Pāhonoa te oro

“…nothing left. Just ash.” Billy frowned slightly, confusion creeping in. Another voice answered, sharper. “Doesn’t matter. That wasn’t the priority.” Billy didn’t move. “We lost it when the plane went down,” the first soldier continued. “Command wants it found before anyone else gets near it.” Billy’s chest tightened. “It could be anywhere,” another said. “If someone’s already found it—” “Then they don’t leave the bush,” the second voice cut in. Silence.