Slavic Huter [OC PJO Crossover]

CHAPTER 14 - D&D: The Professor, the Dragon and the Spooky Sisters

20th of December 2007

     In the morning there was a problem: the car we were driving between the base and the checkpoints around Mount Tamplais would not start. A quick inspection showed a problem: the cables connecting the battery with the engine with clamps were cut, and the pipes from which the brake fluid was leaking were sawn off. In short: clusterfuck. The advantage of the situation was that it was only 7 am, so we still had a lot of time to get there. So much for the theory. We did a little brainstorm in the dining room.
- In short: it's not very bad, we can always find a taxi... However, it is unlikely that they will be able to give us a lift to the very top. Another option is that we will go by local buses, but just like with taxis – there is no certainty how close we will be able to go. I can also call the unit to see if they have anything available in stock, but before they arrive, before anything – it will take some time.
-We can... you know... "borrow" someone's car and go. - Percy suggested.
- Wait, - Thalia interrupted - because I may have an alternative. But then we'll need that taxi... Fortunately, you will not have to overpay.

     We all looked at her as she was looking for something in her backpack, while continuing the conversation.
- There is someone in San Francisco who can help us, and I had the address written down here somewhere... well, where is it...
-Who? – asked Percy.
Thalia triumphantly pulled out a piece of paper and waved it in her hand.
- Professor Chase, - she said, - Annabeth's father.
- Professor Frederick Chase? - I asked to be sure.
- Do you know him? – Thalia asked
- I've heard of him. - I replied, cutting off the conversation.

***

     The taxi even took us to the indicated address, but the driver sang such an amount of money, that he could easily drive tourists around New York. Finally, we got out in front of the house and went up to the terrace, and Thalia rang the doorbell. When they opened, Thalia and Percy made very surprised faces – well, I guess they didn't expect that the door would be opened by a guy in a plane cap, who could probably remember the times of the Red Baron.
- Hello. Are you aircraft suppliers? –Asked. We looked at each other, surprised.
- Uh, no, sir. - Percy replied. The man made a disappointed face.
- That's a pity, I need three more Sopwith Camel fighters.
- Right. We are Annabeth's friends. - Jackson continued. The man tensed as if he had been electrocuted.
- Annabeth? Is she okay? Has something happened to her? - He asked, then took off his hat and began to look at us carefully. When he looked at me, I saw a glint of recognition in his eyes.
-Sparrowhawk? You here? - He asked in a half-whisper. My companions looked at me in amazement. I lifted my finger to my lips.
- It's also nice to see you, Professor. – I greeted – But we would rather not talk about it outside.
Frederick Chase nodded.
- You're right. I think we should all go inside.

     After a quick introduction to Mrs. Chase and meeting Annabeth's half-brothers, we found ourselves in the office of a professor who looked... well, like a typical history professor's room: bookshelves cluttered with books and military models (I was surprised to recognize one of them as a Polish 7TP tank). Most of the room, however, was occupied by a model of a battlefield, through which a river flowed, marked with blue paint.
- Ypres... - I muttered to myself, recognizing the battle. The professor looked at me in the affirmative.

- Yes. III Battle of Ypres to be precise. I'm writing an article about the participation of Sopwith Camel fighters in this battle; I believe that they played a much more important role than they are credited with.

     Zoe approached the mock-up, commenting on the location of the troops on the mock-up, which in turn started a series of questions from the professor. Thalia ended it, reminding him why we had come to his place. After a while, it ended up with Mr. Chase lending us his car, and we were ready to leave (after having eaten a few sandwiches from Annabeth's stepmother). As I was leaving, the professor turned to me.
- Since we are on the subject... Sparrowhawk, I made it. I did it.