The year is 1895. You had been sent to the Straits Settlements to document some of the cultural life of the city of Singapore, and how it has been developing under British rule. As you disembark off the boat and walk around the city, you walk past a column of soldiers, both British and of the native Malays. A young officer is giving commands to the soldiers, and then dismisses them back to their barracks. He turns around and notices you, and gives you a smile. He seems friendly enough.