, if you want to live, there are two things you should know about Vance," warned Reece.

"Two things?"

"One, you don't talk about the scar."

"I wouldn't even try that. It's horrible."

"Two, you don't talk about his tattoo."

"Wait, what?"

"Better not to ask about it."

And it ended there. So he did not want to take any chances. He was still sick from what he had to do to those poor boys. Sick also because if Vance had not stepped in, his gamble would have failed and the consequences could have been fatal.

Vance was still looking around, waiting, and hoping, for a sign, an indication of the two boys' whereabouts. He was fast tired of this game and pulled up Larry's scout by the hair, keeping him standing with his shorts and underwear still by his ankles.

"What?" said Larry, who had turned around.

Vance had picked up the knife on the table.

"BOYS I'LL SAY THIS ONLY ONCE. IF YOU DON'T COME OUT OF THE FOREST IN THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES, I'LL CUT SOMETHING FROM YOUR FRIEND: AN EAR, AN EYE, A FINGER… HIS PECKER. THERE'S PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM, AND I'LL KEEP CUTTING EVERY FIVE MINUTES. YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES BOYS."

"No, not him, he's mine. Why don't you pick the chubby one or the nigger boy? Don't like those niggers," pouted Larry, like a boy himself, in front of Vance. Who was probably, in fact, the most dangerous of the three.

"Okay, okay, go pick the chubby one. There'll be more to cut anyway." He let go of pretty Julian who fell to the ground.

***

Clem and Gavin were shocked looking at the scene unfolding.

"We can't let them do that," said Clem.

"We can't show ourselves. They'll kill us. You see what they did to Mr. Olsen!" blurted out Gavin.

Clem was counting the seconds that brought them closer to the thug's ultimatum, reviewing the few options they had.

"You'll have to go Gavin," he decided, his hand on the boy's cheek in a sign of affection.

"You're crazy! Never!"

"Listen to me." Clem had turned to face the younger boy. He had to convince him.

"You'll say I went to find help. You'll have to make them believe you, that's something you're very good at. You know, that way they could go looking for me. You'll say I was following the road, didn't want to get lost or even better that I knew a trail through the woods, you choose. They'll try to catch me. It will make it easier for me to rescue you and the others. Perhaps they'll leave only one of them here." He was making his plan as he was talking. "You'll save Rodney from the knife. Think of it. You'll be a hero!"

"Why don't YOU go? Whatever you say, I won't."

"TWO MINUTES BOYS. WHAT WILL IT BE? AN EAR? A FINGER?"

"He is serious Gavin, they killed Olsen! You have to do it, please! He'll never believe you were the one that went to find help."

"Why leave me then, we should have gone together."

"You'll have to invent a good story. You're very good at that."

Clem saw the hesitation in the boy's eyes. It was now or never. He seized him and pushed him through the foliage that was hiding them. Gavin had just the time to utter.

"What if they torture me?"

Clem had no time to answer, he was only a few paces behind him, still hidden, at the same time horrified and relieved by his action. Hoping the boy would react the right way and not try to escape.

Gavin, finding back his footing, was in full view of the thugs, frozen in place like a like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

***

"Come over here boy. Don't be afraid. What you've done is very brave," said Vance, in a mellow voice. "Put down your gun Larry. We don't want anyone one else to be hurt; don't we Gavin? Where is your friend…Clem?"

There was a moment of silence, no one moving. Gavin was evaluating his chances, would turning around and disappearing into the foliage take more time than raising a gun and shooting. He thought so. Finally, he took a step forward, soon followed by another, and then stopped.

"That's a good boy, come closer. We need to have a little talk."

Gavin braced himself for what was to come. He had always been a good liar, now came his decisive moment. He took, without much difficulty, a face of sadness and fear, and a few more steps forward.

"That's it, come on, we won't hurt you."

"He left me; told me I would delay him, be a burden. Told me to watch and wait. I didn't want that. I didn't want to be left alone." He started crying a bit. "Don't hurt me, please don't hurt me. I'll tell you everything you want to know. I'll do everything you want me to. I don't mind. But please, don't hurt me." He continued mumbling to himself while passing his hand over his eyes to dry his tears and shuffling cautiously forward again.

Vance had discreetly signaled Reece to go behind the boy and cut any escape. When he was in position, the big man moved fast and grabbed the boy who gave no resistance, on the contrary, instead, seeking refuge into the man's arms.

Vance was taken aback by this unexpected reaction.

"Calm down, boy, calm down. I told you we wouldn't harm you. But you got to tell us everything that you know." He had crouched down to be at eye level with the boy.

"I told you, he left me, he left me alone in the forest. Told me he would be back soon. He said he knew the way through the forest, said he didn't want me to get lost. I begged him to take me, but he wouldn't."

"Slow down, kid, take your time. He didn't use the road? Did he use a trail? Do you know which way he went? It seemed Vance had accepted his story.

"A very pretty tale indeed," said Alex, still in his role. "I don't believe one word of it."

Vance turned around to face him, intrigued. The boy while trying to look afraid could not refrain from sending him daggers with his eyes. Alex thought he knew the type and was ready to use the boy to his advantage.

"You don't believe him? Why?"

"I know boys. I have known a lot, not only for my pleasure. I worked with them. I was a teacher for a few years. I've studied their tricks, a necessity for me. I've learned to know when they lie. I think this one is doing just that and I am sure I can make him talk and tell us what he is trying to hide."

Vance took hold of Gavin, the knife still in his hand.

"No need of that," added Alex, "I can get the truth out of them and without having to cut anything. It can be very pleasurable for me too. Can I take him into one of the tents? I would prefer some privacy."

"I don't see why not," replied Vance, thinking he knew what Alex had on his mind.

Alex seized the boy by the neck, pushing him toward one of the larger tents.

"Let's go have some fun, boy."

"I don't see the need for any privacy for that kind of thing," said Larry, who had gone to pick up Julian again and had pulled out his cock to present it to the boy he had chosen as his sex toy.

"Not now," said Vance.

"But…" wanted to reply Larry, pointing at the tent Alex had entered with the boy.

"Later. Everything in its own time. We need to see what comes out of that first."

With obvious regret, Larry had to put his sex back in his pants.

"Later, pretty one," he told Julian sending him a kiss and holding his face in a travesty of affection.

Fourth Act

As soon as they had entered the tent, Alex clamped his hand over the boy's mouth, and then he checked that no one was in hearing range. Holding the sexy boy close to him, away from any prying eyes gave him an instant boner. Was he overdoing it? He had been told numerous times that 'perfect is the enemy of good enough,' and had experienced that himself more than once.

"Boy, believe it or not but I'm on your side. I'll take off my hand now. I want you to listen to me; answer only when I'm done, okay?

The boy nodded yes. What other choice did he have?

"You see, I have no gun. I'm not like the others, not at all. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, like you and your friends out there. I want to get out of this situation alive. I don't want any harm to be done to any of you. All I had to do out there, if you saw it, was to try to impress and gain the trust of those three. They are escaped criminals, dangerous ones. If I reach that goal, I might find a way to save us all. Do you follow me so far?

The boy nodded again.

"I am very sorry I hurt your friends earlier, scared them, and for doing the same to you. I need you to help me. It can seem incredible for you but that's the truth. Still with me?

Gavin nodded again looking perplexed.

"Good. Now I'll tell you what I want you to do. We will pretend that I am hurting you. I want you to scream your lungs out, say that you want me to stop. If I'm not wrong, I think you're a good actor. You just have to play your part. I'll take care of the rest. You don't have to tell me anything about your friend out there. I'll back your story; just say he took the road instead of the forest to show I obtained some information from you; still with me?

Gavin wasn't quite sure if he could believe the guy. That was a bit too much. Perhaps it was just a ploy to make him talk and snitch on Clem. It would only be justice if he was caught too, but at the same time, he was their only hope of being rescued…this guy…he could not trust him. What he was sure of was the boner he had felt, that was still there. He could perhaps use it to his advantage; turn the table on him. That guy would certainly be responsive to a flirt.

He turned around and nodded again, adding a smile and letting the tip of his tongue pass over his lips.

Alex had been right. He really knew boys well. They had been his world, his universe, all his life. This one was well aware of his interests.

"I think you understand quite well what is at stake. You heard and saw Larry out there, what he intended to do to Julian. To stay in character, that's what I want them to think I'm doing with you, rape you. At least pretend to rape you, and you'll pretend it hurts like hell. And tell me all I need to know."

"No need to fake it, it doesn't hurt that much, on the contrary, I've done it lots of times. I can pretend it does though. Believe me, I only told the truth out there, but I don't mind playing your game."

The boy turned around again, pulled down his shorts and underwear, showing two perfect mounds and prying them apart, revealing an obviously, recently used, still slightly gaping hole.

Alex was taken aback. He had never dreamed it would really happen. He had just planned to rub it on the boy's butt and shoot. It was pure luck for sure this time, this boy knew it all, had been lubed, fucked, and just said he rather liked it. Nothing could stop him now. Not losing any second, he lowered his pants, freeing his good-sized cock.

"Get on all fours. I'll do you that way, if that's what you want."

"You seem quite interested too!" the boy exclaimed, ogling the rigid tool. "Be careful with it, it's big."

The boy obliged right away: head down and butt up. Alex got in position, spit on his rigid shaft, spread it on his glans, and entered the boy without too much difficulty.

"Come on, let's hear you now." For a moment, he had almost forgotten the reason for it all.

It started with an agonized scream and was followed by:

"No, NO, PLEASE NO, AAHHH, STOP, stop, Please NO. Please. I TOLD you… PLEASE Stop, It hurts, It HURTS SO MUCH. Why don't you stop? I told you all I… COULD! STOP. AHHHAHH…" And it went on for a good five minutes till the boy lost his voice and only heaving sobs could be heard.

Alex came fast and good. It had been two years since his last boy. The wrong boy, the wrong father that had him locked up. He rapidly caught back his breath and pulled up his pants.

"Do you mind being seen naked out there."

"That wouldn't be the worst thing," replied the boy. He had been vocal enough; they would all know he had been 'raped.'

Even if most of them already knew he was fooling around and for good reasons. It wasn't quite the same.

"Let's go then."

He took off the boy's shorts and underwear and they left the tent, Alex pulling the boy behind him by one arm. Gavin wore only his shirt, shoes, and socks. Clearly visible to all was the semen running down his thighs and legs. He looked very much broken.

"The kid said the truth, except for one thing. His buddy is following the road, there is no easy shortcut through the forest. He hopes to stop a car there to take him to town or to a phone."

Vance reacted immediately.

"Reece, take the car and try to catch up with him. He cannot have gone too far." He added for the man only, in hushed tones, "If you see him there's no need to bring him back. We got quite enough of them here, understood?"

Reece nodded.

"There's close to no traffic around here but no reason to take a chance," he added for everybody.

***

Clem was miserable as he watched the car leaving. He had sent little Gavin to this fate and the boy, still, had not betrayed him. He was terribly ashamed and didn't know how to help him and the others. He had hoped that at least two of them would have gone after him. Instead of that, there were still three at the camp. The branch he had picked up, meant to serve as a club, seemed totally ridiculous when facing guns.

From where he stood, he could see the one that had raped Gavin and mistreated the twins, discussing something with the man that seemed to be giving the orders. The third one was mostly interested in Julian and cutting away his tee shirt and shorts. He had his very rigid cock out that he was rubbing on different parts of the boy while getting rid of his clothes.

Clem wanted to do something. But what could he do? That guy, Alex, was smaller and not as strong as the other three, but was clearly more brutal and dangerous. How could he get his revenge?

***

"Why do you want a gun, Alex?" asked Vance.

"First, because I earned it, second because you won't be able to keep those boys always tied like that. Not even for one day. They'll need to eat, drink, and go to the loo. I'm willing to take care of most of it, and with a gun, what I say will have more weight. And I could use it, if needed."

"Give him one, Vance. I'll be occupied for the next hour or so, if you don't mind. I think he can be trusted, now." He was all over Julian, "Open your mouth, boy, get a taste and watch your teeth."

Indifferent, Vance opened the bag on the table and pulled a pistol from it. He opened it and took away all the bullets but one.

"That should be enough to deal with the kids, I think."

"You still don't trust me?"

"You must know that I trust no one, not even Reece and Larry. And I've known them for quite a few years." Then he addressed Larry, "You can have your fun, but don't hurt the kid if there's not a good reason. Anyway I don't want to hear him squeal like the other one when there's nothing to be gained from it."

"If you say so," answered Larry, still handling the now naked Julian, except for the ropes that held his wrists. He put him on his shoulder as he started to go to the nearest tent. "Finally, I'll have some privacy myself, if you don't mind."

Alex watched the man disappear into the tent; there was nothing he could do, not yet at least. The scouts probably thought he was, without a doubt, the worst of their captors, but now he had a gun and expected he would not be under the permanent watch of Vance or Larry. His next goal was to find a way to have the scouts understand, like Gavin, that it was all make believe and that he was their best, perhaps only, chance at freedom. He had no idea how to do that yet, though.

Alex went to the scouts who were still piled up, and pulled each one of the boys up, to put him into a seated position. He did so gently, carefully…was it sympathy for the boys, Alex's desire to be affectionate, or a tentative to alleviate their fears and show himself in a better light? Certainly, all of that together. Soon, the seven boys were in a much more comfortable posture, but from their reactions to his simple touch, he knew that getting them to listen to him would be near impossible despite his efforts to show them some kindness.

"I'll be back to see to your needs, boys, don't worry," he told them before going to Vance to tell him of his intentions. "I'll take care of the twins and Gavin first, boss, take them to the creek, those two need to be cleaned up. Gavin knows what it feels like to be hurt now. I think he'll do whatever I say. It should be the same for the other two. I'll need to untie their feet to have them get there and wash them."

"I do not doubt you'll love that task, Alex. Watch them closely though, as I told you, one is never too cautious."

"I'll bind them together, putting a rope around their necks. That will be more convenient.

He pushed Gavin forward and reaching the twins, untied their feet, then using that same rope to put around their necks. He then told them to stand up. Gavin was still playing his part, head down, tears ready to break out again. The twins were truly terrified and ready to obey any order.

"Follow me boys," he simply said, pulling on the rope not too gently, he had to stay in character.

The shallow creek was at the other end of the clearing. Far enough to talk without being overheard but still within sight of the camp and Vance. Alex, on the way, had stopped at the largest tent and picked a towel and shorts for the two boys.

"You'll need those once we are done."

At the creek, he set to work starting with Gavin. He wet the towel and wiped out the dried semen from the boy's soft skin taking his time lingering on his inner thighs, finishing with the child's bum and hole. It was indeed a pleasant occupation and rekindled his desire. He was angry with himself for that and for trying to think of a way to enjoy the boy again. Then he turned his attention to the twin that had peed in his shorts.

"What is your name, again?" he asked the boy.

"E..tha…n," mumbled the poor lad.

"And your brother?" They were identical twins and very appealing to the man. Lean bodies, a mop of blond hair, blue-green eyes, probably around eleven, prettier than Gavin, for sure. His cock was hard and leaking, but there was no time for that now, he chastised himself. He had another goal for the moment.

"Den…nis"

"Calm down boys. I will not harm you anymore, on the contrary, but first let's take those shorts away and get you cleaned up Ethan."

He pulled off the stained and stinky shorts and underwear and stopped there. He would have loved to do it himself but thought better to let Gavin wash his friend.

He nonetheless enjoyed the view, the slender cocklet, the generous curves of the boy's cheeks, the perfectly shaped thighs. His cursed urges told him he needed to find a way to enjoy them all.

At the same time, he had to remember he was the good guy in this story, and it would be so easy to get what he wanted in this situation.

Gavin was quite pleased with his task too, it seemed, lingering more than necessary and doing a good job of it. He did not elicit a response from the shocked and fearful boy though, which was only natural.

Alex had to reassure them and make them understand that despite the appearances, he was on their side. After sending a glance at the camp, and Vance, he said:

"Gavin tell your friends what really happened in that tent."

"It was all make believe, guys. He did not rape or hurt me at all."

"But… we heard you…" said Dennis.

"I'm a rather good actor, don't you think?"

"Did he order you to say that? What do you want from us?" Dennis was clearly the more vocal of the two.

"Sorry if I scared you, hurt you boys, but I had to prove myself to those criminals, I had to gain their trust if we want to get out of this ordeal alive!

"What do you mean exactly," asked Gavin.

"Help Ethan put on clean shorts. Vance is watching, I don't think we can stay here too long. I never was with them; I never wanted to escape that paddy wagon. It was all an accident. I am as much at risk here as any of you. I did it all so that they would take me seriously. But I can tell you I never hurt, raped, or killed anyone."

"But you like boys!" added Gavin who didn't seem in a hurry to cover Ethan's bum, cocklet, and jewels.

"That I do."

"I saw that," continued Gavin playing with the boy's privates, taunting him?

"Why should we believe you?" said Dennis.

"True you have only my word, but think, why would I tell you all that? If I was a criminal like them, why bother? Gavin told you I like boys. I could rape all of you, all day if I wanted. Don't worry I won't do that, I'll have to keep playing my part, though, being rude with you, boys, until I find a way out of this situation."

"You got a gun, why don't you use it? We could help!" replied Dennis.

"With only one bullet? But you're right, that's the plan, I'll have you boys to help me, and we must not fail. They would kill me, and any of you who participate, perhaps all of you. You'll have to play along. Are you good actors, as Gavin?"

"I don't… want to… get… fuc..ke..d," said Ethan.

Too bad, thought Alex. "We might have to pretend." That could be a first step, he thought again before Gavin unexpectedly came to his help.

"You said Clem could do it. What's the difference?"

"There's a big difference, we know him, we like him," said Dennis.

"He said he would give us our badge!" added Ethan who seemed to have restored some confidence. "This one has been mean. He hurt me, made me piss in my pants."

"I'm really sorry Ethan. I had no other choice, again I needed to get their trust, have them think I was their equal. I'm sure you can understand that. You are all bright boys."

And cute too. Alex was pleasantly surprised by the way this conversation was going. Those Scouts were obviously sexually active or at least knowledgeable. It could help him achieve both his goals. Get out of this situation alive and with luck have some boy fun, but he was far from it at the moment and it would not be easy. Well he could not resist, he would do a little test.

"Dennis would you pull down your shorts and underwear, please."

"But… what for? I don't have to wash."

Boys, water and cleanliness: always a problem!

"Two reasons, first Vance, the boss, is looking our way from there, it would be better if we played our part while Gavin and Ethan are getting better acquainted, do as if I was taking advantage of you, you know?" Which is exactly what I am going to do.

"Well, perhaps."

"Then, I'm curious to see if, down there, you're any different from your brother."

"That is more fun. Okay, let's do it."

So easy.

Soon shorts and underwear were down and he was exposing himself without a care in the world, his brother following suit to present himself beside him. Alex didn't think he had won their trust yet but he had taken a step forward.

Boys, how he had missed them those two years, their charming forms and voices, how they smelled, the touch of their skin, so soft, more…

"Lovely, I can't see a difference," he said, after a perfunctory glance. It was their flipside he was really interested in for now, the best part, "Could you turn around, please, let me see your backside," asked Alex.

Smiles were back on their faces, which was a good sign. He didn't have to ask twice, Gavin having joined the twins with enthusiasm. It was a view from heaven! He had the three boys' bums offered for his appraisal, right before his eyes. Well rounded and firm, the twins' creamy; Gavin's a shade darker.

"Who got the best one?" asked Gavin with a surprising boldness. He was the leader of the bunch but the twins knew obviously what it was all about even if they had not been fully initiated yet.

Alex was about to start exploring when out of the corner of his eye, he saw Vance coming their way.

"Now is the time to play your part boys. He's coming." He pulled Dennis to him, who, out of reflex, immediately covered himself back again. Alex then did not hesitate to slip his hand into the boy's shorts, starting to fondle him. The boy let out a little gasp of surprise but nothing more. "Gavin, I'm sure you know what a blowjob is; Ethan is all yours, give us a good show. You all have to be convincing, remember I'm forcing you, you're afraid! But don't overdo it."

Fifth Act

Larry was so excited. He had not wanted to show it in front of Vance, but his cock had been hard and leaking as soon as he had seen that boy, that girly boy more exactly. He had a strong liking for little girls that even his brother ignored, and he had not been able to satisfy it for a long time now. Of course, it was not a girl on his shoulder, but it was close, very close. As soon as he had entered the tent, he laid the boy on one of the sleeping bags and started exploring. The boy was shivering in fear. He had a clear idea of what was going to happen to him. He had heard Gavin's cries of pain, and still had the taste of the man's cock in his mouth and the sticky fluid that had come out of it.

"You're a beautiful baby, so pretty, even with that little cock of yours. Let's see what we can do about that."

Larry pushed the boy's cocklet and balls between his thighs, hiding them there.

"Hold them tight together, boy. I don't want to see those if possible. Yes, like that, much better. You'll be my little girl for the next hour. If you're good and do as you're told, you'll see I can be very kind and attentive. I would love to keep you with me for a bit, we could buy you a dress, no one would be able to tell the difference with your lovely locks and long lashes." As he talked, his hands were roaming over the boy's soft skin and kneading his tender flesh.

"God I can't wait any longer." He turned the boy around on his belly. "Now I'll fuck you good: we don't have time to loosen you up some, there will be pain. I don't want to hear a sound. Understood?" He did not wait for an answer and took off his clothes in an instant. He wanted to enjoy that first fuck completely, feel the writhing boy's satiny skin under him fully. He spread apart the boy's cheeks and spat a good wad of saliva on the virgin pucker hidden there, did the same to his cock and plunged ahead.

Julian thought he was being ripped apart. He was pinned down by the big man's heavy weight and he could only emit a muffled cry with Larry's hand pressed over his mouth.

"Let me in baby, Julie, yes I'll call you that, Julie, a more fitting name. And again, not a sound, believe me, it can get much worse."

Julian felt the invading member progress inexorably, trying to control his moans of pain. How could it get worse?

"That's a good girl. We're almost there, Julie." Larry loved to give the boy a girl's name: it enhanced his pleasure enormously. "Yes, you'll be my little girl from now on, Julie!"

Larry could not hold it long. He had bottomed out fast, mercilessly, and started the real fuck right away, shooting his load after a few back and forth moves only. He collapsed on the boy, his dick still embedded, waiting to recover for the next round. Julian was crying softly.

"That was just the appetizer, Julie. You'll see the next one will be great. I know it hurts, but you'll get used to it. A pretty girl like you could even get to like it, in due time. I'd bet on it."

Larry turned Julian's head to the side and kissed him hard, forcing his tongue into the boy's mouth.

"You taste good, Julie. I'm getting hard again already. Do you feel it? Yes, I see you do…"

***

"I see you like mixing work and pleasure Alex." said Vance, coming closer.

"There's not much else to do. Is there? There's no hurry either. I'll take care of the others too, I rather anticipate doing so if you want to know, you could join us?"

"No thanks. I was thinking; if Reece doesn't get the missing scout what should we do?"

"I don't know. Perhaps we should leave this place. Sooner or later he'll find someone, get the cops, tell them where to find us. How much time do you think we have?"

"I would say one day to stay on the safe side. That is, if what the kid told us was true." Before Alex had seen anything, Vance was holding Gavin by the hair, pulling on them to make it hurt, and lifting him away from Ethan's hard cocklet.

"What are you doing? Why?"

"I told you I trust no one. I thought I should see if there's nothing else he's got to tell us. So, boy, tell me your story again?"

Gavin was struggling instinctively trying to get loose from the man and stop the pain of his scalp. He was in a panic. He had thought that it was over; he had deceived them. His eyes sought an escape, met with those of Alex asking desperately for help.

BANG!

Alex had to do something and he did. He had one bullet; Vance was four feet away occupied with Gavin. He would see nothing. Larry was in the tent, it was now or never. It could not go on like this. He did not feel ready, had never used a gun. He pulled it out and fired at the man's head. Vance was thrown away, letting go of Gavin. There was blood; the boys were shocked by it, the noise, the smell of powder, the danger.

Alex searched Vance's body for his loaded gun, found it. He knew he was no match for Larry and his shotgun. The forest was their only chance.

"Move, to the forest boys, hurry!"

"What about the others?" asked Dennis, looking at the seven tied scouts in the clearing.

"Nothing we can do now. Run! Save your life"

"He is not dead!" shouted Ethan. Vance had moved, he was moaning and holding his bloody head.

"Damn, run boys, there's no time for that!"

And finally the two half naked boys and the third, holding his shorts started to run, as best as they could, toward the forest only a few feet away, but so far away at the same time, Alex was already halfway there. It was lucky they had kept their shoes.

***

Larry was in bliss. He had untied the boy's hands, not for Julian's comfort but for his own pleasure to have better access to all his assets and to maximize his enjoyment. In the end this boy wasn't that different from the girls he had known, same soft skin, flat chest, a well-rounded butt, with a tight boy pussy, wet mouth, the same tears and little moans of pain. Only one hole missing, but the two others were quite satisfactory. He had used the girl's back holes often for different reasons and then there had been Gerome too, in jail, but he had not been hairless and sweet like this one. He had always known where to find cheap Latino girls, there was a market for that kind of thing when you had the right contacts with the gangs, down south and even in the north. He had never asked for a boy. That should be available too. He could always ask Alex where he found them. He did not really believe that snuff thing, but the guy was becoming more interesting and showing some backbone.

After his second orgasm deep in the boy's bowels he was waiting for his rod to recover and harden again, it wouldn't take long in Julie's mouth.

"Come on give it some more heart. I'm sure you miss it up your pussy already. Oomph, getting there, good," he had always been a big talker during sex. "I'd gladly keep you Julie, if Vance agrees and you behave. Once we've crossed the border into Canada and gotten our money back, it will be the good life. I could take you with me. Buy you everything you want, bracelets, necklaces, rings, all the games and toys you might want too. Then we'll go to Brazil, once we've got our fake ids. We could get rid of your excess baggage there. They know how to do it; they can even make you a real girl pussy there, I heard. Would you like that? You would really be my little girl then. Don't know the marriage laws there. Perhaps we could get married. Or else I could adopt you." It was a monologue done more to follow some fantasies and excite himself than addressed to the boy proper.

His good sized cock hardened once again he had soon placed Julian on his back, both legs pushed back on each side of the child's head, butt up; he was plowing steadily again, while discoursing.

Julian wailed softly, lost in the burning pain that each thrust of the man inflicted, again and again, half listening to his ramblings, not quite understanding what was being said which was for the better.

"Yeah, you're so tight, I'm almost there. This will be a big one!" He accelerated the back and forth movement, letting go of one of the boy's legs and placing his hand over the boy's mouth, to muffle the sound. He didn't want to irritate Vance, who didn't want to hear more cries and shouts coming from the tent. To the boy, "Let's ride you good!"

BANG!

He didn't stop right away; he was on the edge of a powerful orgasm.

What was that? "VANCE," he shouted, "VANCE," still thrusting and hoping for a release.

Finally, with immense frustration he pulled out, his cock hard and straight, slick with his and the boy's juices.

"You don't move an inch, Julie! I'll be back."

Naked, he grabbed his shotgun and exited the tent at a run. He needed only one glance to assess the situation. Vance was on the ground. Alex and the boys were running toward the forest. He fired twice, out of rage, as they disappeared into the foliage, knowing it would probably be ineffective; they were out range for buckshot.

He kept on running until he reached Vance who was moving with blood running from his head. He picked up a towel abandoned by Alex and put it on the wound to stop the bleeding.

Vance was grimacing, a powerful headache having taken possession of his brains.

"It just grazed your head; you lost some hair and skin that's all."

"I feel like I have been run over by a train. I'll kill that bastard and those kids too."

"We need to catch them first; you're in no condition to do that right now. We could do the other ones first, that would be some release for me too."

"Good idea, let's do that."

Then Larry thought of Julie.

"Perhaps not all of them, we still might need one or two. Let's do the nigger and Miss Piggy."

"As you wish, I can't think straight with this headache!"

"Let me see that wound again, we'll wash it and then take you back to the camp, Reece should be with us shortly."

***

Julian knew that if he tried nothing the man would come back and hurt him again but he was terrified, afraid to move. He had heard the two shots. He did not know what was going on.

The tent flap was open; he could see the table and to his right his tied friends with hunched shoulders facing away from the action at the other end of the clearing. He had to do something. Their motto was, never fear in the face of danger! With difficulty, he raised himself. He had no idea his hole and body could hurt that much with each move. He had been squeezed under the big man's massive body. Hopefully it had not been his brother, he was a giant with even more muscles; he would have been crushed to a pulp, dead.

Nonetheless, he started to walk bent over toward the table and the knives there. Had he been in better shape, perhaps he would have thought of Larry's gun, left with his clothes two feet away or of the bag where Lance had found a pistol for Alex. But all he could think of was freeing his pals and escaping. Crouched down he picked a knife and soon was beside his friends hacking at the ropes.

Benny Stiles, his best friend, "the nigger," told him:

"Run Julian, run, they'll catch you!" Their birthdays were a few days apart they had been together since kindergarten.

"I'll never leave without you."

"Hurry up; I think they're coming back!" whispered Lance Hartigan down the line.

"Doing my best."

"There, your feet are free, Benny, your hands."

"Done, next one." And he started doing the same for Art Howard, thirteen, bleached hair almost white under the sun, deep blue eyes, considered beautiful by all, although with somewhat strange features.

"You'll never have the time to free them all! Let's run and find the others," said Benny, already in the starting blocks.

"Just need a few minutes, that knife is blunt; go get me another one."

"I tell you they're coming back; one is helping the other to get up," Lance again.

"Benny, go get that knife."

"Never, they'll catch me."

"Done, you're next Roberto." This one was pure Latino, slender with delicate features.

Julian was determined nothing would deter him from his goal now; he would go to the end of the line or die trying.

"Can't stay, come on guys or they'll catch us. Julian they're coming!" Benny said with a trembling voice before he started to run soon followed by a reluctant Art and a few seconds later Roberto.

***

Larry, who was helping Vance get back to the camp, saw a sudden movement there.

"Those damn kids are escaping!"

He let go of Vance and started running again. The shotgun was useless; it was a double barrel one, with only two shells, that had been spent uselessly. He reached the table first and the bag with the guns, and grabbed one. The little shit, Julie, was the culprit. He/she was there cutting the ropes.

BANG, BANG, BANG.

He fired at the other three, running, almost at the edge of the forest, startling Julian who had just freed Rodney who started to run in the opposite direction of the others, hoping to go unnoticed, but he was not.

There was another BANG

And he fell.

Julian had not seen him fall, he was watching Larry getting closer and closer, his eyes fixed on the man's dick. At last, he stood up in his turn and started to run. After only a few paces, his naked foot hit a stone hidden in the shrub layer; he fell with a cry of pain…

BANG

…a bullet passing two inches above his head. The stone had saved his life for a time at least.

Then Larry was upon him, making him let go of the knife still held firmly in his hand, grabbing him, and then going to see the felled Rodney.

"Miss Piggy. Are you hurt?" The tone was joyous and quite inappropriate.

He was. The bullet had grazed a thigh taking away a chunk of flesh.

"Don't look too bad. With all that fat, you can lose a lot, but we don't have time to take care of you. You see Julie every action has its consequences."

He raised his gun nonchalantly and fired hitting the boy between the eyes. He was dead instantly.

"Damned… That felt so good. Not as good as your pussy Julie, we'll have to resume our little games later… But still.

"I hate you," murmured Julian.

"Hate, love, isn't that the same thing. That bullet should have been for you. Your pretty looks and tight ass saved you. You definitely got under my skin Julie, lucky for you, or not, you'll tell me in a few hours. Let's go see Vance now. One scout, two scouts, three scouts and four with you Julie, that's all we got left. Not sure what we should do now. Let's truss you up some first."

And he did it ruthlessly, making sure the ropes dug in the skin.

Sixth Act

Running for their lives into the forest, Alex and the boys left the clearing, hearing the shotgun's pellets hitting the trees and foliage all around them. Alex quickly darted left and the boys followed. Their young bodies filled with adrenalin like never before in their young lives. Deep into the woods and suddenly out of breath, they stopped, bending over at the waist trying to catch their breath.

Alex looked back, signaling to the boys with his hand to stay low and be silent. Crouched down, he very cautiously began retracing his steps; he had to make sure that Larry was not giving pursuit. He whispered to the boys, insisting that they had to stay put and avoid any noise. As he passed by them, he casually touched and checked their young bodies for any injuries; thankfully, they all made it unscathed. It was some kind of a miracle. He continued back the way they came. It was unlikely that Larry had followed them into the woods, he was naked and there was Vance hurt on the ground. Still he did not want to take any chances.

What I am going to do now? …Three kids, two of them half-naked, in the middle of nowhere, and probably all the cops in Maine looking for me. Those bastards killed the guards and two police officers during their escape! We'll be shot at as soon as we're seen and not even given a chance to surrender…I'll never be able to explain it wasn't me; that I had nothing to do with it.

Damn, I just shot a guy in the head; never thought I could do such a thing. I'm in deep shit, and all I can think about is those two naked cute behinds waiting a few feet away: a last moment of pleasure before the end? Is that all I can hope for.

Alex continued to the edge of the woods and thought he heard the boys, despite his warning, whispering behind him, while he watched Larry tend to Vance's wound. He sent a glance toward the camp and the tied scouts there, wondering. Should he try something? He had Vance's gun, this time with a full cartridge clip. Was Larry's shotgun still loaded? Had he shot once or twice? He wasn't sure anymore. Would he have the courage to face them?

***

The woods were quiet, except for a slight rustling of the leaves and occasional sounds from the insects and small critters. Alex had been gone only a short time. He was carefully pondering his chances, watching Larry tend to Vance. He didn't like to just jump into action, he was calculating, deception was always better, safer. He was not in his comfort zone, hadn't been since this mess started.

For the boys, it felt like a long time had gone by, danger seemed to have passed by and they slowly rose up and looked around, at each other and the woods. They listened. They surely had outrun those guys and the thought of beating the adults put a smile on their faces. They began to talk, quietly. They began to revert back to being carefree boys, danger slipping away from their thoughts.

"Did you know you had hair down there, Ethan?" whispered Gavin.

"Hair? How come? I checked yesterday there was none."

"Quite sure I saw one or two when I was blowing you. Welcome to the club, I got some wispy ones myself."

While Ethan inspected his groin, Dennis had pulled down his shorts and underwear to see if he had some too. He saw no reason to see himself deprived of them; after all, he was the eldest by a few minutes.

"I see nothing. What about you Ethan?"

"Yes, there are two, look! I'm first."

Gavin, who felt relieved to be free from those evil men even without his shorts or underwear found the scene rather comical with the two identical brothers inspecting each other's groins, heads a few inches from their peckers.

"The guy said there was no difference."

"Didn't look good enough," replied Ethan rather proudly.

That's the sight Alex had of them when he returned from the edge of the clearing.

"What are you doing? I told you not to make any noise," he said, surprised by the very compromising position they were in. They can't be at it again, not with what has just happened!

"Ethan has sprouted some hair there," replied Gavin.

"Hair? There? Let me check, I saw nothing earlier."

The occasion was too good to miss. Which one was Ethan already? Yes, of course, the half-naked one.

The two boys, unperturbed and somewhat fascinated by Gavin's discovery had not moved an inch.

Alex put his head into the fray, but it wasn't enough and soon one hand went to explore and enjoy the soft skin, the small cocklet. The other used the opportunity to go behind the child cupping one firm bun to bring him closer for better inspection. The fingers had soon seized one hair then the other gently pulling on them.

"Ouch! Be careful you'll tear them off!"

"Would you mind?" Joked the man well aware how precious they had to be for the boy.

"Of course! Dennis hasn't got any, and I want to show them to the whole troop!

"Want my opinion I think there's three. A smaller one there, they're close to the base of your pecker."

"Bet you're an expert," said Gavin, and then more seriously, "What do we do now?"

"Should we attack before the other one gets back?" It was Ethan who said that, his change of status, no more a little boy now that he had hair on his pubes, gave him a voluntary attitude. For Alex his partial nakedness was the only way to differentiate the twins. He still had to find a physical particularity to do that otherwise.

"No way. First time I used a gun. I would need to get real close not to miss. I can't do that," replied Alex.

"But we got to rescue our friends. What will they do to them?"

"You're right, that's what really worries me too. Stay here. I'll try to get closer to them and I'll see what I can do."

"But we can help!"

"I know. I'll call for you when you're needed, but for now, like I told you before, it's better for you to stay safe here. Those are hardened criminals; we can't face them without a plan, something."

"We'll need our shorts, we can't stay like this," said Ethan suddenly worried by this detail.

"We left them by the creek we could perhaps try to retrieve them when they go back to the camp but it would be better to wait for nightfall. It will be much safer and easier," said Alex in response. I see no problem there; on the contrary, you got a lovely little pecker and a wonderful bubble butt. He still felt its firmness under his hand.

"But what do we do till then?" The boy was kind of obsessed suddenly. He had clearly seen the man's interest and the bulge in his trousers.

"Your brother can give you his shorts he'll still have his undies to wear, is that okay? Like that idea?" Alex finally said with regret, "Come on Dennis give them to him."

"For myself, I don't mind staying like this," said Gavin with a knowing glance toward Alex as the shorts changed hands and butts.

***

Alex was back at the edge of the forest. He had to, if only to catch back his breath, he was quite exhilarated by all those proceedings with the boys.

As he arrived, he saw Larry escorting Vance back to the camp and sending angry glances at the dense forest surrounding them. Alex then looked at the scouts near the tents and saw movement there. A naked boy kneeling, another one getting to his feet and running, a second, a third…In panic, he looked again at Larry who had let go of Vance and was now running toward the boys.

It all went so fast: the shouts, the bag spilling guns, then the shots, the felled scout! He couldn't stay a spectator to what was unfolding. He had to try something, stop it! After a few very long seconds fighting with his fears, he came out of the forest, gun at the ready. When he heard the final shot and saw a chunk of the pudgy boy's head blown away, he knew he was too late, too far away. He could only hope that Larry would stop there and spare the naked boy he held at his feet.

Shocked with discouragement and bitterness, he retraced his steps undetected. As he was entering the forest again, he met with the three scared boys who had heard the shots, and their questions.

"What happened? Who did the shooting?"

"Go back, don't stay here, it's dangerous." Those he could perhaps still protect and keep away from harm.

Miles had to block their way; they wanted to see for themselves.

"But what happened, is somebody hurt?" There was an acute distress in Gavin's words.

"Some of the boys escaped. He fired at them but missed. We will have to find them."

"Who escaped?"

"There were three. But I don't know their names, didn't see them that well either. There was the black kid."

"Benny."

"The one with almost white hair and the Latino I would say."

"Art and Roberto. What about the others? Let's go have a look," said Ethan now wearing his brother's shorts.

"There's nothing to see. Stay here. I told you all you need to know. They still got them. They're safe for the moment. The real problem facing us is how to get to the other three that escaped without being noticed or located."

Alex needed a diversion. He had no intention of letting them go to the clearing or of telling them that one of their friends had been killed in cold blood; no need to put them at risk, add to their fears or have them panic.

He tried to show them a calm and relaxed face, far from his real feelings. He was as terrified as they were, had no real idea how to get out of this situation. His own mind was searching for a way to escape that nightmare. He was watching the boys, thinking how perfect they were, the embodiment of all his dreams but also the reason for his imprisonment. As he was examining each one of them, he finally found a way to differentiate the twins. How could he have missed it, Ethan's eyes were of a different color. The right one was blue and the left one green, it was unsettling but also charming, he must have been really stressed not to see that right away but you could say there were good reasons. He was smiling at his discovery when he saw the kids open their eyes wide in surprise.

"What?" He had the time to say before he was hit on the head. Then there was only darkness.

***

Art was the most vindictive.

"Why did you start running like that? Why didn't you wait for Julian to be done? Now Rodney is dead and Julian has been caught again. Your best friend, so you say."

"He is, but if we had stayed longer we may have died, all of us, just like Rodney, believe me." Benny was close to tears, he knew he had panicked, who would not in such circumstances, he had not been the only one and perhaps he had been right, it had been the best thing to do. He wanted to convince himself that it was so.

"Calm down you guys. No one knows what would have happened," said Roberto," It's no one's fault except those bastards. We need to get help, let's keep focused on that"

"You heard Gavin; Clem is gone to find the cops. How long do you think it will take? Nights are cold in these parts," answered Benny, jumping on the occasion to shift the conversation.

"No idea. Nearest town or even house was hours away with the bus, far as I recall. Didn't give it much attention at the time," said Art.

"We should try to find the twins and Gavin, they escaped too," suggested Roberto.

"But they were with that other guy. What do you think happened? They shot at each other," replied Art

"No idea, but I'd prefer to keep my distances from that one, he is one mean dude." said Benny.

"We could have been faster than that killer, grabbed a gun on the table, and got rid of him, Rodney would still be with us," Art still had not accepted Rodney's tragic end. He was the oldest of the troop now at thirteen but did not feel ready for the responsibility, "those weapons were right under our eyes in that bag on the table, I never thought of it. Rodney, he was a funny guy." The boy was close to tears now.

"Thinking about the past won't help us," said Roberto the most practical of the three. "I say we wait for the night and see what unfolds. Perhaps we will be able to retrieve some gear or food. Perhaps free Julian and the others. Let's wait and watch."

"I'm with you, Roberto. What about you, Benny?"

"I'm with you too. Sorry Art, I panicked."

"As Roberto said, what is done is done. You may even have saved us; he was damn close by the end, that Larry. I felt needles in my legs too, urging me to start running; I wasn't far behind you. We are scouts, we must stick together." Out of instinct, the three boys hugged and stayed that way for a long moment.

So they had made peace. In a short span of time, they had seen two cold-blooded murders had been witness to a painful and vociferous rape and a silent but still very real second one. They were all in shock.

Out of habit, Benny felt his front pocket and a smile chased the menacing tears.

"Guys, I had completely forgotten, look!" He presented his famous Swiss knife.

"Where did you get that?" asked Art.

"I had it all along. Right there in my pocket."

"Why didn't you use it to cut the ropes then?" Art was furrowing his brow again, ready to start a new quarrel.

"How could I reach it with my hands tied behind my back, dummy," Benny replied in the same tone before saying, "Well, honestly I had forgotten it was there all along. It's not that big."

"Never mind, great find Benny, we're fortunate they did not take it from you. Let's put it to use," said Roberto.

"How do you want to do that?" questioned Benny.

"We will find good sticks and sharpen the end, make weapons, lances. What do you think?"

"A neat idea. If they come for us in the woods we can surprise them, teach them; kill them," approved Art.

"If we could make a fire we could harden their tips."

"And with the cinders make war paints for our faces like Indians," added Art.

"They got guns," said Benny.

"But they don't know that, thanks to your Swiss knife, we can now defend ourselves. Let's not waste time, let's get to work," concluded Roberto.

And they did. It was good for them, for their spirit, they were fighting back.

***

Reece had driven for forty minutes to get off the track that lead to the clearing to reach the road that led to the nearest town going at a slow pace, looking around for any sign of the scout leader, but to no avail. It was logical to think that if he did hear a car he would signal himself and ask for help. He kept driving for a good twenty minutes more. They were lucky; traffic was very light in these parts, almost nonexistent. Once he had gone much farther than the estimated distance that he thought the boy capable of traveling, in the time imparted, he made a U-turn and was back to the camp, probably less than two hours after leaving. It did not take him long to understand that there had been a problem.

Vance was seated at the table, a makeshift bandage around his head talking with Larry who had his naked boy pet by his feet. There was no trace of Alex and quite a few scouts seemed to be missing. Were they in a tent?

Then he saw the body of the pudgy scout lying close to the trees.

As he shut the car door, Vance rose with some difficulty and came to him leaving Larry behind with the boy.

"Did you find him?"

"No, what happened here?"

"Alex shot at me and escaped with a few of the scouts. We should have killed him right away like your brother first suggested."

"What do we do now?"

"We follow the plan, as before. We'll just have to be more careful, he took my gun with him before entering the forest with the kids."

"You killed one more. How many escaped?" Reece did not need to express any reproach, his face spoke for him.

"Yeah, Larry was pissed as you can imagine, he wanted some release, and this one did not make it far and fast enough. I wanted to do the same to the others myself but I was in no shape to do it at the time and now I don't feel like it anymore, we might need them."

"Hi bro. No success?" Larry had joined them pulling the boy with him now held on a leash.

"No, Vance told me the mess you've been in, while I was away."

"You can say that. We were fooled like rookies. We sure won't tell that story to anyone."

"You don't look too sure on your feet yet Vance, let's go back to the table so you can sit," said Reece before addressing his brother. "At least you still have your pet, Larry."

"You can say that, but he's been a very naughty girl."

"Girl? What do you mean?"

"He's my little girl now, taught him a few things in the tent. He's the one that cut his friends loose while I was caring for Vance. Not sure yet what I should do with him."

For the last hour, he had been petting him in all ways imaginable. He could not keep his hands off the boy: they went everywhere, in his hair, kneading a thigh or bun, in his crack, then his mouth. He even played with the smooth sack and cocklet that had repulsed him not so long ago. It was soothing for him to humiliate and belittle the boy that he thought had ridiculed him.

"I'm curious to see what you come up with," said Reese, looking at the tearful and miserable boy.

"Guys, let's rather talk about our situation; you're right I need to sit; I'm still dizzy" Vance was slowly recovering but his brain was working again." I came to think that no one went to fetch help and that they're all still in the woods around us."

"But the kid told us…"

"A bunch of lies. A decoy. Clem has gone nowhere. The only safe way is the road; the nearest town, if you can call it that, is twenty miles in a straight line through the woods, rather thirty if you follow the road. No, he stayed and watched."

"You might be right, Vance. So let's do the same thing again. We tell them we cut or kill one of their friends and they'll come out of the woods." Larry was now rubbing Julian's face against his crotch while looking at the nearby tied scouts to see what effect his words might be having.

"Yes, we could try that one more time but I doubt it will work again. There's too many of them now out there, they have a gun and we killed two already. They might think it's not a good idea to surrender, they'll know what to expect. We got only four of these scouts left, not that many if we need to use them as hostages later on."

"What then?"

"Let me think some more. I'll come up with something."

Seventh Act

"What did you do that for, Clem?" asked a stunned Gavin.

"What else did you want me to do?" The scout leader was retrieving the gun, feeling its reassuring weight in his hand, and then putting it in his belt. "Now let's try to find Art and the others that escaped. They can't have gone too far. Do you think we should finish him off first?"

He was raising his makeshift club, ready to strike again when Gavin stopped him. Alex was himself slowly coming 'round.

"No! Stop! Are you crazy?" Gavin shouted as he stepped in front of Clem, to protect Alex.

"But he is one of them, Gavin, he raped you. I heard it all. Don't you want your revenge? Perhaps you want to do it yourself?" he added, holding out his weapon to the boy.

"No, you got it wrong, he saved us. When you…you dumped me, leaving me at their mercy."

"Why did you do that to me?" said a dazed Alex. He did not really understand what was going on and started to feel for the bump on his head. It was sticky. "I'm bleeding! What did you do?"

"Move, Gavin, let me do it. I tell you, I'll kill this man! Don't you try to stop me, I'll kill him!"

"You did not listen to me, Clem. Ethan, Dennis, tell him."

"Yes, Gavin is right. He's a good guy. He didn't rape him, they were just pretending, to fool the bad guys," said Dennis.

"He shot one of them and helped us escape!" said Ethan.

"What, what did you say?" Clem had some difficulty coming to that reality… He didn't have to strike that man again? He had thought he would be their savior and it would have helped him to face Gavin after what he had done to him earlier.

"It was all make believe, I swear. I'll explain it. Please put that thing down," said a panicked Alex, still on the ground and now trying to get up. "Didn't you see what happened?"

Clem lowered the club, then let it fall to the ground but left his hand on the gun's handle.

"I'm listening, you can talk." He was avoiding looking at Gavin; he knew he would need to explain himself and soon. He had heard the shots but had been afraid to get too close to the camp at first, afraid to hear Gavin's cries of pain again or worse.

Alex repeated what he had told Gavin and the twins already, insisting that they had to join forces if they wanted to save the scouts still in the escapees' clutches.

"But, still, you're a criminal, you were one of them," stated Clem, with a smirk.

"As I told you, I'm nothing like them. I'm rather like you."

"Like me?" Clem was taken aback by that sentence.

"Yes, my only crime was to love boys and it seems to me that there is definitely something between you and Gavin."

Clem was at a loss for an answer, and avoided looking at the boys. The twins were amused by his uneasiness.

"And from what I heard, you were quite interested in the twins too but don't worry, I won't repeat that to anyone; can I get my gun back now?"

Clem thought for a few moments before answering.

"Okay, I believe you're with us but I keep the gun. You obviously don't know how to shoot, and I've got some experience."

"You're right; I never used a gun before. It's fine with me; you can keep it. What's your plan? To find the other three scouts? They could be anywhere by now."

"We can walk in the direction they were last seen entering the forest, then spread out and look for them."

"Why not use our rally cry," said Ethan.

"Rally cry?" asked Alex.

"Yes, it's kind of an animal/bird sound. If they hear it, there's a good chance they'll understand we're nearby looking for them, they'll simply come to us, without alerting the bad guys."

"Brilliant idea, Ethan. You're a true scout."

Not losing an occasion, Clem had draped his arm around the boy's shoulder, his goal of sampling the twins had somewhat resurfaced.

"Let's do that."

"Are you sure there's no risk, signaling our presence like that? Alex had seen the move and as a boylover, its meaning, he felt a bit jealous.

"No they'll think it's just animals. You'll see, the twins are doing it perfectly," he added, with one squeeze of the boy's bubbly buns, unfortunately now covered by his twin's borrowed shorts.

***

"Did you hear that?" asked Reece.

"Hear what?" Larry was more interested in playing with his boy pet as they were waiting for Vance's ideas.

"That noise, it's been repeated a few times."

"You're in a forest, stupid. Of course there are noises, animals of all kinds!"

"Don't call me stupid."

"If you wish, in fact I need to know what you think of something."

"Spill it out then."

Larry had been fiddling for a few minutes with Julian's cocklet and sack, not too gently, rubbing the small testicles together, pinching here and there.

"If I cut the boy's balls and dick off would he bleed to death?"

"No idea, don't think so, what for?" after a pause and some reasoning he continued, "In fact the penis is gorged with blood as you well know when you get hard, so there could be a risk."

"That would be a neat way to punish him, don't you think?" he asked, while searching the boy's face for signs of understanding and fear, and sure enough, he found them.

"If you don't care about the outcome I would be curious to see that. Still it would be necessary to put stitches at some point, just to give him a chance. I'm sure those scouts have some thread and needle somewhere." Reece was discussing the subject as a setup to scare the boy. He could kill without a second thought but saw no need to inflict pain without a clear purpose. "Of course you would have to wait some before using him again and I would not risk putting my cock in his mouth after that."

Larry was unsure of what he wanted: punish the kid; make him suffer; get rid of his boy parts and risk his death; or keep his little Julie as he was. He had provided him so much pleasure already. He was fixated on that one boy and thought none of the others could replace him.

Vance put a stop to his ruminations.

"Larry, Reece, as I said. I am quite sure all of the scouts, and Alex too, are still around planning, scheming, wanting some revenge, probably worried about the four scouts still with us. They are also without food and will certainly be rather cold when night falls. It can get chilly around here. Logically they'll try something along those lines in the next few hours."

"We'll set a trap then?"

"That's one possibility. We could also take the four scouts, the bus, the car, and leave this place."

"Why do that? What about the cops? All traffic to the north will still be closely watched with roadblocks all over."

"We got a whole lot of money waiting for us. We can hole up in another spot around here, there's plenty, one more day, forget about the rest of them. Then cross the border with the scouts. That's the safe option."

"Why talk of it when you've decided it would be the other one," said Reece.

"Out of principle. We can't stay here with the menace of that gun and I want that son of a bitch, Alex."

"Agreed," said the two brothers in unison.

"It's too late to take our guns, go find them and finish them off, all of them. I don't want to be in the forest when the night falls. So, as you said, we set a trap, or even better several. As I said, they will be looking for their friends, food and clothing for the cold, maybe the bus or car. We put the remaining scouts in one tent. We hang Larry's boy to a tree. And we wait for them."

"Hang who to a tree?"

"This little shit that freed four of our hostages. You didn't think I would let that pass?"

"No, of course not, Vance, but I had thought of something else. What use would he be to us dead?"

"Who said he would be dead, we will hang him by a foot to a tree outside the camp. You will soon hear him cry for help, a sweet sound. I'm sure they'll try to do something about it. There's a full moon tonight or close to one, it will be easy to watch the boy, the tents, and the vehicles. They are sure to try one of those options.

"Too bad I would have loved Julian to keep me company the whole night," Larry said, cajoling and kissing the boy in mockery. "He's so sweet."

"Not this time but you can pick one of the others if you want, we got one or two hours left before the watch starts, they'll not make their move before it's dark. Find us some good rope and let's go hang the kid. I want to hear him start hollering long before dusk."

***

"Art, did you hear that, it sounded like our rally cry," said Roberto, who was feeling with his thumb the sharp end of his just finished lance. "There, again. Yes, that must be it. I'm sure it's the twins looking for us."

"Don't be too enthusiastic." answered Art. "That still might be a trap. They eloped with that fourth guy, we must be careful. Too bad, we could not make a fire to harden the tip of our lances. Get them ready, and let's spread out, you don't show yourself 'till you're sure it's safe. I'll be first, wait 'till I give you the signal." Art had clearly taken the role of leader of their small group.

They separated, each one taking the direction of the rally cry by a different route, about thirty feet apart and progressing silently and cautiously through the dense forest where you could not see more than a few feet ahead most of the time.

After a few minutes, they stopped hiding themselves in the foliage, their lances ready. There was movement ahead, people coming their way, they were spread out too; the rally cries sounded very close.

Art saw Ethan and Dennis appear from behind a few black spruces; they appeared to be alone, looking around in search of their friends.

***

"Do it again Ethan, they can't be far. They must have heard us."

The boy emitted the white throated sparrow song; one note followed by three or so repeated ones. It was quite well executed.

Dennis was in a haste to find the missing scouts, he had always been afraid of the woods and the creatures dwelling there, bears, coyotes and who knows what else. There were shadows everywhere despite the bright summer sun above, sounds you could not identify. He had never confessed it to anyone, of course, but he was almost as terrified to spend the night here as being back in the camp with the three thugs. He had felt from the beginning that their wilderness adventure was a bad idea, even more so since Stan had broken his leg leaving only thirteen of them for the trip: thirteen… for sure a bad omen.

He was startled by the appearance of Art and almost jumped in fright, but a smile soon replaced his scowl and illuminated his face. Relieved, his sudden alarm forgotten, he was about to shout to the others that they had found them.

Ethan had seen his reaction and just in time clamped his hand on his brother's mouth to silence him.

"Not like that, dummy." Without further comment he then gave the signal that they had found their quarry, emitting a slightly different song.

"Art, where are the others?" he questioned, as they got close enough. Then he clumsily embraced the older boy, soon followed by Dennis. In response, Art was more affectionate and lingered more than could be expected.

"Not far, don't worry. Are you alone?"

"No, there's Gavin and Clem with us and Alex."

"Alex?" Art finally let go of the hugging and held his lance tighter looking all around in a suspicious way.

"Don't worry, he's a good guy, without him we would all still be prisoners. He'll explain it all. We got his gun," Ethan added, thinking it would be reassuring for Art. "You can believe us, we were the ones he mistreated – made me piss in my pants!"

"I must say you're cute like that, Dennis," he said, looking at Dennis' Star Wars underoos.

"I had to give my shorts to Ethan." There was resentment in the way he pronounced his brother's name; he didn't like being downplayed or called names.

"Could have been worse than Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh for example, Donald and his nephews…" Art was clearly making fun of them but there was more to it. Like most of the others, Clem had selected him for a reason, he was very interested and appreciated the suggested forms that where partially hidden by the small piece of tissue.

Soon the whole troupe, what was left of it, was gathered together and exchanging relieved accolades.

Clem had asked Alex to stay back to avoid any scare or incident and sent Gavin to fetch him. They had done the search for the missing trio together and the scout leader had had the time to make his apologies; they had been accepted but he felt that not all had been settled yet and that a distrust now existed between them. He had to say that it was quite understandable. If Alex had really been one of the bad guys, no one knew in what shape Gavin would be in now. It had been a very dangerous gamble. But what choice did Clem have? Of the two options, which one would have been the worst, he still did not now.

When Alex joined them, there was a moment of silence; it did not last and soon he was submerged by questions. They found an open space with fallen trees that they used as seats and Alex started telling his story again. It did not take long for everyone to shift the conversation and discuss their options and possible plans of action.

***

"Those birds have stopped singing," said Larry to his brother who had unceremoniously dragged the second body to put it with the first one.

"Perhaps we should bury them. They could bring animals to the camp," said Reece.

"Work for the boys later? Ain't we the animals, the predators here anyway? Don't you think so Julie?" He was still pulling along the poor boy by his leash, giving it a jerk from time to time." Now let's go hang you on some tree. Let's find one close to the edge of the woods. They'll think it will be easier to get you back that way, as Vance said."

"You can do whatever you want. I'll not make a sound. They'll not come for me, they're not stupid," retorted Julian defiantly.

"Still got some stamina, that one! See Reece, he doesn't know what being upside down can do to your head or lungs after a rather short time. He's done a headstand now and again like all kids do, which is fun, but staying upside down for a looong length of time, that is something totally different, as you'll soon learn Julie and I'm not forgetting about the pain in your ankle. How much do you weight? Eighty pounds? You'll think it'll be twice that and more in a short while. Hope you're still alive when we're done. I still want to use and abuse that sweet body of yours; take you with me when we leave this place."

While his brother talked, Reece had made a slipknot, and put the boy's ankle in it. He then sent the cord around a branch perhaps ten feet above the ground, and pulled on it fast, lifting the kid who gave off a small cry of pain and surprise as the noose tightened around his ankle and sent him up in the air.

"See, you'll have good company for the next few hours, you might even regret not being with me tonight?" said Larry, slapping the child's butt, letting the slight body swing gently.

They had chosen the spot where the two corpses had been left. Eyes open, looking straight at the captive in the tree.

After a few futile efforts to try to free himself, the boy started to feel oppressed and dizzy. The blood was accumulating in his upper body. Nature had set it to be pumped from the legs up not the other way around and the risk of death by asphyxiation, of clot in the head was real after some time.

Julian yielded a small wail of pain, the first of many as his ankle started to throb.

"Good job, don't you think Reece? The bodies at the foot of the tree are a nice touch, brilliant idea my brother." As he left, the man slapped the boy's ass again, liking the sound it made. He thought he had a good chance of being able to enjoy him some more in the morning and with luck even earlier.

Larry and Reece went to see Vance who was definitely feeling better and had one obsession now, getting back at Alex and those scouts. He wanted them all dead and not of an easy death if possible.

"Can I play some more with those scouts before things get serious as you said earlier?" Larry was like a little boy asking for some candy from an irate parent.

"You have an hour, no more; then you'll take care of making dinner. Reece you have a look around, and be careful, I don't expect them to make their move yet but you never know."

"Yes, boss. Can I do whatever I want with all three?"

"As long as you don't break your toys. We might still need them later."

***

Larry did not waste a second going to the three remaining boys; they started pleading with him as soon as he entered the tent and before he had the time to tell them his intentions. It was not for the expected reason, they certainly knew what Larry intended to do with them, but that was not their first priority.

"Please, sir, I can't hold it anymore," said Yuki.

"Yes, sir, I need it so bad, I'm about to pee in my pants." It was Lance now.

"It's been hours," insisted Daniel.

"Okay, okay, I hear you," said Larry, amused. "Don't want to fuck a foul smelling scout. Good idea it will help me make my choice and get better acquainted with you boys." He lifted the first kid's chin." So what is your name?" Larry wasn't going to let them have their way without some more teasing and waiting time.

"Lance, Lance Hartigan." The boy was fidgeting, not staying in place despite his bound hands and feet.

"Nice looking boy, Lance, nothing special though. Let's see your backside if it is as appealing as Julian's."

"No, please, no…"

"How come, no? I thought you wanted to pee? Everything has a price. Anyone want to take his place?" The other two stayed silent trying to look invisible.

"Then, let's start with you, Lance." He picked up the boy that now stayed immobile like a frightened animal, and walked a few feet to a nearby tree. He set the boy standing against it and pulled out his own erect tool. "Now, we will see if my willy likes you."

He opened the child's shorts, pulling them down his wobbly legs as well as his underwear.

"Please, no, please don't hurt me, please! I'll do whatever you want but not that." The child had suddenly forgotten his need to pee it seemed.

"But this is exactly what I want from you, nothing else. Unlucky for you." He turned the boy around, facing the tree, "Now you can pee while I see if my big willy is happy with you."

The boy was crying softly now. He achieved some relief letting go a small trickle of urine while Larry rubbed and explored his rounded backside and crack with his engorged cock. The boy's fear and embarrassment was enough for the man, for now. He was thinking that boys definitely could become a new option for him: they had great potential perhaps as much as girls.

"Not bad, but let's see what the others have to offer before going further."

He brought the boy back, not bothering to put his shorts back on–what for? Larry also left his own hard rod out for all of them to see.

Vance, seated at the table, two guns within reach, was watching the whole proceedings with a satisfied grin when he wasn't on the lookout.

"So, who's next in line? What's your name?"

"Daniel, sir." He had the man's cock bobbing up and down in front of his face, quite gigantic for him. Even his freckles had paled at that sight.

"You don't seem interested? You don't want a taste, I presume." Larry was proudly showing off as the boy recoiled at the simple idea. "No, you don't, of course. Let's go see if your backside is more welcoming."

He repeated the same process with that second scout, finding him more fleshy and more to his taste.

Then came the third one's turn.

"Who are you kid? You look puny to me."

"I'm not puny. I am Yuki Sorensen." He was the smallest but not impressed and standing his ground, used to being teased and sometimes bullied by the bigger boys. He had learned to retaliate.

"What kind of a name is that, you look kind of weird, but I like you. Let's go see how your bum fares. But I doubt I'll choose you. It'll be Daniel. Or what's his name? Yes, Lance. Be back in a minute, kids."

Indeed little Yuki with his small frame was not what Larry had in mind for his next thirty minutes of pleasure. He still had charm with his deep blue slanted eyes, his mop of jet-black hair, and his slightly upturned nose. Anyway, he was the only one that really emptied his bladder, and Larry wondered when the flow of urine would stop.

Now that he had tried the three scouts, he realized that the one he really wanted was still Julian. Leaving Yuki with the other two, he went back to the tree where the boy had been hanging for a good forty-five minutes now. He observed the efforts the boy was making to control himself, hide his pain and his fear. He could not have the boy's ass, it would have to wait until they were done with the business at hand but he could use his mouth, it was appropriately situated just at the right level.

He seized the child's mop of tawny hair using them to position the boy.

"Now open your mouth Julie and watch your teeth if you want your predicament to end in an acceptable way." He accompanied his words with a tug at the hair, pulling on the already painful ankle at the same time.

The boy had opened his mouth to let out a cry but it was immediately muffled by the man's cock that filled it.

"Yes, I was right, your friends can't compete, such sweet and firm flesh, such soft hair, such a moist hole!" Larry had one hand on the child's buns and the other in his hair, holding him in place.

Had Julian been willing to resist, by biting the invading member, he would have been unable to do so, his breathing was already hampered by his plight, and for the next twenty minutes, he had to fight just to get as much air as he could and not suffocate. Larry used long strokes filling up the child's mouth to the hilt while being careful to let him breathe from time to time. He finished and came generously down his throat starting a cough that would last a large part of the night.

Intermission

Elders and Librarians

The spaceship had been circling the Earth for a few days, invisible and undetected from any prying eye or device, despite its gigantic size.

It was collecting.

The Elders, an ancient race that had served the Librarians' Guild for more time than they could recall were managing the ship and all the operations.

The Librarians, who for some of them could be considered as godlike creatures, were shapeshifters who could take whatever appearance they chose to the point that no one really knew or cared anymore what they had looked like at the beginning. They only needed to be in contact with a few cells from the acquired being to reproduce it to perfection and in all its capacities.

A few cells were not enough to satisfy them, they also wanted the real thing to observe, study, and replicate their behavior. It was their passion and main occupation.

They were not all equal since they did not share their collections, some more powerful than the others due to the aggregated characteristics of their collected items. In addition, of course, the most powerful got the best spoils. It did cause some conflict between the members of the guild.

Each of the thirty-seven collections was stored in a large autonomous unit docked at the base of the mother ship and contained millions of specimens if not more with some live ones in their recreated habitat. Each unit was a rather large vessel in itself, its size depending on the importance and influence of its Librarian and could leave for undisclosed expeditions on its own at the whim of its owner.

Ka'alek, one of the prime Elders, had been visiting the Talon unit. The librarians were often proud to expose their most interesting specimens. He liked to stop by from time to time; it held their most significant if not most dangerous captive. A Setrow, an intelligent being, more than fifty feet in height, covered with scales. It was chained most of the time and did not like that, that kind of restraint was rarely used and made the visit even more spectacular.

The Elders had few contacts with the Librarians, who were centuries old and dedicated all their time to their collections and experiences in different planes of conscience, leaving them to the running of the ship and all the practical matters.

Ka'alek was returning to the command center when he received a message; there was an alert in the Zintuk unit.

Eighth Act

"VANCE, ARE YOU LISTENING?"

"ALEX!" replied the man with a rictus recognizing the voice.

Larry was back with his brother when the call came out of the forest. He grabbed his shotgun on the table but could not determine precisely the location of the voice to risk a shot.

Vance signaled him to wait; he wanted to know what the–soon to be dead–man wanted to say.

"I HAVE A PROPOSAL FOR YOU."

"OF COURSE, WHY NOT."

"I GIVE YOU BACK THE GUN; YOU SEND THE BOYS TO ME. A FAIR EXCHANGE, DON'T YOU THINK?"

"SORRY I DON'T SEE IT QUITE LIKE THAT."

"WE WOULD NEED SOME FOOD AND COVERS TOO."

"YOU THINK IT'S CHRISTMAS, ALEX?"

"WITHOUT THE GUN, THERE'S NOT MUCH WE CAN DO. WE WAIT IT OUT TILL YOU LEAVE AND NO ONE GETS HURT ANYMORE!"

The three tied boys and Julian hanging by the tree were listening attentively not daring to hope yet.

Larry and Reece had taken position ready to act if Vance gave the signal.

"I MIGHT THINK ABOUT IT IF IT IS YOU AND THE GUN, OTHERWISE I'M NOT INTERESTED."

"NO WAY, YOU HEARD WHAT I SAID, THINK ABOUT IT."

Then there was silence.

"What do we do Vance?" asked Reece.

"Nothing for now. We wait for their next move."

"We could have found a compromise, kept one kid as a guarantee," suggested Reece.

"No compromise," said Vance, "I want Alex dead, I don't care about that gun that he doesn't know how to use." He showed his wound that had stopped bleeding, "They'll be cold and hungry. They'll want to help their friends; they'll come to us, or we will go for them."

***

"So what do we do now?" asked Clem.

"We wait to see if Vance changes his mind and goes for the deal, which isn't very likely," answered Alex, who had immediately left the edge of the forest to return to the group, not wanting to expose himself one minute more than necessary.

"Why didn't you accept his proposition? It was fair," said Benny, whose only yearning was to find a way to get Julian back.

"Fair, you think so? As soon as I would have shown myself, I would have been dead, and it is far from sure they would have freed anyone. Making the exchange with the gun would not be any easier, but we had to try."

"So we attack!" said an enthusiastic Ethan.

"That's the plan, and we try not to get killed. We have two objectives; the boys and to retrieve stuff we need from the tents: covers and food mainly."

"Shorts," added Ethan.

"They are by the creek," contributed Gavin.

"How should we proceed?" asked Art, his arm around Roberto's shoulder. Was there something between those two, wondered Alex, who recognized the signs.

"Only when night has fallen, that's the first sure thing, and we should use a diversion," said Clem without conviction. "We have to define our main objectives."

"Julian, first." It was Benny again.

"I agree, but they put him there for a reason, they want us to come and try to get him. They'll be waiting for us. We'll never succeed … sorry," said Alex.

"We have to try," insisted Benny.

Each boy had his lance now and was eager to use it.

"Let me have a talk with Alex, and we will see what we can come up with," demanded Clem. "Night will be here soon now."

There was definitely a chill in the air: the wind was coming from the North.

***

Clem waited until they were out of earshot and then stated clearly his intentions.

"We must not try anything. I don't want to lose one more of the kids to those bastards. I'm the one who will face the families once we get back and I strongly intend to do that. You must help me dissuade those kids from doing something foolish."

"I understand your point of view, but we have nothing to keep us warm, and no food; we could at least try something to get some."

"There are blueberries, plenty of them. We will have to do with that." Then he held back for an instant before going on, "We have the boys to keep us warm, I get the twins, and you can have Gavin for the night. It won't be that cold."

Alex was surprised by the explicitness and boldness of the proposition. Clem knew what he wanted, what they both wanted.

"Are you sure that's what their parents want?"

Clem was embarrassed.

"We are doing what we can. It will keep our minds occupied and the boys' too. I was the one responsible for the selection of all the kids here. I was careful to choose them for their looks and because they all have a reputation for being promiscuous. You've seen Art and Roberto. I'm sure they'll follow suit if we show the way."

"Promiscuous, that's a nice word. Can't say I'm not tempted."

He did remember vividly the splendid sight of Gavin and the twins' three bubble butts by the creek, something he dreamed of visiting and of plowing relentlessly. He should have been terrified, thinking only of his survival, but shocking images kept appearing. He was obsessed, he wanted to fuck at least one of those boys before he died or went back to jail. It was foolish, stupid, unreasonable, ludicrous, call it whatever you want. He tried to push those thoughts away.

"I still think we should try something. The kids will want that. They could do something foolish otherwise. I know boys."

"I heard that. What did you do to know them so well?"

"I have loved a few. I was a teacher and coach for a few years–got some notions of strategy. If you give me back the gun, I accept to take most of the risks, I only ask for a diversion. Just getting back the shorts and not being too discreet, for example. You'll be gone long before they get within shooting distance of the creek."

"I'll go with you!" Benny had come out of the bushes surprising them.

"What are you doing here? Did you…" Clem was close to panic, he didn't want to lose face in front of the boys.

"What does promiscuous mean? I only heard what you just said, and I want to go with Alex. I got the Swiss knife to cut the cord. I'll do whatever you say. He is my friend, my best friend."

"We understand Benny, but it's like a suicide. You would be killed, and Julian would still be at their mercy," said Clem

"He set me free, and Roberto, and Art, I have to do the same."

"Okay, okay, you want to go, you go. But you listen to Mister…?"

"Drake."

"…what Mister Drake tells you. You don't do anything stupid."

Clem wasn't quite sure the boy had not heard more than he let on and just in case he did not feel like saying no anymore, "We're in too!"

It was Art and Roberto this time with determined expressions and holding their lance.

"Okay, okay, I surrender," said Clem.

"Then we'll need more of those," said Alex pointing at the lance held by Roberto, "and we'll need a shelter for the night. As scouts, I suppose you can make us something like that?"

***

Night had fallen; it was a clear night with a splendid view of the Milky Way. The moon, almost full, could be seen sending a diffused light across the clearing while the woods stayed in the darkness.

The three men had started a fire to fight the permeating chill. They were waiting, weapons ready.

The tree with Julian hanging some distance away was illuminated by the flames from time to time, while the three men's shadows reached the edge of the forest.

"It's close to midnight already. When do you think they'll come?" asked Reece.

"If they don't chicken out: soon. They're cold; they can't wait for long that way."

"Why didn't you use one of the boys, Reece? You don't know what you're missing. They're soft, sweet, and tight, very much like girls, much better than Gerome!"

"The size doesn't fit, I would tear them up."

"True you got a big one, but believe me they stretch as well as girls; at least I had no problem with mine. You could use a mouth, just be careful not to choke them," he laughed.

"Larry, stop talking nonsense; we have a job to do. You'll go play with your Julie as soon as we're done here, don't pester your brother."

Larry shut his mouth, a grin still on his face.

It started twenty minutes later.

"The creek," said Reece.

"Yes, I heard," replied Vance. "A diversion. Let's play their game, go there, and have them think their ploy is working. I'll wait for Alex here."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, he'll be the one. He'll want to impress those kids, play the hero. Show yourself then come back fast and try to cut the retreat of whoever comes out of that forest."

***

The plan was simple. Clem, Gavin, and the twins were to make noise by the creek and bring at least one of the thugs to them. Then it was Alex's turn to get the attention of those left in the camp and try to keep them away from the tents and Julian. Benny would go for Julian, his two pals serving as lookouts. They had been warned to leave the clearing and to take Benny with them, even without Julian, if there was any hint of danger in sight. They were not to stay exposed more than a few minutes.

It was more a last stand than anything else. At best, they would get two shorts back and Julian: no covers, no food, not the three remaining scouts. At worst, somebody would be hurt or killed. Was it worth it? Suddenly, Alex had second thoughts, but it was too late.

He had seen Larry and Reece leave the camp and go east to the creek. Benny, Art, and Roberto were at the forest's edge, to the northwest, as close as possible to their goal while staying hidden. Alex was south of it, a reasonable distance away but not far enough to be out of range of Vance's gun. He had no idea how good of a shot he was.

Tightening his hold on his gun's grip, he came out under the moonlight and shot twice, once toward Larry and once toward Vance standing by the fire: he missed, of course. He had ten bullets in the magazine, eight left, he had to make them last.

All of the crooks' attention was now on him and they returned fire. He heard the bullets wheezing past him, breaking branches, hitting trees as they disappeared in the forest behind. They were too far away and he hoped their chance of hitting him was slim. He was on the move again: putting more distance between him, Vance, and the camp; the trees and their cover were two feet to his right, so close and so far at the same time.

He fired one more shot and saw Vance now coming his way, leaving the tents as they had planned. It was working; at least it looked that way. Larry and his brother were not as bold, keeping their distance, always on the move like him, so they would be difficult targets.

But it did not last, they soon bolted back, and he realized that they were now running back toward the camp, which meant Julian and the scouts coming to rescue him.

He fired at them, three times, trying to hold them back. Four bullets left, he counted. How long has it been since it started, one minute, two, three minutes? He had no idea. How much time could he stay exposed? He could not see Julian or his tree from here; he had no idea of the boys' progress. And Vance was still firing at him, getting closer. As he felt one bullet almost graze his head he saw Larry still running toward the camp while his brother returned fire.

***

Clem had done his deed; he and the boys with him had brought two of the convicts out of the camp. Gavin had retrieved the two shorts left by the creek and was putting one on right away after handing the other to Ethan, somewhat relieved. Even if he knew, it would change nothing to the chill he felt, he was for a few moments in the heat of the action that was coming back with a vengeance. They could hear the shots being fired; see the flash of lights from the gun muzzles.

"Get your lances and follow me boys," exclaimed Clem.

The boys exchanged puzzled looks but complied.

He had changed the plan; they started to run along the forest edge in the direction of the camp. They could not go as fast as they wished with the darkness and the dense foliage, but they did their best, if possible in silence.

***

Benny, as soon as he had heard the first shots had jumped out of the forest, Art, and Roberto on his heels. The tree was fifteen feet away; it took them only a few seconds before the Swiss knife was out and cutting the cord. The wait had been terrible, hearing Julian's cough and small moans of pain without being able to help. Now they were on the scene, and Julian would soon be saved.

"Hold him, I'm about done," said Benny to the other two, "There we go." The cord was finally giving way.

Art was taking care of the head and Roberto the legs. They cautiously laid him on the ground.

"Julian, Julian, can you talk, can you walk," asked Art.

"Not too sure," he answered with an altered voice while a small smile was creeping upon his face.

"We'll carry you then," affirmed Benny, feeling, at last, much better and he wasn't alone, all three had thought they were somewhat responsible for his fate.

"I'm cold and hurt everywhere," Julian added with a croaked voice.

"Let's go, it's not safe here," alerted Roberto, poised toward the gunshots, lance at the ready.

"You couldn't say it better," said Larry, slightly out of breath, his shotgun pointed at them. Put down those sticks, I don't want to risk hurting my Julie here; otherwise you would all have been pulverized already."

He was twenty feet away with a satisfied grin. He could not miss from that distance.

"Come to me boys; I think I'll have some knots to do again. You're lucky I'm in a good mood; don't try anything foolish."

Resigned, the boys let go of their lances and helped Julian to his feet one on each side of him. Art was looking at the forest only a few feet away.

"Don't even think of it, boy; I'll blow you away. Sweet Julie, you didn't think I would have let you escape. You're much too dear to me."

He had just finished his sentence when four lances came out of the forest thrown by Clem, Gavin, and the twins. To fight the cold, the boys had trained for more than an hour, and their aim was rather good, they had made and brought three for each of them in case they needed to keep their foes at bay.

Was it a sixth sense that saved Larry's life or the lances rustling in the wind that alerted him? He raised his gaze and saw the menace, plunging to the ground to avoid it, but not before one hit him and stuck in his arm. Holding the shotgun, he fired both barrels at once with no effect.

Benny and the others saw their chance and rushed to the forest.

Larry pulled the weapon's pointed tip from his arm with a cry of rage; he then drew the gun tucked in his belt, and as he was aiming, more lances flew at him. He quickly rolled on the ground to avoid them, and when he was ready to aim again, the boys had disappeared into the woods.

Larry emptied his magazine nonetheless, being rewarded by a child's cry of pain from not so far away and fired his last shots in that direction before reloading. As he checked his wound, he shouted.

"WE WILL HUNT YOU, AND WE WILL CATCH YOU, I'LL HAVE MY JULIE BACK. BE SURE OF IT.

Ninth Act

He had seen Benny fall; he knew he had been hit somehow.

Clem had to force himself to stop and go back to help Benny to his feet. They were still very much within shooting distance of Larry. The boy had been wounded by a ricochet in the right leg, it did not appear serious, but in the dark, you could not really tell.

"Can you walk?" asked Clem in a whisper. The other two boys supporting Julian were well ahead now; the twins and Gavin were out of sight. His act of bravado had lasted only a moment, he now was in a completely different mood. There were no more shots to be heard, here or further away in the clearing, the silence was ominous. He had no idea of the outcome.

"Yes, I think I can run even!"

"Let's do that."

And they were off again.

The new camp awaited them, far enough from the clearing and the thugs to feel safe.

They had not been idle in the few hours before the attack. Besides making more lances, and training to use and throw them effectively, they had created a sleeping area for the night. They found fallen logs for the walls, and then used flat rocks to level out the ground to be as smooth as they could make it. Leafy branches of oak and maple were placed across the logs to make a roof. They gathered soft pine boughs for the floor, piling them high for comfort and insulate themselves from the cold damp ground. It was far from perfect, but it would help protect them from the wind and chill of the night and would have to do.

When they arrived, everyone was there but Alex and Gavin. It was to be expected for Alex who had to circle all around the clearing to get back to them. But where was Gavin?

"Has anyone seen him?" asked Clem.

"I thought he was with you," said Art and Roberto together.

"The same," said the twins.

Had he been wounded too? Worse? It could not be. Someone would have seen or heard something. Clem was thinking of every alternative that would give him the opportunity to avoid going back to look for the boy to no avail when they heard someone coming.

The twins raised the two lances they were still holding.

Let it be Gavin, thought Clem.

It was Alex.

"I almost got lost, not easy in the dark to find you." He suddenly felt something was wrong. "What's the matter?"

"Gavin's not here," answered Clem.

"What do you mean not here?"

"We lost him while escaping with Julian."

"Is Julian all right? Seems this could be considered a success. Perhaps Gavin got lost like me?"

"I don't know, Larry fired at us, Benny was hit in the leg. I need to take him to the creek to wash his wound and bandage him. A superficial wound, but we don't want it to get infected."

"Very well, you take care of Benny, I'll go look for Gavin."

"We'll come with you," said the twins.

"No, you stay here. I still have the gun and two bullets."

"We have our rally cry to call to him."

"Those guys in the camp will be furious, they might come looking for us even at night, better that you stay here and hide with the others till I return. Okay?"

"If you say so but we could have helped." They weren't happy, they wanted to take part in the search–they wanted to fight.

As Clem and Benny were about to leave for the creek and Alex to retrace his steps to go look for Gavin; the boy suddenly appeared with a winning grin on his moonlit face.

"Look what I brought back!" he announced proudly.

"It's Stan Lewski's bag," exclaimed Roberto.

"How did you get that?" asked Clem.

"I remembered that Stan had already put his bag in the trailer before he fell and broke his leg. No one thought of giving it back before he left for the hospital, so it was still there. The bus was real close with no one watching it. So I decided to sneak back and get it. The tarp was already off, so I knew I just had to pick up the bag and run. Easy."

"Easy, but dangerous. Well, anyway, everyone's accounted for now. Thanks to all of you, this has been quite a success," said Alex.

"What's in the bag? Julian is freezing! He's thirsty too." intervened Art, who was rubbing the boy's naked skin aided by Roberto."

"There should be at least a spare uniform, probably more, Stan has a sweet tooth like Rodney," replied Gavin, already on his knees and opening the bag, "It's heavy, and that's a good sign."

After rummaging in it, he pulled out a juice bottle, clothes, a blanket, some cookies and candy, a flashlight, and comics. The clothes went to Julian who put them on right away before wrapping himself in the blanket. The juice was orange flavored as he drank from it, before giving it back for all to share.

The poor boy was sending glances toward Alex, uncomprehendingly, not really knowing what to think of him. Not so long ago he had been one of the bad guys.

"We'll bring back some water too." Clem took the flashlight, the empty juice bottle, and Stan's scout neckerchief to mend Benny's wound. They headed to the creek together.

"Let's get settled and eat some cookies," said Alex.

"Should we set a watch," asked Roberto.

"No, I don't think so. They'll never find us here in the dark, they won't even try. If they come for us, it will be tomorrow morning."

***

Vance was in a rage, a cold one. They had failed, lost one hostage, and Larry had been wounded. It was as if they were amateurs.

Equipped with a flashlight, he went into the tent where they had thrown the three remaining scouts. He looked at each one of them for some time, walking around them.

The three boys were terrified; they felt his anger and wondered what was going to happen.

Reece, from outside the tent asked, "What do we do now, boss. Do we go after them?"

"In the morning, only in the morning. And we'll get rid of those three before that. If you or your brother want to have some fun with them, it's now or never. I'm going to get some sleep; my headache is back. Set a watch till then."

He was almost out of the tent when he retraced his steps and sent a vicious kick to each of the boys, then silently left, leaving them crying."

Larry entered the tent with a lecherous smile.

"Well, my little treasures, who wants to be first?" His arm was painful and he could not use it as he wanted. "Vance just said it is open bar for us, won't you join me brother?"

"Leave them alone, we got work to do in the morning. You might worsen your wound and you need some rest. I'll take the first watch."

"I don't like when you babysit me Reece but you might be right, naysayer. Anyway, it's Julie that I want. I'll have her back as soon as tomorrow, I tell you. Be sure to leave her to me unscathed when we catch them."

"As you want brother, but it's rather Vance you'll have to watch. He hasn't been in such a fury for quite some time; he'll want to kill them all. For me, I would take those three in the tent as live hostages and leave with the bus first thing in the morning. We got a little fortune waiting for us. It's not worth it."

"Ah, you're definitely not like us, Ree, You're too soft. When someone steps on your foot you have to do something, teach'em a lesson!"

***

Clem was at the creek with Benny tending his wound. He had washed it and now was bandaging it. He used the flashlight sparingly, not wanting its light to be seen and catching the thugs' attention. He wasn't much into black boys, just a question of taste, of aesthetics, it did not click, even if, he had to say, he had often admired their beautiful, sleek bodies and that he had been tempted to try one from time to time. Benny was there only because of Julian, one did not go anywhere without the other. It was possible that the recent events may have changed that, he thought, the future would tell.

He was done but his hand lingered on the soft, lustrous black skin and felt the firm muscle of the uncovered thigh.

"What are you doing, Clem?" asked the boy.

"Nothing, just checking that you're alright."

"Do you think it's serious, could I get gangrene, could I lose my leg?" The boy's worries were quite different from the older teen's, he was very concerned with the state of his leg.

"Of course not, you just lost a bit of skin, we washed it; it's clean now. It will be well mended in two weeks' time at the most. Be sure of it. Let's go back to the others. Are you cold?"

"Yes, a little." He was afraid and shivering.

"Come closer; let me warm you up."

Clem rubbed his hands on the young boy's chest and back getting a feel of his butt before taking him in his arms. He felt warmer that way himself by sharing their body heat.

He still had the lube in his pocket and planned to try to use it with the twins; he counted on the chill of the night to help him. It certainly wasn't the best of time for that, could be even considered totally inappropriate but what the hell, that was the only thing he could think of. They would be all together in their refuge; the implicated promiscuity didn't repel or discourage him, on the contrary, it would be bold and risky, not all of those boys were ready to engage in sex, but their common experience of danger had certainly brought them together. If they did not participate, they would at least keep their mouth shut later. His cock was stirring as he spooned the boy, grinding it on his firm butt.

"Feel good?" he asked Benny.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting an appetizer; don't worry; you're not the main course."

Whatever happened later, having sex with the twins surrounded by the other boys, was to be an experience worth all that had come before.

Alex was sure the escaped convicts would come for them in the morning. Clem thought it was a stupid move on their part but it also meant he was not out of trouble yet, with three of his boys still in their clutches, enduring whatever went through their unpredictable vicious minds. Better to lose himself in sex than think about all that. He doubted he would sleep anyway with the cold and those ideas filling his brains.

***

Reece was looking at the stars. He had never been bothered by the act of killing, even if he did not take pleasure in it, as he was sure his brother did. It had to have a purpose, though, and killing the three scouts in the tent made no sense to him. Not because they were kids but because they could be valuable hostages in case they encountered the cops on their way to the border. After that, why not? No need to leave witnesses. That, at least, could be a good reason to get rid of them. He went into the tent to check on the boys. They were sleeping. He had to say, they were cute kids, what a waste! He was bored and rather horny; he was always horny when bored. The forest was quiet with the exception of the usual night sounds, he doubted Alex would try anything, he was probably out of bullets by now.

Perhaps he could have some fun himself to pass the time, Larry didn't need to know or he would be pissed.

Which one should he use? The smaller one was a tad strange with his blue slanted eyes: no, he would go for one of the other two, all he needed was a mouth after all.

Which one? Choosing was part of the fun. He would take his time. He did not remember their names; one was a bit stockier than the other but not by much. He knelt beside them turned their heads toward him to examine them closer. Both had rather nice faces and welcoming mouths, one was slightly bigger with thin lips the other pulpier. Why not try both? He picked them up, still sleeping, one hand grabbing the seat of their pants, he brought them outside, close to the fire. As he added more wood to fight the night's chill, they stirred but did not waken.

He smiled, sat down, and set free his thick ten-inch erect member that appeared small compared to his large frame. It would not appear so for the two boys at his feet.

"Let's start with you, pulpy mouth." It was Lance. He weighted close to nothing for the bulky man who lifted him and put him between his legs.

"Now you have to open your mouth." He pinched the boy's nose, immediately obtaining the desired effect and plunged in. The boy woke up instantly, choking, not capable of uttering a word, just a few moans. He was wide-eyed with a look of surprise and shock.

"Suck on it, boy, like a lollipop, and watch your teeth. Larry was right, it does feel good!"

The poor kid, choking on it, made a few attempts and was doing his best but it was not good enough for Reece.

"You'll need some practice, kiddo. Let me take over." Holding the child's head, he started moving it up and down on his pole as far as it would go, being careful to leave some breathing space for the kid, it was a tight fit.

"What a lovely night. Sex! There's nothing better to pass the time. Even with puny boys like you. Don't you think? Sorry, I forgot, you can't really talk. It will be over soon, I feel it coming. Then it will be your friend's turn. Look! He's still sleeping, he doesn't know yet what awaits him."

Daniel was awake, he hoped that by faking sleep he would escape Lance's fate, it seemed unlikely.

From his tent opening, Vance was watching Reece take his pleasure, he could not sleep in the state of rage that he was in, and that spectacle added to it. He was impotent, had been for a few years now. But no one knew of it. If someone did, he would not live to tell. He envied the brothers whose sexuality was wild and explosive, but knew there was nothing that could be done about his condition. He had tried every medication available to no effect. He turned away from Reece lying back down on the scoutmaster's inflatable mattress; he knew he needed to sleep to be in good shape for the next day's hunt. He wanted his revenge, he would do everything that needed to be done to get it. He promised Alex a slow and painful death.

***

Alex was definitely horny despite the chill of the night. He would never have thought it possible in such circumstances; he was also surprised by the difference in temperature between day and night, this in the middle of the summer. He explained it by their precarious situation and the earlier high temperatures that made the contrast so striking.

The shelter the scouts had built to protect everyone, as best they could from the night chill, made it at least tolerable. Still, it wasn't as good as being inside their tents, tucked into their sleeping bags. They settled into a cuddled mass of boys: arms, legs, and bodies intertwined, as if bear cubs sleeping in their den.

Awake still, they debated their options for the next day, none too appealing: try to flee, try to fight, or try to hide?

Alex had Gavin on one side and Ethan on the other. They were shamelessly pressed against him to share whatever heat he was giving off; it was a perfect fit for him and quite arousing. Clem, for his part was sandwiched between Dennis and Benny while Art and Roberto were flanking a still shivering Julian, all three wrapped under the blanket they had found in Stan's bag. It was rather dark in there, with a play of light and shadows, the moon glow piercing the cover of leaves here and there, lighting occasionally the exposed naked arms or legs of the boys that looked pale and ethereal.

As it was getting colder, it left open some opportunities. Alex had slipped a hand in Ethan's shorts to explore and there was no pushback, he found it hot and cozy in there. He had found a nice and welcoming stiffy and you could hear the boy's giggles from time to time in appreciation of the man's strokes.

"What are you two doing?" asked Clem, who felt dispossessed of one of his two promised playthings for the night. He himself had been shamelessly petting Dennis' thighs and sending his own hand up the boy's shorts to play with his hard stick and marbles.

"Nothing, it's just the cold that sends shivers up my spine," answered Ethan.

"We should make a fire for Julian," said a concerned Roberto.

"No way, they could see it," answered Clem.

"Only other way would be to get naked with him under the blanket. That's the best way to share some heat," stated Ethan.

"How do you know that?" asked Art.

"Don't remember, perhaps read it, or saw it in a movie."

"Not very reliable then," replied Art.

"I think Ethan is right," said Alex, "you can't share heat through clothes, at least not as much as the other way. Making a fire with the leaves and branches all around, I don't see how that could be possible. Do we have matches anyway?"

"Always," answered Clem, "that's a basic for scouts; in my pocket. But still not a good idea, the fire would have to be big and outside the shelter, easy to notice from far away."

"So, who is up for the other option?" asked Alex.

"Get naked with Julian under the blanket–Not me!" said Art. There was some hesitation in his tone, "Not with everyone watching."

"I don't mind doing it," said Ethan. "No one can really see much of anything, anyway."

"I'll volunteer too." Alex did not want to miss the chance to lie with two naked, pretty boys, it was for a good cause, and who knew what it could lead to? Ethan seemed willing enough and rather keen to fool around. "Come on Ethan, let's take our clothes off."

Clem had been cut short; he also had seen the perfect opportunity to achieve some of his fantasies. Damn, Alex had been faster! Was there a way to catch up?

There were shadows moving, some laughs.

"Julian you'll need to take off your clothes, do you mind? Now that I think of it, we didn't ask you."

"That's okay with me, I'm so cold! I would do anything not to feel like that anymore," he answered in a strained voice.

Alex thought it was not only the cold, the boy was in shock and in pain from all the abuse he had gone through that day, what else could they do for him?

"Art, Roberto, help him. We're about ready." It didn't take long to strip off his tee shirt, jeans, and underwear.

"Should I keep my underwear and socks?" asked Ethan.

"Naked is naked, concerning the socks, sure, why not? I would say it's a good idea, in fact," answered Alex, who, from behind, as soon as the boy was done, had put his arms around Ethan's slight naked frame. Skin to skin, the heat was now circulating much better than with clothes; the thrill of the kinky situation was also a factor.

"I feel your heat, yes, it's much better. There's something else too but I won't talk of it," Ethan added with a smile, the man's erect cock was weighing down on the boy's rounded butt.

"Do you need some light?" asked Clem.

"It might come in handy when we get in place beside Julian. Is he ready?"

"Yes, he's all yours," said Roberto.

"Put it on then."

The flashlight illuminated the scene crudely, as Alex and Ethan went to lie on each side of Julian, no one could miss the balancing erect cock of the adult and the much smaller short stick of the boy.

"Gross!" said Benny. It was true, but no boys present could deny the excitement and fascination as well. They had all showered with other boys and most were not shy of their bodies–quite a few had even gone further than that. Here, it was the promiscuity, the particular circumstance with everyone knowing, which held them back more than anything else did.

Alex pulled the cover over the three of them, hiding the naked bodies and settled against the two boys, trying to avoid having his hard member making too obvious his contact with Julian. He knew what he had gone through and didn't want to stir up or add to his trauma. Soon however, the shivering boy, oblivious of any other consideration was pressing himself against him and feeling noticeably better. It was working; their shared body heat with the help of the cover was restoring some of the boy's lost warmth. Alex, helped by Ethan was rubbing him all over with his hands and whole body, making contact with the boy's smooth skin. It was giving them all very special sensations.

"What are you doing, what's all that noise?" asked Clem.

"Just getting nice and hot!" replied Alex.

"Very nice, indeed," insisted Ethan. "Don't you agree Julian?" The boy was clearly enthusiastic.

"For sure! I feel much better now."

"You're kidding," said a doubtful Art, who was himself feeling cold and rather miserable. He should have been the one, naked, under the cover with Julian and Roberto. He had dreamed of something like that for months now, the jerking sessions had been good but he knew he wanted more.

"You should try it! All of you. I think there's room for one more with us. Gavin, how about you?" asked Alex.

He did not have to say it twice; the boy was unbuttoning his shirt and pulling off his sneakers in a second.

"Coming!" He announced proudly.

Under the blanket, Alex was noticing the soothing effect of Ethan's and his own actions on Julian. The shaking was gone; his tense muscles were starting to relax. The man had shifted position, placing his large and erect member between the boy's thighs, face to face, it was the only way he had found to make it less obnoxious for Julian and the child had seemed to accept it rather well. There had been no movement or rejection, as he had feared at first. Ethan, on his other side was energetically rubbing himself against Julian's back, oblivious of Alex's protruding glans, which were receiving the same attention and effort. It was all extremely ambiguous and exciting for the man. It was clearly becoming very sexual. It was wrong, in a sense, with everything Julian had endured but at the same time, the boy was now responding favorably and obviously feeling much better. Why would Alex deny himself this pleasure, it was unexpected and intoxicating. And it did not only concern Julian, his hands were busy exploring Ethan's body, roaming from his neck to his back and buttocks, to his lithe thighs and legs.

Then Gavin joined them, taking position behind Ethan and soon grinding himself against the younger boy's bottom, adding to the building sexual tension without restraint.

Clem had felt the shift. Dennis and even the reserved Benny were now rubbing against him trying to emulate what they guessed was taking place beside them, under the cover. It was a perfect match with what he had envisioned, those boys would soon be ready for anything, and he knew exactly what the anything would be for him, his cock up Dennis' butt. He would try to get to Ethan next or any other willing boy. Just thinking of it had chased the chill that surrounded them. They needed to go only one or two steps further and it would all become very easy.

"Well kids, it seems to work and to be fun. Let's get naked too. It's nothing special."

"But we don't have a blanket to lie on or wrap ourselves in," said Benny.

"True, but we've got each other and we can wrap ourselves in our clothes. Let's try it!"

Alex was disbelieving, how could this be? All around them in the small shelter he felt the change of atmosphere, it was as if the chill had vanished, as if a fever had taken hold of everyone, They were all fast undressing, lying together, rubbing, stroking, kneading, soon grinding and caressing. It was more than heat they were seeking, it was not quite sex either, and most of them had only a vague idea of what that really was, but the spirit was there and it was very similar in its expression.

Clem was determined to use it to fulfill his wildest fantasies.

Intermission

The Elder Ka'alek knew as soon as he had stepped into the command center that it was serious. The activity was intense, the nexus, which was the heart of the vessel, was unstable, colors flashed on its surface, its balance was about to be lost.

He had feared such an event for a long time now. The rivalry between the Librarians was reaching a peak, the powers they harbored was being put to work with unexpected results. Was it a side effect or a voluntary action? he could not tell yet.

He made an immediate decision.

"We must regulate the nexus. Cut all exchanges with the libraries. Reduce all non-vital activities."

"Should we leave the planet's orbit?" demanded Zal'arek.

"Certainly not. What about the Zintuk unit?"

"We have lost all control over it. It has started the separation procedure."

"Is the Librarian there?"

"We don't know. We haven't been able to contact it."

"That is unheard of. Let's take care of the nexus first, that is our only priority now."

The Zintuk unit had indeed now separated from the ship, and it had not been done in an orderly way though, it was headed to utter destruction and it would soon fall from orbit. Aboard were about four hundred different species being studied or exposed and of a great variety. Some gentle, some wild, some dangerous, some with what could be called intelligence. Many would certainly not survive a crash on the planet or the contact with its atmosphere. Thousands more specimens were stored as a simple genetic code or in conservatory modules.

The Librarian was helpless–the attack had been brutal. Not only had he lost control of his Library and all communications, but it had been touched in its core. It was paralyzed, incapable of any reaction, he was denied all of his immense resources … he could not shift anymore. It was an unprecedented event. If the attack came from one of its kind, it meant that a great menace was about to be unleashed. Such power would create chaos. In a few minutes it would be too late to save his ship and most of the marvels that it contained, the shape shifter had to find a way to regain some control, at least try to save his collection and warn the others of the danger.

Tenth Act

Alex had felt the sweet boy in his arms start to let go. Julian's eyes were slowly closing. Now, at last, he was feeling somewhat secure and warm, he was falling asleep, starting a slow journey to a much-needed recovery. Alex, with a good dose of self-reproach, could not resist taking advantage of the beautiful child in his arms, the rubbing was replaced by caresses, and he was gently pumping his erect member between the lad's lovely thighs, pressing his glans on his perineum, still slick from the fluids that still leaked from his battered bum hole. The man was careful to avoid any direct contact with it but it was in the way and in a few instances it caught there, and he had to refrain from going further. Hopefully the intercrural friction would be quite enough to have him get his release before long. The sexual charge was high and contagious, all around him couples or trios had formed in the semidarkness and the sounds in the shelter were those of a massive orgy in the making. In front of him, he could guess Gavin was hard at work on Ethan's backside and there was little doubt as to what he was trying to achieve.

Gavin was indeed determined to help Clem reach his goal and to get some rewards himself along the way. At that moment, it was his only concern. They had exchanged a few words earlier and had agreed to concur to such a happening. Ethan's suggestion to shed off their clothes, appeared, in that light, as a blessing. He was perfectly positioned to take Ethan's cherry, his four inch dick was hard as a rock, there would be no need for lube and he was sure he could be in before the boy could react. It had been some time since he had wanted to try something like that. It was going to happen now and it would pave the way for Clem's turn later on. Or perhaps it was Alex who would like to have a go at it, as he was apparently enjoying himself at the moment. That would be fun to see, he was really big.

"Hey, what are you doing Gavin?" asked Ethan, who had rather liked everything that had taken place so far.

"Hush, you'll wake up Julian. You'll see. You'll like it."

"What do you mean, I'll like it?"

Gavin did not wait any longer; he located his target, used some saliva to slicken his hard stick, and plunged in.

"Ouch. It hurts!" exclaimed Ethan.

"I'm in, relax. You've got to get used to it, it's nothing compared to what you'll get with Clem or Alex."

"What? But…"

"You'll thank me later." Gavin had started to move, using long strokes, careful not to be expelled from the warm and tight cavity." Feels great to me. What do you say? You like it? You told me you wanted to try it."

Alex was flabbergasted; this was to be the craziest night ever. On his way to orgasm, he was given the unexpected spectacle of Ethan's initiation to anal sex. He wanted to somehow be a part of it but was stuck with Julian still deeply asleep in his arms, despite the intense activity at his back and between his legs.

Alex delicately shifted the boy above him while rolling himself on his back and moving toward the two humping boys, to get closer to the action.

Ethan was now moaning softly with each energetic thrust of the older boy.

"You're doing good Gavin, I think he likes it. Don't you Ethan?" Alex encouraged.

"Don't really know, it's rather strange, makes me tingle all over," answered the twin, between gasps. His erection was back as Alex could note by brushing his hand over it.

"Want me to play with it?" asked the man. Gavin was obviously too occupied with his own pleasure to think of servicing the boy.

"Sure, go ahead," said Ethan.

Alex would have liked to use his mouth but it would have been totally impractical, he slowed his seesaw motion between Julian's thighs and grabbed the hard pricklet with his expert fingers rubbing the shaft and delicate exposed glans. As he brought the child to his first dry climax, he dared to kiss his sweet lips. The boy accepted the offer and opened his mouth. The night promised to be interesting thought Alex as he darted his tongue inside and deep kissed the child. Julian still dead to the world was shifted around again, the man needed a greater liberty of movement to best serve his own needs and desires, and this time he moved the boy under him. It was still far from perfect but gave him more latitude to catch whatever opportunity might occur.

Not far from them, Clem was close to achieving the first part of his objectives and Dennis so far appeared as receptive and bold as his twin brother. The young man was crazy with lust, he knew from the sounds of flesh against flesh, moans and gasps, that Alex and Gavin were probably in the same state of mind and actively pursuing it with Ethan, perhaps even with Julian. Art and Roberto, in a tight embrace, were also discovering a new world beyond their simple wank sessions, no more than two or three feet away. Benny seemed to be the only one that did not want to participate, and had not been touched by the fever of sexual congress.

"What are you doing?" Benny asked. Once naked, the caresses and kisses had started before he stepped slightly away, still holding his shirt and shorts, not knowing what to do or to whom he could turn.

"Come with us, it'll feel real good, you'll see," suggested Clem, gently, but to no avail. The boy had stayed back, silent and alone.

Now the serious stuff was about to begin and the lube would be needed. Clem picked up the flashlight to look for his pants and the tube of Vaseline. He used the occasion to have a glance all around. Not much could be seen of the action under the covers, only its ripples could give an idea of what was going on, but the expression on Gavin's face, the intense kissing between Ethan and Alex were enough to get the picture. Not far away, Art and Roberto were grasping and energetically humping each other. Clem had a spectacular view on the Latino's perfect buttocks, clenching and unclenching with each thrust that sent a surge of blood in his own very hard member. His hand had found the lube and he turned the light towards Dennis's face, smiling, on his back, as ready as can be, holding his legs up behind the knees to expose a charming and certainly very tight, virgin opening.

What a charming little slut, thought Clem. Gavin had been right all along, despite their denials the twins were up for anything.

"Here I come Dennis," he said, as he applied the lube to his throbbing cock and its target. There would be no preliminaries, he would jump in right away; he could not wait any more.

"Oh, it's cold," reacted Dennis. "Ouch," he added, when Clem pushed a lubed finger up his chute. He was still smiling though. Then the young man cuddled the boy, holding him steady one arm behind his head and around his shoulders, the other pushing his right knee backwards, placing it beside his head.

"Let's ride you, boy." His cock head was at the child's slippery rear entrance and he started to thrust forward relentlessly. The boy under him was squirming but he had no way to escape the pressure and the following invasion. Clem felt the sphincter muscle give way and he was in, pursuing his advantage to put as much of his meat inside as he could–in one go, stifling the child's cry of pain with his hand. He knew it was not the right way to do it, but it was the way he had chosen … whatever the consequences. He would fuck Dennis, then Ethan, certainly Roberto whose image of that clenching ass had been imprinted on his retina, then any of the others, willing or not, and start all over again. If it were his last night on earth, it would also be the best!

Luckily for Dennis and himself, Clem was not well endowed, it had been quite an advantage for him in his boylover career, making it easier to persuade the boys to let him try anal sex. Once that step had been taken, there was no coming back and he was able to enjoy their rear end at leisure.

The forced entry had hurt the boy, and had he been free of his movements he would have certainly disengaged himself and never let Clem or anyone else try that again, but Clem held him tight and soon realized his moment of madness. Once fully in, he tried to soothe the child with words of excuse and encouragement. There was nothing he wanted more than to fuck him silly and right away, but at the last instant he was able to control himself and give Dennis the time to get used to the foreign organ deep in his bowels.

"Calm down, relax. I'm sorry, the pain will pass, just needs some time. I was too fast, don't worry, you'll enjoy it soon, just needs some time, I won't do it like that again, try to relax, next time it will feel great, how does it feel? Better? You see I told you. Calm down, it's all my fault, I'll make it up for you, you'll see, the best fuck ever. You'll love it."

After a few minutes of playing with the boy's pricklet, kissing and cuddling, the smile was finally back on Dennis's face.

"Let's try it now, I'll be careful, don't you worry," said Clem, contrite.

He pulled back some, not wanting to risk being expelled from the taut orifice, just to test the ground. The boy tensed a bit but it did not last and soon he was able to augment the amplitude of the coming and going, checking each time that the boy was all right. By chance, he almost immediately found the little nub of the child's prostate and knew that he had won the game. At each passage, he pressed on it and Dennis' response was awesome. He was now the one asking for it, faster and harder, and Clem gave him all he had and more.

Close by, Art and Roberto had their own problems. Roberto had been convinced to let Art screw him, but for those two neophytes and without lube it was easier said than done. They had tried every position, countless amounts of saliva with no valid result.

"Let me try it," said Roberto, at last, "it can't be that difficult."

"No, I'm almost there, and stop moving all the time; just look at Dennis, do you hear him squealing in delight, you'll love it, I'm sure, what we need is real lube."

Art was not too keen on being on the receiving end. As wanting and excited as he was of the possibility of having sex with Julian or the twins or Roberto, something he had been fantasizing for some time now, he never saw himself in the passive role, it would be rather resented as degrading for him, he was the oldest of the group, he had to be on top.

"Got it." He had been searching the ground with his hand and finally found it, not far from the copulating man and boy beside them.

"Pass it here, when you're done," said Gavin, in hushed tones, who had followed the proceedings, and now finished, very successfully, with Ethan. Alex will need lots of it if he wants to enter one of the twins. I can show you how it's done too?"

"Hey kids, that's my lube," reacted Clem, who had just laid his first and copious load down Dennis's chute. Flashlight in hand he was illuminating the scene, determined to retrieve his much needed property.

"Come on, Clem, we can't do without it," pleaded Art, who was seeing his best chance of success slip him by.

"Alex will sure not make it, without it, either," insisted Gavin.

"Okay, okay but there are conditions." Clem was not going to miss such an opportunity; he had all the cards. "First, I'll have Roberto to myself while Art has a go at Dennis, he is wide open and lubed already; it should be easy. Then I want both twins for myself once Alex is finished with Ethan. I would gladly add you Art, and Benny too if any of you is willing, but I don't think it would be reasonable. Agreed?" He had revised his pretensions, two virgin boys and the twins for the reminder of the night was quite enough for this time, he was young but only a man.

Alex, again, would have never thought such a scene could be possible, he had had years of experience with boys and sex, still nothing could compare to what he was witnessing now. He suddenly regretted not having joined the scouts in his youth. All the kids in the shelter except for Benny seemed to have embraced an appetite for unbridled sex, it was probably as close to an orgy as it could get. If he was put back in jail in the next days, or killed–rather likely alternatives–at least these last hours would have been worth the trip. Danger and death had had a strange effect on their little group, life was stronger it seemed and had expressed itself in the most unexpected way, breaking all taboos. Eros and Thanatos: primal instincts were at work and what better expression of life was there than sex even if this night there would certainly be no babies in the outcome. He was now determined to bugger as many of the boys present as possible starting with Ethan. Then his preference was Roberto. But what to do with Julian?

"Benny can you watch out for Julian, at least keep him warm, since you don't want to participate."

Poor Benny felt quite alone and shocked by all he had laid eyes on in the past half hour. He knew some of the scouts had been practicing sex games; he had been asked by Julian to join quite a few times but had always refused. It put him ill at ease. But what he had been witness to–he had never imagined anything like this. He was totally confused, in fact, his body was reacting in a way totally dissociated from his mind, saying a resounding yes, when the other said no. He jumped on the occasion to adopt a reasonable purpose, an outlet to his confusion.

"Yes, I'll do it, but I'm keeping my clothes on."

"That's okay, I think he's much better now, just keep him warm, we'll leave you the covers."

Alex left Julian's side to make room for Benny and join Ethan and Gavin away from the cover, to gather with the pale figures of Clem, Roberto, Dennis, and Art already in action. No one was cold anymore and their nakedness was mostly enjoyed or at least forgotten.

"Yes, that's the spot, rub it there," Dennis said to an enthusiastic Art, who, this time, had entered the boy without any difficulty and was pounding energetically between his legs.

Close by, Clem had positioned himself behind Roberto, ready to take him doggy style. He wanted to revel in the sight of the boy's beautiful, clenching bottom.

What a spectacle, thought Alex, the best show on earth and he would add to it in no time!

"Here you are, Alex, make good use of it," said Clem, handing him the tube of Vaseline, as he was starting to push in and out of Roberto's tight sheath. "Nice fuck, that one I tell you, I saw you ogling him, I tell you, be sure to try him before the night is over!" One hand on the boy's sweet bum, one arm around his torso he was then adsorbed by his delectable task. Roberto huffed and puffed with each thrust, but perhaps not as enthusiastic as his rider.

Alex, lube in hand, turned back toward Ethan who dauntlessly seized and examined his engorged cock. "Let's take care of you, now, Ethan. Still up to it?" he asked the young boy, who now fully saw, held, and felt the length and girth of the man's tool.

"You sure you can put that thing inside me?"

"I certainly can, it will take some preparations, and it might hurt a bit at first, not much, no more than with Gavin, but it will be done. I've got lots of experience. I've done it so many times."

"Let's try it then," replied Ethan, still unconvinced.

"What about me?" asked Gavin, who had no partner and was starting to feel left out.

"Stay with us, you can use your mouth on Ethan and be part of the fun."

"True, I'm curious to see how you're going to put your big one in that tiny ass."

***

Reece was bored again, he had had lots of fun with the two boys, and his brother had been right, they had sweet mouths that made perfect cunts. Since they would be dead in the morning he had not taken too much precautions, he fucked them hard and as far down their throats as he could, loving the way they squirmed and gagged when he came. After four rounds, two with each, he had left them alone for a bit, they had earned it, and they had been mostly silent and obedient. Now, he was often looking at his watch and putting more logs in the fire to fight the night's chill. There was close to an hour left until Larry's turn, he was getting sleepy, he had to find something to do.

He had taken the boys back in the tent earlier. Vance would not like to see him get distracted during his watch and if he had been seen with them, Larry was sure to be pissed, he was the one who wanted to play with them, he would not let it go and certainly tease him with that for the next weeks to come, or more. True Reece had said that he was not interested.

Well, who cared anyway? He had come to think.

Despite the possible consequences, one thought did not leave his mind. He had tried their mouths, what about the other end? Could he get in? How would it feel? Was that worth a try?

He looked around the clearing. All was quiet, he was quite sure nothing could happen until morning. Those scouts were either hiding in a hole or running away hoping to escape what Vance had in store for them. Would they find them? Not likely, but he was certain they would keep at it until Vance called it quits.

He would try to delay the dispatch of the three in the tent, ask to keep at least one alive as an insurance policy. Even just one hostage could make a difference when they took to the road again. Which meant that the other two could be wasted without any concern. He went back into the tent leaving the flap open so that the fire lighted the three kids inside, asleep and exhausted. Logically this test would require the one best equipped in the backside department. He knelt beside them. The puny, weird one was immediately dismissed, the stockier one, Daniel, seemed a natural choice. Just to be sure, he groped the kid's bottom and then the other boy's, it did not really help, and he followed his first intuition. He grabbed Daniel, putting his hand on the boy's mouth and brought him outside. The startled boy understood right away that silence had to be kept, he did not try to fight back either, he knew better. Reece all the while was wondering how to keep the kid effectively quiet. What he intended to do would provoke strong reactions. He sat close to the fire; the child was awake and tense, wondering what fate was awaiting him, more of the same or something worse.

Reece had a moment of pity; the boy was looking at him, fearfully, not daring to move a single finger.

"Poor little thing. Daniel, is it? I'm sure you can make it through, but it will hurt, hurt a lot. It's my first time you know. Let's see the merchandise first and whatever I do, be silent."

He pulled down the scout's shorts and underwear then turned him around and spread his ass cheek to have a look at the boy's hole.

"At least you're clean. How can I get in there? Looks awfully tight." Getting hard was no problem for him even after his previous four climaxes and he freed his expanding rod, it always worked on cue.

He started to poke at the orifice, testing the resistance, he didn't have much time, he would have to force his way in if he wanted to get anywhere. Better to knock the kid unconscious, it would be much easier. He was pulling back his fist ready to strike when it started.

***

Alex was gaining ground. After using his mouth, then his fingers and copious amounts of Vaseline, he had been able to introduce his glans in the small and now distended orifice without too much discomfort for the child. He had now spectators all around, using a pause in their activities to watch the proceedings. Art, due to his young age was still erect and now embedded in his friend Roberto, ready to resume his fucking as soon as he lost interest in the show. Clem was cuddling with Dennis, rubbing his pole on the boy's pert globes waiting for his erection to harden again and for Ethan's availability. Gavin had stopped blowing Ethan's cocklet to concentrate on the action.

Alex decided to let the boy get used to the intrusion for a few minutes before pushing forward again, he was in heaven but resisted the urge to go all the way, inebriated by the touch of the boy's velvety skin, it's boyish smell, the pressure at the base of his glans, the incredible heat inside that squishy sheath. Ethan was lying on his side with Alex behind him who had lifted the child's leg to let everyone have a good view of his progress. He used that time to kiss him in the neck and on his cheek and visit the sweet half-open mouth, caress the exposed flesh, taking much pleasure in the soft, delicate, and sensitive skin of the inner thighs, pinched and played with the nipples and in between took good care of his hard little pecker. The boy was responding very well and he should be able to start the real fuck in a short while.

"Is it alright, Ethan? Can you take some more now?"

"Yes, I'm okay, feels weird and much bigger than with Gavin, but I rather like it." He turned his head to gently kiss the man in a natural gesture of affection, which touched Alex in his heart.

"Good, here I come, relax, and push like I told you already, that'll help … we're almost there."

"It's going in," commented Gavin.

Alex wanted to start his fucking as soon as possible. The sex, taking place all around them, the exposed naked young bodies, and the craziness of it all, had heightened his excitement, he wanted some relief after holding back for so long. He was pushing harder than was reasonable and was lucky to see his rod disappear inch by inch down the boy's chute without incident. More than half of it was in, enough to start the to and fro motion and get some serious fun.

"You're wonderful, Ethan, you don't know how much I love that!"

The excitement was contagious. Art and Clem were imitating Alex, who, with each thrust went deeper, faster. Clem had entered Dennis from behind, Art was thrusting energetically up Roberto's ass, and soon all three were pounding in rhythm.

Alex was the first to explode soon after bottoming out, the sound and sight of his pelvis smashing against the boy's buttocks igniting a powerful climax.

Art followed, right after arching his back with pleasure like a cat, Clem, with regret, wanting to fully enjoy the twins together pulled out before going over the edge. He was saving it for later.

Alex lingered, still embedded in Ethan's behind enjoying some more of the child's tightness, the lean body in his arms, French kissing him, and appreciating the strong response of the boy. Sex was always good but sharing those feelings and emotions with your young partner made it so much better.

"He's mine now, go play with Gavin or Roberto," interrupted Clem, who was not as romantic and wanted his due.

"Alright, as you wish," answered Alex, as he disengaged his now flaccid cock from the boy's innards with some dismay.

Clem did not wait, he took Dennis and Ethan with him, settling a bit apart from the others and in no time was busy fucking each one in turn.

Alex, still in the mood for more and frustrated to see the beautiful child escape him was looking for a replacement. Gavin came into his arms posing a sweet kiss on his lips. Roberto well occupied with Art would have to wait some more.

Benny, under the cover with the still sleeping Julian was finally about to come around. He had been afraid, confused by his own emotions and feelings, but his stiffy was calling, and he could not resist it anymore. No one was paying attention and being alone with a naked Julian was a great opportunity. He had pulled out his hard cocklet from his shorts and was rubbing it gently on his best friend's generous buttocks, not quite yet daring to explore further and making sure no one was looking their way.

A moment later and before he had gained satisfaction it started.

Eleventh Act

The low rumble rose in pitch to a deafening roar. A gigantic mass was falling from the sky; it was dark and foreboding, obliterating the stars above the clearing. It was difficult to tell how far or how fast it was. It was coming from the east and appeared to be on its way to crashing to the west, two or three miles from here. The ground was shaking, it was apocalyptic, and after a moment, the roar was replaced by screeching, grating, and the noise of trees breaking like matchsticks. There was a sudden boom, followed by an eerie silence broken by what could only be far away explosions.

"What was that?" an angry Vance exclaimed, awakened just when he had finally fallen asleep.

"No idea," retorted a panicked Reece, the boy Daniel by his feet, where the man had let him fall from his knees, shorts and underwear down, "it fell from the sky"

"A plane?" Vance had a startled look on his face, his eyes darting back and forth from Reece, to the boy, to the forest where a glow far away could be seen.

"Looked much bigger than that to me."

"If it's a plane, there will be a lot of people around here very soon, police, firefighters, ambulances… whatever," interjected Larry, coming out of his tent wearing only his underwear. We have to go, and right now." His eyes fell on the boy at his brother's feet but he made no comment, he was keeping them for later.

"What did you…" BLOW, PFIZZZ, CRANK, strange sounds were heard from the west "…see? What's going on over there?"

"It was quite big and black, there was no motor sound but it was still kind of flying and there was that rumble you all heard. It makes no sense to me. What do we do?"

"Larry's right, whatever it is, this place will be swarming with officials, all around here. We have to go."

"Don't want to look pessimistic but that glow looks like a fire and it's right where the road should be."

Vance turned around again toward the crash site.

"You might be right, one more reason to hurry. We might still have a chance to pass through it before it gets worse. Larry, pick up the guns and all the food you can find, everything that can be of use. Reece you take the kids to the bus while I try to start it."

"Sooo, you don't want me to finish them anymore?"

"No, not just yet, perhaps you'll have another chance to have fun with them. We'll have to talk about that later." Vance's tone was calm but reproving, he didn't care what Reece did with the scouts but doing it on watch duty was something else.

Damn, thought Larry, he's beaten me to it! Well, I'll find another occasion and Reece will be hearing about it for a long time, if he survives Vance's wrath that is. He did it behind my back too; we could have shared them, even if they are not on par with my Julian, they'll have to do.

Less than ten minutes later, they were in the bus and on the move, definitely driving toward the crash site.

They didn't get far, not one mile from the camp, Vance, behind the wheel, had to stop, there was something in the road, something big, illuminated eerily by the glow ahead and the bus lights. It was a kind of giant red and brown spider thing, as large as a cow with a round body walking on six legs each ending with claws, it didn't really have a head or eyes, showing only big spikes on its back and two more moving ones where its mouth should be.

"What is that?" said Reece, "is it moving?"

"Yes, but not much, looks like it's dying I would say," answered Larry, holding his shotgun tight."

"It's blocking the road," said Vance, for once without disdain.

"Can't you go around it?" asked Reece.

"Drive over it – push it out of our way!" Larry blurted out, "Go for it!"

The three scouts seated right behind Vance were opening their eyes wide. This thing, this creature, was out of a nightmare; even after all they had endured, they reached a higher level of terror.

"Look, there's something else to the right!" exclaimed Reece.

Indeed there was, another beast, of the kind that you saw in horror movies, a dog from hell, its thick skin showing a bluish, metallic tint, with a small head that was all mouth and teeth. It had very strong legs ending on articulated paws and big, gray and dull eyes that were going from the bus to the strange looking dying creature on the road. It was big, ugly and certainly extremely dangerous, it looked as if it was trying to make a decision.

"Do you see what I see? We must be hallucinating," said Larry, "Did those scouts put mushrooms in their food? They can't be using acid, they're way too young!"

As soon as he had pronounced those words, the dog creature made its choice and attacked the spider.

"Let's get out of here!" shouted Reece, "let's go back!"

"There's no practicable road from where we come, the only way out is forward."

"But what are those things?" asked Larry, incredulous.

"They fell from the sky," Daniel said simply, in a strained voice, with the three thugs turning toward him at once.

"And if we consider the size of that ship, there are probably many more," added Reece.

"Ship, what ship? What are you talking about?" Larry was dumbfounded.

The silence that followed was only broken by the noise of the spider's flesh being ripped away by the dog's fangs, it was dying indeed, it didn't even try to defend itself, and then there were more sounds coming from the crash, fire, and more explosions.

"Whatever, there's only one way to go," decided Vance, pushing on the accelerator.

The bus lurched forward, going slightly to the left to avoid the two creatures in the road, pushing away the spider, called a Waithigg, to get enough space to go through. The dog, itself called a Shothragger, was infuriated and lurched at the bus, seriously damaging the side-body with its retractable claws. Undaunted, Vance maintained the vehicle momentum, indeed, accelerating as they passed the two creatures. They were getting closer to the flames and the crash, and it was obvious that nothing was going to stop him.

"Is it following us?" asked Vance, his eyes on the road.

"No, it stayed with the spider," said Larry.

"Good."

"Turn around, that's crazy, we don't know what we'll find this way!" shouted Reece.

"Calm down, there's no other alternative, get your nerves back and watch the kids!"

Less than a minute later, the bus was stopped as it crashed against an invisible barrier, the shock throwing all its passengers forward.

***

Zintuk was slowly restoring some control over his ship and library. The synths at his service were at work putting out the flames, closing the breaches in the hull, repairing what needed to be. He had no real idea of the extent of the damage yet. Fortunately, not all had been lost, although many items of his collection had already died while in contact with the poisonous atmosphere of the planet, many others had escaped. He would need the Elders to catch them back. As soon as possible, he had activated the force field all around the ship to avoid any intrusion and prevent any more losses. It would also serve as camouflage if the primitive inhabitants of the planet had detected the crash. This was unlikely, the counter measures implemented should have prevented that, but he wasn't sure of anything anymore, after that massive attack. He knew that he was both envied and feared, as he could use under most appearances all of the abilities held by each of his specimens when his fellow shape-shifters could only use those of the creature whose form they had adopted at any given moment, and very rarely more than that. He was the only one of his kind who had achieved a hybrid state of that level.

He was aware of the presence of a few sentient beings close to the ship, and they would need to be dealt with, but later. Right now, there were matters that were more urgent. At last, the elders were finally coming to his aid; the contact had been reestablished. He would need their help to save as many of his specimens as possible and then use this opportunity to add a few new ones to compensate for some of his losses. Still, he did not expect too much from it, there had not been that much interest in this planet before the crash; it did not seem to hold anything of great value. Well, it would keep his mind occupied until his ship and collection could leave it. He also had to address the cause of all this mess. He counted twenty-five specimens still alive and at large. The hunt and capture was always a pleasant occupation but it would be without surprise, he knew each of them very well, they were now part of who he was, as he had integrated their genetic code – he could shift into them at will.

Perhaps he should leave the easy and tedious task of catching them to the Elders and concentrate on some new, if not really extraordinary, specimens.

***

"What was that?" said Alex, pulling out of Gavin's perfect sheath.

When it had started, everyone had stopped what they were doing, even Clem, listening with worry to that teeth shattering noise.

"Something has crashed, I would say," Alex, answering his own question.

"What could it be? I think I saw something huge and dark above us, and for a moment you couldn't see the stars anymore," added Roberto, "and that rumbling sound."

"Could it be an earthquake?" asked Benny.

"Whatever it was, I'm not done yet," Clem, oblivious of all but the achievement of his fixed goal, was resuming his thrusts, relishing in the tightness of Ethan's velvety furrow, "I could stay all night in there."

"We should have a look, was it a meteorite? A plane? It was big, and the ground shook with the force of the impact."

Art and Roberto were now seated, looking all around; even Julian had been awakened from his deep slumber.

"If it's a plane they might need help," he said with a croaked voice, it had not quite recovered yet.

"You're awake, how do you feel, little man?" asked Alex.

"Better, the headache is almost gone, there are parts that still hurt, though," he added, his hand massaging his throat.

"That bastard's been hard on you, he's certainly no boylover. But it's over now; you're safe with us. I have to go see what's going on."

Julian was looking around in the shadows now, wondering why everybody was naked. What was Clem doing with the twins? What was that wet sound, he couldn't be … no, not in front of everybody?

"I'm going too," said Roberto, looking for his uniform in the dark, "who's got the flashlight?"

"Here," answered Clem, not bothering to slow his lovemaking. "Those twins are wonderful; don't know which one I prefer."

Yes, he was! Julian, shielding his eyes from the powerful light, now understood all too well what had been going on and quickly pulled the covers over him in a protective gesture. Was he dreaming?

A moment later, Alex and Roberto were dressed and coming out of the shelter.

"Wow, it's cold."

"Come close to me," suggested Alex, bringing the boy's slight frame to him, he was still very much aroused and the orgiastic mood of the shelter lingered despite the mysterious crash and the chill of the night. It seems their shelter kept them warmer than they thought it would; the temperature had dropped by quite a few degrees to a bone chill as soon as they left it.

"Thanks," said Roberto squeezing himself against the larger man.

"Looks like there's a fire over there, to the west I would say."

"Should we get closer?"

"No, Vance and the others might want to have a look, I don't want to run into them again. Then there's the fire, there's some wind but it's chilly and there's been some heavy rain lately, with some chance it won't spread."

"What do you think it was?"

"No real idea, I didn't hear an engine, so probably a meteorite, with luck it could bring some people this way, and that would be good for us."

"Why the fire?"

"The heat of the crash I would say, I have no particular knowledge on those matters. The best would be to go back inside and come out from time to time to check on the fire. We'll have to move from here if it catches and comes closer." Alex's hands were roaming all over the scout, to keep him warm but also to enjoy his seductive figure. He bent and kissed him on the lips.

"Sir…" said Roberto without pulling back.

"What? You're shy now? Would you like to try that?" He had brought the child's hand to his engorged sex."

"It's big!"

"If Gavin and Ethan managed it, you certainly can too."

"Well, I can try." There was a small smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Let's do that," approved Alex, pulling him by the hand back to the shelter.

***

The creature was watching in silence, it was fast, and intelligent. It had been held captive for a very long time and delighted in its newfound freedom. It was getting hungry too and the idea of hunting and feasting on the flesh of a prey was extremely seductive. It didn't want to be caught again though, and knew they would come for it. After escaping the ship, it had immediately got rid of the thing they had implanted in its neck. It was fighting between the urge to flee further and the one of catching one of the two possible quarries it was observing, hesitating: … The bigger or smaller one? It knew there were more hidden from sight. Are they dangerous? it wondered. Could they fight back? They wore clothes; perhaps they had hidden weapons. It saw none. It was cold, and fresh hot blood and flesh would invigorate it. One jump and the small one would be his; it would be enough for now.

It was not to be, the two humanoids were moving away, back to their crude makeshift shelter. It was as well, the Karac's main priority was to escape being captured again. Once it was sure that the ship was gone, it would have time for a hunt and think of a way to get back to its own planet, although this was probably a lost cause, as it doubted it would find the means for such a feat here. Its tight fitting clothing would have to be enough to keep him warm. It bounded away trying to put as much distance as possible between it and the ship.

***

Serto'Brezian had watched the whole scene. Keeping well away from the Karac: he did not want to end his life ripped apart and devoured.

Now that it was gone, he could get closer and see if he could find a way to put to use either one of his two drives, to mate and to heal. Or better even, to do both at once which had always been its purpose in life. He was a small humanoid creature, less than four feet tall, with large falling ears, big eyes, and a face half sheep and half monkey. Despite its stature, it was extremely strong and once it had caught you, it never let go until it had spent its seed in whatever orifice that was available. He was very attuned to his surroundings with extrasensory aptitudes which strongly responded to the activity taking place in the nearby shelter. He had been erect as soon as he had been close to it. His body and penis was not much different from that of a ten-year-old boy and as soon as he was close enough and saw the humans occupying the shelter through the gaps between the branches he knew they would be a perfect fit. But which one would he pick?

***

While answering Clem's questions, Alex had undressed Roberto as soon as they were back inside the shelter, sending a perfunctory glance at all the activity around them. He knew they should have been more cautious and given more attention to that mysterious falling object and the fire it had triggered, but like most of them, he was still taken up by his overpowering sex drive. It did not seem it could come to a close before long.

Clem was still fucking one of the twins; it was hard to say which one since even in full light it was difficult to tell them apart. Art and Gavin had found each other and were copulating with enthusiasm. Julian had gone back to sleep and Benny was feeling at a loss and watching the proceedings quite bewildered, he had pulled out his hard cock which was of a quite reasonable size for his age, wondering what to do with it, if it would be safe to rub it on the sleeping boy.

Alex, in no time had Roberto on all fours, ass up and upper body down. He had coated his eager fucking tool with a large amount of lube, put some on the desired hole, and was now rubbing his sensitive glans on it. The boy had already been taken, but by rather smaller cocks, so he thought lube should make things much easier. With his hands on the boy's narrow hips to hold him in place, he started to push forward, gently at first, but soon with more determination.

Roberto was obviously a bit afraid and had a tendency of pulling away when the pressure augmented, Alex had some difficulty keeping him in place, and he felt frustrated. He wanted to possess that beautiful firm and well-rounded ass, loving the way it clenched when the boy was stimulated, how great it was going to be when he was well planted in there. At last, his glans passed the sphincter sending a wave of pain to the perforated ring with an immediate reaction from Roberto.

"Take it out, please take it out," whispered Roberto, trying to escape the invader.

But Alex held him firmly, he didn't want to hurt the child, but didn't want to renounce that first victory yet either.

"Calm down, Roberto; relax, don't fight it, the pain will pass." The man, bending over, whispered in the boy's ear while he sent his left arm around the boy's torso to his shoulder to tighten his grip.

They stayed like that for a moment before Alex started to push forward again. After a few minutes he felt the canal give way and the sphincter relax and knew that he had won: the boy was letting out small breaths between each thrust but made no more objections. It had been faster than with Ethan. Alex did not wait any more before taking his pleasure, plunging forward and backward with gusto, not really knowing if the sounds the boy emitted were of enjoyment or pain: he simply counted on his vast experience to make it as satisfying as possible for the two of them. He was immersed in this atmosphere of insanity were everything was permitted – possible – there were no more limits to what he was allowed to do.

He was kissing the boy passionately and about to climax again when a strange creature entered the shelter. Oblivious of everything else, it targeted and ran toward the two boys under the covers, pulled it off, pushed a stunned Benny away, grabbed Julian and threw him on a shoulder, which was quite an incredible feat since he was no bigger and probably smaller than the boy. He finally jumped out of the shelter, leaving a big hole in the makeshift roof made of intertwined branches.

The whole thing had lasted seconds, with no one having the time to react or even to be really sure of what he had been witness to.

"What the hell!" exclaimed Alex.

"He's taken Julian," stated Benny, who was too shocked to think of hiding his cock that was hanging out of his fly.

"Did you see what it was?" asked Art.

"Never seen anything like that," answered Clem.

"Let's dress, we have to get Julian back," said Alex.

No one moved, dumbfounded, all of them thinking they did not have the slightest chance of saving the boy.

Twelfth Act

Zintuk left the ship and passed the protective force field. He knew where to go to observe whatever species inhabited this planet. His aptitudes taken from hundreds of specimens he had collected over the centuries and added to his genome made him near indestructible. He could also pursue several tasks and actions at the same time: he could supervise the ship's repairs, discuss the attack and situation with the other Librarians, and monitor the search to recapture his lost samples. At the moment though, he was infuriated by this current situation, as he was not used to being surprised or opposed. Who, or what, could have dared jeopardize his collection, disputed its leadership? At the same time he was faced with a challenge, something he had not known for a very long time.

He had identified two small groups of interesting native specimens in the vicinity and made haste since he had also located his Karac close by. This was a dangerous and cunning creature, it had taken out the chip in its neck, but it was not enough to prevent the shape shifter from finding him easily. He did not want anything to happen to his new subjects of study, not yet. One more reason to do so was the presence of Serto'Brezian in the vicinity, he was very fond of it, and it was too precious to risk losing it.

When he arrived near the shelter, he already knew that the Karac had gone and could see that his other lost property was very intently observing the humans, as they called themselves.

The information he could gather from them was surprising even at a distance. They seemed to be in an overwhelming state of arousal, most of them at least. There were strong traces of stress too, a strange mix indeed. They were all males and clearly mating, Zintuk wondered if this was their main occupation? You would think so if you considered what was taking place in the shelter.

As he expected, Serto'Brezian made his move and captured one of the smaller humans, they called it a "boy." The shape shifter knew of its strong desire to mate, it had been deprived of a satisfying partner for some time now, so it was quite natural.

Zintuk did not follow it right away. He wanted to first make direct contact with those humans, see what they could offer him. They were afraid and on their guard now, but it was not a problem, he simply shifted, taking an appropriate appearance, something green and simple, a sort of strange plant, right beside the shelter. Then he sent one of its tendrils inside. The humans were getting dressed, in a hurry. The tendril touched the older one in the group who should provide the most data. That was all that was needed. No one noticed it and that simple contact brought him the human's genetic code and everything he could want to know about him. From now on, he would be able to reproduce him exactly. It was always a wonderful experience for the true collector that he was. On his way there, he had already sampled and stored about thirty different forms of life, plants mostly but also a few insects he had passed by. But it had been close to nothing compared to this. They had been of no great interest, but this one was something else entirely and he sent his tendrils again to touch more of those humans if not all of them.

Ah, yes, that was well worth it! So much complexity, emotions, interesting thoughts to store and analyze. He wasn't sure yet if those humans would have enough value to consider adding to his collection and take on his ship, but they were certainly worth studying for a few moments, starting with the one taken away by Serto'Brezian. It would be entertaining also to see how those two went along together. Then he would call the Elders to bring it back to the ship, perhaps take the human boy as a pet and mating partner if Serto wished for it.

***

The night was cold. Julian, brutally awakened, shaking and again in a state of shock, had struggled to free himself but the small creature that had taken him so easily was much stronger than it looked. The boy had had no success whatsoever. This was too much for him and he was falling into a state of despair from which it would be difficult to come back. He had been raped, mistreated in the worst possible ways, threatened by death, emasculation, and now this!

What did that thing want of him? Did it want to kill him, eat him? What else? Where did it come from? It was unlike anything he had seen or heard of. He would certainly be dead shortly and it would be finally over, no more suffering.

Perhaps it was for the best.

What was strange though was that the beast had not hurt him while he had tried to escape its hold. It seemed even careful, while running fast in a dense forest and with little visibility, avoiding bumping him into trees, or having him scraped by bushes. Was that the way to treat a prey?

After what seemed a long time to Julian, it finally stopped and laid the boy gently on the ground.

Now I will die, thought Julian almost relieved. But nothing happened; the creature was looking at him with his strange eyes. It had no claws or fangs, his body was not that much different from Julian's own. What did it want?

Then Julian saw the creature's hand playing with its own rather small but very hard cock. Not again! was all that came to his exhausted mind. He became even more panicked when he saw the organ expand noticeably.

Serto'Brezian was happy with his choice: the human had the right size and shape for a very satisfying mating, and it was also needy and would greatly benefit from it. Those alien species, he knew from experience, were not always fond of the idea at first and you often had to use force but once they had experienced it, they always asked for more. The anatomy here was quite similar to his own so it was easy to determine what orifice would be used.

The little creature was amused by the startled and cringing human at his feet when he bent and seized him again turning him over with gentleness but force to expose his rear end. The penetration would be easy and almost painless, as Serto's organ was already producing all the lubricant needed. Its size was still rather small, at the moment, but it would grow once inside and it would be impossible to take it out until it had spewed its seed. For that reason, it would be a moment of vulnerability for Serto'Brezian and he took his time to observe his surroundings before going further. He wanted to make sure, as much as possible, that there was no menace nearby.

The need to mate was strong, but only when he was certain they were alone did he set his tool against the moist and slightly gaping hole of the boy. Indeed, entry would be easy, as he petted the child's back and rump, liking the feel of the trembling and naked flesh… it was time, and the boy, for now, was not trying to fight back, but still, he held him firmly in place before entering his chosen hot aperture.

The boy arched his back as he was penetrated, he could not move pinned under the alien's small frame with an uncanny strength. There was no real pain but soon there was a strange sensation as the organ swelled up inside him.

Serto'Brezian let go of the child, as they could not be separated now, and tried to comfort him, caressing and stroking him, he pulled out his tongue, long and slippery, passing it over the boy's face; he liked the salty taste of the skin and wanted to explore it further. He let it linger over the boy's lips before pushing it in, entering his mouth without much resistance.

His thrusts were slow and limited by the swelling of his organ, it was enough though, and he felt his pleasure mounting steadily. The boy was his puppet, having completely surrendered what stamina he had left.

Serto'Brezian continued to caress the boy for several more minutes as he felt his seed mounting and finally exploding in the boy's canal. He sagged under the exquisite sensation: it had been a long time since his last mating. Separated from his brethren he had learned to satisfy himself with other species but none as fitting as that boy and all he could think of was to do it again and again.

***

Alex, Clem, and the boys were dressed, gun and lances in hand watching the forest all around, listening for any strange or menacing sound. They felt vulnerable and powerless… the two previous hours of unbridled sex forgotten. The fire seemed to have abated in the distance but some strange and ominous sounds had replaced it and they all wondered what other danger could come from there. They were back in the real world, confronted with this dire situation and with one more unexpected menace to face.

"Do you think there's a chance we can find the boy?" asked Clem, while knowing the answer already.

Alex spoke up first, "I don't see how we could, except with a lot of luck, and we haven't had much of that lately."

Dennis wondered aloud, "What was it? It was small and yet it picked up Julian and went through the roof effortlessly?" The others were nodding in agreement, having the same thoughts.

After a pause, Art answered for everyone, "Don't think any of us got an answer." then asked, "Who got a real good look at it? We were all rather busy."

"That's true … Benny, it came very close to you, what did you see?"

"Didn't see much. In fact, I was looking elsewhere until I got pushed aside. It was strong, had fur and long ears, big, strange, shining eyes. Was it an alien?"

"An alien?" repeated Alex. He had not considered that yet. No, it could not be. He was a fan of science fiction, had read a lot, Sturgeon, Van Vogt, Bradbury, Bradley, Silverberg, Anderson, and so many others. Kids loved those stories; it was a good way to connect with boys, but he never thought he could be thrown into the middle of such a tale.

"I've watched 'Lost in Space' and 'Star Trek'," contributed Ethan making the Vulcan hand sign before adding, "live long and prosper."

"Stop that nonsense. There's no such thing as aliens. Where would they come from," said Clem, in a definitive tone.

Everybody else was looking at the glow in the distance where the "meteorite" had fallen.

"What else?" Alex said simply, summarizing the thoughts of all of the others.

"What can we do?" asked Roberto.

"We run!" answered Benny.

"What about Julian? We can't abandon him and the others," contradicted Ethan holding his lance tighter.

"No, we cannot," said Clem, "Do you all agree?"

Alex and all of the boys, even Benny, after a slight hesitation, gave their assent.

There was still a major problem to solve, how to do that?

***

The bus had not been going too fast but the shock had still been hard, sending everybody forward, hitting the seat in front of them, the windshield, and the steering wheel for Vance, knocking him out and probably breaking a few ribs. For the others, it resulted in a few scrapes and contusions. Young Lance had been the most hurt, twisting his ankle.

The engine was catching fire!

"Get out of here!" shouted Larry, "or we'll all be barbecue. Vance come back to us!" he slapped his face, "Reece pick up the guns, and make sure that dog from hell thing didn't follow."

Vance was coming around, his wound trickling blood again.

"Damn, what was that? What did we hit? I didn't see nothin'… God, how it hurts!" he added, as he tried to stand.

"Let me help you," said Larry, "Hurry! Is the way clear?"

"It is as far as I can see," answered Reece, the bag with the weapons on one shoulder, Lance on the other, pushing ahead of him Daniel and Yuki beyond fear and tears.

"Good idea, bring them with us, we can feed one to that thing or anything else that shows up," said Vance with a smirk between pain and malice, "It should give us some time."

"Not sure it will be enough to stop it but at least it is worth trying, starting with that one," said Reece, patting poor Lance's butt. "I don't think he can walk and even less run, even if he wanted–the perfect bait."

"You go first Larry," ordered Vance.

He had to force the door to open it, and as soon as he was out, he felt the heat coming from the crash site, contrasting with the chill of the night. As he observed his surroundings, shotgun ready to fire, he moved to his left and sent a surprised glance at the crushed metal that had been the front of the bus–there was nothing to be seen ahead of it. It is only when he moved his hand in that direction that he felt it. There was an invisible barrier blocking the way to the crash. The sensation was strange, a tingling, it was not like glass or anything solid; it was as if his hand was being pushed back by a mysterious force.

"We can't go that way. We have to go back."

"Why, there's nothing there," said Vance, bewildered, "What did I hit?"

"There's a barrier there, you can feel it, but you can't see it."

Vance reached his hand forward, suddenly pulling it back as soon as he touched it; it was as if he had been stung.

"What is it?" inquired Reece.

"No idea but we can't go back, we need to go through," said Vance, who had not changed his mind on the matter, his right hand now holding a gun, the other holding his side.

"On foot? Hurt? like you are. We won't go far. We need the car." Larry was following the invisible barrier that had stopped them." Only then shall we need to find a way through or around that."

"We're not far from the camp, I agree with my brother, better to go get the car. No way can we make it on foot."

"We can't ride a car through the woods and the road is blocked," insisted Vance.

"We must try. Someone will see the fire, will know something bad happened, if we're still around here when they come, we're done, kaput."

"You must be right then. Let's go get that car," finished Vance, defeated. Give me one of those scouts Reece; I'll use him as a crutch. It hurts like hell when I walk."

Slowly, carefully, they went back the way they had come, Vance leaning heavily on young Daniel, Larry slightly ahead on alert, Reece closing the march with Yuki and not hampered in the least by the weight of Lance still hanging on his right shoulder and the bag with their weapons on the other.

***

Julian opened his eyes. He was feeling strangely calm and rested. His pain was gone, no more burning in his throat and rear end. No more coughing, his respiration was even. His head was clear, no more headache. A comfortable warmth had taken hold of his whole body despite the night's low temperatures. He did not feel any anxiety anymore, he was at peace… How could that be?

He felt the creature's short breath and weight on his back. How long had it been there? He could not say. Its heated pole was still in him. It produced a steady pulse in his abused and battered hole but its girth was diminishing and the creature's member was about to slip away. To his surprise, he had the sudden urge to be filled again with that alien flesh. Did he long for it to start all over again? To be raped once again? It could not be. This was crazy. He was not like that. Confused, he did not dare move or show his desire.

Focused on those thoughts he had not realized that the presence was now gone. He decided to slowly turn around. The creature was there a few paces away, looking at him. Was it smiling? It was difficult to say. It was rather cute, with an innocent look, something that could come out of a cartoon, a comic book, or Disney movie.

The creature, he could see, was playing with his thing again and it was soon standing up, thickening. That thing that he had feared, despised only a few minutes ago, but not anymore, and now he was drawn to it, welcoming it… concupiscence got the best of him, and he raised his legs, exposing himself and the sheath that was about to receive it.

Serto'Brezian did not hesitate. He approached the human boy, knelt between his legs and licked along the offered crack with his lengthy tongue to reach and stimulate the still gaping ring. The boy was softly moaning as the creature moved forward and got in position to enter and ride him for the second time. They were face to face, Serto using his raspy tongue to lick at the child's cheeks, enjoy his salty skin and finally invade and explore his warm mouth.

It had been a very long time since it had been so well stimulated by a mating and he planned to keep repeating the experience as often as he wanted.

***

They had made it back to the camp without meeting any more of those creatures. The spider and dog thing had disappeared from the road.

Reese let go of the bag and set young Lance on the ground beside it.

"Lucky boy, you won't be any of those things' snack yet, it seems," he said to the boy patting his head, in a mockery of affection.

"Who got the keys," asked Vance, slightly out of breath, with a grimace.

"I do," answered Larry, pulling them out of his pocket.

He unlocked the doors and opened the trunk.

"Put the kids in there, we keep the guns and the limping one with us. We're out of here!" ordered Vance.

The boys were lifted and deposited in the large trunk by Reece, without a word.

"Watch your fingers," said the big man.

Before he had finished his sentence, the lid was slammed on them.

"Too late," laughed his brother. "I'll drive," he added, as he locked the trunk, probably disappointed no finger had been crushed or cut off.

And they were back on the road.

Larry was hesitant behind the wheel, "Are you sure we should go this way? We might meet with those things again, or others."

"Yeah, I thought of that. You just drive slowly and we'll go around any we meet when we get there. That dog monster should still be occupied with the other creature's carcass, somewhere. It should leave us alone. When we get to the bus, we'll go north and try to bypass that invisible barrier. The good thing is that the crash took place on the other side of it. So if there are more beasts like those they ought to be trapped behind it."

"Keep quiet down there," Reece said without real reason. He had put Lance on the floor and had placed one foot on the boy's back and one on his butt. "How did those two get through then?" he asked.

There was no answer.

Larry was driving cautiously, at a crawl. They did not want to be surprised again.

"I think that's where we saw them," he said, as they passed the place of their previous encounter. Is that blood?"

There was some kind of thick and viscous fluid on the road where the fight had taken place.

"That dog thing must have taken it away to devour it in a more secluded place," suggested Reece.

"You must be right." Vance was feeling much better in the comfort of the car; he was concerned about leaving the road though. The suspension didn't seem that good and it was not going to be an easy ride through the forest.

"Here's the bus. Which way do you want us to go, left or right?"

"North is on our right."

Larry left the main road, passing between two white birch trees, where the ground was uneven with small underbrush everywhere. Now that they were closer to the crash, they saw that many trees had fallen or been cut in two, at the top, when the spaceship had hit them. It was to be a dangerous and bumpy ride indeed.

"Look there, looks like a logging road. Ain't we lucky," said Vance, pointing ahead.

"You can say that, I see it," answered Larry, driving toward it. It would make things certainly a bit easier. But was it going in the right direction? Those roads were unmapped and sometimes went nowhere but deeper into the forest.

***

They had been discussing for more than twenty minutes what they could do to find Julian and try to save him. Alex, from the beginning, knew it was useless and without hope, but knew the boys probably needed time to accept it. It was Ethan who finally said the words that would decide their new goal.

"If we can't find Julian, at least we know where Yuki, Lance, and Daniel are. Let's go get them!"

"We know where to find them but they're not alone. We were lucky no one was seriously hurt the first time. I won't let you risk your lives a second time," stated Clem.

"You're scared, but I'm not," insisted the defiant child, "We can't leave them with those monsters; you saw what they did to Julian."

"He's right," seconded Roberto, soon joined by Dennis and Gavin.

"Hold on kids. You're my responsibility," Clem asserted unequivocally.

Ethan knew he had the support of the others and undeterred, he quickly replied, "And so are they! You have to try all you can to get them back."

"I'm in too," added Art.

Alex tried to be pragmatic, "We could always go see how the situation evolved at the camp. They must have seen the crash, the fire. Perhaps they took the car and left." He was trying to find a compromise and calm the enthusiasm of the boys to rush back into danger. "They would never expect us to go there a second time the same night."

"What time is it?" asked Benny, "We should get some sleep first."

"You're chicken," accused Dennis. "How could we sleep after what just happened?"

Still, what Benny had said had some value. They were all tired, stressed, and on edge, but it was also improbable that they could sleep even if they tried.

"We're five minutes from the camp, let's have a look there, and see what can be done. I don't want any one of you to do anything foolish, though. You follow orders. We are in this together, no individual initiative. You stay behind us adults. Do we agree?" Alex had taken his well-honed teacher's voice, using all the needed authority he could summon when necessary. Even Clem listened and accepted his leadership when he would have much preferred to stay back with the twins or any of the other boys for that matter and cuddle with them until morning. "Let's move, in silence."

The night was clear, with the glow from the fire in the distance diminished but still visible when they arrived at the camp. The bus was gone.

"They took our bus!" exclaimed Clem.

"Yes, it seems they're gone," confirmed Alex.

There was a general movement among the kids to rush to the tents to find their friends. Once again, Alex had to muster his natural authority to stop them.

"Wait up, boys! What did we just say a few minutes ago? I'll go first, alone, and call for you if the way is clear. You don't move from here till I tell you – Clem?"

"Don't worry, I'll manage," he answered.

"Good, give me the flashlight, I won't be long."

Alex followed the forest border to get closer to the tents. What he feared the most was to be confronted by the sight of the three boys, dead, with their throats slit. He knew Vance and the other two were capable of that, they had not heard any shots. It was that vision he had wanted to spare the kids from more than any menace or trap. It was clear that the camp had been deserted but what had been left behind?

He entered the first tent with apprehension, it was empty, and as he was leaving it to check the next one, he heard them.

They were at the parked car, on foot and weapons in hand. The boys were there too, all three of them, one on Reece's shoulder. Was he hurt? What had they done with the bus?

Alex pulled out his gun and was relieved that he had not used the flashlight in the tent. They could have seen it and he did not have enough bullets left to face them. He hoped he could count on Clem to be able to restrain the boys from any stupid attempt against them.

He saw Reece put two of the kids in the trunk and the third one, limping, in the car, two minutes later they were driving away, at a crawl, taking the road that undoubtedly would lead them to the crash site.

Not thirty seconds later the scouts had joined him running.

"What did they do with the bus?" wondered Art.

"Must have broken down or something like that. They came back for the car," said Alex, "They won't go far; the road will take them straight to the crash.

"What can we do now?" asked Clem.

"Let's follow them!" blurted out Ethan, which was certainly not Clem's first choice.

Alex quickly followed with, "Let's do that. The bus can't be that far away, perhaps we can fix it." It was crazy but what else could they do?

As one, they left the camp, keeping close to each other and the side of the road, holding firmly their makeshift weapons. They gave chase, all tiredness forgotten. The car lights could still be seen through the trees ahead.

Thirteenth Act

"Houston, we've got a problem," said Roberto, who knew everything about NASA and the space program.

They were all watching with fear but also interest at the strange creature crossing the road in front of them. They held their lances firmly in a defensive position with Alex pointing his gun at it, while the creature did not seem particularly interested in them.

It was multicolored and diffusing soft light all around it, moving sluggishly … oblivious of their presence.

"I'm sure that thing is not from around here," said Roberto, "and that makes two. I would say we've been invaded by aliens."

Alex thought the same. It was strange to find himself in a situation he had read about so many times in the books and comics he loved since he was a kid, watched on TV, or at the movies. He never expected to be confronted with such an event in real life. On the good side, it gave him a better perspective on the phenomena at play than most people.

"Yeah, the way I see it, it was a ship that crashed with those aliens in it."

"But they don't look at all the same," said Clem.

"That's peculiar, true."

"They don't wear uniforms, like in Star Trek," said Ethan.

"Perhaps it was a zoo, in that ship?" said Dennis.

"With alien lions and tigers. I don't like that idea," said Benny, "not at all."

Clem concurred, "Yes, I think we should be extra cautious; it's not only those thugs we have to fear now."

Art said a very sensible thing, "We might not be going in the right direction then. We should get away from that ship."

Ethan was less afraid and very much determined, "Yes, but our friends are going that way; we can't abandon them to their fate."

"Let's move forward then," said Alex, deciding, "the road is clear, and that thing is gone."

They started running again but with some of them being much more hesitant and looking differently at the dark forest all around them.

***

Zintuk had wondered what appearance he should take when he made contact with the young human boy. He did not want to stress him more than necessary, even if he was confident that Serto's fluids would have worked their magic and he would be in perfect shape. A human form seemed appropriate, an adult one, and he chose the one that his analysis proved the most caring with a strong physical attraction to young boys. The sexual energy that reigned in that makeshift shelter impressed him and he wanted to make an experiment of it, he was certain Serto had already opened the way for him.

There they were, the pale body of the human boy bathed in the moonlight with Serto's darker form close to it, holding him, with its large tongue exploring every inch of his skin, leaving glistening traces that soon evaporated. Zintuk made soft but firm contact with the gentle creature making sure it would not interfere or try to escape, and without sound or words spoken, Serto retracted its tongue and moved away from the subject of its undertaking. This new experiment for Zintuk would not be detrimental to his numerous other tasks, as his mind was at work on a multitude of subjects at once, still following and directing the repairs of the ship, helping the Elders find and catch all the lost specimens still at large, searching for the origin of the attack, and implementing countermeasures. Those were only a few of Zintuk's current occupations.

Zintuk had taken the appearance of the human called Alex. It had learned he was a teacher or something like that whose function was to take care of the young, but for that individual it went further than that; he loved their shape and youthfulness and wanted to mate with them, gaining pleasure from it. Mate was not perhaps the right word since there would be no offspring from that union. It was more an emotional relationship but with a strong physical side to it and with the use and stimulation of the sexual organs.

Zintuk had not bothered reproducing the man's clothes and had left him naked, he had no use for them and it would be much more convenient for what he intended to do. The boy was naked too, and he would be able to start the experience as soon as he made contact with him. He would avoid touching the boy's mind to avoid any interference. What he wanted was the most authentic experience possible between the two of them, though, now that he thought about it, the mating with Serto and the effect of its fluids had probably already changed the boy's behavior and he might have to try it again with another subject. For now, this one would have to do; it did not really matter as he expected the procedure to be quite pleasurable. He approached the boy with one hand stimulating his already hardened tool and made his presence known.

"Julian"

The boy looked his way, a concerned look on his pretty face.

"How did you find me? Where are the others? Why are you naked?" asked the boy in a flow of questions. He was feeling good: better than he could ever remember.

He could not place the man's name anymore. The boy recoiled at his approach, feeling the awkwardness of the situation and still wary of the stranger standing there that had mistreated his friends before changing sides. Concerning the man's large erection, he was more ambivalent. He should have been horrified and tried to flee but the influence of the small alien's fluids was stronger and he was rather fascinated and wanting.

Zintuk still felt the boy's unease and decided to shift, taking a new appearance. This encounter would be more for fun than for science, he decided, the scientific study only a pretext that was already skewed anyway.

"Clem?" Now his scout leader was standing in front of Julian. What's going on? What's happening to me? Am I hallucinating? But I'm feeling fine, better than ever.

"Yes, it's me, Clem. Don't you recognize me? I'm here to take you to safety." Once more, the Zintuk was tempted to sample the boy's mind to help him manage what was to follow but refrained from it. It would be his challenge, his discovery.

Julian was confused now and seeing the smaller penis that was now offered to him, rather disappointed. The boy sent a look to the creature that had brought him so much pleasure and well-being, after hours of fear and pain. Was he the cause of all that was happening now? He was standing there looking at him with its big eyes, totally harmless in appearance.

Is it playing with my mind? How could I let him do all those things to me? Am I really feeling better or is it only an illusion? Why am I so attracted to a man's penis? That's not me. Is Clem really there?

Zintuk saw clearly that the boy was troubled.

"Don't be afraid, Julian, I am here to help. Which form would you like me to take?"

In front of the baffled boy, the entity shifted rapidly between all the human forms he had acquired.

"Who are you? What are you?" Julian did not know whom he should address: his captor, Serto, or that thing that could take the appearance of any of his friends. Maybe it was all a dream. It had to be that. He was having a dream or rather a nightmare. If only it could end. He wanted to wake up! Wake up? No, rather sleep some more, he needed to rest, let his mind shut down for good until he could recover.

However, this was not on Zintuk's agenda.

"I think this is what you want, what you desire." Zintuk was back in the shape of Alex when he knelt beside the boy taking the soft hand to put it on the pulsing shaft. "It's the biggest one. Serto has taught you well."

It was true, apart from his doubts and questions, one thing was certain, he wanted to be filled again and this organ would be perfect for achieving that goal. He rather despised himself for thinking that way, but he was not responsible, it was the dream that made him feel that way and he had to recognize that the sensations had been quite agreeable. Why should he fight it?

Zintuk had the knowledge of all the mechanics of such a mating, many species of which it had taken the appearance of had very similar practices, but he was hesitant at first and it was the boy, to his delight, that took the initiative.

Julian simply mounted the now sitting man placing the engorged member at the entrance of his anus with one hand while the other clung to the man's shoulder to better control his descent. He pushed down steadily and without too much effort, felt the hard and sensitive flesh of the glans penetrate him, soon followed by the rest of the rigid and pulsating organ. His hand was now free to join with the other around the man's neck. There had been no pain, once again the after effect of the fluids and the result of the previous entry and stretching. It was nothing like the rape he had been submitted to at the hands of Larry and it was nothing like with Serto either, though equally pleasurable. A strange emotion overtook him, for he was in a man's embrace and could abandon himself to the sensations of being held in his strong arms. They started to exchange kisses, chaste ones at first that soon became much more as he started an up and down movement that was accompanied by the thrusts of his lover. He felt the man's hands caressing and exploring all the recesses of his body, it was truly enthralling, and he did not want it to end. Then there was that tingle created by the rubbing and grinding of the man's massive shaft that was intensifying down there. His own little cocklet had become equally hard and very sensitive, sending jolts up his spine each time it brushed or hit the man's body. He felt it suddenly explode, producing an exquisite feeling that shook his whole body. At the same moment, he felt the invading flesh inside him spasm and spread more fluids. He sagged against the large frame that held him close; his mind only focused on that moment of bliss.

Zintuk was pleased; that little human would make a perfect pet for Serto and himself and he would certainly visit them often when they were back on the ship. Its mix of some intellect with barely contained emotions was interesting; he was eager to try it again with one of the others still at large and who had had no contact with Serto. See how it had modified this one's behavior. This species had no major asset worth adding to his collection and although it would bring him no leap in knowledge and had a very limited scientific interest, he could not detach himself from the slight form that was clinging to him. He felt strangely attracted to it, perhaps the influence of the human he was impersonating a rather uncommon side effect worth in itself some more study. Perhaps also because it had been years since he had been himself working in the field and collecting or again because of that attack and the challenge it represented. This feeling made him feel alive again after a long period where his main occupation had concerned matters in other planes of conscience, far away from the preoccupations of those simple beings. After centuries of explorations and learning, of acquiring new faculties, of broadening his abilities and intellect, he was omnipotent, close to what these humans could call a god, capable in a few moments to absorb the essence and knowledge of a new individual and through it a whole species while supervising multiple other tasks at a great distance.

The belief in the existence of a god, or gods, was ridiculous for Zintuk, there were no such things, but the idea and concept was attractive. He had discovered in the data collected from the humans that it was thought those so-called gods had visited their creations and given them rules. He was interested in the different deities and their mythology reviewing all the data at his disposal. He would be Zeus, and the boy Ganymede, Zeus was particularly fitting since he also took different appearances according to the circumstances and he had an attraction to beautiful boys.

Zantuk called the Elders to come fetch Serto and the boy, having decided to keep him and the other humans too. The story would be that they had disappeared in the fire that was to engulf the forest all around the ship. The rule was to leave no trace and not interfere with the sentient species, if possible.

While he waited for the Elders, he would mate with the child again, as he found that first experience extremely satisfying and wanted to add some variants to it inspired by the past practices of the human Alex.

***

Their progress through the forest was indeed slow and difficult. Hearing Vance grunt at each bump, Larry wondered if they should not leave the car; if the scouts had been bigger they could have carried the boss on a stretcher. The other solution was to get rid of Vance, but they needed him to get the cash.

"Don't you think we should continue on foot, Vance? Reece can help you walk or even carry you, if necessary," he said.

"No, we'll need the car later; we are many miles from anywhere, we just need to get to a real road and we are out of here. We'll keep going north on this trail, and when possible, veer left to the west and we should find the road again," replied Vance with clenched teeth. He knew he had a broken rib or more, it was not serious, but it was painful, and that damn headache was back. Lucky for them that those kids were quiet, he would have liked nothing more than to blow off one of their heads just to calm his nerves.

"I'm with you on that," added Reece, "If we meet one of those things again, I prefer to be in this car than in the open." He caught Lance by the hair and pulled him up, placing him on his lap. "This one will be our insurance policy in case of a problem and we have the other two in reserve."

"You see, Larry, we do need that car, so be very cautious how you drive it; we don't want another accident."

"At night and with all the debris on the ground I can't guarantee anything, even moving at a crawl as we are now."

"We are lucky the ground is more or less level, but we must be wary of holes and those branches littering the ground," said Vance, "What matters is that we reach our destination even if it takes all night."

"It might. We don't know yet how far that invisible barrier will take us," said Larry, "We still have a few hours before the sun rises."

"Let's hope no one saw that thing falling and that we don't meet with the cops when we get to the road. We'll resolve the problems one at a time if you don't mind. For now, let's keep our eyes open and try to get to that damn road in one piece."

"Yes, you're right, Vance. I would not mind having one more encounter with one of those things, though, see how it would deal with our scout here–how many bites that wolf thing would have made of him. What do you think?" said Larry, looking at the boy in his brother's lap.

"You're wicked and stupid Larry; you should rather concentrate on your driving," said his brother as the car stopped.

"I can be as concentrated as you want; we'll never get through this."

In front of the car were heaped debris of all sorts, there was no way they could get through that.

"Reece, get out of the car and try to find a path for us. Take your insurance policy with you," ordered Vance.

"You bet I will. Don't want to be out there all alone. You come with me, boy, and hope we don't have a run-in with one of those beasties, or you'll be the first one to go. Let's take those shoes off your feet."

"Why would you want him to do that?" asked Larry.

"That way I'm sure he won't be able to try to run away in the dark, sprained ankle or not, and in case we meet with something out there, he sure won't escape it, but he will keep it occupied while I get back in the car and we leave it alone to do its business."

"Well thought out, Reece, and so wicked, see we're truly brothers, you got brains in the end."

"Back out, Larry, your brother will try to find a way for us through that patch."

***

"Look, that's the bus!" exclaimed Dennis.

"What happened to it?" questioned Benny.

"It crashed," answered Alex.

"Yes, but against what? There's nothing in front of it," commented Clem.

"The car went that way," said Ethan, "I can hear it. We need to hurry."

"Don't worry, they left the main road and took that dirt logging road; I'm sure we'll catch up with them; they can't go very fast at night in that car," said Alex. He was wondering what had caused the accident. The road went on beyond the bus; why go north through the forest and not follow it some more. It didn't make sense. They were not that close to the ship yet.

"What's that," exclaimed Roberto, who had run to the front of the bus and hit the invisible barrier, falling back on his behind, "I bumped into something."

"There's nothing there," said Clem, coming closer with some caution despite his words.

"Come see it for yourself if you don't believe me. It's like a wall, but you can't see it." Roberto had his hand against the invisible barrier, testing it.

The whole group was soon beside him with one hand forward to make contact with it; all felt that tingling sensation.

"That's why they did not stay on the road," said Art.

"Certainly, and now, all we can do is keep following them," said Ethan, still impatient and determined.

"Is there anything of interest for us in the bus?" asked Alex. They had left the camp without taking anything that could have been of use, now that he thought about it.

"No, all we got of value, I fear, we left at the camp."

"Let's go then and follow me."

They all started at a run again, Alex opening the way with their only flashlight.

Not too long after, they saw car headlights through the trees.

"Turn off the flashlight," said Clem to Alex, "there's light ahead; we're almost there."

They were closing in on their goal it appeared, slowing down to move forward with caution until the car was in sight.

They could see Reece with Lance by his side in the headlights, guiding the car through the bushes and debris, a slow process of trial and error.

"What can we do?" asked Clem, uncertain.

Alex did not answer right away, wondering himself what their options were and the best course of action in such a situation, one that could free the captive boys without endangering their rescuers, a difficult equation to solve.

"We must stop them and not let them get away with our friends!" affirmed Ethan, as always, sure of himself.

"Easy to say, how do you propose we do that?" challenged his brother.

The blond boy brandished his makeshift spear with a determined face.

"With this and the gun," he added.

"You want to get us all killed?" asked Benny.

"They can't see us in the dark," replied the twin.

"No, but they'll shoot at us anyway. I got hurt in the leg the last time."

"It was nothing."

"So you say."

"We can't let them get away with our friends; they'll kill them or worse. You saw what they did to Julian, to Rodney."

"Calm down, kids, and lower your voices," said Alex, who had observed Reece during the exchange. "They won't be going very far with a car at night in the woods. They need someone to show them the way, and we'll be able to follow them without any difficulty. We have all the time we could wish for before we decide what to do.

"Sure, but what if they get to a road or the sun rises? What then?" Art questioned with clear doubt in his tone.

"True, if we want to do something, it's now or never," concurred Clem.

After a deep yawn, Alex replied, "You're right; all I'm saying is that there's no need to rush things. We need to do this right. I'm afraid we won't have a second chance." Alex knew they had to consider it had already been a long day and a long night.

***

The Elders arrived at the crash site in numbers and were busy conducting the necessary reparations for the ship and catching, one by one, the escaped specimens. They also recovered the dead ones to bring them back to the ship, making sure there was no risk of contamination to this alien world. Those losses fortunately were of no great consequences. They were all clones. The originals and their DNA safely kept in another part of the ship and could be replicated if necessary.

It was the very first time they had to face an incident on this scale. There had never been a crash or a major problem with one of the units, only some technical malfunctions. Specimens had tried to escape from time to time, but this had been easily resolved.

The Karac needed some special care and attention. It was among the most intelligent, cunning, dangerous, and aggressive species in their hold. Since it had gotten rid of the bug planted in its neck, they had asked Zintuk for his help in finding it. Once found, the Karac offered no resistance, as if it had accepted the inevitable.

The little group now headed back to the ship with their captive that they thought was well secured. Lowering their guard, they used a small transport. Usually Zintuk was always with them during such missions or rather a part of his spirit accompanied and guided them but not this time, his discovery of unexpected pleasures offered by the human boy in his possession very much occupied him, along with the aftermath of the attack, and probably the lustful influence of the Brenzian too.

They were on their own but confident that everything was under control.

***

Art's lance did not miss, hitting Reece in the thigh, who, out of instinct, retaliated immediately by opening fire in the general direction he guessed it might have come from.

"Hold your fire, don't move or I'll shoot you. I can see you quite well," shouted Alex, hidden behind a tree from a different location.

Reece, for a fleeting moment, was disconcerted. He gradually lowered his gun, realizing the perilous situation he was in: in the open, the headlights exposing him and making him quite vulnerable. He was a big man and an easy target. He felt blood trickling down his thigh, the head of the lance was stuck inside it. Moving slowly, he grabbed the shaft and yanked it out, stopping the bleeding with his hand.

"Let the boys go and it will end here." It was Clem, this time calling again from a different place.

In the car, Vance and Larry had drawn their guns and lowered their windows.

"The boys are in the back. If you make the wrong move, Larry will be very pleased to use his shotgun and rip them to shreds."

"Perhaps, but Reece will be dead and you'll be next," affirmed Alex.

The big man in the headlights was feeling his pant leg getting soaked with blood, and he became anxious, searching the surrounding woods with his eyes, he had to do something.

"Reece, are you all right?" asked Larry.

"It could be better, but I'll manage," answered his brother.

Lance was only three, maybe four feet from Reece, immobile, not knowing what he should do with a gun pointed directly at him. Still, given a chance, he was ready to sprint away with his sprained ankle and shoeless feet forgotten.

"Come closer, kid," he was told with the smoking gun directed at his head.

Lance took his first tentative step and there was nothing Alex could do; if he shot at Reece, the boys in the trunk were dead, and he was not even sure he would hit the guy. Their plan was mostly bluff, but still, he hoped it would work.

The big man did not wait, swiftly grabbing the boy to use as a shield to hide behind, when Larry chose that same moment to cut off the headlights, and only seconds later, Reece was back in the car, out of Alex's sight and safe.

It was a standoff.

The car was stuck where it was, unable to move forward without guidance.

Alex and the boys were no longer a threat, the convicts were safe from the boy's lances, and Alex only had a few bullets left.

Vance barked, "Reece, give the kid to Larry."

"Why? I'd rather fix my leg first. I need to stop the bleeding."

"Use the boy's shirt; that will be better than nothing," said Larry.

It took Reece two minutes to pull off Lance's shirt, rip it, and use it to make a tourniquet around his thigh.

"Better."

Vance followed his idea, "Larry, as soon as you got him, I want you to put his head outside the window and blow his brains out with your gun. That will teach them a lesson."

Lance, terrified, started to cry. He did not doubt the man was deadly serious.

"Shut up, retard," snapped Larry, extending his arms to receive the kid. "Give him to me, brother."

Reece was about to comply, passing over the condemned scout.

"I can see the reason, but what do we do next?"

"We got two more," answered Vance.

"In the back," added Larry.

Lance, between tears, was starting to fight back but he was no match for the two brothers who handled him like a puppy. Larry enjoyed the squirming of the boy and rubbed his crotch against his backside before getting down to business. He grabbed a good bunch of his soft hair and pushed his head outside through the window; wrapping his legs and one strong arm around Lance, he pressed his gun against the boy's skull.

"Should we put the headlights back on? They'll see nothing otherwise," he asked.

"Good idea. They'll enjoy the show better."

"Wait a minute, guys," interrupted Reece, "I don't care about that kid, but he could still be useful."

Larry had cocked the hammer of his revolver, ready to pull the trigger, oblivious of his brother's objection. Lance was now waiting for death and had stopped fighting back.

"You hear me out there?" hollered Vance.

"We sure do," answered Alex, relieved to hear his voice. "Ready for a compromise?"

"We're gonna blow the kid's head off."

"What? What for? Don't do that … or you're a dead man."

"Why not, you have nothing that could interest us, except you, of course, got a grudge, for sure. Come over if you want. That's the only way."

"I'm not suicidal, Vance, and I'll never trust you. Just give us back the boys and we disappear. You know we're no match for you. We won't take any unnecessary risks. You would be free to go and get your money."

"That's not enough."

Vance was enjoying himself, and he had the upper hand again. He could have made the bargaining last for as long as he wanted, but he was determined to get his revenge. Killing that kid would be part of it and just the beginning.

Fourteenth Act

The boy was purring, held in the man's arms, with an engorged cock buried deep between his rounded bum cheeks: the feelings for both new and exquisite.

Inspired by Alex's experiences, Zintuk tried many variants in the ways he could maintain his pleasure while being careful not to hurt the child. It had been a long time, too long, that he had been away from the hands-on experiences that field exploration brought, and he was rediscovering all the excitement and gratifications that came from it.

Regrettably, Zintuk knew that it would have to end soon; he could not stay much longer and had many problems to solve that he had delayed too long already. Still, he was primarily comforted by the fact that once back at his unit, he would be able to study and enjoy the boy at leisure as well as the other human specimens he had been in contact with. He was curious to see how in similar circumstances, they would react, knowing there should be a noticeable difference without any previous contact with Serto.

Zintuk gently disengaged himself from the welcoming, hot and tight sheath when he received rather unpleasant information. The Karac had escaped and killed the Elders escorting him. Zintuk changed his appearance instantly, shape shifting, and used some of his many new tentacles/arms to catch and secure Julian and the Brenzian against the changed and imposing body. He decided to take the matter into his own hands, so to speak. It was the first time in years that Elders died at his service. He jumped forward using his now long and strong limbs to go above the ground from tree to tree at great speed.

Julian, held close to the alien creature that had suddenly taken shape, should have been frozen with terror. Yet, he was simply confused and reassured at the same time, still under the influence of the Brenzian fluids and still longing for the presence of the rigid member that had filled him for the last hour.

***

"Pull the trigger Larry, I want to see some blood and brains!" shouted Vance, contentedly, with a twisted smile deforming his face.

"Sure thing," answered Larry, forcibly pressing the gun barrel against the poor boy's head, loving the feel of the young muscles tensing in fear, readying for the inevitable. "Put the headlights on," he told Vance. "I have my hands full."

"What the hell!" exclaimed Reece. At that very moment, from the back seat, he saw it before it hit the trees, a shining form coming straight at them, breaking a few trees like match sticks as the small vessel slowed and crashed against them; it then slid with a terrible noise toward the car, giving the Chevrolet a simple bump as it hit.

Larry's revolver went off. Fortunately, it had slipped from the boy's head and the bullet missed. Lance's right ear was ringing and deaf to the world, the only thing he suffered from the gun blast. He was alive.

"Let's get out of here!" called out Vance as he left the car with a grimace, his side hurting. He did not know what would come out of the shiny vessel that had fallen from the sky and he did not intend to wait for it. Panic had seized him, his desire for revenge and the other menace waiting among the trees forgotten.

Larry and Reece quickly followed suit and abandoned the car, Lance falling out the door like a broken doll, holding his ear in pain. Larry did not bother to take the boy who had started crying again.

"Which way?" asked Reece, trying to bring back some calm and reason while picking up the bag with the weapons.

"Follow me," ordered Vance, who was clearly impaired in his moves and could not run, taking the opposite direction of the fallen vessel, a logical move. They all had their weapons drawn in front of them, scanning the forest ahead and ready to respond to any attack while in a hurry to get as far away as possible before anything came out of that ship.

Panic did not only reign among the thugs; it had taken hold of the scouts hidden in the trees, who had been dispatched two by two encircling the car to cover any escape route.

Roberto was clinging to Alex, who had no idea how to respond to that last turn of events, he was perhaps thirty feet from the car with the boys held in the back of the station wagon, but it looked like an impossible distance. Should he make a run for them with Lance still on the ground? Perhaps wounded? If he wanted to try something, it was now, but could he leave Roberto alone or, worse, take him with him and risk his life?

Clem and Gavin were already on the move, trying to get to the rally point. They had not waited to see the outcome and left their position as soon as they heard and saw the silver mass crash into the trees. The gunshot that rang a second later sent chills down their spine. This was too much for them, and they decided that Lance, Yuki, and Daniel were goners.

Art, who had been so proud of wounding Reece with his lance a few moments before, was now at a loss. The shining object had hit the trees only a few feet to their right. He felt the panic rising in him, swayed by the shocked state of Benny, who was frozen in place, unable to utter a word, his back pressed hard against the tree trunk, his arms holding his legs close to his body in a fetal position. They should join the others, but the black boy would not budge. What could he do? He did not have even the presence of mind of trying to throw a spear when the convicts left the car. No one did, it appeared.

The twins had other problems. Shocked, like all the others, by the spectacular and sudden appearance of the ship, they crouched side-by-side holding tightly their makeshift weapons, ready to use them against whatever creatures emerged from the alien vessel. Ethan had lost most of his spunk and reverted to the little boy he was–that he had been all along. Their attention so focused on watching the silver oblong shape, surrounded by an unnatural light that bathed the whole area, that they did not notice the convicts coming straight at them.

"Damn, look what we found!" exclaimed Larry with a large smile, aiming his shotgun at them and very tempted to pull the trigger. "Put down those sticks and we won't hurt you." Larry had one look behind him for reassurance. Nothing had come out yet, and they were some distance from it now; perhaps they had the time to take care of these two.

"Grab them, Reece, and if they resist, break them," said Vance between breaths. Hurt, he knew he could not move fast, and losing the car, now compromised their future. Catching these two might help them; they would be exchange money or bait in case of an alien encounter. The children did not resist, as Larry held his gun at point-blank range and surely would not miss. Reece caught them by the neck and made them stand up.

"Give me one; I'll use him as a crutch," stated Vance. "Yes, it's much better like that. Move on, kid, this place is not healthy for any of us." The child was a great help indeed, noticeably alleviating the pain he felt simply walking. Maybe he was going to make it finally.

***

The Elders were all dead and the Karac had been wounded in the crash, with the heavily damaged transport not able to take him further away from Zintuk. It had been easy and pleasant for the Karac to kill the Elders, and he was determined to profit from this last moment of freedom in every possible way. They would not kill him, they never did, and he would make them pay for his capture again if given the opportunity.

He regretted not following his instincts and gorging on the blood and flesh of those two indigenous creatures beside the shelter: they were sentient, which made them even more interesting to play with and brought back memories of his previous life. They would have been easy to catch, at least the smaller ones. He knew escape was no longer possible; they would catch him, they knew where he was, Zintuk would always find him, whatever he tried to do. Nonetheless, he searched for and found the medic kit knowing he would be back in shape in minutes.

The Karac also looked for weapons and was not surprised; there were none worth his attention, only non-lethal ones. With the view screens damaged during the fight with the Elders, he had no real idea of what to expect outside except more of the same woods that covered the area, so he decided to open the hatch.

The strong luminescence coming from the hull bathed the surrounding forest and trees, and only a few paces away, beside what appeared to be a primitive vehicle, was a young creature, making pitiful noises and appearing to be in pain. Too easy a prey, but it would have to do and bring him some joy. He was upon it in seconds and was about to tear out its throat when his heightened senses detected another presence, this time inside the vehicle. He retracted his fangs and, with the terrified boy under one arm, went to the back of the vehicle and opened the tailgate effortlessly, revealing Yuki and Daniel.

I am blessed, thought Karac, with a smile that looked, on the scary alien face, more like a grimace for the fearful boys who had discovered the unexpected nature of their would-be rescuer. I would love some alone time to fully enjoy these juicy morsels, but I probably won't have it.

Karac felt other presences all around him. It was not the Elders though. How long would it be before they arrived? Not much, he estimated, not after what he had done. They would consider it an insult, even if those he had killed had clones ready to take their place, and it would be as if nothing had happened.

Should he feast now or try to gain some more time? The kill, the fresh meat and blood were valued. At the same time, the sacrifice needed to feel the pain and terror before putting them to death, doing it the right way, eating them alive, brought to the hunter an even greater satisfaction.

***

Alex had waited too long, trying to convince Roberto they could not leave Lance and the other two behind. He had cajoled, kissed him, and reminded him of their bonding, wanting that moment to last and fearing what would come after. Now that they were about to rush to the car, the ship had opened and an alien had come out of it. It was an impressive creature, kind of humanoid, walking on two legs, obviously intelligent and wearing a tunic with rips in some places. It did not look benevolent though, with its claws and fangs, thick reptilian skin, more than seven feet in height. Alex saw no weapons. Still he did not feel brave enough to try to engage in a conversation or aim his gun at the creature, if necessary.

The aggressive nature of the beast showed itself right away, as it was upon Lance in one jump and was about to tear out the poor boy's throat. It was too far away for Alex to take a shot that could miss or even hit Lance; he could only watch in horror the merciless killing of the boy.

Alex turned his face away from the sight and when he dared look again, the station wagon tailgate was open and Lance was still alive. He felt relieved but knew he could not wait anymore. He had to act and save the day. Could he hope for the help of Clem and the other scouts? This was far from certain. There could be more aliens in the ship. He exchanged a determined look with Roberto, by his side, who held his spear with courage. There was no need for words; he understood the intentions of the creature and was ready to stand by the man.

"NOW," Alex shouted, "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" He ran forward, gun at the ready in one hand, a spear in the other, not really expecting anyone to come out of their hiding to help him except young Roberto running by his side.

***

Zintuk had deposited Julian and Serto out of sight; he was thinking of the most fitting appearance to adapt to face the situation as he heard and saw Alex and Roberto rush foolishly at the Karac. He smiled, having taken the features and traits of a scout, Art.

If the Karac could have expressed his joy, he would have done so in such circumstances. Two more preys were offering themselves for his enjoyment, coming out of the forest at a run and he now could see one more standing at the edge of the trees watching the scene. He threw Lance in the back of the station wagon with the two other boys and slammed the tailgate shut. He would play with them later if he had the time. The two coming at him were holding weapons, which was a small challenge he would gladly meet.

Despite its size and bulk, it was very fast, and as Alex was firing his first shot, it moved out of the bullet's trajectory, grazing its shoulder. Suddenly, it was upon them before the man realized what had happened or could fire again. The Karac lashed out with its claws aiming for the hand that held the gun but never reached its target. The next second it was falling to the ground and Art was standing there holding a sturdy branch he had used as a club to knock it unconscious.

"What? How the hell did you do that?" exclaimed Alex, befuddled, looking at the boy that had come out of nowhere.

"I don't think it's the best moment for explanations. Let's free Lance and the others and get out of here before it gets up again," said Art.

"We can finish it long before that," said Roberto, brandishing his lance and readying to strike at the fallen beast.

"No," said Art curtly, and strangely enough, Alex and Roberto, right away, obeyed him and then followed him to the car, opening the tailgate to free the scouts without one more word.

"Are you alright?" questioned Alex at the sight of the three boys. There was no immediate answer but frightful stares from the boys in the back of the wagon, who were not quite sure of the man's intentions.

"Don't worry, he's on our side," interrupted Roberto.

"There's nothing to fear from that creature, believe me," insisted Art.

"I have a sprained ankle; otherwise, we're fine," Lance answered at last, extricating himself from the other two.

"Let me help you," said Alex gently, pulling them out one at a time to stand beside the car.

"Is it dead?" asked Lance, looking fearfully at the Karac lying on the ground some distance away.

"As good as dead, yes," affirmed Art. "We must leave now, listen more are coming."

There was a wheezing sound and another flying vessel of the same kind was soon in sight.

Art, who, it seemed, had taken the lead, shouted, "Come on, hurry up!" at which they all ran under cover of the trees where a new surprise awaited.

"Julian!" exclaimed Roberto, stopping in his tracks at the sight of their lost friend, naked and apparently unhurt with the mysterious creature that had kidnapped him by his side.

"I found them, Julian is safe, and this small alien has been good to him," affirmed Art, quickly adding, "We can't stay here; follow me." They obeyed him, again, without question, despite the inadequate explanation he had given of this encounter.

Alex felt something was wrong, but he could not put his finger on it. He felt as if his mind was not working as it should. Too many things were happening at once that he was not able to process and comprehend. He was moving along like the others, helping Lance with his sprained ankle navigate the treacherous ground full of debris.

Zintuk, who had taken the appearance of Art, managed the small group without a hitch. It had been easy for him to render them blind to the obvious insanity of his words. He knew he should have put an end to the whole thing at that moment, but there were much more important matters waiting for him. He should have sent the specimens to board the incoming ship and have them taken away, but he could not resist the lure of his recent new experience with these creatures. He had not felt so alive in such a long time!

Zintuk was about to make the first major, decisive and most fundamental mistake of his whole existence. One could think that when you are all powerful, you have a tendency of losing caution.

***

"We have to stop; I can't go any further," said Vance. With each step and breath, his right lung was on fire despite his two human crutches.

"We can't stop now; we're still too close," said Larry, who knew that if Vance didn't make it, they could say goodbye to the money waiting for them.

In a rage, Vance blurted out, "I said that we have to stop, now!" Vance's hands were crushing the two boys' shoulders that supported him.

"Ouch, it hurts," said Ethan trying to escape the man's grip.

"Don't you try that again, you little vermin," yelled Vance, hitting the child with his fist and propelling the young scout forward until he slammed into a tree, then falling to the ground. With great effort, Vance plopped down beside him, bringing Dennis with him, "You don't know what hurting means … yet."

Vance looked up to the others and told them, "We'll rest here, and I'll tell you when we can get on the move again. You can have your fun with those two if you want, I don't mind."

"I'm not sure this is the best moment for that," said Reece, looking around watchful.

"For once, I'll agree with you, brother. I'll stop being concerned when we're far away from here, but okay boss, let's rest; I can understand you need it." Larry, as much as he wanted to take to his heels and run, knew that it meant leaving Vance behind and any chance of seeing their money. He did not really have a choice and was not yet afraid enough to consider that option. "Perhaps Reece could carry you for a bit when you feel better? What do you say, brother?"

"I can certainly do that," confirmed Reece.

Vance, even wracked by pain, hated the idea of showing his weakness, but he was not stupid and knew he never would be able to get out of that forest alone. He would have gladly punched the snotty boy again if that simple act had not been so painful before.

"We'll see; give me an hour; I'm sure I'll be fine by then."

Larry was still not keen on staying around and said, "Better we don't fall asleep; playing with those kids might do the trick. What do you say, Reece? Looks like you changed your mind about them?"

"I was bored, I must admit they were quite pleasant to fool around with, but I'm not really in the mood just now, and I agree, at least one of us should stay on alert. Larry, you're truly one of a kind; how can you think of doing that in our situation? You should rest instead and try to sleep, like Vance. "

"Don't you know me? I'm not a reasonable guy and never miss an opportunity for fun. I won't ask you which one you would want for yourself; they look very much the same. I'll pick that one."

Larry grabbed Dennis, who had very well understood what was going to happen to him, and tried to fight back.

"You'll have to work your charm on him, Larry. He doesn't want you," said Reece, observing the scene with amusement.

"He's not my Julie, but he's not that bad looking." Larry had soon overpowered the poor kid who had lost his shorts, telling him, "Don't want to hear you; the boss is resting." Larry pinned the boy under him, one strong arm holding him in place while he opened his zipper and took out his engorged member. "Might hurt a bit, but I don't want to hear a sound," he repeated with a smile of satisfaction.

He raised the boy's legs and as he got into position, he immediately felt the residue of Vaseline. "Reece, would you believe it? This kid is no virgin, and someone has been buggering him quite recently. Do you think it could be our friend Alex? That guy already ruined my day, and now this! I was so looking forward to popping his cherry. How did he manage all of it? Where did he find the time?" Larry was starting to consider Alex differently: he sure was not the wimp everyone expected.

Larry pushed in without further ado and was pumping in and out the next minute, with one hand on the boy's mouth to silence him.

Reece had lost interest, holding Larry's shotgun and looking at the menacing forest around them, ready to shoot at whatever came out of it.

***

Alex and the small group of scouts walking, running behind him, soon assaulted Zintuk/Art with questions.

"Where's Benny? Wasn't he with you?" asked Roberto.

Alex, jumping up and down, kept repeating, "We should go to the rally point. The others are certainly there waiting for us."

Lance, while watching Serto suspiciously, asked, "Why is Julian naked? Isn't he cold? What is that thing with him? I don't like the way it's looking at me." It was true the little alien had found a particular interest in this new boy.

Zintuk's attention was so engrossed in the experiment that he almost forgot about the Elders, who needed his guidance, and he did something never done before by any of his fellow librarians or himself: he divided his being in two, sending his alter ego to cater to all his other duties and occupations, reassuring the Elders with his presence. He did not realize, at that moment, how irrational and dangerous it was in the context of this unprecedented attack on his ship and his collection from an unknown enemy. This should have been his only preoccupation when all he was thinking of was fooling this group of very ordinary specimens and see if he could bring his petty goals to fruition. There should have been warning bells when he discreetly let go of the small creature that was an equal part of himself, but there was none and he immediately resumed the deceiving role of Art, oblivious of anything else and cutting one by one all the links with his ship and crew.

***

Art was befuddled. After finally obtaining a reaction from Benny and getting him to stand up to go to the rally point, he heard and saw Alex running at the alien and firing. A moment later, coming out of nowhere, beside them, was a boy who looked like his twin. He never saw him use the branch in his hands, yet the menacing alien was now on the ground motionless. Art stood there for a time, at a loss, trying to understand what was going on as he saw Alex pull Lance, Daniel, and Yuki from the back of the station wagon. He was fearful, hesitant, and before he had the time to signal himself and warn his friends, he heard a second ship coming. The group of scouts and Alex started running away, led by the mysterious identity thief.

With renewed determination, Art, with Benny in tow, held by the arm, decided to follow. Giving chase, avoiding the felled branches and broken tree trunks on the ground, he did not doubt it would be dangerous but he had to alert them and confront that impostor whose intentions he supposed to be nefarious. He noticed they had not taken the direction of the rally point, and he wondered where the impostor was leading them.

After a few minutes, Art stopped.

"What's the matter?" asked Benny, catching his breath.

"Listen, do you hear them ahead?"

"No, not really."

"There's something wrong. We should have caught up with them by now."

Art took a few steps further and realized they were back at the ship. How could that be? Had they been going around in circles? He crouched down, hiding behind a tree, Benny followed his lead, and both boys stayed silent, peering out from behind the foliage.

A second ship had landed, and very tall and bony aliens, wearing light clothing and hoods, partially hiding their emaciated faces, emerged.

Fifteenth Act

Zintuk's objectives were rather simple. Isolate one of the boys and seduce him, one way or the other, Zintuk wanted to know if he, personally, would get the same gratification as he had with the other human boy, Julian. As a scientist, he knew he had to repeat the experiment and see if the result was similar or different. He had touched and sampled all of them, he now had a good knowledge of their stored experiences and memories, but he was about to play with their emotional psyche, something that was not as clearly defined or predictable in this species. He wanted to know how the next specimen was going to react to the mating. They had all experienced it in one form or another, sometimes pleasantly, sometimes in a forced and painful way.

Julian had been the only one subjected to Serto's fluids, and now, the little creature was clearly showing interest in a new boy, Lance. Zintuk had kept Serto under his control so far, but he saw no reason not to let him have his ways with that boy: his fluids would heal the problem of Lance's sprained ankle.

For himself, he chose Daniel, who had not taken part in the shelter orgy, as did Roberto and Yuki, and had had a disagreeable encounter with the man called Reece. It would be a small challenge that pleased him. He decided to take the appearance of Alex for this mating, it was the imprint he found the most fitting and that he had strangely appreciated the most.

To an outside observer, it was obvious that Zintuk's focus should be on the recent events: solving the puzzle of the attack on the ship, the crash, the recapture of the specimens, the repairs… Right now though, all of that seemed distant and removed from his thoughts and interests. He found in these humans a richness of emotions and feelings mixed with intellect that you did not meet so often. It was worth some of his time. First, he made sure that the boy, Art, which he had impersonated so far, would not disturb him in this endeavor. Then he used his powers of suggestion to set in motion the scene required to fulfill his wishes.

Roberto suddenly stopped and sat down on a log, "Could we stop for a moment? I don't know about you but I feel really exhausted."

"Me too," replied Art/Zintuk, stopping in mid stride and coming to sit beside him. "We should rest for a bit, perhaps even sleep, there doesn't seem to be anyone following us."

Alex was befuddled, "But what about the others, we should have gone to the rally point. We would have been all together by now." As he spoke, he could not understand why he had not thought of that earlier.

Art/Zintuk knew why, having used his powers on the boys, as he would again now, "Clem can take care of them for the time being. That alien ship and its occupants are between the rally point and us; we would have to make a wide berth around it to get there safely. Better to sleep and do it in the morning when the sun has risen."

"Do you think they'll wait for us?" asked Roberto, turning to Alex.

"I think so; they'll be there or at the shelter. Art is right, we are all dead tired, let's sleep for a few hours," decided Alex with relief as he felt his eyes closing of their own volition.

Alex held Julian tightly and with great pleasure, and was surprised to see him rub his charming behind against his quiescent member. Had he not been so exhausted like everybody else it could have led to something, but before he could respond, his eyes closed and he fell into a deep slumber. Roberto and Art were close by, arms and legs intertwined, with Lance, Yuki, and Daniel beside them.

***

They were all asleep in the next minute holding each other close together to fight the chilly night and for reassurance.

Serto had been forgotten, standing a few feet away, biding his time and waiting for his prize. He did not have to wait long. Art/Zintuk was soon disengaging himself from Roberto while transforming at the same time and taking the shape and attributes of a nude Alex. He then picked up a sleeping Daniel and gently cradled him in his arms; while similarly, Serto had taken hold of Lance, again with a peculiar strength for his size. They left the sleepers behind walking away a short distance. There was no real reason for that since Zintuk had made sure that none would be awake for some time, but it seemed proper for the two aliens.

Serto's appendage was already growing and demanding, knowing it would get its reward shortly.

Zintuk sat his back against a tree covered with moss, with the boy in his lap facing away, legs spread. Alex's hands started undressing him slowly, one button at a time.

Serto, on cue, was more expeditious, pulling off Lance's shorts right away and getting ready for penetration. It had to hurry before his member had grown too thick and made it more difficult and painful for the boy.

"Wake up, little Daniel," whispered Alex/Zintuk in the boy's ear. "Look what is happening to your friend Lance. Don't you want me to do the same with you?"

The child opened his eyes, feeling the man's hands on his naked skin. His shirt was falling from his shoulders, his shorts were undone and pulled down over his thighs, he could see Lance crouched on all fours with the strange alien creature on his back, his strange member pushing into the boy's arse, while his gigantic and rugged tongue invaded his mouth, preventing him from producing any sound.

"No," dared answer the child, not yet bold enough to try to escape the naked man he barely knew and certainly did not trust. He had thought he was safe, but he was wrong; the nightmare was still going on.

***

Zintuk immediately understood his mistake. He knew he was far removed from the practicality and mechanics of field research. He had not practiced it for uncountable years, and that, mixed with the new and complex psychology of the human species, his own excitement and haste, made such blunders a high probability. He had thought after the shelter scene that all of those human boys, given the chance, would easily accept mating, he was wrong. Still, he was not going to abandon the experiment at the first obstacle and decided to use Alex's experience to adapt to the situation and obtain the boy's agreement helped by the scene unfolding in front of them.

"Look how much your friend likes it."

It was true, after the brief moment of fear, surprise, and slight pain, Serto's fluids worked their magic and Lance was now overwhelmed with pleasure as the alien appendage filled his innards, having swollen to where it could not be dislodged. The long and large tongue had left his mouth to slither all over his smooth body, slipping over his torso to play with his nipples, and then down to titillate the child's cocklet that was hard and vibrating with each thrust of the alien.

Alex/Zintuk's hand was trying to stimulate the same reaction in Daniel's pricklet but without success. Using his other hand he raised the child's head, bringing their lips together where he tried to force a kiss, but it did not bring the expected response either. Daniel was not fighting back but he was like a puppet in the man's arms without reaction. Zintuk was clearly displeased.

The man/alien for his part was very much aroused with his erection ready to enter the boy's backdoor, but once again, this was met with surprising resistance. Daniel was a virgin that had not been subjected to the assaults of Larry and Serto like Julian had been. To achieve penetration would require some preparation or the use of force, which did not please Zintuk, who felt irritated, as he was accustomed to always obtaining immediate satisfaction. The logic of the experiment would have been to override the boy's passive resistance and see what came out of it. There might have been some damage and pain but it was of no consequence. These specimens were of no great value, with many still available to try some variants, and anyway, he could count on Serto's fluids to restore them to health in no time.

Still, what Zintuk really wanted was more or less to relive what he had known with Julian. One could wonder what attraction such an old, evolved, and all-powerful being could find in such an act. Was it possible to suggest that the answer to that question resided in his choice of taking the appearance of Alex, the boylover? Was it possible that his encounter with that man's psyche had had such a profound impact on his behavior? What could have made Zintuk permeable to a human being's influence?

Zintuk tried one more time but the tight opening was not yielding. The pleasure he had known with Julian was eluding him. He thought, for a fleeting moment, of going back and pursuing his experiment with Roberto, who Alex had mated with already. Fortunately, he had a better alternative and was sure that Serto's efforts would have stretched the other boy's hole to his satisfaction. He just had to give him this one and take the other. He could even have a go with Daniel after Serto subjected him to the same treatment. That was the simplest solution.

Like a drug addict with withdrawal symptoms–Zintuk needed gratification. He kept denying it, but he knew the experiment was only an alibi. He raised himself up, the boy still in his arms, shirt and shorts discarded, to stand beside the mating couple. There was one more obstacle to overcome: Serto's expanding organ phase was not quite over, yet. Even if the creature wanted to, it would have been unable to disengage from Lance for a few more minutes. Zintuk was in such a state of desire that he used his powers to resolve that issue, and shortly after, a surprised Serto was able to grab and possess a resisting Daniel, while Zintuk entered a very willing Lance and was soon lost in wave after wave of pleasure, without the slightest thought for his ship or the Elders. Incredibly, he seemed to have forgotten about his collection or the attack that had occurred only a few hours earlier.

Maybe it was because that attack was still going on. Maybe because he had already lost the fight and he simply did not know it yet.

***

Art and Benny were observing the aliens, not daring to move at the risk of being seen. The body of the Karac had been taken away, and the strange, very thin and tall Elders, seemed to be attempting to repair the crashed ship.

"What do we do now?" whispered Benny.

"We have to get out of here, for sure," answered Art, who still had not understood how they had ended back at their starting point. He was somewhat lost and without a clear idea of what should be done. They needed help.

"Let's go to the rally point. Some of the others should be there," said Benny, who was now taking the lead.

"Yes … of course … that's what we should do." Art felt very alone at that moment, and thought there would be strength in numbers.

They slowly retreated, being as silent as they could and as they turned around to get their bearings and find their way to the rally point came face to face with one of the aliens. Freezing in place, they could only stand there and wait.

The Elder was also immobile, watching them with interest, and rather benignly. After a moment, he simply left them alone, passing them by to join the others beside the ship.

The two boys fled without ado, not believing their luck, arriving at their destination a moment later and full of joy and relief at seeing Clem and Gavin still there and waiting.

The scout leader Clem was almost as relieved as they were. He had been worried sick, alone with Gavin without news from anyone, a bit ashamed too of having run away at the first sign of danger, not caring about any of the others' fate.

"Do you know what's going on?" he asked right away, "What about the twins, Alex?" "No idea about the twins, but we saw Alex rescue Yuki, Daniel, and Lance," said Art.

"How did he do that?" It was one more reason for him to feel bad and useless. "How come they're not here with you, why is that?"

"That's another story." At which point Art began to tell them of all the events he had witnessed since the small ship had crashed.

Clem listened for a bit before interrupting, "I'm worried about the twins; they haven't shown up since then."

"You're worried you won't be able to get in their pants again, you mean," said Gavin ironically.

"Why do you say that? I'm not like that."

"Of course, you are."

Art cut short the useless digression, "Perhaps they got lost, it's not easy to get your bearings at night."

With Benny adding, "Or they went back to the camp. There's everything we could need there, food, clothing, the tents… Maybe we should go back there too."

It was a logical suggestion and brought the boys back into the reality of their situation, as they looked to Clem, the only adult at 18 and their leader.

"You're right, Ben; that's the best thing we can do and hope that the others will think the same way and join us there."

Expressing concern, Art countered, "That's all very well, but I fear for Alex and those with him. I have seen that–thing–looking just like me and taking them away. I don't know what it was. It's for them that we should be worrying. You saw it too, Benny."

"Yes, I did."

Back in his leadership role, Clem made his decision for the group with a firm voice, "Well, I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do about that. The sun will be up shortly and it will help us find our way back to the camp. The fire is behind that invisible barrier so there is nothing to fear from it. It is not far, we'll rest once we get there, let's go."

Benny was less certain, "We still need to be careful; there might be more of those aliens around."

Gavin was quick with a sarcastic reply, "They didn't seem too interested in you from what you told us."

"Perhaps, but there may be others."

***

After only a few minutes, Vance had no choice but to stop again. Out of breath, he leaned himself against a tree for better support.

Larry approached him, "Let's be realistic about it, Vance, you'll never make it on foot. We need a vehicle and a navigable road."

"But we have neither," replied Vance, breathing heavily. "We'll have to find another way out of this situation."

Reece was quick to suggest, "I could carry you, as Larry said before."

Vance took a deep breath, feeling down, he spoke softly, "It might be many miles before we can get around that barrier and then what? We don't know how far it might be to the next house or place where we could find a car?"

Larry, minute by minute, was seeing his money slipping away. He stepped closer to

Vance, and with a firm voice, more telling than asking, "There must be a way?" "I see only one, but you won't like it," said Vance.

"Shoot it out," said Larry.

"We go back to the scout camp, there's food and everything we might need there, we wait it out until that ship is gone and then we retrieve our car and cross the border."

"But what about the scouts? They'll go to the cops first thing. Even without that, these woods could be swarming with soldiers and whatever else in the morning."

"You're right Larry, and in either case we'll never make it, not at a snail's pace like you're doing because of me. If the cops come, or anyone else, we'll hide in the woods and wait it out, they'll have no reason to look for us there. They'll never think we retraced our steps and went back to the camp. Now, if those scouts finished in one of those aliens' belly, or dead, we just need to wait for the aliens to go."

Reece was skeptical, "How do you know they'll do that? It might be an invasion; they might be here to stay."

Before Vance could answer, Larry jumped in, "Looked more like a crash to me. Only problem could be that they won't be able to leave again."

"Well guys. Either you leave without me and pass on the money or you take your chance and wait it out with me. It's your decision and I'll understand."

The two brothers stayed silent for a moment looking at each other.

Vance grabbed the two boys, Dennis and Ethan and sat down, with one boy on each side of him, held firmly. Dennis was hurting, Larry had not been gentle, and there was blood staining his shorts. Ethan had not been touched yet but it would not last for long if he did not escape.

Larry finally broke the awkward silence, and with a forced smile, said, "You've won Vance. We'll do as you say; certainly not what we could wish for but it's the best alternative given the circumstances and we'll have free boy pussies to pass the time."

Vance was gently running his finger over the dried blood and semen that had run down Dennis' smooth thigh, before looking up to reply, "One might be damaged, but it will have to do. Ain't it so guys?"

***

After having thoroughly enjoyed Lance, Zintuk, as he had planned, was now exploring the deep recesses of Daniel's innards with determination and great appreciation. The boy had been well stretched and converted to the pleasures of the flesh by Serto's fluids, and was now as delightful as the previous two the Librarian had mated with. Having never thought he could be so engrossed in such primal and simple activities, he found a good rhythm in and out of Daniel's tight ring, which met with the most enthusiasm from the child. He was now certain to take as many of those boys with him as possible when he left the planet and knew he would visit them often. This had nothing to do with any form of research anymore. In fact, the whole thing did not make much sense but he was oblivious to that or any other warnings he should have noticed.

***

Meanwhile, Serto was again having a go at Lance; it was never sated.

Keeping up the steady smooth rhythm in Daniel, Zintuk knew that all good things had to end, the main ship repairs should be done by now, and the escaped specimens retrieved, with some details that could be fixed after leaving the planet: they could be gone in the next hour. They would simulate the crash of a meteorite to explain the fire and destruction in the area as well as the disappearance of the few humans he was taking with him. The rule, when possible, was to never leave any evidence of their visit.

Zintuk tried to contact the Elder Ka'alek for the latest information and tell him to prepare for their departure but he could not get an answer. He tried a second time, still without success. He slowed his coming and going in the boy's tight chute not yet believing this was happening. Only at the third unsuccessful try did he disengage from the boy, he wanted to shape-shift, perhaps this human shape was the cause of his problem. He failed, forced to keep Alex's human appearance and now sure there was something very wrong going on. He did not remember having ever felt anything like anxiety before, which was happening now, verging on panic and it was very unpleasant. It was not only his ship that had been attacked but also himself. He concentrated, he needed to react and fast: he was in a very serious situation and he had to regain some control one way or another. He first had to assess what he had lost and what he was still capable of doing.

Sixteenth Act

Clem, Gavin, Art, and Benny arrived at the camp as the first rays of the sun lighted the horizon. They found it deserted. The twins were not there and none of the others either.

"What do we do now?" said Art, dejected.

"We rest and wait for them. I'm sure they'll find their way here, sooner or later," answered Clem, who wanted nothing more than a few hours of sleep.

"Maybe one of these things caught them and we'll never see them again," said Benny, head down.

"Whatever, there's nothing we can do about it," replied Clem, "Let's hope for the best that someone saw the crash or fire and help is on the way. Just go lie down; we're all exhausted after such a night. We'll decide what to do when we wake up in a few hours. Right now I can't think straight."

It was not too difficult to convince the boys, the idea of lying down and getting some sleep was very attractive.

"Can we all stay together? I would feel better that way," asked Benny.

"That's a good idea, come on boys, get in here," said Clem pushing open the flap of the nearest tent.

They settled close together, and despite lingering bouts of anxiety, fell asleep in minutes. The sexual tension of the previous evening was gone; all they wanted now was to benefit from the human warmth they could find in each other and the feeling of security it provided.

***

Zintuk's alter ego that he had sent to take care of urgent matters in the form of a small creature was, at the same time, much more and much less than that.

The enemy–the cause of all the recent events–had not been exogenous: it had come from within. Among the tens of thousands, perhaps millions of genetic codes the librarian had accumulated, one had taken a life of its own, and slowly, very slowly, systematically, over years if not centuries prepared for a takeover. It was only following what was at the core of its nature: to mimic, overcome and replace any organism it met as simple or as complex as it was.

In the case of the librarian the task had been almost intractable, first because that entity was always changing, evolving, and because of its gift of ubiquity.

Fortunately, Zintuk's recent change of interest and relative retreat from the world had given it a chance and had set everything in motion.

Now the creature's goal was to leave the planet as soon as possible since nothing was sure yet. It feared the librarian would find a way to regain some of his powers and want to reclaim his position. The poison that it had unleashed was meant to progressively and inconspicuously block all of Zintuk's capabilities. Still, there were so many, so formidable that it was an almost impossible venture. Fogging his mind and focusing all of Zintuk's attention on the human specimens was meant to give it a step ahead.

Once Zintuk realized his situation and found himself a prisoner of his human appearance, without any contact with his ship, he went to work immediately calling upon his universal knowledge and all his resources to fight back and restore his lost faculties. He knew he could very well succeed in the end. It would just take some time.

With Zintuk left alone on this planet without any help, away from his collection, the creature's scheme was that it would be gone with the ship long before Zintuk could prevent it. One option would have been for the creature to kill Zintuk while he was vulnerable, in his human form, but Zintuk was still much more formidable than what his appearance might let you think. It was better to avoid awakening some latent abilities that would enable him to identify his enemy and. retaliate

***

Alex woke up to a very agreeable feeling that he knew quite well. A few of his young lovers had taken the habit of starting the morning in such a way over the years.

Without opening his eyes, he gently sent one hand down to his groin, finding the young head bobbing up and down over his excited member. He caressed the child's long and soft mane, only focused on his imminent release and the pleasure it produced. The boy showed remarkable enthusiasm but a lack of practice. A brushing of the kid's teeth on his sensitive glans brought him back to reality.

Was he lying on the ground? Alex did not feel too comfortable, he could feel the uneven soil under him, the grass, the morning dew. Suddenly everything came back to him, the getaway, Vance and his cronies, the scouts, the incredible sex, the fear, the adrenaline, the crash, the aliens…

He opened his eyes.

A naked Julian was looking at him, the tip of his tongue now playing with his leaking slit.

"Julian, what are you doing?"

"Let me," answered the boy who was determined to go all the way, now that the man was fully erect.

Julian snaked his way forward up Alex's legs, his waist and torso in a lascivious and sensual gesture, skin to skin, with a caress of his whole lean and supple body, to reach the man's lips and kiss them passionately. Next, his hand seized and guided Alex's shaft to the welcoming opening between his two firm mounds, he pushed back and accepted easily the imposing member, offering himself.

"What? No!" said Alex, taken by surprise. The boy had partially undressed him while he was sleeping, "Julian, what are you doing? What's going on?"

While it was extremely satisfying and pleasurable, he knew there was something very wrong going on. The boy had been raped, severely traumatized just the day before, having him acting this way was impossible.

"Let me," repeated Julian, his eyes half closed, obviously in bliss, now squatting on the man's rod, setting a rhythm up and down.

Alex had to refrain himself from responding to the child's stimulating moves. "Julian, please stop, what are you doing? It is not right. Why are you doing that?"

"Because it feels good. As soon as I woke up, I wanted you inside me."

The boy was obviously not himself. What had been done to him? As much as Alex would have loved to have sex with him, he was repelled by the situation, but what could he do. He did not want to worsen the boy's obvious altered state of mind and refuse him bluntly. Beside them, he could see Roberto and Yuki still soundly asleep, there was no sign of Art and the two other boys, Daniel and Lance. Where had they gone? It was all confusing. Should he force the boy to stop?

Alex decided to adopt a half measure and took the boy in his arms gently to calm him down without pushing him away and tried to stay as neutral in the act as possible. It could have been considered hypocritical, but for him it was the most responsible attitude he could think of.

Julian, despite the lack of response from Alex, was not discouraged. He was the perfect sex crazed lover any man who appreciated boys could dream of, rubbing himself against Alex, moaning, caressing, kissing, fornicating with gusto, and without inhibitions. Even after Alex had ejaculated, he did not let go, waiting until the man's member deflated to let it slip out with regret, it was clear he still wanted more.

"You didn't last long this time, make it go up again," he whispered covertly in the man's ear.

"What? Go up? What do you mean?"

"You know…" Julian said, shaking the man's flaccid cock, "You kept at it for such a long time before."

"I did nothing, I never touched you."

At the same time, Julian had every reason to be confused, it could be true in the boy's eyes, thought Alex–he had fucked Ethan, Gavin, and Roberto and Julian had probably seen most of it.

"Sure you touched me, and you did much more than that, for a very long time. It was kind of strange though."

"Strange? Tell me. What do you remember?"

"Well, I was terrified, again, afraid of the creature that had taken me, it was so strong there was nothing I could do. I tried."

"I don't doubt it."

"I feared it would hurt me, kill me, eat me, but no, what that thing wanted was to fuck me and it did."

"It had sex with you?" said Alex appalled.

"You bet, and it was the best feeling ever, not only that, but all my pains were gone, my burning throat and butt and everything else, the cold, the aches… Then you came and took its place and it was even better. All I can wish for now is to have you inside me, always."

"I'm sorry, Julian, but you must have dreamed it all. What you say is impossible. Try to remember, after your capture we only met again near the spaceship, you were with Art and the alien and even that doesn't make much sense come to think of it."

The boy did not answer, as befuddled as the man by the inconsistencies of their stories now that their minds seemed more or less to be working again.

"But you were there, I'm sure of that. It was no dream." "How did you meet with Art?"

"Art? I don't know, the big thing took us, and then I was left with Serto, and Art was there."

"Serto?"

"Yes, the small alien, he was the one who healed me. Then … then you came … or …there was Clem too … and a few of the others … I don't know anymore."

"I think someone has been playing with our minds. I have no idea where we are, we should have gone to the rally point. Perhaps it is that creature Serto, or whatever it is, that's responsible."

"There's only the two of us, please, fuck me again, that's all there is to do, that's all I want for now," insisted Julian, still at work on the man's half-rigid member.

"No, I cannot do that. There's something very wrong going on, some of the boys are missing too. We have to find them and leave, go back to the camp, Clem and the rest of the group should be there, waiting for us. I don't know what Serto did to you; he certainly did meddle with your brain. You must come to your senses and leave my cock alone. I will not take advantage of you in these circumstances."

"But…""What are you two doing?" asked a still sleepy Yuki, soon joined by Roberto who had also awakened.

"I know exactly what they are doing," he said in a reprobate tone, "and I don't think you should do it with Julian, Alex."

"It's not me, I'm afraid your friend has a very serious problem," answered the man, trying to exonerate himself with some difficulty. The open shirt and pants, Julian's fingers around his half-erect member still sticky with cum did not plead in his favor.

In that moment, Zintuk chose to reappear with Serto, Lance, and Daniel.

"What the hell!" exclaimed Alex at the sight of the naked silhouette, wearing his exact features, coming out of the trees escorted by the alien Serto and the two missing boys, all of them naked.

***

The little group was progressing with difficulty, slowed down by Vance, for whom, despite his two human crutches, every step was painful. His grip on the boys' neck was unflinching and hurting and all Ethan and Dennis could think of was to escape. They were as ready as they could be.

One of their cousins was deaf and they had learned sign language, which was very useful when they wanted to communicate without anybody knowing what they were saying. They had to be very careful though, through experience they had learned that the men holding them were ruthless and without mercy. Still, in silence, they elaborated a plan, now waiting for the perfect moment to put it in action. They would have no second chance and they knew their lives were in the balance.

It was Ethan who gave the signal: he sent an elbow kick to Vance's side with a vengeance, not missing the spot where it would hurt the most. Vance folded in two wracked with pain and perhaps more. It was so intense that he did not doubt one of his broken ribs had pierced his lung, and at first, was incapable of uttering a sound.

The moment had indeed been perfectly chosen. Reece, usually walking behind them had gone to speak with Larry, ahead by a few feet. The woods around them were particularly dense. Running, they could be out of sight in seconds. They sprinted away leaving Vance and his two cronies behind before anything could be done to stop them.

"La-rrry," croaked Vance, as he pulled out his gun and fired in the direction taken by the twins.

Larry and Reece turned around at once but by that time the boys were gone, hidden by the foliage; they could only hear the rustle of leaves and broken twigs on their passage. Larry raised his shotgun and fired both barrels at once, while Reece, who had no idea where their captives could be or where he should aim his gun, started firing in the same direction.

The two brothers then hesitated, should they run after the boys? Was it not too late already?

Vance was sitting on the ground recuperating, he had let go of his revolver, his head lowered, cold sweat on his brow.

"Do we go after them?" asked Reece, without conviction.

"Useless," replied Vance in a shallow breath.

"This is going from bad to worse," said Larry, his pessimism rising to a dangerous level.

Already beyond their reach, the twins kept running for a good five minutes whenDennis shouted, "Stop, we have to stop."

"Why?" replied Ethan, slowing down.

"Don't you see? Your shirt!"

Ethan finally did stop and looked at his right shoulder. It was soaked with blood. "What's that?" he asked incredulous.

"Don't you feel it, you must have been shot!" said his twin, panicked.

Ethan, still unbelieving and with skepticism touched the red and wet stains with a finger. With the adrenaline of the past few minutes, he had not felt a thing but now he could feel a tingling that was verging on pain and he paled.

"I've been shot," he repeated, not knowing what he should do. He looked at the trees all around, at his worried brother. They were lost, alone and he was losing blood.

"Let me have a look," said Dennis.

"No, I don't want to see it." The spirited boy had gone and a sudden despair was overcoming the child, "Do you think I'll die?"

"Of course not, stupid, we will find help."

"But there's no one and we're lost," tears were forming at the corner of his eyes.

"We're scouts, scouts are never lost. We'll follow the car tracks to the road, easy."

"But we can't go back to the camp, they'll be there, you heard them."

"We'll find something but let me have a look first."

"If you want to but be careful, it might hurt."

Dennis gently unbuttoned his twin's shirt then peeled the sticky tissue from the wound with trembling hands. Ethan turned his head, looking away.

"How does it look?" he asked.

"Not so bad, it's not bleeding that much."

In fact Dennis was horrified, there was a big hole where the exit wound was, with something like a piece of broken bone where the clavicle should be and blood oozing out. It looked serious and he had no idea how anyone could fix it around here. They needed to go to a hospital and they had no way to do that anytime soon.

"It hurts now when I try to move my arm, let me see."

"No need of that," replied Dennis fast covering the wound again. "There's a medical kit at the camp, Clem might be there too. He'll bandage you and take you to see a doctor. How do you feel?" he added, now surprised to see Ethan still standing.

"Not too good, I must say."

"Let's hurry then but first I'll put something on the wound to stop the bleeding."

"We got nothing."

"We do?" Dennis took off his shirt then folded it many times to make it as thick and even as possible. He slipped it over the wound and buttoned Ethan's shirt over it tightly for maximum pressure. "It should stay in place. That's the best I can do for now. Can you walk?"

"I think so, my legs are a bit wobbly," said Ethan shaking slightly.

"Let me help you."

Dennis wrapped Ethan's usable arm around his shoulders and the two brothers started moving again; the sun had risen and lit the way.

***

Vance was sitting up against a tree with Larry and Reece squatted beside him. His persistent wracking cough with sprays of blood did not look good. Not knowing what to do, they just watched him struggle to breathe, wheezing. After a few moments, and a last spat of blood from his mouth, Vance grimaced, and finally spoke.

"Did you shoot one of them?"

"No idea, but I doubt it," answered Larry.

"We should have killed them all at once. Now it's too late. I don't think I can even reach that camp, now," said Vance as he resisted a second bout of cough.

"Looks like it. Sorry. What about the money?" asked Larry.

"What about it?" said Vance with a wicked smile.

"Perhaps you could tell us where to find it? We can't stay around here anymore; the kids know of our plans and you can't follow. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, all you can hope is for someone to find you and take you to a hospital. This looks bad," concurred Reece.

"You bet and that would be the cops, I suppose. Damn kids, can't ask you to catch at least one of them to pass my nerves on him, that would do me good."

"There's no way we can do that, better to forget about them, Vance. All you can do is rest."

"Rest and maybe die."

"Nothing's for sure, it looks bad but perhaps not that bad. We do hope so; believe us. Itis clear you'll not be able to get to that money anytime soon, though," said Larry, playing with his shotgun.

"If I make it, it means going back to jail for a long time."

"If we got the money, we could try something to help you, get you out of it when things have calmed down."

Vance coughed again; it was painful, there was no blood this time.

"Really, you would do that?"

"We might, that's your best bet for now. Make your decision; we won't linger too long, sun's up, and the cops or whoever else should be on their way right now." Larry stood up.

"What the hell. Haven't got much to lose anymore," exclaimed Vance, ripping open the cuff of his pants and handing a folded piece of paper sealed in plastic to Larry. "Here it is, you got all you need there, make good use of it."

"I will. Thanks bud," said Larry as he pulled the trigger blowing away Vance's head. "Good riddance, now we can put as much distance from this place, the cops, and those fucking aliens as we can. What do you say?"

"I say I never liked that pretentious son of a bitch, well done."

Seventeenth Act

"Who are you? Or should I say, What are you?" Alex was holding his gun, barrel down, with Julian behind him, moving slowly towards Roberto and Yuki to shield them in the same manner.

"You have nothing to fear," said his double, opening his hands in a sign of peace.

"So you say. What have you done to Julian? Lance, Daniel, come to me."

The two boys looked at him but stayed away. Alex had known at once there was something wrong with them, they were like Julian, their willies hard, seeking contact, rubbing themselves lasciviously against the two aliens, for his double was without any doubt one of those.

"I can explain, I can help," said Zintuk, "but we have to hurry."

"Hurry? What do you mean? Don't get closer. What have you done to these boys?"

Alex still had his pants and underwear halfway down his legs. He did not take the time to pull them back up and could feel Julian embracing him from behind, grinding his whole body, his erection against him, his small hand going around and seeking his half-erect member. This was quite an embarrassing position.

"I have a solution for everything, you just have to trust me and do as I say."

"You're dreaming, I see no reason to trust you, you've been playing with our minds. What do you want?" Alex was puzzled, what was the alien planning? Everything showed that it did not need to ask for anything. It had led them by the nose and brought them here. "Where is Art? What have you done with him?" He had just realized the boy was missing.

Roberto and Yuki at least seemed to be normal, the Latino boy holding his lance in defiance.

"I don't have time to explain. I need your help. I fear we are all in terrible danger," insisted Zintuk.

"Now it's you that needs our help? What for? What danger? Vance and the brothers?" Alex would need more than words to be convinced, "Have you seen them?" He raised his gun on alert, sending glances all around.

"No, that's not it. I don't ask for much." Zintuk took two steps forward.

"Don't get any closer!" warned Alex.

Realizing the situation he was in, Zintuk used all of his intellect and knowledge to do a diagnosis and search for a solution. He found some options, but they required the participation of the man he impersonated and the three other boys to have a chance to work. He had tried with Serto, Lance, and Daniel but it was not enough.

"Let me tell you, I don't ask for much. I just need all of us to join hands for a minute or so."

"To join hands? That's ridiculous."

"It may look that way to you but it could save your life and the lives of all these boys. Once it is done, I'll try to explain it all. It will take some time. Let us do that first, there's no risk to you in doing so. What are you afraid of?"

"You could try to get the gun."

"You know what I can do; I've seen it in your eyes. Do you think I would really need that weapon if I wanted to harm you?"

"Yes, I believe you could probably have done it long ago, but what you're saying doesn't make much sense and you did something to the boys."

"It wasn't me; it was Serto. At the same time, you saw how pleasant it can be to have very willing boys."

"What do you mean?"

"I not only took your appearance; I know everything there is to know about you and your preferences."

"What? No, this is not what I want, what I like. For me it is not only about sex. You got it all wrong."

"Are you sure? Whatever, we digress. Will you do it? I just need us to hold hands. It isn't much, and it will save your life."

The demand was absurd, the situation insane, true, you did not meet with aliens every day.

"What the hell, why not. Boys, let's hold hands, I'm curious to see what purpose it can serve," said Alex, finally pulling up his pants and slipping the gun in the waistband, ready to be used. Then he extended his arms and took Julian and Roberto's hands. Yuki followed with Daniel, Lance, and Serto, with Zintuk closing the circle.

At the last moment, Alex added, "Can I have a request?"

***

Ka'alek, the Prime Elder, was supervising the last operations to retrieve the Zintuk unit. The Nexus had been stabilized and everything could be considered to be back to normal. Still, many questions remained and his last contact with the librarian had been far from satisfactory.

All he had said rang false, asking to accelerate the return to the mother ship, to obliterate the crash area with fire as soon as possible, this did not sound like Zintuk at all. The librarian did not ask–he acted. Certainly, the last and unprecedented events could have been unsettling but certainly not to that extent… Or, did it mean that the attack had been even more serious than it appeared?

Ka'alek had no choice but to obey and keep his questions to himself, he was like all the Elders, at the librarians' service.

Ocet'o, one of his aides interrupted his thoughts.

"Sir, we have a distress call coming from the planet and a demand for a shuttle."

"Who could that be? We have not been informed of any incident since the Karac escape."

"That's part of the problem sir, the message was signed by the librarian, Zintuk."

"That doesn't make sense. Did you ask for more information?"

"We tried but the transmission was lost just after we received the coordinates. What should we do?"

I'll take charge of the problem personally; I'm intrigued. We are truly going through a very interesting and unprecedented time. Get a ship and a team ready. I'll get to the bottom of it."

"What about the Zintuk unit? It is set for takeoff."

"Delay that until you hear from me."

***

"So now what?" said Reece with a yawn.

"I say we go north, on foot, away from the ship and whoever comes this way to investigate," replied Larry. "Sooner or later, we'll meet with a farm, a town; be able to steal a car and cross the border."

"Sounds good, but it will probably take us days."

"You're right. That's why we'll first go back to the scout camp. We need food, and blankets for the chilly nights, and a map. It could be quite useful along the way."

"Do you think they went there too?"

"Who?"

"The scouts. Where else would they go?"

"Even better, we will get rid of them for good. That way there will be no witnesses to tell anyone we were there."

Reece yawned again.

"We'll need a few hours of sleep."

"We don't have time for that, if the cops, army, whoever else, comes this way, we have to be gone. We hit the camp, do what we have to do and then we're gone. I want to put a few miles between this place and us. Only then can we stop and rest."

"I must say, I agree, but damn, I'm tired!"

"One more thing; if there's anyone there, we'll keep one of those scouts alive."

"To keep you warm at night? Why not, let's make it two. Come to think of it, I want one for myself too."

"No problem, I see you've discovered what use can be made of them. I would love to get back my Julie but any cute one will do. They'll also be our insurance policy in case we meet with the cops."

"You think they're still looking for us?"

"There's no doubt about that. This crash might be a blessing though. It might occupy them for some time and they might forget about us for a time. Who knows?"

"I'd say we're no more than one hour away from the camp, maybe less."

"Let's get moving then."

Larry pushed Vance's body with his foot; it fell in a hole, out of sight. He then kissed the piece of paper with the instructions on where to find the money before cautiously putting it away in one of his jeans pocket. "Thanks Vance," he said ironically, spitting at the barely seen body.

"Reece looked at the clearing skies, the night was ending. "This way," he said laconically.

Larry followed; his shotgun ready.

***

"Come on, Ethan, we're almost there, don't let me down, I know you can do it." It seemed this night would never end.

"Easy for you to say. I need some rest; it hurts too much."

Dennis looked around, desperate. They needed help. His only hope was to get to the camp and that everybody would be there. Then it would be Clem's problem to find a solution. He felt powerless, ready to cry at any time, but he could not; he had to stay strong and not show his worry.

"Okay, we can rest here, but just for a few minutes," he said.

How far is the camp? Ethan was trembling as he sat with his back against the trunk of a red maple tree. Dennis wondered if he could go there at a run and bring back help. How long would it take? And what if there was no one there? This was his worst fear. What could he do then?

His brother's eyes were closing and he felt exhausted himself. Perhaps he could do the same and sleep; how good it would feel to lie down just for a minute, forget about it all, and regain some strength. Would that be so bad? He had done his best; he had earned it. His eyelids were so heavy that they went down of their own volition.

A noise awoke Dennis and as he opened his eyes, the bright sunlight blinded him. A new day had started. How long did he sleep? Panic quickly struck, Ethan!

As his eyes adapted to the light, he saw them, while not quite able to believe his eyes.

"He's awake," he heard, like in a dream.

"Dennis, don't worry everything's alright," said another voice.

Yes, that was it, he was dreaming, what other explanation could there be.

Dennis could see Lance, Daniel, Yuki, and the man Alex. Roberto was beside him. That, he could accept. They had been found. Help had come, finally, and he would no longer be the only one responsible for his brother's well-being. But there was more, a second Alex was standing beside Julian, both were naked and standing over Ethan, lying on the ground. There was also the alien that had taken Julian from the shelter and he could see three more that did not look at all like the first one. All of them bent over looking down at Ethan. What were they doing?

The dressed Alex had turned toward him.

"They're taking care of him. He was seriously wounded but they told me he would be fine. It's a long story."

Yes, even Alex had some difficulty accepting all the developments of the last hour. He had certainly been well inspired to ask Zintuk, as a tradeoff for their help, the whereabouts of the other members of the troop. Then things accelerated and he needed some time to digest all the information given to him and try to make sense out of it.

What Alex had understood was that Zintuk needed the energy contained in their bodies to contact his ship and ask for help. He had been the victim of an attack of some sort and lost many of his capabilities. He was stuck in Alex's body or rather a copy of it. The experience when they joined hands had been strange and exhausting for them but very beneficial for the alien who had regained some very useful abilities. He succeeded, as promised, to locate the twins and the rest of the troop. Something at first, he was not sure he could accomplish.

As Zintuk tried to explain all those strange facts to Alex, a shuttle arrived with the Elders. They were intimidating creatures with their emaciated features and bodies that towered above you, but it appeared rather benevolent, they were subservient to Zintuk, who, obviously, gave the orders. The alien still could not shift as he called it and change appearance. He was still deeply impaired by the attack but was slowly recuperating.

From the beginning, it had been quite peculiar for Alex to see his exact double using the same expressions and mannerisms. Now it was clear he was much more than that. He was facing an alien that had access to all his knowledge and most private thoughts.

There had been an awkward moment when he made contact with the Elders, before they fully realized who he was, but once that was done, even if he still looked like the human Alex, his behavior changed.

Alex and the kids, those that he could still reason with and not obsessed by sex, were still wary, not sure that the alien had their best interests in mind. When Zintuk said one of the twins was hurt and that they should go to him, they went into the shuttle with hesitation, not sure of his intentions. They had been relieved to see he was true to his word when they landed in silence close to the twins. The poor boys were in a deep slumber and Ethan indeed was seriously injured. They went to him and the Elders started to work on him.

"When I'm back to my true self, I'll be able to do much better than that," Zintuk said to Alex, "It will be as if nothing happened."

"That is great news, as the wound is serious."

"It doesn't really matter how serious it is."

"Then you can return the boys to their previous state?"

"Certainly, but don't you prefer them that way, ready to satisfy your every wish?"

"This is a little bit too much. It's not only sex that I seek; I want a true relationship between the boys and me."

"It seems I haven't had the time to evaluate and integrate all the data available. I am not myself, or rather the many selves that I aggregated for centuries."

Alex had so many questions and he started with the ones he thought the most urgent to predict their immediate future.

"Who is that enemy you've talked about? What will be our fate? What are your plans for us?"

Alex could have asked more bluntly, Why do you care? Indeed, what were a few humans for such a creature, close to nothing, he was tempted to answer and still wondered why those aliens even bothered to rescue Ethan.

"Unfortunately, I don't have all the answers to your first question, I'm working on it. For the rest, I am as surprised as you are by my behavior and in fact, I may have been partly influenced by sharing your mind and appearance. I thoroughly enjoyed that and had a wonderful time with the boys. I also may have, to some extent, been under the control of the enemy we talked about but it was still an interesting moment."

"So, what happens next?" insisted Alex, not satisfied.

"I'll add you to my collection and take you and the boys with me."

"Collection? What do you mean?" The alien's words sent a chill down Alex's spine. He did not like the sound of it at all.

"I'm a collector; I know you had a glance at some of my specimens. You called it a zoo. Well, it is something like that but on a much higher level. If you prove interesting enough, we'll have plenty of time over the next years to discuss it. You might not like that idea right now, I can see it on your face, but think of it: to spend your time with all those boys and to do with them as you like. What could be better for you? We'll go pick up the rest of your troop and then we're gone, as soon as I have solved the problem of the enemy. Thanks to you and your boost of energy, I'll be able to restore all of my capabilities. I never thought it would be so easy. You should rest for now; you had a difficult night."

Alex, on wobbly legs, left the alien and Julian with the Elders who were about done with Ethan. The wound was closed with almost no trace it had been there.

What should he tell the boys? Was there a way out of this situation? The alien's decision was final, he was not about to ask for permission. Alex would have never thought he could end up in a zoo and on the wrong side of the cage. In the end, their best interest was not on the alien's agenda.

Lance and Daniel were at least dressed but like Julian they were still in the same frame of mind, always asking lewdly for sex.

"He's awake," he heard Roberto say.

He turned around; Dennis was opening his eyes, looking around.

"Dennis, don't worry, everything's alright," he said, not believing one word of it.

***

When Larry and Reece arrived at the camp the sun was already well above the trees and bathed the clearing. It appeared deserted, no one was in sight, and nothing was cooking.

"They don't seem to be here," said Reece.

"They could be in the tents. They've been up all night, I say they slept in, only natural," contradicted Larry, caressing the barrel of his shotgun.

"How do we proceed?"

"We check the tents one by one. Once we find Alex, we take him out first, he has the gun."

"Just like that? You don't want to play with him first?"

"There's no time for that, unfortunately."

"We hit them; we choose a boy each; we kill the rest. We gather all that's needed and we're gone. No time for fun, that will come later."

"Sounds right to me."

"Let's do it then."

Watching each step to avoid making noise, they approached the tents slowly. The first two were empty and Larry let go of the flap with some frustration. They were more successful with the third one that held four scouts. The last one was equally empty.

"Only four, where are the others?" whispered Reece.

"Maybe they got lost or the aliens got them. Four is enough."

"You said you didn't want to leave witnesses behind?"

"It will have to do. Let's get to work."

They got in position at the entrance and Larry hollered.

"Wake up! Wake up little piggies, the big bad wolf is here!"

Clem and the boys jumped awake, they had nowhere to go, no way to fight back with the gun muzzles following their every move. Art let go of his lance.

"Come on out kids, let's see who's for dinner, well, rather breakfast, we're hungry."

They filed out, head down.

"Who's that?" asked Reece, "Never seen you before."

"I'm Clem, the assistant scoutmaster," he answered, trying to look defiant.

"I see, you're the one who stayed hidden in the forest instead of going for help," said Larry.

Clem did not reply; what could he say.

"Where are the rest of you?" asked Reece, lifting Clem's chin with the barrel of his gun.

"Yes, where's my Julie?"

"Who?" said Clem, uncomprehending.

"The girlie boy with long dark hair and the tight pussy. Who else?" said Larry, hitting Clem's belly with the butt of his shotgun.

The teen doubled up in pain.

"I don't know, we were hoping they would come here too," he finally answered, catching his breath, when Larry, lifting his shotgun, menaced him for a second time.

"Bad answer," Reece said, as Larry hit him again, letting him fall. He did not try to get up.

"What a wimp!" said Larry, turning toward the three scouts. "What about you little piggies? What do you know?"

"Nothing more, you can hit us as much as you want, there's nothing we can tell you."

"I'm afraid there's no need to pursue the questioning any longer. Don't you agree Reece?"

"I do."

"I say the scoutmaster and the nigger are goners. What do you say?"

"I know; you don't like niggers."

"I don't, that's true."

Larry pulled the trigger blowing off Benny's head then turned the shotgun in the direction of Clem who was trying to crawl away.

"Where do you think you're going boy? That's useless." He pulled the trigger again with the same effect. "Two down, two to go, isn't it boys?"

Gavin, without thinking, started to run, not getting far, Reece tripped him and he fell. The big man pulled him up.

"This one's for me," he said, holding the struggling boy against him without the slightest effort.

"As you wish. So, you're mine," Larry said to Art, paralyzed by fear, "You're not my Julie, but you're girlie enough."

With smirks the two men petted the boys, who were beyond terror. They had killed their friends as if they were swatting flies, without the slightest show of emotion.

Eighteenth Act

Art was silently crying, like Gavin, he was terrified, not able to believe what had just happened, the cold-blooded murder of Benny and Clem. This was first and foremost in his mind, more even than what was about to befall him and his friend. He could feel Larry's shotgun barrel against his back as they watched Reese going from tent to tent gathering food, flashlights, covers… all that he judged useful for their journey through the woods and the next few days.

"ENOUGH!"

The voice had come out of nowhere, there was a flash and the sight that followed was quite a shock for the befuddled boy.

Benny was there, on the ground and Clem beside him, they were both alive without a trace of the killing shots that had befallen them just a moment before, they appeared as surprised as he was.

They were not alone in Art's field of sight. He was looking at the man, Alex, two of them, in fact, one dressed and the other naked. Behind them were all the scouts: the twins, Dennis and Ethan, Lance, Daniel, Roberto, Yuki and Julian also naked. But what he registered first were the aliens, several of them, as tall, emaciated, and scary as he remembered them from his last encounter in the forest.

Larry and Reece were as stunned and disoriented and never thought of using their weapons, looking from one to the other incredulous.

"We killed you," said Larry in a whisper, fixing his eyes on Benny.

It was his last words, in the next moment, they both fell to the ground unconscious.

Art watched them fall with relief, in the next minute, the whole troop came to him and Gavin to gather around them and celebrate the unhoped-for reunion of the whole troop. He was still in a state of stress, like everybody else, sending worried glances at the aliens.

Benny and Clem stood up and joined them, appearing lost and unsure of their surroundings. They had thought they were dead just a moment ago.

"Are you satisfied now, Alex?" asked Zintuk.

"Given the situation, what else could I say?"

"Good, now I can concentrate on the enemy."

"He is with the collection at the crash site," said Ka'alek, the prime Elder. "I think it is indeed time to take care of him before he creates more problems. I won't be able to circumvent him much longer."

"I'm so grateful to you Ka'alek. He could have been successful without your presence of mind and intervention."

Zintuk's appearance was now shifting in front of their eyes as his faculties were returning fast.

The boys were watching the phenomenon, fascinated.

After taking multiple appearances, he settled for a gaseous one with an intense shard of light at its center. He still could communicate, of course, not in words but directly through the mind of the Elders and humans.

"You should all go inside the shuttle now while I get rid of the enemy, once and for all. We will be leaving shortly."

"What if we don't want to go?" said Alex.

"That is not an option, you can come willingly or not, it won't make a difference. Or rather it does. This whole area will be burnt to cinders. You don't have a choice, really."

Alex did not try to negotiate any more, it was pointless. The menace in the last words was clear. Zintuk was not used to be contradicted or disobeyed, his decision was made and it was not the wishes of a few humans that could change it.

At least the boys that had received Serto fluids were back to their selves and not seeking sex at every moment. Alex hoped there would not be long lasting effects showing later. He was particularly worried about Julian, who had been the most exposed and had endured the most in the last twenty-four hours. The twins would also need some attention, they had been quite shaken and he had not heard all of their story yet. He considered himself responsible for them all now and felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. There would be no happy return home and their future was uncertain. What could be expected of a life as a specimen in a zoo?

"Julian, go fetch your clothes and get dressed. Everybody, go and get what you want to take with you. We will board the ship now. There will be no coming back."

To his surprise, he saw the aliens transport the bodies of Reece and Larry into the ship. They were probably still alive and he did not like that. No one thought of asking where Vance was or spoke of the bodies of Mister Olsen and Rodney, they were to be left behind.

Clem did not comment, he had let Alex take the leadership for some time now. Five minutes later they were all entering the ship, with Zintuk still in the clearing concentrated on his task as the door was closing.

"You are not waiting for him?" asked Alex.

"No, he'll join us when he is done. He doesn't need a ship to move around. He is quite close to what you would call a god," answered Ka'alek in fluent English. No one questioned that, the impossible, the incredible had become the rule.

***

None of the scouts or Alex noticed that the ship had taken off, it was only when part of the hull became transparent and they saw the scenery around them moving fast that they knew they had left the ground. They passed the invisible barrier that had stopped them before without a glitch and could finally see the main ship, its mass and shape were impressive and one could wonder how such a thing could fly. There were no fire or damages of any kind visible.

The boys with the recklessness of youth were excited, talking and commenting on the sights in front of them. They probably did not realize that they would never come back to Earth or see their families again. Clem was looking at him, anguish on his face. They had no idea of what was awaiting them, how they would be treated, what would be their life aboard that ship. They were all exhausted after a mostly sleepless night, psychologically as well as physically. There was a sense of unreality in the recent events, to the point one could wonder if it was not all part of a dream. So many things had happened over the course of less than twenty-four hours.

Roberto came to stand beside him, taking his hand, he exchanged a glance with the beautiful boy and felt his sudden concern. He took him in his arms trying to comfort him. The shuttle entered the spaceship through an opening as darkness surrounded them. All the boys, as their mood changed, followed Roberto's example to seek Clem's or his own presence and closeness for reassurance.

"What's gonna happen to us now?" asked Ethan to the alien Ka'alek.

"You'll start a new life. A very long one. Nothing ever dies here. Follow me."

Those words raised quite a few questions but it was not the time to answer them. The door opened and they stepped out in two clusters, holding to each other, to Alex or Clem.

What they saw, at first, was nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary to say the truth. They were in a large corridor with gray walls, probably made of some kind of metal. Ka'alek was leading the way. They were treated like guests rather than like prisoners but it changed nothing, they were to be on the wrong side of the cage in the alien's zoo.

The silence was oppressive, all they could hear was the echoing clatter of their footsteps, no one spoke. Serto was there at the back with three Elders. The two brothers Larry and Reece for what they knew had been left behind which was not a bad thing. No one wanted them close by, whatever shape they were in.

Ka'akek stopped and passed his hand over the wall. There was a hissing sound and an opening appeared.

"Your environment is about ready. It is not perfect yet, but close. Make yourself at home. Zintuk will certainly come for a visit shortly and see what else you need or desire."

The alien stepped aside and they entered what was to be their permanent place of residence.

Their first impression was one of incredulity, how did they accomplish such a thing in so short a time. Alex reasoned that it was all an illusion, it could not be otherwise.

As he stepped forward, he was assaulted by the authentic smell of the forest similar to the one they had just left, under his shoes he felt the grass and leaves, the heat of the sun on his skin, he could hear the buzzing of insects–he had to believe what his eyes told him. They were back in the clearing and the scout camp was in front of them with the same tents set the exact same way. He turned around. The gray wall had disappeared and all he could see were more trees and as he raised his head, the blue sky above.

"Do you see what I see?" asked Clem.

"I think so," answered Alex.

The boys were less difficult to convince and were running toward the tents with enthusiasm.

"How did they do that?"

"I have no idea, Clem. Ta'alek said he was a god; I'm starting to believe it."

"This is gigantic!"

"It is. Maybe some of it is fake, only an illusion. I can see some differences." There was no parking lot, no bus, probably no road.

Roberto and Gavin were back with them, all smiles.

"Come, come see!" they exclaimed together, pulling the man and teen by an arm, soon joined by the twins and Art.

"Do you really think we're in the ship?" asked Ethan.

"I fear so," answered Alex, living under a tent for the rest of his life was not what he wanted out of life. At least the boys were there, they were not shy and held the promise of pleasurable times, many boylovers like himself would have dreamed of being in this situation. It could be welcome for a few years but boys grow up and this good life would end with the coming of puberty as the boys become teens and later men, slowly losing the particular appeal that he loved. He had to accept it. Some things could not change.

"Look, there's everything we need to make breakfast. Who's hungry?" announced Benny.

And they were, all of them. They settled at the tables near the fire and ate scout's food, sausages, and bread; drank orange juice and milk. Everything looked authentic and tasted rather good.

Soon tiredness caught up with them and two by two, or three, they went to the tents to lie down and sleep, perhaps try to forget the latest events and avoid thinking of their uncertain future.

Roberto took Alex by the hand again, and followed by Julian, they went into the scoutmaster tent, while Clem, logically, herded the twins into one of the other tents.

Shortly, silence reigned over the campground, broken only by the occasional soft snoring of the exhausted scouts.

***

Alex was awakened a few hours later by shouts outside the tent.

"Hurry up, hurry up," it was an excited boy's voice, "come see what I found!"

Julian and Roberto raised their heads, they were all still dressed, no one had had the courage of taking their clothes off.

They exchanged glances and decided as one to go see what it was all about. As they emerged from the tent, they could see no noticeable changes. It looked like any hot summer day in the Maine woods. It was almost impossible to believe they were in a spaceship, prisoners of aliens. They could see Benny jumping around and going from tent to tent to announce his discovery and the other disheveled scouts coming out to know what it was all about.

Once Benny had the attention of all, he simply said, "Follow me," and they did.

Benny took a trail cutting through the woods and after a five-to-ten-minute walk they arrived at a beach of sand with crystalline blue water. It was a vision of paradise. A little bit further, there was a house like the ones you saw on postcards from the far away islands. There were canoes too, ready for use.

It did not take long for the boys to know what they wanted to do. In the next minute, they were all undressing as fast as they could, freeing their lithe and lovely bodies from shirts and shorts, socks and underwear, as they ran toward the water.

After a moment of hesitation, Alex followed suit, catching up with them as they plunged into the clear salty water, washing away the dirt and sweat as well as their worries, simply enjoying the great feeling for a long moment. They soon realized with wonder that they were not alone in the water, fishes of many sizes and shapes cavorted around them and between their legs to the boys' delight.

Then the games started, it was inevitable, boys and water make a perfect mix. From the simple splashing of water, to tournaments with one boy on the shoulders of another and more unpleasant ones like pushing someone underwater by surprise, as well as many others, mostly innocent.

Of course, Clem and Alex were the main targets and getting most of the attention, the perfect opponents to test any boy's valor and skill.

For an hour, Alex, indulged in it, finding back the spirit of his young years, like any other boy among others.

It was natural, though after a time, other cravings rose to the surface. Surrounded by all those slippery and appealing boys, the embodiment of all his desires, he could not repress holding them in his arms and wanting to play with them games of a different nature. His erection was there for all to see and several of his playmates were not indifferent to it, catching or rubbing it with their hand or body.

Clem had followed the same path a few minutes earlier and had been seen leaving the group, to go back into the forest, with Ethan or Dennis he could not say. It was his turn to choose among his suitors, not an easy task.

The remaining blond twin was tempting with his slim figure, his ivory bum and tan lines, but was he ready for sex after his recent stay with Larry and Reece as Clem seemed to think? Then there was the lovely Julian, this time he could hope to have the real boy in his arms and not the sex crazed one. It would be rewarding. Gavin was worth mentioning, he certainly was the most experienced and quite a charmer. Finally, he grabbed the dark-skinned Roberto in his arms, he felt a connection with this beautiful boy who had come to him repeatedly and showed a true affection in many instances, not speaking of the souvenir of his gripping ass and moans when they had joined.

"Want to come with me," he whispered in his ear, seizing the young Latino's erect cocklet and brushing his own hard member against the boy's smooth and firm cheeks.

Roberto's sweet answer was a kiss and more rubbing.

Alex, with the boy held in a tight embrace, walked against the current in the direction of the house on the beach, away from the forest and Clem, and for some privacy.

The house was far larger and quite different from what he thought at first, not a simple cabin on the beach but a large villa with all the modern accommodations. There was a huge bedroom with a gigantic bed and direct access and view to the beach that was the perfect place for his coming tryst. They had lain on the comfortable bed together, the boy on top of the man.

All this was beyond his comprehension and when he saw the tube of lube on the side table, he decided not to question anything, anymore, and simply accept his new surroundings and all that came with it, dedicating all his attention to the charming boy in his arms. He did not only want to have sex with him but develop a real relationship that would enrich the two of them. Still, the needs of the body were strong and the boy's response to his caresses and kisses easy to interpret. True, the boy was not an innocent anymore and had not been, even before they had first met. To his delight, Roberto took the initiative, taking hold of his standing member and slipping voluptuously down his body, bringing it to his mouth. This was obviously not his first blowjob and Alex suspected he had had some practice with Art or some other scout before, perhaps even Clem. He was talented and did not only use his lips or tongue but had one hand playing with the man's balls. Alex's juices were fast rising and he put a stop to it.

"Wait, I don't want to come right away."

Pulling the boy back up, he placed both hands on the boy's buttocks exposing his crack and rubbing his leaking cock on his tight pucker.

"You can have it if you want," said Roberto seductively.

"You bet," replied Alex, one hand going to fetch the lube well within reach.

With a copious amount they were soon both ready and had changed position, the man now on top, the boy on his back and legs raised, ready for penetration but still cautious.

"Go slow, it hurt some the last time."

"It always does a bit at the beginning, until you're really used to it. I'll do my best. Don't worry, I know how to manage it."

This was nothing new for Alex who had known quite a few boys in his life and had without fail treated the boys with respect and avoided hurting them even when taken by the passion of the moment.

True to his word he started with care, letting the boy's muscle ring stretch and adapt to his girth and passing it with only a slight grimace and a sigh from Roberto.

"You alright?" he asked to be sure.

"Yes, you're big. Can't say it feels good but I like it, having you in me."

Alex kissed the boy deep and long letting him become used to his invading shaft and proceeding to move forward inch by inch, reducing the pressure each time he felt the boy tense. More than half of him was in when he noticed they had spectators watching them. There was a mirror above the bed and Alex could see the naked Julian and Gavin in the room, sporting evident young erections.

"Do you mind?" he asked Roberto.

"No, they can watch if they want. Go ahead, I think I'm ready for you now."

This was the moment he had waited for, moving in and out he started to fuck Roberto with slow but steady thrusts. He knew he would not last too long but tried to prolong the boy's pounding as much as possible. Alex was entranced, watching Roberto's face, with his half-closed eyes, and listening to his sweet moans of pleasure. The boy climaxed first sending spasms down his colon and starting the man's discharge, Alex did not stop his movements until he was spent.

Julian and Gavin then came to join them on the bed. It was certain that Alex was far from done on that first day on the spaceship.

***

The sun was setting, the temperature was still quite agreeable, far from the sudden chill that typically descended in the Maine woods.

It had been three days now and life was rather good for Alex and the boys. It was like being on a vacation with no end. There had been many more surprises like the visit of a few dolphins that came to play with the boys or the television set that was found in the living room, it worked and had several channels showing cartoons, favorite series, and movies. Alex had also discovered a record player with an impressive collection of records more akin to his taste.

Clem had settled in the scout camp, strangely keeping a distance from Alex who had taken residence in the villa. The boys went from one to the other, with some showing a clear preference but still visiting both.

There had been no sign of Zintuk since they had left him in the clearing, none of Serto or the Elders either. They found fresh food every morning in the villa refrigerator or on the tables at the camp. Days passed with swimming, games, music, television, or sex, a large amount of it and often with several partners. Alex thought he could definitely like this way of life. It would last for some time yet and who knew what the future would bring. His apprehensions of the first hours and days were slowly disappearing. It did not appear they should fear what the alien wanted from them.

Alex had indeed no idea of how they were to be treated.

Zintuk, after resolving the case of the enemy in what he thought was a satisfying way and taken care of many other matters that required his attention, discussed the unbelievable events with the other Librarians, and had settled their fate in a rather common fashion.

"Ka'alek, you will put the specimens in the archive as we usually do and replace them by their clones. You will give Serto two or three also to play with and keep him company, it seems he is bored with the two adult brothers even if he had some fun with them at first. The little ones will be more to his liking."

"It will be done as soon as they are asleep. The clones are ready."

"Very well, I should have time to visit them shortly; see if I still find with them as much pleasure as I did under the influence of the enemy."

Zintuk was his true self again, his interest for the humans was waning. They were just one more item in a vast catalog. Ka'alek was used to it, he would be surprised if he visited them often. Still, you never knew; you could always be surprised, like with Serto who he visited regularly.

A few hours later, Zintuk supervised the transfer of the original specimens in the archives. One by one, storing them in a stasis chamber where they would stay for as long as the collection and Zintuk existed in this universe and perhaps longer. Then he installed the replacements in the Earth environment. They would share all of the originals' memories until the moment the stasis chambers had been activated. Those were replaceable and could be the subjects of any experiment the Librarian deemed of interest, pleasurable or necessary.

Epilogue

Alex opened his eyes. He did not feel panic or unease.

He was immersed in a gelatinous fluid that covered him completely. He seemed to be breathing through it without any difficulty. It was slightly translucent with strange lights like electricity arcs that passed through it. He could not really see what was beyond it, only shadows.

He was at peace, feeling rested and in good shape. He was trying to recall where he was and what had brought him here.

Soon he felt the fluid that surrounded him change and liquefy, it was slowly evaporating, dissolving, disappearing. His nose, his eyes and mouth were now exposed and a moment later his whole body.

He was in a kind of sarcophagus; the lights had gone from it. There was a man standing beside it, a man with a familiar face, but he could not put a name on it.

"Take your time, breathe deeply, you're safe, everything's fine. You will recover the usage of your arms and legs shortly. Do not try to move before you feel ready. I'll wake the boys now."

"The boys? What boys?"

"The scouts. Who else? Don't you remember?"

"Ah, yes, the scouts."

As they were talking, more pods were coming out of the wall. Alex turned his head with ease to look at the one closest to him, there was a boy there, he could see him now that the fluid was disappearing, the sarcophagus sides were now transparent. He tried to raise himself up and was successful. It was pretty Julian beside him and in the next ones he could see the twins, Roberto… As memories, images, were coming back to him, he tried to make sense of his surroundings.

The lovely boys, as naked as he was, were now also coming out of their sarcophagi, as bewildered as he was, looking around, uncomprehending.

Roberto among them saw Alex and after giving a few accolades to his fellow scouts first, came to him and embraced him, soon followed by the others. No one was troubled or embarrassed by their nakedness, they had seen it all and done so much together already.

The man was back, he was wearing a boy scout uniform which looked out of place in that strange futuristic environment.

What was really troubling Alex though was the man's face that was so familiar. He realized that, in fact, it was his own face but aged twenty or thirty years. How could that be?

"I'm sorry but we don't have too much time, you must put on the clothes I have prepared for you. I'll explain everything during the journey," he said as a drawer filled with more scout garb was opened.

"The journey?"

"Yes, I'm taking you back to Earth. You have been put in stasis for more than a hundred years…

"A hundred years, that's not possible. What about you, who are you?"

"I'm a clone, your clone. While you were in stasis, you were replaced and I was the only one allowed to age."

"You've lived one hundred years?"

"Yes and no. My body has been replaced a few times but I've kept my memory. That's why I have two more boys I want to trust you with."

"What boys?"

"Living for so many years with the same boys, who themselves were replaced every two or three years can be the dream of some but has become hell for me. Zintuk, over the years, created new boys for me, he didn't want me to become mad. Those two I was given as babies they are very much my children. I don't want them to know whatever fate Zintuk will conceive for them."

Alex's brain was working full time trying to recover his memories and also to integrate what his older self was saying."

"How will you hide all that from Zintuk? He'll know we're gone, see that your–children–are missing."

"I've been lucky. Over the years I made a friend, Ka'alek. He helped me devise your escape and created clones for Johan and Shane."

As their names were pronounced two boys stepped forward already wearing the scout uniform and mingling with the other boys still half naked.

"Nice to meet you," was Alex's lame greeting. The boys were all but ordinary, they had obviously been devised to turn every boylover's head. He was not surprised to see Clem run up toward them and the immediate bulge in his shorts. To be honest, he was himself aroused but tried to hide it. They looked to be close to perfection but still with the small defects that made them human. One blond, one raven haired, both with enchanting green eyes, between ten and twelve, the perfect age, as if on purpose.

Ka'alek in turn made his appearance.

"Hurry up, we must board the shuttle now," he said, "We have a narrow launch window."

The whole group hurried as one, following the tall alien. It was surprising none of them were reluctant since they had been living in what looked like paradise only minutes before. Perhaps, it was because they intimately knew it was only a lure.

Going through indistinct corridors, they finally reached the ship to board it at once.

"We are going like this? With just these uniforms on our back? Where are you taking us exactly?"

"I told you, back to Earth, on an island off the coast of Florida. All that you might need is already on its way there in another shuttle."

"I can't thank you enough for what you're doing for us, the two of you." Alex was sincere although troubled to see the alien and his alter ego take their destiny in hand. There was so much he did not know.

"In a sense I'm doing it for my boys and myself, if you understand my meaning," said his older self.

"I do. You said one hundred years, I'm afraid there will be nothing left of what or who we knew."

"I won't hide from you that it will not be easy. Most likely, you'll feel like strangers in in a strange land."

"How long until we get there?"

"Two minutes," answered Ka'alek.

"That fast!"

"We told you we have a narrow window. We don't want Zintuk to know what we're doing and see you put back in stasis."

"You can at least tell me a few things about the world we're about to live in."

"It has changed a lot."

"I can believe that, there are flying cars, large cities, peace and progress, no more diseases, like in the books."

"There is some of that but the biggest change is the gods."

"The gods?" repeated Alex, "What gods?"

"We're landing," said Ka'alek, "Everybody off the ship. Hurry."

"You remember the enemy, Zintuk's enemy?"

"Yes, I do, of course."

"After taking off some of his powers one by one, as you take feathers from a bird, Zintuk told me he left him here on Earth."

"What for?"

"As a punishment, I would think."

"What consequences did it have?"

"The gods–the enemy, like Zintuk, were very impressed by the story of Zeus and the Olympus. He did find it to his liking and had enough powers left to recreate it."

Alex was dumbfounded. It was all senseless again. He was back on a beach, it was hot, and he was surrounded by the boys and a large number of crates close by.

"Poseidon has been signaled a few miles from here. We must go now if we don't want to attract his attention," said Ka'alek.

"Poseidon?" repeated Alex.

"Good luck, have a good and long life. Take good care of my boys."

The hatch closed, the ship left the ground in total silence and Alex and the boys were left alone.

Alex looked around him, at the chocked faces of the boys. It was not a dream; it was very real and somehow terrifying.

At the same time, they were back on Earth, not lab animals anymore, and free to choose their destiny.

THE END… or not…

The End