The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 5's

First morning on board.

Only at 4.30 am, the sky still looks dark there is no sign of sunlight will appear because the weather looks unfriendly cloudy.

Karel Ambo's ship left Batavia last night. I don't know where they are, but surely the ship is in the middle of the high seas.

Although the sea waves are calm but not many passengers are seen out of the cabin, maybe many passengers who experience problems seasickness. Just like Robert and Robin, the two boys were lying on a long sofa.

"Bascom, bi!" Robin screams in panic, smothering his mouth because he does not want to vomit out and fall on the floor.

Bi siti hurriedly placed the basin that had been prepared by the crew for people who would vomit. And when the basin was already in front of him, Robin began to spit out a slimy yellow liquid from within his mouth.

While Robert, 14-year-old boy was sound asleep on the sofa after just spewing out what was in his stomach.

Indeed, since the ship had just sailed a few hours leaving the dock. Robin had complained because he saw objects around him moving, but he still forced himself to play. At about 9 p.m., he vomited for the first time. Robert vomited an hour later.

The two sisters then chose to rest on the living room sofa, but they could not sleep properly because they continued to vomit from last night

"Kakak will come with Pak Jajan for the dawn prayer at the ship's mosque." Mei said, "Robin sleep ok?" Mei rubbed her sister's head.

Robin did not answer, he was still struggling with the basin in front of him.

"It's okay, ladies, they're just seasick. I'll take care of the young master." Bi Siti answered.

"Well, a little more for them to take a shower. Maybe a shower will make both of them fresher."

"But miss Robin's bag is missing." Said Bi situ shaking his head while applying eucalyptus oil on his master's neck.

"What bag?" Mei's question doesn't understand.

"The big bag containing all of Mr. Robin's clothes is not in our pile of belongings." Answer bi Siti.

"Hmm, not necessarily gone. It's possible to be scattered with stuff from another cabin or the tallest one on the dock."

"No miss, the hawker was looking overnight between the wooden crates and the other bags. Still nowhere to be found, I'm thinking about how Mr. Robin can change if he doesn't have any clothes." Bi Siti bobbing head.

Robin's face is getting crooked. Complete already his misfortune this time, already drunk, his clothes bag is also gone. From the beginning he was already suspicious of the skinny flat-bodied transport workers yesterday, "Could be those who take his bag." Thought Robin.

"Then Robin used to wear Robert's shirt for a while." Mei looked at Robert for approval, her other sister had just woken up from her sleep. "Two days later this ship will arrive at Labuan Brunei Darussalam, we can buy clothes there."

Mei looked back at Robert, her sister nodding in agreement. Despite the pity, Mei is a little grateful for Robert's drunkenness.

If Robert's condition is better, he can be sure he won't allow Robin to wear his clothes, which Robert has instead teased his sister about not changing clothes until they arrive in Korea.

"Indeed, the wooden crate of groceries is missing too?"

"No, miss, but I'm drunk and nauseous so it might be hard to make breakfast. I'm sorry miss for getting drunk on the sea because it's my first time getting on a boat." Reply bi ani while bowing her head in embarrassment.

Mei chuckles a little, "Oh, if that's not a big deal. We can have breakfast in the cafeteria with the other money passengers." Mei's speech was stopped because of the call of the snack who told the nonanya to immediately rush because the dawn adhan was almost finished.

May stand. Don't forget to gently stroke the heads of her two sisters before stepping quickly outside the cabin door. The first morning he prayed over the sea.

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The ship's mosque is located on the top floor of the right part of the ship, located not far from the Cathedral which is on the left of the ship. The company owner of this ship seems to know if the place of worship must be placed in a position that is easy to come from various directions of the ship.

The room is not too spacious, maybe only able to accommodate dozens of pilgrims in a thin carpet of green, looks clean and comfortable. In front of the entrance and above the windows are calligraphy paintings.

This small room is more precisely called Musholla than the Mosque Place ablution which is divided into two parts between men and women is located in the outside of Musholla.

There are about 10 water taps. The water tap runs slowly, feels sticky and salty. Iron on the tap is also a lot that looks rusty, it seems rarely taken care of.

Besides Mei, not many women were in the Musholla for the morning dawn prayer. Maybe because many are experiencing seasickness, but may know if the biggest reason is not many adherents of Islam in the big ship.

From behind the curtain where she sat, Mei saw the man who was angry yesterday by Heiho was discussing with a crew member.

With a white turban over his head, on the front saf near the mosque's pulpit. The man was seen holding a compass in his hand, looking very handsome. Then it was like being aware of what he was thinking. Mei slapped her cheek slowly, shook her head, throwing away those thoughts earlier.

Meanwhile in the men's saf section.

"Alright, it looks like the direction of the qibla has been determined correctly." Saleh smiled happily staring at the crew of the ship in front of him.

The crew nodded, "Captain Diego made sure everything went well. The captain asked some of our officers to learn the ordinances to determine the direction of the Qibla."

"Every time you enter prayer, there is a navigation officer who will announce the correct direction to all passengers from their respective cabins." The crew explained using English, from his face it was clear he was not Japanese.

"Thank you very much, that's very helpful." Saleh said as he returned the compass to the crew.

Because the ship is an object that is always moving, when praying on board must first determine the direction of the Qibla. Weeks of travel to Korea, with the direction of the ship constantly changing, that means the direction of the Qibla will also continue to change. It is very important to make sure the direction of the Qibla is correct.