Day One Thousand Eighty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The unit commander condescended to speak to us today. He was in a good mood, being pleased with the efficiency of his men in executing his orders.

His mood changed, however. when Elijah brought up our request to be taken to the Supreme Commander.

He was incredulous about our claims to have met him. Mei at the last prevailed upon him to send a message from us along with his other reports.

The monotony that settled upon our group afterwards was dispelled as we turned our focus to the things of the Spirit.

The quiet of the camp was disturbed later in the evening when an uproar erupted at the news that the adversary Stan was recovered from his wound.

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Day Seven Hundred Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We had no sooner noticed that activity throughout the camp had increased, when Tomas brought word that orders were circulating for the army to advance.

At that juncture the Supreme Commander came to us with a request. He wanted us to assume a place with the advance units as they go through the next pass.

Or specifically Elijah, the Captain and myself. For he had decided to keep Tomas back in the rear of the army by his side.

(Obviously to keep us from wandering too far).

After a brief conference we acceded to his request.

I knew from my ongoing talks with Elijah that this fit exactly with our goals.

Even in the position that Tomas will find himself.

Day Seven Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Just because we were set at liberty did not mean that we were free to leave. Our guards were dismissed to other duties which meant that instead of being under their sole observation we had the attention of the entire army wherever we turned.

The Supreme Commander had decided for reasons of security that we would not be allowed to depart from the camp. And orders were issued accordingly.

I was surprised at Elijah’s complaisance in the face of these strictures. However, Tomas and the Captain were unperturbed and welcomed the opportunity to take it easy.

Finally I realized I had my sights too attuned to the end goal and was not directing my immediate focus where it should be.

Day Six Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The passage of columns of soldiers continued unabated throughout the night. And shows no sign of let up today.

At least they ignore us, passing onwards in the disinterested manner of soldiers under orders, orders that have nothing to say about us.

Our neighbor came to lunch and passed the afternoon with us. At his invitation we dined at his house, spending a pleasant evening with him. He told us about our future host, one of the wealthiest men among the exiles. He was successful in extracting all of it before being forced out.

Elijah then surprised him with the question- “Is he not the uncle of Mr. Kagi?”

Our host stammered in the affirmative and even I was impressed.

Day Five Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain should have known better. Only if Elijah were to change ships would I even consider taking the first mate position on the other ship. Besides its course is counter to ours.

Elijah chided the Captain and suggested that the Raj twin P be offered the position instead. P was called for, but upon hearing the proposal, turned it down.

Another assistant to Tomas was proposed and he accepted.

We dropped him off before our departure this afternoon.

We are a day late leaving port. So both the Captain and I are concerned with what that might mean for us. The Captain sent down orders to crack on with all speed.

Elijah and I repaired to the special cabin.

Day Three Hundred Seventy Eight late morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Under orders from the Captain, the crew is being held on their stations – to keep them busy, and their minds on work and off of the fiery illumination that sprang to life during the night and is still with us this morning.

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 Three Hundred Fifty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Despite the great distance from our last port, the night sky in that quarter was illuminated still by raging fires. It dimmed only with the rising of the sun.

The Captain informed Elijah that he expects to raise the next port within a week.

Elijah encouraged him to pay a call on the guards. The Captain queried them in turn about the contents of the container in their charge. Neither claimed to have any knowledge about its contents. Even the disaffected one was emphatic  that their orders prohibited the breaking of its seals.

The Captain challenged them that they no longer have to answer to a superior.

They countered that they will indeed have to answer at the next port.

Day One Hundred Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle made it back this morning. He’d been detained at the order of someone very high up.  I shared my knowledge with him, and the details lined up with what he had learned. We both agreed that this shadowy figure is most likely Stan.

They are all fearful of talking about him.

I turned to Kip and described our companion from the mountain. Kip went wide eyed and nodded with resignation.

Kip explained that this young man with a beard left a few weeks ago and had just recently returned. Now more emphatic that they line up with his orders as dictated from the world authority, as they have quelled wars and lent succor to disaster areas.

Is it time?