Day One Thousand Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It took all my resolve not to go out and look for their tanker truck and follow up any leads as to the whereabouts of Tomas and Jezer. Of course, Elijah’s unwillingness to deviate from our agreed upon schedule held me back too, but he did allow Quasimo to go to investigate.

I kept as busy as I could, but there was little I could do to help Mei since the return of Meesa and the Purser. Instead I tried to make myself useful to Reuben. He has implemented new procedures after reviewing our security here.

When Quasimo reappeared he confirmed the truck to be Jezer’s. He believes its placement had been instrumental to our successful crossing of the road.

Advertisement

Day Seven Hundred Ninety Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mei came all the way from the front, back to talk to Elijah and me. Sadness tinged her countenance, but she spoke with resolve.

She was certain that the forces of the world government must be looking for us, and was puzzled how they could miss such a large group since there were only four roads for them to check, leading out of the now dead city.

And so she put her questions- was Elijah responsible for this? And was this something she should know how to do?

I was taken aback. Not for the questions themselves. But for the fact that she had an intimation of what will be required of her in the future.

Elijah took her aside.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were appalled. Elijah was bruised and bloodied about the face, but he brushed our concern aside and assured us that all would be well.

And he added for my benefit that his interrogators ceased their thuggish actions so abruptly that he knew I must be interceding for him.

(There is nothing like an encouraging report to buoy your spirits and for strengthening your resolve to go on). The Captain was so encouraged that he stayed awake softly singing songs of praise.

They came for me next.

They had no new questions and I had no new answers.

The main interrogator was raising his hand to strike me when he recoiled in fear.

I was ordered back to our chamber.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Though we could see our way by the light of the stars, our progress was slow. By a great measure our pace improved with the rising of the moon.

It was otherworldly to watch my companions’ shadows ascending and descending the contours of the land as I followed in their wake. Our silhouettes only recognizable half the time.

We were all still energetic with the coming of day, so we pressed on. Only stopping when the heat drained our resolve.

The Captain did well, so we no longer harbor apprehensions about his ability to keep up. And I marvel at Elijah’s constitution. I do believe he could easily outdistance us all.

Turned in without a morsel, but not really fasting.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy’s parents had been wary before admitting us, explaining that people who spend nights in the square are unsavory characters – molesters, drunkards, robbers – all around reprobates (their description). They keep locked up tight nights.

They offered us a place to stay as long as we want.

We thanked them, but Elijah countered by telling them that we are here to get them out and back to their son.

Our offer was met with frigid silence.

When the father spoke it was with adamant absoluteness. He will never leave. I saw the same resolve in the mother’s eyes.

We turned our talk to other things – of the denizens, their rulers, and the seaport beyond.

We hope they will change their minds.