The group heads to Santa Barbara to find Caligula. Jason admits that Herophile told him that they would find Caligula on a boat. Apollo recalls the emperor’s fondness for pleasure barges in ancient times. Jason tells Piper about Herophile’s warning that one of them would die. She is angry but empathizes with Jason’s decision to try to spare her from potential death, knowing that she would do the same. Apollo wonders why the two broke up.

When they arrive in Santa Barbara, Apollo notes the city’s resemblance to an ancient Roman resort town called Baiae. Later in the day, Jason finally sees an enormous, gleaming, white yacht, with two helicopters and a small submarine, then a whole fleet of them, supported by police and Coast Guard boats. Apollo recalls the Bridge of Boats from ancient times, which Caligula created to disprove a prophecy. Jason asks how to find Caligula, and Apollo says to begin in the middle.

Apollo suggests that the enemy will least expect an attack of the middle, but Meg counters that they appear prepared for anything. Apollo reflects that Caligula must know about the destruction of Macro’s store and the fight with Medea. Fearful of encountering strixes, he rejects Jason’s suggestion to fly them to the yachts.