(Telboriel, thanks. Glad to see someone wondering about the other Tok'ra. AA, here's more. Tok'ra Crazy Lady, thanks. Kdowp, thanks.)

Part 6, Searching

It took a few hours for Lantash to fully heal Martouf. In the meantime, Martouf got a lesson about the Goa'uld, the Jaffa, and what it meant to be Tok'ra. It was all very overwhelming, and the thought of it all gave him a headache, which Lantash then started to cure. After his body was healed from the staff weapon, he agreed to allow Lantash control to fight whatever Jaffa were left. However, they had not heard much weapon fire lately, and Martouf realized the Jaffa probably carried out their order.

Lantash grabbed the zat'nikatel, and checked Setta's pulse. He knew what he would find, but still felt sad that she was gone. He used the zat'nikatel to shoot her three times.

Martouf mentally cried out in alarm when he saw her body disappear.

If the Jaffa found her, she could be revived in the sarcophagus. Lantash explained. Bastet would then torture her until she felt she could not get any more from Setta, and then kill her.

Martouf mentally glared in response, wishing he had been warned.

Lantash carefully came out of the den. You covered our tracks well.

Thank you.

Lantash saw prints of Jaffa. They had been here while they were in the den, so close. The idea slightly creeped Martouf out. Lantash continued walking, very carefully, as he did not know what to expect.

Most of the building had been blown down, which told Lantash that bigger weapons than staff weapons had been used. He suspected at least one death glider had been here. As he moved closer, he saw their were many bodies, some looked almost charred.

My house. Check my house! Martouf thought, thankful that Lantash was in control as they passed by people he cared for.

Lantash used Martouf's memories to find his house. Several people lay in front of it.

Martouf realized it was some of the crowd he had left at his house before. Most had probably ran after the Jaffa started firing at them. Are my parents here? I want control. He was given control as soon as he asked, and then regretted it. He couldn't move.

I'm still here, Lantash thought.

Then he saw them. His father was on his back. His mother looked like she had gone to his side before being shot. "No." He ran to them, and fell to their side. "Mother? Father? Wake up, please, wake up." He hugged their bodies. "No. No. No. Please, wake up."

Martouf kept checking for breathing and pulses in hopes he had been wrong. Each time he only found coldness. He sat down next to them. He couldn't leave them. His dirty cheeks were streaked with tears.

Lantash was quiet at first. He knew his host needed these moments to himself. He patiently waited for his host to decide to leave his parents' sides. The Jaffa seemed to be gone, and so there was no need to hurry. Their spirits are in an afterlife much better than Bastet could have ever promised.

I want my family back. I want their spirits back in their bodies where they belong.

Lantash was about to tell him that was impossible, but then realized that would probably upset him. Instead he replied, I know.

It became quiet for several minutes, and then Martouf thought to Lantash again. I know we should keep looking. I just...can't leave my parents.

...I understand.

Martouf stayed there for ten more minutes, and then finally forced himself to his feet. I know where others might have hid. He wiped his tears.

Hopefully we'll both find people we know there.

It was then that Martouf realized how worried Lantash was for his fellow Tok'ra. It's in another part of the forest. Not able to turn away, he closed his eyes instead. After a moment he had the courage to leave. He started heading to the forest, but checked buildings on the way for survivors. He only found the bodies of his friends, their parents, and their siblings. He fell to his knees when he found the remains of his neighbors and their daughter who only last week learned to walk. No, no, no.

Lantash took over again. He headed for the forest, again, he using Martouf's memories to guide his way. Someone must be alive, he thought as his host continued to mutter "no" in his head. Lantash's thoughts were not only for Martouf's people, but the other Tok'ra. However, he and his host both knew there was a good chance they were the only survivors.

To be continued...