Towards Türkiye

Officer Husin sat at his desk in the Kepala Batas police station, sifting through reports and trying to piece together the peculiar events surrounding the MV Sirena's disappearance. His brows furrowed in consternation as he read through the details.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see his colleague, Officer Azman, entering the room. Azman wore a perplexed expression as he spoke, "Husin, have you seen this report about the MV Sirena? It's a real mystery."

Husin sighed and nodded. "Yes, Azman, I've been going through it. This isn't a typical case. The ship's sudden disappearance in Indonesian waters has the coast guards from both Malaysia and Indonesia scratching their heads."

Azman leaned against a nearby table, folding his arms. "It's strange, isn't it? I mean, it's not like ships vanish into thin air."

Husin nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And to make things even more perplexing, there's no distress signal, no emergency calls, nothing. It's as if the ship just...vanished."

Both officers exchanged troubled glances, well aware that this was a mystery beyond their jurisdiction. Husin leaned back in his chair and sighed once more. "We'll keep an eye on the situation, but for now, it's in the hands of the coast guards. Let's hope they can shed some light on this bizarre incident."

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Amidst the vast expanse of the azure Mediterranean, two ships could be seen sailing side by side, contrasting each other in both design and age. The MV Sirena, a modern cargo ship equipped with the latest technology, hummed steadily through the water. Next to it, the Srikandi, an ancient sailship, gracefully cut through the waves, its sails billowing majestically in the wind. The intricate carvings on the Srikandi's stern and the patterns on its sails spoke of a different era, of legends and historic voyages.

Ropes and smaller boats frequently transported crew members between the two vessels, creating a tangible bridge of connection. Hffyl, feeling an inherent bond with the Srikandi, usually stayed aboard his ship. The crew understood his attachment. The Srikandi's timeworn deck, the creaking of its timbers, and the soft flutter of its sails held stories and memories.

While some of the crew from the MV Sirena had ventured onto the Srikandi before, their visits had been limited mainly to its deck and external sections. They marveled at its craftsmanship, running their hands over the smooth wood, and often found themselves gazing at the ship in quiet reverence.

However, the majority of the crew chose to return to the MV Sirena at the end of the day. The modern comforts of the cargo ship, from the air conditioning to the plush accommodations, were hard to resist. After a long day of sailing, discussions, and lessons, the soft hum of the MV Sirena's machinery and the familiar corridors of the ship offered a comforting retreat.

Hffyl, on the other hand, preferred the gentle rocking of the Srikandi and the whispers of the past that it brought with it. Every night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, he'd find solace in his captain's quarters, surrounded by his relics.

Hffyl stood at the helm of the ancient sailship, his eyes locked on the horizon as the vessel cut through the waters of the Mediterranean. The crew of the MV Sirena, now tethered to his ship, had come to accept his presence and even value his knowledge of sailing and history, though his peculiar way of speaking still puzzled them.

He glanced over his shoulder, where Captain Ajwad and First Mate Rizal stood, deep in conversation. The captain's voice carried easily in the open air, but Hffyl knew that when it came time for him to speak, his slow, deliberate words might present a challenge.

"I think we should head towards Turkiye," Hffyl finally interjected, his words measured. "It's important for answers."

Captain Ajwad nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Turkiye? Why there?"

Hffyl cleared his throat and continued, "During the time of the Portuguese invasion in Malacca, the Ottomans were known to have had contact with my people. They were allies in the defense of Malacca. There might be records or knowledge there that could help us."

Rizal, ever the pragmatic one, chimed in, "It's a long journey, and we don't even know if we'll find what you're looking for. Are you sure about this, Hffyl?"

Hffyl met Rizal's gaze, determination in his eyes. "I'm sure. I believe it's a step in the right direction."

Captain Ajwad nodded again, his trust in Hffyl evident. "Very well, then. To Turkiye it is."

Faiz, who had grown quite fond of Hffyl during their journey, noticed first. "Has anyone noticed Hffyl acting... different?" he mentioned one evening to Rizal and Mei Ling as they sat on the deck.

Mei Ling, ever observant, nodded. "He does seem more reserved than usual. His voice is slower, almost too deliberate."

Rizal sighed. "Maybe our lessons are stressing him out. He might see us as formal teachers."

Captain Ajwad, overhearing the conversation, approached the group. "If we're making him uncomfortable, we should address it."

The next morning, as the sun cast a golden hue across the waters, Captain Ajwad approached Hffyl, who stood at the helm of his ship. "Hffyl," he began gently, "we've noticed you seem a bit distant since we started our... lessons."

Hffyl looked down, fingers tracing the aged wood of the ship. "It's not you. I've always been like this. Ever since I was little, I struggle with...teachers."

Captain Ajwad nodded, understanding dawning. "Hffyl, we're not trying to be your school teachers. We just want to share our knowledge with you. And we're eager to learn from you as well. Your experience and knowledge about history, about this ship and the art of sailing – it's invaluable."

Faiz joined in, clapping a friendly hand on Hffyl's shoulder. "Honestly, mate, you probably know more about some things than all of us combined. Think of it more as an exchange."

Rizal chuckled, "Yeah, and if we're talking about teaching, you could easily be our professor in maritime history and navigation."

Hffyl looked up, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll try to remember that."

The interior of Hffyl's quarters in the Srikandi was a reflection of another era, filled with artifacts that told tales of old-world voyages and grand maritime adventures. The space was dimly lit, the wooden walls of the ship adding to its mystique. However, what caught the crew members' eyes almost immediately were the firearms.

Nadia, who had a keen interest in historical weapons, approached the match-lock rifle with a look of admiration. "These are magnificent," she whispered, her fingers hovering above the intricately designed barrel.

Zul, glancing at the wheel-lock pistol with curiosity, asked, "Do you know how to operate these, Hffyl?"

Hffyl nodded, his eyes fixated on the weapons. "Yes. They've been with me on many journeys. Firing them requires a bit of practice, especially maintaining accuracy and timing. The match-lock needs a burning slow match to ignite the charge, while the wheel-lock..." He gestured towards the mechanism of the pistol, "...uses this rotating steel wheel to create sparks."

Suresh chuckled lightly, "Old school indeed. Quite different from the firearms we have today. Those relics must have been a game-changer in their time."

Hffyl nodded in agreement, "They were, especially during battles and skirmishes. But I've seen some of your modern firearms on the MV Sirena. They seem... quicker."

Dollah interjected with a grin, "Faster, more accurate, and definitely more convenient. Ever thought of learning how to use one?"

Hffyl hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I haven't had much experience with them. I'd like to learn, though."

Captain Ajwad, who had been observing quietly from a corner, nodded thoughtfully. "Considering the mysteries surrounding our journey and the unknown challenges we might face, it might be a good idea for everyone to be well-acquainted with all the tools at our disposal."

Rizal chimed in, "I can give a quick crash course on our modern firearms. Basic handling and safety protocols. Might come in handy."

Hffyl gave a grateful nod, "I'd appreciate that."