The Billabong - 9. Chapter 9

9.1

'Thanks for seeing me Captain. I know how busy you guys are, so agreeing to meet me at such short notice is really appreciated. I see you've got a brew; (signally a waiter) I've heard the coffee here is good.'

Once his order was taken, Grant turned to speak, but Mark beat him to the punch.

'When an MP, and a senior one at that, requests a sudden meeting, it certainly is disconcerting. I never really agreed to anything except a need to satisfy my curiosity. How can I help, WO?'

Grant didn't answer straight away, and instead took some time to study the Captain.

He has a serious look about him and radiates authority. Hard to believe that someone so masculine can be gay, but then there's nothing stereotyped about gay guys these days. How did he manage to avoid having his head shaved and keep his brown tousled hair? His eyes look a little sad; I reckon he's seen much sadness in his short life, which is going to get sadder before this day ends. God, I hate what I've got to do. On the other hand, he knew the rules; it's something every officer is counselled about, the rules of fraternization. But then again, if I'm honest with myself, I just don't know much about gay people; I don't know how they feel, how they control their emotions and have dreams and desires . . . whoops! best not go there.

'Mark . . . can I call you Mark? (receiving a nod) there's no way to say this easily or kindly, but I have to raise your relationship with Corporal Scott Garnett . . .'

'(Jumping in and sounding terse) Yes, I had a suspicion that's what this's about. What about my relationship with Scott? We've been together for over two months now, so why all of a sudden are your talking me about it. Why now?'

'(Tryin to be friendly) Let's forget about that question for now. You must've known having a relationship with an enlisted man, would eventually bring about the army's ire. You're in flagrant violation of the anti-fraternization guidelines, and at some stage, you'd have to be brought to account. Surely, you didn't think you could just go on and no-one would care?'

'(Carefully) Before I answer your question, are you aware that the fraternization guidelines are only there to make sure that discipline and work ethics are not impeded. Yes, the guidelines exist, but as long as the so-called fraternization doesn't affect military cohesion, I believe there is no need to impose any sanction. My understanding is that as long as two people do their jobs, the mixing rules can't be applied.'

(Getting pissed off) No, that's not my understanding and neither is it the army's'. You know what the rules are because they're fully stipulated at OTS[1], and your army dossier tells me you passed near the top of your class. I don't get it Mark, have you concocted this defensive position to justify the relationship? I'm mean you're being totally unrealistic, and from a person of your background and intelligence I find myself really confused. You must know you ain't in the right.'

(Staring belligerently) How much do you know about gay people WO? (Grant shrugged) Do you know how hard it is to find someone you love, and have that love returned? No, I reckon not! We don't have the same freedoms that straight people have. If we simply walk hand-in-hand down the street, there'll be idiots who'll abuse us.(Scoffing) Heaven forbid if we kiss our partner out in the open because we'll be called names. It's only after a long struggle with bigotry that we've had marriage accepted. (Sitting forward and becoming hostile) Now you come here accusing me of some arcane Army rule, and by way of punishment, I'm supposed to end a beautiful long-term relationship that no-one cared about until now. Well, I'm not!'

'(Alarmed) I came here to be reasonable and in the hope that you'd see reason as well. (Whispering loudly) You asked why now. Well, for your information, your affair with the Corporal has suddenly become part of an investigation into the murders recently of American servicemen. In fact . . . no, don't interrupt let me finish. (Angry whisper) The matter has become so important that it could be raised at the political level - to the army minister himself. Your bloody little sordid affair could jeopardise my whole investigation, and allow a killer to go free.'

'How dare you call my personal relationship sordid! How dare you! It's that attitude - regulating gay people as somehow lesser persons - that have created a militancy among homosexuals. How dare you! You know nothing about our relationship except that it isn't approved by the army hierarchy. We're as much a couple as any two hetro's are.'

'OOP'S MY BAD! Look, I'm sorry for using the term ‘sordid'. It was an unfortunate slip of mine and I do apologise. I regard any relationship between two consenting adults, of any faith, orientation or colour, as wonderful. (Getting angry) Having said that, it's your particular relationship that is a problem - a serious problem. You're unfortunate that, not only are you in violation of the army's rules, the two of you have the potential of wrecking an ongoing investigation - big time. As I said, I'm not allowed . . .'

'(Deriding) Oh I don't want to hear that drivel again - the ‘I’m not allowed . . .' bullshit. Let's look at the issue from my aspect; you want me to destroy a wonderful happy friendship for no other reason except that it's gonna mess up your investigation. (Scoffing) Are you saying, that the only evidence you've got on, whoever the suspect is, involves Scott and me? If that's all you got then I call into doubt your investigative skills.'

'STOP! ENOUGH! That's uncalled for. I do my job to the best of my ability, until some intransigent, unreasonable and stubborn cretin like you, stands in my way. I'm gonna pass on a direct order to you now Captain; (leaning forward aggressively) ) immediately, you are to cease any relationship, either verbal or physical, with Corporal Scott Garnett. If you press me, I'll have the order confirmed in writing. (Looking and sounding brutal) You only have two options, to either accede to this order, or ignore it. If you choose the latter, it will mean a Courts Marshall, and if found guilty you'll be dishonourable discharged from the Army - as will Corporal Garnett. (Looking Mark directly in the eye) Think carefully Captain before you respond.

Silence,

'Do I have time before I give you my answer?'

'NO.'

'Then my answer is also NO; I will not abide by that order, and if it means a Courts Marshall, then I'll have my day in court.

Grant was furious. This was not a scenario that they'd considered; it seemed implausible that any officer would defy an official order. In war-time to do so would be regarded as treachery. His next step surprized even himself; he stood up and intoned,

'Captain Mark Peters, I'm arresting you for failing to comply to a legal order and in impeding an important ongoing investigation.'

The bloody legal functionaries can clean this up if needs be.

Mark sat opened mouthed, and not without some degree of fear.

(Oh shit!, then standing up)'I see, is it your intention to cuff me here in front of my fellow officers?'

'No sir. Would you kindly precede me outside to my jeep. I'll forego any physical restraints, upon you giving me an assurance that you will peacefully comply with this arrest.'

Having no alternative Mark (holding back tears) went with the Provost WO into custody. The matter was observed by several officers who could only wonder what had taken place.

* * *

9.2

'NO!, NO, and no, I will not! You can't ask me to sever my friendship with Mark. I WON'T! I don't care about any bloody criminal investigation; that's got nothing to do with Mark and me. As to fraternization, I agree with Mark that as long as we both do our jobs, and don't let our association impede on our job performance, the army shouldn't touch us. Shouldn't, shouldn't, shouldn't.'

'Don't be a bloody child Scott. What Mark is telling you is just plain bullshit, and he should know better.(Pause, Sigh) I blame myself for not stepping in sooner. I honestly thought you would both come to your senses and stop the relationship. But it was wrong. Why didn't . . .'

'(Angry, but near to tears) How can you stop people's feelings? Tell me genius, how do you stop people falling in love? Do you honestly believe that a rule laid down by bureaucrats can stop people feeling for each other? It's not that Mark and I are wrong, it's the bloody army and their archaic rules.'

'Now you bloody shut up and . . .'

'NO! You bloody shut up! This is because we're gay, and smacks of pure discrimination. Do you know how difficult it is to find a real partner if you're gay? (Jack shrugged) No, I thought not. First, it still has to be furtive; you have to be careful you don't offend people. (Close to tears)Then once you've established a relationship, you can't demonstrate yer love like straight folks can. You can't walk down the street hand-in-hand or kiss each other out in the open. To do so will invite abuse either verbal or physical. (Raising his voice) Then there are cretins who hate gays anyway. A case in point - Corporal Bert Kreek. You mark my words, one day his hatred is gonna spill over into fatal violence, he's . . .'

(Sternly) Alright, that's enough; I don't need to listen to anymore whinging. The order to stop seeing each other has come down from on high . . .'

(Sneering) Oh I bet our illustrious Colonel was really happy to sign that order!'

'SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'm tired of listening to baby talk. I'm gonna give you an order now. Immediately, you are to stop any involvement with Captain Mark Peters, either on a verbal or physical level. Do you understand?'

'NO I WON'T'

Jack sat back exasperated. At least the confrontation had taken place in Mark's office so no one was any the wiser.

Christ, we never talked about outright disobedience. He's nearly in tears and yet his resolve seems to be getting stronger. I don't know what to do next . . . maybe, maybe . . . maybe this'll work. I can't talk to Grant as he's probably having his own problems with the Captain . . . so,

Turning back to Scott,

'(Gently) Do I understand that you're going to disobey a direct order, that you will not cease any relationship with Captain Peters? If so, I now have to warn you that your action will probably result in a Courts Marshall and most certainly dishonourable discharge. Are you clear on that?'

'(Just as quietly) I totally intend to disobey that order. If it means I'll face a military court then good, at least someone officially will hear my voice.'

'Hmm . . . (picking up the phone and dialling) . . . (waiting) . . . hello, this is sergeant Jack Reading, I want to speak to the Provost Marshall, please. (long pause) Oh hi . . . yes thanks . . . oh, ok sir. I want to arrest an enlisted man for refusing to obey a direct order. What is the procedure . . . (Long pause listening) . . . OK, thanks for that, I'm leaving now.'

'I now have to put you under arrest Scott. I'm really sorry, but you leave me not alternative. (Softly) C'mon lad, I really hate doing this.'

* * *

9.3

It was now early evening and Jack Reading and Grant Williams were sitting in the Sergeant's mess drinking double scotches. So much trauma had taken place over the past few hours that they were both mentally and physically exhausted.

'Geeze Jack what a scene that was. I'll never forget the emotions both lads displayed when they realized each was being charged for the same offense. I don't think they had talked about a common approach before we charged them. (Jack nodded) I've never seen two men display such genuine deep emotion. I must admit I don't understand much about gay guys; to be brutally honest I've never put them on a par with heterosexuals and I guess that's a problem I've got to straighten out. (Downing his scotch in one gulp) I know some of my enlisted were dewy eyed and deeply moved by the spectacle; I felt a bloody heel, and yet was only doing my job. Bloody hell!'

'I hear ya. It was the longest drive I reckon I've taken; all the while, the young lad just sat there with a resigned look on his face. There was nothing for me to say, I mean I . . . , we, didn't have a choice in the matter. Funny that we both arrived at the same conclusion. We had to arrest them Grant, because refusing a direct order could not be allowed to go unchallenged. Look, we both feel lousy, but our superiors are right behind us. I got a call from his nibs, telling me he was proud of the action I took. (draining his glass and signalling the waiter over) That notwithstanding, I also feel rotten and intend to get rotten drunk.'

Pause, they both were trying to quell their inner demons. The conversation stopped until the waiter served them more drinks.

(Sigh)'Now that the deed's done, I can tell you about the conversation I had with our Provost Marshal after Peters and Garnett had been processed. (jack swallowed a healthy glug) After reviewing the whole case - including the Kreek matter - he thought that detaining the two blokes would actually work to our advantage.'

'(Leaning forward with el bows on the table) Yeah Grant, when I sat back I started to see some positives. What'd your guy say?'

'Simply that we've accidently taken the wind outta Kreek's sails. He can't blackmail us anymore, because the two in question have been charged with a legal offense and are facing harsh discipline. Looking positively, we've snookered Kreek and enforced the army's strict rule about fraternization. The next step is completely outta my hands. What about you? Your company has lost its leader and office corporal; what's Stamins gonna do about replacements.?'

'I'm seeing him in the morning, so I'll find out then. As I understand, they have to be released within twenty- four hours of being charged. (Grant nodded) I mean, the guys have only been charged, and their case is still to be heard, so there's no reason they can't go back to normal duty until the Courts Marshal. I can't help feeling uneasy though; if the public and particularly the gay militants hear about this, the two fellas could become martyrs for the gay cause.'

'No chance of that Jack, it'll take time for the matter to be heard and after a while the issue, if it's an issue, will just fade away.'

'Hope yer right. Say, when are you gonna have a little talk with Kreek?

'In the AM. I'm so looking forward to it. I'll keep you posted, cause we'll have to up the ante with Kreek's harassment.'

'Ok, let's get pissed; I want to drunk away all this shit.'

But everyone forgot about the internet.

* * *

9.4

They clung together desperately, trying not to give into the raw painful emotions sweeping through them. They'd been allowed to exercise in a small fenced off area behind the Provost building. All night they had longed to be in each other's arms, to draw reassurance from the others presence. Last night they had been separated and placed in single cells to await the dawn. Now they had at last been allowed to be with each other, still in custody, but at least they could enjoy each other's nearness. They kissed with such passion it became a raging inferno. Now drawing apart, Mark looked into Scott's eyes.

'What you did!'

'What you did too; I'm so humbled that you'll throw yer army career away just to keep us together. Oh, god Mark I was so scared, but when I realized you weren't going to give me up, my heart soared. When Jack told me I'd have to give you up, my whole body rebelled. I'm not gonna give you up Mark . . . ever!

'Yeah, I'm kinda thrilled that, in the face of severe punishment, our relationship is so strong and deep we'd endure anything, just to keep together. I can't tell you how happy this makes me baby. It's like we've been tested by fire and survived. I can't imagine a life without you Scott; for sure, I'll be yours forever.'

'Oh my beautiful man, I feel a little inadequate in that, whilst I know how to give you physical pleasure, I don't know how to give emotional happiness. Early this morning in that bloody cell, I worried that I was causing you grief, and I was gonna cause you pain and unpleasantness. I didn't think about any repercussions when I automatically refused to obey that order. I didn't take time to think, I just did. I believe that if I was imprisoned, you'd be free to go on with your career. Now I think how wonderful it's become, because nothing will split us apart now. Who cares what the army does, let them do they're worst. I can't explain it but, . . . I feel happy. Isn't that weird?'

'(Laughing and nuzzling Scott's neck) NO , not weird, definitely not weird, just bloody wonderful. I love you Scott Garnett, I bloody love you. I love your golden locks, I love your beautiful muscles, and I love the way your blue eyes cloud over when you climax. I love the inner man and the man with such a beautiful smile; in short, I love everything about you man, even your beautiful cock. You're mine forever.'

'God that's so good to hear, I wish I could be as eloquent as you. (pause and kissing Mark) But onto more mundane matters, what do you believe will happen now?'

'Oh I guess they'll charge us with failing to obey a lawful order, sort out the paperwork and set a trial date. They won't lock us up; well I don't believe they'll lock us up. We'll have time to sort out our defence strategy before they throw the book at us: personally, I'm looking forward to my day in court, because I've got a lot to say. I'm sure they'll try us together, since our being together is what has caused their problem. I'm sure we'll be found guilty, but I believe we'll just be dishonourably discharged. That doesn't trouble me at all. But a warning, we'll probably get a lot of negative flak between now and the Courts Marshall, so be prepared. (looking around as an MP came towards them) Now I think they're about to get heavy again.'

* * *

9.5

'Yes, come on in Corporal and take a seat. I'm just about to have morning tea so would you like something?

'Yes, I could do with a cup of tea.'

'Ok will do, Simon! (calling his subordinate who immediately entered the office) . . . can you get Corporal Kreek a tea please.'

'Sure, what would you like Corporal?'

'Black with two sugars thanks.'

'Now that's been settled, it won't take long. In the meantime, how about we pick up where we left last time we met.(Kreek nodded) We've studied the alibi that you've obviously coerced from Colonel Stamins. It's a complete mystery to us why someone of the colonel's grade would have any dealings with a . . . (just then, the beverages were delivered, and Grant paused until the young MP had left the room) . . . low-life like you. The Provo Marshall is also curious, so he's gonna have a meeting with the Colonel to make sure he's not being pressured to give a statement. Frankly, I don't believe the alibi is true, and anyway it don't make much difference. Do you think we're idiot's corporal? The only real question the Colonel's statement raises, is why he's virtually perjured himself for you. Of course, we'll eventually find out. What I'm saying is that if I were you, I wouldn't draw much comfort in presenting the alibi.'

'(Choking back anger) You telling me ya gonna ignore me alibi? A legal statement made by a senior officer, and yer gonna disregard it? How can you?'

'Well, we're not gonna subject you to the trauma of a full legal trial. I'm going over old ground here, but we're convinced you're guilty, so all we need is a confession. If you don't confess, we're gonna make life so difficult for you that you'll be begging to affirm your guilt to us. So let me ask you again; will you confess to the murders of American Servicemen on (dates of crimes) at (place of crimes)? A simple yes will suffice.'

'You must be outta yer mind WO. No, I most certainly won't confess to anything! Which means, regrettably, I must publically announce the unnatural, unhealthy and illegal relationship between Captain Peters and Corporal Garnett. You've forced . . .'

'Haven't you heard the news yet Corporal?'

'(Looking uncertain) What news?'

'Captain Peters and Corporal Garnett were arrested last night for failing to carry out a direct order to end their relationship; they are currently in jail with the Provost Marshall. They will be tried at an appropriate time and venue . . . You look troubled Corporal.'

Kreek knew he was beaten. A look of despair was writ all over his face; he's also gone white. For a long moment, the two men just stared at each other. Grant held contact while Kreek eventually looked away.

'I'm afraid your attempt to blackmail us has fallen flat hasn't it. (Kreek said nothing) The balls with you now, mister. You're going to be continually, and increasingly in our thoughts and prayers. All I can offer you at this point is more blood and more blood, sweat and more sweat, and tears galore. Only you can stop the torment.'

(Sounding exasperated) This is totally unfair. You're asking me to confess to crimes I didn't commit, and then suffer the penalties imposed by this kangaroo court. It's disgusting! No, no.'

'You talk about suffering. What about the suffering your victims had to endure as you were killing them. If you think what's happening to you now is disgusting, what about your waste of a human life - I find that disgusting. Don't take us on mister, because you can't win.'

'I just . . .'

'Get out! Get out of my sight. Come back when you're ready to confess.'

* * *

9.6

Jason's fingers slowly roamed around Kenny's nakedness, teasing nipples and making erotic circles around his belly button. His lips licked under his armpits and nibbled on ear lobes.; now expert fingers walked their way along the inside of his thighs towards his expectant shaft. But such was not to be, instead the tips of those fingers paused, then diverted, and began to stoke the opening to his anus. With a gentle pressure, they penetrated and stroked that secret spot, again sending waves of pleasure coursing through him. His arousal intensified as one finger slid deeper within him, causing a feeling of impending climax. A desperate need for more penetration engulfed him, and . . . what was that? Something injected into his dreaming. What was that? Some faceless and formless evil had penetrated, destroying his excitement. God what an awful smell, there's a rotten taste. It was evil because it felt evil. And now it's gone, just as fast as it - and it was an it - came.

He woke up lathered in sweat, a shrivelled organ and a lingering taste of fear. What had happened? He tried to identify the evil that had interrupted his dream. Was it real?

It was so fleeting, so bad. Did it remind me of something? I don't believe in ghosts, or the devil or any such crap. It popped up just as I was on the point of cumming in my dream. What does it mean. Because Jason was seducing me, does it mean there's something wrong with us? I've got to talk to someone about this, because I can't keep it to myself.

* * *

9.7

With practised ease, Jason rolled over, so they lay side-by-side. The aromas of sweat and semen were heavy in the air, but rather than being unpleasant, they were a testament to their satiated needs. Notwithstanding the pleasure they'd both enjoyed, no one could deny there was a very large elephant in the room.

'Kenny, how do you feel about what's happened to Scott? It's been on my mind all day.'

'Hey before I talk about that, I want to share a dream I had last night. (then explaining the dream and what happened) In the end, it was more a nightmare. It left me feeling bad and confused.(Uncertain) Does it mean something bad's gonna happen to us?

Jason turned over and looked at Kenny who was obviously struggling with the unpleasant memory.

'I don't know what it means, it's probably nothing. It's just a dream boyo; dreams are just that, dreams. It don't haveta mean anything. The only way it can become a problem is if you let it. For now I'd forget it and . . . say shitface, I hope the other guy in your dream was me, huh?'

(Laughing) Yes it was, you had yer finger up me twat, and I was jest about to explode.'

'(Chuckling) That's good. Now getting back to my earlier question, how to you feel about the boys being nabbed and charged with disobeying an order?'

'Geeze Jason, I was a bit scared and a bit angry. I mean ain't it wonderful they fingered the army and wouldn't give up their relationship. I suppose you could call them martyrs to the gay cause. You shoulda heard my dad rant off about ‘bloody poofters' serving in the army; according to him, they should be horse-whipped. He got quite feral. Do you think there'll be any ramifications for us?'

'Nah, of course not. The only problem we face is yer dad; I take it yer mum won't be a problem?'

'Nope, my mum lives continually in me father's shadow. She don't have any opinions that ain't my dad's. But having said that, I know she loves me, and wouldn't seek to punish me. If she gets snaky, it'll be just to not antagonise my arsehole father. No, she'll be cool; we just gotta worry about Colonel Shitface.'

'Yeah, well so far so good. Look don't get too bent about us; I mean it's been what three weeks, we've togethered at least five times, and we're still cool. (Getting serious) I reckon I love ya, Kenny. It's not just the sex, but I look forward to being with you - it simply feels right. I'm sorta conscious that yer only 18 and probably want to screw as many blokes as ya can. I'll understand; I won't let a little thing like jealousy spoil what we have. I suppose I'm sayin', if ya wants to play around, don't do it behind me back; I don't want the feelin' of bein' the last one to find out. So what I'm sayin' . . .'

'Is a load of horseshit! Why would I want to dance with anyone else? I got the same feelings as you sexy; I want to be with you not just to have sex, I actually look forward to seeing you, and talking to you, and laughing with you, and sharing with you. Those are my needs sunshine, and they ain't gonna be satisfied by one-night-stands. No sir. You satisfy all my needs and the only question is, do I satisfy yours - needs that is.'

By way of reply, Jason rolled on top of his boyfriend, kissed him tenderly, until lust won out.