“I’m sure you do,” said Daniel. He lay the staff down at his feet so he could hold out his hand. “I’m Daniel.”
The little boy shook his hand with enthusiasm. “My name is Finau. I’m seven. I’m gonna be a rugby player when I grow up.”
“Me too,” said Daniel. “Nice to meet you Finau.”
The teen didn’t want to shake hands but he did offer his name. “Vai. You really play rugby? In Samoa?”
Rugby was the magic word that broke down walls. The three spent the rest of the trip to town, talking about their favorite players. They were nearing the market when Finau pointed to the Bone. “What’s that?”
“Just a stick,” said Daniel.
“Can I hold it?” asked Finau.
“Sure.” Daniel handed him the Bone and continued talking rugby with Vai.
“Cool! It’s got lights,” the little boy exclaimed.
Daniel turned to see the staff burning with its familiar cobalt energy, lighting up the smile on Finau’s face.
“Hey, give me that,” said Vai. He took the Bone from his little brother with all the proprietary airs of a big brother.
The staff burned even brighter, so bright that Daniel’s tattoo’s simmered in response. The gift that lived in these boys was strong. It was both thrilling for Daniel and also made him wary. What would the Vasa Loloa sisterhood here in Tonga do if they knew of the brothers?
“It must be batteries,” said the little boy as he ran his fingers along the carvings on the Bone. “It’s like a light saber!”
“Not quite,” said Daniel. He took the Bone from the boys and stood as the truck pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the bustling marketplace. The last thing he needed right now was unnecessary attention on an ancient artefact that glowed.
He jumped from the truck and then proceeded to help the boys unload the baskets of taro. Spectators of the female persuasion gave him admiring glances as they watched, but Daniel was oblivious. When the taro was unloaded, the elderly farmer smiled his thanks with a mouth full of gold. His name was Tupou and he invited Daniel to share a meal with them. Daniel knew it would be rude to refuse and so he sat with the little family and enjoyed a baked taro and lu sipi with them. Tupou glanced at the Bone at Daniel’s feet several times, but made no mention of it. When the food was finished, Finau prepared a young coconut for each of them and it was the perfect finish to the meal.
Just then there was a murmuring in the market crowd, curious and pointing. The boys went to stand by the road and look at what was making everyone agog with fascination. Daniel joined them – and froze.
A sleek black car had pulled up in front of the hotel across the street. But it was the occupants that had the crowd talking. Daniel counted eight women. Eyes turned to look. Activity stopped to admire. To wonder. These were no ordinary women. They wore the very finest in Pacific couture and had the ageless faces of those whose looks were carefully preserved by the wisest secret elixirs of earth’s guardians. Telesā… But from where? Daniel doubted they were from Ilisapesi’s sisterhood, were they? He searched his memory for any familiar faces from the battle against Pele but he couldn’t recognize any of the women. What were they doing here in Tonga?
The women were in no rush to go inside the hotel, as they laughed and chatted, looking around the street as if they were first-time visitors.
They mustn’t see him. Quickly Daniel took several steps back, melted into the crowd, knelt and disassembled the Bone, before stowing the three pieces safely out of sight inside his duffel bag. As he zipped it up, Tupou shuffled to stand beside him. The old man gave him a thoughtful look.
“You know those ladies?” Tupou asked.
“No,” said Daniel, hefting the duffel to his shoulder. “Who are they?” He tried for casual and disinterested.
The old man hocked and spat in the dirt beside them. “Bad spirit women. From Cook Islands. They should not be here.”
The Ariki. Are they the ones that Hiva and Sola were taking me to? What’s going on here?
Tupou continued, “If Tavake was alive, they wouldn’t dare.”
Daniel’s eyes widened in surprise. “You know Tavake?”
“Everyone knew of Tavake,” said Tupou. “She was the protector of our islands. She’s gone now.” He shook his head sorrowfully as he gave Daniel a shove towards an alleyway. “I think you no want those women to see you. You go back way there. Take your stick and go to the Vasa Loloa. They don’t let men on their island but I think with that stick they will welcome you. Go.”
Daniel had questions, so many questions! But he obeyed the man’s instructions. He said goodbye to the boys, but as he walked away, the Bone whispered to him that meeting them had not been a coincidence.
Tangaloalagi works in mysterious ways.
Daniel was searching for a car rental when his phone rang. Ilisapesi.
“Why haven’t you come to the island yet?” she demanded. “I sent you an escort.”
“Hiva and Sola?” said Daniel as he paused in a side street. It was a small place and he didn’t want to draw any more attention than necessary. “Yes, I met them.”
“You’re supposed to bring us the Tangaloa Bone,” snapped Ilisapesi.
“And you’re supposed to give me safe passage,” said Daniel. He relayed what had happened, in terse sentences. There was a silence of disbelief.
“I don’t believe you. Hiva is my second. I raised her myself. She couldn’t have done this.”
“I’ve got bruises and there’s a car under the sea right now that says otherwise. I’m done being patient and playing nice. I have the Bone and I’m willing to use it against anyone who stands in the way of my father’s safe return. Get Ronan on the phone. I don’t take another step forward until I know my father’s alive. Call me when you have him.”
It didn’t take long. The phone buzzed and it was Ronan’s voice on the line. “Daniel?”
The relief took Daniel by surprise. It hit him hard, leaving him breathless for a bare moment. He hadn’t realized just how worried he was about the man – until now. How much he actually cared? He didn’t like it and so his voice was harsh. “Hey, you alright?”
“Yes,” replied Ronan. “They say you have something that belongs to them and once you hand it over, I can go. I’m sorry I’ve caused trouble for you and Leila. Made you come all the way out here.”
“It’s fine,” said Daniel. “They treating you alright?”
“No complaints. They took my phone but otherwise I have free rein of the place. It’s an amazing operation they’re running here. Like nowhere else I’ve seen. Nothing like what I expected at all. State of the art STEM ops. Is Kirei alright?”
“She’s good. Simone and her are deep into their photo project. Kirei’s actually been the most cool out of all of us. Keeps reminding us that her uncle is always going off the grid,” said Daniel lightly. “I’ll see you soon. Hang tight.”
Ilisapesi had given Daniel instructions on how to reach a new contact at the wharf. A young man with a boat that would take him to the Vasa Loloa island. He introduced himself as Tomasi but didn’t seem happy about his assignment. He was anxious and restless when they cast off, and his agitation only increased, the further they went.
“You sure you want to go there?” asked Tomasi. He pointed to a looming shape in the far distance. “It’s not safe for us. They don’t like men anywhere near their island.”
“It’s okay. They’re expecting me.”
Tomasi didn’t look convinced but he went back to his navigation. The trip took two hours and Daniel found the breather just what he needed. Time to breathe. Time to think. To reflect on the last few weeks. Everything had happened so fast. What place did he see Ronan occupying in his life? He wondered what Ronan’s family was like. Which made them Daniel’s family… Did he have grandparents in New Zealand somewhere? Uncles, Aunts, cousins? Kirei had already fit in to their lives, seamlessly, becoming like a little sister to Leila, and an art conspirator with Simone. Da
niel, accustomed to the loneliness of being an only child with no cousins, was now waking up to the possibilities of having an extended family.
And his mother? Moanasina. What was she to him? If he saw her again, what would he do to her? Now that he carried the Tangaloa Bone and could theoretically, do quite a fair bit with it…
Tomasi interrupted his thoughts. He cut the engine. “We stop here. Wait.”
“Here?” said Daniel. He looked around. The island, while closer, still seemed a very far distance away. “We should keep going. We’re not there yet.”
“No,” said Tomasi. He sat down and pulled his woven laufala hat low on his head. “Vasa Loloa say, stop here. Wait.”
Okay then. Daniel checked his phone for a signal, hoping to send a quick message to Leila. Nothing. He wrote her a message anyway. Just in case. Then he made some quick adjustments to the Bone. Just in case. He removed the smallest piece, and threaded it onto the cord he wore around his neck, so that it hung side by side with his wedding ring. As a welder and Fitter and Turner, it was too dangerous to wear any rings and so he carried his wedding ring close to his heart at all times. Now with a piece of the Tangaloa Bone dangling at his chest, he felt the resonating hum of ocean’s life force have a constant presence. He tucked the necklace back inside his shirt so it wasn’t visible. He left the staff itself inside the duffel bag.
They didn’t have to wait long.
A small vessel flew towards them across the water. Fast and fleet. Silent. It had no motor. Daniel guessed it was being powered by the woman who stood tall in the prow. She gave Tomasi a brief nod.
“Daniel Tahi,” she said. “Welcome to our island. Please come.”
When Daniel was settled in the canoe, she sent the boat whittling towards the distant shore. She didn’t offer her name and Daniel didn’t ask. He’d had enough conversation with Vasa Loloa for one day. Instead he felt for the necklace that spoke its reassurance to him and stared out towards the island.
The woman brought the craft up to a small wooden jetty where one person waited for them.
“Ronan!” Daniel couldn’t stop the smile that automatically came to his face. After the events of the day, it was an incredible relief to see a familiar face. Ronan helped him out of the canoe and for a moment the two men clasped hands in lieu of a hug. It was a connection that spoke volumes though.
“You came,” said Ronan with quiet happiness. “I wasn’t sure that you would.”
“Of course,” said Daniel lightly. “Simone would never let me rest if I didn’t. He’s your biggest fan.”
“Well, he is the reason I found you,” said Ronan. “I owe him bigtime.”
The Vasa Loloa interrupted their reunion. “Ilisapesi says she will meet you soon. For now, you may go. See our island.” There was heavy disapproval in her voice. Clearly she wasn’t happy about Daniel roaming free.
“Come on, I’ll give you a tour,” said Ronan. “This place is amazing.” He walked up the beach and into the beckoning green of rainforest where he had them follow a winding path through the greenery. The sound of birdcall, the chittering of birds, and quiet hum of insects spoke of peace and tranquility. Daniel could hear the dance of water on black rocks in the distance.
“Waterfall,” explained Ronan. “The island has its own water supply, with freshwater springs as well. They grow everything they eat.”
From a distance, the island seemed liked any other of the thousands that dotted the Pacific. But to enter the bush was to see the jewels nestled within. Hidden under the rainforest canopy was an extensive complex of laboratories and an impressive research facility.
“They’re doing pharmaceutical work here,” explained Ronan, pointing to one building. “Using different kinds of algae to make new medicines and over there, is a genetics lab where they’re identifying the different diseases crippling key marine life. They’re growing seaweed that they think will help mitigate climate change induced acidification of the ocean. All these buildings that you see here? Are built with a special kind of concrete that absorbs CO2. If the world changed to this kind of building material, we could theoretically at least, reverse climate change. On the far side of the forest is a hidden cove, a kind of hospital, a sick bay.” He smiled at his own pun. “For dolphins, whales and other marine animals. Remember that story in the news about the orca that carried her dead baby for sixteen days? It wasn’t just grief. Pregnant and nursing whales from all over the world come here with their babies for help. And sometimes by the time they get here, it’s too late.” Sadness etched his face. “I’ve seen so many incredible things just in the last few days. Cutting edge technology far beyond anything I’ve seen the rest of the world working on.”
They passed several people on the network of forest paths, all women, all who gave them curious looks but didn’t accost them.
His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned in closer. “But no word on Moanasina. I’ve been searching everywhere and there’s no sign of her. And nobody that I’ve asked seems to know anything about her. But that’s not surprising when you consider that they’re all just kids.”
“What do you mean?” asked Daniel.
“I mean, most of the people running this place, are teenagers. Girls. And some fakaleiti. After all the things you told me about Telesā, I was expecting to see a bunch of ageless women with badass warrior powers. But the only adults here are the leader Ilisapesi that you talked to on the phone. And I count five other women. Two of them left the island this morning to get you from the airport. I saw them leave. The rest? Are all kids. Really bright kids and I see them doing some unexplained things, like when they propel boats using ocean currents, or talk to the whales and ride on them like what Moanasina used to do. But no massive shows of power like what you told me about.”
Daniel looked around, bemused. “I wonder…it makes sense. Tavake told me their sisterhood was badly weakened by infighting and betrayals that began even before Pele rose. It’s why she had me covenant to her, so she could draw on my gift. She only came with two sisters to the Council meeting in Samoa.”
The pieces were starting to fall into place. “How did they get you here?”
“It wasn’t hard. I was at the wharf, trying to hire a boat but nobody would take me to the Vasa Loloa island.”
“So you were straight up asking people to bring you to the Vasa Loloa island?!” said Daniel shaking his head. He had to smile. “Basically announcing yourself to the sisterhood. You got some nerve.”
“I was desperate,” said Ronan. “Then one of the boats, Tomasi? He said he could take me. Met Ilisapesi out at sea and told her I’m looking for Moanasina. Showed her this.”
Ronan pulled a small object from his pocket. It was a sand dollar. “Moanasina gave it to me twenty years ago. Said it would help me when I most needed it. I thought it was a joke, just words. But I kept it anyway. When I showed it to Ilisapesi, she brought me back to the island.”
“Did she ask why you were looking for Moanasina?”
“I kept it simple. Said that I love her. That I knew her a long time ago. I hoped she would see me just as some infatuated palagi.” A laugh that hid the truth. Then Ronan turned serious. “I didn’t know you had some artifact that they wanted. I should have talked it over with you before coming here. But I didn’t want to drag you into a wild goose chase. This is my mess to fix up.”
“I came to your boat the next morning,” said Daniel. “To tell you I want to help. I was going to come with you. Talk to Ilisapesi. But you’d already left.”
“Some father-son duo we turned out to be, ay?” said Ronan ruefully.
They’d been busy talking and hadn’t noticed the guide from earlier. She came up behind them on the path. “Ilisapesi is ready to see you now. Follow me.”
The guide escorted the men to a small lagoon on the other side of the island. Powder white sand, azure clear water, it was an idyllic spot. Ilisapesi stood at the line where the beach met the trees. She waved them over.
“I apologize for not meeting you sooner, Daniel,” she called out as they drew near. We’re preparing for the turtle hatching that we think will take place tonight.” She indicated at the sand line. “You can’t see them, but under the sand is thousands of eggs that have been incubating here on our beach. We’ve monitored the temperature of the sand, and also kept the area safe from predators. The hatching should start soon and then we’ll have a team watching over the little ones as they make for the water.” In that moment Ilisapesi didn’t look like a vengeful Vasa Loloa warrior. She looked like a harried worried mother. “Come, let’s sit in the shade.”
There was a small open house nearby with a tray of refreshments waiting for them. The men declined politely but Ilisapesi drank deeply of the lime water before speaking.
“Daniel, what do you think of our island? Our work here?” asked Ilisapesi.
The question was unexpected. “What little I’ve seen of it? It’s ambitious. Your goals. Very impressive though. Especially your projects designed around climate change mitigation.”
“We’ve been a voice for the Blue Continent since long before any men entered the fight against global warming,” said Ilisapesi. “Now we work alongside many others. And we hope together.”
“But your sisterhood,” said Daniel. “Why are there so few adult women? We only see teenagers.”
“Our ranks have declined. The ocean mother does not bless children with her gift like she used to. Is she angry? Weakening? Or perhaps as your Bible puts it, she doesn’t want to waste her pearls on the ungrateful? Whatever the reason, there are fewer daughters born every year with Vasa Loloa. The battle with Pele decimated our established sisters. The youth you see now on our island? Some have a hint of Vasa Loloa’s gift in them and we will nurture and teach them, wait for them to mature and we hope their powers will one day manifest. Others are orphans and outcasts left on boats and driven here by the storm winds. We don’t turn any away.”
“But this is why we need the Tangaloa Bone,” continued Ilisapesi. “Our work needs its power to continue. And there are those throughout Oceania, who would try and destroy us. Other Telesā who want what few Gifted we have, for their own purposes. I see now that I should have just told you why we need the Bone. You’re one of us. These are your people. This is your mother’s ocean.”
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