On the western coast of the island, on the far side of the forest reserve, was a place called Ocean Domaisne, an immense concentration of neo-vassalage. It extended some fifty kilometres down a reconstructed shoreline largely reclaimed from swamps and tidal basins. This was where the wealthy bankers, brokers, fixers and entrepreneurs lived. In effect gated and managed by commercial security operatives, it was a long strip of luxury hotels, mansions and skyscraper condos, with marinas, sports arenas, casinos, golf courses, private airstrips and retail malls. (To my certain knowledge from the trade there was not a single bookshop anywhere along the strip.) Some of the territory had been extended out into the sea on artificially built islands and peninsulas. The largest of these used as foundations the rubble from the demolition of several centuries-old fishing settlements which formerly worked the coastal shallows, and was constructed in the shape of the thaler sign.

Ordinary residents of Raba knew of these places, these sumptuous resorts and palaces of leisure, but few of us ever went there. I was one such. I had seen photographs and images on television, but I had never yet had direct contact with anyone who was resident.

The freeway at Raba went nowhere near Ocean Domaisne, which was on the coast further to the west, but ran alongside the cluster of towers in the financial district. Spoder speeded up and we were past it within a minute. The airport was not far beyond – the constant movement to and fro of money operatives meant that there were regular shuttle services to the other Salayean islands.

We bought tickets for the first available flight, and an hour later we had landed on Sekonda.

Spoder wanted us to rent another motorcycle, but I insisted on a car. He had no licence to drive a car – I did.

It was several years since I had visited Sekonda. As we drove out of the airport I was looking around with interest. Although there were major industrial towns in the interior of the island large sections of the shoreline had been left undeveloped. Sekonda was famous for its deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. On the eastern promontory, close to where a meeting of two oceanic flows created cross currents, rough water and high waves, there was surf riding and a variety of other beach pursuits.

Over the past century five separate areas of the coastline had been developed as holiday resorts, catering for all. It was possible to find inexpensive camping grounds or pensions close to the sea, but also mid-price hotels, holiday let cottages and houses, as well as more expensive rentals and luxury hotels. In the interior of the island there were several designated nature or wilderness parks. Sekonda was now a popular holiday destination, and in the five coolest months people travelled great distances to stay there.