Day One Thousand One Hundred Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our guards kept us back and away from the perimeter while a special unit toiled away removing the bodies left in the wake of yesterday’s attack.

I was wondering if the true inspiration behind the incident could be laid at the machinations of our bête noir, Moglen, when Elijah interrupted my train of thought with an apology and an explanation.

He also had sighted Moglen yesterday and not told me. He had gone over to the holding pens (his apology was for that action, having traveled somewhere without me). Its inhabitants proved to be deranged, beyond all reach, completely unsalvageable. And he can state with certainty that Moglen was indeed responsible for the opposition that arose from there – and more.

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Day Eight Hundred Ninety Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I utilized my time to build my drone. Jezer has amassed an impressive array of options to add to it if I so desire. A monitor which I can strap to my wrist should prove quite useful.

But I hesitate to add any armament. Jezer’s contributions in that department are staggering.

I shall ask what Elijah thinks on that score.

Jezer did not turn up any leads on his swing through the north. He’ll try to the south tomorrow.

Meesa has offered to go out also. But was met with opposition immediately from the people she coordinates. They feel she is too valuable to chance losing.

I need to ask Elijah to teach them about where to place their trust.

Day Eight Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Not only did I lack confirmation, I confessed to having more questions than before.

Along the way Elijah had confirmed my suspicion that the first snowfall had been an answer to his petition on our behalf – a provision of water for the next step in our journey along an unknown path. A highly localized suspension of the drought. Purely for our benefit.

But – hence the question. Who was responsible for the crimson snow that followed. And did they know where we were? And if so, how? Were we under surveillance?

Elijah just shrugged and said it was obvious the enemy’s goal was to thwart us, but asked me to remember that the Spirit can use that opposition to help us.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There is a body of water at the back of the city, a lake that has shrunken due to the drought. The river that feeds it is running low, and at the other end stands a dam that impedes outflow.

This source of water is most precious to the inhabitants and it is what they intend to protect and preserve at all costs. So we conclude after observing the comings and goings of the local militia all day, and in particular their concentration in the vicinity of the dam.

Over on that side of the city Tomas was a witness to their opposition to some tanker trucks he recognized.

Though they retreated we are sure they will return in force.

Day Seven Hundred Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas had noticed my frustration yesterday. So he pulled me aside to explain a few realities.

The Supreme Commander is only supreme in matters pertaining to the army. He is the servant of one of the global factions and must answer to them. He has made a very risky decision in our regard, for each of us are wanted individuals by those same authorities.

For now, the Supreme Commander’s sense of debt towards us has dictated his stance. And Tomas is reasonably certain he will stand by his decision in the face of opposition.

Still there are factions in the army that would delight to see him fall and assume his place.

Elijah confirmed Tomas’ analysis with a wistful smile.

Day Three Hundred Eighty One late morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

We had no opposition to our entry into the harbor. No signal nor any communication from the robotic warship.

A swift boat came out and ordered us to heave to. They brought a pilot to bring us in. Within the hour we were tied up at a pier.

The Captain was absent the rest of the day and all night chasing down the harbor master.

In the morning he reappeared. He now knows how and where to offload his cargo, but has also learned that although the warship allows ships in, none have yet been cleared to leave.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We began the day by identifying the vessel behind us. Tomas brought in the verdict. It is a warship. The mere knowledge of which fact colors our perception of her as a threat, even though there have been no hostile actions nor even a hint of any.

The Captain’s orders for course and speed remained unchanged throughout the day. He is resigned that little opposition could be mounted in the event of the worst case. His major concern is to keep everyone safe.

He did not come right out and ask Elijah for his aid, but we could tell he was angling for any favor in his power.

Elijah has tried to explain that it does not work that way.

Day Two Hundred Ninety Seven late morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Nothing but hard cases up until now. Dull of ear and mind.

I persevere despite the magnitude of the opposition. I know I am buoyed by the intercession of Enoch. My prayers go with him and Elam.

Now I am inching towards the seaport area and there is a noticeable change in the look and feel of everything.

Day One Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Pressure is mounting on two fronts.

Moglen is the undisputed leader now in the second district. It is even whispered that he may rise to rule the entire west end. We expect an ultimatum soon.

And Lyle faces opposition from two of his leaders. They were denied access to a west end market unless they bear the mark. They proposed that they take it on to represent the east end in these matters. I advised Lyle to counter their notion with the suggestion that they maintain their market here. Let the west end come to us, we set no restrictions.

Grazie worked diligently in our fields today. I worry about the return of her depression once the harvest is finished.