Almost seven years have passed since my last update on this story. I can't promise there won't be seven more until the next one, but I've been thinking about this plot, and I'd like to continue it. So to my new and old readers, please bear with me as I get this thing rolling again. Obviously there will be differences in the writing style from the previous chapter.

Chapter Six: General

Alan trailed behind as Pendanski gave the boys a quick tour of the surroundings. Only the Warden's house made an impression. The modern building stuck out from those of the dust covered western variety. There was also a tree of all things, and a small patch of shade at its base. Sweat was already soaking through Alan's jumpsuit. He paused, glancing longingly at the leafy shadow.

"Alan, step lively now," Pendanski urged, "I was just telling Richard that you'll both be in D-Tent. We have two vacancies there. There's been some reshuffling lately..."

Meaning there was no chance of getting away from Ricky. Great. Two years yawned before him.

"Tent?" Ricky mused.

"I'll show you. Right this way." Pendanski called, "When you come to camp, you expect to sleep in a tent."

It got worse. Alan followed the short man to a green tent, tainted by the same grayish dirt that seemed to coat everything. A mass in an orange jump suit stood up as they approached and crossed muscled arms over his chest.

"What's this, Doc?" He sneered, peering out from beneath heavy blond brows.

Pendanski smiled a little nervously, "Job, these are the new boys joining your tent, Ricky and Alan." He laid a hand on Alan's shoulder that the other tried to shrug off.

"Wow. You caught a Sasquatch, huh?" Ricky stepped forward to peer at the D-Tent boy, "What do you feed it?"

The blonde snorted and ignored Ricky as he turned to the tent, "General, newbies are here."

Wooden floorboards creaked and another boy came out of the tent. The first thing Alan noticed about him was his bearing. General walked stiffly, like a soldier. His jumpsuit actually fit him and looked fairly pristine. He grinned but it didn't seem to reach his gray eyes.

"Glad you got the order right on these, Doc," The boy greeted as he sized up the new arrivals. "It only took you a few tries." He eyed Pendanski's grip on Alan's shoulder, before moving on to Ricky.

"You'll find that boys like to go by nicknames," Pendanski babbled, "This is Robert, and Job." He gestured to General and hulking blonde.

"I go by Zigzag Man," Ricky announced, offering a hand, "That's the first tattoo I plan to get."

General raised an eyebrow, keeping both hands behind his back. "Very well. They'll do, Doc."

"I'm glad to have your permission on the matter, Robert." Pendanski chuckled, "Come on Alan and Ricky, I'll show you your bunks."

Alan successfully dislodged the bearded man's hand as they moved inside. The air in the tent was stale, but the canvass provided some relief from the sunlight. Alan took in the rows of bunks on either side, and crates stacked up near the door. There were a two boys lounging on the mattresses, they jumped upright when General entered and he dismissed them with the wave of his hand. Alan watched it all with a growing sense of dread.

"These will be your bunks," Pendanski pointed out two cots side by side. "Ricky, Robert will be your mentor."

"Sweet,"

General nodded in acceptance, "Very well."

"And Alan-" Pendanskis eye traveled around the room before landing on a figure in the corner. "You'll be mentored by Rex."

There was a shift in the tent's mood. Alan felt the hairs on his neck stand up. Rex was laying on his back, face towards the wall. When Pendanski said his name, he turned slowly revealing dark skin and large glasses.

"Really?" General asked, "It's that short sighted of you, Doc? Isn't he getting transferred out?"

"Robert, I'm not sure what gave you that idea. Rex will make a fine mentor."

General's eyes narrowed, "He's getting out of here one way or the other."

Pendanski's already sunburned skin reddened, "I'm not going to discuss this with you, Robert. It is a matter for the staff." He turned back to Alan, again put his hand on his shoulder. "You boys get settled in, if you have any problems, Alan, just let me know." He shot Robert a look before leaving.

General spat on the ground after him. "Meddling idiot," He grumbled, "Well, new boys, welcome to D-Tent. You'll learn your way around soon enough. For know just follow the example of your peers. And my orders."

Ricky wasted no time in sprawling out on his cot. Alan sat stiffly on his. Two years.