by Leo Nix
“Hey yeah! Yeah, that's a great idea!” McFly settled and his head began to clear. “Pinkie, can you run around to the camp and get one of our men, anyone, they can find Sergeant Tobi, he'll help us. Tell him everything and do what he says. But go now, please,” said Captain McFly, Adjutant to the second most powerful man in Australia.
Pinkie didn't say another word, she nodded and ran out of the room.
“Oh, thank God!” said Pinkie as she almost collapsed at the guard post. “I need Sergeant Tobi, now. It's an emergency,” she told the soldier on duty. In her panic she didn't recognise that it was Corporal Hassam, their friend from the major's own ASLAV.
“What's happened, Pinkie, talk to me while we go and grab the sarg.” They walked hurriedly to the sergeant's room and banged on his door. A tired but awake Sergeant Tobi, answered. In a flood of tears, Pinkie repeated the story.
“Oh crap,” he said, but when he saw the state Pinkie was in he hugged her tightly to his chest. “It's OK, Pinkie, stop crying, Sundown's in safe hands with us, you know that.”
Quickly he gave his orders. “Corporal, grab three of our boys, go out to the river bed and collect the bodies. If you can, try to find the two teenagers the MP's were bashing. Head out to the aboriginal camp and find Billie, tell him what happened. Ask him to get their boys to bury the bodies. We'll disappear those pricks once and for all. And good riddance to them too.” The sergeant smiled and hugged Pinkie again. “Don't worry Pinkie, we're all one blood now, remember?”
The next morning McFly, Shadow and Bill were sitting in Major Thompson's office. It looked like a war zone with their bruises and bandages. The major had resumed his position as adjutant to the general and was back to running the army as usual. Nothing got to the general except through the major. Major Thompson asked Sergeant Tobi and Corporal Hassam to invite Captain Lewis to join them.
The major told Pinkie and McFly not to bring Sundown to the company headquarters that morning, not until he'd sorted things out. Sundown decided it best to return Pedro to his hospital room with Lorraine and Pinkie. Pedro was unwell, he'd drunk too much and was very hung over.
The major discussed the situation at length with the captain. They had the two teenage boy's statements and statements from the commando victims. It was a clear-cut case of self defense, and it appeared the three civilian MP's had decided to escape into the bush rather than face a court martial.
Major Thompson, with Captain Lewis as his second, announced the verdict; all three were guilty of assaulting both civilian and military personnel, with intent to kill. If they returned to the camp they would be arrested and shot under military law.
When Billie arrived with an elder from the local tribe, they drew them into their circle of chairs to hear what they could add to what they already knew.
Billie spoke for them both. “Seems them rigger fellas have been bashing me people since they got 'ere. No one would complain because they'd be beaten. Our elders were powerless to stop the kids getting their heads bashed in. Those bastards killed thirteen of my people. Can yer believe that, thirteen!” Billie sighed and a tear dripped down his dark face.
He looked at the officers, “The bodies are gone major, no one will ever find them now. Me people are grateful they're gone too. I said I'd ask you if we can appoint our own law and work together now?”
“Billie, thanks mate, I'm sure we can work together.” Captain McFly looked at the major and captain, they both nodded.
“Thirteen? We never knew, Billie,” said Captain Lewis.
“We was too afraid to say anything,” said the wrinkled aboriginal elder sitting beside Billie.
Early the next morning General Hughes met with Sundown, Captain McFly and his own adjutant, Major Thompson. This was their first formal meeting to discuss strategy moving forward. It was eye-opening for the two commandos.
“What? You've only got three hundred soldiers? In the entire Third Army?” McFly was incredulous, he couldn't believe his ears. “What the hell happened? They couldn't have all been killed?”
The general was quiet for a moment then courageously went on. “Actually, we had twice that number at the beginning. Over the first few weeks, when people realised this was not a drill, they… just sort of drifted away.”
The major picked it up. “Sundown, I didn't want to tell you all this before you formally joined us, but that's the truth of it. Once everyone woke up to the fact there was no more government, and no more law and order, things broke down. A lot of our troops came from Darwin and the north-west after the bombing and terrorist attacks and headed here. They expected central command in Alice Springs to be well managed and resourced. We weren't. We had the entire central Australian desert to cover and rescue. In that first week we were completely overwhelmed with a flood of refugees. Then we lost almost all of our food and supplies. Looters got into our depot and stole everything they could get their hands on. We had to adopt a 'shoot on sight' policy to stop it.”
He paused and pulled out a note pad and continued. “We now have two hundred and eighty-odd personnel. Of those only half arrived with weapons and supplies. Most of the Darwin and north-west cape military, and even some from Pine Gap, got out with their clothes on and just about nothing else. They were actually the most orderly of the new arrivals.
“Captain Walker brought the armoured cavalry from Darwin, bless his soul. He fought a valiant rearguard action as he pulled what he could away from the terrorists and came down to Alice. Our own mob from Alice Springs Command were staunch in their actions and controlled the township extremely well, but some elements crept in with the refugees. We tried to sort out the good from the bad, but we couldn't, it was impossible. Some we thought would be useful turned out to be liabilities.”
McFly butted in once again, “Like John and some of those riggers?” he asked.
The general answered, “Yes, McFly, we thought they would work out just fine but they ended up terrorising our community, right under our noses.” He stopped, wanting to move the conversation to safer ground.
“Some civilians joined up with us, they've turned out to be some of our best soldiers. Many joined our scouting platoon, experienced in working in the desert as cattlemen, shooters and riggers with the oil companies. Many of our own troops have also stepped up. Captain Lewis' brother joined as a civilian and proved to be one of our best. Blasted pity he was killed, I really miss him, he had a certain flare for humour, was a most welcome member at our official functions.” General Hughes looked out of the window at the storm clouds hanging over the township.
“General,” said Sundown turning the conversation back to where he needed it, “I'm here to support you in every way possible.” The general looked back at Sundown, waiting. “My commando have proved their worth for nearly a year against odds no other party have survived against. But we're small, we're poorly resourced and we need heavy weapons to hold our own. I propose we send two more armoured carriers to Birdsville with a platoon of our best. Then I want to take a few of our heroes with me to visit the outlying townships in the desert regions. I think we can double our numbers here and train them, ready for the big push.”
“Colonel,” said the major, “if I may call you that, Colonel Sundown.” He smiled, “I agree we should try but it's going to be tough. We have so little resources we'll need to do some subtle juggling just to feed them. Remember, we lost most of our gear and stores to looters in those first few days of the apocalypse. We can send out parties to ransack the farm houses and sheds but this is the poorest region in the country. We tried to head into Darwin and the larger towns but were beaten back by the terrorists.”
He paused and wiped at his eyes as he remembered his time in Birdsville with the commando. “Colonel, we need to be self sufficient, we need to grow our own food. I suggest we get some of your boys here to help us build the vegetable gardens like you have. You know, divert the sewerage as food and water for the gardens. Like Birdsville, we have plenty of subterranean water here, it'll never go dry, but
we're struggling. If we can build up our own supplies we have a chance of strengthening our numbers. We'll attract them because we'll have plenty of food.”
Sundown smiled in return. “Exactly what I was thinking, major.” He turned to McFly. “Captain, how long did Lorraine say it would take for Bill's wrist to heal? We need him to fly all over the centre with us to organise our command.”
“Lorraine said six weeks and it should be healed well enough. No sooner though,” replied McFly.
“Yeah, I knew it was a month or so, OK,” he turned once more to the general. “General, I'd like to add Shadow, to my team here, promote her to lieutenant. I need people who know how I think. I'd like to appoint her as my aide to your office.”
Major Thompson spoke first, “Excellent idea, Sundown!” he launched into a description of how well she helped organise the services in Birdsville and her courage on the battlefield. “General, she knocked out John in the Marree fight, you know. Took out eight of those riggers who were beating up Sundown and Pedro.” He looked at McFly. “Why, she even rescued her boyfriend here, three times I heard.” He winked and chuckled lightly.
“Twice I think it was, major. I got a few shots in too you know,” said McFly defensively.
“Well, yes… I agree, we need more soldiers, and growing our own food must be a priority.” The general tried to regain control, he tapped his fingers on the desktop impatiently. “And by the way, Major Thompson, since we're restructuring our organisation, I am promoting Captain Lewis to Major and you to Lieutenant Colonel, as of now, congratulations. Please arrange the paperwork.”
He shook hands to formalise the promotion then called out to his orderly to serve breakfast. “Gentlemen, today I wish to see our final arrangements for your Commando's official entry into our command here, then we'll work on plans for the coming spring and summer offensives.” He stood as the orderly announced that breakfast was ready.
Major Louie Lewis was mighty pleased to be recognised for his efforts that year. The meal was a time for everyone to exchange stories, but one story was waiting to be told.
“Colonel” said the general sitting at the end of the table in the officers mess, “I believe you took out a group of MP's last night after our welcoming dinner party?” Sundown noticed Hughes was smiling, but he didn't know how he should explain such a horrendous event, especially when he wasn't even quite there.
“I'm sorry about that, general. As you know we were walking back to our hotel beside the Todd River and went to investigate a fight in the river bed. It was John and two others of his patrol. Apparently they have a reputation for assaulting civilians and members of the aboriginal community here, just as they had in Marree. They trade food and petrol on the black market and had turned themselves into the underground rulers of Alice Springs.” Sundown wanted to hit hard and fast, it worked, the generals eyes bulged somewhat.
“We went to investigate and were assaulted by these men. You have no doubt heard of the injuries, a broken wrist, multiple bruising. Shadow was knocked unconscious and McFly here is still black and blue.” McFly nodded but declined to interrupt, so Sundown continued. “I stepped in and that's when John and his mates bolted.”
Sundown waited for a moment to see if Lt Colonel Thompson would speak, but he didn't. He decided to step deeper into the hole he worried he might be digging for himself. “I can't remember what actually happened general. I lost consciousness and woke this morning. I have next to no memory of the events after I saw Shadow knocked down by John. Sorry.”
“Blasted brutes that lot,” agreed the general. “Major Lewis appointed them to patrol the township and at first they did a good job but we kept getting reports of assaults and black marketing of supplies.” Finishing the last of his steak he heaped some mashed potatoes onto his fork then tried to balance more peas than would fit. He managed to get some of them into his mouth.
“I'm glad they've disappeared. If they come back we'll hang them for assault, black marketing and desertion.” He signalled for the others to tuck into their meal.
The general paused with his next forkful of potatoes and peas. “Oh yes, Colonel. One day you'll have to tell me about this demon of yours. I've heard so much about it, and then it leaps out right from under my nose. That would have been quite a fight between you and those three, I imagine.”
Sundown went slightly pale but at this distance he hoped it wouldn't show.
“Ah, I missed it too, General.”
The game was interrupted when Corporal Hassam raced in, stepped back out and knocked, then re-entered, walking straight to General Hughes but spoke directly at Colonel Sundown.
“Sir, comms reports One One Charlie have contact with the Marree Revelationists, north of the Marree township. Patrol One have also relayed that Charlie and your bike squad, colonel, were ambushed with possible casualties. Birdsville base report they are preparing a patrol to support them. Wiram asked permission for One One Bravo, to come off their northern post to support him.”
Corporal Hassam paused to look at everyone seated around the general's table. “Sir, Wiram said it's a serious situation, very serious.”
Chapter 13 - To Sanctuary
The dwellers were up before dawn and still half asleep. Phil fussed with his radiator grass catcher; Heidi argued with Lucy and Glenda about who would drive Nulla's Toyota first; and the boys were annoying Fatima as she tried to organise breakfast.
Not that the boys actually did any of the cooking, they were always there to help her decide what she should cook for them. Fatima loved having them fuss around her, she sometimes even created special meals just for the two boys, they loved her for it.
The girls always argued over who got to choose the music in Nulla's four wheel drive. They were sick to death of his country music. But Nulla had a rule, whoever drove had choice of music. It was more an argument over who had control over the CD player. Lucy won, being the eldest and most experienced driver. It helped when Phil backed her. Lucy's smug face soon changed though.
“Lucy!” called Luke striding purposefully towards the vehicles, his hands in his pockets. “Have you got any toilet paper? My butt's full and I've got some Christmas pudding to feed the ants.”
Annie reacted immediately, swinging around to look up at her mother. “Mum, how come Luke's got Christmas pudding? And why is he going to give it to the ants?”
Lucy looked at her daughter first, then looked blankly at Luke. “Luke, since when have I become the toilet-paper lady?”
“Since you read all those books and have lots of spare paper. Better hurry though, the ants are ravenous and my butt's about to burst,” replied Luke reaching towards her bags in the back of the four wheel drive.
“Don't you touch my books!” stormed Lucy running over to her bags before Luke could get to them. “I'll get some paper for you.”
Arthur and Simon were watching, they wore enormous grins on their faces enjoying the entertainment. Heidi and Glenda stopped talking and started giggling.
“Hurry up, Lucy,” cried Luke, jigging about and holding his buttocks, “I'm about to explode!” Lucy tore some pages, handed them over and he ran off towards the toilet block nearby. They could hear his groans of satisfaction.
“Boys!” sighed Lucy.
“Mum, how come Luke's feeding the ants Christmas pudding?” asked Annie again, trying to work out what was so funny. Then her eyes lit up and she cried out, “He's doing a poop isn't he! That's not pudding that's pooping!” and she squealed in delight at having broken the boys secret code.
“Lucy!” cried Simon getting in on the act, “I've got some ginger bread men in my oven, I need some of that paper too!”
“Oh! Simon!” squealed Annie. The little girl had become fascinated by these two uncouth teenagers ever since they'd arrived at her house. Arty was quiet and subdued compared to these two wild boys.
Arthur couldn't stop laughing and opened his mouth to add to the madness. But he stopped when he saw Heidi's fierce frown and sighed
softly to himself.
“Simon! Are you going to do a poop too?” Annie squealed even louder, her face wreathed in smiles.
Grabbing at his butt Simon yelled in fake anguish, “Annie, you'd better tell your mum to hurry with the paper because my ginger bread men are just about to jump out of my oven.” The girls giggled even louder. Annie squealed again in delight.
All of a sudden Lucy stood completely still, a book in one hand and loose pages in the other. The sunrise had tinged the clouds in the east with pinks and reds, her face glowed in an ethereal light. Her body twitched and from somewhere deep inside she began to laugh, a long and genuine laugh. It was the first real laugh she'd had since the apocalypse, since she'd lost her joy for living. She could no longer hold herself back at the silliness of these two boys, but just a moment later she bust into tears.
Charlene was watching the show, enjoying the entertainment. When she saw Lucy crying she hurried straight over and hugged her friend.
“Those boys make me want to cry too, Lucy. Silly beggars aren't they,” she said.
Lucy leaned back and looked into Charlene's eyes. “It's the silly things the boys do and say that remind me of Tony. He liked to tease me like this. Oh how I miss him.” She buried her head in Charlene's chest and sobbed even harder.
“Mummy,” Annie pulled at her mothers t-shirt, “Luke said I could feed the ants too if I wanted!” She squealed yet again with glee. Lucy pulled herself away from Charlene and bent down to hug her daughter to her breast.
“It's just one of those silly things boys get up to, Annie. And yes, you can make ginger bread people and feed Christmas pudding to the ants if you want to.” Lucy chuckled, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Those boys are silly aren't they?”
Simon called from the bushes, “Annie, when you feed the ants just be careful they don't bite your bum!” and the little girl squealed once more, relishing the joy of being with these wickedly funny boys.
