THE EXETA

CHAPTER NINETEEN

It was dusk. The Accra Central Library stood somewhere in the suburb of Accra. It was a public library that was instituted for public purposes. As long as one was eager to read and study, the Accra Central Library was open to that particular person.  The exteriors was coated with white enamel paint. The library was large with an ample space in front and a nice adorned entrance stair. Inside the Library was a colossal space. It was bigger than that of the Frimpong Manso study. On the sides as usual, was the shelves that accommodated the books. It had visible lightening systems, a lot of fans that provided the apt ventilation. There was lot of tables and chairs the lined up linearly in a matrix fashion. On the far-right corner was the Chief Librarian -- women of substance. She was in conversation with someone we know.

            Recruit 89, was the one who was with the librarian. After many tires to decrypt the Kodex, he had thought it prudent to approach a connoisseur on cryptography -- Mrs. Doreen Darko. Mrs. Doreen was self-taught Cryptologist and the Chief Librarian of the Accra Central Library. She held a master degree in Public Administration from GIMPA – Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. She had loved codex and ciphers from a little age. So, with this passion of her inherent she had dedicated herself to study a lot on Cryptology and cryptography. There was no book on cryptology of Cryptography she had not read. After accruing all this knowledge, she thought it prudent to create a pseudo identity for herself as a private consultant who specialized in decrypting all manners of ciphers. The social media page she had created had received positive like from funs.  She had the cyber pseudonym -- THE CYPRESS. That was what she was called by all her clients who she had help one way or the other with matters of cryptology.

            Recruit 89 had been searching for such a person for long until he final met her on the internet and sent her a message. After their first conversation on the phone, recruit 89 had made known to her what he needed her help for and after further conversations it had culminated to the current meeting. They had scheduled a meeting in the Library today. A lot of people were not in the library today. Recruit 89 was a from Lilongwe, Malawi. He was great athlete in high school. Every time that there was a tournament and he was in the lame light then his high school was assured of a victory. He had been able set an indefatigable record for his school, such that everyone knew him. The school was so proud of his exploits. As school was nearing it completion, all that run in his mind was that, through the sports – his athletics he could get a scholarship to pursue his education in the University. But the blow of life hit him so sad, when it was announced that the for the particular year the government was not awarding scholarship to students. Recruit 89 was not from a rich home. The news had hit him so hard. It felt like his whole world was crushing down. After school was over he only had on option and that was to sit in the and take up some menial’s job to support his family. That was what was left for him. 

            As his colleagues came on vacation to tell him about their tertiary adventures, all recruit 89 do was just run into an enclosed area and cry his heart out. Life was not beginning to make sense for him anymore. But all altered when, he met an old friend of his who was in some Pan African group. Max was the leader of a Pan African Youth group and was going around looking for young school drop out to join his non-governmental organization hoping to empower them to do great things in their lives and for their society. After many meeting and talks, from Max, recruit 89 had accepted the offer and after three weeks he had become the Public Relation for the Pan African Youth group. As no one ever thought, one day he had gotten the chance to meet the founders of the Pan African came and Max was not able to make it due to an illness. Recruit 89 was the one who had been given the green light to make the journey to meet the men who called themselves – The Brotherhood. After he arrived in Ghana his whole ideology about Africa had changed for the better. He was poised and agreed to do all for the betterment of Africa. Luckily, for him he had passed all the test from becoming a member of the Black Guild and here he was, so close on deciphering the Kodex C.

            “I have been able to decrypt the first two line of your text. But it seems very strange. Your Kodex is not like any other I have ever encountered. The text here dates back to ancient Jerusalem, Israel to an ancient code called the Atbath Cypher.” Doreen replied.

            Recruit 89 looked on surprised to hear that. “So what are you saying, I cannot have all tonight?”

            “I will work on it all night by tomorrow morning you can come right here and all will be ready.” Doreen shot back. Recruit 89 was not so pleaded to her that. She needed the cipher decrypted by the end of today. He started thinking what he would do now.

            All this while, man in black apparel was watching the conversation of Recruit 89 and Doreen. He had a cap to his head, so it was more like he had done well to obscure a visible facet of his face. He had a book to his face, but it did not seem like he was really reading. After some time, he then took a black bag from the ground, placed it on the table and set out a nice small video recorder. After he was set, he the quickly moved towards the desk of the Librarian. Recruit 89 was still in conversation with Doreen when the man in black interrupted their conversation. He took off his cap and it was now obvious now. It was Zade – Anoi – Anorld. He then feigned an honest face and said,

            “Hello Madame Librarian, I need a little help and I will be very grateful if you could help me.” Zade said. Doreen was excited to help him.

            “Oh no worries, go one we are here to help, how can I help you.” Doreen asked elated.

            “I have been looking for a book on, Geography. Okay I think you can have a look at it. It’s a long word.” Zade said and handed over a torn sheet of paper to Doreen. She then took a perusal of the message on the paper.

            “Oh…that’s your book, I think I can help. Can you please excuse me for some few five minutes? I will be back?” Doreen replied and head of to search for the book for Zade. Zade then scaned the desk of the Librarian and saw that the Kodex C in on the table. Zade eyed the Kodex and gave a weird gaze at recruit 89 sitting quietly. He has no idea what has had happened to his comrades? Zade thought.

            “Hello…” Zade interrupted the quietude of Recruit 89. “My apologies but can you take a picture of me over there.” Zade pointed to the place he has set his camera to record. Recruit 89, the responded affirmatively.

            “Yes sure…shall we.” With that, recruit 89 packed the kodex back into it’s box and placed it in his bag on the chair he was sitting on, and closes it. Zade watched on quiet. With that they moved to take a stand behind the book shelf. Doreen was also on another end and could not see them at all. Zade have given his cell phone to recruit 89 and he started to take the picture. He clicked one… two pictures and he gave the cell phone back to Zade. Zade took it and looked at the pictures.

            “That are great, thanks a lot.” Zade said. Recruit 89 nodded to that, but before he could realize, Zade hit him on the head and locked his mouth to his hand. As usual, he presses the artery in the head and rendered him catatonic. Zade then pull him closer to a place that no one will see. Still holding onto his head, Zade took a deep breath, built enough strength, then snapped the head of recruit 89. He then left him dead.

            Zade quickly followed back to the desk of the Librarian. Doreen was not still back. Zade quickly secured the whole bag of recruit 89 containing the Kodex C and the recorder he had set up and off, he left.

The Great Hall of the University of Ghana, was the main auditorium the University that hosted cardinal programs and occasion. Some of the programs the Great Hall accommodated were, the orientation of freshmen, alumni lectures, departmental seminars, College conferences, Congregation ceremonies, S.R. C awards ceremonies, Book launches, festive ceremonies and others. At that the moment, the bright sunny morning was an audacious moment for the University, as lecturers from most of the departments have all converged in the Great Hall to meet the Vice – Chancellor of the University. This particular meeting was termed “Time with the Vice-Chancellor”. It was an affable moment for the University lectures and heads of the colleges to speaks about their plights and also propose any ideas they believe can help in the development of the University. The Chancellor of the University His Excellence Mr. Kofi Annan used to be around for this occasion but was not around for this particular one.

            The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu was in full swing taking in questions and propositions after a brief elaboration of the status quo of the university. The convergence had been very effective the last time and the University Leadership had thought it prudent to hold another. After a two hour of long discussion and talks, the meeting ended. As usual the lectures took the chance to have conversation with colleague lectures as the final reception was scheduled to take place in the Vice Chancellors Lounge. So the chit chat continued as Clarence talked to most of his comrades in other colleges and departments.

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It was still morning in the Frimpong Manso house, and as usual, Simon had finished his breakfast and was in his room. He had found a new interest his cell phone his father had given him. Currently he was on the phone with Marlon as he walked about in his room.

            “When did you sleep yesterday, I sent you a dozens of messages via Whatsapp.” Simon said.

            “Really! Then I have to check them up. I slept a little early. I was so exhausted.” Marlon replied.

            “Wow…is everything okay with you?” Simon inquired curious.

            “Yes I am Simon, I started working on a new experiment for my science project.” Marlon said.

            “Wow!, that’s good to know. And you know you can count on me if you need any help.” Simon assured.

            “Yes I know. And am glad you taken my advice. You are now on social media person.” Marlon giggled.

            “Okay this is just for a while, whats app seems kind of cool. But I have been able to download other apps like i********:, twitter, Imo and snapchat.” Simon said excited.

            “I see. So I guess you have created accounts for all?” Marlon asked.

            “Mmmmmh, not really I have for f*******: now. Twitter and i********: a little fizzy but I love say like, like Snap Chat. You get to talk and see the person you are talking to at the moment. To me, that is the coolest of all.” Simon said.

            “Are you sure about that, wait until you try skype. Skype is more like the official thing. Snap Chat is also cool but Skype is more official.” Marlon said.

            “But Snap chat is still cool for me. How is your Dad by the day? Is he around?” Simon inquired.

            “No he is not as usual, he left early in the morning.” Marlon replied.

            “I see, so you left with Caasi as usual?” Simon said.

            “Yes. Why, do you want to come over?” Marlon asked. Simon shrugged a little on hearing that, “Yes…no, I wish I could.”

            “And why is that?” Anything the matter?” Marlon asked. Simon was still fumbling to talks now, he then snarled, “You know something can we Snap Chat like right now?”

            Marlon was silent for a while. She then replied. “Okay. Let me end the call.” With that, Simon ended the call and reset his cell phone. After some few minutes. The two are back online. Simon could see the impeccable and endearing face of Marlon on his phone. It was also the same for Marlon.

            “Hi…” Marlon said and waved at Simon. Both smiled. Marlon was seated on her bed and holding her cell phone to her face.

            “This is nicer, and more real. You are still on your bed.” Simon blurted out mildly. Simon on the other hand was sited behind his learning desk in his room and holding his cell phone to his face.

            “Yes…I will wash up very soon. So whatsup, why can’t you come over here. Did your mom scold you already?” Marlon laughed.

            “No you do not understand, my mom kind of got to know I have been coming over your place. And she was kind of disappointed in me. So in order not to disappoint her again I have promised not to…” Simon explained.

            “I get it now. So what will you do? As in what will you be doing today?” Marlon inquired.

            “Today, I will be heading to my school to meet some of my friends. We have an incoming test.”

            “Incoming test. A test for what?” Marlon inquired surprised.

            “Oh, I have not told you. Where are preparing to be contest for the National Science and Math’s Quiz (NMSQ). Okay so the NSMQ, is the biggest science competition in Senior High school level in Ghana. Many different school from all the ten regions of Ghana compete and at the end only on school is crowned the winner.” Simon explained.

            “That sounds much like fun.” Marlon retorted.

            “Yes it’s a lot of fun indeed. Especially when you school wins a match. Its akin to a football match.” Simon said.

            “So to be able to contest for your school you have to pass the proposed test is that right?” Marlon asked.

            “Precisely. How did you know that? Sorry something I forget you are smart.” Simon said.

            “Come on you are the Brainiac, with all the pictures of ancient scientist on your wall am seeing all that now.” Marlon said. Simon was a bit stunned,

            “Oh! they are my acolytes…the spur me on.”

            “Who wouldn’t believe that…Simon” Marlon laughed. 

            “Is that so funny?”

            “No its not. At all.” Marlon was still laughing.

            “So why are you are you still laughing, if it’s not so funny?” Simon inquired.

            “Nothing, am just fascinated by how you are so in love with science that you have portraits of ancient scientist in your room. That is mad love for science you know.” Marlon said.

            “Look at the person who was able to build a scientific experiment – a smoke exuding fountain of water, with Newtonian Mechanics alone. Isn’t she rather madly in love with science? Maybe you should enlighten me on what you are working on currently for your science project.” Simon said.

            “I know where this is going. But all I can say is that I will let you know what am working on until am dome. Cool?”

            “Not cool for me at all.” Simon replied. Marlon shrugged he head.

            “Am not changing my mind Simon. I will let you know when am done.” Marlon said firmly.

            “Okay, if you say so.” Simon said and nodded his head in agreement. “Can I ask something?”

            “Yes sure go one, but I not it not about my work.” Marlon smiled.

            “Not that at all, I was thinking what if you get the chance to come over to our house instead of me coming over to your place.” Simon said.

            Marlon shrugged her head agnostic. “I have no idea how you hope to achieve that, but one thing I know for sure is that, my Dad will not allow that.” Marlon replied.

            “And what if I said I have an idea”

            “mmmmmmmmh…..And what idea can that be?” Marlon asked.

            “Don’t worry, I can figger something out. But I cannot say what my idea is, until am done.” Simon said.

            “Really! I hope whatever idea you have will not put you in more trouble.” Marlon said concerned. Simon was stunned to her that. She cared about him. Simon was happy in his head.

            “No it wouldn’t. But as I said, I will tell you know after am done.” Simon smiled.

            “Okay. Am counting on that. Is it because I said am not going to say anything about my work to you after it done. So you also want to keep this idea of yours a secret after it is done? Marlon deduced.

            “Yes…I guess that makes the two of us. We will tell each other after we are done with whatever we have to do. Is that cool?” Simon said.

            Marlon nodded her head. “That sounds cool.”

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It was afternoon and the radiance of the sun was at it crescendo lighting the bliss the came with a day. The four horse men of the Black Guild had met at random restaurant outside town. Clarence, Prof Aikens, Matthias and Lawyer Lokku were all around one table and having an indept discussion for the mights convocation.

            “Any leads on Recruit 34?” Matthias inquired. The other three looked on naïve about that. They had no idea what was happening to the recruits.

            “Nothing yet. Maybe he took an AWOL?” Clarence replied. “Which is totally against the canons of the Guild.

            “No one had done that for the past 50 years. The sacred anonymity of the brother may become compromised with such a deed.” Prof Aikin added.

            “And the ciphering of the Kodexes. If we are going by the day they took the oath they have 7 days move to present their results.” Lawyer Lokku said.

            “That is correct they have a week left, excluding today.” Clarence said. Matthias shrugged a little on that. “And, for years the Kodexes have always pointed to the exact location of the particular place The Exeta resided. Don’t you brothers think it too risky to leave the message on the where about of the Kodex to new recruits?”

            “I had a little issue with that also Matthias.” Prof Aikens added. “The whole idea of entrusting the Kodex into the hands of the recruit is to teach them bravery and diligence. But as an ancient canon I think it can be revised. The Exeta is at great risk with the information of it where about in the Kodexes given to new recruits. What is something evil happens? That we pray it should never happen.” Prof Aikens added.

            Clarence was quiet listening to all that. “So what do you propose we do, should we revise the canon of the Guild?”

            “I think so Clarence, we should.” Matthias said. “The Day of the Solidate draws nearer with each passing day. We cannot afford to put The Exeta in jeopardy.”

            “Let’s propose that to the other brothers tonight at the convocation and let’s see how many will acquiesce to that.” Lawyer Lokku added.

            “Precisely. I think so.” Prof Aikins added. With that, Clarence then took his cell phone and opened up some messages. Matthias then added again. “Brothers I have been thinking, do we have to necessary wait for the Day of the Solidate to unleash the power of the Exeta. With all that is happening in Africa. I believe Africa could use the Exeta now. After all, what are we waiting for?” Matthias said convincingly. The other brothers were quiets as they begun to think about what their brother had said. That made a lot of sense. What can they do about that? Can they even do something about that?

            “I share your sentiment and passion to save Africa Matthias. But what I will say is that for many centuries, Africa had always been the victim of all forms of humiliation, domination and inferiority. And for once we have the opportunity to fix that. To change that forever. But to be able to do this we need to follow the books. Can do this if we allow the unleashing to take place on the stipulated date. The is what the ANCIENT CHRONICLES stipulates.  On that day the world will shake. You all know that. Africa will never be the same again. There will be a palpable me-ta-ski-ma-ti-zo-ma – a metamorphosis of the whole of Africa. The utopian Africa we all have been dreaming of will be a practical reality. So let’s just wait to the day. It sad that Africa is going through all these evil and debauchery.  But her time, Africa’s time is coming very soon.” Clarence said. Matthias nodded his head a bit satiated.

            “I believe in order not to err or to cause a situation where the ritual does not work it is just prudent we wait for the stipulated day.” Prof Aikens said.

            “I agree. What a better way to teach America and Europe a lesson than the day of the Solidate” Lawyer Lokku added. Clarence was glad that had been settled. Clarence moved on to his cell phone and was surprised by something.

            “Oh, we have exciting questions from the recruits. Tonight’s meeting will be on of a kind.” Clarence said.