I got the idea for this story from different things. A documentary I watched about how agriculture shaped the Americas where a Jacobite rebel's son escaped after a lost battle and went to the Caribbean to make a fortune, the movie "Last of the Mohicans" and something I read a while back about Irish indentured servants. In this story Nick and my OC Lucas are survivors from the Jacobite rebellion. They were still young and fled, managing to get passage to Zootopia. After scraping by they finally get a lucky break.

The year is 1750. Two friends sit at a table in the corner of a dirty pub at the port city of Zootopia.

"Come on Nick! You can't be serious?"

"I'm very serious, we can do this!"

"That's what you've said about every hair-brained idea you've come up with! Where are we even going to get the land?"

"I've already got it." He pulls a rolled-up paper from his satchel. Unraveling it to show his friend.

"And this is genuine?" He skeptically asks.

"You wound me, you really do. Of course, it's genuine." He says while putting the paper away. "I had it notarized this morning."

"How did you get it?"

"I won it in a game of cards from Fin."

"Fin? The little fennec who almost got us killed?"

"You mean the one who got us on the boat and saved our tails."

"No, I mean the one who left us in the swamp with no food or fresh water."

"It was to toughen us up."

"He thought we were dead weight."

"You say tomato I say tumatoe."

"Whatever, have you at least seen it?"

"..."

"You haven't, have you."

"It doesn't matter. What does matter is now we have something to work with. We don't have to go around begging for work or scamming mammals just to put bread on the table."

"And how are we going to do that with just the two of us?"

"I was actually hoping you would know."

"What makes you think I know anything about it?!"

"You're a rabbit, aren't you? Isn't that what you rabbits do?"

"I'm a hare Nick! It's not the same thing! And you know that!"

"Well don't all you bunnies have it in your blood?"

"My father was a soldier Nick same as yours, and he taught me the same thing yours taught you. How to fight and nothing else."

The two sat silently for a moment at the mention of their fathers. A subject neither felt comfortable talking about.

"I'm sorry Nick, I shouldn't have brought that up." He didn't look up from the table as he apologized to his friend.

"It's alright Lucas, I shouldn't have goaded you on. Besides, I already have a solution to our little problem."

Lucas looked up at his longtime friend with a raised eyebrow. Both had traveled with their fathers during the Jacobite revolt and barely escaped with their lives afterwards. Fleeing their homeland with no hope of returning.

"Fin wanted a chance to win back the deed. The only thing of value that he had to offer were two claims on the next shipment of indentured mammals."

"And since you've got the deed, I assume you also have the claims as well."

Nick reached into his satchel and produced two pieces of paper. "Indeed, I do." He proclaimed merrily.

"Alright, so, where is this place anyway?"

"Some place called Bunnyburrow." He reached into his satchel and produced a map. "It's about two maybe three days travel from here. From what the clerk told me it's virgin land. A few mammals have already established a small town and a few surrounding farms but with the rate Zootopia is growing they can't keep up the demand for fresh produce."

"So, you're suggesting we collect two indentured mammals, who are most likely some form of rebels, take a three-day hike into the wilderness, probably have to clear a forest and try to build a farm?"

"You make it sound like we're trying to go to the moon."

"Nick, this is not some con that we can pull off and make quick cash with. We'll probably have to spend every penny we can scrape together just to buy the tools we'll need."

"Already taken care of." Lucas gawks at him.

"You-you've already spent all our money?!" He shouts loud enough that it draws the attention of half the pub. Nick quickly shushes his friend to try and calm him down.

"Will you keep quiet?! No, I haven't spent all our money. I was able to buy most of what we need as well as hire a mule cart to carry it for us with my winnings from the other night." He whispered just loud enough that only Lucas could hear him.

It took Lucas a few minutes to gather himself before daring to speak again. Once he was calm enough, he thought everything Nick told him over again. The plan made sense now that he knew the details. Foxes weren't well thought of in the city. Finding work in anything that didn't guarantee you would be dead within a year was next to impossible. Life hadn't been much easier for him either. Rabbits being as plentiful as they were meant jobs they could do or would do were already filled up and not hiring. This was an opportunity for them both to start over on their own terms.

"Nick, I don't know how to thank you." Nick tilted his head curiously.

"What do you mean?"

"For this. You didn't have to offer to take me with you. I can't count the number of times you've saved my tail already."

"What do you mean you don't know how to thank me? You thank me by saying yes!" Lucas smiled and opened his mouth to do just that when Nick cut him off. "Although I am rethinking taking you along now that I know you can't farm." The two stared at each other for a moment before Lucas finally spoke.

"You can be a real ass sometimes you know that." The fox only chuckled before finishing his drink.

"So, when do we leave?" Nick set his cup back down before replying.

"The cart company left this morning with our equipment. They should be in Bunnyburrow in two to three days depending on the weather. We have two days after they arrive to claim our equipment with the receipt they gave me. I had a duplicate made for you, just in case." He handed a sealed letter to Lucas.

"What happens if we don't make it there by then?" Nick took a deep breath before answering.

"They leave it on the side of the road, unguarded." Lucas looked down at the table and nodded in understanding. They had to make sure they were there before the deadline or they could lose everything they would need. The caravans only made monthly trips out of Zootopia and no cart mammal would dare the roads without the protection of the caravans.

"And the mammals?"

"We go to the port at noon to claim them. Which is fast approaching, we should go ahead and make our way there." He said rising from his seat. Lucas was quick to follow. They paid their tab and started walking down the cobbled streets towards the port as Nick continued to tell Lucas his plans.

"Once we have our mammals we'll be able to purchase appropriate sized packs and food for the journey. We'll also need muskets, pistols, shot and powder for you and I. They say the road can be a dangerous place and I'm not taking any chances."

"Will we be giving them weapons?" Lucas asked slightly worried about arming someone who may have been a rebel.

"Absolutely not. We'll leave at first light. With just four of us we should be able to make good time and maybe catch up with the caravan."

Walking up to the port, the two were stunned by what they saw. A line had formed in front of a large caged area. At the entrance of the cage stood a weasel collecting papers like the claims Nick and Lucas had. The two shared a worried look before quickly getting in line. They watched as others in front of them handed over their papers before entering the caged area and then emerging with mammals in chains in tow behind them. There was a wooden fence around the place that only a giraffe could have seen over. A couple of wolves armed with swords would follow the claimer in and out of the cage. No doubt ensuring any would escape.

They continued to watch as those in front of them would walk in and walk out. Each indentured mammal that would leave looked worse off than the last. The five who entered before them exited without a mammal at all. Finally, the weasel who seemed to run the place beaconed them forward.

"Wilde!" He called out. "Didn't think I'd see you here. I didn't believe you could afford an indentured mammal." He smiled with dark yellow teeth.

"Normally you'd be right Duke. But today just isn't the case." He handed over the two claims and watched as Duke read them over in disbelief.

"Well it would be your luck to get a claim on the worst shipment I've ever received."

"What do you mean?" Lucas asked with concern.

"An illness came upon the boat as it crossed the ocean. Over 80 mammals died out of 350. I'm sure you saw the last few who left without a claim. Since we're old acquaintances, I'll cut you a deal. I'll buy back your claim and not waste your time."

Nick thought the offer over for a moment. Weaselton never did favors for anyone, especially him. The two were rivals for a while until Weaselton managed to get this cushy gig. Deciding Weaselton was offering what was in his best interest, Nick declined the offer.

"Thanks, but I'll pass." And took a step to enter the caged area. Weaselton, surprisingly, didn't try to talk him out of it. The sound of alarm bells immediately began ringing in Nick's head, causing him to hesitate. But ignoring his better judgement, he stepped into the cage. Immediately, he knew it was a mistake.

Inside the mud floored prison Nick and Lucas' senses were immediately overwhelmed with the stench of sweat encrusted bodies. The salt lines along the clothes of the remaining mammals was plainly obvious. Vomit gathered in pools while piss and feces lined the walls. Only four mammals remained in the squalor of a pen. Only the metal collars around their necks giving them any form of commonality.

Among them a rhino, far skinnier than one would think his kind capable of being and survive. A tiger with one arm missing, a wolf who seemed to be staring into nothing. Upon closer inspection the two could see he was obviously blind and beyond his age of usefulness. Next, they saw a small ewe muttering to herself. The remains of the clothing she wore hinted that she came from high society. One only knows how she came to be here. As they walked past she caste her frenzied eyes upon them.

"I'll show you, yes I will." She spoke softly, barely above a whisper. "My pretty blue flowers will teach you who you truly are. We will see who wears the collar then." The remains of a wilted flower clutched between her hooves as she turned back away from them.

The two shared a worried glance before quickly moving on.

"Is this all there is?" Lucas asked, his tone laced with disappointment. Nick looked around the pen, trying to find a decent place to let his stomach contents empty out, when he noticed a brown lump in the corner. Curious, he cautiously stepped towards it. Not so much to mask his approach but to keep from stepping in a pile of shit disguised as mud.

Once next to the small lump it quickly became clear, this was not a lump of mud or rhino dung, this was a bunny, two bunnies. Their eyes closed, and their fur matted in what was hopefully just dried mud, keeping their color obscured.

"Lucas!" He called to his partner who carefully approached.

"What is it?" He asked once he was directly behind him. Only then noticing the the two bunnies huddled together with their eyes closed.

"What do you make of them?" Nick asked.

"It's hard to tell. They look very skinny. Most likely siblings with the way they hold each other. Are they even alive?"

Nick reached out a clawed finger and gently raised the bigger bunnies head to face him. He could feel it move without resisting and almost thought them dead when the starved rabbit moaned. Gunk encrusted eyes slowly opened, revealing the most brilliant purple eyes Nick had ever seen. They closed again before the bunny weakly pulled away. He stood and turned to face his friend.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"Well," Lucas looked back at their other options, scratching behind his left ear as he did so, "the tiger looks strong, but he'll be of limited use with only one arm. The rhino would be able to do a lot of heavy lifting. Would make clearing the trees much faster." Nick made a disagreeing hum while frowning toward the prospect.

"It would cost more than we have to equip him with enough food to make the journey. Not to mention he could probably just step on us and to gain his freedom. What about these two?" He gestured to the two bunnies behind him. Lucas looked them over carefully from his vantage point before shrugging with a reply.

"They've got as much a chance of making it as any of these others I suppose. They are rabbits, so they may know a thing or two about farming."

"Would them being female be a problem?" He asked now looking back at the two huddled together, holding on to each other as if it would anchor them to the world. Lucas seem to think on that for a moment. He looked back at the gate they'd entered. The wolves were standing on either side silently watching. Occasionally, a nervous Duke Weaselton would look their way before pacing back out of sight again.

"Depends on how badly Duke wants to keep them I'd say."

"Do you still have your muff pistol?" Nick asked.

"I've got my britches on don't I." Nick smiled at the inside joke. Lucas had been caught without his britches on once. Yet he still had the little pistol hidden away. His hare friend hardly went anywhere without the pocket pistol on him. Stepping close, he pulled his own out and handed to Lucas in a fashion that prevented the wolves from see what they were doing. Nick then went back and lifted the small, light rabbits on his shoulders. Having to stop as he gagged at the smell before recomposing himself. He could tell they were both alive by the way the squirmed in his grasp before settling down again. He'd have to burn his own clothes to get rid of the smell. At least rabbit clothes would be cheap to replace.

Nick led the way out as Lucas followed a short distance behind, his paws discreetly clasped behind his back. When they reached the gate Weaselton was standing in their way.

"Now hold on Wilde, those two aren't apart of the claims."

"If they aren't claims then they shouldn't be here, and you should have mentioned that before we entered."

The two went back and forth arguing over the technicalities. Meanwhile, the wolves were starting to get edgy and their paws were slowly making their way towards their swords. When one actually grazed a finger across his sword's guard Lucas made his move.

"Listen Wilde, I'm telling you for the-" Duke was cut off by someone clearing their throat loudly. He leaned over around Wilde to what was going on. What he saw made his eyes widen. The large rabbit that came in was holding two pistols pointed at his wolf muscle.

"Now, we can stand here all day arguing over this, but I'd much rather get out of this stinking mud pit. And if you value your life Duke I'd let us leave." Lucas announced. Duke glanced at both wolves, noting they both had scared looks on their faces. He realized he'd been beat, this time.

"Fine, take your mammals and leave. They'll be dead by morning anyway." With that, he moved to let them pass. Not one to pass an opportunity, Nick quickly walked past and kept the quick pace all the way back to the small shack he and Lucas used as a hideout for when cons went bad. It was hidden in a back alley where larger mammals couldn't fit due to the closeness of the buildings. It was also close to the shops they would need to buy supplies from for their upcoming journey.

Luckily, it would have everything they needed for the night. They kept a spare change of clothes as well as food and utensils to cook with. A large bed, chimney for a fire and a large pot that could be used for a bath.

Once inside, Nick sat the two rabbits off his shoulders and on the floor. The rustling of their clothing caused the smell the spike once again. Causing Nick to go into a fit of dry heaves. The commotion seemed to cause the two rabbits to stir again. Lucas quickly went to one of their sides.

"Hey, can you hear me?" The rabbit had bright purple eyes and were staring back at him wearily but focused. "We need to get you out of those clothes, do you understand?" She closed her eyes but nodded in response. He didn't squander any time in going to action. He removed the ruined blouse and pants, placing them by the door to be removed later. Leaving her in light undergarments that barely maintained her modesty and did nothing to hide her snow-white fur that had only been tarnished in places by the muck. He then repeated the process with the other rabbit in kind. Nick had managed to gather himself enough to look out a window and noted it was starting to get late.

"I'm going to get the supplies we'll need for in the morning. There should be food in the cupboard for them."

"Alright, take these out while you're at it." He said as he placed a second set of ruined clothes in the pile. The action made Nick take notice of his own clothing. He quickly removed the fouled shirt and retrieved another that was stashed away, using his ruined one to pick up the rest before leaving. Lucas sliding a lock across after he was gone.

Now alone with the two bunnies, he noticed they were beginning to come around and were opening their eyes from time to time. He placed them beside each other, knowing that rabbits craved the comfort of touch. He then placed a blanket over them and fetched a pale of water. Upon his return, he lit a fire and hung a pot and kettle, both full of water, over it. He let it come to a boil for several minutes before adding chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot and removing the kettle to the side.

After letting it boil for several minutes, he began stirring it and mashing the vegetables till they formed a mush. He then used a ladle to scoop portions out into a wooden bowl. Setting it aside to cool, he looked at the two rabbits who were now awake and watching him. Though he could tell by their eyes that they still felt very weak. It was no surprise; their ribs and hip bones could be seen through their fur. Walking over to them, he addressed the one with grey fur and a white underbelly.

"Do you think you could eat something?" He asked. Noting the almost pleading look in her eyes as she nodded in response. "And you?" The one with all white fur nodded as well with the same look.

He then sat them up against one of the walls. He noticed they made efforts to assist him by moving their limbs. When they were in position and he felt confident they wouldn't fall, he took the kettle off the fire and poured it into another bowl. He then took a rag and used the hot water to wash the grime away from their muzzles and out of their eyes.

Once finished he began feeding them the now cooled carrot and potato mash. He tried feeding the grey one first, but she clamped her mouth shut and nodded towards the smaller white one. He obliged and gave the first bite to the other. With the food in her mouth, the smaller one let out a pitiful whine at finally tasting food after who knew how long. Lucas felt his heart clinch, it was a sound he was all too familiar with.

He then went to give a bite to the grey rabbit again. Again, she refused and nodded to the other. Lucas sighed and looked at her with an annoyed expression.

"She's your little sister, right?" A nod yes. "Well you won't do her any good dead now will you." Nothing. "Look, you have to eat slowly or you'll wretch everything back up. No point of just sitting here starving when you can go ahead and take a bite." He held the spoon back up to her mouth and she hesitantly accepted. As soon as it touched her tongue the grey rabbit's eyes closed and tears began to fall.

When they swallowed their meager bites he then gave them small sips of water. Interchanging between food and water till the bowl was half empty and there was a knock at the door. Lucas peaked through a crack on the wall before removing the lock and opening the door. The two rabbits were startled to see a fox carrying several bags and muskets into the room. Lucas simply closed the door and locked it again.

After placing the items on the table, Nick turned around and looked at the two rabbits staring back at them. He smiled at the way their noses seemed to dance on their face.

"Well I see you haven't died yet." The grey bunny scowled at him while the white one's eyes widened in concern.

"Stop teasing them Nick." Lucas admonished him. "They're still weak. Is this everything?" He pointed towards the table.

"Yup. I got us both Pennsylvania rifles with matching caliber pistols, 30 balls for each of us, powder, packs and blankets for all four of us and enough food to last four days and two canteens apiece." Lucas was studying one of the rifles as he listened. He admired the woodwork before placing it back down on the table.

"W-where are you taking us?" Lucas and Nick looked to the two rabbits sitting on the floor. It was the grey one that spoke. They looked at each other before Nick walked over and kneeled to be at eye level with her. Noticing a piece of carrot that was stuck in her fur, he reached out to remove it. When she moved her head away from his touch he smirked at the look of defiance in her eyes.

"Aw, come on Carrots."

She opened her mouth to protest the insult but was caught off guard when he reached out and grabbed her jaw, it wasn't harsh but caught her by surprise. He then used his other hand to lift away the stray piece of carrot and held it up where she could see. When he releases her she flexed her jaw and continued her scowl.

"To answer your question, we're going to the frontier. You two help me and my friend establish a farm and we'll set you free."

The grey rabbit turned to face her sister who silently nodded in agreement. "Alright," she said turning back to face him, "we agree. We'll help you."

He gave her a big toothy grin. Placing his sharp fangs on display.

"Ah, Carrots, it's so cute how you think you have a choice."