Leo and I rush around the stern quarterdeck, checking gagues and wrestling levers. Leo and I decided to install a keyboard, monitor, aviation controls from a Learjet, a dubstep soundboard, and motion control sensors from a Nintendo Wii. We can turn the ship by pulling a throttle, fire weapons by sampling an album, or raise sails by shaking the Wii controllers really fast. I think it's genius, and it works with our ADHD. Who needs a massive wheel? This way is way more fun.
I'm still bummed that Annabeth rejected Leo's idea. He wanted to paint "WASSUP" with a big smiley face on the bottom of the ship. Sure, it's unconventional, but it's very friendly.
"Theo." Annabeth calls me over, she's been anxious since we left camp. I know she wants to see Percy.
I look and see where she's pointing. Breaking through the clouds, we see the gold and green carpet of the Oakland Hills below us. I hope that they got or message not to attack. I'm extremely nervous. Chiron made it very clear that it is my job to talk to the Romans. I'm the head camper. I represent the camp.
I shudder nervously.
Behind me, Piper is pacing the deck, practicing her lines. "Lower your weapons. We just want to talk."
Jason is standing at the bow of the ship on the raised crossbow platform. He looks incredibly nervous too. He decided to put a toga on over his Camp Half-Blood clothes, which looks so strange to me, but who am I to judge?
I look down at myself. I don't look very leaderly. I'm the only one not wearing a camp shirt. Chiron thought it would look more professional if I remained neutral, but it feels wrong. I've got a white blouse with sleeves that cut off and hang around my arms loosely, with black leather pants and army boots. I look like I should be going to a fancy dinner, not negotiating peace terms.
I shake my hands nervously. Hopefully, they see Jason, and stand down on their own.
I also managed to talk Coach Hedge into spending the meeting in his bunk, watching old karate movies. I don't need an angry satyr telling the Romans to die.
Annabeth is gripping the rail, nervously. She looks like she might faint. I'm about to say something when her expression changes to shock.
I look down, and see why.
Jason had told us about Camp Jupiter, but this is still more than I expected. The valley is at least twice the size of Camp Half-Blood. A small river snakes around one side and curls toward the center like a capital G, emptying into a glimmering blue lake. Directly below us, the city of New Rome gleams in the sunlight. I see evidence of their recent battle with an army of monsters.
As we get closer, I see dozens of kids dressed in togas streaming out of the senate house to get a better look. I feel a surge of pride. We built this. Us. The Greeks. Boom! In your faces Romans! I try to push that feeling aside. This is meant to be peaceful.
Annabeth seems to be analyzing the valley strategically, as if she's deciding the best plan of attack.
We get closer and closer, and I see columns of demigods emerge from the gates, armor and spears glistening as they hurry towards the city. I could be wrong, but it looks like there's an actual elephant there too.
Behind us, there's a loud BOOM!
I whirl around and find myself eye to eye with an angry statue.
"Unacceptable!" He shrieks.
Sulfrous yellow smoke rolls of his shoulders, but I feel like it would be rude to comment on it. From the waist down, he's nothing but a square marble pedestal. From the waist up, he's a muscular human figure in a carved toga with no arms.
