Day One Thousand One Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We did not see Tomas  the rest of the day yesterday. Because of the good report we did not think it odd. But when he did not show this morning, we wondered if another attack was underway.

We asked to go into the city and were denied. The first time ever.

When Elijah asked to go down to the harbor and the desalination plants, our guards granted the request.

To our surprise the docks were empty of ships. A few were out in the harbor – warships.

We expected to see Tomas at the desalination plants, but were again disappointed.

Sensing that he needed our intercession, we sought out a place to be in the presence of the One who sees.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We all accompanied the Captain, Elam and Sy down to the docks to bid them Godspeed. Mr. Kagi received us with open arms and wanted to take everyone away with him right then. But we committed our friends to him and to the One who sees all.

And thankfully Mawuli heeded the call and gladly joined with them too. He told me of his realization that to ship out on his father’s former vessel had long been a desire of his heart.

The Captain for his part wanted to have Tomas along, but he joyfully knows that each has a part to play.

We watched from shore as the ship threaded its way through the other vessels in the harbor.

Day Eight Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I had been dwelling on the thought that Elijah was entertaining the idea of taking ship from this port, but perhaps that was just my nostalgia for our times at sea with our old friends Tomas and the Captain.

My hopes rose, when Quasimo’s route took us into this section, dense with warehouses bordering the docks. He has been most careful to keep us from unfriendly notice. But with the side effect of circuitous and slow progress.

When we settled in for the evening Quasimo presented several options for tomorrow. The best one in his estimation will take us east out of the megapolis, hence in an opposite direction from our desired destination.

We surprised him when we both concurred.

Day Five Hundred Seventy Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our uncertainty continues.

We accompanied Tomas ashore in the Captain’s gig. It took some time to find an appropriate place to dock. All the while we did not see a living soul.

What we could see of this city is promising. The buildings and streets appear to be new construction. I surmise it has risen recently from the great destruction.

After a brief detour through the streets near the docks, we returned to where a ship was moored.

We were hailed as we ascended the gangplank. A lone sailor was overjoyed to to see us.  And he demanded that we take him away to our ship without delay.

Which we did.

By his account, fear has caused the city’s evacuation.

Day Five Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have arrived near our destination, but though the way in is clear, we won’t rush.

The Captain put us on our guard earlier this morning. When we had the whole archipelago in view, certain areas glowed brightly in the dark. Very ominous.

The largest island and home to our next port of call looked normal.

We were still the only vessel plying the waters. On our first peek into the harbor, we could see several ships moored at the docks.  And no signs of activity.

The Captain ordered the anchor down in the roads. He wants to wait to see if a pilot boat comes out. He’ll send Tomas in tomorrow.

Elijah and I want to accompany him ashore.

Day Five Hundred Sixty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were a long time getting into the harbor. And even a longer time finding a berth. Debris packed the waters beside the docks, human bodies making up a good proportion of said debris.

And just like the ship master it took some convincing to change the minds of the remaining port authorities to allow us entry. Then it seemed like an eon for them to assemble some dock workers to help. (Many had fled to high ground).

Our crew set about clearing a way in, and by the time the shore crew was ready, we had already accomplished that task.

I helped Tomas and P identify containers with medical supplies and offloaded those first.

Even some listed for elsewhere.

Day Five Hundred Forty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We began our plan’s implementation today. First, I paid a quick visit to the ship to ask the Captain’s permission to bring aboard the Hamashiachite contingent. Upon my assurances that none carried the plague, he whole-heartedly approved, and I returned to Elijah with his blessing.

Second, Elijah briefed these people fully in the steps they are to take to fulfill their role in the end of days. The ship shall deliver them to the next port down the coast. There they shall gather other Hamashiachites and set out for their long journey.

From the noon hour onward, we sent these dear people out by twos and threes to the docks.

By day’s end we were all safely aboard ship.

Day Five Hundred Forty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Only a few ships are tied up in this port. From early on it was warm and humid, building to hot and oppressive by the end of the day. Life moves at a snail’s pace in consequence.

Though we have been here for some time, we are still waiting for men and equipment to begin the unloading process.

Tomas and P have been ashore twice to see the port authority.  On the first attempt they were not even given an audience. And on the second, though they saw the head man himself, they were dismissed until later this evening.

The pair did look around the docks, and P even ventured into the city.

As Elijah knew beforehand, P brought word.

Day Four Hundred Fifty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We held our station until the robotic warship was out of sight. It was obvious to us that it was patrolling the route between the port cities. Perhaps on the lookout for us.

Then we immediately entered into the island’s port city. No other vessel was currently tied up at the docks. We had our pick of  berths and chose the one closest to Emil’s office. He wasn’t in, so we settled in for the night.

Elijah and the Captain went ashore this morning only to return almost immediately. Not only could they not find Emil, the dock was deserted.

There was a short debate as to what to do.

We decided to unload the three containers ourselves and wait.

Day Four Hundred Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

First thing we descended to the city. All the gates were closed. We heard the sounds of activity within, but saw no one. We made our way around to see the harbor. Three ships floated there and two were tied up at docks, but none was ours.

Then we realized we had to check the opposite side. And when we did, we discovered another road from the north and an open gate.

The guard in command denied us entry, for in his words we may not conduct business without the mark. Elijah declared we were not merchants. This stymied him and said he would ask his commander. And sent us away.

We have to wait to see what comes next.