AK moved through the ship, paying close attention to every nook and corner. His eyes scanned the surroundings—not just for routine checks, but with precision. He was mentally mapping out the entire layout, identifying spots where he could fix the hidden cameras without anyone noticing.
Every entrance, every access point, needed to be covered. Quietly, he planned: camera near the engine room door, one at the crew passage, another at the bonded store, maybe one by the main deck ladder...
As he continued his round, he spotted the 2nd Officer on gangway watch.
"Everything alright?" AK asked casually.
"Yes, Chief," the 2nd Officer nodded. Then, after a pause, he added, "Chief, don't take everything to heart. These things happen. Same thing happened to me once when I was new. You'll get used to it."
AK gave a slight nod. "Alright. I'll take care."
As he walked away, he mentally noted: 2nd Officer, 3rd Engineer, Steward, and 4th Engineer—all of them were clearly involved in hiding the alcohol issue. But beyond that, no major disturbances seemed visible on the surface.
A few minutes later, he passed a crew member inspecting the reefer containers. Probably the Electrical Officer, AK guessed. He glanced at him, then moved on—his focus still razor-sharp.
Where exactly should the cameras go? he kept thinking, noting down potential spots in his mind.
Meanwhile, in the Captain's Cabin...
Anish, the 3rd Officer, entered with a file in hand.
Captain Abraham took it, flipped through, and immediately frowned.
"You checked this file?" he asked sharply.
"No sir," Anish replied. "I just brought it like you gave it to me."
The Captain's eyes narrowed. "You bloody liar. Look at the pages. They've been turned. Just like the last time, when AK checked it."
Anish looked panicked. "Sir, I swear I didn't touch it."
"Promise?" The Captain scoffed. "You're a 3rd mate, not a kid making promises. If I find out you're lying, I'll kill you."
"Sir, really—I didn't check the file. Please trust me," Anish pleaded.
"Get out!" the Captain snapped.
Anish left nervously. The Captain flipped through the file again, carefully checking for any missing papers, his face hard with suspicion.
Back on Deck...
As AK returned to the accommodation, something caught his eye. One of the containers being loaded into the cargo hold was empty. That was odd—containers loaded below deck were usually full.
He looked again, this time checking the container's tag. No seal. Strange.
He noted the container number and headed straight to the ship office to check its manifest.
According to the records, the container was listed as carrying clothes—it should've been full and sealed. But clearly, it wasn't.
He grabbed his walkie-talkie. "Second Officer, is the cargo planner nearby? If yes, ask him to come to the ship office."
"Alright, Chief," came the reply.
But before the planner could arrive, Captain Abraham walked into the office.
"What happened, Chief?" he asked.
"I noticed a container without a seal," AK said. "Manifest says it's full of clothes, but it seems empty."
The Captain nodded casually. "Oh, that one. A few containers were opened for drug inspection. I received a mail saying the seals won't be replaced. They'll be transported unsealed."
AK's instincts flared. This wasn't standard.
"Alright, sir," he said calmly.
The Captain grabbed the walkie-talkie. "Second Officer, cancel that. No need to send the planner. Everything's fine."
"Roger that, sir," the 2nd Officer replied.
The Captain turned to AK. "If you have any doubts, call me directly. Don't hesitate."
"Okay, sir," AK said, forcing a smile.
The moment the Captain left, AK's suspicion deepened.
Too many things don't add up...
Even with his experience as a private agent, AK felt handcuffed—unable to act freely. The ship was like a trap, and the walls were closing in.
But he wouldn't back off.
Not now.