Garden.”
Unbidden, a blip of Dana’s memory flashed forward at the mention of the name associated with the ill-fated world. Indeed, the Olga title was found dotting several tiny memories.
“Could the project have been his ship?” I asked. “Other weaponry and devices?” I remembered the cannon from Hunter’s End, reluctant to consider it new technology.
“Well,” Grey rubbed his chin. “I may not have your remarkable processing power and blasted infinite memory, but I’ve dragged together a few theories over the years.” I smirked at him, and he laughed. “Don’t get me wrong; I love my retirement, but it doesn’t do much but provide me with far too much time to think. I may have left my past behind, but I certainly haven’t forgotten it.”
I motioned for him to continue.
“The project being his about ship and weapons research was my thought. Y’see, I still heard rumblings of what Ivan was up to over the years, and the kind of stuff he managed in that one stinking ship…” He snapped his fingers. “Like the cruiser over Orkanis, uh, the prison.”
“I’m familiar,” I said.
“Caldonis, New Prague? I wasn’t there, but I heard he wiped out half a battalion by himself! It was a while ago, but the Garden
Frowning, I replied, “I haven’t been able to confirm his involvement in the battles, and I’m not familiar with any slave colonies.”
Grey held up a finger, ignoring my statement. “I think he was working for the government all along as some kind of espionage agent.”
I didn’t tell him I thought his notion was somewhat absurd.
“Think about it. The Garden was one of the last pieces of anything not touched by Soma, Keritas, Daedra, or any of those other giants. He’s probably the best pilot in the galaxy, so they fixed him up with OLGA, the ship. They’ve been upgrading it ever since, and they’ve been giving him little toys to work with for when he can’t be in the air.”
“Finally,” he continued, “they mashed in something too big, screwed something up, and then bad things happened. He was telling me the truth about not knowing anything because he was just the jockey. The ship was the real deal, and whatever they put in it is probably what your employer wants.” He settled back into his chair as he finished speaking. I somehow gained the feeling he’d been waiting to tell someone this theory for a long time.
The former mercenary perked up again. “I still never heard what actually happened, other than the world itself was destroyed. I mean, did he vaporize it? Did it actually explode?”
I shrugged, remembering the glittering mass of disintegration and not feeling it necessary to share.
He laughed. “You’re probably going to have to figure that out, don’t you think?”
“Most likely.”
Grey rested his remaining hand on his stomach. “Anything else you want to ask me? You have me pining for the old days, that’s for sure. I could tell you some pretty amazing stories.”
Smiling, I replied. “I’m sure you could, but I need to be on my way soon.” He gave a sigh. “First, I need to ask if you have any idea where Ivan might have gone. Second, I’ve never heard anything about involvement with any slave activity, aside from in his interaction with Voux Hanatar.”
He tapped a finger against his lips. “You have to ask yourself: in a galaxy where his name is feared, where could Ivan hide?”
“It’s a big galaxy.” I folded my arms. “And most people these days don’t think he exists.”
Grinning, he laughed. “Of course! Of course, but we know better, right? He has to be somewhere.”
I sighed.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “The bounty might have privatized, thanks to Lorric and me, but I’d wager it’s still out there. No one’s had any luck finding him since me, but then fly in the Archivists to dig him out.”
I stared at him with a blank look. “Would you please arrive at your point?”
“Oh fine,” he said. “Obviously he’s hiding, but he’s not exactly the most inconspicuous individual. Of all the things he’s done, there are only a couple of stories where he’s helped someone out. I’m pretty sure the slaver one is true. Whoever was left, whoever he saved from that place… I’d bet you anything he’s hiding with them.”
“Interesting,” I said, genuinely considering the possibility.
Grey wheeled himself over. “That’s all I have for ya, so good luck in the rest of your search. I’m sure you want to be getting on your way.” He held out his good hand.
We shook, and I stood up. Donning my cloak and hat, I turned to the exit. “Enjoy your retirement,” I said, opening the door and stepping out.
Linus Newson remained waiting outside, a frown upon his face. “You were in there for quite a while, friend. What were you and Deacon Grey talkin’ about?”
“Business.” I glanced around, noticing several people peering out of their doors and windows, some standing in the streets and openly staring. It seemed the whole village was interested in what was going on.
The frown on my escort’s face deepened. “I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but you’re kinda causin’ a bit of distress around town. You’re not plannin’ on stayin’ are ya?”
I smiled. “No, and I likely won’t come back.” He brightened up a bit as I considered the astronomically remote chances of my return.
“Ah, good then. Can I show you back to your vehicle?”
I gave a nod.
The two of us passed through the ramshackle village once again, no more impressive the second time around. I ignored the stares of the denizens and the uncivilized squalor of their general existence. Already I was deep within contemplation of what to do next.
Chapter 11: Mercury Strikes
“Amazing…” Marqyni Avieli put a hand over his chest, taking a deep breath as I finished speaking. “I’d not believe a word of it if it weren’t coming from you, my dear Sid.”
I returned to Dei Lucrii and my favorite library because I became stuck. Nothing I had heard or seen aside from one source lent any information toward Ivan being involved with slavery. The only connection, providing me with the kernel of certainty necessary for pursuit, was the former crime lord Hanatar.
Unfortunately, I had to spend over an hour summarizing everything I’d learned for Marqyni before I could pursue my line of inquiry. His exuberance, normally endearing, became the smallest bit exasperating.
“The slavery issue as a reason for Ivan’s betrayal of Hanatar was little more than a footnote in the conversation. Grey’s mention of a slaver colony has to be connected somehow.”
Marqyni put on a big smile. “My dear Sid… I never doubted you for a second.”
“Focus, please,” I replied with a frown. “I need to depart as soon as there is something to pursue.”
He held up his hands. “Very well! Very well. You come again, blazing through my house of knowledge spinning whirlwind tales. My pitiful little brain is boggling, grinding in such circles I can hardly keep from falling
