Exposition
In the section you just finished, the author filled us in on some of the background. That's called exposition. "Exposition" is a literary term that means the "explanation." And usually stories that start in media res must pause at some point to give you exposition. So what did the author explain?
Interestingly, we also learn why Dirk was crying earlier. Do you remember that? When the emergency pod first launched from the mother ship, we got this description:
And suddenly we’re free. My vision returns as a bright point, but gradually expands to reveal the faces of my companions. Tears stream down the blond boy’s face, and I’m not sure if it’s fear, relief, or too many Gs that are making him cry.
Also, we get more hints about what happened back on Earth.
Dirk seems anxious to get right down to business:
“So I’ll just go ahead and say it: we need to start making babies.” Damn, Dirk! Haven't you ever heard of candlelight and soft music? Jesse, at least, is willing to wait a few days. What a gentleman!
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But Eva is having doubts. Unlike Dirk's twin sister, who was looking forward to the "adventure" of having lots of kids, Eva is not so sure she wants to "pop out a baby every nine months."
There's one more detail I hope you didn't overlook: When Jesse and Eva find the supply capsule, they salvage—among other things—a medical kit that includes a syringe marked "sterilization."
Gosh, do you think this might be another instance of foreshadowing?
Gosh, do you think this might be another instance of foreshadowing?