*swoosh swoosh* I wonder if they'll let me keep these sandals when the race is done? This is the best mode of getting around I've found, and so politically correct - no fossil fuels, just divine energy. I'll have a word with Mercury, next time Jot throws a blast on Olympus....

Oops, there's my girl! All those writhing snakes . . . let's see (sorting through my remaining weapons)

Bows and arrows? Sword? Club? invisibility helmet?

Hades, that's all so violent - the poor woman can't HELP it if having a scalp-full of writhing, twisting snakes ties her psyche in knots. Let's try a little psychology . . .

*swooping close to, but not THAT close to, Medusa, and looking carefully at the skyline*

Hello, Ms. M! I'm Herky, the Party Demi. I wanted to invite you to a little party at my place next week; a lot of neat people you'd really like to get to know!

Medusa's glare softens, as I can see out of a corner of my eye; in fact, it looks like there's a sad tear slithering down her cheeks.

"A party? No one's invited me to a party in aeons! They take one look at me and turn into stone!"

"There, there" I say soothingly, trying to avoid the cobra who's striking out in my direction. "You know, if you think it would be any help, I'm good friends with Jot Ariston. He's got a zillion magical remedies for everything EXCEPT bugs in the graphics program . . . and I know he's got a special creme for straightening scalp snakes and putting 'em to sleep. Would you like me to get it for you?"

*ARRRRGH" cries Medusa, "If you can figure out a way to get these bloody reptiles quiet, I'll do anything you say!"

Smiling, I write her out an RX for "anti-snake creme" and, again staring determinedly at the bow of an olive tree, say "And here's my address, dear. Once you get those snakes taken care of, I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Tante. One look from HER and not a snake will have the nerve to writhe! And see you at the party - I'd like to introduce you to a few friends!"

Medusa's so thrilled, she closes her eyes and, with a sympathetic pat, I nip right past her. ALL CLEAR to ATHENS!