Standing Here [Spyskater, also open]

Samuel considered this. Bullets were very deadly-even arm and leg shots sometimes left debilitating or fatal flesh trauma.
"Perhaps. But in any case, we need to start issuing guns to anybody here over 15."

"And there lies the second fundamental problem with this whole camp," Samuel said. "Discipline. You're completely right-most of the guys here are just kids. Some of them are irresponsible and cocky, and too many of them live and die with their social statuses. But even if we could whip the attitude out of 'em, get 'em to be more mature, it won't change the fact that they are just kids and will never be as ready for bloodshed as trained soldiers. Granted, there are a few who are at least competent, but enough to win a war?" He let that hang in the air.

"The first keyword is seem to. Just because you can spar or shoot targets doesn't mean you can handle real combat," Samuel said rather harshly. "The second keyword is blade and arrow. Like I said, that may not be enough, especially against the larger monsters. Quite frankly, we need more like you--guys that have come from disciplined, mature settings and have received military training."

"My thoughts exactly," said Samuel. "But I think we should pitch it to Chiron and camp administration first. The process will be a lot more effective and well-rounded if we had their support. On the other hand, if we didn't ask, some people might whine to 'em, saying we're no fun and being too rough. They may not listen to us, but they ought to listen to Chiron."

"What if they're not whining because they can't take the heat?" Samuel asked. "What if they just don't want to? I know there are a group of people here who can turn into deadly fighters and valuable soldiers, but they're too lazy, ignorant or preoccupied to do so. And when they slack off, they'll provide a bad example for everyone else. Who do you think is more popular to the campers--a new son of Apollo and a Hades guy or their friends? We need administrative support, if only to make sure we can keep enough people in the training regimen."

"Don't worry about that," Samuel said. "I know a few guys around here who can help that cause. Brandon Mathias, son of Ares, comes from a military family and he knows his way around guns and discipline. Chris Talbot, your half-brother, is a great shot and trains with a bolt-action hunting rifle as much as his bow. Then there's Magnus Starkweather, son of Zeus. His mom is the Secretary of Defense, and chairman of a private military company, so he's practically a rich Navy SEAL. All of these guys would sure as hell support this cause--I'll bet Magnus and Brandon would come up with something on their own if we didn't."