This is part of Faranesque's World Building Challenge from r/WorldBuilding. Check out my hub post for details.
Preface: Most of my posts from this point on will likely focus on the crew of the Rōnni and the refugees with them, now I've done some of the cosmic establishment from Day 1.
In today's installment, Captain Koroa oversees the swearing-in of new crewmates to his Ship.
X CEREMONY
"This isn't a choice someone makes lightly."
The main cargo bay of the Rōnni was the only place large enough to accommodate everyone, and even then, it was cramped. Some of the crew were up on the catwalks above, and three of the Maldasi were perched on the support struts above. The erstwhile Demathi refugees were there as well, to see this done.
Some smaller crates had been converted into a sort of makeshift dais, and on this stood Captain Koroa, Keldie am-Wazal, Hankar Martel, and Drazen Scarhide. The captain had clasped his hands behind his back, looking at the two people stood before him. Izzur felt an itch on his scalp beneath the strap for his goggles, but forced himself to ignore it. He was wearing a spare engineering jumpsuit that Etane had lent him, a bit too snug, but serviceable for this. Beside him, Sleita had changed into a new dress which Nerra had found for her, hair still loose down her back, the torc around her neck, its faintly glimmering crystal over her throat. Nerra had given her a pair of shoes, as well, but predictably, the girl had lost them and was barefoot.
Koroa watched the two, then resumed speaking. "Leaving behind your World, leaving behind your People, these are serious matters. It isn't something that just anyone can do. I won't pretend that everyone on my Ship lives free of regret for making the call. But know that making this choice is less about abandoning something, as it is about choosing a different People to be yours."
He gestured with a hand, seeming to encompass the Ship's company as a whole. "When you choose to join our crew, you are choosing to make this Ship your World. This company, your People. Your reasons for dropping your banners are your own. But here among the Rōnni, you have a People who will help you, support you, and fight for you. Come what may, you have chosen to be among the bannerless."
He paused, and extended a hand to the ex-miner, who clasped him by the forearm. "Izzur Eminas." The captain met his eyes firmly. "Will you leave behind your World to join this Ship, to defend her and all who call it Home, to carry your weight and keep her running, and to face the troubles she crosses with courage in your heart?"
Izzur took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "I will." Koroa nodded, and took his other hand to clasp him firmly about the upper arm.
Now the captain turned to the girl with the glimmer of starlight in her eyes. He extended his hand to her, and she followed suit as Izzur had, clasping his forearm. Koroa met that glimmering gaze, speaking a different sort of oath, as befitted someone as different as she. "Sleita Tychaia. Will you leave behind the People you knew to join this Ship, to sail with her throughout the black, to call her company your family, to lend your aid and talents to her good use, wherever our paths shall take us?"
She nodded, face serious. "I will."
He reached out and gripped her upper arm firmly as well, nodding. "Then I, Damas Koroa, as Captain of the Rōnni, welcome you both to our company. You are part of our People now, sailing under no flag." He raised clenched both hands into fists, placing one over his heart, the other in the air. "Godenboraa!"
Around the cargo bay, every member of the Ship's company echoed the gesture, and repeated the phrase. "Godenboraa!"
"Bannerless forever," Koroa intoned, and clapped both of his newest crewmates on their shoulders. "Welcome to your new World."
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