<span>to direct actions that take place onstage
This stage direction would serve the purpose of directing several actions and character choices. First of all, the actor playing the sheriff would know that he should move away from the stove and unbutton his coat. Also, he would know to change his body language so that it looked like he was trying to be more official. </span>
King using the phrase "flight's ground crew" refers to the people who have sacrificed a lot to make the freedom movement take flight. They are the people who have given their all but are not recognized for their sacrifices.
