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The LOST Writers' Island -> The Fan Fiction Section (for Skate fiction) -> Brave New World-Skatecentric, ensemble character, S3-4, NC-17, Incomplete
Post Info TOPIC: Brave New World-Skatecentric, ensemble character, S3-4, NC-17, Incomplete
sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
Brave New World-Skatecentric, ensemble character, S3-4, NC-17, Incomplete
Permalink  

Summary This fan fiction picks up where we left off in season 3 with promise of rescue. What happened in the missing 3 years between when they leave the island for good and when Kate meets Jack again? What happened to make Jack want to go back? Who stays and who goes? How will the rescue affect Sawyer and Kate? Who are these newcomers who have promised rescue to the losties? Hopefully all of these questions will be answered and more in the in this fiction. This first chapter is basically just a recap of where we left off in season 3. We meet Peter Minkowski, Kate tries to confront an angry guilt ridden Sawyer, and Kate gets a surprise of her own.

Brave New World

Chapter 1

Returning with Jack and the rest of the group to back to the beach, where the man on the walkie talkie said they would meet up, Kate thought about the events of the day. In all of the drama, Locke coming back, Ben, Naomi getting shot, Danielles reunion with Alex, Only 2 out of the three explosions heard from the hill, and Jacks proclamation of love, Kates mind kept going back to only one thing, one subject, one person--Sawyer.

What Jack said had made sense. She had longed to hear those words so long from him. It was almost painful, feeling like that small child again who craved one kind word from her father. The father she knew, Sam was so critical of her growing up. She couldnt remember too many occasions where she truly believed he was proud of her. Kate supposed she liked Jack, because he reminded her of Sam in some aspects. A very hard worker, who put his country ahead of everything else...He was a hero to her.

There were so many times she screamed in her mind for Jack to 'just say it, please!' She needed his approval that badly. In some semblance she thought if Jack could accept and love her then she could be redeemed for blowing up Wayne. If someone like him could forgive her, then maybe she could be forgiven.

But when he finally said the words to her today, it didnt give her the reaction she thought it would. She should have been comforted by his acceptance or words of wisdom. She should have been able to shout that she loved him back. But she couldnt. She couldnt because she didnt love him back. His words didnt bring her the comfort that someone elses had.

Going back to that day. She remembered it had been one of her scariest and one of her best. Making the decision to sleep with Sawyer had been a line she crossed, that she drew for herself. It had taken her out of her comfort zone; it took her to a place she had never been before. It was euphoric, but also terrifying. Terrifying because seeing what it could be like with Sawyer actually made her happy, and terrifying because if she gave her heart to him, she wouldnt ever be able to get it back, and more terrifying still because she thought she could lose him.

The couple weeks that passed in-between had made her naturally step away from what they had, her feelings for him, because at the time, she didnt want to think about it. Thinking about it meant it was real and there was a price to be paid if it went sour. But then she came back and he held her so tight. And she didnt want to let go--ever! If Kate could live the rest of her life in Sawyers arms, she thought, she would. It was such a relief to have his support again, to hear his breath, to be home.

She wanted to kiss him right there on the beach but then other things unfolded. Bigger things that threatened everyone here. And she couldnt concentrate on him. She couldnt concentrate on anything. And then Jack started hanging around Juliet, and she knew something was going to happen. Something bad. She didnt trust Juliet for a second, but Jack wouldnt listen to her.

And like water to the sea, she found herself in Sawyers arms again. Where she felt safe, where she could forget about everything else and just be with him.

Kate had lost count of how many times she went to his tent. Everything seemed so blurry lately. She didnt want to address what was happening between them, but she didnt want to let go either. Going back to him like a moth to a flame, she felt guilty for not being able to spend the night. But if she did that it would have more meaning. She would have to address her feelings again, and she didnt want to do that, she wasnt ready.

Her last goodbye kiss to him was late at night, her leaving him, and him wanting more. Kate figured they would just pick up where they left off the next day. It was becoming like a ritual. She just wanted to take things slow.

But then something happened. Kate didnt know what it was. But something changed Sawyer over night. She wondered if it was her, or something she said. But then Sawyer had come back the next day with a tape from Locke, and he seemed much more elusive. Much colder. It scared her.

She wanted her old friend back. Remembering the days when he would undergo torture for a kiss or let them beat him senseless. But he had changed, hadnt he? Kate knew he had, but now he retreated back inside himself. He went back to that dark place that scared her so bad.

She wanted to reach out to him. She wanted to...mulling over the L word in her head it was hard for her even to think, but she knew he meant what he said that one night, their first time, and she thought she might finally be able to admit what she had been resisting for so long.

She might finally be able to admit that she, that she...loved him.

Despite what Sawyer had said to her earlier, about not wanting her to go with him, she wanted to get back to him too. To make sure he was alright. Even if he was pushing her away right now she had to make sure he was safe.

Closing her eyes, she walked back behind Sun. Sun was a good friend of hers and she knew she wanted desperately to get back to Jin.

"Hey" Kate exclaimed. Waking Sun up out of her daydream, she walked in pace with the woman.

Sun looked up at her and smiled faintly...

"Hello Kate!"

Kate trusted Suns judgment and asked her, just needing to talk for a moment, to keep her mind away from lingering thoughts...

"So do you think this is really it? We're really going to be rescued this time?"

Sun looked back at her with glassy eyes, pausing for a moment before she answered...

"I dont know Kate...I want to believe...I have to!"

Kate put hand on Suns arm, knowing that the woman was very worried about her husband right now, and Kate replied...

"He'll be alright Sun...Im sure he will...Sawyer (she paused for a moment, there was that name again, and continued...) Sawyer and Juliet went back to make sure everything was okay.

Sun nodded a silent thanks, relieved to hear Kates comforting words.

She put her hand on her stomach. Not wanting to confess to anyone, what Juliet had told her about her dying, but then she remembered Kate was there. Surprising Kate, Sun asked her...

"Do you want to go home Kate?"

Kate looked at Sun puzzled for a moment, thinking the question came out of nowhere, and yet, she hit the nail on the head, watching where the womans hand lay. She didnt have an answer to that question...because she didnt know where home was...Here...there...

"I guess so..." She replied not really sure of her reply. But...what if? Kate couldnt talk to anyone about this. What if she was pregnant? Kate started breathing heavily. Stopping for a moment she put her hands on her knees and took a swig of water from her bottle. Sun noticed her friends pause and stopped for a moment, allowing Kate to catch up.

"Are you okay Kate?"

Kate looked back at her uncertainly. Worried the doubt was written all over her face she nodded a little too quickly, replying...

"Of course! Im fine."

Sun did not look entirely convinced, but she was too worried about Jin at the moment to persist.

Once they were back at the beach, Kate immediately scanned the terrain in search of Him. She saw Sun pass her and run towards Jin. It made her happy. At the same time jealous. Wishing that she could have something like that some day.

She looked around, still no sign of Sawyer. Kate noticed Jack nearby surveying the bodies and he was talking to Juliet. He seemed relieved that Juliet was okay and she hugged him. Kate didnt know how she felt about that. She had felt the distance between her and Jack for so long now, and their last conversation left her very confused. But still, her concentration remained on Sawyer. The other people were talking with Bernard and Sayid about what happened. Both sides reliving the sequence of events that took place in the last few hours.

Suddenly, Kate saw that flash of blonde hair in a wave as he went into his tent and she made her way towards him apprehensively.

"Sawyer?"

Kate peeked her head in his tent and watched him put his gun away. Kate wanted to talk about what was going on between them. After what Jack had said up there, she wanted to know if it was true. Was Sawyer just protecting her or was it something else? She stood there for a moment, not sure if he heard her...

"Saw..."

But then Sawyer broke the silence, not bothering to turn around, but asked her with an indifferent tone...

"You get that signal?"

Her pause caused him to turn around. Kates smile of relief faded when she saw the somber look on his face. And she simply nodded, swallowing a little to parch her dry throat..."

"Ah yeah...They are going to bring a helicopter in to meet us here..."

Sawyer nodded and looked down at his feet, not daring to meet her gaze in that moment or she would see the worry on his face...

"Guess we better pack up then...get those passports in order!"

White washing his face again, he looked up at her dismissively. Kates pause was a little longer then necessary. Her eyes lingered with his. Her voice hung in her throat and she nodded, clearing it a little...

"Yeah I guess..."

A little bit miffed Kate started to turn away, but then she remembered why she was here.

"Sawyer?"

He was doing so good keeping his distance from her. And she was making it so hard being here right now. Sawyer knew what Kate wanted and he wasnt going to give it to her, shaking his head...

"Dont Kate!"

Kate met his gaze with pain filled eyes. And she asked him point blank.

"Why wont you tell me what happened out there?"

Sawyer closed his eyes. He couldnt do this right now.

"Aint nothin to tell!"

It hurt Kate that he wouldnt call her Freckles anymore. It was like he was dead inside. The man standing in front of her now, she could no longer recognize. But she had to try, it was worth more then just some stupid silly argument or the risk of hurting his feelings, she had to know. Her eyes pleading with his...

"James, please? (Her voice was a little softer now, but she added) You scare me when you get like this..."

A wave of guilt passed over Sawyers face, realizing what he was doing to her. But she had pushed him away too. If he could have wrapped her in his arms right now and kissed her senseless, he would have. She needed that comfort, he did too. But he couldnt, cause he didnt deserve it, he was afraid. He couldnt risk what was left of him having any kind of feeling. The hurt the pain of her rejection. Preferring to be just numb, he tried his hardest to turn it off. The struggle apparent on his face...

"Just go pack up your things...Maybe the doc's more your speed for chattin..." He replied annoyed.

Kate refused to listen to him and she put her hand on his arm, her tone louder now...

"Sawyer!"

"I think we..."

But before Kate could finish what she was saying Sawyer turned around and snapped back at her...

"Sawyer's dead Kate!" His eyes were full of a fire, and it scared Kate. So much so that she started to tremble and back away.

Sawyer immediately regretted his harsh tone with her, but Kate had turned around and left so fast he couldnt reach out. His body would not let him. Closing his eyes for a minute he simply shook his head and sighed hard in frustration.

She wouldnt understand. She never would. And he deserved that look she gave him because he was the monster just like Cooper told him. They were in hell and there was nothing he could say or do to change that. Retreating back into himself he went back outside to help the other men who were digging graves for the recently departed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the helicopters came they all heard it. Jack was talking to Ben at that moment. Locke had gone off again disappearing to wherever he came from. Smiling smugly at Ben, Jack exclaimed...

"Im going to make sure you stay tied up to this tree over here while you watch us all fly away...Then we can see who was right and who was wrong!"

Ben just stared at him in his cool demeaning manner and said nothing. A smug smile of his own, and once Jack left he muttered...

"I already know!"

Two helicopters came both landing down the beach and everyone gathered around the cabins awaiting their rescuers. Jack standing closest. Sawyer set down his shovel at the other end of the beach and watched the surreal scene unfold in front of him. He never thought he would see the day they were rescued. Kate stood outside her tent watching it all. A puzzled expression on her face when she saw that all the helicopters were full. 2 teams of men and women in rugged sporting gear emerged from the cockpit door.

A man who held an air of authority was the first to break away from the group and he headed straight for Jack.

"You Dr.Jack Sheppard?" he asked.

Jack nodded and replied..."Yes, I am!"

The man extended his hand to shake Jacks..."Im Peter Minkowski...We spoke on the phone...

Jack nodded his head...

"Nice to meet you Peter!" Minkowski smiled strangely and then Jack looked at his people questioningly...

"What's all this?" He asked gesturing to the team of men and women Minkowski had brought along with him.

Minkowski asked him first...

"Where is Naomi? Why didnt she make that phone call?"

Jack shook his head and looked back at him regretfully...

"It was an accident...

Minkowski looked back at him strangely...

"An accident?"

Jack explained...

"There are people here...People who lived here before we crashed that dont want us to leave... (He met Minkowski's gaze) Naomi was caught in that crossfire with one of the men who they turned against us..."

Minkowski simply nodded, noticing all of the sudden Ben who was tied to a tree, pointing to him, he asked...

"Is he one of those people?"

Jack nodded, shaking his head because he felt the need to defend himself...

"Listen...This isnt what it looks like...This island is different...These people have hurt and killed some of ours...We just want to get out of here!"

Minkowski just nodded his head...

"Im sure you would Dr. Sheppard...And we would like to offer you that option...However (Jack looked at him questioningly noting his however) If you want us to help you...We need you to cooperate with us..."

Jack was puzzled and asked him pointedly...

"Cooperate how?"

Minkowski explained...

"We have been trying to get on this island for the last 3 months...A signal was blocking our copters which Im sure is why Naomis crashed...But we are part of a research team...It has taken us this long to get on the island...We will need at least 2 weeks to conduct our experiments and get samples to take back with us...At the end of the 2 weeks, we would be happy to give you and your people a ride back to the mainland with us..."

Jack shook his head...

"No...We cant wait...There have been other research teams that have crashed here and perished Mr. Minkowski...If you can get in and out now, we should all leave now! (He shook his head frustratedly...) Cant you just call the coast guard or something and tell them that you have found the survivors of flight 815?"

Minkowski simply smirked...

"Which coast were you referring to Dr. Sheppard...The one 5,000 miles away or 10?"

He patted Jacks shoulder...

"It wont be long; I promise Dr. Sheppard...If you and your people have survived here over the past 3 months, then 2 weeks will seem like a breeze..."

He turned and gestured for his people to approach in order to delegate assignments. Jack turned back frustratedly and went over to Juliet.

"Unbelievable! What is it with people and 2 weeks?" He recalled that was how long Ben had told him he would be in their captivity for. And then Jack looked over at Ben who was watching him with his smug grin still, and Jack shouted...

"What are you looking at?"

Stomping off into his tent.

Kate hadnt heard all of the conversation, but she heard the last part about the 2 weeks and went to Jacks tent to ask him what they were going to do...

"Jack! What are you going to do about Ben? He cant just stay here with us for 2 whole weeks can he? He's a killer and I know some people are very uncomfortable around him!" (She was speaking mostly about herself there, although Kate was sure Sawyer would have words for Ben as well, or would he?)

Kate looked back at him concerned and Jack just yelled back...

"I dont know Kate! (Jacks eyes flared and he protested) Everyone always expects me to make the decisions around here and I thought we would be long gone before anyone would even notice Ben. So excuse me if I cant give you an answer right now!"

Kate grew annoyed with Jacks demeaning tone and walked out of his tent with a hard sigh. She knew there was no point arguing with him when he was like this. A few days ago maybe even a week ago, she would have gone back and apologized to him. But now she didnt want to say she was sorry anymore. She was done with being sorry.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week had passed. Not much had changed other then Minkowski and his team had set up their own encampments around the island. Some they saw, some they didnt. Minkowski seemed bound and determined to split up the natives from the non natives though, which Kate found unusual. She couldnt talk to anyone about it. Feeling like Jack would just tell her that he was busy, and Sawyer still wasnt saying much. Sawyer worried her more and more with each passing day. But those worries were pushed to the back of her mind when she realized that she had been 3 days late.

Kate didnt think she could go to Sawyer about this now. He would practically keel over and die if he thought there was a chance that she was. Remembering his words from last week..."Well lets hope your not!" Kate knew this would not come as good news to him. Still she had to find out one way or another. As terrified as she was, knowing that if she was, and they never got off this island, she could potentially die, or if they did get off, Sawyer would most likely not stay with her and then she would be left to raise the baby alone, she had to know. Neither one sounded like a promising alternative, but it was an answer to a question that could potentially change her life.

It was the afternoon and Kate went to find Juliet. She wasnt hard to seek out. Kate found her hanging up her laundry outside her tent.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" Kate asked Juliet apprehensively.

Juliet turned to Kate curiously and replied...

"Ah sure Kate...What is it?"

Kate looked around to make sure no one could overhear them and took a deep breath looking back at Juliet, she exclaimed...

"Im late!"

Juliet looked back at her clinically nodding her head and asked...

"By how much?"

Kate looked back at her agonizingly...

"Well I thought it was just a few days, but I looked back at my calendar and I think it could be more like a week, week and a half..."

Juliet nodded. And calmly replied...

"Well I dont have any pregnancy tests on me, but if you want...I can take you back to the Pearl station for an ultrasound?"

Kate looked like a scared girl all of the sudden and nodded her head, speaking softly...

'Yes...I think that would be best..."

Juliet left her clothes hanging and set down the basket looking back at Kate, she exclaimed...

"Come with me then!"

Kate followed Juliet to the Pearl Station. Recognizing this place from when she went with Claire and Rousseau, she hadnt gotten to the ultra sound machine room yet and was surprised to see that it was hidden...

"Why is it hidden away?" Kate asked. Juliet simply turned to her and asked for her help, grunting as they pulled the lockers out of the way...

"So the new mothers were kept closed off from the terminally ill ones...Also (she gestured over to a side wall) There is a hidden escape route in this room, incase the hostiles found us"

"The hostiles?" Kate asked her curiously as she got on the chair and lifted up her shirt...

"Yes, they are the indigenous people of this island, and they have never liked our interference..."

Little did Juliet know that most of the men and women she worked for were part of this hostile group. Instead she turned to Kate and put some clear gel on her abdomen...

"Just relax" Juliet ordered her calmly...

"This is going to feel cold"

Kate looked at the black screen waiting for an image to appear. She couldnt see a thing besides blackness and some grey squiggly lines.

Juliet moved the wand over her stomach and Kate looked at the screen apprehensively...

"So am I?"

Her breathing started to become shallow as she awaited Juliets response. Juliet was studying the screen very carefully. And then she looked back at Kate nodding her head...

Kate let out a gasp and Juliet pointed to a small light spot on the screen, barely recognizable if she hadnt pointed it out...

"Right there..." Juliet said with a small smile...."Thats your baby! Its about 3-4 weeks along give or take a few days...I cant get an accurate read when its this early..."

Kate started feeling light headed and she put her hand up on her forehead.

"I cant be...I just cant... (Kate sat up anxiously looking at Juliet) What am I going to do now?"

Juliet looked down at the floor for a moment and then back at Kate, raising her eyebrows...

"Have you told him?"

Kate shook her head...

"No I cant...He wont want it!"

Juliet put her hand on Kates arm...

"Listen...Kate! Ive noticed it too...His behavior this last week...I dont know what happened, but I know it happened after he came back with that tape, and Im betting whatever happened, Ben had something to do with it."

Kates face fell.

Of course, she thought. Ben played his mind warp trick on Sawyer! She was just surprised Sawyer would fall for it again, but whatever it was, whatever Ben told him, it was Big. And she knew she had to approach this carefully.

Juliet was cleaning up and threw her gloves in the trash bin, turning back to Kate...

"I dont know if you'll get much out of Ben, but you should really tell him Kate...He should know!"

Kate looked back at Juliet and walked out of the Pearl station a new protectiveness washed over her. Aware of her body all of the sudden and the way it felt as she moved, she longed for that day when she could tell Sawyer. Wished he would be happy to hear of the news and happy to see her. She wanted her Sawyer back!

And Kate only knew one man who could do that for her. She left Juliet and the Pearl in search of Ben.


-- Edited by sawyersmine at 18:52, 2008-03-18

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
Permalink  

Summary Kate has to get Sawyers gun from him in order to have a chat with Ben and then, is overwhelmed by Jacks reaction, and Sawyers as well.

Chapter 2

It was getting dark now. Most of the camp had returned to their fires, enjoying dinner and conversation with one another. High hopes of getting out of here was the primary topic of conversation. Everyone had questions about Minkowski's research team and why they were really here as well. They saw strange equipment being carried into the jungle, brought in by their helicopters. Peter, could barely spare a moment to answer anyones prying questions, so they were just left to speculate. And speculate they did.

Kate had made it back to camp. Noticing the usual campfire buzz and her eyes scanned the beach, surveying where everyone was, what they were doing. She had a notion, that her conversation with Ben should not be overheard by prying ears. She also needed something to persuade him with.

A gun would work, she thought. Wondering where she would get a gun. And then she remembered she saw Sawyer with one right before they came back. He was packing it away with his things. She wondered what the odds were of that gun still being there.

So Kate crept over to Sawyers tent. She kicked some sand inside to test if she would get some snarky remark from the inside. But there was none. She was met by silence. Kate looked in nervously. Knowing when she saw him again, she would have to tell him the truth. But right now, Kate was thankful that he wasnt here. Thankful that she had something to preoccupy her time with.

She found his luggage, and started to dig through it, finding her hand brush with the sand below while wafting through his clothing. Kate closed her eyes for a moment breathing in the familiar scent. She missed him. Oh how she wished she could take that night back. If she hadnt been such a coward and stayed here with him, this might not have happened.

Kate knew Sawyer would not take too kindly to finding her here digging through his stuff. So she made a conscious effort to hurry a little more, running her hand around the bottom of his suitcase. She couldnt get caught up in nostalgia now, needing to keep her focus. And then Kate felt the cool hard barrel with her hand, and she knew she had found it.

Picking up the gun, Kate noted that it was another 9mm, checking to make sure this was one of his loaded guns, and it was, she slipped it into the back of her jeans.

Kate was about to leave his tent when the flap opened up and she was staring at Sawyer face to face like a deer caught in the headlights.

"What are you doing here Kate?" Sawyer asked her tiredly.

Kate swallowed, her voice caught in her throat. She blinked, her mouth opening...

'Sawyer, Im pregnant'...She wanted to say, but didnt.

"I was wondering if you had any aspirin... (She put her hand to her damp forehead...) I have a headache..."

It was a lie, she knew it. But Kate still looked up at him sadly, her eyes searching for the man she once knew.

Sawyer frowned for a moment and gestured back to the suitcase...

"It's in the left pocket."

Kate looked up at him with a small smile and then she unzipped his pocket. Taking the bottle of aspirin out, Kate all the sudden felt guilty for taking his gun without asking him. She wanted to make things right, she wanted so desperately to tell him....

"Listen Sawyer, I..."

Sawyer looked back at her strangely completely elusive to her dilemma, thinking she just wanted to talk about that other thing that he didnt want to talk about, and he cut her off, asking....

"The Doc run out or somethin?"

Kate looked at him puzzled for a moment and just asked him...

"what?"

Sawyer gestured down to her hand...

"The aspirin...He didnt have any?"

Kate creased her brow, understanding now what Sawyer was doing. Angry for a moment that he would try to get under her skin like that, but she held her cool. Replying plainly...

"I wouldnt know...I didnt ask him!"

Kate remained in her place for a moment, opting not to tell Sawyer about the gun, because she was sure he would just try to pick a fight with her over it and she replied moving towards his tent flap...

"Thanks for the aspirin Sawyer!"

Sawyer looked back at her miffed for a moment and then he replied under his breath...

"Yeah anytime..."

Kate was on her way out and she looked back over her shoulder at Sawyer and she exclaimed.

"Oh and Sawyer?" Sawyer thought Kate had already left and looked back at her questioningly...

"We need to talk!"

Kate replied simply looking at him matter of factly and then she walked out of his tent. Sawyers gaze followed her from behind. His mind wandering to the farthest regions. He knew deep down that she wanted to know what happened. But was that just Kate playing mini-Jack tryin to save everyone? Perhaps she was just tryin to clear her conscience before she broke his heart forever. He had a feeling something else was on her mind as well. Wondering if she would tell him once and for all that it was over with them, that was usually what that line meant, wasnt it? He didnt know much about relationships, but 'we need to talk' never turned out ending well for the guy in his experience.

He felt guilty knowing he owed her more of an explanation, but part of him just couldnt bring himself to do it. Why did things have to be so hard? It was so much easier when he was the one doing the screw over instead of getting screwed over himself. Sawyer just shook his head and headed to his woodpile. She'd have to find him first if she wanted to talk. Plenty of wood had been cut and they had enough to last them the week, maybe even 2, but Sawyer needed the distraction. This woman was gonna be the death of him.

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Twilight had come and was fading away when Kate approached Ben who appeared to be dozing off. Someone had brought him his food already, she saw that no one was around and decided to use her chance.

Walking straight up to Ben, Kate took the gun out of the back of her pants and clicked the safety off.

Ben heard the clicking noise and looked up to see Kate standing before him. His eyes werent filled with fear but instead intrigue. Smiling back up at her, he asked...

"What can I do for you Miss. Austen?"

Kate just looked at him, remembering everything he put all 3 of them through when they were back in his captivity, the hate coming through her eyes. And she looked at him and spoke through clenched jaw...

"What did you do to him?"

Ben studied her face for a moment and then he chuckled to himself...

"Which him were you referring to Kate? The one you risked your life to save or the one who made a deal with us to save you?"

Kates eyes flared. She wasnt about to let him get the upper hand here. Getting back to the point, she exclaimed angrily...

"I mean Sawyer, what did you do to him?"

Ben just shook his head...

"I didnt do anything to him...You should know above anyone, that he acts on his own accord!"

Kate put the butt of her gun up against his temple...

"Tell me goddamit or I will kill your sorry ass!"

Ben just smiled and replied sarcastically...

"Oh Kate, Did our last meeting mean so little to you? (He met her gaze with his large entrancing eyes) I know you prefer to use explosives!"

Ben simply smirked while Kate looked back at him horrified. He continued...

"Go ahead and shoot me, if you must. I dont have the answer to your question. I may know who does. But if you shoot me, you'll never know will you? I dont think I have much motivation to lie here tied up to this tree for another day. If that is my prize for helping you, then Ill say no thank you. That handgun your holding looks far more inviting. And as an added bonus, the price of my head will lie solely on your conscience!"

Kate closed her eyes in frustration and glared back at him...

"What do you want?"

Ben looked pleasantly surprised...

"Well I do have to give you some credit for asking that Kate...We are now finally on the same page..."

He smirked proudly and she asked again...

"What do you want?"

Bens smile faded and he looked directly at Kate for a moment, completely serious...

"I want you to let me go Kate!"

Kate shook her head...

"Never!

She glared at him with contempt.

You would just go running back to them and we would have to deal with your army all over again... (She shook her head) I wont do it!"

Ben shook his head...

"My army, as you put it will be coming with or without my instructions, but it is not you they seek...(Kate looked at him confused for a minute) If you ever stopped to look and see what Peter Minkowski and his men were doing here, you might have an inkling of a clue..."

Kate stared at him even more puzzled and Ben shook his head, smiling...

"Did Dr. Burke ever tell you about that runway we were building? Its for us...Not them...And we need it to protect this island and its properties...They have already began to patrol our sea borders...These people...Minkowski and his team only live to exploit that, and can you imagine what would happen if word got out that there was a place such as this lying in the south pacific? Can you imagine the abuse of power? Its like handing the recipe for the atomic bomb over to that war zone you call the Middle East. We are here to protect this island Kate, despite what you think of us, we are preservationists first and foremost! If you let Minkowski and his team get what they want here you will only be assisting him with his exploitation and demolition of the world..."

Kate looked back at him strangely and asked apprehensively...

"What makes you think I will believe any of this?"

Ben looked down at the ground for a moment and then back up at her...

"Just get a hold of one of those samples and you will understand... (He paused for a moment debating in his head whether he should tell her...) And as far as James goes...The man who will be able to give you his full story is John Locke...but I can tell you that a ghost from both their pasts came back to haunt and James was the one who got stuck taking out the trash..."

Kate looked back at him confused for a moment as she turned over thoughts in her mind. Before Kate could reply, Ben added...

"I beg you to let me go Kate...You know as well as I, that its only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down around us and I would prefer to at least be given the courtesy of a few days head start before that happens..."

Ben looked back at Kate pleadingly. Kate was doubtful. She didnt think she would be able to find Locke in time to confirm Bens story.

"I dont think...." She began to reply, but Ben cut her off, his voice desperate...

"If you do, I will make sure you and your people get off this island safely...The price is too great...We would like to drive Minkowski and his men out peacefully, by luring them away, and if we can get those communication shields back up once you are all back on the boat, none of you will be able to return...And they will most likely turn back and take you home until they figure out what else could break that signal from the outside world..."

Kate pursed her lips. She hated doing things that were rash, preferring to think this out, ask for someone elses opinion, but Ben was very convincing...

"Please Kate!" he begged.

And finally Kate snapped, her head was foggy, and she had reached the end of her rope, taking anything new in. Trying all afternoon to think about what to do about Sawyer and the news of their baby. Getting out of here was just the cherry on the icing. She removed a knife from her pocket and cut the knotted rope tied around the back of his hands.

As his bounds broke free he rubbed his wrists and stood up, bracing himself against the tree. Giving her a slight nod, he replied to Kate...

"Thank you!"

And just like that, Ben was gone.

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Dusk had come and gone and Kate wanted to desperately find Sawyer, but she felt she had an obligation to at least tell Jack what Ben had said. It could after all affect them all. They needed to be on guard against Minkowski and his men.

Rounding the corner outside Jacks tent, Kate saw him laughing with Juliet. The gentle banter between the two of them reminded her of the old days, when things were easier between she and him. Kate had such a different perception of Jack then versus now. It was almost strange to see him smile.

Going up to Jack she approached him quietly. Giving Juliet a gentle nod, there was an understanding between the two women now. And Kate addressed Jack....

"Jack I need to talk to you for a minute"

"What is it Kate?" Jack replied questioningly. Juliet all the sudden stood up having getting the hint that she should not be there, and made her excuses.

Jack called back to Juliet, but she just waved her hand going on about needing to catch Sun for some more aloe extract before she went to bed.

Jack turned back to Kate and asked again...

"What did you want to tell me?"

Kate all the sudden felt that frog in her throat. She was sure Jack would just yell at her, so she tried to find a natural way to ease into the conversation with him...

She took a seat on the log outside his tent. Feeling a wave of nausea, but it passed quickly. Looking up at him Kate paused for a minute, and asked curiously

"So you and Juliet?"

She smiled awkwardly back at Jack. Jack just looked at her with creased brow and he shook his head...

"You couldnt expect me to wait forever Kate..."

Kate looked back at him sadly and asked in a soft voice...

"You meant what you said then?"

Kate was referring to Jacks declaration of love he made to her over a week ago. Jack just shook his head and smiled clenching his jaw, frustrated.

"Of course...But your silence gave me all the answer I needed..."

Kate looked down at the ground, not able to meet his gaze. She didnt want to hurt him, thats not what this was about. And Jack continued...

"But you might want to tell the guy whose tent you've been hanging around all this time, (Kate all the sudden looked up at him surprised) cause, whether you believe it or not, a man does need to hear it Kate!"

Kate watched Jack painfully, meeting his gaze. She knew what he said was true. Closing her eyes, she didnt know what to do; she had no words of comfort for him. So Kate reached up and hugged Jack, and leaned in kissing him on the cheek.

"I hope youre very happy with her Jack!"

She gave Jack a soft smile, lingering a little. The air cleared between them for the moment, and then she got down to business. Explaining to Jack what Ben had told her about Minkowski.

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Standing a little ways off in the distance, leaning against a tree, his face half in light, half in shadow, as the evening moon illuminated the beach, Sawyer saw Kate hug and kiss Jack.

It was like a dagger had pierced his already broken heart. Sawyer didnt need to see anymore. He turned on his heel and went back to his tent bruiting.

Sitting down by the small fire he had going outside his tent, Sawyer let his anger fester. He didnt want anything to do with her right now. And he prayed, for Kate's sake that she would have the common sense to stay away from him. His temper just might get the best of them.

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5 minutes later.

"You what???" Jack asked Kate angrily.

The friendly moment Kate had with Jack, had passed just as quickly as it came. Jack was enraged that Kate would take it upon herself to let Ben go.

"Goddammit Kate!!! He was our bargaining chip to get out of here!"

Kate looked back at him frustrated...

"Bargain for who?"

Jack scowled.

"You always do this! You always have to go and mess things up! I cant believe you did that! Did you honestly believe Ben's word over Minkowski, over our freedom? Ben took us all, he made you work in the mine fields...He tortured and abused Sawyer, and would have let him die, if I had not come in when I did!"

Juliet, who had tried to stay away for as long as possible, could not help but over hear their argument, as the raised voices were causing a scene. Jack continued...

"Did it ever occur to you that it might help to work with the people who are here to rescue us? The people who have the big boat waiting off shore to take us home?"

He shook his head, his face all read.

"I cant believe you Kate! Do you not want to go home? Would you rather everyone be stuck on this island forever to fend for our lives???"

Juliet finally approached and used her calming voice to talk to Jack.

"Jack...thats enough.....Im sure Kate was just trying to help!"

Juliet put her hand on Jacks shoulder and looked at Kate pointedly, giving her the message that it would be better now if she left.

Kate obliged, knowing that Jack just needed some time to cool off right now. As did she.

Once Kate was gone, Juliet turned to Jack and ran her hand along his back in comfort.

"Come on Jack...lets go!"

Juliet led Jack back to his tent, and even though it was night, the firelight illuminated their undressing bodies from inside momentarily before they both became a blur on the floor as the two bodies became one.

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After some time walking the sandy shores and clearing her head, Kate returned.

She saw him from behind. It appeared as if his eyes were fixed on the fire. Kate approached Sawyer cautiously, taking a seat opposite him, she looked at him with a luminous gaze, her eyes glittering and Sawyer dragged his gaze up to meet hers, the flames dancing between them.

Sawyer waited for Kate to begin, ready to lash back at her when the moment struck. But then he changed his mind, wanting the build up to be as sweet as his revenge.

"Been busy Freckles?"

Kate looked back at Sawyer puzzled for a minute. She was surprised that he called her Freckles, and wondered if things would finally go her way after her argument with Jack.

"Yes...I have actually"

Kate took the gun from the back of her pants, stood up and set it at his feet.

Sawyer looked back at her puzzled for a moment. The puzzlement turning into anger as he realized that it was his gun she handed back to him. His nostrils began to flare. And he replied a little more calmly then necessary. Trying to keep his anger at bay.

"So thats why you were really in my tent wasnt it? Didnt really have a headache, didja?"

He sneered. Sawyers eyes turned cold.

Kate imagined returning his gun to him might upset Sawyer a little being that she took something from him without asking, but the look on his face actually scared her a bit right now.

"Listen Sawyer...I needed it to find out the truth!"

Sawyer just shook his head calmly...

"Dont!"

Sawyers head was spinning. The last thing he saw was Kate going in for a hug with Jack. Needless to say after he left, he was sure there was more. The jealousy was eating him up alive.

"Dont what?" Kate asked angrily, adding...

"You wouldnt tell me anything, so I had to..."

But Sawyer took the gun up from the ground, cutting her off...

"You know Freckles...It might not have been the best plan to give the gun you took from me back right before you tell me who youve been sneakin around with all this time!"

He examined the gun in his hand; pulling out the bullet cartridge and snapping it back in, in a meticulous fashion.

Kate just looked back at Sawyer incredulously. Sawyer continued his eyes ablaze...

"I know you think Im dogshit...But a man can only take so much Kate!"

Kate shook her head...

"I dont think that! What? (She couldnt believe he said what he just said, trying to get him back on track, she explained) I dont know what youre talking about Sawyer...I used your gun to talk to..."

"Dont give me that bullshit!" He snapped cutting her off.

"I saw you with him Kate!"

Kate was getting frustrated and terrified all at the same time. The look Sawyer was giving her was cold as ice. It was like she barely recognized him.

"Yes, Sawyer thats what I have been trying to tell you...I got Ben to tell me the truth about what happened to you and Locke! I think I know what happened now...(She was breathless and not phrasing things properly, her voice becoming more faint, the dizziness setting in once more...)And I have to tell you something very important...

His gaze turned from a simmering one to enraged in under 5 seconds.

"You what??? You asked Ben about me? So you could clean that conscience of yours one more time before. (He was fuming) So help me Kate...You better get the hell away from me right now!"

Suddenly the dizziness turned into a sickening feeling. She couldnt take any more of this. She needed Sawyers help. From Jack she was used to being turned away, but Sawyer. She just felt so helpless and alone right now. She couldnt touch him and the dark cold silence of a world outside his embrace was torturous. The world was spinning, along with her mind.

Kate tried to stand up and reach out to him...

"Sawyer please! Please.... (Kates eyes began to close involuntarily, and her lashes fluttered. Sawyer stood up, noticing instantly that something was wrong, but Kates next words had stunned him into a silence)

Im...Im pregnant...Saw...

She pleaded with him weakly, her eyes shut permanently now, legs buckling below her, and as she went down, pummeling into the sandy floor at his feet, the world turned black.

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
Permalink  

Summary Alot of angst in this one, but I promise it will be worth it. Jack finds out about Kate. Kate wakes up and confronts Sawyer. And the wheels are set in motion for the island showdown initiated by Ben, Locke, and Richard.

Chapter 3

"She's what????"

Jack's look was incredulous when Sawyer frantically brought an unconscious Kate over to Jack's tent. Luckily for Sawyer, the show had ended nearly an hour ago and Juliet had gone back to her tent. He had no clue what had gone down there.

"That's what she said right before she passed out!"

Sawyer replied angrily.

"Goddammit Sawyer! This is the last thing we need right now....You guy's couldnt have been a little bit more careful???"

"Dont start with me Jackass!" Sawyer growled. In no mood to deal with his bitching right now. He looked back at Kate worriedly...

"Just tell me what the hell is wrong with her!"

Jack ignored Sawyer and checked Kate's vital signs. Lifting her eyelids, he checked for pupil dilation. They were, which was a good sign. And then he checked her pulse on her neck. Jack went into his bag to get a stethoscope to listen to her heart more closely; all the while Sawyer was holding Kate's hand tightly.

When Jack was finished with his examination, Sawyer looked back at him irritated, and anxious...

"Well???" he asked.

Jack looked at Sawyer and explained....

"It looks like she most likely just fainted...Dehydration and fatigue can affect a woman more severely when she's pregnant..."

Sawyer looked back at Jack worried...

"So what does that mean? Is there something you can give her?"

Jack picked up a bottle and held it out for Sawyer to see...

"Water!" he replied. She needs to stay hydrated..."

Screwing the cap off the bottle, he gently poured some water in Kates mouth.

"Help hold her up so it goes down faster..."

Kate coughed a little. The scene was strangely familiar to Sawyer, but blatantly obvious for Jack. They loved each other, and it irritated him beyond belief. Jack was at least relieved when Kate coughed, because it meant her brain was still working properly, sending the signal to her lungs to purge anything but air, but she still needed to be kept under observation just incase. Jack looked back at Sawyer, since he was the one who got her into this mess in the first place...

"Can you stay with her tonight?"

Jack hated asking Sawyer that. It was annoying enough that those two were irresponsible enough to not practice safe sex, but he owed it to Kate at least.

Sawyer looked back at Jack serious for a moment and replied tiredly...

"Yeah..."

Jack nodded his head in response....

"Good... (He looked down at the ground for a moment and then back up at Sawyer...) Do you need help getting her back to her...er...your tent?"

Sawyer shook his head...

"Her tent..." He corrected Jack. Pulling Kate back up into his arms, Sawyer remembered how her sleeping in his tent made her uncomfortable. And Jack nodded his head, giving Sawyer the water bottle...

"Good...Well then...Just make sure she gets water every few hours, and that shes sleeping okay through the night...and Ill check on her in the morning!"

Sawyer nodded, replying softly...

"Yeah...

And he turned on his heel and headed back to Kates tent, with her unconscious body clung tightly in his arms.

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Sawyer watched Kate sleep for awhile. Her calm and peaceful face, bringing emotion to his eyes. He was remembering all that she had said, all that she was trying to tell him before she passed out. Her last words echoing in his mind....

'Im pregnant Saw...'

The gravity of what she had said earlier hadnt really sunken in until now. He finally had a little time to absorb things. Not allowing himself to entertain those thoughts too deeply because he had Kate's health to worry about right now. But his mind was active enough to come to the realization that he could be a father now...a father again...

When Cassidy came to him in prison that day, and told him he had a daughter, he didnt want to believe it. If he didnt believe her, it meant it really didnt happen. She was just trying to pin someone elses kid on him, cause she was obsessed. But eventually guilt won over. Dreams of Clementines photo running through his mind night after night, and he resolved in the end that the best thing to do was give her what he could, in the form of money and keep the bad part, meaning him, out of her life.

Sawyer didnt feel exactly the same way this time. Part of him wanted to go to Kate, hold her tightly in his arms and tell he loved her more then anything or anyone else on earth and that he wanted to raise this baby with her if she would let him be a part of their life...But the more sensible part, told him that perhaps what was best for the baby is not knowing he was its daddy. Keep the bad stuff out.

Lets face it, he was a monster. Only monsters killed people in cold blood. He had turned into the man he hated so much. Sawyers blood now ran through his veins. He couldnt put a child through that. Sawyer reached out and stroked his fingers gently through Kates hair, brushing away the few pieces that had fallen astray into her face. He couldnt put Kate through that.

But now he was just concerned for her. He needed her to wake up and show him she was okay. He would gladly give everything up, walk away from her from it all just to know that she would be alright.

Sawyer leaned in and kissed her cheek softly, pleading with her quietly...

"Freckles....Please wake up sugar...I need you to wake up!"

He watched her face for a long moment. There was no movement and she looked like she was in a deep sleep. Sawyer stayed awake as long as he could watching her. Making sure her chest still rose and fell. That the sound of air came out of her lungs. That he could feel the pulse below her wrists and arms.

And finally when his lids could bear no more weight he gave into the exhaustion, falling prey to sleep, he collapsed down into the black depths along with Kate.

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Ben had gotten a 2 hour lead on them and had almost made it back to where he believed Richard had set up camp. He wasnt sure if Jack and the others would be following him. Ben presumed Jack would have more important things to worry about. After all, they had a common enemy, whether Jack believed it or not, Ben could not let Minkowski leave this island with those samples.

He was telling Kate the truth for the most part. The only thing he lied about was promising to help them. Whatever happened, the island was priority one. He didnt care how much bloodshed was required to do that. The island came first.

When Ben finally saw their tents on the horizon, he made his way down the hill, seeing Richard first, and then he noticed John Locke standing there.

Ben looked back at Locke with contempt.

The two men finally noticed Ben walking their way, and Richard was the first to greet him, patting his shoulder, he replied...

"Ben! What took you so long?"

Locke nodded to him..."Hello Ben!"

Ben just shook his head casting Locke a glare, replying to Richard sarcastically...

"I dont know Richard...Maybe the fact that Ive been tied up to a tree for 7 days without not so much of a whisper of rescue could have affected things...."

Richard just smiled at Ben...

"Now dont be bitter Benjamin...We have been very busy working on upgrading the security system...Besides...Its not our fault your men on the inside didnt come through for you!"

Ben turned his glare to Richard now, irritated with them both. His power of command had clearly been overruled while he was gone, and he knew he was going to have to fight to get it back. He walked over to a map that was laid out and asked them...

"Where do you have the sensors set up?"

Richard followed Ben to the map and pointed....

"Here, here, and here!"

Ben looked strangely at Richard and asked the most obvious question of all...

"But you didnt mark a perimeter around the foot?"

Richard shook his head and smiled...

"We want them to find that one..."

Ben looked confused...

"But its the most valuable commodity on the isl...."

Richard, however, didnt let him finish...

"We placed a dummy rock inside the chamber"

Ben finally caught on and smiled for the first time in realization...

"So I see you have been busy then..."

Richard nodded and gestured back to Locke...

"This is where John comes in..."

"Oh really?" Ben asked intrigued.

Richard nodded..."Yes...He will tell Jack that we are planning to apprehend their 2 pregnant women...Kwon and Austen."

John looked back at Richard in affirmation...And Richard continued...

"If we can get them to leave, thinking they have the real rock, when infact they do not, it will work much more easily in our favor..."

Ben nodded smirking back at Richard...

"So, what? Your going to activate the island perimeter again?

Richard nodded, looking back at John smugly, who seemed on edge. Richard had already discussed this earlier with John. It was to be his final test so he could remain on the island.

Locke had his own doubts about this. He still strongly believed that everyone was meant to live here, together, forever. Like a message engrained into his very soul, he knew it. But he needed to play his part and then the cards could unfold as they were. Stepping outside of the conversation for a moment, the thoughts ran through his head. Richards instructions. How he had failed earlier in not shooting Jack. This was his chance to make things right and prove that he would not always be a failure. At least for as far as he could take it.

Richard and Ben stopped talking and Richard looked back at John, breaking his chain of thought.

"You better get going John...Need to get to them before its too late...."

Locke nodded hesitantly back at Richard and replied...

"Yes...Right."

He slung his backpack over his shoulders and began to leave, looking back over his shoulder, John called back...

"Ill be in touch then!"

Richard nodded and watched John Locke walk away from them. When he was out of hearing range, Richard turned to Ben and commented coyly...

"Jacob likes him you know?"

Bens face fell all the sudden, glaring back at Richard and he replied dryly...

"Yes...I am aware..."

Richard added his voice still eerily calm...

"It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out how he came back to us with that hole in his chest after you made your introductions..."

Ben simply looked back at him pointedly and Richard continued...

"He doesnt like to see the two of you fighting..."

He looked back at him, hiding his anger and Ben replied...

"Do you have a point to any of this Richard?"

Richard simply smiled...

"No no point...but I do have some advice..."

Ben met his gaze intrigued, asking...

"And that would be?"

Nodding, Richard answered...

"Make sure Jacob is not disappointed twice (he replied simply...) The Island thrived here before John Locke and his people came, and it will thrive after they leave, as long as you ensure that they get on that boat."

Ben nodded agreeably and replied...

"Very well...I will follow Locke."

Richard nodded satisfied...

"Is there anything else?" Ben asked curiously...

Richard replied...

"Yes...Make sure Dr. Burke, Sun Kwon, and Kate Austen do not get on that boat."

Ben looked back at Richard surprised for a moment....

"You want to keep them all here? That could make things more complicated!"

Richard nodded confidently...

"Im aware...But we've come too far now in our research...I know Dr. Burke was on the verge of a medical breakthrough when she left us...And with 2 test subjects, she should have no trouble finishing her work."

Ben looked back at him apprehensive, his face relaxing a bit as he absorbed it all...

"Alright...If Jacob wants it?"

Richard nodded and replied simply...

"He does."

No more words were necessary as Ben went to his tent and gathered the supplies required for his trek back to the beach.

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She had no idea what time it was or where she was, as the sound of the waves crashing on the shore gradually got louder and louder. The world coming into focus, as Kate groggily opened her eyes. She tried to take it in, where am I? She first thought, but as things and objects became clearer, she recognized the familiar surroundings. She was in her tent. But she didnt remember getting here, the last thing Kate remembered was telling Sawyer...

Her eyes shot open as the realization set in....

'Oh god, he knows, he knows....' she thought panicked.

Kate shifted her weight and then she felt a heaviness encircle her waist. Looking down, she noticed that it was an arm, a golden colored arm, connected to those large familiar hands and she smiled, in realization, turning around, Kates face broke into a smile as she saw Sawyer sleeping there.

She had missed him, she had missed him so much, and it had been so hard to carry all this weight on her own shoulders. If he was with her now, that must mean he wasnt going to leave her, and abandon her and their baby.

Kate wanted to shout from the rooftops. Enjoying this rare moment to watch him sleep, but she couldnt help herself. Moving in to rest closer to him, she pressed her body up against him, breathing in his scent. Her hand caressed his cheek and she kissed his chin lightly, then cheek, then the sides of his mouth, till finally her lips tasted his warmth.

Sawyer began to stir as she took the kiss deeper, plunging her tongue inside his mouth and he groaned, kissing her back in a haze. It was satisfying and deep and sensual, as they kissed each other good morning the taste of one another lingered on their tongues. And Kate breathed a sigh of relief. He was back, and she was never going to let him sleep alone again.

And then Sawyer opened his eyes fully. He was just as lost in the kiss as Kate, but like the scrape of a record player when the record stopped spinning, it finally all came rushing back. She was pregnant! He sat up suddenly, breaking the kiss, and Sawyer moved away from Kate, remembering how he needed to keep his distance. For her, for the baby. He was in no place to be a father right now.

Sawyer looked into her stunned eyes, the message of 'I cant' in his and he asked her if she was thirsty.

Kate felt the weight of that sinking stone come back into her stomach, like a pit. She sat up as well, feeling the distance grow between them again....

"How are you feelin?" He asked trying to hide his worry...."Doc says you were dehydrated!"

"I feel fine" Kate replied dryly a little offended that he broke off first.

Sawyer handed Kate the bottle of water anyway, and told her...

"Here...drink this!"

Kate met his gaze taking the bottle from him hesitantly; there was desperation in her eyes, demanding to know why he was remaining so distant. Was it because of the baby? She thought tortured. That pain from the inside barely showing from the outside. But she felt like crumpling up into a ball and crying herself into a coma. Kate didnt think she could do this alone. She was so scared right now. Her voice being pulled down by the pit in her stomach, she couldnt speak, she couldnt eat, and she certainly didnt want to drink.

Choking the water down, she started to cough, and Sawyer patted her back in sympathy.

"Take it easy there Freck...

But Kate cut him off before he could continue, her voice filled with emotion, and she spat out questioningly...

"So the only reason you stayed here was because I was sick right? You dont have feelings for me anymore? What we had meant nothing?"

Kate met Sawyers gaze challengingly with a fire in her eyes, intending to call him out on this foolishness right now!

There was a hitch in Sawyers breath. He really didnt want to answer her right now. Not when he was on the verge of breaking down himself. She didnt know how hard it was for him to stay away from her, to watch her still dark tent at night and imagine himself going in and whisking her away from it all, loving her, kissing, making love till the sun came up But that was all just a stupid fantasy. She didnt love him. She was in love with Jack, but she just couldnt have him. And now she most likely never could, so she just latched on to the first comforting thing she could find. Sawyer could see the turbulence so clearly written on Kate's face. She was more then a little distraught. He had to do this...He had to be strong, if he loved Kate, he had to do this. Looking into her eyes, Sawyer simply replied...

"Nothing."

Kates face fell, and she looked like she was about to crumble into a thousand pieces. She couldnt breathe, and Sawyer put his hand on her shoulder...

"Listen...when we get back I can help you get set up if you...."

But Kate didnt let him finish. A hard slap on his face was her reply. And Sawyer brought his hand up to the red mark, in shock...

"GET OUT SAWYER!!! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!!!" Kate shouted.

"Kate!" He tried to reach out again, attempting to calm her down, but her face was all red, and she was fuming.

I MEAN IT GODDAMMIT!!!

Kate was breathing heavily. Sawyer had never seen her so worked up. They could both here the commotion outside her tent, and looked at the doorway, just as

Jack burst through her tent flap urgently...

"What's going on in here???"

Jack looked at Sawyer first for answers, and then back at Kate.

Kate was still huffing and she looked pointedly at Sawyer, her glare filled with contempt.

"Sawyer was just leaving!"

Jack looked questioningly at Sawyer and he simply sighed, feeling defeated and empty so he obliged Kates request. Moving towards the tent flap, Sawyer responded to Jack...

"She might need to take some more water...didnt get it all down earlier."

And then he looked regretfully back at Kate, his face a pained expression as he exited her tent, feeling like he just tore her heart out and served it on a platter. He was a monster. He didnt deserve love. This was for the best.

When Sawyer left, Jack turned to Kate and she collapsed onto her knees....

"What" He began to ask, wondering if Kate was still suffering from fatigue, but Kate simply shook her head weakly...

"Just leave Jack... (her teary eyes met his and she begged) Please!"

Jack could see that Kate wanted to be left alone and when he met her gaze, he simply nodded...

"Fine...But let me know if you start to feel dizzy again okay?"

Kate started sniffling looking down at the ground as she attempted to hide her tears...

"Okay..." She replied softly.

As soon as Jack left, Kate let it all out. Falling into a heap on her tent floor she wept and wept until she had no more tears to cry.

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A few hours later, the camp was surprised yet again by the return of John Locke. The commotion and crowd drew Jack away from his conversation with Juliet.

He marched up parting the rows through the crowd as he stood face to face with Locke, and asked him demandingly...

"What are you doing here John???"

Locke looked tired and a little out of breath from his full days walk, but his face as always maintained that calmly demeanor. Gazing back at Jack he paused for a moment waiting till he had the mans full attention and, finally replied...

"I came to give you a message Jack!"

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
Permalink  

Summary Sawyer sees the light and Kate gets a little helpful advice from Sun. Also Jack has a meeting of the minds with Locke and the wheels are set in motion for their island bon voyage party, which will be covered in the next chapter.

Chapter 4

"Hey mister! Shouldnt you be boarding the boat with the rest of them?" Asked the little boy as Sawyer turned around and looked at him questioningly.

"Who the hell are you?" Sawyer asked.

He had been sitting in his lounge chair enjoying his last can of Dharma beer.

"Im Timmy...Timmy Mitchell" the young boy replied. He looked to be around 8 or 9 years old.

Sawyer had been stewing all morning. He felt terrible for how things were left with Kate. Had thought of a 100 ways to go back and make things right with her, but what was the point? She was always with someone, or talkin with the Doc. Sawyer could see in his absence, she had easily filled his shoes. Going back to whom she originally wanted all along.

So what did he do, he drank, feeling sorry for himself, but at the same time angry, Sawyer drank. Looking back at the boy through red eyes, and he replied...

"Well Timmy! Why dont you go and mosey on back to the rock you've been hidin under all this time...Dont recall ever seein you here before!"

"I havent been hiding under a rock" Timmy replied defensively. "My mom is here with Mr. Minkowski's research team and she told me to go play on the beach while they finished up!"

Sawyer looked back at the boy irritated, but then he saw his young full of life face and Sawyer couldnt help but soften his expression a bit...

"Well if they are boardin the boat now, why aintcha mama come to get ya yet?"

Timmy looked thoughtful for a moment, and smiled back at Sawyer...

"I guess she thought Id have more fun on the beach..."

Sawyer snorted nodding his head. It was just like a woman to push the men out of the way while they ran things. He looked over at the boy and offered him his can of beer.

Timmy looked back at him strangely and asked Sawyer...

"You dont have kids do you?"

Sawyer glared back at him, after recoiling from the blow to his soft spot from mention of the children subject, and took the beer back, taking a long swallowing swig...

"Yeah...I do...2 actually!"

"So why arent they here with you now?"

Sawyer looked back at him incredulously, and replied...

"You sure ask a lot of questions doncha?"

Timmy was about to answer with another question, when Sawyer added...

"The first ones livin with her mama back in New Mexico...The second one aint born yet (he sat up a little straighter in his chair) Same story though...except instead of the mama not wantin anything to do with me...I told her..."

Sawyer looked at the boy again, who was listening to him attentively, feeling, closed off again, he just sighed and said...

"Forget it...It's over thats all!"

Timmy sat down next to Sawyer and asked him simply...

"Why? Dont you love her anymore?"

Sawyer had a pained expression on his face as he relived the last week, and he began playing with a lone blade of grass sticking out of the sand, swallowing, his face grew solemn and he looked down at the shoot of green breaking through the brown sand...

"No...(He paused)I love her very much?"

"So you dont love the baby then?" Timmy asked.

Sawyers brow creased and he looked like his heart had just been torn out. Timmy continued, not allowing Sawyer to answer yet...

"I used to think my daddy didnt love me when he died...My mom was really broken up about it and I thought he got in that car accident on purpose.... He made me so mad...But now...Now Id give anything just to see him...Id even give God my Kirby Puckett baseball card if he could come back just for one day to play with me and make my mom happy again..."

Sawyer looked back at the boy sadly. Not sure what to say. He took the last swig draining his can of beer. And he looked out at the ocean, and asked him...

"So you miss him huh?"

But when he turned to look at the seat occupied next to him, he found that it was vacant. The boy had taken off running down the beach with a kite in hand.

Sawyer looked back at the ocean trying to shrug off the effect Timmy had had on him, but the truth was, he had gotten to him. Thinking about things for a minute. Sawyer looked up towards Kates tent. It was a place he had watched a lot lately. He wanted to make sure she was all right after fainting, but mostly he just wanted to see her. And the baby...well...He wanted it to be okay too...

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Kate had been sulking for the last few days over Sawyers reaction to her pregnancy. She had seen him from across the beach a couple of times, but was barely able to maintain a straight face as her scowl came rushing back. Why should she have thought he would be any different from other guys she had gone out with? He was Sawyer after all. He probably had a different baby mama in each state!

All thoughts of him caused her to fume. Some people attempted to break the ice with her. Hurley came up one day asking if she knew where he could find the ping-pong paddles, trying to coax her into a game with him after he found them. But Kate simply frowned and asked him why he wanted to waste his time playing a silly game when there were more important things going on. But in truth, the ping-pong reference just reminded her of Sawyer more, which naturally set her off, unfortunately for Hurley he had no idea what was going on in her head.

Next it was Jack, who she admitted, shouldnt have even tried. His empathy levels were at an all time low. Having horrible bedside manner, as Hurley had pointed out once, Jack didnt have a clue. Next came Juliet, who had worn Kate down a bit. She had been able to confront Kate and ask her if she had told Sawyer yet. Kate was able to tell her she had without breaking anything, which was a good sign.

But then Sawyer came strolling up, asking her if she had a minute, when Kate splashed her bottle of water in his face and stormed off.

Part of her was blaming it on hormones, but the other part was in a rageful state. As much as Sawyer had gotten under her skin before, now it was a permanent itch and it frustrated her to no end that he would not go away. He was literally living inside her and she wanted to beat him up, tackle him down, demand to know why he was the way he was, and then there was that other small part which while tackling him in her minds eye, she wanted him to turn the tables and fuck her brains out.

She was so all over the place it wasnt even funny. Turning over thoughts and worries about this pregnancy for days, Kate just needed an outlet right now. What could she do? Kate wondered. Trying to think of anything that wouldnt get her killed or god forbid left behind. Kate didnt know how she felt about rescue. But she knew she didnt want to end up like Danielle, who was the loneliest person she ever met. Not really fitting in here or there, but instead she moved with the tide.

Kate finally decided on seeing if any work needed to be done on Suns garden. It wasnt like they would able to see the fruits of their labor, but she just needed something to do. Something to take her mind off him...

Kate was surprised when she saw Sun was working here as well. And she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear smiling at the woman. Sun smiled back and Kate asked her...

"Can I help with anything?"

Her smile warm, Sun nodded her head and gestured to a patch in the garden with her hand...

"If you would like, you may till that section...I was going to plant a few mango seeds before we left..."

Kate took the tilling rake from Sun and began to work.

Sun looked up at Kate working, noting that her friend definitely was looking for a distraction right now. Kate had something on her mind. Sun thought, if she could, she would help her to get it out.

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Minkowski and his team had found the last object they were looking for. He had lost a few of his men over the past week and a half in attempts to find the other objects. They were being dragged away by what looked like black puffs of smoke, and twice it felt like they were all going to be encompassed by an avalanche. They saw trees being uprooted like toothpicks snapping, but he was determined to complete this excavation.

He was sure the islands power source lie in the large foot statue. They had done their research, and interviewed the last remaining survivors. Sam Tooney was one of them. Of course when Minkowski was done with him, he had to erase the mans memory so that Minkowski and his men were the only people who knew about this island. It was survival of the fittest. And a man like Tooney didnt need to have this kind of information locked away in his brain. A technician like him wasnt fit to handle that kind of importance. Minkowski thought of it as a way of freeing his brain from excess stress. Last he heard, Tooney had ended up in some sort of mental institution as a result, but he was no longer a concern. They made sure that outlet had been extinguished.

Standing now at the foot, Minkowski looked down at his prize. A black rock the size of his palm lay in his hands. It took him and his team two days to crack the code on the stone carving, but when they did, he was the first man to get a look at their treasure. This was the heart of this island. The pulse, the power source. There was a kind of greed there as his eyes glazed over hungrily studying his prize. It was flawless looking. Minkowski knew that if this fell into someone elses hands, they would have a great deal of power. This little rock was the single greatest discovery of the 21st century. Once he could take it back to the lab and study it with his team, he new hed be the richest most powerful man in the entire world.

They had to get this out of here and out now. Minkowski had a special box, with a padlock on it. It was padded inside and he set the rock down carefully inside. Peter stood up, wiping the sweat off his brow, making sure the case was held firmly in his fist and, he exclaimed to the rest of his team...

"We got what we came for...Now lets get back and excavate that beach before the hostiles find out what we took! (He looked over to his number one assistant) Walkie everyone on the universal channel and tell them to vacate their posts now!"

Minkowski nodded and followed them back on the trail back to the beach.

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Meanwhile, Locke had discussed with Jack what Richard instructed him to say. They were coming for Juliet and the pregnant women.

Jack still was weary of trusting John Locke. He had stabbed him in the back one too many times, manipulating people and things to get what he wanted. Jack looked at Locke pointedly and asked him...

"I thought you didnt want anyone to leave this island John? And now you are telling me, we need to go?"

John nodded and ran his hand across his bald head.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I didnt want to see any harm come to Kate or Sun...They dont deserve to get mixed up in this!"

Jack looked at Locke and shook his head defensively...

"Neither did Juliet! She didnt ask for any of this either...They tricked her!"

And then he glared back at John...

"So whats to stop me from thinking they havent tricked you? Or that they are trying to fool us into staying somehow?"

John stood up and threw his arm out in frustration...

"I am telling you to go Jack! How is that a trick?"

Jack stood up as well, cutting John off...

"Im going to round everyone up, including Juliet, Kate, and Sun, and we are going to board that boat today!"

John nodded his head in affirmation...

"Good!" he replied. Finally they were on the same page, he thought.

And then Jack turned back and stepped closer to Locke, adding...

"Will you be coming with us John?"

Locke looked back at Jack for a moment studying his look of determination and then he finally shook his head answering truthfully...

"No...Im staying here!"

Jack sneered knowingly and replied...

"So it Was a trick!"

Locke simply raised his eyebrows and replied...

"Only if you want it to be Jack."

And with that Jack cast him a look of contempt as he began to round everyone up.

Not far behind Ben was hiding behind some foliage, taking in the layout of camp and where everyone was. It was his job to bring the women back, and he needed to find their locations stat. His time was almost up.

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They had been working together in the garden for nearly an hour when Sun asked Kate if she was okay, and Kate lied saying she was. Her friend of course saw right through it and went to the heart of the problem...

"I havent seen Sawyer around you for a couple days...Did something happen?" Sun asked gently while working in her garden. She knew it no longer had a purpose now that they were being rescued but Sun needed to do something to calm her nerves. She had been worrying too much lately about this baby and what would happen if they were not rescued.

Kate sighed, knowing that question was inevitable. And unfortunately, she had a hard time lying to Sun about things. Maybe it would help to get it out. Looking back at Sun, she paused for a moment and then finally replied...

"We had a fight!"

Sun raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. She had thought as much. Not wanting to pry too much, but she was curious and tried to coax Kate into elaborating, by responding with another question...

"Really?"

Kate wiped the sweat off her forehead and she nodded, looking over at Sun...

"I told him I was pregnant!"

Sun gasped...

"You are? (She asked surprised) Congratulations Kate! Well, ah...(Sun had to rethink her response, because Kate seemed very distraught right now, and looked over at her asking...) so how did Sawyer take the news?"

Kates face fell, thinking about Sawyers reaction and it still made her very emotional...

"He doesnt want anything to do with me or the baby!" She replied, her voice shaky. Sun could see that Kate was very emotional over this, dropping her tools she went over and gave Kate a hug, as Kate tried to hold in her choking sobs trying not to fall apart...

"Kate! Its going to be okay! (Sun tried to assure her)"

Kate simply shook her head and backed away, wiping a few stray tears from her cheek...

"No its not..(She met Suns gaze with cloudy eyes) Im going to be all alone, and a fugitive...and Im not fit to be a parent...I might as well let them arrest me right now!"

Sun shook her head and held Kates shoulders...

"I dont think he meant it Kate!"

Kate denied her response and replied...

"He did...I know it!...He hasnt spoken to me since the day he found out!"

Sun shook her head again....

"I think you should talk to him Kate!" Kate looked back at Sun like she was crazy and Sun continued " You were not here when he was sulking on the beach all day waiting for any word from you. Much like you had looked when we found that bottle, but it was much worse"

Sun realized she and Sawyer had their differences, which she had confronted him on, but she knew deep down that he loved Kate. No man in his right mind would carry on like he had otherwise.

"I think I must have heard him ask Hurley if he had any word about you like 10 times... And I saw him trade Bernard a bottle of cologne for a tape...(Sun smiled softly back at Kate) He even went boar hunting with Desmond and offered to hold Aaron for Claire while she ate..."

Kate raised her eyebrows, looking back at Sun shocked. Sun replied...

"Kate...he is a changed man...ever since he got back with you from the other island, he has been different...and I dont think it is a bad kind of different either..."

Sun smiled softly to herself, hoping her tactics were working. Kate needed to talk to Sawyer. Sun knew it would make Kate feel better if she did. Someone like Sawyer most likely just needed time to absorb it all. She saw a flicker of hope, mixed with disbelief wash across Kates face. Sun handed her the digging stick for Kates side of the garden and she repeated her earlier advice...

"I think you should talk to him...At least tell him how you feel!"

Kate nodded hesitantly, her head feeling a wave of emotion overcome her. She was now more mixed up then ever. Agreeing with Sun that she at least needed to confront Sawyer about this one last time, even if it meant breaking things off with him forever, this needed to be dealt with.

And then just like that, speak of the devil and the devil appears, another log tossed on her fire as Sawyer stood at the edge of the garden looking down at Kate. He had overheard the last part of her conversation with Sun wondering who the him was, his mind immediately going to Jack. But Sawyer pushed those angry thoughts out of his head and met Kates green gaze pointedly, exclaiming...

"We need to talk Kate!"

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Ben had a beat on Juliet. He had not yet figured out where Sun and Kate were get, but after Jack spread the word about finding them, Ben thought, Juliet would most likely lead him right to them, seeing as she knew this island the best out of all.

Juliet was with Jack at the moment, and Jack was going to talk to Minkowski. Juliet realized they were running out of time, so she told Jack she was going to look for Kate and Sun herself and meet him back here.

"Juliet, I dont think you should go by yourself, please, wait for Sayid or someone to get back!"

Juliet just shook her head and smiled...

"Ill be alright Jack...I have a gun now...And if I recall, a couple weeks back I was able to disarm both Jarrah and Ford together at the same time..."

She smiled swiftly back at him and kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear...

"Dont worry...I know this island like the back of my hand..."

Jack broke his serious expression to smile back at Juliet and he joked...

"You dont really expect me to fall for that do you?"

Juliet smiled and kissed him on the mouth.

"Be careful Jack!" She responded intimately.

Jack pulled her to him and kissed her more deeply. Their tongues swirled and he finally broke it off leaving both of them breathless, and he finally replied...

"I will if you will..."

Tossing her own words back at her Juliet smiled as recognition set in. Her eyes sparkled towards his and she was off to find the other women.

Ben rolled his eyes from behind the foliage.

So she did have a thing for Jack, he thought unsympathetically.

'Too bad for you Juliet...You should have just kept your nose down and on your work.' Ben muttered under his breath as he watched her scout the beach first and then head down the jungle path.

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"What is it Sawyer?"

Kate asked Sawyer irritated, but still anxious to hear what this was about. She tried to carry off the irritation more so though, so Sawyer wouldnt think he could get any sympathy points from her.

He had after all dragged her off to god knows where. Kate looked around at her surroundings, not recognizing this stretch of forest. Thinking how odd that was since they were so close to the beach but she had never been here.

Her eyes bore into his and she asked him again...

"What?"

Dont got another bottle of water do ya? Sawyer asked her jokingly trying to break the ice. But Kate just rolled her eyes.

Sawyer cleared his throat. This had to be one of the hardest things he ever did. Sighing out loud he looked back at Kate...

"I needed to talk to ya..."

Kate shook her head looking for any clue of what he was about to say and she replied...

"Well here I am Sawyer...would you like to tell me AGAIN how you dont have any feelings for me or this baby?"

Sawyer sighed again in frustration and looked back at her answering sharply...

"No! (He met her gaze pleadingly, as if to say help me out here, and shook his head...) This aint easy for me Freckles...."

"What to knock someone up and then toss them on their ass? You seem to be real good at that Sawyer...Must have done it before!"

Kates anger was rising. She hadnt been able to get a lot of this out earlier, and it had found a way to leak out of her now.

Sawyer didnt pretend her last remark didnt sting. He wasnt about to tell her about Cassidy though. Thats the last thing Kate needed was more ammunition right now.

"Will you just listen to me for a goddamn second?" He asked her frustrated again.

"Im listening Sawyer...Ive been listening to you this whole time...And how you feel about me. Im just someone who used you for jealousy sex or I just felt sorry for you when I thought they would kill you, so I slept with you again. You got me pegged Sawyer! Im just a naive little whore right? So what could you possibly have to say that would change that???"

Her eyes were vengeful and there was a long pause in-between them as he met her determined gaze with creased brow. Breaking the uncomfortable silence, Sawyer finally replied matter of factly.

"Im in love with you Kate!"

Kates face fell in shock. There was a moment of silence, not sure she would be able to find her voice, she finally croaked out a small

"what?"

Sawyer shook his head and looked down at the floor, feeling self conscious all of the sudden, he tried to pass it off with a smirk, forcing himself to look up at her, he replied...

"You heard me Freckles!"

He took her weak hand as Kates mind spun. She couldnt force herself to look at him for fear that her legs might collapse under her. She had waited to hear those words from him for so long. Free and true, no life threatening situations underfoot, no easy get away this time, no doubt as to his motivations...

"But weve already established this havent we?" Sawyer asked.

Kate looked up at him and she searched his eyes....

"The real question is...Do you love me? Cause I seem to recall a certain crop haired bony ass Nancy faced doctor you had a thing for too..."

She let out a small gasp, half amused, half annoyed that he would still be jealous of Jack after all of this. Looking down at the ground for a moment, Sawyer waited for her reply with parted breath. Not expecting in the slightest to get slammed back against the nearest tree, as Kates mouth crashed against his.

Aaahhhmmf He exclaimed as his head pounded back. His voice muffled by her kiss.

"I love you Sawyer!" Kate spoke without hesitation as she pulled back and looked into his eyes.

She didnt trust him for shit, but she loved him. Kate kissed him again so relieved to have him back and to be able to kiss him again, and she breathed honestly...

"James! I always did!"

He kissed her back this time with a heated passion groaning into her mouth and she muttered once more under his kiss...

"I love you!"

Kate pressed up against him, missing his feel his touch and she looked back at him wan tingly. And Sawyer gazed down at her skirting his hands around her waistline; he tugged, pulling her top off over her head.

"This doesnt mean I forgive you for what you said though..." She smiled kissing him back as she helped him take his shirt off.

Sawyer smirked kissing her back as his hands and thumbs pressed up against the silky sheer material of her bra...

"Thats good Freckles. Wouldnt want you to let me off the hook that easy(he smirked) Dont mean everythings peachy keen on my end either does it jelly bean?"

Kate smiled again knowing he wanted an answer from her, but he wasnt going to get one. Ruled by pure need at the moment she brought one of her legs up to his hip needing to feel him right now...

"Guess we have to take baby steps then.."

She finally breathed while kissing his neck. Sawyer groaned as her lips set his skin on fire and he lifted her other leg to his waist, feeling his hardness press through.

He flipped one of her bra cups down, exposing the naked rosy flesh and brought it to his mouth. Kate rubbed her pelvis against his crotch need fully. And Sawyer spun her around, her back pressing firmly against the black rough bark of the tree behind. Kate moaned as he played with her tender nipple. It caused her head to fall back. And she wanted him. Oh god how she wanted him. More then usual. The pregnancy hormones seemed to make her lust even more powerful.

She could feel his powerful cock push against his denim. She could feel it push through her khaki pants and into her panties, making her wet for him. Kate moaned again as he growled against her skin, devouring the other breast. He was raining torturous pleasure down upon her. But most of all, Kate wanted to feel him inside her.

"Baby I missed you..." Sawyer muttered into her silky soft skin as he licked her again. And Kate smiled pleasured completely, down at him. She knew they still had a long way to go, but she had faith now that they could work things out.

Just as she was about to reply, Her face nearly went white when her eyes opened and she focused in on who was standing a good distance behind them. Kate suddenly clutched Sawyers shoulders as she stepped down and Sawyer looked over his shoulder rolling his eyes as recognition for him set in as well, he growled at the fuming man behind them...

"What do you want Jackass?"

Kate couldnt reach her top, so just quickly pulled her bra straps back up and stood obstructively behind Sawyer.

Jack just glared at the both of them like a father who had caught his teenage daughter and her boyfriend rounding third base in the back of his car...

He just shook his head and snarled disgustedly at them, deciding to get straight to the point...

"Have either of you seen Juliet?" He asked sharply.

Kate just shook her head and Sawyer glared back at Jack...

"Ah no but maybe you can try her on her cell!" He replied sarcastically, wondering why on earth Jack would be out here looking for Juliet.

Jack just glared at Sawyer knowing he would be of no help and replied icily...

"The boat is leaving and unless you two want to stay here for the rest of your lives...you better get on it!"

Sawyer just glared at Jack, his arm on Kates in a protective manner and he asked him snarkily...

"Can you give us a minute then Jackass? Or you gonna stay here and watch us get dressed like a Peepin Tom pervert?"

Jack just shook his head and turned back. He didnt even know why he bothered with them. Kate was okay on her own but when she was with Sawyer, he was a bad influence. He couldnt sit there and watch the two of them go at it like animals for one more second. Although he had to admit, the jealousy was mostly gone now. It was just his spite for Sawyer that kept his anger fresh.

"Ill see you back at the beach!" Jack exclaimed over his shoulder as he stomped off.

Sawyer watched Jack leave curiously and looked back at Kate who had hurriedly tossed her shirt back on once Jacks back was turned.

"What the hell was that about?" He asked wondering about Jacks strange behavior.

Kate just shook her head, with creased brow and replied...

"I dont know..."

Sawyer pulled on his shirt picking off a stray leaf from her hair and he asked...

"So you gonna go after him then?"

Kate looked back at Sawyer wondering if he was baiting her with that question about her devotion to Jack, he most likely was, firing back with another question of her own, she asked him...

"You going to come with me?"

Waiting for Sawyers response, Kate raised her eyebrows. Her question a double entendre her breath hung on his reply.

Sawyer merely narrowed his eyes, not wanting to fall into the little word trap she set for him and answered...

"What do you think?"

Kate smiled inwardly, flipping her eyes up in the air. He was impossible. She knew that. Wondering how she would survive the next 9 months or 50 years even with him.

Whoa, where did that come from? Kate asked herself. Feeling strange all of the sudden. Like an out of body experience. Thanking god and all the stars that she had not voiced those thoughts out loud. Sawyer was on probation as far as he knew. Letting him believe that he was on the back burner for her right now, she marched on in the direction Jack had gone.

"Come on! Lets go!"

Kate called over her shoulder. Sawyer smirked back at her and followed, aware of her little game of cat and mouse. Letting her believe she was the cat for a bit, while he exhausted her out might be fun, he thought musingly as he walked along behind.

Little did either of them know that the worst was yet to come. They may have been as good as gone, but it wouldnt be as easy as they thought to leave this place.

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
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Summary Ooh lots happens in this chapter. Okay where to start, we find out what happened to Sun and Juliet, Sawyer and Kate are ordered back to the boat, despite a hesitant Kate, while Jack, Juliet, and Jin chase after Ben for Sun. Sacrifices are made and things are put on the table.

Chapter 5

"Hello Sun"

Sun looked up startled for a minute realizing the voice she had just heard had been John Locke's.

Her brow creased as she looked up at him questioningly, remembering the last time she saw him, he was holding a gun to Jack. Trying not to show her fear, Sun stood up and brushed off her dirt covered knees...

"John! (She tried not to let her voice shake) What are you doing here?"

Sun tried to force a small smile, nervously continuing...

"They are going to leave on the boat soon...."

Locke put his hand up and shook his head, speaking calmly, his crystal blue gaze meeting her brown...

"Im not here for the boat Sun!"

She flinched a little and stepped back, wondering where on earth Jin had gone. He said he was going to come and get her soon. Meeting Lockes gaze apprehensively, she asked him holding her head up a little higher...

"What are you here for then John?"

Locke smiled warmly trying to assure Sun that she had no need to be worried.

"Im not here to hurt you Sun...(He stepped a little closer, and Sun stiffened up, tightening her grip oh her little make shift shovel) Im here to warn you!" Locke explained.

Sun looked back at John even more confused, repeating his words she asked....

"Warn me? Warn me about what?"

And then another voice broke threw the clearing...

"Dont be silly Sun. Hes here to warn you about me!"

Sun spun around, her eyes filling with fear as she realized just who this was. Recognizing the man she knew as Henry Gale from his time in captivity with them, but now everyone just called him Ben.

John called to Sun...And Sun turned back around to look at him, her breath getting short as the anxiety took over.

"Sun...Run...Now...Get out of here go back to the....."

But before Locke could finish what he was saying Sun shrieked as a stone pellet slammed against Lockes temple. John fell to the ground, and tears began to fill her eyes as the realization hit Sun. She knew what Ben was here for. No she couldnt be taken away from everyone, not this close to their rescue...She might never see Jin again, looking back at Ben her eyes trembling, Ben simply approached and took her wrist, looking back down at Johns unconscious body in remorse...

"He has long outlived his usefulness, wouldnt you agree Mrs. Kwon?"

Sun met his gaze unsettled afraid and she shook her head...

"Im not going anywhere with you! You will have to kill me first!"

She threatened nervously. Ben chuckled in reply...

"No...Were not going to kill you Sun...Infact, its quite the opposite...You have the opportunity to participate in something groundbreaking here...And you will come with me whether you are willing or not."

Sun's eyes widened as Ben drew a needle filled with some serum from his front pocket.

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"Jack! Jack!" Jin ran up alarmed towards Jack when he finally returned back to the beach.

"Sun...Sun...Cant find Sun!" He exclaimed alarmed, hoping Jack would be able to help. "Please help?" His eyes were filled with worry as Jin pled for Jack to help him.

Jack looked back at Jin immediately knowing what was going on and he nodded his head going into hero mode...

"Jin...Jin..just calm down okay!"

Jin's eyes were turbulent. But before the Korean man could reply, Kate and Sawyer caught up from behind. Kate asked Jack...

"What's going on?"

But before Jack could answer another voice came at him from behind...

"Jack!"

He turned around, feeling a thousand tons of relief lift the weight from his shoulders. It was Juliet, and she was okay.

"Juliet!"

Juliet smiled faintly, happy to see Jack again, but there was no time. She shook her head...

"Jack! Ben has Sun...I need you to come with me now!"

Just then Jins head spun around and his eyes tore daggers into Juliet...

"What? Where is Sun...?Where is my wife?"

Jin looked like he was about ready to strangle Juliet, Juliet was a little frightened and she looked to Jack to help her out when Jin shook his head taking a gun from the back of his pants...

"Tell me!!!!" He commanded.

"Hey hey, Chewy, take it easy!" Sawyer tried to calm Jin from behind but Jin just shook his head at Sawyer...

"No...She took Sun...Others took Sun!"

Sawyer looked back at Jack helpless and then he looked back at Kate concerned.

Jack ordered Jin to put his gun down...

"No Jin...Listen...Juliet did not hurt Sun! John Locke came to me earlier today and confirmed that Ben wanted Sun, Kate, and Juliet!"

Kate shook her head in disbelief, and Sawyer grilled Jack with his eyes...

"What? You knew this for how long Doc? And you didnt tell anyone?"

Jack glared back at Sawyer.

"Yeah like you were doing anything productive today anyway!"

"Stop it!" Kate shouted. "Just stop! We have to find Sun!"

Finally Juliet stepped in, still cautious about Jin, but she just shook her head, gesturing to Sawyer and Kate...

"You two need to get on that boat! Tell them to wait for Jack! Its too dangerous (Juliet exclaimed looking at Kate) they want you and will do anything to split you two up if you come with us!"

"What about you?" Kate asked Juliet.

Juliet just shook her head...

"I will be fine...I know this island well, and I know where Ben is taking Sun...If we dont go NOW it will be too late!"

Juliet looked back at Jack, as if to say 'hurry' and Jack nodded and looked back to Kate and Sawyer...

"Tell Peter Minkowski that I wont be long and to wait for word of our return!"

"Jack!" Kate asked, still doubting his judgment. "What if its a trap?" She asked.

Juliet and Jin had already headed back down the jungle path and Jack barked back at Kate...

"Just do it Kate!"

She sighed looking back to Sawyer.

Sawyer took her hand and shook his head, knowing Kate wanted to go after them...

"Docs right Freckles! Its too dangerous for you...You got more to think about now then just yourself!"

Kate was mad about not getting to go along. Sun was her friend. They were in this together and she felt all the sudden like she had been shackled to Sawyer. Boring holes into his eyes, she just glared at him, and replied.

"Yeah you would know all about that wouldnt you Sawyer?"

Sawyer just sighed...

"So thats how its gonna be then is it Peaches? You just cant stand the fact that you cant run this time can you?"

Kate glared at Sawyer again and walked towards the beach not bothering to answer him in a steamed mood. She hated how he could always read her, better then she could herself sometimes. It annoyed the hell out of her actually and she wasnt about to let him think that he knew her more intimately then she let on.

Sawyer just followed Kate and replied from behind...

"I dont care how pissed off you are at me Freckles! But I aint lettin you go back in that jungle, not if my life depended on it!"

"Dont tempt me Sawyer!" Kate called over her shoulder from behind. Still angry.

She went to her tent and packed, accompanied by Sawyer and then, he grabbed what he could from his tent. Handing her Joannas passport that she dropped that day on the beach, he replied shortly...

"Your gonna need this Joanna!"

Kate hated that he had the upper hand here. She hated it. Feeling so helpless, she took the passport from him angrily and shoved it back in her bag.

She watched him pack, surprised that he wasnt taking the majority of his stash and couldnt resist a sarcastic comeback of her own...

"What...You dont want to hoard your precious stash on board? Might be able to find a couple new fresh faces to con?"

Sawyer just glared back at Kate and replied...

"No Freckles...I got everything I need right here"

Referring to Kate. He closed up his suitcase shoving it back under the cover for old times sake and zipped up his backpack, finally turning to Kate...

"The question is...do you?"

Kate looked back at Sawyer incredulously. She knew his question had a deeper meaning then just arguing about luggage, she knew he was talking about them, but she wasnt going to give him the satisfaction of answering him right now. She knew he was right. Dammit, when did Sawyer start to be the voice of reason in her head?

"We dont have time to talk about semantics Sawyer; we have to get to the boat now!"

Sawyer chuckled. So now she wanted to go, he thought bemusedly. How convenient.

She saw a helicopter touch down and walked over to it not bothering to wait for Sawyer, Kate told the man up front they were ready and there were still more coming after them. Kate saw that Claire and Aaron and Desmond and Hurley were on this helicopter as well and she sat down in the plane, trying to force a small smile for them.

Hurley smiled softly to himself as he noticed Sawyer take a seat next to Kate. Sawyer hadnt been talking to Kate recently, but it was nice to see the two of them together.

"Dudes, you made it!" Hurley exclaimed.

Sawyer just looked back at Hurley and rolled his eyes...

"Yeah Hugo, ya know how hard it was to leave this place behind, bein it was just like Club Med and all..."

Hurley just stared at him and smiled, appreciating Sawyers humor, even though Sawyer hadnt intended for it to come across that way, Hurley replied...

"Well, Im glad you two made it"

Kate smiled at Hurley and nodded...

"Thanks Hurley!" she replied sweetly. As Sawyer just sent him a glare, not wanting to acknowledge his kindness.

Claire finally spoke up, stating the obvious...

"I cant believe were leaving this place!"

"Aye" Desmond agreed from behind. The news of Charlie dying had been incredibly hard on Desmond and Claire. And they both felt a sinking feeling, leaving it all behind. Like they didnt deserve it. Charlie was the one who had earned their rescue. He should be here, Desmond thought.

"I still cant believe it...." Claire stated in disbelief. She was holding Aaron, rocking him and he was drifting off to sleep despite the loud chopping helicopter blades.

Kate watched Aaron sleep, her gaze fixated on the young baby, and she thought about the life growing inside her now. The life she and Sawyer created. She didnt want to admit it back there, but Sawyer was right. She did have more to look out for now. It was going to be hard to get used to putting someone else above herself, let alone Sawyer.

She just needed time.

Sawyer watched Kate for a moment, her eyes fixed on Aaron, and he knew what she was thinking. He knew she was probably freaking out right now he was too. He couldnt imagine himself with a baby let alone being married or whatever having a family entailed. Oh god, did he just conjure up the word marriage in his head?

Sawyer looked back at Kate awkwardly. No this was dangerous. He didnt trust himself with Kate. Vowing silently to himself that as soon as they got on the boat and he knew she was safe, and they had left port, he would keep his distance for a bit while he could think things out in his head. She just fogged up his brain way too easily.

The helicopter began to lift now and everyone looked out the window, watching the vacated beach shrink away. It seemed so surreal, and yet part of Sawyer thought he would miss crap hole island just a little. He knew he would never find a place like this ever again in his life. So much had changed for him in the 4 months they had been here. He felt like he had lived a lifetime in this small time span. Sawyer was definitely a changed man, for better or worse, however, was yet to be determined.

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They were going at a fast pace through the jungle. Jack didnt bother asking Jin where he got the gun from. He knew it was from one of the Others when they had tiraded their camp a week ago. So much had gone on since then, that he had forgotten to check and make sure things were accounted for. He had to admit, he would be relieved to leave this place. Hoping that they could all get to Sun in time and never come back.

Jins eyes were ablaze with fury and worry for Sun. Not talking to either Jack or Juliet, he just needed to find his wife. He couldnt let this happen again. Holding his gun a little tighter, he listened and watched with an acute sense of sight and sound.

Juliet spoke softly to Jack...

"He was watching me...Ben was...And I tried to lead him around in circles...So he couldnt get to them, but at some point he must have realized what I was doing, and circled back for Sun and Kate."

Jack nodded and touched her arm softly...

"Dont worry Juliet...You did what you could...Im just sorry I hadnt gotten to you and them sooner."

Juliet smiled faintly at Jack, hoping they could get Sun back. She wanted to get everyone out of here. Feeling like it would fall short of a miracle to do so, since she had been trapped here for so long herself, Juliet just wanted to go home, desperately. To see her sister again and her nephew. She missed them dearly. But she owed this to Sun.

Marching on they were coming up to a ravine. This is where Juliet had hoped to cut Ben off. Putting her arm out to gesture silence from Jack and Jin, Juliet watched and waited.

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Kate found Minkowski, not long after the helicopter had dropped them all off on the ship. She gave the pilot specific instructions to go back and told him she would talk to Minkowski as well per Jacks request. Asking around the ship, she finally found out where Minkowski was located and stopped outside the room.

"You dont have to follow me everywhere Sawyer!" Kate whispered in a frustrated tone back at him.

Sawyer just shook his head and replied...

"Honey...I aint dumb enough to lose sight of you...Your not goin back to that island Kate!"

Her face was all flushed, still frustrated, she slipped past a researcher and asked a woman...

"Excuse me! Do you happen to know where Mr. Minkowski would be?"

The woman looked Kate up and down, followed by Sawyer, and then nodded and pointed her in the direction of a sub office, it looked like a lab, and the woman smiled back at Sawyer, her face flushed out as she admired his attractiveness. He smiled back at the woman, her gaze lingering on him as she turned back to head in the direction she was going, and Kate rolled her eyes.

"Come on Sawyer!" She ordered him, pulling his arm along with her.

"Think she liked me Freckles!" Sawyer mused, loving to ruffle Kate's feathers just a bit. Kate simply rolled her eyes back at him...

"I cant imagine why!" She replied dryly. "I need you to help me now though Sawyer, so if you could try to use your big brain instead of the little one for once...Id appreciate it!"

Sawyer chuckled...

"Little brain huh? Didnt seem so little when you were cryin out my name begging for more did it?"

He realized Kate was trying to bait him and turn the tables on his reasoning, but Sawyer knew the truth was, she wanted him with her. If not she would have told him to go chase the first piece of ass he could find.

"Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut okay Sawyer?" Kate ordered, pulling his hand with hers.

"Whatever you say Freckles!" He growled pulling back with a little resistance, intending to tell Kate where she could stick it as soon as this boat left port.

Going down the hallway, Kate found the room the woman had pointed them too, seeing Minkowski inside, his back was turned to them. He was looking over what appeared to be a pile of fossils.

Kate cleared her throat and he spun around, surprised by the interruption.

"What are you doing here?" Minkowski asked her. Kate swallowed, holding Sawyers hand tighter and Sawyer glared at the man...

"Mr. Minkowski...Dr. Jack Sheppard asked me to find you (Kate looked back at Sawyer, Minkowski recognizing the name, nodded, and Kate continued) One of our people was taken and kidnapped by the Others, and he needs you, we need you to please wait for his return!"

Minkowski looked back from Kate to Sawyer and he sighed and asked...

"One of the hostiles got them?"

Kate looked back at him confused by the term hostile, and she shook her head...

"She was a pregnant woman, and they wanted to study her...Jack is getting her back right now...

Minkowski looked like he was deep in thought for a moment and then looked back at them...

"I will give them till 6pm, no later...We cant risk it or the whole ship could be put in jeopardy..."

Kate sighed frustrated...

"Please...If you dont wait he will be trapped there...They all will!"

"Im sorry...the most I can give him is till sundown, which is 3 hours away...Then Dr. Sheppard is on his own! Now if you'll excuse me..."

Minkowski turned around and continued on his work asking his attendant to show Kate and Sawyer out.

"C'mon Freckles" Sawyer exclaimed putting his arm around her, he helped to usher her back to the main deck...

"All we can do now is wait...I know its killin you, but its gonna be okay!"

Kate felt defeated and helpless. She hated feeling this way. Knowing that she was safe when other people werent, made her feel guilty. Like she didnt deserve it. She loved Sawyer for trying to be so supportive. She knew it was love now or she would have sudo chopped him into the next time zone for leaving her to deal with the baby stuff on her own for a few days. She was scared to death during all of that. Mad as hell, but scared to death, and not only of being alone, but of losing Sawyer. She worried about when they came to rescue them if he would drift out of her life forever. She worried that she might never get to see him again, might never get to tell him how she felt.

But now, now she was furious. Kate hated having her hands tied. So instead she excused herself to use the rest room in her assigned cabin, intending to do something incredibly stupid once she got out of everyones general range of site.

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The group had confronted each other and Ben was standing in front of them a gun to Suns head.

"Sun!" Jin exclaimed.

Jins eyes were enraged and Ben warned him to drop the gun.

Jack shook his head...

"Youre not getting out of here with her Ben! I dont care if we have to shoot you down ourselves!"

Ben chuckled and looked at Jack.

"Well Jack...I do think your the ones holding the short sticks, seeing as I have Mrs. Kwon and you do not!"

"Ben let her go!" Juliet ordered.

"Let her go Benjamin!" Another voice surprised them all from behind. It was John Locke and he was holding a gun to the back of Bens head.

Ben shook his head and turned to face Locke...

"I should have known you would go and do something stupid John! Jacob will NOT be happy about this!" Ben exclaimed angrily.

But just as Ben turned back around to face the others, he was hit over the head by the butt of Jins gun.

Jin took the opportunity to swipe Sun away.

"Run!" Juliet yelled to Jin and Sun. Disoriented Sun looked back at Jack and Juliet and Jin unhesitantly pulled her back with him to watch the scene unfold, cautious of everyone.

She glared at Ben whose eye was all bloody now and shouted to him...

"Im going home Ben, we all are!

Ben stood up and looked back from Juliet to Jack.

Suddenly Locke stepped in again clicking his gun to Juliets head. And she turned around.

"What the hell are you doing John?" Juliet demanded angrily.

"Im sorry Juliet...They can go back...But you need to stay...Jack should stay as well, but you must!"

"John! Get your gun off her right now!!! I mean it Jack yelled angrily!" The fear coming out in his voice.

Ben steadied himself and aimed his gun to Jacks head.

"If you dont get out of here right now Jack, I will have Juliet killed along with your friends, The Kwon's!"

Jack shook his head, his nostrils flaring.

"Juliet!" He exclaimed, looking back into her large blue eyes. He knew how badly she wanted to leave here.

"Go!!!" Ben ordered.

"No!" Jack shouted back. "Shes coming with me!"

"Get out of here Jack, I mean it!!!"

Jack shook his head and snarled back at Ben, and reached for Juliets hand.

"I love her, she's leaving with ME!"

And just like that Ben raised his gun and shot down Jin. The wound was not fatal, but if he didnt get it looked at right away, it would be. Sun screamed and collapsed to her knees holding Jins weak body to her chest crying frantically.

"Jack, please...Please help him!"

"Go Jack, or Mr. Kwon will bleed to death!" Ben replied.

There were tears running down Juliets face and she broke free giving Jack a kiss on the cheek.

"Tell my sister in Portland that Im okay, her name is Rachel Burke and she has a 3 year old little boy!"

"Ill come back for you I promise!" Jack exclaimed emotionally...

"Go Jack, Go!"

Juliet ordered him, trying to stay strong before she broke down herself.

Jack turned to Sun and helped her carry a fallen Jin back to the beach. Feeling like the world all the sudden was sinking around his feet.

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Kate stepped out of the bathroom pulling her shirt out of her pants, to subtly hide the gun she was carrying. She was intending to hijack one of the helicopter pilots and make sure he waited for them back on the beach

"Well well well...Look what the cat dragged in!"

Sawyer remarked. He was standing outside the bathroom waiting for her. And he smirked back at a surprised Kate.

"Whats the matter Freckles? Cat got your tongue?"

Kate just sighed frustratedly and walked on, telling him under her breath...

"Go away Sawyer...Im doing this...You cant stop me!"

Sawyer grabbed her wrist and spun her around to face him...

"Like hell I can Peaches! Just watch me!"

Kate pulled back, but Sawyers grip was iron firm.

"Let go!" She demanded of him once more, but he wasnt backing down.

"I aint lettin you go out there to risk your life and the babies life just so you can have a cleaner conscience Freckles! Forget about it...Doc said he'd handle it and he will!"

"Goddammit Sawyer!" Kate yelled at him. The other survivors could hear shouting from behind the door, but they knew when it came to Sawyer it was best to not tangle horns with him, so they just carried on with their business.

"I love you too much Kate, so stick that one someplace special where the sun dont shine!"

Kate just glared at him, her eyes getting emotional and she knew she was losing this battle. Deciding to take her frustrations out on Sawyer in a more productive way she rammed him back into the cabin wall...

"Ow what the hell you do that f..."

But just as Sawyer was about to get the rest of his question out she smothered her mouth on top of his in an all encompassing kiss. He was breathless and tried to brace Kate back...

"No Freckles I aint fallin for that old routine!"

But Kate wasnt listening, pushing him down on the bed like a wild cat, she demanded from him...

"Fuck me Sawyer...Fuck me now!"

As she assaulted him ripping off his shirt and fumbling with the zipper on his jeans he felt all the blood rush to his nether regions...

"Jesus Kate!"

She wanted to take her aggressions out on him. All her frustrations taken out on mauling Sawyer at the moment. Biting his skin, nipping at his flesh, she moved her tongue over his neck and around his ear lobe and she felt his hardness press against her.

Kate tore off her shirt over her head. Even removing her bra, as she ground her hips against his pelvis. She had been without him for so long. Wanting Sawyer so badly right now she ached to feel him inside her. Kate removed her jeans and panties moaning loudly as she felt the hardness of his crotch press against her.

Sawyer was in a whirl as Kate ambushed him. His mind a thick foggy haze, no rational thought was coming through. He just wanted to screw Kate blind at the moment as his large erection ached inside his pants. And then he felt the zipper unzip and he was freed from the tight compounds. Sawyer groaned as Kate displayed him in full glory, yanking his pants off.

"Touch me Sawyer!" She asked him in a highly erotic and sexy voice, bringing his large hands up to her breasts.

"Feel me!" She ground her naked hips against him once more and braced herself, pinning his arms down below her...

"Fuck me Sawyer!" Kate finally demanded as she lifted her hips and lowered herself onto his raging cock.

"Oh god Kate!" Sawyer gasped helplessly below. And then she started to ride him like a cowgirl on her cowboy. Sawyer grabbed Kates ass after making her breasts swollen and aching and he pulled her on him thrusting up more forcefully.

Kate cried feeling her orgasm come almost instantly and then Sawyer turned the tables by flipping her over and moving inside her from the top.

"Sawyer!" Kate cried helplessly. The predator now becoming the prey. As he mounted her and continued to thrust.

"Oh Sawyer!" She moaned as his thrusts brought waves of pleasure through her body.

Kate brought her legs up and around his hips and let him ride her long and hard...

"I love you Sawyer!"

She exclaimed feeling the orgasm come over her again.

Sawyer was doing everything he could to maintain hardness, but her words and her voice sent him over the edge. Feeling the familiar sensation of climax approach his dick swelled....

"I love you..." She exclaimed again..."God I love you Sawyer!"

And that was the final straw as Kate fell into her hazy field, Sawyer emptied himself inside. Both of them groaning as they felt the wet pressure of his release.

Sawyer collapsed next to Kate balmy and breathless. And he looked over at her with a small smile, asking her...

"Did you really mean that Freckles?" Referring to her last declarations of love. Since he had doubted that for the majority of this afternoon.

Kate had to take a minute longer to get her breathing back and then she returned Sawyers gaze...

"Yes...James...I meant it!" She replied with a smug satisfied grin of her own. The sex was just enough to take the edge off. And they both lay there in post coital bliss enveloped in mutual love. Neither one thinking about the last remaining rescue attempts at the moment or what would happen when they arrived back on the mainland.

It was a beautiful white haze of blinding love.

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
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Summary Kate and Sawyer come to a mutual understanding for once, but thats all tossed by the wayside when Jack returns to them one member short. Sayid also approaches Sawyer about a new plan.

Chapter 6

"Ohhh...Sawyer!" Kate moaned coming to her climax for the third time that afternoon. Oh how she missed this. Sawyer slowed down, letting Kate ride it out and then he kissed her shifting positions as he climbed his towering peak once more. Kate's eyes opened wide when she felt him spill into her. It was like ice melting on molten lava and she breathed heavily her chest heaving. Sawyer groaned his grip tightening as they became one in every sense of the word. He looked back into her eyes, loving the way she looked right now. So relaxed, so lucid and free.

He kissed her once more and their mouths collided as they rode out the last remaining shards of ecstasy. It was heaven, it was bliss, it was...

Kate never quite knew what to say after they had finished making love. She knew, as did Sawyer that they were the most open with one another during sex, and once it was over, it was so easy to put those walls back up, almost like second nature. Sawyer however, didnt have the same dilemma, and replied completely satisfied...

"Your amazin Freckles..."

He ran his hand through her long brown locks and looked into her large green eyes smiling softly. Kate smiled back and kissed him lightly on the mouth...

"Likewise cowboy..." She replied, admitting with a soft blushing smile....

They kissed again and Sawyer drew out a moan from Kate. He pulled away and left her breathless.

"Sometimes it scares me how good you are..." Kate ran her hand lightly over his stubble and Sawyer smirked in reply.

"Sometimes we cant help what we're good at baby..." Sending her another smoldering glance he added...

"And sometimes ya find a muse that just brings it all outta you...." Kate smiled coyly and kissed him again, longingly.

"Of course (she replied) Casanova is no good without his muse..." Sawyer chuckled amused by her new nickname for him and he replied softly...

"No...spose he aint..."

Kate looked back at Sawyer and she asked him earnestly with dry mouth...

"So what are we going to do now?"

He bent over and kissed her mouth....

"Well I can think of a lot of things darlin...Just gotta have an open mind..."

Kate smiled gently her lips tingling, but she wanted to know what he thought pausing for a moment, she waited till she had his gaze and then her large green eyes locked in on his deep blue...

"No I mean what are we going to do now that we've been rescued?"

Sawyer looked back at Kate for a moment, unsure of what she was asking specifically, unsure of what his answer would be, because he could hardly think past this minute and he looked back at her through creased brow. Kate elaborated on her question....

"Im still wanted...Are you?"

Sawyer looked back at Kate for a moment thinking about his past crimes, realizing what Kate was asking. Was their a price on both their heads or just hers? And then he finally replied breaking the silence...

"Think I'm okay, unless we go back to Australia...sort of got in a little rumble with the Prime Minister of Agriculture back there...."

Kate couldnt help but crack a smile...

"You what?"

Sawyer smirked slightly and looked back at Kate with a smug expression on his face...

"Well lets just say, like you, I didnt have to pay for my ticket outta there...they deported my ass..."

Kates grin was beaming in amusement and she shook her head...

"I cant believe you..." She exclaimed shaking her head laughingly. And then she looked at him..."Dont tell me you just wanted to get out of paying for a ticket back to the states James?"

Sawyer chuckled again..."No, but Ill have to remember that if I ever find myself in a pinch again..." He winked back at Kate.

They both smiled, letting a moment of silence pause as Kate looked up at the ceiling now in thought, they still had so much to learn about each other. But she felt 100 times better knowing he was here with her, that Sawyer was on her side. Kate wrapped her arm around his naked chest and rested her cheek on his shoulder.

Sawyer rested his head back down on the pillow running his tan hand along Kates back thinking again for a moment and finally answered Kate's original question, looking down at her, her eyes were closed...

"I guess we just lay low till the boat docks and then we can hightail it out of here and disappear..."

Kate looked up at Sawyer for a moment, her face saddened as she thought about the people here, and she asked him quietly...

"So thats it...we just walk away and wont look back?"

Sawyer looked back at Kate with creased brow. He knew as much as she liked to run, this was going to be hard for her. It would be hard for him too, but he hated seeing her sad.

"You got a better idea?" He asked her gently

Kate rested her head on his chest and shook it. She didnt want Sawyer to see her cry. Maybe it was the hormones; it wasnt like this was ever easy for her. She hated leaving people behind. She loved Sawyer, but she was going to miss these people, everyone had become so close here, it was like the family she never had.

Looking down at her brown mane buried in his chest, Sawyer felt the warm salty tears press against his chest. She cried silently and he closed his eyes in lament, running his hand gently through her hair.

After a few minutes just laying there in silence, Kate's eyes had nearly closed, falling prey to melodic rhythm of Sawyers breathing, something caught her attention, it was a faint buzzing sound that was getting closer

Kate lifted her head for a moment to listen more closely, and then she realized what it was. The helicopter was back.

'Oh god, Jack!' She thought alarmed. In all of their lovemaking, Kate had completely forgotten about Jack and the others who were left on the island.

She jumped out of bed to Sawyers surprise.

"What time is it?" Kate tried to find a clock in the room, her eyes resting on a small alarm near the head of the bed, it read 6pm.

Kate grabbed her clothes and tore into her pants and top...

"How could you let me forget Sawyer?"

Sawyer sat up a little miffed and gestured frustratedly with his hand...

"Beg your pardon?" He replied sarcastically.

Kate met his gaze and snapped back...

"Dont play dumb with me Sawyer...You planned to keep me here till this boat launched didnt you?" She met his gaze accusatorily.

Sawyer swung his legs over the side of the bed chuckling lightly...

"Ah I hate to break it to ya Freckles...But youre the one who ambushed me, Remember?"

He met her frustrated gaze as she pulled her shirt hurriedly over her head, not giving him the satisfaction of a response, Kate merely stated...

"Lets just go..."

She shoved her shoes back on as Sawyer was hurriedly pulling his pants back on and she was out the door before he could even reply or finish dressing...

"Unbelievable..." Sawyer muttered frustratedly as he pulled his shirt over his head and tripped in his shoes following Kate out the door.

But Kate was already up by the action before Sawyer arrived on the main deck. There was a small crowd gathered and Sawyer saw Hurley nearby, asking him...

"What happened?"

Hurley looked back at Sawyer pausing for a moment wondering where he'd been when all this happened, but Kate had just come out like a spitfire and he could only try to connect the dots, not sure how to break the news...

"Dude, somebody shot Jin!"

"What?" Sawyer asked surprised, watching them all now, he finally saw Jack and some other man, probably the pilot carry Jin's limp body out.

"It appears there was an ambush" Sawyer turned around noticing Sayid speaking up from behind and he looked puzzled for a minute.

"I overheard Jack talking to the pilot telling them they had to go back..."

Sawyer shook his head not following. Go back for what? Sun was there, Jin was there, Jack was...And then it clicked and Sayid realized at the same moment that Sawyer figured it out...

"Yes...He had to leave Juliet behind..." Sayid confirmed.

As the wheels spun in Sawyers head, he watched the scene unfold.

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"Not now Kate!" Jack helped the pilot get Jin up on the stretcher...

"I have to get Jin to the infirmary!" Jack looked pointedly at Kate and brushed past her.

"Then what can I do to help?" Kate asked pleadingly, feeling helpless all of the sudden. At first she thought Jack didnt hear her, he had walked a few steps without answering her, and then he looked back and replied demandingly...

"Stall them!"

Kate started breathing heavily. Jack was asking something of her she didnt think she could do. Kate already knew that Jack was lucky to be brought back here. They all were. She knew in her heart that Juliet was now lost.

As the jets of the boat began to fire up, Kate saw the water bubble below and watched Jack fade away with Sun following close behind as Jin was carried on the stretcher.

But she had to try. Seeing a man, Kate remembered the earlier conversation she had with Sawyer about keeping a low profile, but she chose to ignore it at this moment in time. And walked up to a member of the rescue team who was tying up the helicopter....

"Wait...please"

The man looked back at her questioningly, and Kate replied...

"We're still missing someone, a woman....You have to go back!"

The man simply shook his head and looked back at Kate pointedly....

"Im sorry Miss, but our orders are to leave this place at o'1800 hours. Kate shook her head...

"No...No see you didnt hear me right...Someone is MISSING! We have to go back for her..."

He finished tying up the knot and looked back at Kate...

"Im sorry Ma'am orders are orders..."

And then he stepped past Kate and walked away. Kate looked for a moment at the knot he had tied feeling like the world was crumbling at her feet. It was bad enough she was forced to run to save herself, but now she had let everyone down. She had let Jack down and Juliet and failed yet again.

Kates head was spinning and she felt dizzy all of the sudden, leaning her hand against the helicopter she watched as the shoreline got further and further away from her. And then she heard a voice from behind...

"C'mon Freckles..."

Kate turned around and saw Sawyer standing there. She watched him puzzled.

"Lets get something to eat..."

Sawyer gestured back to the rest of the group who was heading inside. Apparently they were serving some sort of meal for everyone and Kate just shook her head, looking back out at the water...

"I cant...I promised Jack, I would stall them so he could go back for Juliet..."

Sawyer looked out at the beach fading in the distance and shook his head...

"Shouldnt make promises you cant keep Peaches..."

Kate met Sawyers gaze knowingly and he took her hand this time...

"C'mon...Even the Doc knows you cant save everyone Freckles..."

Kate sighed inwardly looking back at the beach one last time and then she let Sawyer lead her to the cafeteria.

Sawyer tried to get her to eat. Even a few friends stopped by to offer a bit of light humor about how they never thought rescue would come or, 4 months later after all the good tents were settled into now, antics offered by Hurley, and then Rose and Bernard, and Kate smiled appropriately for them, but Sawyer knew it was just a cover.

Once dinner was over and their distractions had left Kate stood up. Sawyer stood up with her and asked...

"Where you goin?"

Kate looked back at Sawyer her eyes searching his...

"I want to see how Jin is doing..." Kate replied with her chin up, confident in herself. Sawyer didnt buy the charity act for one second.

"So keepin a low profile involves bustin in on Mr. and Mrs. Shanghai noon, the Doc, and his surgical team then huh?"

"Sawyer...I" Kate attempted to defend herself, but Sawyer cut her off...

"Just admit if Freckles, you got a Sorry date with the Doc!"

Kate rolled her eyes and kept walking...

"You know if Juliet hadnt made us leave, we both might not be here right now..."

They were in a dark hallway and Sawyer spun Kate around smashing his lips on top of hers. Kates face flushed taken aback by his forcefulness but also aroused and she looked back at him breathless once he pulled away...

"Im not gonna chase you forever Sugar...So if you gotta see him, then see him...But make up your mind where your priorities are before we get off this boat Freckles cause I cant help you if your not with me...."

Kates face blushing before quickly faded to a pale color and she spoke quieter....

"Sawyer...."

But Sawyer just looked back at her and replied just as quietly...

"You know where to find me..."

"Sawyer wait!" Kate pleaded, but he had already turned and rounded the corner. Kate remained in that spot for a moment, hearing Sawyers words once more in her head...

'Make up your mind where your priorities are Freckles.'

She knew where her priorities were. They were with creating a safe life for her baby; they were with Sawyer, with surviving.

But there was still that small part of Kate that needed to repent for her sins. She owed it to Jack to tell him she couldnt get them to go back for Juliet. If only to ease her own conscience. She needed to tell him and then she was Sawyers.

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Sawyer felt like a complete Jackass. Twenty minutes had gone by and still no Kate. He felt like such a fool. Shaking his head he couldnt believe he was in this situation again. Thinking they were past this, but Kate still had her thing for the Doc. He would never be good enough for her.

Deciding he wasnt gonna be her wet blanket this time when she came back after Jack rejected her for the 500th time, Sawyer grabbed his bag and left the room. Finding a new vacant one on the other side of the ship, he just wanted to get as far away from Kate as possible. Hating that one part of his brain was still fighting him on going back for her, but he needed some air, some space, needed to blow off some steam and Sawyer didnt want to be around Kate when he was like this.

After finding his room, he snuck into the kitchen and stole 2 full bottles of rum. Unscrewing the cap, he downed a good chug of the sweet liquid. Tasting the bite as it burned down his throat. Swallowing, Sawyer all the sudden felt possessed by a feeling of rage and punched the wall next to him.

"Son of a Bitch!" Sawyer exclaimed hissing.

His hand writhed in pain as he pulled it away, noting the walls were metal, his hand hurt a lot.

"You will most likely need some ice for that!"

Sawyer surprised once more by the unexpected interruption turned around to face the voice behind him--Sayid, who reached into the freezer behind Sawyers head and pulled out a bag of frozen vegetables, handing it to Sawyer.

"Thanks" Sawyer replied dryly, partially embarrassed for his outburst but also partially curious as to what Sayid was doing here. But before he could ask, Sayid asked him...

"Would you like to talk about it?" Sayid nodded to Sawyers new self inflicted injury.

Sawyer narrowed his eyes and looked back at Sayid frustrated, retorting back sarcastically...

"What do you think?"

He tried to straighten out his hand but found that it was stuck bent and Sawyer grimaced softly. Not wanting to draw attention to his pain however, he asked Sayid...

"So what are you doin around these parts anyway Mohammed? Dont tell me you were hungry for a midnight snack?" He asked him snarkily.

Sayid smiled faintly and simply shook his head...

"No, I was examining the facilities."

Sawyer looked back at Sayid questioningly for a moment and then he finally replied...

"Well Ali, I think you can finally take that 'At ease' seein as we've all been rescued and all..."

Sayid shook his head...

"No...No we cant let our guards down Sawyer..."

He stepped a little closer and spoke more quietly...

"Do you not think it is unusual that none of these people have asked us any questions about this island? No concern whatsoever?"

Sawyer creased his brow for a moment and Sayid continued...

"You and I both know that that island wasnt normal by any means...And more importantly, I want to find out what they extracted...and why we were not being chased...

Sayid thought to himself for a moment and then looked back at Sawyer...

"Our rescue team has either formed an alliance with the others or they are playing right into Ben's hands..."

The last thing Sawyer wanted to think about right now was the Others, least of all Ben. He was so over that place, but what Sayid said was making sense. Why didnt they ask us any questions? Why wasnt anyone chasing them outta there if they stole some hidden treasure off the island?

"So?" Sayid looked at Sawyer expectantly, like he wanted an answer, and Sawyer replied a little miffed...

"So, what?"

Smiling inwardly Sayid elaborated...

"So would you care to join me on a stakeout Sawyer?"

Sawyer looked back at Sayid coyly for a moment pausing and then finally replied...

"Suppose I could handle that...Nothin like a little recon work to make things more interestin..."

He smirked back at Sayid, and took one more swig from the bottle, to numb the pain in his hand, dropping the bag of frozen vegetables; he followed Sayid to a secluded place near the action.

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Sawyers words kept playing over and over in Kates mind and she couldnt help but think he was right. What am I doing? She thought to herself, realizing all to well how easily old habits tended to kick back in. Shaking her head, Kate turned on her heels and headed back to hers and Sawyers room.

But before she got there she ran into Jack.

"Jack!" Kate exclaimed, not expecting to see him so soon.

"Kate." He addressed her, his eyes brushing past her quickly towards the room Jin had since been moved to. Kate hadnt realized Jin was in a room of his own now, but followed him anyway...

"How is he?" She asked. And then she saw Sun emerge from the edge of the room, worry written across her face, but she hid it quickly, relieved to see Kate...

"Hello Kate!' Sun said. Kate smiled faintly and went up to hug her friend relieved to see her okay. After a long moment, Sun finally answered Kate's original question, looking down at the bed which hosted Jin's sleeping body.

"He is going to be okay, the bullet is out now and we just need to monitor him for infection..."

Sun was still a little worried, she would remain that way until Jin was up and talking again, but she tried to offer a small smile to Kate.

Kate smiled back in kind and replied...

"Thats good...Im so happy you both made it back...All of you..."

She looked to Jack testing the waters to see if she could approach him about the topic of Juliet, but he had his poker face on. Sun smiled back at Kate and thanked her kindly.

Kate nodded and made her pardons, noting that Sun looked like she could use some rest as did Jin.

Kate was surprised however when Jack followed her out of the room...

"Im glad he's going to be okay..." Kate replied trying to get rid of the awkwardness between her and Jack.

"Yeah... Jack replied not really giving her his full attention, since it looked like he had somewhere else he needed to be.

Daring finally to state the obvious, Kate succumbed to the guilt and replied...

"I tried to get them to go back for her Jack"

Jack just looked back at Kate like he had been slapped. Pausing in silence for a moment, he continued to walk, speaking in a low tone.

"Yeah...Im sure you tried your hardest Kate!" He was obviously more then a little upset.

Kate shook her head. She hated it when Jack was mad at her. They were out on the main deck now, outside and the black air spun around them. ...

"Jack...they said they wouldnt...(she paused for a second, not knowing what excuse to give him, nothing she could say would make it better) Im... (She was about to say she was sorry, but couldnt get the words out in time)

Snapping his head back at Kate's last comment, Jack replied angrily cutting her off...

"Just shut up Kate!"

Kate's eyes were wide with surprise and they soon turned stormy, but Jack wasnt done...

"You were returned here safely, and she sacrificed everything so you could do that, she sacrificed her life for all of us!"

Kate put her hand up to her mouth, thinking for a moment that Juliet was dead, feeling the guilt wash over her in sheets of red, speechless, but Jack still wasnt done...

"Dont lecture me on how you tried or how you were sorry...I dont care if its true or not...Shes trapped now on that island for eternity and you cant bring her back with your sorries Kate!"

"Jack." Her voice started to crack now feeling terrible for everything and he stepped up to her his eyes filled with pain firing off his final blow...

"I loved her Kate!"

And then she met his gaze with silence, knowing now that the friendship they once shared could never return to the way it was. Kate closed her eyes in shame and Jack stomped off, leaving her there alone to fester in her tortured thoughts.

The tears came slowly at first, silent. The salty ocean air dried the stains to her face as she looked out to the ink black waters. Thinking about Jack and his situation, Kate's heart sunk for him. And then she thought about Sawyer and their situation. She wanted nothing more right now then to curl up in Sawyers arms and stay that way till sunrise. It was the only place she ever felt truly safe.

But now she had messed that up too hadnt she?

Walking out to the balcony Kate looked down again at the black abyss churning below the boat. Thinking just briefly how much easier it would be for everyone if she were out of the picture. If Kate Austen had really died amongst the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, amongst the many who shared the shallow graves in the south pacific.

With heavy heart her hand took the rail, the wind whipping through her hair. She felt nauseous all of the sudden.

And then the sickness came like a thunderbolt. Literally, Kate hurled that evenings supper over the boat railing. She perished everything from her body feeling cold and clammy but also a little bit lighter, she breathed in the salty air. Knowing her baby was trying to tell her something.

Just wanting to go home now. Home being Sawyers arms, Kate turned her back to the black sea and headed back towards her room, but not before she was stopped by someone on her way in.

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Sayid had already scaled the area around Minkowski's lab room checking the area for people. The kitchen just happened to in the vicinity and he wasnt planning on running into Sawyer, but it was fortunate that he did.

They grabbed the room next door to the lab, which was vacant and stationed themselves a long side the vent.

A lot of it Sayid couldnt quite understand. A lot of it was technical chemical and archeological terms, but he and Sawyer definitely heard the next part.

(Inside the lab)

One of Minkowskis assistants swallowed hard as he poked and prodded the stone, thinking how unusual it was that it didnt have any abnormal properties as rumored. He didnt want to say anything at first, but the more he checked, the more it seemed like everything they knew about this special rock was false. His voice was shaky and he finally croaked out...

"Ah Sir..."

Minkowski turned around to look at the young man and asked him...

"Yes Anthony, what is it?"

Anthony swallowed using his tools to scrape a small fragment of the rock for another sample, replying dryly to Minkowski...

"Didnt you say this was a magnesium based mineral?"

Minkowski nodded taking a closer look at the rock...

"Yes, its one of the rocks known 8 properties..."

Anthony took a test tube filled with calcium carbonate and squeezed it out over the rock fragments once more, displaying his proof...

"Then why wont it react to Calcium Carbon?"

Minkowski looked down at the rock surprised. Checking the bottle of calcium carbonate fluid, he smelled it to make sure and indeed it was not mislabeled.

Picking up the original rock, he took it and placed his tongue on a section, shaking his head he couldnt believe it...

"No...No...This is nothing more then common quartz"

Minkowski looked back at his men alarmed and then he set the rock back down on the table feeling a large pit in his stomach. His head spinning. Finally coming to the realization, he voiced his thoughts outloud.

"They tricked us and put a dummy rock in!"

He shook his head once more and looked to one of his other men...

"We have to go back...Turn the boat around NOW!"

Stunned into silence in the room next door Sayid and Sawyer sat there equally shocked. Finally breaking the pause Sawyer looked back at Sayid standing up and he replied...

"Maybe we aughtta get the Doc!"

He didnt know what else they could do. Not wanting to go back to that island, or ask Jackass for his opinion, but it was either do nothing and risk being stuck there forever, or not.

Sayid shook his head however knowing that getting Jack involved would just make things worse and put his hand on Sawyers arm...

"No....I have something else in mind..."

Standing up Sayid walked to the door and opened it, checking to make sure the coast was clear and then he turned back to Sawyer and asked him...

"Are you coming?"

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
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Summary Sayid buys them all a little time, but not enough, while Sawyer provides a distraction for Sayid and gets a distraction of his own. More action to follow in the next chapter.

Chapter 7

Standing up Sayid walked to the door and opened it, checking to make sure the coast was clear and then he turned back to Sawyer and asked him...

"Are you coming?"

Pausing for a moment, Sawyer remembered his earlier agenda to get completely tanked and drink himself into a coma. But he guessed this would work as a distraction as well. At least he wouldnt have a hangover the size of Hiroshima in the morning.

"What do you think Omar?"

Sawyer answered Sayid coming up behind him.

"So...You got some sort of plan then?"

Sayid smiled smugly back at Sawyer and nodded his head...

"Yes, I have an idea, but I would like to scale the bridge area first, see what we're up against."

Sawyer raised his brows 'Oh boy he was in for something now.' Sawyer had no desires to be enlisted in some new red beret scam of Sayid's, but he found himself strangely drawn to the drama nonetheless.

They arrived at the Communication room and Sayid stopped and turned to Sawyer....

"Alright, we need to..."

But just as Sayid was about to continue, one of Minkowski's men turned the corner. Pulling Sawyer into the nearest darkened room with him, Sayid stopped and remained silent.

Luckily for them, the man was too preoccupied with delivering Minkowskis message that he didnt even notice the two men ahead who had just dodged into the doorway opposite the Bridge room.

Sayid turned to Sawyer and told him to wait there for a minute. Sawyer shook his head in protest, wanting to know more about Sayids plan, when Sayid slipped out. He tried to peek into the room to watch the action. Not being able to see everything, but he was able to note what people were doing. A man, he must have been the captain was steering the boat wheel, and another man was on a walkie. There was a third standing by a control panel, it looked like some master switchboard and finally the 4th was standing looking over a map with a woman.

Sawyer tried to get a look at their faces peering a little farther. He had no idea where Sayid had gone. If he was in there no one would ever know. And then he heard an alarm sound. All the red lights in the hallway started blinking and everyone in the room stopped what they were doing. Two men came back out into the hallway and started rushing down towards the other end. One man remained on the bridge and the other woman was on her walkie now. She had turned just slightly and Sawyer recognized her from earlier. It was the woman he and Kate ran into in the hallway earlier, remembering her obvious attraction to him as well. A small smirk washed across Sawyers face as he realized what Sayid had just done. Now it was his turn to play his part.

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"Oh hi Claire" Kate exclaimed nearly running into the small blonde on the bow of the ship.

"Motion sickness?" Claire asked. The wind whipped through her golden tresses and Claire watched Kate sympathetically, because she had walked in on the tail end of Kate hurling the contents of her stomach over the railing just a moment ago.

Kate shook her head, and closed her eyes swallowing briefly before looking back at Claire...

'No I think its more like morning sickness..."

Claire raised her head in realization of what Kate was saying. Kate simply nodded her head. It wasnt that hard to get out once she had told Sawyer, and then Jack and Sun. Kate thought it would be harder to tell people, but it wasnt.

"Really?" Claire replied shocked, not quite sure what to say. She didnt know Kate as well as she would like. Kate kept most things to herself more often then not, and Claire didnt know if her reaction should be celebratory or sympathetic.

Kate nodded her head and replied softly..."Yeah..."

"How long have you known?" Claire asked.

Kate went over to a bench nearby and took a seat, replying...

"About a week give or take..."

Claire took a seat next to Kate and Kate continued, smiling ironically to herself...

"I have no idea what Im doing, but Sawyer said he would help..."

Claires face of concern lightened up just a bit as she took in what Kate had just confessed...

"So you and Sawyer?"

Kate looked back at Claire and then down at the deck and laughed lightly to herself, thinking about everything that had happened, and how it finally all came out was like this...

"Yeahme and Sawyer..."

Kate blinked and looked back up at Claire. Claire paused for a moment and then she put her hand over Kate's in assurance, having a small idea what Kate must be going through right now. The fear of the unknown, the excitement, but also terror...And she met Kate's green gaze...

"It's going to be okay Kate...We're here for you too..."

Kate nodded her head gently and replied softly....

"Thanks..." Knowing Claire was just trying to help, but she couldnt even begin to understand the magnitude of Kate's situation. Yes, Sawyer said he would help her, but that wouldnt clear her name, that wouldnt buy her freedom. As soon as this boat docked, she would have to start over all again. Tabula Rasa. And Claire's promise would fall into the back of her mind along with everything else when they had to start over again.

What kind of an upbringing could she give a child? Kate knew Sawyer loved her and she him, but what if a child tore them apart? What if she lost him too?

Kates fake smile faded and Claire noticed something else was on her mind...

"What is it?" Claire asked curious what Kate was thinking about. Whatever it was it looked unpleasant. Kate blinked once and shook her head...

"It's nothing..."

Claire didnt believe her and was about to tell her she could have her old baby clothes when, a loud beeping noise ran through the ship. Both women stood up as the red hazard lights started blinking and Claire looked back at Kate...

"What's going on?" She shouted to Kate over the siren.

Kate shook her head..."I dont know!" She yelled equally loud. Both women covering their ears now.

"Do you think somethings wrong?" Claire asked, both women heading back inside now...

"Maybe they will make some sort of announcement!" She added. Kate nodded her head

"Maybe..." She replied.

Other people were starting to come out of their rooms now and Kate and Claire ran into Rose and Bernard. Then Hurley came out followed by Desmond. All of them wondering what was going on and voicing their theories as to what the alarm was for.

"Maybe we should go back to the cafeteria" Bernard suggested. "If there are any life vests, they usually keep them in a large room like that one, or at least we might run into someone who knows what's going on..."

"I think thats a good idea" Claire agreed and looked back at Kate.

Rose was watching Aaron for her and she graciously took him back from the older woman, thanking her for watching him.

Kate searched the group for Sawyer, wondering where he was. It wasn't like him to ignore something like this. She noticed Claire and the rest of the group heading back to the cafeteria and followed them to the next turn in the hallway, and then Kate doubled back and headed towards the upper deck of the ship. She decided to find out what was really going on.

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The alarm finally stopped after several minutes and finally the woman left the room.

"Man...You all decidin to run a fire drill or somethin? Wouldnt think thered be much to itJust grab your lifejacket and jump right?"

The woman was surprised at first, but when she saw and recognized Sawyer her face softened. Sawyer decided to change the subject to one that would give him the control and asked her...

"Hey Darlin...You mind tellin me where the laundry room is around here? Bein stuck on an deserted island for 4 months really sets in the stains..."

She smiled back at him and started walking...

"Of course...What was your name?"

Sawyers Dimples deepened...

"Name's Sawyer...I didnt happen to catch yours though" He sent her a flashing grin looking her up and down appealingly and she began to blush.

"Im Amanda, but everyone calls me Mandy..." She smiled blushingly again and Sawyer shook his head...

"Well Mandy...If you dont mind, I think Ill just call you sugar lips, cause they look good enough to eat."

Leading him down the hallway, Mandy looked back up into his amazing blue eyes and smiled. Sawyer kept his smug grin in check, amazed at how easy this one was.

Once Sayid came back, Sawyer explained to him how he had met the woman before and could draw her away while Sayid worked his magic. It was a piece of cake this time.

She smiled again and brushed a strand of red hair back behind her ear. Forgetting for a moment what he had originally asked.

"What did you need again? Was it the laundry room or the shower?"

"Well I did say laundry room, but maybe I auggta run by the showers first...Suppose I look pretty dirty huh?"

His Dimples deepened and Mandy looked back at him, all sweaty, dirty and raw man. None of the men she worked with were anything like this man. They were all clean cut play by the rules boys, but Mandy could tell that Sawyer was something different.

"You look fine to me... (She replied slowly) But I wouldnt mind waiting for you if you just wanted to rinse off..."

She smiled back at him and Sawyers dimples deepened. His tactics were working like a charm.

"Course you wouldnt Darlin..."

"Of course she wouldnt what?" A voice surprised them both from behind, and Sawyer turned around to face a very curt looking Kate. Her green gaze met his with her arms folded and she looked more then a little upset.

Sawyer looked back at Kate like a deer caught in the headlights. Trying to get his concentration back, he exclaimed suddenly...

"Joanna!" Acting surprised to see her. Sawyer tried to signal Kate with his eyes that she needed to be on guard here.

But Kate obviously wasnt having any of it.

"Dont Joanna me!" Kate replied angrily, her eyes were fierce demanding an explanation.

"Ah maybe I should go" Mandy interrupted them, feeling all the sudden like she was in the middle of something.

"No, please stay" Kates eyes remained cool and then she looked back at Sawyer.

"What do you think your doing? I thought you said you were going to wait for me!"

Sawyer closed his eyes briefly for a moment thinking this couldnt get any worse. But then his anger came to the surface when he noticed her eyes burning into his...

"Yeah we'll waiting's overrated Sweetheart...So I took it upon myself to let this kind lady give me a tour of the ship, purely for recreation of course..."

His eyes lashed back at her and Kate glared at him.

Mandy looked back from Sawyer to Kate, not wanting to be in the middle of their little lovers quarrel or whatever this was, feeling like this was the last place in the world she wanted to be right now.

"Listen...I should be getting back...."

"No!" Sawyer answered her a little more harshly then necessary. Kate looked back at him incredulously. Her anger was just about to the brim over the surface. Trying to calm his voice, he finally concluded..."It would be helpful if you could at least show us where the laundry room is...Im sure Joanna (Sawyer nodded back to Kate) would appreciate that too."

Kate shot Sawyer daggers with her eyes.

Mandy looked back at them like they were both insane, hesitant at first, but she met Sawyers gaze thinking maybe they could cease whatever argument or disruption they were about to have if she just led them where they wanted to go and nodded her head.

"Fine...Come with me then..."

She answered matter-of-factly and took off down the hallway not letting Sawyer or Kate have a chance to keep pace with her.

Kate looked menacingly at Sawyer while they followed, wanting to slug him, slap him, tear his clothes off, and make angry passionate love.

She hated how her brain was all haywire lately. It was like nothing made sense, and she was desperate for sex, sex with Sawyer.

Sawyer narrowed his eyes and looked back at Kate, not wanting her to mess this up for them. They came really close back there with her earlier efforts. And he tried to signal her, shaking his head, putting his finger up to his lip in gesture to keep quiet.

Kate wasnt having any of his stupid attempts at sign language however. She was too mad, too jealous, just rolling her eyes as she looked off to the side intentionally ignoring him.

Hating that he had this power over her to control the way she thought and acted. Swallowing she forced herself to look back and focused her eyes on the curve of his neck, and his hard chest, strong forearms, and large hands. A small hand towel tied around it and she asked him nonchalantly with a bit of a chill in her voice...

"What happened to your hand? Dont tell me you couldnt wait to start without me..."

Kate glared at Sawyer and he rolled his eyes looking back at her through the sides angrily. That was a low blow even for Kate. Deciding to fight a little fire with fire he answered her...

"No had an accident, banged it up really good....Course I knew the doc was already preoccupied so I decided to bandage it up myself."

Shaking her eyes she dared to meet Sawyers hot gaze. She wanted to tackle him down on the floor. Her mind wandering again to that guttural place, Kates nostrils began to flare a little angry at herself, angry at him, angry at the world, and she marched along side him begrudgingly.

"We're here..." Mandy finally exclaimed in relief stopping along side one of the rooms. "This shower and the laundry room is down the hall, 3rd door on the right."

Sawyer stepped up to look inside. He hoped this had given Sayid the time he needed. Placing his hand lightly on Mandy's shoulder, he met her apprehensive gaze with a warm smile...

"Thanks Mandy...you're alright..."

She met his gaze and her face softened a bit, but that all changed when she looked back to Kate who looked anything but happy and she just nodded...

"Sure...anytime...(looking back at Kate again, she knew her presence was no longer needed, nor did she want to be there, making a quick excuse, Mandy exclaimed) I have to get back to my station..." She muttered awkwardly and then was off.

Sawyer looked back at Kate, barely seeing a flash of her face as he was shoved inside the shower room.

"What the hell is your problem Freckles?" He growled as she shoved him back some more...

Kates green eyes were ablaze....

"What's MY problem? (A little louder now) WHAT'S MY PROBLEM JAMES?"

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" she asked him falling just short of a state of rage.

"Keep your voice down!" Sawyer hissed back.

Kates stormy eyes began to cloud up and she was trying her hardest to hold it in and not break down in front of him now. Swallowing she lifted her chin up and met Sawyers gaze head on, her voice trembling a little...

"So the first chance you got you tried to ditch me? Is this how it's going to be now? You can walk away just like that???" Her tempestuous eyes locked in on his pleadingly. Every emotion heightened because of her pregnancy, she feared she could lose Sawyer now too.

"What? (He was surprised for a moment and answered shocked by her accusations) NO!"

Kates eyes were unchanging however and she looked like she was about to cry. Sawyers face fell, when he realized how distraught Kate was over this.

"C'mere baby!" Sawyer whispered and pulled Kate into his arms. He closed his eyes and explained quietly...

"I ran into Mohammed earlier...found out they were turnin the ship back around so he needed my help..."

Kates teary eyes looked back up at Sawyer confused, and Sawyer continued...

"He needed me to get Mandy away from the control room for awhile so he could work his magic..."

She blinked for a moment as the realization hit her...

"So I wasnt tryin to ditch ya Freckles, maybe put a little space between..."

But Kate simply shook her head relieved beyond all her wildest dreams and replied to-the-point...

"Just shut up..."

Sawyer looked back puzzled and then Kate pulled his neck down to meet her lips. Kate plunged her tongue into Sawyers mouth and he wrapped his arm around her smirking in delight as she kissed him.

Their breaths mingled together and tongues locked, and then Sawyer pulled away hazy eyed, replying softly...

"I love it when you get jealous Freckles..."

Kate smiled slightly blushingly and leaned in whispering

"Thought I told you to shut up" She muttered and then pulled him down again for another smoldering kiss. Both of them generating enough energy to heat the ship and then Kate pulled away and looked back to Sawyer mischievously. Her hand resting along the curve of his neck, she exclaimed quietly...

"Come on...Let's rinse off..."

Sawyer smiled back at her and kissed her mouth once more. Kate took his hand and led him to the shower room. There were several stalls in the room and Kate chose the one off to the corner.

They couldnt keep their hands off one another as, Sawyer reached behind fumbling to turn on the water while helping her with her shirt and bra, one handed too. In turn Kate did the same with Sawyer, leaving a kiss on his smooth chest while unzipping his pants. He tasted like the ocean and steam filled up the room around them.

Sawyer closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the intense pleasure Kates kisses were giving him and then he wanted his turn. Tipping Kate's chin up, he kissed her mouth and then moved down to her breasts. Kate tossed her head back in pleasure, her mouth opening slightly when she felt where his hands were going. He was the master of pleasure.

She almost didnt realize that he had fully undressed her and now she was being pulled into the shower with him, locking lips once more with his full mouth beginning their seductive dance.

Moans and soft grunts could be heard from outside the shower stalls, and at the point of impact, Kate whimpered and left a running hand print along side the smoky glass door. The condensation running down it, just like the heat running through their bodies and down to their cores.

If one were to see them from outside the stall they would envision a mixture of tangled limbs, steam flowing from the seams of the stall, sounds of lovemaking mixed with the patter of the water, unable to tell where one began and one ended.

But on the inside, Kate had her legs up around Sawyers hips. Skipping past foreplay and washing up, she needed to fast forward to the good part holding one hand firmly on his shoulder as the other braced the cool tile wall, feeling every inch of him move inside her.

His face was a blur as the water flew in-between them and Sawyer rained pleasure down on her. All her senses heightened now that she was pregnant.

Her first orgasm signaled by a cry, but Sawyer was relentless and continued his assault on her body, as his lips founds hers and they began the ritual all over again.

When Sawyer finally found his release, Kates back was pressed up against the wall and they both felt it. Kate reveled in the moment when he came inside her, her body tingling afterwards and Sawyer felt like he was flying. Nothing had ever been this good before. Nothing compared to sex with Kate, he thought. It was like she knew him inside and out and vice versa.

When it was over he hung his head over her heaving chest, his cheek resting against hers as he tried to get his breathing back. Kate had her eyes closed and she wrapped her arms around him more securely while placing her head to rest on his shoulder.

Stepping down lightly Kate muttered against his skin...

"You were right."

Puzzled for a moment Sawyer opened his eyes and then looked back at Kate asking her curiously...

"What?"

Kate blinked and looked back at Sawyer her eyes fixed on his...

"You were right about Jack...He didnt want to hear my explanation..."

Sawyer looked back at Kate with empathy and tried to lighten the mood...

"Doc was too busy bein a hero huh?"

Kate smiled lightly her eyes flashing to his and she replied softly...

"Yeah...something like that..."

"Doesnt know what he's missin then..." Sawyer smirked and bent down to kiss Kate again. Kate met him halfway, smacking back and she looked up into Sawyers eyes once more, replying...

"I dont care..."

She reached her hand up to touch his hair running her fingers through and Kate replied...

"All I care about is this..."

And she pulled him down for a kiss once more.

5 minutes later after a little friendly petting and sponging, they were clean and stepped out of the shower.

Kate took a towel off the shelf wrapping it around her small frame taking another towel for Sawyer, but he had already shaken out his hair and Kate smiled extending the towel for him, all the sudden remembering the first time she saw him naked on the beach. He was as beautiful as Michelangelo's David and was even more so today.

It made her blush just thinking about it, and Sawyer took notice, grinning back at her coyly...

"Whats on that pretty little mind of yours Freckles?"

Kate smiled slightly embarrassed and quickly replied...

"Nothing..."

"Oh really?" Sawyer asked intrigued now.

Kate shook her head not wanting to admit that she was thinking about him and how she knew he had a hold on her, deciding to change the subject Kate asked him...

"So were you going to meet Sayid somewhere then?"

Shaking his thoughts of her out of his head, Sawyer noted that it was back to business, and a subject he needed to address nonetheless, Sawyer replied...

"Well, I was gonna touch base with Mohammed back in the kitchen, but that was before I got a distraction of my own, so Im not sure if he's still there..."

Kate started to get dressed and nodded...

"Well we better go and check just incase.."

Sawyer nodded in affirmation and replied...

"Yeah, guess we should..."

A couple minutes later they were both dressed and heading back to the kitchen.

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Once the woman was gone, Sayid took his opportunity to work his magic on the switchboard. The man by the wheel was too busy on his walkie, and Sayid used that to his advantage. He hacked into the computer since the password was already logged in, he changed it, but not before jamming the rotary motor control which was password protected. This would buy them a little time, so they wouldnt be turn around while he figured out what really had to be done.

The key was to get in and get out, unnoticed. To arouse the least amount of suspicion possible. He would need more backup and more ammunition for the real takeover.

He was almost done, turning off the alarm and was ready to sneak out when Minkowski himself came into the room.

"Did you turn the ship around Peterson?"

Peterson turned around surprised to see Minkowski there, and nodded his head...

"Almost Sir, I just have to finish entering these coordinates."

He sat down at his computer and typed them in...

'Well hurry" Minkowski replied..."Time is of the utmost importance"

Peterson nodded his head and typed in the final coordinates...

"How long do you think it will take us if we use the 5th engine?" Minkowski asked.

Peterson looked like he was in thought for a minute and replied still thinking to himself...

"At full speed? It shouldnt take us longer then 5-6 hours tops..."

Minkowski nodded...

"Good. The sooner the better..."

Peterson moved to the second screen as Minkowski began to turn away intending to leave, when Peterson realized his password would no longer work...

"Sir?"

Minkowski turned back around and asked him..."What is it Peterson?"

"Did you have the password changed on the rotary engine control panel?"

Minkowski creased his brow and stepped up to Peterson confused...

"No...Why?"

Peterson tried his password again and it wasnt working...

"Because my password isnt working Sir..."

He looked back up at Minkowski confused and Minkowski shook his head...

"Step aside Peterson..."

Minkowski sat down at the workstation and tried the password, and then he tried another and another. Going into the system he attempted to reboot it and try logging in again. No luck. Looking back at Peterson, he was trying to keep his anger under wraps, and asked him...

"Who was the last person at this workstation?"

Peterson looked back at Minkowski and replied...

"Mandy was sir!"

"Well get her on the walkie then!"

"Yes Sir!" Peterson replied.

From behind his hiding spot, Sayid realized that Minkowski was going to be the problem. He was their leader here, and he was very determined to turn the boat back around. If they couldnt get through the password, they could still turn the boat manually. It would take more time and strength, but it could be done.

"I dont care" Minkowski replied. Sayid had missed part of their conversation, and Minkowski was speaking now...

"Get her back up here and get me that password...In the mean time I will be below deck and we can override the rotators manually. Keep the coordinates set to the current destination and wait to hear back for my next command..."

'Yes Sir" Peterson answered him, looking mildly irritated himself, as Minkowski stormed out of the room.

Sayid gritted his teeth at Minkowski's words as Peterson ran a password scan on the computer. Using that chance to escape unnoticed, Sayid moved hurriedly down the hallways towards the Kitchen. They had 5 to 6 hours tops before the boat returned to that island and Sayid would need all the help he could get.



__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
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Summary Jack catches Sayid, Sawyer and Kate plotting and the group nabs Minkowski. More action to follow in the next chapter. ;)

Chapter 8

Jack had gone back to his room after checking on Jin one last time before bed. His vitals were good and he trusted Sun to remain by his side and watch for any abnormalities.

Trying to get a little rest after a very long and terrible day, he just wanted it to be over, but found he couldnt sleep. Deciding to take a walk around the ship, Jack hoped he could fool his mind into thinking he was tired.

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"Are you sure Sayid said he would meet you here?" Kate turned to Sawyer after pulling a bottle of club soda from the industrial refrigerator.

"Yeah...but maybe we missed him..." Sawyer answered, adding...

"Was in that shower for a long time..." He replied with a smirk, grinning back at Kate coyly.

Kate smiled back mischievously leaning against the counter with her glass of club soda as she sipped away...

"And whose fault is that?" She replied with a smirk...

Sawyer choked out a laugh and raised his eyebrows...

"Your blamin me for the delay Freckles? Last I remembered you were the one who suggested we 'Rinse off'!"

Kate raised her glass, her brows raised in mock surprise and then her smile deepened...

"Yes James...But I wasnt the one who needed help finding the laundry room... (She smiled mischievously again thinking to herself bemusedly) But damsel in distress certainly suits you!"

Sawyer closed his mouth and narrowed his gaze, deciding to let that one slide and he slipped in front of Kate, towering over her, he guided her hand down to the counter so she could set her glass down and then he whispered...

"If youre smart, you'll quit while youre ahead Freckles." And then he met her blushing stare, smothering his lips over hers.

Kate felt the heat rush through her body as Sawyer leaned in and then she dared to run her hands through his hair as he bent in closer to kiss her. Kate let out a small moan as he took her breath away with his. He slid her up to sit on the counter while he stood between her legs. Making out like 2 teenagers sneaking out of the house at midnight, and just like the 9 times out of 10 the couple got caught, this time was no exception. Hearing someone clear their throat from behind.

Immediately on guard Sawyer turned around, incredibly relieved to find Sayid standing there.

"Am I interrupting?" Sayid asked them his eyebrows raised.

Kate's face was a ripe shade of red and Sawyer looked over at her through the sides of his eyes with a smirk, and then he smiled back at Sayid...

"We'll Mohammed, we were about to take this party on home...thought it was a blow off"

Kate slid down off the counter bumping into Sawyer by mistake and then she looked back at Sayid all business as if nothing was out of the ordinary and asked him...

"So did you get them to turn the boat around?"

Sayid looked down disappointedly for a moment and then he shook his head...

"Im afraid I did not."

Looking back at Kate and Sawyer, he explained...

"They are turning the boat around now manually as we speak...In 5 to 6 hours this ship will make port once more on the island we all called home for the last 4 months..."

Sawyer looked back at Kate worriedly. And Kate looked to him and back at Sayid determinedly...

"So what is the plan?" Kate knew Sayid well enough to know he didnt walk into anything blindly; he always had something up his sleeves. Much like Sawyer did.

"Well...I had intended to...." But just as Sayid was about to continue, they heard a voice from behind...

"So this is where everyone disappeared off to!" Sawyer rolled his eyes when he saw Jack standing there, Kate swallowed feeling guilty, and Sayid simply met Jack's stare head on.

The last thing Sayid wanted was for Jack to know about his plan. He saw how desperate Jack was when he got here to go back for Juliet, and if he had learned the boat was turning around he might try to sabotage their plans. Following the long silence, Sayid finally answered...

"Yes, it seems that we were all still hungry after dinner."

Jack nodded his head, well aware that they were hiding something from him, but he didnt let on. Looking back at Kate and Sawyer, he asked Kate coolly...

"So youre starting to get those cravings then?"

Kate looked back at Jack with creased brow pausing for a moment hesitant, and then nodded her head in answer...

"Yeah...was hoping to find some ice cream somewhere in here..." Kate laughed uncomfortably. She hated lying, especially to Jack since she felt like he was always judging her. And then looked back to Sawyer who opened the freezer and took out a small carton of peppermint bon bon...Looking back at Kate he replied with a hint of a smile...

"Bon Apetite Freckles!"

"Cravings?" Sayid asked curiously watching Kate..."So you are"

Jack finished his assumption by blurting out..."Pregnant...She's pregnant." Jack looked back at Kate coolly once more and then to Sayid expecting him to make his own assumptions as well. Kate smiled uncomfortably...

Sawyer didnt like Jacks tone, and decided to add his own affirmation, making sure Jack new where his stance was...

"Yeah...She's expectin... (Correcting himself as he moved his arm around Kate's shoulder protectively) We're expectin!"

Sawyer glared back at Jack challengingly, checking to see if the man had anything to add or he was done, and luckily for Jack, he decided to keep quiet.

Sayid looked from Sawyer to Kate, not in the least bit surprised and nodded his head, offering a small smile...

"Well I presume congratulations are in order then?"

Sawyer darted his eyes over to Jack quickly, a slight smirk in his eyes, as Jacks attempt at embarrassing them failed yet again, and then he looked back at Kate. Kate looked back at Sawyer with a faint smile and then back to Sayid, nodding her appreciation...

"Thank you Sayid..."She replied offering him a slight nod of her head and then she dropped her arm down alongside her body, reaching for Sawyers hand beneath the counter top.

Sawyers eyes crinkled back at Kate, knowing that she wouldnt want attention drawn to her gesture he cleared his throat, gripping her hand more firmly and then he looked at Jack, who was clearly uncomfortable...

"So how's Chewy doin? Did old bug eyes actually try to cap him?"

Jack looked back at Sawyer questioningly for a moment, absorbing Sawyers nicknames and trying to figure out who was who in that arrogant redneck head of his and finally came to his conclusion, replying...

"Jin is fine...I took care of his wound...Ben shot him, when we were trying to leave with Juliet..."

Jack didnt care to go into detail about how Ben basically blackmailed him, using Jin as his insurance policy so he wouldnt or couldnt go back for Juliet. The memories still burned in his mind, and he looked back at Sawyer bitterly. The ass hole had everything handed to him on a silver platter and he most likely didnt even know it.

"Im sorry Jack...." Kate looked back at him sympathetically offering her condolences, seeing him relive everything was obviously hard for him, and at the very least she could offer her regrets about Juliet.

Jack creased his brow and then looked back at Kate angrily...

"Yeah, maybe if we had a couple more people to back us up, she wouldnt have been in that situation..."

Kate creased her brow looking back at Jack guiltily, and then Sawyer stepped in...

"Yeah maybe we could have stayed back with you and the parting scene would look more like Normandy beach...Sounds like a plan to me!"

Not caring for Sawyers sarcasm, Jacks anger was getting the best of him and he raised his voice in reply...

"I seem to recall that you didnt even argue with her about staying...You definitely know exactly when to cut and run, dont you Sawyer?"

His eyes were flaring and Sawyer yelled back breaking away from Kate, he stepped towards Jack in a threatening manner...

"Sawyer..." Sayid attempted to divert his attentions, but Sawyer wasnt listening.

"Dont even start your guilt trip shit on me Doc! It aint my fault you lost Juliet, and it's not Kate's fault either!!!!"

"Sawyer!" Kate chided in now too. She didnt want them to fight.

"You dont even have the slightest clue what it feels like to be responsible for more than yourself do you?" Jack asked.

Sawyer started to chuckle

"Oh thats rich coming from the man who let us all walk into a trap after Mikey got back from his heavens gate field trip!"

"This is absurd!" Sayid replied.

"Freckles and I had to haul around rocks, and dig out their goddamn run way...livin in a cage...while you were probably baskin away playin chess with Benny ha ha!"

"Sawyer!" Kate pleaded with him once more to stop.

"Yeah...must have been hard to get your privacy in that cage huh?" Jack replied sarcastically. "All those cameras and everything..."

Sawyers nostrils were flaring and he stepped up closer to Jack, having the sudden urge to slug him, and he replied with clenched jaw...

"Well at least I didnt sleep with the enemy!"

Jacks eyes were enraged, incredibly angry about what Sawyer was insinuating about Juliet, and he reached the end of his rope. Balling his fist up into a tight ball, he wound up his arm and hit Sawyer straight in the eye.

Sawyer lost his balance a little loosing his footing for a moment and then he held his hand up to his throbbing eye.

"That hurt Jackass!" Sawyer growled, angry now he lunged towards Jack, but not before Kate stepped in-between them and shouted...

"Enough! That's Enough!"

Sawyer looked back with Kate his eye all red now and then he glared at Jack...

"Course she decides to break us up after Jacksus gets his first punch in...(he looked back at Kate...) very thoughtful Freckles!" Sawyer added snarkily and then Kate pushed him back to the counter grabbing a bag of ice from the freezer for his eye, and she remarked under her breath....

"You shouldnt have said that Sawyer..."

Sawyer creased his brow looking back at Kate knowingly and he started to shake his head, when Sayid spoke up...

"Perhaps we all need to call it an evening..."

"Yes I think thats a good idea..." Kate added, looking back at Sawyer who was still holding a bag of frozen peas to his eye.

And Sawyer added dryly looking back at Jack...

"Yeah...now that I got my night cap in, Im all set to commemorate this day!"

Jack looked back at Sawyer coolly, refusing to apologize and replied meeting Sawyers gaze...

"Yes, the sooner this day ends, the better."

He looked to Sayid..."Goodnight Sayid!" and then to Kate..."Kate", and then with more sarcasm as he stepped away...

"I hope you both have a nice evening!"

Jack walked out of the kitchen, but made it a point to not go far, he had a feeling things werent over yet in there.

"Yeah ditto Doc. Thanks for caring!!!" Sawyer called after him sarcastically as Jack disappeared out the door.

Kate scowled at Sawyer, he was impossible, dropping her hand from the bag on his face. Sawyer may have been the victim here but he brought Jack's reaction on himself, and she wasnt going to coddle him for acting like a jerk.

Kate looked to Sayid wanting to get back on track, making sure some time had passed since Jacks departure and he was well out of hearing range, and she asked him...

"So what should we do now?"

Sayid looked thoughtful for a minute and the looked back at Kate and Sawyer...

"We follow Minkowski I will corner him...and you two come in as reinforcements behind me as backup, then we will hold him hostage in is room while we turn the boat back around manually..."

Kate looked thoughtful for a moment and asked...

"What will we do with him after that? If we let him go he will just have the boat turned back around again..."

Sayid nodded his head and replied...

"Then we hold him hostage until this vessel hits American soil...I dont presume people will want to deal with Minkowski if they think he's come down with the sickness, which is highly contagious and volatile..."

He explained...

"They know about the islands sickness, I overheard some of the men talking earlier about immunizations required to get on and off the island, so it will be a viable threat to them...And then all we need is someone people will take orders from as his second in command..."

Sawyer looked back at Sayid strangely and then he asked...

"And what in any of this wont make an of em try to connect the dots? Boss is sick...Who is gonna tell the 2nd guy that hes in quarantine? One of us???"

Sawyer chuckled at the thought...

"Im sure theyd be more likely to believe the Easter bunny was on that island..."

Kate thought Sawyer had a point, and Sayid sighed, answering him...

"We get Minkowski to give the commands himself... (Sayid lifted the gun from the back of his pants to show them this was his primary form of motivation, and he added...) Thats how!"

Sawyer raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked back from Kate to Sayid, finally in agreement, he replied...

"Well okay then."

"Speaking of which....Are both of you armed?" Sayid asked, looking back at Sawyer and Kate.

Sawyer knew Kate was, and he looked over to her for a moment pausing, wondering all of the sudden if this might be too dangerous for her. She was pregnant after all. Nodding for both of them, Sawyer decided in that moment that he wasnt going to let Kate go out into the line of action. She could help but only with the less dangerous tasks. But he would never confess that to her. She had to believe she was one of the guys.

Nodding his head, Sayid answered...

"Good."

Sayid took out the walkie he had lifted earlier turning it on to the active channel, waiting for a few moments before he heard Minkowski's voice on the other end giving more orders.

"Sir the pump seems to be taking on more water, perhaps we need to slow down the ship..."

"Nonsense" Minkowski replied...."Ill be there in a minute, and we are not slowing speed or stopping for anything!"

Sayid turned off the walkie not needing to hear anymore. He looked back from Sawyer to Kate and replied...

"He'll be in the pump room!"

Taking out a map from his pocket, Sawyer looked back at Sayid in disbelief and remarked...

"Damn Mohammed, didnt tell us you cased the whole place?"

Sayid simply smirked back at them and replied while unfolding the map...

"It never hurts to be a step ahead."

Using his finger he worked his way around the ship and finally found the pump room on the far end of the ship down on the lower level. Showing Kate and Sawyer on the map...

"So we will wait for him in the stairwell, here, here, and here..." Pointing to each of their locations.

Sayid looked back at Sawyer and Kate for confirmation and Sawyer replied....

"Well what are we waitin for then?"

"Right" Sayid replied while folding up the map and tucking the walkie back into his jacket.

A few minutes later they were below deck waiting in the stairwell. Sayid hid behind the door while Sawyer and Kate hid on the stairs...Sawyer made sure that Kate was further away so she would be the last one to have action should it call for it.

She tried to creep in front of him once or twice but Sawyer told her she needed to stay back to watch for anyone coming from behind...Kate rolled her eyes but kept quiet because they didnt want to be heard.

Sayid could hear Minkowskis voice through the door and it sounded like he had found the problem and they were wrapping up. Signaling Sawyer with his hand he heard the door open. They would be in trouble if both men came out at the same time. He watched in apprehension as the handle turned and the door moved ajar.

Pressing himself flat behind the door Sayid waited with his gun and then the door was open and Minkowski was standing right in front of him. Minkowski closed the door behind him and thats when he noticed Sayid standing there about to call out ..Who are y when Sayid hit him over the head.

There was a thud as Minkowski fell to the floor and then Sayid called to Sawyer and Kate quietly...

"He's down!"

Sawyer rushed down the stairs followed by Kate when they heard another set of footsteps behind the door...

"Quickly... Sayid whispered frantically, gesturing for Sawyer to help him carry Minkowski...

"Sir...Did you say some??" Anthony asked opening the door to look out into the stairwell, but his voice trailed off when he saw there was no one there. Closing it completely behind him he headed down the stairs in the other direction.

Sayid, Sawyer and Kate waited on the other side of the stairs with held breath until the footsteps moved away from them, and then Sayid looked at Sawyer and Kate speaking quietly...

"We have to get him to his room quickly..."

Sayid hoisted Minkowskis arm over his shoulder and Sawyer grunted grabbing his legs and replied...

"Oh yeah...hope that aint at the other end of the ship Ali..." Sayid shook his head the weight was heavier than he anticipated and he struggled to breathe out...

"No just up these four flights of stairs and down the main hallway..."

Sawyer groaned under his legs tired already and they had only gone a couple steps replying sarcastically...

"Oh is that all?"

Kate couldnt help but smile at a Sawyers sense of humor as she followed them up from behind.

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Jack was close on their tails when they went into the stairwell. He would have to wait and see what they were going to do, intending to make his demands known once the time was right, and then he heard someone breathing heavily. Jack slid up against the side of the door in an effort to hide but the person was getting closer and there werent any places he could escape to unseen.

Intending to punch the guys lights out if he questioned him, just the way he did Sawyer, Jack smiled smugly in reflection. He really did enjoy that and then the person was rounding the corner at a fast pace. It was dark and he couldnt see the person because they were in silhouette and Jack replied to break the awkward silence...

"Seems Im lost..."

The man was jogging and when he got to Jack he stopped and nodded his head, replying...

"Aye...But not anymore brotha..." Jack recognized the voice immediately as Desmond's, relieved but at the same time wishing he would just scram now that he knew he was no longer a threat. And Desmond stepped a little closer to him looking him up and down...

"And what are you doing up h'ere, on this deck brotha? Must be after midnight? The Koreans are downstairs are they not?"

Jack chuckled nervously and looked back at Desmond musingly, replying...

"I could ask you the same thing..."

Desmond wiped his brow..."Oh well thats easy...I decided to take a run to clear my head..."

"Well enjoy your run then." Jack replied trying to get rid of Desmond. Desmond was a man of few words but he could tell when something was wrong and he nodded his head, letting Jack know that he was on his way, but offered him some advice before he took off...

"New days dont come by the speed of light brotha...gotta go to sleep first..."

Jack smiled politely, covering up his irritation and he replied...

"Yeah I got it."

Desmond smiled faintly and then he was off and running once more. Jack turned around quickly and leaned into the stairwell no longer able to hear breathing or voices or footsteps and he realized his trail had gone cold.

Dammit, Jack cursed to himself even more irritated now and tried to think frantically what to do now. A thought coming to him suddenly. He smiled evilly knowing exactly where he would head him off. At the place where things began and ended, and he would make sure no one would turn this boat back around again. They were going back to the island and that was final.

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"How long do you think he'll be out?" Sawyer asked Sayid, both men looking down at Minkowski's unconscious body on the bed.

Sayid looked up at Sawyer and then back at Kate who was getting cable chords arranged in the back of the room to tie him up with. Sayid was thinking for a moment and then he finally replied...

"30 maybe 60 minutes..." Sawyer nodded in reply and then he looked back at Kate who had the chord ready finally handing one strand to each of the men. Kate worked on his right wrist tying it to the bed post, Sawyer took his left, and Sayid tied his legs up to the foot board. The final touch was a bandana which they used to gag his mouth. Sawyer had one or two witty comments in store about being tied up, but with Sayid here, he refrained from sharing.

When they were done, Sayid sighed and finally replied...

"I need you two to go down to the bottom of the boat, into the engine room and manually turn the ship back around, make sure we are headed northwest on the latitude longitude screen...You will find a key switch next to a small wheel about 6 inches in diameter and you must turn the key and wheel counter clockwise three times, or until the bar hits north west..."

Kate nodded and replied...

"Got it..."

"Good luck" Sayid answered, and then Sawyer and Kate made to leave, but before they could Sayid called out to them...

"Make sure one of you stays on guard outside to make sure no one gets in...If they do, you know what must be done..."

Both Sawyer and Kate gave Sayid a nod and then they were off to the lower level once more.

Once out of the room and down the hallway Sawyer turned to Kate musingly...

"So how much do you think the Doc would charge us to get one of those ultra whatevers? (He chuckled to himself) Cause the look on his face doin it would be priceless..."

Kate shook her head and looked back at Sawyer wistfully...

"So apparently one black eye wasnt enough?" Sawyer smirked and shook his head..."He caught me off guard...It happens again, I could kick his ass into the next time zone..."

Kate smiled knowingly and replied mocking Sawyer..."Suuure you would..." Acting as if she couldnt believe that. Sawyer simply rolled his eyes and they kept walking, reaching the stairwell, Kate broke the silence finally exclaiming...

"Juliet gave me an ultrasound back on the island anyway..." Sawyer looked surprised for a moment finally asking her for affirmation...

"She did?" (he paused for a moment and asked) "So you got to see it? On one of those television thingys?"

Kate smiled gently looking back at Sawyer and she nodded her head, replying quietly, trying to hide the emotion in her voice...

"Yeah...I did."

"So you dont know if its a boy or...." Kate shook her head and answered softly..."No not yet...its too early"

She lifted her green eyes up and met Sawyers slowly and they shared a moment. Kate finally concluding...

"Next time you can come with..." She smiled back at him, not knowing when that would be since her life on the run might not allot for regular Dr's. appointments and such, or if she got caught... But Kate pushed those dark thoughts in the back of her mind and they reached the rotary room door.

"Geez can these rooms be any creepier..." Sawyer remarked noting the metal doors and low lamp lights from the hallway above the room. It looked like a scene right out of a horror movie. The vinyl floor a checkerboard pattern and Sawyer could envision the psychopathic bloody knife killer waiting for them at the end of the hall right now.

Kate smiled noting the look of discomfort on Sawyers face and she took his hand leading him in the room with her. Sawyer took a look around, noting the heavy machinery in here but no one was around, and all he could hear was the whirring of the engines.

Coming back to Kate, Sawyer smirked and remarked...

"Looks clean to me..."

Kate nodded affirmingly ready to get down to business, but before she did she pulled Sawyer down for a heated kiss. Surprised Sawyer kissed her back fully and asked her smiling...

"What was that for?"

Kate smiled deciding to play coy and she answered, nodding to the door in gesture for him to leave and keep watch so she could do what needed to be done...

"Ill be right out..."

Sawyer smiled once more and bent down to kiss Kate's cheek...

"Ill be waitin Freckles...And dont take long cause when were done here, I know of a washer and dryer machine thats got our names on it"

Kate smirked back at Sawyer as he sent her one final parting flirty gaze over his shoulder and walked out the door. She still got hot flashes when Sawyer was around. Having to take a few deep breaths to get her concentration back. Once the door was shut Kate located the wheel Sayid described and found that there was a key needed to unlock the wheel. She tried to twist it but it wouldnt budge, and pulled a little harder on it, finally grunting, Kate thought perhaps she would need to ask Sawyer outside for some help, the stupid thing wouldnt budge. Kate really didnt need him giving her a hard time about not being able to turn a stupid lock though, and on her final try, her fingers turned white, grunting with all her strength, she got the key to turn, and then Kate breathed out in relief placing her hands on the wheel...

"I wouldnt touch that if I were you" Came a voice from behind one of the large machine cylinders. Kates breathing picked up in fear and she stood straight, the person finally coming out of the shadows and Kate gasped in disbelief when she recognized the person...

"Jack?"

Jack had a gun aimed at Kate and he simply replied...

"Step away from the wheel Kate...We're going back."

Kate shook her head and stepped closer to him...

"Jack, dont do this....You know why we cant go back...please..."

Jack simply looked at Kate with anger and shook his head...

"If Sawyer was back there you'd be doing the same damn thing Kate, so dont start with me!"

Kate stepped a little closer and shook her head...

"Jack, please...be rational here...if we go back to that island we all might be trapped there forever."

"Shut up Kate!" he snapped adding...'I think youve contributed to our rescue efforts enough for one day, Im going back and thats final."

"Jack!" Kate reached for his arm this time, and in one fail swoop Jack drew his gun up hitting her over the head with it. Kate shrieked and then fell, just like Minkowski with a thump on the floor. Instantly regretting it, but Jack didnt have time for regrets. He double checked making sure the coordinates were set to South west, and he grabbed Kate lifting her limp body over his shoulder...

"Im sorry Kate...But I cant let her go this time."

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Meanwhile Sawyer was out in the hallway when he heard a thump inside the room. The walls were virtually soundproof but he wanted to check on Kate and make sure she was okay. And he was just about to, his hand on the door when he saw someone at the end of the hallway. Sawyer held his hand to his gun, which was tucked in the back of his pants, ready to wreak havoc when the figure approached.

At first Sawyer thought he was seeing things, it was as if a ghost had come back to life and then the figure was standing right in front of him and Sawyer all the sudden couldnt breathe.

He swallowed once and looked the man straight in the eyes, in shock surprise, remembering the last time he saw this man; he was sailing away on a boat. Finally finding his voice, Sawyer croaked his name out...

"Mike???"

Michael looked back at Sawyer strangely and asked him curiously with creased brow

Do I know you?

And Sawyer stared back at him in amazement.

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

Status: Offline
Posts: 711
Date:
Permalink  

Summary One door closes and another window opens. One obstacle is resolved as Sawyer and Kate fight to redirect the ship and get back to one another, but more challenges approach on the horizen, when Minkowski makes his move.

Chapter 9

Sawyer stood there stunned for a few more moments, and then Michaels words registered in his mind...

"You dont know who I am? Forty five days on a magical island ring a bell? Plane crash? Crazy French Chicks? Polar bears? Hillbilly others? The raft?"

Sawyer raised his brows, watching Michael for a spark of recognition any spark, and Mike's face finally broke out into a grin and he shook his head musingly...

"Hey man I dont know what youre smoking, but maybe you better lay off the strong stuff okay?"

Sawyer shook his head, and Michael was starting to move away from him when he turned around and asked him...

"Hey, what happened to Walt?"

On Walt's name Michael turned back and looked over at Sawyer suspiciously. There was a moments pause before he asked him with narrowed eyes...

"How do you know about my boy?"

Sawyer looked at him puzzled for a minute, trying to understand what was going on here and he replied...

"I know bout him cause we all crashed on a plane together, flight 815, and when he was kidnapped you went back for him and they took us all in custody promisin you rescue..."

Michael creased his brow, looking back at Sawyer in pain now, like he was reliving some horrific memory and he exclaimed angrily...

"Look man...I dont know who you are or what your doin here, what kind of game your playing, but Id appreciate it if you kept to your side of the ship and just stayed the hell away from me!"

Michael started walking away again and Sawyer stopped him reaching out to him. Michael immediately tensed up and Sawyer asked him..."Hey...Did they take him from you again? That why he's not here with you? We got Vincent with us now...Deepd..." But Michael cut him off with stormy eyes, he exclaimed...

"Walt's dead!" He shook his head and growled angrily..."He's dead okay! We were in a boating accident and he didnt make it...neither did the dog!"

Mike met his gaze with a fire in his eyes and he concluded, snapping back at Sawyer...

"Just stay the hell away from me!"

And then Michael disappeared off into the dark hall. Sawyer shook his head looking off to the side for a moment in reflection, sighing heavily. He wondered what the hell happened to him. What did these people do to him?

His breathing picked up a little as the magnitude of everything hit him. But even after talking to Mike, something else seemed not right. He had that feeling something bad was about to happen. Sawyer realized he hadnt heard from Kate yet. She should have been done by now. And he opened up the door announcing...

"Hey Freck...."

His heart stopping cold as he saw the empty room in front of him.

"Kate?" He called stepping in to look for her, going in-between the heavy machinery, he called again, more frantic this time...

"KATE?" His voice laced with worry as the humming sounds of the machines whirred around them. And he spun around the final leg of silver cylinder equipment.

KATE!!!!!" Now in a panic he ran back to the rotary wheel to see if she left any clue, a note, anything? But there was nothing, and then his eyes locked on the door to the rear of the room. He walked quickly over to it and yanked his open with one hand, the other on his gun, but it was just another door leading to another series of hallways. No sign of Kate anywhere and Sawyer became truly terrified, pit by pit sinking in his stomach as his worst fears came to life.

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Jack grunted pulling Kate up the stairs with him. He knew if he left her in a room, she might be found, and as strange as that sounded he didnt want any harm to come to her, but he couldnt have her interfering either. Finding a supply closet that locked from the outside, Jack's face lifted faintly. That would work, he thought.

Draping her slumped body over a pile of towels he turned the light on for a moment, checking out the wound on her head. It was a bit deeper then he originally thought, not intending to hurt her but he was a desperate man. Luckily she wouldnt need stitches. Looking around the closet for a first aid kit, he spotted one on the top shelf. It was old, but the antiseptic was still usable and he poured a little on one of the towels, dabbing away the dried blood. Then he applied some salve and took out a strip of gauze and taped it over the gash to prevent infection. At least this way it would prevent scarring later on. And then Jack turned off the light so no one could see it from the other side and he left her there, locking the door behind him.

Jack wasnt a religious man, but he said a silent prayer to himself that things would be okay for everyone and then he made his way back down to the rotary room. Planning to camp out there for the next 4 hours till they hit land. The island to be exact. Guarding the thing unless anyone got in his way.

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Sawyer unfortunately hadnt run into Jack in his way down the other hallway. Making his way up another set of stairs, Kate was on a completely different level from him, never knowing that her unconscious body was lying in some supply closet, he frantically searched.

Finally at wits end, Sawyer decided to go back to Sayid's room. He didnt care if Minkowski was singin the phantom of the opera in g minor; he was going to get Sayid's help. Nothing else mattered right now.

"Mohammed!" Sawyer exclaimed rushing in..."She's missin...Kate's gone!" He failed to notice that Minkowski was awake and Sayid was getting him to talk now, but Sawyer didnt care and he looked back at Sayid, pleading with him..."You gotta help me find her..."

Sayid shook his head, knowing he couldnt leave Minkowski alone, but in an attempt to calm Sawyer down he asked him..."Where did you last see her?"

Sawyer tried to breathe, and he replied urgently..."She was in the rotary room...I was outside talkin to Mike..."

Sayid looked back at Sawyer strangely for a moment, and he asked him for affirmation recognizing the name..."Mike...you talked to Michael. Michael Dawson?"

Sawyer nodded his head...

"Yeah...but thats NOT the point, when I went back in the room she was gone...disappeared form what I could only assume out the back door..."

Sayid could see that Sawyer would be of little help to him. He wasnt sure about Kate or where she could have gone. Knowing her free spirit, she could have very well left on her own accord, perhaps an unfortunate bowel of morning sickness from her pregnancy. There were many reasons she could have gone without telling Sawyer, and time was of the essence right now...Trying to meet Sawyers gaze Sayid put his hand on his shoulder and he exclaimed...

"Listen to me Sawyer... (Sayid met his gaze) Did she turn the wheel back, to North east?"

Sawyer looked back at Sayid confused, the only thing on his mind now was Kate, and he asked him angrily...

"What" he winced in thought..."No...I dont know!!!"

Sawyer sighed in frustration, getting more upset by the minute...

"I think a missin person takes precedence over your precious wheel Ali...Mike couldnt remember me...said his boy was dead...he didnt remember the island at all, probably brain washed for Christ sakes!"

Thinking they could be doing the same thing to Kate right now, who knew how many zombies were walking around this ship. Angry and frantic...

Sawyer looked back at Minkowski angrily and ripped his bandana gag off, demanding from him...

"Tell me where you took her you sick bastard!!!"

He grabbed his hair when Minkowski didnt answer him and yanked his head upwards...

"Tell me!!!!!" Yanking some of his hair out he was pulling so hard, Sawyer shook his head glaring back at him threateningly...

"If your men touch her Im gonna kill you!"

This all took a moment to sink in for Sayid. If Sawyer was telling the truth, and he believed he was, Michael was aboard this ship and he had no recollection of the island whatsoever. Believing that his own son was dead? That was a very powerful accusation. He wished he could find Michael right now, but Sayids hands were tied at the moment. And then he finally snapped to realizing Sawyer was tossing death threats out, and he moved closer to Sawyer, prying him away from Minkowski. After all, he had not yet reached the torture stage yet, that was for later. Exclaiming to Sawyer...

"Leave him alone Sawyer. He cannot help you right now."

Sawyer looked back at Sayid in frustration and replied sharply..."Yeah I got that part of the program Mohammed...Seems to me its every man for himself again aint it?"

Sayid shook his head, feeling torn at the moment replying calmly, his voice low and filled with remorse..."Im sorry Sawyer."

Sawyer pursed his lips narrowing his eyes, and he jammed the bandana back in Minkowskis mouth, replying coolly as he stepped past Sayid...

"Yeah thats what I thought youd say."

Sawyer walked out of the room leaving the place a little colder and Sayid watched him leave empathetically. He wished he could help. Not daring to ask Sawyer to go down and check the wheel, he would have to think of something else. And time was slipping away from him rapidly.

Looking back at Minkowski, he thought to himself, now was the time to make his demands known.

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It was pitch black and Kate woke up groggily feeling like she had been hit by a sledgehammer. Her head was pounding and she put her hand up to her forehead in order to put a little pressure on the pain, finding that it wasnt skin that she was feeling, but a bandage.

She closed her eyes again trying to get her bearings, trying to remember what happened. Groaning as she sat up and the pile of towels slid out around her. Kate had to feel with her hands in the dark, out to the sides and above her, and her hand hit a shelf, which she used to support her weight and pull herself up.

She felt along the walls and found the light switch, clicking it on. The brightness hurt her eyes at first wincing and then she adjusted to it, still feeling dizzy from the initial blow.

Kate remembered what happened now as it all came rushing back. Jack hit her with his gun just before she could turn the rotary wheel back in the opposite direction. And now she was here, trapped in a damn broom closet.

She sighed frustrated, looking around at her surroundings, and then she went for the door handle. But it was locked.

Kate rattled the handle a little harder trying to shake the lock free, but it was held securely in place, and then she looked around the closet for anything she could use to break open this metal door, or make a noise at least. And then she spotted a mop leaned up against the corner. Kate moved to grab it, her balance still a little off she stumbled, but recovered well taking the mop handle in both her hands.

She jammed it against the bolts of the door whimpering as the stiffness of the door was impacted by her mop handle shoving Kate back. She tried harder banging, and then she started to yell....

"Hey!!!"

Bang.

"Help me!!!"

Bang, bang...

"Im locked in here"

Bang.

"Help!!!!"

The pain was amazing with every jam awakening her pounding headache, but Kate was a determined woman. Pounding and yelling till she could pound and yell no more, Kate tried to get help. Wishing for someone to find her. Wishing for Sawyer.

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Desmond decided to go on to the main deck and watch the stars. He couldnt sleep anyway, too overwhelmed by everything. His run in with Jack earlier was just a blip on the radar. He stayed out of his business and stayed out for good reason. The sparkling white lights reflected in the ink black water below and he thought long and hard about his experience on that island and how fate had brought him there to work and live with these people. He had committed murder, witnessed death; found that everything he held to be true in life before this experience had been a farce. It was as if he was starting over again. And the thing that haunted him most of all were Charlies last words to him..."not Penny's boat." Desmond had believed Penny would not give up her search until she was standing over his cold lifeless body, not entirely expecting her to be on a rescue boat like this, perhaps it was a 3rd party. This man, Minkowski was doing research on the island. Penny may have had money, but her money wouldnt have been used as research. It would have been directed to find him. But still that didnt explain why Naomi had their picture. It creeped him out trying to comprehend it all.

But the opportunity for rescue was upon them now and he didnt care about any of that anymore. He had to look forward, to the future. He had to stop looking back at his past and living in his tortured memories and move on. This may not have been Penny's boat, but it was 'A Boat.' A boat that would take him away from the prison he had spent his life in over the last 3 years. Penny had probably moved on. 3 years was a long time. 3 years...The number trailed off in his head...

He felt eternally lost now and only hoped the stars would help him find his way again. Looking out at them, out at the ocean, Desmond stood up finally, and cast his immortal Charles Dickens book, 'Our Mutual Friend' over the railing. It fell into the black abyss below now enveloped in the ocean forever. He thought he would feel differently after purging that book. The book he was going to read before he died, but he didnt want to anymore. Dickens was a sentimental old fool, and sentiment meant looking back at your life. He had nothing to be proud of, no grand accomplishments. He was just an empty vessel now.

Getting up once more, Desmond sighed and then turned back to find his room. Now that he had chucked the only reading material he had brought on the ship, Desmond thought he wouldnt have any excuses now to sleep.

He had taken a room up one floor away from everyone else and wished he had a bottle of whiskey to drink himself to sleep. But fate wasnt so kind tonight. After washing up he peeled off his shirt, slipped into his single bed, and turned the lights out.

Forcing his eyes closed he tried to shut the world out, forget about this rescue, forget about the island, forget about Penny, forget about Charlie, and just be free. He tried the old trick of envisioning a brick wall, taking in a few deep breaths and then heard a tapping noise.

He closed his eyes again trying to concentrate. But the sound was still there. Desmond growled in frustration.

God would this day never end? And there it was again, tap tap tap. It was going to drive him crazy.

He jumped out of bed and threw his shirt and shoes back on, deciding to find the source of the tapping. At this rate he wouldnt get to bed before dawn and then what was the point?

Running out into the hall, Desmond listened carefully, but all of the sudden the sound had stopped. He thought he might be going insane. He surely was losing it now. Thinking the irony of finding rescue after 3 years on a strange and mysterious island and then they toss him in the loony bin, how bloody perfect!

He was halfway down the hall now and thought he heard a muffled voice...

'help' it said.

Desmond looked around not seeing anyone in front or behind him and he turned around once more to double check, calling out cautiously...

"Hello?..Is anyone there?"

He thought he was surely mad by now.

Kate blinked weakly from the other side of the closet door, almost giving up for the night, she had used all her energy beating on that stupid door when she thought she heard a voice from the outside. Kate sat up a little straighter and asked...

"Hello? (she paused for a moment....) Is anyone out there? Im locked in this closet."

She tapped on the door to signal where she was. And then Desmond heard it, and a few seconds later he was staring face to face with a very sorry looking Kate...

"My god lass...what happened to ya?"

He stood there in disbelief for a moment offering his arm for Kate to take and she held on trying to keep her balance, Kate didnt want to show weakness, and she straightened up and shook her head...

"There's no time now, I have to get downstairs..."

Kate darted out of the closet, her head still pounding but she didnt care. And Desmond chased after her...

"Wait a minute lass, whats happened...whats downstairs?"

Kate looked back at him urgently...

"This boat is heading back to the island right now...I have to turn it around!"

Desmond wondered briefly if Kate was infact the mad one, but she had been locked into a closet from the outside, so there was someone else clearly involved. He wasnt sure if he wanted to get swept up into this chaos, but he had nothing better going for him right now and sleep definitely wasnt working, so, what the hell...

"Oy wait up lass..." Desmond called after Kate.

Kate was already half way down the hallway and Desmond asked her curiously...

"So why would those blokes go and turn the boat around?"

Kate was in a hurry, not really having time to explain, but she tried to anyway, hoping he would keep up with her pace because she wasnt stopping, and she answered...

"Because they didnt get what they came to the island for...They are going back for it..."

"Bloody hell..." Desmond said under his breath. Voicing his thoughts out loud..."Dont they know that that island is inside a ruddy snow globe?"

Kate shook her head still walking, now in the stairway...

"I dont know...but I dont think they care."

And then they headed back down the stairs towards the rotary room.

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Sayid decided to let Minkowski think he was the good cop once Sawyer left, since the swanky southerner had left such a strong impression on the man. Sayid met the mans gaze after taking the gag out of his mouth and replied...

"I apologize for his behavior...He is worried about his girlfriends whereabouts..."

Minkowski simply glared at him, coughing the dryness out of his mouth from the gag, and he replied coolly...

"So I gathered."

He swallowed, and then looked back at Sayid asking him...

"Would you like to tell me why I shouldnt be yelling at the top of my lungs to have my men kill you on the spot...?

Sayid smiled ironically and took a chair next to the bed...

"Well you could try Peter, but you know just as well as I that these walls are virtually sound proof, and you would barely get 2 syllables out before I was forced to gag you again..."

Minkowski looked back at Sayid angrily and he asked him...

"What do you want from me?"

Sayid smiled once more happy he had decided to get down to business, and he replied...

"I want you to order your men to turn the boat back around, traveling directly back to Los Angeles."

Now Minkowski chuckled back at Sayid and answered...

"And what makes you think Id do that...Id rather die then take orders from you!"

Sayid nodded his head and he replied...

"Dont worry Mr. Minkowski, that can be arranged...but unfortunately for you, I have certain expertise in the area of extracurricular motivation...You see (Sayid stood up and peered over him on the bed...) if you place a flat board on either side of the knee cap and apply a sharp pressure, like say from a sledge hammer, it renders the bone completely shattered and most likely un-reparable...Would you like me to demonstrate?"

Sayid looked thoughtful for a moment and then glared down at him and got down to the nitty gritty...

"Or perhaps you would like to tell me why our friend is wandering around the boat with no memory..."

Minkowski looked back at Sayid fearfully for a moment, not sure what his end game was. He knew the truth, and the man who allowed Mr. Dawson out of his sector of the ship would be reprimanded surely. But meanwhile he had a madman on his hands to deal with right here. Minkowski had a few tricks of his own hidden up his sleeve, but he felt he needed to entertain Sayids request...

Finally answering him, he replied...

"Alright, Ill tell my men to turn the boat around."

Minkowski met Sayids gaze with determination, but underneath the look, he intended to wait for a moment of weakness and then the tables would finally turn in his direction. One thing was for certain though. He wasnt going back to LA without that rock and he wasnt intending on turning the boat around either.

Sayid handed him the walkie clicking the safety of his gun off, he turned the dial on and ordered Minkowski

Tell them.

Minkowski looked down at the walkie, an evil smile creeping across his face as he repeated Sayids demands over the communication device.
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Sawyer was pissed as hell that Sayid couldnt help him, deep down he knew, but he was using his anger in his driving force for his search for Kate. No word from her now, since he had been wandering around the boat for who the hell knew how long. He was worried sick about her. Not knowing was unbearable. He had to find her. He just had to; he didnt know what he would do without Kate. She was everything to him.

He couldnt think of anything else but to return to the scene of the crime. Maybe he missed something, some clue, a piece of her top or evidence of a struggle. His eyebrows creased in worry, his mind reeling with the worst possible notions.

And then he was at the door where his nightmares began and world crushed. His hand on the handle he turned it slowly and glared at who he saw.

The door was heavy and shut automatically behind him, snapping Jack back into attention, the two men stared each other down for a moment. The wheels began to turn in Sawyers head and he began to piece things together, part by part. He narrowed his eyes wanting to give Jack the benefit of the doubt, until he knew for sure, and Sawyer asked him cooly...

"What are you doin here Jackass?"

Jack stood up chuckling to himself and then he looked back at Sawyer challengingly.

"Did you really think I was that stupid Sawyer?" He shook his head and smiled ironically...

'You think I didnt know about your little group huddle up there in the kitchen and how you conveniently tried to exclude me..."

Sawyer didnt like where this was going, his glare fierce and he got straight down to business, having no more tolerance for Jacks attempt at a guilt trip he yelled at him his anger brimming over...

"What did you do with her mother fucker?"

Jack shook his head and looked back at Sawyer with mock-confusion...

"Im afraid I dont know what youre talking about Sawyer!"

Sawyers nostrils were flaring all the worst images coming to mind. He didnt think Jack was capable of this, but unfortunately he was wrong, but nothing compared to the rage he was feeling now when he looked at Jack. Jack looked down for a moment, and Sawyer took the opportunity to rush up to him in two beats time, his hand all the sudden lunging for Jacks throat and Sawyer started to choke him, taking his gun out as a reinforcement he stated his terms with clenched jaw...

"Tell me where she is you son of a bitch or you be reunitin with your girlfriend in heaven!"

Jack coughed as Sawyers grip tightened on his throat and he jerked out of his grasp...

"Yeah Sawyer (he growled...)Go ahead and kill me...you can add it to the long list of offenses Im sure they will be delighted to tally up when they apprehend you on those docks...what kind of life can you have, what kind of life can you give Kate?"

Sawyers eyes were ablaze and he replied lowly in a threatening manner..."You better shut the fuck up now boy cause I can shoot ya and not kill ya..."

He clicked off the safety of his gun and aimed it at Jacks chest shouting to the point....

"TELL ME!!!!!"

And then the door behind him creaked open. Kate gasped when she saw Sawyer holding the gun to Jack. She couldnt have any more bloodshed on her conscience, knowing why Sawyer was threatening him. It was for her. And she shook her head...

"No...James dont."

Sawyer looked back just in time to see Kate step in.

"Kate!"

He felt like he had just gotten whiplash. Standing up straight almost immediately, Jack used the opportunity of Sawyers distraction and he pushed the gun out of Sawyers hand, knocking it down with a shattering noise on the floor.

Kate had instructed Desmond to wait in the wings for a moment when she heard voices from behind the door. She met Sawyers gaze for a brief moment telling her everything she could with her eyes, before looking back at Jack.

Jack had tried to grab Sawyers gun off the floor but Sawyer stepped on his hand...

"Dont even try it Jackass!"

"Jack, youre coming with us!" Kate concluded knowing reasoning with him was of no use. And then Sawyer looked back at her like she was crazy, he saw the bandage on her head, and it just made him angrier at Jack, stepping on his wrist a little harder, Jack groaned in pain...

"Like hell he is! Give me one good reason I shouldnt beat him up to a bloody pulp and toss him overboard for shark bait?"

She tried to meet Sawyers gaze, her eyes tearing up, wanting this so badly to be over, hating to see what everyone had been brought to because of this island and Kate replied quietly...

"Because everyone deserves a second chance Sawyer..."

She looked back at him through glassy eyes, meaning they all did, even she and Sawyer, and Kate wanted them to start out their new lifes together with no regrets. She begged him with her eyes, and Sawyer couldnt resist Kate's plea, looking down for a moment, he met her gaze and then in two steps he was next to Kate with both arms around her. Just so relieved that she was okay.

Jacks wrist hurt like hell, but he went for the gun again and then another voice from behind interrupted him...

"Id let the gun drop Brotha...wouldnt want anyone else to get shot!"

Jack looked back to see Desmond standing over him, with the gun Jack had tucked in the back of his pants.

Desmond could see that Jack had clearly lost it and he needed to cool off and be kept away from these people, and especially this section of the ship.

Kates reunion hug with Sawyer was cut short when Desmond stepped in to apprehend Jack.

She wiped her eyes and looked back at Jack who had now sat up. Kate replied coolly, angry at the downward spiral Jack had started to sink into and she added

"You cant go back this time Jack!" Jack looked back at Kate spitefully and Sawyer chanted in...

"Just keep it up Doc! Keep it up and I might be motivated to do a little permanent damage to that hand of yours."

Jack glared back at Sawyer as Desmond helped him up and Jack answered his nostrils flaring..."You will never know!" No one else said anyone else. Letting Jack have the last word, because they all knew that was all he had at the moment.

They marched him out of the room, after Kate turned the rotary wheel back around and Jack decided to keep quiet the rest of the way. Sawyer glared at him the whole time. He had some nerve smacking Kate around. Sawyer hadnt got to hear the gory details, but the fact that he laid a hand on his girl, pissed him off royally. He wanted to really throw him over the damn ship and tell him to swim back to Juliet, but Sawyer refrained for Kate.

They arrived at Minkowski's room, expecting to see a familiar scene like before, but the lights were out. Desmond flipped them on and shock ran through everyones being. There lying on the floor in a pool of blood was Sayid. Minkowski was no where to be found.

Sawyer knew then at that moment, that something had gone horribly wrong.

__________________

sawyersmine


Hollaback girl

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Summary Sawyer and Desmond are off to find Minkowski and stop the ship from sailing back to the island. Sayid,Kate, and Jack are ambushed.

This Chapter is dedicated to Save The Humans/Vicki, a fellow skater and Outkast on the fuselage boards, who recently passed. She was a fan of this story and always gave me great reviews. Thank you Vicki! This one's for you!

Chapter 10

"Oh my god! What happened to him?" Kate rushed to Sayid's side right before Sawyer and then Jack.

Jack turned up Sayid's head noting the bruise on his forehead and then he saw the knife wound. It was clear cut, about 1 inch long and located in-between his collar bone and shoulder blade. Mere inches away from Sayids major arteries.

"It looks like he was stabbed..." Jack replied checking Sayid's vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. All were at lower levels, but in check.

He looked back at Kate...

"Judging from the bruise on his head and where he is lying, it looks like someone stabbed him, and he fell and hit his head on the bed, causing a minor concussion."

Kate looked back worriedly at Sayid, and Jack looked back to Sawyer and Desmond.

"Help me get him up on the bed."

The three men lifted Sayid up and Sayid groaned painfully. Jack shook his head and looked pointedly back at Sawyer...

"And in all your conspiring, no one thought it might be a good idea to check if the man was armed?" He shook his head disapprovingly thinking that wasnt a smart move.

Sawyer simply glared at Jack, knowing he was being bated, but he didnt care...

"Yeah, maybe he wouldnt have been left alone so long if we didnt have a hostile takeover and kidnapping to deal with downstairs!"

He still held contempt for what Jack did to Kate. Sawyer didnt think he could ever forgive him for that, but he kept it all under wraps.

Kate looked back at Sawyer asking him with her eyes not to start anything and he grilled back at Jack with his eyes...

Then Desmond piped up from behind them...

"So this man, the one Sayid was with is running around the ship on his own now yeah?"

Kate looked back at Desmond the realization hitting her and she answered...

"It looks that way..."

And then the sound coming from Sayid grew more pronounced. It sounded like a low groan, and they all looked back at him.

"Sayid? Sayid? can you hear me?" Jack asked.

Sayid opened his eyes groggily and exhaled heavily answering...

"Yes Jack...I can hear you."

"What happened?" Jack asked.

Sayid swallowed trying to sit up a little while getting his bearings down and he winced briefly...

"Take it easy." Jack assured him and Sayid nodded his head.

"It all happened so fast..."

Sayid sighed once more and continued...

"About 5 minutes after I had Minkowski send the orders to his men to keep this ship charted on a course for Los Angeles...It all went dark in here. I didnt have time to react when they hit the switches and one of the men cut me. I believe there were two. I tried to stop them, but they kicked me and cut Minkowskis ties free. I believe you will find Minkowski in one of the control rooms

Sayid winced again in pain and tried to sit up. He met Sawyers gaze...

"Sawyer knows where these two rooms are." Everyone looked to Sawyer. And then Sayid continued...

"There is an axe in the fire emergency kit on the first floor...I need one of you to apprehend it, and first break the rotary wheel, then the control board, so they can no longer navigate the ship and it will switch to autopilot mode. The only challenge in this is once we arrive back in LA, we will need to manually stop the ship or it will crash."

He looked back at Sawyer and Kate and asked them...

"Do you think you can handle this?"

Kate looked back to Sawyer worriedly. Sawyer returned her gaze equally concerned. After all Kate had been through though, chasing around a lunatic with a knife wasnt his idea of something safe for her.

He nodded knowing what needed to be done...

Yeahwe can.

Kate was sweeping her hair in a ponytail ready to follow Sawyer out, when Sawyer stopped her.

"Freckles...You stay with the Doc...Braveheart and me will go bust up the rudder wheel and then find Minkowski!" Sawyer nodded back to Desmond in confirmation, and they both had met an agreement. Desmond had taken Jacks gun earlier so both men were now armed.

Kate shook her head...

"No, I think it will take more then just 2 of you to get all that done...Let me come!"

Sawyer shook his head and replied firmly "No!"

Kate looked back at Sawyer like she had just been slapped, pulling him to the side with her, she replied with clenched jaw keeping her voice down and she looked him in the eyes...

"Sawyer...I can go down and jam the wheel while you two try to find Minkowski...This will all be taken care of a lot faster if there are more of us and we split up..."

Sawyer listened to Kate, her reasoning, just making him want to keep her here more and he shook his head, like hell he was going to let Kate back out there into that danger zone, who knew what these people were capable of...

"Sorry Freckles...but someones gotta stay and look out for the Doc." He met her gaze pointedly, Kates glare frustrated and angry now. She hated when Sawyer got like this. Shutting her out and doing what he thought was best without even asking her.

"We wont be long..." He added looking back at Desmond, Sawyer asked him..."You ready?"

Kate couldnt even look at Sawyer, she couldnt watch him leave. Not happy about his executive decision, but she stayed nonetheless... hating that he was right. She fixed her gaze on the wall as Sayid spoke to them.

"Aye brotha." Desmond answered Sawyer, and then Sayid interrupted them...

"If you find Minkowski, he will either need to be rendered incapacitated or taken out!" Jack looked back at Sayid shocked....

"Listen if you think were going to cover up a murder for you on this ship..."

"Shut up Jack!" Sayid cut him off again, replying tiredly and continued, explaining...

"I believe he is the primary obstacle that is standing between us and going home..."

"We'll do what we gotta do!" Sawyer replied. And then he looked back at Kate regretfully.

"Alright, Come on Brotha..." Desmond answered..."Time is wastin..." He added.

Sawyer nodded back to him and replied to the rest of the group as Desmond headed out the door..."We'll be back..." He looked back at Kate once more sad that she still hadnt met his gaze and he turned on his heel.

Kate looked up worriedly, just in time to see Sawyers blonde mop disappear into the darkness. She didnt know what she would do if anything happened to him. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, Kate wished she had said something, or said goodbye or good luck, but neither she nor Sawyer were the goodbye types. Kate prayed that he would be careful and return to her safely, or she would never forgive herself if something happened. She missed him already.

Looking back at Jack and Sayid, Kate asked them feeling Lost again all the sudden...

"So what do we do now?"

Both men looked back at Kate and then to the door, and Sayid finally replied...

"We wait!"

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Minkowski was well aware of their new passengers attempt to sabotage his mission this time. They had some cameras on the boat. After his men had freed him he located all the information he could on Jarrah, Ford, and Austen. Those three seemed to be the masterminds between all of this, and he ordered his men to go retrieve Jarrah at once, and find Ford and Austen as well. It was time for them all to say goodbye to the island and hello to their new lives, conscience free. It would be much less difficult that way.

Once all his obstacles were taken care of, they could get the ship back to the island to extract that last stone and then he would be the richest, if not one of the most powerful men in the world.

Minkowski left the observation room and moved to the bridge. He ordered Anthony to stay on guard up here and not leave this room unattended for anything. On the monitor it showed they were headed back to the island and that was the bottom line for Minkowski.

Now that the ship had been redirected, he could focus on the three pebbles in his shoe. He went to the camera room and found his mark. Smiling back at the monitor with an evil grin, Minkowski headed for his first subject.

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Sawyer and Desmond had found the axe and moved to chop up the rotary wheel downstairs. It sprung a leak when Desmond smashed the screw wheel off, but it seemed to do the trick. The ship was now set due Northeast for Los Angeles.

There was no trace of Minkowski down here though, or any of his men. And Desmond remarked...

"Suppose we better get back on upstairs then yeah?"

Sawyer nodded his head at the moment it was spinning and he just wanted to stop for a second. They made it to the stairwell and Sawyer had a dizzy spell, holding onto the wall to brace himself, Desmond had rushed ahead and Sawyer called out to him...

"Hey Braveheart, hold up a minute..."

Desmond came back down the stairs and looked back at Sawyer who's face had suddenly gone white and he asked him...

"Are you alright brotha?"

Sawyer closed his eyes, feeling a wave of nausea pass over him. Figuring it was most likely from exhaustion and the stress of everything. They had been running on empty steam for awhile now, or at least he had.

"Yeah...Im fine!" He nodded..."just need to catch my breath..." Sawyer replied trying to muster up his frustration.

"You dont look fine brotha...maybe we should take you to Jack!" Desmond suggested. At the mere mention of Jack's name Sawyer looked up angrily and replied in a stern manner..."No!"

Like hell Sawyer would ever ask Jack for help again. He despised that man to the very core.

"Ill be fine..." Sawyer assured Desmond.

"Sure whatever you say..." Desmond looked back at Sawyer through the sides of his eyes.

Sawyer was too proud to show weakness however and pulled himself together, straightening up, he took a deep breath and then passed Desmond on the stairs.

"Let's go!"

He said. Marching on determinedly.

Desmond and Sawyer had made it to the 3rd floor and they had to track across ship to make it to the bridge room. Sawyer would cough every time he felt a gag reflex come on, trying to push it away, he just had to get to this room and then they could rest.

He kept up the act as long as he could, until finally, he just couldnt hold it in any longer. Sawyer ran for a cleaning bucket left down a nearby hallway. Nearly missing but he made it throwing up inside. Desmond rushed up behind him a small smile as the realization hit him...

"I know what this is..." Desmond remarked smirking down at Sawyer. Sawyer looked up at him after he wiped his mouth on a rag near the bucket...

"Oh really, well whydoncha enlighten me Confucius."

Desmond chuckled and patted Sawyers back...

"Your sea sick Brotha!"

Sawyer rolled his eyes again, looking back at the floor, the checkerboard tiles starting to blur into one, and he shook his head, as his vision returned...

"Well aint that just dandy."

He pulled himself up, Sawyers legs stumbling just a bit and he looked at Desmond replying snarkily...

"So captain Ahab...How long is this damn virus supposed to last?"

"It isnt a virus." Desmond corrected him..."And you have anywhere from a few hours till the next 4 or 5 days it takes us to get home..."

Sawyer shook his head once more and looked back at Desmond with irritation...

"Just love to be the bearer of bad news doncha Braveheart?"

Desmond patted Sawyers back once more and replied..."Im sorry brotha...Would you like me to take you back to Jack?"

Sawyer glared at him once more and replied annoyed now...

"I thought we already covered this...Jackass can stew in his own shit for all I care!"

Desmond looked back at Sawyer confused for a moment, and then it clicked for him. Oh it was because of what he did to Kate. She was a strong woman though, determined. But it wasnt any of his business. If the man didnt want to see a doctor, he would not make him. Jack couldnt most likely do anything for Sawyer anyway. Perhaps find him a little Dramamine. 'Wait!' he had some Dramamine left in his travel bag...

"Listen Brotha..." Desmond began. "I got some Dramamine back in my room, that should help, but I think I should destroy that control station before they figure out what we did downstairs..."

Sawyer nodded realizing Desmond was right and he replied weakly...

"Yeah...lets go then..."

Desmond noted Sawyer still needed to collect himself and he pointed to the shower room. Sawyer hadnt noticed they were down this hallway.

"I think you should clean yourself up Brotha...Ill come back for you then..."

Sawyer shook his head tiredly and was about to argue when Desmond interrupted him...

"Listen Brotha...You smell, okay!...So go wash up and Ill be right back...It's just down that hallway yeah? (Sawyer sighed and nodded...) And I just got to smash the big switchboard and run yeah?"

Sawyer glared back at Desmond, feeling like he was being talked to in a condescending tone and Sawyer snapped back..."Yeah Lancelot...Guess your plannin on whoopin their monkey asses all by your lonesome too huh?"

Desmond smiled, finding Sawyers sarcasm funny and he patted his shoulder..."Aye Brotha...That I am..."

Sawyer rolled his eyes, pretending to be irritated, but in truth he actually admired Desmonds bravery and he shook his head, knowing the man wouldnt let him go any further, and it was probably better off if he stayed out of the way on this one too, and he met Desmonds glare, finally replying...

"Fine! But if your not back in 10 minutes, Im gonna have to go in and rescue your sorry ass..."

Desmond smiled already starting to walk away and he replied...

"Aye...Ill be countin on it Brotha!"

Sawyer shook his head frustratedly watching Desmond leave and then he went into the bathroom. shower to wash up.

He felt another wave pass over him and ran to the toilet this time. Purging all the nights dinner into the white porcelain dish, he flushed it down, watching the contents of his stomach swirl.

'Sea sickness my ass' Sawyer remarked angrily to himself. He was on the raft for a few hours and felt nothing. But he supposed he had been on this ship longer. Rolling his eyes, he bent down to wash his face off. Sawyer reached for a towel and looked at himself in the mirror afterwards. Who was this man staring back at him? He didnt know. Was he a murderer? A con man? A lover? A father? Just a man? It was almost like he didnt recognize himself anymore. But he did notice something had changed that he hadnt known about before. He had more to care about now. More to protect. Having Kate here made him feel more like a man and less like a murderer. Knowing they had created a child together, made him feel more worthy than before. Like everything they had both lived for, running, conning, killing, lying, revenge...could all be redeemed and forgiven by this new and innocent life. It made him feel hope.

He hoped that they could make it out of here and maybe even be happy together some day. He yearned for that day. When they didnt have to look back anymore and she would smile at him and he her. Sawyer didnt know if that day would ever come, but he was going to try hard as hell to get there with Kate. He was hopelessly madly crazy in love with her anyway. As much as he wanted to scream at her and tear his hair out sometimes because of her, he was hopelessly devoted.

Sawyer smirked lightly to himself in the mirror taking a drink of water in his hand from the sink, and then he stood up. Feeling much better all of the sudden. He decided to go make sure Lancelot hadnt gotten himself in any trouble when he stepped out of the bathroom door Sawyer saw a blur flash in front of his face and then he felt a sharp pain in his neck. Which took away all feeling in his legs and he buckled, falling unconscious.

Minkowski stood over Sawyers helpless body with a needle in his right hand. He tucked it away in his pocket. Picking Sawyer up, he hoisted his limp body over his large shoulders.

"It's time for you to help me get rid of my pest problem and I get to help you clear your conscience James Ford." He muttered under his breath. After tossing him into a large room, Minkowski locked the door.

"One down...two to go..." He remarked. Getting on his walkie, Minkowski asked his men if they had apprehended Austen and Jarrah yet.

*Note, I had to split this chapter up into two parts because it was too long. Please see post below for part 2.


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