Part 476: Bon Voyage

January 28th, 2010

Eddie tucked away the last of his extra clothes. He wasn’t sure of the region that he was going too so Tony told him to back for all kinds of weather. The young man calmly loaded up the clothes and then pulled up his side bag. He checked it once again. It contained his cell phone, three disposable cameras, gum, candy bars, a journal, three pens, and his IPOD. The young man calmly put on his black baseball cap, and clicked off the lights of his room. He paused for a brief moment to look at Bunny’s locket as it rested on his drawer, then he left his room.

Eddie made his way down the stairs and dropped off his gear. His mother was already up and she had packed him a breakfast. The redheaded woman walked and gently put her hands around his shoulders. “There was a phrase I remember that Tony said last Christmas.” She smiled.

“What phrase was that, mom?” Eddie asked.

“I see the boy I knew . . .and the man before me.”

The young man couldn’t help but blush. The older woman put her hands on his cheeks and stared at him. “Your father would be so proud of you.” She whispered.

Eddie held up the watch that his father use to own and would have been given to him anyway. “He’ll always be with me, mom.” He smiled.

Barbara kissed her son and hugged him. Eddie held onto her as well, because he didn’t know how long he’d be gone. He already missed his mom but he knew Jilly would be around to check on her. The mother and son soon parted, and allowed her to pick up the breakfast package, then place it in a grocery bag. “You got four sausage and biscuits here. Some blueberry muffins and an apple.” She smiled.

“What’s the apple for?” Eddie asked.

“For the teacher.” She giggled, giving it to him, “Be nice in Adventure School.”

“Thanks, mom.” He laughed, “I love you.”

“I love you too, son.” She gently pushing him, “Go on. Go be a hero.”

Eddie smiled as he gently left his house. He walked out to the SUV that Tony let him borrow. The young man smiled at his car called Turk, with it’s repaired windshield. He saw no reason to drive it to the docks, considering it would just be resting there till he got back. This way he can feel comforted that it’s almost acting like a guard dog for his mother. The young man then loaded up his gear in the back trunk of the SUV, got into the driver’s side and started up the engine. The vehicle strode down and took a turn around the corner, then promptly stopped at Bonnie’s house.

The redhead then proceeded out of her house, holding her own suitcases. Eddie got out of the car and walked over to help her. His girlfriend kissed him on the cheek, as he picked up her bags for her. After loading them into the back, he joined her at the front of the vehicle. Bonnie buckled her seatbelt and smiled at him. “You sure you want to do this?” he asked her.

“Go on an adventure with you?” she giggled, “Absolutely.”

“I don’t mind one bit, Bonnie but I wanted to make sure you are doing this for the right reasons.”

“I am, Eddie.” She said in all seriousness, “ I have to do this for my mom. I especially have to do this for Bunny. These people need to be stopped.”

“It could be dangerous?” he said, with a grin.

“It always seems to be.” She replied with her own grin.

Eddie was satisfied about her answer. He then began to drive away from the suburbs. The highway wasn’t bursting with much activity as it was still early the Saturday morning. After a few minutes, Eddie got off an onramp leading into a corner of Los Angeles. Bonnie couldn’t help but giggle, knowing who they were going to retrieve.

Eddie stopped by the corner of the Lenox Apartment buildings and on the corner was Tristan. The young Asian man smiled as he saw his friends pull up to the curb. As he walked to the back, Eddie got out of the vehicle and helped him with his gear. Tristan laughed at him as he put his back pack into the vehicle. “ I didn’t expect to find you waiting on the corner for me.” He laughed, “Are you eager or something?”

“Or something.” Tristan replied with a chuckle, as they closed the trunk.

Eddie stepped back into the driver’s side and Tristan hopped into the back seat. The young man turned on the engine, and adjusted his rearview mirror. His girlfriend smiled by his side as his best friend hooked up his seatbelt. “All right,” Eddie laughed, “Lets go have an adventure.”



The docks were slightly quiet, as the seagulls echoed in the sky above. Eddie found a parking space next to a familiar black Avalanche, which he knew belonged to someone in their family. The three friends exited the SUV and then proceed to unload their gear. Eddie slipped on his backpack and picked up his suitcase, then Bonnie’s. The redhead was blushing slightly at the constant way Eddie was doing things for her. Tristan couldn’t help but make fun of it. “You wanna carry my bags, Eddie?” the Asian man said in a high-pitched voice.

“Get lost.” The young man grunted back with a laugh.

“Where are we at, Eddie?” Bonnie said, stepping onto the peer.

“Actually, I’m not sure. I thought I would have seen somebody by now.”

“EDDIE!!!” someone screamed.

The young man looked up ahead and saw Tony with Marita. The one-eyed doctor waved for them to come down the docks. The three friends proceeded to do so, hearing their footsteps making the wooden peer creak under their path. Eddie stopped by their side, placed down his bags and hugged Marita. His father figure patted him on the back, then looked at his friends. “Welcome guys,” Tony smiled, “Glad you could make it.”

“Thanks for letting us come, Dr. Largo.” Tristan replied.

“We’re about to embark on rescue mission/adventure, Tristan. First names are fine.”

“Cool.” He chuckled.

“Where is our boat, Tony?” Eddie asked.

“Right here.” He pointed toward his left.

Eddie marveled at the huge boat before him. It was at least 80 feet in length, not to mention it seemed to have nearly three levels on it. He couldn’t tell if it was a yacht or a house boat. Needless to say how much it cost Hurley. The young man then leaned over and looked at the name of the boat. “Odysseus.” He smirked, “Appropiate.”

“Yeah, Hurley thought so.” Tony said, taking Bonnie’s bags, “Let’s get you guys loaded up.”

The group started to walk onto the yacht. As Eddie helped Marita, then Bonnie on board, he turned to follow Tony down below onto to find a certain redneck leaning up against the side; sucking down an orange juice. “Morning, short-round.” Sawyer laughed, “Did you bring your bull whip?”

“I slightly hoped that you would change your mind again and NOT come with us.” Eddie laughed as he walked past.

Sawyer took a deep breath, as he remembered seeing Clementine’s name on the bottom of the Flight 216 survivor list. “Not bloody likely.” He whispered to himself.

Eddie walked into the big area of the boat, and as he did, he noticed a sign on the loveseat of the living room. It said RESERVED FOR SAWYER. “He did that on the Butterfly Rogue too,” Tony commented.

“Great.” The young man commented.

Tony escorted the teenagers into the side room. There was a cot next to the wall and the main sleeping area was too bunk beds. The one-eyed doctor placed down the luggage in the middle of the room. “Bonnie, the cot is yours,” Tony said, “I’m sorry but you’ll have to use the bathroom for any clothing privacy.”

“That’s okay, Tony.” She agreed.

“Bonnie, you can have my bed, I’ll take the cot.” Eddie told her.

“Thank you.” She giggled.

“Jesus.” Tristan said, putting his bags on the top bunk; almost getting sick of his friend’s romance.

“Quit making fun of him being a gentleman,” Tony said, playfully hitting the Asian teenager on the arm.


McKay stepped up the first platform that walked into the control room. The computer panels were much more improved than the Buttery Rogue. He could tell barimeters, wind speed, not to mention a small radar system.. He smiled over the fact that he had a seat to sit in this time as he piloted the boat. Nicely put, was two other chairs to the side of him. “At least you won’t be lonely.” Taylor smirked.

“Yeah, I’m sure John and Tony will keep me company.” The Australian turned to his wife.

“I wish I was here to keep you company.” She said, with pouty lips.

“Easy, sweetness,” McKay said, putting his arms around her, “You stay put. You take care of yourself and our baby. And in one month’s time, I’ll be right back to help you through morning sickness and strange food cravings.”

“Promise me. One month.” She said, tugging his shirt.

“I promise.”

Taylor breathed a sigh of relief. “I know you keep your promises so I feel much better.” She admitted.

“I hope so,” Sayid said, stepping into the control room, “Because if you don’t return, I will be forced to come after you and I can not handle being trapped on a boat with Taylor.”

“Hey!” she laughed, slapping the Iraqi on the chest.

“Don’t worry, Sayid. I’ll say you that trouble.” McKay smirked, “As most know, I am a man of my word.”



John walked down the long access of the peer to the boat, holding his gear and the gear of his wife. He leaped down and landed on the back of the yacht, jolting slightly. Sawyer helped him with his bags, telling him not to be so prideful. Mia walked down the wooden peer, holding her daughters hand. She was flanked by Shanna and Seth. The lead singer pushed the hair out of his eyes. Strangely enough, he was the one that felt the weirdest seeing Mia leave. “It’s feels strange you going on an adventure without us.” He commented.

“Yeah, Mia.” Shanna replied, “Brat Pack forever, you know?”

“Of course,” the Lakota smiled, turning around, “But Shelley can take my spot in the Brat Pack for now.”

The older woman kneeled down and embraced her daughter. Shelley kissed her mother on the cheek and hugged her neck. “I love you, mommy.” She whispered.

“I love you too, baby,” she held her close, “Be a good girl and do what Shanna says, okay?”

“Okay.”

John stepped up and smiled down at his daughter, politely waiting his turn to say goodbye. After his wife was done, his daughter quickly embraced her father. Mia hugged Seth and Shanna at the same time. The group expressed their love for each other easily. The Lakota then promised them that they would return in one month. “You better,” Seth smirked, “If you’re not back, I’m canceling Turboshaft tour to come get you. See if I don’t.”

“Well, I guess we better make sure he’s not bluffing.” John laughed.

The friend finally bid their farewells. Down at the other end of the peer, Jenny has arrived in Kellye’s vehicle. Raven calmly got out of the backseat and picked up her gear. The blonde cop smiled as they started to walk down the boardwalk together. “You’ll keep an eye on Sarah for me?” Jenny asked her good friend.

“I’m sure Jack can help in that regard.” Kellye laughed.

“And don’t forget to pet Squishface.”

“I promise, Jenny. I’ll pet your ugly ass dog, geez!” she laughed.

Jenny hugged her dearest friend one last time. The blonde then patted her on the arm and jumped down to the yacht. Raven bid the girl farewell and followed his best friend. Sawyer greeted the cyborg and told him where their room would be. Bonnie watched the masked man follow the blonde cop down below to the sleeping quarters. “I know he’s a nice man,” she whispered, “But he scares me.”

“Masked men often have that effect, teen queen,” Sawyer said, lighting up a cigarette, “But don’t worry. He’s definitely the one you want on your side in a fight. And since he’s coming on this trip, our chances of coming back in one piece just increased by 80%.”

“You really think it’s going to be dangerous, Sawyer?” she asked.

“Well . . . Let’s just say in regards to Islands, our track record ain’t so good.” He chuckled, as he walked to the bow of the ship.


Hal walked down the boardwalk with the Spartans. Chance was almost fully healed from his gunshot wound. All he had was a leg brace that helped him to walk. Arizona was slightly worried that her husband going on this rescue mission not 100 percent was not a good idea. Chance then made a joke that at least he was traveling with his “doctor”. “I’m sure Tony will keep him going.” Hal assured her.

The Texan then embraced her husband. “I love you so much.” She whispered.

“Be a good girl while I am away.” He kissed her on the cheek, “I’ll look forward to whatever house you find.”

“Any specific thing you want?” she smiled.

Chance looked up at the sky and smiled. He then turned to his wife with a slight grin. “Make sure you find one with an enclosed porch,” he chuckled, “So we can sit outside and watch the rain together.”

“I’d like that.” She said, hugging him again.

“Take care, Chance.” Hal said shaking his hand.

The Texan stepped off into the boat, with Eddie helping him with his gear. As Hal and Arizona walked back to head back to San Francisco, they bid farewell to the last people coming on the trip as they walked down the boardwalk. They also happened to be the most important ones. Desmond looked at the boat and marveled at it’s size. It would be more than adequate to handle the trip, bring his son back and any other survivors. Kate and Jack walked with the married couple as they helped him onto the boat. Tony patted Desmond on the shoulder as he walked up to Jack. “Take care, Jack.” He said, shaking his hand, “Thanks for checking on the medical supplies.”

“Yeah, you’re fully stocked and I honestly hope you won’t need it all.” He admitted.

“Thank you again, Jack.” Desmond said, “For everything.”

“Bring your son home, Desmond,” he replied, shaking his hand, “I look forward to seeing you all again where I can take you to dinner like civilized people.”

“Well, that’s something to come back for.” Isabella laughed, kissing him on the cheek.

Kate walked over and embraced Mia; bidding farewell to her adoptive sister. She then gave John a hug, owing him so much for removing her record. The archer smiled at her, glad he got another sister in his life. The former fugitive then moved over and stood face to face with Sawyer. The redneck smiled at her, tucking his hands into his jean pockets. “Any last words of wisdom, Freckles?” he asked.

Kate smiled at him. A part of her will always love Sawyer for the way he never stopped acting like a lovable jerk. The brunette then kissed her fingers and then placed them on his lips. He quickly kissed them back. She sighed and gently patted his chest. “Whatever it is you are looking for . . . . ..I hope you find it.” She whispered.

Sawyer slowly lost in his smirk. He didn’t want to admit to Kate that he had a possible daughter. However, she was the one who knew him best of all. Sometimes it was difficult to lie to her. “I hope I do too.” He admitted.

Kate smiled, happy he HALF admitted he had a secret. Jack came over and shook his hand, bidding farewell. McKay walked out and started to remove the lines to the boat. Jack and Kate hopped off back onto the board walk. The doctor stood with his love as they could hear the engine of the yacht crank up. Shortly thereafter it began to pull away into the bay. Jack waved to them as the group stayed on the back, waving back. Kate blew kisses to all of them, trying not to cry. However, she knew deep in her heart, she would see them all again.

“Good luck, guys,” she whispered.

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


The yacht had finally cleared the bay and was on it’s way to open sea. McKay rested in his seat, controlling the throttle for the boat. The instrumental panel was all in the green and looking good. He checked the coordinates one more time and made sure they were on the right path. Then he was joined by Tony and John in the control room. The archer sat to his left and the doctor sat to his right. “How we looking, Captain?” John chuckled.

“Everything is on line, looking good.” He pointed and laughed.

“Glad we got a chance for one more adventure.” Tony smirked, “I never would have admitted it to Marita but I’m so glad I’m coming.”

“It does make you feel young again, doesn’t it?” the Australian smirked.

“It’s a shame we got to get old, eh guys?” John laughed.

“Oh, just keep shooting those arrows, John,” the one-eyed doctor laughed, “I think we’ll be just fine.”



Outside on the back of the boat, the majority of the group was hanging out; enjoying the breeze. Eddie was laughing with Tristan and Bonnie, not to mention Andra had joined their group. Chance was having a fun discussion with Raven and Jenny, while Tony and John were up from with McKay. Mia looked at all of them and was feeling nostalgic. She remembered their long journey on the Butterfly Rogue and the bonding that it caused with her and her friends. She remembered the shark attacks and finally being rescued. It was a very interesting time of her life and she’ll never forget it.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand holding a diet coke in her face. She looked up to see Sawyer with a cigarette in his mouth looking down at her. Mia calmly took the drink and laughed. “Thank you.” She giggled, popping the top.

“You bring one of your journals?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She replied.

“Then why ain’t you writing in it?” he commented as he walked over to join Chance and the others.

Mia smirked at the redneck’s subtle way of telling her, she’s the new record keeper of their group. The Lakota placed down her diet coke on the table in front of her, then reached over to her side-bag. She calmly pulled out one of her journals and a pen. Mia looked out at the vast ocean and then opened the journal and proceeded to write.

No one knows what life will offer. It’s always a changing cycle and it never stops. Me and my band of adventures now head off into the vast Unknown yet again. It will be up to me to make contact with the sentient computer known as Athena. I hope I am the right person for this job. I did such a good one with Watchman, perhaps I can capture that magic again.

I think back to our stand on the Island. I miss all the friends I lost but I appreciate what I gained so much more. I gained a husband, a daughter, and friends that became more like family than anything else. They tried to take all that away and we fought back only to win in the end. Is fate on our side? I’d like to think the answer is Yes.

Now we go to another Island to meet another group of survivors. What is their story? Have they loved and lost as we have? Have they formed friendship bonds that can’t ever be broken? Have they also been brought together by some wind of fate? I don’t know what their story is but I can tell you this.

I can’t wait to hear it.


THE END . . . . . FOR NOW.

Part 475: Saying Goodbye

January 24th, 2010

The cold winds blew up from the grassy hill. The trees were bare from their leaves and only a few birds were nearby. Certain days were warm but most of the winter was cold. The world had changed and those who didn’t change with it, where in for a rude awakening. Mia wondered who much more the world would change as she grew older. The more she walked on the grass, she didn’t think she would be growing older; simply wiser.

Tony, John, McKay, Jack, Sawyer, Sayid, Desmond and Charlie walked to the back of the hearse. The black vehicle opened up it’s rear doors, revealing the casket of their fallen. The men each took a portion of the side handles and began to escort Locke to his final resting place. The second hearse came up and opened it’s door as well. Raven took a deep breath and pulled out the casket of Ecko. Natasha, Jenny and Kellye took the handles to one side and Raven held his own on the other. He could have carried the casket all by himself but the girls wanted to share the burden; even though it wasn’t much. After the group pulled away, the third hearse had arrived with the body of Flower. Alexander opened the doors and began to carry it away, aided by Eddie, Andra, Seth, Dutch, Shanna and Hal.

The three burial plots rested on a hill, overlooking a small lake. Mia had picked it out for all three of them. She even commented that, when the times comes, they should all be buried there. Some might considered the comment morbid. However, this group had been through so much, survived so much and triumphed through so much; it felt right. They were, after all, a family.

The workers began to lower the caskets gently into their burial grounds. After they had reached the bottom, they slowly began to move the dirt into the holes. Mia held onto her daughter’s hand, hearing her child weep silently. John stayed with her, as she watched them bury the remains of her adoptive father. The Lakota gently wiped a tear from her eye as the wind blew her hair; caressing her face. “It’s not easy to lose a father . . ..twice.” she commented.

“He loved you, Mia.” Her husband whispered by her side, “You gave him what he always wanted; a family.”

“I know that but . . .he was our rock. He held us together.”

“You’re our rock now, Mia.” Shanna said, gently putting her hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah, you’ve held the Brat Pack together.” Seth whispered, “I don’t think Locke could have asked for a better successor.”

Mia smiled, gently putting her hand on Shanna’s. She stared at the tombstone which read JOHN LOCKE: LOVING FATHER AND JOURNEYMAN. The Lakota woman took a deep breath and smiled. “I won’t let him down.” She vowed, “I promise.”



Raven kneeled down next to Ecko’s grave as the men finished filling it. The wind blew his overcoat slightly. The cyborg gently picked a blade of grass and held it in his gloved fingers. “I don’t know if I am ever going to die.” He whispered, “I . . . I was ready to die so long ago but now . . . .now I am ready to live, Ecko. I wish you could have been there with me to see it but such is the winds of fate, eh? I promise I’ll look after Natasha and Jenny for you. And I know . . . .I know you’ve found your corner of Heaven now.”

Raven calmly stood up and looked down the hilltop. Jenny smiled at him as she waited by the car, with her little pug Squishface; panting from the car window. The masked man looked back at the grave one last time. “Goodbye, old friend.” He whispered, “I won’t let them fall.”



Shanna held onto a large bundle of flowers. She walked up to Flower’s tombstone and gently placed them beside it. She took a deep sigh, wiping the tears away from her eyes. “Flowers for Flower.” She whispered, “The prettiest Island girl there ever was.”

“She loved you, Shanna.” Alexander sighed, “I remember how often she talked about how proud she was of you for following your dream of music.”

“I loved her too.” The redhead stood up, “My only feeling of peace through this is that she’s reunited with her twin sister.”

“Indeed. My tribe awaits for me in the Heavenly Kingdom.”

“They’ll always be with you, Alexander.” Mandy said, taking his arm.

The blonde man looked at the woman he loved and felt a sense of pride. He will miss Flower deeply, as they bonded closer due to the lost of his brothers and sisters back on the Island. However, life always moved on. As he walked away from her grave, Bridgett came up and took his hand. Alexander knew he wasn’t her father but he felt like he was. He would make sure nothing would happen to Mandy or Bridgett. He owed it to Flower to be the man he needed to be.


Desmond looked down at the bottom of the hill where Penelope was being buried. The majority of the Widmore family were surrounding the grave. A few looked up at him with contempt; knowing who he was and why her father hated him. The Scotsman sighed, as none of them knew the full story. Since Penelope was dead, there was little point in clearing his name with those people. He knew the truth and that was all that mattered. Isabella came up and gently took his hand. She looked down at the group of people surrounding his former love’s grave. “You can come back later and say goodbye, Des.” She whispered.

“It’s all right, luv. I’ve already said, goodbye.” He said, taking her and walking away, “Let’s go get our son.”

Pat 474: Preparation

January 22nd, 2010

3: 43 am

Mia slowly opened her eyes. Her arm was sore from keeping her head propped up in the chair. To her right was her daughter Shelley, sleeping soundly away next to Bridgett. Across them in the other bud was Aaron and Brendon. Tanya was resting next to boys in a chair as well. The Lakota leaned up and rubbed her eyes. It had been one of the worst days of her life. Her daughter had been kidnapped and she lost the man she felt was her father. He wasn’t her biological father but he didn’t need to be. She was happy that her daughter got out of harms way but she felt slightly empty that she lost Locke in the process.

Then a warm sense of peace washed over her. Mia gently held her chest and took a deep breath; sighing incredibly. The Lakota woman was blessed with a unique gift; the ability to speak to the dead in dreams. The peace that enveloped her was being to her by her lost friend Brendon; she knew this. She felt it was his own way of promising that she’d see Locke again one day. It was the one thing she knew could keep her going.

Mia then looked at the door to the kids room, as it slowly opened. The light from the hallway gently felt on Shelley’s face, making her moan and turn to her side. Shanna covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry,” she whispered.

“It’s okay,” Mia whispered back, covering up her daughter with another blanket.

“How are they doing?” the redhead whispered.

“Been a long day.”

“Yeah, it has,” Shanna lowered her head a bit, then raised it up to face her friend, “Mia, the others are discussing this Island, called Isla De Verde. You want to come listen?”

“Yes, I do. Thank you, Shanna.”

Mia stood up and gently tip-toed out of the room. Tanya was still asleep by the boys, so she knew the children would not be alone. The brunette followed Shanna down the steps of Hurley’s giant mansion. The majority of the group was still awake. Joscelyn was busy fixing everybody either coffee or some form of alcoholic beverage. Hurley was with Seth and Charlie, eating ice cream. By the time, she got down the stairs, her husband immediately stood up. “You okay?” he asked.

“I’ve seen better days.” She said, embracing him.

“If you need some time, Mia . .”

“No, John. I’m going to have enough time later.” She said, kissing him on the lips briefly, “What are you guys talking about?”

“The crash of Flight 216 from Conway Airlines,” Tony leaned over, “Eddie is filling us in on what he learned.”

“Yeah, Mia, I’d like you to hear this out because it involves you too.” The young man said, resting near the fireplace.

The Lakota woman sat down next to her husband. Shanna walked by holding too steaming coffee mugs; kindly hanging one to her adoptive sister. Mia blew on the hot coffee and then motioned for the young man to continue. “While I was researching Dharma and after I was captured, I made contact with a superior computer program named Athena. She’s just like Watchman.” Eddie told her.

Mia raised her eyebrows, after sipping some coffee. “She’s . . a sentient program?” she asked.

“Yeah and on this Island, she did the same thing that Watchman did. She regulated the experiments being done. Hell, she even mentioned a creature named the Gorgon.”

“Fascinating,” Sayid said, sipping his tea, “The Gorgon was Medusa in ancient mythology. I wonder if these mad men have created a copy of Medusa itself or is it simply a code for one of them?”

“Who can say, Sayid?” Tony yawned a bit, “What else did you learn, Eddie?”

“Athena got me in communication briefly with a young girl. She looked about my age. Her name was Stacy. Apparently she had been pretty distraught but as Watchman communicated with us, Athena communicated with him. She established a remote viewing link so Stacy could see me. She held up a sign and asked if I could help her.”

“What did you say?” McKay asked.

“I gave her a thumbs up. I said, Yes, Uncle McKay.”

“That’s fine, Eddie.” The one-eyed doctor said, before turning to look at Desmond, “It’s safe to assume we’re going to that Island to retrieve Sebastian anyway.”

“Thank you.” The Scotsman sighed.

“One more adventure?” the Australian smirked, “I reckon we got one more in us.”

“You maybe, “ Sawyer commented, sipping on whisky, “Not me.”

“It’s fine, Sawyer. I doubt we’ll all be going.”

“I’m in.” Eddie said immediately.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Tony said, leaning up, “Eddie, there is no reason for you to go to this Island. Not to mention, you are still in school.”

“Tony, please there are many reasons why I need to go, “ the young man said, standing up, “First off, Sebastian is my friend. I know he’d do the same for me if our positions are reversed. Second off, there is this Stacy girl. I gave her my word I would help her. I did give anybody else’s but MINE.”

Tony stared at him. He felt a sense of fatherly pride in his conviction to stay true to his word. Clearly, he raised him well. “Please, Tony,” he whispered, “I have to do this.”

The one-eyed doctor smiled, “Okay, Eddie. You’ve convinced me. However, you have to convince your mother, agreed?”

The young man shook his head. “Yeah, that makes sense.” He agreed.

“Very well.”

“Mia has to go too, John.” Eddie pointed.

“What?” he raised his head, “Why the hell does Mia HAVE to go?”

“Because she has the most experience with Watchman, and as a result, Athena concludes that makes her the expert.”

“Why does Athena want to talk to me?” the Lakota piped in.

“Because she’s just like Watchman, Mia,” the young man faced her, “ She’s lonely. She’s in doubt. Everybody in a point to in their lives, look up toward a father figure, or God, or whatever thing they belief in and they ask the questions why am I here? What is my purpose? . .Well, Athena has asked that question. And she believes you are the only one who can answer it, Mia.”

Mia then felt a sense of deja-vu in what Eddie was saying. She was thinking about her special dream where all her past friends came to see her. Then she remembered the part where she talked to her grandmother and she showed her a woman wearing a Roman helmet; dressed in the garb of the period. She then reminded her of the statement she always said. “Wisdom I will find alone.” She whispered.

“What, Mia?” John looked at her.

“Athena . . .. .is the goddess of Wisdom, isn’t she?” she asked.

“Yes,” Sayid answered.

“Then that means I have to go.”

“Are you sure about this, Mia?” her archer husband replied.

Mia looked at him, causing a brief tear to appear under her eyelashes. She quickly wiped it away and sniffed. “It’s what Locke would have wanted me to do.” She sighed.

John said nothing. He merely placed his arm around her and shook his head; a silent way of saying he understood. McKay then leaned up and picked up the laminated map. He held it up and took another look at it. “Can you find the way, McKay?” asked Tony.

“It’s not the finding that bothers me, Tony.” The Australian answered, “It’s these strange coordinates.”

“What’s strange about them?”

“According to this directional, I have to head North, then when I reach a certain milege, then proceed west on a vector of 325 degree heading. That makes absolutely no sense, considering we can proceed on a 131 angle, then head directly there.”

“Whatever you think will work best.”

“Hey, guys, I found them.” Claire mention, over at the lap top in the living room.

Jack slowly got up and walked over. Tony joined him, as did McKay, Sawyer and Mia. The blonde Australian pulled up a website that showed the listing of the passengers of Flight 216. The website seemed to be devoted to the prayers that they were alive, even calling itself, Candlelightvigil216.com . “The Blanchard family is keeping this website up and running,” Claire pointed out, “ Apparently, their youngest boy Wesley was on the plane.”

“How many passengers?” asked Jack.

“Just shy of 75.”

“Does it list them all?” Tony leaned in.

“Seems like it lists everybody but the crew of the plane.” Claire pointed out, “ Shaun Massey, Tabitha Lamb, Krista Gaines, James Roachowski, Barbara LeCroy, David Shaw, William Bunker, and the list goes on and on.”

“Nobody I recognize.” Jack muttered.

“You were expecting to know someone?” Sawyer raised his eyebrows.

“Fate, Sawyer.” Mia smiled.

“You both can take your fate and shove it.” The redneck coughed, “I ain’t going to no crazy Island again.”

“Oh, come one, Sawyer,” Kate gently kicked him in the leg, “Don’t you want one more adventure before you become an old man?”

“I am an old man, Freckles and the answer is no,” the southern man grunted as he slumped into the couch next to Claire, “ I got no problems standing by all of ya’ll when the going gets tough but rescuing people I don’t even know? I ain’t into that anymore. No offense, Scotty.”

“None taken. He’s my son and my responsibility.” Desmond sighed, then looked to the others, “ I’ll accept any offer of help ye provide of your own accord but I’ll expect none of it from any of you . . .nor hate ye any less.”

“You and Isabella are one of us, Desmond.” Jack smiled, “We’re all survivors. We help each other when we can.”

“We’re going to need a boat.” McKay mentioned.

“Sure thing.” Hurley piped in with a mouth full of ice cream.

“We’ll need something for long range transport, not to mention be able to house all those people.”

“We could probably go for a yacht again.” John said, “ I mean, let’s be realistic. We have no idea how many of those people are still alive. And since we got to make room for them, no reason ALL of us should go.”

“In fact, who will insure that YOU make it safely back?” Sayid mentioned.

McKay looked over to Jin, who gave a thumbs up. The Korean, like the Australian, was fully capable of piloting a boat. It was a good idea. They were about to risk their lives to bring home Sebastian and a large group of people they had never met before. It would be nice to have a back up plan because they had to leave room for the unknown. They all silently agreed, that was definitely where they were heading. “I think we’re gonna need two boats.” The Australian looked at Hurley.

Hurley waved them off, signaling it would be no problem. Jack then looked at all his friends. “No lottery will be needed this time.” He smirked, “Whoever goes and stays is strictly on a volunteer basis.”

“I’m in, and so is Izzy.” Desmond said.

McKay then turned to his wife, as she rested on a nearby couch. “Taylor?” he asked, “Are you okay with me going?”

“Of course, baby,” she said, gently taking his hand, “This is what you do. You’re a hero.”

McKay kneeled down and kissed her. The fact that she would so easily approve him leaving her meant their relationship was even stronger. She gently stroked his stubbled cheek as she looked up at him. “Promise me, you’ll keep these people safe and you’ll be home before our baby is born.” She whispered.

“I promise,” he smiled down on her.

Alexander then stood up and walked over to his mention. The bald man stood up and looked at him. “Father, I would love nothing better than to return to the jungle with you,” he whispered, “But I think . . .perhaps it would be best, if I stay . . and keep Mandy, Bridgett, . .and Taylor safe.”

McKay smiled at him and then embraced him; patting him on the back. “I’m proud of you, boy,” he laughed, “That’s the most mature thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Tony smiled at the show of affection. As he had adopted Eddie, McKay had down the same thing with Alexander. He then felt two smooth hands caress his arm. He turned to look at his loving wife staring up at him. “Go with them, Tony,” she smiled with pride.

“You sure, Rita?” he asked, facing her.

“You should go. They may need a doctor, not to mention if Barbara approves of Eddie going . . . .I’d feel much better if you were there to keep him out of trouble.”

“Don’t you mean the opposite of that?” Eddie jokingly pointed toward his father figure.

Marita laughed as she hugged the young man and her husband at the same time. John then looked at his friends, then turned to face his wife. Mia smiled at him, gently rubbing his arms. “You know I ain’t letting you go without me.” He said, more like a statement than a question.

“Of course.” She smirked.

“As much as I’d like to go with you guys, I can’t.” Seth replied, “Turboshaft is on the rise and if we stop that for ever a month, it might hurt our chances to rise to the top. I’m sorry.”

“There is no reason to apologize, Seth. You are correct, Turboshaft is your life now. You don’t need to go off to some Island, risking it all.” The Lakota then turned to the redhead by her side, “Besides . . . .I couldn’t think of a better person to watch my daughter while I am away.”

Shanna raised her eyes at the kindest statement she’s heard her whole life. The redhead then embraced her adoptive sister, kissing her on the cheek. “Will you keep an eye on Shelley for me?” Mia asked.

“Two eyes.” Shanna giggled, “As often as I can spare them.”

“Speaking of kids, I better check on Aaron.” Claire said, getting away from the computer.

As Claire moved away, Sawyer looked at the computer screen again. He then stepped up and sat down in her spot, browsing through the names to satisfy his own curiosity. Chance yawned and then leaned up, massaging his wounded leg. “You going, Hal?” he asked.

“I don’t think I could get the leave in time.” The cop admitted.

“I could.” Jenny smiled.

“Jenny, are you serious?” Jack said, leaning down to look at her, “I mean, after everything you’ve gone through . . .”

“That’s the whole point, big brother.” The cop sighed, “I was tortured for knowledge for Raven. And this Island is an aspect of those people. I need . . . .I need to help these people so the same thing that happened to me wouldn’t happen to them.”

The doctor shook his head. It was a semi-decent reason. Maybe Jenny needed to get away, maybe she needed an adventure; he didn’t know. However, the doctor was determined that she wouldn’t go alone. “Then make sure you take your guardian angel with you.” He pointed to Raven.

“I’ll keep her safe.” The cyborg promised.

“I’m in too.” Chance piped in.

His wife Arizona leaned up from where she was resting next to Libby. The woman removed her blanket and looked at her husband. “We’re really going to this Island, Chance?” she asked.

“I said, I was going, baby. Not US.” He said, in all seriousness.

“Excuse me?” she scoffed, in likewise seriousness.

“Hear me out,” he said, taking her hand, “You need to stay with Hal and Libby. You’re gonna need their help.”

“Help with what?”

“Finding us a place to live.”

The Texan’s eyes went wide and despite what they were going through, she felt the happiest in a long time. She felt she had more of a connection with the survivors of Flight 815 than anyone but Chance was relunctant to leave Texas. It would seem he finally buckled and gave in to the same belief. Good things happen when they are all together. The woman leaped over and embraced her husband. Chance laughed as he kissed her. “If you are going to live here, then you get to host Superbowl.” Hal joked.

“Can do, cappy.” the gunslinger laughed.

“Sayid, may I please go with them?” Andra said, stepping up.

“Why, my dear?” the Iraqi asked.

“Perhaps the experiments are going on this Island as well. Perhaps the Black and Red project is happening too. I can help with that.”

“You are a grown woman, Andra. You can make your own decisions. Do you want to do this?”

“I do.”

“Your mother would be proud of you.” Shannon rubbed her back, then embraced her.

“Well, then I guess that’s it. Sayid, you can lead the second group in case we don’t make it back in time to-“ McKay tried to say.

“I’m in!” Sawyer abruptly said.

The group stopped their conversation and looked at the redneck. He smiled briefly and shrugged his shoulders. “I changed my mind, I’m in.” he admitted.

“Great.” McKay laughed a bit.

“What the sudden change in heart, brother?” Desmond asked.

“Oh, it’s . . .uh . . . like Curley said, I think we got one more adventure left in us.”

Desmond was confused but he knew Sawyer could handle himself in a fight and therefore, he would be useful to have. “Bloodly lovely then,” he said, shaking his hand, “Welcome aboard.”

The group then started to break up. It was had a rough day and they were well into the morning of the next day. They had to get prepped for their trip to Isla De Verde. Hurley had to buy them two ships which he assured would not be a problem. He even laughed a bit saying that since the purchase of these ships would lead to the rescue of the survivors of flight 216, then he’ll probably make money off it; thanks to his reverse curse. Jack vowed to Tony that he would be on the second boat, ready to come after them at a moment’s notice. Jin also mentioned he wouldn’t have any problem piloting the other ship. McKay vowed to make a copy of the map before he left.

Everybody slowly migrated into the kitchen except Kate. The brunette slowly strode over to the redneck sitting in the chair next to the computer. Sawyer was looking at the names in list and then felt her looking at him. “Something on your mind, Freckles?” he asked.

“Why did you REALLY change your mind, Sawyer?” she asked.

“I told you. I ain’t in the grave yet. I can be of help to the guys, honestly.”

“Don’t play with me.” She said, gently kicking his boot, “ I know you better than most. When you told Desmond that you were just looking for one more adventure, I thought I heard something familiar.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“The old Sawyer. The con-man Sawyer. In the old days when your mouth dripped honey, the bees would die of poison.”

“I’m flattered, Sassafras but it’s like I told you. McKay is my friend, as is Cochise and Robin Hood. What kind of a man would I be if I didn’t stick by them?”

Kate smirked and gently ran her finger down his chest. She shook her head in agreement, then proceeded to walk down the kitchen. She momentarily disappeared but then quickly reappeared, sticking her head back from behind the hallway wall. “I’m glad you are sticking by your friends, Sawyer,” she smiled, “But . . . .I STILL don’t believe you. You’re hiding something.”

“WOULD YOU . . .just go on!” the redneck waved her off.

Kate finally left the redneck alone in the living room. Sawyer rubbed his mouth, then his stubbled chin. Kate was right; he was hiding something. However, it was one thing that Sawyer never expected to come back into his life. He had left this part of his past a long time ago. He wasn’t about to admit to Mia and the others about things like “fate”. He didn’t believe in them but Locke once said, it believes in you. And now his life had come full circle. Sawyer turned around and stared at the list of the survivors of flight 216. He kept his eyes on the name at the bottom; a name he’d never thought he’d see again.

Clementine Phillips.