personal meeting..

"What have I to do with the vice president? Is this a murder set-up?" Philip asked, sounding anxious."A personal meeting."

"I don't understand," Philip grinned.

"His concerns are simple. He has a responsibility to protect the country and the people. He wouldn't appreciate even the vague implications that any of them suffers."

"So what do you recommend_"

"The V.P is standing in for the president. The president needs two scientists who can fight for the country."

"We are scientists not soldiers."

"Your work is simple. Give them the location of Boko Haram. The president and his soldiers will handle the rest."

Philip laughed. "I hope it's not what I am thinking. I can't be used as a pawn in a political game."

"The president and the vice president just needs your intelligence."

"Why me?"

" You are the best in this department. You deserve the job more than others do."

"That's not a convincing reason."

"You are a bachelor. You don't have a family. Science is the only family you got and now Nigeria is beckoning on science, I believe you are not going to turn your back on them. Are you?"

This was more convincing, Philip thought. I can't be the only scientist who is a bachelor. There must be someone out there.

"But sir, I need a partner."

"I will take care of that. I will make the necessary arrangements for you to meet the V.P."

"I have not said yes yet."

"Your silence has said it all."

Thirty two year old Philip leaned back on the chair. He was known by his fellow scientists to have an 'erudite' appealing handsome face, thick brown hair, probing brown eyes, an arrestingly deep voice and a strong care free smile. A lot of people admired him for that.

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Godsent. Have a seat," Yemi offered showing his moist hand.

Godsent accepted his hand. "Good day vice president, I am so honored to meet you."

"I am sure you must be surprised why I asked for a personal meeting with you."

Who wouldn't be surprised, Philip thought.. Infact I am shocked.

"It seems you read my mind," Philip said.

"I'll come straight to the point," Yemi said. Philip inclined his head.

"It's my job to represent the president in his dealings with the country. Nigeria has become a reason for rumors. Bombing, kidnapping, rape, rituals, poisoning and so many others, have been the topics for Nigerian's."

"Our president has signed a deal with the Whitehouse and you are involved in that deal."

Deal. What deal? How am I involved?

"I didn't get you," Philip's face was filled with objection.

"Science is a leading factor in this world. No science, no knowledge. Nigeria is beckoning on two scientists who will be willing to give up their time for the country-"

"You mean Patriots?"

"Exactly."

Patriots, scientists, what the hell was going on? Philip thought. Patriotism was another ball game. Science was his game.

Yemi's face was as expressionless as the back of a trolley. He rubbed his nose, as though he was waiting for Philip to say something.

"Mr. Vice president, I would like your permission to say something."

"Go ahead."

"They don't complement each other. I am not gonna risk my head for something I know nothing about."

"Mr. Godsent, we are not asking you to give up your knowledge of science and become a patriot.

We are simply asking you to give us your knowledge of science by becoming a patriot."

Philip studied the statement for a moment or so, then glanced at Yemi.

"I know you don't want me to put my knowledge of science at a standstill but from my own point of view, you are indirectly telling me to put my knowledge for science on a stake, for a platter of nothing. Who the hell does that"?

"I am sorry but Mr. President you have to agree with me that the country needs me more than they ever needed you. So the vice president means nothing at this point in time."

"I could have you arrested."

" I bet you would not. The president will not be happy. Remember you can not take chances now, can you?"

"Mr. Godsent I am being polite."

"Do you know what keeps ringing in my mind? Where were you when the country's caterpillar ran my mom down? Where were you when my dad was sentenced to death by hanging? It's easy to need people's help, isn't it? I as well as other Nigerian's were suffering, where were you?"

"Mr. Godsent now is not the time to ask questions. If we loose this country, you will suffer."

"I don't think so. "I don't have a place in this country."

"Stop it, Mr. Philip, I beg you."

"That was what I waited to hear. Beg me."

Yemi's face was expressionless as he gazed at him. "I'm a man who believes in righteousness. I don't know how hurt you are but I believe there is a spirit in you that is telling you the right thing. Believe me that spirit is right. A plane will be landing in not less that forty five minutes. It's up to you if you want to be a patriot for your country or not. I'm through with you." 

"I have a valuable preposition."

"What's it?" Yemi asked, leaning out of his chair.

"I am sure you would jump at it," Philip said, starting a suspense. 

"Tell me."

Philip studied him for a moment.

"I have to be insured by you or the president."

Yemi was nodding.

"Not just that. You will be held responsible for any scratch I receive on my body. Lastly, my bank account should be credited with not less than nine million dollars. You are bigger than that. Not forgetting one last thing, if I find the job inconducive for me, I will pull out. You know what I mean? If the job is tougher than I can handle, I will say goodbye to it and you will not hurt me."

"You have my word."

" I don't need your word alone, I need you to sign to it."

"Where?"

Philip gave a file

Yemi signed.