Smoker's grin widened.

"Leg hurts like hell... other'n that, not too bad considerin'... need a piss, though. An' a drink, if there's any water goin'"

His mind ran back through what he could remember, which to be honest wasn't a lot. Taking every precaution to make a non-invasive investigation that shouldn't have disturbed... hey! Darn chip must've been hooked into whatever passed for lifesigns in the Tin Man. Hence the only way to avoid it was to stay clear... even more clear than he had. One lives and learns. Or stops living.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #155):

Jane gave a semi ladylike snort.  "You just keep needing to piss.  You gotta hold it because I don't want you to do it here.  We'll get some water for you soon probably. As long as Rowan and other medical type personal say it's ok."

She looked down from her surveillance and smiled at him even to show no hard feelings but she did mean every word.

"OK, Jane," Smoker returned the smile, and began to doze again.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #157):

Jane turned to look at Rowan and grinned.  "That's the most agreeable he has been in a long time.  I think I'll enjoy it while I can."

In reply to Jane Guin (msg #158):

Rowan, chuckles lightly as she checks Smoker over

"Truth Jane, now all we have to do is switch Roadkills 'NICE' switch on"
Finding that Smoker is sleeping she sits back for a moment
"I am concerned though about what is going on, we seem to have become the focus for some thing, and I find my self woundering who and what and come to that why the strings are being pulled"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #159):

Jane nodded.  "Truth in that Rowan.  The main question is which side wants us more.  We've been hunted by evil and come across it, some might even say some have worked for it for a bit until they saw better, but there is good out there also fighting with us or for us.  Still not sure on that part.  So perhaps we shouldn't try to turn on RK's "nice" switch...today...that might be seen as miracle and I've think we've witnessed enough miracles during the last couple of days. Wouldn't want to use up our quota's of miracles all at once."

Jane grinned at Rowan.  "So...tell me more about herbs and stuff."

In reply to Jane Guin (msg #160):

Rowan nods
"Well it is no secret I guess, though the preperation is kept within the craft"

"As to herbs, there are many herbs that mankind has used over the years some of them effective and some not, what I search for is a very specific set of ingredients."
"Frogs or amphibians green leaves clean water, a drop of my blood."
"Mixed and prepaired with the correct incantation they form a poltice".
"That will heal cuts bullet wounds claw strikes and so on.".

"What was done here is way beyond any thing I have ever been taught"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #161):

Jane nodded.  "I don't expect you to tell me your secret incantations or whatever it is you do.  I still would like to know about the herbs and things.  Your faith is what makes you...you.  I also know that you have a lot of knowledge without even using your faith.  I figure there is lots I can learn just by talking to you.  These past days have made me  realize that one never has enough time to live and learn.  I've started living again now it's time for me to start to learn again."

Jane had looked into the mirror where she could see Peter's eyes when she said "starting living again" and then looked down into Rowan's when she said time to start to learn.

rowan nods.
"It is a matter of perspective is it not"
"Do you learn to live or live to learn"
Okay this comes from some where else, like any teacher when you figure it out tell me.
Rowan chuckles "an inteligent lady like you will have it guickly, me it took a little time"

quote:

No matter what they tell us
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach us
WHAT WE BELIEVE IS TRUE

No matter what they call us
However they attack
No matter where they take us
WE WILL FIND OUR OWN WAY BACK

I will not deny what I believe
I can not be what I am not
I know my love will last forever
THE CIRCLE TURNS RIGHT BACK

If we listen to the wind we will hear her say
No matter what they tell you
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach you
WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS TRUE

For I will give you self control shelter from the storm
Our life is ours forever.
WE WILL FIND OUR WAY BACK

Rowan looks out into the Morning light
"The question is this who or what is speaking"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #163):

Jane chuckled.  "I know I am doomed now.  Whenever anybody says "an intelligent lady like you" I know I'm doomed never to know the answer.  I like that quote.  It can mean different things to different people...especially in different times during their life.  Take what you just quoted.  I'm not sure what the answer is or if there is an answer.  For instance I am torn between two answers which really could be one answer.  My two answers would be love and faith.  Simplistic perhaps but still that is what came to mind this point in time."

In reply to Jane Guin (msg #164):
rowan smiles
"Doomed, we are that, one life one death in this life time"
"But yes your answer is one I like."
"But not one I expected, That in itself is a lesson is it not?"
"In assumption of an answer."
"You see because we take responsibility for our own actions we are taught to question and examine what we learn".
"We do not believe in heaven and Hell as do Christians."
"But yes I believe in evil and the powers beyond the veil, in the outer darkness"
"The beings that were the cause for much of the trouble that caused the war are one example"

Jane tilted her head to one side she thought about what Rowan said.  "Heaven and Hell.  Such a complex question that has taken people centuries to determine the undeterminable.  I believe more in good and evil but is it because it is more tangible?  That is hard to say.  Few have looked upon absolute evil but banter the words around based off of actions every day people do...good and evil that is. Not that I am saying you are bantering the words about though.

_{Love and Faith.  Two of my favorite words.  Words that I almost forgot about having love and faith for yourself as well as others.}"

In reply to Jane Guin (msg #166):

"Good words to live by Jane"
Out entry in to the circle is
In perfect love and perfect trust
"But in Answer to your question and statement"
"There is absolute evil."
"The reckoners are examples of that"

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #167):

"Aye.  No argument there."

Peter concentrated on the road. Occasionally he glanced back at the truck's bed, at the 2 women....and the prone Smoke too he supposed. Once again, watching how much their were talking, he was both glad and sad that he wasn't back there. It did get lonely sometimes with no radio and no one to talk to while driving. But he soldiered on as always.

In reply to Peter Firecrow (msg #169):

Ian paid attention to the road ahead.  He did not want to be ambushed.

In reply to Jane Guin (msg #168):
Rowan takes a good look around, then adds

"But philisophical discusions apart what would you like to learn about."
"First aid and Paramedical skills I can certainly teach you more of if you would like to learn."
As she waits for Janes answer she takes a look at her patient

The ambush site was at the foot of the highway bridge, just across the river. This is where they expected to go. The Interstate stayed on the north side of the river, but all the bridges were down further east. So the only route was along heavily damaged roads south of the river, near the ruins of Twin Falls and through the Ghost Storm. This danger was why the route was so unpopular and travellers avoided this part of Idaho in general.

Schaeffer's voice crackled over the radio. There was a fair amount of static and interference, almost as if the voices from the Ghost Storm over the city across the river were trying to call them over the ether.

"Be advised. The ambush site is abandoned, we tracked them to "Skeleton Bluff". Keep proceeding east along I-84. I'll be waiting about two kilometres down the road. How copy?"

The rain had slacked off. The prairie was still brown and dead, but now it was muddy.

Smoker opened his eyes and shifted a bit to get comfortable.

"How we're doin'?" he asked.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #173):

Rowan smiles as Smoker wakes up
" You will live Smoker, She says softly.
"But you are not doing the 100 yards sprint today"
"I need some time to get some ingreedients to make a poltice to heal your leg"

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #173):

Jane chuckled at Smoker's use of the word "we".  "We're doing fine.  You on the other hand have seen better days.  At least you're still on this side of the ground so your day isn't a total waste."

Smoker grinned.

"Air goes in and out. Blood goes round and round. Any variation, you've got a problem... but 'We' are a team, even if I'm a bit out of things right now."

He looked a bit worried.

"Am I gonna be left with a limp or anythin'?"

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #176):

Rowan considers, "no I do not think so long term".
"Short term stay off it and fight from this position suporting my self and jane"
She places a hand on Smokers shoulder her voice calming.
"I do not believe the above ones, who ever you recognise, gave of their powers to keep you alive only to criple you"
Rowan chuckles, "mind you I would not push their patience by trying to be ground zero in a large explosion any time soon."

"None too sure about 'gods' said Smoker. "Leastways, if they were any good at their job they'd not have left such a mess. But I shall try and avoid explosions anyhow... too darn noisy!"

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #178):

Rowan looks out of the wreckage of a civilisation, "I am not sure I defined the beings as Gods Smoker."
"Above ones was the term I used, or ascended is another term for them."
"Shall we say beings beyond my understanding".
For whatever reason, they have not yet given up on the idea of restoring the balance of all, and in this time and place, move through you, the templar's and the rest of the group to bring about something they desire.
"Twice in the last few days I have seen events happen that are so very far beyond my understanding that I would count them as miracles".

Rowan sits there for a moment, considering her words

"Long ago in a film I heard the following quote."
"I have found it to be true to me"

I move in rhythm with the earth.
I am held steady
My true path never wavers for an instant
My purpose is clear before me as a wide road
Of no more importance to the universe than a leaf is to a tree
I am still
I share the life
I am one with it
I guide upon the wilderness
I take no advantage
I give no quarter
I defend my own
I am as strong as I need to be
Powerful or weak
I am become whatever I would chose to be
I give what I can no one owns me
I am sacred to my self; no one can touch myself
I am free
I am my only master


Rowans voice is calm soothing.
"What ever the reason Smoker, in the here and now your presance is still required"