Project Terminus: Destiny by Nathan Combs

Author:Nathan Combs [Combs, Nathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-13T22:00:00+00:00

Two weeks later, the junks were loaded and ready to sail.

Ya’s stern face confronted Chen. “You do not appear concerned that we have lost six more people to this sickness in twelve days’ time.”

“Of course, I am concerned, Grandmother. It is sad. But what are we to do? We are packed and ready to sail. In any case, I am not a doctor, and my evaluation would likely be wrong. However, all six were old. Thus, it appears that whatever it is afflicts those of age.”

“Have you forgotten, Chen? I am old. I may be next. I do not wish to die on a boat and be fed to the fish.”

Chen smiled in spite of himself, then put his arm around her and gently drew her to him. “Grandmother, should I be deprived of your company while we are at sea, I will not feed you to the fish. You have my word.” Chen hugged her and went ashore.

Waiting for him at a table on the pier, Jiang said, “Please go over my route one last time, Chen.”

Chen stood at his side and traced the route with his finger. “You are going to pass the Parcells off the coast of Vietnam, transit the Malacca Straits to Singapore, go past Sri Lanka and enter the Gulf of Aden, and then the Red Sea. Next, you will pass through the Suez Canal, which does not have locks, and enter the Mediterranean Sea. From there you will parallel the Spanish coast, go north to the English Channel, and finally, to Liverpool. You must stay as close to the coastline as possible. And you must constantly monitor for radiation. If possible, you can go ashore to search for supplies or to make repairs.”

Jiang shook his head slowly. “I must admit, Chen, I am intimidated. And I am afraid. I have never considered a journey of this magnitude.”

“I understand, my friend. I also enter this voyage with apprehension. But we have no choice in the matter. The people are counting on us to lead them safely to a new land.”

The next morning, the goodbyes were unemotional as sixteen villagers boarded Jiang’s junk, and the remaining twenty-two walked the gangway and settled in on the deck of Chen’s.

Chen and Jiang shook hands.

“We have radios, Jiang. You will land safely in Liverpool. I will land safely in San Diego.”

Jiang nodded once, boarded his ship, and cast off the lines.

Chen did the same.

On a brilliant October morning, they sailed in tandem until they cleared the harbor, then split off, Chen heading east into the morning sun and Jiang west toward the distant horizon.

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