I

Annabeth prepares the Argo II for a peaceful arrival at Camp Jupiter, double-checking weapons lockdowns, flying a white flag, and sidelining Coach Hedge to avoid provocations. Despite planning, she battles nerves and a chilling, unseen presence as the warlike appearance of their trireme threatens the mission.

As the ship descends, Annabeth assesses her crew’s roles: Leo juggling an overengineered helm, Piper readying charmspeak to calm Romans, and Jason—dressed in praetor symbols—positioned to reassure his former camp. Annabeth’s distrust of Jason lingers, tied to Hera’s exchange that separated her from Percy.

New Rome appears below, showing recent battle damage and mobilizing troops. An explosive apparition interrupts: Terminus, god of boundaries, materializes on deck, condemning weapons and Greeks within the Pomerian Line. Piper’s charmspeak and Leo’s tinkering escalate his ire; Terminus shocks away their items and insists the ship cannot land.

Annabeth spots Percy in the crowd, relaxed and wearing a praetor’s purple cape. Determined to reach him yet avoid violating Roman rules, she orders Leo to hold position midair. She proposes a technical solution: the ship hovers while the crew descends by rope ladder unarmed, keeping the vessel off Roman soil.

Terminus, fond of strict technicalities, agrees to enforce disarmament within city limits on both sides. Though the ominous cold presence seems to mock her choice, Annabeth commits to the plan. The chapter closes with Terminus granting provisional permission for an unarmed descent into New Rome.