Ben and Widmore are competing for dominion over the Island. They both understand its capabilities since we know they have both been conveniently educated as to its time warping abilities. Charles become aware during the Jughead ep and Ben during his Dharma youth. We also know Ben knows when he checks into Hotel Tunisia and asks what date it is. They are both trying to execute their agenda, they are both essentially the bad guys. That is why the island has chosen Locke as its new rightful leader. Locke then of course has Ben riding his coattails and Charles playing nice when Locke is in Tunisia.
Charles uses his associates - the Hawkings to help execute his goal to eliminate Ben from the equation. He and Ellie seem to be in cahoots from their island days, he funds Daniels research. He draws Desmond, based on knowledge not played out on the show, to the Monastery (remember the pic on the monks desk?), which then brings Des close to the fam. Desmond is his tool to eliminate Ben and keep his island throne -
Ben has used Sayid to help counter attack. He exploits his knowledge of Sayids future (Bens past) to seemingly eliminate CW's resources to get Des back to the island. Thats why he wasn't glad to see Des at the Lamppost and did not stop him from leaving when Des was done with the island. Ben's fatal error will likely be his need to avenge Alex. He likely kills Penny and then gives Des reason to return to the Island and unknowingly help Widmore.
The 815ers represent our point of view as they simply crashed into this mess, or bystanders to Locke's destiny
I hope TPTB can cleverly mix the rest of the major cast into the overall battle for the island. Perhaps the war CW mentioned
Last but not least - Richard is the smoke monster - thats why his human form never seems to age and can replicate killer fashion sense on place that i dont believe J Crew catalog delivers to. He also seems to come out of nowhere, is very old and has the front door keys to the temple. The only hole i can see is that the sonic fence didn't keep him out in LaFleur. Theory by Aaron (not THE Aaron)
Charles uses his associates - the Hawkings to help execute his goal to eliminate Ben from the equation. He and Ellie seem to be in cahoots from their island days, he funds Daniels research. He draws Desmond, based on knowledge not played out on the show, to the Monastery (remember the pic on the monks desk?), which then brings Des close to the fam. Desmond is his tool to eliminate Ben and keep his island throne -
Ben has used Sayid to help counter attack. He exploits his knowledge of Sayids future (Bens past) to seemingly eliminate CW's resources to get Des back to the island. Thats why he wasn't glad to see Des at the Lamppost and did not stop him from leaving when Des was done with the island. Ben's fatal error will likely be his need to avenge Alex. He likely kills Penny and then gives Des reason to return to the Island and unknowingly help Widmore.
The 815ers represent our point of view as they simply crashed into this mess, or bystanders to Locke's destiny
I hope TPTB can cleverly mix the rest of the major cast into the overall battle for the island. Perhaps the war CW mentioned
Last but not least - Richard is the smoke monster - thats why his human form never seems to age and can replicate killer fashion sense on place that i dont believe J Crew catalog delivers to. He also seems to come out of nowhere, is very old and has the front door keys to the temple. The only hole i can see is that the sonic fence didn't keep him out in LaFleur. Theory by Aaron (not THE Aaron)
