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ASN Humans Are Space Orcs , HFY and other stories

Long Way Home 42

·16 min·1 clip
Jason must stand stoically as his captain faces a formal ceremony for their destroyed ship, the Long Way.
This chapter depicts a ceremonial homecoming for the crew of the Long Way after their ship was destroyed. Jason, the narrator, must stand stoically behind Captain Vincent during a formal recognition ceremony in a shuttle bay. The crew wears specially made attire: Jason in dress whites with chief's rank insignia, Cadet in a Corvian-style pilot uniform, Vincent in a bright blue suit, and the girls in pastel dresses. The ceremony is conducted by Vincent's family, led by his grandparents Iris and an old man, using ritualized dialogue about facing perils and loss. Vincent chokes up while reporting that the Long Way fell in battle, though she died victoriously. After the ceremony, Jason personally says goodbye to the ship's remains, shedding a tear. Journalists immediately press in with questions, and one aggressively questions Vi, who defends Jason's promise to get them home. Isis Magdalene steps in to protect Vi, citing honor. Meanwhile, Rose introduces her sister Brianna to Vincent; Brianna thanks him for saving Rose's life. The George family forms a protective wall around the crew, and the chapter closes with Vincent wanting to spend time with Rose in the crew quarters. The setting includes the massive shuttle bay of the Among the Star-tides We Sing, with a force field holding atmosphere and the wrecked Long Way visible. Themes include grief, honor, family bonds, and the tension between public ceremony and private emotion.

As heard by us

A public ceremony becomes a guarded family moment around the silent Long Way.

Recognition arrives as a public ritual around the damaged Long Way, with Jason standing behind Vincent and fighting tears as the moment goes out across the net.

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Why you'd press play

You stand with Jason behind Vincent, holding back tears in the massive shuttle bay before the silent remains of the Long Way.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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