Chapter Three – Uncertain Paths ✍
The metallic grey LX 570 purred like a sleek predator navigating the concrete jungle of Lagos. Its well-tuned engine hummed beneath the chaotic energy of the city, which never seemed to rest. The sun, in its final descent toward the horizon, painted the streets of Ikoyi in rich tones of orange and gold. Dr. Modupe Hassan sat in the back seat, her fingers drumming lightly on the leather-padded armrest as she gazed out through the tinted windows. Lagos pulsed around her, alive with the endless honking of cars, the distant rhythm of Afrobeat music, and street vendors calling out their wares.
Her eyes followed a group of young boys rolling discarded motorcycle tires with knobby sticks along the uneven sidewalks. Their laughter echoed through the air as they chased after the wobbling tires, steering them expertly through the obstacles of potholes and pedestrians. A small, bittersweet smile crossed her face as a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Life had been simpler before her discovery in Maiduguri—before she'd stepped into a world that was about to change everything. Once, her days were predictable: teaching, writing research papers, and navigating the familiar routine of academia. Now, the weight of the unknown sat heavily on her chest, the future uncertain and filled with shadows.
Her gaze shifted to Taiwo, seated beside her. His broad frame was relaxed against the plush seat, but Modupe could see the tension in the lines of his jaw. His fingers moved quickly over his phone screen, but every now and then, his eyes flickered toward her, concern written clearly across his face. Despite the calm he projected, Modupe knew he hadn't been at ease since she'd told him about the strange alien ship and the voice that had whispered in her mind.
"You're still not convinced, are you?" Modupe asked softly, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
Taiwo sighed, setting his phone down and turning to face her. "Dupe, it's not that I don't believe you. I do. It's just… that place, that forest—it's dangerous. And now with this alien ship involved, it feels like it's even worse than we know."
He reached over, his hand warm as it closed around hers. "What if it's not what you think? What if this thing you found is dangerous in ways we can't even imagine?"
Modupe met his gaze, her eyes steady. "I know there are risks, Taiwo. But this discovery could be revolutionary. Think of the knowledge, the possibilities. We can't turn away from it. We have to understand it."
Taiwo exhaled deeply, his brow furrowing as he listened to her. "I get that, but I don't like the idea of you going in there alone. If this thing is alien, who knows what you'll be dealing with?"
Modupe smiled softly, her thumb brushing over his hand. "I know, but this is what I do. This is why I've spent years studying, preparing, though not for moments like this. I'll be careful. Plus, you'll be with me in spirit."
Taiwo sighed again, this time with a hint of a smile. "As long as you don't take risks. I'll have peace if I know you're safe."
After a long pause, he reached into his glove compartment and pulled out a sleek, futuristic-looking pair of smart glasses. "If you're going, you won't go unprotected."
Modupe raised a brow. "I told you, I'll have the necessary equipment."
"Not just that." Taiwo handed her the glasses carefully, his voice full of pride. "I've been working on something. They're called Sentinel Vision. They'll help keep you safe, even when I'm not there."
Modupe leaned forward, intrigued. "Sentinel Vision?"
He nodded. "They're connected to an AI I developed. It tracks your surroundings, analyzes any incoming threats, and has thermal imaging and remote communication capabilities. If anything happens, I'll be able to see and guide you through it. And you can call for help with just a glance."
Modupe examined the glasses, their lightweight design betraying the high-tech power they contained. "You developed this?" she asked, impressed.
Taiwo gave her a soft smile. "Yes. For situations like this—unpredictable, high-risk. It'll be like I'm with you, even when I can't be."
Modupe's heart swelled with gratitude, and for a moment, her doubts were quieted. "Thank you, Taiwo," she said softly, slipping the glasses into her bag. "This means a lot."
He smiled faintly, though the worry never left his eyes. "Just promise me you'll use them. And Dupe... if anything feels wrong, get out of there. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"I'll be careful. I promise."
Their conversation was interrupted by the familiar start-and-stop rhythm of Lagos traffic. The street outside was alive with activity, and the tantalizing smell of Suya wafted through the air. Modupe's stomach growled softly, reminding her of the long hours they'd spent on the road.
She glanced out the window and spotted a suya stand just up ahead. "How about we stop for some suya before we head home?"
Taiwo chuckled, his tension easing for a moment. "You never change. Alright, let's make a quick stop."
They pulled over, and as soon as they stepped out of the car, the warm night air hit them, thick with the smoky aroma of roasting meat. The vendor, a cheerful man with a bright smile, waved them over.
"Oga, madam! Wetin you go buy today? My suya dey hot! Fresh from fire!" He beamed, expertly flipping the skewers over the hot coals.
Taiwo grinned. "How much suya you get today?"
The vendor looked at Modupe with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oga, this your madam fine o! I no go lie, if you no dey guard her well well, I fit carry am go!" He laughed heartily, pointing at Taiwo as he wiped sweat from his forehead.
Modupe laughed, shaking her head. "Haba! You want to steal me from my husband?"
"Ah! Madam, na because you too fine! E go be like upgrade for me," the vendor replied, still grinning. "Oga no go fit vex. E get better wife already!"
Taiwo chuckled, playing along. "You wan steal my wife abi? Make I catch you!" He stepped forward, mock-threatening, while the vendor danced away, laughing.
"No mind am," Modupe said, smiling at her husband. "He's just joking. Give us the suya o."
"Oga, no vex o! I no dey serious!" the vendor said, still laughing. "But sha, you dey lucky to get fine woman like this!"
"Abi?" Taiwo responded, wrapping his arm around Modupe's waist in a playful gesture. "I know I'm lucky. That's why I dey protect am well!"
The vendor finished slicing the suya, adding generous helpings of pepper and onions before wrapping it all up in newspaper. "Here you go! Special suya for special people. Make una chop well."
They took the suya, and Taiwo paid the vendor, who gave them a playful salute. "Make sure say you guard madam well o!"
They laughed, and as they returned to the car, Modupe lookedand smiled at Taiwo, still amused by the vendor's playful banter. "Looks like I almost got stolen," she teased as they climbed back into the Lexus.
Taiwo chuckled, starting the engine. "Well, I can't afford to let you go. Who else is going to deal with all your science talk and alien adventures?"
She leaned back in her seat, letting the comfort of the car and the warmth of the suya in her hands relax her. "You have a point," she said with a playful smile. "No one else could handle that. Besides, who would you argue with?"
"Exactly," Taiwo agreed with a mock-serious tone, "and who will the suya men try to steal away from me? I need to keep you close for my own entertainment."
They shared a laugh, and for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened—the discovery, the danger ahead—seemed distant, almost unreal. In this brief slice of time, they were just a married couple, enjoying a lighthearted moment in the middle of a busy Lagos night.
The city whizzed past them, the vibrant lights casting long reflections on the roads. Modupe nibbled on a piece of suya, the peppery meat warming her from the inside, and glanced over at Taiwo.
"I'll miss this," she said softly, the humor fading from her voice as the reality of her upcoming trip to Maiduguri settled back in.
Taiwo glanced at her. "Miss what?"
"Us. The simple moments. Lagos. The noise, the laughter... even the suya vendors trying to steal me from you." Her smile was wistful, but her tone had a seriousness to it. "Going back to that place… It feels like everything's about to change, Taiwo. And I don't know what's coming."
He reached over, taking her hand again. "I understand. But whatever happens, we'll deal with it. Sentinel Vision will keep you safe. You'll never be alone. I'll always be with you, even if I'm not physically there. Don't forget that."
Modupe squeezed his hand, comforted by his words, though she couldn't shake the slight knot of anxiety in her stomach. Tomorrow, she would be back in the forest, back in front of that alien ship that had so inexplicably called out to her. The unknown stretched before her like a vast expanse of darkness, full of questions she didn't yet have answers to.
They continued driving, the familiar rhythm of Lagos traffic guiding them home. The city was winding down, yet still alive with its late-night energy. As they neared their house, Modupe sighed and turned to Taiwo.
"Are you sure you won't come with me tomorrow?" she asked, already knowing his answer but needing to ask anyway.
Taiwo shook his head. "You know I'd love to, but I can't. Too many moving parts at work right now. Plus, you're better equipped for this kind of thing than I am. You'll handle it, and I'll be there through Sentinel Vision."
"I know," she whispered, staring out at the blur of the passing city. "I just... I feel better when you're around."
Taiwo gave her a reassuring look. "And I'll always be with you, Dupe. This is your mission—your discovery. You've got this."
Modupe nodded, leaning her head back against the headrest. There was a lot she wanted to say, but the words didn't come. Instead, she let the comfort of the moment between them fill the silence.
As they finally pulled into their driveway, Taiwo turned off the engine and faced her. "Remember," he said, his tone serious again, "if anything feels off, don't hesitate to use the glasses. Call me. I don't want you taking unnecessary risks."
"I won't," she promised, her voice quiet but firm.
They got out of the car, Taiwo carrying the remains of their suya. As they walked toward the house, hand in hand, Modupe glanced up at the night sky. The stars were dim compared to the bright city lights, but they still shone faintly above.
"Whatever's waiting for me in Maiduguri," she said, her voice more to herself than to Taiwo, "I'll face it."
"And you won't be facing it alone," Taiwo added, squeezing her hand.
With that, they entered their home, the night closing in behind them, the weight of tomorrow pressing ever so slightly on their minds.