Ep. 43: The Orion faces mechanical failure and a sandstorm while the crew struggles with dwindling supplies and internal conflict.

43

The Orion moves slowly through a desert as sand clogs the engine room, requiring Shingo and Chako to perform repairs. During a break, the group eats lunch while realizing their food and water reserves are critically low. Sharla attempts to boost morale by displaying a crystallized sand flower, but Howard destroys it in frustration. Adam discovers Sharla has been secretly sharing her water ration with others and informs Luna, though Sharla assures her she is fine. A sudden sandstorm destabilizes the gravity control unit, forcing Kaoru to halt the ship. As the vessel sinks into quicksand, the children evacuate, but Sharla falls back aboard. Howard and Bell attempt a rescue, only for both to vanish into the sand, leaving Bell holding Howard's jacket as the Orion disappears.