Ron and the Wild Men

By Pat Cooney

Because of the differing beliefs on how Australia should be governed in the future, the country splits in two separate nations—to the south, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia becoming known as Greater Australia, and Queensland the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Northern Australia.

The northern nation continues to use the old Westminster form of government, and upon review of all past registration and procedures becomes prosperous and populated by freedom-loving and happy people, while to the south, the land is governed in such a way that the needs of the environment is considered as paramount. The design of the southern government can be considered to be inefficient, cumbersome, and impractical, allowing the real power being usurped by radicals, anarchists, and power hungry near megalomaniacs.

A large area of western New South Wales has been given over to indigenous people in which to live in their traditional ways. To assist in this, all white people and their improvements have been removed. Initially, this causes great suffering and deaths among the indigenous people who have become dependent on the social services and the lifestyle or way of life of the whites. When they gain a form of organisation, they actually revert to a form of living similar to that which existed prior to white settlement. Ron, in his travels escaping from Southern Australia, meets up with these people and lives with them for a while. An expedition is sent to this area from the north, brought on because of a sudden collapse in population numbers because of disease, Ron finds himself conscripted as leader.

The book deals with the achievements of the expedition, the people involved, especially Ron and his lover, Gwen, and those who try to sabotage it or take share of the glory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984502643

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by Pat Cooney.

Library of Congress Control Number:              2018911305

ISBN:                  Hardcover                     978-1-9845-0266-7

                            Softcover                       978-1-9845-0265-0

                            eBook                            978-1-9845-0264-3

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 permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 10/10/2018

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

To all people of my age who wonder where their country has gone

CHAPTER 1

Australia is no longer the way it was. Since the split, because of differing opinions on how to assure the future, the continent is now divided into two countries, Northern Australia and to the south Greater Australia.

Prior to the split all states and the Commonwealth had a similar political system. A system inherited from the Westminster type of government, that is government by two major parties integrated with minor parties and independents.

Both major parties had difficulty obtaining a majority in their own right, especially in the upper houses of their parliaments. They were therefore committed to make deals with minor parties and independents, both to gain their preferences at elections and especially to gain their support in the upper houses. Many actions resulting from these deals did not reflect the aims and desires of the majority parties nor that of the majority of the population.

Cunning and crafty people within these minor parties considered that the real power in government and the running of the country was possessed by them and their associated pressure groups and not the majority of elected representatives or the people in general. Government they stated, could not be entrusted to the majority, who were generally disorganised and not inspired with thoughts or ideals that would best lead us all into a great and inspired future utopia.

By forms of manipulations, rallies, demonstrations and planned anarchistic actions these people managed to bring down the elected government and install a government of pressure groups.

Queensland with its single house of parliament managed to repulse the instigation of this form of government and seceded from the commonwealth. They were quickly joined by Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with whom, they set up Northern Australia, which is governed under the old majority representative style system

The pressure group government of Greater Australia consists of three levels. The major pressure groups, the minor groups and the committees which were established to enforce and to carry out the administration of the ideas and directives arising from the deliberations of the groups. Many people within the groups are non practical dreamers and theoreticians who have little idea of what is actually happening in their country nor of the problems resulting from their decisions. Even fewer realised the methods being applied to enforce their decisions.

Under their constitution there was to be a three yearly democratic review of the groups, with the possibility of promotion or demotion of the various groups. Creation of new pressure groups was also theoretically possible during this review, by the presentation of a petition to the conference of committees. To the best of knowledge, none of these representations were ever accepted or approved.

There is also considerable doubt if the three yearly reviews have been carried out for many years, so any form of democracy may have ceased to exist. Greater Australia is actually being run by anarchists and dictatorial demigods within the committees and locally, by the corrupt and sadistic watchers, the local police force.

Greater Australia accepted the advice of the famous demographer Professor Silas Murray who theorised that the country could only support a calculated maximum number of people, without importing or demanding overproduction from the land. Until this population was reached a hiatus in human breeding would be required.

To supposedly assist in calculating and recording, all names were abolished and people allocated a number from the youngest to the oldest. Being the youngest, the last person born before the hiatus was enforced, I am One.

After secession, Northern Australia set up a wide ranging enquiry, mainly to address how to make the country more profitable and competitive on world markets. There were two major results from this enquiry. Firstly, was the aim to manufacture locally developed technology and ideas within the country, rather than licensing or selling it to overseas countries or companies. Secondly, it was decided to pursue ways and means in which local industry could be made internationally competitive. The second aim led to the review of many laws dealing with industrial relations and work place health and safety. Many of these laws were found to be restrictive and in some cases had caused certain types of industries to be banned or regulated out of existence. The spending of money and the use of current, planned or specifically developed technology, allowed these industries to be redeveloped and other existing industries to resurge. In the short term the country fell heavily into debt but with the newly achieved efficiency, this was resolved over a relatively brief period. Now the nation is one of the most successful and richest on earth.

While reviewing these industrial and environmental laws and restrictions the enquiry found that many of these laws and others impinged on the general freedom of the people of the nation. This was when the enquiry become known as the Freedom Commission.

The Freedom Commission reviewed laws that had been enacted to protect the people against themselves, when it was believed by previous governments, that they were incapable to protect themselves or they appeared to or were assessed to have inadequate intelligence or ability to do so. Also reviewed were the numerous restrictions imposed over the years to placate various minority groups such as the environmentalists, antidiscriminators and religions.

The flow on was enormous, land use was reviewed and technology was used to remove or relieve bans and restrictions of enjoyment. Many supposed unsafe practices were found to be either overestimated and sometimes nonexistent.

Freedom of the people was reviewed and a standard set. From past history, it was considered the period when true freedom came the closest to existing was during the late nineteen sixties and the early nineteen seventies. This period was accepted as a benchmark and enshrined into law so that any new legislation was not allowed to infringe the principles of that time. It was also decreed that all further legislation had to be proactive, not reactive. That is solutions should be sought for problems that may occur, rather than they being removed by bans or unacceptable or unworkable restrictions.

It was accepted by the commission that pure freedom could not exist. If everyone was allowed to practice their own beliefs in how they should live, then anarchy would result. Rule to the majority with some allowances for the minorities resulted.

I have been told by knowledgeable people of the north, that to achieve these results now, would be impossible. It was achieved immediately after the split as then could be regarded as an almost revolutionary period. The people of those days would accept anything that they felt would make their lifestyle less drab and restricted.

I was told that one of the stranger things that resulted from this enquiry was the reAustralianising of the country with foreign slang, terminology and practices being replaced by language and behaviours that were in use in the nineteen sixties and seventies.

Immediately after the split there was considerable migration, both north and south to consolidate families and property. Others moved because of their political or personal beliefs in how the future should be managed.

I was regarded as an oddity, almost a celebrity, when I became the first person from the south to reach Northern Australia all these years after the split.

CHAPTER 2

On arriving at the border I was quickly transported to Toowoomba where I was quizzed by serious looking members of the northern security services, people who were not completely satisfied with some of my answers to their questions. Upon the arrival of a man, who I was later became to know, I was passed over into the care and control of The University of Regional Queensland, which is located here in Toowoomba. Here I was allocated a room, in which to live and a small allowance, adequate for my needs. My new inquisitors were less severe, being staff from the faculties of history, geography and archaeology. These people soon stripped me of my limited knowledge and cast me aside like an empty vessel to be occasionally used by students seeking details for some project associated with their studies.

As I was no longer regarded as valuable I could walk and wander at will. Should I have tried this when I first arrived there would have been general panic, as then I was considered not to be unlike an endangered species at a zoological park, a type of establishment that no longer exists in Greater Australia. There zoos were destroyed, the native animals released, mainly to perish and the exotic animals killed.

People no longer wished to study me but finding myself in a completely foreign environment, inhabited by interesting and unusual people, the roles became reversed, I now found myself studying them. I discovered the university library a repository of books and papers dealing with a multitude of subjects. Some books refer to factual matters while others are fictional, while some books even contain both fact and fiction. Here I spent a great deal of my time learning new words and facts, things that were withheld from me in the education I received during my youth in Greater Australia. The way the locals use and manipulate these words and this material in their daily life I find astonishing.

It is twelve thirty. Lunchtime is my favourite time of day, not only because I am able to choose from a large variety of foods, that the university cafeteria offers but it also appears to be the time when the staff, workers and the students are most relaxed and friendly. It is a time during which I can start up conversations with people and if not overhear tales about their work or outside lives. Most interesting is the talk about their homes and families. Home life for these people is much more enjoyable and interesting than mine was, those years ago in City One in Greater Australia.

Considerable talk during the meal is about the standards of the food served at the cafeteria. To me all of it is delicious but to them most of it is regarded as second rate or poorly prepared. They of course did not spend most of their lives eating tasteless recycs. To me each dish is a delight and an adventure. I have though recovered from my original urge to overeat, a problem when I first arrived here. My bowels, which previously only had to cope with minimum sized bland meals rebelled against my gluttonous intakes, especially of rich and sweet dishes.

A female veterinary science lecturer eats at a similar time to me and has apparently sat at this table prior to my arrival. She is what some of the poorer class of books I have read, could be described as pleasant to look upon. Her name I know to be Gwen. Probably because of her academic calling she has no real interest in the way people lived or behaved in my homeland. While not asking questions about the south, she a fountain of knowledge about the politics and the history of Northern Australia and relates such matters well.

Unlike the professors and other staff I dealt with, who seemed to have distinct political beliefs and leanings, she appears political unbiased.

I was startled when she asked. What are you doing this afternoon Ron?

People call me Ron as it is nearest local equivalent to One. These days nobody ever appeared interested in what I may be doing or even thinking of doing. As long as I kept out of the way of others I was not regarded as an embarrassment or a nuisance.

I am going for a walk along the escarpment as I enjoy looking out into the distance. I replied.

Good, walking is a great exercise for the heart and the legs, probably stops the brain going to sleep as well. Come with me I just have to look at a sick horse and then I have the rest of afternoon off. After that I will come with you.

I was now in a state of shock. Except for when I first arrived and I was considered to of some value and to be protected from harm, nobody had ever asked to accompany me anywhere. I attempted to compose myself and answered.

‘You are exceedingly welcome. I said. Thinking how pompous that sounded I tried to cover by adding. What is wrong with the horse?"

Bugger all as far as I can tell, probably too well bred, it’s got a pedigree going back past William the Conqueror and therefore has been suitably pampered. I will sound a bit more scientific when I write my report.

Being used to university experts who tried to outdo each other in the use of academic terminology, the directness of this answer astounded me. I had an idea who William the Conqueror was so I did not ask farther.

Well come on then, she said grabbing my hand and lifting me up. You have finished eating, come and look knowingly at this horse, like me. Then we will go and walk.

Until recently I had never seen a horse or most other introduced animals. In Greater Australia I was one of the few people who had even seen a native animal. Horses and cows regardless of how tame and docile they may be are large and frighten me a little.

I will come with you but I hope you do not mind if I stand well back.

She misunderstood me. Why Ron, don’t tell me you are scared of getting a bit of manure on you? Don’t worry this animal is so well bred its poop doesn’t even stink.

The name Ron stuck, ever since it was given to me by the librarian, it was preferable to One or One One as I was called by the wildmen.

Are you coming? She asked.

Sorry I was thinking.

Don’t if takes that much time.

I was starting to like the direct way in which she talked. It was unusual here at the university and nonexistent in my homeland. I followed her out of the cafeteria.

The veterinary school was on the western side of the university grounds, adjoined by several paddocks, yards, stables and other outbuildings. The horse, about which Gwen was concerned, looked noble and aloof, indeed a highly different beast to those I had seen in paddocks around the outskirts if the city. Two students were holding the animal using a rope halter.

Well? Asked Gwen. Found anything wrong with her?

No doctor, all the tests come back clear and she certainly looks better now. Joe the groom reckons they have bred the bloody brains out of her.

Joe’s probably right. Write up a report and present it to me in the morning but don’t put in what Joe said. If she still looks healthy in two days we will send her back to her owner, with a suitably worded report to make then think they didn’t waste their money.

I was becoming aware that procedures were immensely different at the veterinary school than were expected at the arts faculty. I mentioned this to Gwen.

Efficiency and science go hand in hand. Here or in medicine if you muck around, something ends up dead. She stated.

Her bluntness, coming from a person so well educated, continued to intrigue me.

Let’s get moving with this walk, she said.

I followed her out the door to the front of the university, where we waited for the traffic lights to allow us to cross the street.

Gwen, I asked. Why do so many people have cars and where does the fuel come from? Where I come from there is only fuel available for special people and the recyc trucks, and why do the trucks not smoke.

Whoa, hold it, she said looking at me. One question at a time please and let’s get across the street first.

On the other side of the street Gwen gave me an appraising look like she gave the horse earlier. I hoped I was not sick, I was probably just brainless like they said the horse was.

Those arty mongrels, she said thoughtfully. Would have plucked your knowledge and would not have had the brains to reciprocate and let you know what life is like up here. None of them would have been able to explain anything technical to you anyway. I’ll tell you the details later after our walk. All I’ll say now is that fuel comes from water and dust and people drive cars because they have always driven cars. While your country was thinking of more and better ways of going broke, here in the north we stayed rich and therefore people had money to buy luxury items like cars.

But,

No buts, she cut me off. I will tell you after the walk.

My curiosity was almost uncontrollable. I could not wait for the walk to end. The beautifully maintained buildings and gardens were no longer of interest to me. I did not stop to admire or examine the flowering and ornamental plants like I normally did and my walking pace became faster.

Her voice startled me back to earth. Slow down, you may have walked half way across New South Wales but I am old and unfit because of the soft life I lead.

You do not look old and unfit to me. I said. I am sorry, I was thinking of cars and things and why this country is not dirty and polluted like my facilitators said it would be.

"Let’s just say when Australia divided it was due to differences in thinking. Forget about all the airy fairy political reasons, the differing in ideas and opinions were the main, if not the only reasons.

The south thought that if you had a problem you could get rid of it by banning it, removing it or stop doing it. The north considered most problems could be solved using technology and money. We have been generally successful and because of that, we still have cars and fuel to run them along with all manner of labour saving devices."

But do you need them? I asked.

I believe we do, she replied. People and gadgets become dependent on each other. Most people here could not imagine life without a car or other normal luxury items. Besides manufacturing these things keep a lot of people in work, where they make money to buy things that other people produce or sometimes the things they make themselves. That probably sounds completely ridiculous to you.

My father said to me once to think in a circle, there is no end but there must have been a beginning.

Your father would have been appreciated over at the psychology department, she laughed. That is very obtuse.

I was by now completely confused. Please just tell me about cars and how the run? I asked.

OK, she replied, but mind you I am no mechanic. Cars and most small vehicles you see run on hydrogen. That burns to water so there aren’t any fumes or smoke.

My scientific knowledge was adequate to understand that but I had to ask. But what about the larger vehicles, the trucks they sound different. My father drove a recyc truck, it was noisy, dirty, smoky and stank.

It was most likely poorly maintained, she suggested.

My father said they were very old, each may have contained the parts of a hundred other ones.

Did you always call him father, rather than dad or something like that?

I did not know the word father until I came here, I spoke of him as my nearest senior male associate. My mother would have been my nearest senior female associate. It was considered discriminatory to regard people within your family more selectively than others.

Hell, sorry I asked, she said. Let’s talk about trucks instead. Trucks here still use Diesel type engines but with improved efficiency and injection technology that allows them to burn a mixture of vegetable oils and very fine coal dust. Exhaust cleaners prevent the pollutants from entering the atmosphere. If you really want to know the nuts and bolts about this ask over at science or engineering or look up a book at the library where you spend so much of your time.

How did you know that?

Everyone knows, the right wingers think you are some kind of spy.

Who? I asked, a what?

Don’t worry about it, we’ll talk about it one day when I have time to give a lesson on politics.

There was no future in pursuing this matter so I asked. Gwen where do you get the hydrogen to fuel the cars, there are so many of them. It must require a lot of the gas.

Its simple really, before the country split there was a lot of research and talk about generating electricity, without burning fossil fuels, you know coal, oil or gas. Experimental wind solar and tidal stations were actually built but there was a problem in that they produced power where or during times when it was not necessarily needed. Some method was needed to store the power.

The matter was investigated in my country, I told her. They declared the whole thing a failure as storage batteries contained so many pollutants especially lead. The Decision Making Committee of the Executive of the Greater Pressure Groups therefore banned establishment of such stations and the destruction of the experimental ones.

The what? she asked.

I suppose you could call them the government, I will explain when I give you a lesson on politics.

Touche, she said. Wind, solar and tidal stations were found to be very successful within Northern Australia, especially in the north western areas where huge tides are experienced. The problem of power storage and distribution was difficult to solve until it was decided to use the power for the electrolysis of water to produce fuel hydrogen which could be relatively easily transported. Many of our industries have moved to the best power generating areas which were once very remote. This has also led to more even spread of the population throughout the country.

What about the preservation of the environment and the protection of native fauna and flora within these remote areas? I asked.

Areas have been set aside for that, she explained. You of all people should know what happens if preservation gets out of hand and species protection becomes more important then the needs of humans.

I thought back into my past and knew she was right. I also remembered my time on the farms.

Now, I’ve made you glum, she said. I am sorry, no more lessons for today, let’s finish our walk.

I was unfamiliar with the word glum but it is a word that expresses its own meaning.

We had reached the escarpment and looked out towards the east.

Other there is Brisbane, the largest city in Northern Australia, said Gwen.My mother said, that in the past, you could always tell where Brisbane was by the haze, now there is nothing, our technology has nearly removed all aerial pollution.

This was amazing, in City One, where all but essential industries had been removed, a dirty grey brown fog often hung over us.

You said your mother, have you always lived here?

All my life, except for a few short periods away, for study and promotional reasons. My family have been around the area since the eighteen hundreds, when they settled land west of here.

I had to think. I have trouble with dates and time. These people have retained the before and after Christ system, while I was bought up on the southern, before or since establishment system. Establishment appears to be about 2025 in Northern Australia. The establishing of a ten month year and starting years from the spring equinox by the southern pressure group government, further complicated time correlation.

How long ago? I asked.

Almost two hundred years, was the reply.

Southern history does not go back that far I thought to myself.

Let’s go back, she said. Í have a few small things I should tidy up before I go home this afternoon.

We walked back in silence. She thinking of I know not what and me with my brain in turmoil attempting to comprehend what I had been told today and further attempting to compare it with happenings in my own country.

Ron do you have any friends? she asked, startling me.

I do not know, I have heard the word mentioned often enough but I do not think I know what it means.

It means some one you like to spend time with, some one who will help you out when you need it, some one you can depend on. It also a two way thing, you have to help them when they need it.

I do not think so. I do not have relationships with many people.

I would get rid of that relationship word, she cut in, At least until you learn some of the meanings. I suggest you try mixing with other people. Did you have friends before you came here?

Not in City One, there special relationships were banned, all people had to be treated equally.

With some being treated more equally than others I bet.

What? I asked.

Don’t worry about it, just a quote from an old book. I’ll get you a copy one day.

I may have had friends at the farms, we all had to depend on each there.

The farms, what farms, I thought you knew nothing about animals?

They are not farms like you have here, they are settlements outside the inhabited zone where the ner do wells and the lost are sent.

Prisons, she asked.

No, I have read about prisons, this is more like, I think the word is banishment.

Like you have been banished to here?

No this is more like being rescued. To answer your first question, I do not think I have any friends, but I have lots to do and there is so much to learn.

You can learn while you are with other people. It is so much easier to ask a question than to look up the answer in a book or on a screen, get out and enjoy life, get some hobbies.

What are hobbies?

Don’t worry, I will tell you some other time. We are starting to talk in circles. I asked if you had any friends as I am having a bit of a get together tonight, just a few people, a few drinks and probably a lot of talking. Would you like to meet some outside people?

I would very much appreciate that but how do I travel to your residence?

My but you do talk flash at times, she laughed. I’ll get Scott O’Neill to pick you up, be ready at seven thirty and don’t come empty handed.

Empty handed?

Don’t worry about that, just put some money in your pocket and Scott will explain the rest to you. Don’t dress up, jeans, shirt and shoes or similar.

Sox? I asked with a smile.

Yes, sox and for your benefit underwear as well, stop pretending you are stupid. I must be off, I will see you tonight.

Her last statement left me dumbfounded and embarrassed. As she walked away I lapsed into thought, would I make friends, does one really need them and would perhaps Gwen be my friend.

Although it was not necessary, because of the time, I raced back to my room to get ready.

CHAPTER 3

I did not know Scott O’Neill but I had seen him at the arts faculty while I was there being questioned by various staff. I had no idea what his position was or what he did but I was soon to find out.

A bit after seven thirty he knocked on my door, or should I say banged. He was a large and untidy man, taller than me and with a considerably larger waistline.

You’re ready Ron, then right, let’s go and see the beautiful Gwen. She’s told me we have to pick some grog on the way, always have to knock on the door with your elbow at her place. He laughed and his stomach and Adams apple bounced up and down, in unison.

Scott either escorted or forced me outside depending how one saw it and into his car, which was dirty and untidy both inside and outside. Outside it was splattered with mud and appeared to have been involved in numerous minor accidents, while inside it was littered with old paper, empty drink bottles and discarded clothing.

Don’t worry about the car, he yelled when he noted my trepidation. Nothing wrong with her. I am just a shit of a driver. Check the seat before you get in to make sure there isn’t a bit of yesterday’s lunch on it. On saying that, he swept a couple of containers onto the floor with the back of his hand. She’s right mate jump in.

I did and Scott drove off. After a short distance along the road and several near collisions with other drivers who Scott swore at, I think I discovered why many people in Northern Australia still go to church and pray. A quick stop at a liquor shop followed, where Scott purchased some beer and wine.

Righto Ron kick in, he shouted. Sorry, I mean give me some money towards the drinks, I forgot that you only talk English like those Shakespearean blokes, don’t you?

I gave him the money I had which he sorted out and then gave me some back.

That should do for your share. I’ll probably drink most of it anyway.

Scott can I ask you a question?

Bore in as long as it has nothing to with my breeding or my love life, both of which are pretty poor.

What do you do at the university. You do not talk like the other people at the arts faculty.

I hope not. I am the current author in residence, I wrote a couple of books and earned myself a paid year’s bludge, just giving the occasional lecture and generally being able to perv on the students. Unfortunately the ones at arts are a scruffy lot but they might think the same about me. The dean doesn’t like my lectures much, he says I am uncouth, that my boy is a bloody lovely word. I use it in all my books. I always draw a crowd, though not all of them come from the arts department, thank god.

This talk was interspersed with horn blowing, tyre screeching, yells of where did these bastards learn to drive and similar outbursts.

Shit almost missed her driveway! He yelled. He turned the wheel savagely causing the rear of the car to slide sideways squealing in protest. Entering the driveway the back of the car collided with front fence of the house.

We’re here, he said as if nothing had happened. Let’s go in and see the beautiful Gwen.

Scott leapt from the car followed by myself, white and shaken.

Don’t forget the grog. He instructed loudly.

I got it out of the car and dutifully followed him to the front of house where Gwen was waiting. One thing about you, Scott, is that when you come, I don’t have to worry about the doorbell.

Sorry darling, it looks like I owe you another mailbox.

Keep it up and you will be getting a discount on them, she said shaking her head.

Don’t be hard on me Gwen. It is not as if yours is the only mailbox I picked on. That car needs exorcising it never goes where I want it to.

You have to drive it Scott, not just swear at it. Hello Ron did you enjoy your trip?

It was interesting, I replied. Does everybody drive like Scott?

Fortunately not or the roads would be complete chaos. Come inside you are pale did the naughty boy scare you?

Rubbish, I drove like a clergyman. It’s those other idiots on the road that cause all the trouble.

I know, said Gwen. They all should get off the road when you are on it. We have a problem with Scott Ron. He wrote two books about the twentieth century and now he thinks he is living in it.

Come and meet everyone, what would you like to drink?"

I do not know, I have only drank once and I ended up feeling very ill.

Have a beer, said Scott. You bought half of it, go easy on it and it will not kill you, just look at me.

That Scott is not much of a recommendation, said the man beside him.

Shut up Tony, what would a doctor know about health and the general fitness and layout of the human body?

Nothing but when we find out we will finally understand why the literati always die young.

Go away you two, ordered Gwen. No arguing until at least ten o’clock. Before you go, Ron meet Doctor Tony Hardcourt, our local physician, healer of the sick and placator of hypochondriacs.

How do you do, I said. Apart from the people who examined me when I first came here, I have never met a doctor of medicine before. They prodded and probed me took some tests and then sort of grunted and left.

Sounds like specialists, said Tony. Did they look knowledgeable at each other and then walk outside to work out how much to charge?

Tony you are only jealous that you are only making one fortune instead of two. Scott said laughing.

I earn every cent I make and I am charitable beyond belief.

You my friend have a future in literature, fiction of course.

Didn’t I tell you pair no fighting before ten o’clock, intervened Gwen. Scott that blonde over in the corner is Cynthia O’Laughlin, she has been dying to meet the university’s author in residence. I believe she has even read one of your books. Go and delight her with some of your sophisticated charm.

Are you trying to get rid of me or are you in the procuring business? Scott laughed as he moved towards the women in question.

The poor women, said Tony. Don’t you like her?

She has been down a bit lately, Scott should cure that, she replied.

Careful girl, you vets are not allowed to practice in the human field, you know.

I was highly confused by the way these people talked to each other. Knowing nothing of small talk or frivolity I was trying to place meaning to the interchanges.

Gwen dragged me out of my thoughts. What’s up Ron you look stunned, the drink hasn’t got to you already has it?

I am confused by the way you are talking, I have never before heard people laugh while they are being insulted.

That’s a bit heavy, we are just joking. Come with me I will introduce to the other people here.

There was a mixed group of people in the room, Gwen’s next door neighbour, a mechanic, a rather untidy man from the physics department, who Gwen insisted was a mad scientist who intended to blow up the world, another vet and a public servant, these people were accompanied by wives or partners.

Much to my embarrassment I forgot most of their names soon after meeting them.

I was generally unable to converse with most of the guests and soon found myself alone on one side of the room, staring at the floor and wishing I was back in my room at the university.

Excuse me can I interrupt your thoughts? the voice was a little harsher then the others in the room. It was Jerry the mechanic from next door.

Gwen said you were surprised that vehicles were so clean running compared to those where you come from.

Yes, I said, clearing my thoughts. The recyc trucks in City One were smoky and you could hear them coming from a long way away.

Where, oh City One the old Sydney, don’t worry I am just talking to myself. If you use old engines and you don’t service them properly they run rough and dirty. I collect and restore old vehicles in my spare time. You would be surprised how clapped out and rugged the motors in those old wrecks were before they were taken off the road.

I am sorry, what does clapped out mean.

Clapped out is a mechanical term, one step down from stuffed and two up from shit itself. What it really means is not in very good working order.

They were definitely clapped out then. My father drove one and he said the would often stop and sometimes they would not start again.

What happened then? He asked

He said they took them back to the depot and used them for spares for the other trucks.

What brand of truck did they use?

Brand? I asked.

Who made them, there would be a brand name or a badge on the front.

All of those would have been removed, the committee, sorry the government did not allow advertising.

Did your father know what he drove?

He said one of them was a Kenscanvo but I think he was joking because he laughed.

Jesus, that bad. Now Jerry was laughing.

"We were suddenly joined by the physicist, who I noticed moved his arms and hands around a lot when he spoke. Gwen seemed to guide him away from anything that was breakable.

He fixed me with a strange stare and asked. What are recycs? A bony finger was pointed in my direction.

In City One every thing is recycled. I replied.

Everything, even human waste, he asked.

Yes, I answered. This man is annoying I thought.

What is it recycled into? He ejaculated. Jerry had to dodge a flailing left hand.

Into what it was most suited for, things like food, fuel and building material.

You ate your own excreta, what about the dead? His voice had become high pitched and he was talking very loudly. People were looking at him.

I do not know, I answered. No one seemed to know what happened at the recyc factories. By this time I was considerably embarrassed.

You do not know, you do not know if you are a cannibal? The stare was now fixed, His eyes glowed and his arms thrashed up and down at the elbows. I was beginning to think that he was perhaps mad.

Tony Hardcourt appeared at the physicist’s side and placed a hand on his shoulder. That’s enough Eric, he said calmly.

Enough, it is not enough, I want an answer from this person.

You have had one, he told you he did not know. I would suggest you go and annoy some one else or preferably go home.

Don’t try to intimidate me Hardcourt, he almost screamed.

I already have, said Tony. Now please go and remember my options.

Mad little Bastard, said Tony after Eric had left. He shouldn’t drink. Gwen may be right, one day he might blow up the world.

Thanks for that Tony, said Jerry. I was sort of deciding whether to hit him or pick him up and throw him out the door.

Violence, my lad should be confined to the rugby field, when gentlemen need an excuse for not being gentlemen. He winked at me and walked away.

I am sorry about that Jerry, I said. All that was my fault, I should not be here. I will talk to Gwen and leave.

No you won’t and it was not your fault.

But the things he said, they could be true.

Look, I will tell you two, no three things. One if you do something without realising it, in my book you are not guilty, two you wouldn’t know how to get back to where you live and three I haven’t finished talking to you. I’m a difficult bugger to get away from when I get going.

Tomorrow is Saturday. The vintage engine and vehicle club are having a rally and demo. I want you to come and have a look. You might be able to work what type of truck your father drove.

I will think about it, I replied.

No you won’t, I will pick you up at the front gate of the uni at nine o’clock. I won’t go inside all those students drive like Scott or ride pushbikes ten abreast. I’d probably get lost anyway.

You are right. You are a difficult bugger to get away from.

See you at nine am, he laughed as he walked away.

I was once left alone until Gwen appeared. You know how to liven up a party, she smiled.

I am sorry Gwen. I have caused you trouble.

Oh no you didn’t, you helped to get rid of that little pest but that doesn’t mean I may not punish you later.

The worst punishment would be making me go home with Scott in his car.

No chance of that, he turned on his charm and waltzed off Cynthia to god knows where and with evil intent I have no doubt.

I was about to ask what evil intent was when Sid the other vet joined us. Did I hear right in what you said about recycling down south? He asked.

Yes, but if you please I would rather not talk about it.

Don’t worry, I am not like Eric. What I would like to know is there any new or extra inputs into the recycled food production.

My father said that any exotic plant found or any non native animal caught was included.

The way I see it, that would be of little help, the recycling plants would only have a certain level of efficiency and as the plants aged or suffered from lack of maintenance this efficiency would fall. So continuous reduction in the population would be needed to match the reduced output of the factories. As the output would also depend on input which would be relative to the population the number of supported people must continue to be reduced. In the end the whole system would disappear up its own bum.

Oh that was so beautifully and scientifically put Sid but unfortunately you are correct, said Gwen. Was that happening Ron?"

Yes, approval to produce children had been stopped. I was the last person born there.

But how old are you? asked Sid. You look as if you are around thirty.

I do not know. Records of production, sorry I mean births, were not kept and the different systems of recording time further confuses things. I am also uncertain of how long I spent on the farms and with the wildmen.

This is becoming complicated but if they haven’t started breeding again there are few people down there under forty, soon they will be too old to breed. Do you realise Gwen that an area that once supported over half of the nation’s population could soon become totally deserted.

I know, replied Gwen. Have you ever talked to Alan Gilbert over in agriculture, about when he was seconded to government aid. He can tell you how we tried to give them aid both in the form of food and technology but they refused all of it. Food was dropped but they burnt it.

Dropped why wasn’t it shipped or flown in.

He said the airport was closed and partially destroyed because of noise and that it was built into Botany Bay. If we tried to ship they threatened to sink our ships with some old guns they have mounted at the entrance of the harbour.

A nice friendly little tourist destination, I would think, remarked Sid.

You people look terribly serious, has the drink run out? The public servant had joined us. What’s the topic of conversation?

Mass suicide by stupidity, replied Gwen.

So you have finally found out how to get rid of your students?

No Greg, she said. We were discussing what is happening down south in Sydney.

Your description is unfortunately apt. I have just been at a conference chaired by the minister, which was concerned about this matter. How we can help is very difficult to work out. We can not offer them money as they would not accept it and they still have a little left over from their sale of Tasmania to the world bankers. Also they will not take money for our rental of South Australia.

Greg paused while other people commented. Their policies refuse the import of materials that may have caused pollution during their manufacture or foodstuffs that may have used chemicals in their production or may have come from plants or animals that are not native to the area from where they are produced. The hardheads in government, believe we should just let them die out and then recolonise the area. Something like what was done in South Australia after they evacuated it.

Greg that is one of the most cruel and unfeeling things I have heard. Gwen said in horror.

Don’t worry that is not the general feeling of cabinet. Most want to help but they can’t work how. Some people still have relations down there and have managed to keep in touch. They, in particular worry, we all worry about the situation.

Talking about the rental money for South Australia? asked Sid. Where does it go?

We deduct the money from budget but as they won’t accept it, it goes into some funny account and is probably making the government a fortune in interest. The southerners reason for not taking it is, they say, we have illegally occupied the area and we are causing irreparable environmental damage, just by being there and carrying out a few improvements.

How do you know all these things, asked Sid.

Easy, I started out as an expert on satellite imagery interpretation. Later I was nominated for a few ministerial advisory groups and then they must have got to like me because they keep asking me back. It’s not a bad life if you don’t mind driving back and forwards to Brisbane at short notice and you can put up with the egos of some of the cabinet. Most aren’t bad, some are almost human. He said with a smile.

This is all very interesting but a bit too sad and gloomy, said Gwen. I would like to hear some laughter. Apart from that you men are ignoring those beautiful women over in the corner you bought with you and they will give you hell when you get home, if you don’t do the right thing now.

The group dispersed.

Ron you come with me, you can give me a hand to bring out some food and drinks. I can’t have my guests starving or dying of thirst.

Thank you, I would like very much to help you.

Hell but don’t you talk pretty and know how to please a lady.

I was embarrassed and it must have shown as Gwen grabbed me by the hand and took me into the kitchen saying, Don’t worry you will get used to the way we talk and the way we carry on around here.

I followed her instructions about what to take into the other room and where to put it. Tony Hardcourt declared that if I could not find anything else to do he could find me employment as a waiter.

For the rest of the evening, little was said about Greater Australia. People formed into groups and talked of things in which they had similar interests. Most of these subjects I was ignorant of or could not find ways to express my thoughts.

Again I found myself bored and wishing I could absent myself. Some people came to talk to me but I felt it was mainly out of pity or because of their good manners. Mostly they wished to talk of local or private matters of which I had little knowledge or in some cases interest. Various people recommended certain types of drinks to me some of which I consumed. My mood improved even though my ability to think appeared to become somewhat impaired.

I was thinking of seeing Gwen to find out how I was to get home when Greg approached. Ron how would you like to come with me to Brisbane. I know some people there who would like to talk to you. People who are on committees with me.

Why? I asked. I spoke to government people when I first came here, why would they want to talk to me again.

These won’t be the same people. These will be people who want to help the people still living in the south.

I do not know if I would be of much help, I was banished from City One.

Stop being so negative you sound like a public servant, he laughed. Will you come?

I have very little else to do but I do not know if the university would let me go.

I very much doubt if they could stop you. I will talk to them, who would you recommend, Professor George at archaeology?

I think he would be the best. When would you like me to come with you.

Not for a while I will have to organise it, not for at least two or three weeks. I’ll let you know and give you two or three days notice. He left me and returned to the group he was talking to previously.

What was that all about? asked Gwen.

I told her about Greg planning to take me to Brisbane to talk to people there.

I should have seen that coming. Do you want to go? You don’t if you don’t want to.

I do not know but if it could help the people of Greater Australia, I should.

When does he want to take you? she asked.

He said in two or three week’s time.

I best give you some lessons. I don’t know if innocents like you could survive among the types that Greg deals with.

You think I should not go?

Go, it will be an adventure and you could get to meet some very influential people. Just be careful they don’t try to use you or set you up as an exhibit or a pet dog or similar.

I am not sure what you mean but I think I am only regarded as an exhibit at the university.

Either you don’t need as many lessons as I thought or you think better after a few drinks, she said with a nice smile.

Gwen, how am I to get home?

Stop panicking, the party is starting to break up, you can help me with the cleaning up and then I will drive you back. Now come with me and join the other and pretend, just for a little while, that you are enjoying yourself.

I will, I said, hoping to sound like as if I was already in a state of enjoyment. Will it be considered to be right for me to be here alone with you?

Good heavens, what have I discovered. Don’t worry, I won’t molest you, even though half of the women here think I am going to have my evil way with you.

Now I am completely confused, I blurted out. Surely Gwen you are not evil?

She burst out laughing and then guided me to the main group of guests who were standing in the centre of the room talking about they had planned for the weekend. One of them asked me what I would be doing.

Jerry has kindly asked me to accompany him to look at his old truck demonstration tomorrow, I replied.

Good heavens, remarked Tony. Not to a 3B day?

A 3B? I asked.

Yes, bullshit, barbecue and booze up, he laughed.

You are forgetting the fourth B, said a woman who I recognised to be Jerry’s wife. That is a bloody great hangover on Sunday.

Rubbish, said Jerry. Don’t look worried Ron, we will look after you, after you are an invited consultant at a cultural heritage meeting.

Where did you learn big words like those, inquired Tony.

They’re good aren’t they? We use them a lot when we are applying for government grants.

The government supports your hobby, why not mine? asked Sid.

I don’t think they would come at punting, observed Gwen. Everybody joined her in laughter.

People started leaving but first talking to Gwen and thanking her for inviting them. Jerry and his wife were the last to leave. He smiled and said to Gwen. Will I pick him up at the uni in the morning or here?

Get home Jerry, you have a bad mind, at the uni and he won’t be late.

What was that supposed to mean? I asked after Jerry had left. I was not expected to come here was I?

Gwen shook her head. Your education is going to take longer than I expected. Come and help me clean up the worst of this mess.

We removed glasses, plates and other items to the kitchen, where Gwen rinsed the washable items with water and then put them on racks in an area below the kitchen bench. She noticed me looking. That is a dishwasher, she said. I put the things in, push this button and when I get up in the morning everything in there is shiny and clean ready to put away. We will sort out the stuff I want to keep and the rest goes in the bin. Looks like I made a good profit as far as the drinks are concerned.

I helped as much as I could and tried not to get in the way, not always successfully.

Sit down Ron, I will make us a cup of coffee and then I will take you home.

Gwen, thanks for inviting me here but I am sorry I was an embarrassment, I could not mix properly with the other guests and I ruined your party by upsetting that physics person.

Rot, I was glad to see the end of him. I only invite him because his wife is an old friend of mine. I am very sorry for her, he has ruined almost all of her friendships as he is arrogant and possessive. Her face had become set in a frown and her eyes glared with what appeared to be anger.

I am doubly sorry Gwen, I have upset you again.

No Ron, I’m sorry. I’ve also upset you. I’ve forgotten that although I’ve watched you studying other people, you haven’t learnt to understand them. This environment is completely foreign to you.

Of all the people I had spoken to since coming here I realised that she was the first to notice and the first to tell me that she knew the major problem that had depressed me in this new land. Despite not wanting to I smiled at her.

‘That was nice, she said. You looked almost happy. I have never noticed that before when you have been in company. Coffee’s ready, how do you want milk and two sugars, like you have in the cafeteria?"

Yes please, have you been watching me?

I have, vets do other things than wondering what’s going on inside animals.

I do not know whether I am happy or embarrassed that you are interested in me, I said.

Let’s just say I am curious, interested in you could be misinterpreted by some people. She placed a hand lightly on my shoulder and said. Your education will long and difficult but in the end you will understand.

I blushed and looked down at the floor. I realised how few people had physically touched me during my life, my mother of whom I remembered little, the young lady in City One and the man from The Committee of Perfect Sexuality, who revolted me. He was a person who in this country would be called an aggressive homosexual. Most of the other people I had known either wanted something from me or offered a rougher form of friendship. Such were the people from the university or in the latter case the fellow internees at the farms.

Gwen seemed lost in thought staring at her windows. Outside a breeze moved the shrubbery in the garden allowing the outside lights to flash, filter and dance against the panes.

Gwen, I asked. Most of the other people here tonight had partners of the opposite sex, they appeared long term partners. Do you have such a person?

I love the way you say things. That sounds so much better, than do you have a bloke hanging around? No, I had a husband once but we drifted apart. We were both too ambitious and independent. He ended up with a dolly bird student and has three kids. He sends me a card and pictures at times. Me, I’ve got my profession, a pack of crook animals and I suppose an interest in people and lost causes. Oh, I am sorry Ron I didn’t mean you.

I probably am a lost cause.

Perhaps, slightly mislaid, she suggested. I like you because you are a person who is honest and doesn’t think he knows everything but if you keep hanging around that library and asking everybody questions, you may end up knowing everything.

There is too much for just one person to learn, I replied.

"I hope so or all of us university wallahs will be out of a job. I better take you home or