Ike and I stood at the veranda, staring at nothing in particular. His bag hung bag cross his shoulders, Ike looked disturbed while staring at the horizon. I sat quitely watching him from the corners of my eyes, Impi and Catherine were inside packing an additional bag.
It was the day he was waiting for, It has been ba year now and life has been going on smoothly with Ike making preparation to depart home got the military camp as days inches by. Slowly but steadily, the day finally arrived. He packed up, bidding us all goodbye, but I noticed he stopped at the door then took a step to the veranda where he stood looking at the horizon. I gently moved closer to him
"; Today is the day you e been waiting for son", i tapped Ike's shoulder.
" Yes grandpa...but as the moment gets closer, I become more scared", Ike intuned.
"Scared of what?", I asked Ike who smiled at me, then turned and nodded towards the horizon.
"Scared of what lies ahead there, scared of what I don't know and might not or never get to know. Scared of the deep blue sea, with different creatures roaming below, scared of what might become of me out there. Scared of things I might be forced to see and do once I step out of this house. And the worst fear? I'm scared of what might or will become of my family, I'm scared of never returning back to them", Ike took a pause as he lowers his bag and dropped it on the floor.
"Years back, I had same fears when we were planning to launch the revolution movement and revolt from being slaves. I always had doubt about the possibility of everything, most especially as it seemed all impossible back then. Putting into consideration all factors which I considered against us but my brother never did despair one bit. He was optimist and daring on the part we were about to follow, he was ready to make sacrifices, ready to pay the price to achieve his dreams. He chased it with all determination, dropped aside all fears and the end result? He did Achieve it", I paused as ike interrupted me.
"But he didn't live to see the results of his bravery and determination", Ike smiled sadly.
"Most times in life, it is not the person that lay the foundation of of a house that complete building the house, also at times it's not the person that complete building the house that ends living in the said house but someone else. This is called sacrificing for the future. My brother was a slave, but he died fighting so that his children after him will be free. And today, his son is a free man...not a slave, same applies also to you and your father. You're not slaves, but I was. I can still be referred to as an ex slave but same won't be applicable to my descendants. However, you should note that sacrifice can come in many ways and forms, so always be prepared for it and ready to pay for it when it comes knocking at the door", i took a step as Ike fell silent for a brief moment digesting all what I told him.
"That means, I must be ready to lost myself or ready for my family to lost me", Ike murmured as I nodded.
"Or at worst, never return back at all. Living and surviving during war times are hard, it is very hard to survive, hard to live but very easy to die", I pointed at the dock for a boat that was coming.
"But why do men create war? Why do men fight? Why do men derive pleasure from causing untold pains and hardship to their fellows? Why can't men pursue pace at all cost?", Ike threw me a multiple question at once.
I surveyed his face before answering him.
"The answer is simple", I began.
"What's the answer?", Ike cut in impatiently.
"Power and religion", I answered while Ike went silent for some time.
"Power and religion...I see, now I understand better", Ike finally muttered.
"When power is involved, dominance or the will to dominate comes in. In order to achieve that, division must first be created, and this gives birth to politics, then politics gives birth to policies which works in conjunction with religion. Religious extremist hardly possess religious tolerance. They feel their religion is far better than others, they take laws into their hands. Then politics capitalize on this religious lines and uses its policies to create war. Politics and religion are the opium of humans, if not, tell me...why would two grown up men wake up one morning, go to a stream that was there before their great grand fathers were born an fight over it in the name of ownership? Isn't it heavily ridiculous u? See son, I am not condemning or speaking against anyone's belief...we all have the right to believe and practice what we believe in as far as it doesn't hinder the right, freedom and endanger others. However, you should never force anyone to accept your believe or practice what you practice. You should never let power intoxicate and drive you mad, you should never try to lord or dominate over others and above all, you should always know and bear in mind that the greatest religion is humanity", I concluded while Ike smiled.
"For it's only when humanity prevails that the world would he a better place", ike chirped in while I nodded.
"That said, our boat is here", i announced to a surprised Ike.
"Our?", Ike asked with further confusing look.
"Yes...our", I replied"I don't still get...", Ike queried further.
"Grandpa will also be enlisting, he wants to keep an eye on you and ensure nothing happens to you", Impi answered Ike as she came out to hand me my already packed and arranged bag.
"How about you and our son, who will take care of you both while I am away with Grandpa?", Ike faced Impi.
"You need not worry about that, I am available and will take care good care of Impi and Ima", Catherine stood behind Impi.
"Alright, let's go", i called Ike's attention.
"Please come back to us my two lovely conspirators", Catherine called after us.
* * *
"We're here", Ike announced as we came to the front of the military camp.
The journey up here was smooth but stressful, there were people who came for same reason as us. Ike and I stood moved into o the camp through the gate after thorough checking for exhibits.
"So what roll do you plan to play here", Ike asked me a question.
"Being a cook won't be bad", i answered Ike and we both burst out laughing.
"Hey lads, are you here to laugh or here to die?", Someone interrupted us, I turned to see and army sergeant smiling mischievously at us.
"Greetings sergeant", both of us saluted the sergeant who nodded.
"I believe you're both here to enlist into the army", The sergeant asked us.
"Yes sir", Ike answered him.
"Alright, go straight, folk right...go down a bit and folk left at the first left turn", the sergeant directed as he strode off.
"Thank you sir", Ike called after him.
"What's a nice man", i muttered while Ike took the first step forward.
We both walked according to the direction given by the sergeant and soon found ourselves standing at the front of an office, we went in when it got to our turn and registered.
Other tests and scrutinization were carried out on us before we were directed to our bunks, while Ike was certified okay, I was allowed in on the ground I'll work behind line such as technician on equipment as a result of my age, though they mistook me for a 50 year old...which was funny enough, only few knew me and my battle line experience.
We were expected to rest and resume the business that brought us to camp the following day.
I was still arranging my bunk when Ike's stifle laughter caught my attention.
"What's funny?", I asked Ike.
"It's the face of he sergeant at the counter", Ike laughed while we both laughed and went to sleep.