passengers-jon-spaihts

34.JIM (CONT’D)Don’t even think about it.(astonished at himself)I’m shaving off my beard.CORRIDORJim exits his cabin in his coveralls, carrying his toolbox.He finds a squadron of housekeeping robots waiting outside.He taps the “PLEASE SERVICE” button beside his door.The robots zoom inside with squeals of joy.HIBERNATION BAY - AURORA’S PODJim stands in front of Aurora: toolbox in one hand, thetechnical manual in the other. He’s breathing hard.He sets the toolbox down. Opens the manual. It’s denselyannotated in Jim’s handwriting.He opens the pod’s cover panel and goes to work, followingthe steps in his manual. His hands shake.He starts to close a final contact.Stops.Gets to his feet. Stands looking at Aurora.Quickly he kneels and completes the circuit. Pulls his handsaway as if the metal had burned him.Okay.JIMAurora’s pod hums. Medical data flows across its screen. Hervital signs re-start. Her pale skin flushes with color.Jim beats a retreat.AURORA’S PODAurora’s perfect lips part. She takes a shallow breath - andthen a deep one. Her chest rises and falls.Her thighs shift as she bends her knees. The sensors on herbody drop off and withdraw into the pod.She opens her eyes. They’re beautiful.Her pod’s backrest flexes, scooping up her knees as itbecomes a seat. A video screen drops in front of her.