Maya Tempora's Journal: Entry 13
by Carl van Ostrand

The companions have talked with Opac, who has revealed his goals are quite the opposite of theirs. There is still much to be learned concerning Opac’s motives.

Opac swiftly walked over to the dead soldier on the ground, and picked up his rifle, tossing it on the ground in front of La Sinja.

“Look at the bottom, just under the trigger.”

La Sinja, her curiosity peaked, grabbed the rifle and did so. Under the trigger in small print, there were tiny letters engraved in the silver metal.

La Sinja said aloud, “Meagred Weapons Inc.”

I have heard this name before. Meagred is the major cybernetics and weapons export for Sysslanth, the Ophidian Homeworld. La Sinja and I exchanged confused glances, for we both realized this at the same time.

“He was employed by them. It was Anduan who your brother was in communications with. It was Anduan who helped locate the Red Pariah and assured his capture. What the Ophidians do not know, is that by creating this imbalance, they are creating a stronger force. Without control, this power may prove self-destructive - but it is my goal to harness the power they are releasing so we can challenge the growing power of the Ophidians. And for this reason I cannot let you proceed on your quest.”

Silence ensued. This was much to absorb. Not only was Anduan working with my brother and the Ophidians to capture the Red Pariah, but now we were confronted with the choice of abandoning our quest to restore balance, or facing Opac Sentir. Many of my suspicions concerning the Ophidians has now been proven true. They are indeed spreading their ways, and growing in political power. They secretly seek civil strife on Solop Avagar so that they can win over our gladiator arenas, our support, and our government. Anduan was easily persuaded to help this cause, like most weak and greedy beings.

We sat in contemplation. His argument made sense and I could see it was affecting La Sinja. We could not face the Ophidians and rescue the Red Pariah alone anyhow – and if the imbalance created power amongst the native life force, why could we not use it to our advantage to stop the imposing threat of Ophidian corruption?

La Sinja, deep in thought, began nodding her head in approval.

“I am with you Opac” she said. “Under one condition - we must learn more about the Ophidians before war is considered.”

He bowed. “It is not my intention to start a war, only to challenge the corruption I fear is spreading in to the Justich System.”

It seemed we had reached an agreement - but not quite.

Looking at the Stranger, he was not pleased. He began to shutter and shake. His eyes closed tightly and a high-pitched screech pierced the air. Opac’s eyes began glowing a deep red. Then suddenly the Stranger’s cloak fell to the ground, and he was gone. Fist reached down, and picked up the cloak, clearly confused. He dug at the sand with his hand.

“He has left, but we will see him again. He refuses to encourage the release of dormant mystical life on Solop Avagar, and fears the power will get out of control.” Opac explained. He will fight to regain the mystic balance on Solop Avagar.”

La Sinja seemed unpleased with the Stranger’s decision, fearing he may now hinder our journey. “I hope it does not come to bloodshed amongst friends,” she said quietly.

After the meeting with Opac, La Sinja took me aside – she worries too much, suggesting I stay behind once we find shelter. I reminded her I have nowhere else to go but with them.

So from here, we must follow Opac’s direction. He says we must begin to gather the mystic forces on this planet as the balance is disrupted. But first we need transportation and cover. We do not know if Anduan will return with more soldiers. Opac has used his third eye to locate a small barracks several miles to the south. He does not know what awaits us there, but we must hope for food, shelter, and vehicles.