Commander Steve Hagen had been one of their instructors, but the rest of the crew— pilot Hank Redmond and mission specialists John Griffin, Lydia Danes, and Vanessa Ford— are the people Joan’s come up with, trained with, learned how to do this job alongside. They are more than just her friends; some of them are her family. And her complicated histories with each of them are part of what is going to make her the exact CAPCOM they need today, but also the very last person who should have to do the job."
-- Narration (December 29th 1984)

Importance: This quote highlights the emotional stakes of the crisis aboard the Navigator, emphasizing Joan’s personal connection to the crew. It explores the theme of chosen family, showing how years of shared training and experience have formed bonds stronger than friendship. It also reflects Joan’s dual role as both emotionally invested and professionally capable: her...