Tony followed her down, wondering if Cherrill planned to interrupt all the lovemaking going on in the lounge. When she turned toward the food instead ...of the couches, Tony breathed a quiet sigh of relief.The others had evidently already eaten as there was food set out which had obviously been delved into and dirty plates, as well. Following Cherrill's lead, Tony picked up a clean plate and found a seat that hadn't been used, yet.There was fruit juice, room temperature, now, and somewhat weak. The rod will protect itself. The locked cabinet only keeps innocents from injuring themselves." Jane said.Ron nodded.Jane stood aside and drew the curtain."Behold the Rod of Sappho!" she said.Ron was spell bound."Susan, as I am unclean, take the rod yourself." Jane instructed.Susan stood and dropped her robe. Like a goddess she proceeded forward and reached into the cabinet. The rod was glowing much more brightly than usual. The effect was not from the LED inside of it, rather the glow emanated. " I commanded this time. He did as I saidthis time and was astonished. "Holy crap it doesn't hurt anymore." Hesaid now happy. "You don't get it do you? It gave you the ability to healyourself." I told him. "How is our new friend?" I asked just nowremembering him. "Afraid he didn't make it. Right after you passed out helet go of you hand and he let out his last breath." Chris answered. "Wellhe definitely gave us some ammunition in the fight against thosemonsters. We have our eyes now, referring. To them, Im sure it seemed as though she was simply being their professors supportive wife, who took an interest in my work. To me, it was obvious she was checking out the competition. Nothing happened between me and any of my students again. Cindy gave me a satellite phone as a going-away present the year after Liz came into our lives, and called me on it every night while I was on the dig. My students all came to expect the odd sound of my phone going off at random times during the afternoon.