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.

9. Chapter 9

"We can't perform our dance" the woman in the red dress bemoaned. "Mary injured her ankle on the ramp leaving the ship and the doctor told her to keep off of it for 24 hours. We're supposed to dance tonight."

Inanova seemed skeptical. "Then just perform with eight dancers instead of nine" she told Andie Provst, leader of the dance troupe Lennier had sent to the station.

"It won't work; the numbers won't match when we break into triplets."

"Then get another dancer; the station has some entertainers that are...quite limber, from what little I've seen."

"If we had time to teach someone new, then that would be the answer. But there's no way we can teach someone from scratch and still maintain our standard. We'll just have to pack up our kokoshniks and head home."

"Kokoshniks? Real kokoshniks? I haven't seen any of those in years" the Lt. Commander smiled. "I don't suppose you're going to wear a sarafan with it?"

"Of course. You know about them?"

"Oh yes, I had to wear them when I was forced to learn traditional folk dancing. My papa was so proud; I looked the part better than I danced it."

Andie brightened. "It's nice to talk to someone who has appreciation for our work. You know the Khorovod?"

"Oh yes. I think I just barely managed to keep from flattening anybody's toes when we performed it. My brother did the Barynya, I did the Khorovod." She giggled. "Good thing I became a soldier instead of a dancer."

"Maybe, but tonight you will dance with us! You will be our ninth dancer, because we are doing the Khorovod!"

"No. No no no. No way. Never."

"Yes, you must."

"I can't! I haven't danced it in almost 15 years, I'll be too rusty." Ivanova looked around. "Besides, I can't have people see me dancing. I have a reputation" she continued in a lower voice.

"No, it's settled. You will dance with us. We will costume you so that no one will recognize you, and we have time to practice to get the rust off. It will be good for the station, and good for relations. If you are scheduled to work I can ask your Commander Sinclair for permission."

"NO! Um, that won't be necessary" she said nervously. "The less people that know about it, the better. You can guarantee no one will recognize me?"

"It will be perfect; no one will know but us" Andie assured her.

"Then, I agree on one condition; if anyone finds out I will hunt all of you down and kill you and it will be no ladies dancing."