Athena: It appears this tale is doing well.
SoftWare: What's your point?
Artemis: Don't encourage her.
SoftWare: I wasn't encouraging her.
Athena: I think it best if I leave.
Apollo: For the record...
Artemis and SoftWare: I blame you for that.
Apollo: WHY?!
Chapter Four
I'm Given an Assignment
Two days after the whole conversation with the Hunters, I was sitting in my cabin. Last night, Capture the Flag had been fun. Since I was the Son of Artemis, I was given the choice of either joining with the Campers, or with the Hunters. Naturally, I chose the Hunters, because I'm not sure I trust the Campers yet. We won the game, making the win count for the Hunters 60-0. That's wins and losses. No losses. I made a good choice. One of the Hunters had asked me if I would speak to my mother about paintball. I made a mental note to ask her about the Hunter's mental condition. Anyway, I was fingering Moonbeam in its pen form, twirling it in my fingers, (I do that sometimes) when someone knocked on my door. I instinctively clicked Moonbeam to life. One of the Hunters was there, the ten-year-old. "Lady Artemis wants to see you." I nodded, then closed Moonbeam. When I reached the Big House, Chiron and Artemis were sitting on the porch, discussing something. It looked like Artemis was a little upset, but I stepped forward anyway. Yeah, I know. Smart. Chiron faced me. "I will take my leave." When he was gone, Artemis looked at me, with a tearful expression in her eyes. "Have you been crying?" I asked her. She didn't answer immediately. "I did not want to do this. You have only been at camp for three days, but Chiron suggested that as my son, you alone could do what I am about to ask you." I raised an eyebrow. "Three of my fallen Hunters have been restored to life. I cannot tell you where two of them are, but the third is in New Jersey." I blinked. "New Jersey?" She nodded. I looked at Moonbeam, and then said, "You want me to find them." She nodded. "Do I have to go alone? This is my first mission." Artemis shook her head. "Two Hunters may accompany you. That is the limit." I didn't argue. "I think the Lieutenant would be helpful, and I guess Shelby can come if no one else volunteers." "There are no other volunteers. I discussed this with them. They are not willing to go on a quest if it does not involve hunting. Even if their sisters are in danger." I rolled my eyes. "You need to talk to them about that." She raised an eyebrow. "I can never tell when you're joking." I wasn't in the mood to argue. "I guess I'd better get Lieutenant Grace and Shelby." She looked at me strangely. "In the military, they call someone by their last name." "Ah." She glanced at a peanut bowl. "Peanuts before you go?" "Now I can't tell if you're joking." She grinned. "Then perhaps we are alike in some ways." After that, I picked up the two Hunters, and we left.
A/N
Thalia: Wish I had more lines in this...
SoftWare: I'll try to throw in some dialogue.
Shelby: Your last name's Grace?
Thalia: (Gives her the hairy eyeball)
(Shelby backs off)
SoftWare: You lead through intimidation.
Thalia: Not usually.
Computer: SoftWare, offline.