The Terrible Power

What a mystery. No one else can see Yaah.

Even Arthur.

Yaah stretches an arm out, and grabs at the stalk that is twisting and writhing in the wake of the Bonnie Celeste. 

He misses.

It bobs in the water behind the receding sea shuttle.

Yaah dives into the sea.

He strikes out boldly.

He reaches the ruined kelp vessel.

Sees two lobsters, clinging underneath.

What do you think you are doing? asks Yaah.

Failing to realise Plan B, says Captain Baudin.

Which was? asks Yaah.

Who are you to be asking such a question? asks Dufresne.

A figment of Arthur's, says Yaah.

Plan B was what we came up with when Plan A foundered, says Captain Baudin. We had no compass. 

We made our way back to the wharf and tied up behind the Bonnie Celeste, says Dufresne. We had not factored in the terrible power of a modern outboard motor.

Why not? asks Yaah.

Fate, says Baudin. We are destined not to reach Te Hauturu-o-Toi.

You believe things are destined? asks Yaah. 

We do now, says Dufresne.

But here I am, says Yaah. A figment of Arthur's imagination. I'm thinking of going to Te Hauturu-o-Toi myself. You might come with me.

That is most kind, says Baudin. How will we get there? Swim?

Arthur's imagination might stretch to that, says Yaah. Or he might decide I should apply for a permit. 

We must arrive under our own steam, says Baudin. Those are the conditions.

You will, says Yaah. 

...

On board the Bonnie Celeste, Steve is regaling his passengers with anecdotes, and large mugs of coffee.

There was this one time, says Steve....

Everyone listens but Arthur, who is busy controlling his figment.....