Outback Love

Jimmy

Blane woke up first and looked around. The fire was still burning low, and the sunrise was a beautiful back drop to their campsite. He looked down at Mira who was sleeping soundly. He lay there, wondering if it were possible to wake up like this every morning. He understood what Mira was trying to teach him. The land had become a part of him, and he knew he would fight to keep it the way it was.

He had the money to buy out the contract and he would save on not actually establishing the mine. No heavy plant, no machinery, no living quarters. He had begun to think about what he could do with it that wouldn’t upset the delicate balance. This land was pristine, the last thing he wanted to do was damage it in any way.

And then there was Mira and Jacks baby. That tree was important to Mira and to Jacks memory and it had to stay, no matter what.

Mira stirred and opened her eyes, taking Blanes hand and bringing it to her lips. He smiled as he kissed the top of her head.

“Sister!” a voice called out in the distance. Mira frowned then shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s ok, go see what they need.” Blane laughed.

Mira reached out and got a pair of shorts and tank top that were next to the swag and quickly got dressed. She then walked out towards their guest as Blane also got dressed.

Mira walked back into their camp site with the man they had seen the day before.

“Sorry to interrupt.” He began, “Big Wet be here tonight. I need to try and get as many people into the towns as possible. Our homes aren’t too safe now. Loose electrical cables and roofs are leaking. I’m worried about more mould making old one’s sick.”

Mira nodded and began to pack up.

“We can have breakfast first if you like.” He said, handing over half a dozen eggs.

“Where are they from?” Blane asked, looking at the large white eggs.

“Bush turkey.” The man replied. “Sorry brother, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m James but everyone call me Jimmy.” He extended his hand.

“Blane.” He said shaking the man hand. “Tell me about your community. Why are your houses in a state of disrepair?”

Jimmy sighed. “We live in a community. We try to fix things when we can, but we get no help from the government. They supposed to help us but nothing.”

“Is it government housing?” Blane asked as he watched Mira pull more ingredients out of the cooler and add them to the eggs for breakfast.

“Government give us land and housing to live in and then they sell off our land for mining.” Jimmy tried to explain.

Blane looked at Jimmy for a moment. “Tell me Jimmy, if I was to buy this land, what could I do with it? What would you like to see happen with it?”

“Cattle station. Give our young ones some skills. Them old fellas, they can run a station real good.” Jimmy smiled.

“What else?” Blane asked.

“Tourism. Bush tours?” Jimmy asked.

“I was thinking that, glamping. Only as an option of course. You can also have the option of a swag under the stars.” Blane added.

“You white fellas gonna buy this land but no mine?” Blane could tell Jimmy didn’t believe him.

“I have the money to buy out the mining contract, but I would need to be sure of making some money back. We’re talking about a pretty big investment.”

Jimmy nodded. “We get the community into town and we talk the brother.” Jimmy held out his hand and Blane shook it again.

“Deal.” Blane smiled.

Mira had found some bacon in the cooler and was busy making toast with bacon and eggs. Blane and Jimmy sat down on some rocks and watched.

“So, tell me about the Big Wet Jimmy.” Blane said conversationally.

“That’s something you need to experience to understand. We don’t get much water here, no rain and mining take all water from Artesian basin. That under the ground. Big Wet is celebration time.”

Blane nodded. “So we need to look at storage of water.” He began thoughtfully. “I will make some calls, when I can and we will look at some options.”

They ate their breakfast and began to pack up their campsite. Blane took one final look around before getting into the car.

The drove back to the town listening to Jimmy Barnes on the way, each of them deep in their own thoughts.

When they arrived Doc came out to greet them.

“Hey Jimmy, what are you doing in town?” Doc asked.

“Hey Doc, Big Wet coming. We need to get the people into town.” Jimmy replied, shaking Docs hand.

“The houses getting worse?” He asked concerned.

Jimmy nodded. “We worried enough to be looking for shelter in the towns.”

“Dammit.” Doc muttered looking at Blane. “You want to know what mining does to communities? Go out and have a look. Jimmys people were promised the world and no one delivered. They live in houses barely inhabitable because nobody wants to pick up the costs of repairing them.”

Blane nodded thoughtfully.

“Oh, I thought you would want to know, we retrieved the bodies of your friends yesterday. They are inside in the cool room which is the only option we have here for that kind of thing. It is a separate cool room for those purposes. You might also like to know we disposed of all illegal substances. Someone was quite the party boy.” Doc said raising an eyebrow.

Blane nodded his head. “Arthur.” He muttered. “Thank you, I didn’t even think of that. Arthur was painful but his family could do without those kinds of headlines so thank you for your consideration.”

Doc nodded and walked towards his car. “I’ll put a call out Jimmy, see who we can get to help.” He said as he picked up the CB Radio.

A few people had come out various buildings and were standing in the street. When Doc had finished, he turned to everyone, putting his hands up for quiet.

“Ok, everyone, settle down. Jimmy has come to tell us the Big Wet is coming tonight, and they need help on the community to move people in. Their accommodations out there may not hold.” He began.

“Bloody government.” Keith spat.

“We need everyone with accommodations to let Ali know what you have and how many you can accommodate. We need cars to go out and collect people and we need it now.” Doc continued. “Drop in to homesteads on the way out and let them know.”

People started to move towards cars or to let Ali know what they had available for accommodation. Mira moved towards Blane and took him by the hand.

“No, no Mira, he can ride with me.” Docs face was unreadable.

Mira nodded and let go of Blanes hand. Blane got into the passenger seat of Docs car.

“So, I guess you now know all about Jack and Mira?” Doc began without preamble.

Blane nodded. “I do sir, and I need you to know, I respect what they had.”

“So, you are the second chance mate huh?” Doc asked.

“Yes, I am.” Blane smiled.

“And how is that going to work? You planning to stay here?” Doc asked.

Blane stared out the window and sighed. “I hadn’t thought about that, I was so focused on getting to know her and what she was trying to teach me.”

“Don’t break her heart boy. You hear me? Lotta land out there a man could disappear in.” Doc threatened.

“This has all happened so fast. I have responsibilities to my pack in the States. I can assure you; I will do whatever it takes to be with her. She is magical.” Blane smiled.

“She is indeed. My wife and I miss our son so damn much but we love Mira and still see her as a daughter.” Doc smiled. “We are grateful to still have her in our lives.”

“She showed me the tree.” Blane said quietly.

Doc nodded his head. “My wife didn’t cope with the loss of both Jack and the baby. She fell into a terrible depression. It was a very hard time.”

“I want you both to know, I’m not here to replace Jack. I don’t think I ever could replace a first mate. But I am so drawn to Mira, she has me feeling like a befuddled teenager again. I want to make her happy.” Blane said.

Doc grunted.

“Doc, do you have any idea if we could have children? I don’t care either way, I’m just curious.” Blane asked.

“As far as I can figure out, yes. Wolf and Dingo are very close to the same species.” Doc began. “Yes, I checked.” He winked.

“I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up but I am looking to buy the land out of my personal funds. This land will not become a ine if I have any say in it.” Blane said looking straight ahead.

“You got that kinda money?” Doc asked.

“I do, but it would be a big investment. I need to work out how to make that money back.” Blane replied.

They used to run cattle up this way before the mines started buying up all the water. The people we are going out to see would be a great start if you wanted to look at something like that. Their knowledge of the land is second to none. Maybe consider making them a part of it?”

“I can promise you one thing Doc. That tree will not be touched. You have my word.” Blane said solemnly.

“That’s good enough for me.” Doc replied.