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- Herausgeber: Victor Ehighaleh
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
The quest for justice led Elendu to desire a sweet revenge. In the course of achieving his dream he administered an oath of secrecy to his son. As soon as death paid him a visit, his son picked up the challenge and released the killer substance.
A war between wisdom and strength.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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Victor Ehighaleh
The Upheaval
A Biological Warfare
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
C opyright © 2020 by Victor Ehighaleh. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction.
All the characters, localities and names in this book are products of the author’s imagination. It has nothing to do with any living or dead person.
Esthom Graphic Prints.
To all victims of biological warfare.
CHAPTER ONE
Ulama had been sad and agitated for two weeks as a result of Elendu’s death. Everything around her seems to have fallen apart. In fact, she had become a shadow of her enterprising self. Elendu had been her husband, confidant and support. Being left alone to cater for Uhuru, Timba and Banga had turned her world into a nightmare to the extent that lately, she had so frequently considered suicide as the right choice to make. Her neighbors – Haruna and Bulawayo had bones in her neck. They had mocked her for two weeks since the demise of Elendu. She had been frustrated because her support had gone beyond her reach. She had said to herself – I have entered into a season of joyful sadness – in fact, this tragedy has gone beyond the Midday Sun. Oftentimes, she had wept bitterly after every encounter with her Tiger neighbors. Being a Donkey had permanently conferred on her, the status of an underdog in the community. Her son – Uhuru had critically studied the daily bullying incidents and had developed very deep resentment for Haruna and Bulawayo. Uhuru believes that injustice is a perfect breeding ground for rebellion. His belief has overwhelmed him and he has said to himself - there shall be no turning back until my goal is achieved.
The Tiger family is constantly supported by Buba and Tiba – the indisputable king and queen of the community. Their domineering role in Sodomy Islands is clearly visible for all to see. The Lions do not need any introduction because their ferocious presence always announces them wherever they go. As a result of this, all other animals in the green and brown vegetation rich forest by the deep blue river had been subject to their leadership.
Uhuru’s hatred for Buba and Haruna’s household has gone beyond redemption. He is blessed with his father’s characteristics – brilliance and resourcefulness. As a result of this, he had concluded plans to unleash rains of terror on the cat families. Lately, he had begun to consider himself as a false underdog with hidden capacity to pilot the affairs of the entire community. In furtherance of his plans, he had decided to conscript his siblings so as to expand his reach.
It was Friday morning. All animals in the community had been busy with their daily chores. Uhuru had noticed his mother’s strange behavior - she had become so depressed as a result of the daily bullying by Haruna and his wife – Bulawayo. Uhuru had carefully considered notifying his mother about the plans he had so closely kept in his heart. He had made up his mind to notify her so as to rescue her from the imminent death that had continuously prowled at her since the death of his father. As soon as the day had made progress, he decided to kick-start his plans by asking his mom some questions.
“Mom – You look so depressed?”
“My son you are right. What else can I do? My only support has gone the way of our ancestors.”
“You are right Mom. I have been observing you so closely for a while and after very thoughtful considerations, I have resolved to do everything within my capacity to prevent you from joining our ancestors sooner than expected.”
“Thank you my son but how do you intend to achieve your intention?”
“Mom, I am sorry – that is a secret I do not intend to divulge at the moment but I want you to know that I will bring down everyone who has mocked you. My hatred for the cat family is legendary. I must let you know that I have the capacity to ensure that generations yet unborn in their family suffer from the consequences of my planned action. Mom, let me assure you at this point that all shall be well. It is said that a later smile is better than a former smile.”
“Okay my son – I know - your father’s spirit dwells richly in you.”
“Mom thanks for believing in me.”
Before Elendu’s death, he had secretly tutored Uhuru about his closely knitted heart desire to use his intelligence to put an end to all cruel acts in Sodomy Islands. He had devoted many hours to research on biological warfare techniques using genetically modified microorganisms. Uhuru had been a very fast learner who had acquired the requisite skills to manipulate microorganisms to achieve his goals. Shortly before Elendu’s death, he had briefed Uhuru about his breakthrough research. The need to continue from where his father stopped had propelled Uhuru to daily spend four hours at night to research on the microorganisms he intends to use to wage a silent war against the Lion and Tiger families.
As expected, four weeks after Elendu’s death, Uhuru’s breathtaking research efforts had begun to yield expected results. He had achieved this feat after nine months of work in the clandestine laboratory. Uhuru had already tested some novel strains of bacteria and viruses that had been developed through recombination procedures on plants and lower animals and the result had been quite remarkable. The pilot microorganisms are ready for deployment as planned but unfortunately, the major problem praying at him is the fact that the Lion and Tiger families seem to be positioned beyond his reach. As a result of this, he had decided to reach them through secondary means. This implies that he needed to be more patient if his desires are to be accomplished.
Apart from the donkey families, other animals at the receiving end in Sodomy Islands are the Buffalo, Zebra, Deer and Antelope families. These animals are also regarded as underdogs who live by the mercy of the lion and tiger families. The cruel acts of the cat families had infuriated Uhuru to the extent that he had made up his mind to win the battle at all costs.
Going forward, Uhuru had been mindful of the fact that he had not been friendly with other animals. As a result of this, he had decided to conscript his siblings – Timba and Banga to bridge the gap by reaching out to other underdog families. His hatred for the cat families has pushed him to the level of deliberately putting other underdogs at the mercy of his genetically modified microorganisms.
At the moment, Uhuru had already cultivated special grasses in a distant secret forest and had laced them with selected strains of bacteria and viruses that had been genetically modified in his clandestine make-shift laboratory. The urge to succeed almost instantly had propelled him to detail Timba to lure the Buffalo and Zebra families to the secret forest on Monday morning. Timba had already visited the families on Saturday morning and the concerned families had agreed to visit the novel forest as scheduled.
It was Monday morning. Timba had succeeded in piloting the families to the forest. As soon as they had arrived at the virgin pasture, the Buffalo and Zebra families had been surprised at the quality of the vegetation. Surprisingly, without being prompted, they had eagerly engaged their jaws by feasting on the grasses and in less than three hours they were ready to embark on the return journey to their homes after signing a secrecy oath. Subsequently, Timba had permitted them to visit the site once in a week to feed.
On Tuesday morning it was Banga’s turn to pilot the Deer and Antelope families to the novel forest. As expected, He had visited the respective families two days before and had convinced them of the need for them to partake in fortifying themselves against unnecessary diseases by eating luxuriant vegetation that is capable of boosting their immunity. Banga’s marketing prowess had been legendary. She had succeeded in convincing them to accept her proposal in a record time. As expected, the Deer and Antelope families honored her invitation and were led to the virgin site as scheduled. As soon as they had arrived at the forest, they began to feed themselves so pleasantly until they were satisfied. At this point, Banga led them to take a secrecy oath and thereafter informed them that they were permitted to visit the site every Tuesday to feed on the vegetation. After she had accomplished her task she led them on the return journey to their homes.
CHAPTER TWO
Uhuru had been very intelligent. He knew that he needed to lie low otherwise it would be difficult for him to achieve his purpose. This explains why he had been missing in action. However, he had been briefed by his siblings after they had completed the task allotted to them. Despite the briefings, Uhuru had been very tactful. He was yet to brief his mother and siblings about the comprehensive master plan. He had reasoned that they might not tow the same line with him. Being the eldest, his siblings merely gave him the benefit of doubt by carrying out the assigned tasks without questions.
Subsequent Monday and Tuesday morning witnessed the procession of the assigned underdog animals to the secret forest to get their dose of the pastures. Uhuru had sternly warned his siblings not to partake of the weekly feasting. He had promised to give reasons at a later date. As expected, his siblings had agreed without questions.
As fallout of the weekly feasting, the underdog families with the exception of the Ulama family had begun to blossom so rapidly and had also begun to procreate beyond measure. Unfortunately, the virgin forest had dried up after four years. At this point, Uhuru believed that he had achieved his objective and was therefore no longer interested in going forward with the experiment.
Unknown to the underdog animals, the genetically modified microorganisms had blossomed in their bodies and had transformed them and have become more nourished. In fact, there is no trace of infection among them. The animals had become stronger and larger than their usual size. How Uhuru had been able to achieve this feat is beyond human comprehension.
As a result of their fortune, the underdog families had resolved to honor Timba and Banga for their ingenuity. They had resolved to jointly honor them as the Sodomy Islands game changers. Fortunately, but unknown to them, Uhuru had admonished his siblings never to divulge his role to anyone in Sodomy Islands. As expected, Timba and Banga had complied with his directive.
The underdog animal’s life expectancy had improved so tremendously. Their population had also increased beyond measure as a result of the reduction in the population of Lion and Tiger families in the community. The stronger animals had been dying in huge numbers after preying on the underdogs. This explains the increase in the population of the underdogs.
The Lion and Tiger families have also witnessed a downturn in their activities. A very significant number have died and many are increasingly becoming sick. Surprisingly, no one in Sodomy Islands had asked questions concerning the strange occurrence.
As events begin to unfold, Uhuru’s determination to avenge the cruelty of the cat families has become legendary. He had silently watched the hitherto rampaging Lion and Tiger families become so irrelevant. He had also begun to hallucinate about the fact that he had laced the vegetation in the novel forest with novel microorganisms which had transformed themselves in the body systems of the underdog animals. The fact that his mother and siblings had not partake in consuming the genetically modified microorganism infested vegetation had given him hope of sweet revenge.
The Lion and Tiger families had daily preyed upon the underdogs who had been infested with the microorganisms. Fortunately, the underdogs had served as mere carriers. The microorganism has no capacity to harm them. However, the Lion and the Tiger families are not as fortunate. Immediately they prey on the underdogs, the microorganisms transform so rapidly in their body system and soon begin to attack their immunity until they are overwhelmed. Many members of the lion and tiger families have died as a result of the epidemic. Surprisingly, Buba, Tiba, Haruna and Bulawayo had remained normal because they had specialized in feasting on the offspring of Elendu siblings. They had developed a very strange likeness for preying only on donkeys. They had jointly agreed to exhaust the offspring of Elendu’s siblings before targeting the Ulama household.
CHAPTER THREE
Surprisingly, after two generations, some remnant of Buba and Tiba offspring had begun to develop some factors (mutant genes) that had made preying on underdog animals less cumbersome. Instead of the usual making of ambush and chasing their prey – they merely walk to their prey’s residence at night while asleep and inflict a deep cut on their stomach or neck region and thereafter return home. In the morning, the prey would have become too weak to move around. At this point, the lion returns to feast.
Uhuru had been forced by his mother – Ulama to reveal the master plan as regards recent happenings in Sodomy Islands. However, despite Uhuru’s earlier insistence of not divulging the secret, he had decided to brief his mother who had become impatient – he had promised to reveal it on Sunday morning.
It was Sunday morning. The weather in Sodomy Islands appears so friendly. Ulama and her offspring had risen up from sleep with much enthusiasm. The lion and tiger families have consistently avoided the Ulama family because the offspring of Elendu siblings had been their game. This action has guaranteed a very peaceful existence for the Ulama family.
Timba and Banga had decided to visit their offspring in another island within Sodomy Islands. Bura Strip had been known to them for five years. It is a small island within the community that is solely inhabited by the Elendu dynasty. The island had been a closely guarded secret. As a result of this, the lion and tiger families had been fooled by believing that Uhuru, Timba and Banga do not have offspring.
Timba and Banga’s journey to the Bura Strip had given Ulama the opportunity to be at home alone with Uhuru. She had taken advantage of the situation by asking Uhuru to reveal the master plan.
“Uhuru – You promised to reveal the secret today. Can you please go ahead to reveal it?”
‘Oh, mom – it’s a very long story. I don’t know how to start.”
“You can start from anywhere. I can always ask questions when necessary.” Ulama opined.
“Okay mom but you must promise that you’ll keep it a secret.”
“Go ahead Uhuru. I shall reveal it to no one.”
“Okay mom - the journey began a little over nine years ago. Dad had secretly asked me to follow him to a clandestine site on the island. He had informed me about his frustrations. He said his forefathers had walked inside the plane of poverty for so long. He also opined that the lion and tiger families had monopolized the community and that the very high possibility of him ending up in their belly had been a source of torment for him. As a result of this, he had made up his mind to do something about it. He said he needed to do something to safeguard his family and the fact that he knew that it was ideal for him to keep it away from the eyes of everyone in the community had propelled him to be more careful. As a result of his resolve, he had embarked on many journeys to explore the entire length and breadth of Sodomy Islands. It was in the course of one of these journeys that he discovered the Bura Strip – a beautiful and serene mountain beside a small island. As soon as he got to the peak of the mountain, he discovered a hidden virgin site that was suitable for a research laboratory. Being a scientist, he had decided to use his knowledge to empower himself and also halt the cruelty of the cat families. This vision had been a closely guarded secret. In one of his experiments, he said he needed someone to help him to perform a task. At that point, he notified me of his intention to introduce me to a secret place. It was a Sunday night. Dad had secretly detailed me to go ahead of him and wait for him at the base of the mountain. In fact, I had barely spent ten minutes waiting before he arrived and the journey to the novel forest began. He led me to a very sophisticated molecular biology research laboratory on the small island. I must commend him because he painstakingly tutored me on his vision and purpose. During the course of our numerous interactions, he did not fail to ask me to continue to abide by the secret oath I had made on my first visit to the site. He had extracted a promise from me never to reveal our work and location to anyone including members of our family. As a youth, it had been a very difficult task to accomplish particularly to keep the secret away from you and my siblings. However, I am so delighted that I have been able to keep the secret until today. Dad spent a tremendous amount of time on research at the molecular biology site. He introduced me to how we could modify animal health, disease, reproduction, behavior and general activities through the use of recombinant DNA technology. He also painstakingly taught me how to generate novel genomes by the construction of new combinations of genes through a streamlined and detailed process. He also taught me how to plant the recombinant genes in host cells. He also taught me how to harness and harvest genes of interest that was used to generate spectacular clones. Unfortunately, dad died two days before he had scheduled a final class for me. As a result of his death, I had spent extra hours to update my knowledge so as to achieve dad’s objective. Fortunately, my hatred for the cat family particularly as a result of their bullying and cruel activities in the community had greatly propelled me to hasten work in the molecular biology laboratory. Luckily for me, after many months of research, I had made a breathtaking breakthrough and needed to test-run a procedure that involved the injection of genetically modified microorganisms on suitable host cells. At this stage, I decided to involve Timba and Banga. In fact, as I speak, the Buffallo, Zebra, Deer and Antelope families in Sodomy Islands have been used as test animals. The truth is that every member of the cat family who has killed and consumed the underdog animals has been infected with genetically modified microorganisms that had emanated from my laboratory. Mom, I must tell you that the increase in the rate of proliferation of the underdog families is a direct result of the presence and activities of the genetically modified microorganisms in their system. Mom, I think I should stop here for today.”
“Uhuru – I cannot believe that you are capable of doing all you have said but on a serious note, the recent happenings in Sodomy Islands clearly infer that your disclosures are true.”
“You are right mom. I must appreciate you for making the right observations.” Uhuru remarked.
A short moment later, Timba and Banga returned from their adventure to the land of their offspring.
“Oh! You are back? How are my children?” Ulama asked.
“They are doing well mom.” Timba answered.
“Mom, how long shall they remain at the secret location?” Banga asked.
“Banga – They will remain there as long as the cat families are on the prowl.” Uhuru interjected.
“I asked mom a question. Could you please allow her to respond?” Banga remarked.
“Okay my children. Uhuru has done the needful. I believe his response is okay.”
“Thank you Mom. I wonder about what has gone wrong with Banga. It’s absolutely unlike her.”
“You are right Uhuru – She had so much work to do at Bura Strip. You must also acknowledge the fact that she’s female – she feels for our offspring and expect us to spend more time with them.” Timba opined.
“That’s alright my children. The situation at the moment requires that we keep watching the situation until it is safe to openly interact with our offspring in the Diaspora.
“Very well mom. I suggest we take our breakfast.” Uhuru remarked.
“Do you mean that you are yet to have breakfast?” Banga asked.
“It’s okay Banga. Our action is deliberate. We have been buried in family discussions since you left for Bura strip with Timba.”
“Oh, please go ahead, it’s already late.” Banga remarked.
“My daughter, could you please serve the food? We are already famished”
“Mom, you know I will always help.” Banga replied.
“Thanks for being mindful.” Ulama replied.
A short moment later, Banga had served them and everyone had continued with their daily chores unhindered.
CHAPTER FOUR
The population of the cat families had witnessed a further decline as a result of the increase in mortality rate occasioned by the silent epidemic engineered by Uhuru. As a result of this, Buba had summoned Haruna and his wife – Bulawayo to come over to his residence for an emergency meeting at ten o’clock on Tuesday morning to review the happenings in Sodomy Islands.
There is no controversy about the fact that the tiger family had always bowed to the superiority of the lion family. However, the recent summon had led Haruna and Bulawayo to begin to examine their status by fertilizing their thoughts so loudly. The invitation extended to them by Buba had elicited some opposition from Bulawayo who had cautioned her husband to think of an easy way to break loose from the stronghold of Buba and Tiba. She had uttered a quote which says –
“The plight of a tiger can only be understood by a tiger.”
Haruna had digested the quote before making his contribution.
He had said - One of the most difficult things in life is for one to be permanently constrained all the time to playing the second fiddle. The time has come for us to stand and be counted as strong. The lion has only one head like the rest of us. Why should Buba summon us to a meeting with a very short notice?
“You are right but I will advise that we honor the invitation with extreme caution.”
“Of course we must be careful. The act of summoning us for a meeting with less than one hour notice is unacceptable but due to our present condition we have no other choice but to honor the invitation.”
Haruna and Bulawayo arrived at Buba’s residence at exactly ten o’clock in the morning as scheduled and were welcomed by Tiba who subsequently notified her husband of the presence of Haruna and Bulawayo.
The meeting commenced at three minutes past ten o’clock with an opening remark by Buba.
“My friends, I am so sorry for giving you a very short notice. However, my action is based on the need for us to quickly study the situation in Sodomy Islands particularly as regards the increase in mortality rate of my family and the rather strange increase in birth rate of the underdog families with the exception of the Ulama family.”
“You are right. I have noticed the same for a while but since the situation had not adversely affected my family, I had decided to make further observations. My slogan has been – Be watchful.” Haruna remarked.
“Honestly, I am deeply worried about the recent tragedies – my family had witnessed a lot of death. This is unprecedented and absolutely unacceptable. We need to halt the death or else we might be the next in line.” Tiba opined.
“Tiba, how can we halt the death? At the moment we do not know the cause of the sudden increase in death.” Bulawayo asked.
“We summoned this meeting because we needed to brainstorm about the reasons behind the increase in mortality rate of the cat family.” Buba remarked.
“Okay Buba. You have made your point but as far as Bulawayo and I, are concerned – we do not have answers to the problem.”
“Haruna – Are you saying that you cannot propose a solution to the mysterious death that had engulfed the cat family? Buba asked.
“Buba, do you expect me to propose solutions that I do not have? I don’t believe in telling a lie. You are free to suggest reasons behind the death of members of the cat family particularly the lions. If you do, we may be rightly positioned to examine your submissions and make suggestions where necessary.” Haruna opined.
“Okay Haruna – I have painfully observed that members of my family have increasingly become weak and are dying as a result of unknown reasons. I have also observed that my wife and I had remained healthy without having the symptoms that had become the lot of other members of our family. I honestly do not know how to address the problem.”
“Buba, I suggest you make contacts outside Sodomy Islands for health professionals who may be able to uncover the reasons behind the death issue.”
“Haruna, I expected you to look inwards. You are aware that the only health professional in Sodomy Islands died a few years ago. Before his death, he did not link us up with his colleagues in other communities.”
“Somehow, you are right Buba. Elendu’s death had been one death that had put us at a disadvantage. However, my expectations are simple – the fact that you are our leader in the community has placed you at a vantage position to be able to make contacts with health professionals in other communities. We must not allow undue pride to set in. Anyone who needs help but decides to remain silent will bear the consequences of his action. I suggest you do the needful.” Haruna remarked.
“My husband, I have never gone beyond the shores of Sodomy Island and I believe you are also handicapped because you are certainly in the same shoe with me.” Tiba remarked.
Buba had listened to the contributions but had been buried in his thoughts. He had strangely begun to ruminate over the contributions. He knew that he lacked the solution to the problem and since Haruna and Bulawayo are also helpless, the lion in him had suddenly embraced the spirit of fear. He had said to himself – Oh! The strong and mighty has suddenly been reduced to an inconsequential weakling. In the days of our forefathers, who can withstand the rage of a lion? Any other animal who dares it ends up in the belly of the lion. At the moment, I have watched so helplessly - the travails of the cat family. Sadly, it has gone beyond my reach and help. Oh! Things have never been so bad. What is wrong? Can any other animal challenge the leadership of the lion in the jungle? We have always led other animals - through the use of force. I remember my dad once told me that it is easy to start a war but the bitter truth is that sometimes, its end lies in the hands of another fellow who is far away from the reach of the originator.
Suddenly, Buba realized that he had been buried in self examination and when he looked at his wife he beckoned on her to make suggestions on the way forward but unfortunately, Tiba’s look reminded him of the story of a famished slave girl who had been given a plate of food after she had died.
Buba had remarked –
“My wife – Your looks scare me.”
“My husband – The look in the eyes of a female might be rash but buried under the rash is the cry and hunger for justice.”
“You are right Tiba – I am on the same page with you. We must learn to admit the fact that anything beyond our reach will always deposit the yoke of frustration and helplessness on us. However, for those who have well developed critical thinking skills – Instead of frustration and helplessness it breeds the “can do it” spirit. This consciousness brings out the legends in them. I suggest we tow this line – it is the best way forward. Allow us to go back home to ruminate over the recent happenings. I am sure the situation is not beyond us. All we need to do is to log on to the mind of great thinkers whose inner and outer eyes are permanently opened.” Bulawayo opined.
“Bulawayo – I never knew you are as brilliant as you’ve just shown. My mind tells me that you are a critical thinker – please go ahead and infect us with your skills. I must admit that your submission has indeed removed all the nails that had held my heart in captivity – I can rightly say – there shall be light after this darkness.” Buba remarked.
“Buba, I must thank and commend you for your belief in my wife. Kindly permit us to go back home at this point and ruminate over the situation for two days. I suggest we reconvene on Thursday morning. I must conclude by saying that I am hopeful that all shall be well.”
“Haruna, I strongly agree with you. This meeting is hereby adjourned as suggested.”
A very short moment later, Haruna and Bulawayo exited Buba’s residence with much enthusiasm. They had felt that the solution to the problem would emanate from them. After their exit, Buba and Tiba continued by engaging themselves in further talks.
“If someone had told me that Bulawayo was as intelligent as she demonstrated - I would have told the fellow that it would be easier to recover a pin from the bottom of the sea than to believe that Bulawayo had anything good to offer. Honestly, I had been wrong. Here lies the error in everyone - underestimating the capacity of others. This has proved that sometimes, one’s sense of judgment may not be a true reflection of reality.” Buba opined.
“I must appreciate you for admitting your error. Such character is the sole property of the humble. I give kudos to you.” Tiba remarked.
“Thank you Tiba. Sometimes, a challenge has the capacity to bring out the humanity in anyone. The fact that I have been rendered helpless despite my power is a reminder that nothing lasts forever.”
CHAPTER FIVE
The strange happening in Sodomy Islands has changed the community. Other animals that have hitherto been subjected to slavery have noticed that the cat families were no longer in control of the Islands. The declining authority exhibited by the cat families as a result of constant sickness and death has led to a supremacy battle in the Islands. Unfortunately, other animals with the exception of the Ulama family are unaware of the master plan. The underdogs have begun to strategize and make attempts to challenge the authority of the Lion family. The Buffalo family led by their arrowhead – Strong, had suddenly begun to clamor for a coup against the community leadership.
Strong had secretly signed a pact with the Ulama family to build a strong team that was capable of overthrowing the leadership. Ulama in collaboration with her son – Uhuru had advised Strong to go ahead to confront Buba and Tiba. They had assured him that all the underdog families in the community will be duly mobilized to ensure that the dominance of the lion family is permanently put to rest.
The forces are beginning to arise – the Ulama family agenda and Strong’s leadership ambition are already seated on the front row. Strong had already recruited his wife – Haron, to join him in the battle for the soul of Sodomy Islands. Their parents had ended up in the belly of the lions. As a result of this, their hatred for the lion family had been legendary. He had confided in his wife that if he wins every member of the underdog families to his side, the task of confronting the tiger family will be easy because of the latter’s limited number in the community. He believed that as soon as Buba and Tiba had been silenced, Haruna and Bulawayo would simply become a walkover. Unfortunately, he had been unaware of the forces behind the downturn in fortunes of the cat family.
Uhuru – the silent arrowhead of the Ulama family had begun to relish in his accomplishment. He had deliberately remained in the background – watching events as they unfold. He had been so happy because he had virtually succeeded in taking life and hope out of the reach of the lion family. As far as he was concerned the Buffalo family is a good replacement. Unfortunately, Uhuru had failed to discover the reasons behind the good health exhibited by Buba and Tiba. He had also not been able to comprehend the reason behind the rather vibrant lifestyles of Haruna and Bulawayo. Although he had observed that most members of the cat family had become a shadow of themselves however, the health status of their arrowheads had been worrisome but he had consistently reassured himself that within a short period, Buba and Haruna would visit the land of their ancestors.
The forces behind Strong had become so overwhelming. He had become so emboldened to the extent that he had decided to openly confront Buba and Tiba on Thursday morning. He had already briefed Ulama and Uhuru about his plans. The twosome had advised him to visit Buba in the company of the arrowheads of the Zebra family – Utab and Melab.
It was eight o’clock on Thursday morning. Strong, Utab and Melab had arrived at Buba’s residence.
“Good morning Buba.”
“Good morning strong. I hope all is well?” Buba asked.
“Of course all is well. We are here to discuss an urgent matter.”
“That’s okay. Can you please proceed?” Buba asked.
“Okay Buba – Let me begin by making some observations. I have noticed the sudden downturn in your family fortunes. I have also noticed that you have not done the needful as regards finding solutions to the problem. May I remind you that being the leader in Sodomy Islands calls for a pragmatic approach to solving all the problems in the community. We have painfully observed that you have failed to do the needful. The submission of the underdog families is that if our leader cannot confront community problems headlong, he is expected to throw in the towel. May I continue by asking you to do the needful – you must resign.”
“Strong – I suppose your name is deceiving you. It is obviously behind this nonsense. You are not afraid to step into my residence in the company of Utab and Melab to boldly ask me to relinquish the leadership right that had been bestowed upon me by my ancestors. Strong – If you love yourself, before the count of four, if you don’t leave my house, I will prove to you that – I am Buba the lion.
As the argument raged, Tiba had been unmindful of the strange visitors because she had been engulfed with other assignments at the backyard. After the count of four, Strong had refused to leave Buba’s residence. His action had infuriated Buba to the extent that he angrily roared and in less than four seconds, Strong had hit the ground. The intervention of Utab and Melab had rescued Strong from Buba’s grip but unfortunately, he had been gravely injured. After the intervention, Buba’s rage subsided when he remembered the scheduled meeting with Haruna and Bulawayo. This realization saved Strong from ending up in Buba’s belly despite his resolve to feed only on the offspring of Elendu siblings.
Strong was assisted home by Utab and Melab after he had lost much blood. The fact that he had nursed the ambition to lead Sodomy Islands since his childhood days had given him the strength to forge ahead. In fact, he had said to himself while being assisted home – It is too late to make a u-turn. I’ll rather die than to make a u-turn.
Uhuru had been involved in a walk with his aging mother. As they approached the tail-end of their walk, he sighted the convoy of Strong, Utab and Melab walking slowly. He beckoned on the wounded Strong and asked him –
“Who did this to you?”
“Uhuru – It’s Buba.” Strong answered.
The question brought Ulama back to reality. She had been lost in deep thoughts. She had suddenly become conscious of the fact that Strong had been attacked and wounded.
“I suppose Utab and Melab were detailed to prevent Buba from attacking you?”
“Ulama – Don’t blame them. We underestimated Buba. In fact, after he roared, I had assumed that he’d fall down and die because I had witnessed members of his family die after they had roared. I was surprised when he charged at me. I must commend Utab and Melab for their timely intervention otherwise the story would have been different. I must also commend you and Uhuru for your advice. If Utab and Melab had not accompanied me, I would have become a guest in Buba’s belly.”
“Strong, you need all the rest and care you can find at the moment. Please go home – I am sure Haron can handle your injury. We shall visit you as soon as possible.” Ulama remarked.
Utab and Melab led him to his residence and as soon as Haron sighted her husband she began to weep. Fortunately, the one who needs attention and care suddenly began to comfort his wife. His action greatly touched Haron and her tears dried up almost instantly and within a short period she had begun to nurse her husband’s injury.
Strong’s appearance had been unexpected. Ulama had asked her son –
“I thought the cat families are already too weak to strike anyone. Buba’s action clearly nullifies that assumption. What is happening?”
“Mom, I believe Buba and his household will soon go the way of their ancestors. Everything had been cleverly worked out. I am sure that you must have observed that most members of the cat family has been affected and have become a shadow of themselves. Buba’s case will not be an exception. Time will prove that I am right.”
“My son, I honestly want your research efforts to yield the expected result.” Ulama remarked.
“Mom, I am sure that you will agree with me on this - I have already proved to the cat family that physical strength does not always confine the strong to the plane of victory. Sometimes, intelligence makes the difference and I must remind you that intelligence is not a product of size and strength. My advice is simple – anyone who wants to control the future must operate on the side of patience and intelligence.”
“You are right my son. Sometimes our power is made manifest in our offspring. Who can believe that the donkey dynasty would be able to silently overwhelm the cat family to the extent of controlling the fortunes and future of Sodomy Islands.”
“Mom, I totally agree with you. Sometimes, the underrated and rejected are perfect coup plotters.”
“My son, you are right again. Elendu has proved to be stronger in death than when he was alive. He has succeeded in handing over the torch of liberty to you. I can now beat my chest and rightly say that the probability of dying through natural means is sure for every member of the Elendu household – In fact, we are the family to beat.”
“Mom, I am so proud of you. The spirit is alive – we shall surely overcome.”
Ulama and Uhuru seem to have struck the right cord. They are beginning to speak with one voice. In fact, the bond of unity in their life has commenced an upward swing.
CHAPTER SIX
It was already ten o’clock in the morning. As expected, the scheduled cat arrowheads meeting had commenced despite the charged atmosphere a moment before. Buba had been surprised at Strong’s effrontery. The sordid event had overwhelmed him and had greatly affected his composure to the extent that Haruna had noticed.
“Buba, it appears all is not well with you – there are blood clots on your paws.” Haruna opined.
“My friend – that is true. A moment ago, Strong called at my residence in the company of Utab and Melab to confront me. In fact, he asked me to resign as head of Sodomy Islands. Honestly, I am yet to fully comprehend the basis of his action. I wonder why he chose to go on a suicide mission. I suppose he thinks the sudden change in the fortunes of the cat family had turned me into a weakling. Honestly, I do not blame him. I blame my resolve to feed only on the offspring of Elendu siblings otherwise, he would have bid farewell to Sodomy Islands.”
“His actions are quite strange and suicidal. I am sure he had received the wrong counsel.” Haruna opined.
“I am sure he has lost his senses. Everyone knows that the tiger family is next in line to the lion family. I sincerely agree with Buba. The fact that some of us had resolved to feed exclusively from the offspring of Elendu siblings had been misconstrued as a sign of weakness.” Bulawayo opined.
“You are absolutely correct. Strong had been so lucky as a result of my absence. I would have used him for breakfast.” Tiba remarked.
“I suggest we forget about Strong and his antics and concentrate on the main issue before this meeting.” Buba opined.
“I want to align with you. Going forward – we have ruminate over the strange fortunes of the cat family in recent times and our conclusion is simple – we need to invite a medical team to carry out tests on all members of our family. At this point, the use of assumption is counterproductive. My wife – Bulawayo had already gone a step ahead of us by mobilizing her brother-in-law in Mutale community to schedule an appointment. Being a medical practitioner, he had agreed to come over to Sodomy Islands on Sunday morning with his team of epidemiologists and other high profile laboratory scientists to carry out tests on all members of our family at no cost to us. I am sure – the darkness that had held us captive will soon give way to light.” Haruna remarked.
“Oh! That’s a great one. I had always known that we could count on you and Bulawayo. I must admit that I strongly appreciate your efforts.” Buba remarked.
“Let me make a few comments – I must advise that we mobilize all members of our family to make themselves available for the free test on Sunday morning. I must also advise that we inform them of the need to make the event a secret. Other animals in the community must be kept in the dark. Let everyone gather at the open field behind Oaks vegetation for the exercise.” Tiba remarked.
“Tiba, it appears you have taken over the mantle of leadership. Your comments had been so authoritative. I must commend you on this. I am certainly on the same page with you my dear. Going forward, I must appreciate the tiger family for bailing us out of the quagmire. Let us ensure that everyone in the cat family is mobilized for the test on Sunday morning.” Buba remarked.
“You have done the needful. We also appreciate you for the opportunity to serve.” Haruna remarked.
After Haruna’s remarks Buba appreciated them again before Haruna and Bulawayo exited his residence.
*
It was Sunday morning. Every member of the cat family had gathered at Oaks vegetation as scheduled. The team from the Mutale community had arrived and the test had been ongoing. The team collected saliva and blood samples from all members of the cat family. The exercise was concluded seven and a half hours after it had commenced. After the exercise, the team promised to make a return visit on Wednesday with their findings.
Buba and Tiba had commended the team for their patience throughout the exercise and had also appealed to them to return with the results on Wednesday as promised.
Meanwhile, Strong and Haron had begun to strategize as regards the way forward. Strong had already recovered from Buba’s assault after three days of isolation. His pain has greatly reduced despite the fact that the wounds are still visible.
“Haron – Can you please suggest the way forward. Buba’s behavior had been unexpected. I believe we need to be tactful in approaching the issues at hand.”
“You are right my dear. I suggest we call a meeting of all underdog families. It is better for us to speak with one voice. You are aware that the mantle of leadership has already been handed over to you by all underdogs. Let us work on this synergy towards advancing how to get rid of Buba and Tiba. If this is done the battle would be over.” Haron opined.
“Yes my dear, I agree with you – you know my condition will not allow me to reach out to other members of our class. I suggest you mobilize all concerned on my behalf for the meeting.” Strong advised.
*
Buba and Tiba had been engaged in family talks.
“Buba – I am so appreciative of Haruna and Bulawayo’s contribution to finding a lasting solution to the problem that had confined our family to the valley of life. We must find a way to adequately reward them for their efforts.”
“Tiba – I agree with you but we need to wait until the test results are known.”
“Of course we need to get the results before making conclusions – my point is simple – we must reward Haruna and Bulawayo.”
“If that is what you want, your wish is hereby approved.”
“That reminds me – one more thing – As soon as we get over this temporary setback, you must allow me to personally attack Strong. My desire is to feed on his flesh and bones – that would be sweet revenge. His boldness must be confined to the dustbin of history. It will serve as a deterrent to other animals who attempt a suicide mission.”
“My dear, your request is granted. At least - your action will help to reduce my stress level.”
*
It was Wednesday morning. The team from Mutale community had arrived at Sodomy Islands and had been received by Buba and Haruna at Oaks vegetation. Ninety nine percent of the samples had tested positive for a novel virus. With the exception of Buba, Tiba, Haruna and Bulawayo, all other members of the cat family had tested positive to the mysterious virus. The team had informed Buba and Haruna that the rate of replication of the novel virus is beyond human comprehension. This fact had rattled Buba and Haruna. The team had also informed them that apart from treating the symptoms, they are unable to deal with the virus.
After the exit of the team from Mutale, Buba and Haruna returned to their respective homes with hearts full of worry and mixed feelings. They had been worried about the fact that ninety nine percent of the members of the cat family had already been infected with the strange virus. They had also begun to wonder why they had tested negative to the virus. Before they parted, Buba had asked Haruna to discuss the issue with his wife and come over to his residence on Friday morning for another round of meetings.
*
The underdog families had gathered at the open space behind Strong’s house. Ulama had lately become weak and could not attend the meeting. She had asked her son – Uhuru to represent her but unfortunately, most members of the underdog families had stayed away from the meeting because of the fear of being attacked by Buba and Tiba. Strong’s ordeal in the hands of Buba had filtered into every home in Sodomy Islands. As a result of this, Uhuru had advised Strong to suspend action on the intended leadership change until further notice. Uhuru’s advice was applauded by the majority and the meeting was adjourned indefinitely
CHAPTER SEVEN
It was Friday morning. Haruna and Bulawayo had returned to Buba’s house for the scheduled meeting. The meeting commenced at exactly nine o’clock in the morning. Tiba had looked so agitated because she had been overwhelmed by her desire to devour Strong as soon as possible but her husband’s advice that she suspend her intention had become an issue in their home.
Haruna and Bulawayo had already brainstormed over the novel virus and had resolved to simply watch as events unfold. As far as they were concerned the issue has gone beyond their capacity. As expected, Buba had welcomed them to the meeting and had asked Haruna to brief the house on the way forward. Haruna’s response had been short and concise. He had said –
“Honestly, we do not have a solution. In fact, Bulawayo made further inquiries about getting solutions but all efforts had failed.”
“I must confess – though tough times are here but something tells me that the solution is not far from our reach. All that is needed is for us to keep hope alive. I always remind myself of the fact that says – a leader without a problem to grapple with is on a decline journey. I am indeed full of hope.” Buba remarked.
“Buba, I must commend your spirit. All is lost when the head becomes hopeless. I must also say that I do not envy your position because the mountain before you can only be surmounted by the bold and courageous. I must also acknowledge the fact that the lion in you has refused to give up the fight.” Haruna opined.
“Haruna, a leader must learn to be strong. I appreciate your comments. However, in the absence of any other contribution may I suggest that we schedule another meeting for Tuesday morning.” Buba advised.
“Okay Buba – Let’s meet on Tuesday.” Haruna remarked.
*
Buba woke up from sleep on Sunday morning. He had had an encounter with his late father in a dream. He had gone to bed with a heavy heart. His father reminded him of some lessons he passed on to him many years before. He had tutored him on a family secret. He had said –
“There are some ailments that defile all treatment. One of such ailments occurred in 1933. It was a very strange sickness and many members of the family had died as a result of exhaustion occasioned by the debilitating sickness. The king of the forest had become ill and the next in line to the throne had become too ambitious. He had eagerly waited for two months for the king to join his ancestors but unfortunately, the king had continued to hang on to life. As a result of this, the heir apparent had become frustrated and decided to help himself by attacking the king at night - with the intention to kill him. Fortunately, as the scuffle ensued, the king overpowered him despite sustaining multiple injuries on his paws as a result of bites from the heir apparent. Five days later, the king had fully recovered from sickness.”
Buba’s late father had advised him to give the same treatment to all sick members of the cat family.
As soon as he woke up, he summoned his wife and intimated her about the strange dream. She had opined that the solution to the novel virus problem had been found in the dream. She subsequently advised him to summon a meeting of all sick family members. As expected, Buba agreed with his wife and summoned all the concerned members for a meeting.
*
It was Monday morning. Buba had already notified all sick members of the lion and tiger families to assemble at Oaks vegetation for an urgent meeting. As expected, every affected member had complied with his directive. He had already notified Haruna and Bulawayo of his encounter with his father and had asked them to bite the front paws of all sick members of the tiger family while himself and Tiba will do the same to all sick members of the lion family.
As instructed by Buba’s father, Buba had already bitten Haruna and Bulawayo’s front paws a day before so as to transfer the healing factor to them. His father had told him that there is a healing factor in the body system of the healthy lion that is transferred to the sick through bites particularly on the paws. However, his father had been unable to explain the nature or mechanism of action of the factor but believed that the sick king recovered after he was bitten by the heir apparent as a result of the factor that had been passed on to him through the bites.
The two families had gathered as instructed and in less than two hours all concerned family members had received the bites from Buba, Tiba, Haruna or Bulawayo. As soon as the task was completed everyone returned home.
On Tuesday morning, Haruna and Bulawayo arrived at Buba’s residence for the scheduled meeting but were asked by Buba to return home because they needed to observe the progress of all sick family members for seven days as regards the bite therapy.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The arrowheads of the cat family had observed the remarkable recovery rate of sick members. Some of them had recovered on the third day after the bite while others recovered on the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh day.
It was Monday morning on the seventh day after the bite therapy. The hitherto sick family members had gathered as scheduled at Oaks vegetation. Their arrowheads had congratulated them on their miraculous recovery.
In the night of the sixth day after the bite, Buba had been visited again by his late father in a dream and had explained the mechanism of action of the bite. He had reminded Buba of his encounter with Strong – the arrowhead of the Buffalo family. He said Buba’s bite on Strongs neck had transferred a factor to Buba from Strong’s blood. The disease factor had encountered opposition from Buba’s immune system. This action generated soldiers called antibodies that had overpowered the disease factor. As a result of this action, Buba had developed strong resistance to the genetically modified microorganisms that were present in Strong’s blood stream. This factor had been replicated in multiples in Buba’s body to the extent that every bite from Buba transfers the disease resistant factor to the recipient. Buba’s father had explained that this factor was responsible for the recovery of all sick family members.
Unfortunately, herein lie the antidote to Uhuru’s genetically modified microorganisms. The battle had just begun.
*
The amazing recovery of all sick members of the cat family had been received with trepidation by all underdog families in Sodomy Island. Strong had eavesdropped on Buba and Tiba the night before. Buba had told his wife to watch out for the fallout of events as they unfold. He had boldly told her –
“The fact that the snake and the earthworm crawl on the ground do not make them mates.”
Strong also eavesdrops on Tiba’s contribution. She had said –
“Strong’s boldness is akin to that of a cockroach before a chicken.”
Buba had smiled so hilariously and added a new dimension to the discussion by saying –
“Strong’s boldness is akin to that of a baby monkey engaged in a fight with a large whale in the middle of the deep blue sea.”
Tiba had continued by making a derogatory statement –
“Strong’s brain is as smooth as a calabash.”
After Tiba’s remark Buba had closed the curtains by saying –
“Strong is like the water in a teacup smiling at the Midday Sun.”
After Buba’s concluding remark the twosome began to smile like a rich man’s rag.
As Strong remembered the encounter, he had notified his wife of the need to go on exile otherwise a visit to the belly of the lions cannot be averted. Haron had agreed with her husband and in less than two hours they had embarked on the journey of no return.
The life in Sodomy Islands had begun to embrace a change in leadership style. Tiba has assumed the position of the greatest bully. Her words had become law. As a result of this, Ulama’s health had deteriorated so considerably.
As soon as Uhuru had discovered that Strong and Haron had gone on exile, he had also escaped with Ulama, Timba and Banga to the Bura Strip – a place of rest and dominion.
The vengeance train had stopped at Strong’s residence but unfortunately, Strong had escaped. The train continued on its journey to Ulama residence. Unfortunately, the donkey family had been smart. Tiba had been down by a narrow miss. She instantly decided to visit the Zebra household. The sight of Utab and Melab reassured her of a sweet revenge. But unfortunately, as soon as Melab sighted her, she had borrowed a cheetah’s shoe while Utab had not been as lucky. Tiba - the mother-lion had silenced him forever.
Finally, Tiba had said to herself – Sometimes, providence and patience, wins the race – the Lion is back.
