Mini Figure Lost & Found

The Lost Tribal Chief, Return of an AFoL and Long Distant Love by littlebrickman.



Flashback to year 2004.

June afternoon. As I was walking in Parkson, Ipoh Parade during lunch time of my 9-5 college life, I saw this shelf-worn little box of Lego. I wondered how could such a big shopping mall took a bold step to display this shabby set with the price tag of RM 18.00. No discount. Not a nice attraction either. There were 3 similar sets actually.

As I got closer to inspect, I took one of the boxes and found out that it was set 6709 Tribal Chief from Lego Western theme. I was attracted to the war-painted horse included in the set. It had been 10 years since I last hold of Lego. This might be an old set but new to me. Never had a Western theme before. Would this be a new beginning? A new adventure?

My heart desired to have the set. But my mind kept telling me " You're 24 now". I never knew or heard about AFoL (adult fan of Lego) back then. But this was my lucky day. Discontinued Lego sets right in front my eyes, in my hands indeed. I remembered one famous war general once said,

"Seize, not waiting for opportunity".

RM 18.00 would be my 3 days meal allowance, but I could survive eating cream buns and drinking sky juice. So, acting as I was buying a present to a kid, I bought the set and asked the store assistant to wrap it with gift wrapping. A disguised package so that I didn't have to explain why an adult like me own a Lego set (that suitable for kids age 5-10) to my curious "tell-us-what's-that-in your hands" classmates.

And that was how I became an AFoL.

Later I found out that the set was released in year 1997.

2 weeks later I was in a bus traveling to Kuala Lumpur. Mission : seek and seize vintage Lego sets. Secondary objective : to meet a long lost love. Cash in hands : RM 300.

But luck was not on my side. I scouted the TRU in MidValley but much to my disappointment, there were only new sets and themes, Star Wars, Kingdom Knights II etc. No Westerns, no Ninjas.

Then she came to see me. Ms Ackey (at that particular time).

She is my ex-classmate (class of 1997). And I was about to reveal my little secret to her.

"You came here to KL from Ipoh just to buy Lego?".

"Yup, and to meet you," I answered as we dined at the Chili's. I had my all time favourite lamb chop while she opted for grill salmon. She never like lambs, and I like what she likes.

I looked into her eyes, trying to find for minor twitch or flick in her iris. If I was a mind reader, I might heard some screaming inside her head.

"Oh NO, I'm dating with a Lego FANatic!"

But nothing happened. She was as calm as a summer sea (there is no summer here in Malaysia though).

Knowing her for years, I knew she had no problem with my little hobby. This kind of respect and understanding, made me falling deeper into her unconditional love.

I dedicate this song to you, Mrs. Little Brick Man.

TIME - SM Sabir Miler

FORT LION, Midwife Island.

Sergeant Major Sabir Miler. Peleton Sergeant from Royal Red Jackets (RRJ) 21 Gunners Regiment.

This old brick is a trusted and experienced soldier who assist Leftenant Jon Kaisan in commanding 2nd Peleton at Fort Lion. He is the 2nd IC, in total command of the Peleton whenever Lt. Jon Kaisan is at sea. All subordinate Section Commanders reports to him. He is the bridge between the CO and his brickmen.

A veteran of Milk War and Eden Campaign, SM Sabir Miler is not only feared by foes, but also highly respected by his men as a fatherly figure. He is the man who responsible for the discipline and training of the peleton. He is a strict instructor, especially during the preparation of parades and ceremonies whenever the top brass come to visit Fort Lion. The cannons are heavy, but SM Sabir Miler carries a heavier burden on his shoulder - the Peleton's pride and reputation.

He always shouts to his brickmen,

"Lads, are you ready everyday. Ever Ready?!. Give me hundred."

"You might think twice before messing up with SM. If he finds you walking around with your hands in pockets, you might be ending up in fort's lock-up. Or worse, court martial." says an unnamed brickman.

"That son-of-a-flintlock, who does he thinks he is? King of the Fort? At one time I just went to the loo and left my musket at the door. The next thing I remembered, I was a rolling log from our barrack to the jetty. All that lunch inside my stomach - the spinach lasagna and chips and shrimps, well, the seagulls at the bay had their feast, " said another brickman.

But SM Sabir Miler has his reasons.

"These landsmen don't know that when they entered the Red Jackets, they are married to their muskets. You walk, eat, sleep, piss or what ever you do, the musket must always with you. Even if you sleep walking, musket should be carried on your shoulder. We never know when the enemy is attacking. The moments bullets flying everywhere, you should already return fire. No matter if a fork in your left hand and your mouth still chewing food, or you just came out from your bath, naked. But as long a musket is in your hands, you are ready for a fight. Ever ready!".

"It is true because a musketeer without a musket is not a musketeer at all. You may have a cutlass as secondary. But what are you going to do with it when the enemy is a 100 yards away? Throwing the sword at them? You are no Achilles."

Besides preparing men for battle, a peleton sergeant is also in charge of logistic and medical aid during exercises and operations. At Fort Lion, SM Sabir Miler is the Master of Cannons. He usually get helps from 'powder monkeys'.

Like first sergeants, Sergeant Major Sabir Miler wears blue epaulet, and he is wearing red plume on his tricorne hat. During peleton tactical movements and operations, he's in charge with the artillery battery. He wields a cutlass and has a flintlock as his side arms.


Sergeant Major Sabir Miler

• Eden Campaign Medal
• Milk War Service Medal
• Royal Artillery Operational Medal

***Pic by Little Brick Man.

=TIME= a novel.