Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The skies above Jerusalem were abuzz with drone traffic, the majority of which appeared to be carrying goods of some sort. So, we judged it safe enough to launch our own.

Quasimo guided its flight handily. The views it sent back were crisp and clear. It seems that wherever it flew, it passed over mansion after mansion, betokening wealth unimaginable.

Reuben remarked that all of this construction was new. A logo, familiar to Quasimo, was affixed atop one of the largest palaces. He said it belongs to the richest merchant family in Babylon. Probably displaced here when the army of the East captured that city.

Elijah asked Reuben to lead us to the prison in which we had first met.

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Day Eight Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The skies were clear above the megapolis for most of the day. Only the occasional drone could be seen making the rounds on its patrol. Quasimo opined that the warplanes were no doubt back to their job of running sorties against the army of the East.

I asked him if he had knowledge about the conflict.

He replied that any contacts between these forces were minor by Stan’s design. And only used as a means to draw the army of the East where he wanted it.

We ended our day near the point of our parting from Tomas and the Captain, and Mei and Raj P – where the road to the west crossed the northern approach to the towerless city.

Day Eight Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We divided our attention today between watching our steps and observing the activity in the skies over the megapolis. The ground was uneven, so at times treacherous. Hence our caution. But the presence of fleets of drones and circling warplanes over the city were a another source of concern.

Quasimo thinks we have no need  to worry.  He was certain that they are celebrating his “successful” assassination of Elijah and myself. Even if he had to bring down the building to accomplish that end. (Though he joked that Stan would not be above charging him for the value of the structure).

I just hope we can make it out of the area before they ascertain that our bodies aren’t there.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mei made the sighting. She was watching the skies, but was drawn to flashes on the ridge line far to the east of us. When I looked I thought it was the water survey party we passed a few days ago.

So it was good that we were all set to leave. Tomas had covered the tracks of Jordan’s group per the plan and had selected another path away from the area.

On Elijah’s order we torched the pile of debris and stepped out again for points north on a trail that must have been used by those fleeing from that direction.

Tomas stayed with the group to help us over the tricky parts.

We should have a solid lead.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I puzzled over the meaning of Mei’s dream. Even after Elijah pronounced it sound advice. Right up until the time that Jordan led the last group out of the way station. It was then that understanding dawned in a rush.

Our small group will remain behind to cover the tracks of Jordan and his people, and hold off any pursuit.

I couldn’t say for sure from what quarter they will come at us. Yet I strongly suspected that we needed to watch the skies.

When silence fell over the camp after Jordan’s departure, Elijah put us to work dismantling all the rigid structures.

By day’s end we had progressed markedly in making the way station disappear. Mei proved very helpful.

Day Four Hundred Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

In my capacity as purser I accompanied Tomas on his rounds today. Every thing was in its place and as far as outward appearances go, in perfect condition. And Emil’s special container still crowned the stack of deck cargo.

We caught up with the other ships at the mouth of the channel. One split off and headed for the island port. The other two just sat there waiting.

And it was easy to see why. Another storm looked to be brewing in the south. Our Captain took a wait and see attitude too.

Back on the bridge, I watched as Elijah went forward. He dropped from sight. But I knew he made it to the bow.

For the skies cleared.

Day Three Hundred Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah assures me that Stan had been totally unaware of our presence. And further, Stan’s perception is so deceived that he fully believes that he commands the fantastic being and hence every situation.

He stated this revelation to me on the bridge of the ship, as we stared back at the island shrinking in the distance. The skies above it have returned to normal. And the Captain watches with approval as the darkness flees from before us.

The Purser reports that the world government official (whom we know as Stan) failed to return before our stated departure. He can only surmise that he has remained with his cargo. This is at odds with their original understanding.

I await more revelations.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

When last in this vicinity we were hounded by drones. Nothing flies above our heads now, not even birds.

Our host explained everything to Elijah. He is related to the woman who had helped us. She disappeared a few days before the deluge from the skies took down everything electronic.

Elijah in his turn explained the mystery behind the woman’s disappearance. It was a great comfort for our host. The time was indeed ripe for him to believe.

When we told him our intent to continue moving onwards into the city, he balked and practically begged us not to. He does all within his power to avoid drawing attention to himself and his people.

We decided to acquiesce for now.