Prologue
Delenn had spent her entire life an outcast among her own people. She had been born with long flowing hair, something not seen among the Minbari society. She had cramps every month, and unlike other Minbari, did not excrete fluids to keep her body cleansed. So, it was surprising when she decided to take up the paths of enlightenment and follow the teaching of Valen. She became an acolyte for the Minbari, using what had been taught her to improve the lives of others.
When she passed through Temple, she was given the rare choice of choosing which order she would join. It was even rarer surprise when she defied all logic and protocol and choose to join the Tenth Fane of Elleya. It was this order that Dukhat was a part of.
Dukhat, greatest of all Minbari. One of the greatest minds to have ever lived. Enlightened, not given to selfish indulgences. Calm and peaceful minded. It was he who prompted the Minbari to explore the stars more fully, and make contact with the other races. But, he also headed the Grey Council, that most secret and sacred of groups of the Minbari. And it was on the Grey Council's ship, the Fey'lar that he met Delenn.
"Do not be so naive Trulark," Dukhat said to the younger man as they walked through the halls of the ship, "Our only chance to not only survive but also expand is to make contact with outsiders."
The younger Minbari shook his head vigorously. "Dukhat," he said, trying to reason with his leader, "The other races are violent. Dangerous."
"Is our race any different?" Dukhat retorted, "Whenever the passions of our people are enflamed, we become a danger not only to those around us, but to ourselves."
"Of course," Trulark said, "But this race you wish for us to make contact with..."
"Humans," Dukhat volunteered.
"Humans," Trulark nodded, "We know nothing of them besides they defeated the Dilgar."
"That is reason enough for us to make contact with them," Dukhat said, stopping and turning to the younger man, "I know of no race that has its hands as bloodied as the Dilgar. Their destruction can only benefit the universe at large. Now, go get me this Delenn, or do I need to do so myself?"
Trulark bit his tongue but bowed his head. "I will see to it."
Delenn stood in a room, metal bars making the room look more of a cage then a living space. Sitting by her was a man. She had seen this man many times in her dreams, with graying hair and a mustache that encircled his lips. He was no Minbari, but she had never gotten around to asking his name or race. She simply knew him. Simply as The One. A very good friend.
"I finally met him," she told her dreamy quest.
"Oh?" the man asked, the interesting almost flat tone of his accent nothing like she had ever heard before.
"Yes," she nodded, "Dukhat stood next to me."
"Did he say anything?" her friend asked.
"We are going to be making contact with a race soon," she said, her joy even in her dream state reaching uncontrollable heights, "First contact! I am so excited."
"First contact can be dangerous," he reminded her, "If done improperly, bad things can happen."
"This race we are meeting seems to catch Dukhat's eye," she said, "They defeated a very dangerous race recently."
"Oh really?" The One asked, "Tell me, was this race the Dilgar?"
"Yes," she said confused, "How do you know?"
"My race was that race," he told her, "My people are called Humans."
"Really," she said, a smile creeping across her face. While surprised to be sure, it was reassuring to know that this man was a representative of a race she was going to help make first contact with.
"Delenn," a hand shook her awake, "Get up. We are closing to communications range. And you have some knowledge of this Human race."
Delenn opened her eyes and blinked once. Alright. She was coming.