If you have to kill a snake, kill it once and for all.

[ Video ]

None of you have much reason to trust me.

[ Not the best way to start a post, but Medusa is looking abnormally serious as she addresses the camera. She is, for once, being entirely honest. ]

I have worked in science and advanced medicine for centuries, and I have no intention of allowing myself to be infected with whatever new virus my fellow inmates have introduced to the barge. I would like to help. It would be a great deal easier with access to even a fraction of my magic, but I am capable of working lab equipment without them.

If you truly don't trust me enough to preserve my own life, perhaps one of the less scientifically minded wardens would volunteer to stand over my shoulder and make sure I do what I'm best at.

[ Video ]

[ Medusa appears on screen wearing what can be described most kindly as a ’jaunty’ sweater and a cheerful little Santa hat. Her smile, for those who are familiar with her usual expression, is both incredibly wide and incredibly genuine. She’s got it, and she’s got it bad. ] It occurs to me quite suddenly – quite suspiciously suddenly, in fact – that there aren’t nearly enough decorations up. The mistletoe is a nice touch, but it needs more. We need wreaths, and lights, and- are there any menorahs up? We wouldn’t want anyone to feel left out. “Christmas” is intended to be a Christian holiday, obviously, but its roots lie in the change of the seasons which makes it a time of celebration for most religions. [ Yes, she managed to fit a small lesson into this. But as a witch she mostly serves as an observer for your cooky human holiday season. ]

Now, mistletoe and trees are pagan. Perhaps if we put up a few angels for the Christians, at least one public menorah and perhaps a few Stars of David for our Jewish neighbors? Let’s see, what other holidays do humans celebrate around the solstice? Well, you’ll all have to help me out if I’m forgetting anything. Of course there should be a feast, you can’t possibly celebrate the coming light of spring without a feast. And if anyone would like company to stay up on the longest night of the year and help the mother Goddess give birth to the sun, I would be more than happy to join you.

[ She smiles again, in something like a farewell. Then something occurs to her, and she holds up a finger to ask you to wait while with her other hand she picks up the head end of her enormous viper so that he can look at the screen.

If snakes can have expressions, he looks curious and mildly confused. He eyes the thing and flicks his tongue out at it experimentally as Medusa goes on. ]

Oh, one last thing. Does anyone have a very small hat like the one I’m wearing ? Poor Ophion has nothing to wear.

( [ Private Text to the Admiral - Gifts for Red, Arthas, Barron, Lua, and a general gift for all ] )

[ Video ]

Now wasn’t that a nice vacation? [ An alarmingly large viper winds its head happily up Medusa’s arm as she speaks. It missed her while she was gone. She rests her chin on the other hand. ]

What a delightful world we crashed into. Did you all have fun? I know I did. I don’t suppose anybody got a chance to try the food? [ Of course being the queen, Medusa only had properly prepared food that neither shrank you nor made you grow. But she does wonder if anyone took any back with them. ]

I do hope nobody is too angry at the two meddlers who caused this one. Let’s not lose our heads now, shall we? [ She grins widely and shuts off the feed. ]

[ Medusa hasn't been around much since the Willow Incident. She wanted to let things play out and pass her by while she recovered, a longer process than she would have liked. ]

How are all the kittens doing?

[ She smiles wickedly, but the joke is clear on her face. No real malice here. ]

I wonder, since so many of you seem to keep pets, if I might be allowed one. [ She shrugs. ] Probably not. Most people don't seem to care much for snakes. So afraid you'll be bitten. A pity.

Anyway it seems your ridiculous superstition has some merit. Tell the world you're bored and it really will reward you. Are you all having fun yet?

Messages from home? How sweet. It's absolutely adorable how you're all tripping over yourselves to hear from loved ones or people you've wronged.

[ Quick and Dirty Port Log ;P ]

Medusa lingers near doors, watches groups going off in various directions, and observes the station's general comings and going. Technology is of particular interest to her: how does it work, and how might it be used to her advantage?

She watches also to see whom pairs with whom, and why, and what they can accomplish together. She explores both moons as well as the main planet itself.

[ Please feel free to tag in anywhere at any time! ]

[ Medusa is a quiet Italian woman, always polite and gentle, but never taken advantage of. Rumor has it she was nobility, but took a fancy to that scary-looking Arthas fellow and ran away to be with him. She stays home and takes care of the house while he's off pirating, like a good little housewife. There are also rumors that horrible things happen to anyone who gets on her bad side, but why would you want to? She's sweet enough. ]

The comings and goings in this place are so hard to keep track of sometimes. I wonder if there's anyone around who might help me with a little project? The weather has taken its toll on this old house. I'd like to make some additions.

[ Private to Arthas ]

Arthas, dear, how goes our latest acquisition? I trust there weren't any difficulties?