Day One Thousand Two Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Insufferably cold today. We kept sequestered in the redoubt. Huddled by the fire, for the most part. And the duration of the watches were shortened to limit exposure.

For the better part of the day we did not see Elijah or Mawuli. So, they missed the beginnings of the excitement when Reuben, on his tour, called for our help.

A pack of wild dogs had been feeding down in the garbage pit, when they caught Reuben’s (or perhaps our) scent.

Originally he had seen only a half dozen or so. By the time I joined him it grew to a hundred starving beasts circling the redoubt.

I broke in on Elijah and Mawuli to enlist their aid against the threat.

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Day Eight Hundred Eighty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Meesa had never seen a drone before. Knew of them, in theory at least, but had never laid eyes on one.

Jezer was startled upon sighting one on his return from leading four more groups out to the hiding place. He is re-evaluating his hunch that the contention between the governmental factions would give us more time. He thinks it’s a sign that the world government has gained the upper hand by bringing these machines in from the frontlines.

I think we will have to step up our departures.

Of course the others are looking to Elijah to thwart this latest threat to our safety. But he wants to put off his direct intervention for as long as possible.

Day Seven Hundred Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It was all over practically before it began, but we have been dealing with the aftermath clear into today.

It had taken us all by surprise. Even Elijah.

Timed explosions on both sides brought the towering canyon walls down upon the army unit behind ours. The perpetrators made a gigantic mistake, however, perhaps too big of a charge – for they also brought down the very rock upon which they were standing.

We discovered this fact when we turned back to investigate. (Only when we felt assured the threat had passed).

Things became clearer as the day went on. Not only had our attackers been taken out, but also every one of the leaders of the conspiracy against the Supreme Commander.

Day Seven Hundred Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The communication from Tomas was already opened and we assumed read by other interested parties. On the face of it Tomas was assuring us of his well being and inquiring after ours. But there was a subtext that I was sure had eluded anyone other than our eyes.

It was much in my thoughts as we set out once more.

If I was correct in my assumption, the Supreme Commander was about to suffer the same fate as David at the hand of his son Absalom.

I was discussing the implications with Elijah and the Captain when the surrounding mountainsides of the pass sprang to life. And our attention was riveted on the threat around us.

Where was the Spirit?

Day Four Hundred Sixty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Before the course change last night Tomas went to the Captain’s cabin and woke him up. The Captain had guessed already the motivating concern of his First Mate’s visit. And told him that it was more likely that the robotic warship was a bigger threat to them than the rumored pirates. The Captain reiterated the order. On leaving Tomas successfully begged him to double the watch.

Or so Elijah related to me this morning.

Having little to do myself I sought Tomas and volunteered to stand additional watches. He accepted my offer and took a few moments to run down what I should be alert for – small, fast-moving boats with a few armed men.

I hope they stay away.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We began the day by identifying the vessel behind us. Tomas brought in the verdict. It is a warship. The mere knowledge of which fact colors our perception of her as a threat, even though there have been no hostile actions nor even a hint of any.

The Captain’s orders for course and speed remained unchanged throughout the day. He is resigned that little opposition could be mounted in the event of the worst case. His major concern is to keep everyone safe.

He did not come right out and ask Elijah for his aid, but we could tell he was angling for any favor in his power.

Elijah has tried to explain that it does not work that way.