Nightfall came and the 'Planies' set off to take back their friends and show the 'others' that they couldn't be bossed about, that they had as much right as the 'others' did to survive.

Jack took Ana with his group and Locke and Sayid took another each. Carefully picking their way silently through the jungle, the gun holders were on strict order to fir only if they were positive that it was an other they were shooting and that no one else would be hurt in the process.

"I think it's this way," Jack said under his breath to Ana. He was relying mostly on instincts. The 'other's didn't seem to try any 'going round in circles' paths to confuse him, so he was pretty sure it was straight ahead, past something prickly and then it was just the matter of finding the hatch where their friends were being held.

Ana nodded and she gestured to the survivors following to keep walking. Together they made it to what Jack thought must be the middle of the jungle. They had walked several miles when Jack snagged himself on a particularly prickly bush and almost cried out with a mixture of pain and joy. He knew they were heading in the right direction.

It wasn't long before the wind started picking up at the 'Planies' had to be extra careful. They made it right into the depths of the jungle and Jack was almost certain that they were close to where their friends were being held.

That was when he spotted it. A metal door concealed by overgrown trees. Carefully stepping forward Jack pushed at it. It opened which was surprising and looking in he sighed with relief as he saw all the kidnapped people.

Ana gasped slightly and Jack heard her cock her gun before he turned. There were several 'others' all walking towards them.

"Take 'em down," Jack hissed. Ana's hands were trembling as she pointed the gun at the very people who had terrorised her since her arrival on the island. She pulled the trigger and aimed it at each of the 'others' in turn. They went down like bowling pins.

"Excellent!" Jack said helping up some of the bound people. "Keep 'em away for me."

It took most of the night but it really was that simple. By the time they got back to the beach Jack was sure that there must be something wrong, it had been so easy to get their friends and take down the 'others'.

Once everyone was free and after much reunion hugging Jack found Kate. He hugged her tightly, Sawyer joining in with them.

"I thought I'd never see you again," Kate whispered, clutching her bump protectively. "The 'others' started saying they were going to kill you."

Jack shook his head grinning from ear to ear.

"They lied," he said confidently.

The next few days passed with no more appearances from the 'others'. Jack wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. He knew that some of the 'others' were still out there somewhere, but would they come back for them?

Claire had once again attached herself to Aaron and was once more spending time with Kate. Jack noticed that they really sparked off each other and appreciated the others support. Kate being new to the mum thing could be taught by Claire and Claire was just happy to have someone who understood what it was like to be a mum.

Jack came back from the caves with more water for them and found Kate cooing over Aaron but no Claire.

"Where's Claire?" He frowned. The new mother wasn't often seen away from her child.

"She wanted some time alone with Charlie," Kate said with a knowing smile. "I think they're starting to realise that their relationship is a little more than that of friends."

Jack chuckled.

"Wondered how long it was going to take them," he said sitting down in the sand and handing her a water bottle. "How're you anyway?"

"I'm fine," Kate said smiling as she rubbed her bump. She almost spilt water over Aaron when she suddenly squealed.

"What?" Asked Jack voice full of concern.

"It kicked!" She said excitedly. "Quick give me your hand!"

Kate grabbed Jack's hand and pressed it to her stomach. The baby kicked again and Jack laughed.

"I'm never going to get used to this," he said as Kate smiled back.

"We're gonna have to start thinking of names you know," Kate said shyly.

Jack opened his mouth to reply but Sawyer joined at them kind of ruining the moment.

"Claire not here?" He asked. Kate rolled her eyes.

"Gone off with Charlie," she replied glancing at Jack. "Give me your hand Sawyer."

"Why?" Asked Sawyer suspiciously, giving Kate his hand. Kate placed it on her bump and he almost yelped when he felt the baby kick.

"That little guy is one hell of a kicker!" Sawyer exclaimed.

"Hey it could be a girl!" Kate replied. "Girls kick harder than boys."

"If your baby is anything like you, Kate, I can well imagine," Sawyer said. Kate smiled as she realised he'd used her proper name rather then 'Freckles'.

The three of them sat in companionable silence and Jack wondered if things would stay this happy.