Six years and ten months earlier:

"We're saved! We're saved!" Charlie exclaimed, waking Kate from her sleep. She glanced next to her in the small tent, and saw Jack, his arm draped across her. She smiled slightly, rubbing her hand gently over his forehead where lines of worry, stress, and responsibility had etched themselves. Jack stirred, mumbling something incoherently, and slowly opened his eyes.

"Hey." He grinned when he saw Kate.

"Hey." She whispered, as their lips met.

"The rescue boat is here!" Claire's voice shouted from outside on the beach. Kate and Jack suddenly pulled back, looking at each other. Jack stood and pulled on his pants and t-shirt as quickly as he could.

"Jack." Kate's eyes were wide as she thought of what a rescue party meant for her. Jack turned and looked at her, worry showing in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Kate. I won't let anything happen to you." He promised. Kate felt a little better as she got dressed in her jeans and tank-top.

The two of them stumbled out of the shelter, no one else on the beach noticing that they both came out of the same tent.

"You see that! We're going home!" Charlie approached them, grabbing Jack by the shoulders and swinging him around. Jack chuckled at his friend, but suddenly felt a wave of sadness wash over him when he glanced at Kate.

When the rescue boat arrived, there was a Marshal on board.

"Kathryn Austin?" He called out, as the survivors walked onto the boat.

"Right here." Kate called out weakly, and Jack gripped her hand tightly.

"If you'll come with me." He motioned a door at the back of the room. Jack started to follow, but the Marshal held up a hand.

"Sorry, sir. You'll have to wait over there." He pointed to the group of survivors, who were all talking amongst themselves with big grins, not even realizing Kate's dilemma. Jack met Kate's eyes with a weak grin, giving her hand one last squeeze, and walked away.

The man led Kate into the empty room and closed the door behind her.

"Kathryn-" He began.

"Kate. It's Kate." Kate corrected.

"Ok, Kate. The government has officially decided that your term on the island was enough punishment for the crime you committed." The man announced. Kate's eyes widened for a second, and hope filled her heart.

"But," The Marshal continued. But. That one little word that could either cause so much happiness and joy, or so much pain and sorrow. That one little word could open doors, or slam them shut right in front of your face.

"But, you must not have contact with any of the other survivors who know what you did. No contact whatsoever. I mean none." The man ordered. Kate's mouth flew open.

"No phone calls, no email, no visits, nothing. If we find out that you have done any of these things, it'll be prison for you. Got it?" The Marshal glared at Kate.

"Why?" She managed to croak out.

"It's a long story. Basically, since we're letting you off sorta easy, the big guys in D.C. don't want anyone to know about it." The man shrugged.

"For how long?" She asked, praying that the answer wouldn't be 'forever.'

"Five years." The Marshal answered. Kate breathed a short sigh of relief.

"And, you can't tell anyone what I just told you. They have to think that you are gonna come with me, do your time, and go on with your life. Understand?" He added. Kate felt her heart drop again. 'What will I tell Jack? Five whole years?' She thought.

"Jack." Kate whispered to herself, tears overwhelming her.

"He the guy holding your hand earlier?" The Marshal asked. He received no answer as Kate cried softly.

"You're gonna have to let him go. Hope that he's still waiting on you in five years." The man's voice suddenly sounded softer, like he felt sorry for Kate but knew he couldn't do anything about the problem.

"Now, if you'll just sign here, miss." He handed Kate a pen and pointed to an official-looking document. Kate reluctantly did as she was told; knowing that those three words she signed would probably ruin her life forever.