"Dude are you alright?"

"Ya, Ya I'm fine brother."

Desmond got to his feet and shook his head. He had a severe headache and began to wonder if his lasting exposure to such acute levels electromagnetism at the heart of the island was going to further effect his unique condition. But rather then dwelling on such melancholic thoughts he resorted to confronting his next task and that task was to get off the island and rejoin his family. However he was halted abruptly by the sudden realization that Hurley had disappeared leaving him with the sole company of one Benjamin Linus.

"Where's Hurley?

"Hugo left, he said he had some things to figure out and in the meantime he instructed us to go to the temple."

Ben's impassive response has managed to sedate Desmond's questioning. Despite him no knowing what exactly the temple was he trusted Hurley's innocuous nature not to lead him into harm's way and that was good enough for him right now.

Several hours later Ben and Desmond arrived at the derelict temple. The pair now stood in the pool room which contained the spring which had resurrected Sayid.

"This is where Hugo told us to wait."

Desmond was slightly taken aback by Ben's words as both had remained silent and reticent for the journey and had not conversed since Desmond had regained consciousness several days ago.

"I'm going to find us some firewood you stay here and rest."

Desmond responded with a mere nod of his head and then sat next to the pool. His time in solitude was short lived because it wasn't long before Hurley returned.

It's great to see you Hurley."

"You to man." But listen there's something important we have to talk about." Hurley placed his hand on Desmond's shoulder as a look of sheer bafflement appeared on Desmond's face.

What is Hugo doing? Ben thought as he gathered up the remaining firewood. Hugo hadn't left Ben's mind since his departure a few days ago. Why had he instructed Desmond and I to go to the temple? Is there something he knows that I don't?

"Ben"

"Hugo when did you get back?"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that there is something I need you to do for me."

"Where is Desmond?"

"He is back home now."

Home, Home? Hugo how is he home?"

"I changed the rules."

"You, changed the rules?"

"Yes but that doesn't concern you."

Hurley spoke with an uncharacteristic lucidity and he seemed very serene. It struck Ben that Hurley was behaving in an incredibly similar manner to Jacob moments before he had murdered him. This left Ben feeling rather perturbed to say the least.

"Ben I need you to go to the survivors from Locke's group and tell them they must go to the temple. You'll find them a day and a half walk from here."

"But why me? I'm quite sure that you could do a much better job convincing them then I ever could."

"Because it has to be you Ben."

Hurley placed his hand on Ben's shoulder and gave out his quintessential smile which somewhat eased Ben's worries.