A/N: I am so, so sorry. I never intended to take a year to update this story and I hope you'll forgive me for the long wait.

Chapter One
Astronaut

It was a beautiful evening. Hermes paused for a moment to take in the scene before him. The small town in front of him looked so peaceful. It was nothing like the busy city of New Olympia.

He sighed, wishing for the thousandth time that things could be different. It was so unfair that he'd had to pull Jay away from everything familiar and dump him in the middle of a war.

Hermes contemplated the situation as he walked to Jay's house. He'd never met Cronus, but the stories he'd heard made his blood run cold. He did not envy the task that awaited the seven young heroes.

Hermes paused for a moment on the doorstep to straighten his tie and make sure his hair was in place. After all, he wanted to make a good first impression.

He knocked and a dark haired woman, Hermes decided must be Jay's mother, answered the door.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"Hello," Hermes greeted her cheerfully. "My name is Mr. Comm and I'm here to talk to you about your son, Jay. May I come in?"

"Of course," Jay's mother answered stepping aside so Hermes could enter the house.

A few minutes later, Hermes was sitting in the living room with Jay's parents.

"I represent a special division of NASA," Hermes explained. "It's my job to locate and recruit potential trainees for their new space flight program and Jay meets the criteria."

"You mean Jay is a…" Jay's mother began.

"An astronaut," Hermes confirmed. "That's right. He's been specially selected for intensive training and after only a few years, he'll be off to the space station. You must be so proud."

Far from being proud, Jay's parents looked confused and uncertain. Hermes didn't blame them. He couldn't be easy hearing that the son you loved was about to be taken away, but it would be even more difficult if they knew the truth. Hermes had chosen the astronaut cover story because he knew Jay enjoyed stargazing. It was also the most satisfactory way of explaining Jay's prolonged absence from home that he could think of. He regretted having to lie to all the heroes' parents, but telling them the truth was obviously impossible.

"I don't understand," Jay's father said. "Why did you select Jay to participate in this program?"

"Jay has excellent grades in science and mathematics as well as amazing leadership skills," Hermes explained, having carefully researched all the information about Jay he'd known he'd need to convince Jay's parents he was telling the truth. "These are qualities the people I represent find very desirable."

"We should discuss this with Jay before we reach a decision," Jay's mother said, "but if he's interested then I see no reason he shouldn't participate. Unfortunately, he's out sailing, but if you'd care to wait until he comes home we can give you our decision then."

"As it happens, I've already spoken with Jay," Hermes responded smoothly. "He's very enthusiastic. In fact, he's already on his way to the training facility."

Another necessary lie, Jay was already in New Olympia learning about his role as the leader of the seven heroes destined to defeat Cronus.

"So soon," Jay's mother gasped, "but we didn't even get to say good-bye."

"I realize this is all happening very quickly," Hermes replied, wishing he'd been able to give Jay a chance to say farewell to his parents, "but my employers were very anxious for Jay to begin his training as soon as possible."

That was an understatement. The truth was if Jay and the others didn't learn what they were up against soon and how to handle it they wouldn't survive long enough for it to matter.

"How often will Jay be able to return home to visit?" Jay's father asked.

"I'm not sure," Hermes answered, "but I'll do my best to ensure he remains in contact throughout his training."

It was all he could promise them. He had no idea if or when Jay might be able to return home, however brief the visit might be.

"All right," Jay's parents agreed, though Hermes could tell they were still reluctant.

He wished he had time to deal with their unspoken concerns, but he had to visit the other heroes' parents. He bid them both farewell and headed off to his next appointment.

A/N: Once again, I apologize for the long wait. I don't plan to take as much time to update this story in future, in fact, I hope to have all my in progress stories finished by the end of the year. Wish me luck.