The passage is actually a description. The speaker describes the personality and passion of the Challenger crew.
The speaker stated in his description that they were daring, brave and possessed special grace. He further describes the type of passion they had; one that wished to serve. They were hungry to explore the universe. The speaker also describes the crew as pioneers.
It refers to the mixed feelings the boys had but they feared
Jack and obeyed his commands. Jack
recognized this and despite their mixed feelings, Jack made them do what he
ordered them to do despite this to assert his control.
