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.

7. Chapter 7

"Where are the swans, Vir?" Delenn asked in a very forceful manner. The diplomatic assistant to Londo Mollari cowered in response.

"What swans, Ambassador?" Vir Cotto meekly asked. His hands came up near his throat as if in a defensive gesture. It really was unfair; he was browbeaten enough by his boss so he certainly didn't need any additional assaults.

"You know very well what swans I'm talking about. Lennier sent seven of them for this Christmas observance and when I came down to claim them they've suddenly disappeared, shortly after a visit from a certain assistant to the Centauri ambassador."

"Maybe they wandered away" Vir suggested, hoping the explanation would be sufficient, although even if it had been a good excuse the delivery lacked any conviction. "Maybe they developed sentience" he added with a fake laugh "and escaped before they were going to be eaten."

"Vir, they were not going to be eaten. I think all we're supposed to do is enjoy looking at them because Lennier said they supposed to be swimming."

"That explains it!" he shouted. "I knew there had to be a reason!"

"Explains what?"

"Oh, um, well...okay, please don't get mad ambassador." In Vir's experience asking for someone not to get mad never worked, but it didn't hurt to try. "It's just that when I saw these swan creatures they were such beautiful animals I couldn't bear the idea of them being eaten so I freed them."

"Freed them?"

"Freed them. From captivity. I managed to take their cages and get them transported to the gardens without anyone asking any questions."

"So what explains what then?"

"Well, when I released them in the garden they immediately went to the little pools and started floating on the surface. They seemed happy so I left them there. If you think they looked perfect before, you should see them in the water. Do you have any idea what they eat?"

"No Vir, I don't have any idea but I'll tell you what - you can keep them and take care of them by finding out for yourself. I'm tired of birds, and if Lennier sends any more I'll throw him into one of the pools too."