The fact that the cargo elevator has been reconfigured into a cargo ramp is never explicitly mentioned in dialogue. The first visual indication that this is a thing that has happened is panel three of Fire -30-, which shows completely raised rear supports. Panel two of Fire -31- shows the port forward side, with the ramp component locked into place. Xand likely ran through the procedure while Ornix and Thad were suiting up.
The pod, even loaded, is very light. And possibly held in place by a magnet in the cargo ramp, as well as the space-age bungee cords. It definitely wouldn’t stay in place if the Daedalus were zipping through atmosphere or anywhere near a gravity well, but under current conditions the pod is secure enough.
Wednesday – The pod spreads its wings!
