A/N: An imagined Christmas subplot as a series of short scenes taking place toward the end of the first season of Babylon 5.
Somewhat Less than a Fortnight
"Ambassador Delenn, this is a reminder you will have a package aboard the shuttle arriving in thirty minutes" the audio only announcement came over the monitor.
"Thank you." she acknowledged from her seat "arrange to have it delivered to my quarters please." She reached over and picked up the note she had received a few days previously and read it again.
Ambassador Delenn, I have done as you wished and spent the allocated funds for cultural exchange before the deadline set by the counsel. As you know, the deadline was fast approaching so I searched for an appropriate occasion to observe near the end of the year based on the commander's home world. It will involve observance over many days, but I hope it will bring greater understanding between all the peoples on Babylon 5. Unfortunately the items I am sending will arrive somewhat early and I regret that I will not be there personally, but I will return in three weeks and you can brief me on their reception. In peace, Lennier of the Third Fane of Chimodo.
Delenn folded the note again. Although a novitiate, her aide was quite capable and in the short time they had worked together she came to feel he was someone she could trust. She wondered what could be arriving, and although her curiosity was great she managed to busy herself with various tasks at her terminal until her door chimed.
"Enter."
The door opened and a large man stood with an electronic clipboard. "Ambassador Delenn?" he asked.
"I am."
"This arrived on the shuttle." He walked back out the door for a moment, then returned pulling low cart. On its flat surface lay a large pot, with a bare tree planted in the center.
"You brought me some sticks?"
"What, they don't have trees where you come from?" he asked.
"Our trees have leaves. Did these fall off?" she wondered out loud as she looked closer. There was a note attached which she retrieved and opened up.
Delenn, this item starts off the Earth holiday known as Christmas. The tree I have sent is a fruit tree, even though the tradition requires it to be given while it is currently in its dormant phase during the holiday. The porous wooden bowl you see in its branches is part of the tradition. The next item will arrive tomorrow, as they are traditionally timed to appear at 24 hour intervals. Yours in service, Lennier.
"So where do you want it, Ambassador?"
Delenn thought quickly; she didn't have space for it in her quarters, and it really should be shared where others could see and experience it. "I think I know a place in the observational gardens that would be perfect. Let me show you" she offered as she led the man outside and down the hall.
In a small open area within a group of hedges, Delenn indicated where the pot could be placed. With some effort the man slid the pot off of the lowered cart until it plopped on the soft ground. As he straightened his back with some visible effort, a smaller man hailed them from a short distance away. "George!" the new arrival yelled as he approached.
"What is it Frank?"
Frank held out a box. "This was supposed to go with the tree" he gasped as he tried to recover from his rush to catch up. While he and George discussed whether or not the two items belonged together, Delenn opened the box that had long slits in the side. With a rush of wind and a burst of noise, a bird flew out of the box and circled above for a moment before settling in the branches of the bare tree.
"If it wasn't yours before, it is now" George declared, and walked off with Frank.