The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a reddish hue over the calm sea. AK stood at the edge of the ship's deck, the salty wind brushing past his face, but his mind was anything but calm. He pulled out the slip again—coordinates, a time, and a single word: "Transfer." It kept echoing in his thoughts.
"Coordinates… time… why would someone hide this?" he muttered, still chewing over the implications while having his dinner.
After finishing his food, AK carried his plate to the galley. There, he noticed only the Chief Cook arranging the rice bags.
"Where's the steward?" AK asked.
"He went to his cabin, sir," the cook replied.
"Alright," AK nodded, and then continued his routine inspection toward the aft of the ship.
Just then, a faint clink broke the silence. AK's senses went on high alert. He turned his head toward the stern—someone was quietly unlocking a storage hatch.
He slipped into the shadows and ducked behind a mooring winch. From his hiding spot, he saw the steward carefully open the hatch and pull out a duffel bag. The way he handled it—careful, calculated—told AK it was something important.
AK snapped a quick photo with his hidden device.
The steward locked the hatch and walked away, whistling nonchalantly.
Once the coast was clear, AK stepped out and unlocked the hatch using his master key. Inside was the duffel bag—alongside a semi-opened cardboard box containing six bottles of whiskey.
His pulse quickened. "So this is the transfer."
As per Levi Shipping Company's alcohol policy, possession of alcohol on board was strictly prohibited. This wasn't just smuggling—it was a violation that could sink careers.
Before he could lock the hatch, his walkie-talkie crackled to life.
"Sir… please come to the engine room," said the bosun, his voice low and urgent.
"On my way," AK replied, locking the hatch quickly and securing the key.
He moved fast, adrenaline kicking in. As he climbed down into the engine room, he could already hear raised voices.
Inside, he saw it—Gaurav and the 4th Engineer were arguing, tension thick in the air.
The moment AK stepped in, silence fell. Gaurav looked startled. The 4th Engineer stayed tense, avoiding eye contact.
"What's the problem?" AK asked, his voice cold and calm.
Gaurav hesitated. "The logs are incomplete… he says he misplaced them."
The engineer didn't speak, eyes fixed on the floor.
AK's expression darkened. "Enough. Both of you, to the ship's office. Now."
Then he turned to a nearby crew member. "And 3rd Engineer—call the Chief Engineer and inform him. Ask him to come to the office if he's available."
Without waiting for a reply, AK walked off, his boots echoing on the steel floor.
He didn't need chaos on this ship—not now.
What he needed was answers.
And AK was ready to dig them out, one lie at a time.