CJ and Thomas stood on the tarmac of the regional airport in Guaymas, waiting for the plane to arrive from Flagstaff. It had been a dizzying twenty-four hours for CJ and the boy.

They had set sail at the crack of dawn this morning to make it back to San Carlos by noon. CJ had watched Thomas carefully during the voyage back, but if there was any stress created by the sudden arrival of Blake on the scene it wasn't apparent on the surface. Thomas had been warm and cuddly in bed the night before. It was as if the boy was waiting to see if CJ had come clean about Blake. He would know when the plane landed.

Glen was waiting in San Carlos for their return. He was just dying of curiosity over how the two boys would handle the meeting. They had dinner plans this evening which didn't include Miguel, and Matt would not be arriving until tomorrow. CJ couldn't think about tomorrow, today was either going to blow up in his face or be wonderful. All he wanted to do was scream.

A small jet appeared, they could hear the sound of the engines and CJ knew it was Danny by the cowboy approach and fast landing. Blake was probably enjoying the whole thing, he thought…he hoped. Thomas was plain antsy, the only word that fit at this moment and CJ could feel his anxiety as the plane taxied towards the private gate. It rolled to a stop and then the waiting began. A customs official walked out to the plane and the door opened, some stairs dropped down and the uniform climbed in, no one was allowed to exit.

Finally after a ten minute delay, Danny appeared followed by the uniform and they shook hands. A cute brown haired boy popped down the stairs and Thomas looked over curiously.

"I thought you said he was Navajo," Thomas said.

"That's not Blake, that's Bobby, Danny's boyfriend. I didn't know he was coming," CJ said. Shit, I hope the kid doesn't talk about our little thing in D.C.

About this time Blake appeared and stepped down onto the tarmac. He wasn't dressed in jeans anymore, this was the warrior Blake. His hair hung down either side of his face, the headband and a shirt he wore were covered with colorful Navajo designs. He looked stunning, that was the only word CJ could think of.

Thomas looked at CJ and said only one word, "Awesome."

"Glad you think so, but have you looked in the mirror yourself lately?" CJ fired back.

Blake spotted them standing at the gate and ran across the asphalt in his moccasins, throwing his arms around CJ. Thomas stood quietly by until Blake realized this was the other boy in CJ's life. Blake let go and turned to Thomas.

"You must be Thomas," Blake said as he held out his hand, "Happy to meet you."

Thomas would not be outdone and ignoring the hand he gave Blake a hug which the boy returned with gusto, and then their eyes met in a long moment of silence. CJ later told Glen that he held his breath.

The boys stared at each other, then both finally smiled and CJ began to breathe again. He hoisted Blake's bag and the three walked into the small airport building. Danny was right behind them with Bobby who gave CJ a big hug and introduced himself to Thomas as Danny's boyfriend. He and Danny both gave CJ a wink when the boys weren't looking. Thank you guys, CJ telegraphed with his smile.

"Thanks, Danny," CJ said, "flight ok?

"Sure, smooth as a baby's bottom," Danny replied," or Bobby's."

The boy gave him a whack on the back for that crack, they seemed to have a serious thing going here and CJ was so very glad for them both.

"Can you stay overnight?" CJ asked. "We have that business to discuss, you know."

"Sure, I've already started to make the arrangements, just like we planned," Danny replied.

"What plan?" Thomas wanted to know

"I'm planning a little surprise; don't spoil it by asking, ok?" CJ said.

"He does this all the time," Blake said.

"Yeah, I noticed that too. We'll have to compare notes," Thomas suggested.

Uh oh, CJ thought, sounds like they're ganging up on me already. He would have to be careful.

The ride back to the hotel was full of small talk and Danny gave them a brief outline of the summer's events at home. Bobby had changed considerably, he held his own with the other boys, something that wouldn't have been possible before. Danny had been just what the kid needed and their eyes spoke of love for each other at every single glance. CJ waited until they reached his room and the door closed before changing the tempo with his own boys.

"Come on, let's have it out now, I'm in the middle here and ..."

"Hey, we didn't create the situation," Thomas threw in.

"Yeah, CJ. We're just the victims of your evil ways," Blake said, but he was smiling.

"Oh, so you are going to gang up on me," CJ said.

"Maybe...," Thomas started to say.

"Definitely....," Blake said at the same time.

"I surrender guys. Can we sign a truce?"

"There you go, typical white man's trick, want me to sign a treaty after all my people have been through from you guys," Blake said, but the smile was getting bigger.

Thomas and Blake thought this was very funny and howled with laughter until tears fell. CJ sighed in relief, now he had two boys to contend with and they seemed to hit it off.

Thomas carefully unwrapped the pot shards they had found, laying them carefully out on the desk. Blake was stunned by the eagle etched in clay. He knew this was an important moment. Taking a piece of hotel stationary he began to draw the figures CJ knew so well, except now he saw that Blake had expanded the scene onto two, then three sheets of the paper. It had to be the whole legendary story unfolding before their eyes.

There were numerous figures of men and women dancing, the curved arch that CJ had seen before, symbols of the Fourth World and more. But now there were animals that appeared strange in shape and size. Blake drew for several minutes, hurrying his way through some of the figures and filling in others in greater detail. Finally he drew the eagle above all the other symbols and stopped.

"This is the story as my uncle taught me," Blake said. "It's the key section of an even larger legend story. I'm sorry I don't know it all by heart but see where the eagle fits above all. There are two lines that radiate from his tail feathers to each of the four dancers. Look at the shard, see the faint trace of lines below the tail, this is the same legend I just drew, there must be more of the story on other pieces...somewhere."

"Oh my God, you mean this went north eight thousand years ago, the whole legend?" Thomas said.

"No Thomas, it had to come south. The animals depicted are northern bison and even a few extinct species. But maybe they were added later? Understand guys, the legends tell us of a vast migration of animals and people. They all came south, out of the frozen lands. Alaska maybe or even further north? How do we prove it and how did it come here?" Blake asked.

"We need more information. It means going back to the dig site and finding other pieces of the puzzle. CJ, can we go back?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah, CJ, will you take me there?" Blake pleaded.

"How can I say no, you two are onto something really big here," CJ admitted.

"I'm not sure," Thomas said, "but if I'm right, it means that the whole history of the native migration on this side of the world will have to be reviewed. The eagle here has so many characteristics of the Inca and yet as Blake says, the people who did his eagle migrated down from the north. His legends prove that. Did they keep on walking south too? Did the population just up and move south into the middle Americas or further? But why? Or were the cultures joined together in some other way? All I have are questions."

The boys talked excitedly and CJ allowed them babble on while he sat on the balcony, his brain in high gear now. Matt would be back tomorrow, maybe he'd better come along and bring Miguel this time. Carlos would surely agree when told of the find. Maybe I can wrap this trip up with a nice ribbon around it, a coup for Thomas, and from it Blake will have a greater understanding of his forefathers. He had to find Danny, there was so much left to do. He went back inside and interrupted the discussion.

"Hold on a minute, guys. If we're going back to the desert we have a lot to accomplish in just a few days. Blake, I think you had better get some art materials and draw out that legend in perfect form, something we could show the museum people from Hermosillo."

Thomas was nodding his head. The drawing would become an important tool as they found more parts.

"We're gonna need a lot of equipment, CJ," Thomas suggested.

"Got you covered," CJ responded. "Why don't you call Doctor Diaz at the museum, I'm sure he'll remember us. Tell him what you found and that we need to put together a team for a good sized dig, I know he'll help. If there are problems then I'll offer the museum not only the exclusive rights to the shards but a chunk of cash as well. Better let me handle that negotiation though."

"Good move," Thomas said, "I'll help Blake find the artist stuff but where are you going?"

"I'm going to talk with Carlos Alvarez, we should arrange a little protection for our operation, don't you think? Besides, Danny and I have a few details to pull together. I was actually expecting to return to the desert and this time we're gonna do it in style.

"Will you two be alright? I'm sorry, I've sort of thrown you two together and we still haven't had a chance to talk about us, the three of us." CJ realized that two boys barely knew each other, would this work if he wasn't there?

"Don't worry about us," Blake said," we'll just call room service and order up a few beers and that cute porter I saw on the way up."

"Naw, he's not your type," Thomas threw back." I though you liked older guys."

"Ok, just try and enjoy each other and please, don't work me over behind my back," CJ said. He left the room and wandered down the hall to find Danny.

The boys spent much of the afternoon alone together speculating about the find and discussing what Thomas had seen, including the soldiers with their guns. Blake was learning a bit of archeology from his new friend and Thomas was just as fascinated by Blake's insider knowledge on native culture. They made quite a pair and it took several hours before the high of discovery wore down and they came to a bump in the road to their friendship.

"Thomas, I have to ask, do you love him?"

"Just as much as you. But I see the feeling behind his eyes when he looks at you...his heart is yours Blake, it always will be. You're so lucky to have found each other. Do you want some time alone?" Thomas asked.

"Yes and no. I want to sleep with him but we haven't done any thing beyond that yet. I'm sure that's been your privilege since I wasn't here," Blake said. His eyes started to cloud over, tears were not far behind.

"Hey, don't lose it now," Thomas said. "CJ saved my ass from some pretty bad things that were happening to me. I want you to know he has been like a father to me and there has been no sexual involvement at all. He's committed to you and I love him even for that."

"I'm not feeling jealous anymore, I like you Thomas. It would be like CJ to pick someone I would get along with and I think you have great beauty, inside and out," Blake said.

"Thanks, but you're a handsome devil too. I've never met anyone quite like you."

It was inevitable, Blake leaned over and they kissed. They clung to each other for a moment, holding fast, desperately trying to know each other as CJ knew them both. But the kiss had to end.

"Great, you just made my dick hard," Blake said.

"Mine too," Thomas said with a laugh. They both had to rearrange the furniture down there to become more comfortable.

"Do you think he expects us to have sex?" Blake asked.

"Yeah, I thought about that too. But I wouldn't come between you two. No, if he hasn't had sex with you then he has a reason," Thomas said.

"I don't think he'd mind, but I think we would afterwards," Blake said.

"Friends then?" Thomas said.

"For life," Blake agreed.

CJ came back very late in the afternoon. The trip to Danny's room had been brief. He hadn't even unpacked his bags before CJ was talking about the dig. Danny suggested that if they left right away he might be able to make the necessary arrangements. Poor Bobby, he hadn't even seen Mexico so CJ promised to make it up to them both. He walked them back down to the taxi stand and they were off, and as they drove away CJ wondered how he had ever accomplished anything without the hard work of his valued friends.

On his return to the room he found the two boys hard at work. Doctor Diaz wasn't in the office but his secretary was tracking him down. Thomas had told her it was the greatest discovery of the Twentieth Century. They had found Blake several large sheets of heavy paper on which the boy had briefly sketched outlines in preparation for the major artwork.

CJ made them wrap it up for now and get ready for their dinner date. They had just about finished dressing when Glen arrived at the room accompanied by Juan and Steven. CJ made the introductions all around and Blake was well received. The Mexican boys felt there had to be a blood relationship with this Native American somehow. Glen was stunned as usual by CJ's good fortune and he watched Thomas and Blake together with more than a little amusement as the four boys looked at the sketch Blake had made.

"Amazing, and they've only known each other for six hours? How do I bottle this stuff? We'd be rich if I could find the formula to whatever it is that you mix up here," Glen assured him. CJ was amused at his friend's reaction.

"It's just charm and luck in equal parts I assure you, Glen. Stir slowly and don't shake or you'll bruise the egos."

They walked down the avenue towards the restaurant and introduced Blake to the town. Thomas was never more than several feet away from his new buddy the whole time and Blake seemed to respond to this with his usual charm and warmth. CJ wondered what they had talked about all afternoon, should he be worried? We're a family now. Oh, how wonderful that felt just being able to say it.

Dinner was seafood again, some favorite shrimp and lobster dishes. Blake had no experience with either and Thomas showed him how to eat lobster. The boy was soon covered with melted butter and loving every minute.

CJ was basking in the warmth of the budding relationship between the two boys. Under other circumstances he would have guessed that they were lovers. He was sure that hadn't happened but he had left them alone long enough. No, Thomas wouldn't come between them, he knew the boy well enough by now.

He looked for the similarities. Both boys had long hair, Thomas' a bit longer in the back. Both had beautiful bodies, strong and muscular. Thomas was athletic and Blake a dancer. They were so close and yet so different; the duality of their spirits was unbelievable.

When the evening came to a close, Glen took the check and announced it was his welcome dinner for the new member of their band. Blake thanked him politely with a hug and kiss, both actions watched with envy by Juan and Steven. Now Glen suggested that they had been up since dawn and begged off any further activity this night, there was always tomorrow and plans to be made. CJ followed the boys into the hotel and locked the door behind him.

"Have you two figured out the sleeping arrangements?" CJ asked.

"Going to make us decide?" Blake responded.

"Yeah, we have," Thomas said, "Blake and I'll take the bed, you can have the couch."

"Oh, this is going to be tough isn't it," CJ said," I think the bed's big enough for all three of us, don't you agree?"

They agreed and CJ went off to the bathroom to brush his teeth. On his return he found the two of them in underwear, lying on the bed waiting...and making out

"Whoa, what do I find here? You forgot me," CJ said.

"You want us to get along don't you?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah," Blake said," we're just being friendly."

The boys cracked up with laughter at the look on CJ's face. But then they made room for him and CJ lay sandwiched in the middle.

"This reminds me of something...when I was a kid, maybe nine or ten years old," CJ began, "I used to camp out in the back yard with two of my best friends. One of them was Danny's older brother and the other a kid from my school named Tad who owned the meanest one eyed dog you ever met.

"That dog and I never got along. He once kept me stuck up a tree for half a day just cause I knew he was going to bite me if I climbed down. But when the three of us were out in that tent this mean old dog used to sneak under the flaps late at night and lay down with us just as calm as could be. Then first thing when the sun came up he would let out a huge fart that stunk so bad we had to bail out of that tent real quick just to breathe. This happened about a hundred times at least but we still used to let that dog in the tent with us even though we knew what was coming.

"The point of my telling you this is because I loved all those nights in the tent. The three of us would always end up naked, trying to discover what made our little cocks hard when we played with them. But I always liked it best when we were falling asleep all huddled up together and laying on top one another, it was warm and so very appealing. I could kiss Tad while he slept or play with Tom's cock, they didn't know it but I loved them. I knew I was different even then, but it didn't have a name, there was no reason to call it queer since nobody knew.

"Now here I am with you two guys, all we're missing is the tent. I love you both and I honestly don't know how this all happened. Matt and I were just going to have a drive across country and see what life would bring us. I just wanted you two to know how grateful I am to whatever spirits have favored me with your existence."

"I liked that story," Blake said," it tells me a lot about you."

"What ever happened to the dog," Thomas asked.

"He died of old age," CJ said," but you should ask Danny about him when he gets back. That dog bit him on the leg once when he was real little and Danny turned right around and bit the dog back, took off half his ear too. That was one surprised animal I'll tell you, he stayed away from Danny after that. We all used to laugh at Tad's one eyed, one eared dog but that little beast always got even by firing off those damn big farts at the worst possible time."

"You know what dogs do best?" Thomas asked.

"Besides lick their own dicks?" Blake laughed.

"Yeah, they give us unconditional love," Thomas said. "Sort of like this guy we have pinned in the middle here."

There was silence for a while and then predictably Thomas began to snore. CJ brushed aside the silky blonde hair and kissed the boy's neck while he slept. He looked up and saw Blake's eyes alive, ever watching and aware of the world around him.

"Shower," CJ whispered, and they stole from the bedroom together without a noise.

They stood together under the running water and Blake was the first to speak.

"I love you, white man. You made a good choice in that boy, I could love him too."

"I already knew that before you got here, my young warrior, you gave me the clues to find him. How many more pieces to our puzzle are there do you think?"

"Our family has already grown quite large," Blake said. "How many can it handle?"

CJ thought about that for a moment as he rubbed shampoo into the boy's hair. How many were out there in need?

"I guess there are too many for us to handle all at once. Maybe after this generation is grown others will find us. I expect as we all get on with our lives that we'll learn to know who needs the help and bring them into the fold. Especially you, Blake, your gifts will lead you to them."

"Be warned, white man. You better not be looking to sleep with every boy that comes to the door, I won't know how to accept them all."

"No, dear boy, I am quite satisfied with the love I already have. You alone posses my heart."

"Are you sure about that? Thomas is just so amazing."

"Yes he is, but he needs me for other reasons. I promised myself that I would only lay down in passion with you, and I've been very good so far. I have saved all of my energy for just one person, a young warrior of great skill and courage. He is now my life."

Blake allowed tears to flow down his cheeks but CJ knew they were tears of joy. He kissed the boy and held him close.

"And when will the warrior be blessed with this physical love?" Blake asked.

"The time is of his choosing. I didn't want to bring that into our lives and then walk away. It seemed cruel to put you through that. But here you are in my arms and I am yours for the asking anytime you want. Only now it might be hard to get the time alone. I'm sorry."

"I will soon be a man. Will you come to my birthday party?"

CJ smiled and ran his fingers through Blake's thick hair. "I wouldn't miss it. Anything special you want for a present?"

CJ gasped as Blake took hold of his penis. "You'll just have to guess," the boy said, and then he laughed.

The morning dawned bright and cheerful, followed by the busiest three days they had experienced to date. There was much to be done to relocate the dig site and to document what they had discovered so far. Thomas wasn't sure they would be able to handle the scale of this operation until he spoke with Dr. Diaz at the museum. The good professor was stunned by the revelations and promised to lend support by leading a group of university students to the rescue. His trucks were already loaded with all the supplies needed and about to leave for a Pima Indian site east of the city, he would divert them.

Matt arrived in the midst of this minor storm of activity. CJ went to meet him at the airport and filled him in on the taxi ride back to the hotel.

"This has just been an incredible discovery for the boys, were all psyched."

"I can tell," Matt replied," you're so keyed up. I guess the three of you worked?"

"This dig will mean a lot to them both. You have no idea how grateful I am that they have accepted each other. Wait until you see them together, just like brothers. But, how did you leave the situation with Justin?"

"I was pissed that he got into a relationship without telling me. But Wayne is a great guy and they've known each other for some time. Justin tells me that I'm responsible and gave him the courage to look at Wayne differently. He had so many hang-ups CJ, now he has something to offer another man, stability. Just the fact that this guy followed him out to LA and is going to move there, they should do just fine. Silly me, I offered to cover Wayne's tuition as well if he gets back in college. I want them both to do well, for Justin's sake."

"Good, you did the right thing. Love makes us do some damn crazy things but many of them are with the best of intentions. Justin is lucky to have a friend like you....and so am I."

Matt joined the expedition, catching the rush and flow of necessary arrangements. CJ put him in charge of supplies, food and such as would be needed in the desert they were about to encounter, for however long.

Carlos Alvarez promised them a military guard and the use of his son since Miguel would never think of missing out on such a momentous event, especially now that Matt was back.

Since they would be stuck in the desert for some time, CJ decided they needed the bus for living quarters and for the privacy of their other activities. Glen kept telling him he was crazy, the roads were impassable except for a Jeep, and that was hard going. But CJ just smiled and reached for the phone.

"Hello, Danny. We're ready here," CJ said. "You can come anytime now. Great, see you on Wednesday first thing." That was all that Glen heard and he had no clue what it meant.

It was the morning of the second day and the trucks were leaving with Dr. Diaz from Hermosillo while Glen and his boys were going across the desert by Jeep. So they all wanted to know how CJ was going to manage moving the bus. They got their answer later that morning when CJ loaded his guys in the bus and they drove to the airport. Glen followed, more curious than ever. They sat on the tarmac until Juan's keen eye spotted something strange approaching, what was it?

It was Danny and the cavalry coming to the rescue. Danny swept in low, flying a sleek white helicopter, their transportation to the dig site. His arrival was followed by a most curious flying machine, a really huge funny-looking helicopter, a sky crane. It was flown by his buddies from the oil fields in Texas, just a little something they used to lift oil derricks around from place to place.

The huge bird landed beside Danny's smaller craft, which likely would have fit in the monster's glove box. Within two hours they had rigged the slings to pick up the bus. Glen and Matt knew this had to cost a bundle, but then this was CJ who didn't care.

Danny introduced his friends all around and gave CJ that knowing look. He was beginning to enjoy the way they pulled rabbits out of the hat. When preparations were done the boys clambered aboard the white helicopter and strapped down as Danny lifted off and hovered. They watched as the sky crane very neatly picked the bus up off the ground and followed.

It only took an hour of flight time following Glen's directions for them to arrive at the site. They settled the bus in a clearing only a few miles from the cliffs they had climbed up from the beach. The crane and crew un-strapped the load and then they had to go. It was a long flight home, but they said to call when CJ needed another lift.

"Danny you're a lifesaver. How's things with Bobby?"

"Great, better than ever in fact. He's one bright kid, a lot more smarts that I'll ever have. Ya know, at first I thought that would keep us from getting close, but somehow it's worked out."

"Come on Danny, you're no dummy. Think about it, Bobby needed someone to protect him and love him. He's insecure and afraid of the world. You've seen the worst the world can throw at you and survived, he needs that knowledge to feel safe. You're meant for each other."

Danny gave him a long hug before he took off, back to the States and the boy who loved him for all the right reasons. CJ watched as the sleek little craft hovered, waggled a good bye and shot away across the low hills.

It was three hours more before they saw the dust of Diaz and his trucks approaching from the east. Down towards the south they saw a single plume of dust, Glen in his Jeep.

"I think we better get dinner started, guys, gonna be bunch of hungry people here before long," CJ suggested.

Diaz was stunned yet again, how had they come to be here? CJ told him about the helicopter and invited him to dine. They had set up the large awning beside the bus under which Diaz and his students sat for their meal. He had brought eight students to work the site and they pitched camp near the bus at the base of a hill. With CJ's group of eight they would have a good sized crew for the dig if needed.

The dig site was half a mile away, not close enough for their camp to pollute any finds. It was laid out with grid lines first and digging tools were stored nearby in one of the caves. They built a scaffold across the crevice and Thomas took Diaz down the gully to view the spot where the earlier shards had been found. Blake now laid out his drawings for the students and explained his theory.

CJ got a chuckle out of the leading role these young men were taking over the graduate students, all a half dozen years older. He was also beginning to see that they were losing the ways of boyhood and becoming young men. Responsibility has a way of doing that, he thought.

They held a meeting to discuss the project. Diaz told them this might take months but he was prepared to stick with it as long as needed. He could see that this was going to become a site of monumental importance to the native history of his country. Today they would begin a test pit, slowly working themselves down to the level of the finds, about six feet. This they started about thirty feet from the gully's edge. It might take a week to accomplish, maybe longer.

Thomas and Blake asked CJ for a private chat so they walked to the bus and closed the door.

"What's up guys?" CJ asked.

"Dr. Diaz said this might take months, neither of us can stay with this project that long," Blake said.

"Actually CJ, you control how long we stay," Thomas said. "I have school in about six weeks and so does Blake. But this is costing you, it's your call."

"Not to worry my dears, let's just go at it and see what develops. I'll speak to Diaz. I think we can visit the site every month after you're in school if you want. I'll fly us down if you can get the time off. Besides, I couldn't buy the love I've been getting from you two for any amount of money. We stay."

"That's so cool....I, you know how important this is to me and Blake."

"Don't you know by now, I'd move mountains for either of you," CJ said.

This seemed to calm their fears of missing out on the activities, a group hug and kisses followed before they returned to the site.

The military arrived a few hours before sunset, much to Glen's relief. He smiled when their old friend the sergeant stepped down from the truck, his attitude was much different now. He reported to CJ that Don Carlos had sent them, what were the orders? They discussed the necessary guard duty and the soldiers set up their camp on the hill with a view in all directions.

With the light fading, the various units settled in their camps for the night. CJ invited one and all to coffee and some freshly baked goods that Juan and Steven had prepared in the kitchen. Glen built a fire and the crew showed up to celebrate the beginning of a successful venture.

CJ was pleased that the sergeant and several of his soldiers accepted the invitation. The event took on a summer camp atmosphere, a roaring fire, the heavens full of stars and eventually Miguel was coaxed into playing his guitar. Tomorrow would be a long day so they retired early.

CJ sorted out the group in the bus. Glen and the boys would sleep up front with Matt and Miguel. Each had a bed there while CJ was in the rear lounge, cuddled by his two heroes, the leaders in this scientific endeavor. He slept with a boy on either side, warm and content.

The following morning began a series of days, one like the next. Some minor discoveries led them on, deeper into the test hole that was carefully scooped, sifted and brushed. Ever widening as layers were slowly peeled back to reveal small parts of history. Diaz told them after digging down several feet that they had found a potter's work yard, the place where castoffs were thrown. The layers provided some shards and blackened ashes of kiln fires they figured to be hundreds of years old. And then they hit nothing for a long while until Diaz smiled at Thomas.

"We are almost to the level of your find, young man. Are you excited?"

"Yes sir. I just hope there will be other pieces down there."

"I have learned many things about the discovery of pottery over the years, my friend. One does not break a pot and throw away only one piece, the whole is scrapped. If your pot fragments are down there, we will find almost all of them I am sure. We should be thinking of the bigger puzzle, how did they come to be here in the first place?"

It was just after noon on the fourth day when they began to come across odd fragments, ancient and unlike what they had found so far. Where had these originated? Had they been carried down from the north as Blake speculated?

It was time to spread the dig towards the gully. Carlos Alvarez arrived for a visit and was impressed by the crew and what they had accomplished. Miguel looked healthy and happy; this was his real concern of course. CJ and Carlos took a stroll along the hillside overlooking the dig.

"This is the most amazing thing I have seen in the region. I am grateful you have found a place for Miguel in your team, he makes the family proud. Do you think they will find the evidence that your friend Thomas thinks is there?"

"I hope so, and actually I feel that they will. Both Blake and Thomas have an uncanny feel for the cultures involved. These young men are our future scientists and scholars, these early finds will only encourage them to be the best," CJ said.

"Miguel tells me that you are funding much of this work yourself. I am going to write a report to the capital, I want them to give you recognition for this endeavor," Carlos emphasized.

"Oh my, well that is most kind but please see that Blake and Thomas receive all the credit, Carlos. I couldn't tell the difference between the bone of a dinosaur and a chicken. I agree with Dr. Diaz, this work is only beginning, it may take years."

"There will be enough credit for all of you. I am just happy that Miguel has such friends."

"As I've said before, he is a fine young man and I predict great things in his future."

"I know he hasn't told you yet, there is to be an audition at the school in Baltimore in three weeks. He worries that this will be his only chance to get in this fall term."

"Don't worry," CJ said," with his talents they will probably offer him a scholarship within a year. I don't live far, less than a hundred miles away, so I'll be close enough to watch out for him."

"I knew I could count on you. That is why I agreed to let him go," Carlos said. "You cannot keep the baby birds in the nest too long, they always want to fly."

CJ was relieved that Carlos was accepting of his friendship with Miguel, it will make Matt's life a lot easier, he thought. They returned to the site and saw the professor down in the hole with Thomas. They were closely examining something and the entire crew was watching from the edge of the pit. Thomas eased another pottery shard out of the wall and handed it up to one of the students. She in turn carefully laid it on a table for examination and cataloging. Blake happened to look over her shoulder as she carefully brushed away the dirt and he whooped. Clear as could be there was another piece of their puzzle.

Everyone gathered around to see. Blake held up the piece and there etched in the clay was the head of a dancer, one of the Holy People that lived in Dineh legend. The squared features were unmistakably those of the People who had crossed the four worlds to live here in the fifth as the legend told. Blake and Thomas danced around with joy, Diaz was beside himself.

This was the most important find he had ever seen and he joined the boys in their dance. A stream of questions followed, how had this come to be here? Would they have carried grains or water in these jars? Were the users hunters or farmers? Too many questions and no sure way to give an answer. The dig would have to go on, more information was needed.

The two pieces they possessed soon grew to three and four, more parts of the legend unfolded. These were broken pieces of a larger object and everyone knew they might never find it all. But what they did have proved contact between the civilizations hundreds of miles away to the north and beyond, maybe as long ago as a thousand years. The dating would take years of research and evaluation but for now, the collection of shards grew.

As the afternoon wore away, CJ began to think about just how long they should remain out here in the desert. Soon it would be time for the boys to get back to school, time for the long drive home. For now he could be content with enjoying the sheer delight his two loves shared in their discovery. It was really a good match; Blake and Thomas were made for each other, maybe not as lovers but surely as lifetime friends. I hope not as lovers, he thought, what would that mean for me? But he had no real fears, the boys obviously cared for him, how could he be so selfish? It's never been so real for me, never ever.

But he knew the time would come, they needed to think about going home. I want the boys to move on in life, he thought, become young men and see just how we'll all end up. He hoped this attitude wouldn't make him the party pooper when he told them. Just another week or two, then we'll fly away home.

That evening as they sat down for supper to homemade burritos with beans and rice, CJ laid out his plan. The dig would surely go on for months without them. Miguel was the closest to the action so he would be in charge of keeping them informed until he moved east for school. CJ would then hire him assistants to be on site at all times and take notes. They would set up an office with a secretary to send out the information. Once that team had been set up Miguel could leave with a clear conscience.

"As for the rest of us," CJ intoned, "We have a lot of goals to achieve. Blake has a serious responsibility. He must keep exploring the legends, finding out all that he can to help us understand the meaning of these etchings. With a year remaining of high school, dear boy, I suggest you might talk with Edgar about getting into a private school. Cameron isn't the best place for you to do any research. There are some great schools out East, maybe in the Baltimore area."

Danny was now preparing their new place on the Eastern Shore. The center of his new life was underway, a really fine estate that he was going to enjoy calling home and sharing with these people.

"And Thomas, you need to go home to Vermont, at least for the remaining months of your term. I think you'll find a new respect from your fellow students now, especially one major lamebrain named Rudy. Carlos Alvarez is sending a letter to your headmaster commending you for the discovery of an important historical find that will forever affect archeology in Mexico. Dr. Diaz is already planning a large exhibit at the museum. All our names will be on display, crediting us for the first discovery."

Miguel was to fly out to Baltimore with Matt and perform his audition. CJ had no concerns that the school would discover his talent and immediately accept him for enrollment. Carlos was eager for his son to succeed and supportive of this move east, whatever the boy wanted was just fine.

"Miguel, we will call this your farewell party from now on. All the best wishes of the entire team go with you, may you perform well and knock the socks off those teachers on the jury. You'll probably be the first one of our family to live in our new home, but then Matt already knows about it and the rest of you will in time.

"Glen, my newest friend, you and your boys are taking a trip back north to San Francisco this time. As the new head of the West Coast branch of the family, you'll have a lot of responsibility. I can see no better person for the job than a good doctor of medicine who has managed to turn a silly adventure into a major triumph for our souls simply by dropping anchor in the right place. Hurrah for the good doctor."

The crew cheered and Glen bashfully accepted their tribute. CJ wasn't kidding he knew, San Francisco was overrun with gay kids in trouble and it would fall upon his shoulders to begin to straighten out the mess. CJ continued his oration.

"When Matt returns from Baltimore with the good news, we have quite a trip ahead of us driving that bus all the way back east to Delaware. This time we'll head back to Oklahoma and visit our friend Martin, maybe see if he wants to get back in the family. Then we'll go north, up through Kansas to new pastures before heading east and home."

Looking at Blake, Thomas and Miguel, he smiled.

"We won't be looking for new talent to join the family…but you never know."

This was followed by boos and hisses and a few choice pieces of trash thrown upon his stage.

"But first, we have to take Blake home to his other family. I think they are wonderful people, the Navajo, excuse me, The Dineh. I didn't know how close we had become until one soaring young eagle showed me the way as he flew high above the Grand Canyon on a hot summer's afternoon. We owe the knowledge of our discovery here to this boy…thank you Blake."

Again the cheers and Blake pulled his T-shirt over his head to hide the embarrassment he felt. Such a boyish thing to do. Time to wrap up, CJ knew.

"I promise you all a reunion very soon, a time together to once again share the love and friendship that this experience has brought us." Raising their bottles of beer the eight of them cheered for the last time and toasted themselves. "To the future, wherever we might go."

It had been a long speech, too long, but the audience had been appreciative since he managed to mention each of them in turn. Blake was now CJ's particular concern and his mind turned to solving the issue of his near future. The boy didn't handle his emotions well on their last parting, would things be different now? Fortunately they would have the long drive north to sort out all his feelings. He didn't want the boy to ever feel left out again.

He took Thomas aside to discuss Blake. Right now, he figured Thomas knew how his new friend felt better than anyone. They could hear the party going behind them as they walked slowly up the path to the dig site. CJ could see the glow of a cigarette from the soldier on guard duty up ahead so they turned off towards the caves.

"I'm glad you guys accepted my plans so well, the only weakness I can see is Blake, any ideas on him?"

"I think you hit the nail on the head, we need to get him into a more nourishing atmosphere, a really good school. He may have some culture shock at first but he's pretty resilient," Thomas ventured.

"He had other plans, you know. He thought of becoming a medicine man for his people. I never wanted to dash his hopes for that if he really wanted it…but I think he has a higher calling, some larger purpose for all that talent," CJ said.

"I agree. Look, we both love you because you never stood in the way of our plans; you're the most supportive person I know. I think Blake's interest in becoming a medicine man was based on his lack of other alternatives. He's now seen more in the past week than he ever imagined possible, we've had some great talks. Without a doubt he's a healer, just look at the way we accepted each other...that could have gone badly but it didn't. Blake really gets the credit for our friendship. I was the one with grave doubts, CJ. Believe it or not, there is something else that Blake wants."

"Should I worry?"

"No, silly man, it's nothing like that. He's a fighter at heart as you well know, I think he'll become a voice for his people, we should encourage that. What better medicine could he bring the Dineh then to become their advocate? There is a whole movement going on in the country. Native Americans are fighting with the government for their rights. Blake could make a big difference. He just needs experience and the right platform. This discovery could lend him the credibility to get the attention of the right people."

CJ was amazed at how well Thomas had spoken those words. This friendship was bringing out the best in both boys and he could see them both maturing.

"So we agree, he should get in a decent school and let him make his own path," CJ said.

"Absolutely. He already knows all the right people, and by that I mean us. Your family has grown CJ; we're gonna be something to reckon with very soon."

"Did I tell you I loved you today, Thomas?"

"Yes, in many different ways. If we share our love with Blake he will move mountains you know, it would give me the greatest joy to watch him succeed."

"And that's why I love you Thomas. You share my feelings towards Blake, we make a great family."

"Should I start calling you daddy now?"

"Only if you have a death wish, my son. I love you and thank you, I don't know what I'd do without you."

And so it was settled, he placed the call and Danny promised to pick them up, quite literally, in ten days time. The dig moved on now, spreading out, searching for the source of the pottery, the foundations of a village, any clue as to how the whole began. The days flew past and the nights grew warmer as they sat around the campfires. Matt and Miguel drove off to catch the flight to Baltimore followed by the best wishes of the entire crew. CJ was sure the kid would wow that faculty; he had been enchanting the crew with the sounds of his daily practice in the bus for weeks.

The parting of friends was usually a difficult event but here there was so much activity that the good byes were made easier. Glen, along with Juan and Steven left for San Carlos to ready the boat for their trip north. As the friendship with the good doctor had grown, CJ was sure that their paths were destined to run together. Matt and Glen had become especially close and their parting hug said much about the meaning of their relationship.

They drove away in a cloud of dust that obscured the vision of their watchers but CJ knew they would be back in touch. Glen was off to find a place for the western foundation headquarters of the GFA. Yes, it finally had a name; he planned to call it Gay Families America. It would have a broader appeal this way and maybe the cause would truly reach out across the country.

Dr. Diaz thanked them time and again for the privilege of taking over the dig, promising to keep them informed. He was such a nice man, a credit to the museum and the university. They had met a wonderful group of people here in Mexico and CJ was inclined to agree with what Sven had told them that first night, they were the happiest of people.

Matt drove out to the site late one afternoon; his face was one huge smile. Miguel had done it big time. Julliard had welcomed him with open arms and he was due to start in the fall. He was now back in San Carlos with the family, and without wasting any time, the boy and his mother were busy interviewing people for the project office. Miguel would run a tight ship.

"I told him our trip back east would be the longest time we would ever be apart if I could help it. I hope I can keep that promise," Matt said.

"I'll help you where I can, but you both will soon be busy, that will be the best cement for your relationship. He's one fine boy, you lucky bastard," CJ replied.

"Hey, that's the first time you ever said that to me...maybe some of your luck is finally rubbing off."

CJ said their good byes around the various camps that morning and none too soon as they heard the approaching helicopters within the hour. Everyone took cover as the beast and its escort landed, flinging dust in a huge cloud that blanketed the whole area. The operation went quicker this time and they soon became airborne. CJ waved goodbye as the crowd on the ground dwindled from sight. He looked across at the bus dangling between the legs of the sky crane, pretty soon he would have to put it in mothballs until…would they ever do this again?

Thomas and Blake were chatting excitedly about the trip as they flew across the remains of the desert that had become their home this past month. They could see the beginnings of civilization approaching, and soon the desert would have a hard time surviving the onslaught of mankind.

They landed on the tarmac of the airport in Guaymas where they would begin their trip home. CJ again thanked Danny for being there when needed.

"Hell," Danny replied in his Eastern Shore drawl, "I got so much cross country flight time in this year I could work for the airlines. Just kidding, CJ, I'm sticking with you. Shit, I haven't had this much fun since I bit that mean old dog."

"I've been meaning to ask you about that," Thomas piped in. They walked across the runway arm in arm as Danny told the boys most of the lies that passed as stories back home.

This operation was a huge cost, but the rewards had far exceeded his expectations so who cares, CJ thought. His little air force finally took off once again heading north east, back to Texas, back to the good old US of A. CJ longed to go home, he had been away too long, but the wealth of new friends he had gathered made it all worthwhile. Time to go home and gloat, he thought, what could I possibly do to top this?

Maybe next year, we'll have to find a new angle.


On to Chapter Sixteen

Back to Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Index

Chris James Home Page