Maya Tempora's Journal: Entry 10
by Carl van Ostrand

Maya, Fist, Helios, and Anduan have arrived at Anduan’s launchpad, hidden within the dunes of the Jukano Desert. They met with The Stranger and La Sinja Tempora to devise a plan and now their party will travel east to the Kilflame Oasis.

What used to be a small settlement with a launchpad, is now nearly a full underground city! As Anduan led us through the Great Hall, we passed a golden statue in honor of him! Most of the population seemed to be armed soldiers, running drills, and saluting our party as we passed by. They also liked to gawk at La Sinja and myself, most likely due to my clothes being nearly torn off by Version 9 during our encounter. Or maybe it was that Fist and Helios are a new sight to these soldiers - nonetheless, we were creating quite the stir.

We passed though what Anduan called, “The Halls of Grandeur,” a giant open hall full of people and busy shops. I could not believe the size and population of the outpost. It had only been several months since I was here last and then it was only one quarter this size. I hid my awe well, but noticed a slight grin curl up Anduan’s face. Something seems different about him. We arrived at his private quarters, where we met our two gladiator allies.

The Stranger is very strange indeed. He moves so calmly and has not spoken yet – I can tell otherworldly powers are wrapped within his dark robes. A cloth mask covers the bottom half of his face, so only his numerous eyes are shown to me – yet they reveal great wisdom. One may hastily question the loyalty of such a mysterious spectral, but I do not. I know he must understand the powers and the importance of the Elders.

And yes - the other valiant warrior - my sister. How wonderful it is to see her after so many years. Our bond has not faded and she remains as beautiful as ever. She wears light metal plate-mail and carries a Helix A50 Precision Pistol as well as an ornate long dagger she has enchanted with souls. Her hair is long, past her shoulder blades, and she has custom armor circling above her right eye – something curious she said she will explain later. I can tell her training has paid off in the arenas – she told me humbly she received a 4VP status in the Justich Federation just last year. She worries, as do I, what the end result of the Ophidian take-over will be. She has been offered a spot in the Ophidian League, but worries over the consequences of joining.

With one of the three Elders taken from this planet, the very fabric of the life here will be disrupted. They hold the balance – they are the keystone. La Sinja suggested we make the long trip east to the Kilflame Oasis, to meet the Green Pariah. From there we could hopefully warn the other Elders and gain some answers at the same time. It is important we ensure their safety, before we track the whereabouts of the Red Pariah.

Preparations are underway and we leave early tomorrow. Anduan has called for an elite infantry faction to accompany us. They are mostly human, and equipped to the teeth with high-tech rifles I had never seen before. The troop leader however, is a Lok Breed, a mutator, and most likely highly dangerous. Anduan suggested we leave Fist at the outpost, due to his weight and size. Fist seemed unhappy with that, so he will be staying with us. And I asked if several troops could locate him some marble, which they gladly, and somewhat eagerly, agreed to. Anduan also supplied me with new clothes and a new sword, which Helios was happy to see. This will the best rest I have had in weeks.