Ivan spread his massive hands. “Here I am before you. To whatever end, you may begin asking your questions.”
I decided to start simply, asking for confirmation on some of the stories and actions of myth. I had developed my own conclusions during the time of my search, but I hoped discussion of a lighter tone would keep the focus away from my intrusive presence. I retained no doubt that he could take me apart in the span of seconds, but based on my research, I believed him to be somewhat honor-bound. Regardless, I hoped to ease him into the discussion.
In addition, it appeared Grey’s message provided not only a warning but a character dossier, summary, or something else. Why Grey, Ivan, and several others, including the whisperings of Dana and my own subconscious, focused on my humanity and ability to do the “right thing,” I didn’t know.
We spoke about Hunter’s End.
“Ahhh,” he settled back in his chair. “I believe I had more enjoyment in that place than many others. There is nothing better than a relaxed, carefree, mostly legal job. But a cannon, you say?”
I said, “The information was second-hand, initially provided by the inebriant guide you had and passed on to the barkeep with whom I spoke.”
“Ah yes,” Ivan said with a reminiscent smile, “the poor man seemed uncertain as to what was going on. I carried a large weapon, yes, and did bring down the monster in very short order, but it was an explosive launcher. Rockets and such. The idea, however, of using such an unorthodox weapon is interesting indeed…”
Nodding, I moved on.
“Hmmm…” Ivan rubbed his chin. “I admit my memory of the procedure is in many ways hazy.” I had asked him about his experience with Keritas. “I was to be a subject in their experiments, and I was in very bad shape when they brought me there. I’m afraid I don’t remember much of it. It was, ah… augmentations. To save my life among other things.” He flexed his muscles. “I don’t precisely recall how it was I departed, but… aside from muscle and bone pain lasting many months, I have not met anyone as strong as I. In addition to healing my injuries, I believe they added something extra.”
Interesting, maybe the crackpot digging around inside the maintenance tunnels of the Keritas facility was correct about the breakout. Maybe he actually was Dr. Trevors, gone mad from the strain and a head injury. Something experimental and new levels of potent augmentation technology would have explained Ivan’s prodigious success in his endeavors.
Time passed as we spoke, seldom pausing. A dark cloud passed again over his face as Ivan recalled his time with and against Voux Hanatar. “The man deserved far worse,” was all Ivan said before we moved on.
I asked about the battles of Caldonis and New Prague. Ivan shook his head. “I was indeed present, but as a volunteer, not a mercenary. My actions were important but not vital; I believe it was, eh… overblown? It was so long ago…”
A few other of his minor actions came to light. “Did you go EVA without a suit?”
Ivan threw his head back and laughed, slapping an open palm on the desk. “That incident was without question the most stupid thing I have ever done. Yes, the man’s life was saved, but I would not have survived if I hadn’t gotten the operation at Keritas I remember so little of.”
An interesting connection. Timelines of the stories were somewhat vague; it made me again curious to know more about what the corporation did to Ivan.
I skirted aside the Garden incident, as it represented the pinnacle of what I needed to speak with Ivan about. We continued to talk, and he laughed at some of the more outrageous claims. As we neared the end of the conversation, the mirth slowly faded out.
The same flicker of sadness came over him as we spoke about the original hunt, but it remained in place as we discussed the near misses he endured. From what I knew, the bounty hunters never came very close to capturing him, but he insisted they were skilled and formidable.
In a somber tone, he described his fight with Traverian Grey. “A few times in the past, we encountered each other. I so dearly hoped his offer of assistance was true. It wasn’t, but of course you know that. When he tried to claim the bounty, we fought. He lost.”
“Do you know why he contacted you recently?” I asked, curious about the former mercenary’s motivation.
Ivan shrugged. “You say he was in, what, a cult devoted to me?” He shook his head and laughed. “Who knows why? This was the first I’d heard of him since our fight. I didn’t know where he went or what he was up to. Him knowing where I’ve been hiding is as much of a surprise as him not coming here to try and finish his job.”
“He doesn’t seem interested in mercenary work any longer,” I said.
“A pity.” Ivan chuckled. “He was the best.”
Thinking back upon Grey’s crippled status, I said, “Evidently not.”
“Ah! You say because I beat him I am better, yes?”
Spreading my hands, I replied, “Am I wrong?”
Ivan wagged a finger. “I may hold more fame, but Mister Grey’s success is not in his notoriety but in his
I raised an eyebrow.
“Is it not best to do the job and go unnoticed?” Ivan asked. “My tiniest deeds are a matter of myth and foolishness. Everything has been blown open to the grandest stupidity. All people in the galaxy know and fear my name. Mister Grey? His name is known to a few, and he cares not. The job, the task was what mattered to him, and he lived his life based upon it.”
“Ah,” I cracked a half-smile, “but his existence developed from a need for self-satisfaction. His hubris ended up breaking him; he’s only a shell of his former self.”
“Yet you say he chooses, with his infinite finances, to remain in quiet retirement.”
Nodding, I said, “Yes, but out of fear. He knew his relentless nature would send him after you, his only failed conquest.”
Ivan laughed openly. “One failure is all for him, eh? So we consider our levels of success as not fame or fear generated but a simple equation of success versus failure. I assure you in such a case, Mister Grey wins quite easily.”
I smirked. “I suppose you’re correct. Regardless, I believe we have come to the end of it. You know what I have to ask.”
The enormous man’s grin faded, and he let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, of course. Ask your questions then. I will answer as I see fit.”
“I want to know what happened at Atropos Garden.” A thought struck me. “And I believe it may relate to something else I’m curious about.”
He gestured for me to continue.
I cleared my throat. “The name OLGA has appeared throughout these stories.” At the mention of the name, Ivan stiffened as though startled. Watching his expression dissolve into sorrow, I continued. “It came first as the title of your weapon, then as pieces of experimental technology, simple tools, your ship, and several others. Grey had the idea that it was the project name dealing with your vessel and other new technology. Is that what OLGA was?”
Ivan bent his neck, touching a hand to his forehead. “It is almost funny. You see, you are right, and your two questions about Olga and the incident at the Garden are very much linked. Olga…” He covered his mouth with a hand. “Olga is… was… all of those things you heard she was. She is the weapon, the tools, the ship, and she even resides in my very bones. It is to her I owe everything: my happiness, sorrow, regret, guilt, and yes, even the renown which grants the galaxy fear of my name.”
A hint of moisture formed in the clear blue eyes as he looked at me. “You see, Olga was not some piece of advanced technology or a research project. Olga was my wife, and God rest her, she was responsible for what happened at the Garden.”
