Day Five Hundred Eighty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It was the same warship that loomed over us at the last port. Manned, not robotic. They brought instructions for how our ship is to be handed over.

The port authority briefed our Captain this morning. We are to sail to the mainland, the gateway to the East, and turn the vessel over to the global transport service, based there.

Elijah is elated. He says it is exactly where we need to be next.

However the Captain thinks we won’t be able to go right away. He refuses to make the trip without shipments, and currently there are none from this port. And then there’s the matter of our trading without the mark.

It may be the final stumbling block.

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Day Five Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah agreed with the Captain’s decision to avoid the next port of call.

We were surprised that these were the first words out of his mouth upon emerging from the special cabin. For he had held up in there for the past two days.

He then added cryptically that this port will be the end of the voyage. For everyone.

The Captain began to protest. And stated that the end was always supposed to be on the tropical islands at the center of this immense ocean.

To this Elijah answered that the people awaiting the shipments were no longer there. All the inhabitants had been removed forcibly on Stan’s orders. He now holds the islands as his personal possession and retreat.

Day Five Hundred Forty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain took the ship out in the forenoon. We are a little lighter again, for we had nothing but deliveries in this port. There were no new shipments.

Our progress was slow and cautious as Tomas navigated the other end of the inward passage. Delighted by the view of the bright green islands floating on the blue, blue sea, the Hamashiachites lingered long at the rail.

Once we reached the open ocean, Elijah collected them in the mess hall and introduced them to other believers from the crew. Some strong bonds were forged today. In fact, the Raj twin G may leave at the next port to accompany them.

Elijah approves, but I wonder what his twin brother thinks.

Day Five Hundred Twenty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain sent Tomas ashore to confer with the dispatcher about taking on again the cargo that had been off loaded prior to the ship’s entry into dry dock. And to discover if the port is now under global control.

He brought back answers for both questions, plus one other. The Captain had hoped to add some new shipments, but we will only be allowed to take on the old shipments. Indeed the global government is now exerting control – no new shipments will be allowed without “the mark.”

We had a short debate whether to go back in or not.

The Captain brought the ship alongside the cargo dock after the Raj family and Elijah and I were secreted away.

Day Four Hundred Forty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A lot of prep today to receive the new containers for shipment. I dealt with the challenging puzzle of arranging the stowage so that those shipments last off will go under those off first.

Emil was very helpful in this matter. He has everything arranged on shore to that end. What may hold up things is waiting on the Captain’s final approvals as to what will go.

By end of day we had the ship ready to receive the new cargo. In our cabin after dinner, Elijah and I talked over our days. He had wandered off into the city to look around. He senses a great loneliness and dispiritedness in all whose path he crossed.

I shared about Emil.

Day Three Hundred Forty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We will indeed be longer at this port. All shipments for this city have been off loaded, but not everything consigned to ship has arrived to be stowed aboard. But even if they were, the Captain would not depart before he gets satisfaction for his claim on the grain ship.

Elijah was happy this time around for we landed and traveled about on solid ground.

First call was at the Customs house, where we were referred to the Port Authority.

We departed from the Captain at that institution and struck out on our own. Elijah and I are seeking those not bearing the mark, and those new followers of Hamashiach.

Our efforts were crowned with success, the Captain’s were not.

Day Three Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We went ashore again at the rise of the sun. Elijah desired to call on the people of the fish one last time before we leave to encourage and advise them.

Upon our return to the ship the Captain informed us that two officials of the world government had paid a call on the ship. And consequently the Purser wanted to talk with us.

We did. And he explained that it was the duty of these officials to check on world government shipments to insure that they are sealed and undisturbed. What the Purser thought was odd, was their asking after any passengers. Definitely outside their purview, given their low rank.

The Purser told them nothing, on the Captain’s orders.