Author's Notes: I realized I missed the out-of-character antics of this fic. So, an update! How 'bout that!

Chapter 4: Something's Sizzlin'

A Jate Communications Operative, snacking on a granola bar and watching a fuzzy re-run of One Life To Live on her radio/television combo, heard a rapid beep followed by an incessant grinding chirp, and turned her attention to the incoming fax.

A melodramatic caption in 48 point jet black Times New Roman filled the page:

KATE IN TROUBLE; EMERGENCY SKATE/JATE MEETING, 22:30

At about the same time, a Mission Control Operative in the middle of a internet surfing session was being sent an IM via Blackberry that all members of any and all Ana-Lucia Cortez affiliated factions were being summoned to an evening strategic congregation. The utmost discretion around non-Ana Lucia affiliated personnel was strictly advised.

Meanwhile, Sawyer, Kate and Ana had consigned themselves to whatever was to come, and were now in the blissful rapture of slumber.

That slumber would be rudely interrupted by a horrific grinding noise.

Before Sawyer could shout: "What the hell??" over the din, the trio realized that the reason for the grinding was that part of the wall was sliding away. After a minute, the noises ceased, and the trio stood in stunned bewilderment before a metal door.

Without warning, the door unlocked with a tremedous CLICK and was shoved open. Before the three knew what was happening, military personnel charged into the room, took each of them by the arm and injected them with something.

Kate babbled incoherently – she was trying to call for Sawyer – but the drugs worked quickly, slurring her words, and finally she blacked out. Three military personnel ungraciously hoisted each person over their shoulders, and carried each unconscious body out of the room.

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"Locke? You here?"

Jack entered the hatch, scanning for anyone familiar. Locke was sitting on the couch in the living area, reading an automotive magazine which was outdated by a decade or two.

"Hey, Jack." Locke looked up from his reading with a smile.

"You seen Sawyer?" Jack asked. "I've been looking for him everywhere – I need to talk to him, it's kinda important."

"No, haven't seen them." Locke folded his magazine.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Kate or Ana Lucia around either." Jack glared thoughtfully.

"Really? All three of them?" Now Locke was glaring too. "Odd."

Jack nodded. "That's what I'm saying."

"Maybe they're busy."

"It'd be nice if people told me these things." Jack said irritably. He folded his arms and began to sound petulant. "You know – I try to keep everyone in the loop, I try to keep our machine – such as it is – running smoothly, the least people could do is let me in on things around here!"

Locke stared.

"I know just how you mean, Jack."

Jack glanced at Locke sharply. He wasn't about to begin to touch on that with John.

"Look, if you see any of them, just...tell me, ok? I really need to talk to Sawyer in particular." Jack stalked out. Locke smirked.

"Sure thing, Jack!"

He went back to his magazine. Several minutes after Jack had left, Locke rose and made his way to the computer room. He sat before the monitor and began to type. The blocky font scrolled across the screen:

SHEPPARD ON THE MOVE – SCRAMBLE FOR PICKUP A.S.A.P.

To Be Continued