Summary

Chapter VIII - Declan sets the Plover east. The Minister asks to be returned to his home. The Minister hopes that a real country comprising all islands and nations in the Pacific will emerge one day and will be called Pacifica. Taromauri believes she is a new person after witnessing the gull heal Pipa, and that she should seek to find her husband. Declan confronts Enrique, who has gained consciousness. Declan says he will bring Enrique to a hospital to live if Enrique agrees to stay away from the him and the Plover. Enrique agrees. Declan calls a meeting, telling his shipmates that they are low on money, in need of repairs and restocking, and that Enrique needs a hospital. He opens up the floor for discussion, inspired by Edmund Burke's belief that all government is founded on compromise and barter. Danilo wants...