MJN Airlines - Fitton Airport
A few days later
"Skip," Arthur interjects cautiously, breaking into Martin's troubled thoughts. "Mum and I were just wondering if you'd like to join us after work."
Martin glances at his wristwatch, noting the time of day. "I've got this job on, so I really can't make it," he says gently, reaffirming the approaching hour that was agreed upon.
"Another job?" Arthur's voice carries a hint of disbelief, quite uncharacteristic of him.
"Yes," Martin replies warily. "If I'm not here, then I've got my hands full with other things."
"I was wondering if you ever have any time off, would you ever want to spend it with me and Mum?" Arthur asked, suspicion evident in his tone.
Martin took a few seconds to mull over Arthur's question before answering. "...If my schedule is ever clear, and I doubt it will be, I'll let you know. But I've got important things to do right now."
Arthur fidgeted a bit in his chair, his eyes shifting between his piping hot cup of tea and Martin, who looked unsettled and rather tired as they waited for Carolyn and Douglas to return from their excursion.
"Douglas and I just wanted to know, ever since you fainted, are you okay?" Arthur inquired, his curiosity piqued by Martin's unusual lack of vigor. His captain's face was pale, and despite appearing strung out and worn out, he maintained his remarkable ability to tolerate the male steward's brief round of questioning.
"...I, uh..." Martin replied, sounding more shy than fearful when confronted with the reality of his situation.
"I was just wondering since-" Arthur began to say in a rushed breath before Martin abruptly cut his sentence short.
"I know, Arthur... after I collapsed, will you please let it go?" Martin said, warily. His voice carried a note of anger as he settled uncomfortably into his chair. It seemed as though the conversation was bothering him, which aligned with Arthur's suspicions.
"So you're not okay?" Arthur burst out with excitement, as if he had just stumbled upon a grand secret. "You're not as okay as you claim to be?" He watched Martin closely, seeking confirmation of the conclusion he had drawn.
"Did Douglas put you up to this?" Martin asked, gasping slightly. His tired eyes fixed on Arthur, who was trying his best to navigate the delicate topic of Martin's well-being.
"He's genuinely worried about you!" Arthur raised his voice, the sound echoing in the small portacabin.
"Douglas worried about me? Well, I'm shocked," Martin retorted, managing a faint smile despite his pale complexion. "...I never thought I'd see the day."
"He's worried that something bad's going to happen to you one of these days if you don't start looking after yourself," Arthur exclaimed, his voice a mixture of worry and desperation.
Martin leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms against his chest. "I'd like to see him try," he replied, as though he was inviting Douglas to challenge his autonomy and authority as the captain of Gerti, MJN Air's vessel.
"Martin, please think about what you're saying," Arthur urged gently, trying in vain to guide Martin back from the brink. "You need someone to help you! How long do you think you can keep this up before-"
"Before what?" Martin interjected, his voice low and serious, leaving the unanswerable question hanging in the air. It was a moment of contemplation for both Arthur and Martin, as they grappled with the weight of Arthur's tone and the impact of the problems that had led Martin down this path of self-sabotage.
"...I just..." Arthur began, his thought momentarily snuffed out like a flame, only to be reignited with righteous anger. "No... nobody wants to see you get hurt!" he revealed. His tone was a mixture of shock, hurt, and deep concern, even though it was based on mere speculation.
Martin was stunned into silence as another tense moment rolled past them before he replied, his voice filled with uncertainty and vulnerability. "...Arthur...I...I just...just don't know..." His eyes shimmered with tears as he further contemplated the uncertain future of his well-being and his failing health. He was unsure how he was supposed to cope with the hand he had been dealt, and despite Arthur, Douglas, and Carolyn having taken it upon themselves to look after him, he was too stubborn to accept their help.
"Skip, it's okay." Arthur says, his voice a soothing balm. "...we just want to help you."
"...I just... I don't know what to do." Martin managed to say between breaths. His voice trembled with fear and worry as he grappled with the 'what ifs' that might unfold if he continued to lose all control over his life and his precarious livelihood.
"Skip... Skip, please..." Arthur's voice trailed off, uncertain of how to finish the sentence as he did his best to offer comfort to his captain.
Arthur stood up from his chair when he saw Martin bury his face in his hands. The male steward knelt beside Martin, placing a friendly hand upon his knee as his captain trembled, his emotional walls crumbling.