Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 78

Sir, the ship is ready for departure.
To: Fleet Registration
Anna Zhang and Kaiser Li:
Registered on Ship 1 - 7:17 am, October 26th, 1405.
Dear Kaiser,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot thank you enough for recruiting me as a cook on the ship. The
ship is so incredibly exciting, from the bustle of the sailors up on deck to the cheeky gossip down in the common crew.
I spend my rest times just sitting by the railing, staring out into the horizon, wondering and dreaming and thinking
about everything and nothing. I listen. I listen to the whispers of the wind, telling me that this is what I’m meant to do,
who I’m meant to be.
Can you believe how many places we’ve been to in the past seven months? According to one of the maps,
we’ve sailed to Champa, Java, Malacca, Aru, Semudera, Lambri, Ceylon, Quilon and now Calicut. I feel like I’m
invincible, that I can conquer every problem that stands before me. I feel free. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
I’m afraid, though. What happens after this voyage? Do I need to return home just to sew and sew until my
fingers are sewn together in frustration? Do I need to give my freedom back and be controlled by society again?
I don’t want to go back. I want to stay here, Kaiser, with you, with the sea, and with the freedom that comes
with it. Even if the storms strike us down and the dark clouds cover our view, I want this anyway.
Okay. That’s enough. Let’s meet by the boiler room at 8 o’clock.
Anna
From: Admiral Zheng He
To: Officials and Officers
At Cape Comorin, we will change direction and begin the return journey to China. Alert the captain and crew
immediately.
May 1405
From: Admiral Zheng He
To: Kaiser
Kaiser, I’ve been sent to Palembang to negotiate the pacification of Chen Zuyi. As you know, he happens to be the
most vicious Chinese pirate dominating the Malaccan Strait. I have heard that he has plotted for attack. Prepare for
battle.
September 1405
Dear Kaiser,
I think I am truly in love with you. Please tell me we can get married after we return –