Part 295: Awaken

Mia sat by herself, next to the water. A small tear slowly left her right eye. She felt like she the day Brendon died; she had no tears left cause she had cried them all. Mia barely knew Rose but her one selfless act let her know she was a powerful woman; both in courage and spirit. Her soul was prepared and Mia knew that God would welcome her into his kingdom. Two months ago, Mia lost her faith. Arriving on the Island changed her life around and at the moment, she had to decide whether some else was going to die or THEY ALL would die. Mia then felt a cold rush of wind, almost as if someone was touching her shoulder. “It’s not your fault.” A whisper echoed in her ear.

Mia realized there was nobody around her. Due to the magic of the Island, she could only hope Brendon was appearing before her in her waken state to offer her guidance. She wiped her tears and sniffed. “God forgive me.” She whispered.

“It’s not your fault,” the voice whispered.

“Help me, Brendon,” she replied.

“You are doing the right thing,” the voice echoed, “You must do whatever it takes to survive.”

Then a scream interrupted Mia’s thoughts. She turned to see two men grab Natasha by the arms and proceed to drag her into the woods. The Lakota girl stood up and then ran toward Frakes. “What are you doing?” she demanded.

“What do you mean?” Frakes said, annoyed at her still.

“Those two guys, what are they doing to Natasha?”

“Whatever they want.” He sneered.

Mia was frozen. “Whatever they want” didn’t sound like a good thing. She heard Natasha screaming in the distance as they carried her off. The sight of it made Joscelyn weep even more. Taylor looked in horror but then she turned back to Mia and shook her head against her. Her friend was telling her not to waver even then, cause if she did, they were all dead. Eddie looked over his mother’s shoulder at Natasha leaving. He turned around and saw Jilly crying. The little boy was wondering why the deaf woman would cry for someone she barely knew.

Then Eddie realized. He remembered when Jilly was talking about the bad men and she said, “They hurt me more.” The little boy then understood that those men were about to hurt Natasha in the same manner. The young kid felt nothing but rage at the thought of those men. Eddie then leaped out of his mother’s lap and ran toward the nearest soldier.

It happened to be Embry.

“YOU LET HER GO!!” Eddie screamed, slamming Mr. Kangaroo into Embry’s back. Hal slowly raised up, fearing for Eddie’s life. The soldier killed one child and probably wouldn’t hesitate to kill another.

“Get back with your mother kid,” Embry ordered, grabbing the stuffed animal.

“Eddie, please, get back here!” Barbara begged.

“GIVE HIM BACK!!” the little boy screamed.

Embry then kicked Eddie hard into the chest, sending him back about four feet. Barbara and Jilly rushed up to grab him. The little boy coughed, spending up a small amount of blood. Barbara cried as she held onto her son. “YOU BASTARD!” Jilly screamed, ”He’s just a kid!”

Embry spit, not offering any sympathy. He walked over to the nearest bonfire. He held up Mr. Kangaroo for a few moments and then dumped him into the fire. Eddie slowly opened his eyes to see his companion burst into flames and gray smoke. “No,” he whispered.


The two men held onto Natasha with both arms, as she struggled and screamed. She then reached over and clawed at one of the men. The soldier screamed as she left nail marks across his cheek. The other soldier then slammed his rifle into the back of her head. She yelped and then fell onto the ground, unconscious. “Damn it,” the soldier winced from his wound, “Broad’s got some fight in her.”

“Me first.” The man put down his rifle.

“She scratched me, man. I get first dibs.”

The soldier then ribbed over her shirt, exposing her breasts. He giggled with glee, as he buried his mouth against one. The other soldier then pulled down her shorts and removed her panties. Natasha moaned, still unaware of what was happening. The second soldier then removed his pants and moved in closely to invade her. “Oh, God, she smells great.” He said, as he reached down to him self in.

Then he jerked as an arrow pierced his throat.

The first soldier then looked up abruptly, just in time to see a young boy with long blonde hair throat a knife at him. The blade sung through the air with deadly aim, landing in the man’s chest. He gasped for air, seeing the handle of the blade sticking in front of his face. Then he looked up just in time to see another young man with a sword swing at him. The soldier gagged as he felt the blade tear off a chunk of his face.


“NATASHA!!!” John screamed as he ran to her.

Seth stabbed his sword into the ground, then quickly pulled of his shirt. He gasped and turned away, using it to cover her up. John collapsed near her legs. The archer winced in disgust and sadness; grabbing her undergarments and her shorts, pulling them back up. Alexander felt rage toward the soldiers; seeing them do this sort of thing before to his own sisters. “Did he . . .hurt her?” he asked, finding the words.

“I don’t know,” John replied, tabbing her cheek, “Tasha, can you hear me?”

She moaned slightly, feeling of her head. Before John could ask again, he heard a gagging sound behind him. He turned around and saw the man he had shot in the throat crawling away. He was trying to get to his rifle but he was having obvious trouble breathing. John slowly stood up and pulled out another arrow. He then fired at the man, slamming it in his shoulder. He tried to scream but the arrow in his throat prevented that.

John pulled out a second arrow and then fired it at the man, slamming it into his stomach. He jerked around, trying to scream. Seth looked at what John was doing and before he could say anything, Alexander grabbed him by the shoulder. The wild boy’s eyes were telling the young singer the soldier deserved it. John then pulled out one more arrow and fired it into the man’s chest, piercing his lung. The archer stood there, letting the rage ooze out his mouth like spit. He stared and watched the man struggle for his life. He didn’t know if the soldier had time to rape her but he was about to. John couldn’t fathom any punishment that would even fit.

John then came back to reality when Seth grabbed him by the arm. The archer looked down on his younger friend, seething with rage. “You finished?” Seth said, holding his arm.

John looked toward the beach. Natasha was almost raped. He cared for her but his heart belonged to Mia. Bad thoughts echoed in his brain about what the soldiers might be doing to her. “I ain’t even started yet.” He hissed back at Seth.

John hoisted his arrow slung over his shoulder, then reached down and picked up Natasha. He had to go stash her away in a safe place. Alexander and Seth picked up the weapons of the fallen soldiers. They knew they had a window of about 30 to 40 minutes before the other soldiers came looking for them. They only hoped they would be able to take them out in the same stealth mode that was so successful with Fender’s group.



Jilly trembled, trying to control her fear. She was afraid for poor Natasha. If it was anything like what happened to her and her twin sister, she knew that the poor woman wouldn’t be safe. The deaf woman looked to Eddie, who just stared into the blankness of the ocean. He massaged his chest and then his head. She reached over and stroked his hair, hoping he was all right from the blow Embry gave him. The boy smiled at her, taking her hand for a brief moment. The deaf woman then looked to the jungle wondering if those vile soldiers were done with Natasha yet.

Then she suppressed a gasp when she saw Seth in the bushes.

A soldier walked by her and she quickly stared back to the ground. Then she slowly looked up and saw the young singer leaned up slightly between the two plants he was hiding between. Then she realized why he was doing it; she had forgotten he knew sign. Seth then moved his hands and told Jilly that Natasha was all right. The deaf woman held in her sigh of relief so the other guards wouldn’t notice. Seth then asked in her sign, how many guards were there and if anybody else was hurt. Jilly looked to the guards and the moment they weren’t looking, she quickly signed to Seth everything that had happened. He waited for a few seconds and then told her in sign to wait for their signal. They would tell them what to do.


John kept his sharp eyes open for the distance. It had been 15 minutes since the saving of Natasha. He was worried other soldiers might come looking for the dead ones soon. Then he pulled out an arrow, seeing a scuttling across the bushes. He breathed easy when he saw it was Seth. The young singer crouched low as he ran toward them, sword in hand. “What happened?” John asked, “Is Mia safe?”

“Mia took up for everybody, John,” Seth kneeled, catching his breath, “She told those guys she was the leader. She hasn’t told them about Tony and the others at the boat.”

“Is anybody else hurt?” the archer asked.

Seth took a deep breath, rubbing his face. “They executed Rose.” He whispered.

John closed his eyes, wincing. He was so worried about Mia, he never realized they might have killed somebody else. They chose that poor woman, who never did anybody wrong. Alexander even shed a tear for her; remembering her kindness like everybody else did. The wild boy then tapped John on the leg. “Plan?” he asked.

“I ain’t sure,” John looked into the distance, “I am a good shot but I can’t take out . . .how many guards?”

“Twenty One.” Seth said, relaying the message from Jilly.

“I can’t take out 21 guards in time. I guess . . .we should have to take out the Liberators closest to Hal and Dutch at least, let them grab their weapons and let them join us in the fight.”

“Yeah, sure,” Seth said sarcastically, “Sounds like a great plan.”

“You got a better one, Seth?”

“How about we hope that no one else gets killed and we wait for reinforcement, namely Tony and the others?”

“They don’t know the soldiers have gone to the beach! We can’t . . .we can’t wait on them. We’re going to have to figure something out.”



Back at the Broadway/ Shark Tank station, the night time was in full bloom. A few of the group was awake but the majority of them were asleep. Desmond had offered them the large collection of sleeping bags, he assumed was meant to be supplied to the Kids in the experiment. They were all too happy to use them.

Outside Sawyer and McKay still guarded the access road where the soldiers would be returning. Sayid rested on the boat, trying to stay awake. The Australian told him that it would be okay for him to sleep but he didn’t want to; making sure he and his friends would be safe. The waiting was getting deeper into the night. Sawyer took a moment to relief himself.

He came back out from behind the tree and began to zip his pants back up. He continued walking toward the cabin where he and McKay were at, passing by the tied and gagged Moon. As the redneck walked past him, he heard a burst of static. “Moon, come in,” a radio said.

Moon then immediately woke up. Sawyer paused in front of him. The soldier didn’t move; not knowing how the southern man would react to the radio. “Moon, pick up, damn it!” the radio squawked again.

Sawyer slowly walked over the gear to Moon’s right. He slowly reached in the dark green backpack and pulled up the radio. “Moon, if your lazy ass is in that hammock again,” the radio warned.

“Who is that?” Sawyer asked to the bound man.

“Moon, if you are receiving this, we have taken the beach. There is about roughly 40 plus people here. They know what happened to Fender, cause they have his journal. If you are hearing this, you better get your ass in gear and bring the Rogue to us. If I don’t hear from you within the next hour, there will be hell to pay.”

Sawyer paused as he heard the threat from the radio to Moon. The bound soldier stared at Sawyer with wild eyes; sweat slowly running down his temple. “Took the beach?” the redneck hissed in his face, “Now how could they take the beach . . .with five men?”

Moon started to whimper, for certain the southern man was going to kill him. Instead, Sawyer quickly stood up and ran toward the cabin. “MCKAY!!!” he screamed.

“What’s wrong?” he poked his head out of the door.

“We have a big problem.” Sawyer panted.



Tony jerked as he was shaken awake by his Australian friend. “Tony, Marita, wake up.” He ordered.

The young couple began to awaken as they were sleeping together on the couch; huddled under a white blanket. “McKay, what’s wrong?” Tony said, grabbing his sunglasses.

“The soldiers have taken the beach, “ He said, walking over to wake up Locke, “There isn’t five soldiers, there is 24.”

“Twenty four?” Marita said, putting her shoes on, “I thought that guy outside said Five.”

“And we were stupid enough to believe him.” Tony said, getting his boots on.

“Let’s not worry about our complacency now, “ McKay ran into the hallway, “JACK!!!”

The doctor slowly walked out, rubbing his eyes. “McKay, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“There weren’t just five soldiers, there was 24. They have taken the beach.”

“What?” he gasped.

“No questions, Jack. We got to get back fast.”

“Can the yacht take us there?” Jack asked.

“I don’t know for sure but at the moment, we don’t have a choice.”

“Go get it ready to go, I will get Shanna.” Jack then ran down the hallway.

The doctor quickly jogged down the hallway. He then ran into the medical room, as he saw the redhead briefly asleep, leaning her head on Kate’s medical bed. The wounded brunette then woke up from Jack’s abrupt entrance. “Jack, what-“ she asked.

“Kate, we got to go, those Liberation bastards have taken our friends hostage.” He said, looking to Shanna,” Shanna, get your gear. We are leaving now.”

“Oh, my god, “ she said, grabbing her shoes.

“Jack, what are you going to do?” Kate asked.

“I don’t know, Kate, I don’t know but we’ll come back for you as soon as it’s over.”

“What? No Way!” she said, leaning up, “ I am coming with you.”

“Kate, your collarbone is broken and I have given you enough morphine you should be in bed for the next 8 hours.”

“Shanna, get my shoes.” The brunette asked.

Jack then walked around the best, getting in front of her. “HEY!” he said, getting her attention, “You can’t help us with only one arm. You are staying.”

Kate grunted and then smiled. She slowly took Jack’s wrist, staring into his eyes. “You don’t know that you can take the beach back,” she whispered, “You guys are all I have left. If you are gonna die . . . .I want to die with you.”

Jack closed his eyes. He gently touched her forehead with his. She smiled, rubbing his arm. Even though she was in pain, she never felt better in her life. Shanna was right; good things happen when the secrets are revealed. “Shanna, can you help her?” Jack asked.

“I got her, Jack, “ the redhead said, helping her with her shoes, “You go ahead, we’ll catch up.”

“What the bloody hell is going on, brother?” Desmond said by the swinging double doors.

Jack parted from Kate and walked over to the strange man. He thought he knew him; and the doctor had to be sure he wasn’t playing with them. “Desmond, “ he whispered, “Did you know the compliment of soldiers from the Butterfly Rogue was more than twenty of them?”

Desmond blinked. “You didn’t?” he asked in all seriousness.

Jack rubbed his eyes. “Brother, I’m . . .sorry,” he said, taking his shoulder, “McKay was so damn confident. I thought you guys knew, as if you had some sort of a plan.”

“We were so enthralled by you and the Shark Tank . ..we never bothered to ask. We . . .we screwed up.”

“You heading there now?”

“We are.”

“Then get going, brother. Your friends need you.”


The remaining group proceeded outside. Tony and Marita walked hand in hand while McKay joined them. Locke followed with them, looking back to his other friends. Kate grunted as she had her arm around Shanna, as the redhead helped her walk. Jack followed up, holding a rifle in his hand. They looked up ahead, seeing Sawyer and Sayid standing next to the tied up Moon. Sawyer had the barrel under the soldier’s chin. “What kind of weapons do they have?” he asked.

“Various rifles, M-60’s and RPG’s.” he coughed.

“How did they get to the beach?” Sayid asked.

“Blind luck,” Moon replied.

Sayid then kneeled down and pulled out a blade. Moon squinted his cheeks, as the middle easterner poked it into this cheek. “There is someone very dear to me on that beach, “ he muttered, “You do NOT . . .want to lie to me.”

Moon took a deep breath. “My commander . . .said he found the Journal. The Colonel’s journal. Did one of you take it?” he asked.

“I did,” Locke said, “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Secondary Protocol.” Moon whispered, “If the Colonel is lost, then any surviving soldier must locate the journal. It’s bugged, for easy finding.”

“The journal . . .is bugged??” the bald man gasped.

“Why would the journal be bugged? What makes it so damn important?” Tony asked.

“So that our Exalted One . . .can catalog the exploits of his soldiers. It’s for the knowledge of any future member of the Liberation.”

Locke slowly closed his eyes and rolled his head. After reading Fender’s words in the journal and what Moon said, it all made sense. “Students of History,” he whispered.

“Never mind the grammar lesson, we have to go!” Sawyer commented.

Sayid then placed the gag back against Moon’s mouth and the group proceeded to get into the boat. McKay leaped into the back then quickly climbed the ladder to get to the cockpit. Every body else slowly began to file in. Kate grunted as Shanna and Jack helped her into the boat. The wounded brunette gently sat down on one of the three mounted chairs in the back. Sawyer paused for a second, gently touching her shoulder. “You all right, Freckles?” he asked.

“Tip top,” she joked, “Sawyer . .I . . .”

He gently put an index finger over her lips, making her stop talking. “Not now, darlin,” he smirked, “Let’s kick some Liberation ass first.”

“Okay,” she smiled.

The engine of the Butterfly Rogue began to roar into action. McKay clicked it into reverse and began to back out of the dock. After he came out a few feet, He turned it and began to head in the direction of south, according to his onboard compass. The Australian knew the beach was south and he hoped there wasn’t that much obstacles between them and the beach. The group head as the yacht soared into the water, crashing into the waves of the violent undertow.

Sawyer climbed up the ladder and joined his friend in the bridge of the boat. He jolted as they hit another rocky wave. McKay was scanning the whole console in front of him. “McKay, you planning on getting us there in one piece?” Sawyer held onto the dashboard.

“I hope so, but help me find the lights.” He asked.

“What lights?”

“THE LIGHTS TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOAT, JACKASS!!” McKay yelled back at him, “Do you see any street lights out there in the water?”

Sawyer realized what he was talking about. The moon barely shined enough light for them to see where he was going. The redneck quickly fumbled around, and finally found the lights. The moment he clicked them on, McKay screamed as they were headed straight for a stone wall.

He immediately swung the boat hard to starboard, missing the rock face by a few feet. The group jerked as they all fell toward the right said of the boat. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON UP THERE?” Tony screamed.

McKay grabbed the mike and spoke over the loud speaker. “Everybody calm down, I got it under control.” He told them.

“Any idea what we are going to do when we get there?” asked Sawyer.

“Ride into the beach, and kill every Liberator.” The Australian smirked.

“Oh, right. And here I was worried it was gonna be difficult.”


The waves washed over the beach in a rhythmic pattern. The survivors were tired and scared; not knowing what was going to happen next. Eddie massaged his head; worried the evil soldier had hurt him more than he realized. The buzzing was getting louder in his head. He slowly looked up and found the plastic eyes of Mr. Kangaroo staring back at him. The stuffed animal was a companion to him and gave him a connection to a magical computerized being called Watchman. He hated to lose him and hoped something bad would happen to the soldier who burned him. The buzzing continued in his head. “Eddie,” someone whispered.

The little boy slowly looked up, realizing it was the same voice that Mr. Kangaroo had spoken to him. “I am always with you,” the voice echoed, “Even though I am far away.”

“Watchman,” Eddie whispered under his breath, “I am scared . . .for my mom and Jilly . .”

“Don’t be scared, Eddie. Mia told me to make sure you were safe. But you must wake them now.”

Eddie blink. “Wake who?” he whispered.

“The Security Systems.”

The buzzing in Eddie’s head had stopped. He blinked when he saw a soldier standing near him. It was the man called Embry who had burned Mr. Kangaroo earlier. The little boy then grew angry as he realized the soldier was staring down at Jilly. “Ain’t you a cute little thing?” he whispered.

Jilly was repulsed, as he let the barrel of his gun caress her cleavage. Eddie then knew what he had to do. Within seconds, he jumped up; grabbing Embry’s leg and biting into it. “YEEEEAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!” the soldier screamed.

Embry then pulled out his side arm and then hit Eddie across the head. The little boy took the blow and held on. The soldier then hit him again, busting open a wound on his forehead. Barbara screamed as she jumped and grabbed her son. Embry winced from the bite wound, walking with a limp. “Little brat.” He coughed.

He then cocked back his gun and pointed it the body of the limp boy. Barbara slowly embraced her son, keeping her eyes on Embry. The murderer didn’t change his mind. “You want to die with him, lady?” he asked.

“Please,” she whispered.

“EMBRY!!” Frakes screamed.

The soldier looked to his leader, who was lighting up a cigarette. “Stop your grabbassing over there.” He said.

“He bit me!” Embry protested.

“So what? It’s just a kid.”

Embry spit at Barbara and then walked away to tend to his wound. The older redhead then pulled her son back to her and Jilly’s spot. She gently pulled up her shirt and began to wipe away the blood gash on his forehead. The deaf woman cried over the limp boy. “Eddie, please wake up,” she whimpered.

Eddie slowly opened his eyes. Barbara laughed and cried at the same time; hugging him. “Eddie, why did you do that?” she cried.

“Wasn’t . . .going to let him . . hurt Jilly.”

The deaf woman saw his lips and realized what he said. She never met a braver boy in her entire left. Eddie gently laid his head into his mother’s bosom. “It’s okay, mommy,” the boy whispered, rubbing his head, “We’re gonna be okay now.”

“What?” she said, confused.

“Bad men gonna be punished now.” He said, giving a slight smirk.



The wind blew through the Outpost, sending dead leaves every where. Inside the main control room the computer were slightly damp from dew that had made it through the open door. The chair in front of the main console swung slightly do the left as the breeze began to blow it. A small lizard crawled up to the monitor, taking view of the room. Then it scurried away when the monitor clicked on. The glass screen flooded green as power was being routed to the machine. Within seconds, the monitor began to fill with bright green words.


WATCHMAN SECURITY PROTOCAL ACTIVATED.
LAST COMMAND FROM MIA ACCEPTED.
….
….
SCANNING……..

ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE DETECTED. SCANNING FOR COMMAND PROMPTS.

SECURITY ACCESS GRANTED.

PROTECT MIA
PROTECT EDDIE

ACTIVATE SECURITY SYSTEMS TO INTERCEPT AND PROTECT

POLLIWOG IS ONLIN
MECHA IS ONLINE
MONOXIDE IS ONLINE
MOLE . . .IS OFF LINE

SEARCHING . . .


MOLE UNABLE TO BE FOUND. UNABLE TO COMPLETE SECURITY PROTOCALS WITHOUT FOUR SECURITY SYSTEM.

CONSTRUCTION IS NEEDED.
SEARCHING FOR VIABLE MATERIAL FOR CONSTRUCTION
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
VIABLE MATERIAL FOUND. CONSTRUCTION COMMENCING.
COMBAT CHASIS ENABLE. ADDING PROTON FLUX ACCESS. CONNECTING TO PATHWAYS IN CEREBRAL CORTEX. ACCESS ENABLE. ACCESS GRANTED.

NEW SECURITY SYSTEM IS ACTIVES
SECURITY PROTOCALS CAN NOW BEGIN

POLLIWOG IS ONLINE
MECHA IS ONLINE
MONOXIDE IS ONLINE
RAVEN IS ONLINE




Outside the complex, the massive silo opening for Mecha opened up again. The engine of destruction churned it’s wheels as it climbed up the silo. In the distance of the jungle, the trees began to sway and break under the might of the Polliwog. The mysterious creature let loose it’s mighty roar that it became known for. Mecha screeched to a halt as it arrived at the top of the silo, righting itself up. To it’s left then a pipe slowly poked up from the ground. The top of the pip then popped up and out poured black smoke. Monoxide opened up his shining blue eyes briefly as it formed to a cloud above Mecha.

Behind them at the silo a lone figure emerged from the ground. Raven took his first steps and stood up straight. His clothing was tattered and the skin parts that were visible were covered in red and silver wires. The new security system turned around, revealing the new wires around his eyes. For a quick second, his eyes flashed blue just like Monoxide. He accepted his programming and knew what he had to do.

The Polliwog roared as it began to tearing up the trees in front of it. Mecha then started to fling it’s arms which had the thick cord wires. The wires began to tear up the trees and bushes in front it, like a weed eater. Monoxide then floated above following them both. Raven paused for a second, then began to run after Mecha. As he did, a small trail of blue light followed behind him. The security systems made their way toward beach, following their programming.

And woe to those who stood in their way of protecting Mia and Eddie.

Part 294: Day 58

It was in the dead of night now. Most others nights the survivors would be sleeping but now, they were being held hostage by a group of soldiers belonging to the other group they wiped out. The whispers among them had been carried out, up and down the beach. Most were separated into groups but they knew how to send messages along. Being stuck together for two months gave them a feel for how each other could communicate. Even at that moment, it was highly important they kept to themselves about the sensitive information that had come to light. “You really think they have discovered their boat?” Natasha whispered.

“More than likely,” Barbara whispered back, “I know Tony will come for us. We just have to hope it’s not that long.”

“I don’t understand,” Kellye whispered, “if they knew their was going to be a boat here, why didn’t they tell the rest of us?”

“Maybe they didn’t know.” Hurley whispered back.

“But they left, Hurley,” Micheal grunted in a whispered tone, “Does that mean they didn’t trust us with that information?”

“All of you, shut up,” Jenny hissed back at them, “If Jack decided not to tell us about their boat, then he had a good reason. It changes nothing.”

The group immediately shut up when two soldiers walked near them. On of them stopped in front of Joscelyn, having his rifle next to her face. The sight of the weapon made her whimper. The soldier was getting upset, because that wasn’t the first time she made the high pitched sound. “I am getting sick of that crap, “he said, pointing the rifle at her, “You shut the hell up, now!”

All it did was make Joscelyn even more scared, whimpering even louder. She then grabbed Hurley by the shirt and buried her head into his chest. The large man put his arm around her, trying to comfort her. “Dude, get the gun out of her face and she’ll calm down,” Hurley told him.

“You don’t give orders here, lardo,” the soldier hissed back.

“Seriously, dude, you don’t get that rifle out of her face, I am gonna rape you with it.”

The soldier paused for a second, then laughed. He then raised up his rifle, relaxing it on his shoulder. “How colorful,” he smirked, walking away, “Pissing contest goes to you, fat man.”

Hurley winced at the arrogance of the mercenary. He then patted Joscelyn on the back, massaging her arm. “It’s okay, Joe,” he whispered, “They are gone.”

“I’m so scared.” She cried.

“Don’t be, Joe,” Kellye said nearby, “You know me and Hurley aren’t going to let anything happen to you, isn’t that right, Hurley?”

“Of course it is,” the large man embraced her.

Joscelyn calmed down enough to part from Hurley. But she didn’t move far from him; she held onto his hand, squeezing it tightly. The large man just smiled, patting her had for assurance that he wouldn’t go far. Jenny kept her eyes on the soldier in front of her. He had her nunchuks in his back belt line. The blonde girl was amused that the soldiers didn’t think the weapon belonged to her. She just needed the appropriate time to seize them and start taking them out one at a time.

Frakes then started to walk toward Mia. She slowly looked up at him. He then reached down and grabbed her by the arm, hoisting her up. She grunted as he shoved her away from the crowd. “Time’s up, girl,” he hissed, “Where is your leader?”

“I keep telling you, he’s dead.”

Mia then grunted as Frakes sideswiped her across the jaw. The group gasped at the act before them. Mia coughed and then slowly got up, massaging her busted lip. She stared at Frakes with utter contempt. “I warned you about playing me.” The soldier hissed.

“You might as well hit me again, cause I am not changing my story.” She spit back at him.

“No, I can already tell it was going to come to this.” The leader then pulled out his sidearm, “ You don’t tell me where your leader is, then someone is gonna die.”

“Whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t matter. You were planning on killing someone from the beginning and there wasn’t a single thing I could say that would change that.”

“Then pick one.” Frakes grunted.

“What?” Mia gasped.

“PICK ONE!!!” the leader screamed as he pointed to the group.

Mia looked at all of their frightened faces. Clay immediately turned his head to look elsewhere, assuming she would pick him. However, the Lakota girl was not about to sacrifice any of the survivors. “Me.” She whispered.

Frakes then blinked, feeling the anger that was giving him a headache. “What did you just say?” he grunted.

“Me, “ she said, “I choose me.”

Frakes then cocked his gun and put in on Mia’s head. “NO!” Taylor screamed, standing up.

Mia closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. She felt her knees starting to give way upon feeling the pistol’s barrel touch her forehead. She wanted John to appear on the beach. She wanted him to save her; she wanted him to kill every Liberator on the beach just like he did at the Outpost. Then she felt the gun leave her forehead. “No,” Frakes hissed in trembling rage, “You don’t get off that easily.”

Frakes then turned to a blonde-haired bearded soldier standing near him. “Kill one, Viking” he ordered, “I don’t care which.”

The man called Viking then pulled out his side arm and started to walk toward the crowd. He looked around and took notice of all the people. He saw a lot of lovely women that he wouldn’t mind having thirty minutes alone with. For that one hideous reason, he decided to eliminate the people he thought was dead weight. He stopped as he stood near Rose. “Get up.” He ordered.

“NO!” Bernard screamed, as he jumped toward him.

Another soldier then rammed his stock-end of his rifle in the black man’s face, knocking him down. He felt hard, feeling his bloodied nose. Rose then held up her hands, forcing them to stop hurting her husband. Then she slowly turned around and kneeled before her husband. “I’m old, Bernard,” she whispered, “I am ready.”

“Rose,” he whispered, holding his bloodied nose.

“All these beautiful people have a long life ahead of them. As far as I am concerned, it’s a fair trade.”

Bernard started to cry but he didn’t show much of it for his wife. He was both struck with fear and pride in his wife. “You . . .you were always braver than me.” He whispered.

“Keep these children safe, “ she said, kissing his forehead, “We shall all meet by and by.”

Bernard cried as his wife stood up. Mia then started to panic. Rose was about to die for them. The Lakota girl then charged Viking, trying to grab his rifle. He then grunted, and struck her across her head. Mia coughed as she twirled and landed face first into the sand. She slowly looked up and saw Rose staring down at her. “It’s okay, Mia. This is not your fault.” She whispered.

“Rose, no,” Mia whimpered.

“Be strong, Mia and tell them nothing.”

Viking took her by the arm and proceeded to lead her away into the jungle. Mia slowly stood up, gently touching her busted lip with her tongue. She watched as the tall blonde man continued to follow her into the woods. The Lakota girl then heard Rose begin to sing.

I’ll fly away
Oh, Glory,
I’ll fly away, in the morning,
When I die,
Hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away

Mia slowly closed her mouth as Rose’s singing faded in the distance. Never in her life had she encountered such a brave woman. The survivors slowly turned toward the distance as they couldn’t see anything. Bernard didn’t turn around; he just closed his eyes and proceeded to pray. Natasha gently held his arm trying to comfort him. Mia felt sick; like she was about to puke. Then she jumped from the sound of a gunshot.

Everybody was silent. No one had anything to say. Mia slowly closed her eyes, letting the tears fall down her cheeks. Frakes slowly walked up to her, and crossed his arms. “Brave woman,” he commented, “And thanks to her, I now had a better idea what is happening.”

Mia slowly opened her eyes and looked at him, in utter hatred.

“The cop said for you to tell me nothing. She just said for you to tell me nothing, which means . . .you are hiding something.”

Frakes stood a step closer to get in her face. Mia closed her eyes and looked the other way. “Tell me who is out there.” He hissed.

“Go to Hell.” Mia coughed.

Hal grew even more angry; watching the Liberators abuse Mia and put in her a situation she didn’t want nor desire. He leaned up, as he laid in Libby’s lap. Clay was fidgeting behind Ana-Lucia. “Who is he going to choose next?” the billionaire whimpered.

“Dude, would you shut up?” Dutch grunted.

“To Hell with this,” Clay leaned forward, “I’m telling them before he kills anybody-“

Clay then immediately shut up as Ana-Lucia reached back and grabbed his scrotum. The billionaire grunted and wheezed as she continued to squeeze his privates. Then she pulled her hand away abruptly when Embry started to walk over to them. Clay collapsed, holding his crotch and taking deep breathes. The murderer looked over at the fallen man. “What’s his problem?” he asked.

“PMS.” Ana-Lucia spit back at him.

Embry just chuckled and then turned around to join the others. When he was out of sight, Ana-Lucia then abruptly leaned down and got right in Clay’s face. “You bitch.” He whispered.

“Let’s get one thing straight, Clay,” she hissed, grabbing his cheeks, “You give up Jack and the others, I swear to God the Liberation won’t have to kill you cause I will.”

Viking came back from the woods alone. Bernard slowly looked up at him and the vile soldier returned his gaze with a simple smirk. The black man closed his eyes, as he collapsed into Natasha’s arms. “I’m so sorry, Bernie.” She whispered.

“God will give me justice,” he gritted his teeth, squeezing a section of her shirt.

Jenny looked at the black man, humbled before the loss of his wife. The blonde slowly turned around, letting a small tear drop out of her eye lid. “Jack,” she whispered, “Please . . .hurry.”

Part 293: Mia's Stand

Frakes looked over the piece of paper, which was a photo copy of a mugshot belonging to Kate. The leader paced around, flipping the paper as he did. “Let me get this straight,” he said, looking to the soldiers standing around him, “This woman did a job for you?”

“That’s right,” Embry said, “She and a buddy of mine held up a bank. I helped pick the players and she was the one who chose the bank. Later after my friend was shot in the leg, she made off with the contents of one safety deposit box. I never saw her again. And I never thought I would either.”

“Then what she is doing here?” Frakes asked.

“Well, Mancuso claims that she was being escorted back to the states by a US Marshall from Australia.”

“Who is Mancuso?” asked another soldier.

“A San Francisco cop who made me leave the country.” Embry smiled, “He’s over there next to Ana-Lucia.”

“And who is Ana-Lucia?” asked Frakes.

“New York Cop who killed my cousin Jason.” Embry smiled again.

“So . . .there are THREE people on this beach that you know?” asked Eve.

“You betcha.”

“That doesn’t sound like coincidence to me.” Frakes groaned.

“No, not me either, chief.” The murderer grinned.

“Interrogate the male cop, see what he knows about Fender.”

Embry grinned with delight yet again, as he pulled out his shotgun and began to walk back toward the group, followed by Darren and two other soldiers. Mia followed them closely as they walked back up to Hal and his group. The detective slowly raised his eyes toward Embry, who stared down at him with a grin. “Time for us to have a chat, Hal.” He smiled.

“I got nothing to say to you.” His enemy replied.

“Oh, you got plenty to say to me. And Frakes wants to know what happened to Fender and his group.”

“Who?” Hal said innocently.

“Don’t play coy with me, Hal. We found rifles belonging to our men in your little camp here. You know what happened to him, don’t you?”

“Don’t know what you are talking about, Embry.” The cop repeated.

“Oh, yeah?” the murderer replied, “I think you do. You are just too scared to admit it. Fraid I might, hurt . .one of your friends here.”

Embry slowly walked over to Libby, gently placing the shotgun down on her shoulder. Hal stared up at him angrily, gritting his teeth. The soldier just cocked his head to the side, looking curiously at him. “What is it gonna take to get a rise outta you, Mancuso?” the soldier said, walking back over to him, “Oh, wait, I know!”

Hal’s left eye began to twitch. His nerves were shooting fire. Every fiber in his being wanted to grab the murderer and rib his eyeballs out. Embry held his shotgun over his left shoulder and smiled at Hal. “Hey, Hal.” He said, getting his attention.

The cop slowly turned to face him. Mia started to get alarmed; she knew from Brendon’s warning that Hal should not provoke the Skull Man which Embry happened to be. She needed to make sure that Hal and Embry’s feud didn’t escalate into the horror of seeing everybody gunned down on this beach. Embry finally leaned forward and asked his question to Hal. “How is your dead son?” he laughed.

Hal then rushed and punched Embry across the jaw. He tried to grab his shotgun but another soldier rushed over and slammed the stock end of his rifle into the back of Hal’s head. The cop grunted as the pain made him fall back into the sand. Embry walked over to the ocean and spit out a chunk of blood from his mouth. Two of the soldiers held him up. Embry then walked over and picked up the shotgun. Then he slowly placed the barrel on Hal’s chin. Libby wanted to screamed but Ana-Lucia held her back. “You’re gonna pay for that, Mancuso.” The murderer warned.

Mia had to make her move. If Embry killed Hal then they wouldn’t hesitate to kill the rest. The Lakota girl then stood up. “EMBRY!!” she screamed at him.

The soldier then paused, looking at her. Darren heard her out of his good ear and then looked back to his partner. “You know that girl too?” he asked.

“No,” he blinked, “She probably heard my name from Hal.”

The soldier then removed the shotgun from his enemy’s face and walked over to Mia. The Lakota girl stood her ground as he faced her. “You got something on your mind, little girl?” he asked.

“Yeah, I need you to tell Frakes something.” She smiled.

“Like what?”

“Tell him . . .that Fender died on his knees, screaming for his life.”

The soldiers stared at Mia, wondering why she would say such a thing; unless it might have been true. Embry twitched his cheek slightly, a little angry at the arrogance of the young woman. “He died screaming, eh?” he said.

“Yeah, I think the scream was . . well, the best I could describe it was sounding like a pig screaming just before it was about to become a ham steak.”

“Mia!” Rose gasped nearby.

Embry sneered at the young girl. He half respected her for having so much guts than he had seen in a long time and the other half annoyed him so much he wanted to kill her. But however, the girl had presented him with what he needed. Information about Fender’s disappearance or according to her, apparent death. Embry then grabbed her by the arm and pulled her toward the other soldiers. “I got a better idea,” he said, “Why don’t you tell Frakes yourself?”

“Loved to.” She replied.

The others gazed at what she was doing and couldn’t have been more alarmed. Shannon thought for sure they were going to kill her. Mandy looked to Taylor who didn’t seem that alarmed. “What is Mia doing?” asked Mandy.

“I don’t know but I am sure she did it for a reason,” the blonde whispered, “That is how Mia thinks.”

Embry walked up to Frakes and Eve, with Mia in tow. The young Lakota girl didn’t budge, she left him pull her. When they arrived at the estranged leader, Embry finally let her go. “This young piece of tail has something to say to you, Frakes.” The murderer mentioned.

“Really?” Frakes blinked, “and what might that be?”

“Oh, I just wanted to make sure you knew how the others died.”

“How?”

“We killed them all.”

Frakes gritted his teeth in anger. “Impossible.” He whispered.

“Is it?” Mia raised an eyebrow, “Then where are your men?”

Frakes gritted his teeth yet again. The truth was he didn’t have an answer. She was baiting him, getting to prove her statement but he refused to believe it. There was no way! No way this bunch of civilians could wipe out Fender and his entire regiment. Then it donned on him; the scorched field. It would have a been a good tactic. It was something he could have thought of himself at some point in time. “There was a field that was burnt, by a large fire near our Outpost,” he whispered, “If that was you did? Lure them out there and set fire to the field?”

“You are quicker observer.” Mia commented.

“Who thought of that plan?”

“I did.,” she whispered.

“Don’t lie to me.” Frakes hissed.

“Why would I lie about something like that?”

“Perhaps to cover up somebody’s else’s abilities, like a soldier perhaps?” Frakes answered her question with another question.

“You seem to make a lot of snap judgments.” Mia pointed out.

“I know situations, I know how certain things need to happen. Like for instance, you don’t strike me as the person who could speak for these people.”

“Is that because I am a woman?”

“No, it’s because you are young,” Frakes took a step closer to her, “Where is your real leader?”

“He’s dead,” Mia quickly said, “Died fighting Fender’s group.”

“And who took the journal?”

“I don’t know who did that.”

“It was found among a man’s things.” Eve pointed out.

“I didn’t know that.” Mia replied.

“Play with me little girl and I promise you will regret it.” Frakes hissed.

“I don’t have any desire to play with you, Frakes. I wanted to make sure your wrath was directed toward me, cause I speak for these people.”

“My wrath is directed toward you but I don’t believe a word you are saying.” Frakes then pulled out a green shotgun shell, “Embry, punish the cop.”

The murderer laughed as he took the green shotgun shell. He then started to pump the breech of his shotgun, emptying all the red shells onto the sand. He then loaded the one green shell into his weapon and walked back toward the awaiting cop. The two soldiers who were guarding him stepped back. Hal didn’t move; he just looked at Embry. The murderer then cocked the shotgun and held it toward the cop. Hal responded by spitting in his direction. Embry then looked back toward Frakes and Mia. “Tell me what I want to know or he dies.” The leader said in Mia’s ear.

“TELL THEM NOTHING, MIA!!” Hal screamed.

“You kill him . . .and I will tell you nothing.”

“We’ll see it.” Frakes then nodded his head toward Embry, who then quickly pulled the trigger on his weapon.

The explosion from the barrel erupted toward Hal, sending him back about three feet. Libby screamed at the same time Dutch did for their fallen friend. Hal landed on the sand hard, then started to scream. Mia blinked at the pain he seemed to be exhibiting. The cop gritted his teeth again, while Embry laughed at him. Dutch then gasped as Hal slowly got up. His face trembled as he held back at the pain. The shotgun blast that riddled his chest; all the small marks were oozing a small white foam. Hal took a deep breath and then collapsed on his knees, trying not to scream. Libby closed her mouth with her hands; trying to stop her heart from pounding.

Frakes looked at Mia with a slight bit of respect. “You called my bluff.” He whispered, “Looks like you may have the guts to be the leader after all.”

“I’ve never seen many green shotgun shells.” Mia whispered, “What did you actually hit him with?”

“Rock Salts.” The leader said, “There is enough gun powder to ignite the shell but instead of buck shots, its rock salt. I suppose I don’t need to explain what happens when salt enters the blood stream?”

“At least now I know what a cruel monster you are.”

Frakes then leaned into her face; making her feel the breath on her left cheek. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” He grunted, “You tell me what I want to hear in a half of an hour or someone dies for real.”

One of the soldiers grabbed Mia and escorted her back to her group. He then shoved her, making her land near Mandy. The young blonde helped her friend gain her footing. She then thanked her and then crawled over to where Hal was laying Libby’s lap. Dutch tried to wipe off the woods as they started to cluster up. Mia gently touched Hal’s wrist. “Hal, I’m so sorry.” She whispered.

“Don’t be.” He grunted, “You did the right thing.”

“But he could have killed you.”

“It’s not Embry’s style to kill with just one blast. He’s going to want to make me suffer.” The cop grunted as Dutch cleaned his wounds, “It’s when the leader orders other people to kill one of us that we have to worry.”

“What were they asking you, Mia?” Claire whispered.

“I told him I was the leader. He doesn’t believe me.” The Lakota girl whispered.

“Then tell him where Jack and the others are.” Clay mentioned.

“What?” Mia gasped, “No way I am doing that!”

“You’re going to get us killed, you selfish little bitch.” The billionaire hissed.

Hal then reached around and grabbed Clay by the wrist, squeezing it. The tall man grunted as he reeled from the pain. “You don’t get it to do, Clay,” he grunted, “If we tell them where Jack and the others are, our one shot at getting off this Island is blown.”

“What shot?” he muttered, pulling his wrist away.

“Use your brain for once, Clay,” Ana-Lucia whispered, “You really think that hovercraft could have brought all those soldiers do this Island?”

The billionaire heard her words and thought about it. Indeed, that sort of vehicle looked like it was just for short range transport. He then looked to them. “A bigger boat?” he whispered.

“Jack and the others are securing that boat for us,” Mia whispered, “If we tell them where they are, they will kill us and go kill them to protect their boat.”

“Why weren’t we told about this?” Mandy muttered, a little angry.

“There are only twenty soldiers here,” the Lakota girl looked briefly over her shoulder, “Tony and the others didn’t know what kind of boat would be there. So if it can only hold twenty soldiers, something tells me it’s not going to hold all of us.”

“But it will still . . .give them a chance to get us a rescue.” Hal grunted, as Dutch continued to wipe out the wounds.

“We just have to hold on, until they get here.” Mia whispered.

“How do you know they are coming back for us?” Clay grunted.

“I just do.”

Part 292: What Kate Did

Shanna munched heavily on the green beans. She took the salt container and doused them in it; she always loved salty vegetables. Kate moaned slightly next to her in the infirmary. “I love salty vegetables, Kate,” she smiled as she ate, “I know. It’s hardens the arteries, but old habits . . . are just as HARD to give up.”

Shanna snickered under her little joke. Kate then slowly opened her eyes, looking at the red head. “You should try a salt substitute,” she whispered, “You don’t want high blood pressure.”

“Kate! You’re awake,” the redhead giggled, getting a small bottle of juice.

The fugitive leaned up while Shanna head the juice bottle for her to drink. Kate gasped, as she was extremely thirsty. She leaned back into the pillow, and smiled at her friend. “Thank you for staying with me.” She smiled.

“It’s my pleasure, sweetie,” she said in her kindest voice.

“I would have expected Jack or Sawyer to be here.”

“Jack is helping the others get the boat ready for us to leave. Sawyer . . is keeping an eye out for the returning soldiers.”

Kate then looked at her with concern. Shanna took another bite of her vegetables and then looked at her innocently. “What?” she said, swallowing her food.

“Why did you have that pause in the sentence with Sawyer?” Kate asked.

“What pause?”

“THAT PAUSE! You just did it when you talked about Sawyer.”

“I did?” the redhead tried to be innocent about it.

Kate closed her eyes, and rubbed her forehead. “Shanna, don’t be coy with me. Did Sawyer say something while I was out?” the fugitive asked.

“Uh . .no,” Shanna said, gritting her teeth, “You . .kinda. . . said something.”

“What? What did I say?”

“You asked for Jack . . .to never leave you . .and to love you . .”

Kate’s eyes slowly bulged out of her skull. “Oh, no,” she whispered.

“But after he left, you said that you couldn’t love Sawyer but he was a good man. You also mentioned that Seth deserved better than you but you loved him too.”

“Oh, no,” Kate repeated, covering her eyes.

“Katie . . . .who is Wayne?”

“What?” she said, opening her eyes abruptly and looking at her friend.

“You also said something else . . .you mentioned you needed my help. Someone very close to me told you that I could help you. And I think it has to do with this Wayne person. So . . .who is he?”

Kate started to get teary eyed. She looked at Shanna with a little bit of fear and panic. The redheaded drummer then reached up and too her other hand that wasn’t part of her shoulder bandage/sling. Kate started to cry, squeezing her friend’s hand. Just looking at her face made Shanna start to cry as well. “I’ve seen a lot of good things happen when someone lets go of their pain, Honey,” she whispered, “I can tell this has burned up your soul for a long time. Please, tell me.”

“I can’t,” Kate cried, “I can’t let you know of my guilt.”

“Please, Kate, tell me.” Shanna stood up, getting closer to her.

Kate started to hyperventilate, trying to suppress her tears. “Wayne . . .he was . .my step-father . . .he . . .he beat my mother,” she sobbed, “I . .I . .killed him.”

“Really?” the redhead gasped.

“My mother . .she . ..she never understood . . .she . .Oh, God, Shanna, . . .she’s was afraid of me. Her last words to me were spoken in fear!”

Kate leaned up and embraced Shanna, crying into her shoulder. The redhead cried with her, understanding the pain that the brunette had carried around with her for so long. Kate wept and wept, trying to breathe. “It’s all right, Kate,” Shanna rubbed her back, “You are still a good person.”

“I did . . .what I had to do . .to save my mom . .but she never . .understood,”

“I know, I know.”

“I killed him too. I made a mistake . . .he died because . .I was stupid.”

Shanna blinked through her tears. “You’re . . .you’re not talking about Wayne, are you?”

“My . .childhood . .boyfriend . .my first love . . .he wanted to help me but I ran and he was caught . . .in a crossfire . . .My plane . ..”

“Your toy plane?” Shanna remembered.

“It’s all I got left of him. That’s why, Shanna. That’s why I can’t love any other man . . .they’ll wind up dead too.”

“No, Kate!” Shanna parted from her, and looked at her directing in the face, “You can’t say that! You never know what the future holds.”

“No, it will happen, “Kate whimpered, “God is punishing me for killing my abusive father. I . .won’t ever be allowed to love ever again.”

Shanna gently stroked her friend’s hair, trying to produce a smile. “I am not much for religion myself, but something tells me,” she whispered, “I can’t imagine a God who would punish a wonderful woman like you.”

Kate managed to smile at her friend, feeling a little bit better. The fugitive always asked God forgiveness daily but couldn’t hear anything. She thought of the strange dream that she had, of the Asian man beckoning her to talk to Shanna to help her. At that moment, she felt more relieved than she had in years. Kate then raised her head up and looked into the distance with a concerned face. Shanna then turned around to see what she was looking at. The double swinging doors of the medical room showed a head leaning against the glass panel. The doors slowly opened up and Jack walked in, wiping his tears. Kate was mortified; she could tell her heard everything. However, he wasn’t offering a judgmental glare, it was more sympathy.

Jack took a few leisurely steps forward and came closer to her. “There were days when I asked myself, “ he whispered, “Would a cold blooded murderer help a wounded man sew up his back?”

Kate took a deep breath as he approached her.

“Would a cold blooded murderer be concerned about said man after he was in a cave in? Would . ..that cold blooded murderer also stay with that man when gave his life blood to try to save a dying young man? Or help a woman give birth to a child in the middle of nowhere?”

“Jack,” Kate whispered.

Jack then put his index finger on her lip to stop her from talking and let him finish. He leaned over so he was inches from her face. “The truth is, Kate,” he said, tears coming down in face, “That a cold blooded murderer wouldn’t.”

She started to cry, looking at him.

“You may have killed him, Kate but thanks to the Liberation we’ve all killed people here.” He said, embracing her, “And when you did it, you were not doing it for selfish reasons. You were protecting your mother. I am only sorry she couldn’t understand that.”

Kate wept in his shirt as he held onto her, rocking her back and forth. “I am sorry for a lot of things, Kate,” he said, kissing her hair, “I should have . . .I should have let you tell me what you did. Then maybe . .you wouldn’t have had to hold in this pain for so long.”

Shanna smiled, knowing that she was right. Good things had already happened to Kate. Jack, a man she cared deeply for, had not judged her on what she did; he had forgiven her. He saw the good in her and looked past the bad. He was right as well; they had all been forced to kill people. They only hoped that God would eventually forgive them for what they had to do.

Perhaps he would; as long as they forgive everybody around them.

-------------------------------------------,

Frakes browsed through the journal, hoping to get some sort of clue about what happened. However, the last dated entry was way before Fender left to see the Exalted One and then Frakes and his crew brought him back to the Island. So what happened since that time? The young soldier held the journal aloft in his hand, while his men gathered up the weapons from the civilians. The soldier then spotted Eve coming toward him. “Frakes, these people had a handful of weapons here,” she sighed, “and some of them are OUR rifles.”

“These people . ..wiped out Fender?” Frakes scoffed, standing up, “Wiped out my brother? I find that hard to believe.”

“You saw the burned out field. They got lucky, they had to have been.”

“I don’t believe in Luck, Eve.” The soldier spit into the ocean waves.

“Then how do you explain it? They have some of our guns and they have the Colonel’s Journal.”

“The Liberation doesn’t get wiped out by people like this!” he grunted, “We wipe out people like this!”

“Then what do we do, Frakes?” the female soldier asked.

Frakes scanned over the group of survivors. He checked out several of the men, even a few of the women. He was always a good judge of people, after his brother got him into the Liberation. It was one of his strengths. He walked into a room of mercenaries, he could immediately tell who the leader was. What was confusing to him was, among the group before him, he couldn’t tell who the leader was. But he was going to find out. “We get some answers.” He replied.


Embry paced over Hal and his group like an animal ready for the kill. Hal never expected to come across the murderer on the Island. Sure, he chased him to Australia but he didn’t find him. Was the Liberation responsible for that? The San Francisco cop turned to Ana-Lucia who looked at him briefly then back to Embry. “How do you know him?” Hal asked her.

“Hal, you can’t be serious?” Embry chuckled, “You honestly expect me to believe that you and Ana-Lucia didn’t come to Australia together to hunt down little ol’me.”

“I never met Hal till a few days ago,” Ana-Lucia replied.

“Then can I tell the story? Pretty please, Ana?” the soldier laughed.

“I will kill you.” She whispered.

“Hal, you’re gonna love this.” Embry walked back over to him, “You know what this bitch did? She busted up a thieving ring and when she walks in, my cousin blasts her. Four rounds in the body and then she lives. Then you know what happens? You are gonna love this. Ana-Lucia hunts down my cousin Jason and executes him in a parking lot.”

Libby looked back abruptly at her friend who kept her alive in the bunker at the Liberation. The Latina cop said nothing; she was not denying what Embry was saying. Hal looked to his friend then back to the man who killed his son. Embry stood up and walked back to Ana-Lucia. “You were pregnant, is that right?” he said kneeling down, “As I recall, that’s what Danny Boy said as he begged for his life.”

Ana-Lucia slowly closed her eyes, letting one tear slide down her face. “You ex-husband had no guts, Ana. I am surprised such a wussy-man would marry a tough broad like you?” he reached and gently stroked her hair, “Were you not only his wife but his body guard as well?”

“Don’t touch her.” Hal ordered.

“Dan didn’t deserve to die like that,” the cop whispered.

“You killed my cousin like a dog,” Embry kissed her on the ear, “I figured I would return the favor.”

Embry picked up his rifle and slung it back over his shoulder. He walked back up to Hal while two more soldiers watched over them. “Tell me, Hal,” the mad-man whispered, “Who told you I was in Australia?”

Hal said nothing. Then Embry pointed his rifle and placed it directly into the cop’s cheek, making Libby gasp. “I asked you a question, flat-foot.” He hissed.

“Coles.” Hal replied.

“Johnny Coles told you where I was?” Embry pulled his rifle away to enjoy a laugh, “Son of a bitch. I will have to pay that rat bastard a visit whenever I make it back to the states.”

“Why are you with the Liberation, Embry?” Hal asked him.

“Why did I join these boys? Well, that’s kinda your fault, now isn’t it?”

“My fault?”

“That’s right. You started bringing the heat down on me and my contacts back in San Fran. No body wanted to work with me, I was too hot. They were afraid Super Cop Hal would come down on them like a ton of bricks. So what did I do? I went down under to look for work and found a cool guy named Belmont.”

“He . .hired you?”

“Yeah, that was two years ago. I had to work my way up the chain of command. So my first tour with the Liberation, I was on their supply boat working guard detail. I figured, it was easy money and I liked their Ghost Legion attitude. They stay hidden, Hal. Just like I wanted to. . .until you brought yourself and Ana right to my doorstep.”

“FOR THE LAST DAMN TIME, I DIDN’T BRING ANA WITH ME!!!” Hal screamed.

Before Embry could answer, another soldier came jogging up toward them. It was a smaller man with a crew cut blonde hair and a scar twisted piece of flesh where his left ear used to be. He called Embry toward him, and gave him a white piece of paper. The cop immediately recognized the man with the damaged ear. “Deaf Darren.” Hal whispered.

“Who?” Ana-Lucia whispered behind him.

“Darren Marshfield. I remember reading the sheet about him. He got his ear blown off in a drug raid back in Lost Angeles and the criminals gave him the nickname Deaf Darren ever since.”

“He worked with Embry?”

“One of many.” Hal gritted his teeth.

Embry began to walk back toward the group of survivors, smiling at the piece of paper that was found. Hal looked up at him in disgust. “ You hired Deaf Darren or did Belmont?” the cop asked.

“I recommended Darren to the Liberation.” Embry grinned, “He may only be able to hear out of one ear but he’s got other abilities they can put to use . ..like, for instance, an eye for detail.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Darren found these as he was searching your tents for weapons,” Embry licked his lips, studying the paper, “ Didn’t bring my enemies to me, eh, Hal? And for a second, I nearly believed you.”

“Look, Embry . .I didn’t assemble some damn hunting party. I had no idea Ana-Lucia was looking for you.”

“Really? Didn't bring anybody else?” Embry finally looked mad. He flipped the white piece of paper around so Hal could look at. The cop blinked when he saw that it was a mug shot of Kate.

“Then why is Katie Girl here?” Embry asked him.

Part 291: Calm before The Storm

The night had enveloped the jungle as it had done so many times before. Seth wondered why he didn’t hear any bats or birds in the night but he realized, it probably wasn’t that type of jungle. He was only thankful there were no polar bears left. John leaned over to the boar that was roasting over the fire and cut himself off another piece. “You cooked the pig well, John,” Seth said, then burped.

“You’re excused,” John smirked, “Yeah, I had a good teacher. McKay is something else.”

“You really think they are gonna be able to find a boat?” his younger friend asked.

“We’ll soon see, won’t we?” the archer replied, taking a bite of meat.

“I mean . ..they’ve been gone four days, almost five. What if they get there and they don’t find nothing?”

“Seth, there is no sense in worrying about. We can’t predict the future.”

“Then if they don’t get a boat . . .we are stuck here.”

“You don’t know that,” John corrected him, “There is always another chance that a boat or a plane might one day pass over this place.”

“Yeah, just like Gilligan’s Island. They didn’t have a chance either.”

“We got a chance. Tony, Jack and the others took it. We can only hope it pays off.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Seth threw a piece of chew up boar meat into the fire.

“Is there something on your mind, Seth?” John finally asked him.

“No . . .well, kinda . . .I want off this Island.” He gruffed.

“We all do.” The archer quickly pointed out.

“Yeah but if we don’t make it, you got Mia to be with. I got nobody . . .except maybe Kate.” He rubbed his hair.

John raised an eyebrow and gave a confused look. “Seth, I . . .I had no idea you were that close to her.” He whispered.

“She’s special, I don’t deny it. I suppose if there was anybody I could leave Tanya for . .it would be Kate, but . . .I don’t want to, you know what I saying?”

“I know exactly what you are saying and I respect you for it.” John smiled.

“Aw, never mind me, John . .I am just venting.” Seth leaned back into his makeshift bed.

“You’ll get home, Seth. You’ll get back to Tanya, you’ll get married and have a wonderful life together.”

“Thanks, John,” the singer said, closing his eyes, “Say . . you ARE marrying Mia, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” he chuckled, “Why do you ask?”

“Just want to be sure I am a groomsman. Unless are you doing that quickie wedding like Tony and Marita? The Las Vegas thing?”

“Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead.” The archer admitted.

“Oh, right. Get off the Island. Yeah.”

The bushes started to rustle and Alexander came back, with two dead boar over his shoulders. John chuckled at the sight of the successful hunt. “You are something, Alexander.” The archer replied, “I hope you find a home in the real world when we leave.”

“John,” Alexander replied, then pointed behind him.

“What? What’s back there?”

“That way leads toward the Outpost.” Seth said, “I thought we agreed to NOT go there.”

Alexander then closed his eyes, trying to form the words. “Ground.” He whispered, “On . .the ground . . .something . ..new.”

“You saw something new on the ground . .at the Outpost?” Seth said, trying to understand him.

“Yes,” the wild boy replied.

“I don’t know what he is talking about but we should probably see what he wants us to see.” John stood up, taking his arrows.

Seth then grabbed his sword and followed John and Alexander into the jungle. High above a thunder clap echoed in the sky. Already they were feeling the forming mist of the rain. It would take them a few minutes to get to the Outpost but hopefully, whatever Alexander saw won’t take that long to understand.


-------------------------------------------------,

Isabella placed the plates around their makeshift dinner table. The table wasn’t meant to house that many people, so Desmond moved another table and connected it with table cloth. Sebastian climbed into his highchair and smiled, waiting for his portions of food. Marita came over with the vegetables and set them down. Tony smelled her lovely scent and gently took her shoulder. She turned to him as he held out her car-keys. “A present from Desmond.” He smiled.

Marita’s eyes threatened to bulge out of her head. She took the keys and looked at them. “You . . .you saved them?” she asked Desmond.

“Must have known you were coming.” The stranger laughed at the fate.

“Thank you so much, Desmond.”

“Just answer me one thing, sister. It says from Nana, who called you her one true angel. May I hear what that means?”

“It’s from my grandmother who we called Nana,” the Latina stared at the keychain, “She gave this to me when I got first got my stewardess job. She said . .I was her true angel cause I could touch the sky.”

“That’s sweet,” Isabella smiled.

“I like it. Then it makes me happy I was able to get those back to you.”

“I didn’t like you when I saw you again, Desmond, due to what you did . .but thanks to this . .I truly forgive you.”

“May God always be with you on your journey, sister,” Desmond toasted her.

“To fate.” Tony held up his glass.

“Fate.” They all repeated, toasting to their new friendship.



McKay then jerked abruptly, from his slumber. He sighed, rubbing his face. The bald man looked around in the cabin, seeing Sawyer standing post by the window. The Australian then stood up, massaging his neck. “How long did I sleep?” he asked.

“Just about twenty minutes.” His friend replied.

“Anything out there?”

“Naw, just . . .looks like rain.”

“Well, it’s been a while. Probably was bound to rain eventually.”

“McKay . . .you . .you coming to America when this is all over?” Sawyer asked him.

“Well . . .yeah, actually,” he replied, placing his pistol in his beltline, “The more I thought about it, the more it makes sense. My only living family left is in Montana and Taylor is going back to her home in California. So, yeah, there isn’t nothing left for me in Australia but I got plenty of reasons to move to America.”

“Good answer,” the redneck sighed.

“What’s the matter, my friend? You thought you were gonna miss me.”

Sawyer shook his head, and slowly smiled. “Yeah, I think I was.”

“Whoa,” McKay blinked with a chuckle, “Sawyer getting all mushy on me. I might get choked up here. Seriously. There might actually be tears.”

“Ha, ha, butthole, “the redneck playfully pushed him, “I am sure as you are well aware . .I ain’t ever been good with people. But you . .you and I had to fight each other to get our respect and what we’ve been through with the Liberation . . .I think I could honestly call you my friend.”

“You are my friend as well, Sawyer,” McKay said, shaking his hand, “ I know you are standoffish to the majority of our friends but that’s just your style. I’ve seen how you react when the fan is buried in crap. You protect your own. You may be a selfish redneck moron some times but deep inside there I know there is a man of integrity and honor. It just took him a while to come through.”

“Thanks, McKay. For everything.”

“Just watch my back and I will watch yours. We’ll get through this.”

Then behind them the door to the cabin slowly started to open. Isabella came in with a bright smile and a tray full of food. “Hello, boys,” she smiled, “I wanted to make sure our guards got something to eat.

“Mighty nice of ya.” Sawyer said, helping her with the tray.

“Thanks, Isabella,” McKay said, helping himself to some beans.

“It’s my pleasure. Now . .who wants Cashews?” the Spanish woman said, as she pulled out a small canister from her jacket.

Sawyer paused in his eating of the green beans. The redneck smiled a little bit. “That’s funny,” he said, swallowing his food,” I was craving some cashews.”

“Is that right?” she grinned, handing him the canister.

“Wait a minute. How did you know?”

“I didn’t. Sebastian did.” She smiled, “He stuck them in my jacket as I was coming out. I naturally assumed he knew one of you wanted cashews.”

“He’s a bright kid for three.” McKay mentioned.

“Yes, he is,” she said, leaving the cabin.

McKay and Sawyer said nothing as the Spanish woman left their sight. They proceeded to eat the food. The redneck popped open the cashews and began to chew them. Sebastian just simply knew he wanted them? It reminded the redneck of Walt and the gifts he saw that he had, which is why the Liberation wanted him begin with. Sawyer definitely wanted off the Island.

He was getting creeped out by kids who knew more than they should.



Alexander stumbled onto the dirt area of the ground where the Outpost remained. The rain was coming down in a slight drizzle as the two friends followed their new tracker. The wild boy walked a few paces and then pointed to the ground. Seth click on his flash light and shone it to the ground. “New,” Alexander repeated, “On ground . . new.”

“Those are foot prints, Alexander.” Seth told him, “You are sure . .those are new?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“How long? How long ago?” John asked.

“Not long. New.” Alexander said.

“John, do you think these are the Rogue guys?” Seth quickly asked.

John looked around as the rain began to slowly soak his hair. If it was the Liberation members, what were they doing here? They weren’t due for another three days. The archer then grunted when he remembered the Colonel saving Mia from being hung, because he was a few days early. “It is them.” He whispered.

“You sure?” his singer friend asked, “Then . .our friends who went for the boat . .”

“No,” Alexander said, as he leaned up from kneeling down the dirt road area.

“What?” John turned to the wild boy, “Alexander, you find something else?”

Alexander pointed toward the area that led to the dirt road and eventually Broadway; shaking his head in disagreement. He then motioned with his hands, showing the movement of the soldiers. Then he twisted around and showed their direction back up into the jungle, where there was torn undergrowth through a section of the jungle. “What kind of a vehicle does that?” John whispered, looking at the torn bushes.

“Boat.” Alexander replied.

“Are you kidding me?” the archer retorted.

Alexander held his hands over the strange tracks the vehicle made; long and flat. “Boat.” He replied.

“Alexander, boats don’t work on land.” The archer tried to educate him.

Seth then raised an eyebrow. “Uh, actually, John, there is one kind of a boat that does,” he interrupted, “It’s called a Hovercraft.”

“What? You think . . .the Rogue is a Hovercraft? That’s impossible.”

“Well, what if it is? You willing to take the chance that that sled tracks is Santa and his damn reindeer?” Seth yelled out to him.

John wiped the moisture off of his face. He turned toward the torn jungle. What if it was a hovercraft? Then Jack and Tony will never find a boat. However, he had more worries at the moment. He could tell the direction in which the hovercraft had gone too. He looked to Alexander and pointed toward the path. “Beach?” he asked.

“Yes, beach,” the wild boy agreed, knowing the direction in which they were headed.

“The beach?” Seth panicked, “No! There’s no reason . . ..WHY would they go to the beach???”

“Like you said, I ain’t taking the chance it’s Santa,” John began to run toward the path, “Let’s hurry. If we run, we can make it back by morning!”

“But John they will be there way before that!”

“Then let’s hope they don’t kill anybody.” The archer replied as he began his run through the jungle.


On the beach, the group continued their rest. A few were awake but most were asleep. The people who stayed together were huddled against the approaching wind, able to tell there was a storm coming. Chance gently stared at his wife as she slept, moving the hair away from her eyes. The Texan then heard something behind him. He turned around, only to be greeted by a silenced rifle barrel. A man with night vision goggles stared down at him. “Wake her gently,” he warned, “Or you’re both dead.”

Chance slowly woke Arizona, then placed his hand over her mouth to prevent her from screaming. The soldier then motioned for them to get up. As they did, they saw that more and more soldiers were on the beach, waking up everybody else. As they woke Yolanda, she had to cup her mouth to keep from screaming. Walt jerked a little bit and grabbed her, huddling for cover. Micheal stared angrily at the soldiers, putting his arm around both of them.

Hal grunted as he was shoved to a nearby area of the sand with Dutch. The surfer turned around to make sure Karleigh was by his side. Hal looked at all the soldiers, recognizing them from the Liberation; their style of jackets. The cop then felt a soft hand slide into his and he immediately squeezed it. He knew Libby was by his side. Others behind them were being shoved down.

Joscelyn slowly woke up in Hurley’s tent and looked at the noise that she heard. The sight of more soldiers made her gasp. She quickly reached over and shook Hurley away. “Hurley, we gotta go. Now.” She grunted.

“Dude, “ the fat man whispered, “Come on, we’ll head to the caves and wait for Jack and the others to get back.”

Hurley took her by the hand and proceeded to run out the tent. However, by the time he got out of the tent, two soldiers with rifles shoved the barrels into his face. Joscelyn squeaked, grabbing him by the shirt. “Take your girl and join the others, fat man.” The soldier ordered.

“Dude, chill. It’s cool. We’re going.” Hurley turned around and placed his arm around Joscelyn, guiding her toward the others.

The large man fought the urge to pass out. Things had changed; Joscelyn was with him and he had to protect her. She didn’t like the violence any more than she did. She held onto him, trembling like a leaf in the wind. When they joined the others, Kellye also put a reassuring hand on her friend’s arm, as they sat down with them.

Mia looked at all of them as they forced more survivors around her. Eddie gripped onto his kangaroo toy as he stayed with his mother and Jilly. The Lakota girl looked them briefly then studied the soldiers. They were dressed in typical Liberation fashion, green jackets and various fatigues that looked like they hadn’t been washed in months. Mia then noticed their method of transport. It was a medium sized hovercraft, resting on the beach. They snuck up on them and didn’t even know it. One soldier then removed his goggles and slid back the hood he was wearing. “Eve, find it.” He ordered.

“Copy that.” A woman nearby him said, pulling out a box with an antenna on it.

Mia stared at the soldier that seemed to be in charge. He looked familiar to her and as a result, it’s entirely possible she may have seen him before. She didn’t take anything on the Island for granted anymore. The woman called Eve walked into their Tent City and then made her way into Locke’s tent. The box she was carrying was creating a loud beeping sound. She then came out of the tent, holding Fender’s Journal. “Got it, Frakes!” she called.

Mia was shocked to learned that the journal was bugged but she was thrown back even more when Eve called the man Frakes. That’s how she recognized him! He was related to the soldier named Frakes. Barbara recognized his family resemblance too. “I hope he doesn’t know his brother is dead,” she whispered.

“Barbara, be quiet.” Mia whispered back to her.

Frakes took the journey and held it up. “Whose tent did we retrieve this from?” he asked the crowd.

Nobody said anything. Frakes continued to ask how they even recovered the journal. Still nobody said anything. Mia looked at the other soldiers and then paused when she saw a particular one. There was one soldier who wore a strange bandana; it was in the shape of a jaw from a skeleton, making him look like a horror figure. The Lakota girl realized the connection all most immediately. “The Skull Man,” she whispered, remembering what Brendon said.

Fate continued to fall into place as the Skull man walked over toward the area where Hal and his friends rested. He looked them all over, doing his guard duty. Then he stopped when his eyes met the police man. Hal slowly looked up at him, wondering why he was eyeballing him. The soldier then slowly kneeled down in front of him, balancing on his silenced rifle. “This can’t be coincidence,” the Skull Man whispered through his bandana, “You . . .were the last person I expected to find on this Island.”

“Who are you?” Hal asked.

“You still tracking me down, Mancuso. You shouldn’t have come out here, “ the Skull Man then removed his night vision goggle and slide his horror bandana down, “Cause I don’t think I will be able to let you leave this Island alive.”

Hal nearly lost his breathe staring at the face of the soldier; a face he easily recognized cause he hunted the man to Australia. “Embry?” he whispered.

“Hello again, Hal,” the soldier smirked.

Libby was starting to panic. She wasn’t expecting this to happen. She clearly remembered the name, James Embry. The hit-man who killed Hal’s son. Embry then stood up, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah, this ain’t coincidence, it can’t be.” He said, pointing behind him, “How more of my enemies did you bring here, Hal?”

Hal didn’t know what he was talking about. The cop turned around to see who Embry was pointing at and was amazed to find the familiar Latina staring at the hit-man in complete rage.

How did Ana-Lucia know Embry?

Part 290: Must be Fate

Isabella gently twisted the can opener and poured the creamed corn into the pan. She then placed it on the stove and heated it up, preparing to cook. Marita had finished with the beans, so she began to wash her hands. “I can’t believe you guys have lived off of canned food for three years.” She said, washing her hands with soap.

“It takes some getting used to.” The Spanish woman laughed, “I would love some rotisserie chicken though.”

“We were just talking about which food we missed the other day. I said ice cream.”

“Oh, My god, real ice cream! I would almost kill for some.”

“As opposed to FAKE ice cream?” the Latina giggled.

“You laugh but it’s been our only snack here,” Isabella then walked over to another cabinet and reached in for something.

She then pulled out a silver bag and then tossed it to Marita. After the young woman caught it, she looked it over then flipped it around to read the label. “Freeze dried chocolate ice cream?” she marveled.

“Yeah, whoever ran Broadway before us must have thrived on that stuff. There are tons of boxes of it in storage.” Isabella laughed.

“I guess then it’s no surprise what’s for desert.” Marita smiled.



Outside McKay was on the back end of the boat, opening up the access panel to the engine. He had just found the oil access and pulled out the stick to check it. It looked like the Liberation members had kept the boat in pretty good working order. As the Australian put the dip-stick back in it’s slot, Sayid came up from below deck. “I managed to find five gas cans,” the Iraqi told him, “Two large ones and three smalls ones. There is a closet down there which they now occupy.”

“Good work, Sayid,” McKay slid the engine cover back, “That should hopefully get us a decent way upon the full gas tank we got now.”

Sayid wiped his hands and tossed the rag onto the dock. “Has . . .Jack or any of the others mentioned who leaves on this boat?” he whispered.

“Not yet,” the Australian replied, “I have a bad feeling that they are avoiding the issue.”

“It will have to be dealt with sooner or later.”

“I agree, but right now, we should worry about those soldiers coming back.”

Sayid and McKay picked up their weapons and walked down the dock back to dry land. The soldier Moon was still tied and gagged to the tree, half asleep. As they walked past him, Sawyer came into view, loading up his shotgun. “You guys gonna keep an eye out for the returning Liberators?” he asked.

“Yeah, we are going to set up two posts,” McKay said, “You helping us out?”

“You bet. Where you need me?”

“You and Me will take the south end post,” the Australian pointed, “Sayid, do me a favor and inform Tony, Jack and the others that, just in case, the boat is ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”

“Understood,” the Iraqi said, “I will take the West end post when I return.”

Sayid began his walk back into the metal facility while Sawyer and McKay made their way to the cabin by the end of the road. The Australian walked in and coughed, knocking down the small amount of cobwebs that plagued the room. The southern man by his side found a spot and sat down. McKay walked over to the window and wiped away the smudges, so he could see the full view of the dirt road. “We should be able to see them coming with no problem,” he mentioned to his companion.

“It’s just five of them,” Sawyer retorted, “It could be worse. It could be a whole other damn legion like Fender’s group.”

“Don’t be so overconfident, Sawyer. You can’t predict the future.”

“You’re damn right about that.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

McKay looked at him and studied his face. It told him more than the redneck realize. “Kate say something you didn’t want to hear?” he asked.

Sawyer opened his eyes in surprise and looked at his friend. “How the hell did you know that?” he asked.

“Powers of observation,” the Australian smiled, “Comes with the territory of being a teacher. You were in there with Kate for a while. What did she say?”

“Doesn’t matter. I think . . .she wasn’t sure what she was saying, cause of the morphine.”

“Look, Sawyer, it’s painfully obvious you like her. You should just tell her.”

“I have told her, McKay.”

“No, you haven’t. You danced around it, you flirted with her and you thrown innuendo in her face. But you never ACTUALLY told her you like her.”

Sawyer closed his eyes and banged his head against the wall twice. “It’s not that simple,” he whispered, “I’m just waiting for the right moment.”

McKay then started to laugh. He covered his eyes, trying to suppress his laugh but seeing he was failing. “What the hell is so damn funny?” Sawyer grunted.

“Irony. Irony is funny,” McKay replied, “I recall telling a good friend of mine the exact same advice. Sawyer, if you are waiting for the right moment to tell a girl you like her, you are in for a long wait.”

Sawyer looked at his friend and then just smirked. He half wanted to tell him he was right but didn’t feel the need so he kept quiet. McKay turned his attention back toward the road, expecting the soldiers to arrive in the next fours or so. Locke said it might take a day but the Australian was paranoid. Still, he felt at ease with the situation cause Sawyer said it best. There was only five soldiers and they had defeated much more worse odds. All he could think about was getting on the boat and taking the majority of his friends out of there.


Desmond rummaged around in his gear. He had placed all the stuff he had accumulated in various boxes around his makeshift room, which he at then shared with Isabella. Jack looked at some of the stuff around the room, interested in his antique style. There was even one of those crazy clocks shaped like Felix the cat, then looked left to right between the ticks of a second. Tony rested in a conversation chair, built to have two chairs facing side to side. “It’s like living in a seventies museum.” He replied.

“It has it’s uniqueness, brother,” Desmond said, pulling out his knapsack, “ But there are many things I miss. The Weather Channel for one.”

“You watched the Weather Channel?” Jack laughed, “For fun?”

“Perfect thing to fall asleep to at night.” The stranger smiled, pulling stuff out of his bag and setting it aside.

“You’ll get back to it one day, Desmond.” The blind doctor assured.

“No doubt, Tony. But in the meantime, I am happy being here. At least I don’t have to pay taxes.”

“Paying taxes.” Jack sighed, “I guess that will be something to do once we get back home.”

“Like I said, my friends. If I didn’t have to care for my son, I would be on the boat with you.”

“Not going back to this race of yours?” Jack smiled.

Desmond then stopped what he was doing and then looked up Jack. The doctor faced him innocently, not sure why he was looking at him. “I remember you now” Desmond said, “ My race . . I know you . . I met you . . .Los Angeles. I was training, yeah? You twisted your ankle...at the stadium.”

“Small world, eh?” Jack sighed, leaning against the wall.

“Too small,” Tony whispered, realized he head Jack true. The two of them did know each other.

“You’re a doctor, yeah? There was this girl . . .you were worried . . .you said, you said you failed her. That was you, wasn’t it?”

“It doesn’t matter now, Desmond.”

“Was she okay, the girl?”

“It really doesn’t matter,” Jack replied, trying to change the subject.

“What happened to this girl, Jack?” Tony said, at that moment curious.

“It doesn’t matter, Tony. Honestly.”

“What do you say it doesn’t matter?” Desmond replied, “I mean, Jack, this girl much have meant something to you-“

“I married her!” Jack finally confessed, trying to suppress his tears.

Tony said nothing; he could hear the sadness in his friends voice. Desmond went quiet, understanding at that moment why Jack didn’t want to talk about it. “Right, and you're not married to her anymore, then?” he asked.

“No,” the doctor said, wiping his eyes, “No I am not.”

“You didn’t fail, Jack. Some things are just never meant to-“

“I DID fail her, Tony,” Jack retorted, “She needed more than my love, she needed my devotion and I couldn’t give that to her. I needed . . .Jenny to remind me of that.”

“Who is Jenny?” Desmond asked.

“My wife’s sister.”

“She’s on the Island too.” Tony mentioned.

“What are you traveling with her bloody sister for?”

“I wasn’t. She was on the plane. She crashed with the tail section.”

“And you didn’t know?” Desmond smiled.

“No, I didn’t. It was just a crazy coincidence.”

Desmond then felt of something in his bag and pulled it out. It was a cigar box, that was slightly worn through. He opened it up and pulled out another object, that making a clanging sound. “Will you accept some advice from a worldly traveler, brother?” asked Desmond.

“Sure,” Jack sighed.

“Do not mistake fate for coincidence.” The stranger man stood up and walked over to Tony, “My blind friend, will you give this to your lady fair?”

“What is it?” asked Tony.

Desmond took the object and placed it in the hands of his new friend. Tony felt of the object, seeing it was car-keys. He then felt that the keys were attached to a small plate, possibly made of brass. His palms quickly felt of the engraving on them. He ran his fingers, tracing the letters. It read Marita, My True Angel, Nana. “Holy . .” Tony gasped, “Is this . ..is this her . .”

“Don’t know why I kept them,” Desmond smiled, turning around and slapping Jack on the arm, “Must be fate, yeah?”

Before they could say anything, Sebastian slowly opened the door to the room. He quietly beckoned them to come with him. “Looks like supper is ready, brothers,” the stranger smiled, taking the hand of his son, “Let’s go have a feast to celebrate our new friendship.”

“Maybe we should have a toast to fate as well,” Jack said, leading Tony out of the room.

Part 289: Two Front

Locke coughed after he got finished telling the story of their adventures on the Island. Desmond and Isabella had sit themselves down on their loveseat, listening to the entire tell. The stranger scratched his head through his curly hair, contemplating what the bald man had said. Isabella was marveled that all this happened right under their noses the whole time they were at the Shark Tank. “How . . .how many people you said crashed with you?” Desmond asked.

“Just shy of fifty people.” Jack answered.

“Fifty people,” Isabella whispered, “I can’t believe it.”

“And all that happened . . .in two months?” Desmond stammered again.

“Fraid so,” Tony sighed.

“So as a result, you can understand why we were not so trusting when we first met you. We’ve lost a lot of good people to this Island.”

“And from Locke’s story, a lot of good things have happened to you as well,” the stranger pointed out.

“Yes, “ the blind doctor smiled, taking Marita’s hand, “It has at that.”

“So, Desmond, I guess we might as well tell you why we are here.” Jack said, standing up.

“No need, brother,” he smiled, “After hearing Locke’s story, it’s painfully obvious. You want the Liberation’s boat.”

“I guess it’s a little obvious.” McKay laughed.

“I can’t say I blame you. Lord knows I would love to take Izzy and Sebastian off this Island but I can’t . . .not at least for the next 8 years.”

“We could send back doctors. Maybe they can . . .synthesize the drug that-“Tony was about to say.

“Thanks but no thanks, Tony. I know this works. Izzy and I are fully prepared to wait the next 8 years to make sure our son doesn’t become like those poor kids of Black Faction.”

“Then we are at least staying here for the time being,” Sayid stood up,” Jack, is it safe to move Kate?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. She should remain immobile for at least a day.”

"More than likely it will take those soldiers another day to get back to us," Locke whispered, "We got some breathing room."

Desmond stood up, clapping his hands. “Then it’s settled!” he laughed, “You are welcome to stay in the Shark Tank, and quite frankly, Izzy and I could use the company.”

“It’s been a while since I cooked for more than two. I would love the challenge.” Isabella giggled.

“I’ll help you.” Marita offered.

“Well, then we better make ready to leave for the beach tomorrow. McKay, you can get the boat ready. Sayid, you think you can prep us to prepare for those soldiers?”

“It shouldn’t be hard to rig some traps.” The Iraqi concluded.

“No need, brother. Argos had a perimeter warning program. All I have to do is turn it on.”

“Why didn’t you have that one before we came here?” asked Jack.

“The one downside of using a fifties computer, brother. It must be manned for that program all the time.”

“Ah, point taken,” Jack said, “I guess I better go check on Kate.”

“I’ll do it, Jack,” Shanna stopped him, “Plus, I got to fill Sawyer in on all the information I got.”

“Okay,” the doctor smiled, “I would like to explore this place a little more. If she’s got a fever, make sure you put a cold compress on her head.”

“Will do, doctor Jack.” She giggled, as she walked down the hall.


The redhead made her way into the infirmary. Sawyer rested on a stool next to the past out Kate. The brunette made a few moans as Shanna approached her. “How is she doing?” she asked.

“She’s okay but she’s starting to make noises.” The redneck coughed.

“I wonder how much morphine Jack gave her?” the redhead stroked her friend’s hair softly.

“Jack,” Kate whimpered.

“Honey, are you okay? Do you want me to get Jack?”

“Jack,” Kate repeated, almost crying, “Jack . . .Jack . . .”

“Maybe I should get Jack.” Shanna said.

“Jack . ..don’t . . .leave me . . .Jack . . .love me . .”

Sawyer’s eyes then went wide. Shanna almost gasped, covering her mouth. Poor Kate was in a pain/morphine induced state, not knowing who could hear what she was saying. The southern man then scooted off the stool, rolled up his sleeves and prepared to walk out of the medical room. Shanna could tell his feelings were hurt. “Sawyer,” she pleaded,” Kate . . .she . . doesn’t know what she is saying.”

“You’re right, she needs more morphine,” Sawyer grunted, “I’ll go get him.”

“Sawyer?” Shanna called to him but he ignored her, leaving the room.

Kate moaned again. Shanna walked over to the counter with the sink and took a rag, wetting it. She came back and placed it on her friend’s forehead. “Sawyer,” she whispered.

“Kate, honey, you really need to shut up before you spill more beans.” Shanna warned.

“Sawyer . . . can’t . . .love him . .too much . . .like Wayne . . .”

“Huh?” the redhead asked, “Who is Wayne?”

“Sawyer . . .don’t . ..don’t be like him . ..you are a . .good man . . .”

“I know he is, Honey. Like some of us, he just has to let go of his past.”

“Seth . .Seth . . .”

Shanna then abruptly closed her ears with her hands. “I don’t know if I want to hear this.” She whispered.

“Seth . .so kind . . .love . .love him . .NO . . .he deserves . . .better . .”

“Oh, Kate,” Shanna wiped her forehead with the rag, “You really can’t make up your mind, can you?”

“Shanna . . . .”

“Oh, dear, God, please don’t say you are in love with ME.” The redhead gasped.

“Shanna . . .help . . help me . . .”

“Huh? Kate, how? How can I help you?”

“He said . . .he said . . .you would help me.”

“Wha. . .I don’t understand. Who told you that I could help you?”

“Bre . . .bren . .Brendon. . “

Shanna slapped both of her hands over her mouth to suppress her gasp. Brendon talked to Kate? That was impossible . .or was it? The redhead could only assume that her dead Asian friend appeared to her fugitive friend in a dream. Because she knew for a fact there was no way for Kate to know Brendon, considering he died before they made their journey across the Island. Shanna really wished at that moment Mia was there to tell her what to do. The redhead knew only one other thing to do at the moment.

She quickly started to write down everything in Mia’s pad.


-------------------------------------,

At the beach, people were going about their daily chores, which usually consisted of cleaning clothes, hunting for fruit and trying their best to keep the sand out of places no one wanted to talk about. John was taking some time to enjoy spending with Mia. He admitted his missed McKay and Tony, not to mention which he joined them but he knew he’d see them again soon. The Lakota girl laughed after she got finished tell her archer boyfriend about her first crush on Harrison Ford. John thought that was fine and then admitted he always had a thing for Linda Carter as a kid. The Lakota girl made fun of him that he was just like every other kid his age at that time. Before John could response, he heard someone approaching from behind him. “Good morning, Mia!” Hurley said, “Good Morning, great white hunter.”

“Great white hunter?” John laughed, “Hurley, are you craving boar meat again?”

“BOAR MEAT!” the large man clapped his hands, “That’s a great idea, John, why don’t you get us some?”

John sighed, with a smile. “I kinda walked right into that, didn’t I?” he replied.

“Yeah, you kinda did.” Mia giggled.

“Well, I could stand to stretch my legs, “ the archer leaned up, picking up his bow,” But be warned, Hurley, I am all alone. I am not so good at tracking Boar without McKay.”

“Boar,” Alexander said behind them.

John, Hurley and Mia turned to look at the wild boy. He tapped his chest and then pointed to the jungle. “Boar.” He repeated.

“Dude, that’s perfect!” Hurley laughed, “With Locke and McKay gone, Alexander becomes the defacto tracker.”

“Alexander, you can find boar?” John asked him, motioning to the jungle and his eyes.

“Yes,” the wild boy assured him.

“Okay, now all we need is one more to help us.” John then smiled, looking at Mia,” How about Seth? He does have a good pair of eyes to spot things and he’s pretty good with that sword of his.”

“I’ll go ask him.” Mia smiled, turning around and going to find her good friend.


Mia walked down the long access of the beach where the other clique mostly congregated. He saw the large group of friends laughing together. It made her smile, able to see them get along. In an essence, it made sense cause what other entertainment could they have besides conversation. And as usual, Seth seemed to be the main subject. “Yeah, “ he scoffed, as he ate a mango, “I can rap if I want to . . but I don’t want to!”

“You can’t rap!” Charlie protested.

“No, I can rap. I can! But I only rap in front of family.”

“Hey, guys,” Mia said.

“Hey, Mia, join in the fun, “ Kristy offered.

“Actually, I am just here to talk to Seth,” she pointed.

Seth then looked at her, and quickly finished his mango. “Okay, gotta rap now.” He said, standing up.

“What?” Charlie laughed, “I thought you said you only rap in front of family.”

Seth then leaned up and wrapped his arm around Mia, bringing their faces cheek to cheek. “What’s the matter?” he pointed, “Can’t you see the family resemblance?”

Mia giggled and was at the same flattered, some Seth’s constant reminder that he considers her and Shanna his sisters. Seth then twirled and clapped his hands. “All right, here I go,” he coughed, “Claire, you better hold onto Aaron cause this is gonna knock his diapers off.”

“What?” she laughed, cuddling her baby.

“A BEAST, A BOSS, A BOOST, YOU SOMA BAD IN THA MOTHER!” Seth started dancing around, “You want kick ma buttocks, YOU the sucker! I give you . . .the swazzle! You wanna take a snizzle? Come on, mother, with your juicy looks . . all around the place.”

The group fell back, laughing at Seth’s bad attempt at rapping a song. Seth then started to jerk his hands, as if he was working a turn-table. “HOTTA, HOTTA . . .HOD, HOD, . . HAH HA, HAH!” he screamed.

“What was that?” Kristy laughed, rubbing the tears out of her eyes.

“That’s scratching,” Seth said, proudly, “But you see, I am so good, I can do it vocally, I don’t need no stupid record player.”

The group was all over themselves, laughing at Seth’s humor. He took a quick bow and blew them all a kiss. Mia just couldn’t help but smile at him. She knew he’d make a great entertainer when they got off the Island. Her “brother” walked up to her with a mischievous grin on this face. “Something you needed, Mia?” he asked.

“Yes, Seth, I was hoping you would help out John while he hunted for some boar for us.” The Lakota girl asked him.

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea. I could use some practice with my sword, plus,” He said, picking up his gear, “Something tells me the Peanut Gallery here needs to recover from the laughs I’ve been giving them.”

“Get outta here, ya mook!” Jenny said, playfully toss a mango peel at him.

Seth dodged it and stuck his tongue out at her. Before she could have a chance to chase him, he and Mia ran down the beach to join up with John and Alexander.


John hoisted up his shoulder back and placed his quiver off. Hurley then walked up to him again, trying to finish their conversation. “Oh, come on, dude, you can’t tell that he doesn’t look just like him?” he asked.

“Which movie are we talking about?” John asked again.

“The X-Men!” Hurley said, as if it was obvious, “Don’t you think Seth look just like him?”

“No way. He looks nothing like Hugh Jackman.”

“No! Not him, the other-“

“Hey, guys, “Seth called, “I am here now.”

“Dude, has anybody told you, you look just like that guy from X-Men?” his large friend said.

“Uh . .No,” Seth said plainly, “we hunting boar or what?”

“Yeah, let’s get going,” John said, kissing Mia on the cheek, “Take care, honey. The boar may have gone up into the hills, so we will be back tomorrow.”

“Have fun, boys,” Mia waved to the three friends as they disappeared into the jungle.

Hurley tried to get Mia to agreed with him that Seth looked like the guy from X-Men but the Lakota girl just waved her hands; a playfully way of saying he should leave her out of it. The large man huffed, then walked over to find Charlie. He knew his musician friend would agree with him. Maybe Mandy would too.

Part 288: The Black and Red Project

The group made their way back up the stairway. They walked through the small corridor and made their way back into the living room. Jack looked for Sebastian who was holding his mother’s hand, as if nothing was wrong. The doctor also made notice so far they had been in their company for nearly three hours and Sebastian hasn’t spoken a single word. He hasn’t cried nor moaned nor even laughed. Jack made a mental note to ask Desmond about it later.

The stranger walked over a far cabinet and opened it. Inside rested a black and white TV, complete with an ancient VCR. He clicked it on and then placed the tape into the machine, activating it. Shanna came over to Locke, asking him what happened down there and he said he would tell her in a second, he wanted to watch the tape. The screen filled with static snow for a second, then came up on the screen with unique words. It read;

THE BLACK AND RED PROJECT
Established; 1979
Dharma Corporation
Hanso Foundation Funding

Then the screen disappeared to reveal a young man with amber hair, and sideburns that suggest this tape was indeed filmed in the late 70s. He was standing in a office similar to Dr. Candle. He smiled and began to speak, in a soft German accent.

“Hello, my name is Dr. Fritz Gruber. Welcome to the Orientation for the Black and Red Project. Before you are informed of your instructions, a brief history on the project.

The drug you are holding your possession is called Desonium. It is the antidote to the rare Gratus plant that grows on this Island. It took a total of five years to manufacture a method to create the antidote when our researchers based upon the history of the Gratus plant. It is a special tree that exudes an airborne particle, that by our DNA specialists have determined, only affects children between the ages of 1 and 2. Symptoms of this infection include but are not limited to, pigment change and struggled breathing.

Our research began when we compare various animals DNA to the Gratus plant and we found that Carcharodon carcharias or commonly known at the great white shark, exhibited the only natural immunity to the plant. Further research yielded that it was possibly due that the Gratus plant is capable of existing and flourishing, not only in open air but underwater as well.

The Black and Red Project began as a way to test the results of the Gratus plant on children between the ages of 1 and 2. A select group of children that have been abandoned by the world will be brought here to the Island. These children will be divided into equal groupings, male and female. One group will be giving a black cloth to do with whatever they wish. The other will be given red cloth. It is our hope they will function as tribal entities.”

“Black and Red faction,” McKay whispered.

“Huh?” Desmond asked.

“Hold on, please, let’s finish the tape.” Tony listened in.

“One group will not be given the Desonium. The other group will be given it. The group that receives the drug must be ingested ever 12 hours. The higher the saturation in the blood stream, the better. You job is not to administer the drug to the designated group; merely manufacture the vials. Another group from Station 2 will be along and it’s their job to give the drug to the subjects.

The group that is not given the drug, you must avoid at all costs. Without the Desonium drug to filter into their bloodstreams, past tests show they will have a psychotic break. They may also exhibit various savage tendencies, such as violent outbursts, sexua and possibly even cannibalism. If anyone of the secondary group that is deprive of the Desonium, you can feel free to use your own descrestion about how to deal with them. If the prospect of killing this particular child does not sit well with you, you can feel free to lock up the Shark Tank and allow the representatives from Station 2 deal with them.

Thank you for your volunteering to our unique project. The Desonium must be given to the core group for a period of ten years. You replacements will arrive in a five year time span. Should you need to leave the Island for safety reasons, please log it in your control book. Thanks again and from all of us at the Dharma Corporation, good luck and God speed.”

Desmond slowly turned off the old VCR and click the TV to close. He slid the cabinet back closed. He turned to see the group for their reaction but it wasn’t what he expected; complete silence. Jack slowly closed his eyes, and rubbed his face. “That’s what you meant,” he whispered, “About your son turning into an animal.”

“Yes,” Desmond whispered, stroking Sebastian’s hair.

“So without that Desonium . . .” Shanna checked her notes,” They become savages. Man, that’s just like . . .The Black Faction.”

“No, Shanna,” Tony whispered, “It’s exactly like The Black Faction.”

“Who is the Black Faction?” asked Isabella.

“The group of kids mentioned in the tape. I don’t know if they were the actual kids when this tape was created but they exhibited all the signs that Gruber guy said-“

“SON OF A BITCH!!!” McKay screamed as he grabbed a glass ashtray and threw it down the hallway, shattering on impact.

The group jolted from the outburst of the Australian. He took a few moments to catch his breath. Tony held onto Marita as he turned to face his good friend. “McKay, are you all right?” he asked.

“It all makes sense, Tony,” he huffed, “Those Black Faction kids . . .they attacked us because it’s what they were bred to do. They were withheld that drug on purpose, just to see how they would react. They were animals, killing and raping at will.”

“Seriously?” coughed Desmond,” You actually . . .saw this Black Faction from this experiment?”

“Yes, we did,” McKay sighed, sitting down and covering his face with his hands, “Those kids kidnapped one of our own. We fought to get him back and we had to defend ourselves in the process. That resulted in the deaths of all of them. I mean . . .we had to. They were animals . . .they . .couldn’t be reasoned with.”

“McKay, we did what we had to do,” Tony got near him, “Don’t let the guilt wash over you now.”

“But that’s just it, Tony! THOSE KIDS DIDN’T HAVE A CHOICE!!!” he screamed at the top of his lungs.

“NO, THEY DIDN’T!! WE DID!” Tony grabbed his friend by the arm, “We HAD . .to get John back. There was no other option. You said yourself that they couldn’t be reasoned with. Sometimes the only way to take care of a vicious animal . . is to kill it.”

McKay shook his head. He agreed with everything his blind friend told him. He just didn’t have to like. “Tony,” McKay raised his head, “If Black Faction was denied the drug, that must mean that Red Faction was given the drug.”

“I was thinking that as well.” The Blind doctor leaned up, “Didn’t Alexander say they were guarded by French Foreign Legion soldiers?”

“Yes, but he said . . .they left.”

“We naturally assumed they were eliminated by the Liberation. What if . .they left because the experiment was over?”

“The saturation of the drug.” Jack piped in, “The tape said that it would take ten years to be fully integrated into their system to offer a resistance to this plant. If they were given the drug by the soldiers, at age 2 . . .then they would have left them when they were 12 years old.”

“It’s amazing to see all of this falling into place,” Tony smirked.

“I got a question,” Shanna raised her hand.

“Shanna, this isn’t High School,” McKay chuckled, “If you got a question, you don’t have to raise your hand.”

“Okay, okay,” she smiled, “But if this Gratus plant is not affecting the adults, it only affects children?”

“That’s what the tape said,” Marita replied.

“So, if Ethan kidnapped Aaron and kept him here for a full year, he would need the drug?”

Everybody went silent. They were no enthralled by the shark tank and learning the past secrets of the creation of the Black and Red Faction’s, they had completely forgotten about the baby in their midst. Aaron was only a few weeks old. They remembered Ethan doing his best to kidnap Claire and realized, it was because they wanted her baby. Could his plan have been all along to place Aaron among Black Faction? The more Tony thought about it, the more he realized that was probably true. “Sayid, do you think the others kidnapped Andra from Danielle and gave her to the Red Faction?” he asked.

“That was my understanding.” The Iraqi replied.

“Then he was planning on kidnapping Aaron and what if he was going to give him to the Black Faction? To even up the number?”

“Then the tribes would be at equal odds with each other?” Jack blinked, realizing what his fellow doctor was saying.

“This man was truly a monster,” Locke whispered.

“It sounds like your history on this Island is almost as elaborate as mine,” Desmond sighed, “I pray that you now are kind enough to share it with me and Isabella.”

The group looked at the couple and their son; eager to hear their story. Jack nodded his head, realizing it was only fair. The doctor then defaulted to their Island specialist, Locke, to tell the story. The bald man gave his warm smile and sat down.

He began to tell them everything that happened from the crash on the Island to the Polliwog to the reuniting with the people of the tail section to their battle with the Liberation. It was almost an Epic fable.

Almost.

Part 287: Q and A

“Let me see if I get this right.” Jack said, pacing around the living room.

The group had just finished watching the orientation film. Tony was mulling over what he heard in his head. Marita was waiting on him to say something. McKay held aloft the Odyssey book in his hand, thinking the film over. Sayid still sat down crosslegged, waiting for Jack to speak. However, it was clear the doctor was polite enough to wait for Desmond to say something. “Did you have some questions on the film, brother?” asked the stranger.

“Just one,” the doctor said, almost frustrated, “Why hasn’t the Liberation killed both of you?”

“Hard to say,” Desmond said, leaning on a coffee table, “When they got here, I was certain they would kill me but they killed Kelvin instead. They said, somebody need to man the station. The Desonium must be manufactured. Told me to find the woman and get to work.”

“So . . .you just DID what they told you to do?” asked McKay.

“I thought they were gonna bloody kill me!” the man said in protest, “What the hell else was I supposed to do?”

“The film mentioned people were going to be collecting the drug on a weekly basis,” Tony said, his hand on his chin, “I take it, that never happened?”

“Actually, the Liberation came after the first batch I managed to create and collected it all. After that, I rarely saw them.”

“What woman were they talking about?” asked Marita.

“Me.” Isabella stepped in, “Kelvin had me tied up down below. Desmond had been here three days before he found me. Luckily he was able to nurse me back to health. Kelvin . . .wasn’t stable. He was an old man, possibly suffering from some sort of aging mental disease.”

“How long has this Kelvin person been on the Island?” asked Jack.

“A long time. That’s all he would ever say.” The woman sighed.

“What about you, Isabella? How long have you been here?”

“Four years. My plane crashed into water just about 200 feet from the Island. My brother . . .went down with the plane and I swam to shore. Kelvin came to get me in his small fishing boat. He said, he was happy to see me. I was chosen to help him here at the shark tank.”

“And Sebastian . . .is your son? And Desmond’s?” asked Tony.

“Let’s just say we got lonely, brother and leave it at that.” Desmond piped in, not thinking it was important to reveal his and Isabella’s intimate history.

“So, this facility . . .it houses REAL sharks?” Locke finally asked a question.

“Yes it does. It houses three. Big mean ones, and smart too. I know what most of you are thinking, there is no such thing as smart sharks. Perhaps a little too much like science fiction, yeah? But I can promise you, brother, these sharks would do anything to be freed. And I can’t free them.”

“Why not?” asked Jack.

“Because if I do, my son will become an animal.”

“What does that mean?” asked Tony.

“There is no easy way to explain it, brother. I can only show you . . .or rather, show other people and let them tell you.”

Desmond turned to his love by his side, “Izzy, what does the clock read?”

The woman turned a corner and looked into the distance of the control room. Then she turned around and walked back to the group. “It’s encroaching on the 11 minute marker.” She told him.

“Just enough time to show the gentlemen here what is happening,” Desmond then pointed to the ground, “Okay, Jack . . eh, Tony . . the bald guy and the Australian. You four come with me.”

“Why just them?” asked Sayid.

“Because I think only they will understand what I am about to explain to them. But all are welcome to see the sharks.”

“Sharks?” Marita said, a bit scared, “You have a way to look . . .at them.”

“That I do, sister. You want to come see?”

“Marita, you stay up here with Isabella. Sayid, you watch over her and Shanna.”

“Very well,” the Iraqi agreed.

“Tell me everything that happens.” Shanna mentioned to them, pointing to her notepad.


Desmond reached the bottle of the stair way, clicking on the halogen lights above. Jack looked around, noticing the strange control room; similar to the one built for the Argos and Watchman computers. Locke walked down next while McKay helped Tony descend the stairs. Desmond walked over the farthest control panel and picked up a piece of paper. Then he flipped on a switch where one of the metal walls slid away to reveal a glass wall with a perfect view of the outside water. Locke looked into the distance, as the swimming debris; sea-weed, sticks, dirt and the occasional fish. What got his curiosity immediately, was the three flashing lights in the distance of the water. Tony asked his friends what was happening. “We’re in some kind of control room, Tony,” McKay told him, “We got glass panels that allow us to view the outside and . . .there are three blinking lights in the distance.”

“Buoys?” Tony suggested.

“Not quite, brother,” Desmond whispered.

Jack’s eyes slowly went wide when he saw in the distance one of the flashing lights became a shark. It was swimming toward them and the closer it got, the closer they were able to see that it was bigger than a normal Great White. The odd thing was the white box on top of it’s head; that was the source of the blinking light. Jack then started to panic as he saw the shark pick up in speed and head right for them. The shark then rammed the glass, making the control room shake. “WHOA!” Tony screamed, “What was that??”

“Filthy buggers always do that,” Desmond said, “I never open the same panel twice. Even thought the glass is ten inches think, I am paranoid that they might figure out a way to hit the exact same spot until it cracks.”

“These sharks . . .are learning then?” Locke said in amazement.

“Yes, they are. But it’s almost time for the retrieval.”

“Retrieval?” Tony asked.

Then the same familiar siren that show the clock had kicked down past four minutes began to sound even in the underwater control room. Desmond looked toward the ceiling, knowing full well Isabella would soon enter the code. The loud beeping continued for a few seconds, then stopped. The stranger took a deep breath. “The clock is resetting as we speak,” he whispered, “Keep your eyes on the sharks.”

The other two had come into view. They then began to swim into the distance at a fast rate. Then one stopped and began to thrash about. Locke squinted his eyes, studying everything that it was doing. He quickly noticed that he light on the white box on the shark’s head was no longer blinking; it was completely solid. “Near as I can figure, Argos chooses each shark at random.” Desmond mentioned.

The shark then stopped thrashing and swam back toward the glass panel. McKay noticed a long tube started to protrude from above them. Then a spike emerged from the tube. The shark swam until it’s white box connected with the spike. Locke got a closer look with the shark, easily able to tell it was in pain. Then after a few seconds, the shark relaxed and the solid light on the box, began to blink again. The shark slowly removed itself from the spike, looking completely relieved. Jack then pointed toward the creature, as Desmond activated the metal panel to slide back down. “That shark . . .it’s been trained to place that box onto the spike, because it causes it’ pain?” the doctor asked.

“Yes, indeed. The main ingredient for the drug is extracted from the shark and then Argos prepares the rest. Then shoots it out that tube above us.”

“How did you know to give it to your son, Desmond?” asked Tony.

“Trust me, brother. I didn’t know when it first happen. It happened shortly after his first birthday. He turned a pale gray and couldn’t breathe. It took me three days to figure out he needed that medicine that Argos gave out.”

“Did Argos himself tell you?”

“Not in so many words. I was asking him about all the symptoms and he told me about an experiment done by a man named Gruber and the documentation about it. My son . .has fallen victim to a dead man’s sick game.”

“What experiment?” asked Tony.

Desmond then walked to a cabinet to the left of the base of the stairs. On top of it was a small safe, already open due to the broken handle. The stranger reached in and pulled out an old video tape. He handed it to McKay who looked at the label. It’s ink had faded over time but he was still able to read it. “The Black and Red Project?” he whispered.

Part 286: Orientation

The living room area was something to see. It looked like something out of Graceland; a place frozen in time. Marita leaned down and marveled at the still working lava lamp. She giggled a little over the fact that she hadn’t seen one in years. The wallpaper was a little flayed and slightly moldy. The couches and chairs also resembled something out of 70’s fashion. Tony kneeled down and felt of the carpet. “Shag,” he chuckled, “My parents had some of this in their basement.”

“Does bring back memories.” Jack smirked.

Desmond then came into the room, holding up a 70’s film projector and canvas background. He proceeded to set it up and as he did he started to point out to various places to sit down. Sayid took Tony by the hand and let him back to the nearest couch. Marita saw the projector as Desmond was getting the canvas screen ready. She leaned up and got the cord, walking over to the wall to plug it in. As she came back, Desmond sighed as he looked to her. “I reckon I owe you an apology, sister.” He mentioned.

“If you want to get technical about, you owe me a car,” she said, then crossed her arms, “What happened to my Honda anyway?”

“I . .uh . .threw it in the river.” He said, scratching the back of his head.

“Hmm,” she winced her mouth, “Then I guess an apology will have to do,”

“I’m sorry,” he offered.

“Accepted.” She said, walking over to Tony and sitting in his lap.

“Izzy, you want to get the film for us.”

The jet black haired woman turned around and walked over to the nearby bookshelf. McKay watched her as he leaned up from the stool. She reached up and took a book down off the shelf. By instinct she handed it to McKay as she then pulled out a canister of film from behind it. The Australian looked at the book by happenstance and was amazed that the title read The Odyssey. “Whoa,” he whispered.

“Something wrong?” Isabella asked him.

“No,” he said, remembering the conversation he had with Locke.

Isabella then handed the film canister to Desmond who showed it to the others. He let them read the white tape label on the side. “Tony, the film canister reads Orientation.” Marita told him.

“Interesting.” The blind doctor whispered.

Desmond unhooked the film and began to place it into the projector. As he was stringing it out, Shanna came out of the hallway. The redhead looked around and giggled slightly as she took a bean bag and joined the others. “Sawyer staying with Kate?” Jack asked.

“Yeah,” she replied.

“I thought the farm boy wasn’t going to take my word for it.” Desmond said, setting it up.

“He won’t, Mr. Desmond but he will take my word for it,” the redhead pulled out Mia’s pad, “I have to take notes anyway so I might as well give him the cliff notes version.”

Desmond was kind of curious about Shanna taking notes on the film. Who are these people?? Locke smirked, as he knew she was going to take notes for Mia’s sake. Had the Lakota girl came with them instead of the drummer, it would be her on the bean bag taking notes. Isabella then dimmed down the lights. Sayid sat down in front of the people on the couch, while McKay braced himself up on the wall. The film then began to play on the screen.

The Dharma Initiative
/4 of 6/
Orientation.

Everyone noticed that below the word “Orientation” was a siluette of a shark.

Then the black screen faded away and the smiling face of a Chinese man appeared on the screen. “Good evening,” he smiled, “I'm Dr. Marvin Candle, and this is the orientation film for Station 4 of the Dharma Initiative. In a moment you'll be given a simple set of instructions for how you and your partner will fulfill the responsibilities associated with the station. But first, a little history.

The Dharma Initiative was created in 1950, and it is the brainchild of Richard and Monique DeGroot, two doctoral candidates at the University of Michigan. Following in the footsteps of visionaries such as B.F. Skinner imagined a large scale communal research compound where scientists and free thinkers from around the globe could pursue research in meteorology, psychology, parapsychology, zoology, electromagnetism, and utopian social. Danish industrialist and munitions magnate Alvar Hanso whose financial backing made their dream of a multi-purpose social science research facility a reality.

You and your partner are currently located in Station 4, or the Shark Tank, and will be for the next 540 days. Station 4 was originally constructed as a laboratory where scientists could work to understand the chemical properties exhibited by Carcharodon carcharias or commonly known as The Great White Shark.

During it’s first beginning, The Shark Tank was given one worker to manufacture the drug called Desonium. This worker’s name was Wade Clemmons, who was from New York City. In order to make him feel at home, The Hanso Corporation created the sign Broadway to remind of his native city. Sadly, Wade was killed in an incident involving the process. We leave the sign erected in his honor.

Not long after the incident occurred, the following protocol has been observed: every 108 minutes the button must be pushed. From the moment the alarm sounds you will have 4 minutes to enter the code into the microcomputer processor, code named Argos and include the induction into the program. When the alarm sounds, either you or your partner must input the code. It is highly recommended that you and your partner take alternating shifts.

Argos will ask you a series of questions and you must answer in a timely manner. The drug will be dispensed in a pneumatic tube next to the main control area. These canisters should be placed in the storage cabinets marked with the symbol of the Shark. Others like yourself will be alone to collect the vials on a weekly basis.

You and your partner will stay as fresh and alert . de de . . utmost importance that when the alarm sounds the code be entered correctly, and in a timely fashion. Do not attempt to use Argos . s. . s . . for anything . . .cept emergency. All contact with Watchman must be minimal. His priority is the Island . . . .dd . .d. . .last but not least . . .do not . . .Shark Tank . . . Congratulations, until your replacements arrive, the future of the project is in your hands. On behalf of the DeGroots, Alvar Hanso and all of us at the Dharma Corporation, thank you. Namaste. And good luck.”

The film slowly emerged white and it was over. Locke was rubbing his mouth, trying to take it all in. Tony heard it all and Marita looked at him, waiting to say something. McKay was confused even more and Sayid said nothing. Jack didn’t know what to make of it either. A psychological experiment out in the middle of nowhere? The film said this was station four. Was Watchman a station or was he the main hub? Did that film mean there were six stations out there, possibly manned just like this one? And how did the Liberation make use of all of this? Before Jack could confer with his colleagues, he noticed Shanna had her hand raised, staring at her notes. “Yeah, Shanna?” Jack asked.

“I think I missed a few spots,” she replied, “Can we watch that again?”

Part 285: The Shark Tank Part 2

Isabella pushed open the swinging double doors and clicked on the light in the infirmary. McKay held the door open for the others, feeling it was necessary for him to stay outside and leave Jack to his work. Seconds later Jack and Sawyer walked in, carrying Kate; placing her quickly on a nearby gurney. Jack then took off his back pack and immediately began to rummage though his gear that he brought with him. Shanna stayed next to Kate, gently stroking her hair. The fugitive writhed from the pain, tears slowly dripping out of her eyes. “It hurts.” She whispered.

“Hang on, Kate, “ Sawyer said, taking her hand, “Jack is here. He’ll fix you right up.”

Jack then stood up and felt of her shoulder. He gently touched it in certain places, making her wince from the pain. The doctor then started to fuddle through the nearby drawers and countertops of the medical room. He then found what need; a small plastic tube. “Sawyer, take off your belt.” Jack ordered.

“Huh?” he blinked.

“YOUR BELT! NOW!” he screamed.

Sawyer didn’t get a chance to argue; he quickly pulled out his belt from his pants and tossed it to Jack. The doctor then walked over to Kate and gently held the tubing toward her mouth. “Kate, I need you to bite down on this.” He asked.

“Why?” she grunted, the tears flowing down her cheeks.

“Your collar bone is broken. I got to reset it.”

Kate whimpered for a bit, then bit down the plastic tube. Jack then took Sawyer’s belt and wrapped it diagonally across her shoulder, bring it coupled at the neck. Shanna then held onto her hand. Sawyer just watched in awe of what Jack was about to do. “You ready?” he asked her.

She shook her head again, closing her eyes. Jack then placed his hand on her bone and then pulled the belt sharply, echoing a loud snap in the room. Kate screamed through her clenched teeth on the tube. She jerked her head slightly, then went limp. “KATE?” Sawyer rushed her, grabbing her arms to see if she was still alive.

“Sawyer, back off.” Jack told him, pushing him away and checking her pulse on her neck, “Good, she’s just past out.”

“What now, Jack?” Shanna asked.

“I got to wrap her arm against the shoulder. She will probably loose the use of her arm for a few days while it heals. Thank God, she is right handed.”

“Ain’t you gonna cut on her or something?” Sawyer asked, pointing at the shoulder.

“No need. I reset the bone and even though I am gonna bandage her arm, the bruising that is going to swell around her collar bone will hold it in place regardless. I’ll also give her some morphine to help her sleep through the pain.”

Sawyer slowly put his belt back on, as the doctor proceeded to pull out all the bandages he had in his backpack. The southern man then slowly turned to look at Isabella, who was holding her boy. The little Sebastian was resting his head on his mother’s shoulder. The brunette could feel the redneck’s eyes on her. “I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“Yeah, sure,” he scoffed.

“It was a misunderstanding.” She replied.

“A misunderstanding? A misunderstanding is when you bring us sweet tea instead of Lemonade.”

“Sawyer, leave her alone.” Jack said, looking up briefly from wrapping Kate’s shoulder.

Sawyer gave the doctor a brief, angry look and then turned away. His eyes by instinct fell back on Isabella and the little boy but it was the boy that got his attention. The southern man stared in awe, as Sebastian’s skin turned a light gray and his breathing became shallow. Isabella gently stroked her son’s hair, kissing her child on the forehead. “Hang on, baby,” she whispered, “Daddy’s coming.”

“Jack?” Sawyer said.

“What?” he leaned up.

“The boy.”

Jack paused and looked at the child, noticing his skin discoloration and labored breathing. He blinked for a second, wondering if the child had some sort of catagion, cause he had never seen any signs of any illness resembling those symptoms. “What’s wrong with him?” he asked.

“He needs his medicine.” Isabella answered back.

“Where does that medicine come from?”

“From Argos,” she said, hugging her child, “I don’t know you, people but I can’t believe you’d keep the medicine from my boy.”

“We ain’t got your medicine, lady.” The southern man retorted.

“The sensor went off two minutes ago. Where is Des-“

The swinging doors then came open. Marita walked in, looking at everybody. Kate was past out on the gurney, Jack was bandaging her arm, and Shanna plus Sawyer were looking at her. The Latina then found the young boy in his mother’s arms, trying his best to breathe. Sebastian then looked at the stewardess and held out his left hand. She was slightly amazed by his response; how could he have known she was bringing him the medicine? She walked over and gently placed it in his hand. Isabella then helped him to remove the top and he quickly drank the gray liquid. He coughed for a second and then his skin color returned to normal. Isabella kissed him again and then gently placed him down. “Thank you.” She told Marita.

“Welcome,” was all she managed to say.

“Where is Desmond?” she asked.

Then Desmond and Sayid walked into the room. McKay shortly followed as he was hanging around outside. Shortly Tony and Locke came into the room together. Desmond walked over Sebastian and kneeled down, making sure he was okay. The boy hugged his father with a bright smile. After that, he parted from his parents and walked over to the visitors. Isabella tried to stop him but he was took quick. Sawyer was raising an eyebrow over a child he had seen not minutes ago struggling to breathe but then hopping and skipping just like any other kid his age. Sebastian walked up to Marita and hugged her legs. The stewardess didn’t know what to think. “Sebastian, please come here.” Desmond ordered.

The boy then walked over and rejoined his parents. He reached up and gently took their hands, standing with them. Isabella and Desmond looked eye to eye, each thinking the same thing of their son’s behavior. Tony reached up, placing her hand on Marita’s shoulder. “She delivered the medicine to your son, like I said she would.” The blind doctor whispered.

“Yeah and all the time, the Liberation was here, Sebastian never hugged a single one of them. Yet, here you people are, and he can’t keep his hands off of you. He’s . . .a good judge of character.”

“Then perhaps . . .for the moment, we have trust?” the blind doctor.

“Aye, brother. For the moment.” Desmond agreed.

“Jack, how is Kate?”

“She’s going to be fine. I reset the bone and am bandaging her now.” Jack told him.

“Now that the sister is safe, what do you guys want?”

“Just some answers.” Tony replied.

“Likewise, brother.” Desmond retorted.

“Then maybe we could have a little quid pro quo. You familiar with the term?”

“Yeah, brother. I am a former doctor, I know the term.” Desmond then slid up on the counter to sit, “So, feel free to begin first.”

“How did you get here?” Tony asked.

“It was 3 years ago. I was on a solo race around the world, and my boat crashed into the reef, and then Kelvin came.”

“Kelvin?” asked Sawyer.

“Yeah, he comes running out of the complex, saying I have to help him. He was saying that he was alone and they were bugging him. So I stayed and helped him with the Argos. Little did I know, Isabella was in the lower level the whole time.”

“This Kelvin guy . . .had you prisoner?” asked Shanna.

Before Isabella could speak, Desmond silenced her. The look he gave the redhead was that it was his time to ask to question. “Where the hell did you people come from?” he asked.

“Plane crash. Just over 50 of us survived.” Tony said, “ We were separated, us in the tail section and then the rest in the middle of the plane. We’ve been here for just over 56 days.”

“56 days?” Isabella gasped.

“What happened to this Kelvin guy, Desmond? You kill him?”

“Didn’t have too. That psycho Belmont did it. The moment Kelvin found me, he said, that he could go cause me and Isabella could man the Shark Tank. He was going to take my boat, repair it and then leave. Belmont shot him in the back. He told me to free Isabella and keep the station running.”

“Belmont.” Tony whispered. Marita gently squeezed his hand.

“How the hell do you know Belmont and the Liberation?” Desmond asked.

“They prevented us from escaping off this Island and finding out too many secrets. They paid for it with their lives. They kidnapped us, they killed us and we fought back. Belmont tried to kill me and my lady here. I . . .took care of him.”

“Bloody hell,” Desmond whispered,” Well . .I know didn’t get off to a good start but if you took out that bastard, then you are okay in my book.”

“You spoke them?” the blind doctor whispered, “They . .would be freedom, if you didn’t give Argos that code. Who is they?”

Desmond sighed, crossing his arms. “Below the Shark Tank is the actual holding pen for the sharks,” he coughed, “They are big and mean, and near as I can tell they are smart.”

“There is no such thing as a smart shark.” McKay pointed out.

“That’s exactly what I said as well, brother but I’ve been studying the bastards for over three years. They shows signs of intelligence and the Dharma Corporation even marked them with tattoos.”

“Oh, this is bull-pucky!” Sawyer grunted, “How the hell can we take this man’s word for it?”

“You don’t believe me, sunshine, you can watch the film.”

“Film?” Tony raised his eyebrow, “What film?”

Part 284: The Shark Tank Part 1

The tension could be cut with a blade as it hung in the air. This stranger they had met not just a few seconds ago, had taken Locke hostage with a blade. Jack had a brief moment where he thought he recognized the man but the strange part came from the incident Marita said she DID recognize him. Kate stood by with Shanna by her side, not knowing what to do over the fact that this foreign man has their friend hostage. Tony slowly turned around, noticing that Marita was not letting go of his shirt. “Baby, do you know this man?” he whispered.

“Tony, don’t . .don’t let him . .” She said, stilling holding onto him.

“I am NOT BLOODY JOKING WITH YOU PEOPLE!!” the man screamed, “Now drop your weapons or this man dies-“

The stranger was interrupted by a thud to the back of his head coming from Sawyer’s shotgun. He landed on the floor, dropping his blade. Jack quickly rushed over and kicked it under a nearby chair. Kate gasped with ease as Sawyer, McKay and Sayid came into the room. “We got the bastard tied to a tree outside, “ McKay looked down, “He didn’t mention another one. Who is this?”

“He’s the guy that runs this place.” Sawyer said.

“I don’t think he runs it,” Locke mentioned.

“He’s got a stupid jacket like the rest of them, Locke. He’s a damn Liberator.” The redneck pointed.

“Tony, tie him up,” the Latina whispered, “Now . .please. .”

“Baby, how do you know him?” the blind doctor asked.

“Marita knows him?” McKay asked in shock.

“Guys,” Shanna whispered.

“Tony, he’s dangerous. Please, tie him up . . “ she begged.

The blind doctor then pulled out his gun and then collapsed on his knees, sliding to the body of the stranger. He then grabbed him by the collar and shook him away. “Hey, HEY!” Tony said, “ What is your name?”

“Who are you?” the man whispered, “You’re . .not with them.”

“Guys,” Shanna said in a higher tone.

“I asked first, man. Now tell me what is your name?” Tony insisted.

“Desmond.” He whispered.

Tony then pulled him up by the collar, forcing him to look at his girlfriend. “That woman there?” the blind doctor hissed, “Do you KNOW her?”

“Hell no, I never seen her before in my life.” He replied.

“No,” Marita hissed, tears forming in her eyes, “Don’t you lie now. You may not remember me but I remember you. You took me hostage and stole my car.”

“What?” Tony gasped.

“Guys,” Shanna tried to get their attention.

“What the hell is a carjacker doing on the Island of mystery?” Sawyer said, wondering what was going on.

“It was about four years ago.” Marita whispered, “You were on the plane and you were in a hurry. It disturbed the Air Marshal that was flying with us and when he tried to take you into custody, you took a hostage; me. Then after we got out of the plane, I led you to my car which you stole. You kept saying you were on some kind of race. You may not remember me but I remember you. I can’t . . .forget that day.”

Desmond squinted his eyes and then they began to bulge out of his head. He could not long deny that he knew the stewardess he took hostage those years ago. “Bloody hell, “ he whispered, “That WAS you!”

That was all Tony needed to hear.

Desmond grunted as he felt the bunt in of the pistol slam him in the face. Tony grunted in rage as he proceeded to beat up the stranger. Jack and Sawyer then grabbed him, forcing him up. Tony managed to kick Desmond in the chest by the time they got him up. “Whoa, Co-Cheese, simmer down!” the southern man replied.

“BASTARD!!” Tony fought, “I’ll kill you for doing that to her!”

“I didn’t meant too, it was-“ Desmond tried to say.

“GUYS!!!!” Shanna screamed.

The group then paused as the redhead finally got their attention. She slowly pointed toward the edge of the ceiling. “What is that?” she asked.

The group leaned around and looked at where she was pointing. Near the top of the ceiling, there appeared to be a countdown clock. It was ticking away numbers or seconds, they couldn’t tell. It was blinked and blinked, landing on 004:20. Jack was curious about why it seemed to be having such precision. Locke stared at, wondering it’s purpose. Kate was about to say something but then heard the scuffling of shoes behind her. She then turned abruptly and saw something she didn’t expect to see.

A small boy.

Kate quickly holstered her weapon and approached the child. The boy looked up at her with his ice blue eyes. He slowly smiled and held out his arms, awaiting to be picked up. The brunette gently picked up the child and held onto him. “Hello there, “ Kate smiled, “What is your name?”

Desmond slowly looked up. “Sebastian.” He coughed.

“Who’s kid is that?” Tony asked, hearing what was happening.

“He’s . .mine,” the strange man whispered, “Please don’t hurt him.”

“We ain’t the ones that just took a hostage, mister.” Sawyer said, stepping on his back.

Then the group jumped at the sound of a female screaming. Jack quickly turned but was alarmed when he saw that it wasn’t from one of the three in their party. The was a dark haired woman running up from the adjacent corridor, in a fast motion toward Kate. Kate turned around and by the time she realized what was happening, the woman had slammed a lead pipe down on her shoulder. The fugitive screamed as she collapsed, gently dropping the boy to the ground. Sebastian didn’t make a sound as he slowly stood up. The woman dropped the pipe and grabbed the boy, preparing to run. She was stopped abruptly as a shot gun blast ripped into the ceiling next to her.

The woman froze as she held the boy in the middle of the hallway. Sawyer cocked back the breech on his shotgun, letting the empty shell hit the floorboard. Shanna and Jack ran toward the fallen Kate, who was reeling from the pain in her shoulder. The doctor quickly ripped off her shirt where she was hit by the pipe, already noticing the swelling bruise. Shanna then reached over toward Kate’s gun, with the full intent on shooting the woman. The redhead then paused as she couldn’t help but notice the woman’s predominated stance of squeezing the boy, protecting him. Desmond said Sebastian was his son. Did they just meet his mother? “Please,” Desmond whispered, “do what you want to me but don’t hurt them.”

“SHUT UP!” Tony screamed, “Marita, what is happening? Who got hit?”

“Kate is down, “ she replied, “The other woman hit her with a lead pipe.”

“She was taking my son.” The woman whimpered.

“NO, SHE WASN’T!!” Shanna screamed.

“Jack, is she hurt bad?” asked the southern man.

“I can’t tell. I think her collar bone is broken,” Jack then looked to the woman, “ What is your name?”

“Isabella.” She whispered.

“Isabella, we are not going to hurt you. You have my word on that. But I need to help my friend. Do you have a medical facility here?”

“Y . .yes, there is . . .a medical room in the back . .”

“NO, WAIT!!” Desmond screamed, “Izzy, how much time do we have?”

Isabella then looked up to the clock. She then gasped, and looked like she was going to vomit. “Oh, God, Desmond, “she coughed, “it’s at the three minute marker.”

Then a loud beeping sound started to fill the room. Jack was alarmed as it sounded like a countdown clock. He turned back to the giant clock on the wall as it was at 3 minutes and counting. Desmond tried to get up but Tony grabbed him by the collar and shoved the gun barrel down on the top of his head. “Please, mister, “ he coughed, “I need to give Argos the code so Sebastian can get his medicine. After that, you can feel free to kill me. Because trust me . ..you don’t want that clock to count down to zero.”

“Why? What’s gonna happen?” the blind doctor demanded.

“They . . will be freed.” Desmond said with the utmost hint of fear.

Tony thought for a second. The words that the stranger echoed were clouding his mind. Argos. Code. They? Who is they? Knowing what Tony knew about The Outpost and the Liberation, he then felt it was better to keep things the way they are, and find out what it’s about later The blind doctor then hoisted Desmond to his feet. “All right, “ he coughed, “You come with me and enter the damn code. Locke, Sayid, Marita, you are with me. Jack, get Kate to the medical room, Shanna and Sawyer go with them. McKay, you watch the woman.”

The Australian pulled out his gun and walked over the woman, who held on her son for near life. “Lead the way,” he ordered.

The woman held back her tears as she walked down the tunnel. Sawyer and Jack gently picked up Kate off the cold ground. She grunted and yelled from the pain in her shoulder. Shanna stayed with her, holding her hand. Desmond grunted from the blind man’s treatment of him but if he wanted to make sure Sebastian and Isabella made it out in one piece, he had to do what they said. He then pointed over to a computer console. “I need to talk to Argos, please.” He whispered.

“Move,” Tony shoved him forward.

“Tony is that really necessary?” Locke asked.

“Until I determine otherwise, YES.” He hissed back.

Marita didn’t say anything about Tony’s reaction; she was in fact glad that she had finally received some justice. It was a traumatic experience in her life and watching Tony beat up the man made her feel like she received closure. Desmond sat down at a stool, letting it spray small dust from the rotting cushions. Locke moved over to look at what the stranger was doing. He then tapped onto the keyboard and the bald man was amazed; immediately reminded of Mia talking with Watchman. He typed in; “Argos, are you online?”

The screen then flickered onto green letters.

ARGOS IS ONLINE. HOW ARE YOU, DESMOND?

“Tony, the screen and the computer,” Locke whispered, “It’s acting just like Watchman.”

Desmond looked back at them both. The bald man could tell by the look on his face that he too knew Watchman and was wondering how they knew the super computer. The loud beeping reminded him to focus on the task at hand. The screen flickered again.

DESMOND
THE COUNT DOWN CLOCK IS REACHING CRITICAL.
DO YOU WISH FOR ME TO FREE SPECIMENS? Y/N

“Specimens?” Sayid, blinked.

“Is this just like the Jaeger Units?” asked Marita.

Desmond then typed in N.

THEN PLEASE ENTER RESET CODE.

Desmond then proceeded to type in a set of numbers. He pecked in 4, then 8, then 15, then 16, then 23, and then 42. “The numbers,” Marita whispered, “Tony, he typed in the numbers.”

Desmond then turned around and looked at the clock. It then started to flicker it’s numbers and it turned to 108:00. Sayid was extremely interested in what this all meant; a computer named Argos that acted in a similar manner to the computer called Watchman. Locke was flabbergasted by what he was seeing; he knew that there would be more mysteries revealed on this journey but he didn’t know it was this big. He half wished Mia was here to see this. Desmond took a deep breath, waiting for the clicking of the clock to resume. It was an awkward pause as the silence echoed the facility. Then the screen flickered on again.

MEDICINE IS READY.
COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.

The 108:00 then became 107: 54 and so forth and so forth. A weird whisking sound then echo from the ceiling then to the side wall. Then the far distance against the wall was a tube coming from the wall. A small vial then jolted from the tube and landed in a red velvet cushion tray. Desmond then got up to retrieve it but Tony then shoved him back down on the stool. “Whoa,” he barked, “Where are you going?”

“I must give the vial to my son,” Desmond whispered, “He needs it.”

“Tony, there is not reason to drag the child into this,” Locke said, “Let him give the vial to his son.”

“Locke, when I want your opinion, I will ask for it,” Tony said, grunting, “And until I am convinced otherwise, this man is not leaving my grasp. Where is this vial he is talking about?”

“It’s against the wall, Tony,” Marita said, “on some sort of cushion.”

“You take it to the boy, Marita. Check up on Kate for us.”

Marita didn’t say anything. She wasn’t sure if Tony was going to hurt the man more or not. She gently walked over to the wall and picked up the vial filled with the clear liquid. She then sighed and began walking down the corridor that the others went to. Desmond slowly turned and crossed his arms. He didn’t trust this strange group of people that invaded the facility but at the moment, he didn’t have a choice. “I understand your mean on against me, brother,” he said to Tony, “But your girlfriend is all right, ain’t she? I didna rape her or nothing.”

Tony slowly handed the gun in Sayid’s direction, who quickly took it. The blind man turned around and looked down at Desmond, despite that he couldn’t actually see him. “No, you didn’t rape her,” he said, coldly, “But you frightened her . . .Frightened her enough that she would remember you four years later and that’s already given you a black mark against me.”

Desmond squinted his eyes, looking at Tony. “Are . .are you blind?” he asked.

“Yes,” he replied, matter-of-factly.

“Bloody hell, “the stranger whispered, “I was beaten up by a blind man.”

“Sorry about that but like I said, you already have a black mark in my book,” Tony said, then leaned forward, “Now , I want to know everything there is to know about this place.”

“Let me see that my boy is okay and I will tell you everything.”

“Deal,” Tony said, “Sayid, bring him. Locke, you wanna help me out there.”

Sayid grabbed Desmond by the arm and let him walk down the corridor where the others disappeared too. Locke then took Tony by the wrist and began to follow the others. “I don’t think you handled that appropriately.” The bald man whispered.

Tony then grabbed the man by his wrist and then held him back as Sayid and Desmond started to walk down the hallway. The blind man whispered toward the older man. “I handled it the only way I knew how,” Tony grunted, “ We don’t have the answers yet, Locke. When it makes more sense, I will apologize to the bastard. But right now, we stay in control. We succumb to anything that man says and there is no telling where this will lead.”

“He seems sincere,” the bald man mentioned, “why are you truly upset with him? Because he caused Marita some pain four years ago?”

“I am upset about that but I am more upset that he is on this freaking Island!”

Tony took a deep breath, calming. Locke felt ashamed; he judged the blind man too quickly. The truth was he was thinking several paces ahead, and all these things they had went through had arrived at a crucial point, yet again. Tony took off his sunglasses and wiped the sweat from his face. “I believe in God, Locke and I even believe in fate,” he said, slowly placing them back on, “But there is only so much fate I can handle in a month.”

Part 283: Day 57

The small band of survivors that ventured out into the newest unknown part of the Island were growing weary from their walk. They only hoped that they would reach the Broadway area soon, for they grew sick of walking. Shanna limped along with the others; feeling only a small pain in her ankle. Sawyer smiled at her, and then gently rubbed his lower back. He didn’t mind carrying her for the majority of their travel but it eventually paid the price. Marita then paused, grabbing Tony with her. “You okay, baby?” he asked.

“Yeah, just a . . .a cramp.” She said, massaging her left leg.

“Well, hold out a few more minutes. We’re almost there.”

The group paused for a moment, when they heard what Tony had said. Sawyer kneeled down and then back up to stretch his back. “You sure about that, co-cheese?” he grunted.

“I am,” the blind doctor smiled, taking a breath of air, “The air has changed. I can smell the salt content, coming from the ocean.”

Locke then took a whiff and then another. He opened his eyes and smiled. “He’s right,” the bald man grinned, “Fifteen minutes, tops.”

“Then for God’s sake, let’s keep moving.” Sawyer said, pushing one foot forward.


Locke stared upward at the sky, looking at the approaching clouds. He could feel it in his head, the remaining gift from the Island, that it was going to rain in about two hours. He knew they would reach the Broadway area by then and hopefully find decent shelter from the rain. The bald man yawn, then massaged his chin. His attention was caught by McKay tapping him on the arm, then pointing toward the right. Locke looked over and noticed something strange about a nearby tree. It was blue. Then it wasn’t. Then it was blue again. “Flashing lights?” McKay asked.

Locke motioned for everybody to be quiet. They slowly crouched down, taking cover. They quickly jumped into the nearby bushes to approach from another direction. McKay slowly pulled out his sidearm and motioned for Sayid to come up to the front. The Iraqi gently took off his backpack, pulling out his binoculars. Marita guided Tony toward where McKay and Sayid were. “What do you see guys?” the blind doctor asked.

“Just about 12 feet in front of us is a big sign that says Broadway.” McKay pointed.

“Really?” Tony asked in surprise.

Sayid looked at it with the binoculars. “There is some markings on the post but it’s took corroaded. I can’t read it.”

“Anything else?”

“There are at least four buildings, three small ones and one giant one. The cabins look like The Liberation built them but the giant building is a metal structure. Past the trees . . .is a boat.”

“It’s really there!” Kate gasped in joy.

“Yes, it s a large boat, a yacht I believe. On the side, it has markings. It reads . . .Butterfly Rogue.”

“Butterfly?” Shanna blinked, remembering what Mia told her to look out for.

“Wait a second,” Tony grunted, “The Rogue. That must be the ship! But they only called it the Rogue over the radio.”

“But . .if that’s the Rogue . . .then . .they are early.” Marita said with warning.

Jack and the others looked alarmed as well. To the best of the clues laid out before them, their best guess of the arrival of the Butterfly Rogue was to occur in seven days. However, it had only been four days. Sayid began to scan the area complex for any sign of life. To his amazement he found one and only one. “I see only one man.” He whispered.

“Nobody else?” asked Sawyer.

“No, “ the Iraqi concluded, “He is wearing a jacket, just like the rest of the Liberation.”

“What is he doing?” asked Tony.

Sayid slowly lowered his binoculars. “He’s sleeping,:” he whispered in disbelief.


The group emerged from the woods as silent as possible. They broke off in their formations they had practiced before. Sawyer held his shotgun ahead of him, ready to shoot anything that moved. Sayid held his gun low as he quickly jogged to nearest cabin, and checked it for soldiers. McKay quickly moved to the next cabin. It was empty as well. Jack, Tony and Marita made their way toward the sleeping man. He was perched on a hammock, snoring away. Sawyer quickly came up beside them, as Kate followed behind with Shanna in tow.

Jack slowly pointed his gun at the snoring man. Sawyer then quietly stepped up and then gently placed the shotgun barrel on the man’s cheek, pushing it in. The pressure made him wake up and when he realized what was touching him, his eyes nearly exploded out his head in surprise. “Make one sound,” the redneck warned, “And you’ll be finishing your nap in Hell.”

The man slowly raised his hands, showing that he was not armed. Marita reached over and padded him down to be sure. “How many on the boat?” Jack asked.

“No one,” he whispered.

“Bullcrap,” Sawyer hissed, “You expect me to believe you drove that thing here alone?”

“I didn’t say I was alone but there is no one on the boat right now . . .who are you people?”

“If you are not alone, then where are the rest of your soldiers?” asked Tony.

“They left . . .to deliver the supplies . ..to the Colonel.”

“How many?” hissed the blind man.

“Five.” He replied in fear.

Sayid and McKay started to make their way over to the port, where the large yacht rested. Locke was in the middle of the clearing, looking at the giant metal structure. To the middle of it was a door that allowed access into the complex. McKay past by him, then stopped. “Locke, what are you doing?” he asked.

“I am going to check out that area.” He pointed.

“Hold up and one of us will go with you.”

“Okay,” he smiled.

Sayid and McKay ran up to the wooden docks. Jack and Kate were tying up the one soldier they found. McKay looked at him, and then pulled up his jacket pocket; like the others Liberators, it showed his name. “Nice to meet you, Moon.” He smirked.

“How many did he say was on the boat?” asked Sayid.

“He said no one else but we’ll check it out anyway.” Tony said, pulling Marita with him.

McKay leaped onto the boat first, followed by Sawyer. McKay looked up and down, noticing all the things he could. Their was only one mounted chair in the back, mostly for fishing. Sawyer looked through the glass windows in the back but they were tinted so he couldn’t see anything. He held the door handle and waited for McKay to go first. The Australian gave him the nod to open it. The redneck pulled the door open abruptly and McKay dove in. It was a small relaxation area, possibly a dining room or living room. He immediately started down to the stairs to the lower level. They reached the bottom to find a couch, loveseat, and a bar. “This doesn’t make a bit of sense.” Sawyer hissed, “What kind of a mercenary operation would buy a boat like this?”

“Something tells me . . .they didn’t buy it.” McKay pointed.

Sawyer saw what he was pointing at. To the entrance to what appeared to be the bedroom, a massive red stain on the wide carpet. To the side of the doorway entrance, their was a small grouping of bullet holes. “I wonder who they took the Butterfly Rogue from?” the Australian whispered.

“I wonder what people will think of us when we arrive back home in this thing?” Sawyer whispered, “Will they blame us for this?”

“We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it, “ the Australian made his way toward another stairway, “Let’s check out the main bridge on this place.”

McKay lead the way as they made their way upward to the main area that drove the yacht. The Australian stepped out and looked around. There was clearly no one here. Sawyer grabbed the railing and joined him. McKay walked over to the steering helm, gently touching it. He checked all the readings, knowing what they meant. “You can drive this thing, Curly?” Sawyer asked.

“Yes, I can.” He smiled.

“The prospect of going home is practically giving me a boner.” The redneck smirked.

“Well, we ain’t home yet so don’t splooge too soon.” The Australian laughed.

“Hey, McKay?”

“Yeah?”

“Look at that.” Sawyer pointed to the counter.

McKay looked at what he was pointing at. Like many points, it was a manufacturer label of when it was built and where. But it was the other words that McKay noticed. It read MAX CAPACITY : 20. “Twenty people.” He whispered.

“Looks like we ain’t taking everybody off of this Island.” Sawyer whispered.

“Oh, dear Lord, how is that gonna go down?” McKay wiped his forehead.

“However you C-Span boys handle it, I better be on this boat. I came with you, that sounds fair to me.”

“Honestly, it sounds fair to me too, Sawyer but I will be the pilot. I’ll leave the decision to who goes and who stays to Tony and Jack.”

“Why?” Sawyer hissed.

“Because I trust their judgment.”


The two men made their way to the very top and then used the latter to climb back down. The others were still waiting by the dock. Sayid saw that at the end of the dock was a gas pump. It made sense that the soldiers would leave one person to guard the yacht and refuel it. The boxes that rested on the back of the boat were both marked PERISHABLE. “They must have been using The Rogue for supply transport.” Sayid pointed.

“It’s empty,” McKay said, jumping onto the dock, “Just like Moon said.”

“Can you pilot that thing, McKay?” Tony smiled.

“Yeah, not a problem, Tony.”

Shanna started to leap for joy. They finally had found a way to get home. Marita then tugged on Tony’s arm. “Tony, what about the five soldiers?” she asked.

“We won’t have to worry about them, honey.” The blind doctor padded her on the arm, “Once they find out Fender and the rest are dead, they will come back here and we will be waiting for them.”

“How the hell are they getting to the Outpost anyway?” Sawyer said, resting his shotgun on his shoulder, “If they were taking the dirt road, we should have seen them.”

“Maybe there is another one that leads to the Outpost?” McKay shrugged.

“I will set up a perimeter,” Sayid mentioned, “When they come back, we will surely know before they do.”

“What about that guy?” Shanna pointed to the tied and gagged Moon.

“We’ll leave him here. Just like we left Kreegan.”

“Hey, wait a second, . . .where is Locke?”

McKay then abruptly looked around the Broadway area and saw no sign of the bald man. The Australian grunted, stomping his foot on the dock. “Curious son of a bitch,” he hissed, “I told him to wait.”

“Where did he go?” asked Jack.

“He went into the metal structure. He was like a damn kid on Christmas,” the Australian made a move to walk off the dock and go get him.

“McKay, wait,” Tony said, “We’ll get him. You get that boat prepped to leave.”

“No worries, “ he said, patting his friend on the back, “Sawyer, Sayid, help me out. Find any canisters that we can use to haul gas in.”

The two men began to walk off the dock and search the complex for gas or water containers. They knew that they would run out of gas before they made it to any other area of land so it was wise to secure more. Jack led the way as he, Tony, Marita, Kate and Shanna made their way toward the metal building. Jack reached up to the door handle and opened it up. Marita pulled out a flashlight, and shined it forward. The group then walked in.

Jack was curious why their was no sign of Locke. How deep did he go into the complex? Shanna kept her eyes open, noticing all the details of what she was seeing. She knew that Mia would want to know. They slowly past another corridor. Jack looked at a symbol on the wall near a power junction. It was the same Dharma symbol they saw at the Outpost within the mess hall area. Except that behind the Dharma word was the symbol of a shark. Shanna started to take down notes heavily in Mia’s pad that she gave her.

The group then came into another area, wider than the original. What alarmed Jack the most was that it was the same configuration as the Watchman console. Marita whispered to Tony everything that they were seeing. “There is a ton of salt water air in here.” Tony coughed.

Kate looked around and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. It looked like the same ancient computers as they saw at the Outpost. The small wet puddles on the ground could have meant their was a small amount of salt water in here. Jack slowly walked up to the main console area. There was a green monitor, flashing an awaiting code. The doctor wondered, was this console the same access to Watchman or was it possible another sentient super computer? “Where the hell is Locke?” asked Tony.

“I’m here, Tony,” the bald man said behind them.

They turned around and abruptly noticed their was someone with Locke, holding a blade to his throat. Jack immediately pointed the gun the assailant who was hiding behind the bald man. Kate pointed her gun while Shanna stepped behind her. Tony felt Marita get behind him as well, while her blind boyfriend slowly unholstered his gun. He could tell something was wrong by the sound of everybody else cocking the breeches on their pistols. “You okay, Locke?” Tony asked.

“I’m fine, I just-“

“Everybody drop yours guns!” the man ordered.

Jack looked at the man. He couldn’t tell who he was, but he noticed he was wearing the same jacket as the Liberation. The doctor knew he had to get the man away from Locke enough to kill him, to protect the others. Tony slowly advanced forward. “Let’s not do anything rash here,” he said, “You are out gunned here.”

“Don’t make another move or I will kill him.” The man demanded.

Locke jerked as he felt the blade cut a small part of his throat. “Tony, he cut him!” Marita squeaked.

“That’s enough, damn it!” Tony grunted, “We came for the boat, so killing him will only insure-“

“I don’t give a rat’s piss what you came for, “ the man grunted, “Now put your weapons down OR I WILL SLIT HIS DAMN THROAT, BROTHER!!!”

Jack then blinked. That voice and that term was familiar to him. The man slowly moved away from Locke, allowing his full face to be seen. The doctor felt like his stomach was just twisted into a knot, upon seeing a man he recognized. “You.” He whispered.

Tony squinted his eyes, not sure if he just hear Jack right. Then he felt Marita’s hand curl up into a grip on his shirt behind him. “Oh, my God, “ she whispered, “It’s . . .him.”

Part 282 : Bathroom Break

Sawyer jerked as he awoke abruptly. He immediately grabbed his shotgun and cocked it. The abrupt sound of the weapon immediately woke up Kate. The brunette opened her eyes and saw the redneck leaning up, holding up his shotgun. She then immediately grabbed her pistol. "Sawyer, what-" she tried to say.

"SHHHH!" he silenced her.

Kate looked around in the twilight of the morning in the jungle. She saw nothing expect dripping dew off the leaves. "What is it?" she whispered.

"I thought I heard something." He paused.

"Heard what?" she said alarmed, "A boar?"

"Naw, it sounded like . . . .a lawnmower."

Kate's eyebrows then slowly raised up. "You heard . .a lawnmower?" she smiled.

"Yeah, that's what it sounded like."

"Oh, great," the brunette said, putting her gun away, "Maybe one of the Polar Bears is mowing the jungle for us."

"I am serious, Freckles." He hissed.

"Go back to sleep, Sawyer." She said, turning back to her makeshift pillow.

Sawyer grunted; upset that she didn't believe him. He slowly put his shotgun back down and leaned back, as if to sleep. But he had a bad feeling about the sound. He decided to keep his eyes open just in case he saw something. He smirked, hoping it was not a polar bear with a lawnmower.

The Island had already shown him enough weird stuff.



After the morning had come to the afternoon and it seemed like they had been walking forever. Sawyer didn't complain over the fact that he was still carrying Shanna. Jack said, he wished she had some crutches cause it would be a good idea if she didn't put any pressure on her foot for at least another day. The redhead joked that she didn't mind Sawyer being her crutches. Kate just smirked, shaking her head in disbelief of what was happening. Shanna then tapped hand on Sawyer's chest. "I got to go potty.” She told him.

“Huh?” the redneck paused.

“Sawyer, I have to go potty.” She told him again.

“Go potty?” he scoffed, “What are you, twelve?”

“Sawyer, c’mon,” she shook him.

“All right, all right,” he said, “Guys, hold up! Shanna has to use the bathroom.”

The group stopped as they were walking along. They paused and turned to see them. Sawyer started to look around for a decent place to drop her off. Kate then wiped her sweat and took off her backpack. “I’ll take her.” She told them.

“Excuse me, are you the one carrying her?” the southern man grunted, “We’ll be right back.”

McKay raised an eyebrow. “What do you think you are doing?” he asked.

“Are you deaf, Paul Hogan?” he replied, “She said she has to pee. I am gonna drop her off at a tree. Everybody CHILL!”

Shanna smiled innocently as she and the southern man disappeared into the jungle. McKay gritted his teeth, not thinking it was a good idea to leave the young drummer alone with a man of Sawyer’s “reputation”. The Australian hoped that Shanna would use her better judgment and not do anything stupid. As McKay past by Kate, he could tell in her eyes that she was thinking the exact same thing. “Ten minutes,” he whispered, “If they are not back by then, go check on them.”

“No problem,” she replied.


Sawyer kneeled down, staring at the ground while he munched on his gum. He could hear the obvious sounds of Shanna using the bathroom behind him. The southern man smirked at himself; a few weeks ago he would have done anything for a peak. But there as something about Shanna that he didn’t see in many women; a sweet sort of innocence. It kind of made him want to behave. “Dang it,” she grunted, “What kinda leaves am I supposed to use?”

“The big ones that look like the Spades you might see in a deck of cards.” Sawyer called back.

“Got it, “she giggled, “Thank you.”

“No problem, cherry,” he whispered.

Within seconds, he heard her stumbling to get to him. He stood up and turned around, as she used the nearby trees for leverage. He walked up to her, helping her stand. Shanna looked up at him, immediately noticing his moving lips. “What are you chewing?” she asked.

“Gum.” He smirked, “Found some in the Outpost. I didn’t bring enough cigarettes for this stupid trip.”

“Well, let me have some, you hick.” She playfully hit him.

“Well, since you asked nicely.”

Sawyer reached into his side pocket for some gum. Shanna then reached for it, but he gently slapped her hand away. “Uh, uh,” he smiled, “No hands.”

“Huh?” she blinked.

Sawyer then unwrapped the bubblegum and then slowly moved it toward her face. Shanna realized what he was doing. She then opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue. The southern man then placed it in her mouth and she quickly closed it, beginning to chew. He gave her a warm smile, that sent shivers down her spine. “Thank you,” she munched.

“You are most welcome.” He whispered with a grin.

“You . . .you the type of man . . .my father would hate.” The redhead mentioned.

“Oh? Is that why you like me?”

“Yes,” she gasped.

“Mmmmm. Preacher’s Daughter Syndrome. My favorite kind.”

Shanna then grabbed him and kissed him heavily. Sawyer didn’t resist, picking up her small frame; bringing her closer. Their lips bounced off one another, as he held onto her. Their kiss was a kiss of passion. Sawyer’s had been built up too long with no release, and Shanna’s crush on him lingered since she first met him. Neither one knew if anything would come from this relationship but at the moment, they didn’t care.

Sawyer slowly set her down, letting her catch her breath. He gently tucked her hair back and gave her one more kiss. “As much as I would like this to continue,” he whispered, “We can’t stay out here forever.”

“Yes,” she said, panted, “McKay will check up on me. He’s always looked after the younger members of our group and . . I don’t think he fully trusts you.”

“I don’t fully trust him either,” Sawyer said, turning around, “That’s why he and me are the best of friends.”

Shanna hopped on his back and he slowly picked up. They began their journey through the woods back toward the dirt road. By the time they were in sight of the road, the redneck noticed Kate was making her way into the woods. She stopped abruptly when she saw them. “What’s the matter, Freckles?” Sawyer grinned, “You were afraid she fell in?”

“Actually,” she said with bent eyebrows, “I was afraid YOU fell in.”

“You all right, Shanna?” McKay asked.

“Yeah?” she responded innocently, “Why?”

McKay didn’t bother to answer. Since they were all back together, he motioned for them to continue. Sawyer continued walking with Shanna on his back. The redhead rested her head on his shoulder blades, smiling brightly. Kate was curious about her smile. It almost as if she had seen it before on the playground in school.

That smile that meant someone had a secret.

Part 181: Day 56

Seth gasped for what little air he could think of. He was standing in a foreign wooded area, not a single bit of it looked familiar. His hands were cold; colder than normal. Not to mention sticky. The singer slowly looked at them.

They were covered in blood.

Seth tried to scream but not sound came out. He looked at the bodies before him. These men he had recognized; he had killed them. They laid calmly on the ground, their heads separated from theirs. Seth felt his soul grow guilty with their eyes fixated on him. Then a massive scream erupted behind him. He turned to see the love of his life, looking at him in horror. She looked into face and clearly by her look, she didn’t see Seth; she saw a monster. “Tanya,” he whispered.

The blonde turned and ran away from him. “Tanya, no!” he said, running after her, and screaming, “You don’t understand! I had too!”

Tanya cut through a corner of trees and ran into a nearby cave. Seth ducked in after her and then immediately lost her.

He slowly walked through the caves, feeling at the cold stone walls surrounding him. He turned one corner and continued on, A cold wind blew up from the draft at the bottleneck tunnel before him. He kept going; trying to find her. He wanted to Tanya that he had no choice; he had to kill those men. It was kill or be killed. Seth’s heart started to sink. Would that excuse even matter?

Then a soft light shinned up head. He stared at it for a few seconds and then started to walk toward it. He used the walls for bracing himself and then he arrived at the source of the light, he was amazed by what his eyes could witness.

It was a massive cavern. There were torches surrounding the walls and lit in abundance. Down in the cavern was a audience hall. There was a throne where a samurai rested in his armor. Surrounding him was eight more armored warriors. The King Samurai looked up Seth and then beckoned him to come down. The singer paused for a second and walked to the right, finding the stair way leading down.

Seth reached the end of the stairs and then slowly walked toward him. The armored samurai to his right and left didn’t move; leaving him feeling a little nervous. He stopped when he reached the leader. The green and red samurai slowly motioned with his right hand in a downward motion. “Kneel.” He whispered.

Seth then slowly got down on his knees in front of him. The samurai then stood up and stepped down off his throne toward him. When he reached the musician, he slowly unhook his Tengu mask. He then removed his helmet, revealing the face of a friend that Seth had lost. “Brendon?” he whispered.

Brendon handed his mask to another warrior who was standing by. The Asian man then walked up to Seth, placing his gloved hand on top of his head. “Show no fear in the face of your enemies.” He whispered, “Stand up for what you believe in, and Buddha will love you. Always live by your word, even if it means your ruin. Protect the helpless and defend those who can not defend themselves. This is the oath of Bushido. Will you uphold it?”

Seth blinked; he didn’t know what was happening. But if their was one thing he did believe it, it was his trust with Brendon. “Yes,” he whispered.

“Then take my hand and rise up . . . samurai.”

Seth took his hand and let his good friend help him up to his feet. He then felt Brendon placed the sword in his hand. “I gave you that weapon for a reason,” he whispered, “Only you hade the courage to wield it. Only you were worthy.”

“I don’t feel worthy.” Seth confessed.

“You feel that now but you destiny was set in motion long before you were born,” Brendon placed both his hands on the musician’s shoulders, “Protects the leaders . . .if the leaders are gone, protect the people.”

“I will.” Seth vowed.

Brendon embraced him with a slight bit of force. Seth held onto him, not wanting to let him go. He never realized how lost he felt without the Asian man that became his friend in the span of a few weeks. “I did not die in vain,” Brendon whispered, “Remember that.”


Seth twisted, placing up his hand to block the sun from his eyes. He coughed as he leaned up. He immediately reached into his nearby knapsack and grabbed the Rolaids that Jack gave him. The singer hated the fact that he developed Acid Reflux disease but once he got back to the mainland, he knew that they would have some sort of medicine to help him. He, of course, didn’t want to jeopardize his singing career.

Mia then paused as she was walking past him. “Morning, Seth,” she smiled.

“Morning, sis,” he rubbed his eyes, “Sleep well?”

“As well as can be expected.” She said, sitting next to him, “I wonder . . .when we get home, will I be able to sleep on bed? Will I need to place a sandbox in my room?”

“You’ve been watching too many movies.” He smirked,” Decrease your intake of Spaz Juice for me will you?”

“Spaz Juice?” Mia gasped in delight.

“Oh, something my friend Lizzie says back home. I guess the translation is to chill out.”

“Sounds like a fun bunch.”

“They are.” The singer sighed, rubbing his three day beard.

“Are you sure you are okay?” The Lakota girl inquired.

“I was dreaming,” Seth sighed, “About Brendon.”

“Oh,” she said, with wild eyes.

“After that . . .experience . . .you, me and Shanna shared, I wonder . . If I see Brendon in my dreams, it is REALLY him or just my subconscious mind using him as a symbol in my dreams?”

“One way or another, Brendon will always be with you,” Mia smiled, “So . .does it really matter?”

Seth grinned at his good friend. “With an answer like that, not really,” he laughed.

“Good.” She giggled.

Seth sighed, looking down at the ground. He started to make a circle in the sand with his index finger. Mia could tell something was on his mind besides the dream. The young bookstore worker looked up to the sky and closed his eyes. “I wonder,” he whispered, “What will I be able to tell Tanya when I make it home? How can I look at her, knowing what I have done?”

“Seth, you can’t dwell on that. You and Tony already had that conversation.” Mia pointed out.

“I don’t regret killing those men. I knew it had to be done, but I won’t lie to Tanya either. She deserves to know.”

“You don’t have to tell her, Seth.”

“I won’t lie and say this place was a vacation spot!”

“It’s not lying, “ the Lakota girl retorted, “ Do you really think she wants to know about what you had to do? The only thing she will care about is that you are back home, safe with her.”

Seth looked at Mia, who gave him a sympathetic smile. “You don’t tell her the bad stuff, Seth,” she smiled, “You tell her the good stuff. Tell her . . .about Brendon and how much he touched our lives in that brief time we knew him. Tell her about your friendship and upcoming band called Turboshaft. Tell her . .”

“About you and Shanna?” Seth smiled.

Mia grinned with a slight deviousness. “There are at least two girls I know who would want to be with you, Seth and you had to push them away, “ the Lakota girl giggled, “I look forward to meeting the girl that you saved your heart for.”

“You two will get along. I just know it.” Seth smiled.

Mia leaned forward and embraced the young man. Seth smiled, rubbing her back to their familiar hug. “We’re not bound by blood,” the Lakota girl whispered, “But you are the brother of my heart.”

“I don’t call you sister for nothing.” Seth agreed.

Down on the beach, John had finished helping with the fish. He stood up to see Mia and Seth hugging. He smiled, knowing the bound between them. The archer prayed the when they finally return to the world they knew, they could keep all of these friendships. Dutch placed the fish down into the pile as Hurley was placing them in the containers for distributions. The surfer noticed the two friends hugging up on the beach. “What is with you people and hugs, man?” Dutch asked.

John just shrugged his shoulders. Hurley stood up. “Awww,” he laughed, “Dutch is feeling left out.”

Hurley made a maneuver to embrace the surfer but he laughed, running away from him. John cracked up laughing at the joke. He was able to laugh at the bonds he had formed in humorous ways but the truth was, he cherished them. He cherished them deeply.

Part 280: Two Souls

Hurley finally sat down after straightening up his tent. Or was it technically their tent now? The large man smirked; over the fact that he was taking the time to clean up “his place” to impress the girl that had been with him for the past few days. He liked Joscelyn; REALLY liked her. And from the way she had been acting toward him, she liked him. Was it love? Hurley thought it might as well be; he getting butterflies in the stomach every time she kisses him and she does seem to kiss him a lot. The large man smile to himself, hoping that his mother didn’t give up hope that he was alive. Because when he returned home with Joscelyn by his side, he’d knew she would be proud of him. Then the dropping of something interrupted his thoughts. He turned to his left to see the London girl standing there, dropping off some mangos. “Oh, cool, Joe,” he smiled, “Did you have any trouble getting the Mangos?”

Joscelyn didn’t answer.

“Joe?” he said, finally looking at her.

Hurley was slightly alarmed when he saw Joscelyn’s red face and her cheeks soaked from tears. He slowly stood up. “Joe, what’s wrong?” he asked.

She wiped her tears and looked toward her right. “John . . .he . .uh . . he said a strange thing.” She sniffed.

“What strange thing?”

“He said . . .that you . . .had won the lottery? He said . . .you had over a hundred million dollars, making you a millionaire.”

Hurley slowly closed his eyes and sighed. Joscelyn found out about his money finally.

“And I thought to myself, “ she gritted her teeth, wiping her tears, “That can’t be true! Not Hurley. He wouldn’t keep something THIS BIG from me.”

“Joe,” he whispered.

“It’s true, isn’t it?” she screamed.

“Joscelyn, it’s not that simple!” he begged, “I was gonna tell you but-“

“I can’t believe I was so stupid AGAIN!” she cried, pulling her hair, “I thought you were different Hurley!”

“Joe, please,” the large man approached her.

Joscelyn then ran back out of the tent and ran into the woods, continuing to try. Hurley then tried to run after her, but immediately tripped over the trunk he moved in the middle to allow more room in the tent. He landed on his back, cursing over the pain his knee. He needed to find Joscelyn and make things right.


The young girl cried as she shoved the branches from side to side. She then paused in a clearing and then collapsed, holding her hands over her face; weeping softly. She liked Hurley; enough to even love him at some point. But she felt her heart breaking when she realized he was no different than the rest. They tell you all the little things but they keep the big things hidden. It wasn’t fair. “Hurley,” she cried, “Why . . .why . .”

Joscelyn then jumped as a sharp sound pierced the air near her. She turned and saw the shape of someone in the woods with her. Then she heard the sharp sound again, like someone slicing wood. Not chopping but slicing.

She slowly stood up and walked toward the noise. She pushed back a set of leafy bushes to find Seth in a small clearing. He then swung his sword against a tree, making the smallest of cuts. He would then step forward and take a look at it, then check out a journal he was reading. The moment he did that, he noticed he had an audience. “Oh,” he laughed, “Hey, Joe, whatta ya know?”

“What . . .what are you doing?” she asked.

“Just practicing the Whistling Cut.” He replied.

“Whistling Cut?”

“Yeah, a small incision on the throat, “he said, checking the journal, “My friend Brendon said it was a samurai trait when he mastered on dead pigs. However, I ain’t got no dead pigs so I am trying a tree. I think I might have gotten it.”

“Oh,” she said, sounded a little interesting but she had other things on her mind.

Seth blinked when he finally got a look at her face. “Have you been crying?” he asked.

“I’m sorry I bothered you,” she replied, turning around to leave.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Joe,” Seth caught up to her, “The sun is shining. You are out of that bunker. Mangos are in season. And there are smiles all around. What possibly could make you cry?”

Joscelyn slowly sat back down, wiping her tears. Seth leaned in on his knees, looking at her. The brunette looked at him, realizing he wasn’t going to leave until she told him. “I . ..I got in a fight with Hurley,” she whispered.

“You . .and Hurley . . .in a fight?” Seth smirked.

“It’s not funny, Seth,” she hissed.

“Well, it kinda is,” he said, sitting down next to her, “I mean, you and Hurley . . .you guys are the kindest souls on the beach. I can’t fathom anybody having a problem with you. What could you two fight about?”

Joscelyn wiped her tears again. “Secrets.” She whispered.

“Ah, secrets,” Seth shook his head, “They do seem to be in abundance here, don’t they?”

“Hurley’s got a big one.” She coughed.

“Big one, small one, it don’t matter,” the singer said, “If you learned about a secret about Hurley, then you need to talk to him about it; open dialogue solves everything.”

“How . .how can I trust him now?”

“What do you mean, how can you trust him?” Seth smiled, slightly scoffing, “This is Hurley we are talking about. So he made a mistake, big deal! Talk to him about this secret, I can promise you . . it’s his only one!”

“I thought . . .I thought he was different.” She wept.

Seth shook his head with a bright smile on his face. “Now the big clue falls in my lap, “ he smirked, “You care about him, don’t you?”

Joscelyn shook her head in agreement.

Seth got on his knees and turned to her. He gently touched her arms, making her face him. “Joscelyn, believe me when I tell you this,” he smiled, “You and Hurley are perfect for each other. Kindred spirits make life all the more worth living.”

She slowly stopped crying and began to smile. Seth then gave her a hug, allowing her to wipe the remainder of her tears. “Go to him,” he replied, “Tell him everything you ever wanted to tell him.”

“Thank you,” she said, parting from him.

Seth then helped her up, and then used his shirt to wipe the rest of her tears. She laughed slightly, then turned around and walked back into the jungle to find her large companion. Seth smiled, pleased with himself. He then picked up the sword and began to continue his practice. “I am so damn cool.” He grinned, as he struck the tree.


Hurley limped up the hill. The weight on his knee was making it sting the more he walked but he didn’t care. He had to find Joscelyn and tell her . . .tell her what? The butterflies in his stomach fluttered yet again after thinking about what he could possibly tell her about the money. What would she say? He had a bad feeling in his chest, she was going to laugh at him. Only one girl didn’t laugh at him but all the others did. If only . . .

Hurley froze when Joscelyn came down the trail in his direction. Their eyes met each other for a few seconds. The large man tried to speak but nothing came out. The Londoner hugged her arms, trying to suppress her tears. “You tell me, Hurley,” she whispered, “You tell me right now why you would keep that from me.”

“Joscelyn, it’s not that simple.”

“Then give me the complicated explanation then!” she grunted.

“I will . ..just . . .just come back to the beach with me . .”

“NO! You tell me right now!”

“Joscelyn, I didn’t mean to keep this from you, I was gonna tell you.”

“I haven’t done anything like this to you, Hurley,” she pointed.

“What?” he finally barked, “Yes, you have! You haven’t told me about the scar on your forehead!”

“That isn’t the same thing!” she screamed back.

“How could it not be the same thing? It’s a secret, isn’t it?”

Joscelyn finally turned to walk away. Hurley felt the air slowly leaving his lungs. He needed to tell her, or he might actually lose her. The thought of that was more than he could handle. “JOSCELYN, PLEASE!!” he screamed, “I DIDN’T TELL YOU . . because . . .because I liked the way you looked at me.”

Joscelyn froze her tracks. That wasn’t the answer she was expecting to hear. She slowly turned around and looked at him. Hurley stared at her, slumping his shoulders. “When we were in the mess hall . . .sharing the food . . .I liked how you looked at me,” he whispered, “You saw me as Hurley . . .just Hurley . . .Not Hugo the Millionaire.”

Joscelyn slowly walked toward him.

“This money . . .has cost me a great deal,” he said, wiping his face, “I tried to do right by everybody . . .my mom . .my friends . ..but in one way or another the money was more of a problem than a solution. I lost my best friend. I . ..couldn’t lose you too.”

The brunette held onto her arms, feeling the breeze brush over her. She trembled slightly.

“Every woman I cared about before I got my money, only one gave me the time of day,” he whispered, “When I got my money, they all flocked to me. All of a sudden, I was somebody but they were fakes, Joe. All fakes. You were the only person in my life . . .that was real.”

Joscelyn felt her heart pounding. No man had ever told her such kind words.

“I’m sorry I kept it from it from you,” he said, hanging his head and turning around.

Joscelyn felt her heart move into her throat. She could barely breathe. The large man began walking down the trail back to the beach. The brunette nearly gagged but she forced her mouth to work. “Hurley,” she whispered.

The large man stopped and turned around. He couldn’t tell what was going on in the young woman’s face. It almost looked like a mixture of fear, rage and shame. “He . .he pushed me.” She whimpered.

Hurley’s eyes fell on her scar. “Joe . .who pushed you?” he asked.

“My father,” she cried.

Hurley’s heart sunk deep into his chest. No wonder she didn’t want to tell him; it was too much of a traumatic experience. She slowly turned, staring at the sky. “I didn’t . . .I didn’t do his laundry after he came in from work,” she cried, “I was up at the top of the stairs . .he called me lazy . ..then shoved me down them.”

Hurley then came to her and embraced her. She grabbed onto his chest and cried into his shirt. The large man did his best to comfort her. After a few sobs, she fought to catch her breath. “My mom . .” she coughed, “My mom didn’t know he was abusing me . .until that incident. She then saved up . . a lot of money and told me to run.”

“To Australia?” Hurley asked.

“I was . . .talking with someone over there by email . ..for year, Hurley. He said, he loved me. So I went there . . .hoping to spend the rest of my life with him . ..but he was married and he had kids!”

“Oh, Joe,” he said, holding her tight.

“I thought . . .I had made the same mistake . . with you.”

“No, it’s my fault,” he started to cry, “I should have told you.”

“You must . ..think I am pretty stupid, huh?” she said, wiping her tears.

“No, no,” Hurley said, stroking her soft hair, “If anybody is stupid around here . . .It’s Sawyer.”

Joscelyn stopped crying and then giggled a little bit at his attempt to relieve the tension in the air. She slowly parted from him, gazing up into his eyes. Hurley then gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. Hurley wanted to kiss her. BADLY. But he realized the familiar feeling in his legs was starting to happen. He was about to faint. Inside his brain, he screamed to not blow this moment; they connected. Hurley leaned down and gently kissed her.

After they paused, Joscelyn kept her eyes closed. After a few seconds, she realized what had just happened. It was the moment she had been waiting for; the proof that Hurley cared for her. She sniffed, gently curling her lips into a smile. “I am sorry for my hang-ups, Hurley,” she smiled, “But . . can you promise me . . .you won’t leave me?”

“I promise,” he smiled, “I swear to God, I promise.”

Joscelyn smiled and embraced him again, letting her head rest on his chest. Hurley held her there in the middle of the jungle, feeling the wind rip around it. The young couple could hear the ocean pounding behind them. It was the most peaceful moment they had experience on the idea.

And neither wanted it to end.

Part 279: Ambush

The group continued their walk on the dirt road, with slight muddy puddles as they went. Kate was trying to help keep spirits up by bringing up the one subject that everyone loved to talk about; food. She asked what Shanna missed the most and the redhead responded with waffles and peanut butter. Kate said a large helping of peanut butter cookies and an ice cold glass of milk would be just fine for her. The thought of peanut butter made Marita scream in delight. “What food do you miss the most, Marita?” asked Shanna.

“Oh, my god,” she sighed, “I would kill for a chocolate ice cream sundae, with lots of chocolate syrup and almonds.”

“Dang that sounds great.” Tony chuckled.

“ I really don’t need to be hearing this.” Jack laughed as he walked ahead of them.

“What are you craving the most, Jack?” asked the blind doctor.

“You tell me yours first, Tony.” He retorted.

“He wants an ice cold Coke,” the Latina by his side laughed.

“Actually, already had one thanks to Belmont,” the blind doctor laughed, “But . . .as far as food goes . .I’d really love a steaming pile of broccoli, drenched in butter and garlic.”

“You’re right, Jack,” Sawyer coughed, “I really don’t need to be hearing this either.”

“Okay, Jack, your turn.” Tony insisted.

“Well . . .I am actually craving some breakfast food. Like . ..some French toast, with some burnt bacon and scrambled eggs. With ketchup on them.”

Sawyer’s stomach turned at the thought of eggs with ketchup. “Yankees,” he scoffed.

“Okay, Mr. Redneck, what exactly are you graving?” the doctor pushed a little.

The southern man let the smoke drift from his fingers. “Now that you mention it . . .I might kill someone for a Heart-Attack Burger.” He grinned.

“A . . .a what?” Kate gasped.

“There is a little diner just outside of Memphis. They offer the Heart-Attack burger. It’s a half pound of beef, with sautéed onions, swiss cheese and mayonnaise.”

“Oh, my God, that’s gross!!” Shanna laughed.

“Don’t knock it till you try it, cherry pie.” The redneck chuckled.

“No thanks. It would probably stop my heart like you said.”

“Actually, it sounds pretty good.” McKay smiled as he walked ahead in the lead.

“Your turn, Curly.” Sawyer called to him, “What food you need right now?”

“Ain’t saying,” he smirked.

“Oh, bull crap you ain’t saying,” the redneck scoffed with a smile, “Spill it, Baldy! What food you craving the most?”

The group then went into a chorus of laughing, begging McKay to reveal what food he wanted to have. McKay smirked; he knew what was coming after he said it but it was still all in good fun. “Shrimp,” he sighed with a grin, “I am craving shrimp.”

“LETS PUT ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE!!!” Sawyer screamed in his best fake Australian accent.

“I knew he was going to say that.” McKay pointed his finger at him.

The group continued their laughter. After they caught their breath, Kate looked around. ”Okay, who’s left?” she smiled, “Locke? Sayid?”

“Twinkies.” Locke smiled, “Ever since Hurley mentioned them, I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind.”

“That’s Hurley for ya.” Jack laughed.

“How about you, Sayid?” The brunette laughed.

“The only thing I can think of that I would truly enjoy would be a flame roasted sirloin with a side of boiled mushrooms and wild rice.” The Iraqi said with such joy.

“Wait a second,” Sawyer turned to look back at him, “You? A sirloin?”

“Is there some room that an Iraqi can’t enjoy a steak?”

“Isn’t that kinda like . . .against your religion and stuff?”

“I see with you, Sawyer, that ignorance TRULY is bliss.” The middle easterner smiled.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I am a Muslim, not a Hindu,” he pointed out, “Muslims do not worship cows but Hindus do. As a result, I have had a steak once and a while.”

“Well, la-de-da, “ the redneck threw up his hands, “I don’t think they covered who worshiped the moo-moos in high school.”

“I knew that,” McKay smiled.

“Oh, you’re just getting back at me for that Barbie crack,” the redneck flipped off his friend.

“I must admit, it’s kinda funny what you know and what you . .Son of a bitch.” The man said as he un-holstered his gun.

“McKay, what-“ the redneck blinked.

“KREEGAN!!” McKay yelled as he shoved his gun forward, “PUT THAT RIFLE DOWN AND GET ON THE GROUND!!! NOW!!”

Everyone’s eyes flashed forward. Up the road, the old man known as Kreegan stumbled forward. In his right hand was a hunting rifle, and he was stumbling forward. Jack quickly took notice of the blood covering the man’s jacket. He was stumbling about in a daze, looking around. “What’s wrong with him?” Jack asked.

“It’s a trick,” Sawyer said, loading his shotgun, “ That other soldier is out in there in the jungle, waiting to bushwhack us!”

“I don’t know, “Locke pointed, “He really looks hurt.”

“KREEGAN!!” McKay screamed slowly walking toward him, “I will not ask you again! Drop that rifle or I will shoot you!”

“Help . . .me . . .” he stuttered.

“What did he say?” Tony said, using his acute hearing.

Then a shot gun blast fired out of the wooded area. The ground exploded near Shanna’s right foot, making her right foot. Sawyer reacted by firing a blast from his own shotgun into the direction of the burst. The leaves exploded from the rounds and then someone yelled out from being shot.

However, it was a females voice.

Sawyer froze; he knew full well Kreegan’s fellow soldier was a male. Sayid quickly stumbled into the woods and found someone near the bottom of a tree. The middle easterner was amazed to see a young girl laying there, holding a shotgun. He quickly grabbed it from her, seeing her massive wound just below her neck. “JACK!!” Sayid screamed.

“Who is it?” called Sawyer.

“It’s some girl!” Sayid replied.

“WHAT???” the redneck screamed.

Jack rushed into the woods to check on the young girl. Sawyer felt like he was gonna faint. Kate was down with Shanna, helping her best she could. Small amounts of blood oozed from her ankle, making her cry from the pain. McKay had taken his eyes off Kreegan when he heard that Sawyer had hit a young girl. Then he heard some screaming and wild female screaming. He turned around long enough to see a teenaged girl stabbing Kreegan massively in the back. Marita gasped as she gripped onto Tony’s arm. “What’s happening?” he demanded.

Kreegan slumped down, his life finally over. The young girl slowly pulled the blade out of his back and then eyeballed the others. McKay squinted his eyes and immediately recognized who she was. The black bandanna around her throat told him everything he needed to know.

The girl then screamed violently and ran toward them, holding her knife in the air. McKay didn’t hesitate; he immediately opened a volley into her. Bullets rattled her chest, jolting her body from left to right. She then dropped on the ground, shaking slightly then stopped. McKay slowly lowered his gun, looking at her. “Tony, “ Marita buried her head in his shoulder, “She’s got . . . a black bandana.”

“Damn it,” he hissed, “Black Faction.”

“That group of kids that was enemies with Alexander and his brethren?” Locke asked, remembering the story.

“The one in the same.” McKay said, holstering his weapon, “I was never sure if we got them all. I guess we didn’t.”

The group finally walked over to join the others. Tony and Marita walked over to check on Shanna, who was still crying from the wound in her foot. McKay walked over past Sawyer, who was still in shock, holding his shotgun like he could drop it at any second. The Australian stepped through the woods, where Jack and Sayid were with the other girl. Jack looked up at his bald friend. “She got a full blunt shotgun blast to the chest, “ he whispered, “It’s only a matter of time.”

“I know,” McKay whispered.

Jack then was startled as the girl reached for his throat. The doctor stood up abruptly, as she wasn’t strong enough to actually strangle him. “Vous tuer,” she whispered, “vous tuer . . . tout.”

The girl rolled the eyes into the back of her and her last gasp escaped her lips. Jack was disgusted and felt sympathedic at the same time. Sayid slowly put his gun back in his holster. “What did she say?” he asked.

McKay pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. “She said kill you,” he coughed, “Kill you all.”

Jack was in shock, not knowing what to think of a girl born completely out of The Lord of The Flies. Sayid slowly walked out of the jungle to join the other’s on the dirt road. McKay motioned to follow him. “Better check on Shanna, Jack,” the Australian mentioned.

Jack walked past the dead girl and back onto the dirt road. He continued walking toward Shanna to check on her ankle. McKay paused when he saw Sawyer still staring the dead teenager. “Sawyer.” McKay said, trying to get his attention.

The redneck didn’t move.

“SAWYER!” McKay yelled in his face.

The southern man finally blinked. He looked at the Australian who gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you are in shock by what has happened, “ he sighed, “But believe me . . .you did the right thing.”

“She’s . . .just a kid, McKay.” He whispered.

“Yeah, on the outside, it’s a 17 year old girl,” his friend bent his eyebrows in, “But inside, she’s a wild animal. Her kind and her people killed a good friend of ours. They had every intent of burying John alive and the part I will never forget . ..their leader made every attempt to rape Taylor.”

Sawyer looked at his friend with shock. He clearly didn’t know what had happened.

“So ask God for forgiveness on your own time but do not shed any tears for that girl, “ McKay walked past him, “I can promise you, if you had hesitated, you would be dead.”

Sawyer took a deep breath. He didn’t like being put in his place but everything McKay said made sense; not to mention that he had learned to trust the Australian. He walked back over to join the group that was surrounded the wounded redhead. Jack had taken off her shoe and her sock, then poured water over the blood. Once he cleaned it off, he was able to see the full extent of the damage. Jack smirked as he reached into his bag. “Two pellets, Shanna.” He smiled.

“That’s it?” she sniffed.

“See, Honey?” Kate kissed her forehead, “It’s not that bad.”

“It hurts bad enough.” The redhead wiped her tears.

“Lets me clean it and put a bandage on it.” The doctor smiled.

Marita patted her hand, giving her comfort over what happened. Shanna wiped her tears, as Jack removed the two pellets. “Some tough chick I am, huh?” she sniffed.

“No one cares if you are tough or not, Shanna.” Tony smiled, “We like you for who you are.”

“Absolutely.” Marita agreed.

Jack proceeded to bandage her foot as Sayid stood up. He then looked around toward the bodies of the other Black Faction girl and the old man Kreegan. However, the Iraqi did notice one thing that was amiss. “Where is Locke?” he asked.

“Huh?” McKay blinked.

“Our resident Island expert is missing.”

The others looked around and noticed that truly the bald man was gone. McKay and Sayid got ready to go look for him but then noticed him jogging toward them from ahead of the road. The two friends walked down the panting old man. “Where did you go, Locke?” McKay asked.

“It occurred . . .to me . .” he said, catching his breath, “If Kreegan was nearby . . .then so was the jeep.”

“Did you find it?” Sayid asked with wide eyes.

“Yeah, I found it,” he coughed, leaning up, “With one dead soldier in the passenger seat and a steaming water pile of water near the front of the vehicle. Sound familiar?”

“The radiator?” the Iraqi asked.

“The damn girls must have shot it to get to Kreegan and the other gun,” McKay threw down his hat in disgust.

“Regardless, we are still walking. How is Shanna?”

“Her wound is minor.” Sayid pointed out.

“But can she walk?” Locke pointed out.

McKay and Sayid exchange a quick glance. The extent of the damage to her ankle never occurred to them; they were too busy with the Black Faction girls. The three companions walked back over to the huddled ground. Kate was helping Shanna stand up, who did her best to put pressure on her foot but it wasn’t working. “She can’t walk like this.” Jack pointed, “If she does, the ankle will swell and she’ll get a blood infection.”

“Then I’ll head back to the Outpost with her and we’ll wait for you guys,” Kate said.

“NO,” Shanna grunted, “I can make it.”

“Shanna, you don’t have-“ Tony tried to say something.

“Mia is counting on me,” Shanna pleaded,” I can’t let her down.”

The group admired her conviction but wasn’t sure how to handle her wound, especially since the jeep was totaled. Then Sawyer slung his shotgun off of his shoulder and his back-pack, handing them both to McKay. Then he got on his knees and held out his hands in front of Shanna. “You’re going to carry her?” Kate asked in disbelief.

“She don’t want to leave,” he stared back at her, “You got a better idea, Freckles?”

“It’ll have to do,” Tony said, making the decision final.

Shanna limped over and got onto Sawyer’s back. He grabbed her pale legs and then stood up, as she placed her arms around his neck. McKay motioned for everybody to follow him as he shifted up his friend’s back pack onto his other shoulder.


The group walked along for a few minutes and came across the second jeep, as Locke said. The other soldier was missing a good portion of his face, taken apart by a shotgun blast. The ground near the front of the jeep was flooded by water, again just like Locke said. McKay sighed, wishing they didn’t have to walk but they needed to keep going. Kate turned back and looked to Shanna, who was smiling as she rested her head on Sawyer’s shoulder blades. “You okay up there?” she asked.

“I must admit, this is DEFINITELY the way to travel, “ she giggled.

“Ha, ha,” the redneck smirked.

“Seriously, Sawyer, McKay is right, “ Shanna said, kissing his head, “If you hadn’t have killed that Black Faction girl, she might have got another shot off and killed me . .or Kate. You did the right thing.”

“Thanks, cherry,” he smiled.

The group continued on in silence as the day began to sick into darkness across the jungle before them.

Part 278: Wishfuls

Aaron continued to cry and the more Clay rocked him, the more he seemed to hate it. The tall man grunted, as he shifted the baby over and over. “C’mon, puss ball,” he whispered, “Could you shut up for five minutes?”

“Hey,” Claire said, as she came in from the woods.

“Oh, hey,” Clay replied, putting his best smile forwards,” Did you enjoy your walk?”

“Yeah, I had a chance to get my brain centered. He still won’t sleep?”

“Fraid not, I’ve tried every trick I know.” He shifted Aaron back over.

“You hold babies a lot?”

“Not that often,” he chuckled.

“Well, thanks for trying,” she said, holding out her arms.

“My pleasure,” he said, depositing the baby back in her arms.

Claire shifted Aaron around and tried to jiggle him up and down but it wasn’t working. Clay stood up, massaging his forehead. The baby’s constant wailing was giving him a headache. But he was alone with Claire and he didn’t know whenever he was going to get the next opportunity to talk with her. “You ever been to L.A., Claire?” he asked.

“Actually, that was where I was headed.” She smiled, “It’s a strange story, I’d love to tell you about sometime.”

“I’d love to hear it. You were gonna live in L.A.?”

“I guess. I really don’t have anything left in Australia to call it home anymore.”

“Well, if you need a place to stay, I have plenty of room.”

“What, in your ten bedroom mansion?” Claire joked.

“Twenty actually.” Clay smirked.

“Whoa,” the young woman was a little thrown back.

“Whadda say? I could show you around Los Angeles and give you a feel for the place. I got plenty of room so you could stay as along as you like.”

“I . .uh . . .” Claire then spotted a familiar person down the beach, “CHARLIE!!!”

Claire immediately walked past Clay toward the musician. Charlie had just been walking, until Claire called his name and made him stop. Clay looked at the short man briefly. Their look that they gave one another could have had the power to kill at some point. Charlie broke off his gaze as the blonde woman and her baby finally reached him. “Where have you been?” she asked.

“Walking.” Charlie replied, “I am allowed to do that, aren’t I?”

“Charlie, I’ve been worried sick about you. You haven’t been coming by to sleep in your tent for the past day and a half.”

“I’m fine, Claire,” the musician sighed, “ And I can see you are fine too. So I will be on my way.”

“Charlie, please can you hold Aaron?” the young woman asked of him.

Charlie looked at the baby. Aaron was crying, still flinging his arms slightly. The musician ran his fingers through hair, sighing. He then held out his arms and allowed Claire to give him the baby. Charlie immediately started to whistle softly and rock the baby gently. Within seconds, Aaron finally calmed down, staring at the young musician. It couldn’t be helped but to bring a smile to Claire’s face. “I knew it,” she grinned, stroking her child’s soft hair, “He missed you.”

Charlie’s lips finally curled into the first smile in a day. “I missed him too.” He admitted.

Claire turned around to look back at Clay. The tall man had left their camp. She sighed, turning back around. Charlie could tell what she was looking for. “I’ll take care of Aaron,” he whispered, “If you . .uh . . .want to go talk to Clay?”

“No,” she smiled, “I’ll stay here.”

Charlie felt himself beaming. He was going to be the gentleman and allowed Claire to talk to Clay if she wanted. But she was happy staying with him and Aaron. And the musician couldn’t have been more pleased.


Kellye gently munched on some cashews as she stared into the ocean and its constant waves. Joscelyn stood behind her, humming a tune while she braided her hair into a pony tail. The young London native enjoyed her friendship with Kellye. Even as they crashed, the girl soldier looked out for her. Joscelyn respected the strength that Kellye had, cause it was something she lacked; and probably could not have created for herself in such an intense situation as the kidnapping they went though. Kellye munched on another handful of cashew and looked at the jar between her legs. “We’re almost out.” She mentioned.

“I’ll run down to the corner Outpost,” Joscelyn joked.

Kellye giggled and continued staring out into the ocean. “I hate this channel. It’s the same damn thing.” She smiled.

“So change it.” Her friend giggled.

Kellye held up a make-believe remote control and pointed it toward the ocean, flipping her switch. She continued it, making Joscelyn laugh. She then paused and gasped playfully. “Oh, Thank God,” she giggled, “At least this channel has swells and white foam to go with the ocean. If we leave it here long enough, maybe we will see some seaweed!!”

Joscelyn finally stopped making Kellye’s pony tail and laughed out loud. The girl soldier giggled, continuing to eat her cashews. “It’s good to hear you laugh, Joe,” her friend said, “For a while, I wasn’t sure you knew how.”

“I had forgotten, I admit it.” She smiled, finishing up her pony tail.

“I noticed Hurley makes you smile.”

Joscelyn sat down, next to her a friend. “Yeah,” she blushed, “he does.”

“He’s a nice guy, I can tell. I am sure he’ll take real good care of you.”

“I guess. I feel . . .safe around him.” She said, rubbing her hair.

“You got a thing for big guys?” Kellye smirked.

Joscelyn playfully pushed her. “What is that supposed to mean?” she laughed.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like Hurley but let’s face it . . .he’s no Seth or Dutch.”

“Well . . .maybe I am not interested in how he looks.” Joscelyn said, shying away again.

“Then you are a better person than me, Joe,” Kellye sipped on her bottled water.

“We all have our preferences, Kellye,” the Londoner admitted, “But with Hurley . . he’s different. He really does care about me.”

“Yeah, I don’t think he’d like about such a thing like that.”

“Well,” Joscelyn touched the back of her head, “How does the ponytail feel?”

“It’s perfect, thank you. The curls were getting my nerves.”

The two friends embraced and then parted ways. Kellye was going to go find what other snacks she could get her hands on. With the only other thing to do is watch the ocean sway and bob up and down, she figured she could get in a few more snacks that she didn’t eat while in the military. Joscelyn felt a little hungry as well. She thought she would surprise Hurley with a bundle of mangos.


John grunted as he chopped another branch up in the tree. The cropping of fruit landed hard on the ground. The archer then winced as he jumped down. He landed on his feet, then braced himself. He felt slightly dizzy. John already knew it was a sign of dehydration. He then sat down and picked up a mango, breaking it open and began to eat it’s juices. After all, he didn’t want Eddie getting onto him. John laughed at himself, remembering how the little boy was really the only one who knew to stay hydrated the whole time they were on the Island. “Hello, friend,” someone said behind him.

John turned to see a couple approaching him. He had seen them around the beach many times before but never bothered to speak with them. They seemed nice enough. The man looked like he was in his late thirties and the woman who stayed with him, seemed a bitter younger. Her jet black hair suggested an Italian heritage . . . .or Greek, John admitted he was bad at guessing such things. “Good afternoon,” the archer smiled to them.

“Could we trade some mangos off of you?” the man smiled.

John chuckled a little bit. “Sawyer does the trading, not me.” He smiled, “Help yourself.”

“Thank you so much,” the woman kneeled, gathering up some.

The man then kneeled down next to the archer, extending his hand. “Chance Spartan,” he said, introducing himself.

“John Riggs,” the archer replied.

“This is my wife, Arizona.” Chance pointed out.

“Hello, and thank you again.” She said, standing up.

“Oh, my pleasure.” John smiled, “A married couple, huh? That’s kinda cool. For a while, I thought Bernard and Rose were the only one.”

“Yeah, but hey, we’ve never talked so it’s understandable.” The slightly older man stood up, “You were from that group that landed on the other side of the Island, right?”

“You bet. I guess that kinda makes us celebrities.”

“Only on the Island,” Arizona laughed, “But we never got to thank you and the nice bald man for getting the boar for us. Thank you.”

“His name is McKay and I will say you are welcome on his behalf.”

“Well, thanks for talking with us, John. Maybe we will see you around.”

“I am sure you will,” John waved to them as the married couple left to go back to the beach.

The archer went back to eating his mango. He started chuckling to himself over the couple he had just met. “Chance and Arizona Spartan?” he smiled, “I wonder if they got married because their names are both unique.”

John continued to fishing the mango, tossing the peels aside. Then another figure emerged from the jungle bushes. Joscelyn was looking skyward, holding a stick in her hand and waving it leisurely. The archer smiled, as it seemed the day was filled with mango hunters. “Hey, Joscelyn, “he called, “Looking for Mangos?”

The young brunette paused and then laughed, grabbing her chest. “Oh, shoot,” John stood up, chuckling, “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No problem, John,” she laughed, “I just didn’t notice you.”

“Anyway, you looking for mangos?”

“I am actually.” She smiled.

“Well, come and help yourself. I won’t be able to carry all of them back anyway.”

“Thank you so much,” she smiled, walking over and picking up some.

“Making sure you get enough for Hurley?” John asked, converting a towel into a make shift bag.

“Yes,” she blushed.

“You and him make a good couple.” The archer stood up.

“Oh, stop it, John,” she said, blushing severely.

“No, seriously,” he smiled, as he began to walk away, “I mean, I can tell he’ll take care of you. What, with all that money he’s got.”

Joscelyn paused as she was picking up the mangos. “Money.” She said.

“Yeah, can you believe he won the lottery?” John laughed, “Crazy ass thing. I wish I had over a hundred and eighty something million dollars too. Whatever you problems were, I am sure Hurley will make them go away.”

John began to walk back toward the beach, not noticing that Joscelyn had stopped moving. She wasn’t sure what to make of what the archer said and she knew for a fact that he wasn’t joking or telling a lie for a lie’s sake. Hurley . . . .IS A MILLIONAIRE? Joscelyn felt her brain pounding, forcing her to sit for a brief moment.

How could Hurley keep something like that from her?

Part 277: Couples Next

John slowly pulled out the arrow and placed it’s in the top of his palm. He then connected the back wings to the string of the bow and pulled it back. His eye vision slowly transformed into the tunnel vision around the fruit. “Don’t move,” he ordered.

The archer then flung the arrow into the air and the spiked stick struck the fruit directly, pinning it to the tree.

Right above Charlie’s head.

“BLOODY HELL!!” he squeaked as he rolled out of the way.

“Dude, that was awesome.” Hurley laughed, clapping.

“I never should have agreed to this.” The musician chuckling, wiping the small bits of fruit out of his hair.

“Kinda feel alive, don’t you, Charlie,” John said, resting on his bow.

“You guys trying to help me out of my funk?”

“Claire will come around, dude,” Hurley said, “She’ll see that Clay is the biggest butt munch to land on this Island since that chain smoking Jethro.”

“Speaking of that, where is Sawyer?” Charlie asked, “I noticed his royal loud mouth was missing.”

“Yeah, Jack is gone too. Sayid is gone. Did something happen that we don’t know about?” Hurley asked.

“It’s nothing fellas,” John said, “Jack and the others went out into the woods on another salvage mission. A little ways beyond the Outpost. They will be back in a couple of days.”

“Man, why didn’t they ask me?” Charlie scuffed his shoe on the dirt, “I don’t ever get to do any exploring.”

Dutch then came into view of the three friends. He was scouring the area but saw no sign of the pants-highjacker named Karleigh. “Hey, dudes,” the surfer said, “Did you guys happen to see Karleigh come through here?”

“Yeah, she past by here about ten minutes ago,” John pointed, “She was heading in that direction with a hand bag. I think she was gonna pick fruit or something.”

“Thank you, John,” Dutch hissed.

“Dude, I think she was wearing your pants.” Hurley mentioned.

“I know, Hurley,” the surfer replied.

“Dude, I think that kinda, you know, means something.”

“THANK YOU, HURLEY!” Dutch yelled as he continued after Karleigh.



After a few minutes, Dutch grunted as he continued to walk into the woods but saw no sign of Karleigh. His feet were aching slightly of walking over the debris out in the jungle but he was used to hard asphalt next to the beach at home. He decided that he’d give up for the moment. The rich New Yorker couldn’t stay out here forever and when she did come back, she’d be bringing his pants with him.

Then the surfer jumped and yelped at the sound of a falling mango striking near him. “Oh, my gosh!” Karleigh said from above, “Didn’t mean to scare ya that, Dutchie.”

“You didn’t scare me, you spooked me, big difference, “ the surfer than paused, “Wait a second . . .did you call me Doochie?”

“I said, Dutchie. Dutch-Chee.” Karleigh said, working her way down the tree, “I not calling you a Marijuna joint, although such a nick name might be cute for you.”

“I don’t smoke that stuff and I think it’s pronounced Dot-Che.”

Karleigh leaped off the tree from the remaining distance on the ground and landed with ease. “Did you come to seek me out about grammar or was their another reason?” she said, moving a strand of hair from her eyes.

Dutch was about to say something and then he looked back up to the sky. “Where did you learn to climb a tree?” he asked.

“You mean, how did a rich girl from New York learn to climb a tree?” she smiled.

“Something like that.” He grinned.

“It’s not trees we learned to climb. It’s the outside railings to get to our BMW’s. Past curfew, of course.”

“Of course,” Dutch chuckled.

“Trees are that dissimilar. Just have to know how to handle something that . . .big,” Karleigh made a brief glance toward Dutch’s abs under his tank top.

“Hehe,” the surfer smiled, “This little tidbit into your climbing skills is fascinating but it doesn’t change the fact that you got something that belongs to me.”

“Such as?” she asked, innocently.

Dutch edged closer and pointed at the jeans that Karleigh was wearing. The girl looked down and pretended to have a shocked look. “These are your pants?” she said, trying to hide her smile.

“You know full well they are my pants, I’ve been wearing them since I crashed.”

“They are comfortable jeans, Dutch,” she grinned, slowly moving away.

“I know. Which is why I want them back.”

“Well, too bad. They are my pants now.” She said, turning and started to head back to the camp.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Dutch laughed as he rushed her and grabbed her by the arms.

“OH, my, Dutch wants his pants back, “ the young woman said sarcastically, “ What ever will he do?”

“It’s your own fault for being embarrassed when we come back and you are the one with no pants,”

Dutch reached around toward her front and began to unbuckle the belt and then unbutton the pants from her. Karleigh smiled, keeping her innocent look about her as she stared upward. The surfer then managed to get the rest of his pants unbuckled from the rich girl and then shoved them down from her waist.

Only be to staring at her naked butt.

“HOLY GOD!!” Dutch said, shoving the pants back up onto Karleigh.

“Whoopsie.” She giggled.

“Karleigh . . .why . .why did you tell me . . .you had no panties?” the surfer sweated as he tried to buckle the pants back onto her.

“Because I had to wash them silly,” she said, backing up into him, “All my shorts would have revealed too much if I walked around with them so I had to borrow your pants.”

“You could have told me,” he said, almost done with the button.

Karleigh then stopped him by placing her hands on top of his hands. “Don’t stop,” she ordered, “You’re just now showing me something.”

Dutch felt like he couldn’t breathe. The rich girl gazed into his eyes, and the seductive glare she gave him, made him feel like he was going to faint. She slowly guided his hands allowing him to unbuckle the pants yet again. When he was done, she slowly turned around and the momentum allowed the jeans to collapse around her feet. Dutch fought his entire being trying not to look down. Karleigh slowly smirked, biting her lower lip. “I never met a boy so timid.” She giggled.

“I never met a girl . . .so . .in control.” He whispered.

Karleigh leaned up and gently helped him remove his tank top. The surfer stifled a gasp as she kissed his chest. “Does that bother you?” she whispered.

“A little.” He stuttered.

“Big man saves my life and yet he’s scared to be with me,” Karleigh said, slowly removing her shirt, “I don’t know why but that’s exciting.”

Dutch finally looked down and couldn’t stand it anymore. He picked her up and buried his mouth into hers. Karleigh grabbed onto his shoulders and returned to the kiss. The couple quickly found themselves on the ground. The surfer kissed the young girl onto the neck and for a few brief moments, there was no other sound in the jungle but their own.



John continued to whittle onto the stick until it was at a fine point. He still had plenty of metal arrows but he wanted to be sure he could be prepared for anything. Especially over the warning that Mia said she should remain on the beach during the team’s departure to the mysterious place called Broadway. Will he indeed make the difference in whatever was going to happen? He didn’t know; so he wanted to be prepared for anything.

Mia then came up and offered him a bottled water. John thanked and her took it from her, sipping it immediately. “How many arrows you got now, John?” she asked.

“Just over forty.” He said, proudly.

“You may be overreacting.” She warned.

“A little over kill never hurt anybody.” He laughed.

“I guess not.” Mia smiled, sitting down.

John started to whittle onto his next stick. Mia tucked her hands in her jean jacket, as the cool breeze blew up onto them in the shade. She stared at her boyfriend, letting her eyes fall upon his face. He had a great body and personality but she thought it was his handsome face that she love the most. “So, John,” she sighed, “What will the name of our first child be?”

John then jolted, slicing the stick in two. “What did you say?” he gasped.

“I said, what will the name of our first child will be?” she asked again, grinning.

“Mia . . .are . . .are you . .”

“No, I am not pregnant, you doofus,” she giggled, “I am just asking.”

“Oh, Jesus,” he laughed, holding his chest, “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Well, what will their name be?”

“Okay,” he said, taking a drink of water, “I guess . . .if we have a boy, I’d like to call him Tony. If we have a girl . . .hmm . .I don’t know.”

“I have a name for a girl. Shelley.” The Lakota girl smiled.

“Interesting choice. Is there a story behind it?”

“No. I just like the name.”

“It is a nice name. Okay, Tony if it’s a boy and Shelley if it’s a girl.”

Mia stood up and walked over to him. She then sit down next to him, allowing him to place his arm around her. John brought her closer and kissed her on the lips. “I love you, Mia,” he whispered, “I’m sorry if I don’t tell you enough.”

“You don’t have to tell me, John,” she hugged him, “I already know.”

John held her closer, massaging her arm as a sign of affection. Then the archer noticed the two figures emerging from the jungle. Karleigh was smiling to herself, almost glowing. Dutch has a stupefied but happy look on his face. Mia looked at them both, noticing the new differences between them.

Karleigh had on Dutch’s swim trunks and the surfer got his torn pants back. He saw John and Mia, and waved to them with a smirk on his face. The archer smiled from the sight of the debris of dead leaves and dirt on the back of his hair. “It would appear Dutch solved the problem of his missing pants.” John chuckled.

Mia didn’t say anything; she just buried her head under his chin, trying not to laugh out loud from Dutch’s strange but humorous look.

Part 276: Day 55

Kate slowly opened her eyes under the night sky. High above, true the small cracks in the jungle canopy, the stars looked down on her. She was reminded of her home, when she was young and the smog hadn’t completely covered the sky in order for her to see the stars. The brunette looked over to her comrades. All of them were sleeping. Marita was making a slight wheezing sound but it was probably do to the position she was sleeping in; using Tony’s chest for a pillow. The others were laying in their own positions. Sawyer was near Kate’s feet, past out and using his back pack as a pillow. Shanna was asleep near her, using her own arm as a pillow. Kate smiled, and reached over, tucking a strand of red hair out of her face. The girl was young and slight bit naïve but Kate liked that about it.

It’s how she wished she was.

Kate had never got the chance to talk to Shanna; really talk with her. She seemed like a great girl, only a few years younger than she was. Maybe that’s why she found it so easy to bond with Seth; he was around her age too. The brunette hoped she would be able to tell them what she had done, whenever she felt it was time. But will it ever be time? She didn’t know. The more she thought about it the more she wondered if it would be a good idea to tell them at all. Kate leaned back and tried to go to sleep.

Until she saw the siloette of a man standing beyond the campfire.

She leaned up abruptly and looked at the man, immediately recognizing him. She had seen him so long ago. “Wayne?” she coughed.

“Nice night, eh, beautiful?” he asked.

“You . . .you can’t be here.” Kate started to backup, sliding on the ground.

“Anymore than I can . . . Maggie?” another voice echoes in the darkness.

Kate turned abruptly and saw another man from her past life. He slowly walked up into the light, bleeding from a wound in his leg. A wound she gave him. “Oh, God,” the brunette stuttered, “Jason?”

“I can’t believe you set me up over a damn toy plane!” he grunted, etching closer to.

Kate was in a state of shock; wondering why not a single one of her friends was awaken by the dialogue she was having with two men from her past. Sawyer just snored away as Jason walked right past him. The brunette then got and lurched to run. She immediately ran into another unexpected visitor. Marshall Mars lunged at Kate, grabbing her by the throat. She began to squeak, finding it difficult to breathe. “Where you going, Katie?” he grunted, slowly pushing her down.

Kate gagged as he felt on the ground and Mars fell on top of her. The brunette struggled but his grip was overwhelming. “Jack,” she grunted, “Sawyer . . .Sayid . . Shanna . .”

“They can’t help you,” Mars hissed, kissing her on the forehead, “ You can’t escape, Katie.”

“No,” she fought, as her lungs began to burn.

“You . . will never . . .be free.” He stared into her eyes.

Then the Marshall yelped as something struck his back. He rolled over and collided with Sawyer, who still continued to sleep. Kate coughed, regaining the air in her lungs. The person who saved her from Mars held out his hand and she immediately took it. With one pulled he pulled her toward him and then behind him; standing between her and the Marshall. The man slowly moved toward the Marshall. Kate coughed and coughed, finally her vision began to clear. The first she noticed was the weapon her savior struck the Marshall with; a samurai sword. “Seth?” she whispered.

She looked up and all she could see was the man’s back. Seth’s hair was a brown color; this man’s hair was jet black and slightly long. The Marshall stared at him with an intense hate. “You don’t belong here.” He hissed.

“Neither do you, devil,” the man replied. Kate was becoming royally confused; she did not recognize the man’s voice.

The Marshall then pulled out his sidearm from his back and within two seconds and one fluid motion, the unknown man sliced the arm completely off. Mars screamed in a momentarily glimpse of pain. Kate squeaked, covering her eyes. The Marshall slowly collapsed on his knees. He then leisurely reached over to his arm, trying to retrieve his gun. The Swordsman then sliced of his other arm, making it drop to the ground like a dead limb from a tree. Kate slowly opened her eyes; not understanding what she was seeing. She expected buckets of blood to be gushing from Mars’s arms.

But what slowly poured out was kitty litter, broken egg shells, coffee grinds, wet newspaper and empty beer cans. “That doesn’t surprise me,” the Swordsman whispered, “I knew you were garbage the moment I laid eyes on you.”

“How . . .how are you here?” the wounded Mars asked.

“The gift of Friendship,” the unknown man kneeled to face the Marshall eye to eye, “I protect my friends . . .and those they care about.”

“You can’t save her. She deserves to be punished.”

“That is where you are wrong, demon. Her guilt is punishment enough. She has suffered ENOUGH! When she lays her past to rest, only then will she be free.”

“She will never be free. I will be waiting for her. She’s in Hell, just like me.”

“You were once a good man. But you obsession blinded you. . . made you do horrible things and now . . .you rest with the very demons you swore to destroy. You are a sad and pathedic little man.”

“You cannot stop me. I will have her. I always get my prisoner.”

“You can no longer get your prisoner. You obsession blinds you…even now. And I will make sure you never come back.”

The Marshall then opened his eyes as the Swordsman swung up his blade. With one fluid motion, he swung the sword down, severely Mars’s head. His body then collapsed onto the pile of trash all around. Kate stared in horror of what she had just witnessed. Within seconds, the Marshall’s body transformed into even more garbage, merging with what had already fallen. The Swordsman flung the trash debris off of his sword, and placed it back into it’s scabbard. Kate was trembling. “Who are you?” she whispered.

The man turned to face her. The brunette felt like she was going into shock; the man was not anybody she recognized. He was well built; slightly tall and had handsome Asian features. He slowly strode over to her, kneeling down. She stared at his warm eyes, feeling completely safe, yet confused as well. “I . . I . . .I don’t know you.” She trembled.

“Who I am is not important right now, Kate,” he smiled, “What is important is that you need to realize you are surrounded by people who care about you.”

“I can’t . . .I can’t tell them . .” she said, holding her arms.

“You can’t right now but that’s what is beautiful. They will wait. They care about you that much. Don’t turn away from their love, Kate.”

“How can I be with them . . .when I am a horrible person?”

The Asian man then leaned forward and embraced the brunette. Kate wept into his arms. He gently stroked her hair and patted her on the back. “You are not a horrible person, Kate,” the Asian man whispered, “You are simply lost, like so many others on this Island. But you can’t for forward, till you stop going back. Let go of your past and embrace your freedom.”

“Who are you?” she repeated.

“A friend,” he smiled, “Nothing more.”

The Swordsman then stood up and got prepared to walk away. Kate then started to crawl toward him. “WAIT, PLEASE!!” she said, “I can’t do this . . .I can’t . .”

“Yes, you can.” He turned again, “Find the strength within you.”

“I can’t . . .help . . .me . .” she cried.

“I can’t help you, Kate,” he said, kneeling down and offering his hand, “But I know exactly the path you should take.”

Kate then slowly took his hand, grasping it. The moment she did, her vision went completely black, filled with fuzzy blurs. When he vision began to clear, Kate strained her eyes to see. It was no long the Asian man’s hand she was holding but Shanna’s. The redhead looked deeper into her face and snapped her fingers. “Kate, are you awake?” she asked.

“Shanna?” she coughed.

“I think she is awake now,” her friend replied with relief.

“Kate, are you all right?” Jack said.

Kate then collected her thought and realized Jack was embracing her from the back. She tilted up her face to look at the doctor. “What happened?” she asked.

“You were sleep walking,” Jack said, slowly letting his arms go, “I had to grab you before you stepping into the fire.”

Kate slowly looked back and Shanna was still standing there, holding her hand. Then the brunette embraced her. The redhead was thrown back by the show of affection but as her friend started to weep, she understood that Kate needed somebody to hold onto. “Shhhh, Kate, it’s okay, “ Shanna whispered, “It’s just a nightmare.”

“It was so real,” she cried.

“It’s over, Kate. You’re safe.” Jack said, rubbing her back.

“Freckles has a nightmare and Cream Pie and the Doc get to comfort her, “ Sawyer said, turning over to resume his sleep, “How the hell is that fair?”

“Go back to sleep, Sawyer,” Sayid ordered.

Sawyer had no retort; he was already snoring. Kate slowly parted from Shanna, smiling from her quick comfort. Jack made sure she was okay and then walked back to the area where he slept. Locke mentioned that the sun would be up in three hours, so they would sleep another two. Kate slowly sat down, crosslegged. She was grasping onto her hands, to force them to stop trembling. Shanna then sat down in front of her, taking her hands into hers. “It’s just a nightmare, Kate,” the redhead smiled, “That fear you are experiencing will pass.”

“I don’t know, Shanna,” Kate smiled, “It was pretty . . .vivid.”

“Nightmares can seem like that. But it’s not the first one you had and I am sure it won’t be the last.”

“That guy in my dream said it would be.”

Shanna blinked, “What guy?”

“I don’t know. I’ve probably seen him before but I can’t for the life of me remember where. I mean . . .why would someone be in my dreams that I’d never seen before? Dreams pull images from your brain, right?”

“Sure they do,” the redhead agreed.

Kate smiled; starting to feel a little bit more comforted. It felt a little strange, holding hands with the young girl by her side as the fire from the campfire flickered into the night. Then the hands gave her a strange feeling. She remembered reaching for the hand of the Asian man and then when she woke up, she was holding Shanna’s hand. The Swordsman said he couldn’t help her, he said that he would show her the path and it was Shanna that appeared when she opened her eyes.

Somehow Kate didn’t believe that was coincidence.