Arguments

They all rushed us at once and the battling began. One managed to grab Grandpa, but he just beat him over the head with his umbrella. He continued to do this to several others, and it seemed to work. Either that or it annoyed them so much they just gave up and ran away.

Dad started throwing punches and took a few while he was at it. I pulled out a little weapon I had worked on on the drive to the airport. I pulled out my handmade slingshot and pulled one of the many rocks I had stored in my pocket. I beaned a guy in the head, and he slumped over instantly. It didn't take the Joneses long to dispatch of the goons. And as soon as it was all over, Dad and Grandpa started arguing again.

Now it seemed to me that that was all the two ever did with one another. Sure I heard the story about how they both saved each other's lives, but then why were they always at each other's throats? I guessed it was a way of coping with the stress of the situation we were in. Like the fact we had one canteen and were stuck in the Outback. Wait, the Outback isn't a desert. We should be fine. So why are they arguing then?

We had barely made it a few steps when a car pulled up. I reached into my back pocket for my weapon, but let out a sigh of relief when Sallah stepped out of the passenger's seat. "Oh my friends, you are alright. I saw the plane go down, and I rushed out here. Jones Senior?" Grandpa reached out and shook his hand.

"Why, hello Sallah. It's nice to meet someone who's been keeping Junior here in line. How have you been?" Just like Grandpa to make casual conversation.

"Just fine. And how are you doing?"

"I'm very well, considering the circumstances. Now shall we get going? It's obvious they shall soon return with more enforcements and I don't think this umbrella can take much more of this." Dad just looked at him. "Surely, Junior, you know how important this is? It saved our necks that one time. Or do I need to tell the story to our audience?"

"No need, Dad. Let's just get out of here." We headed for the car.

"But, wait. If Sallah got out over there, then who's driving the car?" I inquired.

"Yes, Sallah. Who is driving the car?"

"Well, Indy, I was desperate for a ride out here to check on you. So…" Just then, a figure climbed out of the car. He had blonde sandy hair and wore khakis.

"Good day mates. Good to see you blokes are alright. Gave your friend over here a real scare. Almost ran him over, I did. He ran out in front of the blimey car screaming about you. Wait a sec, Indiana Jones? Is that you?" We all just stared at him, and then Dad walked up and shook his hand.



"It's good to see you, Donald. How have you been?"

"Just fine, Indy mate."

"Who is this, Junior? You two seem acquainted."

My dad pointed at Donald. "This is my old friend Donald. We studied under Ravenwood together. Came to the States just to study under him."

"Even though he always liked Indy mate over here best. And who are your friends?"

"This is my Dad, Dr. Jones. And this is my daughter Sarah."

"Well, I never knew you had a sheila. The Indy I knew was the type who-"Dad loudly cleared his throat and gestured towards me. Donald nodded his head.

"Well, can we get going Junior? We have Excalibur to find." Grandpa was getting impatient.

"Did you say Excalibur? Indy, mind if you bring ne more along for the ride. It'll be just like old times, mate."

"Of course you can," I said. Maybe an old friend would help relieve the tension between the two of them. We all squeezed into the car and took off. And then they started arguing. Again.

Grandpa paid for the tickets and we boarded the plane. I sat next to Dad, Sallah next to Grandpa, and Donald by himself. Grandpa and Sallah caught up, while Dad pulled his hat down and promptly fell asleep. And I fell asleep on his shoulder. Things were pretty good at that moment. And I couldn't wait for what was around the bend.

R&R. I love Aussies and just had to add one. Donald is a popular Australian 30's name.