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There's nothing left for the crew to do but wait for their trajectory to carry them back to Earth. The temperature continues to fall. Ice forms on the windows. Condensation forms on everything else. When it comes time to power the Command Module back up for the final approach, there is some concern that all the moisture may have caused short circuits in the electrical systems. Luckily, that doesn't prove to be the case.
Mission Control approves the separation of the Command Module from the damaged Service Module. As the large cylindrical Service Module moves away the astronauts have their first view of the damage it has suffered. The evidence of damage extending up to where the Command Module heatshield rested is a cause for concern. If the heat shield was damaged during the explosion, then the Command Module will burn up during reentry.
As the Odyssey and Aquarius approach Earth, Mission Control gives the order to evacuate the LEM and separate the spacecraft. The Command Module streaks towards the Earth with its precious cargo of three astronauts.
Finally, the Command Module is ready to reenter the Earth's Atmosphere. The guidance system is online running off of batteries and prepared to maneuver the capsule to its rendevouz with the recovery fleet. Nobody knows if the heat shield is intact and able to protect the astronauts from the heat of reentry.
