create account

Task Force by zerah

View this thread on: hive.blogpeakd.comecency.com
· @zerah ·
$5.64
Task Force
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmfCm56PkRknEPBeJD3QqyM9kRoEcCjQ1broodUuDqr4WG/1737259266523.jpg)



Sitting on a wooden stool in front of her shop. Ngọzi yawned loudly. She was hungry but hadn't made any sales from her wares of vibrant Ankara fabrics that hung neatly from ropes in her shop. 

She tried her best to get her first customer that morning, but all her efforts were futile. Now she hoped for a miracle, and if none happened, she'd have to go eat food on credit from the *buka* down the road. 

She wiped her brow and tucked a stray braid behind her ear. Then she sighed as she spotted Mr Wale, the dreaded market task force, dressed in his usual oversized uniform and making his way to her stall. His presence was usually followed with silent chatters and curses. He was known for his game of illegal fees, baseless fines, and threats.

“Ngozi!” His deep voice boomed as he stopped at her stall, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Mr Wale. How can I help you?" She asked, keeping a mean face and forcing a calm voice. 

"At least greet me good afternoon first before asking how I can help you" Mr Wale blurted out.

"Mr Wale, I don't have that time for too many talks. Please go straight to the point". This time, Ngọzi sounded rude. She couldn't hide her hatred for Mr Wale any longer.

“Well. Today you're owing us market maintenance fees.”

Ngozi’s brows furrowed. “What nonsense maintenance fee is that? I'm very sure that I've paid my levy for last month. How did this one come about?" She asked angrily.

"You don't ask questions. You simply pay. As the name implies, it's for the maintenance of the market," Mr Wale continued.

Ngọzi laughed mockingly. "Which maintenance? For which market exactly? The same one that the gutters are clogged and everywhere dirty and stinks. Which nonsense maintenance?" By now, Ngọzi was losing it. Coupled with the fact that she hadn't made any sales that morning, it tripled her anger, and Mr Wale was the best person to let it out on. 

By now other traders in their shop were concentrating on the exchange between them. She could feel their eyes on her stall.

Mr Okon grinned wider, his teeth stained with kola nuts. “ If you don’t pay, you'll leave me with no choice but to confiscate your goods.” he threatened 

"I'd like to see you try" " she replied, standing up and taking a strong stand to guard her shop.

By now the crowd around them has grown bigger. Whispers and curses directed at Mr Wale. Her boldness was like a motivation to traders who had suffered similar experiences at the hands of Mr Wale, giving them the boldness to fight.

“You dare challenge me?” Mr. Okon snarled, his face darkening. “Have you forgotten who I am?”

Ngozi took a deep breath. “You are just that greedy official that goes about confiscating people's goods even when they've paid their dues to the market union. If you don't leave here now, we'll have to take this matter up to the market chairman. I'd love to hear what he had to say about collecting maintenance fees twice a month. Or better still find out if he knows about this illegal maintenance fee".

A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. Whispers of "Yes, let's go to the chairman” filled the air.

“Chairman?” Mr Wale's voice suddenly became soft. “It hasn't gotten to that. This is something we can settle amicably" he gave a fake smile.

Ngozi crossed her arms. “Oh really?.” She mocked him.

Stepped out of her shop, "Yes really. We can discuss this later. There is no need for us to fight or go to the chairman,' he added, turning away from the crowd and walking away. Leaving everyone stunned.

Ngọzi smiled. She has always known that some of the fees Mr Wale imposed on them were illegal and without the knowledge of the market chairman. And today confirmed her suspicions. For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air as everyone watched Mr Wale walk away shamefully. Then the traders around her burst into applause, clapping and cheering for her.

“How did you know it was an illegal fee?" One of the traders asked her. 

Ngozi smiled, her cheeks warm. “Just luck, I guess. I'm sure from now henceforth, he won't take advantage of us again". 


Just then, a customer walked into her shop. "You've got beautiful fabrics; how much do you sell them for?" the customer asked. 

Ngọzi smiled. She just got her first customer for the day after a strong battle with Mr Wale.

"Please take a seat first. My fabrics are at affordable prices" she replied with a smile. 





***Glossary***
*Buka* **Local Restaurant*

[Image Source](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-delhi-watercolor-8189053/).
👍  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 501 others
properties (23)
authorzerah
permlinktask-force
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata"{"app":"ecency/4.0.2-vision","tags":["hive-170798","inkwellprompt","theinkwell","ecency","hive-engine","fiction","ecency"],"format":"markdown+html","image":["https://images.ecency.com/DQmfCm56PkRknEPBeJD3QqyM9kRoEcCjQ1broodUuDqr4WG/1737259266523.jpg"],"thumbnails":["https://images.ecency.com/DQmfCm56PkRknEPBeJD3QqyM9kRoEcCjQ1broodUuDqr4WG/1737259266523.jpg"],"description":"I stooped barefoot on the cold concrete floor, my face buried in the smoke from the firewood stove, which clouded my sight. The peppery feeling it gave to my eyes made me tear up. However, I was motivated","image_ratios":["1.4612"]}"
created2025-01-19 04:09:18
last_update2025-01-19 04:09:18
depth0
children10
last_payout2025-01-26 04:09:18
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value2.880 HBD
curator_payout_value2.759 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length4,621
author_reputation29,624,373,799,838
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,115,056
net_rshares10,246,027,016,438
author_curate_reward""
vote details (565)
@almadepoeta ·
Qué bello cuento, lleno de coraje y fuerza. Mostraste la valentía y la justicia en los momentos difíciles. La determinación de Ngozi y su victoria nos inspira a enfrentar la injusticia con valentía y decisión.

What a beautiful story, full of courage and strength. You showed bravery and justice in difficult times. Ngozi's determination and victory inspire us to face injustice with bravery and resolve.
properties (22)
authoralmadepoeta
permlinkre-zerah-2025119t1397713z
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798","inkwellprompt","theinkwell","ecency","hive-engine","fiction","ecency"],"app":"ecency/4.0.2-vision","format":"markdown+html"}
created2025-01-19 06:39:06
last_update2025-01-19 06:39:06
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-26 06:39:06
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length404
author_reputation17,250,249,580,125
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,116,677
net_rshares0
@amarachi22 ·
Nice read. It's so sad to see that things like this happen to most market people in real life. Greedy officers everywhere waiting to exploit people of their small earnings. It's good Ngozi stood up to her right else she would have been belittled and walked upon as they usually did with others
properties (22)
authoramarachi22
permlinkre-zerah-sqce2b
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":[]}
created2025-01-19 15:37:27
last_update2025-01-19 15:37:27
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-26 15:37:27
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length293
author_reputation9,193,765,460,074
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,125,866
net_rshares0
@hamez ·
Your story taught me a lesson, that until there exist a state of rejected towards immorality, there can never be truly a state of justice. Ngozi's choice was revolutionary. Refusing to give that fee was golden regardless of the consequences.

Nicely scripted storyline!✅
properties (22)
authorhamez
permlinkre-zerah-sqewrc
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":[]}
created2025-01-21 00:16:27
last_update2025-01-21 00:16:27
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-28 00:16:27
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length270
author_reputation3,134,555,207,555
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,166,750
net_rshares0
@lightpen ·
Market men and women suffer a lot from officials like Mr Wale. Our of greediness, they will come up with illegal levies to extort the traders. Your story is very relatable.
properties (22)
authorlightpen
permlinkre-zerah-sqehza
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":[]}
created2025-01-20 18:57:15
last_update2025-01-20 18:57:15
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-27 18:57:15
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length172
author_reputation98,753,205,064,873
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,160,543
net_rshares0
@oyebolu ·
Yes you are right. People of such take advantage of traders in the market and drivers the revolve are road transportation. It is uncalled for.
properties (22)
authoroyebolu
permlinkre-zerah-sqei31
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":[]}
created2025-01-20 18:59:36
last_update2025-01-20 18:59:36
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-27 18:59:36
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length142
author_reputation8,032,531,791,957
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,160,621
net_rshares0
@rare-gem ·
Bravery in hard times is all we need at times because it pays in such time
properties (22)
authorrare-gem
permlinkre-zerah-sqeom8
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":[]}
created2025-01-20 21:20:33
last_update2025-01-20 21:20:33
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-27 21:20:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length74
author_reputation86,254,868,436,441
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,163,701
net_rshares0
@samiwrites ·
Sometimes we have to stand our ground for justice and only then can we liberate others. Ngozi did well by refusing to pay Mr Wale an illegal levy that is like an eye opener for the rest of the traders at the market.

Nice story well done🤗🤗🤗
properties (22)
authorsamiwrites
permlinkre-zerah-2025119t151641233z
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"type":"comment","tags":["hive-170798","inkwellprompt","theinkwell","ecency","hive-engine","fiction","ecency"],"app":"ecency/3.2.0-mobile","format":"markdown+html"}
created2025-01-19 14:16:48
last_update2025-01-19 14:16:48
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-26 14:16:48
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length240
author_reputation52,848,288,332,625
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,123,358
net_rshares0
@theinkwell ·
<center><img src="https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/theinkwell/EopwCVNe8j1YLgyKrHajS95wQnGWiYH6WJ37rZMpFMhPUe3Zz1GjD69zxehq4qMKhbM.jpg" alt="TIW_Com2_Banner.jpg"></center> 
properties (22)
authortheinkwell
permlinkre-zerah-1737270073
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata"{"tags": ["hive-170798"], "app": "HiveDiscoMod"}"
created2025-01-19 07:01:12
last_update2025-01-19 07:01:12
depth1
children0
last_payout2025-01-26 07:01:12
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length178
author_reputation278,453,213,790,824
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,116,897
net_rshares0
@theinkwell ·
Thanks for sharing your story in The Ink Well, @zerah. Are Mr. Wale and Mr. Okon two different people?
properties (22)
authortheinkwell
permlinkre-zerah-sqbq3i
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"peakd/2025.1.3","image":[],"users":["zerah"]}
created2025-01-19 06:59:42
last_update2025-01-19 06:59:42
depth1
children1
last_payout2025-01-26 06:59:42
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length102
author_reputation278,453,213,790,824
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,116,875
net_rshares0
@zerah ·
Oops, my bad. There's only Mr. Wale in my story. I should have edted my work thoroughly ' 
properties (22)
authorzerah
permlinkre-theinkwell-2025119t163129468z
categoryhive-170798
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-170798"],"app":"ecency/4.0.2-vision","format":"markdown+html"}
created2025-01-19 15:31:36
last_update2025-01-19 15:31:36
depth2
children0
last_payout2025-01-26 15:31:36
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length90
author_reputation29,624,373,799,838
root_title"Task Force"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id140,125,751
net_rshares0