reflection ● jason grace

It's Bully Jason day

Jason hadn't really missed the Senate.

He sat in his normal clothes; the siege could happen any minute, so Leila didn't want to waste time tripping over togas and sandals. On his right was Reyna, and on Jason's left was Nathan, who true to his word had sponsored Reyna for the Second Cohort. It wasn't that big a deal. Nathan was far more likely to get thrown to the weasels than Reyna.

He was trying to pay attention but didn't realize how bad it was at camp until the day after they arrived. Some mysterious force (probably Atticus) kept destroying whatever their stonemasons built and vanishing whatever food they had in stock.

Stores along the Via Praetoria were closed; everyone had to travel in a pair, and no one could go into the forest. Jason was starving and frustrated, but this time, so was everyone else.

"The enemy, depending on their numbers," Daniel said, parading around the dias on the marble floor. "Will attack from four fronts: the Field of Mars, the tunnel, the Tiber, and New Rome."

"We'll have leaders for each side," Leila continued. Neither of them were sitting so Jason had to look from one praetor to the other. "Me, Daniel, Mitch, Daria, and perhaps Jason Grace, should the expanse of the Tiber be too great for one person."

Now that Daria was the primus pilus, she sat closer to the front, next to Octavian and Lucius. She stood, addressing the Senate. "Each point is different, though. The Field of Mars has virtually nowhere to hide and New Rome does. You're going to need to double the guard on the city."

"Just stick a Terminus statue on the outside," Jason joked, earning a couple of glares (and laughs from Nathan and Koda, which was what made it worth it). "The monsters will cower in fear."

"Are you sure you want Jason to lead an army?" Octavian muttered loud enough for people to hear.

Reyna nudged him. "Remember when you told me people respected you?"

Clara peered at Jason over Nathan's shoulder. "He said what?"

"Thanks, Clars."

Leila leered at Octavian. "Auguris minimus are you offering?"

Octavian slunk down in his seat. "No," he murmured with a blush. Jason smirked. Yeah, that's what I thought, idiot!

But Daria wasn't as defensive as Leila. When she caught Jason's eye, she was scowling in disapproval.

OCD, Jason mouthed.

Screw you, she said back.

Leila sighed. "Half of the Senate seems to be asleep," she announced with a pointed glance to Michael, who was resting his head on his hand. Oh, so he didn't get a glare from Daria? That made total sense. "Praetores Daniel and I, as well as the primus pilus will draft plans after lunch and distribute them to those fighting."

"I suggest the rest of you prepare," Daniel nodded at Jason. He didn't seem to be as annoyed with the son of Jupiter as the rest of the government. Then again, Daniel didn't really care about much other than Mitch and sometimes the legion. "Ration your food, drink water, polish your armor. We don't know what we're about to experience."

"Senatus Populusque Romanus, my friends." Even Mitch's face was grim as they adjourned the meeting. A sign that Jason should be taking this a little more seriously, maybe.

"What's the plan?" Nathan chirped. "If we get Daria to help with our chores, maybe we can have band practice in the afternoon."

"Daria looks pissed," Michael pointed out as he approached, yawning.