𝒊𝒊. 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝒙.

"You are in so much trouble," Clarisse said.

They'd just finished a tour they didn't want, through dark rooms overcrowded with dead sailors. Noelle wasn't really paying attention to the rooms as they passed. She kept quiet in the back near Tyson, holding his hand because he was scared of the ghosts, only speaking when spoken to.

Obviously, she was thinking about her mother's test. She was glad that Percy and Annabeth were in front of her, and that Clarisse was adamant on them having their attention on her at all times. Noelle made sure she kept looking where Clarisse pointed, but she had her mind set on other things.

Noelle was starting to narrow down the possible foreseeable occasions in which she would use the knife. One was when they were in the Sea of Monsters, and the only other one she could think up was against Polyphemus. Noelle had a feeling that it would be one of her expected scenarios, but which one, she couldn't decide.

Noelle was knocked out of her train of thought once when a dead Confederate solider that had been staring at their group asked them who they were and where they were from. They approved of Annabeth after her answer because she told them she was from Virginia. They were interested in Percy for a bit because his name was Jackson— like the Southern general— but then he ruined it by telling them he was from New York. They weren't fond of Noelle at all, due to her name being a bit more modern so it wasn't associated with anyone and her being from Rhode Island.

Finally, they were escorted to dinner. The CSS Birmingham captain's quarters were about the size of a walk-in closet, but still much bigger than any room on board. The table was set with white linen and china. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, and Dr. Peppers were served by skeletal crewmen. Noelle had eaten all her potato chip, savoring her sandwich and soda.

"Tantalus expelled you for eternity," Clarisse told them smugly. "Mr. D said if any of you show your face at camp again, he'll turn you into squirrels and run you over with his SUV."

"Did they give you this ship?" Percy asked.

"'Course not. My father did."

"Ares?"

Clarisse sneered. "You think your daddy is the only one with sea power? The spirits on the losing side of every war owe a tribute to Ares. That's their curse for being defeated. I prayed to my father for a naval transport and here it is. These guys will do anything I tell them. Won't you, Captain?"

The captain stood behind her looking stiff and angry. His glowing green eyes fixed Noelle with a hungry stare that Percy wasn't to fond about. "If it means an end to this infernal war, ma'am, peace at last, we'll do anything. Destroy anyone."

Clarisse smiled. "Destroy anyone. I like that."

Tyson gulped.

"Clarisse," Annabeth said, "Luke might be after the Fleece, too. We saw him. He's got the coordinates and he's heading south. He has a cruise ship full of monsters—"

"Good! I'll blow him out of the water."

"You don't understand," Annabeth said. "We have to combine forces. Let us help you—"

"No!" Clarisse pounded the table. "This is my quest, smart girl! Finally I get to be the hero, and you three will not steal my chance."

"Where are your cabin mates?" Percy asked. "You were allowed to take two friends with you, weren't you?"

"They didn't... I let them stay behind. To protect the camp."

"You mean even the people in your own cabin wouldn't help you?"

"Shut up, Prissy! I don't need them! Or you!"