CHAPTER NINE
THE MISSION Father Arinze promised to check how I am doing every two months. “Paul I support discipline. So, I need your cooperation so that you won’t be disciplined. Goodbye!” I could see navy uniformed security men opening gate for Father Arinze for smooth departure. Training exercise spotted on a vast field. Flapping among trainees brace every courage I have. “Make yourself ready in case you’re called upon!” I almost got melted when a man walked pass where I was standing to look interesting trainings going on in the peak of the cool night. A vehicle on routine checks stopped on getting to where I was. “I guess it’s your new day!” voice of the modest man sounding like the fall of a gravel. “I need help sir to know where I would be staying!” “come in quickly. It’s an offence to stand there!” clearly I could see more tedious training while inside the moving vehicle. “Wait here I want to inform the leader in-charge.” Serious night giving birth to songs all around free corners. Crispy couch I sat makes a full assurance of my coming to the right place. Young men crouching as a way of testing their various fitness. Standing up may be an offence when the deal is going on; I was cautious not to put myself in trouble. Little rain began dropping, songs propagating as jogging was going on beside me. Whistle blown made trainings to end for the time been and every smart looked, agility, brave men converged to another spot. Desperation of becoming a seaman is all I have within my lonely mind. Lustre lights shines on any object resting on edges. Wait was long, interesting, mind-fixed until the man I waited for surfaced. “Follow this direction, leader in-charge want to see you!” tiled floor came as challenge as I almost slipped numerously. Nugget frame having faces of patriotic navies held me on till I got to dead end. “Come in!” offices locked, there is no place that voice sprung from except small speakers hanging side of walls. “No way in!” “walk twelve steps backward, turn left, walk in straight!” spirit cannot be speaking boldly. Human speaks exactly more of that way that voice sounds. Panicking something of a past. Fear shouldn’t be mentioned because it is against the ethics of the navy. Following instruction given to me, I succeeded in getting in touch with the leader in charge waiting anxiously to have a glance of me. “Sit down on seventh settee backing you!” I wondered if something is wrong with other settees he never made mention of. How flat it is when I took control of it. “You applied for seamanship. Seafaring is decision no one can easily make. Nigeria navy is disciplined and known for disciplinary actions against oil theft, piracy and illegal oil bunkering. Pipe-line vandalism is also another crime. Have you decide your mind?” “Years ago, I have decide to be acknowledged as a seaman!” “what type of seaman do you wished for?” “a seaman that can work tirelessly without supervision from superior!” “how can you describe oil theft?” it was more of an interview as I battled to defend any decision I made. “Oil theft crime of the millennium!” “how about piracy?” “crime of the millennium!” “that’s what we’re against. This is an academy once the bugler blew the bugle jump up from whatever bed you are.” “Is there room assigned for me?” “of course, whether you came a long way or not there must be room for you!” moments of conversation looking as if I am already enlisted. “Landlubber! The sea must bring full courage to you!” I cracked my brain, wondering what he meant by landlubber. “Paul Collins, I’m known with that name!” “your name is on this file. If your name is not here, I wouldn’t have asked for you!” right there, main aim I launched into increased. “This is your number memorize it timely!” he hit his desk signalling someone to come.
A well-built man already standing at my back. He patted me so that I should be aware of him. “Show him his room.” “Yes sir!” entrance by entrance we passed. Climbing a stairs I conclude is easy proved more of a serious task. I could hear students conversation well detailed in an open room. “Sneaking out in midnight means more problem for any student that try it. Discipline is still what we stand for.” How tall the building was, desperate student can still make a move jumping down. “Someone mental can do this!” “even students normal had attempted jumping down before we prevented them from doing it. Trust yourself, don’t trust others!” praises, worships going on in a secret room to prevent disturbing from troublesome students. “Exact place! am sure tomorrow, you’re going to thank me!” as planned I push one foot in feeling how the rug-floor was. “Amazing! This room for me?” “keep it clean, I must come every morning for inspections!” “when actually would you come?” “I shouldn’t tell you, until you see me!” everywhere inside looked well arranged. Already positioned pillow warmed my head when I was on bed for nap. Violent knock woke me as I could hear sound of the bugle. Confusion hammered all unexpected thinking in me; I thought of hiding since I was in dire need of another sleep. If I am caught that may be serious mistake I have done. I refused to try putting myself in trouble. “Am coming!” hurriedly I bounced out pretending I am eager coming out. “Problem for you! The trainer instruct me to call you. Don’t you hear the sound of bugle?” “in night, I can’t hear very well!” “and you didn’t complained?” “I can’t for reason of fear!” lying I hate so much; one option I have is to lie in which I have planned to do when I am about facing discipline. Academy students all folding their hands when I got to where I was needed. “Bugler do it again!” eagerly the bugler performed wonderfully as everyone stand without blinking their eyes. I was lucky not to be deaf due to the high sound of the bugle. “Now you hear it clearly?” “I do sir!” students numbering in hundred burst into laugh. The trainer also joined making me to be free from punishment about happening. “This are all the new students in this academy. Paul Collins you came at last hour. From now I’ve appointed you coordinator-five. Your mission now is to check every nooks and cranny for students hiding just to sneak out of the academy. Another thing again, monitor how students are responding to training. Can I trust you?” “Yes sir! I must be loyal to the authorities in this academy!” “nice! Start your duty once the bugler signals!” the slim soldier-like bugler blew the bugle. Jogging began as I followed students at their back. Response appreciating in two hours of training. There was passion in training around the academy. “Paul Collins this is your whistle blow it now!” I did as instructed. Already tired students stopped gradually. “Check if medical help is needed for anyone!” panting were high, even me I panted as it is first time I did training of two hours. “They need help I need help!” medics were informed in which they responded promptly. “Glucose should be okay for them! There is no cause for alarm!” a conce
rned medic said. “Exchange pleasantries among yourself. We encourage that as good way of knowing yourself better in case of danger. Paul Collins lead by introducing yourself and what you hoped to be with the Nigeria navy.” Most trainees had heard my name when I was called by our trainer. Stupid if I refuse to follow our trainer instruction. I started from beginning till I was exhausted. Surprisingly our trainer hand me a microphone which assisted my crack voice. Rowdy applause given to no one but me. I with ten others are in same line of becoming a seaman. “Only ten of them for seamanship! Brave students or do I call you men?” I quickly responded by speaking on behalf of others. “Brave students!” I laid. Our trainer checked his slim wristwatch.
He directed us to go back to our various rooms. On reaching the room I leer at the ajar door. “Someone has enter! Someone has enter!” I made known. Scare not normal thing for me doing at this time of the hour. “Forget to lock your door?” “on an hurry!” “that’s why I close it half way.” “Forgive me for ignorantly forgetting to do the usual!” “that’s okay, I agree it’s your first night at this academy. So, how is the training?” “training was sweet. I was appointed this night unexpectedly as coordinator-five.” “Just within hours?” “it’s still a surprise to me.” “Commodore Charles should be glad that at last there is now a new coordinator-five. He has been expressing his frustrations. Commodore Charles want success for this academy!” “is he in-charge here?” I asked. “No. He rarely come except when on a surprise visit. The trainer must had found favour in you. Right?” “Umm.. incidentally he prefer me!” academy inspector looked sourly wondering how lucky I was. “Coordinator-five this night is yours. Enjoy it as you like!” “no strength in celebrating the night. That bugler is still not weary!” “O, is true! He takes students by surprise anytime!” “inspector I should be on bed by now!” “coordinator-five is your parents coming anytime to check you?” “Father Arinze would come I can rely on him!” “nice. So your biological father is a priest?” “not really. He doesn’t even know how to preside over a church.” “Then how is Father Arinze related to you?” “personal friend of boss I worked for.” “Has your boss ended the contract both of you have?” “boss never made mention of that!” “then how where you allowed to join the academy?” “Father Arinze applied for me to join the academy. Sadly, my boss never want me to join the navy.” “Maybe that boss of yours hadn’t sail in his life.” “Why did you say so, inspector?” “sailing on sea is most enjoyable part of life. At least for many years it would remain sweet thing to remember for whoever did that. Coordinator-five that your boss is missing!” “inspector, is it wrong to join your country’s navy?” “if is wrong you won’t dare come here!” “I made the nice choice. I won’t regret it no matter what.” I paused as I think again if I were right with this persisting choice I made. Boss would deny me if I come back begging I have no interest with the navy. “Coordinator-five seaman is best for you! I can see how courageous you are!” “does it show on me?” “somehow! Commodore Charles also have this eyeballs and courage you possessed.” “Inspector how can I be compared with commodore? Imagine a superior to a subordinate?” “coordinator-five all I am trying to say is that your both eyeballs, courage matched with Commodore Charles own.” Academy inspector seems to be tired. I watched to see if his eyes were dazing since he is comparing a superior with a subordinate. “Inspector well I agree we may have same eyeballs but I don’t know him anywhere.” Deep sigh of relief from academy inspector made me blew out massive air. Asperity of academy inspector coming down to diminish end. “I heard noises wait here let me check from angles!” academy inspector is a garrulous person. Noises he heard led him to end his discussions with me. “Paul Collins it is me. That man won’t allowed you.” “In fact that’s nice thing you did.” “Paul Collins please let’s work together. Ten of us working towards being a seaman should be active in any role.” “Our trainer is clever, maybe he want to monitor if I possesses smartness. Lovely! They called you?” “Japtan!” “mostly evenings should be used for each of us personal training. The academy should not be fully rely upon for hidden skills.” “Paul Collins would it not come as a stress every evening for our own personal training?” “Japtan, we’re here for achievement! Is either you join us or step aside. Nine of us would train ourselves on special skills.” “Paul Collins count me among.” “Japtan it won’t be strenuous learning special skills coupled with training.” “As our coordinator, I mustn’t relent in supporting you even if I’m not capable somehow.”
Clear sky budding make way for preparation for class. “Paul Collins get prepared for class.” “What kind of class?” “seamanship class!” “weird! Training is enough, I don’t think going to class can be of an immense benefit!” “courses in class shall determined whether we would eventually be enlisted into the navy.” “Training isn’t mandatory?” “Paul Collins it’s all about physical and fitness.” I rushed making ready all I have. I took two notes for the class I have no glimpse of. “Coordinator-five!” our trainer called me loudly. “Enter into the third hall, the instructors should be waiting. Identify yourself as new coordinator-five.” “Yes sir!” easily recognizable hall had almost hundreds students receiving lectures from two instructors. “Do we have someone new in our class?” “Paul Collins raise your hand up!” Japtan instructed. “Commander Davies said there is now a new coordinator-five for the academy!” instructor on left side adjusted his specs after waiting to see the new coordinator-five. “Is he here?” “he is here!” Japtan shouted. Students were much, timidity challenging my status. Two instructors waited till I present myself to both old, new academy students wishing to become enlisted with the navy. “Coordinator-five what is your aim in this academy?” for twenty seconds I was speechless until I regained full confidence I have. “Checking for students hiding out of the academy. Monitor how students are responding to training. To work towards becoming a skilful seaman!” praises were so loud as students gave me a standing ovation. “Mr Denver what can you say?” “remarkable!” “coordinator-five I would be sad if I go out here without knowing your name.” “Paul Collins!” “Great!” another round of ditto applause students present assured me I was on right track. “Can we both continue?” “of course sir!” front seat left for special student became where I was led to sit. Mr Denver affable when approached about naval problems. 4:00 on the dot Mr Denver and Mr Donovan the two white instructors the academy had ended, promised coming back for another topic four days time. “Japtan where are others?” “Paul Collins wait here, I must inform them our personal trainings is about commencing.” Officers in whites spotted heading out of the academy for inspections. “Paul Collins they had been waiting over there!” “apologize on my behalf?” “I did that!” unbelievable seeing eight studen
ts showing dexterity towards training. “Coordinator-five is here!” Japtan created situation of recognition when I inspect each skills eight students training towards being a seaman forced out. Stopping for ten minutes because we are ten in number brought courage among the timid ones. “Form two rows, I and Japtan would lead.” Eight agile students forming two rows stand gallantly. “Crawl in swimming way!” passionately they showed urge of swimming while crawling. “Watch how I will backstroke!” Japtan silent, wondering how I would backstroke without being in water. “Coordinator-five you can, continue, continue, you’re an inspiration to us!” words of encouragements coming over me. “Is a bit stressful. Do it now!” Japtan led eight of them backstroking sluggishly. Smooth floor passed air to dry massively sweats on my body as I sat panting. Watching the fading sky about turning dark I hesitated doing. “Stop! Come over here!” frowns towards Japtan in particular became a course of concern. “We’re here for the fullest, smile!” Japtan smiles allowed others to forget how harsh crawling and backstroking can be. “Coordinator-five is there a word for us before we end today’s training?” “look up is already night! Trust the bugler, he must performed as expected. Day two would come with another skills. There must be a song for ending our training. Japtan, kindly sing song relating to the navy for us!” Japtan mouth dancing, his focus is how to come up with sweet-melody song. “This song I’m about to sing is not related to the navy!” “Japtan no! Think something related!” sweet melody song led to marching. Tough day ended in smooth style.
Our academy trainers had regularly continue giving trainings to students working towards achieving their various goals in the academy. Mr Denver introduced new topic after failing to come according to his promise with Mr Donovan. “Most of you seems to be a landlubber. Coordinator-five would you prefer going to sea?” “right now!” amidst bursting laughs from fellow academy mates. “Vessel that would performed the operation is not available now. Commodore Charles had called for new coordinator-five to see how sea life is.” “Is it mandatory?” “once a new coordinator-five is appointed, within weeks, there must be vessel that would sail him around on sea.” “Mr Denver, can female be appointed as coordinator-five?” “for once, it hadn’t happened. Coordinator-five only for students aspiring to be seaman.” “Others should sail before me!” “Commodore Charles likes due process, you first, nine others would go later!” Commander Davies walked into the hall, his craggy face, bald head more scary to see. His ever loyal frowned garrulous inspector followed him wherever he goes. An information had reached him that some students never bath before coming to hall. Lectures were prevented from continuing as hall was calmed. Commander Davies sniffed our bodies not minding how many we were. “Coordinator-five come along, tell me who hadn’t bathe!” someone in hall might begin to think Commander Davies had been offended before coming to hunt for student that had not fail to comply with academy rules. “Mr Denver are you perceiving any offensive smell?” “not at all Commander Davies, here seems too nice for that.” “Let’s go, times without number, I had warned you against telling lies inspector! Walk out here before I lose my temper on you!” academy students clapped noisily, this is the minute they long for, now it went their way. “Mr Denver shook his head, scratched his curled head, rubbed his shaky hand on it. “What on earth can we say just happened?” “I sir!” Japtan signalled. “A running nose! It need some quick adjustment!” wondering students laughed passionately. “Retiring in highest rank is pleasurable but it bring someone back to memory of meritorious services.” Mr Denver continued to avert us from creating an atmosphere of noises. We went for break after twenty five minutes of lectures from Mr Denver. “Paul Collins, please explain what happened in hall!” “Japtan where you not there?” I could feel the impulse radiating on Japtan’s coarse face. “Our evening trainings is all I think about while receiving lectures. Paul Collins to say the fact; that backstroking is too hard!” “to be a seaman with the Nigeria Navy isn’t a day job! Japtan all would be an history one day!” “Paul Collins; eight of them are marching!” the bugler had blew the bugle; attentions where not there, if not I could have understand something is about happening. “Let’s rush faster, we can still join them!” “Paul Collins. Mr Donovan would come with his lectures soonest. We can’t figure out what he might likes to make us aware of.” “Coordinator-five, join, join! Commodore Charles can send his spies to monitor if you and nine others are training.” Seamen song on ship dig deeper in our ears, our trainer had formed a song for only ten of us. Marching second by second as if we were already enlisted prove to be worrisome. “Stop, march backward, make it easy!” Japtan was sweating in a pitiful way; he dare not breath out loudly for fear of rejection on training ground. “Who is fit backstroking?” our never tired, happily, jovial trainer asked eagerly. “We are all fit for that!” our trainer looked dull; something is doubting his mind whether we can deliver. At once we started, backstroking in pool of water set for our trainings. “Yes! yes!” surprised trainer wondering where our skills comes from. I never told him how we have been training every evening. “You can go back to class!” ten of us walked to class expectantly. Mr Donovan had shown his topic for full viewing, for understandings.
CRUDE OIL THEFT—A WORST CRIME
Mr Donovan topic is a sensitization policy, letting everyone in the world to understand how Oil Theft can be worst thing to do on earth. “Ten in, sit down!” Mr Donovan wanting to ask his question from me, he look focused. “Em... Can there be an answer to my question?” I licked my lips in readiness for Mr Donovan’s question he about to asked. “What is Oil Theft? How does it happened? Who suffers it? what is the solution?” Mr Donovan four questions left the whole hall in deep silence. We all think before we answered. I boldly pull up, raising my hand up for a complete showdown with Mr Donovan’s enormous questions. “Coordinator-five I know you have an answer to my question. Let me hear how convincing your answers can be!” I held my rosary, kissed it as it would bring full confidence to me. “Oil theft is about stealing oil when it is known or unknown that it is wrong taking what does not belong to you. Oil theft happen when the authorities least expect it from happening. People that suffers it are those who need urgent attention, thereby, waiting for the government to intervene so that their needs would be met. When the oil is stolen how can the government meet the dire needs of those awaiting? It is somehow impossible. People dealing with this acts of crude oil theft should desist from it so that there can be a better future for the less privileged people in Africa and in the world. The solution for crude oil theft is nothing but sensitizing the whole nations about the dangers of crude oil theft, how it has led many hopeless when the future suppose to be bright for every citizens as it is mandatory.” Anyone coming in first would think the
hall we were in is a grave. Complete silence spread across every angle in the hall. Mr Donovan refused saying whether I am right or wrong rather he choose to cover his face with his palms. Students receiving lectures wait to hear Mr Donovan’s response. I know within me I was right but still yet; I need a full confirmation from Mr Donovan. “You are one hundred percent right! Your answers really let me speechless for long, brilliant boy you are!” the whole hall became a shouting ground, students all in number kept hailing me, they called my name, my code name I bear in the academy. Now I am confident that I made the right choice about my career boss never want me to choose. “Silent please, I am still lecturing!” calmness spread in hall after Mr Donovan ordered. “Crude oil theft is crime of the year, crime of decades, crime of centuries, crime of the whole millenniums! Many generations suffered immediately a pipe-line is burst for easy stealing of oil. We can’t continue to watch how it has happened; all we are saying is that this nefarious acts should be immediately stopped to avert problems ahead!” huge calmness filled everyone’s mind. I want more enlightenment from Mr Donovan. I enjoyed his topic in which I never pray it should end. “But sir, how do I pass this information about something I had long think is right doing?” Japtan asked with curiousness. “Never too late, tell people doing it that they are hurting the innocents!” Japtan held himself, screaming as if he had once stolen something that does not belong to him. “Japtan I understand what is on your mind—it is absolutely wrong!” students seems to exhibit sober moods as Mr Donovan made it loud that, crude oil theft is a serious crime. “I have one question to ask sir, can there be world free of crude oil theft?” “absolutely yes!” whoever thinks he can defeat Mr Donovan with tough questions should be fully prepared, as the lectures progresses there seems to be no one bold enough to defeat Mr Donovan in any way. Jotting sheets were full of words anyone in hall had heard or never heard of while living. “I believe no questions. I should be heading for another topic!” Mr Donovan wrote it on board.
SEA PIRACY—AN INCREDIBLE CRIME
“Can anyone tell me what is all about sea piracy?” again, I consider an answer to Mr Donovan’s question not minding how jealous students in hall can be. Focused eyes flashed on me; students knew I have something to say, so, they watched me while murmuring to one another. As Mr Donovan wait for an answer, he make a thud on the floor; his display is as a result of a quick answers not coming. Mr Donovan pushed the bottled water kept for him, tweaked the cap, forced water into his dried throat. He shook his head, drained all water out into his flapped throat. “No answers for sea piracy..?” I pretend that question was too much answering; students waiting to see how I would act since they believe I have knowledge for all. “Those aspiring to become seaman should know this is a question they should have an answer for!” Impassively I stood up. “Coordinator-five again? Is he only student here? where are others? If they are here are they dunce?” Mr Donovan anger can be seen with the way he angrily asked questions directed for slow thinking students in hall. “Sea piracy I would say it is new to me. Well: to me it explains how desperate brigands and felons operates on seas for selfish motives.” “Did you all hear him?” all students forced their heads down, my answer brought big shame to them. “Paul Collins, the academy coordinator-five would one day be enlisted as a navy seaman; but for others looking dolorously, I can’t speak for them.” Last college I was recognitions went to me unexpectedly. In Nigeria navy academy not up to three weeks, students had begin to know how technical, brilliant, sharp I was. “As coordinator-five had given his answer, have any of you asked yourself how can sea piracy come to a halt?” delaying chances is an hindrance to any progress. “I will try, sir!” I made clear. “May God bless the womb of the woman that gave birth to you! How I wish I am your father!” Mr Donovan words led me stammering as I battled for clear answers. Mother is dead, it is past memory for me; I wouldn’t like anyone mentioning anything relating to my mother; Mr Donovan taking me back. “Paul Collins, coordinator-five, something is bothering you. Be courageous and show who you are among this slow thinking students!” abusing my fellow students right in my presence was a big spat on my face. I reluctantly refused saying any word. Mr Donovan taking by surprise, looked around if someone is in, threatening me not answering. “Coordinator-five it happens that way for boosting the morale of slow thinkers, cowards and dunce.” “An idea sir!” Japtan raise signal letting students to think another genius is among them. “Sea piracy can end when all seas are dried!” provoking laughs students forced out turned an interesting hall to looked like a market place. “Possible Japtan?” Mr Donovan set another stage for full laughs; he joined to laugh also. “This chap is fit for comedy shows. Oh, on sea he can be needed too. Japtan I don’t think seas can dry!” never ashamed Japtan crossed over his legs while confidently sitting down. “Someone here should try please!” low conversations streaming out from far end of hall we were. “Coordinator-five stand up, you have something to say, say it now!” “Um, sea piracy is not created to exist; therefore, it must end. Sensitization policies is needed. Youths engaging themselves with hijacking of large vessels, stealing passengers monies, jewelleries, should know that it is an illicit thing doing when God himself does not place them on that line. When sensitization policies goes on sea I think sea piracy would end!” “brilliantly! An applause please! His speeches is enough to end all illicit activities on sea. We shall end this lectures till other time!” students going to their various rooms as tiredness shows on them. I got to my room, opened the door, entering immediately.
“Who is there?” I screamed forcing my breathe balanced due to surprised knock waking me up. “Information had passed round that you would joined them going to sea. Coordinator-five that is awesome!” “what sorts of lies, are you trying to tell me you heard that students had been saying?” “It is true, believe it!” taking us coldly was the sound of bugle making way for every students to converged since an announcement is to be passed for everyone to hear clearly. “Japtan can it be true?” already, I was smiling within; something I was giving out is nothing but a little fear. How would sea life look like, what type of environment it would posed to be? Can it sink our vessel that would carry us? I wrestled for an answer deep down me. On reaching our training ground. Announcement is already going on undisturbed from Commander Davies the leader in-charge. Hubbub whistling was completely taking over his prolix speeches after long minutes of words. Academy students paying salutes to my name in numbers. “Can he come out and show us how he is determined to show he would no longer be a landlubber anymore!” the steel too high stepping on; two guards pulled me up as I courageously faced students wishing me safe on sea. “All signals is set, coordinator-five this way!” a light blue wagon awaits me not far from our training ground.
Commander Davies with his two guards directed me in; movement was on course for catching up with the vessel about taking us to sea. Soft gentle breeze cooling me in a VIP car. “This is Nigeria naval dockyard!” I could feel the sea zephyr welcoming us to where I never think of. “Hurry up!” ladder of vessel I hurdled into is easy stepping on for any inexperienced comers. Grips within me forming bigger when our vessel floats on heaping waters. “Coordinator-five I am proudly confirming your presence with us at the sea!” “O—I won’t stop leering at panoramic colossal wave,” I gave back to a swaying steps stevedore checking round the wagging vessel. Left side on the vessel I stand really showing me all I never thought seeing. Rough and unclear voice of disturbing waves hammered out courage developing in me. Pellucid blue colour waves taking refuge under the Nigeria Navy vessel. Briskly: Nigeria flag dangling on a mast make our sailing enjoyable. The flag facing me rectilinear; I thought of hugging it as a way of salutation to my country—Nigeria. “Coordinator-five how long can you be standing to watch spreading waves, also the flag?” many thoughts dwelling in me all coming in one accord for me swimming. “Hello.. Paul Collins, can you hear me?” Commander Davies forcing me to respond agog. “Oh: sea life is interesting, billows is also scary!” “now you see what a seaman is prone to.” “Free asking question?” “of course that is why you came here. Don’t hesitate asking as many. Endeavour for more!” “is this vessel capable sailing far?” “Nigeria Navy vessel is regularly checked before sailing. Forget about the violent billows. This vessel can’t sink except when it is steered to sink.” “Sea is so strange! Smooth movement afar no hold-up on water.” “Enter Paul Collins. The crews had served your food. Eat, then you can come back watching!” “sir, not now! This billows is scaring me!” “Coordinator-five obey as instructed. Go, eat your food!” “yes sir, your wish I must follow!” I saluted Commander Davies as a subordinate officer salutes a top superior officer. Vessel cabin presents various pulchritude enough to catch anyone’s attentions. “Over here, it’s on table.” I considered finishing in time so as to go back watching violent salient billows displaying its roles on screaming sea. “Coordinator-five!” “at your presence!” the slender female crew knew someone new had been on board. “So it is your choice to work with Nigeria Navy as seaman?” “yes. After finishing my courses in the academy; I would be enlisted as a naval seaman.” “Go round watch for yourself rooms this vessel have. Carefully touched anything you might wished touching. Coordinator-five be careful.” “Melodies from where?—very good!”
Calmed state came upon me seeing bandsmen bringing out melodies from triangular jazz. “Dance to our music!” with arms akimbo I dance, encouraging photographers snapping me. “Campaigning against crude oil thefts would you penned a music for us?” “Oh, yeah! How can we make use of the music against crude oil thefts?” “once is composed it would be launched on sea. We must continue singing sensitization music while the vessel is on sea!” “nice idea!” “Paul Collins, after your courses I know you must join us. We are the Nigeria navy bandsmen!” how he came about my name forced me stunned. The ambience room were having patriotic bandsmen wearing naval uniform; on their heads were a cap coloured—green, white, green. Composing music when rushed can lead to mistakes, I never let the meritorious naval bandsmen down. “Yes, for over seven years we have been trying to composed such music. Paul Collins have our warm handshakes. How talented you are; the Nigeria navy would be proud having someone like you!” “he is prodigious.” One of the aghast bandsmen said. “Coordinator-five join me now!” Commander Davies want me urgently outside; he disconnect another music I have within to composed. “Yes sir, I have report myself, is there any wrong I have done?” “Coordinator-five that is not your line. Have you asked yourself what your real mission is, here?” “hmm.. no sir!” “Okay. Would you swim?” “swim in this killer waves?” “Coordinator-five you are up to the task.” Rough, unclear voices the unpredictable waves blew out panicked me as I drew closer to Commander Davies. “Where is he?” “who sir?” “naval stevedore!” “Commander I am at your service!” “give him a lifejacket!” “consider it done sir.” I could feel how drier my tongue is. “What of if I drowned?” “it would come as an honour that the academy lose someone prepared to die for his country!” that word—Death, I wouldn’t want now that I have not achieved anything in life. Commander Davies didn’t even smiled when telling me his mind. “Here sir!” while he pant, the stevedore showed me how lifejacket is worn to prevented drowning. “Long rope!” Commander Davies signalling for a rope. Too dangerous diving in waves ready to sink any vessel. Not long lifejacket was on me I abseiled into the sea adamantly. The unpredictable waves pulling me away, I breath loudly. Rope threw down for me helped immensely. Somehow, I could see myself being pulled up from the desperate sea. “Is inside there, interesting?” “I couldn’t see how it looked like. Pulling waves coupled with scary billows pinning me down.” “Where you able to conquer that pressure on sea?” “I had to as I have come for sea testing.” “Coordinator-five would it be proper for me telling you?” “what sir?” “students we had brought for sea testing had always make us stupid. None of them had performed better when it comes to sea testing. You did well in your sea testing!” “Happy for me to hear this, sir!” such sea testing that took almost three minutes gave me passed mark. “Other nine would also make used of lifejacket in sea.” I stared at the rough sea; silently I held my rosary praying for other nine aspiring students working towards becoming a seaman to prevailed in sea training I underwent. “Exams for all the courses you had been going through would commenced soonest. If you prevailed in all that would make way for your passing out and direct enlistment into the Nigeria navy.” All focus I had for the sea, is about scary billows, to right side is waves smashing against coastal cliffs, and these collisions loosen, ripping away slabs of rock. “I have a call to make, excuse me!” so many vessels sailing faster as if sea competitions is going on. “Paul Collins someone identifying himself as a priest called. He said audibly his name is Father Arinze. Is he your father or guardian?” “Father Arinze! He promised visiting me.” “Who really is he?” “my guardian.” “But how did he got my number..?” “he might got it from one of the securities at main gate he knew well.”
“Is better for us to go back to the academy. Father Arinze must had waited for you anxiously.” “Sea life is sweet, how I wish I come here again next time.” “You shall after the academy, don’t worry.” The vessel making a U-turn direct to the Nigeria naval dockyard. “Goodbye scary billows! I shall come again campaigning against crude oil thefts, sea piracy lurking around on seas!” “that’s your mission, next time here, coordinator-five.” Commander Davies hurtled in, I also followed him straight to where he heads
to. Commander Davies in an indecision state blew out air from his mouth. In silent concealed room we were I can see how prayerful Commander Davies was. He was praying for his families, his students in the academy, an end to crude oil thefts, piracy on African waters and international waters, and for me as well. Concealed room in cabin we were is well furnished beyond expectations. Quick knock from a male crew ended Commander Davies prayers. “We have got back, coordinator-five!” Commander Davies wore his specs as he walked down with me to meet his loyal guards already waiting tirelessly for him. “Commander this way!” widely opened short doors were giving way for us in. Sitting at back of the wagon I smiled. VIP treatment was given to me laconically. “Coordinator-five can other nine students come out successfully in sea testing?” “they can since they have zeal for their various accomplishment.” “Your guardian would had been angry.” “No. Father Arinze doesn’t bother when he ought to.” “I will meet him to know him better.” Loud horns from the wagon signalling Commander Davies, the leader in-charge of the naval academy is around. Commander Davies welcomed by the academy trainers. Two guards at back of Commander Davies split themselves; one escorting me to where Commander Davies is heading to. “Commander someone is raising signal!” I knew Father Arinze is the one trying to signalled he had waited long. “Where?” “from that direction!” Commander Davies turned to his left, walking hurriedly to meet Father Arinze. “Hello Father I’m pleased to meet you!” Father Arinze stunned seeing Commander Davies spreading his open hands for warmth embracement. “I’m also pleased to meet an officer of the Nigeria navy.” Commander Davies hugging Father Arinze as if they had knew each other for so long. “He’s my boy!” “Father, he told me you are his guardian.” “Yes. I was the one who made his decision to be here. He insist with his boss he want joining the naval seaman. I brought him here.” “Father thank God it wasn’t late. This boy of yours have knowledge for sea testing. Could you imagine Father, he was brave during his sea testing!” “I knew he is brave from very day I set my eyes on him.” “Paul Collins did your boss disapproved you here?” I have forget the past, but when Commander Davies asked me something relating to my past; I never delayed aright answering him. “Mr Collins disapproved my choice for my career. He promised me to change all decisions I have of becoming a seaman one day. He begged me to handled his consortia if I refused joining the navy.” “Is never a crime for once to work with the Nigeria Navy. Paul Collins you also shared same story with our overall superior in the Nigeria navy—Commodore Charles!” “So the overall superior officer with Nigeria navy also had same story with my boy, Paul!” Father Arinze wondering how a superior officer story could relate to mine. “Can I speak with Paul alone?” “Father it’s your wish speak alone with him!” Father Arinze spoke into my left ear after we have walked further. “Is he pretending he is nice?” “Yes Father, Commander Davies is just principled with his instructions.” “Paul I’m happy hearing this, take this token it would take you till you finish your courses in the academy. I should be going now.” Father Arinze went back to say goodbye to Commander Davies. I went straight catching up with Commander Davies. “Paul Collins, soonest nine others would go on sea testing. Go, have yourself in your room.”