Day Five Hundred Ninety Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A day for goodbyes.

Most of the crew will be staying with the ship, if only to return to their homes whose ports were announced in the future itinerary. Others with no attachments want to spend their money and look about before shipping out again. Elijah met with them all after the transport service official’s time with them. It was a time to encourage and wish one another God speed.

We debarked with the Captain and Tomas in the heat of the afternoon. Mr. Kagi accompanied us to the gangplank in his first duty as captain. Before parting he gave us the name of a fellow exile from the islands.

Through his compatriot we found this place in the country.

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Day Four Hundred Forty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We’ve had our reunion. Of sorts. While Tomas remained on duty, the Captain came out to us. It was a joyous occasion.

Especially as we have ascertained that the Captain as well as his crew, remain free of the mark. They have consequently since our parting been forced from some ports which were wholly given over to the world government, including this city’s sister port across the water.

I gave the Captain the messages from his former purser, which he received with thanks. And he greeted my offer to serve in his place with enthusiasm.

Elijah was glad to learn that the ship’s future course remains the same. He was relieved enough to surrender his reluctance to enter the city.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain and the Purser returned to the ship after a day ashore on a quest for news about their families. Everyone else was confined to the ship in their absence. Both went out hopeful, but came back drained.

Elijah could see it in their demeanor as they neared the dock, so he descended to meet them. Some of the crewmen confronted the Captain to beg leave to go into the city also, but he refused to hear their pleas.

Later, he recounted the tale of their day to us and Tomas. They found the Purser’s home abandoned but undisturbed. The Captain’s, however, showed signs of violence.

I sense he has steeled himself and will focus only on his duty.

Day Three Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The glow of a conflagration radiates from the area of the port out of sight behind us. Much speculation about the meaning of it all has set the lower decks abuzz.

I think most telling has been the reaction of the two armed guards assigned to the government shipment. One has given up on his duty and sticks solely to their cabin. The other one won’t leave their charge. I believe there exists tension between them.

Elijah has noticed this too, and he has made overtures to each in turn. So far, neither has responded. But if I know Elijah he will persist.

The rest of the crew remains open and in their down time ask a lot of questions.