Day Three Hundred Forty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The unloading of containers continues. Only about a third of our total, according to the Purser, is being offloaded. We will be able to take on more than we delivered since the ship has been running under capacity. This knowledge gave Elijah hope that we may have a reasonable amount of time ashore.  We went in search of the Captain to ask if he had made up his mind yet.

We found him dealing with a knotty problem, finding a misplaced container. However, he put that task aside to talk with us.

He thinks that by tomorrow we can all go ashore.

I felt the need to replenish so I passed the remainder of the day in the sanctuary cabin.

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Day Three Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah monopolized the Purser most of the day – actually it was longer than that, commencing yesterday after I finally tracked him down and informed him about our conversation. They have been held up in the sanctuary cabin through the night hours.

If the Captain had not needed him, who knows if they would not still be at it.

I took his place in the sanctuary cabin with Elijah. And Elijah filled in what gaps were remaining for a better understanding on my part. Of particular note is the revelation that the group to which the Purser’s mother belonged and that of the sign of the fish in our last port are one and the same.

Truly His ways are higher.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I passed a pleasant hour in conversation with the Purser.

I had been seeking Elijah in the usual places, starting with the sanctuary cabin, when the Purser emerged from the same.

Obviously, Elijah was not within, nor was his current location known by the Purser.

I had turned to continue my search, but he begged to ask a question.

I stayed to hear him out, and that one question grew into a mutually edifying dialogue.

He asked me if I had known anyone who had disappeared three and a half months ago. I flashed back to when Grazie and the others ascended at the Glorious Appearing. I nodded.

He then asked if my missing ones like his mother followed Hamashiach.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

On deck the air radiated hot and oppressive, despite the fact of our swift forward motion. At the bow it was more akin to a blast furnace.

Elijah stayed in the sanctuary cabin over night and was missing from the vigil we were keeping on the bridge in the early dawn hours.  So I assumed he was still there.

Out of the grayness a wide expanse of ocean came into focus beyond the closing pincers of the enveloping morass.

The Captain despaired. In his judgment the welcome sight was still too far away.

But then it were as if we crossed a line into a polar region and a fierce wind blew from behind us forward, forcing the pincers apart.

Day Three Hundred Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A messenger from the Captain came for Elijah early today. But he was already out and about and I did not know where.

This crewman was downcast at the news. They had been all night trying to cut their way into Stan’s cabin – unsuccessfully.

I told him to check the superstructure from this level down, and I would cover the upper levels.

I learned his whereabouts when I questioned the Purser in his office.  That gentleman told me that Elijah was in the sanctuary cabin.

I turned to go, but he held me up. Elijah had left word that he was not to be disturbed.

There was nothing to do but go tell the Captain that we have to wait.