The Legend of Ivan

Grey was right…” I said softly.

“About the OLGA nonsense?” Marqyni said in a skeptical tone. “I don’t know, a ship? Seems a little farfetched, doesn’t it? I’d wager the name appeared somewhere along the line and means nothing. Well, maybe it’s the codename of the project, but what of all the other references? Wasn’t it a cutting torch in one? I doubt Garden researchers were working on labor tools.”

I nodded, tapping my hand on the desk.

He frowned. “In any case, I can’t find a single shred of anything to corroborate what Grey told you.”

“Neither could I.”

Marqyni shrugged. “You think he was mistaken? A little too senile from such seclusion?”

“I don’t…” I started speaking, but a connection fired inside my brain.

“What is it?” Marqyni noticed my eyes widen.

I made an assumption, but it seemed to make sense. “He knew.”

“Hm?”

“Grey knew…”

Marqyni favored me with an exasperated expression. He spread his hands apart.

More pieces fell into place. I said, excitement in my tone, “Grey’s the only one we’ve found who heard about the slave colony incident. He knew about it not because of some report or something but because he knew about the colony itself.”

Marqyni swept a gesture. “Didn’t he say the colony was destroyed?”

Grinning, I replied. “Most definitely, but I doubt even he believed it. What happened to all of those freed people? There must of been what, thousands?”

“They likely returned to their homes. What else would there be?”

“But no news of their return?” I ticked off on my fingers. “Transients, working class, the infirm and ashamed. Maybe even a few that became institutionalized. Think about it, there was almost no mention about any returning forced labor captives. Only a few people actually returned to their lives.”

“Your meaning?” the librarian asked.

“There was nothing to suggest an influx of thousands of rescued refugees. Don’t you think the GSA would have gotten the story spewed all over everywhere?”

Frowning, he said, “Since there was no news, you’re thinking the freed slaves are still there.”

“And I’d bet anything Ivan is with them.”

He nodded. “I see what you’re saying, but—”

I interrupted. “Grey worships Ivan now. If he knew exactly where the subject of his admiration was hiding out, do you think he’d be forthcoming with details?”

“Then why tell you anything?”

“He realized how close I was getting.” I rubbed my chin. “He probably figured I wasn’t the only one either. Maybe he thinks of me as a lesser threat.”

Marqyni wagged a finger. “I’m not so sure, Sid. There are a few too many assumptions there.”

I favored him with a condescending expression. “Traverian Grey was at the very heart of the last Ivan hunt, where the only cooperation was a result of persistence from Lorric Bren. The questions from years ago are still unanswered. Sure, half of everyone isn’t certain if Ivan exists now with so much myth floating around, but the sheer possibility of what could be found makes Ivan this glorious prize. I know it, and Grey knows it. Cain knows it, Da—” I shook my head, forgetting myself for a moment. “How many others may know, may be looking? The Ivan search is blazing hot once again, and Grey knows this.”

Marqyni didn’t appear convinced. “Still…”

“Why else would Grey mention something not able to be verified? How would he have knowledge of something which neither of us in an hour of digging can find the slightest hints of?” I grinned. “He knew.”

My friend opened and shut his mouth several times. Finally, he shook his head and gave a bow. “I live only to serve, good master.”

I laughed. “I’d be nothing without my favorite vassal.”

He clasped his hands together. “You must get going, then, right away.”

Nodding, I stood and donned my cloak.

“How do you intend to find the colony? Clearly even the GSA was unable to locate it.”

“I might have to break my promise to the Penitent Children of Ivan and go back.” I put on my hat. “Or I suppose I can contact Grey and see if he’s in a more amiable mood. Or I can scour the asteroid field for a few weeks.” I gave a wry smile. “I’ll find it eventually.”

Marqyni chuckled. “Good luck, my friend. Come back and let me know how it turns out.”

We shook hands, and I departed the library.

Through the station and into Minerva once more, I strapped in and ran preflight. As I warmed up the console, a message popped into my system. It was labeled, “TG.”

Shaking my head, I played the message.

The aged voice of Silas/Traverian Grey played through the speakers of my vessel as I continued to prepare for departure:

“Well, it was quite a visit we had there, Archivist. By this time, I’m sure you’ve figured me out and further figured out about the area where you can find my good little deity.” There were hints of a snide tone. “Unless of course you’re not as smart as I thought you were. Either way, I sent a message off, warning Ivan that folks like you would be coming his way very soon. Oh, I’m sure he’ll be surprised to hear from me after so long, but that’s not important.”

“Since I’ve seen a few of the other types of people Ivan’s attracted, I want you to be in the lead. Attached are the coordinates and flexible flight path through the asteroid field. Fifteen years ago, if I had cared about anything but myself and you threatened it, I’d have blasted you to bits and scattered your remains across half the known universe. However, it’s up to him to decide how to deal with you. I admit I enjoyed our conversation, and I think there’s enough human left in you to do the right thing. Don’t disappoint me Archivist. I’d sure hate to ruin my retirement by having to hunt your ass down.”

The message ended, and I smirked. “This should save some time,” I murmured, pulling Minerva out of the stall and into the docking bay.

“Minerva, please hold your progress.” A tense voice from the control room came through my intercom.

“Is there a problem?” I asked.

“Yes. Open your channel to a wide-band.”

I did as he asked. There was a garbled noise of static for a moment, and I hovered only a few meters away from the exit of the station. All in and outbound traffic appeared to have stopped.

“…Siiiiiiiiiiiid. Siddy-boy. Why don’t you come out and plaaaaay?”

The voice coming through my intercom was familiar, and its presence here in unknown fashion sent an icy chill through my veins. Through the narrow docking bay entrance, I could see stars outside but no other vessels save a few hovering transports stopped and waiting.

I cut out the continued taunting and transmitted to the control center. “Where is Cain? Is he outside? What vessel is he in?”

A fearful voice came back. “Gunship. Frye-class with six unmanned drone fighters. Oh dear God.”

I felt and heard nothing, but through my screens I saw the station shudder under an impact. I switched the channel back to Cain’s transmission.

“You see, you love this place ever so much.” I had the distinct impression he was grinning, “so I’ll just go ahead and light it up, piece by piece, until you surrender and fly your little self on out here.”

I didn’t respond.

“Siiiiiid,” he continued in his sing-song tone. “I know you can hear me. At least say something, or I’ll see if I can dig out your fat bastard friend’s library with a few more missiles. Now, is it near to the outer hull or toward the middle? I can’t quite remember, so I suppose I’ll just have to keep smashing until I find it. Very well, let’s try —”

“Hello, Cain,” I spoke through clenched teeth. I remembered all too keenly what Marqyni said not half an hour ago about me being the death of him. I was not eager for his statement to be prophecy.