‘Crafty! In more ways than one.’

‘He’s the most brilliant character I’ve ever met.’

‘How do you know him?’

‘He was one of my best mates at school. Was very much the nature boy as a kid. Says going into the forest alone teaches him more than any university. He prayed and fasted in the Tasmanian wilderness for forty days on end.’

‘Forty days! That would lead to self-cannibalism. The body would turn on its own muscles for food, wouldn’t it?’

Wombat patted his ample stomach. ‘I don’t want to find out,’ he said. ‘He’s made some astounding claims about oil discoveries in Tasmania. Says he’s found one of the world’s biggest deposits, and has the evidence to prove it. Big Brother would like a report on him.’

‘Why would the CIA be interested? Are they operating for the big oil groups?’

‘The five sisters? No. Big Brother’s activities are independent of the conglomerates. Not all are American owned. For instance, the biggest, Conquer, is based in Europe. It gobbles up leases anywhere it can like nobody’s business. Big Brother works on tying up oil leases on the US’s behalf, particularly for the navy, so it has permanent supply.’

‘They want quick access?’

‘Right. The Americans are looking at their main threat. They’ve identified it as China, both economically and militarily.’

‘Okay. The Americans want access to oil in the Pacific.’

‘Australia’s as good a source as anywhere. Remember the Americans learnt about the geography of our sizeable island in World War Two. They had one million personnel here, with bases everywhere. Even Albany in the southwest was a strategic base for subs.’

‘They’ve always seen us as a floating aircraft carrier, now we may be an oil tanker as well.’

‘They’ll pay well for a report on Haut and his claims. So would ASIO.’

‘Won’t be necessary. I’ll do a feature on him. I can do a separate report for you.’

‘We can pay expenses for this assignment to see Haut.’

Cavalier shook his head.

‘Suit yourself.’ Wombat shrugged. He glanced at Cavalier. ‘Make sure you take some hardware. Better go and see old Anthony Jones. He has a couple of items for you.’

‘Oh, why?’

‘Haut has plenty of enemies. Tasmania is like the Wild West. Corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, saboteurs, thieves and the odd killer. And that’s just the nice ones.’

Cavalier smiled.

‘I’ll take the night ferry. Easier to hide a shooter in a car than a suitcase.’

‘You’re in for a real treat,’ Wombat said with a mysterious grin. ‘One other thing about Haut. He’s in a bit of bother at the moment. His business has struggled, mainly because corrupt politicians and mining bureaucrats have held him back. They’re in the pocket of Conquer, who wish to crush him.’

‘Not the best time to meet him?’