The Narrator’s Tale #TFDbyRWOz2 D minus 8

As I have related it was some time before I could open the book. I went about my regular life – working, eating and sleeping. But my mind frequently turned to the conundrum on the shelf. I spent hours holding it in my palm and staring. 

I wasn’t sure then but I am positive now that glints of light emanated from its pages whenever my back was turned. (This truth only came later). Obviously I felt something was going on. And my unease grew as the night lengthened. 

It was two weeks after I brought it home that the dreams began.

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Had we entertained beforehand the thought of going to Damascus, we would have changed our minds when the city came into view. It was a city no longer. What was left was little bigger than a village. A village broken down and smoldering.

I had a flash of concern for our people in the hiding place. And wondered if what befell Damascus had spread its impact that far afield.

Elijah spoke up and put my mind at ease with his assurances.

Tomas, soon after, diverted us onto another path and what was left of Damascus slipped from our view.

I wish I had talked once more with Tomas before he and the Captain took the lead and departed this life.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy woke us in the early morning with a report that explosions could be heard coming from the direction of Babylon. As we strained to see over the horizon we could make out the glow from the same. Then the many camps far below on the plain stirred to life.

We watched with interest the goings on throughout the day.

Moglen’s outpost on these heights packed up and descended down to the redoubt.

Another group operating from the redoubt, labored all the daylight hours, and succeeded in carrying the crate half way up to the high place.

Before the sun set Reuben and his team arrived, guided by Sy’s men sent down for that purpose.

Elijah and I made ready.

Day Six Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

One full day stretched to a day and a half. We wanted to wait for the cooler temperatures of night before setting out again.

It has been good to rest and collect ourselves. I believe it has done Elijah much good too.  He has been moving noticeably slower.  His fasting is taking its toll.

The Captain sat with his face to the south.  At times I could see his concern for his friend Tomas chase away the peace engendered by his meditation. I understand and empathize with him.

It was during one of those moments that Elijah intervened to save my life. I had inadvertently positioned myself beside a scorpion’s nest. It was scuttling my way when he crushed it.

Day Five Hundred Seventy Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was reluctant to rejoin life outside the special cabin.  Not because of a foreseen consequence to my person, but because of what the day held for our people and for one in particular.

And it was not out of a sense of duty that I went to the Raj twin P, but out of true concern and love to prepare him for coming events.

First I sought out the Captain on the bridge to tell him about the imminent arrival of a manned warship. Elijah was also on the bridge conversing with P. So I called them over.

And as predicted a warship entered the harbor before nightfall, carrying personnel to man the ships and with demands on us.

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 Three Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Things always look different in the light of day. Or so Elijah is fond of reminding me. And so he does now. What was invisible in the dying light, now stands out in full relief. Though by contrast, where Elijah had been and what he had been doing is still “invisible” to us.

The harbor of this port is wide and deep, easy to navigate. The Captain took us in without the aid of a pilot. It is his home port, hence his familiarity, and what he has seen has shaken him to his core.

No ship stood at anchor to greet us. Instead, two rested with broken backs atop the nearer tall buildings.

Otherwise, all life has been scoured away.

Day Two Hundred Twenty One Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:
I reached the pool in time to see the fountain bubble to life. It must be a natural phenomenon. Its mist hung in the air. Its effect refreshing and invigorating.
Should I make this my daily habit?
Spring up, o well!

Day One Hundred Ninety Seven Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

One of my leaders brought a small matter to me to judge this morning. You would think that such small irritants would be overshadowed by the seriousness of our present situation. Life goes on. I made it an object lesson.

The drone presence slackens. Only one circulates at a time. When a second arrives, the other makes one last circuit in tandem, then disappears back into the city.

A column of smoke rises again over the city. It has grown throughout the morning swelling ever upward.

Day One Hundred Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Life is regimented here within the city. We have the freedom to move around, but with each section we cross into we have a check point to pass first.

My suspicion did prove true. People are grouped into areas on the basis of their beliefs.

This divides rather than unites the people. It is a ghetto mindset and brought Lyle to tears.

There remains the puzzle though. Who called for it? And who is in control?

None of the other sections have claimed leadership over the others. Yet the most likely candidate high in my estimation has got to be the section immediately behind the gate we tried on our first day here.

Some fine day I’ll know for sure.