Wormwood

Blackout

        It's been eight months since captain Vincent has been in coma, the venom from the creature tripled but we were able to create a stronger antibiotic to combat it courtesy of Udeme an excellent scientist as well as soldier. We've been praying that once we get the last strand of venom out he'll wake up and so far we're close to getting that done. Also the fifth seal had been opened following the book of revelations, the static sound increased and gang wars tripled, we had only one neighbour left every other person was either dead or gone. Last week the sixth seal was opened; it was a devastating experience as it shook the earth's core. The news showed mountains crumbling, stars had been falling on earth and taking human form, some remained in their original form and terrorised villages and communities. I and Udeme fought a few of them days ago but we had to run because of their numbers---if only we had Vincent, we thought. The fallen stars would sometimes at night stand outside in groups for hours watching the house, I knew they were planning another attack, since they had tried before and failed losing many of their comrades to my machine gun.
        Edna's brother called recently and said he was coming over, I've never known him to be a fighter so I was forced to ask how he survived on the streets alone traveling from Lagos to Calabar. Luckily he was in the company of soldiers he had managed to sweet talk into following him---what he said to convince them was what I planned on asking him when he arrived. He was an absolute geek, falling in love computers and electronic gadgets, books, articles and everything that made a geek a geek. He was also a farmer and a lab scientist by profession---according to my wife, he wanted to know everything.

'Major you should come see this.' Udeme called

'What's up?'

'See big men trying to flee, the news is saying monarchs have left their palaces and fled to cabins with less population.' He explained as we watched the news

'This was all supposed to happen, I'm not surprised but I commend the US president and other leaders who are still fighting to salvage what's left of their nations, even our president, Goodluck Jonathan.'

'I swear! Johnny shock me sha. He created relief centers and provided aid to neighboring countries even nations outside Africa.'

'Yeah, he has done beyond our dreams. I heard they are calling for a summit to agree on making all nations one so as to invest all resources to survive together rather than separately and Nigeria has been nominated as world power.' I said rolling my eyes

'Nigeria! World power...I reserve my comments.' Udeme replied looking disgusted

'I think we'll perform excellently well with the government on sit now. Nigeria is better.' I laughed 'By the way Edna's brother called, do you remember him?'

'Eyo?' Udeme asked surprised

'Yes, Eyo.'

'Yes I remember him, funny guy and lively too but really dumb, no offense.' Udeme said

'None taken, I always told my wife she has an awkward brother. Mama! Udoette!' I beckoned on the children

'Will he be staying here?' Udeme asked

'Yes, he said if he's going to survive longer he has to.'

'How is he coming from Lagos down here? He can't fight a fly talk more of defending himself.'

'I asked the same thing, but he's safe in the company of fellow soldiers he sweet talked to follow him.'

'Yes daddy, you called us.' Mmaette and Udoette ran down panting

'Your uncle Eyo is coming, he told me to let you know.'

'Awesome!' They chorused 'uncle Eyo is fun to play with, I can't say the same for you.' Udoette said as they ran back upstairs

'Hey what's that supposed to mean? I play with you!' I bellowed

'No you don't!' Mmaette shouted from the room.

     As we talked, a boisterous wind blew making the roof of some houses creak as if it would pull them. Suddenly the lights went out, telephone lines were cut, getting reception on our phones was impossible, communication came to a stand still.

'Turn on the generator immediately!' I shouted. Vincent was on life support and if it went off abruptly it could kill him.

'Sah it seems the only thing with reception is our satellite phone.' Udeme said after trying everything that was electronic

'I hope the soldiers with Eyo have Sat phones on them.'

'Dad is Uncle Vincent okay?' Mmaette asked walking towards the kitchen to meet Ntekim

'Yes dear; he's fine, we've stabilised him.'

'Mmaette please ask my wife what what we're having for lunch!' Udeme exclaimed

'Okay sir!' She replied

'Udoette come down here for a second.' I called

'I'm here dad' He replied from behind me

'Oh I see you're ready for practice!'

'Yes dad, although I feel so lazy I do enjoy the training.' He said with with a smirk

'Okay then let's begin, your sister will join us shortly.'

'Okay dad.'

For the last eight months I trained the children in combat both psychologically and physically. Udoette's first time of firing a gun was the funniest day espied during times like these when laughter was hard to come across. As they trained everyday they got stronger, Mmaette showed more potential but Udoette fought to make sure he didn't let her win always, some nights we would hear him punching sandbags and doing push-ups. I always wondered how strong they would become in the next five years if they showed so much tenacity now---that's if we'd still be on earth by then.