Chapter 5: Allies and Enemies

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A Growing Resistance

The warning note weighed heavily in Ethan's pocket as he moved through the crowded clinic. The air inside was thick with heat, the sharp scent of antiseptic mixing with the earthy smell of the village. Patients lay on thin mats, their weak moans filling the room. Aisha was bent over a young boy, gently pressing a damp cloth to his burning forehead.

"They're getting worse," she muttered without looking up.

Ethan exhaled sharply. "We need more medicine. More IVs. More everything."

She wiped sweat from her brow and stood. "And we need protection."

Ethan knew what she meant. Since the news story had gone viral, the threats had escalated. Strange men loitered near the clinic at night, watching. Supplies that had been promised were suddenly "delayed." And now, this note—proof that someone wanted him silenced.

But he wouldn't back down.

"We need allies," he said. "People with power, connections—anyone who can help."

Aisha crossed her arms. "Where do we start?"

Ethan pulled out his phone. "With the people already listening."

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The Journalist and the Truth

The article exposing the crisis in Kauran Mata had been written by Fatima Adamu, a journalist based in Kano. Ethan had never met her in person, but she had been the first to break the story.

He dialed her number. After three rings, she picked up.

"This is Fatima," she said briskly.

"Fatima, it's Ethan—the doctor from Kauran Mata."

A brief pause. Then, "Ethan! I've been trying to reach you. There's been a lot of noise about your clinic. Some people are calling for a full government investigation, but others… they want the story buried."

"I figured," Ethan said, glancing at the crumpled note in his hand.

"I need more information," Fatima continued. "The article put pressure on the Ministry of Health, but they're downplaying everything. If I can get more proof—photos, testimonies, medical records—I can push this further."

Ethan's pulse quickened. "I'll get you everything you need. But there's something else… I need protection."

Fatima was silent for a moment. "I'll reach out to some human rights groups. They might be able to provide legal support. In the meantime, be careful. If they see you as a real threat, they won't just send warnings."

Ethan tightened his grip on the phone. "I'm not leaving. Not while people are dying."

"Then let's make sure they don't die for nothing," Fatima said.

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A Visit from the Elders

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a group of village elders arrived at the clinic. Dressed in flowing robes, their faces lined with wisdom and worry, they gathered in a quiet corner.

Ethan and Aisha joined them.

"We have heard of your fight," said Mallam Idris, the oldest among them. "And we respect your courage. But you must understand—there are forces here that do not want change."

Ethan nodded. "I know. But if we don't push back, more people will die."

Another elder, Alhaji Suleiman, sighed. "We have lost many to this sickness. Our children. Our brothers. But we are not blind—we see the threats against you."

"Then help me," Ethan urged. "Speak out. Demand change."

The elders exchanged glances. Finally, Mallam Idris said, "There is one man who may listen. The Emir of Kano. He holds great influence, even over corrupt officials."

Ethan's heartbeat quickened. The Emir—a powerful traditional ruler—could be the key to forcing government action.

"I need to meet him," Ethan said.

Mallam Idris nodded. "It will not be easy. But we will try."

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Enemies in the Shadows

As Ethan and Aisha walked back toward the clinic, a shadow moved near the entrance.

Ethan's muscles tensed.

A man stepped forward, dressed in a suit that looked out of place in the dusty village. He had a sharp face, cold eyes, and a thin smile.

"Dr. Ethan," he said smoothly. "I hear you've been very busy."

Ethan didn't respond.

The man took a step closer. "You should leave this village. Go back to the city. This fight is bigger than you."

Ethan met his gaze. "Who are you?"

The man smirked. "Someone who ensures things run… smoothly."

Aisha stepped forward. "If you're here to threaten us, you can leave."

The man's smile widened. "It's not a threat. It's a friendly warning. The last doctor who caused trouble in this region… disappeared."

Ethan's fists clenched. "I'm not afraid of you."

The man chuckled. "Brave. But bravery won't keep you alive." He turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

Aisha exhaled. "That was a direct warning."

Ethan stared after the man. "Which means we're getting close to something they don't want us to find."

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The Meeting with the Emir

Two days later, Ethan found himself in Kano, inside the grand palace of the Emir.

The Emir was a regal man in his sixties, dressed in flowing white robes, his face calm but observant.

Mallam Idris had arranged the meeting, vouching for Ethan's cause. Now, Ethan had one chance to convince the Emir to intervene.

Ethan bowed slightly. "Your Highness, I come with urgency. The people of Kauran Mata are suffering. The government refuses to help. I fear we will lose many more lives."

The Emir studied him. "And you believe I can change this?"

"You have the influence," Ethan said. "If you speak, people will listen."

The Emir was silent for a long moment. Then, he gestured to one of his aides.

"Summon the Commissioner of Health," he said.

Ethan's breath caught.

The Emir turned back to him. "Let us see if they still refuse when I am watching."

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A Dangerous Betrayal

The next day, news broke that the Commissioner of Health was launching an official investigation into the crisis. Supplies were promised. Medical teams were dispatched.

But something didn't feel right.

That night, Ethan was in the clinic when gunshots echoed outside.

He and Aisha ran to the entrance.

A truck was on fire near the village square. A man lay bleeding on the ground. It was Usman—the teacher who had helped get the news to the media.

Ethan rushed to his side. "Usman! Stay with me!"

Usman's eyes fluttered open. "They… they knew. About the meeting. About the investigation."

Ethan's blood ran cold. Someone had betrayed them.

Aisha pressed down on Usman's wound, her hands shaking. "We need to stop the bleeding."

But Usman weakly grabbed Ethan's wrist. "Listen to me… you're not safe. They're coming."

Then his hand went limp.

Usman was gone.

Aisha covered her mouth, eyes filled with horror.

Ethan clenched his fists. His mind wa

s racing. Someone had sold them out.

He turned to Aisha. "We need to find out who."

She wiped her tears. "And when we do?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "We fight back."