Chapter 18
"It seems that these prior visitors to Berengaria appeared out of thin air," said Mamao'lani. "And that they severely changed the environment."
North leaned back in his chair. "Extraordinary," he said quietly, fascinated by the tale the ambassador was recounting.
After his discussions with the Draco, Mamao'lani would pop by North's office the next day to update him. While North would normally prefer written reports, he was glad to get this particular account face-to-face.
"In what way did they change the environment?" he asked Mamao'lani.
"Like most of the Draco's stories, we can't be entirely accurate. They seem to be mostly for keeping their young in line: 'Behave or the demons will come out the shadows and get you,' that sort of thing. But according to Caeldon's version, the world used to be a lot warmer before these 'demons' arrived. And there used to be a lot more, and a lot larger, animal life. Some creatures as big as the Draco themselves, or bigger!" The ambassador was flailing his hands wildly for effect.
"Then, one day…" Mamao'lani clicked his fingers. "They say there was a loud thunder throughout the world, the sky and seas were aflame, then dark. And it grew colder. The Draco didn't hibernate before this, supposedly, having to take to the mountains to survive, while thousands of other species died out."
North stroked his chin. "If any of this is true, it would explain how a reptilian species came to evolve on such a cold planet. No other known reptiles hibernate."
"Exactly. Maybe it wasn't always so cold here," Mamao'lani said. "And their change to a hibernating species would explain their meat-free diet despite having predatory features - it's a lot easier to store fruits and vegetables long-term. They would have had to adapt when these visitors changed the weather."
"Did Caeldon say what the visitors looked like?"
"There are different appearances given in each telling. Sometimes they are giant insects, sometimes beings made of fire and light, sometimes living crystals…"
North nodded and gave a small smirk. "That's the trouble with folktales."
"All legends have some truth in them, Commodore," said Mamao'lani with a grin.
"We've found no evidence of prior civilizations on the planet yet," said North, "but if the Draco, who are so long-lived, consider this an 'old' story, to the point where even they question its reliability…"
"Then it could have happened hundreds of thousands of years ago," Mamao'lani finished.
Both went quiet as they contemplated the ramifications of such an ancient race active in the galaxy.
Eventually, North spoke. "One thing is for certain: Berengaria gets more interesting all the time."
Mamao'lani laughed. "Right you are, Commodore." He stood. "I'd better get back to the Embassy, see if the Foreign Office has responded to my report. I'm sure they're just as dumbfounded as we are." He smiled and made for the door.
Something suddenly tugged at the corner of North's mind, something Vaughn had said to him yesterday, and he got to his feet as well. "Ambassador?"
"Yes?" Mamao'lani stopped and faced him.
He strongly considered asking Mamao'lani to dinner with Vaughn and Angie next week, or maybe even suggest that they conduct future reports at breakfast from now on, but he let such thoughts pass over him.
It was foolish sentiment, and there was only so much of Mamao'lani he could stand, after all.
He desperately tried to think of something else to say. "I… I shall mention this in my report to Starfleet Command as well. The other visitors, I mean. And your help in securing the mining rights. Well done on that too."
Mamao'lani smiled broadly, perhaps sensing North's awkwardness. "Thank you. That's going to be a big report. Oh! That reminds me: I heard about the incident in the forest yesterday. How is everyone?"
North gathered his thoughts on the subject quickly. "Yes, they're all fine. Being kept for observation, but so far no problems. Commander McQueen believes that these 'weepers' are confined to the southern end of the woods, but we can't take any chances. I'm keeping the whole forest off-limits for now, unless otherwise authorised."
Mamao'lani nodded. "Shame, really. Would have been good to have a nice big forest to visit. Just somewhere to go outside now and again, you know?"
North had a faraway look in his eyes. "I may have an idea about that…"
North drove the shovel into the soil, breaking the surface.
"I hereby declare this the start of Avalon Park," he announced, earning a round of applause from the assembled crowd.
They were all gathered a few metres from the outer edge of the base, on flat ground to the north. A good number of off-duty crewmembers, as well as several civilians, had turned out to witness the brief ceremony.
"We can thank Lieutenant Vaughn and his predilection for all things Arthurian for his suggestion of the name," North said as he handed the shovel to a technician. He glanced at Vaughn by his side, beaming brightly.
With a much more subdued smile, North then turned to Patel at his other side. "And Commander Patel has assured me that her engineers will do a fine job laying the foundations."
"After overseeing construction of the entire base," said Patel, grinning, "this should be a piece of cake." A small chuckle rippled through the crowd.
North addressed the masses again. "Our botanical team will then begin planting flowers, bushes, and trees from various planets. But don't worry; nothing hallucinogenic." Another chuckle. "There will be pathways, fountains, benches, as well as a memorial for those who gave their lives here during the war, constructing the first Starbase One."
A more sombre air descended over the crowd, but North quickly continued. "All in all, Avalon Park will be somewhere to relax and enjoy the fresh air." He looked at Vaughn again, smiling. "A little piece of home." More applause and North turned back to see Mamao'lani grinning at him from the throng.
As the crowd started to disperse, North saw Guardsman Threv's mate, Sherene, coming towards him.
"Commodore!" she shouted at him eagerly. "Great speech. Care to say a few more words?" She tapped her padd suggestively.
Vaughn appeared at his side. "You did say you were trying new things, sir."
"I suppose so," said North. "Very well, Ms. Sherene, you've caught me on a good day… Although I think there will be many more ahead…"