Homeland Defense

Chapter 1 - Sundown - Pedro-2

“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 b****y 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 b****y patrol down south now that you've managed to heal up so b****y 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.