It was two years since the three were in that desperate situation. Martin had gotten his CPL; Douglas has remarried and re-divorced, but stayed away from the bottle; and after starting MJN, Carolyn got over Gordon pretty quickly.

"Well then, drivers. Birling day comes twice this year…" Carolyn smiled.

"Really?" Martin couldn't hide a little excitement.

"Yes; tomorrow, we're taking him to Snow Lake, Canada, for no reason other than he can, no less! More money for MJN and our pilots. Speaking of which; Martin, Mr Birling has made a complaint…"

"What have I done? I can't think of anything! What could he possibly complain about?!" Martin questioned.

"Your gloves," Carolyn pointed to the white silk that wrapped itself around his hands, helping to contain his curse.

"W-what about them?" Martin asked.

"He said it's about the fact you NEVER take them off. Which, now I realise, he has a point; I've never seen you without gloves on…" Carolyn pointed out thoughtfully.

"She has a point… You never take them off, even in unbearably hot weather!" Douglas added.

"My hands just get cold easily…" Martin lied.

"Fine! But you aren't wearing them on the trip tomorrow."

"But –"

"NO BUTS! Mr Birling wants it, so that's what he'll get. Leave those things in your van."

"Yes Carolyn…" Martin gave up.

Arthur woke up with a start, hair sticking up in all directions, "It's Birling day!" he laughed.

Birling's coming!

That's for sure!

I didn't think he'd do that anymore!

Who knew he was allergic to lemon aide...?

"Probably Douglas…" he muttered.

For years I've roamed these empty halls,

Why have a ballroom with no balls?

Martin was putting on his uniform, eyes shining.

Finally, I'm going to be paid!

He slipped his gloves on automatically.

I'll be an actual professional pilot,

It'll be totally strange.

But wow! Am I so ready for this change!

'Cause for the first time in forever,

There'll be pay, along with flight!

For the first time in forever,

I'll be laughing through the night...

Don't know if I'm elated or manic,

But I'm somewhere in that zone!

'Cause for the first time in forever...

I won't look like skin and bone.

"What if he's not drunk?!" Arthur giggled to himself.

Tonight, imagine me uniform and all,

Refusing to let him make me crawl.

The picture of professional dignity...

"Ooh! Just like Douglas!"

I suddenly see him standing there,

A confident smirk I'll wear.

I'll look like I have responsibility!

And then, he'll say that he was wrong,

Which is totally bizarre.

Nothing like the life I've led so far!

He combed his hair in the mirror.

For the first time in forever,

It'll be magic, I won't come undone.

For the first time in forever,

I could be respected by someone...

And I know it is totally crazy,

To dream that I'd be proud...

But for the first time in forever...

At least I'll be allowed.

Martin when to grab his keys when he remembered what Carolyn said – no gloves. He took a shaky breath as he removed them.

Don't let them in,

Don't let them see,

Be the good boy

You always have to be.

Conceal, don't feel,

Put on a show...

Martin picked up his keys with his ungloved hand; they frosted over instantly.

Make one wrong move,

And everyone will know.

But it's only for today.

He put on his gloves again – picking up his spare keys.

Arthur polished his shoes energetically.

It's only for today!

Martin got into his van and drove towards the airfield.

It's agony to wait.

Arthur parked his car and ran to his mother, Douglas and Martin.

It's agony to wait!

Carolyn cleared her throat.

Tell the guards to open up... the gate!

Martin and Arthur continued in their heads as Mr Birling walked towards them.

For the first time in forever

Don't let them in, don't let them see...

I'm getting what I'm dreaming of

Be the good boy you always have to be...

Mr Birling shook Douglas' hand.

A chance to change the name calling

Conceal...

He shook Carolyn's hand too.

A chance to stop crawling...

Conceal, don't feel,

Don't let them know!

Birling shook Arthur's hand as the steward held himself upright in correct posture.

I know it all ends tomorrow,

So it has to be today!

'Cause for the first time in forever...

For the first time in forever...

Nothing's in my way!

The moment of truth. Martin clasped the old man's hand in his ungloved one and almost sighed in relief when it didn't turn into ice; but he could feel how cold they were going.

"Your hands are freezing, boy. I see why you keep them on if you're hiding those blocks of ice under there!" Martin tried his best not to grimace, "Oh well, no time. Off we go!"

As the crew climbed into GERTI, Martin hoped and prayed he could keep control.