Chapter 7: Jason – Democracy, Sort of

Saturday February 15


Jason really didn't want to attend the meeting at Camp Half-Blood but figured that since his girlfriend was going he might as well join. He'd really had enough of the countless conferences he'd been subject to while back at Camp Jupiter trying to help Frank and Reyna smooth things over.

It wasn't too bad until they came to one of the main reasons they were called in for. He couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He was hoping that Piper had been over exaggerating but apparently she hadn't exaggerated enough.

His eyes bounced around the crowded ping pong table as head counselors argued about Arete's appearance in camp. Some parroted complaints from their siblings blaming her for the increase monsters around camp to claiming out right that she wasn't a demigod, but something else that would lead them into a war they couldn't fight. Others scoffed pointing out her faults while Piper offered that perhaps she is a powerful child of a Greek demigod to explain why she hadn't been claimed, a type of Greek legacy.

A heavy loud stomp of Chiron's hoof quieted the quarreling group causing Leo to drop a small band of twisted metal. Dionysus swirled his can of Diet Pepsi like a wine glass from the corner of the room listening quietly. Jason got the feeling that the outcome of the conversation would have consequences by the way his eyes flicked to each speaker.

Connor gave a constipated look when they brought up Arete mentioning the demigods being 'held' rather than killed right away. She had been so sure and absolute about it as if the possibility of them dying (which she implied was happening after they were taken). It wasn't from a type of premonition dream that many of them had at times but just a type of concrete base knowledge that she was so certain of.

Some scoffed it off as it being her own wishful thinking for failing her first quest. But there was something off about it, something Austin couldn't shake. Deep down she knew something they didn't.

Because of this slight slip of the tongue she was kept far away from the furs and kept away from any gossip about it.

Chiron gave one last stomp. "We will finalize this dispute once and for all. We will settle this with a one last final vote. Should Arete be allowed to stay with out question or scrutiny?"

Jason relaxed a bit noticing that Chiron didn't include whether Arete should stay or not which was what they were actually arguing about.

Leo looked around the room with wide eyes just realizing what they were talking about.

"Whoa, wait are we talking about the girl with black hair and pale green eyes in the Hermes cabin? That Arete girl?"

Chiron nodded. "Yes, she was the one Grover Underwood found in Central Park injured and without any memory. It has been over a month and she has yet to be claimed despite the promise the gods had made after the Battle of Manhattan."

Jason watched Leo scrunch his nose as if hearing this for the first time. He was sure at least Piper would have brought it up. Plus, he had seen Leo laughing and talking with her during yesterday's celebration dinner. Piper and Percy had been especially glad about it. Leo hasn't been the same after returning from Ogygia alone.

"But she doesn't seem dangerous. She has a bit of a mean streak but she's okay." Leo added still confused.

"She has demonstrated unusual natural ability." Annabeth offered. "She's had previous training. Not knowing where she is from poses a risk. She could have been sent as a spy or sleeper cell –"

"Or she could be just another demigod who got attacked like all the other ones. The gods aren't always reliable." Travis interrupted.

"Or she could be a daughter of Hermes and is already in the Hermes cabin." Connor added.

Chiron struck his hoof on the ground. "We have heard everyone's concerns. Cabin 3, Percy you will start the vote."

Percy hesitated as his eyes flickered to Annabeth. Jason knew the dilemma he was considering. If Arete was put under scrutiny she would be singled out among the campers publicly and be placed under a lot of pressure to prove her own innocence. What it came down to be was the truth verses her wellbeing. If she had a bad secret that would leave her open to possible punishment and banishment, especially, if she had helped either Kronos or Gaea.

Percy gave a soft smile to his girlfriend. "I'm sorry Annabeth but, yes. She shouldn't have to prove anything, especially since she can't remember."

Jason looked over to Annabeth but her face remained unreadable. He guessed that they had this conversation before.

"Cabin four please." Chiron continued.

Katie Gardener looked down looking slightly ashamed. "No, … I think we should know."

Clarisse groan in annoyance. "Yes. I don't think she's a threat. Even if she made mistakes she doesn't even remember them. I'm not going to waste man power on some wild goose chase."

"Thank you Clarisse." Chiron interrupted. "Cabin six."

Annabeth raised her steely grey eyes meeting everyone else's. "I vote no. We need to know not just for the camp's safety, but her own. Whoever had gotten to her in Central Park may try again."

The Apollo camper Austin rubbed his imaginary beard looking up to the ceiling. "No, I think Annabeth is right. There could be consequences in not knowing."

Leo, who kept his entire attention on the voting frowned. "I vote yes."

Piper's eyes met Leo's and a small smile spread across her lips. "Me too, yes."

As all eyes turned to the Stoll brothers. Connor scoffed at them.

Travis rolled his eyes. "Duh, yeah! We stand up for our own!"

"We'll take your voting as a yes." Chiron nodded turning to Pullox.

Pullox nodded his head. "Yes."

Butch narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms. "You guys make her seen like some all-powerful villain. She can't even get near a Pegasus without freaking out. Yes."

Clovis still had his head on the table as he took deep breaths. Butch gave him a hard poke in the ribs. "Huh?" He looked around slightly confused. "My turn to vote? Oh well then no. I vote no. Something isn't right about her. Everything is suddenly … out of sync"

Jason watched with a heavy heart as the next campers to vote didn't look enthusiastic. Nemesis, Nike, and Hebe camp counselors all voted no one after another. The Tyche camper took out a coin tossed it in the air and once it landed voted no.

Jason looked over at Leo and Percy. They both had worry and determination crossing their faces. From under the table Piper had reached out to him and gripped his hand. His eyes searched for hers but her gaze was locked at the last camper to vote.

The small girl from the Hecate cabin, Lou Ellen, was picking at her fingers waiting for her turn. Once all eyes were on her she gave a wide grin and stuck her nose in the air in triumph. "Yes."

Jason held his breath as everyone around the room did the same thing. He recounted the votes in his head. Eight yes and eight no's, the vote was tied.

Chiron gave a heavy sigh. "Jason, as an occupant of cabin one I will ask you to be the tie breaker."

Jason hesitated ignoring the stares of everyone in the room. He had only officially met her once. In that time she didn't miss a beat immediately caring for the injured kid he dragged in staying long after she was excused. From what he knew from others she was one of those slow to warm up types. Then his eyes locked with the wine god and got the feeling that his first impression of the situation was right. There would be consequences for everyone. But Clovis was right, something wasn't right about her.

"My vote is yes." Jason said slowly, his eyes still on Dionysus.

The Stoll brothers whooped in celebration. From the corner of Jason's eyes he could see that a silent conversation had passed between Percy and Annabeth. The rest chatted and made their way back to the camp grounds.

Piper and Leo made their way over to Percy and Annabeth. Jason was about to follow until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw that it was Dionysus, who was still swirling his soda can.

"Smart move Jacob," The wine god said steadily.

"Jason, my name is Jason." He licked his lips feeling uneasy.

"Sure, sure I know Jeffery." He waved his hand and walked off slowly.

He didn't even realize that he had tensed his shoulders. He was sure that under Dionysus words was a tone of warning. His eyes drifted across the room. Piper was talking to Annabeth no doubt saying that they can investigate Arete on their own without putting her in direct line of fire. Or perhaps they purposely took opposing sides. Jason felt his lip just where his scar was twitch. He stalked toward them determined. He knew he needed to get them alone to discuss what had happened.