Found

Chapter One - A Feeling Of Failure

--

"He's dead." Jack pressed his fingertips to Sawyers throat, willing it to be otherwise, but it was true. Despite all his efforts and the countless waking nights, he had failed. And Kate was next, suffering in the grasp of the same illness that had claimed Sawyers life.

Jack barely dared to look at her anymore, dreading the sight of her face, once so full of life, now ashen and worn from the sickness.

She had suffered so much already… but life just wasn't fair, was it? Slowly, Jack rose.

Around him people was busy preparing Sawyers body for the burial. Jack ignored them, heading for the makeshift bed where Kate lay.

Sun was sitting by her side, and looked up at Jack when he approached.

"No changes," she said, knowing what Jacks first question would be. "Still sleeping."

"God." Jack sat down, burying his face in his hands.

Then he straightened up, businesslike again. "She haven't moved at all? Opened her eyes? Said something?" Sun shook her head at each question. "God" Jack repeated. "Dammit!" Now he had raised his voice to the point where everybody at the caves turned their heads.

Kate didn't even stir.

Jack slammed his fist against the wall. It hurt, but he didn't really notice.

"That does not help, you know" Sun said. "It is not your fault, you have done everything."

"But it isn't enough," Jack shouted. "There has to be something…"

He started rummaging through the medical supplies. Sun put a hand on his arm.

"There is nothing, and you know it. You should get some sleep."

"No, I'm not tired. Shouldn't you…?

"I'm not the one who have refused to sleep the past three nights. Go. To. Bed."

"But I—" Jack stopped, and forced himself to smile. "Well, maybe you're right. I'm off then."

Sun gave him a sceptical look, but said nothing.

--

Jack managed to stay calm just until he was well outside the camp, then he collapsed on a rock. Sun had been right, he was more tired than he wanted to admit. Waves of misery swept over him, and he was overcome by the feeling of failure for a few moments. But he couldn't just sit there. People needed him – and the picture of Kate's pale face floated before his eyes. He stood up again, feeling slightly dizzy as he did so, then started to walk slowly back to the camp.

He hadn't got more than a few steps when he heard a strange noise among the trees not very far away. What could it be? Something – someone, and he just had to find out…

Jack turned, and started off into the jungle.

--

R&R, please )