Episode 3
INT. TEMPLE GROUNDS INFIRMARY – DAY
Inside the infirmary Sawyer and Jin are waiting for Ben. The doctor has left, leaving them and the unconscious Sayid the only ones in the room.
JIN
So do you believe the doctor?
SAWYER
About what?
JIN
That Sayid might live.
SAWYER
That's not my concern.
Ben enters the room in time to hear Sawyers last statement.
BEN
And what is your concern?
SAWYER
You know damn well what it is. I want off this rock.
BEN
Is Sayid still alive?
JIN
Yes. At least for now.
BEN
And you're okay with just leaving him here, in my care, not knowing if he will live or die.
SAWYER
You trying to talk me into staying?
BEN
No. Just curious why you seem to despise him now.
SAWYER
Because I had it good for a while, and then he showed up and ruined everything. Just because I didn't leave him to bleed to death in the jungle doesn't make him my friend. You said you could help us off this island. That's all I care about. You can do with him whatever you like.
BEN
Fair enough. You can get off this island the same way that I got back. On Hydra island is a plane; an Ajira Airways commercial jetplane. It made an emergency landing. It's a little banged up, but with some luck it should still be able to fly.
JIN
(Eagerly)
Is that the same plane that Jack and the others came on?
BEN
Yes.
JIN
(To Sawyer)
We need to get to that plane. Sun was on it.
Jin begins to gather up his things and appears ready to leave at that very moment.
SAWYER
(To Jin)
Hold on a minute. (To Ben) You're saying that Jack, Kate, and Hugo ended up in 1977, but the plane showed up here?
BEN
Don't ask me to explain it, but yes.
SAWYER
So how in the hell are we supposed to use this plane to leave the island when it's crashed in the middle of the damn jungle?
BEN
It's not in the middle of the jungle. It is at the end of a runway. One that you helped build, if you recall.
SAWYER
Well I don't know how to fly a plane.
BEN
You just need to find the pilot. It's Frank Lapidus. (To Jin) And Sun is with him.
JIN
Where are they?
BEN
Well, that's the tricky part. They're not on Hydra Island anymore. They were brought to this island by a group of armed men. I'm afraid they've been caught up in an old struggle that's bigger than any of us, and you will have to fight to get them back.
SAWYER
Do you know where they are?
BEN
Yes, and I can draw you a map. There is also a supply of ammunition in the building next door. You're welcome to take what you need.
JIN
Why are you helping us?
BEN
Because these men are my enemies. Whatever damage you do to them will help me and my people.
EXT. TEMPLE WALL – DAY
Ilana creeps through the jungle until she reaches the same door that Sawyer and the others entered through in Episode 2. She hides her rifle in the bushes. Then she slowly opens the door and enters with her arms raised. She only gets a few steps before she is challenged.
MAN 1
(Pointing gun at her)
Stop right there!
ILANA
I am here to see Benjamin Linus.
EXT. TEMPLE – DAY
Miles and Hurley stumble out of the temple and into daylight. They seem exhausted and collapse in a heap on the temple stairs.
MILES
What the hell was that?
HURLEY
I don't know dude. That was the most terrified I've ever been.
MILES
I've got a splitting headache.
HURLEY
Me too. Were all those people killed in there? You know, like, sacrificed?
MILES
No, I don't think so. I mean…it didn't feel like that. Like it usually does. I don't really know. All I know about that place is that I'm never going in there again.
HURLEY
Same for me, dude.
They stare up at the temples foreboding façade.
[FLASHBACK]
EXT. WELL – DAY
We are at the well that Jacob and his men exposed in the last episode. There are signs that time has passed since Daniels' accident. The heavy block and tackle system is no longer there, but there is in its place a smaller rope and pulley over the wells mouth. Nearby are several tents. Magnus' twelve year old son is standing idly near the well. He is bored and throwing rocks. Occasionally he will look into the well depths. His patience is rewarded when the well flickers, and a minute later becomes illuminated. The boy peers into the light in wonder. Then as quickly as it came, the light dims and dies. The boy checks a pocket watch he has on him, and then pulls out a slate and writes down a number. Then he rushes one of the nearby tents. He throws open the tent flap and sees Jacob sitting at a desk, writing.
MAGNUS JR.
(Out of breath)
Here!
The boy hands the slate to Jacob. Jacob examines the numbers, and then comes to a decision.
JACOB
Go get your father!
Magnus Jr. runs to another tent as Jacob busts out and quickly walks to the well. When he reaches the well he takes the rope that is hanging from the pulley above and ties it around his own waist. He is just finishing when Magnus, Magnus Jr., and two other men arrive. Jacob hands Magnus the slate. On the slate is a column of ten numbers. The numbers represent periods of time. The longest time recorded is 4 hours, 2 min. The quickest is 1hour, 26 mins.
JACOB
That is the time recorded between each incident of light. To be safe I will not stay more than 30 minutes.
Magnus fixes his son with a stern look.
MAGNUS
You are sure you recorded these correctly?
MAGNUS JR.
(Earnestly)
Yes, Father.
JACOB
Okay then, lower me down.
MAGNUS
Are you sure about this?
JACOB
Yes, Magnus. I will be in and out with hours to spare.
MAGNUS
Or the light could go off the second we lower you down. This sample (Holding up slate) is hardly conclusive.
JACOB
Let's get moving. We are wasting time.
Jacob perches on the edge of the well and the men take the slack out of the rope.
JACOB (Cont.)
I will call up periodically to let you know that I am alright. If the light flickers while I am still down there, I will immediately return to the rope to be hauled up. I want it understood that if something should happen to me during that time there will be NO rescue attempts. I will not have anyone else risking their life. Give me your word.
MAGNUS
You should get going.
JACOB
Give me your word Magnus, or I will find someone else.
MAGNUS
Very well, you have my word. (To the men) Lower him down.
Jacob is lowered down the well. When he finally reaches the bottom he holds the lamp up and sees a short passageway through the rock ahead. He unties himself and calls up to the men above him.
JACOB
(Shouting)
There is a passageway ahead! I'm going to explore it!
Jacob makes his way through the short passageway, which looks natural, rather than man made. He then comes to the same cavern that was under the Orchid Station in the season 4 finale. There are some differences, though. The cavern contains the pillar with hieroglyphics carved into it, but does not yet have the stone wall with the wheel in it. Instead the cavern is larger, and at the end is a natural wall with rivulets of water streaming down its surface and disappearing into cracks in the floor. The most striking feature of the cavern is a stone pedestal, waist high, that is a few feet away from this wall. On the pedestal, facing the wall is a statuette. It is a miniature version of the huge island statue, except that instead of the hippopotamus head it has only an uncarved portion of stone, and if you look closely you will see that it has five toes instead of four. Jacob lifts the statuette and tests its weight. When he replaces it on the pedestal, the areas where his skin touched it glow softly for a moment. He does not notice this as he pulls out his notebook and quickly tries to jot down the hieroglyphs that decorate the pillar and walls.
MAGNUS
(Calling down)
Jacob, are you okay?
JACOB
(Returning to the bottom of the well and calling up.)
I'm alright. I will only be a few more minutes.
Jacob returns down the passageway, but right as he enters the chamber the whole room begins to flicker intermittently with light. He quickly turns to go, but as he does so he notices something that stops him in his tracks. Something strange is happening to the water wall every time the light flickers. It seems to change from a solid wall into a passageway. He cannot tell where the passageway leads, and it looks wavy like a mirage. He also notices that the statuettes head is no longer uncarved, but changes into a human head in the light, though he can only see the back, not the face. Making a quick decision he hurries to the statuette and wraps it in a cloth. He tucks it under his arm and runs to the well bottom. Meanwhile Magnus has seen the flashes and is busy tying his end of the rope onto a large sack full of rocks. He sees Jacob reach the rope below.
MAGNUS
Hurry the bloody hell up!
JACOB
(Tying the rope around his waist)
I'm ready!
Magnus pushes the sack of rocks over the edge. It acts as a counterbalance and Jacob shoots toward the top. When he reaches the top the flickering stops and the solid light comes on. The bag holding the rocks disappears, and the rocks spill all over the ground. Without the counterweight Jacob plunges back down, but Magnus catches his hand and hauls him back up. Jacob is careful not to drop the statuette. Magnus pulls Jacob out of the well, and they collapse onto the ground, panting for breath. Magnus sees the statuette clutched in Jacobs hand.
MAGNUS
So you found a trophy. I hope the thing was bloody worth it!
[PRESENT]
EXT. TEMPLE GROUNDS – DAY
Miles and Hurley are wandering around the temple grounds looking for Sawyer and Jin. They see a group of others talking excitedly.
HURLEY
We could ask them if they know where Sawyer and Jin are.
MILES
I don't think we should bother them.
HURLEY
We have to do something.
Hurley walks up to the group. He overhears a few phrases like 'defensive position', and 'sentries along the perimeter', but when Hurley gets close they all stop talking and glare at him.
HURLEY
(Stammering)
Uh…Hi. Sorry to bother you. Do any of you guys know where my friends went?
One of the others, who is clearly annoyed, points to a nearby building.
HURLEY
Thanks.
They do not respond, and wait until Hurley leaves before continuing their conversation. Hurley rejoins Miles.
HURLEY
I think we should probably get out of here as soon as possible.
MILES
No kidding. Everyone here looks like they want to shoot us.
HURLEY
Let's go talk to Sawyer and Jin. They're over there. (Points to building)
Inside the building Sawyer and Jin are stocking up on ammunition and supplies for their upcoming raid. Sawyer is studying the map to the Library that Ben has drawn them.
SAWYER
This is going to be a hell of a hike.
JIN
We have everything we need. Let's go.
SAWYER
What about Hugo and Miles?
JIN
We need to move quickly. It may be better if they stay behind.
SAWYER
Yeah, maybe. We could probably use Miles in the firefight, but that would mean leaving Hugo here alone, and I don't trust these people.
Miles and Hurley enter the building.
MILES
Hey guys.
SAWYER
Where the hell have you two been?
MILES
We were in the temple.
SAWYER
The temple?! Did anyone see you?
MILES
We weren't trespassing. They practically dragged us in there.
SAWYER
What for?
MILES
Don't even ask, man.
HURLEY
(Noticing their preparations)
Are you guys going somewhere?
JIN
Yes, we are going to rescue my wife.
HURLEY
Really? You found her. That's great!
Jin grabs a rifle, checks its ammunition, and then hands it and a pack of ammo to Sawyer. He then picks up his own rifle and pack.
MILES
(Hesitantly)
Do you want us to go with you?
SAWYER
No.
Miles and Hurley look relieved.
MILES
When will you be back?
SAWYER
We should be back by tomorrow. We have found a way off this rock.
MILES
How?
SAWYER
There is a plane on Hydra Island. When we rescue Sun we will also be rescuing its pilot, and he's going to fly us out of here.
HURLEY
Are you talking about the Ajira Airways flight?
SAWYER
You knew about it?
HURLEY
Sort of. I mean, I came here on it, but I didn't know if it crashed or flew by or what.
MILES
How could you not know that?
HURLEY
Dude, it's hard to explain.
JIN
(Anxious to leave)
Let's go. (He exits the building)
SAWYER
Jin's anxious to get started. You two sit tight. We'll be back soon. In the meantime, if Jack or Kate shows up fill them in on the plan.
Outside the building Sawyer catches up with Jin, who is marching at a rapid pace.
SAWYER
We better pace ourselves, Flash. We've got a long ways to go.
JIN
I haven't seen my wife in three years.
SAWYER
Fair enough.
They make their way across the temple grounds toward the door in the wall. As they get near, an Other stops them, stepping in their path and holding a rifle in his hands.
OTHER
Where do you think you're going?
JIN
Get out of the way.
Jin tries to step around the Other, but he moves to block their path and raises his rifle, pointing it at Jin's chest.
OTHER
You're not going this way.
SAWYER
Take it easy. We're just trying to leave.
OTHER
Back away. Now!
Sawyer looks past him, and see's Ben talking through the open door. He is speaking with Ilana. It appears to be a very serious conversation.
SAWYER
No problem, boss. We'll be on our way.
Sawyer has to practically drag Jin away. Once they are out of site Jin shakes Sawyer off and explodes at him.
JIN
Why did you stop me?
SAWYER
Calm down, Jin. Since when are you the hothead of the group? There was something happening back there that has nothing to do with us.
JIN
I'm not staying here.
SAWYER
I know that. Who says we have to go through the door?
They make their way to the wall, and walk along it until they come to a tree that is growing close enough to the wall that its branches hang over it. They help each other up the tree and over the wall.
EXT. JUNGLE – MORNING
Jack is asleep in the jungle. He tosses and turns, obviously having some kind of vivid and disturbing dream. We see what the dream is. He is standing at the swan site. It is 1977, and Radzinski is operating the drilling rig that will penetrate the pocket of energy. None of the crew can see Jack. Unlike the actual event, this version does not have Jack, Kate, and the others interfering and dropping the bomb down the well. In this version the DHARMA drilling crew looks excited, and cheers when the drill finds its mark. The cheer is cut short, thought, once the magnetic mayhem starts to happen. Everything metal around Jack is sucked into the hole, and the energy keeps building and building. The noise becomes deafening. We see the whole island as it is ripped and crumpled. Blinding light bursts out of the ground, not just from the island, but it can even be seen beneath the water in the surrounding ocean, and the light seems to be spreading at incredible speed across the ocean when Jack suddenly wakes up, gasping for air. He looks around him in panic, and is slowly reassured that he is safe. Locke is watching him carefully.
LOCKE
It can be disorienting when the island gives you a vision.
JACK
It was just a nightmare.
LOCKE
Do you mind telling me about it?
JACK
It's not important.
LOCKE
Please.
JACK
I saw the island destroyed.
LOCKE
(Alarmed)
Destroyed? How?
JACK
It's not important.
LOCKE
Did the island show you a way to prevent it?
JACK
The island didn't show me anything, John. It told you it was only a nightmare.
LOCKE
How can you be so sure?
JACK
Because in my dream it was 1977. And since the island is still here, and not blown up, it obviously didn't mean anything.
Locke looks stumped by this.
LOCKE
Maybe you're right, then. Maybe it didn't mean anything. It's not always easy to understand what the island is telling you.
JACK
What makes you so sure it talks to you at all?
LOCKE
Because when it does talk to you, like it has to me, you don't forget it.
Jack looks skeptical at this bit of logic.
[FLASHBACK]
INT. JACOBS TENT – DAY
Milton and Jacob are in Jacobs tent, standing over his desk. Spread on the desk is a diagram of the cavern. Milton is pointing out various aspects on the diagram. In the diagram shows blueprints for building the man made wall with the wheel, just like they appear in season 4 finale. Also, behind the wall an inner chamber is shown, with a stone door connecting the cavern with the inner chamber.
MILTON
With the wall in place (points to it on diagram) the energy will be contained. The wheel will lift the sliding stone allowing the reaction to take place in the inner chamber. Theoretically, anyone standing in this area (points to the cavern on the diagram) should be safe from the effects of the light.
JACOB
Very clever, Milton. I asked for a safe way to study the light, and you have delivered superbly.
MILTON
My concern, Jacob, is—
JACOB
Yes, Milton. I have heard your concern.
MILTON
Well I will voice it again. This cavern has been venting energy regularly since we first observed it. I'm not sure that containing it in this way won't have unpredictable consequences.
JACOB
I am very aware of the regular venting.
MILTON
(Disapproving)
Yes, I heard about your little adventure. (He tsk tsk's.)
JACOB
As it stands now, there is barely enough time to look around, much less set up any scientific experiments. We know that anything organic that is in the chamber when it is flooded with light disappears. Doesn't the idea of being able to study this light excite you?
MILTON
Yes, of course it does, but—
JACOB
(Interrupting)
The only safe way to study it is this. (Indicates diagram) I understand your concern, and we will take the utmost precaution every step of the way. Now let's go show this to Magnus.
Jacob and Milton exit his tent to search for Magnus. There is a flurry of activity around them. Men are rushing into their tents and getting firearms.
MILTON
What is heavens name is going on here?
A messenger rushes up to Jacob.
MESSENGER
Captain, Magnus has sent me to get you. He says to bring you to him immediately.
JACOB
What is it?
MESSENGER
It's the natives, Captain. They're invading!
Jacob quickly ducks back into his tent and then emerges immediately with a pistol in hand. He follows the messenger back to Magnus across the temple grounds. Jacob arrives on the scene. He sees the natives Chief. Magnus' men have formed a ring around the Chief, though they are keeping their distance. The Chief is contemptuously ignoring them. Magnus is there, but seems unsure what to do. Jacob walks to Magnus.
MAGNUS
(Pointing to the Chief)
Do you know what this is about?
JACOB
I have no idea. Did you see him arrive?
MAGNUS
No one did. I looked up and he was here.
JACOB
Did you speak to him?
MAGNUS
He refuses to say anything.
JACOB
(Walking to Chief, and speaking Latin)
Hello. Are things well on your island?
CHIEF
You have disturbed the gods.
JACOB
To what are you referring?
CHIEF
It is time for you to leave our island.
JACOB
This is not your island.
CHIEF
You have no purpose here. Leave now!
JACOB
Listen to me carefully. I am discovering the true meaning of this place, and I will not leave for you, or anyone else. Any interference with my work here will be a violation of our truce.
Magnus and the rest of the men watch as Jacob and the Chief continue talking. They cannot hear what is being said, but it is obviously a heated exchange. The Chief makes an abrupt chopping gesture, and then storms off into the jungle. Jacob returns to Magnus.
MAGNUS
That looked like trouble.
JACOB
The natives no longer want us here. I think they may have seen something. Perhaps something that frightened them.
MAGNUS
Do you think it could have spread to their island?
JACOB
No. Whatever they saw, they saw it here. We are being spied on. They are not as afraid of this island as we were led to believe.
MAGNUS
What are we going to do?
JACOB
(To entire group)
No one is to go into the jungle alone. And you should all take care to be armed at all times when venturing beyond the temple grounds. Magnus!
MAGNUS
Yes Captain!
JACOB
Organize a party and send them to the south beach to monitor the natives' island. If our men see any signs of trouble they will light a fire with black smoke to warn us!
MAGNUS
Yes, Captian!
Magnus calls out the names of six men and sends them on their way. The rest of the group disperses. Jacob seems lost in concentration when Magnus interrupts him.
MAGNUS
We should halt our work until this crisis has passed.
JACOB
And how long will that take? (There is a long pause.) Then we will proceed as scheduled.
[PRESENT]
EXT. DAY – JUNGLE
Locke and Jack are continuing their trek through the jungle to accomplish Locke's mysterious mission.
JACK
How about you tell me where we are going.
LOCKE
I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. Don't worry, we're close. (Pause) Can I ask you something?
JACK
Sure.
LOCKE
What was it like being in 1977?
JACK
Confusing.
LOCKE
(Chuckling)
You think you were confused. Imagine how I felt when I saw an old DHARMA recruitment picture with you and Hugo and Kate smiling back at me.
JACK
(Chuckling)
Yeah, I can imagine. (Then quietly, almost to himself) It was also painful.
LOCKE
Painful?
Jack is surprised at what he has said. He seems to have accidentally opened up to Locke, and now looks embarrassed. He fumbles for a moment, and then covers.
JACK
Yeah…uh…well, I got hit in the head with a rifle by a guy on horseback. And then of course Sawyer took me into the jungle to beat me up.
LOCKE
I see. I thought you might have been referring to Juliet.
JACK
(Stunned)
What do you know about that?
LOCKE
Very little. Jacob mentioned it. Would you mind telling me how she died?
JACK
When we first came back, and Sawyer told us that we were in 1977 my very first thought was, 'Now I can fix things'. I didn't know what that meant, or why I had it, but it just popped in my mind. Then on the ride to the barracks Sawyer told us that Faraday had explained to them the rules of time travel and that we wouldn't be able to change anything, even if we tried. So I put the thought out of my head, until the next morning, when Faraday himself shows up at my door and tells me how he had gotten it all wrong, and that I could change everyone's life for the better if I would just do this one thing.
LOCKE
What was it?
JACK
Explode a hydrogen bomb.
LOCKE
What was that supposed to accomplish?
JACK
It was supposed to prevent our plane from ever crashing in the first place. But it failed. It didn't change anything, except more people died, including Juliet.
LOCKE
(Thoughtfully)
Maybe it didn't change anything because everything you did was supposed to happen.
JACK
Here we go again.
LOCKE
No, listen to me, Jack. This is important. I've been thinking a lot about the dream you had. Obviously what you saw wasn't a vision of the future. And what you saw didn't actually happen, but maybe that's the point. Maybe the island was showing you a vision of what might have been.
JACK
Might have been? You mean if we hadn't shown up at the swan site?
LOCKE
Exactly. Do you remember that DHARMA video Desmond showed us? The one where they mention the incident? I think that you were always the cause of that incident, and that the island was showing you just how important it was that you were there.
JACK
That's a real leap of faith, John.
LOCKE
Is it? Because to me it makes perfect sense. None of us really know what this island is capable of.
They continue hiking in thoughtful silence.
[FLASHBACK]
INT. WHEEL CAVERN – DAY
Jacob, Milton, and Magnus are standing in the cavern. Another man named Paulson is there. He is sitting against the wall with his hands bound behind his back. There has been extensive work done in the cavern since Jacobs first visit. The wall with the running water has now been totally walled off with stone blocks. One of these stone blocks is set into a set of iron tracks that allow it to slide up and down. The tracks have adjustments that control how high the stone will rise. There is a space of about five feet and then another wall separates the first wall from the rest of the cavern, creating an inner chamber five feet wide. This outer wall has a stone door that can access the inner chamber. It also has the familiar wheel embedded in it. This wheel turns an axle, which in turn winds a chain that is attached to the stone in the iron tracks. When the wheel is turned, the stone is lifted and the inner chamber is exposed to the source of the light, which is the wall with the running water. Milton is holding a scientific instrument containing wire coils and gauges. He walks through the stone door, into the inner chamber, and places his instrument on a stone pedestal. He gives the chamber a last thorough inspection. Magnus joins Milton inside the chamber. He inspects the instrument.
MILTON
Don't touch that!
MAGNUS
What does it do?
MILTON
It is designed to measure the amount of magnetism generated within this chamber when it is flooded with the light's energy. These coils (Points to them) will gain a charge through induction, which in then in turn charge these coils (He opens the lid of a boxed off portion) within this magnetically shielded box. Those coils will act as a lever, pulling this iron spring from its original position. The degree of deflection will allow me to calculate the amount of magnetism this chamber is exposed to.
MAGNUS
(Dismissively)
And this knowledge will accomplish what, exactly?
MILTON
(Huffy)
It's the first step of the long process of gathering scientific data and formulating hypothesis which you very clearly know nothing about! Now kindly wait outside while I calibrate this delicate instrument!
Magnus leaves Milton to finish his work. Jacob, who has heard their exchange, gives Magnus an exasperated look.
JACOB
Why do you feel it necessary to bait him, Magnus?
MAGNUS
Because it's so easy, Jacob.
JACOB
Perhaps if you two spent less time bickering and more—
MILTON
(Emerging from the chamber and interrupting Jacob)
Everything is ready.
MAGNUS
Well you've designed and built a very fine wall, Professor. Tell me, why does it have a wheel. Did you install a rudder on the island?
JACOB
(Handing Magnus the diagram)
Here. This should help explain it.
Jacob and Milton wait while Magnus studies the diagram. However, he doesn't seem to be able to make much sense of it. Time drags on. Finally Milton speaks up.
MILTON
I believe you're holding them upside down, Magnus.
MAGNUS
Very amusing.
JACOB
(Jokingly, trying to lighten the mood between them)
Explain it to him, Milton, or we will be here all day.
MAGNUS
Don't bother. (He shoves the schematics into Milton's hands) All I want to know is that you guarantee this contraption can be operated safely.
MILTON
I absolutely do not guarantee such a thing, as I've pointed out during each step of this process!
JACOB
(Breaking them up)
Gentlemen, please! Five months of planning and construction have gone into creating a laboratory where we can control the intensity and duration of this energy. We have finally accomplished our goal. Let's not tear out each others' throats now.
MAGNUS
(Regaining his composure)
My apologies, Professor Milton. I meant no disrespect. What is left to do?
MILTON
Only to turn the wheel.
MAGNUS
Would you explain to me why you think this may be unsafe.
JACOB
He has already expressed his reservations to me, Magnus.
MAGNUS
I would like to hear them myself.
MILTON
This experiment is based on theoretical assumptions, and has a built in level of uncertainty. It is possible that the energy buildup behind that wall is more powerful than the periodic venting we have observed.
JACOB
Unlikely.
MILTON
But possible. This is all very…experimental.
MAGNUS
(Directing his attention to the man tied up)
Which brings us to you, Paulson.
Paulson looks distressed. Until now he has kept quiet, as if hoping they would forget he was there. Magnus hauls him to his feet. He looks extremely nervous.
PAULSON
(Stuttering nervously)
What's all this about?
MAGNUS
Strathom died last night. That makes you a murderer, Paulson.
Paulson breaks down and begins to sob
MAGNUS (CONT.)
You're going to hang.
PAULSON
No! I didn't mean to. Please, have mercy!
MAGNUS
Didn't mean to? You didn't mean to grab an iron bar and cave in his skull over a petty dispute?
PAULSON
I wasn't myself. We've been on this island for over three years. We're all going crazy. If you will just let me go I'll hide in the jungle. You will never see me again.
JACOB
Shhhhhh. (He quiets Paulson until he is no longer sobbing) The punishment for murder is death. But there is another option. We need someone to turn that wheel. Do that, and you will be pardoned.
PAULSON
What?
JACOB
I know it sounds ridiculous to so easily forgive a sin like murder. But the truth is, turning that wheel is a risk. Now I believe that nothing will happen to you. I truly do. But there is the chance that something…unexpected could happen.
PAULSON
Why don't you turn it, then?
JACOB
I would. I had planned on it. But after Strathom died I convinced the others to give you this choice. It's a mercy, Paulson, because I know you're not an evil man. The choice is yours, but could it really be worse than certain death?
Paulson considers the situation carefully.
PAULSON
I'll do it.
They untie Paulson and he takes his place behind the wheel. He looks like he is going to throw up. The others prepare to leave.
MILTON
(To Paulson)
Remember, a one half revolution of the wheel will raise and lower the separation stone once, so don't stop until you've gone the full half revolution. (He leaves)
Magnus gives Paulson a look of pure loathing and then exits, leaving Jacob alone with him. Jacob sees the state Paulson is in, and squeezes his shoulder in a bracing way.
JACOB
Good luck.
Jacob leaves. Paulson waits at the wheel, giving them time to ascend to the top of the well. At the top of the well, Jacob is the last to emerge, climbing up a rope ladder that has been installed. The three of them wait for something to happen.
JACOB
He should be turning the wheel any moment.
MAGNUS
You know he should hang, Jacob. The only reason we agreed to this deal is because we don't want you turning that wheel.
JACOB
(To himself)
I should be down there. (He looks down the well, wistfully)
MAGNUS
He will have to endure some form of punishment, or it won't sit right with the men.
Down at the wheel, Paulson is quietly crying. Eventually he straightens up and wipes his face clear. He sets his shoulders, determined to meet his fate with dignity. He struggles against the weight of the wheel, slowly turning it. When he gets about halfway the chamber beyond the wheel begins to glow. The glowing turns brighter as he nears the end. When he finally makes it to the end the room is too bright to see. Outside the sky shines with the violet light. The island moving noise reverberates in the air. We see various people reacting to the bright sky and noise, including Jacob, Magnus, Milton, the men at the temple, and the natives on the other island.
[PRESENT]
EXT. JUNGLE – DAY
Kate is searching in the jungle for any tracks. She finally comes across a wide valley. She scans it, but sees no sign of anyone.
KATE
(To herself)
Where are you, Claire.
Storm clouds gather while she is busy looking, and without warning the sky opens and a heavy deluge of water pours down on her. She quickly becomes sopping wet, and makes her way back to the cabin. She hesitates at the threshold, but the rain is coming down so hard that she decides to go in. Inside the cabin she sits down at the table and tries to wring some water out of her hair and clothes. She hears a creaking noise and jumps up, ready for trouble. She sees nothing.
KATE
Is anyone there?
She scrutinizes every corner of the cabin, but sees nothing. It isn't until she relaxes that she hears the slow, creepy voice of Jacob.
JACOB
KAAAATTTEEEEE.
Kate panics and runs to the door. She flings it open and flees out into the storm. She glances back toward the cabin and almost runs into Christian Shepard, who has suddenly materialized in front of her.
CHRISTIAN
Please, don't be alarmed.
KATE
(Startled)
Who are you?
CHRISTIAN
My name is Christian. We should talk.
KATE
Go ahead and talk.
CHRISTIAN
Let's go back inside. (Gestures toward the cabin)
KATE
Was that your voice?
CHRISTIAN
No.
Kate plants her feet, unwilling to go back into the cabin. Christian talks past her toward the cabin. He turns back when she doesn't follow.
CHRISTIAN
Please, it's easier for me to speak inside.
He enters the cabin, and against her better judgment Kate reluctantly follows him. They sit at the table, facing each other.
KATE
What do you want?
CHRISTIAN
Jacob would like a word with you.
KATE
So I get to meet the mysterious Jacob. Okay, where is he?
Christian chuckles.
KATE (CONT)
Did I say something funny?
CHRISTIAN
He's right under your feet.
Kate looks below the table and sees the trapdoor. While she is inspecting the trapdoor a very loud *ROLLING THUNDER* echoes outside. It is so loud it seems to shake the cabin. She looks out the window in alarm. (Note: In the following scenes whenever *ROLLING THUNDER* is mentioned, it is the exact same rolling thunder that KATE hears, and is meant to fix the location of each character at that moment.)
EXT. JUNGE – DAY
Sawyer and Jin are hiking hard through the jungle, heading for the Library. They making good time when the thunderstorm catches up to them and very soon they are soaking wet. Sawyer takes out the map to check their route, trying his best to shield it from the rain. Jin does not notice that Sawyer has slowed down, and he quickly disappears into the soupy dusk. The sky is split with the loud boom of *ROLLING THUNDER*.
SAWYER
Jin! Wait up!
Sawyers voice is drown out by the pounding rain. He hurries to catch up. Suddenly he hears whispers. They seem to come from the jungle all around him. He spins around, pulling his gun and searching for their source. A figure emerges from the rain. Sawyer points his gun at it, but raises it when it turns out to be Jin.
JIN
What is the problem? Why did you fall behind?
SAWYER
Did you hear that?
JIN
I can't hear anything in this storm.
The whispers surround them again. Jin hears them and is as alarmed as Sawyer. They are not sure what to do. Jin sees something and taps Sawyer on the shoulder.
JIN
Look!
Just ahead of them is Miles. He is just standing there, looking at them strangely. Despite being in the rain he appears to be oddly dry. Sawyer calls to him, waving his arms, but Miles does not respond. Sawyer takes a few steps toward Miles, and then Miles disappears. Sawyer and Jin do not see him anywhere. They look at each other, baffled.
[FLASHBACK]
EXT. JUNGLE – DAY
Paulson has just turned the wheel and outside the air is blinding white. Jacob and the others are trying to protect their eyes and ears. The light slowly fades, and Jacob, Milton, and Magnus are standing at the edge of the well looking stunned.
MAGNUS
(Looking at Milton)
What in the hell was that?
MILTON
I have no idea. I've never seen anything like it.
Jacob starts to lower himself down the well.
MAGNUS
(In alarm)
What are you doing?
JACOB
Paulson is still down there. He may need our help.
MAGNUS
You can't be serious.
MILTON
Let's think about this. You may not want to rush down there.
Jacob ignores them and descends the well. He rushes through the cave until he gets to the cavern. It is exactly as he left it, except there is no sign of Paulson. He walks to the stone door and very cautiously opens it. Behind him, Magnus arrives in the cavern.
MAGNUS
Be careful.
Jacob goes into the chamber, but it is empty except for what is left of Miltons experiment. The metal coils that he so carefully calibrated have been melted into slag heaps. The wood is scorched. Jacob emerges from the chamber.
JACOB
Paulson is gone. It is important that we find him. I want to know where he has gone and what he has seen. Would you get the rest of the men and search the jungle for him.
Magnus is about to object, but sees Jacobs look of frustration and changes his mind. He nods his agreement and leaves.
EXT. BEACH – NIGHT
Jacob and his men are gathered on the beach. The men are huddled around fires. Their mood is somber. They talk in hushed tones about the day's strange events. Jacob is sitting in the sand, apart from the others, staring into the ocean thoughtfully. A party of men emerges from the jungle. One of the men makes his way to Jacob as the others join their comrades.
MAN
There is still no sign of Paulson.
MAGNUS
(Approaching)
Looks like the devil claimed him after all.
JACOB
(To Magnus)
Magnus, tomorrow take a gang of workers down into the cavern. Seal off the chamber door. Then collapse the tunnel leading to the chamber with gunpowder. Milton was right, and I'm a damn fool.
MAGNUS
(Sitting down next to Jacob)
This island. (He sighs dramatically) I don't know what to think of it. It seems that we can do things here that can't be done anywhere else on earth. Do you ever wonder if we go too far?
JACOB
Perhaps. But I don't know any other way. I'm beginning to see this island for what it really is, Magnus. It's not just an aberration of nature. There is a reason this place is the way it is.
MAGNUS
And why is that?
JACOB
I haven't put it all together yet. I know that nothing will stop me from continuing this work.
Magnus slips away to leave Jacob alone with his thoughts. He sees Milton further down the beach, and joins him. Milton is studying the stars with instruments and making calculations in a notebook. At his feet is the wrecked remains of the instrument that he placed in the chamber earlier.
MILTON
Did you talk him into leaving?
MAGNUS
No. There was no point in bringing it up. It would be impossible to convince him.
MILTON
Speaking of impossible, I've been doing some calculations on our position. It seems we are three degrees further south than we were when we first arrived.
MAGNUS
(Dismissively)
Recheck your math, Professor.
MILTON
I have. This is no joke. The island has moved.
MAGNUS
How could that be possible?
MILTON
What part of 'uncertain' and 'experimental' do you not understand?
Suddenly, from the jungle arrows start raining down on them. One plunges into the ground next to Magnus. Another buries itself into Jacobs arm. He cries out in pain. The men around the fire jump to their feet and start stampeding in every direction. Magnus' clear voice rises over the din.
MAGNUS
We are under attack! Form up on the beach. The men rush to the beach and form up, firing their weapons into the jungle as arrows fill the air.
[PRESENT]
EXT. JUNGLE – DAY
Jack and Locke are hiking through the jungle.
JACK
(Reluctantly)
Let's say that I believe you. Are you saying that the island made me come back?
LOCKE
You have free agency, just like the rest of us. The island can't make you do anything. However, I would be lying if I told you told you that it didn't have ways of influencing us.
JACK
So it does make people do things.
LOCKE
Influence isn't force, Jack.
JACK
Give me an example of this 'influence'.
LOCKE
Take yourself for an example. You might have left the island, but deep down you knew that you needed to come back. That knowledge must have made you miserable. Maybe it prevented you from settling down. Is that what happened to you and Kate.
Jack bites off the bitter retort he is about to give, and instead ponders what Locke has said. The rains begin to come down hard. They continue hiking in silence until Locke stops. They hear the loud *ROLLING THUNDER*. Jack catches up with Locke.
JACK
Why have you stopped?
LOCKE
That's why.
Locke points ahead, and Jack sees the old landlocked ship, the 'Black Rock'. They start to move forward, but Locke sees something and pulls Jack down into the bushes. He points. Three armed men are exploring the ship. They are the men that Ilana sent north.
INT. LIBRARY – DAY
Frank and Sun are sitting on the floor in the library. Their hands are bound in front of them. They are being watched over by one armed guard, but the guard seems very bored and is hardly paying any attention to them at all. Even inside the library they can hear the muted sound of the *ROLLING THUNDER*. The other prisoner is sitting nearby. Her hands are also bound, but they are behind her back and she has a bag over her head. She seems to be having difficulty breathing through the bag. Frank notices her dilemma.
LAPIDAS
Hey guard.
GUARD
Shut up.
LAPIDUS
Hey I'm talking to you.
GUARD
What do you want?
LAPIDUS
(Pointing to woman prisoner)
That woman needs help.
GUARD
She's fine.
LAPIDUS
She's not fine. She can't breathe through that thing.
GUARD
She had her chance to come quietly. She chose to struggle. Now shut up!
Frank gets to his feet and walks to the girl. The guard raises his gun at Frank.
GUARD
Get away from her.
FRANK
(Without bothering to looking at the guard)
Shoot me if you want.
The guard decides that this it is more trouble than it is worth and goes back to ignoring them all. Frank pulls the hood off of the woman's head. She is in her early forties and is attractive. She has a gash on her forehead. Her mouth has been taped shut, and she is desperately trying to get more oxygen. Frank rips the tape off and she sucks in lungfuls of in air gratefully.
WOMAN
Thank you! I don't think I could have lasted one more minute.
FRANK
Glad I could help. What do these yahoos want with you, anyway?
WOMAN
I don't know. They kidnapped me out of my apartment.
LAPIDUS
Your apartment?
WOMAN
Yeah. They injected me with something, and when I woke up I was on a plane.
LAPIDUS
(Pointing to the gash or her head)
Did they give you that?
WOMAN
No, I got that when the plane went down. It wasn't exactly a smooth landing. (She notices his pilots shirt) No offense.
LAPIDUS
(Chuckling)
You can take it up with Safety Board if we ever get out of here.
The air is suddenly filled with the sound of whispers. The guard looks around in alarm. He doesn't see anything.
GUARD
What is that?
He looks at Lapidus accusingly, but Frank looks just as confused. The whispers come again.
GUARD
Stay here and don't move.
The guard leaves to investigate elsewhere, leaving them alone. Sun, Lapidus, and the Woman share a confused look.
SUN
Frank, do you know what those whispers are?
LAPIDUS
I have no idea, Sun. (To Woman) There's something you should know about this island we're on. It's not a normal place.
WOMAN
I know exactly where I am.
SUN
Frank!
LAPIDUS
What is it, Sun?
Lapidus looks to where Sun is pointing. Miles is standing there. He is sopping wet. He tries to speak to them, but only gibberish comes out.
LAPIDUS
Miles?