Prologue: The Sinewave Corporation

Zootopia's Downtown was always busy no matter the time of day. Throughout the day, mammals flocked to its high-rise office structures to work their nine-to-five, and to entertainment venues to enjoy themselves in the city where anyone can be anything. It's status as the nation's capitol makes it a global hub, giving mammals from all across the world an astonishing first look into the culture of Animalia. It's what also sparks the tiny flame that will eventually grow into the roaring fire that is "The Animalian Dream." Anyone can make it in Zootopia. It's what the city is known for. All you need is time, patience, hard work, and a little bit of cash.

Zootopia – Lotus Towers – March 24th, 2030

In the center of Downtown stood the heart and brains of one of Animalia's largest financial institutions: the main branch of Lotus National Bank. With two structures in total, they took a commanding post in Zootopia's skyline, with both clocking in at ninety floors. The concrete of the towers had a lavender hue to it, fitting in nicely with the colorfulness of the city's other skyscrapers. The blue tinted glass only added to the structure's beauty.

A straight shot from the buildings' courtyard was a little driveway, a section of road devoted entirely to pickups and drop offs. On a brisk spring morning, at 8:47 A.M, a large sedan pulled into that driveway. The sun's light reflected off of the vehicle's glossy black finish, a stark contrast to the vividness of the buildings around it. Four mammals, all felines, piled out of the rear of the car and began walking toward the entrance to Lotus East, the primary tower. As they crossed the courtyard, one of the smaller felines, a snow leopard, tapped the leader, a lion, on the shoulder.

"Sir, are you sure you want to do the pitch like that?" she asked. The lion glanced down at his right paw, which was wrapped in a thick layer of Ace bandages. He pulled back the sleeve of his suit jacket and followed the bandage layer as far as he could see. He nodded.

"Yes, we're already here. Besides, I want the best chance of getting the grant we need," the lion replied, removing his shades. When they approached the building, he held open the door for his group mates checking the time on his watch as he did. "Ten to nine."

The lobby of the bank was more reserved an professional looking than the outside, with marble pillars rising from the floor, also made of marble. To the right of the doors was a service desk, where clients would check in and make appointments. To the left was a sleek waiting area, filled with giant televisions and modern décor. The lion placed his shades in the breast pocket of his jacket before approaching the counter. Behind the desk was a cheetah dressed in professional attire bearing the Lotus logo. She looked up at the lion with a smile.

"How can I help you?" she asked. The lion flashed a smile.

"My friends and I have a rather important meeting with Carrier, Krevier, and Sullivan," he replied. The cheetah nodded once before glancing down at the screen below her. After a few clicks from the mouse she looked back up expectantly.

"Name and reason?" The lion was prepared for this question and produced a business card. He passed it off to the receptionist and allowed her to study it.

"My name's Atlas Rhodes, founding member of the Sinewave Corporation. Our reason for application is to acquire the money we need to finalize our working prototype for the next step in mammalian technological advancements," he replied proudly. He had rehearsed the line several times in his mind in the days leading up to the meeting. After his flawless recital, Atlas glanced back down at the cheetah. She input his name into the scheduler and sure enough, his time slot popped up on the screen.

"Okay, Mr. Rhodes, your appointment will be in the meeting room on the eighty-fifth floor, room 8505. I will notify Mr. Carrier, Mr. Krevier, and Mr. Sullivan of your arrival," she said. Atlas smiled and motioned for his group mates to follow him to the elevators. He pushed the button to call the elevator, but was pleasantly surprised to see that it was already on the ground floor waiting. The four felines entered the elevator and Atlas pressed the button numbered '85.' The doors promptly closed and the car began moving upward. Another one of the group members, also a cheetah, looked up at Atlas, who had his arms crossed in front of him.

"Sir, isn't it a little dishonest to tell them that the prototype isn't finished? Investors don't like being lied to..." he said worriedly. Atlas scoffed.

"I'm sure they'll appreciate the surprise once all is revealed," he replied smoothly. Atlas' words were reassuring enough for the cheetah and he fell silent. The rest of the elevator ride was spent in silence. As they felt the car begin to slow down, they prepared to make their exit. Once the doors opened, they were greeted by a small gray fox. The four felines stepped out of the elevator car and awaited instruction.

"The meeting hall is just down the corridor, and your counterparts will be with you shortly. Please be ready for their entry," he stated. He pointed down the hall to to the room at the very end. Atlas thanked the fox and began making his way to the gorgeous dark oak double doors at the end of the hallway. He waited for his partners to catch up before putting a large paw on the doorknob.

"Remember the plan. Just like we talked about," whispered Atlas as he pulled open the doors. The meeting room was nothing short of luxurious. Fine material chairs surrounded the large dark oak desk in the middle of the room, and the carpet was in pristine conditions. Atlas followed the desk all the way to the furthest wall, which had a massive display mounted on the wall; currently displaying the Lotus branding. To the left were floor-to-ceiling windows that granted a breathtaking view of the city below From where he was standing, Atlas could see all the way to the harbor in the south of Savannah Central. He pulled himself away from the window and faced his group mates.

"Jason, get your slideshow on that display," he said, pointing at the large screen at the end of the room. The cheetah nodded. He produced a small notebook computer and placed it on the desk below. He opened it up and began tracing his finger along the trackpad. Within seconds, he wirelessly projected the computer's screen to the larger one, the presentation ready to go at a moment's notice.

"We are online," said Jason with a thumbs up. Atlas shot him a smile and a nod.

"Kylie, get your documents ready." The snow leopard flashed a yellow file folder.

"All ready," she replied, passing the folder to Atlas. He looked through each page carefully, looking for any that were out of order or missing. Satisfied, he handed the folder back to Kylie.

"Tyson, once they agree to grant us the money, I'll need you to take care of all the transfer information and contracts." The last feline, a lynx, looked up at Atlas with doubt.

"But what if they don't grant us the money? I would have come for nothing," he argued. Atlas rolled his eyes.

"Come on, Tyse, don't think like that. What do I always say?" he asked playfully, putting a paw on the lynx's shoulder. Tyson sighed

"Think positive?" he said. Atlas smiled.

"Right, think positive. Now, across from Jason at the back, I'm gonna need Kylie during the pitch," Atlas replied. Tyson nodded and obeyed Atlas' word. He crossed the room and sat across from Jason, who was busy checking emails on his phone while he waited for his cue. As his partners prepared, Atlas heard a noise coming from outside the meeting room. Quickly, he turned around and notified everyone. "They're here!" He took his seat across from Kylie as the doors to the room opened again.

In walked three mammals wearing matching black suits. Each mammal had a different colored tie, and aside from their species was their only differentiating feature. Atlas was immediately able to tell who was who. The one on the left, the black bear with the red tie, was Arin Carrier. He was the one that most mammals would recognize as the face of Lotus Bank. On the right, the moose with the blue tie, was Daniel Sullivan, the one who dealt with smaller clients. Finally, in the middle, the black wolf with the purple tie, was Diego Krevier. Krevier was the true head of Lotus Bank. Anything and everything was ultimately up to him, and he always brought Carrier and Sullivan with him wherever he went to aid in the decision making process. The small gray fox from before stepped in front of the three mammals, turning around to address them.

"The ones you see before you are from the Sinewave Corporation. They wish to acquire a grant from Lotus Bank for the final stages of prototyping for a product that will quote 'change the way mammals live.' From left to right, front to back, we have Founder, Mr. Atlas Rhodes, Chief Medical Scientist, Ms. Kylie Bell, Lead Accountant, Mr. Tyson Manning, and Head of Programming, Mr. Jason DelStrata."

"Thank you, now if you could be so kind as to leave us to our business?" asked Krevier, pointing the fox toward the door. The fox nodded and quickly disappeared, closing the doors behind him. The three mammals took their seats at the opposite end of the table from Atlas' group. Krevier stared at Atlas. "I trust you're ready?" Atlas nodded

"Of course, sir." Krevier produced a small black remote from his pocket and pointed it at the large display. The display powered on and showed the title slide for Atlas' accompanying slideshow. Krevier then hit another button, and Atlas watched in amazement as the middle section of the table began to descend into the floor, creating a space for any would-be presenter to walk.

"I've never seen this in a boardroom before," Atlas commented. A small smile crept onto Krevier's face.

"I'm glad you like it too. Now, what have you for us, Mr. Rhodes?" Atlas swallowed hard. Jason turned to the first slide, which contained the Sinewave Corporation's logo. Atlas glanced at it briefly before turning to face his judges.

"Well, good morning, first of all. As your little fox friend already stated, my name is Atlas Rhodes and I am the founder of the Sinewave Corporation. Now, before I get into our product, I want to tell you what we're all about. The Sinewave Corporation is all about progress. As you know, growth in the technology sector is beginning to plateau, and you would expect to see that after nearly fifty years of continuous progress. We have reached a level where technology is no longer required to be innovative. All your company needs to do is meet the demand and you'll do good. However, without innovation, stagnation eventually becomes a huge issue, and with stagnation comes boredom, comes collapse, and comes death."

"I founded the Sinewave Corporation because I do not want to sit idly by and watch the technology sector keel over and die a slow, painful death. Yes, technology is now, and will forever be a part of our lives, but it won't be as important or as magical as it was all those years ago. Remember how excited the world was when you could fit a personal computer in your own home. Remember how shocked everyone was at the smooth user experience of the first iPhone. Remember how amazed everyone was when autonomous vehicles, pilotless flights, and delivery drones made their commercial debut."

"Our goal is to further the reach of the technology sector. You may be thinking that that's impossible, that technology has expanded as far as it could possibly go, but that's where I prove you wrong. Technology plays a part in nearly everything you can think of. It is a part of every career, every hobby, every household, every business. What possible area of life could there be to expand to. Well, I have your answer. It's you." Krevier glared at him, unimpressed. He raised an eyebrow as if to ask: 'Really?'

"Now I'm not talking about slapping another gadget in your pocket. We've been down this road before, and everything's pretty much as space efficient as it'll get, and I'm not even talking about wearable tech either. This isn't another 'smart watch' or 'AR glass.' What I'm getting at is...How should I put this...This will bring us closer to technology than ever before." Jason pulled up the next slide. The images on the slide were highly detailed sketches of a lion with a prosthetic arm. There were multiple angles, showing off the arm in many different positions.

"What we have here new breed of prosthetic that returns the function of lost or missing limbs better than any before it. Current robotic prosthetics rely on inconvenient external power, clunky pre-programmed movements, and overall sluggishness. In addition, they are very expensive to create, and to maintain. Our prosthetic eliminates all of those problems. Our prosthetic is fast, responsive, lightweight, and requires no external power. To achieve this, we have gone beyond the natural order, combined mammal and machine, and created neuroprosthesis." Atlas paused. Krevier rubbed his chin, processing what Atlas had just told him.

"Hmm...Neuroprosthesis. Explain how it works," asked Krevier, looking back up at Atlas and crossing his arms. Atlas nodded

"Of course. The main concept of the neuroprosthetic is that it is hard-wired directly into your central nervous system. The way the nervous system works is that signals are sent from the brain, through the nervous system, and to the muscles. These signals tell the muscles to contract and relax and move the different parts of the body. When a mammal is paralyzed, the path the signals travel is damaged, preventing them from reaching the muscles. The way neuroprosthesis works is that the paths are reestablished through the means of small wires connecting to where the signal is last traced. Then the wires carry the signals to the prosthetic to move hundreds of tiny motor systems to recreate the contraction and relaxation of the muscle required for motor function." Krevier raised an eyebrow.

"While this does sound rather impressive, and the technology is certainly bleeding edge, I'm hard-pressed to think of a market that would generate capital for your neuroprosthetic limbs..." Krevier said, trailing off.

"Er, there is one more thing this prosthetic is capable of, sir," Atlas added, smile never leaving his face. Krevier tilted his head.

"Oh, really? What is it?" he asked.

"Mr. Krevier, have you ever heard of the term 'cybernetic enhancement?'" replied Atlas, confidence returning. His question seemed to have rekindled Krevier's interest in the pitch, as he leaned forward in his chair.

"I haven't...Would you care to tell me?"

"Cybernetic enhancement is the process of willfully having a limb removed and replaced with a mechanical equivalent, where the new limb is of greater functionality than the original. Since the prosthetic is made of such high quality materials, it is stronger, and many times more resistant than flesh and bone. A mammal can have all of their limbs replaced with mechanical versions and see massive improvements to physical strength, speed, and agility. The only downside is, of course, recipients would have to go through months, potentially years of rehabilitation in order to adjust to and make use of the new limbs. If our prosthetic is used in this manner, I can foresee great improvements in security, law enforcement, and military personnel's abilities and efficiency. In a few short words, we would be creating 'super' variants of all of these mammals." Krevier smiled.

"Fascinating. Give mammals the ability to surpass the limits set by their biology. And you said the prototype was in its final stages? It's a shame, really. I would have loved to see what your team has created in person..." Atlas' heart skipped a beat. "Maybe even a demonstration," Atlas prepared to speak again but was silenced when Krevier lifted his paw. "I am interested to see where this could go, Mr. Rhodes. So, I will grant you a small sum to complete your prototype prosthetic. Once complete, we will discuss from there." Atlas faked a sigh.

"Mr Krevier, I'm afraid I must admit that I have been lying to you this entire time." Krevier's smile quickly disappeared.

"Oh? How so?"

"I lied to you when I said that our prototype was incomplete. It actually is, in fact, complete." In one swift motion, Atlas unraveled the layer of bandages on his right arm, tossing them to the ground. He then turned around and removed his suit jacket to reveal that his shirt was missing one of its sleeves; the right one. He turned back around to face a bewildered Krevier and extended his arms. Just like the lion in the slideshow, Atlas' right arm had been replaced with the same neuroprosthetic he had been discussing throughout the entire pitch. Atlas flashed Krevier a toothy grin. "And it's fully functional."

Krevier left his seat and approached the lion in front of him. He carefully observed the prosthetic arm from all angles, making sure to take in every last detail. As he looked, Atlas made sure to move it occasionally, which only fascinated Krevier even more. After five minutes of silent adoration, Krevier returned to his post in front of Atlas.

"It's incredible. How did this come to be?" he asked breathlessly.

"This prosthetic is the product of nearly twenty years of research, testing, and patience. We have tested possibly thousands of different designs, and it all culminates to this. This specific limb was in testing for two years before it was deemed acceptable, and I searched for a test subject willing to accept it for another two. After finding no one who would take the risk, I bit the bullet and became the test subject. I put myself under the knife for the sake of progress. I took the risk, and it has paid off in spades. I have been living with it for just over a year now, and as you can see, the functionality is the same as my organic arm."

"This is definitely a revolution. A new way to utilize technology, not only to benefit ourselves, but to benefit others as well. Mr. Rhodes, If I recall correctly, you said something about the prosthetic arm being stronger and more resistant, yes?" Atlas nodded. "I see. Could you step aside, please?" Atlas, though confused, obliged, and stepped away from the center of the room. Krevier produced the same remote as before and pushed one of the buttons. In front of his very eyes, the middle section of the table began to rise from the floor.

"Mr. Krevier, if you don't mind my asking, what are you doing?" said Atlas.

"I would like for you to demonstrate the arm's increased ability," replied Krevier. Atlas was shocked.

"How?" Krevier smirked.

"Break the desk," he said. Atlas' eyes widened.

"Beg your pardon?"

"Break the desk," Krevier repeated. He was loud and clear about his demands. Krevier wanted Atlas to punch a whole clean through the desk. Atlas, however, was doubtful.

"Sir, I hardly think this is the place. If you want, we could set something up?" Atlas asked, frantically trying to get out of doing what Krevier had asked.

"I'll have it replaced, so don't you worry about it," Krevier said. This reassured Atlas. He stared down at the desk in front of him, still debating whether or not he should go through with it. He curled his paws into fists and tried to hype himself up before he threw the punch. He glanced over at Krevier one last time, and with a final reassuring nod, Atlas growled, sending his arm straight down and through the wooden desk. Splinters flew in all directions, Atlas shielded his eyes. His group mates lowered their heads, and so did the other investors, but Krevier remained unmoved. A smile grew upon his face.

"So, you were telling the truth." He stood up and approached Atlas, extending his right arm. "I will grant you the money to continue working on this project." Out of courtesy, Atlas shook the mammal's paw. He backed away and shook his head.

"Actually, sir, we never needed any money. We only wanted to get some important eyes on our creation. Mr. Krevier, I know you have connections to many of Animalia's hospitals, as well as to law enforcement and military operations all across the country. You've seen what it can do, and you know of all the good it will bring. This is why I'm asking you to join me, as well as the rest of Sinewave, in creating a better tomorrow." Krevier looked up at Atlas.

"You're a bold man, Mr. Rhodes. I like that. I accept." Atlas resisted the urge to fist pump the air, as his smile grew as large as it has ever been.

"Thank you, Mr. Krevier. Kylie will set you up with some documents so you can better understand the full procedure." With the mention of her name, Kylie rose from her seat and approached Krevier with the folder she had brought. Atlas stepped away from the two so they could talk. He stared out the window once again. The sun had risen higher in the sky, shining its rays down onto the city below. He smiled. In the window's reflection, he saw Tyson approach him from behind.

"So I guess you didn't really need me here, huh," he said dejectedly.

"To be honest, no. But, we'll definitely be needing you once all of the profit starts rolling in," Atlas replied. Tyson gave a weak smile.

"I guess so," said Tyson as he walked away. Atlas looked over his shoulder to see Kylie finishing up with Krevier. He got up from his seat to join Atlas at the window. He stood to Atlas' left and placed a paw on the window.

"A beautiful view, isn't it Mr. Rhodes," Krevier commented.

"You said it, sir, and call me Atlas." Krevier smiled, placing his arms behind his back.

"Well, Atlas, you may call me 'Diego,'" Atlas shifted his gaze to Zootopia's harbor. The two stood in silence as the other mammals in the room gathered their things. Carrier and Sullivan left first, while Jason, Kylie, and Tyson waited silently at the door for Atlas.

"Hey, Diego," said Atlas, breaking the silence? The wolf glanced up at the lion.

"Yes?" he replied calmly.

"Let's change the world."

The two mammals then left the window together. Everyone left the room together and walked slowly down the corridor, talking as they did. When they arrived at the elevator, Yuri bid Atlas and his crew a goodbye, and watched as the doors closed between them. Once he heard the elevator car begin to move, he retreated back to his office, which was the first door on the left, number 8501. The office matched the rest of the floor's design: dark oak, carpet, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Diego Krevier slowly traversed the office and looked out his window, which was facing north. The view wasn't as breathtaking as the one in the meeting room, but it did give him a perfect view of the District of Tundratown. He smiled and sighed peacefully

The four felines exited the elevator at the ground floor. Atlas waved at the receptionist, making sure to use his left paw. They quickly traversed the courtyard and right there waiting for them in the little driveway was the same black sedan they arrived in. One by one, they crawled into the rear of the car. Atlas closed the door behind them all.

"Driver, return home," said Atlas. A chime was heard over the car's sound system, followed by an automated response.

"Yes, Master Rhodes." replied the car's computer. The vehicle pulled away from the curb and was en route to the Sinewave Corporation's main building. Atlas grabbed himself a bottle of water from the car's refrigerator and cracked it open. After drinking nearly half of it in one go, he looked over at his group mates.

"Well, you guys ready to make a difference?" The cheetah, the lynx, and the snow leopard all nodded. Atlas returned the gesture and smiled.

"Good. It's been a long time coming."

~A Quick Author's Note~

This is a project that has been buried in the back of my mind for the past few months. It's the reason why I was gone for so long. I wanted to make sure that what I posted was as good as I could make it, and this is the culmination of all that work. I fell short of my 5k word goal, but that's okay. As long as I think it's good enough, it doesn't matter the length. However, I will try my best to have longer chapters for this specific story. Thanks, -Prince.