Finishing his kilometre, Finn stood at the shallow end of the pool, stretching his arms and looking out for the others, who had arrived while he was swimming.
After their sprints the boys lingered for the customary chat at the end of the pool before finishing off the routine with the ‘Anzac’, which was a 50-metre butterfly sprint. No small task after swimming two kilometres.
The sun was now up and the heat felt good on Finn’s skin, the air fresh and crisp, void of the normal humidity at that time of year.
‘Hey guys, so what do you think of this “Silent Coup” business?’ asked Sam.
‘Fan-bloody-tastic, about time someone stood up and took charge,’ said Jack.
‘Yeah, I think it’s the best thing to happen to Australia since it all went to shit,’ said Finn.
‘Damn right,’ continued Jack. ‘I wish I could join up and go fight now.’ This was nothing new. Jack had announced this many times over the last few weeks.
‘You can, mate. The army is accepting people up to the age of 50 now,’ said Sam with a smirk.
‘Nah, it’s not that. I got two kids to think about. I can’t just run off and leave them,’ said Jack, shrugging resignedly.
‘Good point,’ said Finn. ‘You got to think of the family.’
‘Still, you could get a non-combat job in the forces,’ said Sam, not letting him off the hook.
‘Yeah, I suppose, but what would I do? I’m not working in a kitchen or running around after some officer. If I joined the forces, I’d need to fight,’ replied Jack.
‘I’m thinking of joining,’ said Finn matter-of-factly.
The others stopped and stared. Although they had talked about joining up many times before, not one of them had said it so seriously.
‘You for real?’ asked Jacob, looking amazed.
‘Yeah, I am. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now and I think it’s time to do something. I think General Stephens has the right idea and I believe in what he’s trying to do,’ said Finn.
‘Good on you mate,’ said Jack, sounding a little awed. ‘I think that’s bloody great.’
‘Are you sure about this? You saw how many people died in the invasion. What makes you think it’ll be any different going out into the desert now?’ asked Sam.
‘To be honest, I’m not sure. I’m not sure of anything, but I do know I’ve got to do something worthwhile with my life.’
‘Well, I think you’re insane going out there,’ said Sam. ‘What’s the point in losing your life? There’s no way we’re ever going to take down the Chinese army, it’s just not going to happen.’
‘You may be right, but you may be wrong too. There’s no way to know without trying,’ said Finn.
‘Mate, Australia needs more young guys with that attitude. Good on you,’ said Jack.
‘Well, like I said, I’m only thinking about it. I haven’t signed up yet,’ said Finn. ‘Anyway, we going to do this Anzac or what?’ He launched off before anyone could reply, getting a head start on them all.
As he swam he realised the truth was that the more he spoke about joining up, the more convinced he was of doing it. He knew though that if he didn’t act on his decision quickly, he might pussy out and convince himself to do something completely different. Like he did when he quit the reserves.
Getting back home that morning, Finn went straight to the Australian Army website and filled out the registration form. Once he submitted it, he immediately got an email informing him that he had to go to the recruitment division in Pitt Street to sign up. ‘Doesn’t look like they’re overrun with traffic to their site,’ he observed to himself.
That afternoon he went in and signed the required papers. He knew he shouldn’t be surprised at how easy it was to sign up, but it was still a little shocking to waltz into the nearly empty recruitment centre, put his name on a few forms and find himself a member of the army. He was immediately shuffled through a few physical and aptitude tests. He knew he was reasonably fit and didn’t find any of the testing too difficult, but they refused to tell him how he did, so he wasn’t quite sure.
After the battery of tests, he was sent to a waiting room to receive further information. A woman entered the room and handed him an information pack, then sent him on his way. As he strode back to his Jeep, he flipped open the pack and read the cover letter. It said he was to do his basic training for three months at a base in the Blue Mountains. From there, he would be selected for further training or be placed in a suitable role within the army. Finn had no intention of failing or even just passing his training — he knew he had to excel. He didn’t necessarily want to be an officer, but he wanted to be in the top tier of soldiers — special ops or something like that. Given his training in the army reserve, the recruitment officer had said that he would be fast-tracked through his training and placed quickly with a combat-ready squad. The Australian army often did this, mixing the highly experienced with young soldiers with the best potential. It was a proven way to expedite the training of elite soldiers.
That weekend, Finn went to his parents’ home for lunch. Midway through the meal, Finn decided to announce his news. ‘I’ve joined the army. I’m going to fight the Chinese,’ he said, deadpan.
Sonia dropped her cutlery and put her hand to her open mouth, eyes wide, her hands beginning to tremble almost immediately.
Tom, who was sitting directly across from him, placed his knife and fork carefully on the table, head bowed down towards his plate of food as his eyes slowly moved up to level on Finn. The room was silent. Finn was transfixed by the stare from his dad. It seemed to last an eternity. Finn gripped his cutlery hard and shifted in his seat.
Tom finished chewing, still not making a sound. Finally, he sat back in the chair. ‘Not a fucking chance, son,’ he said slowly, in a tone Finn couldn’t remember hearing before.
Sonia, hands still over her mouth, turned to look at her husband with equal shock.
‘Dad, it’s too late. I’ve already joined. I’m going to training camp week after next.’
‘You stupid, selfish little shit,’ said his dad, face now flushed with anger.
‘Tom, please, there’s no need…’ started Sonia.
‘There is a need to give our son a reality check. There’s a need for our son to get his head out of his own arse and realise what he’s about to do!’
‘Dad, I know what I’m doing. I’ve never been more sure of anything,’ said Finn.
‘I don’t give a flying fuck what you think you know. I’m calling my lawyer, he’ll know a way to get you out of this mess.’
‘Dad! For once, can you just listen to me? I want to do this. I am going to do this, so get used to it.’ Finn’s control was slipping, his voice wavering.
‘Get used to my son going out to get killed for some dirt? Finn, I will never support what you are doing. You’re a smart kid with way too much going for you than to go and join the army. That’s what stupid people do, stupid people who have no other option in life.’
‘Listen to yourself, Dad. That’s fucking pathetic. Because of people like you, Australia became an easy target for China. I don’t blame them for attacking us. We’re gutless.’
Pushing his chair back, Tom stood. ‘There is no way I will condone this. No way!’ With that he turned and left the room.