THE EXETA

CHAPTER TWELVE

The sun was spreading it radiance upon all the deeds and the vanities of man. Man had to toil to survive, that was the axiom. But was the truth in itself? The lower lecture of the Department of Physics, University of Ghana, was alive. Dr. Frimpong Manso was in again on another exciting lecture. This time, his lecture was not about the origin of the universe, but rather what happened after the big bang explosion and the status quo. The class was as usual taciturn and had given all their full attention to their lecturer.

            “From high school all you have leant about the atom was that, it had a central nucleus that was positively charged because of the neutral nucleus and the positively charged protons. Then to the outer electrons that are also negatively charged, which move around their shells or orbit. The atom is electrically neutral because the positive charged nucleus is annulled by the negatively charged electrons.  That is all correct. Today you will need all that you have learn from high school. Today’s lecture will be more interested in the component of the individual particles like the proton, the neutron and the electron. What makes up the proton? What makes up the electron and what makes up the neutron of an atom? That will be the basis for our study. “

 Clarence paused the showed a projected image on the simple atom on the white board. He then went on to explain that, “The theory of the atom technically called atomicity was developed mat year ago from the time of the Greek philosopher Democritus. During the second world war, the potency of the atom was confirmed and shown to the world when America dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ending the long lasting second world war. It was the established the simple atom we have studied have so much to offer humanity. The energy that was released from the atom was because of the breaking of the constituent elements of the atom – released so much energy. That was the scientific principle that was employed. The energy needed to break the atom into its constituent parts or to combine the various constituents of the atom together was called binding energy of the atom.”

Clarence the changed the image on the screen and a different image popped up.

 “Protons and neutron are made of fundamental particles called QUARKS. Quarks are fundamental particles of nature and they are six in all. The six quarks are talked about in terms of pairs. Thus, they appear in pairs. They include the UP and DOWN, TOP and BOTTOM, and finally CHARM and STRANGE. Quarks have the unusual characteristic of having a fractional electric charge of 2/3 and -1/3, unlike the proton and electron, which have integer charges of +1 and -1 respectively. Quarks also carry another type of charge called colour charges, which we will discuss later.

            “Then we also have the LEPTONS. The leptons make up the electrons of every atom. There are six leptons, three of which have electrical charges and three of which do not. They appear to be point-like particles without internal structure. Also, the quark and leptons who make up the protons and the neutron again make up another fundamental particle we call Fermions, and, we have the Bosons that make up the mesons and other they are all the fundamental particles in nature. So, in a nut shell this is what they all look like.” Clarence said and opened another image on the screen. It was the image of the fundamental particle all conflated in something called the STANDARD MODEL. …

            The student looked on and attentively and started scribbling point into their note book. Clarence continued to talk,

            “Someone will ask why do we need to know and study all these? What is the essence of all these complex names and calculations. I like you to know as future physicist you need to know this. This is the basics. From the beginning of time, thus after the Big bang happened thus about 14 billion years ago, there have been pertinent questions scientist all over the world have been asking and this question include:

 Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? What do we stand for? How did we end up on this planet called earth? Is there a supernatural Creator? Does man evolve with each passing century? What does the future hold for us? Who created our universe? Did the universe come out of its own? Is there a beginning of our universe? Do the universes have boundaries? And will there be the end of our Universe? Are we alone in the Universes? Are there other lives (extraterrestrials) outside our galaxy? All these are the many quandaries that have bothered the very existence of man. And in the quest to solve these mysteries, we ought to understand the know and basics. We ought to know the fundamentals. That is the more reason why we need to understand the fundamentalism of matter. Because in it lies hopefully some iota of verity to the quarries that have plagued us for long. Current discoveries and the study of the fundamental particles of matter, have been a great feat in the world of science. And in consonance to the study of that, there is what we call the STANDRAD MODEL as you can all see on the screen now.”

 Clarence halted for the he student take a deep view of the diagram the was currently on the screen.

“The Standard model is basically a theory that explains what the world is and what holds it together. It is a simple and comprehensive theory that explains all the hundreds of particles and complex interactions with only: 6 quarks, 6 leptons, and force carrier particles, like the photon. Experiments have verified its predictions to incredible precision, and all the particles predicted by this theory have been found. But it does not still explain everything. For example, gravity is not included in the Standard Model, though it is classified as one of the fundamental forces of nature. Now you must know that, there are four main fundamental forces in nature which include; the Strong Forces, the electromagnetic force, the gravitational force and the weak force. Then finally to the silver lining. As I have said earlier, scientist believe that, the only way to know more about our universe and to also be able to answer all the pertinent questions is by recreating and studying theses fundamental particles repeatedly.”

Clarence the moved on and showed to the student another image om the screen. It was the diagram of THE LARGE HARDRON COLLIDER which was situated on the border of France and Geneva, Switzerland.

“The Large hadron collider also known as the particle accelerator was mainly built to create fundamental particle, so it could be studied by scientists, we talk about that more in our next lecture. So for your assignment for the weekend.”

Clarence moved to the white board and wrote as he spoke simultaneously, “I like you describe the fundamental particle in nature and give you views and thought about its effect on the universe. The next time we meet again we will plunge into what the particle accelerator entails and what is really being done in Geneva. Class is dismissed have a wonderful day.” This time, there was no questions ways as the class quickly dispersed

Clarence Frimpong Manso moved quickly to his office to continue his work. As a lecturer, his work was not only about lecturing.  The lecturing job involved a lot of work before lecture and after a lecture. He entered his office and sat to rest. After some few minutes, a colleague lecture at the department entered.

His name was Dr. Martin Egblewogbe. He was also a lecture in the department like Clarence and were good friends. Martin aside from physicist was a creative writer with two books to his name tilted “According to Sources” which is an anthology of poems and a collection of short stories tilted “Mr. Happy and the Hammer of God.” He was also the co – founder of Creative Writing non – profit organisation in Ghana called The Writer Project of Ghana, who held monthly reading from astute and established writer in Ghana and also held a weekly show on one of Ghana finest radio stations -  Citi FM in Accra. Clarence had been good friends with Martin and they have maintained the friendship as such. Clarence was excited to see Martian enter his office always beaming his contagious smile.

“Martin…” Clarence bellowed. Martin finally moved in and took a seat. “Be at home…or at the office if I can say that.”

Martin let out a large laugh as they both simmered in that. Martin was a jovial person who had a good sense of humour.

“The office can also be a home only if you decide to stay here all night and work.” Martin replied and took a seat.

“Precisely, sometimes works get in the way of sleep and the office comes in handy in such times.” Clarence replied.

“So how is Writers Project, you people are doing great stuff in Ghana. And I do not know how you do it, but you just do it. My wife is a great fun of your Sunday shows. She will not miss it for anything in the world.” Clarence asked.

“Wow…I never knew about that. I guess them we must be working harder. We believe that creativity is a pivotal tool when it comes to education -- something our education system have not really realized. And just like Albert Einstein himself said, Imagination is more important that knowledge. Knowledge is limited but imagination encompasses the world. We as a non-governmental Organisation seek to inspire creativity, motivate reading and writing and ignite the passion for literate. And that is the reason why we do what we do. We have a vision and we are affecting lives and that is something that gives us a high sense of fulfillment. To realize that student or the youth have been able to do something in the field of literature because Writer’s project made them do it. So that has been our agenda from 2009 when the Writer Project was established, and we will continue to do the decent job.” Martin explained.

Clarence had been paying attention to all that his colleague had said and it was all he expected.

            “Wow, that is good to hear Martin. It is true and good to have a formidable brain or a higher intelligent quotient as they call, but it is also best to have a high imaginative quotient. And that can be achieved through teaching creativity. And I believe that is exactly what you are doing with you team.” Clarence replied.

“From elementary school, children are taught to develop their knowledge proclivity, and that is how they discover, develop and upgrade their intelligent quotient. But we do not have the same for the imaginative quotient which one of the greatest sentience in the 21st centuries. But one thing we do to realise is that, we can also encourage children and students to develop this imaginative abilities or quotients through reading and writing. Simple. And that is what we do Clarence. Encourage reading and writing.” Martin ended with a smile. Clarence had got it all. The battle had always been a battle of the mind. The battle of reading and writing.

            “Not to waste more or your time, this is for you Clarence.” Martin dropped an envelope onto the table of Clarence. Clarence looked on surprised. What could it be?

            “In case you are wondering, it’s a letter of invitation form the Vice -Chancellor. We will be meeting him for a discussion of some sort next month.” Martin explained. Clarence had got it all now.

            “Oh okay…we will be having the meeting in his Lounge.?”

            “Yes…that is what the letter said.” Martin replied.

            “Any do you have the slightest idea what this meeting will be about?” Clarence inquired adamant.

            “I think we will find out at the meeting.” Martin replied again and stood to his feet. It was apparent he wanted to take his leave.

            “Thanks a lot Martin…”

            “Sure, Clarence have a nice day” Martin retorted and moved out of Clarence office.

-------

Simon was already sited and his eyed dangled from left to right still trying to decipher the kind of collages and paintings that adorned the living room of the Morrison’s. The last time he came here was when he was twelve. Now he was sixteen and a lot had not changed about the room. Last week’s visit with is Dad was the second time he had come to the Morrison house. On his first visit he had not met any young lady excerpt Cassie. Which Simon was sure it was her. Mr. Morrison had been really a great friend to his Dad and he allowed it to stay that way. Simon was not really interested into knowing more details about this friendship. Something his mom had always taught him. Do not pry into people’s life unless they are willingly to share their lives with you. Simon had never forgotten that. As he sat in the foamy sofa and all that flushed through his mind was the fact that, he and his mother’s little trick had produced the anticipated results. Marlon who had humiliated and spoken harsh words to him on his second visit to the Morrison house could not solve a simple riddle about her and she had called him in to help her solve it. It all made sense now, as he was ever ready to get his revenge.

            Marlon emerged from her room without a signal. The white dress atop her revealed her colorful skin and the black trousers she wore defined her impeccable shape -  she looked beautiful. Someone would ask, it she was in for a fashion show or she was in just to solve a riddle. Simon head the footsteps and quickly moved his head and their eyes met. Simon was stunned and amazed ephemerally as he could not decide what really, he hoped to achieve at the end of whatever Marlon had called him to the house for. Simon involuntarily stood up to his feet as Marlon got closer to him.

            “Hi Simon…” Marlon said surprised and placed some books on the center table. She was in a good mood as she was beaming with smiles.

            “Have a seat, you do not need to stand up…and do not be tensed. I want to apologies for that day. My apologies for what I did.” Marlon said. Simon was not feeling better. He had to play tough today he had decided what to do. He nodded his head in agreement and sat. Marlon took a seat at the adjacent sofa.

            “So, If I may ask, how did you get my house contact?” Simon asked courteously.

            “Okay that was so simple. I took it from my Dad and I called in. I thought since your and your dad and my dad were friends, they had each other’s house contacts.” Marlon explained.

            Simon took that is. That was weird for him. I mean no one uses the telephone or the pay phone these days. That was way ancient. Simon thought.

            “I see, and is your Dad round?”

            “No…he does a lot of thing and is always not in the house”

            “So, to the reason you called me here. You could not solve the riddle?” Simon inquired with a stounded face. Marlon was taken aback with that.

            “Hello! It is not my riddle, you put that in there for me to solve to show how sorry you were for what happened the last time. And I thought I could solve it but I have tried many times – like five days now.” Marlon lamented. Simon was beginning to relish her frustration. He was enjoying it. It was working as planned.

            “Whoa! Whoa!! whoa!!!, look what we have here, the smart Marlon Morrison can build a nice scientific experiment but cannot solve a simple riddle? How strange.” Simon teased as he stood to his feet. Marlon’s face drooped on hearing that and she turned he head up hoping to get the meaning of Simon’s statement.

            “What do you mean by that?” Marlon said confused.

            “I mean you do not need my help here to solve something you can do…after all I am the damp one here since I destroyed your experiment.” Simon replied a bit livid now. Marlon also stood up to her feet seeing that, Simon had begun to be more solemn than she thought.

            “Simon! I called you here to help me solve it. I did not call you here for you to solve it.” Marlon replied still standing.

            “Solve it, if you really can, then why did you call me in the first place. How do you expect me to help you solve this riddle?” Simon inquired.

            “Simon, you are not getting what I mean. I don’t fail. I don’t lose. I don’t quit. In every endeavor I find myself.  Especially when it comes to challenges and exams like this, the only way I will be free is to get to the bottom of this riddle and that means…

            “You need my help to solve it. How smart did you think you were to lash out at me the last time. You hurt me. You spoke bad words to me. The last thing I expected from a stranger was insults. But you did not care. You did not bother to verify what really happened. You let your emotions get the better of you and you lashed it all on me. Scolded me like a seven-year-old. Am not going to be of any help to you. If you can build one of the fascinating experiment I have ever seen but cannot solve this common riddle, then I do not know the kind of intelligence you possess.” Simon muttered after he sat on the sofa again.

            The words had sunk deep into Marlon and some had even pierced her heart. She stood there motionless. She was shot of words. She never really realized how hard her words had hurt him. She blamed him for obliterating her experiment, but she did not really give him the chance to say his side of the story. She stood there not knowing what do any more. What else could she say? Cassie had been watching all along but had thought it prudent to allow them to resolve their differences. Marlon then moved on and took the A4 sheet again and took a deep look at it. Now certain what to say she broke the silence.

            “The work I was doing was titled The Building of a Gaseous Effervescence Titanium Water Fountain. As you saw, it was water foundation that was made possible by basis fluid dynamic – hydraulics and of organic chemistry. The titanium was reacted with a certain chemical to make is visible and evaporative even in water after is it added to the water to be used as the fountain water. Then I set the pump and the tracking jar to maintain an uninterrupted supply for water with the hydraulic press and that was it. The magic happened. After I was able to set it up I was so excited that I went to my room to get my cell phone to record my exploit. Since it was a part of a long vacation project I had to submit in school when I go back to South Africa. And when I came back, and I saw you and I thought you had been the reason for the destruction.” Marlon explained it all.

            “So, if I had over reacted and made you feel bad I just want you to now receive my apologies for the last time and that’s it…I do not know what to say again.” Marlon then moved on and bumped into the sofa facing opposite Simon. Simon had heard it all. Still sited and relaxed in the sofa. He was beginning to think he had taken his vengeance thing too far. He felt he had had enough and that, she was not as bad as he had thought she was. At least she had some softness I her heart.

            “I never knew it was an experiment for school. I was fascinated by your work I wanted to know what it all entailed. So, I went nearer but a tube got off it way and I tried to fix it. That is when you came in.” Simon replied candidly. Marlon was still silent.

            “So, I get it know, I messed up and I understand, I have taken this too far, what if we do something different. Like help you solve the riddle.” Simon said. Marlon quickly turned back with a gleeful face on hearing about the riddle.

            “That will be nice” Marlon replied smiling. “But before, we come to the one I sent you weed need to play the riddle game. You ask me a riddle I answer after I also do the same to you then we move on in that manner.” Simon said.

            “Okay…that sounds like fun. So, who will go first.” Marlon asked.

            “I will. So here goes my first riddle. You can drop me from the tallest building and I’ll be fine, but if you drop me in water I die. What am I?” Simon inquired.

            Marlon moved her head to the sides and then answered, “A Paper”

            “Correct” Simon responded impressed. “Okay then second -- I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but can’t go outside. What am I?”

            Marlon thought through it deep and replied, “I do not know…. next.” Simon was not expecting that. “Think a little deeper.” Simon replied.

            “Still don’t get it, next.”

            “Okay the answers is A computer Keyboard.” Simon said. Marlon the resolve her face, still stunned by the answer.

             “Okay my last riddle then you ask me yours.”

            “Okay” Marlon replied so excited. “I can be written, I can be spoken, I can be exposed, I can be broken. What am I?”

            Marlon shrugged, and made the gesture the said that this was the more difficult that all the others. “Simon, this is too difficult.” Marlon complained.

            “No it isn’t, listen to it again -- I can be written, I can be spoken, I can be exposed, I can be broken. What am I?

            “Still no idea. Simon. I do not know” Marlon replied sterner. Simon was internally enjoying her frustration, but did well to hide it.

            “Any ides yet?”

            “No ideas yet Simon. What can this be?” Marlon lamented.

“News…The news, so easy.” Simon answered quietly. Marlon looked on feeling defeated.

“Oh! Oh!... this is so bad…that was so close…” Marlon said.  Simon was cool. He did not relish his victory but took it cool and said “So it’s your turn now.”

Marlon shrugged little and shook his head. Trying to remember any poem she had even faced.

            “Okay..” Marlon replied now solemn.

            Marlon was still thinking. Finally, she settled in “So here we go, the more you take the more you leave behind.  What am I?” Marlon asked. Simon looked on wanting more clues. 

            “Is that all?” Simon inquired. “Yes, that’s all, who am I?” Simon was not in the mounting or rumination. With that something then clicked.

            “Okay I have got it…it footsteps” Simon replied ecstatic. Marlon was astounded. He was correct. “That’s correct…. I see.” Marlon was surprised.

            Simon was now excited. Marlon was solemn. “To the next riddle, every night and every morning I am told what to do and I do it, yet everyone is still mad at me? What am I?” Marlon asked with a little teaser. Simon then turned his face down to depict that was so easy.

            “Really Marlon, you could have tried a harder on, the answer is…is…is   an alarm.” Simon laughed. Marlon was now getting bit uneasy about whatever they were doing. Simon did not seem to be having any difficulty with the riddles at all.

            “Have you come across these riddle before?” Marlon inquired curious.

            “No! I haven’t, and just go with them, that’s all.” Simon replied.

            “And what do you mean by you go with them?” Marlon replied a little jealous,

            “But being perceptive…nothing more”

            “I do not believe that, it seems you even know the answer before I finish asking, tell me that is a lie.” Marlon insisted.

            ‘No…I just know them I have done a lot of riddle with my Dad and Mom. And just for you to know, riddles and puzzles can be traced back to thousands of years as found by archeologists. The walls of the ancient temples in Japan, China and Tibet have intriguing puzzles etched on them. Many of them reveal mathematical formulas while some of them were mainly used for games and fun and may have even led to the modern version of board games such as chess. Riddles mostly entail a question that needs to be solved using intelligence and reasoning apart from mere guessing. Riddles use several strategies that give them a certain twist which is not all that easy to guess. Also, ancient Greeks used the riddles to mark the intelligence and creativity of a person.” Simon explained. Marlon was looking at him astounded. What kind of guy is this? she thought.

            “So, what are you saying with all that?” Marlon shot back pretending she was not impressed.

            “All am trying to say is that, in solving riddle there are some techniques if you knew these techniques, you are gone.” Simon replied.

            “I see, so let’s see whether these techniques you talk about will save you this time. Are you ready?”

            “Always” Simon replied. “Okay, many have heard it, but nobody has ever seen it. It will not speak back until spoken to. What is it?” Simon was transfixed for a second with that particular riddle. What techniques was he going to use?

            “Can you come again, I did not get the ending.” Simon pleaded. Marlon then repeated the riddle this time it was audible to Simon. Simon still looked ignorant of this particular one. Marlon face was building elation. She had managed to frail Simon this time.

            “Okay the answer is …is … an Echo” Simon said not certain. With that Marlon’s face suddenly altered to disdain. He has got it correct again. Marlon could not just believe that. Marlon was beginning to think that, he was smart, even than her.

 After the preamble riddle Simon then helped Marlon unravel the mystery riddle. Fascinatingly, Simon unveil that was not a perfect riddle meaning it was not correct. Marlon than fathomed that all this while she had been trying hard worrying in vain. The riddle never existed it was a wrong riddle that had no answer. Marlon marveled at what Simon had made her do and she replied saying, it was not funny at all. She then moved on to sat she has also been impressed with Simon savviness. Simon took that in cool. Simon than wanted to ask about the fact that Marlon said she will be going back to South Africa. Marlon did not really want to talk about that. Simon was surprised but left it that way. Simon the bid Marlon good by after all was set and done. After Simon had left, Marlon stood and reminisced about all that had happened and all that she could think about what that, Who really is Simon Frimpong Manso?