Day Five Hundred Twenty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Raj twins are fascinated with the workings of the ship. They followed me about everywhere, from the depths to the heights.

The one, whom we call G, was particularly enamoured of those things that are done routinely for the maintenance of the ship, as a result, most likely, from his experiences in the shipyard.

His brother P expressed more interest in what Tomas does when functioning as Purser.

This would be fine by me, for I have not felt right about taking it on this time around. As long as the other parties involved agree – Tomas, the Captain, but especially Elijah.

For now, Elijah feels we are beyond the reach of the global government. And hopes to stay ahead.

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Day Five Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

When the Raj twins failed to return from the shipyard over night, the rest of their family begged us to seek them out.

Since Elijah and I were aware of the push to finish repairs on our ship, we weren’t too concerned, and explained our reasoning. This calmed them until rumors electrified the streets that global security forces were entering the city.

We left immediately for the shipyard, taking the family with us. They realized that now is the time.

We were the first to arrive at the yard with the news, and in turn were surprised to see our ship again afloat.

The Captain brought everyone aboard, reuniting the family with the twins.

We standby for our next move.

Day Five Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I returned with the Raj twins to their family last night. We have a lot to do in a short time.

This morning we stayed with the family rather than going back to the shipyard. (We would only be underfoot and in the way if we tried to help with the ship’s repair).

Elijah has laid out for the family a plan and a route for their future journey. They are eager to comply and are pressing us for a word on when they should depart. All we can tell them is that they will know within themselves when the time is right.

They have balked however at Elijah’s insistence that the twins accompany us on the ship.

Day Five Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Raj twins, (for such they are), awakened us early and led us on a serpentine crawl across the face of the city. I would not like to make the trip any later.

Elijah reflected an unruffled demeanor upon entering the shipyard. I, by contrast, could not contain my excitement at the prospect of reuniting with the Captain and the crew of the ship.

Two vessels were on the stocks in the dry docks, but neither one was ours. The twins left us at the shipyard office to make our queries.

To our joy the Captain emerged from the office as we were climbing the stairs.

To our questions he gestured to the first in a line of waiting ships.

Day Five Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

That melody discovered to us the sought after Hamashiachites. When I think of the teeming masses around us, I marvel that Elijah and I are now among these precious people.

We call them simply the Raj – again on account of our inability to reproduce their sentence long name. Three generations of a single family with almost as many members as letters in that name.

They confess they have been like sheep without a shepherd and rejoice to finally have direction and a purpose. (Through Elijah’s ministrations, of course).

And the benefit has been reciprocal in their willingness to look after our needs.

And wonder of wonders, the two youngest men have found work in a shipyard.

Tomorrow they take us.

Day Five Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

More empty villages littered our route. Though discouraged we are hopeful for the road ahead. Elijah feels that the household in question may have fled to the large city now within our view. I pointed out of course that the populace of the entire countryside appears to have done the same.

A heavy mist that has covered the environs of the far side of that city has melted away in the afternoon sun, revealing the presence of the sea beyond.

Thankfully it will limit the flight of our fugitives.

However with each step forward the city looms larger. It is an effort to keep the task ahead in perspective, and less daunting.

We decide to seek first for the shipyard.

Day Four Hundred Eighty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

After our night in the shallow cave, we had to climb to higher ground in order to gain access to the road again. Standing water in the wake of the storm left the road inaccessible at the lower levels.

Elijah thinks it may take a month or more to reach the other coast. This gave me pause. Would we be able to rejoin the ship again if it took that long?

Elijah knew the answer, of course. The Captain had confided to him the ship was due for a lengthy refit at a shipyard when finished with their deliveries on that side.

We may very well arrive before the ship is prepared for the next leg of their voyage.