Disclaimer: I do not own Zootopia or any of its characters, they all belong to Disney. I do not own Halo or any of it characters, that are all belong to 343 Industries. Rated M for sexual themes.
Just One Small Spark
Chapter 11
A year had passed with four ships being completed and ten more under construction at the orbital shipyard. Two more shipyards were also under construction in orbit of the other habitual planet and the nearer asteroid field. Mining ships were constructed and sent to the asteroid belts. Others were kept in the inner systems to clean out any asteroids which could possibly endanger either of the habitable Dark Star and the other ships as they came into service were used to transport colonists between the planets and workers to various places with the solar system.
Near the end of the first year super MAC cannons began to come online and were placed in orbit of the two planets. Others would be placed near all critical facilities after it was deemed there were a sufficient number to defend each planet. In and near Zootopia and the other cities entire new industries sprang up to build UNSC equipment. Fortunately none of the cities except Zootopia were as heavily damaged in the revolution. So with most of the infrastructure intact and with billions of workers at its disposal these and other industries boomed.
With things going so well it was decided that the Dark Star with one of the newly constructed starships would explore the nearby star systems. This was defined as every star with twenty light years. Within the month the Dark Star and the smaller sister ship, Zootopia, jumped the nearest star. The Zootopia immediately jumped back to report the initial slipspace jumps for both ships had been successful. It then returned to the Dark Star.
"Mary, how does it feel to be in charge of everything now that Captain Wilde has gone exploring?" Robert asked and nibbled on one of her ears.
"I'm not in charge of everything!" she exclaimed and sighed. "Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous. I really just need to relax." Her Fox wrapped his arms and nuzzled her throat. "Thank you. That feels wonderful."
He continued until she drifted off to sleep and then curled around her. When he woke it was still an hour before the alarm would wake them so he decided to get an early start. He showered first and then started breakfast. Fortunately Mary could tolerate the smell of meat so he could have bacon with his pancakes. He also made omelets, hash browns, and cut some greens for her. The smell must have wakened her since he heard her yawn. She came out of the bedroom in only her fur and he grinned.
"Good morning," he said standing and pulling out the chair for her.
She sat and looked at him. He leaned in and kissed her.
"So you made breakfast."
"I did. Please eat."
She did and kept eyeing him throughout the meal.
"So."
"Was it good?
"Yes."
"You've been awfully quiet this morning."
"You cooked this morning because…"
"I wanted to surprise you and I thought this might relax you. I want to help you all I can."
"And that's it?"
He thought he knew where this was going.
"I just want to please the person I love and that's it."
Her eyes became watery and took her in his arms.
"Now don't do that."
"I'm such a hypocrite. I thought that…"
"I had an alternative motive and I was being a sly Fox."
"We been together for a few years now and I still act like this. You must think that I'm ..."
He held her face between his hands.
"I love you very much. I understand that people tell stories about Foxes being sly and tricky. I will never try to trick you into doing something you don't want to do. I am you husband and I will help you all I can. If you have problems please come to me and I'll try my best to help. If I have soon I'll do the same. I know having a mixed species marriage isn't still accepted by everyone. That's another problem we shouldn't let get between us. I know you're under a lot of pressure assuming command. Remember I will be right there by your side. Lean on me if you have to and I'll do anything I can for you."
"I'm sorry."
"You made a mistake. It's forgotten. Go ahead and get really and I'll clean up out here. OK."
"I love you."
"And I'm the luckiest Fox in the universe."
She kissed him.
As the months passed Mary gained confidence in her job and responsibilities. As he said Robert was always for her to lean on – most of time figuratively, but a few times literally. It had a particularly long day since was just one minor problem after another. She thanked God that Robert there willing and eager to pitch in and help. Their shift finally ended only twenty minutes late and she could tell from the look in her Fox's eyes that he really wanted to be alone with her. They finished turnover to second shift and hurried back to their apartment. They hardly made it through the door when he pressed her against the wall and kissed her. Then she felt his hand on her tail and she shivered. She put her hands on his hips and pulled him tight against her. Then she found his tail and slid hand down it until she found its base. Then squeeze it until she heard him grunt with pleasure.
"Now you horny Fox you can just wait till I take my uniform off," she said and smacked his hand when he tried to help. "I can do it myself. You just take care of yours."
He did and she slipped away from him. Mary went to their room and at least made an attempt to hang her uniform up. His would probably be dropped on the floor where'd he removed it. Robert came in on all fours and smiled. She thought he looked beautiful with his red and white fluffed out. She went to all fours and faced him. He grinned showing all of his teeth and leapt for her. Not wanting it to make it easy for him she dodged away. He came after her nipping at one of her back feet and she leapt onto the bed. He followed her, but she turned and met him rolling him onto his back. He was stronger and threw her off and then landed on her back. She felt his jaws close on the back of her neck and froze.
After a few moments she felt his erection gently slip into her and his jaws tighten. She moaned in pleasure and felt him thrust forward several times. After a few minutes she felt his knot enter her and the pressure on her neck ease. Then he started to lick her neck where he had held her. He finished and laid his head on hers. Now with each thrust she felt him swell and her muscles tightened on him. He grunted and she felt his full weight on her. Then her cell phone rang.
"Disable video. Answer."
"Captain, your video is disabled."
"You're correct. Please go ahead."
She heard Robert snort.
"We've found something interesting."
"Are we under attack?"
"No, Captain."
"Can it wait an hour?"
"or two," Robert whispered in her ear.
"Yes, Captain."
"I'll call you back and if necessary, I'll come down. Please send me any pertinent information."
"Yes, Captain. Goodbye ma'am."
Robert burst out laughing and Mary soon joined him. After that had passed she felt him nibble on her ear and then start swell inside her.
"Robert! Stop that you horny Fox!"
She realized what she said and groaned. Robert chuckled.
"Fluff, I'm sorry that's one thing I can't do."
"Fluff?"
"I overheard Nick use that. I like it. Don't you Fluff?"
"One day I'm going to make a rug out of you!"
"And miss this."
He thrust forward harder than before and she met him halfway. She felt his teeth on the back of her neck again. Then he actually growled and arched has back holding so tight she felt air whoosh out of her. Then she cried out and he collapsed on her. After a while he came to himself and felt her heart beating so fast that he couldn't tell one beat from the next.
"Mary!"
"Robert, that was incredible."
"Did I hurt you?"
"No. Could just roll off me?" He gently rolled on his side taking her with him. "Thanks. Now I can breathe. Are you still growing? You feel heavier then the last time."
She felt his hand on her chest.
"Your heart is beating so fast."
"That's what happens when a bunny and Fox make love."
He licked her throat and then kissed her.
"Sometimes I can't believe that you chose me as your mate."
"Robert, we did know each other since we were kits. I did always like you, but I never really considered you as a mate until Judy and Nick became a couple. I know how that sounds since Judy had a Fox then I had have one too, but seeing Judy and Nick together then I knew it was possible. When I saw you as a person not just a Fox everyone warned me about, I could see a potential mate. Does that make sense?"
"Yes. This beautiful bunny I'd known and liked since I was a kit came to me and became my friend. Then we became lovers. We found others like us and we changed the world. But it was Judy that one little bunny that was the spark that made it all possible."
When they showered Robert behaved himself, but insisted in washing every square inch of her. She returned the favor and their shower took twice as long as usual. They dried each other and then he started to groom her which was her favorite part. She loved the feeling of his strong hands on her body. Her fur was not long as his so he used a brush with shorter bristles and of course the one she used on him had the longer ones. Then Robert insisted on making supper, but let her help.
"Mary, I think we forgot something."
"Shit! The call!"
She hurried to her computer and booted it up. She read through the relevant email and watched the attached video. She called the bridge and spoke to the duty officer who she spoken to earlier and apologized for not getting back to her sooner. When she returned to the kitchen dinner was ready.
"So was it important?" Robert asked.
"Yes and no."
"Well at least it sounds interesting."
"We're getting visitors, but they won't be here for six months. And it looks like they've come the long way."
The intruder was large generation ship. One of the dumb AIs identified its engine as Bussard Ramscoop. Interstellar hydrogen was collected and engine used it in a fusion reaction to power the ship. It had taken six months for the ship to slow enough to go into orbit of their colony world.
"Captain, it's your decision. Should we enter the ship or not? We won't cause on damage. An air lock was open and we can now open and close any airlock on that ship."
"No, we'll wait until that ship wakes the crew," she said and could tell that wasn't going to be a popular decision. "How would we react to finding unknowns on one of our ships? We have a MAC on standby?"
"Captain, we could gut that ship from stem to stern within one minute."
"Hopefully we won't need to do that. It would much easier talk to them and then get them settled on the planet."
"Get them settled on the planet, sir?"
"Yes. Obviously that's why they came here."
"We can make them leave."
"And if they say no. Should we kill them all?"
"No Captain."
"So we'll wait."
The colony's ship scanned the area around the target planet. There were 10 other ships and dozens of other satellites in orbit. The ships were obviously armed and from the power readings a few of the other were weapons also. Fortunately most contingencies had been planned for and this one was one of them. To preserve their race the only option would be to surrender. Before their home world was destroyed they had 500 years to prepare. A dozen ships were built and sent to similar stars which had they hoped had habitable planets. A probe had been sent ahead of each ship to scout each system. If the system contained intelligent life the AI would attempt to learn language and when the main ship arrived download the information to it. The message would be sent.
"Greetings. This is colony ship number seven. Our original planet was destroyed and we've have come here to settle on this one. We will follow any reasonable instructions. We surrender."
"Captain, we are receiving a message from the intruder."
"Please play it."
"Greetings. This is colony ship number seven. Our original planet was destroyed and we've have come here to settle on this one. We will follow any reasonable instructions. We surrender."
"Captain, the message repeats. How do we respond?"
"Captain, how did they learn our language?"
"A question for another day."
"Please open a channel to the colony."
"Open Captain."
"I'm sure you've heard that the ship has asked to settle it passengers on this planet. Will you accept them?"
Ten minutes passed.
"Yes."
"Please open a channel to the ship."
"Open Captain."
"We accept your surrender. Our colony on the planet has agreed that you may settle here with them. How can we help?"
The intruder's AI thought this had gone better than anticipated. Crew revival would commence immediately.
"Captain, a new message from the intruder."
"I have commenced revival of the crew. In five hours please send over a delegation to meet with them."
"Agreed. How many can I bring over?"
"As many as you wish to."
"Is the atmosphere on your ship the same as on the planet?"
"Yes."
"We shall wear protective armor and we'll want to examine several of your people."
"Acceptable and we would also wish to examine some of your people."
"Many of our people are different species. Could we do these examinations on the planet's surface?"
"Yes."
"We will be ready in five hours."
The drop ship left her ship's landing bay and cruised toward the alien ship. It was actually larger than any ship currently in their solar system. As they approached a landing bay opened.
"Captain, we are outside their landing bay."
"Please proceed."
"Yes, Captain."
"Mary," Robert began on a private channel, "thank you for letting me come along."
"Robert, I did really want you by my side and your advice too."
The drop ship settled to the deck and outer door closed. Then they heard the landing bay being pressurized.
"Ensign, what is the composition of the air being pump in?"
"Captain, it's normal. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases. Just like our worlds. Breathable."
"Bacteria and viruses?"
This took a bit longer to determine.
"Captain, nothing detectible. There could be the odd bacteria and/or virus, but if they're present there so few that our detector can't find any to analyze."
"Doctor?"
"The odds of one of their bacteria or viruses being able to infect us are so near zero it doesn't matter. They would have evolved to on a different planet to infect a specific type of cell. Our cells are different. I could go into a very technical explanation of how a bacteria or virus actually infects a cell."
"But we'll take your word for it."
"Thank you Captain."
"We'll let's go," she said and boarding ramp dropped. "Interesting that they spin the ship for gravity."
"Simulated gravity," said one of the engineers.
"Look!" Robert said as a door opened on the other side of the landing bay. "Our hosts."
At first glance Mary could tell that they were quadrupeds, but had six limbs. The other two were being used as arms. They were a little larger than a Gazelle and brown furred. Also, like a Gazelle their heads had two long sharp horns. They wore only a vest over their shoulders and across the chests with many pockets.
Mary walked toward them and the others followed. She noted that they were all in groups of three except one which stood by itself. When they neared the larger one in the middle group of three stepped and extended its four figured hands palms up. Mary mirrored the gesture.
"You may remove those suits," it said and was translated by their AI. "I'm sure that you have tested our air and found it breathable."
"Yes, that's true. We also tested for microorganisms and found none. But you must have some. Our doctor theorizes that yours are so different that they wouldn't be able to infect us. If that is the case ours would be the same for you."
Mary removed her helmet and took a breath. She could smell the aliens and metal of the landing bay. She removed the rest of her suit and Robert did the same.
"So I think we have more similarities than differences," Mary said and held out her hands. The alien who spoke touched them. "This is my husband."
"You are of different species."
"Yes, I'm a Rabbit and he's a Fox," she said and put an arm around him. "Taking a mate from a different species doesn't happen often, but it does happen."
"So you have only two sexes?"
"Yes."
"We have three. One carries the sperm, one the eggs, and last is where the embryo grows."
The others had removed their suits and joined their Captain.
In all of our species the sex that produces the eggs also carries the embryo to term," the doctor said. "Although in some species the egg is hard or soft shelled and excreted from the body. The parent then keeps it warm until it hatches. I would like to get information on your species medicine and we would do the same for you. In the future your doctors will probably have to treat one of us and ours one of yours."
"That makes sense."
"So the planet sparsely settled except the one large valley on the northern continent. Also, we have settled some of our people from the other planet in small settlements scattered around the planet. You may join those or start you own. We would prefer that you join the ones already established. How many colonists do you have on your ship?"
"There are 2,167,188 of us," the speaker said. "It should take us about three months to thaw them and to be taken down to the planet."
A human stepped forward.
"This is the person in charge of the valley settlement."
"We would like to take 10,000 of your people in the upper valley which is only lightly settled," the human said.
"We will start landing them in 3 days in your valley. You will tell the other settlements of our arrival."
"Yes. After you settle those first 10,000 just tell us where you intend to land and we'll let the closest settlement know. They'll help you setup yours."
"That is acceptable."
"If you need our help or have any problems you may call on us at any time. Also, if any of you wish to serve as crew on our ships, please let us know. We have several under construction and we always need trained personnel."
"That surprises us. We didn't think you trust us that much."
"We'll see how it works out."
"What do you intend to do with your ship after you've settle your people on the planet?" Mary asked.
"We were going to use it as an orbital station."
"I think that would be an excellent use for it once we upgrade it. We are building a shipyard here too. This would be a useful as place for the workers to live. We'll need some of your crew if they want to stay on and help us."
"I will speak to my people."
Mary noticed that the one single alien touched the alien speaker.
"She's one of our doctors," the speaker said. "We would like to send her with you as our liaison."
"I am using the pronoun 'she' for this sex since she is one who carries the embryo," the A.I. said. "I will also use the word 'female' for this sex. For the other two I will use the 'he' pronoun and the word 'male'. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, that makes sense."
Mary held out her hands and female took them.
"I'm glad to meet you," she said. "I'm a bit excited since I never examined an alien before." She hugged Mary and she returned it. "Do you mind that I did that?"
"No, of course not. Come."
"I have a cart with my food, medical equipment, and personal items."
She indicated it against the wall.
"I'll get it," Robert said.
"How will you speak to us once we're off your ship?"
"This is a translator," she said taking a device from a pocket. "Our AI programmed it with your language."
They entered the drop ship and immediately discover a problem. The alien doctor could not sit in any of the seats. Mary called on the engineers she had brought along.
"Well all of us can walk on all fours, but none of us are limited to it. What do your people use?" The chief engineer asked.
"We have a saddle we mount and belts then go around our body to hold it into place."
"Could we use one of the causality beds?" another engineer asked. "They are made to be bolted to the deck and then we just strap her onto it."
They tried it and it worked.
"How does it feel?"
"Uncomfortable, but it'll have to do."
"It won't be for long."
"Captain, she reminds of a Gazelle. I have a pair of them on my staff. They're brother and sister. I don't think you've met them yet since they just reported to the ship a few days ago. I thought she might like to stay with them. It's just a thought."
"And a good one."
The two engineers sat in Captain's outer office and both looked nervously at her secretary. Being a human she knew there was a Gazelle on her planet, but she'd never met her.
"The Captain's schedule is running a bit behind," she said. "She will see you in about 10 minutes. My name is Jessica. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Just water," he said and looked at his twin.
"The same please."
The woman when into another room came back with two bottles and handed them to the Gazelles.
"Only my planet we had only the one Gazelle, Alejandra, and I never met her," Jessica said. "You're the only two on this ship. I'm trying to meet all the different species and get to know them. I guess it's become my hobby."
Both Gazelles looked at each other and chuckled.
"I'm Jesse and this is my twin Jean," he said touching his sister. "So do you know why we're here?"
"Actually I do, but I think the Captain would prefer to tell you herself," she said. "I'm sorry."
"You're the first human we've met too," Jean said. "Would you like to meet with us after we get off duty?"
"Yes, I would," Jessica said. "Please just give me a call and we can meet somewhere."
"It would be easier for you to just to come to our cabin," Jesse said.
The phone beeped and Jessica answered it.
"You can go in now," Jessica said. "I'll call you later."
The twins entered the Captain's office and saluted.
"Ensign Jesse Greene reporting as ordered."
"Ensign Jean Greene reporting as ordered."
"You're correct Robert," she said. "They do resemble Gazelles."
"Ensigns, this is one of our visitors from the colony ship."
The alien stepped up to Jesse and held out its hands palm up. The surprised ensign took them and it squeezed his hands. Then it enfolded him a hug and which he returned. He assumed it was female. From the brief glimpse he had it was wearing no clothing other than a small vest and he hadn't noticed any obvious male genitalia. She felt warmer than he expected and he rubbed his face against hers. Their horns clacked together and felt her nibble on one of his ears. He chuckled.
"Jesse!" his sister hissed.
"Doctor … Ensign," Mary said. "I'm guessing that compatibility wouldn't be a problem."
"No," she said and putting her forehead against Jesse's. "Gazelles seem to be much like us. Since we're both ruminants and most likely evolved along the same lines I'd guess the way our minds perceive reality is very similar too. That's something I'll like to study with them along with my duties as liaison if that's acceptable."
"No problem," Mary said. "Maybe you'd like to meet the other Ensign too."
She released Jesse who looked at his Captain a bit of a smile on his face. Jean looked at her brother and rolled her eyes. She received the same treatment her brother did, but guessed that he'd enjoyed more than she did.
"I'd like you three to share a cabin," Mary said. "It will have three separate bedrooms, a common area, and kitchen. Are there any objections?"
"No ma'am," Jesse said quickly.
"You two?"
"Since we're only Gazelles on the ship I'd like to stay with my brother."
"Since they do remind me of my own people I'd like to live with them."
"Good. Then my First Officer will show you the way."
"All my equipment and person items are in my room," she said.
"We're going to have to get our things," Jesse said.
"Can I help you?"
"Sure," he said and stopped to think. "What's your name? The Captain never said it."
"We don't have names like you do," she said. "My designation is Doctor 1632."
Jesse made a face.
"We are going have to give you a name," he said. "Jean, help me think of one."
"Have you thought that she might take it as an insult?"
"Just why would she think that!"
"No, its fine," she said and lay on the couch.
Jesse thought she look distressed. She was breathing rapidly and nose and ears had turned pale. They both went to the Doctor and Jesse sat next to her. Jean sat on the floor and rubbed her back.
"Why are you shaking?" he asked putting an arm around her. "Did we upset you?"
"Yes," she said quietly and put her head on his shoulder. "Please Jesse just hold me."
Jean rolled her eyes and Jesse shrugged. Then she stood and left the cabin. He wondered what had gotten into her. Females! He noticed that she had stop shaking and snuggled closer.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes."
"What happened?"
"I don't like conflict."
"You're female, right?"
"I am the sex where the child grows. The other two would impregnate me."
"Three sexes?"
"One first male carries the sperm, the second male carries the egg, and third is me. We form a triad to produce children."
"And there would be an emotional attachment between the three partners."
"Yes."
"Are you part of a triad?"
"No. I'm extra."
"Extra?"
"There aren't enough seconds so I'm extra as are some firsts."
"Couldn't a triad have two thirds or two firsts."
"No! Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to…"
She started to shake again.
"It's OK," he said and scratched her back.
She looked down at him and smiled. Then she started to lick his face. This didn't really didn't surprise him since he'd done the same thing. He scratched the back of her neck and followed it up to her horns. They felt different than his horns and were a bit longer, but just as sharp. She shook her head and snored.
"Did that bother you?"
"No."
She shifted her weigh and they rolled off the couch. He ended up on top.
"Are you hurt?"
"Of course not."
She rolled over and stood up leaving him on this back. He got to his feet and she lowered her head until their foreheads touched. Their horns clacked together and she pushed him back grunting with effort. Then he got his footing and pushed her back. Their horns clacked together again. He felt her muscles bunch and she pushed him against a wall. Then he was lifted off his feet and slid to the floor. She put a front hoof on his chest.
"I win," she said.
"I guess you did," he said.
She helped him up.
They went to their respective rooms and showered and then met back in the common room. Her stomach rumbled and he chuckled.
"Hungry?"
She looked at him for a moment and frowned. Then she went back to her room and returned with the translator. Jesse chuckled.
"In the movies the alien never make mistakes."
"I've made plenty."
"Anyway are you hungry?"
"Yes!"
"Could you eat our foods?"
"I have a tester," she said and returned with it.
"Let's go the mess hall."
Jean returned with their things and immediately found their cabin empty. Quickly she put their things in their respective rooms, took a shower, and left. She met Jessica on the way to the mess hall.
"Where's your brother and the Doctor?" Jessica asked.
"I don't know," she said with a bit of an edge in her voice. "I thought I'd have some supper. Do you want to join me?"
"OK."
They walked toward the mess hall in silence for a while.
"So what you think about the new species?"
"I think we and several other species will be compatible."
"I heard that there is a male Gazelle and female human on the Dark Star that have mated."
"His name is Marco and he's a distant cousin of mine."
"If this isn't too personal what do you think about their relationship?"
"I really have thought about it," Mary said and shrugged. "Let's get our food and we'll talk."
They went through the line and then she spotted her bother and the doctor at the back of the mess hall with a table full of different foods.
"Can we sit with you?"
"Of course," Jesse said moved close to the doctor.
Jean and Jessica watched the doctor touch a probe into a small dish and examine a read out. Some dishes she pushed away out of hand and others she did once she'd tasted them. When she'd finished ten remained before her.
"So what's the verdict?" Jesse asked.
"Only three would make me ill and these seven I didn't like the taste," she said and took a bite out of a head of lettuce. "I like this one the best and this 'bread' is interesting. We have nothing like it."
"You must have grains," Jessica said.
"We do, but we usually eat them raw or boil them and put on different toppings."
"We have something like that too," Jesse said. "Tomorrow at breakfast you can try some of them."
The rejects were spread among the three of them and after finishing what she had the doctor went back for more. Jesse watched as she made her way back to the line only to be stopped in turn by several animals.
"Don't you think you should help her," Jean said after she watched the doctor hug a surprised Leopard.
"She's an adult," Jesse said and smiled.
"Jesse, it's her first day here!"
Jesse rolled his eyes, got up, and went to the doctor.
"Well did think about my question," Jessica said as they watched doctor hug a male Deer who didn't seem to mind at all.
"Well I guess as long they are compatible it really doesn't matter what species your partner is."
"So have you considered it?"
"Actually, I haven't," she said and sighed. "I've always been with my brother and we've always done everything together. He's had female friends."
"And have you had any male friends?"
"Not anyone serious," she said and looked at the human. "How about you?"
"Actually I wanted to meet males of different species and to be honest I thought I might talk to your brother."
"Really, you're attracted to him?"
"But it's too late now that he's met the doctor."
"But…"
"I could tell from the way she looked at him when they came out of the Captain's office," Jessica said.
Over the next few months the second colonization preceded with only a few minor problems. No one thought settling over 2 million people would be simple and the new species were well prepared. Their houses were modular and were fairly simple to assemble once one was shown how. Since the animals were use to multiple species they simply thought of them just another type of animal and they quickly pitched in to help them. Towns doubled in population seemingly overnight.
The land was tested and new fields were planted. The new plants grew fast enough that some animals were worried that they might spread across the planet unchecked. They were assured them that the plants wouldn't grow beyond where they were planted because they were all seedless and won't grow from cuttings. Trees were also planted, but they would take at least a decade to grow to maturity.
Fully automated factories were brought down from the colony ship intact which could produce many different things given the correct raw materials and the necessary templates. Most of these items where part used in the manufacturing more complex machines which needed some manual labor. These factories were also setup and employing animals that didn't work on the land or in space. Within a few years this and the growing influx of new colonists would make this new world as productive as the old one.
"Well, you were right," Robert said looking at his bunny.
Mary shutdown her monitor and smiled.
"And you just figured that out?" she said and he chuckled.
"They seem to be compatible with all of the ruminants," he said. "I guess should we should speak to our new friends about their extras."
"Now I feel like a matchmaker," she said and laughed. "I wonder what kind of problems Judy's having."
