Smart bears
On the fourth day the storm subsided a little. At least there was no more heavy wind. The camp looked deserted, as no one wanted to venture out of the safety of their houses. Juliet hoped that the boat had managed to leave Hydra Island. Since the early morning, she had been throwing impatient glances toward the road from docks, dreaming of seeing a Dharma van with the guys in it. She noticed the other motor pool workers' smiles and winks. She knew that her thoughts were far from work, but she couldn't help herself. She told herself that she didn't care when they would arrive and that she should focus on her work. She tried to pay all her attention to motors, brakes and so on but a few minutes later she realized that she was again looking towards the road.
They arrived early in the evening. Juliet saw them getting out of a van and disappearing inside the Security Office. She had already finished work in the motorpool and they were still in there, discussing something. What could be so important? Were they OK? But she saw them, right?
She went home and started making dinner. Surely they would be happy to have a home-cooked meal. If they were fine … she thought. Juliet hated waiting and now she doubted whether she had really seen them.
The door opened, bringing the evening cold and moisture, but Juliet didn't mind it, looking at the three men. Their shoulders were drooping, their faces were grim, and they looked exhausted, as if they had spent the last two weeks on a desert island, not at a well-equipped station.
-Welcome back-
Other words stuck in her throat when she saw James. He was clearly in no mood to talk and the only question Juliet had was whether it was because of this trip, or because of what had happened in the past or would happen in the future, it depends on your point of view.
-Dinner is ready – she announced not sure what else to say.
-Thank you – Jin was polite as always. Nothing seemed to be able to piss him off. Though perhaps the reason was that the one who he really cared about, Sun, wasn't there.
-Home-cooking what could be better?- Miles quipped lamely. It was obvious how tired they were -Come to the table, Boss. -
James did not react. He sat down on the sofa and closed his eyes. It looked like he didn't even hear Miles' words.
- What happened over there? – Juliet asked quietly. They were in the kitchen, and James remained in the living room.
-Nothing special. - Miles shrugged. -Those damn scientists decided that they could be Gods. Just imagine, in polar bears' cages they put machines by which they can get water and fish biscuits, after performing certain actions. That's nonsense. - Miles said, not noticing Juliet's embarrassment. -Animals should remain animals. They shouldn't be made smarter. As a result of their damn mind games one bear lerned how to open his cage and we spent a lot of time trying to catch him. -
-My God, was anybody hurt? -
-No, everybody is fine, except for some minor scratches. They were really lucky considering that it was a polar bear. Though given how much time and efforts we wasted trying to find him in the storm I'd want those idiots to get more bruises and scratches. We had been stuck in the rain for days, trying to lure him out of his hiding place, and, in addition, Jim had to keep watch overnight, so it isn't surprising that he has passed out now .-
Juliet nodded silently, looking toward the living room. She hoped that Miles was right and James was just tired, but judging by his behavior on the Hydra he had done his best to pass out from exhaustionand Juliet was afraid of what would happen when he finally was forced to face reality.