THE JAVELIN DISAPPEARED behind the clouds as Peter's dropship descended towards Hephaestus's craggy surface. For one guilty moment, Peter wished he could have stayed aboard the hulking Fleet Hauler for a few days longer. Exploring the cavernous hull with Rosie as a gruff tour guide had been a nearly limitless source of entertainment.

Vacation's over, he thought, shifting in his new Hunter Guard armor, which felt a little too tight around his legs. Time to get back to ...