The fall television season had heralded a large increase in the viewers who tuned in Adam Conquers Earth on Thursday nights in prime time. The cast felt the thrill even as they hashed out the final episodes on the set. The only glum moments came as each of them thought of Wayne recovering from his stroke in sunny San Diego.

It was only one month removed from the renewal of the Writers Guild contracts for their show and a slew of others. And still no one knew what was going to happen, not even Hank Dobbs. But Alan had finished shooting the PTA meeting episode and was now in the midst of the final episode of the season. That moment always garnered a certain amount of excitement.

Mr. Blake stands at the blackboard writing something. The kids are gathered in groups around the room, and on the lab tables before them are various piles of material. The science projects are underway.

Adam is helping Beverly over in the corner as she and Denise are finishing up on a tangle of wires, magnets, tape and batteries.

"I don't know why you talked me into sharing this project?" Denise says.

"Because Adam said it would be impressive, you do want a good grade for the semester, don't you?" Beverly asks.

"Yeah ... sure, but girls don't build things like this," Denise replies.

"There you go stereotyping us as the weaker sex. I don't understand you, Denise. We have women astronauts and engineers. This is right in line with that."

"Beverly, I don't even know what this is," Denise says.

"Perpetual motion machine," Adam says, bending over to examine a detail.

"Yes, once it starts spinning it won't stop," Beverly says. "When do we see it start to work, Adam?"

"Now if you want, hook up the battery," Adam says.

"How can it be perpetual motion if it requires a battery?" Denise asks.

Adam smiles. "See, you do know something about it. The battery is just to start it moving, after that it will generate its own power from the motion so we take the battery away and ... "

The little machine starts spinning and they stare down at it. Beverly smiles and disconnects the battery. The machine comes to an immediate stop.

"It doesn't work, we're doomed," Denise says.

"You hooked the battery up backwards, reverse the polarity," Adam says.

Beverly turns the battery around and the machine starts spinning again, only this time when she disconnects it the machine keeps on running.

"Wow ... it works," Denise yells.

"Hush," Beverly says. "Don't make it sound like we don't know what we're doing. Thank you, Adam."

"No problemo," Adam laughs.

"What about your project?" Denise asks.

"Mine's all finished, you want to see it work?" Adam asks, and the girls nod.

Adam pulls his iPod out of his pocket, only now the headphones are gone and in their place is a tiny microphone. Attached to it is a tiny black box with little lights embedded on the side. He uses a pencil to move a few tiny controls on the box and grins. "Watch this," He says.

Blake is still writing on the board when Adam whispers something into the device. Blake suddenly looks up at the ceiling and then shakes his head. He has no sooner resumed writing when Adam whispers into the device again and Blake looks up. Slowly he turns around in a circle and looks up again.

Adam snickers and turns a tiny knob on his device, once again whispering something. Blake looks over at the door and walks over to stick his head out in the hallway. Adam whispers and Blake leaves the classroom.

"What are you doing?" Beverly asks.

"I'm talking to Blake, but he doesn't know where the sound is coming from. He's probably all the way down at the office by now."

"What does that thing do?" Denise asks.

"It throws my voice wherever I want it to go and the sound pops out of thin air, he'll never figure it out," Adam says.

"That's mean," Denise says.

"So ... and your point is?" Adam replies.

Beverly laughs. "It's just a trick, Denise ... lighten up."

Adam adjusts the controls once again, thinks a moment and then turns the knob. "Good, Blake won't be back for a while," He says, shoving the device back in his pocket. "I set it on repeat so the sound will keep generating just out of his reach, it might lead him right out of school."

"You are so mean," Denise says, and she walks away.

"I just thought it was funny," Adam says.

"Don't worry about her, it is funny ... we should play that trick on Steve," Beverly says.

"Hmm, maybe at lunch."

"Cut," Alan said. "Someone go find Leonard before he wanders away." The crew laughed and Tina left to find the man.

They shot filler material with Blake as Mark wandered out in the hallway to find Brian. Steve was there in his basketball uniform getting ready for his next scene, but Tim was nowhere in sight.

"Where's your man?" Mark asked.

"He said he had to go pick something up, very mysterious about it too," Steve said.

"He just likes surprising you. It just occurred to me that this could be our final day of work for a while, at least here," Mark said.

"When do you have to report to Hank?" Steve asked.

"I have my first horseback riding lesson next week, and then God knows what else," Mark said. "Hank is running back and forth to Arizona and the set they're building in the desert."

Brian just leaned on the wall and smiled. Mark noticed that and punched his arm. "All right, you know something, out with it."

"Not going to tell, this is Tim's show," Brian said.

They all heard the lobby doors around the corner open and close, and then Tim appeared with a grin. He stepped aside as Namuko and the two boys appeared behind him. They all wore shorts and shirts, having opted to leave the traditional Japanese garb behind.

Mark and Steve both came alive and rushed down the hall into Namuko's open arms.

"My favorite movie stars," Namuko laughed as he hugged them both, then it was Kenji and Edward's turn. Tina stuck her head out of the classroom and held up a finger for silence so Brian led them all down the hallway to the cafeteria.

"My God, you look great," Mark said. "When did you arrive?"

"We have just left the airport," Namuko said. "Your friends were anxious to see you."

Steve had Kenji by the arm and Mark held Edward's hand as they exchanged information about the flight and what they had seen so far. Tim and Brian had arranged the timing of their arrival to view the final shoot of the day and then they would have a weekend to play.

Timing was everything at this point. Their Japanese guests would see the shooting of a television show and absorb some American culture before they set off on their journey across the country. This was not just a fun and games visit, Namuko was going to give the boys some educational moments as well.

Tina appeared in the doorway and called Mark and Steve back to work. Brian led their guests down the hall to the gym where the next scene was slated to shoot. The crew looked puzzled at the three Japanese people who took seats against the wall behind the cameras, but the kids playing basketball were too engaged in the scene to bother looking.

This was to be another first for Butch. He had finally been accepted on the basketball team thanks to Adam and VP Jones. This was his first game of the season and the Mudcats were the underdog. As they had written the scene, Butch would get frustrated when the coach held him on the bench for the first half of the game. But Steve couldn't make the shots he wanted and that would turn into a physical struggle on the court.

Then Steve would get knocked down and injured by one of the opponents. That opened the slot for Butch to move in, and the boy took over the game. Mark's objective was to show that the prejudice the other boys and the coach had for Butch was unfounded, he was a team player and a damn fine one at that.

The Mudcats would win by ten points and Butch would get the glory as Steve limped off to the locker room. But once the team had changed out there was no sign of Steve's injury, he had been faking all along just to get Butch in the game. Steve and Adam would be seen walking down the back hall arm in arm, proud that their gambit had worked.

Of course Brian had to explain all this to Namuko and the boys, there was no way they could tell what was happening. But they sat and watched as the basketball game progressed in fits and starts as the cameras were moved around and Alan yelled 'cut' a dozen times. And then after an hour of shooting Alan called a break to look at what they had so far.

"This is the director's first look at what the camera sees," Mark explained. "He will take this back to the studio and make his choices for the final look of the scenes."

"This is very complicated," Edward said. "All these people just to make a little picture on the television. Kenji and I watched some television on the plane."

"We saw a movie," Kenji said. "But on the little screen it looked like a television program."

"You should see a movie on Tim's television, it's huge," Steve said.

"It's still a small thing compared to all we can see with our eyes," Edward replied.

"He's right," Mark said. "But in two weeks I start working on a movie, and that will show on a big screen."

Evan Taylor arrived at the school just before lunch and Mark introduced him to Namuko and the boys.

"I've seen your face in movies before," Namuko said. "I enjoyed your performance."

"Thank you," Evan said. "I was just planning to take everyone out to lunch before our busy afternoon, will you join us?"

"I would be most grateful, I did not eat on the airplane," Namuko said.

Evan smiled. "That just proves you're a wise man, the food they serve is unpalatable."

"This is so," Namuko replied.

Brian was amused that Evan took to Namuko so quickly, but maybe they recognized the commonality they shared, gay men often did that. Evan had chosen Saluto's for their luncheon, a good choice with a wide American style menu. Kenji and Edward ordered hamburgers and French fries, and Namuko allowed himself a chicken salad.

Talk was about everything but work and Evan learned about Namuko's relationship to Brian, Tim and the young stars of the show. He seemed suitably impressed by the notion of the boy's school and the teaching of the martial arts.

They finally returned to the school and prepared for the afternoon's shooting schedule. The school cafeteria was filled with kids and this was where Adam and Steve would begin the final scene of the season. Namuko and the boys once again stood in the corner out of camera range to observe.

"Action," Alan yelled, and the scene began.

"Beverly wanted me to play a trick on you," Adam says. "But I won't, is everything set for the game this afternoon?"

"Yeah, I'll fall down and get hurt just before half-time, Coach will have no choice but to put Butch in as a substitute," Steve replies. "Are you going to ... well, you know ... help him out?"

"He's pretty good from what I've seen. I don't think I'll have to do anything ... " And then Adam freezes. "Uh Oh," He says. From his pocket comes an incessant beeping sound and Adam pulls out the converted iPod. There is a small light flashing on one side. "I forgot to turn it off ... come on," Adam says, rising from the table and rushing towards the door.

"Cut," Alan said. "Reset."

The crew wheeled the camera boom out into the hallway and took up their station. A bundle of thin wires ran under the door of the Boy's bathroom and over to a control panel off to one side. Mark explained to their guests what was about to happen.

"This is something that will be presented at the end of the show for this season, the arrival of Adam's father. That man over there controls the special effects and the sequence of events is complicated, but there will be some small explosions, nothing to worry about."

The camera crew in the hallway moved in behind the explosion proof screen and the other crews took up their positions. Frank and Alan went over the timeline once again with the special effects team leader. Safety dictated that no one would be in the blast zone when the door was blown, so the events were shot out of sequence.

Frank and Mitch took the Steadicam into the bathroom and a few minutes later Tina called places. Mark and Steve stood in the hallway and awaited their cue.

"Action," Alan said. Adam opened the bathroom door and rushed inside with Steve right behind him.

"What's happening?" Steve asks.

"The communicator ... um, my iPod has been on all morning, I was playing a trick on Blake in science class and forgot to turn it off. Now I'm in big trouble."

"Trouble ... what are you talking about?" Steve asks.

Adam holds up the iPod with its flashing light. "Someone has tracked my device. See that red light, that can only mean one thing ... they're using my signal as a homing beacon, they're about to arrive."

"Arrive? You mean in a spacecraft?"

"No, that's probably already in orbit, it has to be my father," Adam says. The little red light starts flashing faster and the beeping increases. "He's on his way ... Oh Damn ... this room is too small for the pressure wave, we have to get out of here."

Adam grabs Steve and pulls him through the bathroom door. "Cut," Alan yelled.

Evan was standing out in the hallway in his spacesuit which was a larger version of the one Adam had worn upon arrival in the desert.

"Wow, nice getup," Mark said.

"You think? Maybe we can start a new fashion trend," Evan laughed as Gina made a few adjustments.

"Mine nearly did me in when we were out in the desert."

"This one is Kevlar, no rubber backing on the fabric," Gina said. "I'm still sorry about your costume screw up."

Mark smiled. "No one blames you, Gina ... that was my fault."

"Clear the hallway," Tina yelled.

"Fire zone," The effects man yelled.

The cast moved down the hall and around the corner into the lobby. The only remaining guys in the hall were the camera crew, the effects man and two crew members designated for fire suppression if necessary. All setups for explosive devices had to be approved by the county inspector, and the effects manager held a special license for rigging and setting off these devices.

Frank looked down at the image on his screen from behind a safety shield. "Rolling," He yelled.

The effects man sounded a portable horn to alert everyone and the cast covered their ears. "Fire in the hole, in three ... two ... one ... " And there were several small explosions, the whole effect quite anti-climatic.

Frank saw the puffs of smoke around the door which simulated the pressure wave inside the bathroom. The door had been removed from its hinges so it fell flat on the floor in a cloud of dust. "Clear," The effects man yelled and sounded the horn once again.

"That looked good," Alan said, "Let's finish up."

The prop crew moved into the bathroom and began to build a pile of ceiling tiles and debris, then Evan was escorted into his place and he was covered in broken tiles and dust. The helmet was put in place and the air was filled with smoke. Alan stood back and nodded, "Yeah, this looks good, roll cameras ... effects go."

Evan takes a step forward as the space behind him fills with spraying water and a section of ceiling collapses. He reaches up, pulls off the helmet, and with a stern voice delivers his line:

"Hello, son ... I've been looking for you."

"Cut ... reset," Alan said, and the prop crew moved back in. Mark and Steve took their places at the end of the fallen door and the makeup girl pounced their faces with a large powder puff and made sure it fell on their shoulders and chests. A long shot from the front ensued, showing the boys covered in dust, and then the rear shot over their shoulders showing Evan stepping out of the smoke.

Alan grinned as he reviewed the sequences. The look on Adam's face was priceless. A true sense of shock and awe, Steve just looked scared. Evan Taylor had made his appearance on the show, and now the audience would not see him again until next season. Alan had agreed with Mark. Let them wonder what would happen in a confrontation of father and son.

It took an hour to clear the hallway of all the cables, special effects equipment and safety barriers. Alan walked the hallway and stood just outside the disaster zone of the bathroom. The image was perfect for the next and final scene to be shot.

Vice-Principal Jones steps through the locker room door and begins to whistle as she casually walks down the hall. She seems happy, without a care in the world. The hallways were empty and quiet as she turns the corner. The Steadicam moved in front of her and she seemed to smile into the lens and then her eyes harden, her features changing.

The camera moved to one side as Jones takes a few final steps and the view moves behind her and widens out to show the carnage of the bathroom spread out across the hallway. Slowly Jones begins to clench her fists and her body stiffens. She whirls around and looks back down the empty hall as the camera moves in for a close up.

Jones opens her mouth and screams. "Adam ... !"

"Cut," Alan said. "I believe that's a wrap."

The crew cheered and some of the cast joined in, the season had been finished, at least their part of it. Alan and his guys would spend the next week finalizing half a dozen episodes, but the pressure was off ... at least for now. Triton would throw the usual wrap up party this evening, but Mark wasn't sure everyone would feel the joy of this moment like they had the previous season.

He was looking ahead to the film with Hank, and dreading his horseback riding lessons next week. He had promised Steve some time to review scripts, and now they had Japanese guests to entertain. As the eternal optimist, Mark knew he had a full and happy life, but it would also be damn nice to vanish from this chaotic world.

Once released, Mark and Steve led the parade out to the parking lot where they abandoned the school site very quickly. It was still fairly early in the afternoon when they arrived at the gates to the house, and Rosie met them at the door.

Mark made the introductions before leaving the four adults to fend for themselves while the boys went downstairs to sort out the bathing suit situation and head for the pool. By five they were all out of the water and lounging around in the shade of the gazebo.

"Are you coming with us to Disneyland tomorrow?" Edward asked.

"What did Tim decide, Steve?" Mark asked.

"He said it's a suicide mission, but Disney said it would be okay," Steve replied.

"What is the problem?" Edward asked.

"People ... fans of the show," Mark replied. "I want you two to have a good time and being with us is no guarantee of that. There will be many young girls who want to follow us around, it happens every time we go out in public."

"You have no privacy, how sad," Kenji said.

"There is no way of disguising our faces that will work, we've tried," Steve said. "Millions of people know what we look like."

"So you will need protection, we will be there," Kenji said.

Mark laughed. "I appreciate the offer, but martial arts used against our fans will only bring us grief. We will go and Tim will bring security guards, it's the way of things now. We should go shower and jump in the tub."

"Yes, it will be like old times," Steve said.

The open shower in the sunroom only had two nozzles so they took turns soaping and rinsing, with lots of giggling and laughter. Mark had forgotten how sexy looking the Japanese boys could be, but Steve had remembered, and his body responded. It wasn't long before they were all aroused and with it came a certain bashful attitude.

Steve was embarrassed. "I didn't react like this in Japan, what's going on?" He asked Mark, but Kenji stepped forward and slid an arm around Steve's waist.

"You are older and wiser now, my friend ... we both knew there were other feelings we shared that could not be expressed."

Steve drew his face closer to Kenji and they embraced. Mark stood under the shower beside Edward and they eyed one another. "It's not your way," Mark said, and Edward nodded before he stepped closer. His hand slid down Mark's side and their bodies came together, they were lost in the moment.

Hands and cocks played and touched, driving them all over the edge in an orgy of expression, and ultimately orgasm. It left them huddled on the shower floor panting heavily, lost in the feelings of shared bliss. They did not see Namuko smile as he stood in the shadows of the stairwell. He then turned and walked back upstairs very quietly.

The boys were all sitting in the tub when Namuko returned. He walked over to view the fish in the pond and the boys saw him smile.

"Such beauty of color, so agile in their watery environment. I once saw a pond with so many Koi fish that I could walk from one side to the other on their backs without getting wet."

The boys laughed, figuring Namuko was telling tales again. "You do not believe me? What about you, my pigeon?" He asked Kenji.

"The master asks me to believe what my mind says is not possible, and yet he is not known to lie. You pose a puzzle I cannot answer," Kenji said.

Namuko laughed. "Well said, you took your hand out of the dragon's mouth without being bitten. I only said I could walk like that, I did not say I did such a thing. All those fish only gave me the perception of having that ability; it was never put to the test."

He walked over to the tub and looked at each boy. "Here I see a gathering of friends, young men of great beauty like these fish. They share strength and love. No one will dare walk upon their backs for they have chosen wisely. But I have come to tell you that Rosie calls you for supper, and I find she is a person who cannot be disobeyed."

Wrapped in towels, the boys ran upstairs to change as Namuko looked down at the fish pond once more. "What we have seen will remain our secret, little ones. In time their feelings will allow understanding of what happened this day, they have become brothers."

The evening was upon them and Rosie set out a light meal knowing the wrap up party would serve food. Then Brian urged them all to take a rest period as the night was bound to run late. Tim took off with Steve to rest up and change for the party, Mark showed Namuko and the boys to the guest rooms, and then retired to Brian's apartment.

"I don't even feel like celebrating, but I suppose we have to make a showing," Mark said.

"Yup, media event, Triton will have a fit if we don't smile enough," Brian said.

Mark slid out of his bathing suit and stood there naked with a smile on his face. "You mean like this?"

"Works for me," Brian laughed.

They lay down for hugs and kisses before Mark managed to slide on top of Brian. "I did something ... I want to tell you ... Edward and I jerked off together this afternoon, we all did it."

Brian smiled. "Boys being boys I gather. I expect you to do things like that with your friends."

"Oh ... you aren't mad?"

"Whatever for? I'm in love with the sexiest boy in town, and he loves me, what's to be mad about?" Brian asked.

"We've been faithful to one another. I didn't feel bad about doing it ... Eddy's a cutie. I think he's straight so it's not like cheating," Mark said.

Brian laughed. "I think you guys all just did it for fun, and if it happens again I won't mind."

By eight they were rested and dressed, James was waiting for them out in the driveway. Kenji and Edward looked incredibly handsome in matching blue suits, their hair pulled back and tied just like Namuko. The party at Triton was just another media event for the cast. All of them spoke reverently of Wayne and how he was missed. The photographers had a field day.

Mark was asked about his upcoming film project and Steve declined to say what he was going to do over the break. Kenji and Edward stood back and watched all the attention paid to Mark and Steve, but eventually they had their pictures taken with the two stars.

Brian woke Mark at dawn, a task that wasn't too difficult these days. No matter where they were, or what their plans were for the day, they always spent time in exercise and meditation before work. Today as they walked out into the back yard, Namuko and the boys joined them in greeting the sunrise.

It was a happy crew that assembled for the ride to Disneyland later that morning. Edward was the only one who didn't have a partner along for the ride, but he didn't seem to mind. The limo headed out towards Anaheim, followed by Vince in a company SUV with Terry and Manuel.

Brian had a shoulder bag filled with Adam Conquers Earth trinkets and photos. There was no doubt the fans would want autographs. Disney had been kind, knowing full well that a celebrity sighting at the park would garner them some advertising. Between the texting craze and the internet, the first fans that spotted the boys would have the word spread in a matter of minutes.

There was a corporate rep standing at the front entrance when they pulled up. Vince was shown to a private parking space and the guys went into guard mode. By the time the seven passengers had emerged from the limo a small crowd of curious tourists had gathered. Mark and Steve waved as they were hustled through the gates, while Namuko and the boys followed at a leisurely pace.

Inside they were introduced to several guides wearing the Disney logo on bright red shirts and were handed ID badges to wear around their necks. Vince and the guys managed to blend in about as much as any tall muscular bodyguards did in a crowd ... they stuck out like a sore thumb. The walk down Main Street gave their Japanese visitors a glimpse of what Mark had warned them about, girls seemed to crowd around in increasing numbers.

Brian managed to distract a bunch of the girls by handing out autographed photos of the boys while the Disney guides turned them towards Adventureland. The seven of them managed to board the cars for the Indiana Jones ride while the guides led Vince and the guys around to a back door. Namuko's boisterous laughter could be heard echoing throughout the ride, while the boys all screamed at every twist and turn. Kenji and Edward were breathless when the ride ended and they were all whisked out the back door and around the corner.

The maneuver had left behind most of the fans as they all boarded a boat for the Jungle Ride and had a chance to calm down. The rides followed in a blur of activity as the experienced Disney folks led them in and out hidden doors which led from the public spaces into the private areas. At one point they sat in an employee picnic area and had food and drink while Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck entertained.

Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain went over big with the boys, and Namuko. Brian and Tim laughed more at the antics of the elder Japanese man than they did at the rides. He was just a big kid after all and enjoyed every minute. But after six hours of a whirlwind tour, lots of photos posed with fans and Disney characters, the boys were ready to leave.

The whole ride home was filled with comments about all they had seen and heard, but the crew was tired. Mark, Steve and Kenji sat quietly in the pool watching the guys set up the grill for a cookout. Vince and Terry looked especially nice in bathing suits, and even Edward gave the men a second look.

"I think this is almost as entertaining as the Disneyland," Kenji said.

"The view is definitely better," Steve giggled.

"A strong man is to be admired," Edward said.

"No argument there," Mark laughed. "There is something about the male body I admire. Maybe it's just that I hope to look like them when I get older."

"You will, have no doubt," Kenji said. "I am glad to see you have maintained the discipline after your return home."

"Thank you, Kenji. Brian is a master of arousing me every morning so that we may practice."

Steve cracked up laughing. "I don't think Kenji was talking about your love life."

Mark laughed and then lunged, pulling Steve from his seat on the wall and into the pool. They wrestled around and managed to splash Edward who joined the fray. Namuko sat in the gazebo and laughed at their antics.

"We are blessed by the vitality of their being," He said, Tim and Brian could only nod in agreement. "They grow so fast, and the creatures we know will transform themselves into men we shall also love."

"What will happen with Kenji when he reaches sixteen?" Brian asked.

Namuko nodded. "There is time before the young bird needs to leave the nest, yet this one is special to me, very special. As with the others I will send him to university. There he will develop his wings and learn about greater things in life. But I don't think this pigeon will fly far, I am his for the asking."

"Are you thinking about settling down?" Tim asked.

"It's time, don't you think? We are much alike this boy and I ... more so than the others I have loved. His need matches the feelings in my heart and I cannot deny what is meant to be." Namuko smiled. "You may wonder at his desire for an old man, as did I. But his family grows distant from the knowledge of his inner feelings, a sad situation."

"Then you are his parent as well," Brian said.

"I meet his physical and emotional needs while Kenji's grandfather has secured his material needs for the future. The old man has visited me several times and he is in full knowledge of my relationship with the boy. His mind accepts what he sees, and we agree, it is Kenji's decision to make.

"But in a few seasons I will seek a quieter journey in life and leave Hediko in charge of the school. Then Kenji will decide, and if it is his will I will follow him. I am such a lucky man."

"Hediko is a good choice, there will always be boys who need to follow the path you have built," Tim said. "Will he have all the resources he needs?"

Namuko laughed. "I have been a frugal man, there is more than enough, but I thank you for your consideration. No matter where life leads me I shall always feel the desire to return and view the sunrise over the mountain. It is a source of great strength to me and many others, you all must come and visit us again."

"We shall," Tim said.

Manuel called them all to dinner, Rosie and Todd joined the festivities a short time later. Jean and Frank had begged off for the evening which didn't seem to bother Steve. When asked all he did was mime a swollen stomach, there was no doubt that his mother was pregnant.

That meant they were free to take Steve on the sailing excursion the following day and after they all ate Tim and the boy left, supposedly to ready the boat for their trip. Steve's small craft wasn't big enough for all the planned passengers so they climbed aboard the Real Deal and unlocked the companionway doors.

"Did you guys have fun today, baby?" Tim asked, opening a few ports to allow a cross draft of fresh night air.

"Yeah, watching Namuko was half the fun, but I screamed like a little girl on the rides," Steve laughed.

Tim slid his arms around the boy. "I don't see a girl, just a desirable young man."

Steve leaned up and they kissed, their night of passion beginning. Like Mark, Steve knew he might fool around with Kenji but here in his arms was the man he so desired for the rest of his life. And just as Namuko had revealed his thoughts to Brian and Tim, Kenji had shared his mind with Steve.

"It is time I looked ahead," Kenji had said. "I can only prepare my life if there is meaning and I know in my heart that Namuko must be a part of it. What he has given me can never be repaid, but I must try ... do you understand?"

"Yes, very much so," Steve replied. "I was adrift when Tim came into my life. Nothing seemed to work out the way I planned. But then he brought me hope and direction, I will become a man because of him."

"Then you know what I feel. Namuko grows older, not badly, but I can see that age makes his steps more deliberate, cautious, in case he should stumble. I must be there to guide him as he has done for me. Our passionate sharing will never end, but he has taught me to savor the meal and taste the flavors of our lovemaking.

"I brought only the hasty thoughts of a boy to our bed, now I understand where I must go and how to get there. Namuko says that was my greatest challenge and I am still fighting the battle. But youth is impetuous he also says, a word I did not understand until the Master showed me the meaning. In truth I am all that it means, and the Master says he cherishes me more because of it. I cannot help but love the man, my life would be a shadow without him."

"You are such a dear person," Steve said. "I cannot help but feel we are truly brothers, it will only become better with time." And here he was again in the arms of the man he'd chosen, the source of everything good in life.

"I see the wheels turning in your head, sweetie ... a lot on your mind?" Tim asked.

Steve grinned. "No, not really ... just thinking about something Kenji and I shared."

"Nothing wrong with a little passion between friends."

"Oh ... yeah, I did tell you about that, but that wasn't what I meant. Kenji was talking about his future with Namuko. He says the commitment is eternal."

Tim nodded. "They have a very strong bond, much like us."

The kiss this time led them to the bedroom, and Tim allowed Steve to dominate their activity. From Tim's point of view any sex they had was spectacular, but allowing the cub to maul him gave the old lion great pleasure. There was no denying the boy, only a fool would try.

The morning found them sailing once again with Steve at the wheel. That the boy would feel in control of such a large vessel didn't seem to surprise Namuko at all. Mark and Brian lounged on the stern cushions while Kenji and Edward climbed around on the bow. Vince and Terry seemed quite comfortable with Steve guiding their way, a willing crew for the captain's command. None of this escaped Namuko's knowing glances.

He could only compliment Tim's choice, Steve was perfect, they were made for one another. The sea was blustery this morning, the wind temperamental as they headed south. Steve had explained the compass heading, the GPS system and the chart which was up on the computer screen in front of him. They would dock in Mission Bay north of San Diego, and catch a shuttle to Sea World.

The run south was without incident, coming about several times only served to show off the fine qualities of the boat and the crew. They docked just before noon, which allowed Manuel to serve a wonderful lunch in the relative calm of the marina. Then it was off to view the creatures of the deep in captivity.

The afternoon passed pleasantly, the fans were restrained, a different sort than the Los Angles youngsters. A small cadre of followers hung around and all four boys decided to buddy up with them. Steve introduced Kenji and Edward as Japanese celebrities, and staying with the joke all day proved to be a lot of fun.

A long walk up The Strand on Mission Beach led them to Tipper's, a steak and seafood restaurant of some renown. The owner seemed happy to see ten hungry people, and they watched the sunset from the upper deck. Mark had let himself go all day, a level of relaxation he rarely achieved at home. And now they walked the surf line back towards the marina.

There were four pairs of lovers in their group; Manuel and Edward were the odd men. The boy seemed interested in the description of Manuel's hometown across the border, Mexico seemed so far away. In turn Manuel tried to visualize Japan, a place he had only seen in pictures. So when the four pairs retired to their rooms it didn't seem strange that the two of them would sit up on deck talking.

Edward understood that Manuel was a gay man, but he was unlike any other the boy had met. For his part Manuel was not sexually attracted to someone so young, if anything he felt a kinship to the boy, they were both far from home and family. They finally went to bed ... together ... to sleep, and somehow they did.

The wind was something else on the way back, ornery was the word Tim used. But they fought for every mile in the glorious spray from the bows, and laughed as the ocean drenched them time and time again. There was no way to hurry the trip, but then they all had nowhere to be today.

Tomorrow Namuko would take his boys across country, beginning the exploration in New York and spending a month working their way back to Los Angeles. The evening was quiet and subdued, an early flight dictated that. The seven companions sat on the deck beside the pool and watched the sunset.

"It is interesting to note that as the sun sets here that it has already risen at home," Namuko said. "One moment speaks of the new day, the other of a day's passing." Then he chuckled. "The Japanese are very much in tune with nature. Our small islands have made us this way. It is no wonder that the sun was worshiped for centuries as the source of our lives."

"The Egyptians worshiped the sun," Steve said.

"I think all cultures have a moment in time when sun worship is a part of their belief system," Kenji said. "I think the Native Americans did here, but not the Europeans."

"That's for sure, Californians worship air conditioning," Mark said, and they all laughed.

"Man seeks comfort in his environment, it must not be too hot or too cold," Namuko replied.

"Then why do people live in deserts or in the snow up north for that matter?" Steve asked.

"Ahh, a worthy question," Namuko said. "Is it possible that in this modern age they only know what is around them? Does a man who dwells in the desert heat try to leave that environment when he learns about other places less ravaged?"

"No, they stay where they are, generation after generation," Mark said. "They adapt or die."

"Yes, they endure because they must. And culture plays a large part in that as well. The Arabs of the desert may live in big cities and enjoy air conditioning, but they speak fondly of the old ways, it's in their blood," Namuko said.

"It is up to every generation to learn the old ways," Edward said. "Old ways are the foundation of the new, we must always follow."

"Well this old way is tired after a day of fighting the ocean, we'll see you in the morning," Tim said.

Steve smiled. "I may not be tired, but this new way will follow the old one, good night."

"Brat," Tim said, and they all laughed as he grabbed Steve and hoisted him up like a sack of potatoes. Steve squealed all the way across the yard before they heard his laughter in the dark.

It was ten o'clock the following morning when Mark met Wiley Bates, one of Hollywood's foremost stunt riders. He was going to coordinate the riding in Hank's movie and Mark hoped that if there were any stunts this would be the man to perform them.

"Mornin", Wiley said, shaking Mark's hand. The man even looked like a cowboy, a far cry from the equestrians that surrounded them here at the Hollywood Stables. "You look worried, but you can forget that right now. I've taught dozens of folks to ride, ain't nobody failed on me."

"Yeah, well horses are a lot bigger than I am," Mark said.

Wiley smiled. "That's a good thing, you feel like a fly on their back and they won't want to get rid of you. Come on and let me introduce you to Jasmine."

They walked in the barn and Wiley looked down at Mark's feet. "We have to get you some boots, those sneakers won't do. A stirrup is a hard bit of iron and it'll wear a groove in your foot unless you have something solid on your feet."

"I have some boots, I didn't bring them," Mark said.

"Next time then. Have you ever met a horse?" Wiley asked, and Mark shook his head.

The horse in the third stall wasn't that big. Mark thought a horse would tower over him. "It's a she, right?" Mark asked.

"A mare, yes. Jasmine has more film credits than most actors in this town, but her rough riding days are over, now she's a teacher. Hello, girl," Wiley said.

The horse turned her head at the sound of his voice and stuck it in the man's armpit as he stroked her neck. Wiley patted her cheeks and made kissing noises, Jasmine pushed her lips against his face in what looked like a kiss.

"She's a sweetheart, come on up and give her a smell," Wiley said. Mark walked up and Jasmine looked at him, her nostrils flaring as she caught his scent. "Jasmine is a quarter horse. A sturdy breed you'll find on ranches all across the west. They have great common sense and an instinct like you won't believe, smarter than some people I know. So let's take a tour."

Jasmine stood patiently as the boy walked around her, touching her flanks, mane and hind quarters. "This horse is well trained," Wiley said, walking around behind Jasmine and grasping her tail, He pulled on it gently and she turned her head to watch him. "Rule number one: never stand behind a horse unless it's Jasmine. She pulled a man out of a river by her tail in ... ahh, damn, now I don't remember the film," He laughed.

Mark learned how to saddle her properly, and the whole time he talked to Jasmine since Wiley said that was the best way to get to know her. But her back still looked mighty far off the ground.

"How do I get up in that saddle?" Mark asked.

"I'll give you a hand up now, but you'll have to pull yourself up. You can't be lookin around for a box to stand on. Besides, a horse will likely move as you mount and that would leave you flat on your butt in the dirt."

Wiley hefted Mark up in the saddle and let him get comfortable. "About the surest way to let people see you don't know how to ride is for you to hold on to the saddle horn like you're doin. Just relax now ... she can feel your fear. Lean down and stroke her neck, and keep your feet off her flanks." Then he made Mark climb down.

The stirrups were too high off the ground for Mark to place his foot in them. Wiley taught him to mount in stages. He would hold the reins in one hand and give a little jump to grab the saddle horn. It meant pulling himself up until he could slide a foot in the stirrup and swing his other leg over the horse's back. Mark took a few attempts to master the move, but Wiley seemed pleased. "Now I think we can ride," He said. "I'll go get my horse."

And what a horse it was. Jasmine was what they called a palomino and her mottled coloring had allowed her to play in many a western film. Thunder was a huge black beauty that Wiley said he had rescued from an owner who didn't care for him well. As stallions go, Thunder was almost a pure Arabian breed, a show horse.

Side by side Wiley had them ride around the fenced enclosure. A few spectators stood watching, but no one waved or distracted the horses. Finally Wiley opened the gate and they rode out along one of the bridle paths. Mark felt elated.

They rode for an hour, and the whole time Wiley explained the way a horse thought and reacted. He taught Mark how to sit in the saddle and promised him a sore butt if he did it wrong. But they walked the horses the whole time. There would be other lessons that taught greater skills. Finally they returned to the barn and Mark slid off Jasmine's back to the ground.

"You better thank her, she expects it," Wiley said.

Mark rubbed Jasmine's nose and she nibbled at his fingers. "Is she hungry?" Mark asked.

Wiley nodded. "Never met a horse that wasn't lookin for a treat." He walked over to the stall and pulled open a box, tossing Mark a round red object. "She's fond of apples."

Jasmine took the apple from his hand and smashed the whole thing between her teeth, nodding her head with satisfaction. "Now you've made a friend," Wiley said. "She won't forget you."

Brian saw the grin on Mark's face from across the parking lot. The lesson had taken three hours, but Mark didn't seem to mind.

"How did it go?" Brian asked.

"Awesome ... I'm gonna be a cowboy," Mark said. "Right after I get some boots."

Steve and Tim were at the house when they got home, so Mark had the chance to tell them all about the riding lesson. But Steve had a big grin on his face and Mark knew something was up.

"What did you do?" Mark asked.

"This was delivered today," Steve said, pulling a box out from behind the chair. "Four scripts, Hank didn't forget me."

The boys poured over the pages for almost an hour, swapping the thin books back and forth. "This one is too silly," Steve said. "And this one, well, I'd have to be older to pull this one off."

Mark looked down at the yellow cover he held in his hands. "Well, Goldilocks ... this one looks just right."

"Yeah, I like that one too. But isn't it a bit juvenile?"

"Not at all, did you look at some of the plot angles?" Mark asked.

"I did, the dog has the best lines," Steve laughed.

Mark shook his head. "The dog doesn't talk, don't be silly. All of the outrageous stuff happens between you and the mother. I love the lawyer's speech to the judge about the dog getting all the money."

"Okay, it might do," Steve said. He held up the final script. "So why do you think Hank sent me this one?"

"Probably for contrast, it's too melodramatic. And the title, Kaleidoscope Days, they won't pick that one. Aging hippies, drugs, that silly music scene ... none of that is worth making into a movie except for one thing, Hank wrote it."

"Oh My God, is he gonna ask me if I liked it?" Steve said.

"Maybe, just be honest ... look at the date," Mark said.

"Hmm ... 1989, man that was twenty years ago, Hank was still in school."

"I think he wanted me to see that," Mark said. "I bet that's the first thing he ever wrote, aren't we all glad he became an actor."

"I hope they pick Top Dog then, at least I have a lot of lines," Steve said.

In early November the Writers Guild called their strike and Mark joined the picket lines. Walter Triton did what everyone expected a fool might do. He set a timetable for the work on Adam Conquers Earth to resume that caused a conflict. And when the writers refused to return, Triton sued for breach of contract. No matter that the major studios like Triton were the issue in this strike. Walter Triton acted like he was the damaged party.

Unfortunately a court settlement was some months off and so Mark did what Todd suggested, he resigned from the show as an actor. Steve soon followed suit and the production folded. Fans reacted strongly and the tabloids ate it up, splashing their grief and anger all over the headlines. But by then both Mark and Steve were hard at work, either across town or out in the Arizona desert, they were both film stars now.

Tim's mother, the former Mrs. Real, managed to slip a few photos of her ex-husband and Walter Triton to the tabloids. In living color it showed the men romping on the beach with a couple of sixteen year old girls. Walter's young lady companion just happened to be the daughter of a prominent politician.

Tim roared with laughter when he saw it, and called his mother to congratulate her. The woman had done what the strike could not. With one move she had brought his father and Triton down. Walter Triton was not seen or heard from after that. He and Lee set sail for the South Seas on the Real Deal with a scratch crew since no one from Tim's company would go with them. But then no one was really looking for them ... except for a certain politician.

Indigo and the Cowboy won for best picture the following year, giving Hank Dobbs his third Oscar. Mark Harrison was up for best supporting actor in a comedy role, but lost out to another newcomer, Steve Biddle for his role in Top Dog.

In all the publicity surrounding the films, the true story of Walter Triton's actions in the strike made the press. The television fan base was forgiving ... after all they now had two film stars to admire. The photo of Mark and Steve standing side by side at the Oscars was the only image anyone wanted to remember.

There was joy in Hollywood that night, but none greater than in Mark's mind at the success of his best friend. Hank already had another film project in the works, and in this one Mark would be the star.

There was still time to win that elusive statue, but at least Mark's prediction had come true. Steve was on top of the world, for the moment, and in Hollywood that was about all he could expect.

Kenji looked down at the photo in the newspaper Namuko showed him. He was happy for his friend since Steve looked overjoyed at the small golden statue in his hands. But his attention was drawn to Mark.

"It's a shame they both couldn't win," Kenji said.

"And what would be the point of being a winner if there were no losers, my little pigeon?"

"I understand what you say, but in my heart they are both winners," Kenji said.

"Yes, they are," Namuko said. "But you can see from the smile on Mark's face that he is very proud of Steve. What they share is worth more than a few pounds of metal."

"This is true," Kenji said.

Namuko folded the paper and set it down on the table. "You have heard the phrase 'No man is an island.' We as beings only gain our place in the world through the support and love of others. If you are so worried about Mark perhaps it is time to display our friendship and give evidence of our support, would you like that?"

Kenji placed his hands on Namuko's shoulders and slid into his lap. "What could we do?"

"I know someone ... "


Back to Chapter Seventeen

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"Adam Conquers Earth" Copyright © 2011 Chris James. All rights reserved.
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