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“It is a priceless piece of art.” The skies around the cloud darkened slightly.
    Neptune shivered. Jupiter was getting really angry now.
    “I...took the painting away because it was wrong,” Venus whispered. “I hid it where no one could ever see it again.” She looked down at her sandals and shook. Her guilt and fear showed plainly on her face.
    “Did you destroy Botticelli’s The Birth Of Venus?” Jupiter thundered.
    “This is an outrage!”
    Neptune stared at Venus, and then at the other gods and goddesses, who raised eyebrows. Clearly, they were as shocked by her audacity as he was. This is beyond a simple interference in human affairs , he thought. It is a bold and amoral strike at humankind, who, we all know, aren’t the brightest tropical fish in the ocean.
    “No...the painting”—Venus spat out the word—”is intact, Your Grace.” She gazed petulantly into space. “Just very well hidden.”
    “Well, get it back to the bloody museum right away, or you will be sorry.”
    Neptune knew the matter was now closed and final. No one could deny the wishes of Jupiter, not even a goddess, herself.
    Jupiter breathed deeply, and as he relaxed, Neptune watched the sky turn blue again, and he felt the air became warmer.
    “All right,” Jupiter spoke more gently. “Who is next on the agenda?” He looked down and his brow furrowed. “Not Neptune again, surely?” he muttered in disbelief. Neptune winced as the Sky God’s eyes pierced his own. “You have been quite unruly as of late! King Neptune, please rise!” he bellowed, and Neptune struggled to his feet.
    “The agenda says you caused a massive storm at sea, which resulted in the deaths of many forms of marine life, both great and small, and gravely damaged two fishing boats that were capsized and washed ashore.”
    Neptune watched sheepishly as Jupiter read more from his infernal list.
    Jupiter’s pale blue eyes were starting to burn angrily.
    “Although no one was killed, the fishermen who ran these boats were injured, and their boats are ruined , making it quite impossible for them to earn a living. Also, an anonymous complaint from one of your subjects underwater says that you were so angry over a personal matter that you endangered the lives of all the mermaids who are your courtiers. From all reports, they were lucky to survive.”
    Jupiter sighed in exasperation, and The Sea God bowed his head in shame.
    “Neptune, I’ve told you time and time again that storms must follow the order of things...a natural pattern that is not dictated by your emotions. Storms may damage sea life and people, but they should be dictated by the weather, not your bad moods. I realize that when you are angry, tidal waves tend to form. I have the same problems with anger and lightning bolts. They descend so suddenly, sometimes on the innocent. We all need to work together in order to control our basest impulses. We must maintain public safety of the human and animal worlds as best we can .”
    He moved closer to Neptune, who was turning bright red and fidgeting. “What say you, Neptune? Did you maliciously cause this terrible storm at sea, as reported?”
    Neptune’s eyes filled with tears. “I did, my brother,” he answered quietly. The memories of that awful day when he’d lost his daughter were so fresh in his mind. He couldn’t even think of a way to pretend it was not his doing. “I caused the storm because I was angry.” He hung his head. “I know I cause trouble when I lose my temper, and I’d like to seek help.” He smiled a little as he continued. He had decided how to cope with this distressing situation. “I would like to request a meeting with Minerva after council. Perhaps she could grant me some advice about my problems. I respect your daughter’s brilliance and I cannot think of anyone who could help me more than her.”
    Neptune glowed again as he contemplated his own brilliance. In one fell swoop, he had flattered Jupiter by praising