Cargo Cult

Descendants of Samurai and Vagabonds of the Pacific - All Want the Cargo

Cargo Cult is an adventure, suspense story brimming with historical insights of Japan, Hawai’i and the wonders of Vanuatu. Epic events in Japan lead to a modern day heist and a fascinating chase through the volcanic isles of Vanuatu. Rare 17th century fusuma – a set of decorative gold leaf panels are worth a fortune to those with more ambition than scruples. The Path and Order fusuma is coveted by Japanese Yakuza, ruthless crooks from Hawai’i and young upstarts in the South Pacific. They all want the prize. The Path and Order fusuma is the only one in existence to depict samurai warriors with Buddhist monks and is extremely valuable, especially to Takeji Yamada, the ambitious leader of the Yakuza in Kobe. When an opportunity arises to acquire the fusuma, a series of deals ensue to bring the cargo from Hawai’i to Vanuatu so the panels can be smuggled from the Japanese fishery on the island of Espiritu Santo to Kobe. A couple of young expatriates living in Port Vila, Jack and Oscar, find out about the cargo. On a whim and without fully appreciating the stakes involved, they plan a heist once the cargo arrives at the Japanese fishery in Vanuatu. With the help of Simon, a local ni-Vanuatu who knows the islands well and Michelle, Jack’s mixed race girlfriend, the crew snatches the cargo and they are pursued through the idyllic yet hazardous islands. After various adventures in the boat Matilda, the final showdown in Port Vila presents a few twists and turns for Jack and Oscar.