Message-ID: <4831eli$9710131744@qz.little-neck.ny.us> X-Archived-At: From: "OT" Subject: Sixteen 3-6 (conclusion. M/M) Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories,alt.sex.stories.gay,alt.sex.stories.moderated Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d Path: qz!not-for-mail Organization: The Committee To Thwart Spam Approved: X-Moderator-Contact: Eli the Bearded X-Story-Submission: X-Original-Message-ID: <01bcd7b4$f01c4180$7ef12581@boris-k> This story depicts same sex relationships that may be offensive to some readers. Please stop right now if it offends you. Please do the same if are not 18 yet. The story is total fiction. None of the characters are real. Any resemblance with people dead or alive is purely coincidental. The story or any part of it can be stored, archived and reproduced freely without any limitations, unless it's done for commercial purposes. Neither the story nor any part of it can be used for commercial purposes. Comments, suggestions, criticism: oki_toshi@hotmail.com. Enjoy! Chapter 3. The Night of the New Year. Bill decided to stay home for the New Year's night. It was damp and chilly, but he stayed outside on the porch, looking at the old pine trees surrounding the house with the candle light coming from the little table, set for two. Bill was sitting facing the trees. Chris came out of the house carrying a bottle of Champagne in his right hand. They both had thick turtlenecks on, trying to keep away the chill. Chris put the wine on the table, then went around Bill's chair and put his arms around Bill's neck. He bent down and whispered in his ear: "We are ready, Bill. Happy New Year!" "Yeah", Bill sighed. "The New Year's night. New hopes every time. Groundless, of course. Never materialising". "Hey, you are awfully optimistic tonight", said Chris trying to sound cheerful. "Right", replied Bill shaking his head, as if trying to shake something off. "I shouldn't be talking like this. You are so young, and, after all your whole life is in front of you". "Oh, come on! You aren't so old yourself! But you are right. All my life is in front of me". Chris tried pulling Bill closer to himself. "You are my life". "No. I am destroying your life. Do you want to end up like me? Come on, there are so many women around who would die for a chance to be with you". "I hate women". "That is a problem. It won't do at all. I am sorry. It's my fault". "You are doing it again! You know very well how much I owe you. For taking me in and trying to make an artist out of me, even though I don't have much talent". "You've got to be kidding. You are my most talented student. Now let's cut this nonsense. I am starving. Oh and what time is it?" "Actually, it's five to twelve.", Bill answered holding his wristwatch against the candlelight. "I better open this Champagne". They toasted the New Year. For a while only the sounds of the night interrupted their meal. "Hey Chris", said Bill pouring another glass for each of them. "Tom called last night, I forgot to tell you. He sent his regards. And..." "And?" "Well, he thanked you for the painting". Bill put the bottle down. "What have you been doing in Vancouver anyway?", he asked and his voice sounded rather stern. "You went without even telling me!" "I just wanted to see the family of a man who kept destroying your life over the years", Chris replied, suddenly very quiet. "And took your best painting with you?" "And so? I needed an excuse, didn't I? He asked to see a painting of mine when he was here in October. I promised I'd bring him one, and I did". He started sipping his Champagne slowly. The light from the candles was leaving faint traces of red on his face and reflected in his blonde hair. Bill couldn't take his eyes away from the kid. He was irresistible. "You went to visit Tom... Without telling me. I am just trying to understand. Don't get upset with me now, Chris", Bill was doing his best to be as calm as he could. "I am not upset!", Chris put his glass down and got up. "I just want revenge." "What?! What did you say?! Why on earth?!" Bill couldn't conceal his amazement and fear. "Because it's fair. Look first he comes and destroys you, then he gets away with it and becomes famous reaping the fruit of your suffering. As if that's not enough, he makes you suffer more. And you are letting him get away with this?" He was now screaming. "Chris, Chris, cool it, will you?", Bill's voice was becoming hoarse. He got up and moved closely in front of Chris. "What the hell are you planning to do?" "Oh, nothing", replied the young man and giggled. A cold, sinister laugh. "First he destroys you, now I will destroy him". "What is on your mind? Come on, tell me!" "Well, at first I thought I'd seduce him. If Helen found out this time, I don't think he would be able to get away with it. But now I have an even better idea". He was smiling again. "You know, his daughter is engaged. That could be a scream! That's not my idea, though. It would take time and effort. I am too lazy, I guess". He returned to his chair. "You know, as luck would have it, there is such an easy target in that family. Delectable too!" He winked at Bill and licked his lips in one long, sensual motion of his tongue. Then he looked at his bewildered teacher and laughed loudly, the sound of his laughter piercing the serenity of the night. "You are really awful! What's with you?! Are you possessed? God I never knew what I...", Bill stopped in the middle of the sentence. "Listen, Chris, I know you are doing it for me, but I don't need it. Stop it, please!" "Stop it?! Stop it?! Oh, no. I ain't gonna stop it. No way, man. This guy is gonna get what's coming to him, whether you want it or not!" He pushed himself violently away from the table, almost spilling both glasses over. Then he bent down and hid his face in his knees. "Chris? What's wrong with you tonight?" Bill knelt beside his student and put his hand on the kid's back. Chris's body was shaking. He was sobbing. Then he straightened himself up again. "Sorry", he said. "You still love him, don't you? After all these years, you still love him?" "Come on, kid. Let's go to bed. I can't stand this cold anymore anyway." Chapter 4. The Ocean. Tom was sitting in his recliner, his legs stretched towards the fireplace. The fire was gleaming cheerfully, warming up his feet. He was done working and was thinking of getting out of the house for a short ride. Tom loved doing that. Driving took his mind off work. The thoughts seemed to appear and disappear in his head, constantly changing,- just like the view from his windshield. This time, however, it seemed that the recliner was winning. "Damn", thought Tom, "I must be getting really old". The doorbell rang and he got up to answer it. Standing on the threshold with a rolled canvas under his arm, was Chris. "Aha!", exclaimed Tom surprised but pleased to see the kid, "What a way to start spring! Winter is over and you are here. A sure sign that things are warming up!" Chris stepped into the house. "I brought you another one of my paintings, Tom", he said cheerfully. "Yeah, I noticed. Come on, let's go to my study we'll take a look". Tom unrolled the canvass and held the painting stretching his arms to see it better. The painting was called A Village in Winter and was done differently from Chris's previous painting. A few houses were just barely recognizable as a few black spots, there were naked, gloomy looking trees here and there, but there was a lot of air around, the landscape consisted of many hills around the village itself, and there were people everywhere. Climbing those hills, kids playing in the snow, just groups standing around, some were skating, some skiing. "Umm", said Tom. "Been looking a lot at Bruegel lately? He will always remain my favorite. You know why? Of all the artists he managed to bring you the Universe as seen from the outside. I don't know how he did it. You look at his art and you start seeing life differently. The mystery of life itself is frozen forever in his paintings. From the minute you see them, you are captivated. Just swept off your feet. Then you start realizing that he managed to capture the beauty, the abundance, the essence of life itself. The key to understanding it is simplicity. We tend to overlook it just by running around, doing something that goes against everything we really want, preoccupied with our petty goals. We are the ones that make it complicated. And then comes Bruegel. With his huge crowds of people chaotic and harmonious at the same time. He gives you a chance to look at life from the outside, as it were. Freeze in your tracks, relax and just watch. You see all those people - everyone so small, but at the same time so important, captured in stillness forever but also moving in his imaginary world, you take any one of them away and the whole picture will fall apart, then you can't help thinking that maybe you fit in somewhere in this amazing web called "life", and it's all just the matter of looking at it from the outside, once". "That's beautiful, Tom", Chris said. "But what do you think of this?" He took the painting away from Tom to let him step away and take another look. "Oh, I love this one. Again, like in the other one you gave me, there is so much youthful vigor in this one as well. Only... Well, one thing. I can't help but feel sadness, perhaps even depression coming out of it. I am not sure what it is..." He stood there silent for a moment. "Oh, yes. It's the houses and the trees. I don't know. They don't seem in harmony with the rest, but their theme makes the painting look mysterious. But also a bit scary. It's like something is about to happen that will shatter all this happiness forever. Am I right?" Chris smiled. "I am glad I showed it to you. You can keep it. I want you to hang it up in your study. By the way, where is my other painting?" "The Mountain? Oh, it's in my son's room. He begged me to give it to him, so I did". "Kevin? Where is he?" "Oh, he went to study with a friend of his. My wife went to see a play, and Rachel moved in with her boyfriend a couple of months ago. I am all alone here". "Home alone. Must be fun." Chris rolled up the paining and put it on the table. "It's definitely an opportunity", he smiled and stepped closer to Tom. "You know, Tom, I see why they all loved you. Bill still does. It doesn't surprise me. Anyone would love you". Is he being sincere or did he come to seduce me? Tom wasn't sure. "Anyway, too bad Kev isn't here. Last time I visited, we went to see the Ocean sunset. It was great!" That's what took Kevin so long on that day, Tom thought. His son had never told him. They went to see the sunset. Whose idea was it, he couldn't help wondering? "Well, that sounds like a good idea", Tom said. "I usually like to take a drive or a walk after I am finished working. We could do that if you like. Go to the Ocean". Tom made another step forward. He was standing very close to Chris now. The footrest of his recliner got in the way and Tom lost his balance for a moment. To regain it he had to grab hold of Chris. He was almost holding the boy in his arms now. He could feel the kid's warm breath on his cheek. One slightest move and he would be kissing the boy. But he didn't move. Neither did Chris. "Come on. Let's get the car", said Tom breaking the embrace. The sun had almost set as they arrived at the beach. The Ocean was boasting all imaginable shades of pink and green. The setting sum seemed to have set it aflame. Tom and Chris walked along the docks, watching the boats. Chris really seemed to enjoy himself, and as the raindrops started to moisten his hair, he would just try shaking the rain off cheerfully and insist on walking more. But fairly soon it had become obvious that it was not a matter of choice. "I wonder sometimes what it would be like if we could live in the Ocean", Chris said when they were in the car. "I heard dolphins were friendly creatures... I could be friends with one. Maybe have a pet dolphin or two..." "You like dolphins, don't you?", Tom asked. "Yes. My dad used to take me see dolphin shows when I was a kid. Then I used to feed them fish. It was fun." "I'll bet. You know how they used to catch them? They would lure them to the shore and then tickle them. When you tickle it under its fins it becomes helpless. Just like a little boy". "That's disgusting!", Chris shivered slightly. "You know, Chris, we don't have to go home now. I know a small motel nearby, we could go there and wait for it to blow over". "Blow over... Why not", Chris smiled. At the hotel, Tom went to the shower, undressed and turned on the hot water. It felt good to be immersed in heat after the chilly air outside. He stepped out of the shower, towelled himself off, and started filling the bath tub. Then he returned to the room with the towel wrapped around his hips. Chris was standing at the window looking at the rain. "Ok. I am done. I am filling the bath tub up for you", Tom said. Chris turned around: "What for?" "We are going to play dolphin". Chris burst out laughing. Tom loved the sound of this laugh. It brought back memories... "Nah, I am not in the mood for that", said the boy. "Really? We shall see about that! Go take a shower anyway, the bathtub is going to overflow any minute now". Chris disappeared into the bathroom. Tom heard him lock the door. When he reappeared, he was naked except for the towel around his hips. He looked at Tom carefully studying him. "You know, Tom", he said, "I don't know how anyone could resist you. I am not sure what it is. A devilish charm. I understand why Bill still loves you". "Well, charm alone is no good, unless you put it to work!", Tom replied laughingly and moved up to Chris. He made the towel around Chris's hips drop, then dropped his own. He started exploring the kid's body with his mouth. Every inch of it, going slowly down, licking his way towards the fully erect manhood. Then he quickly took Chris's erection into his mouth. Chris seemed to be in heaven, lost, he gave himself totally to the man in front of him and Tom could only hear him moan. "Oh yeah! Yeah! More! Incredible! OH! OH! BILL!" Tom quickly moved back and looked up at Chris. He was still holding Chris's hips. The boy pushed him away and disappeared into the bathroom. Chapter 5. The Flame. "We should probably get the fire going here, but this may just be the last night we use the fireplace this season", said Bill putting some wood into the fireplace. "Yeah. But I could never tire of watching the flame". "You know, like they say. You never get tired watching three things: fire, water and someone else working". "You are making a joke out of everything, Bill", Chris sounded a little offended. "Oh! Baby did I hurt you?" Bill came up to the kid, and tried to hug him, but Chris avoided his grip. "Hey what's with you lately?", Bill sounded worried and a little angry. "I know. Been to Vancouver again. And again took your best painting with you. All right. What happened. Lay it on the table now!" "Nothing happened". "Could you be more specific, maybe?", Bill asked. Chris wondered if he detected a hint of jealousy under the façade of mockery Bill was putting up. "No, really. We went to a motel, and then I cried out your name. It put him right off. You should have seen the look he gave me", Chris snickered. "He is still in love with you. And you with him. Oh well then..." He cut himself off. "Well what? What did you want to say?" "No, it's nothing important. I just thought that I didn't want to hurt you by all this. Still, he is going to get what he deserves. Too bad you feel the way you do". "Chris, you are simply evil. I forbid you to go to Vancouver again without telling me in advance, at least. God, I don't even want to get into your evil schemes. I hope no one gets hurt!" "And what if one does? If there is anything I hate more in this world, it's treachery. That man betrayed you when he left you, he betrayed you when he published the novel. You don't think that was cruel? The man is just the biggest egotistic bastard I know!" Bill came up to the chair on which Chris was sitting, picked him by his shirt and brought the scared kid's face close to his own. Chris could see his teacher's eyes sparkling wild with rage. "Don't you ever call him anything like that again. Ever! Did you hear me?", he yelled. "Loud and clear. Now let me down", Chris said quietly, almost whispering. "All right, listen, Chris. I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that", Bill said clearing his throat. He looked confused, but kept his gaze steady, directed at Chris. "It's just that we shared so much twenty years ago..." "Life stopped for you twenty years ago, when he left you, hasn't it? Think about it, all this suffering and he never even called you. You ceased to exist. He forgot all about you. Well, now is time to remind him. Things have to be set right and I will be the one who does it. The judge and the executioner". Chris was calm. There were metallic notes in his voice. "Chris, listen to yourself. What's with you?", was all Bill could master. "What's with me?.. Oh, it's nothing. Truth is I am tired. Really, really tired". "Ok. Let's turn in, then". "I don't want to go to sleep yet". "Then what?!" "Let's go play dolphin". "What the hell are you talking about?! Oh, Chris! I am worried about you". "No, you are not. You are worried about him and what I may do to him. I can tell you one thing. You aren't worried enough". Chris got up from his chair and walked towards the door. At the door, he turned around, cast another glance at Bill and said: "If ever you could be worried about me, I would probably not have to go through all this. But no. You just make me mad about yourself and then go keep dreaming about Tom. Fine!.. Whatever!.. But there is no need to lie to me. 'Worried about you!', ha! I read you like a book Bill, because I love you too much. You can't hide from me". And he was gone. Bill sank into the chair that Chris had left empty. He felt tired and alone all of a sudden. Over the course of the next few months, Chris had visited Tom in Vancouver a few more times. From what Tom could tell, he became very good friends with Kevin. There was little doubt in Tom's mind that there was more than just friendship there. The boys seemed inseparable. They looked like they belonged together, as if they knew each other for years and years... Chris, who was two years older than Kevin seemed to be a natural leader. Sometimes Tom would notice that there was some kind of a game going on between the two kids. It was as if they were playing brothers, and each one played his role with a passion. He mentioned that to Kevin once. "I wish he were my brother, dad", Kevin answered dreamily. Tom didn't push Kevin for an explanation. He wanted matters to take their course and was hoping that the kid would come to him on his own. He realized that there was little chance of that happening without any encouragement on his part. But for now he decided to leave things as they were and wait. After all, the kids didn't see each other as often as they probably wanted, since Chris lived so far away. The summer came and it was vacation time for Kevin and Chris. Chris would come and spend a few days at a time at Tom's house. The kids would go swimming together very often. Most of the times they would be on their own, since Helen was at work and Tom tried to sneak out and leave the house to them. Besides, he didn't want to be the third with Chris around. "Ugh! I am beat", Kevin announced dropping on his bed. "All this swimming and diving makes you tired." The boys just came back from the lake and still had their swimsuits on. "I bet it does. Makes you tired, but not all of you. I think some of you is still happy and lively!" He plopped himself next to Kevin and put his arm on Kevin's thigh. Kevin giggled. "You know, Chris", he said suddenly serious, "Why don't you paint a picture of me one of those days". "Kevin, you've got to be kidding. I can't do it realistically and anything else will be a mockery of your beauty!" "Nope. When there's a will there's a way. Besides, don't they teach you anything at school?" "Well, yeah, sure, but it's always naked models that we have to paint". "Bingo! That's exactly what we are going to do. You will paint me naked". Kevin put his right arm on Chris's shoulder. "You are crazy, Kev. That's what I love you for". "Is that a yes?" "Well..." "Chri-is!" Kevin stared at Chris pleading with his eyes. Chris couldn't hold it any longer. He laughed and turned on his back. "Ok, ok, puppy. Nude it is!" "Thanks. You always make me happy". "It doesn't take much, you are easily pleased". "Well, that's because I love you, silly. No, that's not it. You are part of me now. Cut you off and I'll be gone just like that", and he snapped his fingers to illustrate. "You mean the world to me too, kid", said Chris all of a sudden turning very serious, almost somber. "I'd hate to loose you". "Loose me?! Who's talking about loosing? Come on, let me show you my love". "For the third time now? Fuck off, I've got a headache and I am hungry". "Asshole!" "Hmm, now that you mention it, perhaps I'll take one! Mind you, that's not quite what I had in mind when I said I was hungry." Kevin started to giggle and turned over on top of Chris. All the swimming notwithstanding, there was still more than enough energy in both of them. Chapter 6. The Fall. Labor Day weekend marked the break in the weather that year. It was amazing, how just before the weekend the sky was blue, it was warm and sunny, and just after the sun hid behind clouds and cool breezes turned into cold winds. On one of those cold October nights, the doorbell rang at Tom's house. Helen opened the door. "Chris! How are you!" Tom and Kevin heard her from the living room. "What a surprise, we haven't expected you till tomorrow. You don't have classes on Friday?" "Helen! Don't try to be too hospitable", Tom yelled from the living room. "Oh! I am sorry, Chris. I didn't mean it. You are always welcome here". "It's ok Mrs. Webber, I understand. I haven't given you any advance notice. I just felt lonely and wanted to see my friend here", he said shaking his head in the direction of Kevin who had just joined them. "This is awesome, Chris! You do get some darn good ideas sometimes, you know that!" "Yeah, that's what Bill tells me all the time", Chris replied and winked at Kevin. Kevin felt ground shrink from under his feet. He did it again! In front of his mother. One day that bastard was going to ruin him with his big mouth. It was surprising that mom hasn't caught on yet. "...when I paint, that is", Chris continued and winked at Kevin once again. "Well, in any case, your timing is perfect. We were just starting supper. Care to join us?", Helen invited. "Family supper? Perfect. What could be better. No such thing at Bill's, that's for sure!" And they all went into the living room. The next morning Kevin woke up first. He still had school that day. To get out of be, he had to roll over Chris. It was impossible to do it without waking him up first. Chris opened his eyes, stretched and purred. Like a big kitten. "Umm. Good morning, lover!" Chris said turning over to face Kevin. "Sleep well?" "Yeah. Let me get out, I am gonna be late!" "That's no way to greet you loved one in the morning!", Chris retorted in mock indignation. "Kiss me, then you can go". "Oh, all right, I guess there is no other way..." They both giggled, then kissed gently on the lips. "Listen, I'll be back early, don't go anywhere, ok?" "All right", Chris said. His gaze fell on his painting. The Mountain. "You know something, I am glad I gave you that painting. This and The Village are the best I have done. Probably will ever do". "Nonsense!" Kevin replied. "You'll do many more beautiful paintings, better than those. You are going to paint me, remember? So, there you are!" "You are so full of it, Kev", Chris laughed. Kevin couldn't wait till his last class was over. He ran home, opened the door and rushed straight to his room. He had to just hold Chris in his arms, caress him, be with him. Chris was sitting on his bed staring straight at his painting. "Hey baby, I am back!", Kevin cried out. "Oh well", Chris answered. "You know, Kev, I'd like to know what you really think about this painting. You never told me, you know". "All right. First make love to me, then, I'll tell you". He rushed towards the bed and tried to pin Chris on it. But Chris managed to get out and stand up. "No, I need to know. It's important". "All right", Kevin replied from the bed, a little confused. "Well, I think it's beautiful. Passionate, a bit crazy. It's just like you. It is you. And I would never give or sell it to anyone for anything in the world. Satisfied? Now fuck me!" Chris laughed all of sudden. Not the usual laugh Kevin knew so well: the infectious, loving, warm laugh. He detected chilly and sinister notes in this one. Kevin felt something gathering in his chest. Barely noticeable. A premonition. "Buddy, what's wrong?" he asked. His voice trembled. He crossed the room and sat down next to Chris. "Kevin", Chris sat and moved to the floor to face Kevin. Kevin noticed that Chris's bag was also there, on the floor, next to him. "Kevin, do you believe in justice?" "Why do you ask?", a lump in his chest was growing. "Oh, for God's sake, just answer. It's a simple question, isn't it? Or maybe you are like your dad, he would have trouble with this one". "Chris! What the hell are you talking about?", he was fighting tears. Something was definitely very, very wrong. "Oh, you don't know? Figures. Why would you. Such a perfectly happy, innocent, beautiful baby. Did I ever tell you how beautiful you were? I guess I did. Well, I am telling you again now. But that's what makes it so perfect. You see, your father has once destroyed a young, innocent, beautiful life very much like yours. He got away with it. Till now. But now it's over. Payback time". "Chris, I am scared. Please stop it", Kevin whispered. "Don't worry. It'll be over in a minute". Chris unzipped his bag and took something out of it. Kevin couldn't see what it was, until it was pointing at his head. He froze. "Oh, come on Kevin, what are you afraid of?" Chris got up and sat on the bed with Kevin. He moved his hand that wasn't holding the gun towards Kevin's head and started stroking the younger boy's hair. "Relax, kid", he said and there was genuine tenderness in his voice. "I could never hurt you, you know that. The paintings are yours to keep. Sorry. I guess I won't be painting you after all". He then quickly moved the gun and took it into his moth pointing straight up. Suddenly Kevin saw the walls and the ceiling break their structure and starting to come down on him. The entire room seemed to be dancing around and he could feel cold sweat covering all of his body. He thought he heard some kind of a click. Then it was all blank. The phone rang. Tom let it ring once more before he picked it up. "Yes?" "Hi, Tom. It's Bill. How are you?" "Ok, under the circumstances, I guess. Thanks for calling". "Well, it's your birthday... Happy birthday, pal!" "Thanks baby, you remembered! After all those years". He paused. "Listen. I am sorry. I was such an asshole". "Forget it. What's the use lamenting about it now? Better tell me how Kev is doing?" "Well, his eyesight has returned a few days after, you know... Good thing we took him to a psychiatrist. Nothing was wrong with his eyes, it's just seeing what he saw, or thought he saw blocked out his vision. Apparently happens to kids sometimes. Not as old as he, though..." "That's definitely good news. Is he still with Helen?" "Yes. She took him with her to her parents' house. The boy needs her now. Of course, now that he is gone I realize how I have always loved him. Ironic, isn't it?" "Yes. It truly is. How is Helen?" "She is fine, I hope. We rarely talk. I think she blames me for what happened. I can understand her point of view. I only hope Kevin recovers. At least he started taking short walks outside. A huge step forward, really. Before he would just sit for hours staring at the damn painting, without moving a muscle. It was scary as hell". "Tell me", Tom continued after a pause. "Any news about Chris?" "No. None at all. He disappeared like he was never even there. Not a trace. It's really bizarre. Looking back, though, what wasn't bizarre about this kid? Divine talent, angelic body, demonic passions..." "How about his family?" "They don't have a clue either. I don't know, Tom. It just doesn't make sense. He is an artist. He has to paint. He can't live without it. I hate to think about what could happen to him. And it's all my fault. I could have stopped him". "No Bill. You can't stop a passion. Especially that powerful. Quite often I look at the painting he gave me. When was that? Oh yeah. Almost a year ago now. The more I look at it, the more I realize that we never really understood the storm raging within that boy. So much vigor, passion and light and at the same time despair, desperation, pain. All within this beautiful, fragile body. The fire. It burnt and consumed him and people around him..." They were both silent for a minute. "Ok Tom, I've got to go now. Good bye baby. Come visit me for a few days sometime". "Yeah, Bill, I will. I promise. A few days. Definitely. Take care now, buddy!". The line went dead. Tom slowly hung up the receiver. O.T. oki_toshi@hotmail.com -- +--------------' Story submission `-+-' Moderator contact `------------+ | story-submit@qz.little-neck.ny.us | story-admin@qz.little-neck.ny.us | | Archive site +--------------------+------------------+ Newsgroup FAQ | \ .../assm/faq.html> /