In the End
Chapter Five
Chapter Five: System Failure
Boone had yet to master the fine art of walking through the dark while carrying a torch, something Sayid seemed to be a pro at. He had already almost caught a tree on fire, and if it had not been for Sayid keeping a watchful eye on Boone(he seemed to be thinking that Boone was playing some kind of joke on him), he would now be a pile of ashes on the ground.
Are you sure we're going the right way? Boone said, just as impatient as Sayid.
They had been walking around the jungle for a few hours now, and both were growing tired and restless; but the last thing Boone wanted to do was to have a camp out in the woods with Sayid, so he forced himself to keep going.
You tell me, Sayid replied bitterly.
Look, I already told you the hatch isn't going to help-Why not? Sayid demanded, spinning around so fast a few ashes from the torch landed on Boone's forehead, burning his skin.
Boone sighed. He had been avoiding answering the question all night but knew he'd eventually have to.
Locke and I made a mutual decision to shut down the computer, Boone explained, we decided that it really wasn't doing us any good.Locke agreed to that? Sayid said, seeing right through his story.
All right, I decided that, Boone admitted, but Locke did agree in the end.
Sayid stared at him, like he was wondering why he'd do such a thing.
And you didn't think about the consequences? Sayid said, maintaining his anger.
Oh, so this is my fault now? Boone exclaimed, infuriated. How was I supposed to know this would happen!Did it never occur to you that ever since you two discovered the hatch and what it does that we hadn't heard anything from the monster in weeks? Sayid said, eyes darkening.
Boone cried, silencing the argument.
After standing their for a few moments in silence, Sayid finally sighed.
Have you tried to start it back up? He asked calmly.
Boone shook his head.
It's completely down, he said, sounding disappointed in himself, we tried a million times.All right, Sayid said, take me there.
4 months ago
The only cemetery that would arrange a service without any advance notification was a cheap graveyard that sat three miles out of Sydney on the side of a busy road. It suited Sayid though, and it wasn't like his dead friend could come up and give his opinion.
Excuse me? Asked a voice behind him with a British accent.
Sayid turned from the grave. The woman speaking to him, although clearly British, was dark skinned, almost matching his own skin color. She had wavy black hair and was wearing a skirt and blouse outfit. From the way she was dressed Sayid could guess that she too had just been to a funeral. Sayid himself had been the only one to witness his friend's burial, but he had recalled seeing another funeral just finishing up nearby. Now that he thought about it, tear streaks were visible underneath the woman's eyes.
Do you know how to get back to the main highway? She asked, and had to clear her throat afterwards.
I'm sorry, said Sayid truthfully, I've only been in Sydney for a few days. said the woman quietly, I'll just ask at the desk.
Sayid furrowed his eyebrows. If she knew she could've just asked at the desk, why had she gone through the trouble of passing by him?
I'm sorry about..
She glanced towards the grave.
He was a friend, Sayid explained.
I'm sorry, she repeated, if you don't mind me asking, how did he- Sayid replied quickly.
His eyes began to moist and he blinked quickly in embarrassment. He wasn't the one to breakdown- he hadn't even shed a tear during the burial- but for some reason, his mind had chosen now as the time to let his emotions go. Glancing to the side, Sayid noticed the fresh plot where the second funeral that day had been.
How did- he nodded towards the other grave.
the Britain replied, my uncle, a few days ago.I'm sorry, Sayid said.
They stood a few moments in an awkward silence, both staring at the gravestone in front of them.
So your friend, the woman began quietly, were you two close?We used to be, Sayid said regretfully.
The woman nodded and then looked up at the road.
I should get going, the woman said, waving towards the parking lot, unless..do you want to go get something to eat?
Sayid couldn't help but to think of the irony of the situation. For years Sayid had been happily..or whether, dreadfully, single, where there had been no chance of seeing Nadia ever again. But he was so deep in depression in denial that Sayid never even considered another woman, or there had never been one to consider. And now he'd be seeing Nadia in fewer than forty-eight hours, and there was a woman in front of him practically begging for company, and Sayid hated to have to turn her down, especially at a time like this when she probably needed company most.
I have a flight to LA to catch tomorrow, Sayid said apologetically, I think I'm going to try and get some sleep.
The thought that he didn't have a place to stay didn't occur to him until much later.
Flight 815? The woman asked, catching him off guard.
Sayid stuttered.
That's my flight as well, the woman said, sounding excited, well, I hope you have a good flight. Maybe I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sayid nodded and the woman walked off with a sympathetic half-smile, leaving him alone once again at the graveside.
2004
Sayid brought his hand back quickly in pain as a lose wire cut him. He was on the floor of the hatch with a huge screen hovered above him, a perfect death trap.
I can't believe you're actually trying to fix that thing, Boone sighed for the dozenth time.
Hand me the light, Sayid instructed, holding his hand out.
Boone sighed again as he handed Sayid the flashlight.
Do you realize how big that thing is? Boone said. My dad's car was smaller than that!
Sayid was slightly surprised at the comment; Boone never mentioned family unless it was about Shannon.
What did he drive? Sayid asked curiously.
Boone hesitated.
I..I don't remember, Boone said, leaning his head against the dirt wall, exhausted. Are you having any luck?
Sayid scooted out of his small space between the ground and screen. With Boone's help and five minutes, he had been able to lower the computer down to the ground where he could investigate the monitor which he thought had to be underneath it, but found nothing but a large tangle of colorful wires.
Why don't you go back to camp? Sayid suggested. I've got it covered here.You're expecting me to walk back there alone with that thing out there? Boone said, like Sayid had just asked him to eat worms.
Going back to his work, Sayid kicked their spare flashlight towards Boone. Boone sighed, having no choice but to go back, and began climbing up the ladder.
At the beach
Boone didn't make it back to the beach for two hours, twice his usual time. Nerves had gotten the better of him and the fact that the ground could rip apart beneath him at anytime was downright disturbing, and caused Boone to walk double speed, resulting in him tripping many times.
Once finally on the beach, Boone glanced around. All of the fires were out and everyone was asleep except for a sole survivor: Shannon. Jack was no longer with her and Boone immediately felt angry towards Jack for leaving her by herself, however, the feeling left when Shannon heaved a sigh of loneliness.
he greeted, sitting down next to her.
When Shannon didn't respond, Boone turned to the fire(which was now dying out), and watched it until the fumes made his eyes water. He closed his eyes tightly and tried not to think about sleep. For the first time in days he was alone with Shannon and Boone was going to at least get a conversation out of her.
Where'd Jack go? He asked her.
The caves, Shannon replied dully.
But didn't he say-He forgot something, Shannon interrupted in a mimicking tone.
Even with the massive crowd on the beach, the camp seemed more silent than ever. The only sounds that could be heard were the breathing and quiet snores nearby, along with the sound of the crashing waves against the shore. Boone looked quickly at Shannon, the sounds and scene making him tired again.
So what's up? Boone said casually.
Go away, Shannon muttered.
Why don't you ever want to talk anymore? Boone asked, frustrated.
Where's Sayid? Shannon wanted to know.
Boone stopped himself just before telling the truth, with Locke. Locke's hurt, he sent me back here to get Jack.
Boone bit his lip at the horrible lie.
Well you're out of luck, Shannon said.
Boone turned back to the fire, despite the risk of becoming even more restless, fearing that all hope of any kind of relationship between them was dead. He thought quickly, knowing that he had to keep that from happening.
Shannon, we don't know what the next few days are going to be like, Boone said, turning back to her.
Shannon didn't appear to be listening at all.
Do you want me to stay here with you tonight? Boone asked, not meaning for it to come across the way it did.
He was secretly worried about Shannon staying by herself with that thing on the loose. Shannon looked at him, disgusted.
You're a pig, she spat, and turned away.
Boone watched her for a moment before standing up and meeting the challenge of finding his own camp elsewhere.
At the caves
Alex sat in her normal corner of the caves, unable to sleep. Across from her Jack was sleeping, or pretending to sleep. When he had first fallen asleep Jack looked peaceful, like sleep was that Christmas present you had been waiting all year for, but now he was breathing a little heavier, his face glued to the cave floor. Alex felt bad for him. She had heard about the breakup between him and Kate from a number of different people, but every story had one thing in common: it was harsh.
Jack then let out a sudden gasp that made Alex jump, and then groaned as he rolled over, now fully awake.
Bad dream? Alex asked lightly.
You could say that, Jack sighed.
He stared up at the ceiling for awhile until he decided that he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, and reached over, grabbing a bottle of water. Jack took a few swallows of it before sitting the water back down, and then sighed.
Couldn't sleep? He asked.
Alex didn't reply. Every time she'd fall asleep she'd see one bad memory after another: her father's grave, Adam washed up on shore, Adam dead, and him. Alex shivered.
Me neither, Jack said, well, not good anyway.
Why did Jack have to wake up? She wondered. Before she was perfectly content knowing that there was no one around watching her, wondering how she was doing. Now who knew how long they'd be sitting there in these awkward silences.
Just out of curiosity, Jack said, did you know about the crashed before you landed here?Yeah, but not because of visions, Alex said, remembering those few months when the world- or at least America- was in complete horror, you guys were all over the news. Your faces were everywhere..everything. Rescue teams looked for weeks but- she shook her head, they didn't find a thing. Not one body, not one piece of wreckage.We were a thousand miles off course, Jack nodded, we gave up hope- some of us did.The beach camp? Alex finished for him. I figured that much. Not much of a man of faith, Jack?Not in the slightest, Jack sighed, and looked around, I wished we had some kind of idea of what's going on though, some kind of idea of how to stop it.
Alex knew that Jack was eating himself up inside of guilt, and felt guilty herself, being the psychic who, at the time, knew nothing of what was going on.
Ask Boone, she said suddenly, surprising herself.
Jack asked, looking at her.
I don't know, Alex shrugged, just as confused, the thought just came to me.
She and Jack met eyes, both wondering what that premonition could mean.
But I'm sure it's not important, Alex said quickly.
Jack nodded as well though it was obvious that he didn't believe so, and glanced outside where the first patches of sunrise were shining through the cave opening.
Jack said, standing up, as long we're both up, we might as well head back.
Alex got to her feet as well, and grabbed her bag to head out into what was now truthfully the unknown.
At the beach
Shannon sat alone by her now dead fire. She was freezing and was regretting sending Boone off. He spent so much time with Locke that he probably could've built her a bonfire. Shannon shivered and wrapped her shawl around herself tighter. Looking around the camp, she hoped- prayed- that there was someone else up that would be willing to help her out and maybe even talk to her. Lately when she wasn't with Sayid, a pit would form in her stomach that wouldn't settle until he returned, which looked tonight like it wouldn't be anytime soon. Instead of finding someone else awake, Shannon spotted Vincent, Walt's dog, sitting in front of the jungle, staring her down.
she whispered, that desperate for company, come here boy!
Vincent let out a bark.
Come here boy! She repeated, this time a little louder.
Vincent let out another round of barks, this time more hurried.
Shannon hissed, glancing around.
Vincent barked again. Shannon stood up slowly and carefully so that she wouldn't startle the dog. Despite her efforts Vincent barked again, this time turning around with the bark and running back into the jungle.
That morning
She wouldn't just run off like that! Boone cried, defending his sibling.
I'm sure when Jack gets here-When Jack gets here what? Jack asked, interrupting Charlie as he stepped onto the beach.
Shannon's missing, Boone explained, she was here last night and- Jack said, stopping him, aren't you supposed to be out looking for Locke?Long story, Boone sighed.
I've got time, Jack sighed, remembering Alex's sudden premonition just hours before.
Has anyone seen my mom? Alex asked, stepping into the conversation.
Did you look where she was yesterday? Jack asked her.
Alex said.
Charlie said, cutting in, I haven't seen either of them all morning.'Either of them'? Alex repeated.
Shannon's missing too, Jack sighed.
Alex said, looking down.
Jack looked around the beach at all the different castaways waiting for him to tell them what to do.
We need to get some search parties going, Jack said to the crowd, and immediately whispers started.
Charlie said. But that thing-If you have a better idea I'd love to hear it, Jack interrupted.
Charlie didn't. Jack looked around at the eager and anxious crowd once more, and cleared the nerves out of his throat.
All right, Jack said, all eyes on him, here's what we'll do..
In the jungle
Shannon shivered in the cool morning air as she stepped over yet another tree branch. She had been following Vincent all night, the anticipation of seeing what he wanted her to see being just enough to keep her going. Suddenly she tripped over something on the ground and yelped as she fell on her hands and knees. She looked to see what she had fallen over as she panted for breath, and her stomach churned when she saw what it was. Below her, bloody and literally ripped up, was the dead body of Walt.
At the Beach
Kate called, pushing through the crowds that were ready to set out into the jungle.
The tension amongst the castaways could've been cut with a knife. With four of them missing and the monster on the loose, it wasn't exactly a place for laughs. As she hurried towards him Jack turned, surprised to hear her voice. Kate herself was just surprised at calling his name. Even though she knew the entire reason for her breakup was her fault, she couldn't help being angry at Jack for going off on her like that. Of course, did she expect him to be totally accepting and forgiving?
Jack asked, sounding slightly nervous.
Who do I go with? She asked, crossing her arms.
Jack said.
The search parties, she said with a bit of annoyance.
Jack said and then shrugged, with whoever.
Jack looked up past her at the few castaways who had absolutely refused to go.
Actually, it'd be great if you could stay and help out here, he said.
Kate's jaw dropped.
She said, outraged. I'm the only tracker you've got and you want me to stay here? How about you stay here! God knows you'll only end up walking in circles anyway!
Kate couldn't believe that she was standing here insulting Jack. She bit her lip, almost feeling sorry. Jack looked up to the scattered castaways watching them.
You know what? He said, turning red in the ears. Do whatever you want. I don't care.
Now Kate felt more guilty than ever. Just hearing him saying that he didn't care about what happened to her..it made her begin to feel sick. She glared at him, meeting his own still-betrayed eyes for a split second before finally gaining the energy to speak.
she said quietly, shaking as she turned around and left.
In the jungle
Danielle jumped over a log, landing firmly on her feet as she had done so many times before in her life. She had been able to sneak out of camp successfully, and figured with Alex gone that no one would notice she was missing anyway.
Birds chirped around her, the sun shined through the trees, and it felt like the every day morning of her life on the island. She had experienced many mornings like these during her sixteen year stay here. In fact, there was hardly any change at all. A sudden rustle of leaves caught her attention, and Danielle swung her rifle around, alert. Another rustle, and it became obvious that the intruder was going out of his or her way to make themselves noticeable.
You can come out, Danielle said steadily, I hear you.
The figure stepped out, and Danielle lowered her gun a few inches when she saw that it was only Locke.
They're looking for you, she informed him.
And what about you? Locke retorted.
Danielle lowered her gun all the way, no longer finding Locke a threat.
They won't notice I'm gone, Danielle said, not sounding the least bit sorry for herself.
In her past sixteen years on the island, she had become a master of hiding in her emotions. The first few years were the hardest, as she had no one to turn to. Danielle would spend her days crying alone, mourning over her losses for years on out.
So why are you out here? Locke asked, biting into an orange.
No reason, Danielle replied quietly, hoping that he didn't hear her.
There's no justifying what he did to your daughter, Locke said quietly, but you can't go off doing anything you'll regret.I won't regret it, Danielle said gravely.
It was true. She had gone off in hopes of finding Kyle and getting revenge for her daughter. It was easy to see that even with being psychic Alex was uneasy and jumpy around everyone, even at times Jack, and Danielle knew she wouldn't feel safe again until he was out of the picture.
Turning, Danielle made to continue down the path, but Locke's presense had drawn her concentration away, and she tripped over a log she hadn't seen there before. Locke caught her gracefully, and helped her up. Soon she found himself in his arms, looking up at his concerned countenance. The feeling she felt right now was different than anything she had felt in a long time. The feeling of knowing that someone cared for her. Feeling that she should take advantage of this, Danielle found herself blurting out the most unexpected of statements:
I killed my husband, she confessed, butchering the moment.
Locke let go of her carefully, and Danielle pushes the rifle further back on her shoulder.
Well, we were..engaged, Danielle corrected, and I killed him.
She looked down to the ground to avoid Locke's eyes, though they didn't seem accusing or judging at all.
You did what you had to do, Locke said, aware of Danielle's story.
I wouldn't regret it, Danielle repeated.
Locke nodded.
Then let me help, he offered, I'm a hunter, tracker. I could follow any trail you've got.I've lived on this island for sixteen years, Danielle began, feeling a little insulted, you don't think I know how to track?
With a swift motion Locke pulled out a spare hunting knife and handed to to Danielle.
Not people, he replied.
Danielle studied him, and all at once the feeling of untrustworthiness came back.
How did you know what happened? She asked with dark eyes. To Alex?
Locke seemed caught off guard, and on instinct Danielle grabbed at her gun.
If you want to know, Locke said, eyeing the finger on the trigger, I'll tell you.
So Locke told Danielle the story of finding the hatch and what was inside it, the computer and everything, leaving Danielle dumbfounded at the end. How was it that she had lived here for sixteen years and had never discovered any of that? In a way, Danielle even felt cheated by the island. She shook her head, feeling overwhelmed and confused by the story.
So we can't just go back to the hatch? Danielle asked.
The system's completely shut down, Locke said, we haven't been able to start it back up.
Danielle nodded as if she normally had these kinds of conversation, and looked down to the ground and began to study an ant that was trying to crawl over a rock.
Does Jack know? She asked Locke.
Locke admitted.
Danielle was quiet for another moment and then:
All right, Danielle said, I believe you. Locke replied happily, we should be on the same page then.
She just then remembered the knife Locke was holding, and Locke noticed that she was watching it. He offered it to her once more and this time Danielle took it.
Let's go, Locke said, looking up the path, we've got a long walk.
Author's Note: Wow, I never thought that chapter would end! Sorry about the not so exciting flashbacks, but I didn't want to do the other ones too soon. Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed! You guys rock!
Coming up next, on In the End:
At last the Jate comes back, slowly and steadily, due to the possible life threatening injury of another castaways, and Sawyer realizes that he's getting more than he's bargained for with a relationship with Rebecca.
Thanks again!
Until next time..
October Sky
