Martin gave the aging van some more gas, pressing the pedal all the way to the floor before the engine finally gave out with its last exhaustive, dying sputter. The van came to a halt on Parkside Terrace. The luminous glow of a warm afternoon sun was quickly setting behind the tree lines.

With a heavy sigh, Martin's hand fell from the ignition as the van's engine emitted its final sputter before falling into silence. He tried one last time, but the key only met resistance, confirming what he already feared: his van had finally given up, and with it, his moving gig, Icarus Removal. The weight of disappointment settled on his shoulders, and he found himself staring at the van's steering wheel, lost in thoughts of what to do next.

After the van finally broke down, Martin found himself at a crossroads. He spent the next few days trying to figure out a way to fix or replace it, but his finances were already stretched thin, and he couldn't afford a new vehicle.

With no income he couldn't afford even the most basic of necessities while living in the small, cramped attic that passed for a room.

MJN Airlines Office - Fitton Airport

"Morning, Douglas," Martin says, sounding tired and irritated. His stomach cramps as he stares into his mug of coffee, mulling over his misfortune.

"Martin..." Douglas says, his voice concerned and surprised. He pauses, searching for the right words before continuing in a lower voice. "...you don't look well."

Martin, in the midst of trying to quell a pounding headache, simply nods in response.

"Is there anything you'd like to tell me?" Douglas asked, his tone inquisitive as he studied his captain's tired face.

"No, nothing important," Martin replied, his voice softening as he took a cautious sip of his morning coffee. "I'm just feeling a bit tired today."

Douglas frowned slightly, sensing that there was more to it than Martin was letting on. "Are you sure there's nothing more going on? You don't look well, and you've seemed a bit off lately."

Martin hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Well, there is one thing," he admitted reluctantly. "I've been feeling a bit under the weather for the past week or so, and I haven't had much of an appetite."

"Under the weather?" Douglas repeated, concern evident in his eyes. "Have you seen a doctor?"

Martin shook his head. "Not yet. I thought it would pass, but it's been lingering."

Douglas reached out to place a hand on Martin's shoulder. "You shouldn't ignore your health, Martin. It's important to get checked out, especially if you're not feeling well."

Arthur would follow close behind his mother, Carolyn, who entered the portacabin. Carolyn's eyes settled upon Douglas first, and she greeted him with a warm smile. "Douglas, how lovely to see you."

Douglas returned the smile, a touch of mischief in his eyes. "Ah, Carolyn, the pleasure is all mine, as always."

Arthur chimed in, unable to resist teasing his first officer. "Douglas is always thrilled to see you, Mother. I think he'd be lost without your charming presence."

Carolyn chuckled and playfully swatted at Arthur's arm. "Oh, hush, you. You're just as thrilled to see him as well."

Arthur feigned innocence, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Who, me? Never."

Douglas rolled his eyes good-naturedly, enjoying the banter between mother and son. "You two are incorrigible."

Carolyn smiled warmly at both Arthur and Douglas. "Well, I'm glad to see you both. Douglas, I need you to look over the flight schedules for next week and make sure everything is in order. And Arthur, I'll need your help with some paperwork later."

Arthur sighed dramatically. "Paperwork? You know how much I despise it."

"I know, but it has to be done," Carolyn replied with a firm tone.

Arthur grinned and gave in. "Alright, alright, I'll help."

"Martin," Carolyn said, her tone hesitant as she glanced at her captain, who seemed unbothered by their conversation. "What's wrong?"

Douglas chimed in, "A bit under the weather."

"Nothing to worry about," Martin affirmed, attempting to smile but failing to hide the hint of sadness in his eyes. He released a small, depressive sigh under his breath.

As the conversation continued, Martin stayed seated in his chair, listening to Carolyn and Douglas exchange small talk. Douglas couldn't help but spare a few more suspicious glances back at his captain, sensing that something was amiss. However, Martin made a conscious effort not to draw any more attention to himself, hoping to avoid raising any further concerns.

Martin's mind was a whirlwind of emotions and worries, but he didn't want to burden Carolyn and Douglas with his problems. He knew they cared about him deeply, but he couldn't bring himself to share his struggles just yet. He tried to convince himself that he could handle everything on his own, even though he felt like he was crumbling inside.

As the day progressed, Martin's exhaustion and lack of appetite became more evident, but he stubbornly brushed off any questions about his well-being. He was determined to keep up the facade and not let anyone see his vulnerability.

He was determined to find a solution to this problem without Carolyn or Douglas's help whatsoever.