Author's note: Usually I am not a big fan of posting fanfictions while still writing them. But since this is a Christmas story, I don't want to miss the opportunity to let you guys actually read it during the Advent and Christmas time. And anyway, it is already completely scripted. So, I am hopeful to finish it by Christmas eve… Enjoy and have yourself a merry little Christmas, =^.^=.

P.S.: I re-uploaded this story, simply because I made slight changes to the composition of the first chapter.

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When Mikhail entered the bridge of the Marsanes he stopped dead in his tracks. There was a tall tree standing in the center of the room, just a few feet from Lora's dead and frozen body, as if to give her the best view of it.

He entered cautiously, expecting a jester – most likely Akhos – to jump at him and yell 'Surprise'. But nothing the like did happen.

"What the…?", Mikhail murmured to himself, looking at the tree.

It was a fir tree, alright. Green branches. Freshly cut and put in a nicely painted bucket. The smell of fir needles hung in the air.

Mikhail surrounded the tree in wonder. It was not just the tree. On it someone had hung small ball ornaments, red and golden, shining bright, reflecting Mikhail's image. On the top of the tree a golden star was stuck, beautiful to look at. A thin golden chain was wrapped around the tree, going in circles from top to bottom. And as if this would not already top it all, there were red candles placed on the thicker branches.

Mikhail circled the tree, counting. Twelve candles. As if…?

He went to the communication console and hit a button. "O-kay, everyone", he started drawling, "Which one of you did it…?"

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(The Marsanes/Not long after…)

They all stood in front of the tree. For a little while there was an awe-stricken silence. Then Malos shrugged, "So… it's a tree."

"On my bridge", Mikhail said.

"Pretty dressed up", Akhos added.

"But what's the fuss?", Patroka asked.

"It's a tree", Mikhail said persistently. "There should not be a tree on my bridge."

"It is a Christmas tree", Jin stated. A silence followed his words. His calm voice meant the end of any further discussion.

"A Christmas tree." Malos repeated finally sounding rather clueless. "Which means?"

Jin exchanged a look with Mikhail, who reacted defensively and shook his head. Jin extended his right arm and touched one of the ball ornaments as in thought.

"I was once told that there is a very old tradition", he finally explained, "of an evergreen tree to be put in your house on a certain holiday. Children would decorate it and, in the evening, get presents… if they had been nice."

"Well then no presents for Akhos", Patroka said.

Malos laughed.

"Why me?", Akhos asked acting enraged. "When had any of you been nice lately? I have been the one preparing the meals."

"And I had to do a lot of cleaning after you", Patroka parried.

"Well, I have been busy working on the Marsanes", Mikhail added.

All three of them looked at Malos. The Aegis lifted his arms defensively. "Hey, so what…?" He turned to Jin. "Would you please say something?"

"Actually", Jin started slowly. "If I remember correctly, it also included no arguments or fighting on that special day."

"Meaning?", Malos asked, torn between being puzzled and amused.

"Meaning, I think, it might be a good idea."

"The part about not arguing and fighting?", Mikhail asked.

"You can give me presents", Patroka said. "I won't complain."

"Pastry and cookies were part of it, too", Jin went on, sounding as if he was mainly speaking to himself. "And a… punch."

"A… punch?" Malos sounded as if he considered whether Jin finally was cracking up.

"It's a drink with alcohol and… spices, I think."

"Well, that sounds like fun", Malos commented. "And if you do some pastries and cookies, too, well… you have my blessing for this Christmas tree special celebration day thing."

"Now, that raises my interest, too", Akhos mused. "An ancient tradition…"

"But", Mikhail was gesturing wildly. Not one of them seemed to get the point. "Who. Put. It. Here?"

"Looks like no-one did." There was the hint of a smile on Jin's lips. "I suppose that's the wonder of Christmas."