Desert Strike

Chapter 1 - Of Horses, Camels and Donkeys-2

Halo called out from somewhere among the cattlemen, “I heard that, Fat Boy!”

“Andy said,” Fat Boy paused for emphasis, “we even have to preserve the wine and spirits at the palace because we're running out of that too.”

“That's just bullshit, Fat Boy,” called another one of the men. “I think it's time some of us brewers made our own and challenged you and Andy's monopoly. I reckon we could out-brew you pair hand's down,” he added, “and I reckon we can make better whiskey too.”

The boys had scoured the countryside for miles to bring in saddles, bridles and all kinds of horse and camel gear. They found some food and other goodies like four wheel drives, trucks and trail bikes but sadly, what beer they did find went in the first week. Sometimes it was 'finders-keepers' and many didn't return until their hangovers had cleared. Although this did happen, most of the commando shared what they found, but it wasn't enough to go around.

Since the apocalypse, alcohol had become an important defense mechanism for everybody in the commando - perhaps for everybody in the world.

“Tomorrow we start bringing the camels and horses in to the house paddocks and start training them to handle people, rifle fire and then patrolling as a group. We all need to learn how to handle them. We'll each need a dozen remounts so that means you'll work with your own mounts, horses and camels, every day. They're your mounts and if you treat them properly, they'll stand by you through thick and thin.” Nulla lifted his eyes to gaze into the red sky of the afternoon remembering his uncle and their times together.

“My uncle knew some of the Light Horse fellas who were at the Beersheba cavalry charge in 1917. I told you that already, but you know what?” The broad shouldered aboriginal looked at his attentive troops. “He said that when they came home many of them went straight out to the bush to find a replacement for their neddys. Sadly some blokes never recovered after they found out their horse was shot and sold for meat at the end of the war.”

Simon tipped some of Fatima's precious home-made curry powder onto the remains of his beef stew. As insensitive as ever to the sentiment of the conversation he said, “Hey boss, I'd rather ride my bike than a camel or a horse.”

Nulla turned to look at Simon and screwed up his face, he was always amazed by his teenage protégé's simplistic approach to the complexities of life. He watched Simon m******e his food with his never-ending supply of curry.

“When your bike runs out of fuel, then what?”

“Get some more. We've got trucks and fuel drums,” replied Simon speaking through a mouthful of food.

“Arty, would you please tell Simon what's wrong with that?” said Nulla now sitting with his own plate of Fat Boy's delicious stew and Mel's fresh baked 'desert bread'.

Arthur spoke up clearly, he did that more often these days. It seemed the more time he spent with the men of the commando the more his confidence grew.

“Well, Simon. Nulla is saying that horses and camels can eat the grass and stuff in the bush but bikes need caches of fuel everywhere. They use the same fuel as cars and four wheel drives. Don't forget that the Bushmasters and ASLAV's burn diesel. So any cars and trucks that use diesel have been grounded, except for emergency use. We need to conserve what we have and not waste it. Horses and camels can help us do that.” Arty smiled and looked around at the nodding heads as the men grabbed their cups of black tea and sat back to enjoy the boy's banter.

“But what about speed and what about water? Deserts don't have water bottles growing on trees you know,” came Simon's somewhat tortured reply, even he smiled at the silliness of his argument. But, being Simon, he just wouldn't let Nulla have the last say. Not that he ever won that competition, not against Nulla, only Heidi had ever done that.

“Simon, you are a d**k,” said Luke as he finished his stew then tapped his plate on Fat Boy's food truck for another serving.

“Simon,” said Nulla in the voice he sometimes used to make a point with his boys. “I'm going to put you on the camel patrol with the rest of the bike boys. If you don't like it after a month I'll give you back your bike. How's that for a deal?”

Simon looked up from his empty plate and licked his spoon one more time to get at the last traces of curry. “Boss, you're on.” He considered himself lucky to have won that small concession from Nulla. Simon knew that two almost-wins in the one day was the best he'd ever get against the 'Boss'.

Kris was perhaps the quietest of the men in the patrol. He worked solidly and was proud of his ability to handle a horse. “Nulla, let me help these cameleer bike boys when we get back to the palace. Anything that can go nearly two weeks without water and eat anything that grows is pretty impressive, I reckon.”

Major Lewis, or 'Louie' as he was now known, had earlier spoken to Nulla and Kris announcing that Sundown wanted camels for their future desert patrols. While everyone wanted horses the argument for camels came from the experienced cattlemen and desert hunters. Horses would be best suited to manage their large cattle herds and to help short range patrols around the house paddocks. Camels would best be used for the long range patrols into the deep desert itself.

“I want you to make sure every bloke who touches a horse or camel knows how to ride and care for them,” Major Lewis told them.

When they arrived back at the Christian Palace that evening the Girl Guards were there to greet them. They fussed over the horses like they were Red Dog's puppies.

“What is it with girls and horses?” asked Halo. “Can't you girls see these are working animals and they deserve respect not cuddles.” He turned to Heidi, “One day they'll be going into battle and cuddles just won't cut it then will it.” Halo led his horse into the fenced home paddock with the other tired horses. The girls followed and helped the men rub their horses down.

Halo wasn't finished though. “But if any of you lovely girls want to help then you are most welcome.” His boyish smile meant he would prefer if they did the work.

Nulla decided he'd better take control as he spied Heidi about to jump down Halo's throat.

“Girls, you can help any time you're off duty, but please, ask permission from the boys.” When he saw Heidi about to open her mouth again he quickly continued. “I'm sure none of us will say no, but it's just a sign of respect to the animals and their riders. Ask Kris if no one else is around.” Heidi now closed her mouth and watched Nulla suspiciously. “Righto, everyone, finish grooming your horses then shower and supper on the rooftop. I heard Andy say his new beer is ready.”

“Nulla?” called that familiar voice and Nulla could feel the hackles rise at the back of his neck.

“Yes, Heidi?” he said politely, knowing she was going to speak even though she knew he'd probably say no.

“Well, so… girls like horses and I think the Girl Guards should get horses too.” As she spoke he lifted his eyes to the heavens. Heidi noticed and then said a little more firmly. “Come on, Nulla, don't be so blasted stubborn. Girls are better at riding and caring for horses than men, it's a known fact.” That last bit was louder than the rest. Nulla was well aware that this teenager with the body and smile most men would die for was just starting to wind up.

“Kris, Simon, Luke, come over here, boys. Arthur, you'd better stay well back.” Kris knew from first hand experience that what the girls wanted they always got. Not by bullying but because they were so darn cute that everyone gave in to them. Simon and Luke just stood by smiling. They knew what was coming and wouldn't miss it for the end of the world.

“Yes boss?” said Simon and Luke together. Kris reluctantly loped his tall, lean body over.

“You boys heard the boss-girl, what do you think?” he asked, his face was now a blank space.

“Simon, if you don't support us…” Heidi left the sentence unfinished.

“Simon, if you want to live… I suggest you be on our side,” said Lulu giggling behind her hand. Lulu was keen on Simon, they had sat together every chance they could before they'd left for the muster.

“Boss, I think the Girl Guards are right on the ball with this,” grinned Simon. “If we can just find a few donkeys for them that should make them happy.”

“Simon! I'm going to beat you for that!” cried Lulu. The teenagers spent most of their spare time together now, usually sitting by the lagoon talking - as teenagers do in every society. “b****y donkeys!”

Halo over-heard the conversation and wandered over. “Donkeys?” he asked curiously. “I love donkeys, Lulu. I'll capture one for you.” He was actually quite sincere. Nulla felt a laugh struggling to burst from his chest.

“Nulla, can we take the girls out-bush and get some donkeys? Donkeys are very intelligent and gentle, I think they'd be perfect for our Girl Guards.” Halo, at five foot ten and almost as wide across the shoulders was completely unaware of Heidi's stare.

She smiled to herself as she saw a c***k in the door and quickly jammed her foot in. “Nulla,” she started, but seeing his look she quickly changed tack, adding in a seductive voice, “Boss, can I suggest Halo and these lovely, handsome boys, go back and catch some mounts for us? I don't care much for donkeys though.” Her voice was soft, sexy and her face was turned slightly upwards. The fading afternoon sunlight caught her sensual throat and cleevage. She'd seen Glenda do it when she wanted something from Nulla and was now doing it herself every chance she got. She found it worked with the other males, except Captain Johnny Walker. Nothing worked on their Girl Guards captain.

“Kris, what do you think?” called Nulla still chuckling inside. He silently admired how Heidi would do anything to get her way.

“Yeah, we could do that. We know where the donkeys hang out. They really are beautiful creatures once they trust you. They take a bit more care than horses but I think they would be well suited to the Girl Guards needs.” Kris' comment made the boys laugh out loud.

“I mean, no, I didn't mean to be rude when I said that, Heidi. I mean, donkeys are special creatures, they're not like horses. They think differently, more like humans. Yeah, I'll take you out in the morning, if Nulla lets us.” He looked sheepishly at Nulla.

“OK, I'll give you five days to bring back enough donkeys to train as pack animals for our patrols. If they work out OK we'll keep them.” Nulla had never worked with donkeys but he was willing to try if Kris thought he could make it work.

Heidi smiled at Danni and Lulu, turned and grinned at the boys. Lulu went up and hugged Kris. “While you're out there I think you should round up some horses for our house patrols. What do you think, Kris? If you do that for us we'll make you something special for supper tonight, something just for you.” She giggled as she winked at Danni and Heidi. “You're our saviour against this mean, wicked man.”

Nulla laughed softly to himself. He knew he'd been manipulated into saying exactly what he was planning on doing anyway, though not with donkeys.

“If you girls join our 'animal management team' then you'll have to do a lot of the work, you know that, don't you?” he said seriously. “Our boys'll be out on patrol for weeks at a time and they'll need their remounts cared for while they're away. Can you promise me you'll do that? Every day up at the c***k of dawn, feeding, grooming and caring for the animals?” He saw their faces melt with joy.

Danni spoke first. “Nulla, boss, if you let us have our own patrol animals we'll do anything for them.” The girls had quickly learned that if they used the term 'boss' the way Luke and Simon did, Nulla was a lot more agreeable.

“Righto, it's now up to you lot. Let's get cleaned up and you can plan how you're going to bring back that herd of donkeys… and maybe a horse or two.” Nulla chuckled to himself as he walked off to talk with Andy and Captain Walker - there was always so much to be done.

The entire community at the Christian Palace became animated when Sundown announced that their troops would soon be mounted and sent out on training patrols. The commando soon began to organise itself into horse and cameleer cavalry from the many volunteers both men and women.

Every day some of the soldiers and their families came out to watch the boys training and handling their mounts in the stockyards behind the palace. It turned out that although they looked cute, the stubborn donkeys were more of a damn nuisance than anything. Both Kris and Halo agreed that they would train them as pack animals – or just keep them as pets.

Jaina was still getting a feel for her new found friends in the commando. As she had been with the Revelationist Intelligence some of the community treated her somewhat diffidently, some outright rudely. Jaina wasn't one to hold back though. She easily won friends and just as easily made enemies. Fortunately Donata, Chan, Blondie, Fat Boy and even Poolie, her former prisoner, stood up for her.

Private Jason Little, her genius but awkward boyfriend, had become a welcome addition. His boyish enthusiasm for anything anti-Revelationist won everyone over. It wasn't too long before he was accepted as a member of Sundown's Commando.

“Hey, Jason! Hey, Jaina! Want to come with us to see the donkeys?” called Assassin leaning out of his truck window. “Kris and the boys are going to spend the day training them. It should be fun.” The lovers had just arrived from the Birdsville outpost and were taking their breakfast outside.

Jason Little, the small young man with the wide girth, suddenly stopped eating his plate of beef and bean porridge, as if he'd been shot. Jaina looked at him curiously, so did some of the others.

Assassin looked at Jason and asked, “Are you OK, Jason?”

Jason had a mouthful of bean porridge in his mouth and it began to dribble onto his shirt front as he said in a small voice, “Donkeys? You mean real donkeys? Are we allowed to touch them?”

“Yeah, you like donkeys then, Jason?” Assassin laughed.

“Yes, I love donkeys. I've loved donkeys since Shrek.” He turned to Jaina excitedly. “Jaina can we go. Please, can we go with the boys?”

His well-developed girlfriend took the plate from him and set it down on the bench. He'd spilled most of it anyway.

“We'll go with the big boys.” She smiled then asked affectionately. “But since when have you liked Shrek's Donkey? You've never said anything about it before.”

“I never told anyone because they'd laugh at me. But Sundown wouldn't let anyone laugh at me here and neither would you or Blondie.” He giggled like a kid as he ran and tried to get into the back of the truck, but it was too high for his short legs. Everyone else was now settled in for the ride except Jason and Jaina.

“Assassin, can you please come and help Jason get in the truck?” called Jaina. Jason tried again and again but he was so clumsy that, despite the well-meaning hands grabbing at him, he stayed firmly on the ground.

“Mate, hold still and I'll help you up,” said Assassin as he grabbed him by the waist and lifted. The boys in the truck heaved too sending Jason over the back board to fall in a heap on the floor.

Assassin then helped Jaina into the truck although she really didn't need help - but she was female after all. All the ladies considered Assassin Creed one of the most adorable men of the commando. At just on six foot tall, blond haired, broad shouldered and a surfer's muscles that put everyone else to shame, he was constantly teased by Halo and Beamy for being the 'best looking bloke in the commando'. They reminded him of it every chance they got. Assassin had no idea what they were talking about which made the girls gush even more.

“There you go, Jaina. Just make sure young Shrek here doesn't fall out. It's a bumpy ride.” Assassin then climbed into the truck cabin to begin their journey to see the donkeys.