Gabrio tapped his writing stick on top of a parchment of paper. It was a paper made from the trees, enchanted by the elven-kin to resist water and erosion.

The fleet has a difficult time coping in an end-of-the-world scenario, he wrote. “Our way of life has become heavily dependent on the resources and stability of the ocean. The loss of resources has made it hard to continue some parts of life. Nonetheless, through unknown forces, the Arkshelled Island has provided us with a stable platform to live on, as well as protection from natural disasters such as storms and floods. I dread to think how our lives would be without the Island.”

Gabrio tapped the bioluminescent lamp. “The island has been equipped with gardens and farms. Through this it could provide the fleet with food and resources even if the surrounding waters are affected. It was back then when we had no access to the bounties of the ocean. It was only because of the studies of the Elven-kin and their ability to repel the pressure of the sea that our divers can gain the seaweed on the deep seas, the vegetables, and other seafood to diversify the fleet’s diet. Nonetheless, it came to me that the loss of communication of other lands has started to sink in.

“The change in climate, the sea being challenging. Having the Island provided us with more options and resources to survive this world where the blinder didn’t reach the eye. Nonetheless, the island’s presence does not insulate us from the challenges we might face.”

Gabrio inhaled deeply. “My visit to the interior of the city was fruitful. Using the innards of the island to create vertical farms, has provided the fleet with a more sustainable and self-sufficient food source. With the farms being underground. It wasn’t affected by the state of the surrounding waters and the climate changes. By growing crops underground, the tribe would be able to produce food even if the surrounding environment was not conducive to traditional farming. However, there are some challenges and limitations to underground farming, such as the need for artificial lighting, irrigation, and temperature control, as well as the limited space and potential issues with pests, mold and other diseases. Additionally, we would still have to address other issues such as water, and waste management. Overall, while underground farming could be a useful tool for the tribe to produce food and potentially increase our food security, it would not be a complete solution.”

There was something knocking on his window. Gabrio had been used to it after so many years, and yet it still remained creepy. He had not opened it, fearing he might see a ghost. He returned to his paper.

“The fleet of ships surrounding Arkshelled island provided us with some additional protection and resources. The ship has been used to gather food and supplies from other areas, and potentially to trade with other survivors. If there are survivors, and it has been years since we tried to hope there are still people around. None of the ships would separate now, fear they’d be lost. The elven-kin, with the ability to influence the growth of plants and trees, has made the island more self-sufficient by increasing the yield of crops, and allowing them to grow plants that would not normally grow. The island also has cattle, which provide us with a source of food, milk and leather.”

Gabrio touched the tip of his writing stick. Unlike before, the writing stick now has a shell where the stick is placed.

“The fleet has ensured that everyone in the fleet has enough food to survive, while managing the limited resources we have. The wise men of the fleet have made a rationing system. Allotting a certain amount of food to each person in the fleet, based on their age, health, and the level of physical activity they need to exert. Ensuring everyone has enough to eat, while also managing our resources.

“The bartering system of the Island has been running well. The fleet could trade goods and services, such as fish or repairs to the ships, with other members or groups in exchange for food. We also have to prioritize the distribution of food to certain groups, such as children and pregnant women, who have higher demands. Establishing a community-based food distribution system where everyone is responsible for the production and distribution of food, and the community as a whole is responsible for ensuring that everyone has enough to eat. By assigning roles and responsibilities, such as food gatherers, cooks, and distribution coordinators, to different members of the community. Food management has become a complex issue and has been constantly addressed, and so far we have been managing through combination these methods. But the goal is that the fleet has enough food to eat, while managing our food.”

Gabrio picked some fried seafood and took a bite of it.

“The ocean lately has provided us with a wide range of food sources such as fish, shellfish, seaweed and other sea vegetables. An important source of energy. Thankfully, there are a lot of us that came from coastal areas, and have the knowledge and technology to farm fish and shellfish, creating another sustainable food source. Additionally, with the fleet having the Elven-kin, who has the ability to influence the growth of plants, we could potentially use this ability to farm seaweed and other sea vegetables.”

“The lack of sunlight has greatly impacted the survival of the fleet despite the floating island, surrounded by a fleet, people with the ability to help the growth of plants and trees, and cattle. Sunlight is still essential to us people who live under it.”

“The dim sunlight has affected the physical and mental health of the people of the fleet and have sometimes made it difficult to carry out tasks which would mean we would be unable to produce enough food, leading to health issues. Medicine is hard to find and although we grow it. It’s not enough. There is never enough medicine.

“I have discussed with Dom, after my inspection with the innards of the island, the population growth. The fleet would likely have to implement measures to control the population, as resources are already limited. It will prove to be a problem, but we need to limit the number of children per family and if worse comes to it, make difficult decisions in case the population exceeds the resources we can provide.”

Gabrio stared at the words he wrote. “In terms of coping with our new way of life, the fleet need to work together as a community, and be creative in finding solutions to the challenges we face. Our leaders are making difficult decisions and we have been preparing everyone for a more austere lifestyle. With our focus on managing resources and conversation of what we have. The needs of the fleet over the individual.”

“The island has been limiting entertainment. Nonetheless creating and listening to music and dancing has been a way for the fleet to bond and lift their spirits. And the songs of the Elven-kin are… ethereal. It soothes the soul. It also helps that we would hear stories and legends passed down from them. Once in a while, the fleet would engage in sports, such as using a rubber ball created from a certain sap of a tree and creating a team to shoot the balls to rings made of wicker and sometimes wood. And I think some of the disputes have been settled because of such games and there are times where we allow brawling, but not to the point they would die. Some find sea-related activities and there are small festivals to celebrate another year of survival. Our options are limited by the resources we have, but we make the best of it.”

Gabrio grabbed the blanket on his bed and wrapped it around him. He massaged his writing hand and started moving his writing stick again.

“So far we have made it clear that every voice is heard and we can settle disputes. Resolving our troubles with words first before weapons. Crime happens and our mercy to those who have sin is limited. Survival is our shared goal and through the purpose of keeping the fleet alive and this tiny hope of finding land to settle down has been keeping us alive. Our shared responsibilities and roles. Everyone has a role to play. You can be a food gatherer, cook, and maybe a coordinator to different members of the communities. The years have developed us. We share traditions. We distribute as best we could to reduce the feelings of hatred and resentment who may think we are being unfair. Our leaders have been a blessing, and with the wisdom of the Elven-kin, cooperation has been miraculous.”

Gabrio sighs. “Because no matter how one would spin it. We are still stuck in the middle of the ocean, constantly worrying about survival. We don’t know what we may encounter and what may come after us. Because of this we haven’t stopped improving despite our limited options.

“Repurposing of existing technology. Salvaging parts from ships and other things to repair and maintain our own equipment. Innovation and experimentation. Experimenting with different materials and techniques to find new ways to solve problems. Developing new fishing techniques or ways to farm fish and seaweed, so at least the scholars of our fleet would have some use. One of the most promising things having people that could use their powers to influence plans was to create new forms of agriculture and energy generation, which have been done through using the heart and organ of the beast to create this electricity. We are limited by the resources and expertise available to the fleet. We prioritize the development of technology that is essential for survival over less critical technologies.”

Gabrio rubbed his eyes. He took something from his drawers and took a sip of it. He stuck his tongue out and then placed the bottle on the desk he was writing on.

“The fleet still faces challenges from hostile creatures in the sea. Throughout the years, we have found ways to protect themselves and our resources from these creatures. Through barriers such as nets or barriers made of weaved wood or other materials. These barriers could be used to protect our ships, the island, and other resources from predatory creatures. And in some cases we use weapons, such as harpoons, spears, or other types of fishing equipment. And in the worst scenario, make use of the guns and cannons to drive away larger predators that dares to harm smaller ships. We use these weapons to defend ourselves from creatures that pose a threat to the fleet. Of course, because of the Elven-kin’s abilities, we can create thorny barriers and natural defenses to fend off these sea creatures. Predicting the behaviors of these creatures, and knowing when they would try has been something we are getting used to.”

Gabrio yawned and then looked at the wall for a minute or two.

“As a Doctor, my primary concern is the challenges that lead to injuries and illnesses. There are days I find myself choosing the difficult option. Providing medical care for the tribe. Managing conditions and training members of the fleet to provide medical care. Lately I find myself concocting medicine since it is essential. Finding better ways to store the medicine grown by the Elven-kin through their powers. It has become my duty to pay attention to the people of the fleet’s well-being.

“I wish I could do better. However, the years inside the Milostiv have taught me a lot. Although there are days I find myself very lacking. Frustrated by living in a world that has become dim. And when I find myself feeling that, I only need to look at the little children running around in the Island, and foolishly playing pranks. My role as a Doctor has led me to having so many godchildren to look out for. Many of the housewives seem to insist upon it. Nonetheless, it is because of them, I can work hard.”

Gabrio stopped writing. He took the piece of paper he wrote, binded them to his journal and placed it on the bag he usually holds.