Amala's Heritage

O Captain! My Captain!

As the boarding time approached, the passengers formed a line, patiently waiting to board the ship. Among them, Isla and Junichi noticed three men who seemed to be in a hurry. The men rudely pushed their way through the queue, ignoring the other passengers and causing Junichi to stumble. Isla promptly warned Junichi to stay alert and be cautious around the men. The men continued to push ahead aggressively, showing no consideration for the inconvenience they were causing to the other passengers.

"Welcome aboard the Amani Seas!" Captain Karyn's voice boomed with authority and confidence, cutting through the excited chatter of the passengers. Next to her flew a sizable, proud flag, dancing in the wind and decorated with circles.

Her words carried the weight of experience and passion as she addressed the eager crowd. "I am thrilled to welcome everyone as we warmly embark on this extraordinary journey. Our vessel, the "Amani Seas," represents more than just a means of travel; it stands as a beacon of safety, sustainability, and responsible tourism.

"To align with the latest regulations to safeguard marine ecosystems, we have transitioned to cleaner fuels and integrated advanced monitoring systems for emissions and waste management." Additionally, Captain Karyn expressed her sincere dedication to marine life, stating, "Our vessel is equipped with cutting-edge marine detection technology, allowing us to detect and carefully navigate around marine animals such as whales to prevent any potential collisions and ensure their safety." She expressed gratitude, "We are truly honoured that you have chosen to embark on this journey with Amani and Sea, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience.

As Isla and Junichi ascended to the topmost deck of the cruise ship, their hearts brimmed with excitement and anticipation. The moment they stepped into their rooms, soft blue and green hues adorned the living room walls, and the ocean-themed decor instantly transported guests into a tranquil underwater world. The room's centrepiece was a magnificent mural depicting a vibrant coral reef teeming with life. Delicate sea turtles gracefully swam amidst the swaying seaweed, their elegant movements captured in stunning detail.

The pristine white sheets on the beds added an elegant touch to the rooms, and finding their luggage already awaiting them was a delightful surprise. Isla flopped onto the plush bed with a contented sigh. Her body felt pleasantly weary from the day's adventures, and she relished sinking into the soft, welcoming embrace of the bed.

After a few hours had passed, Isla stood on the upper deck, waiting for her friends for dinner and enjoying the view of the vast ocean. She overheard whispers from a group of men standing a few feet away. She tried to ignore them, but their conversation became too intriguing to ignore. Isla noticed that one of the men had a map in his hand.

The three shady men huddled together on the western deck of the cruise ship, whispering as the waves pounded against the vessel. They were deeply engrossed in plotting something, constantly scanning the deck for any signs of trouble. "We need to meet with Mr. R at Port Kemal," one of them whispered over the roar of the engines. "The ship only stops there briefly, so we must act quickly." The other two men nodded in agreement, their eyes glinting with a menacing gleam. As they conversed, the men surreptitiously glanced around the deck, looking for any unwelcome attention. They were aware that even the slightest misstep could spell disaster. 

"Hey!" Sophia called out, trying to get Isla's attention. The three men immediately looked in her direction. Isla quickly ducked behind a nearby pillar, hoping not to be noticed. The men continued chatting, unaware that they were being listened to. Isla greeted Sophia with a smile but couldn't help asking, "What took you so long?" Sophia and Maria gestured towards Uppik. Uppik had been engrossed in a conversation with Captain Karyn, who demonstrated the new whale detection system installed on their ship. Uppik was so absorbed in studying the machine and its various configurations that he lost track of time. Nevertheless, he promptly apologized to Isla for the delay and asked about Junichi's whereabouts. Isla told him he was resting as he felt tired, but he would join them for dinner later.

Isla approached the restaurant reception with a warm smile and asked if she could use the phone to call her brother's room. The staff agreed and asked for the room number. Isla quickly provided the number and waited eagerly for her brother to pick up. Her brother's voice came through the receiver, "Hey, it's me, Isla. We're at the Ishtar restaurant on the 13th floor. We're waiting for you. Please come over soon!" "Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes. See you soon!" her brother replied, and the call ended.

Junichi made his way to the 13th floor of the ship, where the restaurant was situated in one corner. Upon entering, a hostess welcomed him and escorted him to his table. The view from his table was stunning, with the vast ocean stretching before him. A server soon arrived with a tray of appetizers, including a steaming hot bowl of savoury broth and a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables. Then, the server placed a large, round ball on the table adorned with various vegetables. Junichi and Isla exchanged puzzled glances, trying to figure out how to approach this unusual dish. The ball was almost too beautiful to eat, with its vibrant colours and intricate array of vegetables. However, their hunger soon overcame them, and Junichi and Isla dug in, relishing each bite of this unique and flavorful creation.

By the end of the meal, they were so full that they could barely move. They were both half-falling asleep as they made their way back to their respective rooms.