by T.R. Mintz

Created on: January 21, 2009

It is Valentine's Day on P12, also known as Day of Chocolate Consumption,Giving of Sentimental Gifts, and Acts of Forced Affection on Planet 12. Zurt has been a resident of P12 for one lipperwill (three decades in Earth years), as a resident he has learned and accepted the international holiday of Valentine's Day. Every citizen of this small planet celebrates this holiday, they follow a strict ritual and the celebration lasts for twenty-four Earth hours.

Zurt stands at attention at this moment on the red grass of the Valentine's Day Commencement Center. All the females stand on the left of the room and males stand on the right. A carefully choreographed dance commences the day long celebration. Zurt always dreads the dance, it is very complicated and he still hasn't mastered the steps after his three decade citizenship. A bead of violet perspiration slides down his aqua colored skin. He knows who his dancing partner will be, Leema, the magenta,transluscent-haired, eight armed female. She was the best dancer in the room, which only worsened Zurt's anxiety. The Valentine's Day conductor,Mreet, takes his position in the center of the floor and claps his three pairs of hands together.

"Attention citizens, attention," Mreet has a thin voice that squeaks like the soles of new shoes on a polished surface, "let us begin our annual celebration of Valentine's Day with our dance. Please pair up and begin dancing when the music begins." Music on P12 is not auditory but instead are vibrations felt through the floor. Zurt and Leema stand side by side and await the music.

"Don't mess up like last time, Zurt."

"I practiced and will do my best."

"Hopefully your best is decent." The ground tremors and the dance begins.

"Begin." Mreet instructs. Bodies gyrate and limbs follow carefully planned steps.

"Ow! You smashed my toes."

"Apologies." Zurt's clothes are moist with perspiration as he concentrates. The dance lasts for five Earth hours and when it finishes Zurt's garments are drenched and tinged violet, not a drop of sweat dampens Leema's clothing.

"Terrible as usual, I can't wait until I'm assigned a new commencement partner."

"Likewise." Zurt replies.

"Wonderful,although some of us should practice a bit more." Mreet says, he looks directly at Zurt, who hangs his head and focuses on his grass woven sandals."Please proceed to the exits and pair up with the partners that you will exchange boxes of chocolates and cards with."

"Hello Zurt." His candy and card partner, Merlxa, kindly greets

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