CHOICE IN A THIN LINE

by Nelson Mandela, Jr

CHAPTER TEN

  Commander Davies knew I was tired. Within a minute I was in my room. “Our gentle academy coordinator-five not right hour to continue sleeping!” bravely I jumped up thinking our trainer in academy had entered. “So it is you, Japtan?” “students told me last night they saw you closer to a priest. I doubted them until I came here to witness if really it was you; now I believe this is our academy coordinator-five.” “How did you entered?” “your room door wasn’t shut.” “Tell me the truth: did you really enter while the door is open?” “coordinator-five believe me, I met it open.” “Japtan did that nosy inspector came here?” “No. He is discussing with Commander Davies presently.” Japtan waited in my room till I prepared for usual lectures. “Mr Donovan would want me in his lectures.” “Since he knew you followed Commander Davies along.” “I went for sea testing. I didn’t just followed Commander Davies to sea!” “sea testing describe how it was.” “Commander Davies would take you, other eight for sea testing be prepared for it. A lifejacket would be given to each of you since all of you are a landlubbers.” “Have I told you I can swim perfectly in river? besides I don’t need lifejacket.” “Japtan that is river not sea. Have you seen billows before?” “those puppets they play around when not invited. They will never stop to crack jokes I hate them!” “I mean large sea waves!” “Ah, that can take away anyone’s life. Were you able to withstand it?” whatever I present about large sea waves Japtan would doubt it, he believe it is impossible surviving billows. “It almost rushed me away, I held on more boldly. That is how I passed sea testing.” “That is sheer wickedness! Am going back home. I don’t want to become navy seaman anymore!” as decided Japtan threw his jotting sheets angrily, walked to begin packing his belongings. Academy trainers were training some students; from far they had seen Japtan throwing jotting sheets to the floor; familiar one among them inquired knowing what prompted Japtan behaving silly. “Coordinator-five come here!” I make fast rush to answer him. “Here sir!” “both of you follow me!” something within tells me we are heading for Commander Davies office. Japtan looking relaxed despite in serious situation that had called for attention. “Coordinator-five this is last time we would be seeing again.” Sad state came upon me; I never want Japtan’s decision approved in Commander Davies office. “You two sit here!” persuading Japtan changing his mind proved abortive as he defied becoming naval seaman one day. “Coordinator-five, enter he want to speak with you.” “Who actually sir?” I hastily asked. “Commander Davies the one you know!” “okay leader in-charge of this academy.” As I was entering Commander Davies office, I kept turning back to see if Japtan is signalling he had changed his determined mind. “Paul Collins sit down,” Commander Davies instructed while calmed. “Quarrelling in Nigeria navy academy is totally unacceptable; as coordinator-five I expect full maturity from you.” “But sir we were not quarrelling!” “then what was going on among both of you?” “I asked him if he had seen billows before, surprise it was when I realized Japtan had mistook puppets for billows.” “Then what happened?” “Japtan finally knew it is large sea waves; he changed his mind continuing in the academy when he knew he would also go for sea— testing!” “what? Call him for me!” Japtan already pushing himself in when I stood up about calling for him. “Sit left Paul Collins; Japtan don’t take it too far, you want becoming a seaman, yes or no?” “yes sir!” “compulsory for you going for sea testing. Billows would have vanished before you, eight others would go for sea testing.” “Thank God billows would had vanished when I and eight others would be taking our turns!” at the end Japtan smiled out hopefully.

  “No billows when it would be my turn, coordinator-five!” “Am happy you would continue what you start, Japtan.” Two years in academy had brought many understandings among students. Evening personal trainings continue as we had vowed among ourselves we would continue no matter any situation. We were fortunate not been caught engaging in harsh trainings. Reports had sneaked into Commander Davies office that ten students aspiring to become a seaman had been training every evening without notion of academy trainers, naval authorities, inspectors, leader in-charge. Commander Davies refused accepting all information about I and other nine training. Japtan ignorantly trained far, unknowingly to him Commander Davies had sharply traced him that day making him been caught unaware. That memorable day usual academy bugler was informed to pass his information through blowing the bugle. Weary students wondered if all is well with the academy. “Ten students had decided for long that it is mandatory training every evening despite how experienced trainers had put in all their best to make sure every students become skilful in their various fields.” Students doubting Commander Davies revelation he can’t prove beyond. Deep inside me, something tells me that familiar nosy inspector had reached his spying information to Commander Davies. “Paul Collins that nosy inspector had done it again. He had been eavesdropping on whatever we discuss in trainings.” “Japtan leave him, he is idle.” “Students I don’t want to mention names; for your safety do away with that so that your years here should not be a waste, ten of you!” after end of homily warning Commander Davies guards led him straight for his office. We scattered to our various rooms—like sheep without no actual shepherd. Three days after Commander Davies warning Japtan, together with eight others went for sea testing as they had been longing for it. Seventy days pass no trace of them coming back until the seventy-fifth day they appeared all looking happy. “Sea testing is fantastic, I saw how billows bowed for me before getting into the sea!” “billows bowed for coward like you?” I was still in surprise with Japtan’s revelation. “Commander Davies had studied the sea than you think. I recall when I almost gave up he assured me billows would had vanished before I and eight others go for sea testing.” Snorl best friend to Japtan confirmed it is true of how billows vanished despite how stormy weather was on sea. “Japtan billows vanished not bowing for you.” “that’s what I mean, Paul Collins!” “did you led your campaign?” “I don’t know which campaign you mean. I only know nine of us just back led a campaign about ʻThe Dangers Of Crude Oil Thefts’ on seas, we also led a campaign about ʻDangers Of Sea Piracy’ on seas, Paul Collins I won’t forget the last one.” “Which one?” “No against poaching fishes in—seas!” “which seas exactly did that campaign took place?” “Atlantic oceans, Gulf of Guinea, Kenyan ocean, Indian ocean.” “That far?” “Commander Davies want us to see major seas we may had heard of that was how we ended up sailing far. Only nine of us as students coalesce as we loudly beat drums thereby creating awareness of dangerous activities not welcoming on any seas.” “Very good sensitization programmes. Did Commander Davies knew about it?” “he warn us to do that if we are enlisted as seamen. We proved deaf ears when we noticed he had slept on board.” “Snorl did you do yours better?” I knew Snorl is a shy type t
hat prompted me asking him what he never expect. “For Africans sake, I can do more!” Snorl is determined to lead massive campaigns on seas if given the full chance from the look on his face. “Japtan my campaign would mainly be on Gulf of Guinea, later anywhere I may be lucky going.” “Our mission if enlisted may not include campaigning on seas. By ourselves we must do that even if we are not on same vessel.” “Of course! It is all we got to do so as preventing seas from illicit activities coming up daily.”

  “Students marching, look at large banners they are holding.” Graduating students on their final year were marching as each saluted academy trainers inspecting them. “When is our turn Japtan we must march round the academy.” Naval convoys moving into the academy all having Nigeria flags revolving. Five guards jumped out from one of the convoys that stopped before other convoys also stopped. Japtan, Snorl and I watched speechlessly as an officer came out from a dark jeep waving graduating students marching passionately on a straight line. Some students jostling to have an handshake with the unknown officer. Guards pushing them away as they were almost hugging him. “This officer may be Commodore Charles, don’t you think so—Japtan?” “Ha! If he is that Commodore they are always talking about then he is liberal.” “Look students are hugging him!” “their numbers are increasing!” from far the white uniformed officer removed his specs distracting him from looking each elated students face to face. Commander Davies clearing way for the complete white uniformed officer to move undisturbed. Scenario of seven minutes turn more interesting with different ways, manners, desperations naval academy jazzmen start exhibiting; total silence reached within every corners of the Nigeria navy academy. Calmed complete white uniformed officer stand unshakable immediately the national anthem of Nigeria was sang. Right from where I stand; I could see how students were jubilant after the Nigeria national anthem ended with words I won’t easily forget—ʻOne nation bound in freedom Peace and unity’. The Nigeria pledge started when Nigeria national anthem ended; tears falling down from my face, I love, cherishes, everything my eyes can see in my country, Nigeria. I remember how I make a clear decision of aspiring to become Nigeria navy seaman when my boss had been thinking that when I finish secondary schooling I would handle some part of his consortia. “I’ve concluded I must serve my country Nigeria till death!” “Paul Collins you seems to be carried away by the Nigeria national anthem!” “of course Snorl! I am shedding tears of likeness for my country—Nigeria.” Commander Davies lead the way to show the unfamiliar complete white uniformed officer new site where arboretum exist in the academy. “He is perceiving each flowers with slow intense enthusiasm.” “Yes Paul Collins, take a look at him; he must be a lover of precious flowers. He do not even want to move away from the site.” “Japtan he had decide to bade the precious flowers, goodbye!” “Paul Collins why is he interested staring at you?” “who Japtan?” “the unfamiliar complete white uniformed officer!” I begun feeling uneasy when the complete white uniformed officer never wishes taking his eyes away from me. Commander Davies trying everything possible just to distract his superior away from me. “Paul Collins tell me the truth. Do you by chance know this heavily guarded man?” “Japtan you should be first person I would tell if I knew him!” “coordinator-five, it is against the academy lying. I would want an answer from you; do you again knew this man?” “I do not even know who he is, where he came from, if he is citizen of Nigeria.” Commander Davies succeeded in distracting the complete white uniformed officer when he pointed to the azure sky. “He is looking curiously at revolving azure sky.” “Coordinator-five blue sky, same colour with junior ranked navy.” “I trust Commander Davies, he would not even try stopping the unfamiliar officer from more watch, all this are tactic he is using so that his heavily guarded superior would not continue staring at me.” “Don’t tell me you like the way he was staring at you.” “I like his passionate feelings towards me; but I don’t like his continuous looking.” Commander Davies signalled academy bugler who responded by blowing the bugle with full interest to continue without obstruction from anyone whosoever. Commander Davies superior paying visit to the academy waved away.

  “Paul Collins he had gone; how do you feel about that man?” “Snorl that white uniformed officer may had seen me somewhere judging by the way he kept staring eagerly at me with passion.” Students in each corners of the academy were having discussions which I believe is all about visit of a superior officer higher than the position of the leader in-charge—Commander Davies. Exhausted jazzmen arose after resting for some time, began again performing their duty when someone of an importance finish visiting the academy. “Paul Collins let’s conduct a full investigation to ascertain who than man is!” “yes I support you Snorl!” Japtan said with full gladness on his face. Three of us went straight to meet some students chatting with one another. We asked what we want and an answer came to us without any delay from either side. I now know it is Commodore Charles from Nigeria naval command. “Why didn’t he meet you since you are coordinator-five of this academy?” a curious student asked. “I can’t explain that; it should be prime responsibility of Commander Davies to do that.” “Is there a problem between you and Commander Davies?” “Nigeria naval academy is the most disciplined academy on earth. I don’t concur there can be problem in this academy. Commander Davies is modest in all his ways. He can’t have issues with his students; therefore he had no problem with me, I have no problem with him, period!” “save another word from that your running mouth, you are determined knowing more from our academy coordinator-five. I would not allow that again!” angry Japtan responded. “Coordinator-five I salute you as someone recognised in this academy.” The curious student about offending me finally gave out. “Coordinator-five someone is calling you. From this angle!” Commander Davies have asked for me with immediate effect. Academy inspector hasty for me to follow him to meet with Commander Davies, leader in-charge of the academy. “Commander Davies needs me until I come we would discuss as friends.” “Now I see there is an hidden agenda against Commander Davies, tell me all you have against him. Or I will persuade Commander Davies to expel all of you!” “inspector this is not fair, we have nothing of such against Commander Davies.” “Are you sure?” “I am sure inspector!” “if it is true so be it, coordinator-five.” To meet up with time; I make myself faster as I get into Commander Davies office. “Coordinator-five a top naval officer was in this academy. Where you able to figure out who he is?” “quite difficult to know who this top naval officer is, but I still conduct partial investigation about this top naval officer.” “Then what was your findings?” “surprisingly it is Commodore Charles I had been hearing about.” “Coordinator-five you grabbed his
attention; I seems baffled with that way he stares at you. Do you both have something in common?— Secretly tell me I want to know.” “Nothing in common sir!” “I must get to the root of this matter. Commodore Charles wasn’t happy till he left all because of you!” “sir did he asked about me?” “Commodore Charles asked to know who you are; I explained to him you are coordinator-five I briefed him about. He was about speaking confidentially with you; within minute he changed his decision. Commodore Charles said he is short of time. He lay out his words that when you are enlisted as Nigeria navy seaman you would have his privilege to see him based on hardworking, patriotism, perseverance, dedication, full zeal, selfless—services to Nigeria navy.” Commander Davies announced that reason for Commodore Charles coming is for him to see graduating students about to be enlisted soonest. I couldn’t hold back my joy when I was told our set is next to be on line for enlistment. “Coordinator-five only ten would follow me to Nigeria navy dockyard to sail two days on ocean to beat the drum against illicit activities on seas. We must also campaign against crude oil thefts, fish poaching, sea piracy, sea murders!”

  When I got to my room, I couldn’t sleep smoothly. I got up from bed, informing nine others that they should get themselves prepared when called upon by Commander Davies. Never of a stress to me since I have made that decision of serving my own country—Nigeria. One thing is sure; the academy bugler would expressed his signals through the bugle. Readily for me I am determined carrying out all academy assignment I can. “Paul Collins can you hear?” time has come for departure; Japtan had signalled me with heavy bang on the door. “The academy bugler had already signalled.” Running hesitantly is all I got just to avert Commander Davies full wrath against me in particular. As arranged by academy authorities. We were in a bus taking us direct to Nigeria navy dockyard. Not up to 15km drive I could see again the well organised dockyard. “Rush down, climb the vessel facing all of you now!” Commander Davies instructed harshly in complete desperation. Not long we were on board Commander Davies joined after then, the vessel sailed farer. “Stevedores bring all drums here!” as commanded they ran bringing what we need. Two drums given to me gave me courage starting my campaign. As Coordinator-five I was left alone to do three students job. I would never let my country Nigeria down for whatsoever reason as I have concluded within me. On left side of Nigeria Naval vessel TS, I beat my drum harder creating a signal to heavy vessels passing; all signals I gave out was against crude oil thefts, my microphone given to me as coordinator-five helped a lot. I saw tens of thousands of hands waving me without me seeing their heads. All supports this hands have with me is to agree that Crude oil thefts is bad. Commander Davies had been monitoring me and others; he is happy seeing all he wants to see. As coordinator-five I can stop when I like. About becoming tired I continue louder this time by campaigning against sea piracy on African seas. Next is Fish poaching, I instructed one of the stevedores to bring me a fish, he brought live fish for me. I held it up while singing against fish poaching on seas. Fishermen on boats waved in support of me. Commander Davies shook his head, supporting me more eagerly. “Such a sonorous voice I won’t stopped hearing. Paul Collins I’m glad! See how thousands hands had signalled supports for you. I would inform Commodore Charles about this. This campaign was meant for Nigeria navy seamen; but I allowed ten of you to show how capable students in Nigeria navy academy can be.” Billows taking over quiet sea scared me. Commander Davies showing his adamant skills by pushing each of us back as he was more experienced than all of us. “Continue never back down Paul Collins!” as horrifying it was, massive billows splashed on us allowing everyone to slide while we gasped for breathe. “Students fight for your life!” Commander Davies warned. “Show more courage, don’t relent!” billow taking complete direction of the moving vessel we were. Nigeria flag revolving faster as we were still battling to stand. “This is one dangerous thing we navies face on sea! It can’t deterred me from serving my country Nigeria. I launched into silent prayer while holding my rosary worn on my neck. “It has stopped! Stand up boys, I love your courage you boys showed.” If told this is part of navies harsh encounter on sea I would for once not believe until it became reality to me. “Come in boys. Stevedores take them to warm room before they developed hypothermia!” “Commander four medics are in to assess their various health conditions,” most youngest stevedore announced. “Oh, I was too anxious forgetting that medics are already on standby.” Ten of us shaking in pitiable way due to billow that splashed on us from the sea. “Bring them in!” smart look, pointed nose doctor voiced. I kept staring at his opaque eyeglass glued to his bumpy face. Room rife with heat was where we take shelter. “Coordinator-five is it okay with you?” Commander Davies asked me courageously.

  “I’m feeling cold sir!” “doctor stretch them on bed. Each of them should relax a bit; make them more comfortable.” On bed blue day turned night after a short sleep. “How are you feeling now, coordinator-five?” “doctor I’m becoming okay. But who told you I’m coordinator-five?” pointed nose doctor attending to me refused answering me. Japtan had sat on a chair reading blankly. “Paul Collins how glad I’m to see you in perfect state.” Dedicated medics checking Snorl panting state. The sea during night is interesting watching; I raise an alert I am becoming hot, so the medics approved sternly I should feel cool breeze outside the room I and others were. Rough unclear voice of the sea never deterred me watching racing billows. Stroboscope from large vessels passing stopped billows from racing. I felt it is right continuing my campaigns on sea. I rushed in lifted my campaigning drum lying freely on board start raising full awareness by beating hard the drum. “No to crude oil thefts, no to fish poaching on seas, no to sea piracy, no to sea murders, no to illicit activities on seas!” for five hours I kept spreading awareness audibly. Campaigning about crude oil thefts is my area of interest since when Mr Donovan sensitized us about the ʻDangers of crude oil thefts’. To my surprise nine students were by my side clearing their throats before continuing their campaigns. “You boys should go in and sleep; is already too dark!” Commander Davies expressing his dissatisfaction all for his concern towards scary billows. “I said go in!” we pretend it is right going in just in case another scary billows race after our vessel. From the bulkhead I see Commander Davies waving the sea before heading to his room. “Want more campaigns boys?” eagerly I begged for an answer. “Paul Collins of course!” Japtan responded on behalf of eight others. Nine of my course mates waited for me following them outside for another round of prolific campaigns. “Our drum coordinator-five, Commander Davies may had carried it to his room.” “Snorl that’s too minor for smart, hardworking, Commander Davies doing.” Japtan stretching himself for drum beating. “Now let’s go on time,” I instructed. On reaching outside frozen cold had taking over atmosphere
of the entire sea. “Coordinator-five this cold wouldn’t allow us doing what we had decided.” Unclear atmosphere taking over by cold seems denying our confidence; I search about for our drums every corners I can. Commander Davies been a smart, clever man knew ten of us would had decide coming outside to loud our voices on sea. He had ordered for our drum to be hidden somewhere unknown to us. “What is our next move, now, coordinator-five?” Japtan asked while shivering in cold. “Can I sing my music I composed on sea about—total no to Crude Oil thefts?” “endeavour to do that coordinator-five.” Expectant eyes focused on me in a desperate way; I sang music I composed in presence of bandsmen I met on my first time on sea. “You deserved my applaud Paul Collins!” Japtan continue applauding me despite being cautioned to stop for a while. “Our academy coordinator-five had not for once failed delivering.” Rehearsals were going on among nine of my dedicated course mates as I watched how interesting their rehearsals can be. The sea utter a howl in thick hour of the cold night. “Blanket would prevent us from killing cold.” “Coordinator-five do all you can to stop us from getting frozen.” I recall seeing two thick blankets in a free room when the medics were assessing my temperature. I crawled watchfully so that I wouldn’t be caught sneaking to get what I desired for. “Yes I have it!” my course mates jubilantly lifted me up as they couldn’t hold their series of full happiness. “Cover us our coordinator-five.” Discussing after rehearsals ended wouldn’t had ended if not for the stevedores checking every inch on board to be sure that everyone is free from dangers, and that the vessel is not having strange people. “Are they coming?” “I don’t think so, Japtan.” “Thank you God!”