Day One Thousand Two Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah had chosen three of his disciples to go to Babylon. They had acted on a suggestion he had made to them long before they had last parted from us. He had told them that the Spirit would nudge them to the task when the time was proper.

And when it had came to pass, at that self-same instant one was given a vision of Mr. Kagi. That disciple was with that worthy somewhere on the path behind them.

We dispatched the Captain and one of the disciples to bring them in.

We waited and waited. Through a long night. And when they arrived this morning even Tomas and Mawuli abandoned their lookout to come greet our old friend.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A not so subtle change has confronted us. Elijah had relayed a suggestion through Tomas to the Supreme Commander about our guards. He thought that a few of them could be released from our detail to other more important duties.

Instead he responded by doubling our guard. No word of explanation. Nor was our freedom of movement curtailed – for now.

I can’t shake the suspicion that this action has been motivated by a belief that he will be unbeatable if he has us with him. Considering us as little more than living talismans.

Elijah takes it in stride and remains unmoved by it, confident that we can escape any time we are called to.

The development, however, has disturbed Tomas.

Day Nine Hundred Seventy Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We encountered no one today. Not even a lone sheep without its shepherd. Tomas returned to ask if we should head back into villages nearer the road.

At first, Elijah refused his suggestion for he believes our friends are held up somewhere in the desert.  But he at last relented and said if Tomas was moved to do so, he was free to go off on his own.

Tomas, hesitated, for he wanted us to go together. And stated he would be very reluctant to be out of contact with us.

I was touched by his love and concern, and took pains to assure him that nothing untoward was going to happen to any of us. Remember whose we are.

Day Nine Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A day of peace and rest. Much needed and welcome.

Quasimo returned. On his own volition. He was not chased away by Jezer. Rather Jezer agreed with Quasimo’s suggestion that their job would go much easier if they took a drone with them.

I had to tell him that Tomas and the Captain took the only working  one with them. But added that if he could wait till tomorrow, he could help me finish putting the new one together.

He was somewhat disappointed about the wait, but thanked me and sought out his people to pass the day with them.

Mei and Meesa reported all was well and asked if there were anything they could do to help our search.

Day Six Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

From an early hour, Elijah was wrestling with the decision of what to do next. None of us could help him, for each of us had a different and conflicting answer. He listened readily enough, but shook his head at each suggestion.

But probably most surprising of all has been his decision to reverse himself about going to Mr. Kagi’s uncle on the other side of the city. Both the Captain and Tomas reacted as though Elijah had lost his senses. The Captain’s ire in particular has been awakened.

I stepped forward as peacemaker and pointed out that we do not yet need to take any action and that it is in our best interest not to at this time.

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.

Day One Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The silence is deafening from the west end.

Here in the east end, things are buzzing along, as the people are very industrious. And spirits are high despite the uncertainty. Lyle has been diligent to prepare them for any eventuality, and even now is weighing a suggestion to have all the people move out to the fields and camp there for the duration of the harvest.

I am all for it, especially as it may give rise to more opportunities for our mysterious west ender to meet with us.

Lyle, however, hesitates to approve. His one concern is not knowing what may be the unwanted repercussions to our friends in the west end, Kip and Moglen.

Time to decide soon.