This story picks up after Outback Education 7, which I posted over a year ago. It was part of the continuing story of a group of Jackaroos who worked under strict discipline on a cattle station in the Australian outback.
6 months have passed since our hero, Justin McDermott, had been placed into employment as a Jackaroo at Dimantina Downs by his father. He was there to grow up and learn to be a man after idling away 3 years while he was supposed to be studying at University.
Justin had changed a lot over the months. He had filled out with bulging muscles, and sported the deep, healthy tan of an outdoor worker. He also was a lot more polite and respectful of authority after been frequently told to bend his over and take hard thrashings for his insolence and laziness. He also had formed firm and fast friendships with the 6 other Jackaroos at the station. This was particularly true of his mentor, and now Foreman, Jake Wilkinson, who had ben through many adventures with Justin - most of which resulted in both taking hard sets of strokes. Over time Justin came to realise that this was character building , and was making him into a more responsible man.
Justins father had signed him up for a 6 months stint at the station. The Boss of station operations, Bill Fraser, had come to Justin to remind him that his stint was almost up, and that his father had decided to come and visit and evaluate whether the young man was ready to return to the city and resume his university education. The boss explained that he had received an e-mail from Mr McDermott that he would be flying in the following day. Justin felt unaccountably nervous about the coming reunion. He hadnt spoken to his father since waving him good-bye from the Diamantina airstrip. The station didnt allow the young Jackaroos the privilege of contact with the wider world, particularly when they were there to have some sense whipped into them as Justin was.
So Justin stood by the airfield and looked skyward - expecting to see the light plane carrying his father come into view. A low drone was soon followed by a distant speck of the approaching aircraft. He looked over at Jake and smiled nervously and rubbed his sweaty palms on his freshly cleaned and pressed jeans.
Jake smiled reassuringly at Justin and patted him gently on the shoulder and said Relax mate - youve made a lot of progress here. Ill bet your dad is really proud of you, and lets you go back to University.
Justin sighed and smiled uncertainly and said Yeah ... I guess so. Just .. well .. I dunno if I wanna leave here yet.
Jake laughed easily and punched Justin playfully and said A few months ago you wouldnt have said that mate - got to like having a sore arse have you ?
Justin blushed and smiled and looked at Jake for a long moment before saying I havent had it THAT much mate !
Jake grinned and said Yeah - youve done ok ... but dont get too confident yet - youve trained well, but you havent survived the whole season.
Justin grinned back and nodded Ok ..ok .. Jake-o .. I get the point. Sometimes I think you look forward to caning my bum.
Jake grinned wolfishly and gave Justin a playful swat on his bum and said Well it is a tempting target mate. He had been really gratified how Justin had taken to the strict training regime for footy, and it had cheered him out of the depressed hole hed fallen into. Jus still needed the occasional kick in the arse to keep him motivated, but not the major thrashings that were almost common place during his first couple of months at Diamantina Downs. Justin flinched at the swat but laughed Ok .. well resist for a little while will ya - Dads plane is almost here. The two lads looked up to see the plane on final approach.
Jake squinted into the sky and nodded, saying Well, we dont want him to take you away yet mate - we need you in the team, and we could sure use your help in the cattle muster. Justin nodded and said Yeah well .. probably wont be a problem .. he is mostly likely to want me to be more straightened out even more - coz he wants me to be like you mate. Jake laughed and said You are dreaming Jus and you are underestimating yourself. Now stand out the front and welcome your dad. Ill wait back here. Jake stepped back to beside the truck to let Justin greet his father.
+ + + +
John McDedrmott looked out of the plane window and noticed that it looked like one of the jackaroos had come to meet him. He vaguely remembered a very impressive young man had met him and Justin when they arrived the first time. He hoped that Justin had learnt his lesson and would be able to return with him.
He looked again over at the truck and noticed that another young man was sitting in the truck. Both of the lads looked liked fit, hardworking, seasoned jackaroos - just what he hoped Justin would become. Then it suddenly dawned on him that one of them presumably WAS Justin. The plane was taxiing closer and he could see that under? the Akubra hat, and well tanned muscles , stood his lazy, hopeless son. He couldnt wait to open the door as the plane came to a standstill.
Justins heart was in his throat as he saw his Dad step out of the plane. The young man stepped forward and held out his hand and said Hello father - welcome back to Diamantina Downs. Justins father looked at him for a moment then grinned and enthusiastically took his hand and shook it firmly before grabbing his son is a bear hug. He whispered Its good to see you Jussy - weve missed you.
Justins voice was clouded with emotion at his father using his childhood nickname and responded by whispering Ive missed you too Dad.
After a moment they stepped back and Mr McDermott said Well this place sure has smartened you up Jus - you almost look like a real jackaroo. He tousled his sons hair with a grin. At that moment Jake stepped forward and held out his hand and said Its good to see you again Mr McDermott, you might remember I welcomed you the last time you came.
John McDermott shook his hand Yes of course I remember you Jake, it is good to see you too.
Justin grinned and said Jake was my mentor Dad, he showed me the ropes and kicked my butt when I deserved it. Jake also grinned and said Yes well, keeping this one in line has kept me fit Sir, but I must say he has learned his lessons.
John marvelled at the change in his son. He grinned at the two lads banter and said I should hope so .. now are you guys going to take me to see Bill Fraser ?
The two lads soon had Johns bags in the back of the truck, and had piled in to drive back to the homestead. Jake drove the truck down the dusty roads while Justin regaled his father with tales of the adventures he had enjoyed at Diamantina Downs. They were soon pulling into the compound, and the three got out and walked over to Bill Frasers office.
Justin knocked on the door and opened it when he heard Come in. His father and Jake followed him in and the Boss looked up and said Ah, Justin lad, brought your father have you ... and Jake-o ... good .. good .. come on in and sit down, all of you.
Fraser stood and shook Mr McDermotts hand and clasped Jake on the arm before sitting down at his desk. He said Well Mr McDermott ... how do you think young Justin has changed after six months of our tender care ?.
Justins father smiled and said Most remarkable Bill, I almost didnt recognise him under all that tanned muscle - looks like youve put him to hard work and its done him the world of good. Justin blushed and looked at his shoes as Jake nudged him and grinned.
Boss Fraser continued Not just outdoors labour either - he showed an aptitude for computers by helping us upgrade and reorganise our inventory systems in this office. He waved his hands around the new equipment that Justin hads installed .
Justins father smiled at his son and laughed and said Well maybe those 3 years of studying computer science were not totally wasted ! Justin smiled in embarrassment and said Well I must have remembered some of it Dad !
Mr McDermott laughed and said Well Bill, Jake, it looks like that whatever you did to Justin did him the world of good. I assume youd agree that he is ready to come back to his family ?
Boss Fraser looked between Jake and Justin for a moment before saying Oh there is no question that we have .. er .. beaten his former attitudes out of him, and that youll find a willing, hard working young man who I can guarantee will apply himself to his studies and other work.
Justins father nodded and said Good, well Justin you need to pack and say your good-byes - we might as well get going as soon as you are ready.
Jake looked at the Boss in alarm, stood and cleared his throat and said to Justins father uh Sir .. uh .. well we were hoping that you might consider letting Justin stay for a few months more.
Justin had been shocked that his father was in such a hurry to get him home. Hed been worried that his father wouldnt be happy with his progress and so hadnt considered that hed be pleased and ready to take him back to the City. His mind was a whirl until he heard Jake speak. He looked up and nodded and said Yes Dad .. uh .. it would be great if I could stay .. you see our footy team is in the regional finals in a few weeks and .. well Id really like to play with them to the end of the season.
Boss Fraser also nodded and said and .. also we have the muster coming up and it would be great to keep Justin on for a while yet. Wed pay him the full jackaroo salary, of course.
Mr McDermott looked between the three of them and laughed and said A few months ago I had to force Justin to come her e.. and now he wants to stay ... and more incredibly you want him to stay ! This place is obviously good for him.
Justins father stood and looked at his son and patted his shoulder before saying Look .. all I ask is that you come home for a few weeks before you return to Cambridge. That gives you another four months to keep working out here.
Justin smiled delightedly and hugged his father saying Thats great Dad - thanks. Ill come home in time.
Bill Fraser grinned and said Well take good care of him Mr McDermott, dont you worry.
+ + + +
Justins father left the station in a pleased mood. He was delighted that his son had grown so much during his time there, and he was very proud that he was sticking by his responsibilities to his work mates.
Justin had watched his father go with a mixture of regret and relief . He was was missing his family and friends, but was happy that his dad seemed satisfied with the job hed done. He sighed deeply as the plane took off and headed over the horizon. Jake stood beside him in silence for a moment and then said Well come on golden boy - wed better get going or well be late for footy practice!
Justin snorted in derision and said Golden boy ?? Boy that sure is the pot calling the kettle black mate - you are the pin up boy of this whole place !
Jake bowed modestly and said well since you put it like that I cant help but agree ... but that does give me the power to kick THIS when necessary ! With that he swatted Justins jeans covered bum sharply and said, with a twinkle in his eye Get it into gear mate !
Justin yelped in mock pain and said Oh .. Mr Jake sir .. please .. please dont whack my be-hind .. I .. I .. promise Ill be a good boy from now on ! Justin bent slightly and waggled his bum provocatively.
With a grin Jake leapt at his mate and wrestled him to the ground. The two young men laughed and wrestled each other boisterously. Each got a few good swats in on the others bum, and after a few minutes they were both sitting, panting and laughing on the ground by the truck.
Jake stood slowly and dusted some of the dirt off his jeans and grinned down at Justin and said Cmon mate - thats enough mucking around. Wed better get going coz you know what happens to squad members who are late for training !
Justin winced in mock pain and said They get their be-hinds whacked by the great and powerful leader Jake-o !
Jake grinned as he pulled Justin up. He lunged around and whacked Justins butt hard and said and dont you forget it ... boy !
Justin winced and leapt aside to avoid a second swat and said Yes sir Jake Sir ! and executed a mock salute. He grinned boyishly at Jake who just sighed in mock exasperation and ruffled Justins hair saying one of these days Jus .. one of these days .. Ill put that arse of yours into a sling!.
Justin grinned and quipped You wish mate. He avoided more swats by leaping into the truck . Jake also piled into the truck and the two friends were soon racing down the dirt track at a much faster speed than when Justins Dad had been with them.
Justin looked out of the window at the passing scenery and said What would happen Jake, if you were late to training ? Would the team get to see you cop it ? Seems only fair that we would !
Jake just smiled wolfishly Now who'se wishing mate ? Im not gonna be late, so the question wont arise.
Justin just smiled to himself - knowing what hed choose, given the chance.
+++++++++
Later that day, the whole group of jackaroos were jogging easily back down the track from the homestead compound to the paddock where they trained for footy. They were already covered in sweat and grime from the long run.
Jake led them in the jog from the front of the pack. He looked like a serious footballer in his tight fitting uniform. Being fit from so much outdoors work he looked every bit the part of the heroic footy captain.
The squad of fit, muscular young men behind him fitted out their uniforms equally well - so he was confident they could always loom the part. His concern today wasnt their fitness, rather their skills. he led the group into the training paddock, saying ok lads - today we are going to work on your ball handing skills ! He led them to the centre of the field and had them jog on the spot. A truck was parked to the side and ws loaded with the balls and other gear they needed for training. Jake went over and kicked a few balls to the squad who gathered them up. He then pulled something else from the truck.
Justin and the other guys were busy kicking and passing the balls to have noticed what Jake was doing. So they looked over in surprise when he bellowed Ok now listen up!
Justin looked over and noticed with surprise that Jake was holding a fearsome looking cane in one hand. Justin felt a rush of blood to the front of his shorts and tried to not look pleased at what was about to happen.
Jake looked around the team and said Ive brought the stick with me today - as a motivational tool for you guys ! We will practice ball handling skills, and Ill use this to help point out to you when you get it wrong !
He swished the cane dramatically through the air to underline his point. Everyone of the lads watching tensed their backside in an involuntary response to the familiar sound.
After a look of complete shock and a degree of excited anticipation - the squad broke out in a low murmur. Jake looked around and decided that a demonstration was in order. he picked the first lad who he saw wasnt paying full attention.
His eye fell on the wiry frame of Brett who had his back to Jake and was telling a joke to one of the others. Jake snapped You all obviously need a demonstration - and its good of young Brett to have volunteered himself for the task. Get your arse out here mate !
There was some good natured laughter as Brett sullenly trudgged over to Jake, who stood with one foot resting on the ball, with the cane in his other hand. Jake then drilled Brett hard with a series of ball exercises. Whenever the player seemed to not do his best or to slack of the pace he was rewarded with a sharp thwwwwack of the cane across his shorts.
After a 5 minute drill, Brett stood puffing and gingerly rubbing his bum. He looked up at Jake ruefully and said Jeez Jake-o, ease up on the stick will ya - none of us will be able to run on Saturday if ya keep doling it out at that pace !
Jake grinned at him and said If you cant handle it mate - youd best leave now.
Brett flushed at the implied insult and blustered Its not that mate - I can handle it .. Im just worried about performance with damaged muscles.
Jake nodded and said Well the damage is only skin deep - and I think youve volunteered for another demonstration thanks to all this backchat !
Brett looked ready to protest, but, took a moment to think and finally took a deep breathe and said Ok - where do ya want me mate.
Jake smiled and said Good lad - this time just bend over and grab your ankles - just like a stretching exercise.
Brett stretched over and grabbed his ankles - feeling the tight shorts stretch across his backside. The rest of the team was watching in near total silence.
Jake swished the cane again and said Ive been too soft with you blokes - now if you are impertinent with a lot of smart back chat - Ill stripe your arse for you . He brought the cane crashing down across Bretts muscular butt. The lad had taken a fair few strokes before, but these were harder stingers. Brett winced slightly as the first stroke struck. Brett held onto his ankles as the second, third fourth, fifth and then sixth strokes crashed onto his bum - each one lower and harder than the last.
Jake looked at Bretts well defined backside and tapped it softly twice with the cane and said Ok Bretty - up ya get, and rejoin the squad. I hope this has been sufficient demonstration for all you ruffians to behave and take training seriously.
Brett stood slowly after the six and rubbed his bum again. Jake watched him and stepped over to shake his hand and murmured Well done mate.
Brett then rejoined the squad and Jake led them all in a series of new exercises. Justin had been watching Jakes demonstration very closely. He felt himself getting more excited at the demonstration and felt his backside tingle in anticipation of his own dose of the cane. He wondered whether his banter with Jake in the morning had somehow inspired him to do this this afternoon.
Justin was slightly disappointed to not be volunteered for one of the demonstrations, but he and a number of other squad members were tenting the front of their shorts by the end of the demonstration. Justin noticed with a smirk that Jakes shorts were also prominently tented.
Such thoughts were knocked from Justin';s mind when he first felt the white hot THWWWWWACK of Jakes cane across his own backside, after the ball skills training began. Justin turned in surprise at copping it to see Jake grin and whisper Now dont pretend you havent wanted that since the moment I brought the cane out .
Justin stammered the beginnings of a reply when the ball when flying past him and he felt another sharp THWWWWACK on his backside as Jake bellowed Pay attention you blokes - unless you enjoy the cane !
Justin looked slightly dazed at Jake and rubbed his bum for a second as the ball went flying past again. A moment later Justin again felt the THWWWWACK of the cane. He tried focussing on his exercise and soon Jake went off. Justin could tell Jjake was at work given the yelps of surprised occasionally coming from his team-mates as they too were surprised by the impact of the cane on their backsides.
After an hour of hard training all the lads were sweating heavily and most had tender backsides as Jake had been unrelentingly applying the stick to the bum of anyone who wasnt performing at their best.
The squad stood breathing heavily, with hands on hips, or crouched down on their haunches - with a few surreptitiously rubbing their backsides.
Jake stood before them and said Not bad lads. He then swished the cane through the air and declared See what a bit of motivation can do for a teams performance! The squad laughed nervously and a few members hurled good humoured abuse at their Coach captain, who grinned and said and I knew you guys would love every second.
After a few moments of levity Jake called for silence again and said Ok now - for each training session from now Im going to bring the stick along.
The squad members groaned half heartedly and pretended they were upset at this. Jake held up his hand and said also - after each training Ill call out the two worst performing squad members and give them both a serious caning on the bare arse in front of you all. This might serve to motivate better performance from all.
This prompted another groan and much nervous shuffling of feet as Jake said Well start that new tradition today. Our two lucky first two are Andy and Justin!
There was a smattering of applause as Justin and Andy went to the front of the squad. Both lads looked nervous as Jake looked them both over and said Both of these two should be among our best, and both trained as though they think that means they dont have to train. Im going to show them both that they do need top get their arse in gear and train with as much commitment as the rest of us !
Justin hung his head and looked quickly at Andy doing the same. Justin hadnt been concentrating on training as he was elated at his father's reaction that morning and was counting down the minutes till he could get a beer to celebrate.
Jake looked at them both standing with their heads hanging like naughty schoolboys, and smiled slightly, He picked up the cane and tapped them both on the backside and said Andy - I think you can go first.
Without saying a word Andy dropped his footy shorts (with nothing on underneath) and bent over and grabbed his ankles.
Jake said to the group Now I know that both of these guys have had other distractions in their days today - and that might have taken their minds from footy training. That is not a good enough reason for not taking training seriously! However, it is a good enough reason for the beers to be on me when we get back tonight !
The squad cheered this news and Justin grinned slightly at Jake who was trying to look serious and wasnt entirely succeeding.
Jake continued saying Andy here has got the news that his thesis has been passed with honours by the University - so hell be able to graduate in a few months !
Again the squad cheered and Andy stood uncertainly and grinned back at them. Jake glared at him and barked get back down.
Jake then said Nonetheless - Andy will get 18 for inattention to training. He should have known better.
Jake stood back and drew the cane back and swung his shoulder and THWWWWWACKED the cane hard across the centre of Andys backside. He gasped slightly at the impact but stayed in position, although his eyes were shut against the pain.
The squad gasped - knowing that 18 strokes like that would be hard to take. Justin felt his stomach doing somersaults at the thought of getting the same.
Jake grinned and said But not all need to be that hard !. He then gave Andy 17 taps with the cane. Andy stood stiffly and rubbed the one viscous welt across his bum and said Jeez you gave me a scare there mate !. He then quickly pulled his shorts up.
Jake laughed and shook Andys saying Congratulations mate - well celebrate your success tonight ! . The squad members laughed and clustered around Andy, offering their congratulations.
Justin waited nervously.
Jake called the group to order after a few moments and said Now to Jus.
Justin stepped forward uncertainly as the squad watched with great interest ansd Jake looked at him severely, while trying not to smirk and saying Get into position Jus.
Like Andy, Justin pulled down his shorts and bent over and grabbed his ankles. He hoped that Jake was only teasing him too and that hed get off lightly like Andy had.
Jake admired Justins backside - which was firm and muscular and infinitely caneable. He was sorely tempted to give Justin a real 18 of the best - just for the pleasure of it, but that hardly seemed fair to his mate. Still Jake was determined that Justin wouldnt get off lightly like Andy - if only because of their conversation in the morning.
Jake said Justin has been extremely slack in todays training, and has been getting _c_o_c_k_y and complacent in his attitude generally. Today he had a visit from his father - who has agreed to let him stay with us as a full jackaroo for a few more months - rather than as a city brat in need of having manner beaten into him !
The squad laughed at Jakes description of Justin and cheered as he mimed caning Justins backside hard with the mention of beatings. Justin himself was sweating profusely and just wanted to get it over with.
Jake grinned and said No seriously - Jus Dad was proud of the progress this troublemaker has made and we should be proud of him too ! Well done Jus - the drinksll be on me later ! Justin blushed as his team mates applauded and cheered him, even as he was bent over before them.
Jake tapped the cane on his bum and said So it is 18 for Jus too. He brought he cane back and THWWWWWWWAAACKED it hard across the centre of Justins bum. Justin gasped at the pain and prayed that he was only getting one.
The squad gasped in surprise and Jus yelped in even greater surprise and the second stroke THWWWWAACKED into his bum. The third came just as hard and Justin was starting to sweat more profusely and was biting his lower lip to stop crying out.
The squad had gone silent as Jake methodically laid the fourth, fifth, and sixth strokes just as hard. They could tell theat Justin was in pain - although he hadnt cried out yet. Jake was thrilled at being able to give Justin a good caning again and was very tempted to keep going, but reluctantly said They dont all have to be that hard .
He then gave Justin the remaining twelve as soft taps. He then helped Justin stand and shook his hand and said with a grin Congratulations mate - Im sorry I had to give you six real ones , but your attitude since this mornings conversation has been in need of reigning in.
Justin pulled his shorts up, shook Jakes hand and then gently rubbed his sore bum. He looked at Jake and grinned and punched him playfully saying So you put me through all that as revenge for me being cheeky to you this morning!
Jake laughed and said Well yeah - what better reason could there be ? Besides I know how you secretly like it and wouldnt be satisfied with only one
Justin grinned and blushed slightly as the others laughed at the observation and subjected him to several good natured, but also hard punches to the arm.
After a few moments the footy squad started to jog back towards the homeseatd and the promise of beers. They ran at a fast pace as Jake kept the cane with him and used it on the backside of any lad who seemed to be slowing up.
Every member of the squad seemed to get at least one THWWWAAACK across their shorts .. but Justin felt sure he got far more than anyone else. The warm glow in his bum and the tenting of his shorts signaled that he was not so secretly glad of it too !
To be continued .......