Prieto held the paper to the table with his pen. James called out his mobile number, Hammed too did the same. Prieto stretched out his hand for a handshake. Grabbing their hands one after the other, for a confidential handshake. Appreciating their presence. James said "my friend it's time for you to go answer the call of duty", Hammed laughed! Feeling drowsy and tipsy from the effect of the liquor he took. He laughed again, but this time controlling himself under the influence of the beer, which had gotten him tensed. "Best of luck my friend, make sure to answer the call by tommorow".
Remember to give us a call, once you get to the "land of hurricane". James too busted into an uncontrollable laughter. Ahh! hahaha! ! ! Prieto wondered why; the land of hurricane?". Anyway he decided to disregard their joke, knowing two of them had already drank from the brown bottle. "Pls kindly pardon our flimsy joke, we are only excited". James said. And my friend!.. I saw the surprise look on your face when you heard Hammed say "Land of Hurricane". You see, this is Nigeria! We the citizens of the country can't deny, the high level of mismanagement, bad economy, corruption, political crises that are wading through every matters arising, in our beloved country. We all hope for a safe and constructive Haven, for Nigerians someday. Till then, the land remains a place of Hurricane...."hahaha! They both laughed some more. "Thanks for the hospitality Prieto", it nice to meet you and we hope to see you again someday". You are welcome! Prieto replied.
The two Corpers, came outside the joint and went back through the same route they came from, to the junction entrance of the village. Prieto looked at the piece of paper in his hand, sighting the numbers written on it. He used the pen in his hand to specify their names, beside the number he wrote down. One for each. He went back into the spot, He told his uncle's wife, to serve him a plate of the pepper soup, with meat if the bush meat is still remain ing. She went back into the kitchen to serve Prieto. Still reflecting on his friend's visit, while sitting at the table, they just left some couple of minutes ago. Prieto pondered! "Kabana republic". He said. He just thought about a book he once seen, "kabana republic".
The book was written by a close friend of his but an elderly friend, who shares great deal of interest in writing and publishings. Marufh Bello. He worked as one of the senior editor, to the Nigerian newspapers, Tribune. He wrote the book from the experience he had, from his camping during his NYSC. The content of the book, shows the struggle he went through. He charactered the book with a guy named Ladi. Reading the book, partially made Prieto to feature in what James and Hammed were laughing about. He figured out, that the both of them want him to know that the experience won't be Palatable. Reason Hammed called it the land of hurricane. The "hurricane" is a terrible climatic environmental disaster. Therefore, the uncertainty and challenges from the system of things, is equated to the hazard. Mama Chinazor came in, with a plates of soup with meat.
The plate of soup steaming still. As she got close to the table Prieto was sitting, Prieto quickly streched forth his hands to collect the tray from her. He placed it on the table by himself. The bottle of beer he was drinking, bear less of the liquor in it. He rinsed his hands in the bowl of water, and went for the sauced meat. He took a mouth full bite and chew with pleasure, nodding his head to the rythm of the afro beat music, playing from the rear speakers. His left hand grabbed the bottle of beer, placing the bottle in his mouth, not minding using a cup. His uncle's wife was sitting on a chair, to the other table. Prieto was busy enjoying himself, on the table he was. Other customers came in, into the stop over joint. Two customers came in, requesting for some bottle of beer while they took their sit in the joint. Prieto finished the pepper soup, and gave his uncle's wife a thousand naira. As he walked outside from the joint, to the street.
The atmosphere looks damped, with wintered condition. He saw his mother coming back home dragging the bicycle, without even riding it. Prieto approached her, helping her to take the bicycle to reduce the stress she was in, it obvious she was sweating. "Mummy how was the farm? What about the peppers,you intend to harvest?". His mother spoke at him, "can't you see the bag strapped, to the bicycle carrier?". "Oh I didn't even look at that", Prieto added. "So how are you?", his mother asked. " Am fine! He said. They both walked down to the house. "Mummy you won't believe I just met with two guys", they were both Corpers! Prieto spoke with his mother, while they were moving close to their house. "His mother replied really?". He said yes! Infact immediately you left to the farm, I was sitting in front of the house, I saw this two guys coming from the Obi-ikolobie junction.
They were looking for a place, to enjoy themselves in the village, so they came to Nzeribe's joint. That was when I got up from the chair to meet with them. We talked there, about the NYSC experience. They came from the northern part of the country, posted to Obiaruku camp ground. I told them about my trip to Jos, fortunately they have a clue of the place I was talking about, since they were northerners. They briefed me, on how to get to yankari from here. I was really excited, before their departure I collected their cell phone number's. We had a good time, at the stop over joint. They even bought me a drink there. "What a coincidence! His mother added. "Am sure you are totally prepared against tommorow"s trip?". His mother asked. "More than ready", Prieto replied his mother. "That is very good of you; his mother conclude.
They got to the house, Prieto carried the bicycle up, lifting it to climb the staircase at the front of the house. Before carrying the bicycle, his mother took off the loads of harvested pepper in the bag. And she carried it to the backyard.