This is not metaphysical theory so much as a plot/character theory, so be forewarned. This theory is on Benjamin and his plot to kill Widmore.
I think Ben is taking a cue (knowingly or not) from Locke and how Locke used Sawyer to kill Anthony Cooper. I do not think Ben's real objective is to kill Penelope, but to tell Widmore he is to intimidate Widmore and supply a red herring.
Ben knows he can't kill Widmore directly, or the island prevents it, but he may be willing to use Desmond to kill Widmore. It may be a hostage of Penny method sort of thing...but logically it would follow that he could use Desmond's love for Penny to kill Widmore. Besides, it isn't like there is any love lost between Desmond and Widmore to begin with. Also remember that Sayid would most likely be the perpetrator in this respect and Desmond and Sayid are in each others' trust. (The theory hole of 'why not just get Sayid to do it?': Sayid needs to watch over Penny...or the meta reason that Ben knows Sayid can't kill Widmore...or Widmore would already know and Desmond can infiltrate better.)
Ben's character shows he is manipulative (for good or bad purposes both) and will use others to do the dirty work for him. Still working on the theory, but figured I would share the initial thoughts.
Theory by Smarmos
I think Ben is taking a cue (knowingly or not) from Locke and how Locke used Sawyer to kill Anthony Cooper. I do not think Ben's real objective is to kill Penelope, but to tell Widmore he is to intimidate Widmore and supply a red herring.
Ben knows he can't kill Widmore directly, or the island prevents it, but he may be willing to use Desmond to kill Widmore. It may be a hostage of Penny method sort of thing...but logically it would follow that he could use Desmond's love for Penny to kill Widmore. Besides, it isn't like there is any love lost between Desmond and Widmore to begin with. Also remember that Sayid would most likely be the perpetrator in this respect and Desmond and Sayid are in each others' trust. (The theory hole of 'why not just get Sayid to do it?': Sayid needs to watch over Penny...or the meta reason that Ben knows Sayid can't kill Widmore...or Widmore would already know and Desmond can infiltrate better.)
Ben's character shows he is manipulative (for good or bad purposes both) and will use others to do the dirty work for him. Still working on the theory, but figured I would share the initial thoughts.
Theory by Smarmos
