Day Seven Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lung and Mei parted company from us midday. I thought I detected a little reluctance on the part of Mei to do so.

As I thought, their destination was the glacier on this mountain. They will survey the feasibilities of getting the water locked within, down the mountain to their tanker trucks.

The Captain told me that he saw a flamethrower in the pack that Lung was carrying. He lamented to me that he hoped that they knew what they were doing.

We kept on our way with frequent backward glances. And soon we could no longer make out the figures of our former companions trekking up the mountain, for our trail took us around and down the other side.

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Day Six Hundred Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Flock upon flock of birds passed over our heads today, originating from somewhere to the north and flying like arrows to the unmoving mountains to the south.

I think they are cranes. Tomas believes them to be as big as the condors he is familiar with.

Elijah caught up to us at midday. We had just finished our meal. I noticed that he did not eat anything. Nor, I believe, did he yesterday.

I did not call attention to it. Neither the Captain nor Tomas seemed to notice. They were more intent upon putting more miles behind us.

Elijah’s step is firm and energetic and shows no sign of lagging. His wit is sharp and engaging.

Should I fast too?

Day Five Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Though by the ship’s clock, it was past midday when we arrived at the gateway to the East, the lights of the city were still lit against the cloying darkness.

The water was motionless and all sound muffled as we maneuvered up to our berth.

Workers appeared from nowhere to secure our lines and hurried back out of sight.

It was an odd welcome. Like they were fearful to approach.

This notion was indeed confirmed by the timid port official who finally dared to come aboard. Rumors were rife that we somehow were responsible for the unending night.

The two guards debarked with P as soon as they could. In one last audience we laid hands on him and prayed.

Day Four Hundred Fifty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain terms it a regular monsoon. We tried to keep ahead of its leading edge, but were overtaken by midday.

Blackness shrouded us, which added overall to the terror as the ship plowed forward into each oncoming wave. Tomas went out at intervals to make sure that none of the load topside had shifted.

So far, so good.

Throughout the ordeal Elijah maintained his composure and confidence. It was a great reminder to me about where I am to place my focus.

The Captain cannot say for sure when we can turn about, but promises to keep his word by delivering Emil’s container to the port city on the mainland.

Who knows how far we will have to go.

Day Four Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was a late riser this morning. Elijah, having the last watch, let me sleep in to recover from yesterday. So when preparations were complete, we got off to a good, though late start.

Even so we came out of the wilderness well before midday, which was ahead of our expectations. But the view that greeted us was completely surprising. An extensive and empty salt flat.

That it was empty was most unnerving. I had expected to see multitudes awash in this interior expanse. All of the evidence we had passed on our route called for that conclusion.

Elijah took in the scene and was pragmatic. All it meant he shrugged was that we still have a ways to go.

Day Two Hundred Eight Afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

Struck out before sunset to reconnoiter from the top of the dune. Saw two desirable destinations, what may be oases.

Chose the one that appeared closer.

Kept a slow but steady pace throughout the night.

Got up past midday to check my course. Satisfied.

Difficult to get back to sleep.

Wrote out this.