The Oan government was a tricky mechanism. The National Council was the collective head of government and executive branch, in theory, responsible for the governance of the country. Ese Ulua was gradually circumventing established democratic processes to restore power into his hands. He had faked the explosion of the National Intelligence Agency headquarters and hacking of Cafe Net to implicate the Al Jaheed. He declared a state of emergency and took control of the reins of power, yet he felt powerless. His old age and years of physical and psychological strain were taking their toll. His hands shook violently when he tried to write. He was tired of trying to cover up his weaknesses. He saw a specialist who confirmed his fears. He had Parkinson’s disease. It was a unique form, progressing quickly and killing the victim just as quickly. The doctor said that he had a few years to live. With treatment they could reduce the effects and even prolong his life slightly. Essentially it was over.
When Eleanor found out she cried. It was unusual to see her cry. She had a very unflattering way of crying. It was the cry of a strong woman who had reached the end of her tether. Her oldest son, 40 years old, was a hardened and sometimes aggressive soldier: Takalo. He was angry. The years did not leaven his passion. They merely gave it direction. He wanted to direct his preemptive grief towards a fight. With plenty of wars and rumours of war, he had ample opportunity to vent his anger.
Oaloanu was different. He was 35 years old. He held none of the qualities of a hot-blooded 35 year old. When his father told him, he merely embraced him and kissed his father on the forehead. He settled into the Serene Palace with his parents. He took on more of the responsibilities of the Defender.
He was calm. He showed little emotion. He served his role with grace and dignity of a spiritual rather than solely physical man. He dwelt in prayer and meditation. emanating serenity and control, even in violence or frustration, he sat quietly. He took it upon himself to take care of his father. He stood by his side when he made a speech, attended a meeting or was at work, helping him when he stammered or forgot his words, when he couldn’t carry his files and or hold his pen.
On June 11th, it was decided (much to Takalo’s surprise): Oaloanu would be the Regent while his father rested. The same anger and disdain that had been painted on their uncle, Oaluoa’s face, was on Takalo’s. Ese knew that he had to avert the hatred and jealousy that his father had allowed to foment in his relationship with his brother.
He called the men into his private library.
“I do not appreciate the subterfuge, father”, Oaloanu said.
“I should not have lied to get you to come. Unfortunately, I was afraid that there was some disdain between the two of you”.
“It was inevitable”, Oaloanu replied.
“You are always in control aren’t you”, Takalo snapped.
Oaloanu did not flinch at his brother’s acidity, keeping quiet. His brother addressed the elephant in the room, “You used father’s illness to become the Regent, and now you want to become the Defender don’t you? You always wanted the throne didn’t you? You’ve found the perfect opportunity”.
Ese spoke, “Oaloanu was always going to be the Defender. In fact he will also become the Emperor”.
Takalo gasped in surprise and confusion muttering “Emperor?”
Ese continued, “A long time ago, the Pacific Ocean south of the Equator was ruled by Emperor’s. The Emperor’s died off as the different people of Polynesia became fragmented. I wanted to bring back the Emperors. That is why I compelled my half-brother, General Oaluoa Uye, to form the Order of Heaven. This order was the first phase of my plan. I assembled wealthy and powerful patrons to support my campaign to unify Polyenesia also known as the South Pacific. Oaluoa took the blame for expansion, while I stepped into the following phase of the plan: gain total power and use a war to secure that power. I would unite all Polynesian nations that were not part of the Oan Isles under the Emperor of Polynesia. I do not hate democracy. I wanted to give people true freedom. People must be free to live according the ways of their people. All people deserve a homeland. That’s what I wanted to do. But our people had to be united enough to share their wealth and protect each other. So I wanted to create an Emperor to do that”.
“Why Loa, and not me?” Takalo asked.
“Because Oaloanu has the calm and silent spirit to shoulder the nations”. Ese replied.
“I WANT to be the Defender”, Takalo replied.
“Exactly. Power belongs to those who do not want it. Your brother asked me not to do this. And that is why I had to”.
Takalo was pacing, scratching his head. Oaloanu sat like a docile child, whose immeasurable power sat quietly deep within him. Takalo said, “You had planned this together and kept me out in the dark. You love him more don’t you?”
Ese looked down in grief and shook his head.
Oaloanu said, “The storm and the breeze are the children of the wind. The storm hews the trees in twain and thrusts the haywain against the rocks, but he bringeth rain that gives new life to the forest. The breeze bloweth him 'way. All hath their place 'neath the sun. The storm cannot rule the calm spring days lest he uproot the meadows, though he is great and mighty. Thou art thee. Thou art great, but thou art tempestuous. The breeze must rule the quiet days. But he needeth the storm. Do not contend with the breeze, for I shall bloweth the 'way. Stand with me, that the forest should live forever”.
Takalo bowed to his brother and kissed his hand. “Thy word is my law and I am thy right hand”.