Oil:- This Is It!

I hope you'll excuse the reference to the Michael Jackson movie.

So what's all this about then? Well, this afternoon I read an line on CNN which claimed said that OPEC denied oil was close to peak production. So I read into what was going on, and found out the recent happenings (I'll elaborate further, later into the post, for those who are not aware).

Let's rewind slightly to the year 2005. Before I started blogging, before I sat for my o' levels...in short, before a lot of things happened both personally as well as on a global scale. A fifteen year old Darryl was conducting research (I do this sort of thing for fun - I'm not being sarcastic here) on non-renewable energy sources with specific attention to the global peak and end. Anyway, through looking at trends and creating my own graphs I made six predictions - these being the years for the peak and end of all oil, natural gas and coal.

I published the most urgent prediction, that of peak oil, wherever I could. Unfortunately, this was mainly on geocities sites and most of them are gone. My inactive forum, Looking Ahead was set up with this in mind. Looking Ahead was supposed to be a forum for people to discuss issues which would affect us by 2010. Peak Oil was the first issue (unfortunately, to see this, you have to register and there's no point doing so until we revamp it in December 2010 since it's, as I mentioned earlier inactive). I then added a few other issues so that it wouldn't be focused solely on the environment. I also mentioned my prediction in the 'Generations' blogpost, however, as I rechecked it today - I found I left out the date. Other than those, I posted this prediction/projection on forums so in short, I have no actual link which proves my claim. Although I do have a sticky note which I've kept for four years with all six of my predictions.

So, basically what happened this week is that whistle blowers (as they call them) from the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that the figures from this same agency were being tampered with to appease politicians and that, in fact, we are on verge of peak oil.

Here's what really gets under my shorts. In 2005, a fifteen year old me said this very thing. It took the scientists, graduates, qualified officials and scholars four years to 'agree' with me (In inverted commas as they obviously made no reference to me). That is four years gone, in which we could have set up a framework to deal with this. Of significant interest here is that OPEC are denying that we are close to peak. Why would they do this, after years of warning it was approaching? Simple, my son (or daughter), when it was still far away it was in their interest to say that peak oil was close so as to raise prices, but now that it's actually arrived, they would rather people were not uneasy about oil so that they would not divert to renewable sources of energy.

So, is this what my blogpost is all about? Self-praise for successfully predicting something scores of qualified scientists waited until it was too late to do?

No, of course not. Well, mainly, yes. But I think that now, more than ever, I should put forward the proposals I devised earlier this year for mitigation.

Let's get the facts out there. Peak oil is a situation whereby after next year, demand for oil will exceed the supply, inevitably resulting in unprecedented price rises. Yes, unprecedented. The July 2008 prices will be what we pray for. The IEA (I believe) have said that prices will increase by 550%. I am not an authority on this and cannot confirm of deny this. However, I can safely predict that by 2011, oil prices will be double what they are today (currently they fluctuate between 70 and 80 dollars a barrel). After that prices will continue to rise as long as there is the demand for them.

I don't think I need to go into the consequence of that. The Spring/Summer of 2008 was a perfectly fine demonstration. As I type this, over 80 million barrels a day are consumed in the world. 80 million. A day. The United States of America is, by far, the largest consumer with over 20 million a day - a quarter of the world total. In second place is China, with nearly 7 million. Malta uses up nearly 19,000 barrels a day and Niue, consumes the least with approximately 20 barrels a day - that's 0.0001% of the USA's total. Inevitably, the solution is reducing the consumption rate.

Obvious. Use renewable energy sources. We've been saying that for years, but it's just not working fast enough. I believe that in December's Copenhagen meeting the countries need to make a simple decision. Within five years (that is, 2015) reduce oil consumption to 90% of current levels. That means, 72 million barrels will be consumed each day. And let this 10% apply to all countries so that everyone carries a fair burden. Hence, Niue would reduce it's consumption to 18 barrels a day, while the USA would reduce consumption to 18 million.

Of course, the population grows everyday and with this comes an increased need for energy and consequently oil. No one is saying that this will be easy. The point is, we need to stop talking about emissions and get right to something tangible which is oil consumption. It's about making the right moves. Use solar energy (with batteries to store excess for when sun is less available) in the Mediterranean and Africa. Use wind energy in Scandinavia and windy places. Use hydro and tidal energy in Asia and wherever else it can be used. I'd be careful with geothermal though as digging into the earth may pose other environmental problems.

Ultimately, one hopes that all countries could agree to form a power sharing deal whereby the renewable energy generated in all countries would be available to all, thus the world would benefit from 24 hour solar energy and the like. Understandably, some developing nations may find it hard to make the switch to renewable energy due to financial concerns. For these nations there's the temporary solution of switching to Natural Gas to make up for the 10% less oil.

I must stress temporary here. Otherwise, a couple of decades down the line we'll be in the exact same place. Natural Gas is cleaner and usually cheaper, so it makes a fitting short-term resolution, provided a framework/strategy is set up to switch to renewable energy.

There's no postponing peak oil, we're too late for that. However, with the above measures, we can lessen the effects as with the reduced demand, the price would not rise as substantially as it would if we do not take this action. Then, in 2015, when the 90% target has been met, nations can meet again to lower it to 80% by 2020 and so on, until ideally, we are no longer burning oil.

Naturally, the figures and timescales I list here are unprofessional estimates but I believe that this is the magnitude of change that is warranted given the hole we've dug ourselves into.

At 15, I could not make my voice heard and by the time the experts woke up, it is now too late. So I am listing my other five predictions here, for everyone's benefit, in chronological order.

2030 - Peak Natural Gas.
2040 - End Oil.
2046 - Peak Coal.
2085 - End Natural Gas.
2267 - End Coal.

Needless to say, if the above changes are enacted, changes to the above figures will have to be made - especially in relation to the first two with peak natural gas happening earlier and the end of oil ending later. If humanity ignores peak oil, then in all likelihood the figures will remain the same. I just hope we do not make the mistake of switching to cheap coal. The side effects of such a move, would not be cheap, by any stretch of the imagination.

I'm going to end my post here. I think my point's been made. One of the few things Gordon Brown has done well in his time as Prime Minister, is warn that without an agreement in Copenhagen, there would be no turning back. He is right. This, truly is it. It's not about emissions anymore - targets like those are given little attention. It's about the world's largest cause of pollution - oil. Speaking of what "it's about"..."it's about" time we got off it.

Darryl, from Malta - Online

An Insider Looking In - from the Outside

I'll avoid 'ranting' in this blogpost. Yeah, I know, with a title like 'Darryl's Random Rants' you'd expect constant, yet random, ranting. But it's not uncommon for me to not rant, as any of you who've been around for a while would know.

Today I'd like to explore the way foreigners would look at Malta. There's no structure to this post, as such. It's more like randomly placed thoughts and philosophical reason that I'm finally putting down on 'paper'.

Anyway, let's look at history. In the beginning of the current decade, which is approximately when I started using the internet (read: started using the internet, not computers) and I would sign up for online games I was faced with a dilemma. When asked to choose my country from a list, Malta was never listed. So I'd have to use 'England'/'UK', 'Italy' (rarely) or 'Other' (often). This changed, fairly abruptly, in the latter half of the decade when Malta started to be listed.

((Writing this paragraph, I realise how old I must sound when I use terms like 'in the beginning of the decade'...as if I am recounting a story from my youth. Which I am...it's just that it's not that long ago. For the record, I'm 19.))

It's not just the internet. Malta was virtually unknown worldwide. I'd estimate that approximately 10% of the global population had ever heard of the country. However, in just under a decade this percentage has shot up (largely inexplicably) to around 75% (I'm making up these figures...but they are based on my neutral perceptions of global affairs as well socio-cultural life in other countries). But while they may have heard of us, how many actually understand what type of country Malta is?

For example, do they understand that while Maltese would be our "mother tongue" that English is an official language. And a significant number of us (myself included) actually speak English in our daily lives and speak it more fluently than we would Maltese. Not only that, but that the English speakers largely do not have some strange accent. That is, we have the accent of native English speakers. Of course, you wouldn't know this if you heard our Prime Minister at the UN meeting recently.

Let's go further, how many would be aware that we are not an old-fashioned country (well, not up here in the North anyway...hehehe). Speaking for myself, first thing I do every morning is watch Sky News and CNN (flipping between them). Disney Channel is the channel I watch the most since it began streaming in Malta last year. Otherwise, I also watch Paramount and Living. Why am I listing all these? Just to demonstrate that an overwhelming majority of Maltese know about the pop-trends in the US, UK and the rest of the world. But they don't know about ours, or that we know about them. (Not that I can blame them...but I won't go into that as it would turn into a rant and break my promise above).

In all fairness, I, as a Maltese person, do not know the situation in Nieue or several other countries. And the reasons for that are the pretty much the same reasons they don't know about us. We're both small countries for starters, though Nieue is much smaller population-wise. Secondly, neither of us are particularly interesting. I cut myself when I read Maltese 'news'...O.K. hang on...I'm going into rant mode again...I'll stop.

My central point is that, especially in the United States of America, they would not expect me or any Maltese person to know about their country to the extent that most of us (and most certainly, I) do. If nothing else, I watch 2 episodes of the Tonight Show on Saturday and another two on Sunday (repeats, obviously) on CNBC.

But ultimately, this narrow view is common to everyone. When I was younger, I was under the impression that Figolla (an Easter treat) was available world wide. I'm still baffled that the Maltese came up with something this good. That many foreigners will never taste pastizzi (especially the cheese :D) is scandalous.

Being the philosopher that I am, I'm going to extend this further. Isn't it funny how some people (celebrities, politicians etc.) are known by millions, but there are some people who will live and die without 99% of the world knowing or caring? It's quite sad really. For example, I know who Barack Obama is...but he has no idea who I am. In Malta alone, there are people I have never even been in the same room or street with (Duh, you might say. But I'm talking about never have been in the same geographical area at the same time in all our years - these are the dilemmas that keep me up at night).

It's sad. Six billion people have experiences and thoughts but most of the rest of the world have no idea. Admittedly, if we did, we'd have very crowded brains...but we'd probably be friendlier...or more murderous/suicidal.

As I said, very unstructured post today. But I just had to put this down. Each one of us has so many memories and experiences...how do we convey them all to every other person in the world. And how can we claim to be so smart, when we don't know six billion other people have thought about or gone through in their lives.

Right now, it's just started raining heavily outside. And I wonder. Where else in the world is it raining? And where else is there someone like me, looking out and asking the same questions I am. I'm reminded of the song 'Kiss the Rain' and I think I shall proceed to listen to it on Youtube.

There you go, dear reader, I have covertly conveyed my thoughts to you.

Here's another thought: If I ever become famous, I'll have to delete this blog...otherwise I might be locked up in a mental institute.

Darryl, from Malta - Online, talking to YOU, one of the approximately 6.8 billion who I probably know so little about and vice versa in this comparatively unfriendly world.

The Age of Men Redux

The inspiration for this blogpost comes from a recent discovery I made. Those of you who read 'The Age of Men' might remember that I proposed a situation where all men of the world go on strike. Well, apparently, this idea already exists in the form of a marriage strike. I went further, of course, and proposed a complete withdrawal from committed relationships but I'm thrilled to see that this idea is already out there, and relatively widespread too! Plus, several Wikipedia articles outline the principles of such a strike. With this blogpost, I intend to set out what it is men are striking for. For the unconvinced man, this should give him a reason to join the strike. For the men striking, it would point out the aims (though they would probably already be aware of them). For anyone else (women, politicians etc) this serves as our list of demands to call off the strike.

This may not include EVERY single thing that needs to be done. But we can settle for what is listed below. Although, it should be noted that by and large this just tackles the legal issues without going into the way we are treated by women. It is hoped that once the law gives the right message, women will follow suit.

1) In the event of a divorce or seperation, fathers should receive an equal right to the child/children. The mother should never be the 'default' option. If custody DOES go to the mother, then that means she can support them and men should not be obliged to pay child support.

2) In relation to the above, ideally custody should be split evenly. However, if it is the case that they can only be with one parent most of the time, the above applies. Women shouldn't need to be dangerous for men to be awarded custody.

3) Men should no longer be depicted as the sole abusers in domestic violence and sexual harrassment adverts/warnings/examples/whatever. It should be balanced with both male and females being portrayed as perpetrators and victims. On average, more women hit men than vice versa and the only reason this isn't known is because it isn't reported.

4) This brings me to number four. Men should be made to feel comfortable in reporting domestic abuse by a woman. This means that police should not ridicule the male victim, nor should anyone else.

5) Furthermore, when a woman is taken to court for domestic violence, she should be punished by the same standards that men are, and should not be dealt with tenderly.

6) Expanding on this, more women should be prosecuted and incarcerated for their crimes. They should not get off easy and should suffer the same consequences men do.

7) Laws should be amended to allow females to be taken to court for rape. Just because they lack a penis, doesn't mean they can't force sexual acts on another, man or woman.

8) Back to divorce/seperation. The man should not automatically lose any of his belongings. In fact, he should keep anything that was his before the marriage (including his house, if applicable) and anything that was bought during the marriage should be split exactly in half, without favour towards the woman. Furthermore, children should be dealt with separately and whoever gets the kids should not necessarily get the house.

9) Scrap alimony. If someone wants a divorce, that means that they can take care of themselves.

10) ACT on the statistics that show that girls are performing better than boys in school by encouraging boys to work harder without lessening the achievement of the girls.

11) Amend sexist laws that state that a percentage of a workforce has to be female. Instead, they should say that there should be a minimum percentage of both genders.

12) Give fathers an equal stake at parental leave. Make it available to both men and women - allowing either partner to take advantage of leave or split it between them.

13) Women should not receive a preferential retirement age. We're supposed to be equal. If we have to work to 61, they have to work till 61. If we have to work till 92, they have to work till 92.

14) Spend more on men's health issues. It's honorable that money is spent on breast cancer and other female issues, but spend just as much on male issues.

15) Do away with the compulsory 'women and children first' policy. Actually, the 'children first' bit is fine. But the rest is fair game. Equality dictates that men and women have an equal right to life.

16) Just as women have been given the right to place an unwanted child up for adoption or, in some countries, the right to murder the baby before it is born, men should have the right to refuse to support the child and mother in the event of an unplanned pregnancy, in effect giving up rights to the child. This demand does not apply to countries where abortion is illegal or areas where a man and woman must mutually agree to put a baby up for adoption (in cases where the father is a husband/boyfriend/known in some way obviously).

17) Do away with positions like 'Minister for Woman' (for ex. UK) and other 'Woman's Rights Advisers' and rubbish of the sort. It should be 'Minister for Equality' and 'Equality Advisers'. Furthermore, these position should not be occupied solely by women but also by men. Child Commissioners should also equally be offered to males. Maybe then real progress will be made for child right.

18) When it comes to war, if all men between 18 and 22 are being drafted, then all women between 18 and 22 should be drafted too. In the case of children where one parent must remain home to care for them, the man should have just as equal a chance of not being drafted as the woman. In other words, male-only conscription must be abolished.

19) In cases where men are not allowed to perform a service to women (such as carers), the same restrictions should be applied to women performing the service to men. Alternatively, just do away with the restrictions.

20) Punish teenage girls who have sex with younger teenage boys in the same way that you would punish teenage boys for having sex with younger teenage girls - without exception. Ideally, where there is consent, there is no punishment at all...but that's a different issue so if boys are going to be punished, so should girls.

That should do it, really. As I said earlier, this is by no means an exhaustive list. It is, however, enough for us to believe that the world is moving in the right direction and, hence, we can end the strike.

My message to men the world-over is to join us in the strike. If you haven't already done so, read the original 'The Age of Men' (you can find it by clicking on either the 'Relationships' or 'Sexism' labels below. Between that post and this one, you should be provided with enough evidence as to why you should join the cause.

Meanwhile, to the rest of the world...on behalf of all men, we look forward to the collective agreement.

Darryl, from Malta - Online.

Roe is me! Wade it all go wrong?

(Get it? 'Roe' instead of 'woe', and 'Wade' instead of 'where did'?)

Needless to say, this is a rant (that's right, we're back to those now) regarding abortion. To be honest, I was under the impression that I had already made a similar rant and was quite surprised not to find it in my list of blogs. The reason being, most probably, that abortion is quite obviously wrong and disgusting, condoned by only the saddest and most hypocritical people on the planet. But before I start bashing on these people who try to excuse their position by calling it 'pro-choice', I'm going to state on the outset, that this isn't the point of the rant.

So there won't be any of that. Abortion is wrong, that's a plain and simple fact, there's no denying it. Maybe I'll delve deeper into it in another post in the future (or perhaps, I might get so angry writing this one that I'll end up doing so right here). No, the point of this rant is directly to address the Roe V. Wade court case in the United States back in 1973.

It's quite funny really, but the whole case was a sham. Henry Wade, who was defending the babies right to life, is sadly dead today having died in 2001 but at the age of 86, he's definitely had a full life. 'Jane Roe' was the psuedonym Norma McCorvey (relax, her name isn't the sham...Norma is a perfectly acceptable name).

Today, Norma, at age 61 (62 this month) is a pro-life advocate. That's right ladies and gentlemen - both sides of Roe V Wade are pro-life. A great, big congratulations to Norma for not only realising her mistake but working actively to reverse the horror the 1973 case has brought. The only sad part is that this realisation did not come in 1972, a year before the court made its decision. Millions of babies could have survived. Anyway, back on track.

Norma has revealed a lot of interesting stuff since she stopped being anti-life. Now, here comes the kicker. She was manipulated by two ignorant, self-righteous lawyers who were only looking out for themselves and their careers and did not stop to consider how inhumane and despicable what they were doing was. Sarah Weddington is lawyer #1. At 26 years old (at the time) this was a very convenient situation. She became the youngest person to ever win a supreme court case...that looks very good on a young lawyer's resume. She was later elected to the Texas House of Representatives. Following that she served in the US Department of Agriculture and they year after served under Jimmy Carter. Whoops! I meant she was an advisor to Jimmy Carter. She now lectures at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Woman's University. I'm telling you this so you know which places to avoid/send hate mail to.

Lawyer #2 was Linda Coffee. I don't need to go into much detail with her. Quite simply, the Texas Bar has 'bar...red' her from practicing law. Ain't that a kicker? I can really stop the blogpost here...but there's more.

So Norma was basically manipulated by these lawyers. In order to generate sympathy among the public she claimed she was raped (something she later denied as being the truth). But obviously, by that time the judges had been swindled (with the exception of two judges). Poor Norma, her intentions weren't bad. She wanted abortions for people who had been raped, been a victim of incest or where the mother's life was in danger (of course, she fell under neither of these so her participation in the court case is still questionable...albeit...that could have been more manipulation courtesy of Bitches Sarah and Linda). As a side-note, I'd like to mention that Norma gave birth to the baby she was pregnant with at the time.

Sarah and Linda had bigger plans for abortion. They wanted it to be utilised as a form of birth control. They got their wish, as we all know. Norma McCorvey on the other hand, is today an honest and honourable woman. In fact, in 2004 she went to the Supreme Court to have Roe V Wade repealed. Sadly, the courts decided it wasn't important.

So basically...this here, is the sham part...the entire court case was based on lies, manipulation, trickery and a desire for power. And people actually question whether or not it should be overturned? Ridiculous.

I supported Obama in the US election, because I had to look at more than just this one issue. However, something that McCain had going for him was that he was seeking to overturn Roe V Wade, which any decent human being should do.

I hope Barack Obama realises this. Ultimately, I think he has to look at his daughters, and think about how things could have been. If Barack and Michelle had parted ways instead of getting married, and Michelle wound up pregnant. What would have happened? Michelle is lawyer, and an ambitious (in the good sense) woman. It's possible that she would have aborted the baby, and Malia would be dead today.

The fact that we kill babies in this day and age is troubling, and a sign that mankind, as a race, has screwed up.

Well, I'm done for today. In a few days expect a sequel to 'The Age of Men' rant from a while back.

Darryl, from Malta - Online.

LOST. Season 6, Episode 16 - Last Will And Testament

This is the final episode of LOST (well, my version anyway).

Story Starts Here

It's morning at the beach. Most of the survivors are having breakfast. A small group are gathered to a side.

Ilana: The four of use will use the guns we brought with us.
Jack: I'll take the fifth one.
Sawyer: Hang on there Doc, there are only seven guns. Take away the militias over here that only leaves us with three. Now, I'm not a spinal surgeon or anything like that - but I was head of security for three years, so I'm pretty sure the last three guns should go to Jin, Miles and me.
Jack: Sawyer we only get one shot of this.
Bram: Exactly. Which is why the cowboy's right. Sorry, Jack, but we need the ones with the most experience holding the guns.
Miles: Don't worry. When one of us dies, you're next in line.

Suddenly the group hears an explosion.

Ilana: That's the dynamite! They're here!
Claire: No! It can't be! There's still twelve hours left!
Ilana: Maybe they don't follow the rules.
Bram: Let's move!
Richard: Wait! This doesn't make sense. We're outnumbered...if we ambush them we'll lose. We should wait here. Let them come to us. It will buy us some time.
Ilana: Ok. Everyone. Battle stations.

Everyone moves except Claire stands there, confused.

In the jungle, the Others are recovering from the explosion.

Cain: Body count!
Other 1: Eight dead, sir. Forty-two of us alive, but two are too injured to go on.
Other 2: We should go back home, have them treated.
Cain: No! We don't have time. Treat them here. If they can't fight, they can't fight. It doesn't matter.
Ben: They heard the explosion, won't they be coming for us?
Cain: No. It's not time. We have to wait here for another twelve hours.

Back at the beach, Jack is hiding behind a tent next to Kate.

Jack: Looks like this is it.
Kate: Yeah.
Jack: You scared?
Kate: No. You?
Jack: Yes.
Kate: Well...me too...
Jack: I really don't see this working. Fifty versus fourteen...only seven guns...and some sticks. Sounds like suicide.
Kate: Maybe that's always been our destiny.
Jack: Well...that's depressing.

Frank examines his sharpened stick.

Frank: What exactly will I do with this?
Ilana: Pierce one of them.
Frank: I hardly think I'll get close enough.
Ilana: I got you covered, remember?

Richard and Hurley sit behind a tree line.

Hurley: So...dude...is it hard?
Richard: What is?
Hurley: Having to fight your own people?
Richard: I guess. But I've seen a lot of them come and go. Eventually, you stop becoming attached.

In the jungle, it is now dark.

Cain: Alright. Let's move out. Ben.
Ben: What is it?
Cain: You know what you have to do, right?
Ben: Kill...Richard.

Cain nods.

At the beach.

Claire: We have four minutes.

As the entire camp waits tensely, the Others emerge and begin shooting. The beach guys reciprocate. Those without guns also help but cautiously. Claire does not move from her place, as she seems to be counting down to an event. Several Others fall. The two Ajira redshirts are killed. Frank is also hit.

Ilana: Frank!
Frank: I'm ok...help the others.
Ilana: Let's get you behind a tent.

As Ilana helps Frank move, those who are unarmed pick up the guns of those who have died (Others and Ajira) and join in the dogfight. Claire becomes increasingly erratic as she looks around, searching for something while continuing to countdown. Ben finds Richard and holds his gun out. He pulls the trigger but Bram jumps in the line of fire and dies. Ben and Richard are both shocked. Richard takes Bram's gun and he and Ben hold each other at gunpoint. Claire finally sees what she wants to see, the beginning of a lunar eclipse. She's still counting down and it is apparent that she is counting down to the point when the eclipse reaches its peak.

Ben: I'm sorry, Richard.
Richard: You don't have to do this, Ben. You have a choice.
Ben: No. You all tell me I have a choice. First Jacob, now you. But I only seem to have a choice, when it's convenient for you. Otherwise, all I ever hear is that I'm 'supposed' to do something. I guess the tables have turned Richard.

Ben has tears in his eyes and Richard also seems tense. Claire finally reaches zero and the lunar eclipse reaches its peak. The full moon is completely red. The redness seems to also resonate off the island, and everyone stops shooting.

Kate: Light doesn't scatter quite right.
Sun: What?
Kate: Daniel. He mentioned it when they first arrived on the island. I never understood what he meant, until just now.

Their conversation is interrupted by very loud whispering accompanied by the clicks of the Smoke Monster. As he emerges from the jungle many of the Others drop their guns and raise their hands in the air in fright. The Beach guys also place their guns on the floor. Cain lowers his gun and smiles. Richard and Ben keep their guns pointed at each other.

Cain: It's time.

As the Smoke Monster emerges, the whispers get louder, and bodies seems to emerge, surrounded by the smoke. Everyone on the beach watches as all the people who ever died on the island walk out and surround them, whispering erratically. Jack sees his father and other familiar faces such as Boone, Ethan and even Jacob walk out, all surrounded by smoke. They seem angry.

Cain: Ben. End it now, the Island has chosen us.
Richard: You're right, Cain. You were always right. The Island shuns blasphemy. People posing as the people they aren't.

Cain spots John Locke in the Smoke Monster, staring at him and whispering. Cain, who is still in Locke's body stops smiling and begins shooting at Locke's figure, to no avail.

Ben: Goodbye Richard.

Ben and Richard both pull the triggers and they fall to the ground. At that point the eclipse ends and the red tint fades, as do the figures of the dead people. The Smoke Monster begins growling as Cain backs away. The Monster grabs Cain and drags him deep into the jungle, dragging him down the deep hole that Locke was almost dragged into in first season finale. Cain screams in agony.

Back at the beach, the sixteen remaining Others surrender to their designated leader, Ilana.

The next morning, Jack is treating Frank a cheerful Frank. The Others are burying their own dead as well as the Bram and the Ajira redshirts, and Ben and Richard.

Claire: I'm so glad to be rid of the ticking.
Kate: So it's over now? We can all go home?
Claire: I suppose so. I don't have any answers anymore. I could only see up to the battle.

Sun (in Korean): I can't wait for you to meet her!
Jin (" "): Do you think she'll like me?
Sun (" "): She'll love you.

Ilana: Let's get going.
Hurley: Going? Where?
Ilana: To the Temple. That will get you back home safely.
Jack: Wait. Hang on. Back home. Permanently. It's over. We don't have to come back.
Ilana: Destiny found, Jack. You don't have to come back unless you want to.
Jack: No, no. That's not good enough. Promise me, they'll never be an dire reason for us to return.
Ilana (laughing): Jack, as far as I know, you've done what you need to do.

Jack looks relieved as do the rest of the island survivors.

Kate: Well...I guess it's off to jail for me.
Ilana: Why?
Kate: I wasn't supposed to leave the state. Court order.
Ilana: But you never left.
Kate: Excuse me?
Ilana: It's 2007 here. The Temple will take you back to the day Ajira 316 crashed. You'll come out at the Lamp Post.
Sawyer: What about me? Claire, Miles, Jin...we've been dead all this time.
Ilana: You'll need to create new identities.

Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Hurley, Claire, Sun, Jin, Miles and Frank follow Ilana to the Temple. They are silent the entire journey and all we see are a series of Flash Forward.

Jack - The day of the Ajira crash. He is surrounded by reporters.

Reporter 1: Dr. Shepherd, your comments please?
Jack: Look, clearly, I was not on Ajira 316. Neither was Kate or any of the Oceanic 6. If we were, we'd be dead right now.
Reporter 2: But your names were on the manifest?
Jack: Some joker probably thought it would be funny. That joker is dead now. Kate couldn't even leave if she wanted to. Please, no more questions. We're all still here.

Kate - The same day. Kate and Claire walk into Aaron's room (the room where Kate left him before leaving on the plane). Carole is with them and in tears.

Aaron: Mommy!
Kate: Hey sweet pea. Listen, I need to talk to you. You see this lady? This is your real mommy.

Aaron doesn't understand. Kate and Claire are both in tears.

Kate: She's the one who'll take care of you from now on. She's your real mommy. When I left you a few hours ago, I went to get her.

Kate steps back as Claire kneels next to Aaron's bed.

Claire: Hi baby. You don't remember me, do you?
Aaron: No.
Claire: The last time I saw you, you were tiny. Smaller than that pillow.

Aaron giggles and Claire hugs him.

Hurley - The same day. He walks into his parent's house.

Carmen: Hugo! Hugo! Hugo!

She hugs him tightly. Then she pulls away and slaps him.

Hurley: What was that for?
Carmen: Because I love you.
David: Hey! Hugo!
Hurley: Hey Dad.
David: You're out of prison?
Hurley: Yep. I'm free. Completely.
Carmen: Hugo...you went back to the island didn't you?

Hurley grins and traps his parents in a bear hug.

Sawyer - It's the day after the crash. He rings a doorbell which is answered by Clementine. He smiles when he sees her.

Clementine: Can I help you, Mister?
Sawyer: Uh...Cass- your mother home?
Cassidy: Yes, she is. Clementine get inside.
Sawyer: Hey.
Cassidy: Hey. So...Kate got you back.
Sawyer: Yeah.
Cassidy: She told me about the money. Thanks.
Sawyer: Least I could do.
Cassidy: What do you want Sawyer?
Sawyer: I want...to be there.
Cassidy: Excuse me?
Sawyer: For Clementine. I know there's no chance for us...but...Clementine needs a father and I want to be that guy.
Cassidy: Sawyer...
Sawyer: Call me James.
Cassidy: Huh?
Sawyer: That's my real name. James Ford.

Cassidy smiles.

Sun - Three days have passed since the Ajira crash. She is hugging Ji Yeon and her mother is there. They speak in Korean.

Mrs. Paik: When I saw your name, in the news. I fell apart. I thought I'd lost you again.
Sun: Just some pranksters. Mom...I'm leaving Seoul.
Mrs. Paik: What?
Sun: I want to start a new life. Forget about Jin and my father.
Mrs. Paik: But...
Sun: Mom, I've made up my mind. I just need you to do one thing.
Mrs. Paik: What's that?
Sun: Don't tell Dad that I was here.
Mrs. Paik: I won't. I love you.
Sun: I love you too.

Sun walks out to a car and puts Ji Yeon in the back seat. Jin starts driving. The conversation is in Korean.

Sun: Ji Yeon, this is your father.

Ji Yeon excitedly throws her arms around Jin from behind much to Jin's pleasure.

Sun (to Jin): Everything's set. We can live in Los Angeles.
Jin: Your father?
Sun: Wouldn't dare mess with us. I still have control over the company.

Miles - About a week has passed since the crash. He's walking in Scotland and stops when he sees a passed out Desmond being carried to a car by Penny and a man (Desmond's brother). He notices that Desmond is bleeding out of the nose and understands what's happening. He nods to himself then walks on, and starts eating a sandwich peacefully.

Claire - It's been a month since the Ajira crash. Claire answers the door, it's Carole.

Carole: Hi Cindy!
Claire: Hi Mom. Aaron's in the living room.
Carole: Is he used to the change yet?
Claire: He adapted fairly quickly, Kate visits occasionally.
Carole: I wish you'd come back to Sydney.
Claire: I changed my name. Not my appearance. If I go back, people will recognise me, and the secret will be blown. Besides, Aaron's lived here for three years, it's what's best for him. Living close to Aunt Kate.
Carole: You know what's best darling. I'm just glad you're blonde again.

Claire and Carole laugh.

In the present, the group arrives at the Temple.

Jack: Well, Ilana, it's been a pleasure. Sorry about your friends.
Ilana: They sacrificed themselves for a worthy cause.
Hurley: Hey...uh...I know there are only a few dozen of you know but...whenever someone crashes on the Island...try not to terrorize them.
Ilana: Don't worry, I'm not Ben or Widmore.
Sun: What's going to happen to the rest of the Ajira survivors?
Frank: I'm going to help them get rescued.
Sawyer: Wait, you're staying here?
Frank: Yes. I'll get the Ajira survivors off the island. Then...I'm going to stay here. With Ilana, and the Others.
Ilana (smiling): I think you can stop referring to us as the 'Others' now, Frank.
Jin: How do we get back?
Ilana: Just stand in the middle over there.

The entire groups moves to the middle of the room. Ilana activates a mechanism.

Frank: How do you know what to do?
Ilana: Instinct, I guess.

A pendulum starts to swing and Frank and Ilana watch as the eight of them gradually disappear before their eyes. Frank waves.

LOST

(Omitted scenes - More beach scenes pre-war; more Others scenes pre-war)

Darryl, from Malta - Online.

LOST. Season 6, Episode 15 - The Guardian

At the beach, Ilana is eating fruit when she spots Frank pacing nervously.

Ilana: Are you ok?
Frank: Huh? Oh yeah...just preparing for the whatever.
Ilana: The war?
Frank: I guess.
Ilana: And pacing helps you...how?
Frank: Stress relief.
Ilana: Don't worry Captain, just stay close to me - I'll keep you safe.

In the jungle, Jack, Hurley and Miles continue their trek back to the beach. Hurley spots smoke wisps and recognises them as the monster. He freezes.

Hurley: Dudes...don't move.

The Smoke wisp circles them as the three stand still, then it floats away.

Flashback - Jacob and Cain are standing at the site which would later become the ruins.

Cain: You asked me to trust you when you wanted to bring the Egyptians here. Now I'm asking you to trust me. This is for the best.
Jacob: Why?
Cain: The Island needs a guardian. To protect it anyone else who tries to harm the island.
Jacob: Not all humans are like that.
Cain: Are you willing to take that chance? (When Jacob doesn't answer) Let's do this.

Cain and Jacob place their hands on a stone structure and close their eyes. As they focus, smoke emerges from their hands and gathers in front of them. We see the Smoke Monster form but it seems more timid and does not make any of the creepy sounds we are familiar with. It has a more greyish tint as opposed to black. The Smoke Monster descends into a hole and takes the tunnels to the Temple. Cain goes off in one direction and Jacob in another, towards Richard. We realise that this scene directly preceded episode 12 (Pyramids and Deities).

In the present at the Barracks, Cain and the Others arrive at the Sonar fence and are about to deactivate it when the Smoke Monster gathers in front of them. They stop and stand back. The Smoke Monster is unable to penetrate the fence.

Other: What do we do now?
Cain: We wait.
Ben: I see why you wanted us to leave so much before zero-hour.

Flashback - The Smoke Monster has manifested in the temple. Jacob walks in.

Jacob: It's time.

He reaches inside the Smoke Monster and it becomes darker (the dark colour we're familiar with). It also begins making the creepy clicking noises.

Jacob: Cain wants to abuse your power. Fine. You're all his now.

The Smoke Monster disappears into the vents, leaving behind the ash which Jacob would later use at the cabin.

In the present, Jack's group arrive close to the beach.

Hurley: Wait! Wait! What if they already changed the dynamite patterns.
Miles: It's ok. Just follow me.
Jack: How would you know?
Miles: That's not really important...just follow me.

Miles begins to maneuver around the trees. Jack and Hurley look at each other nervously and follow him cautiously.

It's nightfall at the Barracks. The Smoke Monster finishes dissipating. The Other walk through the fence and set it up again to protect the children.

Ben: Do we still have enough time?
Cain: Yes. We have exactly 24 hours to get to the beach. Let's get going.

At the beach, Miles arrives followed by Jack and Hurley.

Bram: How did you get past the dynamite?
Hurley: He did it, with his awesome super powers.
Miles: They're not super powers.

Ilana holds out her gun.

Ilana: I suppose you're hear to spy. Or take our ammunition. Either way, you made your choice...you're not welcome here.
Jack: We never made it to the Barracks. I realised I made a mistake.
Kate: What changed your mind?
Jack: It's not what Locke wanted me to do.
Jin: Locke's dead.
Miles: Let's not go there again.
Jack: Look, the fact is...we're here. This is the side we've chosen. I was...wrong.
Sawyer: Well, alright then. We're all on the same side. What do we do now?
Hurley: Dude! We thought you joined the Others!
Sawyer: Nah...just took a toilet break.
Miles: You were gone for over a day.
Sawyer: Constipation?
Sun: So what do we do now?
Claire: We wait. And we rest. Because in twenty-four hours, we won't have that luxury.

LOST

(Omitted scenes: More beach scenes; more jungle scenes; possibly more flashbacks; possible more Barracks scenes)

Darryl, from Malta - Online

LOST. Season 6, Episode 14 - The Fickle Heart of Destiny

Flash Alternate - It's 2004. Jack is walking through the airport, 815 having landed safely in LAX. Someone taps him on the shoulder.

Ana Lucia: We were supposed to have a drink on the plane.
Jack: Right. I don't have to leave right away, care to join me?
Ana Lucia: Sure. My mother can wait a while.

He gestures at a bar. She smiles and they walk towards it.

In the present, Jack, Hurley and Miles are walking through the jungle.

Miles: What exactly were you planning on telling them?
Jack: Who?
Miles: The Others...when we arrive.
Jack: Uh...that we've decided to take them up on their offer.
Miles: And when they ask us for information?
Jack: They won't get it.
Miles: What if they kill us?
Jack: You didn't have to come with me, Miles.
Miles: No, don't get me wrong...the whole idea of not dying, sounds great. But do we really have any guarantee?
Jack: That's why they call it a leap of faith.

Flash Alternate - It's early 2007. Jack and Ana Lucia are living together.

Ana Lucia: Saved any lives?
Jack: No. Slow day. You?
Ana Lucia: Nope. Arrested a pickpocket, though.
Jack: Slow day?
Ana Lucia: Pretty much.
Jack: Ana...
Ana Lucia: Yeah?
Jack: Um...could you look here please?
Ana Lucia: What is it?

Ana Lucia turns and sees him holding a ring.

Jack: Will you-
Ana Lucia: Yes.
Jack: ...give this to your partner?
Ana Lucia: What?
Jack: I'm kidding. It's for you.

Jack puts the ring on her finger and they kiss.

In the present, Jack's team continue their trek.

Miles: You know...looking back...we probably should have brought a gun with us.
Jack: They need all the guns they can get back there.
Hurley: So, dude, do you really think Sawyer's gonna be there?
Jack: Where else would he be?
Hurley: I don't know. Maybe...the hatch remains...you know...that's where...you know.
Miles: Your linguistic capacity astounds me.
Jack: It doesn't matter where Sawyer is. I'm not going to the Other because of him. I'm going because I think it's the right thing to do. Because I think that's what Locke wanted all along.
Hurley: And since when do you go along with what Locke wants?
Jack: Since his message was so important he felt he had to die to get it across. Since he was willing to leave the island deliver it.

Flash Alternate - It's 2008. A bearded Jack is standing on an abandoned overpass. A car pulls up and it's Ana Lucia.

Jack: Hey.
Ana Lucia: What do you want?
Jack: Answers.
Ana Lucia: How about telling me why you're still wearing your ring?
Jack: Because I haven't given up.
Ana Lucia: It's over, Jack.
Jack: I don't understand.
Ana Lucia: You don't understand? You spend obscene hours at the hospital. You're there for everyone. Except me.
Jack: I'm a doctor.
Ana Lucia: Exactly. You're a doctor. Not a husband. You never were. I had a miscarriage and it's as if it never happened to you.
Jack: Hey! It was hard on me too!
Ana Lucia: You could've fooled me.
Jack: Who is he?
Ana Lucia: Let it go, Jack.
Jack: I just want to know...who...
Ana Lucia: Goodbye Jack. Don't ever call me again.

Ana Lucia walks away and Jack doesn't stop her. He removes his wedding ring and throws it on the floor. As Ana Lucia drives off, Jack walks back to his car. He spots something and stops, looking at it longingly and morosely. The camera spins to reveal that he's looking at the ledge which overlooks the busy street below.

In the present, the Others are gathering outside. Ben and Cain are also there.

Ben: What about the children? Shouldn't someone stay with them?
Cain: They'll be fine. We'll activate the fences. They won't be harmed.
Ben: You said the Island had to choose. What exactly?
Cain: Who's best for the Island. Who's looking out for its best interests.
Ben: But...it's just an island...how will it choose?
Cain: Come on, Ben. You know better than that. You know it's more than just an island.

Back in the jungle, Jack's group stops to take a quick drink. They hear noises from nearby.

Jack: Wait here.

Jack moves towards the sound and sees Cain hurling knives at a tree.

Jack: You! We've been looking for you!
Cain: Have you?
Jack: Yes...we...want to join you.
Cain: I'm sorry Jack...but you can't join me. You see...I'm dead.
Jack: What?

Cain continues to hurl the same knife into the same tree, the way Horace Goodspeed was chopping down trees in Cabin Fever.

Cain: You're not understanding a word I'm saying, are you?
Jack: Who are you?
Cain: My name is John Locke.
Jack: No...you died...I put you in the coffin...
Locke: You also told me you put your father in the coffin.
Jack: John?
Locke: Hello Jack (all the while, Locke continue throwing the knife).
Jack: John...I'm going to join the Others. Just as you wanted.
Locke: You do what you want, Jack. But you're joining the wrong side.
Jack: But...you were their leader.
Locke: I'm not anymore. Your destiny isn't with the Others.
Jack: Destiny...hasn't been very kind to me lately.
Locke: It's not supposed to be kind. Look at me...I'm dead for goodness sake.
Jack: You don't seem sad.
Locke: It was my destiny.
Jack: So what do you want me to do?
Locke: Whatever you want to do.
Jack: But you just told me the Others were bad.
Locke: No. I said I wasn't their leader anymore.
Jack: You told me I'm joining the wrong side.
Locke: I will admit to that.
Jack: So...I should go in the other direction?
Locke: You have to go back, Jack.
Jack: Fine.
Locke: You have to go back!
Jack: What?
Hurley: Jack!

Jack wakes up back with Hurley and Miles.

Jack: What happened?
Miles: You sat down and fell asleep.
Jack: Where's Locke?
Hurley: Uh...Locke's dead dude.
Jack: We have to go back...
Hurley: Dude...we are back.
Jack: No...I mean...to the beach camp.
Miles: Oh come on!
Hurley: Why?
Jack: That's what Locke said I had to do.
Miles: Three years and nothing's changed...you guys make a plan to go somewhere, then change your minds and go back to the beach. Then we go somewhere else...but pretty soon, we're back at the beach.
Jack: I know this may be hard to understand...but I need you to trust me.
Hurley: Ok dude...whatever...we'll go back.
Jack: Miles?
Miles: Why not? I'm pretty sure we'll be walking back here in a few hours anyway.

They begin walking back to the beach.

At the barracks.

Cain: Listen up. We have thirty hours to be at the beach camp. Make sure you all have your guns. Check that your children have enough supplies for three days. Pack food and water for yourselves. I'd recommend packing some other type of weapon, just in case you run out of ammunition. Be back here as soon as you can. We leave in a few hours.

LOST

(Omitted scenes: More scenes with Jack's group, more flash alternates, possibly more barracks scenes)

Darryl, from Malta - Online.

LOST. Season 6, Episode 13 - Gearshift

Kate is scurrying around the beach camp, it's late morning.

Kate: Sawyer's gone!
Sun: What do you mean?
Kate: I saw him leaving last night, I thought it was just to go to the bathroom, but he hasn't come back yet.
Jack: Sawyer can take care of himself. He probably took a walk and hasn't come back yet.
Miles: It's not like he's been much use to us ever since the bomb anyway.

In the jungle, Sawyer is walking aimlessly when Vincent runs up to him. Sawyer smiles and pats him.

Flash Alternate - Sawyer is dressed smartly and sitting in an upscale apartment. It's January 2008, he's watching the news.

Newscaster: DriveShaft have announced that they will be releasing a Greatest Hits album following the sad passing of former member Charlie Pace. Pace was found to have overdosed in a hotel room yesterday. Forensic analysts on the site suggested that he had been dead for up to two days. That information is expected to be confirmed this evening when the autopsy report is released. Liam Pace, Charlie's brother and former DriveShaft member, has been acting as a spokesperson for the family. He said that the toxicology results would not be available for at least another week.

Sawyer switches off the television. Just the Nikki walks into the room and they kiss.

Nikki: You're gonna be late.
Sawyer: I couldn't leave without my kiss, could I?

They kiss again. Sawyer grabs his briefcase and walks to the elevator. Once inside, he opens the briefcase which is filled with money. He's just conned Nikki.

In the present, the survivors are discussing whether or not to go after Sawyer. Jack is quiet for most of it until he speaks up at the end.

Jack: I think he might have gone to the Others.
Jin: Why would he do that?
Jack: Because...maybe...it's the right thing to do.
Kate: Jack? What are you talking about?
Jack: Look, we came back because of Locke-
Kate: I did not come back because of Locke.
Jack: Well, I did. And when I arrive on the island, a man who looks an awful lot like Locke asks us to follow him.
Claire: That isn't Locke.
Jack: Says who? We've always known Locke to be different. Who's to say that hasn't been Locke all along.
Richard: Because Locke is dead.
Jack: Yeah...well...Sawyer and I were both interested in what whoever he is proposed. I could see it. And I think he made the right choice, and I'm going to follow him.
Bram: No, you aren't.
Jack: Excuse me?
Bram: You know our tactics. There's no way we're letting you leave.
Jack: I won't tell them anything. I'll die before I let them hurt Kate.
Hurley: Dude.
Jack: Look, I won't tell them anything. After I'm gone, you can change move the dynamite around, I don't care. You have my word.
Bram: I'm sorry Jack, your word isn't good enough.

Bram holds up a gun to Jack. Claire steps in front of him.

Claire: No! Stop! If he wants to go...he's free to go.

Bram lowers the gun and Jack walks off.

In the jungle, Sawyer is following Vincent and they arrive at Rose and Bernard's cabin.

Bernard: Hey there, James. What brings you back?
Sawyer: The dog. Wow...this place is still up?
Bernard: Yep...after the time flash it was still here. A mess...and it needed a lot of work. But still here.
Rose: When are we now?
Sawyer: 2007.
Rose: The bomb didn't explode, then?
Sawyer: It did.
Bernard: But you're still alive.
Sawyer: Not all of us. Juliet, Sayid...they're gone.
Bernard: I'm sorry, son.
Sawyer: Now they want to fight again. You guys were right.
Rose: You're welcome to stay here, if you don't want to fight.
Sawyer: Really?
Bernard: Sure! We could use a young man like you to help us out. The two of us do fine for now...but we're getting old.
Rose: You're getting old. I'm just fine, thanks.

Flash Alternate - Months have passed. Sawyer is in a resort in Vermont and walks into a bar. He looks around and walks straight to a particular point. He sits down and orders a beer. Sitting next to him is Bernard.

Sawyer: You come here often?
Bernard: Every year, around this time. You?
Sawyer: First time. Hope to make it a regular event.
Bernard: It's nice up here. Good place to unwind.
Sawyer: Where you from?
Bernard: New York. My wife always wanted to come here.
Sawyer: Divorced?
Bernard: Excuse me?
Saywer: You're not wearing a ring.
Bernard: Oh...she died three years ago yesterday. That's why I come up here at this time. Where are you from, son?
Sawyer: Jasper, Alabama.
Bernard: Oh, nice place. I lived there for a while a few decades ago.
Sawyer: I wasn't living there back then. But I had a cousin who did. Ford. James Ford.
Bernard: Uh...
Sawyer: Son of Mary Ford.
Bernard: Oh Mary! I remember Mary! So she was your aunt? And little James...yes of course. Mary was a sweet girl.
Sawyer: Yeah.
Bernard: Until her son of a bitch husband ended that. Oh...I'm sorry...he was your uncle, right?
Sawyer: Yep.
Bernard: Say, whatever happened to little James.
Sawyer: Got put into care. But he died...a long time ago.
Bernard: I'm sorry to hear that.
Sawyer: I'll see you around.
Bernard: So long, son.

Sawyer walks out of the bar.

In the present, Sawyer is sitting outside the cabin eating fruit. It's nighttime. Bernard walks out.

Sawyer: Rose asleep?
Bernard: Yeah.
Sawyer: So...you've really made it work out here, huh?
Bernard: I have all I need. (after a pause) I'm sorry about Juliet, son.
Sawyer: Stuff happens.
Bernard: I didn't want to say anything in front of Rose but...why are you really her?
Sawyer: (after a while) Juliet's dead. I'm done fighting. I'm done with 'destiny'. When Locke brought me the man who killed my parents...and I got to kill him...I thought that the island was where I was supposed to be. Turns out destiny just likes to screw around.
Bernard: Oh I don't know about that. (a short pause) We, Rose and I, went to Australia on our honeymoon. Rose had cancer...and...I took her to a faith healer. She told me it worked...but it didn't. But when we came to the island. It was gone. And it hasn't come back. So...sometimes destiny...just has a sense of humour...but that doesn't make it a bad thing.
Sawyer: Oh?
Bernard: Most people look at a plane crash as a bad thing. But it gave me the one thing I wanted most in the world. My wife. As for you, you may have lost Juliet...but you'll never lose the memories.

Flash Alternate - Bernard walks out of the bar. Sawyer tackles him and pushes him to a secluded spot, hurling him onto the floor. Sawyer points a gun at him and begins reading from his letter.

Sawyer: Dear Mr. Sawyer, You don't know who I am but I know who you are and I know what you done. You had sex with my mother and then you stole my dad's money all away.
Bernard: What? What are you talking about?
Sawyer: Mary Ford.
Bernard: You...you're James?
Sawyer: James is dead. Only Sawyer's left now.
Bernard: Listen son...I didn't do anything to your mother...I swear.
Sawyer: Shut up! So he got angry and he killed my mother...
Bernard: I promise, James, I had nothing to do with this...I barely knew your mother.
Sawyer: And then he killed himself, too...
Bernard: If you shoot me...
Sawyer: All I know is your name.
Bernard: There'll be no turning back...
Sawyer: But one of these I'm going to find you...
Bernard: It'll come back around!

Sawyer stops reading, remembering those words. He lowers the gun and begins to cry, walking away realising he's been double crossed again.

In the present, Jack is walking away from the camp.

Hurley: Dude! Wait up!
Jack: Hurley?
Hurley: I'm coming with you.
Jack: What?
Miles: Yeah...me too.
Jack: I don't understand.
Miles: All this...it just doesn't make any sense to me.
Richard: You can't be serious...the three of you...

More of the camp has gathered at this point.

Hurley: Look...I made the mistake of not following Jack once. I'm not making it again. (he turns to Jack) I've learnt my lesson.

Everyone is quiet as Jack, Hurley and Miles walk into the jungle.

Kate: Sawyer! Help!
Sawyer: Juliet!
Kate: Sawyer!

Sawyer runs over to Juliet and grabs her hand.

Sawyer: Where do you think you're going blondie? Kate! Help me get those chains off!
Hold on! You hold on!
Juliet: I can't.
Kate: Got them!

Sawyer pulls Juliet up and kisses her.

Sawyer: I thought I lost you. We flashed to 2007 and you weren't there.
Juliet: Where do you think we are James?

Sawyer looks around. Kate, Jack and everyone else are gone. The entire area is silent and Juliet doesn't have any blood on her.

Sawyer: I don't understand...
Juliet: It was my destiny, James.
Sawyer: But...why...we had a good thing.
Juliet: That doesn't always matter. But there's still something you have to do. You have to do this James. You have to help them. Otherwise...the past three years would have been for nothing.
Sawyer: I miss you so much.
Juliet: I love you.
Sawyer: I love you.
Juliet: It's okay.
Sawyer: Don't you leave me.

They kiss and Sawyer wakes up in the cabin. It's sunrise. He walks to Vincent.

Vincent: I'll see you around boy.
Bernard: Heading back?
Sawyer: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.
Rose: It was time to wake up.
Sawyer: I...have to go back.
Rose: We know. We were just wondering how long it would be before you realised.
Sawyer: Thanks for everything.
Bernard: Anytime. And if you change your mind, you always welcome.
Sawyer: Hey...if after all this is over, and we're still alive. I'm going back home, if you want me to come get you.
Rose: No thanks.
Bernard: We are home, right here.

Sawyer begins to walk away.

Rose: Oh, James! Do me a favour, don't tell the others we're still here. You're okay, but I really don't want to hear any live together, die alone lectures.
Sawyer: You got it.

A few hours later Sawyer walks back to camp. He runs into the Ajira redshirts who are rearranging the dynamite. He goes back to the beach safely and is greeted by Kate.

Kate: We thought we lost you.
Sawyer: You did?
Kate: Well, I did. Where were you?
Sawyer: Just took a long walk. But I'm back now. (he smiles)
Kate: Really back?
Sawyer: Really back.
Sawyer: Where's everybody?
Kate: Jack, Hurley and Miles left to join the Others. We thought you did too.
Sawyer: Son of a bitch.

Sawyer walks off to his tent. Kate smiles.

Kate: He's back.

LOST

(Omitted scenes: More beach scenes, a scene with Jack's group in the jungle, possibly an earlier flash alternate).

Darryl, from Malta - Online.

LOST. Season 6, Episode 12 - Pyramids and Deities

The episode begins with a flashback. We see a scene similar to the one where Jacob and Cain arrive on the Island. This time, the boat is bigger containing around twenty people, one of them being Richard. Jacob and Cain stand on the beach and wait for them to dock. They speak in Egyptian.

Jacob: Welcome to the Island.
Richard: Where are we? How did we get here?
Jacob: I brought you here. My name is Jacob, and this is Cain.
Cain: Who are you?
Richard: My people call me Ra. This is my crew. We hail from Egypt.
Jacob: Ra. That's the sun god, correct?
Richard: Yes.
Cain: You may want to consider a different name here, like Ricardus.
Richard: Why?
Cain: The Island shuns blasphemy. People posing as others they're not.
Richard: It's just an island.
Jacob: It's more than just an island.

In the present, the survivors are gathered once again.

Ilana: We have three days. We need to come up with some kind of strategy.
Sun: Don't we have dynamite and guns?
Ilana: That's not going to be enough. How many of your people are there?
Richard: Around fifty, give or take, not including the children.
Ilana: And how much time to we have left?
Claire: Eighty hours.
Ilana: The dynamite will only take out the front line. After that, we have seven guns protecting 14 people.
Miles: But we have Richard. He knows how the Others work. He's been with them for a really long time.
Richard: Yes, but they're under new leadership now. Leadership I've never worked with. I don't know what they could be planning. We've spent three years living relatively idly since all of you disappeared.
Ilana: Ok. Look. Everyone, gather whatever you can use as a weapons. If our ammunition runs out, you'll need to defend yourselves with whatever you have. Sticks, oars, traps...anything.

Flashback - The Egyptians are standing around a fully constructed statue. Jacob walks up to Richard, they speak in Egyptian.

Jacob: Impressive, Ricardus. With just twenty men.
Richard: We're very committed. The Island has blessed us with this incredible drive.
Jacob: I've also seen you mark off some other areas. More plans?
Richard: Yes. We hope to build temples and tunnels. To remind us of back home, and to pay tribute to the Island.
Jacob: Why Taweret?
Richard: The goddess of rebirth. The Island gave us a new life, it seemed fitting.

In the present, Jin and Sun speak in Korean.

Jin: Sun, tomorrow morning, I want you to escape from the camp. Go to the other side of the island. You'll be safe from the Others there.
Sun: I'm not going anywhere, Jin. We promised we'd be together forever.
Jin: But we'll be fighting a losing battle. You'll die if you stay here.
Sun: So will you. (after a pause) I'm not going anywhere.

Meanwhile, Claire sits alone holding her head. Richard walks up to her.

Richard: Are you ok?
Claire: Yeah. Just a headache. I can thank my new ability for that.
Richard: You'll get used to it.
Claire: It's like a constant ticking...a countdown in my head. It's all new to me. How does stuff like this happen?
Richard: You've been exposed to the island for a long time. Changes happen to most of us.
Claire: Like what used to happen to Desmond?
Richard: Yeah, I guess.
Claire: But Sawyer's been here as long as I have. So has Jin.
Richard: I guess it's because they weren't in their own time. You remained in the present while they went to the past.
Claire: So do all the Others have this ticking.
Richard: I said most of us, not all of us. Some just aren't on the Island's list.

Flashback - Richard stands a few feet away from what would later become the ruins. He watches on as Jacob and Cain have a heated conversation. Cain walks away while Jacob walks to Richard. The Island now has the creepy feel we're familiar with. They speak in Egyptian.

Richard: How did you do that?
Jacob: Ricardus, listen to me. Cain has become alienated by what your people have done.
Richard: This was never my intention.
Jacob: I know. I trust you. You're not like the others.
Richard: So what's going to happen now?
Jacob: Cain will try to take full control of the Island. And now he has the tools to do it. That's why I need you on my side.
Richard: Definitely.

Jacob touches Richard on the chest. On impact, there's a faint white light.

Richard: What did you do?
Jacob: I've given you part of what I have. Eternal youth, intuition...all the things you'll need to protect the Island.
Richard: How can I protect the Island?
Jacob: Choose the people you believe will protect the Island. And take them to the Temple you constructed. That will keep them safe from Cain.
Richard: And then?
Jacob: Then just wait for me to bring more people to the Island. Each time, I want you to choose the virtuous and bring them in to the community.
Richard: You're still willing to trust outsiders after what my people did?
Jacob: One incident will not make me lose faith in the entire race.
Richard: How did you get such power?
Jacob: It's not my power, it's the Island's. I've just been here a long time, and the Island trusts me to use it. Just like it trusts Cain.
Richard: I don't understand. How can an Island 'trust'?
Jacob: You will understand, in time.

In the present, Jack walks up to Kate.

Jack: I think you should go to the Barracks.
Kate: Excuse me?
Jack: Join the Others. They'll keep you safe.
Kate: I don't need to be safe, Jack.
Jack: Kate, listen to me, we don't have enough guns. They outnumber us.
Kate: Fine. Then you go to the Barracks.
Jack: But...I...
Kate: I guess 'live together, die alone' only applies when you're leading, huh?

Elsewhere, Hurley and Claire are sitting together.

Claire: You know, you could hide in the jungle if you want.
Hurley: What? Me? Why me?
Claire: I know you don't like fighting and all that stuff. You'd be safe in the jungle.
Hurley: You don't like fighting either.
Claire: But I'm they're stopwatch now. They need me.
Hurley: Well...I'm their...uh...jukebox. I don't know. Look, I'm not abandoning anyone.
Claire: Live together.
Hurley: Die together.

Finally, Richard walks up to Ilana.

Richard: You've got all the qualities Jacob said you would.
Ilana: Excuse me?
Richard: Leadership. Courage.
Ilana: Jacob spoke to you about me?
Richard: Yes. He thought you'd be perfect.
Ilana: For what?
Richard: Leader. Of our people.
Ilana: Really?
Richard: Ben can't lead anymore. Locke's dead. He wanted you to take over. So after all this is over, if you want to stay on the island - the position's yours.
Ilana: What about you? You've been here longer than I have.
Richard: I'm not fit to be leader. I don't want the position. The last time I led a group, they almost corrupted the island. I'm more of an adviser.

LOST

(Omitted scenes: More beach scenes; possibly more flashbacks)

Darryl, from Malta - Online

LOST. Season 6, Episode 11 - 108 Hours And Counting

Claire walks down the Swan corridor. She hears the beeping, indicating that it's time to push the button. She walks into the computer room and continues to hear the beeping. However, when she looks at the timer, the number showing is '108'. As she looks back to the computer, she sees Mr. Eko sitting there. He looks at her, then proceeds to type in the number '108'. The sound of the timer resetting is heard but the number on the timer remains the same. Eko stands up and walks to Claire. He gives her his stick and she looks at the inscriptions. At the place where 'John 3:05' was written, she finds a new inscription which reads: 'Cain 1:08'.

She wakes up in her tent and finds she is clutching Eko's stick, just as in the dream. She walks out of her tent, it is morning but still very early and not everyone is awake. She walks up to Jack's tent and wakes him.

Claire: We have 108 hours...

Hurley who was awake nearby walks over after hearing the number.

Hurley: 108 hours for what?
Claire: Until the battle for the Island.

Flash Alternate - It's 2006. Hurley is in Santa Rosa, wearing a robe. He's being walked to his therapy session. He walks into a room and the nurse leaves him alone. A shot of the therapist reveals it's Libby.

Libby: Hello Hugo. I'm Dr. Elizabeth Smith, but you can call me Libby.
Hurley: Hey.
Libby: How ab-
Hurley: And you can call me Hurley.
Libby: Ok, so how ab-
Hurley: Sorry.
Libby: For what?
Hurley: Interrupting you.
Libby: That's -
Hurley: I didn't again, didn't I?
Libby: Are you nervous?
Hurley: No.
Libby: Ok. So -
Hurley: Well, yeah. A little.
Libby (smiling): You look familiar. Have I seen you here before?
Hurley: Uh...I don't know...I was here a few years ago.
Libby: So was I.
Hurley: I'm pretty sure we never had a session together.
Libby: No, we didn't. Last time I was here, I was a patient.
Hurley: No way dude.
Libby: Yes way.
Hurley: What happened?
Libby: My husband died. Messed me up for a while. I think I might have seen you around the institute.
Hurley: Yeah, could be.

In the present, most of the survivors are gathered around Claire. Jack is inspecting Eko's stick (which steal reads 'Cain 1:08).

Jack: Claire, a dream...doesn't necessarily mean anything.
Claire: Then how do you explain the stick.
Jack: I don't know.
Kate: Do you think Vincent might have brought it to you?
Hurley: Dude...Vincent's still alive? That's awesome!
Claire: I don't know...he might have.
Jack: Well. There you have it then.
Claire: It doesn't explain why I can still sense the timing.
Jack: What do you mean?
Claire: I know that there are 107 hours left now. An hour has passed since I woke you.
Jack: It's only been an hour. It's fresh in your mind. Pretty soon you'll lose count.
Hurley: Dude...you just blew up a hydrogen bomb and fed us a story about destiny. What's changed?

Jack's unable to answer and the gathered survivors disperse.

Flash Alternate - It's 2007. Hurley is now out of Santa Rosa and dressed in a suit. Other similarly dressed people sit around the table. One of them, sitting directly across Hurley, is Boone. They listen to the man at the head of the table.

Man: And with the signing of this contract, Carlyle Incorportated and the Hugo Reyes Corporation will merge into a single entity - The Carlyle and Garcia Foundation. (after a pause) If both parties agree, we can sign the papers.
Hurley: Let's do this, dude.
Boone: Can't tell you how happy I am that this finally took off.
Hurley: Yeah. I just needed to stop looking at my money as a curse.
Boone: Money? A curse?
Hurley: Long story dude.

As they finish signing, the people at the table stand up, applaud and shake hands.

In the present, Hurley walks up to Jack.

Hurley: Hey dude.
Jack: Hey Hurley.
Hurley: So...like...dreams huh? Crazy stuff.
Jack: It's been three years and I haven't changed one bit.
Hurley: What do you mean?
Jack: Three years ago, Claire was having these dreams. I dismissed them. Pretty soon after that, Ethan kidnapped her.
Hurley: So, does that mean you believe her?
Jack: I'm skeptical. But if she says something going to happen in 108 hours. Then I'm ready for it.

Flash Alternate - Inside a Mr. Cluck's. Hurley and Libby are sitting together, they are now a couple. Sitting on the other side of the booth are Boone (who is now Hurley's partner) and Shannon. They are apparently also together.

Boone: So, hey, how did you guys meet anyway?

Hurley and Libby look at each other uneasily.

Hurley: We...met at a mental institution.

Everyone is silent for a while.

Libby: How about you guys?

It's now Boone and Shannon who look at each other uncomfortably.

Shannon: Um...our parents introduced us.
Libby: Oh! That's incredible, your parents knew each other before you guys met?
Boone: Well, actually...
Shannon: You know what? Why don't we talk about something else...like...um...something else...
Boone: Sounds good to me.
Hurley: Yeah.
Libby: But...
Hurley: Just go with it.

In the present, Cain wakes up in the middle of the night. He leaves his house and walks to Ben's house. Ben answers the door, half-asleep.

Cain: In ninety-two hours, we need to be at the beach.
Ben: Why?
Cain: Because that's when the Island will choose.

LOST

(Omitted scenes: More beach scenes; possibly more flash alternates)

Darryl, from Malta - Online.