PART FOUR
'Captain Obele on the line, sir.'
'go home, Captain Jeane; you are in Vanuatu waters.'
'I have been commanded to assist in bringing to order civil disruption by the prime minister of Vanuatu.'
'civil order has now been restored. Thank you for your intentions but you are no longer required.'
The first officer, his face bemused, 'Sir, a gun-boat is 3 miles port-side; her flag is Australian.'
'Captain Jeane, what is the present situation?' Captain Jack asks.
'We've been told to heave to; the civil disruption according to Captain Obele is now over.'
Three shells fire over the bow of the Australian frigate.
'Heave to!' the captain growls.
Obele stands steadfast at the helm, 'Chaba we have warned off the resistance.'
Chaba, the French and Australian ambassadors and UN officials sit round the long bamboo table in parliament house. The radio is turned on. The interchange between the three captains has silenced the room. Then everyone shouts at the same time.
'Gentlemen, we are the republic of Vanuatu sirs, you are our guests here. I have taken control of our kingdom. If you persist in opposing our regime there will be violence.' Chaba spoke with dignity and strength.
'Sir, with the deepest respect you have disregarded the international laws of The Hague. If the PrIme minister has corrupted the citizens then surely you must bring the case to the court.' Captain Hawkins replied.
'Sir, we are aware of the violation of human rights; but we ask you to concord in civilized fashion to a satisfactory closure. Please abide by international law.' The French implored.
Chaba signaled; bowls of kava pass around. 'Let there be peace and fairness amongst ni-vanuatu,
French ,and Australians. Tell your ships to hold their position.'
It's now front page news around the world;
High-level meetings in The Hague raise the south pacific question; Port Vila has a rebel government; the deposed government stole from the vaults of the peoples superannuation fund.
"What proof is there? "The ambassadors sing together. 'the fund maintains a balance of 400,million baht.' Chaba raises his hand. As Treasurer I ordered an inventory. My staff watched closely the daily trade and here are their reports.' He slams the documents on the table. 'two-thirds of the staff disappear in little over a week. Farmers and fishermen were turned away when they asked for their pension. Angry mobs stoned the building. During those two weeks, nine cabinet ministers travel to Europe on official business.' Chaba laughs,'more like to Swiss bank accounts.' He adds, 'our off-shore tax havens are obviously too close for comfort.' He sits down with dignity and composure. The documents are passed around.
'the minister of trade was kidnapped on your orders, Sir.' Ambassador Enrique stares at Chaba.
'It's a criminal offence.' Ambassador Jason adds. 'if the UN intervenes you may be charged with treason.'
Chaba rises and hammers on the table; jugs of water tilt; water splashes the white linen. 'we will see who has ransacked our kingdom sir.' His finger points at the Australian ambassador.
A hush descends as groups of men huddle speaking of strategies, protocols, ways to cool down the impending clashes.
Chaba glances round the long table. He signals for kava. Shells are passed around. To many observers Chaba is an over-bearing, buffoon; and cunning as a fox. Those who know him well see a educated, experienced politician whose life is for the people of Vanuatu.
Sweets are handed round and the men physically relax and each man looks at the drama in his own perspective. There is a sense of calm and rationale and without words the men are brothers.
The radio transmitter stands at one end of the table. Ambassador Enrique's voice is low and calm, 'with you permission sir, let us agree on the steps to take with regard to the three gun-ships; one in the harbor; two hove to in international waters. Our prime ministers and UN General are waiting for your response sir.'
