Of course, the week after, when he was back to shoving around large items of furniture when the temperature was in the negatives, his lungs seemed to have forgotten they were supposed to be improving.
He barely finished moving a dining room table, and went home to collapse on his bed, sleeping for eleven straight hours, and almost being late for a flight. And even when he awoke, he was still exhausted, his throat was raw from coughing, his chest was aching like he'd pulled something, and he felt feverish.
The perfect start to a day that would be filled with flying to yet another, colder country. Martin thought it wasn't possible, but when he arrived at the airfield, Arthur was pleased to inform his that the weather in Bodo, Norway was at a balmy negative four degrees Celsius, not including wind chill. (And considering it was one of the windiest cities in Norway, that was sort of important.)
"D'you think we'll see polar bears?"
Martin frowned. "What?"
"Polar bears. Do you think we'll see any?"
Martin rubbed his forehead. It felt hot to him, but considering his hands were freezing, it didn't mean much.
"I... I honestly don't know Arthur. I wouldn't get too excited through. They are rather shy."
"Like camels?"
"Yes," he agreed. Content with that answer, Arthur skipped off.
Martin sighed and collapsed in his flight chair.
"You're looking awful," a voice boomed.
Martin tried not to jump, but couldn't help it.
"Oh, thank you Douglas. As observant as ever." He sat up a bit, as if that would make him look better, rather than just help along the dizziness he was feeling.
"Oh, don't be so childish," Douglas scoffed. "I did go to medical school, remember? Besides, I have a daughter. I can tell when someone's ill. And I rather don't want to be trapped in a metal box with you while you throw your germs this way and that with every exhale." He threw his bag on his seat as he said that.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'll have you know I'd rather not be here as well," Martin snapped. "But the client we're picking up tomorrow is a rather important one and he expects two pilots."
"Martin, I was merely making an observation."
"Well next time, keep it to yourself!" he snapped.
Martin hadn't meant to be so mean, but he was sick and tired of Douglas pushing him around. Not to mention a headache was already building.
It was going to be a long flight.
The first two hours crawled by. The word game was dull because Douglas was winning (by an awful lot, which was hardly unexpected), and more so because Martin couldn't be bothered to play.
"Come on Martin, it's no fun doing it on my own," Douglas said in a tone that seemed rather close to whining. If Douglas was the whining sort. And if he was around eleven years old. Which he wasn't.
"I don't know any," he said simply, exhausted enough by the effort of keeping his eyes open. He wasn't willing to spend any excess on... what were they playing again?
He doubted Douglas believed that. It was true of course, but wasn't the real reason.
"Less than an hour left to go. Then you can have a nap at the hotel. You're hardly looking fit for flying."
Martin couldn't even argue.
"I just need some sleep."
"Martin, this is just a suggestion, but perhaps you should go to a doctor."
Martin scowled at Douglas. "Of course I know that. It's just between the flying and the man with a van job I have so little time. I'm sure I'll get over it soon."
Douglas examined Martin as he coughed again after that little speech. "And the sun is going to burn out soon."
"Is it really?" Arthur chirped, arriving with the tea.
Douglas rolled his eyes. "No Arthur. That's the whole point."
"Right! I totally get it."
Martin eyed Arthur as he handed him his tea. "Do you get it?" he asked skeptically.
"Not at all. I just like saying that."
Douglas smirked. "That will be all for now Arthur, thank you."
"He's disgustingly cheery for someone who's going to Bodo," Martin noted bitterly, sipping at his tea.
"Oh, you know him. Always happy to take part in the miracle of flying."
"And he's convinced he'll see a polar bear."
Douglas snorted. "Is he now? Well."
The rest of the flight crawled by.