AK stood firm inside the ship's office, the door clicking shut behind him. The tension between departments was thicker than the humidity outside.
He had already called the Chief Engineer in after sensing something was off between the 2nd Officer and the 4th Engineer. AK didn't want any lingering sparks between the deck and engine departments. That's how disasters start—small rifts that grow into cracks wide enough to swallow a vessel.
"Second Officer," AK said calmly, "what exactly happened?"
The 2nd Officer avoided eye contact and muttered, "It's about the logbooks, sir. Some entries are missing."
AK's expression didn't change, but his tone turned icy. "I've already checked the logs. Everything is intact. So what's really missing?"
That moment hit like thunder. The 2nd Officer's expression faltered, eyes shifting—exposed.
AK turned to the 4th Engineer, who remained stiff, silent.
"So… both of you are hiding something," AK said coolly. "Something you don't want anyone else to know. Am I right?"
The 2nd Officer scrambled, "No sir, it's not like that. It's just..."
Before he could finish, the Chief Engineer entered.
"Ah, Chief Officer," the Chief said casually. "Welcome aboard."
"Thank you, sir," AK replied with formality. "Looks like there are secrets being kept here. I called you in because this might involve something bigger."
The Chief Engineer raised an eyebrow. "In that case, you should inform the Captain. He'll organize a meeting between the deck and engine crew. That's how we solve things. Why create a scene here?"
AK stood firm. "Sir, it's our responsibility to keep this ship safe and problem-free. I won't report something to the Captain without knowing the full truth."
The Chief Engineer's smile was laced with condescension. "Chief, not everything runs by the book. If we followed every rule blindly, no one would survive out here. I don't know how it worked in your last company, but this is Levi Shipping. I've sailed here for 22 years. I know how things go. Don't create issues—just focus on your core duties."
AK's gaze didn't falter. "If you already know what's going on, why don't you just tell me?"
The Chief Engineer smirked. "It's about the bottles, Chief. Whiskey. We buy it quietly from stevedores at certain ports. Normally we divide it properly. But this time, someone messed up."
"Alcohol onboard is illegal," AK said sharply.
The Chief Engineer shrugged with a crooked grin. "Only if someone knows about it. If it stays between us, it's not illegal."
"Does the Captain know?" AK pressed.
"Of course he does. Do you think he doesn't?" the Chief answered, smug.
A chill ran through AK. If the Captain was aware… then what else was going on?
Illegal activity wasn't just tolerated—it was systemic.
From hidden bottles to shady transactions, this wasn't just about alcohol. This was about control, corruption, and secrets hiding in plain sight.
And somewhere, among these shadows… was the key to the secret containers.
AK knew now—he was standing at the edge of a web. To unravel it, he'd have to pull harder than ever before.