Void mummification

While the true details are lost to history, the Vardan believe that at some point in the past their people realized the effects of the Void of space upon an unprotected body, mainly how the fluids rapidly boiled out, leaving a dried husk.   When living on board a spacecraft, the decomposition of dead loved ones causes multiple problems for the health and safety of the living, while many of the planets on their trade routes had laws against disposing of bodies in populated space. Without a territory to call their own, the Vardan were often at the mercy of local planetary laws when disposing of the remains of dead Kin, forcing them to rely upon other people's customs even and leaving them often unable to follow their own traditions.   But the bodies in space did not decompose, and from there the idea formed to store the bodies of loved ones outside the ship, within the Void of space, until they could be safely and respectfully handled. Due to the desiccated nature of the corpses after this treatment, the practice came to be known as Void mummification.

Mourning

Mourning is a communal affair, particularly among the Vardan. All available Clan-Kin are offered a chance to say their goodbyes, with working shifts shortened for the day of the viewing, requiring only the bare minimum needed to keep the Clan's ships operational and effective. Traders are still expected to perform their duties with the planet, although those with a close personal relationship to the deceased may request someone else handle their responsibilities, particularly those dealing with negotiations and potential customers.  

Mummification

After a full day of viewing, the corpse is prepared for mummification, secured in the airlock of the ship while the doors are opened to the Void. For most species this simply means strapping the deceased to one of the side walls, away from the potential traffic of cargo and people, although fae are typically secured inside a mesh bag to ensure the Void is permitted access to their body without risking damage from the sudden loss of pressure. When possible, the Vardan prefer to face the open airlock toward the nearest star, although given different planetary laws on orbits and the varying configurations of Vardan ships, this is not always possible.  

Transport

If the mummification is intended as a temporary measure until the next stop, where a more permanent disposal of the body will be arranged, it will be left in place until the Clan is ready. In some cases, however, Void mummification is meant as a longer term, or even a permanent resting place. If a Clan feels particularly attached to the deceased individual, as in the case of a beloved Caravan Lead or a Kin who went above and beyond for the Clan, they may choose to keep the deceased's body on the outside of their ship, or transport the body for disposal in a specific and sentimental star system. In these cases several spacesuited members of the Clan will escort the body into the airlock, spacewalking the corpse to a designated spot outside their ship where they will secure it for the trip. After ever hop to a new system one or several kin will check any bodies stored outside the ship, reinforcing them or adjusting them as needed to ensure they remain as intact as possible.  

Cultural Meaning

While this tradition may seem barbaric to some, to the Vardan, it is a great sign of respect. The Void of space is a respected entity, the gestational parent of the entire universe. As all life came from the Void, so too does all life return to the Void in death. But to those who left a lasting impression on the living, a piece of their memory will forever remain with their Clan.   As a people the Vardan are efficient, not prone to hauling cargo any further than absolutely necessary, and hesitant to cause themselves additional work without suitable dividends. Continuing to transport their loved ones, secured between the ship and the Void, is seen as a way to show their departed kin their importance to the Clan, even after their death.