CHAPTER ELEVEN
Japtan show his thanks to his heavenly father all because we were not caught converging outside when warned to go for sleep. “That Nigeria navy sailor steering our vessel had not complain he is tired.” “Japtan that shows how patriotic he is to serve his country without duress from any side.” “I must do better than him.” “Like how Japtan?” “doing more than steering a vessel.” Ten of us in blankets singing any songs we know so as preventing ourselves from sleep. “Paul Collins is there more happiness after that day?” “Japtan which day exactly are you referring to?” “graduating day and enlistment day!” “for me there would be more days better than that day; seeing my father with my clear eyes should come as best day, best hour, best time I longed for.” Thinking about past memories led me speechless despite been talked to. “Paul Collins is your father lost?” Snorl asked in grieve. “He travelled to Somalia to get a better job; he believes there is job he longed for waiting for him there.” “That so far all because of job?” “yes Snorl!” eight of my course mates had surrendered to sleep while still inside blankets. “Paul Collins did you really choose becoming a seaman?” “Snorl my father encouraged my mother for me becoming a seaman.” Nigeria Naval vessel TS continue sailing undisturbed by any malign. “Gulf of Guinea is key to Africans: Paul Collins would you give your best if given that precious opportunity to campaign against illicit activities lurking on gulf of guinea?” “all best within my reach I will give, Snorl.” In moody way Snorl gave himself up to sleep. Long minutes break after an inquiry discussions between I and Snorl was not noticed among sleeping course mates of mine. Mid-morning had exposed out gradually becoming clear sky. Where we squatted I fully heard numbering snoring from all my course mates sleeping in desperation. On board I heard someone launch into prayers towards Nigeria as a nation, the person was also praying for Africa to be free from lingering illicit sea activities, another thing baffling me is that the voice also called names of African leaders and pray for their sound health to continue no matter their age. Another voice added to the prayers this time that voice only prayed for peace in Africa, peace around the world; peace among enemy nations. Voices numbering in tens sprung up from somewhere on board I may not know of. “Paul Collins, where are you! I want to see you, come out!” Commander Davies yelled to have me appear in his presence. “Am here sir, am here sir!” Commander Davies raise an alarm making medics to come to my aid. Ten of us partially weak due to harsh cold on sea were lifted with a stretcher to a warm room breezing out heat. “Who am I, where am I?” Snorl asked in fear after woken up from odyssey sleep. He noticed he is in room welcoming everyone with heat. “Snorl that cold out there is much; let’s give thanks to God the supreme who make Commander Davies to know I wasn’t in.” “Tell me exactly how that cold is like, Paul Collins.” “It is killing! I can’t even stand up. I regained half consciousness during minutes of prayers.” Eight other course mates of mine open their mouth wider, thus allowing saliva to flow out rampantly. “Close your mouth eight of you. You are all fortunate.” Medics treated us like a way mothers pet their babies that needed motherly care, love, likeness. “Coordinator five is it really true what I just heard?” I know Commander Davies had broke the news of how we disobeyed him by sneaking out to continue our campaigns against illicit activities going on seas. “Doctor what did you heard?” “coordinator-five you know what I mean. Don’t prove too smart!” “I with others had done something not wrong to us. You know doctor we would become seaman one day. All we did is campaigning against crude oil thefts on seas.”
Pointed nose doctor grunted in passionate feelings. “Death is inevitable you all almost die an horrifying—death.” I kissed my rosary to me it works like a guard against horrifying death. “Coordinator-five when on sea be careful.” “Doctor is there anything you can do as citizen of Nigeria off your duty?” pointed nose doctor paused within minute before answering me in midst of his fellow colleagues. “I hate illegal oil bunkering in any way! It is against our ethics to go as far by campaigning against illegal oil bunkering; I could have done that.” “Yeah doctor you said the right thing; but can you die for your country?” “I have said it all time I can die for—my country Nigeria!” I thought I am the only one that is ready to die for his country; now I see another person more ready than me to die for his country. “Doctor do it now!” “well I shall do that along with my dedicated colleagues whenever we treat any patient in hospitals.” “Doctor I could have accompany you wherever you together with your colleagues are heading to. I want more campaigns on ground. I want campaigns against pipeline vandalisms.” Commander Davies opened the door while coming in to see how we have responded to treatment. “Doctor Chris are they responding well?” “Commander we are not treating them.” “Why Doctor Chris?” “they seems okay!” “now listen boys. You all almost cost me my job. Supposing Commodore Charles heard what happened that would be the end of my career as a commander with the Nigeria navy! Promise you won’t do so!” we were speechless all my course mates wait hearing my response before they utter any word. “I believe none among you is deaf. I need only one promise.” “Sir Nigeria is our father land, we were born and brought up in this blessed nation. Promoting Nigeria’s growth is our heritage. If we are doing something not against the law of our country, are we right?” Commander Davies bent his head low while thinking for an answer. “You are right only if not against the law.” “Sir we did nothing wrong!” “Paul Collins I am not saying you all are fully wrong. All I laid out is that you all disobeyed me by sneaking back outside when it is clear to us that scary billows can be threat to us.” Doctor Chris took two medical books on green large shelf beside me. “Coordinator-five I would do it from now on, you understand.” Commander Davies couldn’t understand Doctor Chris motive. Right in our presence Doctor Chris left while leaving his colleagues of medical line attending to us. “Paul Collins give me an assurance that all is well.” “All is well sir! Only that Doctor Chris expressed his open mind that he totally reject illegal oil bunkering.” Commander Davies shook his head in long amazement. “Commander there is a caller on line! That caller only said he wants to speak with you.” Glad for me seeing Commander Davies rushing to have words with his unknown caller. “I shall be back any moment!” rushing Commander Davies said. “Japtan I would never regret all I had done on sea, how would you respond to it?” “coordinator-five I support all you said with zeal.” I whistled to the air not long music I composed start taking over the warm room we where. Bandsmen of Nigeria navy quickly located our room and they also joined us with their skills of bringing out different beats from their bands. “Coordinator-five finish your courses and join us as bandsmen. Someone with mellow voice needs to sing alongside us while we produce live beats.” My mother had never said my father want me becoming
bandsman; I dipped my hands into my pockets thinking how I would convinced the Nigeria navy bandsmen I only want to be addressed as Nigeria navy seaman. “Would you divert from your profession all for the reason of you joining another profession?” “to me that is totally unacceptable.” Leader of Nigeria navy bandsmen presented. “Leader you have said it. I can’t divert all for me being pressured to join another profession.” Medics in our warm room quietly left us all grinning. Leader of Nigeria navy bandsmen shook hands with ten of us as he promised coming again only when invited by me. “Leader would you and your group come any minute your assistance is needed?” “coordinator-five we are still in this vessel; opposite you is our room we had been practicing.” The bandsmen dashed out in warm room where we had been taking refuge. “Paul Collins don’t you think is reasonably joining those bandsmen?” “Nigeria navy is more organised than any navy in the world. If known as seaman then it is obliged of you continuing as seaman you are known as.” Japtan stammers for another word to say but he find it difficult presenting his mind. “Japtan your mind is confused relax a bit then you might be able to ask something of an importance to you.” Ajar door shows someone had been eavesdropping on our conversations. Commander Davies pushed the door widely open; called me in inquisitive mood. “Mr Collins asked of you! Is he that boss you had discussed about?” “yes sir. He had seen me long ago; maybe he had been waiting for me in the academy.” “Paul Collins of course he is waiting for you in academy.” It wasn’t palatable for me hearing Mr Collins was waiting for me since I believe he won’t wish me well in academy. “Sir can I speak with him on phone?” “he hung up when he realised I am not giving him permission to speak with you.” “But it is fair granting him permission to speak with me.” “Paul Collins we don’t permit family affair when on an official duty!” “Commander he is on line again!” Commander Davies walked straight to answer Mr Collins. “Paul Collins smile, don’t panic!” Snorl encouraged. “He never wants me becoming a seaman; definitely he is not wishing me well in the academy.” “Paul Collins think positive; I believe something good awaits you from him.” Japtan now looking like a prophet with his words of assurance towards me. “Someone who almost end my life with his dark shotgun. How can he wish me well?” I asked. “He can if having change of heart.” Mr Collins overtook my mind as I think about his wife, David, Georgina. “I almost forgot them if not that boss asked of me his dedicated forgotten boy.” “Who did you?” “my boss wife, his dry-cleaner, my friend—David.” “So they also hurt you?” “no.” Conflicting issues begun streaming my mind; Mr Collins might had decided paying visit to me just for mocking me. Father Arinze should have been informed before Mr Collins would planned coming far. “I would prefer he see me after finishing in academy.” “As for me my parents would check me on graduating day. They would like one of their own enlisted as seaman with Nigeria navy. I can’t wait more on that.” Standing clock facing us struck thus making us getting prepare for any work on board Commander Davies might wants us doing. “Yes am back, Mr Collins kept pestering me. He knows it’s impossible for you getting back to academy in two minutes.” “Two minutes? Did he want me flying?” “I still not understand reason of him calling for you in two minutes.” “Loud sound sir!” Commander Davies rushed going out just for him seeing whatever makes that loud sound. We followed him hurriedly. “Poachers shooting that shark!” not long after dramatic scenario I ordered nine of my course mates to bring our drums for campaigning against shark poaching. “Commander this is Gulf of Guinea!” “Bring me my telescope!” most youngest stevedore ran bringing Commander Davies his telescope. “So many! Many poachers!” we beat harder our drums to show our displeasure for poachers on seas. “Beat the drum harder, coordinator-five!” noises from our drums led the poachers running for their life. “Not one is seen!” Jubilations from us continue as we had won a big war against desperate, avarice , mean poachers lurking around on seas. “Two days has passed on ocean now I think it is suitable for the sailor going back.” Commander Davies informed the patriotic sailor. “Paul Collins this sailor took us as far by coming to Gulf of Guinea.” “I am surprised as well.”
“All of you follow me!” Commander Davies directing our steps focusing towards where the dedicated, hardworking sailor is steering the vessel. “Just watch how he steers this vessel; learn his skills very well.” Focused sailor saluted Commander Davies in full courage. Steering a vessel required more energy when on sea. My eyes became exhausted as Commander Davies warned us to be focused. “Commander already at dockyard!” coming nearer I could see navies on an abandoned vessel swinging Nigeria flag to welcome us back to Nigeria navy dockyard. “Hope you all learnt something of an immense benefit?” “yes sir!” we all expressed ourselves in a way Commander Davies expect us to. “Commander Davies ordered the stevedores to bring us down carefully. While on land, Nigeria navy wagon moving towards us stopped making all of us believing the driver of the wagon is fully ready taking us back to academy. “Commander,” said the driver, “Commodore Charles had instruct me here. Nigeria navy helicopter should be on its way here lifting everyone back to academy.” To clear every doubts inside me an helicopter whirl towards us, landed on vast ground. “Commander come quickly!” short sleeve pilot from Nigeria navy helicopter signals. Running to have ourselves in was all we make for. Green-white-green Nigeria navy helicopter that was sent for us took us back to academy. We were on academy training ground within twenty minutes. Boss had seen me from distance; he sat for me coming to meet him. Commander Davies didn’t noticed he was there. “Paul Collins I shall inform him there is training during night.” “Who exactly sir?” “the bugler.” “Okay I would inform others around there is training during night time.” Commander Davies make haste straight to his office. I took fifty steps in meeting Mr Collins. “Poor boy that wish remaining poor for the rest of his life!” greeting Mr Collins wasn’t a surprise to him as he knew me with such an habit. “Paul door is still open for you. Would you leave this place and follow me?” “sir I’m fully okay here!” “Paul I thought what came upon you would have left you. This place is all about restless trainings. My consortia doesn’t required you making any trainings of such. Imagine you being called semi-boss. That is all I want for you my boy.” “Sir I’m fully okay here.” “Paul when last had Father Arinze visited you?” “not long.” “How many times had he?” “once, although he gave me token sum of amount that would take me till I finish my courses.” “Father Arinze never told me nothing. He had been calling me on phone but I have declined speaking with him. Let me tell you something Paul; Father Arinze doesn’t put you first in his mind. Forget him and come to me. I would still accept you no matter what Hillary says.” For almost one hour
my mind was confused. I think again that it would be stupid of me changing my decision of becoming a seaman with Nigeria navy. Following boss back would be big—spat on me. “Sir, expect me in your house after finishing my courses.” Boss looked at me stupidly I now seems like an idiot to him. “I must sue that stupid priest to court, he had cast a spell on you.” “Not as you think sir!” “hear me clearly Paul. I don’t see you graduating here.” “Why sir?” I asked humbly. “Any sorts of trainings would make you sick. That means sick ones cannot be enlisted with Nigeria navy. If coming back begging me it would already be late. Now is that last chance I’m giving you as rare opportunity. Would you follow me?” I have no option but to weep in confusion. “Change your decision my boy Paul.” I still insist on not going back on my decision. “You must be stupid. I can’t wait for your downfall!” Mr Collins made clear. Provokingly he left me without giving me anything or saying goodbye. “Paul Collins any problem?” “no Japtan!” “I saw him raising his finger at you. That man is so angry by the look on his face.” “My former boss still want me with him.” “He should understand life is all about making favourable decision all time.”
Disturbing as it was I couldn’t sleep, eat, drink water until the following day when Mr Donovan asked me question which I responded poorly, thus Mr Donovan wondering cause of my full brokenness. “Paul Collins meet me in my office without delay!” students in hall knew how smiling Mr Donovan is but they seems surprised Mr Donovan put on an unfriendly face which they noticed in me. His lectures that had create happiness in us ended partially because of me. “Paul Collins your problem would be solved in Mr Donovan’s office.” “Japtan human can’t solve our problems; God only can solve it.” That word alone assures Japtan I would be that person he knew me as. In Mr Donovan’s office glass of water is kept for anyone coming to visit him. “Paul Collins sit down. Drink that water in that glass. Is usually kept for anyone paying me a visit when am in office.” I drained, asking for another glass of water. Mr Donovan now see I am responding better. “For almost twelve hours plus it is difficult for you doing that. Am I right Paul Collins?” “of course you’re right sir!” Mr Donovan laid his hands on me while praying for everlasting happiness for me. “Paul Collins someone closer to you offended you.” I looked at him for more minutes just to show him how surprised I am. “Actually someone closer offended me. At this stage I am, I know what is better for me. Mr Collins never want to understand that in any way. Help me out sir; is it advisable for me rejecting any offer Mr Collins gave me?” Mr Donovan leering at me desperately. “Sir I need an advice from you.” “Umm, you may know better than me Paul Collins. But my advice should be sensible in dealing with such an issue like the one bothering you in this hour. Totally reject any offer that would jeopardized your future, Paul Collins.” Shaking myself while still on seat I try asking another question that deserved an answer. “Sir I was given a chance to control consortia my boss owned. I reject that offer more happily.” Mr Donovan turned speechless surprisingly when I told him something he had not heard of in his lifetime. “Young lad rejecting such kind of juicy offer. Tell me why did you did that?” “I did it for love of my country—Nigeria, my father, my mother.” “Paul Collins I am so dumbfounded for hearing this. So that Mr Collins is your boss?” “now former boss!” “is he a cruel boss?” “Mr Collins is nice being with whenever, wherever. The only time he turned sad against me was when he knew my plans of becoming seaman just for serving my country. He pestered me continually for me changing my plan but I insist it is time I decide for myself no matter hurdles on my way. Mr Collins went into his room; brought out his dark shotgun as he couldn’t believe me refusing his advice. Mr Collins pulled a trigger but his dark shotgun refused performing its duty. Now I would say I almost came close to death; I survived it luckily for me.” Mr Donovan pushed away textbooks on his office table due to increasing anger boiling inside him. “For God sake that former boss of yours should face the law for attempted murder. Taking someone’s life is totally unacceptable. Should I personally confronts your former boss?” “leave him to God sir! God is not sleeping he is watching everything on earth.” Mr Donovan stood up packed every scattered books on floor. “Your journey on sea is it interesting?” “so interesting sir. We campaigned against crude oil thefts which you taught us about dangers of it. Some poachers were spotted shooting a big fine shark. I led quick awareness for rejection of that act. Commander Davies was happy at the end.” “Continue raising awareness as citizen of most greatest country on earth, Nigeria.” “Doctor Chris even lay it forward to me that illegal oil bunkering is bad. I support him throughout. Though against his ethics campaigning; Doctor Chris said him and his dedicated colleagues would do that when—treating any patient in hospitals.” “Doctor Chris I must meet him during when on board.” Mr Donovan held his smooth briefcase.
“Paul Collins examinations is about coming. Read ahead on time do as I say.” Mr Donovan want success for me. Mr Collins would not wish that for me since I turned down his juicy offer gladly. “Paul Collins we would see later!” Mr Donovan lurched forward in his hands were his briefcase. “Sir thanks for your advice!” how delighted I am on my way to my room. Some parents were hugging their children same route I was. Absence of my father brought forgotten pain in me. Mr Collins took advantage of that during my decision with him. Visiting hour is that hour I was heading for my room. “Paul Collins meet my father. He had come for me since we had seen for over fifteen years.” “How are you lad?” “fine sir. He is good friend of mine.” “Yes he told me everything about you. I am glad for my son following someone serious like you. Japtan had really missed me. I came to take him home which I realised it is not permitted for now due to few months he had with this academy. I would come here again the day both of you are enlisted with Nigeria navy.” “I appreciate sir. If not for Father Arinze showing me fatherly love; I wouldn’t hesitate to call you, sir, my father.” Japtan’s father looked interested hearing more from me. “Your biological father is a priest?” “Oh: Father Arinze is my guardian. Mr Collins good friend is Father Arinze.” “The Mr Collins you named is he related to you?” “no he is boss I was working for.” Japtan’s father exposed his mouth wider in presence of his appreciating son. “Dad he is telling the truth. Paul Had never lied to me for once.” “Paul someone born in rich family had good look you are presenting. I doubt if really you worked for a boss before.” “Of course sir. I have performed an housekeeping job before.” Japtan’s father lifted my hand up as he still doubt all what I am telling him. “What brought you here?” Japtan got annoyed with his father’s curious question that can get me annoyed. “Dad that shouldn’t bother you; Paul is here based on his zeal of becoming Nigeria navy seaman.” “Japtan can I ask him just one question?” I grinned at Japtan who knew I am displeased
with his father questions. “Dad that should come as last question.” “Paul what kind of seaman do you intend being?” Japtan nodded his head for me to give his father last answer. “Seaman that wants an end to crude oil thefts, seaman that wants an end for pipeline vandalism, seaman that wants an end for illegal oil bunkering. Navy seaman that say no to sea piracy, sea murders and illicit sea activities.” “Super seaman you would be if enlisted. I support all you said with my last blood.” Japtan felt too proud of me after I make his father to understand the kind of seaman I intend being. “Paul I must come to your passing out parade. I must fulfilled my word.” Japtan’s father made me look superior than his son despite presence of his son. “Okay sir,” I gave out with smiles. “Paul Collins go and have good rest. I would meet you later.” Japtan still want his father closer to him. Jogging to my room really stressful on an hot day. “Paul Collins I can feel your gladness. Mr Donovan must had discussed with you something tangible, tell me more on that.” Snorl jogging while waiting for my answer. “Snorl where did you come out from?” “That angle Paul Collins.” “So Snorl you must had been hearing my conversation with Japtan’s father.” “Em, not as you—think.” We stopped jogging walked to my room for an important discussion. Now in my room fresh air led me crashing on bed. “Paul Collins don’t sleep now. Let’s talk of few months coming when we shall be reaping all we had sowed.” I seems napping as Snorl was talking with me. “Snorl tell me what we sowed.” “Personal evening trainings. Had work, perseverance, commitment.” Snorl ended my nap partially. “Imagine me being a seaman. I would dedicate that for my late mother and my lost father. Then for Mr Collins I must forgive him by paying him flying visit. For Georgina, David, nagging Hillary whatever gifts given to me I wouldn’t hesitate giving them.”
“Those names you mentioned are they part of your family?” “part of Mr Collins family. Snorl I was also member of his family but I no longer wished recognising him again since he is like a threat to me.” Bugle sound outside signals an important information is to be passed. I rushed outside leaving Snorl behind. “Coordinator-five see me at your back.” Students lined-up in more disciplined manner. Commander Davies hold an extremely large banner for unveiling. “Students what does this banner represent?” Commander Davies asked loudly. For minutes no students could expressed what the banner represent. “Let me try sir!” “Paul Collins, academy coordinator- five. What?” “total no for crude oil thefts, total no for pipeline vandalism, total no for illegal oil bunkering, total no for fish poaching, total no for illicit sea activities!” “Yes that is all it would campaign against. Students this banner is blank. Can I remove the covering?” Commander Davies word looked strange for all of us. Banner he held is plain, not even covered with any sealing. Right where we stand our mouth was widely opened due to surprise. Commander Davies was removing the sealing that hides words I was waiting for. “Big no to crude oil thefts, big no for illegal oil bunkering, big no for pipeline vandalism, big no for sea piracy, big no for sea murders!” we toned jubilantly. “That is all what Nigeria navy campaigns against. To the west it is clear is bad, also to our Africans. Say out loudly I would forever say no to what is bad!” more repeatedly we were making recitation against something widely considered too bad and unacceptable. Academy trainers start engaging themselves into an exercise not far from us. “This is that time most of you must accept. Please students don’t mind the sun that would come out soonest. This is the fight of your life. Trainers it is your turn!” academy trainers skilfully spread themselves, we were grouped in number. “Coordinator-five lead your group. Monitor their state immediately trainings start. Physical fitness is essential in Nigeria navy. As you all know feeble students cannot be enlisted. Few months would come as one day. This is the time!” academy bugler signals beginning of stressful trainings. Leading students was more hectic to me. I happily coordinated them well. At the end I was orally rewarded with praises from our academy trainers that had been setting their restless eyes on me. “Form yourselves again in groups. Then follow us to the hall for some short words of encouragement.” Most senior trainer announced vibrantly. Within few minutes hall was overtaken by large numbers of students. “Students can we start?” no response from either students in hall. Their tired state makes them weak. From their look one would know that any prolix speeches might make them more weaker. “Is there any leader that would speak on behalf of everyone?” “I would speak on behalf of everyone. It is suitable we start.” “Being a navy more is expected in your course of duty. Show patriotism in your daily dealings. Never partake in crimes. Show selfless services for your country, Nigeria. Avoid dodging work when called upon. Show how zealous you can be for love of your country. Avoid taking what does not belong to you. All these advices is mandatory for you when enlisted with the Nigeria navy.” Such advices coming from the most senior trainer touched me deep down. He is a man I never expect homily words from him. That is a man hiding himself from making any advisable speeches in academy. “Cleanliness is expected from all of you. I’m happy Commodore Charles had never let himself down by wearing dirty uniform. Even Commander Davies also had for once never wore dirty uniform. Nigeria navy is against dirtiness in fullness.” Quick round of applause to our academy most senior trainer. Students giving him more applause when they notice he is not ready ending his speeches. Learning promotes quick reasoning in every human I can see that from most senior trainer. “Sensitization ends till other time again. Good day class!”
Going back to our different rooms, students rushing for something I thought to be examination timetable. “Paul Collins it is our final examination timetable. Our results of examinations we had wrote is out, check yours!” Japtan smiles so uncountable; I knew his results were very okay for him. I begun panicking due to numbers of students shedding tears. “Our Academy coordinator-five have you checked your results?” two students asked ditto. “I have not but I would check if the students checking, reduced.” I sat under a tree, thinking of days ahead. Now that timetable for our final examination is out; students were more careful so that their stay in naval academy would not be prolonged. “Paul Collins check it don’t be scared.” Japtan encouraging me all for his confirmed assurance on me. “Okay this is the minute!” I stood up gallantly went straight to where students were converging; checked my examination results. I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing excellent in all exams I had wrote. “Yeah! I worked harder for it. I have few months in this academy. I am dedicating this results to the campaigners of—No against crude oil thefts, no to pipeline vandalism, no to illegal oil bunkering, no to fish poaching, no to illicit sea activities.” Students clapped for me. It was all they had expected from me since they knew I had always performed better as academy coordinator-five. “A speech please, we need your speeches since your results was the best in the history of this academy.” Japtan wan
t me to speak in midst of happily crowed students. “I need microphone. I want every students to hear me clearly,” I said. “This is it academy coordinator-five!” a desperate student who wish to hear my word quickly bring me a microphone. “Stand over there coordinator-five; when standing there the microphone would worked for you.” I shifted to where I was instructed to stand, signals were coming from microphone I held. “Hello students. Can you hear me clearly?” students increasing in numbers just to listen to all I have to say. “Dedicate your results to the campaigners mainly against crude oil thefts. I have also do that. Not that someone is not important for me dedicating my results to. Someone important is there I can dedicate my best results to but I chose to dedicate my results for everybody campaigning against crude oil thefts, illegal oil bunkering, sea piracy and other menaces.” Jubilant noises on every side in support of my speeches. “Coordinator-five I like your speeches.” While jubilant students were making scary noises; sound of bugle left every students quiet. Nosy academy inspector was coming with Commander Davies to where I was standing. “Commander Davies leader in-charge is coming. That nosy inspector had told him what was going on, I would support you in case Commander Davies ordered for your punishment.” “Japtan I would say I am matured enough defending myself. Leave everything to me I would prevailed at end of the day.” Commander Davies stern face is another reason for me believing he had got a wrong situation report. “Paul Collins I received the news that you are about forming your government with full support from the students. Defend yourself right in my— presence!” I couldn’t hold back tears from my face. Repercussion would be severe if I am found wrong of crime I never committed. “I have form no government against academy authorities.” “Then why were students jubilant when you made your speeches?” “Sir it is about my results.” “Is there any problem about your results?” Commander Davies eager knowing cause of students widely jubilation. “All my results were excellent. I again discovered my results were the best in history of this academy. Because of this I dedicated my excellent results to campaigners of—No against crude oil thefts, also for no against pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, and other illicit sea activities.” “If this is true then you are not wrong. Inspector why did you gave me wrong information?” angry Commander Davies asked. “Am sorry sir. I thought I saw them here.”
“Saw them here doing what?” “forming a government with Paul Collins in charge.” Commander Davies shook his head, apologised to me in full. “Inspector that wasn’t what you told me in my office. I shall forward your case to Commodore Charles that you had been raising false alarm.” Again jubilant students increased their jubilation in more desperate manner after Commander Davies left with academy nosy inspector. “Paul Collins few months remaining would not lead to your downfall. Your dream of becoming seaman shall be a reality for you. Commander Davies now knew that nosy inspector he trusted had brought him wrong information.” “Japtan thanks for being with me. I had won against that nosy inspector.” Six days after checking my best results Father Arinze surprisingly paid me flying visit. All eyes were on him since students now knew he is my guardian. Commander Davies office was where Father Arinze firstly heads to. Commander Davies narrated my excellent performance in my results to Father Arinze that kept smiling on. “Father Arinze this boy of yours had dedicated his results to campaigners against crude oil thefts, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other crimes relating to maritime.” Father Arinze smiles limiting bit by bit not long when Commander Davies told him how I decided to dedicate my results for an end to illicit sea activities. While in Commander Davies office; Father Arinze sprung up to his feet, asked me reason of me not dedicating my results to God in heaven. I defended myself within seconds. “Paul God is supreme over everything on earth. Still I expect you to dedicate your results to God. Well am glad you didn’t say you dedicated your wonderful results to me.” “Father Arinze God owns all wonderful results. Paul Collins knows that very well.” “Commander there is no problem with that. I will support his zealous goals against those worst crimes. Paul have you been praying with your rosary?” Father Arinze noticed my rosary wasn’t on my neck. “Yes sir. Presently I left it at my room.” “Father Arinze I saw his shining rosary when we were on sea.” “Okay, I would be leaving now!” Commander Davies shook hands with Father Arinze, begging him to be present on my passing out at the naval academy. Father Arinze assured him he won’t missed that day even though he is about going for an official assignment. “Paul let’s talk.” Father Arinze spoke with me in a quiet room opposite Commander Davies office. I explained how Mr Collins came to visit me just for me changing my mind to follow him home. Father Arinze said God revealed it to him in his dream. I looked up, silently praying for God to make all my wish to be fulfilled coming months. “Paul see you till that day.” Father Arinze entered his car, drove off. Months later our final naval academy examinations commenced. Final year students finished while hoping for a well deserved results. Last trainings was interesting as Commander Davies joined us jogging. “Coordinator-five, this jogging is the last.” As planned everyone ended when darkness surrounded the sky. “Who is there?” knock at my door awoke me up. Japtan had come to passed an information to me. “Paul Collins result is out!” a dream to me because results came out final day we would spend in naval academy. “Is it true Japtan?” “last month. Last day we would spent here. Paul Collins tomorrow is passing out parade. Commodore Charles would come to shook—hands with us.” “Wow!” heavy bang on my door makes me jumping up. “That’s Snorl!” I voiced. “You made it Paul Collins! Three of us made it!” getting outside academy jazzmen singing in melodies all putting on green, white, green. “Day before graduations that is all they do.” “That’s nice Snorl.” Sirens from convoys make me believing Commodore Charles is on his way coming for the naval academy graduations ceremony. “Paul Collins, Commander Davies had asked for you.” Usual nosy inspector announced to me. Not long I was in Commander Davies office sitting like a famous king.
“You shall deliver two minutes speeches concerning—total no against crude oil thefts. I hope you know Commodore Charles is already here for your graduation and passing out parade.” On seat I gave all thanks to God in heaven just for me being recognised to make speeches on a day considered more important for every students that had finished their courses in Nigeria navy academy. “I won’t let down trust you have for me sir,” I expressed my gratitude to the leader in-charge of the naval academy. Brighter day next morning dignitaries across all walks of life were already on their seat to witness awards that would come to best outstanding student in all fields. The bugler signals through the bugle it was moment for parade for passing out students. Seaman uniform on me makes me looked too pristine when seen from far distance. Father Arinze praying for every dignitaries attending such a glamorous occasion on a brighter day. I knew he would come as
he had promised Commander Davies. Parade was on as I led my fellow seamen on a straight line. More applause coming from dignitaries shows how I was skilful. Minutes after parade I was on stage to make my speeches about total no against crude oil thefts as demanded by Commander Davies. Mr Collins car just coming in not quite long I start making my speeches. “Crude oil theft is bad citizens of any nation desist from it!” remarks of commendations dignitaries poured on me led Father Arinze giving me standing ovation. I sang music that ended with sonorous lyrics, titled—Stop crude oil thefts. Guests sitting on VIP chairs applaud me continually until each of them stopped when Commodore Charles bowed for my songs. Commodore Charles took stage when I ended all my music. He sang naval music in support of my speeches. “Award here is for the best student in overall field. This award goes to newly enlisted Able-seaman, Paul Collins!” congratulatory messages coming to me from dignitaries and even from galaxies attending. Mr Collins took me by surprise by touching me on my warm shoulder. I turned in a smiling mood. He pleaded with me to forgive him for his wrongdoings against me together with his wife Hillary. I divulge it to him that I have forgiven him. Georgina and David who expressed their full happiness towards me were happy I forgive Mr Collins for the sake of God in heaven. Father Arinze who was there shook hands with Mr Collins: he was happy for me that I have forget the past against my boss while in tears. “Paul someone is calling you!” Father Arinze alerted me. Commodore Charles held my left hand as we both walked further. “I noticed a mark on your right hand. I have a lost son who had that type of mark. I don’t know where I can locate him.” “Sir is your wife helping you to search for your lost son?” Commodore Charles wept when I asked if his wife had assisted in searching for his lost son. “I can’t locate her too,” he said coldly. “Tell me her name so that I can recall if I had seen her before.” “Paul her name is— Paulina!” that is my mother’s name I found on her letter to me before she died. “Paulina is my late mother’s name!” Commodore Charles asked me who my father was. I took time narrating how my mother explained how my father went to Somalia to search for job. Commodore Charles groaned in calmness. “Paul I am your father. I changed my plans of going to Somalia. All this while I have been working with Nigeria navy. I try locating where you and my wife were staying but I could not. Someone told me you and your mother had since relocated to an unknown destination.” Squalling from me, also from Commodore Charles brought Mr Collins to console me and my father. “Dad this is Mr Collins that gave me good education!” Mr Collins astonished seeing Commodore Charles embracing me still in tears. “Hello Mr Collins, this is my son Paul. I would expressed my thanks to you in full, thanks!”
“Paul is a good boy when he was living with me. I would missed him now that he is about serving the Nigeria navy as an able-seaman.” Nine seaman enlisted into the Nigeria navy seen marching while holding Nigeria flag. “Commodore I would missed your son, maybe we would see again.” Mr Collins went straight to meet his family. Minutes later his car drove off speedily. “Paul you know what?” “what dad I want to hear.” “I am also called Collins among my old time friends. So, you would still bear Paul Collins.” This comes as most happiest day of my life seeing my father talking with me. “Dad that priest that left me minutes ago is waving us—Goodbye!” I am now prepared performing the job of an able-seaman and also campaigning against crude oil thefts, sea murders, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, sea piracy and other illicit crimes relating to maritime.
THE END
CHOICE IN A THIN LINE Page 11
