THE ROSALYN:

Lo stepped on board the Rosalyn, his first time traveling in the Black since before the War. He looked around keenly before turning to his daughter.

“Make sure the banners are kept packed and they must be stored away from any smell of food.”

“Yes, Pa. I know the drill.” Lo didn’t look directly at her, but continued to glance around the ship.

“Then you also know that when we talk about ceremonial procedures, you must refer to me as Shenfu and not Pa.” Anna quashed her smirk and looked chastened.

“Yes, Shenfu .” Anna turned to continue supervising the loading of the banners and poles. Her father had always taken his priest responsibilities seriously, especially now he was the only one. The role didn’t follow one of the popular official religions, but was their own - a position handed down from the days when they were permanently space-bound. Marriages, baptisms and burial rites, all celebrated in the ways of their ancestors. Her own wedding had been done with Pye ceremony, the only difference being that there was a Christian Shepherd officiating. In older times the Pye Shenfu had performed it all, whether legally recognized or not. With the War and the end of the Pye Fleet, the Shenfu was mainly responsible for keeping the Pye family records and the knowledge of the traditions. Although every Pye she knew had been given the traditional baptism, it was now usually done in batches and was the only thing they had never let slide since the end of the Pye Fleet. Lo was adjusting his bag when he saw David and Sarah Pye and he approached them.

“It’s been a few years, David. I’m just sorry we meet again under these circumstances.” Lo shook his hand warmly. “Tony’s set aside his quarters for us, why don’t we go there?”

“Shall I bring the children?” asked Sarah. Lo smiled kindly, a gentle comforting touch to her arm.

“No. I’ll talk to them individually. Let them enjoy the thrill of sailing in a space ship like their ancestors.” Sarah looked stressed,