The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 18's

The next day, there was no word from the engine room. The ship is still anchored at Labuan pier. It's been almost seventy-two hours now.

After the Dzuhur prayer in the mosque and lunch in the cafeteria, Robin and Robert again spent their second time in the cabin. Robin was engrossed in playing with his play, while Robert was seriously reading a book.

Outside the sun is blazing. No one is interested in standing or sitting on the deck just to see the scenery.

As scheduled, children learn to teach at the prayer prayer prayer ashar. Robin always liked to look at the clothes Anna's mother was wearing. Bright colors.

Twelve children are learning to teach. Six children from the port of Batavia, six more from the port of Labuan. Anna's mother asked them to get to know each other before depositing the reading.

Robin and Robert play on the deck of the ship after learning to teach. They don't waste a chance to play, because if they go back home. Be sure to play like they can't do on the ship anymore.

The two stood behind the fence of the ship, enjoying the view of the afternoon. But before long, they play while running around to the cabin after seeing the sun will sink. Time for an afternoon shower.

At seven past thirty minutes, the whistle of the ship rang loudly. That's a dinner sign. The hallways of the ship were filled with passengers visiting the cafeteria talking.

Surprise. Robin exclaimed with pleasure as he was about to take a drink, Joseph pointed towards Saleh who had been in the canteen.

Saleh sat not far from his usual seat Mei and the troupe sat. Next to it is already the entourage of the Riau Sultanate and the entourage of Labuan.

"Anything, is it healthy?" Mei asked worriedly.

Saleh nodded. The doctor allowed him to return to the cabin this afternoon. He was only told to be careful that the stitches on his calf were not open again. He was also no longer in pain, only a bruise that took a long time to recover.

"That's a new shirt, Robin?" Salty smiled, asking.

Robin nodded. He put vegetable soup in his mouth.

Adults from around the table began to engage in conversations about Hitler's attacks on Europe, as well as the impact of World War II on the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan and China.

They also discussed the creation of three new provinces. Sumatra with Medan as its capital. Second Borneo with the capital of New Town. And lastly the Great East, the capital of Makassar.

Robin next to the old men muttered, "Why do you like to talk so much, is there no other topic that is more interesting?"

"I've never seen a teacher teach you to eat in the cafeteria, Robin? Saleh, who seems not interested in discussing World War, "Or maybe I didn't see where he was sitting?"

Robin shook his head then looked at Robert, asking for his brother's answer. Robert nodded. They had also never seen Anna's mother eat in the cafeteria.

"It looks like Anna's mother is shy, Brother." Robin answered haphazardly.

Saleh nodded. He also watches that. It's been almost a week on the ship, Anna's mother hasn't been seen hanging out with many other passengers. For a teacher to teach children, at least Mother Anna can get to know the family of her students.

Mei narrowed her eyes, looking at Saleh suspiciously, "Why did Brother ask about the woman?"

Saleh chuckled, "What's the matter, you're jealous?" Saleh asked back.

Mei glares dislikes.

"Haha, I'm just asking." Saleh replied while whispering.

.

.

.

Tomorrow

Early in the morning at four in the morning, KKM Officers reported the results of a thorough inspection of the ship's engine. Good news, after checking the main engine, the damage to one of the pistons has not been too serious.

That is, they can still continue the journey until the new Philippines changes parts there. The ship does not need to turn to Singapore.

"Good." Captain Diego tidied up his captain's hat, standing up, "As soon as the firebox is on, we'll take off the anchor this morning as well."

"Ready, Captain." KKM officers saluted, then turned right to immediately rush to carry out the order.

Captain Diego also came out of his work cabin, stepping quickly through the ship's aisles, towards the steering room.

At exactly six in the morning, when the sun began to show its light, the whistle of the ship rang loudly, the sign was ready to remove the anchor. People at the dock cheered the departure of the Karel Ambo ship.

Robin and Robert, as they were accustomed, stood by the deck fence. They waved with other passengers, pretending to be familiar with the deliverymen at the port who took off the ship.

The seventh day of travel. Karel Ambo's ship began to move out of Labuan's port. Smoke billowed from the ship's chimney. The steam engine starts working, the propeller rotates.