Date: Tue, 29 Nov 94 17:56:44 -0500 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" Subject: Minbari Ambassador Here's another story I've started on. Thought it might be interesting to see if anyone has been curious about what Sinclair has been doing on Minbar -- before the comic book hits the streets. Let me know what you think. Ambassador to Minbar It was a day much like any other on Minbar. The suns, all three of them, rose from the west, creating a sunrise beyond words. The reds and yellows were especially brilliant this morning; the forecast was for a clear, bright day. However, today, Minbar's first Earth Force Ambassador, Jeffrey Sinclair's head pounded -- a constant reminder of last night's reception. Even though it was his official reception on the Minbar homeworld, his desire to be polite and careful not to offend anyone had left him with a qweezy stomach, a pounding head and a little apprehension about his new position. He had been befriended by Lomar, a senior council member, whose reputation for food and beverage was legendary. This friendship had benefitted the new ambassador greatly, allowing him to learn much in the short time he had been on Minbar. He owed a great deal to Lomar. He had taken quite a personal chance teaching Sinclair about council practices and introducing him to several well-placed Minbari. Though Jeff had been warned about Lomar's love of wine and women, he could do little about his current situation. Some of the things they had had for dinner were just plain weird. This was definitely a job for speedy elka-seltzer! While circumstances concerning his appointment as the first Ambassdor to Minbar were a bit curious, Jeff was a big believer in fate and divine intervention. Coming from Babylon 5 where there had been a very large number of aliens, he was now the alien on a homeworld very, very foreign to him. The tables had been turned significantly. He liked, even enjoyed, the heavy responsibility his new station represented. Afterall, he was the first human the Minbari had allowed to live on their homeworld. While he regretted leaving Babylon 5, something was pulling him in this direction and he was eager to follow. For a moment, Jeff thought of those he had left behind on Babylon 5, especially Garibaldi, Ivanova and Stephen Franklin. He felt he had just started to get it right -- command and leadership -- when he was reassigned to Minbar. While the change had been rather abrupt, everything seemed to be happening very quickly following the assassination of President Santiago. At first, he wasn't sure whether it was just the new President's way of getting rid of him and putting another person on B5 or whether President Clark was taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by getting someone on the Minbari homeworld. His only regret was not having had a chance to say goodbye to those who had given him so much support and friendship on Babylon 5. He tried to keep up with the news on B5, although that wasn't as easy as he had hoped. Stephen had notified him as soon as Garibaldi had regained consciousness and was out of danger. Jeff had tried several times to get a message through, but atmospheric conditions prevented completion of the message. He would try again later. At least he knew Michael was OK and on the mend. Before his departure, Jeff had been told not to interfere in the investigation surrounding the President's death, but he knew Michael Garibaldi would follow-up this matter somehow. It was just in his nature. Now Ivanova had been promoted. That was great and very well-deserved. Jeff, meanwhile, was taking his new role very seriously. He was learning what it meant to be an Earth Alliance Ambassador. It was fairly complex, especially on a homeworld no one knew much about. His first days on Minbar had been the hardest. He had been given an apartment in a great gothic building in the center of the city. The apartment had been furnished simply and Jeff had added a few items from his quarters on B5 to make it a little more like home. Luckily, he had developed quite a friendship with Neroon, the warrior he had previously encountered on Babylon 5. While their first encounter had been less than cordial, Neroon had become another of his teachers here on Minbar. Neroon had appreciated Jeff's message to the Minbari people upon the death of their leader, Branmer. It was more than a gesture; it was an acknowledgement of honor and respect from one warrior about another. This meant a lot to all Minbari and may have contributed to his new position. Jeff had also developed a great fondness for Neroon's son, Anthony. He was 10 years old, in Earth years, and Jeff really enjoyed their time together. He was learning as much from Anthony as from any of his new Minbari acquaintenances. This morning, he had several appointments with Minbari council members. He wanted to meet all the members and learn as much as he could about the Minbari culture. He had made an early visit to Sinbari, the most religious site on Minbar; talked to some of the religious leaders there and found that he had much to learn. While he had studied about several cultures with the Jesuits as a young man, he felt he could spend the remainder of his life learning about Minbar. Their culture was a very rich and ancient one. He visited the temple often, talking with the elders and reading their ancient writings. It was fascinating, peaceful and somehow familiar. Jeff had learned many things about Minbari culture from Delenn while on Babylon 5, but now he had a chance to see it first-hand and he was anxious to drink it all in. "Good Morning, Ambassador Sinclair." It was Gerrio, a young Minbari priest who had been assigned as his aide. Gerrio reminded Jeff very much of Lennier on Babylon 5. They were about the same age and shared a similar, almost fragile appearance. Gerrio brought with him today's schedule and would accompany him on his daily rounds. Gerrio was well- known to the Council, had a very influential family and Jeff felt very lucky to have him around. Jeff was sure Delenn had had something to do with Gerrio's appointment as his aide. Their relationship was still developing and Jeff wasn't quite sure how far to trust him yet. That would come in time. "Hello, Gerrio. It is quite a morning, isn't it? What's on today's schedule?" Although Jeff tried to appear bright and alert, he was sure Gerrio had noticed his red eyes and beard. He usually was ready to depart for his office by now, but this morning he was running a little behind schedule. "I'll be ready in a minute or two. Make yourself at home." "Today, Ambassador Sinclair, you will meet with First Council Chario, representative of the Zendt caste. He is an old warrior and one that you should be weary of. He was very much opposed to allowing you to come to Minbar and may still harbor some ill will toward you. Chario would prefer to keep all aliens away from the Minbar homeworld." "A member of the Zendt caste, good. Earth Alliance would like to open up a trading post on Abdar, an outter rim colony populated by a number of that caste. I would like to see what Chario's feelings are about that and seek his help to make it a joint venture. That would only help this remote location and perhaps Chario could give us someone to work with on Abdar. It would signify a breakthrough in our relations and helpfuture trading endeavors," Jeff said. Gerrio hesitated before responding. "I'm not sure how Chario will feel about this whole matter. He has never wanted outside interference anywhere on Minbar, especially from Earthers. However, time has a way of healing old wounds and perhaps now is a good time to see about bringing some new trade to Abdar." "You mention old wounds, Gerrio. What do you mean?" Sinclair asked. "Chario lost a brother and several family members in the Earth-Minbari War, Ambassador. He feels those losses quite strongly at times and those emotions cloud his dealings with others outside of Minbar." Gerrio stated. "I'm sorry about his losses. We all lost friends and relatives in the War, but we should put all that behind us now. Our future is entwined somehow and we need to help each other in every way that we can," Jeff said. "There are many Minbari who feel as you do, Ambassador, otherwise you would not be here. However, there are still many who feel as Chario. They are the ones you will have to win over in order to make a difference here," Gerrio said. "Well, let's get at it then." Jeff had finished shaving and had put on a crisp new suit. The gray jacket, trousers and white shirt were very diplomatic. It was a change from the uniforms he was accustomed to on Babylon 5, and more comfortable too. He had had several made since his arrival on Minbar. While he would retain his military standing while serving as Ambassador, he did not want to constantly remind people of that military background by wearing his uniform. It would only serve to strengthen apprehension about his presence and add fuel to the fire concerning his "real mission" on Minbar. Many felt he was here to spy on the Minbar homeworld. Though false, it was something Jeff would have to fight against every day he spent on Minbar. One thing had struck Jeff from his first day on Minbar -- everything was very convenient and efficiently layed out. Office and living complexes were low and simple, not the towering expanses he was used to on Earth or Mars. You could easily walk from one building to another, using the extensive overhead paths and walkways. The weather was usually pleasant and warm, making walking not only a good way to get some exercise, but a great way to learn where everything was located. Jeff enjoyed the morning and evening walks with Gerrio. They talked about everything -- the weather, Minbar politics, Earth Alliance politics, poetry, just about everything. Jeff had given Gerrio one of his favorite books, Tennyson's "Ulysses" to read and had been fascinated at how similar their feelings were for the work. Jeff had been stuck on Tennyson since his Academy days and Gerrio seemed to share many of his favorite passages. Chario's office was in a dark building at the end of the square. Many council members had offices here -- to allow patrons an access and to provide a base of operations for those not located within the city. Jeff wondered what kind of individual he would find in Chario. Would he be combative or at least willing to listen to various points of view. Jeff would soon find out. ___________________ End Part I Copyright (c) 1994, Sandy Bruckner . Rights will be transferred to Babylonian Productions Inc. upon request. This document may be freely distributed. =============================================== Sandra G. Bruckner U.S. Information Agency (I/STC) bruckner@usia.gov Phone: (202) 619-5674 Fax: (202) 619-6557 "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" ================================================ From bruckner@usia.govTue Jan 10 17:47:43 1995 Date: Tue, 10 Jan 95 15:27:46 -0500 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Ambassador to Minbar, Part 2 Here's the second part of my story "Ambassador to Minbar". Let me know what you think. Sandy Ambassador to Minbar Part 2 Jeffrey Sinclair, first Ambassador of Earth Alliance to Minbar and his aide Gerrio entered the office of First Council Chario and were ushered into a waiting area. While the young Minbari who greeted them at the door was very polite, it seemed almost too obvious that this visit was not a welcome one. This was not Jeff's first visit to a high level official on Minbar, but it was one of the most important. Jeff and Gerrio sat patiently in a rather spacious, well appointed room. There were several comfortable chairs, some sculptures and paintings on the wall. The soft pastel shades used in the room added a calming feeling to the surroundings. The sculpture reminded Sinclair of the one Delenn had in her quarters on Babylon 5. She was always tinkering with it, almost like a nervous habit. The sculpture had many pieces, but they had all been bonded into place. While not resembling any structure known to Jeff, it was an interesting piece -- very complex but with simple lines. After about five minutes, First Council Chario entered the room to meet Ambassador Sinclair. Chario was a big man, a good 6 + feet tall (tall for a Minbari), 250 lbs. with a large crest, signifying his status and age among Minbari. (The crest was high, but not jagged as with the warrior caste.) Chario's face was set in a very serious expression. Here was a man of great importance, who most likely didn't like Jeff or any other human. Jeff didn't quite know how to begin. He stood as Chario entered and bowed, using the customary Minbari greeting --it also was a sign of respect for elder Minbari leaders. "Thank you First Council Chario for seeing me. I very much appreciate this time to talk with you about some Earth Alliance matters that directly affect Minbar. I believe you know my aide, Gerrio," Jeff started. Gerrio bowed to Council Chario and politely excused himself from the room. Chario's expression changed slightly as he said, "Ambassador Sinclair, as you may know I was vehemently opposed to your assignment here on Minbar. I do not think we on Minbar need to form any alliances with outside worlds, especially Earthers. However, I have talked to Satai Delenn and she assures me that you are an honorable man and she feels you can make a difference while on the Minbari homeworld. I respect Satai Delenn's opinions and will try to keep an open mind about you and Earthers. I wanted to make it clear, however, that I would have preferred if you had not been brought here, regardless of the circumstances." Chario's eyes were wide with emotion, but Jeff had to respect his openness. He was definitely going to have to work on this relationship, but he at least he had his foot in the door, thanks to Delenn. "Council Chario, I consider Ambassador Delenn a friend and have learned much from her. During the time we spent on Babylon 5, she taught me much about the Minbari people, but I still very much to learn. I feel the more we know about each other, the better, more meaningful our relations can be. The Minbari are an ancient people with a very old culture. I have already started studying some of your ancient teachings and I find them fascinating," Sinclair added. "Yes, I had heard that you have visited some of our ancient sites and have talked to some of our religious leaders. You probably know that you are being observed. We are curious about you and your kind. Most Minbari have not had exposure to people outside of our homeworld and you are a mystery to us. I appreciate your desire to learn about our people and will help if I can," Chario said. This amazed Sinclair. Had he actually heard an offer of assistance from First Council Chario? This was more than he could have hoped for. Yet, he had to be cautious. No one is ever what they seem, and there may be other reasons for this early form of cooperation. "Thank you Council Chario. You are most generous and kind to offer your assistance. I am still very new to Minbar world and haven't yet discovered how little I know about your world. My world is yet in it's infancy and we have so much to learn from other worlds and cultures. It is for that reason I've come to Minbar, to learn from your people, to see first hand how you handle affairs of state and to help your people understand a bit more about my people, through me. I'm not the best example of human kind and I might ask your forgiveness, in advance, for mistakes that I will make. I assure you that my mistakes will not be willful errors and I hope to learn from them. I also hope that our people can put aside any differences that they have had over the years and share information and technology to make better places in which to live for both of our peoples." Jeff was cautious about bringing up past the Earth/Minbari war but wanted to get everything out on the table. "Yes, Ambassador Sinclair, the war is still fresh in our memories. I lost many friends and loved ones in that war, but perhaps it is time to put those memories aside and loot at the future. You have shown great courage in coming to Minbar and in other actions. Your personal message to the Minbari people after the death of Brahman was a sign of changing relations between our two people," Chario said. "Well Council Chario, I hope we can start this new relationship by discussing a trading agreement between Abdar and Earth. I understand many people from your home district live on Abdar. Earth Alliance would like to open a trading post on the planet and would like to do so with the blessing of the Grey Council. There are products that could be put to good use on Abdar. For example, we have a new water filtration system that can provide fresh, clean water for 1000 people in about 8 hours processing time. Testing on the system was recently completed and comes highly recommended by people on Mars," Jeff said. "Ambassador Sinclair, Abdar is a primitive outpost and I will have to discuss this matter with the Abdar ruling body. They may not want any outside interference on their planet. While you have some technology that may be beneficial to them, it should be their decision whether or not Earthers can come to trade," Chario said. "I understand and respect that completely, Council Chario. I might stress, however, that your people could be suffering needlessly when some of our technology could help to provide essential items. I recognize your desire to seek their concurrence and will wait to hear from you regarding this issue," Sinclair said. Chario interest had obviously been picked by the water filtration system. It seemed like he couldn't wait for Sinclair to finish the sentence before he asked his next question. "Your water filtration system is very interesting. There are many places under the Minbar sphere of influence that need help in providing fresh drinking water for their population. I had heard that Earth was working on improving their current systems, but didn't know that it had come so far. Can it filter out any impurities? Can the level of hydrogen to oxygen be modified? I have more questions, but perhaps it would be best to wait and talk more of this later," Chario said. "Council Chario, the water filtration system employs a number of new techniques for processing that our older models were incapable of performing. I could have one brought to Minbar for you to see and examine, if you would like," Jeff said. Chario was very interested, although he did not want that to openly show. However, his eyes betrayed him. "I have already taken the liberty of alerting Earth Alliance that you might want to have such a system and asked that one be put on the next transport to Minbar. A team of our technicians will accompany the machine and your technical staff can discuss with them how it works, what the best operating conditions are and anything else that comes to mind. In talking with some people at the temple last week, I learned that you have been suffering from a drought here on Minbar for the last two years. I think this machine can be of assistance to you now." Jeff had obviously caught Chario off guard with this maneuver. Chario's mouth hung open; he didn't know what to say. "Thank you Ambassador Sinclair. You are most generous," Chario gulped. "Generous, no. I see this as a solid way to demonstrate to you and other Minbari our desire to share we have learned and to help your world in any way that we can," Jeff said. He was very sincere in this and hoped that it was reflected in his tone. Even in the short time that Jeff had spent on Minbar, he had come to like his new surroundings and the people he had met. He wanted to push for greater understanding between his people and the Minbari and this water filtration system might just be the key to that relationship. It could do more than any meetings or treaties could hope to do. Thirst is a very personal thing. Jeff had been caught in a desert once without water and had experienced thirst first-hand. It was not pleasant and was something he did not want others to needlessly experience. Jeff decided to end this session on a high note. "Thank you Council Chario for your time. I know that you are very busy and don't want to keep you any longer. I hope, however, that I can come back to discuss some other matters, including the trading post on Abdar at a later time." Chario stood up and bowed to Ambassador Sinclair. "Thank you for your visit Ambassador. I will ask the Council about the trading post on Abdar and see how the Council on Abdar feel about having a trading post on their home world. Perhaps when you visit next, I will have an answer for you." "I thank you for your help on this Council Chario. I think both of our people can benefit from this venture." Jeff returned Chario's bow and exited the room. Gerrio was waiting outside of the meeting room and was about ready to burst with curiosity. As Ambassador Sinclair walked down the long hallway, Gerrio could tell from Jeff's face that the meeting had gone well. Very well. "Gerrio, tonight, if you are free, I'm treating you to dinner. We have much to celebrate." Jeff broke into a huge smile, thinking about his first encounter with Chario. It had gone better than he could have dreamed. As he and Gerrio walked back to the office, Jeff filled him in on some of the details. Gerrio, too, was impressed by the fact that Sinclair had already ordered the water filtration system for Minbar. Jeff had called it his "ace in the hole". Jeff would check in the morning to see if he could get a delivery schedule for the system. He hoped it would be here soon. If it took too long, the value of it would be lessened -- but only a little. The need was indeed great and it would help so many people. The day was already half over, but much had been accomplished. As Sinclair and Gerrio returned to their office, Jeff checked for messages. There was a message was waiting on the vid-phone. While on Babylon 5, he was constantly in touch with staff regarding the station's condition, ongoing repairs, incoming traffic, etc. The vid-phone or com-link was essential, but a bit of a pain as well. Here on Minbar, electronic communication was at a minimum. He had heard little from Babylon 5 and most Minbari were still reluctant to open communications with the new Ambassador from Earth. This was going to be an uphill struggle, but it was one that Jeff was looking forward to. "Ambassador, I'll leave you to catch up on your communications. I have some errands to run, but will return in an hour or two -- with your permission," Gerrio said. "Very well, Gerrio. Take whatever time you need. I don't believe we have any other visits scheduled for today. I have some reading that I have been putting off and some reports for Earth Alliance. Don't forget our dinner date, though," Sinclair said. "Ambassador, I will return shortly. I am very much looking forward to dining with you this evening. Thank you." With that, Gerrio bowed and left the office. Jeff couldn't wait to see who had called. It was probably someone from Earth Alliance with another directive of some sort. More reports, that's just what he needed. They really loved those things. Bureaucracy hadn't changed much in 200 years. Jeff approached the vid-phone and punched in his security code. The screen came to life and stated that a message had arrived from Babylon 5, from Ambassador Delenn. Jeff was taken aback, at first. He hadn't heard from Delenn since he departed the station. He had left for Earth and then Minbar while she was still in the cacoon. He had inquired about her, learned a little about the transformation she had undergone, etc. No one on Minbar really wanted to discuss it, however. Either Delenn had taken this action, whatever it was, on her own, or only a few Minbari knew why she had undergone the change. "Computer, please decode the incoming transmission," Sinclair said. The screen filled with the image of an incredibly beautiful woman. There were some features that Jeff found familiar, but he didn't immediately recognize the person on the other end. He sat, staring at the image. "Ambassador Sinclair, it is good to see you again," Delenn said. "Delenn?" Sinclair said. "Yes, Ambassador. It is Delenn. I have undergone a transformation designed to bring our two people closer together. I have become more human in an effort to understand your people better," Delenn said. "Delenn. I'm sorry for staring, but you have changed greatly and it will take me a little while to get used to your new appearance," Sinclair said. Jeff hoped that he didn't look too surprised. While Jeff had always thought Delenn had been beautiful, the transformation had made her features softer, her eyes more expressive. Her long, flowing hair -- she didn't have hair before -- was a wonderful addition. Sort of reminds me of Ivanova's hair! "I assure you, Ambassador Sinclair, that I have changed only in appearance. I am still a Minbari and my desire to bring our people together is even stronger. We have much to talk about," Delenn said. "You have a gift for understatement, Ambassador Delenn," Sinclair said. End Part Two Copyright @ 1994 by Sandra Bruckner. Posted with permission of the author. This piece may be reproduced anywhere in the Internet only so along as this notice and the above copyright is posted with it. All rights are retained by the author. Babylon 5 is a copyright of the PTN Consortium; no infringment of that copyright is intended. From bruckner@usia.govFri May 26 16:12:41 1995 Date: Fri, 26 May 95 6:19:15 -0400 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Ambassador to Minbar This has been sitting in my PC for a while awaiting completion. Thought I'd send it along anyway, hoping to complete it soon. If you need Part 1 or 2, let me know. Sandy Ambassador to Minbar Part 3 Jeffrey Sinclair, Ambassador for Earth Force to Minbar had just returned from one of the most important meetings of his brief stay on the Minbari homeworld. Council Chario had met with him as a courtesy, mainly, but they had both gained a better understanding of each other after it had concluded. As Sinclair returned to his office, he began catching up on messages. One transmission had come in and he was anxious to see who had called while he was away. To his great surprise, it was Ambassador Delenn. Jeff had not seen Delenn since he left Babylon 5 and her transformation was going to take a while to get used to. "Ambassador Sinclair, I have been called to my homeworld and should arrive within the next week. I would like to visit you. Jeffrey, we have much to discuss." Delenn said. "Delenn, I look forward to your visit. It's been too long since we last talked face to face and we have much to catch up on." Jeff said. "One of the things I miss most here on Minbar are the talks we had in the garden. In the brief time I have spent here on Minbar, I have discovered a few places that remind me very much of the garden, and perhaps we can visit them while you are here." "Perhaps, but we have some most urgent things to discuss; things I can't go into right now. I will see you soon." Delenn said. And with that the transmission ended. Jeff stood in front of the vid-phone for a while, wondering what was so important that Delenn had to speak with him directly; and he wondered why she had been called to homeworld. While not a tremendous distance from Babylon 5 using a number of various jumpgates, it was still further than one would go for a casual conversation. These questions would have to wait. Meanwhile he would continue to meet people here on Minbar in an effort to learn and understand their culture and society. Gerrio returned from his errands and they went over the activities of the next week. Sinclair mentioned that Ambassador Delenn would be making a visit and that he wanted his calendar cleared as soon as they got word of her arrival. Gerrio looked at the projected calendar and said that that wouldn't be a problem, with the exception of a meeting with another council member on Wednesday. He had worked very hard to set this meeting up and would regret having to seek a change in date or time. Jeff wanted to see the council member as well so they left the appointment on the schedule without change. "Thank you, Ambassador. Council Jorak is a very influential person and your meeting with him is most important. He controls many votes and could be a valuable ally, should your meeting go well," Gerrio said. "I know that, Gerrio, and I have much to discuss with Jorak. Our worlds have been linked in many efforts and I seek to continue that goodwill. That is only possible through better understanding and cooperation. That's why I'm here." Jeff said. "It's time to get something to eat. Can you suggest a place that is very typically Minbari. I've been out a little, but for the most part have had meals in. The staff you were kind enough to arrange for has been wonderful. Mariah cooks like a dream. Can't say I recognize all the things that she has made so far, but everything has been good. I'd like to have something different tonight though, in celebration of our meeting with Chario." Gerrio thought for a moment and then said he had just the place. "There is a little establishment down the quarter that will provide us with just what you are looking for, I think. Not many people go there, but it is one of my favorite places," Gerrio said. "That sounds perfect. Thank you very much for all of your help. This would have been a very difficult time for me had it not been for you, Gerrio. I have a lot to learn about Minbar and Minbari culture and I hope that you will teach me, make sure I don't step on any important toes, too," Jeff said. Gerrio looked at Sinclair a bit quizzickly at first and Jeff said "I'm sorry, stepping on toes is an old expression for upsetting people without meaning to. Saying something that is misinterpreted because it has a different meaning to those hearing what is said," Jeff said. "Oh, stepping on toes. It is a good expression. I will try to help you whenever I can. I don't know how much I can teach you, but I will try to explain why Minbari are the way they are. We look at things a little differently than some races. Even between Minbari, however, things are not always viewed in the same way," Gerrio said. "We have the same problem on Earth, so don't think anything about it. On Earth two people can hear one thing and have several different meanings for it. I really need you to alert me to areas where I may run into problems with your people. I do not want to offend anyone with something I say or do. This is very important to me, and I really do need your help," Jeff said. "You have it, Ambassador," Gerrio said. With that the two left the office for a little cafe down the street. It was in a very quaint, quiet portion of the city. Jeff would have walked by it without notice. The building itself was not very distinct, but as they entered, it was as though they had entered a very familiar room. Jeff had the feeling of comfort here. He didn't know why, but there was just a very calm atmosphere in this place. The room itself was not large and there were little booths around the exterior and a few tables in the center. Plants were located around the room to give both added privacy and a feeling of life and color. The owner hurried over to his new guests and he and Gerrio exchanged greetings. Jeff said hello and the proprietor bowed and led them to a small booth in the far corner. Jeff continued to look around, seeing a few paintings, sculptured objects, decorating the room. It was truly a different kind of place from any of the others he had visited so far. "Gerrio, I love this place and it seems you come here often. It's comfortable, yet it's almost as though I've been here before. I know that I haven't but it just feels familiar," Jeff said. "One of the things that attracted me to this place is it's feel as well. To me, it feels like home. It has the air of comfort, it's casual and has extremely good food. If you would like, I can order for the both of us. I assume that is why we are here -- to sample some Minbari food," Gerrio said. "Yes, please do. I would like to experience as much about the Minbari people as I can and food is just one part of the whole. Order what you like; I'm sure I will too," Jeff said. With that Gerrio motioned for the waiter to come over. He spoke in Minbari and ordered what seemed like a great deal of items, but Jeff couldn't tell. His Minbari vocabulary had grown since his posting here, but that wasn't saying much. Delenn had taught him a couple of words, mainly greetings and he had picked up a few more in casual conversation. While it was a fascinating language, he had not had the time to learn more. "We will first start with a sort of tea. This is a special beverage here and one I hope you will enjoy. It is made from a root found only here on Minbar." Gerrio said. With that the waiter brought over a canister of a very hot liquid and poured it into small cups on the table. The liquid was a dark green and Jeff stared at it a moment. OK, I'm game, I guess, he thought. He lifted the cup and took a sip. Much to his amazement, the liquid tasted like English tea with honey, and a bit of lemon thrown in for good measure. It was very hot, but this didn't seem to phase Gerrio. "I like this, Gerrio. It reminds me a bit of some of the teas of Earth. I'll have to have some shipped over so that you can taste some of our teas. They are similar, but yet very different," Jeff said. Gerrio was glad that Ambassador Sinclair liked the tea. He was starting to really like the Ambassador. He had never known an Earther before and his religious training had taught him to be open to many different cultures. However, Ambassador Sinclair was different from anyone he had met before, even among Minbari. Over their very brief relationship, Sinclair had shared with him ideas and his sense of purpose for being on the Minbari homeworld. They were developing a trust, a friendship. He hoped that it would continue, but he would have to wait a little longer before sharing some of his fears and concerns with the Ambassador. Gerrio was one of a few young Minbari looking to the future. He knew that in order for Minbari to grow, they had to embrace other cultures, other perhaps foreign ideas and values. Many in his group wanted to isolate Minbar, cut it off from the outside world, not infest it with heathen ways of life. Some of them were very hostile toward other races, especially Earthers, and Gerrio was a little concerned at the intensity of the fear and hate that was developing. He had to walk softly, since he now worked with an Earther, but he hoped some would be more open to outside ideas. He really wanted Ambassdor Sinclair to meet some of his friends, but that would have to wait as well. All in good time, Gerrio thought. The rese of their meal came and Jeff looked down at the plate to see what appeared to be grains and vegetables. He was glad of that. He had hoped he wouldn't see anything that was of very questionable origin. Jeff enjoyed the meal and Gerrio explained that most of their meal had been grown by the owner in his own garden. Jeff learned that many Minbari were vegetarians or the equivalent on Earth. Unlike some of the items Jeff had shared with Ambassador Mollari, this was tame and very enjoyable. Both ate until they could hold no more. The owner, Taji, stopped by several times to visit. Gerrio mentioned that he had known Taji for many years and was a friend of his family. As they finished and were preparing to leave, Taji brought out additional food for them to take home. Despite their objections, Taji would hear none of it. Jeff thanked Taji for his kindness and bowed as they departed. This had been the most enjoyable evening Jeff had spent here on Minbar. It reminded him of the occasional evening he had spent with Catherine or Garibaldi and Ivanova in the Fresh Air cafe. Good food and good conversation; a dynamite combination. As Gerrio and Jeff walked home, they talked a little about what they would be doing tomorrow. There were a couple of visits, but nothing of great importance. Gerrio asked Sinclair if he had a couple of minutes to discuss something of some importance. Jeff invited Gerrio to his apartment, rather than returning to the office. It was of equal distance and both would be more comfortable in Jeff's apartment. "Ambassador Sinclair, in the short time I have known you, I have seen that you are a man of great concern for others. I wonder if you would meet with a few of my friends so that we can discuss some of the things that are on our minds," Gerrio said. "What kind of things, Gerrio." Jeff said. "Ambassador, there is a growing unrest among the younger Minbari. We see the need for change in our way of life, a need to open up more to other races, other cultures. The older Minbari do not want this. They violently oppose this and want nothing to do with other races. I see your coming here as an opportunity to see first hand some Earth's principals and to explore how we can share and learn from each other," Gerrio said. Jeff really didn't know what to say. He knew that Gerrio was taking a bit of a chance by speaking to him in this way. He had heard about a growing number of Minbari that wanted change, but didn't know who these Minbari were. Jeff saw this is a great opportunity, but wanted to move cautiously. "Gerrio, I'd be very glad to meet with you and your friends. One of the reasons I'm here on Minbari is to learn, to study, to observe your society, your culture. I have felt an uneasiness among some Minbari, especially when I come into the room. Some I can attribute to just being from Earth; but there is something else there that bothers me a great deal. There is a fear that I feel, an almost hatred that I sense. I hope it's not me, since they don't know me, but a feeling toward anyone from Earth and perhaps anyone not from Minbar. I want to help these people understand I don't want change their ways of life; I want to learn from them and help if I can," Jeff said. "I was hoping you would say something like that, Ambassador. Would you be willing to meet with some people tonight? There is a small gathering a short distance from here. If you are not too tired from today's activities, I would like to take you to see these people now," Gerrio said. "I would be honored to meet your friends, Gerrio. Lead on," Jeff said. Copyright @ 1995 by Sandra Bruckner. All rights are retained by the author. Babylon 5 is a copyright of the PTN Consortium; no infringment of that copyright is intended. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Sandra G. Bruckner I/STC - USIA (202) 619-5674 (202) 401-1914 (fax) "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>