by Leo Nix
Sundown looked at his mate. “I decided to expand it, Pedro. Plus, we are going to take dogs. There's Roo's Dog and Black Dog; Blue and Red are staying behind.” A slight smile crept across his lips. “And if you want to come along, you know you have to get back into those tin legs of yours. Tricia said if you don't, then you can't go. As you know, Tricia outranks me on things medical.”
“You're a funny bugger ain't ya. How long have I got?” Pedro's jaw tightened.
“I think you've got a few days, better get them legs on today and start walking.” Sundown looked at Pedro's cigarette and continued. “And everyone wants to know how come you're the only one with real tobacco? Where the hell did you find it?”
“Promise you won't tell anyone?” Pedro leaned close to Sundown's ear. “The tunnels. Beneath the palace there's a secret room full of raw leaf tobacco. I think it's contraband, illegal tobacco grown somewhere around here. Fat Boy found it and since I'm his mini-me, I got first batch. I did give a pile to Nulla, I owe him for a few tricks, but it's still a bit of a secret. I'm not sure what Fat Boy plans to do with it but maybe you'd better have a word with him. I'm too close, he might get upset, you know how touchy he is with things.” He gave a snort and a laugh then pushed his chair into the dining room ready for breakfast with the rest of the commando.
Shortly afterwards Fat Boy and Sundown had a chat about following orders and sharing things that didn't belong to him. They decided that as head of victuals, Fat Boy should manage distribution of said tobacco leaves as part of the commando's daily rations. Fat Boy liked that.
Major Lewis was back at the palace to meet Sue-Ellen. Captain Walker was now filling in for him at Birdsville. The major called everyone to order. There were over two hundred people now living at the Christian Palace. They included the families of the soldiers from Alice Springs and refugees they'd picked up over the past few months. It kept Andrew on his toes and he now relied more on Pinkie, Wilma, Mel, Harry and Jenny to help him administer to the needs of the growing community.
The visitors were introduced as the Pine Gap special operations specialists, spec ops, who wished to learn how to patrol in the Australian desert. For most of the Commando this was enough and they were satisfied. But for the Alice Springs Command it was a case of, 'wink wink nod nod'. They knew something was in the air but the real reason remained with only those who needed to know. An enormous stealth, Black Hawk, sitting in their back yard, clearly announced something was afoot.
“It's been a few months since we've had a meeting like this and I'd like to announce a few things.” The major began. “First of all Sundown is taking his original company out on a training patrol. We've decided, as you all know, to introduce long range camel patrols and this is a perfect opportunity to see how it works. We have a few days to prepare and we'll need everyone to pitch in and help. I've got Harry and Jenny here,” and he got them to stand up. “If you haven't already got a job then please talk to them.” He paused as the two sat back down.
“Some of us will need to step up and take on extra duties,” and he nodded to his own uniformed soldiers. “So if you see someone sitting on their hands when there's work to be done, it's your responsibility to find them something to do. There is some good news, direct from Sundown himself. We now have a proper tobacco supply. So if you're a smoker, you can go and see Fat Boy for your ration, after the meeting.” There immediately came a cheer from the Commando's smokers as he turned to invite Sundown to speak.
“I can see that Fat Boy will be a busy fellow right after this meeting. OK, you've all seen the Black Hawk parked behind the sheds. That's what I came home in last night with our visitors.” He waved across the table to where the Pine Gap special ops sat with a few of his own commandos. “These experienced fighters are joining us to learn about desert patrolling and how we've managed to fight off the entire terrorist army so far. Not just one army, I might add. Nulla and Charlene's group fought against the Adelaide terrorists for nearly a year as well.
“I know you'll support us with your hands and feet, we also need brains as well as brawn. If you've missed the opportunity to lodge your skill-set with Harry or Andrew, now is the time. OK, that's it for now. Have a nice day, it's going to get hot so make sure the kids are covered. When we get back from our patrol we'll have a bash-up party.” Then he added quickly, “and you've probably heard the palace parties are well worth attending. If you have any questions speak to Harry, Jenny or Andy.”
Sundown sat down with the rest of his admin team while the smokers rushed to the kitchen to find Fat Boy. Sue-Ellen had watched him up there working the crowd and smiled inwardly. 'Just like my Reece, how lucky is Pinkie to have a man like that.' She thought to herself as she watched the couple chatting easily, making everyone around them feel special.
“Major Lewis, can you introduce our visitors please?” asked Sundown as the secret patrol gathered in the big sheering shed behind the palace.
“Sure, first of all we have Commander Sue-Ellen Cullen, she's head of the Pine Gap facility. Her special ops team are Soldier of Fortune, Murphy, Obi-Wan and Pipeline. These boys may be ugly but they know how to fight.” He was impressed by how modest they were. These men were all experienced fighters, hand picked by Sue-Ellen herself. They were the best of the best but very shy around Sundown's Commando.
“These are the girls who'll be going with you to Darwin. This is Blondie, Heidi, Lucy and Jaina.” Each of the girls said 'Hi' politely as they were introduced.
Over the next three days the special ops trained with the girls and the camels. Nulla and his crew also focused their efforts training the original commando in preparation for their LRCP - long range camel patrol. Their holiday appeared to be set in motion.
Chapter 12 - Camel Patrol
Major Louie Lewis stayed at the Christian Palace while Captain Walker remained at the Birdsville outpost managing the fighting patrols. Troops were rotated on a fortnightly basis so those who had family now living at the palace experienced a semblance of normality. It also meant they could have a decent break from patrolling and it allowed ongoing skills training.
Colonel Vic Thompson remained in Alice Springs and was apparently wooing one of his secretaries. For all intents and purposes, life was beginning to settle into a practical routine for the commando in Australia's red centre.
Sundown, Sue-Ellen, her spec ops along with the original Sundown's Commando, had left early that morning on their camel patrol holiday. It wasn't a fighting patrol as such but they went fully armed with pistols, assault rifles and several magazines of their now very precious ammunition. There was a lot of laughter which made this training patrol feel like a holiday.
The older members of the original commando decided it was too hot to go on a camel ride. Mel stayed back with Andrew and Wilma while Jenny and Harry asked if Katie and Charlene would look after their kids. Annie didn't want to go either. She and Danielle were like sisters and did everything together.
Sundown looked back over his shoulder where he could see a string of almost sixty camels. The majority had riders, while the rest were loaded with food, water and gear. The patrol planned on heading north east for a few days, then take a break at a secret hot spring Roo and Pedro used on their hunting trips. Then they would return home.
The mild spring weather was over and the days were getting hotter but the nights remained pleasant. They rode until it got too hot to continue, then they would stop and put up their shade tarpaulins to rest until it cooled in the afternoon. Then they would walk until it was dark. Most of the Commando were experienced at desert living and this was something they could do with their eyes closed.
“I'd love to explore beyond the Diamentina lakes area. It's just a relaxed ten day ride.” Sundown laughed at the silliness of patrolling all that way on a whim. “This little stroll to your hot spring will give everyone some camel riding experience and we might even have some fun. God knows we all need a break.”
“Sundown, matey, you do realise this
is our first holiday in a year? It was this time last year when the apocalypse happened, ya know,” said Pedro, as his camel stood up under the careful eye of Kris.
“A whole year ago? In that case I think a trip along the edge of the Simpson Desert before it gets too hot, is a good opportunity for everyone to relax a bit.” He turned around awkwardly to watch Halo and Shrek bringing up the rear with the pack camels.
“Those two are funny aren't they?” called Sundown to his old mate strapped to his camel seat. “They get along like a house on fire. That Private Little, Shrek, he's a natural with the animals isn't he.”
“He might not be one of our originals, but he's a hard worker, I'll give him that. You know, Kris begged for us to bring him? He says the camels love him.” Pedro had trouble staying seated on the lurching camel with just his stumps to hang on with. But there was no way Sundown was going to leave the palace without his mate Pedro, legs or no legs.
“Ya know, I miss me ol' mate, Shamus. He'd love to go on a trek like this,” mused Pedro.
“Yeah, me too. I have a lot of wishes, Pedro, and that's one I put up behind an end to this madness,” replied Sundown, as he willed his mind to turn away from the sadness which came with thinking of his mentor's death.
By midday the camel train was ready for lunch and a siesta. Everyone lent a hand to unpack the animals, set up the shade tarpaulins and prepare the meal. Black Dog was their official guard dog and he alternated between riding with the Girl Guards and walking. Blue Dog stayed behind with Major Lewis and the home guards.
Roo usually had his dog with him on his camel's saddle to keep his paws from burning on the hot sand. Every now and then he'd let Dog run along beside the camels, sniffing in ecstasy at everything in his path.
It was quite a crowd and Sundown went from group to group with Wiram and Nulla, walking them through their drill, so everyone knew what to do if there was a contact. Anything could go wrong and they knew it.
That first night was magic. The sunset spread right across the western horizon. It flushed soft pinks to oranges and deep reds, ending with purples and an ultraviolet blue. The colour show then pulled itself over the horizon to disappear, only to reveal a mass of stars so bright the Commandos felt they could reach out and touch them.
Wiram, McFly and Sundown took out their guitars and began their camp fire sing-along while Jenny and Jeda passed the precious bottles of Andy's Palace Port around the circle. Pellino and Nulla kept an eye on the youngsters who were of age to kill, but not yet of age to drink.
Sue-Ellen was entranced with these desert warriors, as were the four special ops boys, who joined in when they recognised a song. They sang along with pop songs from the seventies and eighties, while they simply hummed to the bush ballads and Slim Dusty songs they didn't recognise.
Heidi called out loudly when she heard Wiram strum the first few bars of 'The Pub With No Beer'.
“I don't believe it! We thought we'd listened to the last Slim Dusty track when we pulled into Birdsville. Now we're in the middle of the Simpson Desert and Wiram tortures us all over again.”
Simon called out, “That's why we stayed on our bikes, Heidi, so we wouldn't have to listen to Nulla's CD's any more. Don't forget we had to live with him for nearly a year.”
It was Luke's turn. “How much did Nulla pay you to sing Slim Dusty, Wirrie?”
“That's not fair,” called Nulla in defense. “I let you girls pick your own songs.”
“Yeah right, Nulla. We had a choice? 'Which Slim Dusty CD do you want to listen to next?' was the only choice you gave us. That's all you had in the car, Slim Dusty CD's,” cried Heidi.
“I bet if Glenda was here you'd be in trouble Wiram, she'd throw something at you. That poor lady spent a whole month stuck in the car with Nulla's country music. Can you imagine? A whole month!” laughed Luke as he noticed Danni's bright eyes staring at him in the firelight.
After the sing-along Halo was called on to recite the speech he gave at the Birdsville Hotel after the Mount Isa battle. But before he began Cambra had to tell the story of the battle itself to the visitors. He told how he and Halo witnessed Blondie taking out the Raven's Claw officer with her Heckler and Koch pistol then driving full speed into the stockade. It knocked the whole stockade over preventing the machine gunner firing on her.
Everyone was quiet as he spoke of the bravery of the Alice Springs Command soldiers who courageously went forward into the enemy fire. Their selfless action allowed Blondie and Fat Boy to get the vital aeroplane parts and Pedro's antibiotics into the Bushmaster and ASLAV. He finished with a description of the brutality of their 25 mm cannon as it ripped apart the trench system and wiped out most of the enemy.
Wiram then spoke of Halo's presentation of the Sundown's Commando battle flag, to Lt Colonel Thompson. He then called the girls, Lulu and Danni, to stand up so their Pine Gap guests could see them.
“These girls made the flags and I know for a fact that Vic Thompson has the replica inside his ASLAV and the original flag hangs inside his office in Alice Springs. He's the proudest officer in this entire post-apocalypse universe,” said Wiram. “Thanks girls, you sure did us proud.”
After everyone stopped laughing after Halo's speech, Assassin was called on to tell the story of how he managed to survive the Mines battle. His description of when Halo had his head wound treated caused everyone to erupt into laughter again.
It was while Assassin was talking that Cambra realised the anniversary of the battle was coming up. An idea entered his fertile mind. He decided right then that he wanted to present the Commando with something special to celebrate it's anniversary.
He elbowed Halo in the ribs to get his attention and whispered, “I've got a secret stash of Irish whiskey in my pub at Marree, wanna help me get it?” Cambra winked and Halo caught on immediately. “It's almost the Marree pub fight anniversary and Shamus' death. We need something to commemorate that, it's important mate.” Again, Halo nodded in agreement.
“We'll organise something on the trek tomorrow, Cambra. It should be an interesting incursion, given the Revelationists just resurrected their Deaths Head Battalion and posted them back to Marree. We'll have to fight our way through the Stosstruppen, and the Deaths Heads, to get that one bottle of whiskey,” whispered Halo thinking he might change Cambra's mind.
“Who said it's a bottle? There's two cases of Jameson Gold and some bottles of 18 year old single malt, plus some vintage port hidden in the cellar. There's no way the Revelationists would find it,” replied Cambra with a Shamus-like lilt in his voice. Halo's smile broadened. A whiskey rescue mission should prove to be very interesting indeed.
Chapter 13 - Camel Camp Fire Show
On their second day out, Roo took his shirt off after his camel decided he'd had enough walking, and spat on him. He used it to wipe the spittle off his face. The Commando hadn't seen him bare-chested before.
Danni walked over to him and stared. “Roo, you're an initiate. Why didn't you say something?” She stepped back a few paces in respect and lowered her gaze. Then she realised what she'd said, and even against her dark aboriginal skin, she went red in the face with embarrassment. “I'm sorry Roo, I didn't mean to be rude.”
“I… couldn't talk, Danni. When I was little, kids laughed. I've got scars,” he said slowly finding the right words, just as Charlene had taught him. His voice had retained his nine year old inflections but every day it matured a little more.
Bongo was watching and came over. “You could have told us, Roo. We're your family, you know that.”
“I know, Bongo,” said Roo watching everyone's reactions, not quite sure if he should put his shirt on, or leave it off. Should he hide like he did since his grandfather died, or let the world see who he really was, an initiated warrior of the Gangardi people? For a few seconds he felt vulnerable and exposed, but when Danni reacted as she did, respectfully, he realised he should be proud, not ashamed.
Nulla came over to see what everyone was so excited a
bout. When he saw the scars he stopped a few paces from Roo. “Brother, we need to talk. Tonight we'll sit - you, me, Harry and Wiram.” Roo nodded and smiled. This was so different to the treatment he'd experienced as a child. At the mission school he was whipped when they found out he'd undergone his manhood initiations.
On their third day out they arrived at Roo's hot spring, in the Diamantina flood plains. This particular spring, an oasis, was hidden, deep among a jumble of enormous sandstone rocks. Roo knew of its existence from his mother's aboriginal father and uncle, his mentors. He had only ever shown it to his friends Shamus and Pedro. It welled up from the depths, from how far down no one really knew. Hot, fresh water, three hundred million years old, had given life to the desert aborigines for thousands of years.
Those ancient nomads had excavated the sand down to a depth of a metre, then build several rock enclosures where they could sit to ease their aches and pains. Roo was told by his aboriginal grandfather that this particular spring was used by the old people for healing. It was a sacred spring and not to be approached without due respect and ceremony. In his mother's culture, Roo knew that those who abused the spirits of the desert suffered the severest of consequences.
Jeda, Jenny and Roo spent a few days before their trip discussing whether they would use that particular spring or not. These women were of the Gangardi people, just like Billy and Roo. This was their people's spring and therefore the decision was theirs.
On their arrival, it was agreed that the men would perform a ceremony asking permission to use the spring. If the signs were good it would become their home for the next three days, before turning back for home.
They also made everyone camp well away from the waterhole and the animal pads leading to it. This ensured the thirsty animals and birds, which relied on the water for survival, wouldn't be frightened away to die in the parched desert.
