“Ben knew you weren't gonna kill your own...” – Richard Alpert

Richard Alpert

Ben knew you weren't gonna kill your own father. He put you in front of everyone in our camp just so they could all watch you fail.

John Locke

Why?

Richard Alpert

Cause when word got back here that there was a man with a broken spine on the plane who could suddenly walk again, well, people here began to get very excited because that, that could only happen to someone who was extremely special. But Ben doesn't want anyone to think you're special, John.

John Locke

And why are you telling me this?

Richard Alpert

Ben has been wasting our time with novelties like fertility problems. We're looking for someone to remind us that we're here for more important reasons.

John Locke

What do you want from me?

Richard Alpert

I want for you to find your purpose. And to do that, your father has to go, John. And since you're not gonna do it, I'm gonna suggest someone else.