Foreword

This story is dedicated to my dearest cat Mork, who passed away at a young age [for a cat] earlier this year as well as Benson, my pet bunny who went off to chart his own course last December.

[Punctuation Adjusted 20/01/2019]

2016.

A feline with silver and black fur descended from a stage in the foyer of the Zootopia Police Department HQ. A rabbit in ceremonial police uniform stood at the foot of the stairs, waiting for him.

"Well done Doctor, are you sure you've never done a press conference before?" she said.

"Yes, that's the first," replied the Doctor in a posh accent, shifting his spectacles.

Nearby, the reporters, journalists and camera-folk were calling it a day. Mammals under the effects of Midnicampum Holicithias were all on their way to being well again.

"Well, on behalf of the ZPD and the many who suffered during such a dark time, I'd like to thank you for all you've done," said the rabbit.

"Hmm, yes. It was not just I, yes the giants, the shoulders of which I stood upon, were formed of my stalwart team of like-minded physicians." the feline said amidst an adjustment of his spectacles.

Her voice trailed off as she said, "Of course. I'm sorry I didn't quite catch you're name..."

"Ah. Doctor Nikolai Augustus Katzendale, M.D., Ph.D. Though you may call me Niko," he said in a genuine friendly manner.

"Ph.D., huh? What's your field?" she asked.

"Biology. Though my work typically does not stray far from genetics," jumping at the chance to talk to a pretty girl about science.

"In fact, I've been writing a paper called 'Pre-sentiology – The Science Of Civilization' which is all about common genes across very disimilar species and-" Niko stopped on account of the rabbit's gaze shift to something behind him.

Niko turned and saw a fox approaching them, he had to fight to stop his fur bristling. Turning back to the rabbit, it seemed she'd spotted the fox as well – and was happy to see him.

"Excuse me, Doctor. It was nice meeting you," she said, walking around Niko to greet the newcomer. The look in her eye told him all he needed to know about her romantic availability.

It was strange and perplexing, yet undeniably fascinating watching these two supposed polar opposites interact. Nikolai could see the fox cared for this bunny. The bunny seemed fairly unaware of just how much, even less aware of how much she cared for him.

The cat's heart grew heavy with a familiar pained feeling and being in public thusly became unbearable. And so it was time to go home to the abusive partner that was his own conscience.

Alternatively, he could visit a bar and possibly find someone to spend the night with. Of course, the struggle with that plan would be finding someone that wasn't a current or ex-patient because that is a serious no-no, the other issue is finding a place where few mammals know him.

'What you'd would give to be an actual nobody like your brother,' thought Niko to himself.

The doctor finally left the ZPD building. On his way out, a rather large ungulate intercepted him.

He said with a booming voice, "Good afternoon, Doctor Katzendale."

"Er- Afternoon... Who are you?" asked Niko with a weak smile, his ears pressed flat against his head.

"For now, just call me Ezra," said the Ungulate.

"Well, cordial greetings to you, Ezra," said Niko.

There was only silence from the large creature, obviously a Bison, wearing an expensive white suit.

"Heh... W-was there something you were after, mister erm- mister Ezra?" asked the comparatively tiny feline.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. I have a project- no, an opportunity I want to discuss with you. In private," boomed Ezra.

Niko looked about the area outside ZPD HQ. Busy animals moved hither and thither, yet the cat felt as though he was already alone with this beast.

"I suppose so..." said Niko, wearily.

Ezra's expression softened and what seemed like nervousness seemed to disappear from his posture. Behind him, a black limousine pulled up and the bison gestured towards the side door, that opened from some unspoken command.

"After you, Doctor," He said, "I made sure to bring champagne," he added.

Niko just tipped his head slightly in confusion, then wordlessly entered the vehicle, the bison followed. At this point, he wasn't even remotely concerned with what was happening around him.

With all it's intended occupants inside, the limo glided away from the kerb and cruised off downtown.