Day Five Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The port has been a study in contrasts today. All the other ships were abuzz with activity, while ours was just sitting by the dock, waiting.

Waiting for the Captain and P to return. (If they return at all). Waiting for news of what comes next.

Small boats were plying the waters constantly between the warship and the shore. We spotted one unit coming in that we were sure will be paying visits to the shrines of the city, claiming them in Stan’s name.

At one point Tomas was called for. He brought back word of the Captain’s imminent return, and a suggestion that we depart.

Neither Elijah nor myself sense that our time aboard has come to an end.

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Day Four Hundred Eighty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah won’t be dissuaded. He plans to go on shore at the earliest opportunity.

Our ship has been waiting in the roads all day. The Captain has been giving the authorities a series of excuses as to why we haven’t left yet. Any longer and their patience will be used up.

Neither of us can swim that far, and Elijah doesn’t want to show off by walking in from here.

Tomas thinks our only option would be to go on to the next port and perhaps we will be allowed to land there.

Elijah and I drew apart to discuss that option. Neither one of us felt that was the answer.
We climbed to the highest point on the ship.

Day Four Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain called me to the bridge in the forenoon. I’d been busy crunching numbers so I welcomed the interruption to get away from my desk and office.

I was surprised however to learn the reason for my summons. The Captain handed me his binoculars and pointed to the shore. He said our next port used to be there.

I looked, but beyond a screen of naval ships it was hard to make out what I was seeing.

It helped when he added that skyscrapers used to stand where an inlet of water lay.

I wondered out loud why the Commodore had not forewarned us.

The Captain shrugged and asked  me to prepare things for the port next in line.

Day Three Hundred Eighty Three late morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Almost time to go on shore again. Last time, though I found the sign of the fish in several places in the vicinity of the docks, I did not come across any followers of Hamashiach.

I have asked the Captain for permission to take the Purser with me. He knows the city beyond and desires to look for his wife and children.

I hope to see Enoch soon.

Day Three Hundred Seventy #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain has made his decision. He will offload those containers invoiced for this port under two criteria, those not filled with foodstuffs and those with no possible future use.

With this decision which will place the ship in port for the immediate future, Elijah felt moved to approach the Captain with his request. He asked permission of the Captain for us to go on shore.

When he asked why, Elijah told him we must seek out followers of Hamashiach. Though reticent the Captain gave his assent.

We met with the Purser to talk about his family and how to find his home. He gave the information whole-heartedly.

We made our way through the empty streets to his home.

Day Three Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain has extended to us an open invitation to join him on the bridge any time he is there. (I think he wants to keep an eye on us).

We came on the bridge just after eating, and hovered in the background. The sea anchor was still down as the shore ahead was shrouded in clouds or fog. The Captain looked at us and shook his head.  

Elijah told the Captain he would take care of it and to prepare by weighing anchor.

He sent me to our cabin to retrieve his staff.  

The Captain had us underway by the time I reached Elijah on the bow. He raised the staff and the sun broke through dispelling the clouds.