Day Nine Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The road at last straightened as the tanker truck climbed onto a plateau, and finally Elam opened up the throttle. And we sped on towards a vale at the base of the highest mountain in the wilderness.

As we closed on the vale, Elam pointed out the sentinels up on the heights. I looked and saw nothing, until three flashes glinted sunlight.

Our driver explained we had the go ahead. And as he pulled up behind another tanker truck and parked, the denizens poured out of their tents and surrounded us.

The wall of flesh gave way as the commanding figure of Sy waded through them. And he lifted me in a massive embrace and did the same to Elijah.

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Day Eight Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We no longer had the road to ourselves. People passed us by in both directions. With the desert behind, small clumps of civilization were huddled around wells and their denizens were going about their business from place to place.

No adults paid us any attention. Only the children in the villages threw themselves in our path. But turned away when they saw we had nothing to give them.

We also had to watch out for vehicles. The best walking was on the paved road, but not when they came by. Especially the tanker trucks delivering water to out of the way places. We never saw them in villages with wells.

We were both silent preparing ourselves for the ordeal ahead.

Day Six Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A momentous day. Advance motorized units of the army came roaring into town at dawn. The townspeople, those who had not fled, stayed inside. Only a few were brave enough to venture out.

Seeing that these soldiers were non-threatening, more denizens, their curiosity whetted, joined those already out gawking.

The main body of the army came through at noon, and for the next six hours filled up the plain towards the mountains.

For most of that time, Tomas and I were out and about, looking for the Captain. Elijah wanted us to stop him from arranging our truck transport. His only explanation being that we cannot yet leave the area.

We were successful in both objects.

Now to wait.

Day Five Hundred Ninety Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The sun gave promise of burning through the fog by the late hours of the morning.  And indeed were dispelled the minute that the transport service official stepped onto the deck.

Much to the relief it seemed to the local denizens, whom we at last saw milling about in the sun.

Elijah and I took it as our cue to stay out of sight.

The official asked the Captain if he would continue with the ship. As this would require taking the mark, he declined. So did Tomas.

Mr. Kagi spoke up and volunteered himself for consideration. The official was noncommittal and went off to canvass the crew.

He left word that those not staying needed to depart by tomorrow.

Day Five Hundred Ninety Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Fog has settled over the area and unlike with the mysterious darkness, we know there is a sun somewhere up there. This, however, has not led to a change in attitude on the part of the denizens towards us.

The Captain went ashore (Mr. Kagi in tow) to initiate the handover of the ship.

In their absence, a robotic warship paid a call. And Tomas directed the transfer of the two deck containers to that craft.

The silence surrounding it was simply eerie.

Upon the return of Mr. Kagi and the Captain, we learned the fate of the ship. About the time we finish unloading Mr. Kagi’s possessions tomorrow, the global transport service official will arrive here to assume command.

Day Four Hundred #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I have come to the same conclusion. Stan is here to extend and widen the reach of the world government.

But we disagree on what to do next. I believe his appearance was the answer to our “when to leave” question. Now.

Elijah clings to the notion that we still have a responsibility. What that is exactly, remains a mystery.

In my considered opinion, all followers of Hamashiach are safely out of his reach.

A case in point, the former owners of this inn were believers that left. The current possessors, we have learned, simply took over.

All the remaining denizens in this town are ripe to receive the “mark” for his promises.

What is left to do?

Day Two Hundred Seventy Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy’s parents had been wary before admitting us, explaining that people who spend nights in the square are unsavory characters – molesters, drunkards, robbers – all around reprobates (their description). They keep locked up tight nights.

They offered us a place to stay as long as we want.

We thanked them, but Elijah countered by telling them that we are here to get them out and back to their son.

Our offer was met with frigid silence.

When the father spoke it was with adamant absoluteness. He will never leave. I saw the same resolve in the mother’s eyes.

We turned our talk to other things – of the denizens, their rulers, and the seaport beyond.

We hope they will change their minds.