Note: Writing schedule for my updates will be disrupted over the next few weeks due to the holidays, pro deadlines, and the fact I’ll be tutoring two days a week. I will do my best to keep up, but I can’t guarantee the frequency.

Second, with Christian Gate Fan’s permission, I will be completing ‘Left Behind SG1.’ CGF will be reading for continuity and will be posting the new chapters so we don’t lose anyone on the alert list.

Third, please check my profile for important pro updates and to participate in my poll that will end on Dec. 31st.

Fourth, I do beta read and have three openings left, if anyone is interested.

The Tok’ra

Dragonlots aka Dana Bell

Chapter 6

I felt Lily’s horror as we exited the sealed cave entrance and she saw the village for the first time. Briefly I sensed Karl’s hand upon her arm before he removed it. He strode before us, a determined look on his face.

“It’s,” she began before shutting her mouth. I knew she wanted to vomit and she swallowed to keep down her breakfast.

Through her eyes I saw the village. Crude huts still burned. Shriveled bodies were strewn everywhere. A child sat near one of the overturned cooking pots, his arms hugging his knees, tears streaming down his dirty face. I heard muffled sobs and a few hysterical screams.

“How can they allow this?” Lily walked forward turning her head to look side to side. “How can they be so cold hearted?”

“It’s necessary,” Karl answered, looking up at Lily. He turned over a body.

“That’s not human.”

“It’s a Wraith.”

The creature had stark white hair and a marred pasty face. It wore a snug tight uniform over its pale skin. Several holes leaked dark blood. From one of them protruded a broken stick.

“The Federation would never allow this.” Lily was becoming angry. I knew because a surge of adrenaline rushed through her system.

“It protects us.”

“It’s murder.”

“Don’t judge us,” Karl barked back. “You haven’t had to live here.” He stalked away and knelt before the child.

‘He’s right you know,’ I told my host.

“Shut up.”

I knew she did not understand that sometimes sacrifice is necessary to survive. A lesson we Tok’ra know well.

Karl led the child toward the cave entrance. Lily spun on her heel and hurried after him.

“Do how many died?” she demanded.

“No idea. After I drop Charlie here off to the Doc, I’ll do a count and bury our dead.”

“I thought you said only the old and dying stayed in the village.”

“Came to visit my grandpa.” Charlie raised his head and glared at us. “Not against the rules.”

“He’s right. It isn’t.” Karl opened the cave entrance and we went inside.

“But to subject a child,” Lily couldn’t believe they could be so cruel.

“We all know what can happen,” Charlie told us. “Even my younger sister understands about Wraith.”

“They have to know so they’ll survive.” Karl turned in the direction of the medical area. “I’m taking Charlie to see Keller. Why don’t you go back to your quarters?”

“Don’t you presume to give me orders!”

‘Lily, he’s just suggesting. Calm down.’

“I think I’ll go see your leader instead.”

Karl shrugged. “Fine. Liz will tell you the same thing I did. Come on, Charlie.”

The two went around a corner and was lost to our sight.

“Inhumane.”

‘Perhaps. But maybe they think the sacrifice is worth it to protect everyone who lives in this underground city.’

“You sound like you understand.”

I sighed. Lily could be such a child. ‘I’ve seen it before.’