Homeland Defense E-Book

Leo Nix

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In post-apocalyptic Australian desert, a small band of survivors wages a desperate battle against ruthless Revelationist terrorists.

The city survivors set out to join Sundown's Commando on the edge of the Simpson Desert, but Sergeant Nulla and his motley group soon find out that the trek to sanctuary is not as safe as they'd hoped.

Forced to defend their friends against a brutal assault and confronted with certain death, they react with ferocious brutality of their own.

In the unforgiving Australian deserts and the fractured city of Adelaide, Sundown and his commando seek to survive any way they can.

Leseprobe

Homeland Defense

Sundown Apocalypse Book 3

Leo Nix

Copyright (C) 2017 Leo Nix

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2019 by Next Chapter

Published 2019 by Next Chapter

Cover art by Stephen Kingston

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

A special thank you to Marja for her generous support and the difficult task of proof reading; to Peter for his ongoing technical assistance in all things military and Bruce for his ongoing support of everything I get up to.

Dedication: To my wife Marja, see, I told you I could write.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and show respect, to the first Australians, our land's traditional custodians, the aboriginal people.

Chapter 1 - Sundown - Pedro

Shadow held Pedro's limp, moist hand in both of hers and looked up at Lorraine.

“Is he going to die?” she asked softly.

Lorraine was sitting beside them both and nodded. “If we don't get some antibiotics or penicillin into him soon, he won't last the week.”

McFly entered to find his wife and Lorraine crying at Pedro's bedside. “What? Is he dead already?” he blurted out when he saw the two girls in tears.

“Darn it, McFly, not so loud, he'll hear you!” whispered Lorraine. “Can you please sit with Shadow and Pedro for a while?” A sob suddenly escaped her lips but she managed to continue before she fled the room in tears. “I've got to speak to Sundown about that drug order he's sending Fat Boy to collect.”

“I'm not bloody dead yet, you boofheads,” croaked Pedro, his eyes still shut, “and I can hear every word, McFly.”

Shadow almost leaped out of her chair when she heard him, “Pedro,” she yelped as she hugged his emasculated body, “you scared the living daylights out of us.”

“Just keepin' you's on yer toes, me little missie,” he whispered.

“Pedro, hey.” McFly leaned over almost touching Pedro's ear with his lips. “Do you need anything? A drink, a beer, a smoke or something?”

“Get out of me ear hole, yer boofhead! And yes to all of those. I'm bloody parched, I need a beer.” Pedro moved a little as he tried to sit up. “And not one of that bludger Andy's warm, fruity piss he passes off as beer, I need a real beer. Get me a cold one from Harry's secret stash.” The old man had a bit more force to his voice now as he slowly forced open his eyes. His skin was hot to the touch and yellowish, his eyes bloodshot.

“On my way old man,” said McFly with a grin. “And boofhead yourself, you old bastard, I thought you were dead.”

“I'll bloody go when I want to bloody go! The old scythe-master ain't tapped me on the shoulder yet.” Pedro lay back panting as Shadow propped him up with some pillows. “Shadow, me little girlie, can you push me up a bit more? I need to get into action when McFly brings me that cold beer. You can't drink beer through a straw you know.”

McFly excitedly told everyone in the kitchen that Pedro was awake. When Billie heard he ambled himself into Pedro's room like he owned the place.

“Hey, me ol' son, Pedro, how's it goin'?” he said sitting on Pedro's bed, his skinny legs swinging back and forth like pantyhose on a clothes line.

“Hi Billie, got that hip flask on you, mate? I could do with a drop of the ol' mountin' dew.” Pedro smiled for the first time in quite a few days.

Gail was just on her way to Andrew's office when she spied Billie entering Pedro's room. She suspected what he might be up to, so she followed him.

“Billie!” she called through the open door in her proper British nurses voice, reserved for troublesome patients. “I can see you, and put that rum flask back in your pocket, or I'll tell Tricia. She'll cut your rum ration if your not careful.”

Billie stopped with his flask in his hand half-way to Pedro's lips. “I'll be damned! That woman has eyes in her backside I'm sure of it,” he said as he eased his flask back into his pocket. “Sorry, Pedro me ol' son, that woman scares me, her and that damn Tricia. They remind me of me childhood in the convent school. Bleeding nun's tortured the living daylights out of us kids, and I was one of them goody two-shoes too.”

Pedro pushed himself up into an awkward sitting position. He tried to yell but he only managed a whisper in retaliation. “Look wot you done, Gail, you big bully! You frightened me ol' mate, Billie. It's unfair scaring that nice old man.” He paused for a second then called, “Ya boofhead!” Then he eased back into the fluffed-up pillows.

“Darn it, Pedro,” said Shadow as she settled him in again, “just ease up a bit will you. McFly's going to find a way through that incoming fire with your beer so just relax.” She wiped his sweaty face with the wet cloth.

Lulu and Donna came in with some soup and another jug of water. Pedro groaned, “Shit, not another bloody bucket of water. I'm up to me back teeth in water. Now ya's have to add soup to it. I'm already farting like Niagara Falls,” he complained.

“Pedro, Lorraine said you have to have it, it flushes the muck out of your system she said. Come on, sit up and let us pretty, young girlie's feed yer proper,” said the ever bright Lulu. For once she was almost serious. Like all of them she was afraid Pedro would soon pass away. “You're sick Pedro so just let us help you.” She turned away and a tear escaped from the corner of her eye to drip onto her t-shirt.

“OK, but only if ya help McFly bring me a cold beer, or I won't drink a drop o' that butt fountain-water.” Pedro was slowly coming back to his old cantankerous self.

“Lorraine, for the tenth time we've given the list of medications to Fat Boy and Blondie, it's safe in their hands. We've given them a list of Cessna parts too. They're heading off in just a few minutes.” Andrew was sitting in his office with Sundown studying the maps for the two biker's rescue trek. It was just on dawn and the place was starting to crawl with soldiers and Sundown's commandos.

A head poked in through the office door. “Sundown, ah, Andrew, you don't mind me joining you for a minute?” It was Captain Lewis' smiling face. “We'll soon be heading back to Alice Springs but we've just heard that there's a bit of a crisis happening. Do you need some help?”

Sundown looked across at him and nodded. “We sure could do with some extra fire support, Captain.”

“So what's this about, Sundown? We heard Pedro was dying or something.” The captain's face was now serious.

“Yeah, he took a turn during the night. Lorraine and Tricia said that he needs penicillin or antibiotics but we've got nothing like that here so we're sending Fat Boy to Mount Isa for it. It's the closest large town and it should have what they need,” replied Sundown. “You're saying that Major Thompson wants to help?”

The captain's face lit up in a smile that threatened to break his face in two.

“Yes he bloody-well does!” he almost yelled. “I was praying that something like this would happen. We've not had a proper stand up stoush - ever! Me and the boys were hoping that meeting you lot would give us somewhere to point our 25 mm guns.” He let out a little 'whoop!' and then stopped, calmed his face and continued. “Sorry, Sundown, I got a little carried away with myself. Right, what do you have planned? I'm sure the major will permit you to advise us.”

“Thanks, Captain Lewis, we certainly do appreciate this,” said Sundown smoothly. “OK, we've got Fat Boy and Blondie heading into Mount Isa in about five minutes. They'll be riding their Harley-Davidson. I was planning to send Wiram and an armed squad with our two machine guns to set up an ambush about three hundred click's from here and another just outside Mount Isa itself. But if you can take your ASLAV, and we include one of our commandos, that should be enough. What do you think?”

“They've got, what, six hundred kilometres to Mount Isa? Fat Boy should be able to do that in a day, even though it's mostly dirt, hmm.” The captain rubbed his chin, thinking. “Our intelligence tells us the terrorists have multiple road blocks and the township's controlled by them and the local bikie gang. We've had the town under surveillance for months and every exit and entry point is covered. They've started preparations to move against you lot too.” The captain nodded guiltily at Andrew and Sundown, then continued quickly. “We weren't going to tell you until we knew for certain that you were with us, but you might as well know now.”

“Thanks for telling us, Captain,” said Andrew drily. “We will need your ASLAV to run up there in about an hour, do you think you could manage that?”

“Better than that, we'll send two bushmasters and the ASLAV and hit them up the arse once we get Fat Boy out of there.” The captain was almost salivating. “Leave it to me, I'll get it sorted out right now.” The captain paused, “so, who did you want to send with us from your commando?”

Andrew looked at Sundown and said, “Assassin hasn't had much time on patrol and he's been pestering to get away from the CB listening post again. Not McFly, he's asked to have a break from patrolling to spend more time with his missus, Shadow. Not Wiram, I want him here to run the Birdsville Track and Marree patrols. What about Cambra and Donna?”

Sundown ran his fingers through his thick, greying hair as he assembled his thoughts. He really wanted to go with the patrol himself. A ride in one of those Bushmasters at one hundred kph would be fun, he thought.

“Yeah,” he said at last. “Send Cambra and Donna, she deserves a break. Oh, hang on, Lulu and Danni might get upset. Hmm, OK, Cambra and his girls, Lulu and Danni, they work well together. I know the girl's are busy fussing over Pedro but I'll offer it to them anyway.” He was thinking out loud, something he did a lot these days. “OK, I'll get them in here and ask them.”

The captain headed out to his crews while Sundown went to find Cambra and his fan club. He knew Cambra looked after the two teenagers like they were his daughters and they adored him in turn. The problem, he realised, could be with those hot blooded soldiers all crammed into the vehicles for several days. But then on second thoughts he was sure the girls could handle themselves well enough, he'd seen them in action enough times to know that. Besides, he thought, if they could handle the terrorists at the mines they can handle our own soldiers.

Sundown knocked as he walked into Pedro's room. McFly was trying to hide Pedro's beer behind his back.

Shadow innocently said, “Hi, Sundown,” as she looked around nervously to see if Lorraine was behind him. Lulu and Donna's face had flushed a bright red.

“It's OK everybody it's only me for crying-out-loud.” Sundown nodded to McFly who quickly brought the bottle out from behind his back and handed it to Pedro.

“Ahhhhh,” sighed Pedro taking a long pull on the bottle, “give me that any day! Sundown, me ol' matey, what's happening? I can hear footsteps racing everywhere, are we under attack or something?”

“Nope, not that I know of, except for your legs and blood poisoning we're just dandy.” Sundown smiled brightly as he clasped his friend's proffered hand. Pedro pulled his friend in close to his mouth.

“I'm not well, matey, when I fart me butt squirts and it's damn embarrassing. Can you tell the girls to leave off with the water and just give me beer?” He winked at his friends around him. Just then he loudly passed wind, and what may have been a bit more than wind. “Sorry, can someone get that for me?” He let out a soft laugh. “I never knew what a relief it would be to let someone else clean me arse for me.” He chuckled again but Sundown and everyone else knew that those tears weren't necessarily happy ones, the poor old warrior was in a lot of pain.

“OK, everyone out,” announced Lorraine as she and Tricia entered. They could smell Pedro's latest production from the other room. “We'll look after this, we've done it a million times before. Just give us a moment and then we'll leave you in peace.”

“Thanks ladies, and please be gentle with him, I need him back on deck by the weekend. And Lorraine, while you're wiping his butt please don't wipe his smile away?” Sundown tried to make a joke but not even Pedro responded. “Well, that sure went down like a lead balloon,” he said as he walked out with the others.

The break gave Sundown the opportunity to sort out what he was really there for. “Lulu, go and get Danni and Cambra, please. Bring them to Andy's office, pronto. I need you all there five minutes ago,” he said.

Lulu looked up realising something exciting was in the air. She raced away, her wide smile shone bright against her dark skin.

“Sundown,” said Captain Lewis, “Major Thompson is now free to see you about our patrol to Mount Isa.”

“Fine,” said Sundown. He unconsciously scratched his ear lobe as he replied, “tell the major I'll meet he and his crew leaders in a few minutes.” He turned and quickened his pace as he walked back to Pedro's room.

As Sundown entered he saw Pedro patting Fat Boy on the back as the giant of a man leaned over his bed hugging the withered old warrior. Pedro looked up at Sundown with worried eyes.

“Sundown, me big boofheaded friend here won't stop crying.” He turned back to Fat Boy, “Now stop that and let me up, yer squashing me.” He patted Fat Boy on the back some more. Blondie stepped over and pulled Fat Boy off him.

“Hell, you'd think I was already dead the amount of people who've come in here crying. Now stop it, it's upsetting me.” He turned to Sundown again. “Fat Boy says he's on a 'Mission from God' to get some drugs for me. Mount Isa is it? I know I'm crook but that's a long ride to fetch a bottle of pills for someone old and decrepit like me.” Sundown noted that Pedro's voice was stronger than it was earlier.

Fat Boy sniffed and wiped the back of his hand across his face. “You're worth it mini-me, me skinny little brother. I might not come back though, that's what's worrying me and Blondie. We, ah, we don't really have a good reputation in Mount Isa but if anyone can pull it off it's Blondie. I'm just the driver this time.” Fat Boy pulled off his bandanna and wiped at the remaining tears on his face.

“Pedro, say your good-byes. I've got to get these two on their way. I'll be back in a half hour.” Sundown lowered his face to hide his sadness then turned to lead the two adventurers off to Andrew's office. He caught up with Jenny who was walking along the corridor. “Jenny, can you sit with Pedro for a while, please, until I finish sending Fat Boy and Blondie off?”

Jenny nodded, “Sure, Sundown, I was just dropping in for a yarn with him anyway. I'll wait for you.”

The bikers took off in a cloud of dust and were well on their six hundred kilometre journey of salvation not long after the sun had risen above the horizon.

It was a crazy morning. Everyone was awake and had said their farewells to Fat Boy and Blondie earlier. Now they were ready to wish good luck to the armoured patrol.

The three vehicles were being checked over by their crews while the crew chiefs busily sorted out supplies. With three extra crew members, Cambra elected to go with the ASLAV while Lulu and Danni happily put their kits in with the soldiers of Bushmaster One One Bravo under the rapid-speaking Sergeant Ahmet.

Sundown went back to talk with Andy. He needed to get his head around what was happening and he found Andrew was the only one who could do that for him.

“We've got Chan and John on patrol with the other Bushmaster down south. Sergeant Doff and his One One Charlie isn't it?” asked Sundown. In answer Andrew pointed to the wall map covered in pins and then to the enormous wall calendar next to it.

“Ah, good, and we've got Cambra, Danni and Lulu with the armed patrol…. McFly, Shadow, Pinkie and myself will be taking one of our four-wheel drives with Major Thompson's cavalry across the Simpson Desert to the Alice…” Sundown paused while he tried to remember everything he needed to discuss with Andy. “I've been thinking I might take Billie as guide and interpreter. He's from the region we'll be crossing, he knows this country and the local language. If we get into strife and need help from the local aborigines they'll be more inclined to talk to Billie than us.”

Andrew nodded assent and Sundown continued. “I need Bill and Wiram to get that aeroplane fixed and running. If the drugs don't help Pedro, I want him flown to Alice Springs, pronto.” Andrew nodded once again and pointed, it was all up there on his pin board and wall calendar.

“Good, yeah, now for Donna. I want her and Wiram to work together from now on. He's managed the commando by himself up to now. Halo has helped but I really want him to focus on training. Besides, I think Wiram fancies Donna.” Sundown looked at Andrew and winked, a light smile on his face.

“Matchmaker now are we?” Andrew grinned. “I've noticed, and so have Jeda and Bill. Donna never misses an opportunity to be around Wiram too.” The wily old administrator continued. “What do you think of this major organising the armoured patrol to Mount Isa? Do you think he can control himself? I'd prefer the captain to run it but…”

“He reminds me of Captain Mainwaring from that British home-army show,” interjected Sundown his thoughts racing. “A doddery old beggar but his heart's in the right place I think. He certainly seems to be keen enough. You know how Beamy told us of his conversation with the Bushmaster crew?” Andrew nodded. “Well, this is exactly what they need, a proper contact. I'll tell Cambra to make sure it happens. We've got to let these soldiers know what we've been doing all this time. Besides, they really need blooding. It might as well be on our watch with some of our best commandos. I think Lulu and Danni will make it easy for the boys to side with us when the time comes.”

“You think of everything, Sundown. Just don't get too clever or it might blow up in your face,” warned Andrew.

“The way I see it, Andy, this is our best and only opportunity to bond the two officers and their crews to us. My thoughts, and this is confirmed by what Beamy said, is that this mob in Alice Springs are a bunch of yobbos who couldn't organise a root in a brothel.” Sundown chuckled, there was no way he would ever have said that out loud a year ago. “We bind them to us now, through blood, sweat and tears. Then we'll call on their loyalty when we need it.”

The major spoke to Sergeant Ahmet, “Sergeant, gather the men, thank you.” He then turned to Sundown. “Sundown, would you like to say a few words before we leave?”

“Thank you, major, yes, I would.” Sundown stood beside Major Thompson and Captain Lewis while the three armoured cavalry crews gathered together.

“Squadron, attention! Stand at ease!” cried Sergeant Ahmet in his rapid-fire high pitched voice. He spun on his heels and saluted the major. “All present, sir.”

The major saluted smartly and stepped forward to claim the command position, which was one step in front of Sundown.

“Men, today we go on a special mission. We have all spoken with Sundown's Commando over the past few days and know the burden they have carried as front line fighters against these terrorists. They've been at it since the beginning of the apocalypse.” He looked up into the sky for a moment then continued. “Our commander has ordered that we avoid conflict at all costs.” The major's voice rose in anguish, “and we have followed his orders to the letter for months!”

He stopped and looked back at the faces of his command and smiled. Speaking softly now he continued. “Well men, today I am going to tell my commanding officer, General Hughes, Alice Springs Command, Third Australian Army, that we have been informed of a strong Revelationist Church force, moving down from Mount Isa, and that we intend to intercept it.”

“Silence in the ranks, please!” commanded Sergeant Ahmet as several of the cavalrymen swore excitedly.

“Thank you, Sergeant Ahmet. I know you lot think that we have run like cowards at every contact. That's not quite correct though, is it. We have preserved the only armoured military force still operating on the Australian mainland, beside the Abrams of 1st Cavalry.” He again looked upwards as if expecting something to appear in the skies above him. “Today we go forward into enemy territory to assist in the rescue of one of our own, Lance Corporal Pedro Owens, formerly of 3rd RAR, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and anywhere the CIA and ASIO sent him. He needs medications that we simply can't get here in Birdsville.” Again he paused, then looked at his men's excited faces. “Are you with me?” he asked quietly.

With a roar the three crews cheered. They fought the urge to break ranks and rush to embrace their major. Sergeant Ahmet called them back to order.

“Cavalry of the Third Army, the major would like a simple 'yes' or a 'no', thank you.”

“YES!” came their impassioned answer.

The two officers smiled proudly as Captain Lewis stepped forward to speak. “Before we rush off to prepare for the patrol we would like to extend our gratitude to Sundown's Commando for their hospitality these past few days. We now look forward to a successful patrol and safe return. Sergeant Ahmet, before you dismiss the men, Commander Sundown would like a word. Commander?” He stepped back conceding the dominant position, reluctantly, to join the major, one step behind Sundown.

“Thank you. Major Thompson; Captain Lewis; members of Alice Springs Command.” He nodded respectfully to the two officers. “Our commando would like to thank you for accepting our invitation to join us on what will probably be a fighting patrol. As you know, Pedro has been the solid rock upon which we've built our commando and he is very precious to us. Those not going with you extend our wishes for your safe return.” Sundown waved at Cambra, Lulu and Danni to stand beside him.

“I am handing these three warriors over to you for the duration of this patrol. Please take good care of them, just as they will take good care of you. Good luck and…” but before he could finish he saw Halo running towards him. He looked comical with his camouflage jacket twisted awkwardly around his shoulders, his AK47 in one hand and his precious Deaths Head knife gripped firmly in his free hand. Halo pushed politely through the ranks of the armoured cavalry to stand at attention beside his three commando mates.

Sundown looked quizzically at him, Halo smiled brightly back.

“Forgetting someone, Sundown?” announced Halo in a loud voice for all to hear.

“Um, no. Halo, what's this about?” asked Sundown. His creased brow made his weathered face look more confused than it already was.

“Major Thompson asked if I would like to go with him in his ASLAV. I had to get my gear. I'm sorry I'm late, boss.” He nodded to Major Thompson who smiled broadly back at him.

Sundown looked across at the major noting his grin and realised that he'd been played.

“Well… this does leave us short manned.” Sundown wasn't going to take this lying down. “What about the patrol down south, who's going to support them if things fall apart?”

“Beamy said he'd take my place,” said Halo quickly. His face revealed that he hadn't really thought of that through properly.

Fortunately for Halo, Major Thompson cleared his throat and said, “Ah, Sundown, I am very sorry but Halo was so keen to participate and he will be of great value to us as one of your original hero's. Besides, he swore you wouldn't mind.” The major couldn't keep the smile off his face as he spoke. He almost snorted trying to choke back a laugh.

“This is a bloody conspiracy! Bugger!” Sundown almost stamped his feet in frustration. He stared firmly at Halo. “Right mate! Go and get Beamy, if he can hold a rifle and hit that post there with a three round burst you can go.” There was no way Sundown would let the major put one over him. 'You smart arsed, Dad's Army sod', he thought to himself.

Halo sped off and brought Beamy from the CB room where he'd been all morning.

“What's this then?” Beamy asked Sundown and the troops. “Who said I was taking Halo's place on patrol? I'm too busy flirting with the nursie girls, I've got no time for patrolling.” Beamy's grin caused a ripple of muffled laughter among the soldiers and spectators watching with growing interest.

“Last time Halo tried to trade places with me I got shot up and damn near died. Bugger that,” he said as he lifted his AK47 and sighted at the post Halo had pointed out.

“Kids! Everyone! Cover your ears,” he called and then fired hitting the post twenty metres away fair in the middle. Beamy and Halo both turned to see Sundown's look of resignation, he'd been played all right.

With his face a crooked image of loss and defeat Sundown said softly, “OK, you can go, Halo.”

He drew in a deep breath to regain his composure. “Beamy, you come with me when we finish here because I'm putting you on the next bloody patrol down south now that you've managed to heal up so bloody fast.”

The group in front of the officers were smiling behind their faces at this display. They loved the affection that was such an obvious part of the Sundown's Commando community.

“Squadron!” called Sergeant Ahmet at a nod from the major. “Attention! You've got jobs to do boys, go do them. Dismissed!” The soldiers slapped each others backs as they laughed and joked all the way back to their vehicles to begin their preparations.

“Major,” Sundown smiled over at the Dad's Army captain look-alike. “That was, well, cleverly done. I do expect results now that you that have my four best soldiers. Look after them for me.” They shook hands, Sundown turned and walked back to the hotel.

It slowly dawned on him that this was probably Andy's idea. Sundown smiled then laughed out loud as he realised he'd been out manoeuvred by just about everybody.

Chapter 2 - Sundown - Prospector's Hideaway

By the time Riley made his way back to the bushman's hut his wife was asleep. Roo and Bongo were wide awake. Even though both were sorely wounded they were the only ones who could entertain Elle, all of four years, and two year old Harry. Katie was up all night tending to the two wounded men. She had collapsed with welcome relief when Bongo said he and Roo would look after the kids while she grabbed some sleep.

Katie knew plenty about nursing from helping her father tend his livestock and a multitude of sick neighbours. It seemed everyone preferred to drop in to see her father rather than go to the 'quack' in town. Her father had been an army medic during the Vietnam war. He had returned there after the war to do voluntary work in hospitals up and down the country. His skill with wounds, broken bones and simple aches and pains was legendary.

Riley chuckled when he saw his wife asleep and the two young men groaning as little Harry climbed all over them, he was like a hyperactive caterpillar. Roo in particular struggled to keep his broken arm free of little Harry's squirming arms and legs. Elle, ever the responsible eldest child, fretted when she couldn't slow Harry's enthusiastic play. The two men could only grunt in pain at the infant's every twist and turn.

“Hey, fella's, how're you feeling?” Riley asked as he collapsed exhausted onto the low bed next to his sleeping wife.

“Hi, Riley,” answered Bongo as he dragged Harry away from Roo again. He then pushed one of the dogs off his own leg which was swollen and felt like it was on fire. “As you can see we're doing fine but poor Katie's bushed. Sorry we kept you both awake last night.”

“No worries, Bongo, you pair were prepared to give your lives to save my family's, we owe you.” As an afterthought he added, “Oh yeah, you killed the lot of them. Brad and Ferrie and even some of my old mates from school, the traitorous bastards.” He now sat up, his face clearly showing the strain of his nights toil. “I hid the Rovers and I've found another safe place to shack us up. It's a bit of a trek but we can use the horses to take us there.”

Roo was sitting with his back to one of the old tree posts supporting the bark roof. He looked at Bongo and nodded.

“Roo says we should get the hell out of here. At least you, Katie, and the kids should. Maybe take your truck and head off to Birdsville and hook up with our lot.” He looked back to Roo who nodded again.

“Bongo, you're both pretty badly wounded. Any travel is going to make you worse, just look at you.” He waved his hand at them. “Neither of you can stand up and Roo can't even hold a knife and fork. Nah, we stay here until we're all fit enough to travel. It will take a few days before you two will be well enough to move from here.”

“Riley, they'll hunt you down. They'll do bad things to Katie and the kids. Those Wilson's are bad, real bad.” Riley now noticed Bongo's bruised and swollen face as his new friend pushed one of the dogs off his injured leg.

Riley shook his head in resolve, he would stay and look after his injured mates. The two commandos brightened a little when he told them of the weapons he'd collected from the dead Wilson's and then of his plans to move them deeper into the Arkaroola wilderness. He knew of an old prospectors hut that lay among the wild gully's several kilometres away.

“That sounds fine but you're handicapped, Riley. Neither Roo nor I can do much more than hold a rifle. We can't go out on patrol, we're useless. Please, just leave us, we can hide then in a few days we'll be strong enough to fight back,” argued Bongo who was starting to fret, worrying about Katie and the kids again.

“No way, Bongo. Roo's my cousin and you're his mate, that makes you family too. We don't leave family behind,” said Riley, his face firm. Bongo could see that the conversation was over.

Katie was up by lunch time and took the kids with Riley as they transported their gear over to the new hiding place. This gave Bongo and Roo time to settle down on the rough ground-sheets and sleep. They'd eaten a meal of porridge and that was all. Katie said she'll do better once they moved to 'grander lodgings'.

By evening Riley and Katie had moved everything to the old prospector's hut. Bongo suggested they should leave he and Roo there to get some sleep, then pick them up the next morning. Riley looked carefully at both men, then nodded. He wished them a good night sleep as he climbed on the back of one of the horses and headed off to be with his wife and kids.

The prospector's hut was hidden deep at the end of a gully, heavily overgrown with bushes. It once housed a lone gold prospector many years ago. Riley said he and his brothers brought food and a few bottles of beer to his camp on weekends. The boys listened to his stories of the early days of prospecting when the local aboriginals lived there in much larger numbers. He told of the violent clashes between the aboriginals and the farmers who had settled the region. Those were bad times when farmers would shoot and poison any aborigines on their land.

The old prospector said there were many times he would swap tobacco, flour and sugar for a leg of kangaroo meat from the surviving tribesmen. Both of Riley's parents had a soft spot for the quiet old man and looked after him as best they could. The old prospector eventually passed away when Riley was still a kid, he said.

The hut was big enough for the family to sleep at one end and it had a fireplace and table at the other. The dogs and the two wounded men would sleep outside under a bark lean-to. By lunch time the next day, the cattleman had finished building the lean-to and added two bench seats and sleeping mats, making it quite cosy. The dogs loved it.

When they arrived at their new lodgings, Katie asked the men to be careful with their rifles around the children. Both Bongo and Roo refused to leave their weapons beyond their reach. Having lived as warriors for so long now they felt uncomfortable without them.

Roo eventually asked Riley with 'mmm's' and gestures to oil his Gewehr and place it in a bag for him. It was useless now that he'd run out of ammunition for it. Instead he lay next to his artistically decorated AK47 with its replica Mrs. Sow and her piglets carved into its wooden stock.

Riley displayed his collection of captured kangaroo rifles. Roo carefully examined then picked one, a hard-hitting Ruger fitted with an expensive scope.

Although both men were wounded and needed plenty of rest and recuperation they insisted on doing their part. Each took turns to keep watch while Riley and Katie set up camp.

The next morning Riley was up before dawn taking his dogs to patrol the surrounding bush and to set rabbit traps on the approaches to the hut. That first day he kept watch from a hilltop that overlooked their hiding place. His traps were well hidden and he made sure the dogs stayed well away from them.

The following morning at their new camp, Bongo woke with a heavy head. His leg was so swollen that he couldn't move it. From the skills she'd learned from her father, Katie recognised what the problem was immediately.

“I'm sorry, Bongo, but that's blood poisoning. I've got no medicines for it so I'll have to use an old aboriginal remedy for it. My dad learned this from working on the aboriginal missions. There's a special bark that can penetrate the skin and counteract the poison. Then there is some clay in the creeks nearby that will draw the pus out.” She looked for Roo who was now able to walk around without feeling dizzy.

“Roo, can you and Bongo look after Elle and Harry for me again? I'll take the horse to gather what I need and be back in about two hours. There's plenty of tucker for the kids, just don't let Harry out of your sight for a minute.”

Roo nodded but Bongo was just too sick to care. Katie rounded up the mare left behind by Riley and set out into the desert scrub with a machete, shovel and some leather saddle bags.

By the time Katie returned, Riley was back at camp. He was talking with Roo and Bongo.

“I looked all over the place but saw no signs of them. I even went part way back to my farm, nothing there either. I don't like it one bit. Those Wilson's are up to something.”

“Riley, darling, I need your help,” Katie called. “I've got a sick fellow here and I need you to roast these bark pieces. Don't let them burn, just dry them out until they're brittle. I'll mix this clay up and then we can spread it over Bongo's leg.”

Katie had been trying to hide just how serious Bongo's injury really was. She had seen grown men and women die from injuries as small as a pimple that had turned septic. Bongo's blood poisoning was one that could easily kill him if not treated immediately. At her feet she could clearly see that Bongo was in severe pain. The commando scout's face was bathed in sweat and he was becoming delirious.

Katie pounded the dried bark and the clay into a fine powder. She added the ingredients to warm water then mixed it into a muddy paste.

“Bongo, this is going to feel nice and soothing so don't rub it off. I'll need to change it every hour so lie back and try to get some sleep.” The bullet had gone through his lower calf which was black and blue all the way down to his toes. A red line now travelled from his wound to the swollen gland in his groin. Katie gently applied the clay and wattle bark mixture to his hot and angry leg. She let it dry then eased his leg onto the blanket.

“Now just lie back and let it do it's job. I'll keep changing it until the swelling's gone.” Her eyes looked carefully at Bongo's bruised, fevered face then unconsciously leaned across to wipe the perspiration from his forehead. By evening the swelling was down and Bongo was asleep.

“Riles?” called Katie, brushing a wisp of stray hair from her face. “I'll need to stay up tonight to change Bongo's mud pack. Will you be OK tomorrow to let me sleep in?” She tried to sound pleasant but she was so tired that it sounded more like a demand.

“Sure, just don't wake me.” Riley smiled warmly at his wife. It wasn't the first time she'd done this for some poor stockman and his family. Many injured and sick visitors stayed overnight at their home while Katie treated them.

Although he'd never met her father, he'd sadly passed away when Katie was in her late teens, he accepted her healer role as part and parcel of who she was.

“Besides, Roo here is well enough to take on tomorrows patrol for me.”

Roo nodded, “Mm, yeah,” he said clearly, causing both Katie and Riley to stop and stare at him.

“Blimey, Roo, we're not used to you talking,” Riley said. He slapped him on the back as Katie left to put the children to bed. “Roo, do you want to sleep in here with me tonight? Katie is going to be busy and she'll wake you every time she puts mud on Bongo's leg. She'll want to sleep in the lean-to next to Bongo and the dogs anyway.”

Roo grabbed his sleeping gear in his one good hand and dragged it into the hut itself. He nodded to Katie, “Ta,” he grunted and smiled his thanks.

Katie looked at Riley and they raised their eyebrows in shared surprise. After twenty years without uttering a word of speech what on earth had changed in Roo to make him want to start now?

Both men were up at dawn. It was cold, mist lay across the hills and they could hear Katie talking softly to Bongo.

“How's he going, Katie? How's the swelling?” asked Riley rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“The swellings gone down nicely,” replied Katie. She noticed that Bongo was stirring so asked, “How does it feel, Bongo? Is it still on fire?”

Bongo was clearly tired but he replied in the positive. “I feel a lot better, Katie, and I'm hungry. That lump in my groin's better but my leg's still a bit stiff and sore. I think I can do the mud packs myself now too, thank you.”

“I'll put the mud bowl within reach,” Katie said, the relief obvious in her voice. “Riles, when the kids wake up don't let them jump all over me or Bongo, we both need our sleep now,” she said as she went straight to the warm bed Riley and Roo had just vacated.

Over breakfast Roo indicated he would do the first watch. He had his pistol in it's holster at his waist and his AK slung over his good arm. There was a set of binoculars slung around his neck and food in a small back pack which he had awkwardly dragged onto his back.

“Roo, I'll come out and relieve you at exact midday. Take Black Dog, he knows the way and he's the most reliable,” said Riley. “And stay off the path when you come to the big rock. I've hidden some rabbit traps in the grass there. Black Dog knows where they are, but just be careful.”

Roo grunted a primitive reply then clicked his fingers at Black Dog. Together they set off at a slow walk. It was a cool morning and Roo was excited to get back to the solitude of the bush once again.

“That Roo surprises me, Bongo. He hasn't spoken a word in twenty years and now he's chattering like a monkey. I wonder what it means?” Riley scratched his head as he began to prepare breakfast for his children, who were just starting to wake up.

Chapter 3 - Nulla - Out Of The Frying Pan

The dwellers were completely exhausted as they pulled into an abandoned motel outside the city suburbs.

“Squelch, click, click,” came the coded call as the boys gave the 'all clear'. Nulla and Phil switched off their engines and proceeded to climb from their vehicles.

“I've had it!” groaned Phil, he sagged onto the car bonnet and looked around to check that they were concealed from the main road. The motel units opened up right next to where they'd parked.

“Nice work boys, you've brought us right to our bedroom doors,” Nulla called to their motorcycle escort.

Nulla helped Glenda out of the car but she refused his offer to carry her. “No, I can do it, don't spoil me,” she said and hobbled with her AK47 over one shoulder and her backpack on the other.

“I'm sorry everyone but I have a blinding headache from these night vision goggles,” Glenda mumbled. “I really need to get a cup of tea, and then some sleep. Now, is anyone going to open a door for me?” She looked at the two boys who were just pulling off their helmets. Glenda softened when she saw that they were so exhausted they could barely climb off their bikes.

“I'll do it,” said Nulla. His face reflected the same strain from peering through the distorted image of night vision goggles for six hours straight. He kicked at the first unit door. When it wouldn't budge he tried the handle, it opened smoothly.

“Huh! Well I guess this is ours,” he said to Glenda. “You go and lie down while I get everyone sorted out then I'll put a brew on for us.”

The sky was starting to colour as the clouds shifted from a violet pink into a range of red and orange as the sun slowly rose above the horizon.

By the time Nulla had the billy boiled and eleven cups of tea and coffee made the group had settled into their units and most were nodding off to sleep. He chatted with Phil for a while but the old man kept squinting to keep his eyes open. Nulla knew he was simply too exhausted to listen.

“Sorry, Phil,” said Nulla, “I guess I pushed things a little too hard last night. Those night vision goggles are hard work.”

“I think we need to take a break tonight, Nulla. I don't think anyone can go through that again until their headaches clear. I've got a migraine and I don't normally get migraines. I think from now on we stick to four hour runs, no more. Last night was just murder. If we didn't pull over when we did I think I would have crashed into something.” Phil finished his cup of tea and waved in Nulla's direction as he headed towards his unit. Fatima was already sound asleep.

With his head in his hands Nulla pondered what he should do.

'Surely everyone realises the importance of getting out of the city as fast as possible? I guess we won't have to push so hard now that we're almost clear of it,' Nulla thought as he leaned back in his chair to drink his third cup of black tea. Slowly he closed down his mind and built his sanctuary of calm and harmony. He placed the dilemma inside his mind palace and disappeared into a deep sleep, but not for long.

“Nulla, boss, wake up.” Nulla looked up, it was Luke. “I've checked the motel rooms and we're safe and secure. What do you want me to do now?”

Nulla rubbed at his gritty eyes and got up, turned on the tap and splashed his face with cold water. 'This must be fed by a rain-water tank,' he thought absently.

“You'd better go and have a sleep, mate. You look bushed too. You and the boys did a great job last night too, well done. Hey, how's your head feeling?” he asked as an afterthought.

“Head? Dunno. I'm tired but otherwise I'm OK. Everyone else has headaches but all I got was bored. Doing sixty k's an hour is way too slow boss. We should be flying along…” he trailed off when he saw Nulla looking at him. “Yeah I know, safety first. But…” again came Nulla's look and he stopped, turned and went off to his room.

At midday Simon was up and cooking a meal for himself. No one else was there except Nulla who was listening to the CB. Simon brought him some tinned salmon and some of Fatima's flat bread with curry powder, his favourite condiment.

“Thanks, Simon,” Nulla said, as he took the tin without looking. After his first spoonful he gagged. “Hey what is it with you and this blasted curry powder? I'm going to have to explain to Glenda why I smell so bad now.”

The teenager just smiled, he was tired and his eyes rimmed by a flaming redness. “What are we going to do now? Everyone's exhausted. I don't think we can do another night like that, Nulla, my head's like cotton wool and my eyes are sore.”

“I was thinking that too…” Nulla suddenly stopped talking. From the road came the clear sounds of laughter.

“Terrorists or looters! Simon, wake everyone up and have them weapons-ready,” whispered Nulla grabbing his assault rifle. “And Simon, do it quietly.”

As he peered around the edge of the motel wall he saw a patrol of five terrorists walking in the middle of the road. They were laughing and singing, obviously quite drunk. Nulla tracked them with his scope and watched as they disappeared in the direction he had planned to lead his small group the following evening.

“Nulla, what's happening?” asked Simon, crawling up beside him. Luke was there too putting his webbing and cartridge belt around his waist. Heidi and Arthur were pulling on their boots and he could see Charlene with a 9mm pistol in her hand. She flicked her tussled hair away from her face with it's barrel.

'Strewth!' Nulla exclaimed softly to himself, 'I'd better teach her to be more careful with that blasted pistol, she's way too casual with it and sure to blow her head off.'

“Looks like terrorists out for a stroll.” Simon's voice brought him back to the present.

“Drunk too,” Nulla replied. “I'm going to follow and see where they're going. You stay here on guard, Simon. Luke, you get everyone packed and ready to run if we need to. I'll be back within the hour.” He looked at his watch. “At this point there's no reason to panic. They don't know we're here.” Nulla looked at the boys. “Simon, post Arthur in a sniping position upstairs too.”

Crouching low he headed towards the fading sound of voices.

They continued walking for a hundred metres where they stopped at a road block of sandbags. In front were four or five cars parked in such a position to slow any approaching vehicles. It was just as well he'd stopped his group when he did, he thought. There was one thing he forgot to do when they arrived, he reminded himself, and that was to reconnoitre their extended environment.

He scoped out the guards, their weapons, and looked for any other support in the vicinity - he saw none. It looked like a single roadblock on the main road. A machine gun and small arms surrounded by sandbagged walls. It was a solid-looking stockade. There was a roof to keep the sun and rain off and right opposite was their living quarters.

Nulla noted four guards inside the post. They didn't move when the group waved to them and entered the house opposite. The four guards appeared to be well disciplined and stayed at their posts. Nulla then noticed there were bullet holes in the cars and the stockade sandbags were peppered with holes as well. He looked further down the road and saw two cars severely damaged by rifle fire, another looked like it had been hit by an RPG.

The group he followed were now sitting on camp chairs at the front of the house drinking. Some were setting up a table with food and drinks. He could still only see the five terrorists he saw earlier, he didn't see any new faces exiting the house itself. Nulla stayed in the area to scope out as far as his binoculars could see in each direction. It appeared to be an outpost as well as a well prepared road block. Music came blaring from the house and Nulla decided he could safely head back to the group.

“What did you see, boss?” asked Simon.

“It's an outpost with a road block. It cuts us off from the Murray River but we can get around that if we want to. You'd better call everyone into the motel office where we can watch the road - and tell Fatima and Heidi to bring some food. We'll eat then we need to move out,” answered Nulla, the tension in his jaw and neck muscles betrayed his fears.

“Will do, boss.” Simon ran off on his errand.

When they were gathered Nulla called to Arthur, “Arthur, did you see anything while I was gone?”

“Nothing, Nulla, no more people, not even dogs or cats,” he replied.

“Good, looks like that's the lot of them. They don't know we're here and that's the way I want it to stay. They've got a heavy machine gun at their post and it appears they've had contacts in the past. Perhaps my cavalry unit visited or perhaps it's another local group of civilian resistance.

“I've thought a lot about where we should be heading and I think the Flinders Ranges is our best bet. Although there are reports that there are plenty of Revelationists there and the locals are on their payroll. We might not have friends there but the Murray River plan I was working on is now out.”

Glenda spoke up quickly, she sounded irritated. “Since when have we been going to the Murray River? I thought it was always going to be the Flinders Ranges?”

“I've been talking to our friends in Birdsville and to Sydney Charlie, they both said to be careful in the Flinders.” Nulla stood up and placed his big road map on the table and waved for everyone to gather around it.

“They didn't know much about anything else though, not in our region. I really think we should get to Birdsville and meet up with this Sundown's Commando mob. They're the one's we've heard so much about from listening in on the Revelationist's radio calls. I think they have the kind of civil resistance I've been wanting to organise since the day of the apocalypse.”

Charlene and Heidi spoke at once, “Nulla, what the hell is going on with you? You shouldn't be making plans without advising us first,” said an irritated Charlene. “If you've changed plans then we need to be involved too. I'm not budging one inch until you come out with everything that's in your head.” She defiantly folder her right arm over her left resting in its sling.