Airborn

Walken assures the passengers, who assemble on the beach, that the Aurora will fly as soon as the repairs are finished. In the meantime, passengers have been asked to disembark to make the ship as light as possible. He cautions, however, that nonessential possessions will likely need to be left behind when they take flight again. The captain urges the passengers to stay near the ship.

Matt is torn between his concern for the Aurora and his fear that the island may have inhabitants who prove unfriendly. He is annoyed that he is assigned to ensure the passengers are comfortable instead of helping repair the ship. Matt persistently tries to help even after his shift ends; the chief steward, Mr. Lisbon, eventually orders him to get some sleep, which makes Matt feel like a chastened child. He struggles to sleep, dislikes being on the ground, and wakes after fitful dreams. He rises and joins Baz and Bruce on their search for fresh water, as much of the Aurora’s reserves were dumped during their descent. He notices the similar age between Bruce and Baz and once more feels too young. He discusses Bruce’s struggles during the previous night’s misadventure, feeling guilty for prodding the older boy when Bruce humbly recognizes his inexperience.