Somewhat Less than a Fortnight

by Random Guise

Countless millions who celebrate Christmas know the song "The 12 Days of Christmas"; non-humans might not be aware of it, including a pair of Minbari. A series of connected scenes to play out over 12 (13 now) days; think of it as a subplot to a normal episode. I don't own these characters, but I have at least a dozen demented recordings of the song. All 13 days up.

3. Chapter 3

"Enter."

Na'Toth, diplomatic assistant to the Narn ambassador G'Kar entered Delenn's quarters holding a coiled metal object which she thrust out at arm's length toward the Minbari. "My apologies," she said curtly "but I...inadvertently opened a crate that belongs to you. Three of these were inside."

Delenn gingerly accepted the complicated apparatus and examined it. "What is it, and how did you come to have it?"

"It was a mistake. We received some information from an informant that it might possibly be a new weapon of some sort, so I opened the crate to ascertain its threat. It appears to be some device designed to produce a sonic attack" Na'Toth stated as she left and brought back two more. Setting one down, she took the other and placed her mouth on one end and blew into it while manipulating some keys or valves. A horrible sound emitted from the object, causing Delenn to drop her item and cover her ears. The sound changed pitch several times and trailed off as the Narn stopped and gasped for breath.

Delenn removed her hands from her ears. "That was horrible, but why would I have sonic weapons delivered to me?" she asked incredulously.

"Unknown. As a weapon it seems ineffective, so perhaps it is in an early testing phase. Since it doesn't harm Narns we'll turn them back over to you with the note that came with them." She handed over a note written in a hand in which Delenn was now getting quite familiar.

Delenn, my research indicated that this phase of the observance required giving the gift of something that translates 'Three French Horns' which are musical instruments. As you have no doubt observed, there is a numerical progression to the quantity of items in the observance, no doubt based on the Earth calendar. In pious observance, Lennier.

"They are Earth musical instruments" Delenn explained to Na'Toth as she placed the horn down carefully.

"Earth? That explains a lot" Na'Toth said flatly. "They must be from their ancient times when torture was more common." With that observance, she turned and left Delenn to ponder just how this could tie into a festive holiday.