13 years later
"You've got a camera, right?" Kula's body was draped over the side of Nala's bed, her velveteen tracksuit a bright purple against the simple colors of Nala's bedroom. A small tv/vcr combo on the wooden dresser, a corkboard full of polaroids and pins, and a few sunflower-speckled pillows painted the aesthetic of the space in the small high-rise apartment that Nala had made her own. Simple, a tad feminine, and always neat.
"Mhmm." Nala was only partially paying her friend any heed, focused instead of the task before her.
"And extra canisters of film?" The dark lioness glanced up from painting her claws.
"Mhmm."
"Money for souvenirs?"
"It's not a tourism region, there won't be a gift shop. It's not a vacation," she glanced at her friend as she folded some slacks.
"Remind me why the Tribune is sending reporters there, again?"
"'There' an impoverished village just inland of the country's second-largest port that's been in and out of commission for years due to fighting in nearby areas. It's always been a neutral bystander, but the area is starting to see more action and we have a theory about lingering connections between that port and a few businesses in Zootopia that the International Commission of Nautical Trade and Port Affairs doesn't know about."
"Dumb that down for me."
"It's a poor area that shouldn't be able to afford the firepower it has to protect that port and there's a suspicion that companies in Zootopia are still using it to avoid paying hefty taxes, which could unearth a whole slew of other white-collar crimes funding animal rights violations in the area. What it comes down to is that all of the legitimate companies have pulled their business from the port, on paper, and it should be abandoned. But it's still bringing in goods and money, and satellite and sonar tracking indicate that some of the ships are traveling to and from Dolphin Port."
"Oh," Kula nodded. "That's just south of here, right?"
"Right, it's where most of Zootopia's seaborn products arrive and depart from."
"And you think Rivermouth is one of the shady companies using the other port?"
"They happen to be among the list of suspects, but I'm not at liberty to confirm or deny any part they may or may not have played in any criminal activity."
"Alright," Kula nodded slowly. "Just um, don't get hurt trying to take him down."
"I'm not trying to take anyone down," Nala lied. "I just don't like it when the one percent commits crimes that affect the working class and then suffer no consequences. There has to be an equalizer, a sense of justice."
"I know the speech," Kula went back to painting her claws a bright blue. "And don't get me wrong, I agree with you, just, I don't want to see you spend too much time trying to change a system that we can't really change."
"Who says we can't change it?"
"That's the spirit," Kula blew on her claws to dry the polish.
"No, really," Nala put a paw on her hip. "Why shouldn't we change it?"
"Nala," Kula looked at her best friend. "I think this is something you're called to do, I think it's what you're passionate about. And when you're passionate about something, you stick to it, and I admire that about you. I just don't share your optimism."
"Well," Nala shrugged, "maybe you're right, and I-I know it's unrealistic to think anything I do will make a real change, but-"
"That's not what I'm saying, I think you're gonna do great things, just, I think capitalism and society are kinda cemented in the way they are and it's not possible to rewire how our society functions, even if we all got together and agreed that we wanted to."
"Thousands of years ago, it wasn't this way."
"Thousands of years ago we didn't have cellphones or money, we just hunted and slept, and when we weren't doing those things, we still obeyed a hierarchy where the animals at the top lived a better life. It's how all things are."
"I don't have a problem with wealth or privilege, strictly speaking, it's the hoarding of resources from the less fortunate that I take issue with. When there is plenty to go around, the leader taking the biggest share is fine, but when some of the clan is starving, the leader shouldn't be taking more than they can eat simply because they can. That's not natural."
"That's a fair argument. See, this is why you're an academic and I make fancy salads and stuff."
"You make animals happy and are part of a vital industry for the economy, being a chef is an important career," Nala smiled. "Besides, I like it when you teach me how to make things."
"You need the help."
"There's nothing wrong with protein bars."
"You physically cannot live on protein bars alone."
"I've done just fine so far."
"You'll never change," Kula waved her paw dismissively. "But fortunately for you, I love that about you. Just bring me back a cool rock."
"What are you going to do with a rock?" Nala folded a blouse and set it neatly over a few t-shirts in her suitcase.
"You know how rocks look cool when they're wet? Well, if you take clear nail polish, you can make them look all shiny and cool permanently. Little token from my second-best friend's voyage into a cool action film setting."
"If all goes well, I will see absolutely no action."
"I hope not. Um," Kula craned her neck to look at her friend. "It is safe there, right?"
"Yes, I promise. It's safe. Besides, I won't be going alone, Ni's going with me."
"He's not going to hit on you, right? Like he knows that this is a work trip and not a sexy vacation?"
"There's nothing sexy about République de Phacochère, it's mostly grassland, logging-sustained villages, and some mining camps with a few bigger cities that are hampered by regional fighting. Besides, he's more like a father or odd, strict uncle figure, I don't know. He's a mentor, he's level-headed, too level-headed to be interested in someone my age over his wife."
"Ooh, how does the wife feel about you and him?"
"She invites me to their personal holiday party each year that they host in their home, so, I think she knows that it'll be all shop talk. Stop trying to inject drama into my narrative," she frowned. "I'm happy with my life the way it is."
"Sorry," Kula screwed the cap onto her nail polish and held it thoughtfully, examining the shimmer under the light. "To be honest, Nala, I'm kinda worried. You'll find a payphone and call when you land, right?"
"I don't think that'll be an option, but, we'll be carrying an emergency cellular phone between us. I'll be fine, trust me. I've trained for this, it's why I do what I do. I mean," she gestured wordlessly. "I can't pass an opportunity like this up, Kula. Do you have any idea what this kind of assignment could do for my career?"
"I know," Kula nodded. "Just, you know, Tama's also kinda worried. We've been messaging about it, and...you know. We're just worried because we're your friends, that's all."
"I know," Nala smiled, zipping her suitcase. "Thank you. When I get back, I'll call you when I land in Zootopia right after I call my mom to have her pick me up, okay?"
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Well," Kula sat up, "Want me to make dinner?"
"Sarabi invited me over, actually, but you're welcome to come, she always invites you."
"Nah, you go, you guys are closer, I'll let it be an inner circle thing."
"Suit yourself," Nala zipped up her suitcase.
"Nala," Sarabi opened the door of the penthouse with a gracious smile, opening her arms wide. Nala gladly accepted the embrace, hugging the lioness tightly, her fur brushing against the matriarch's dark silken headscarf. As always, Sarabi was dressed in attire that was modest and traditional, but unmistakably tasteful. Not a single strand of fur was out of place. "Dear, it's good to see you."
"How are you?" Nala stepped back with a smile, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. It always filled her heart to see Sarabi, who she considered a bit of a surrogate aunt, but since Nala had grown up, their visits had been further and further in-between. She knew that the lioness kept herself busy volunteering and was fairly active. Sarabi never sat still.
"Come in," Sarabi gestured. "Your mother's running a bit late, but I've got appetizers ready."
"That's my mother for you," Nala followed her inside, setting her bag by the door. Before them, a large expanse of curtains stretched out, with nary a speck of dust to be found amongst the billowing reams of fabric and tassels. Hidden behind them was floor to ceiling panes of glass, through which much of Zootopia could be seen. When, on rare occasions, the curtains were pulled back, the sight was breathtaking. She hadn't seen the curtains opened but once or twice in ten years.
"So, are you all packed and ready for your trip?"
"Almost," she lied, settling into her favorite barstool at the breakfast bar, where Sarabi had set out bowls of rolls and pretzels. A fresh vegetable tray with two types of dip sat between them. She reached for a pretzel and chewed thoughtfully, her eyes wandering over the familiar cabinetry and decorations. There had been a few minor upgrades over the years, some new appliances and ornamental fruit bowls, but the kitchen, along with the rest of the penthouse, looked as it had back when Nala was little. It was ornate, elegant, but practical and a few years behind the times.
"What does 'almost' mean to you?" Sarabi asked, setting a kettle of tea on the stove. Though Nala could see a generous, freshly-prepared hot spread awaiting them, the countertops and sink were impeccably clean, as if they were walking around the set of a slightly dated home décor magazine.
"I've started, but am decidedly not finished," Nala smiled. "However, tonight that will change."
"There's a to-go Tupperware for your flight in the fridge," Sarabi motioned to the refrigerator. "Don't forget to remind me to hand it to you before you go. Have you got a list of things to pack?"
"Yes, ma'am," she chewed another pretzel.
"Is insect repellent on that list?"
"Absolutely."
"A first-aid kit?"
"My boss provided a complimentary essentials pack, it's part of my travel compensation. Everything I need is in it, I just need to pack my clothes, the emergency international cell phone they're lending us, and my notebook. And my passport, of course."
"My, you're really moving up in the world, aren't you?"
"I'm trying."
"You always were such a hard worker," Sarabi looked over at Nala, smiling fondly. "When your mother told me they were sending you all the way to République de Phacochère, I admit I was a little apprehensive."
"I don't think my mother has slept," Nala admitted. "But it's safer these days, I'm not worried. I'll be dressed inconspicuously, and only meeting at verified locations when we leave the hotel. It's a small town, most of the in-fighting is centered in the capital."
"Which town, again? Pas de something?"
"Pas de Soucis, it's supposed to be a charming little villa. Mostly logging and small farms, and there's a mine not too far where some of the residents work. Not much happens, but we think that they might know what's happening at the port, as some of the goods pass through. We're looking for any signs of Zootopian products being distributed in the area."
"Well, I trust your judgement." They heard the door open.
"I hope it's alright that I let myself in!" Sarafina called from the foyer, her spare key jangling in her paw.
"You know you don't have to ask," Sarabi poured the tea into three cups. "That's why you have a key. Sugar, Nala?"
"Plain, please."
"Extra sugar for me," Sarafina breezed breathlessly into the kitchen, giving Nala an affectionate squeeze. "Sweetie, I hardly see you much these days, how are you?"
"Hey Mom," Nala handed her mother a roll. Her mother took it gladly.
"So Sarafina," Sarabi handed her friend a cup, setting the other in front of Nala before settling in against the counter with her own, delicately stirring the cream into her cup with a tiny spoon, "how are you faring these days?"
"Oh, you know, terrified," Sarafina winked at her daughter. "My little girl is mixing herself in all sorts of trouble, and I never hear about it until I read the paper."
"That is simply not true," Nala answered calmly. "I have never once been in harm's way."
"Oh, you know what I mean. First the strikes, then the LynxIn scandal, now this? Every story with your name in the byline gives me a new gray fur."
"Better start dying it," Nala responded as she took a sip of tea. Her mother swatted her arm playfully.
"Nonsense Sarafina, you look younger every time I see you," Sarabi countered. "How was work?"
"Well, it-"
A knock at the door interrupted them.
"Excuse me," Sarabi set her cup down and went to answer it. Nala and Sarafina looked at each other, sharing a concerned frown. In order to even access the penthouse level, one needed to know the PIN code, or the elevator wouldn't rise to the top. There was only a handful of animals with that code. "Askari," she heard her voice cool considerably. "Do come in."
"My my my," Askari "Scar" Mwamba-Kiburi strode into their space. "This place seems further and further behind the times each time I visit. And who," he noticed the guests for the first time, "do we have here?"
"Askari," Sarabi gestured to them, "you remember Sarafina and Nala."
"Ah yes, the young hotshot paparazzi," he swung his arm, though his eyes were cold and sly. "How did you crack that dreadful LynxIn case, hmm? Friend on the inside, perhaps?"
"Corruption tends to leave holes," she held his gaze confidently, "before it collapses structures entirely."
"Well, I assure you that Rivermouth's workings are worthy of being weighed on the scales of Lady Justice. Something I take quite a bit of pride in is my attention to detail. Not so much as an invoice for a water cooler refill passes through our doors without my knowledge and approval. My mother never was one for loose ends. Speaking of such," he handed Sarabi an envelope. "I take it you're still not interested in selling this glorified warehouse, are you, dear Sarabi?"
"This is my home," Sarabi took the envelope and set it down without even glancing at it. "What on earth would you do with your brother's widow's apartment, Askari?"
"Nothing but a few updates, perhaps split it down the middle and lease it to a pair of upscale tenants. Business as usual, you know."
"You're more than welcome to do with it what you will when I'm dead," Sarabi's blunt response surprised no one. She never had been one to mince words.
"Oh, I would never dream of considering such a sullen day, you'll outlive us all," he stepped backward. "I see that you have a meal prepared, I would hate to delay you."
"I'm sure you're busy, would you like something for the road?" It was clear from Sarabi's tone that he was not welcome to dine with them.
"Your generosity knows no bounds, but you'll have to forgive my rudeness, I'll let myself out."
"Forgiven," Nala muttered. Sarafina glared at her.
"Well Nala, since you are so interested in corporate politics these days," his gaze cut into her from across the room. "I welcome you to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game, hmm? I'd hate to court scandal so early in my career, wouldn't you? It's never fun to make enemies and animals can be so terribly nasty about their business affairs."
"Good to know," she sipped her tea, unfazed. Scar narrowed his eyes just slightly before he stepped out into the hallway. They were silent until they heard the door close behind him, followed by the faint ping of the elevator doors opening.
"You really ought to ask the security office to change the PIN," Sarafina commented. "He usually doesn't personally deliver your checks, does he?"
"Oh, I've considered it, he evidently gave it to that Zira," Sarabi sighed, stirring her tea absentmindedly.
"Right, his 'secretary,'" Nala rolled her eyes.
"Her oldest child looks an awful lot like him, that's all I'm saying," Sarafina waved her paw suggestively.
"I won't say a word on the subject of his personal life," Sarabi began setting plates out. Nala stood to help her, laying out the napkins the way she knew Sarabi liked them. "But I will say that she is a particularly nasty creature. Very rude, very cold-blooded. I don't like the idea of her snooping around here, they live across town, there's no reason for her to be here."
"I've never seen her smile," Sarafina added, clearly eager to release some of her negative feelings on the subject.
"Must be quite a pair," Nala sat.
"Misery loves company," Sarafina sat beside her. "Speaking of company, Nala, I had a friend in high school who I kept in touch with after we graduated, and she went to one of those countries in the area, I forget which one, and she said that seven males asked her for her hand in marriage, Zootopian citizenship is very valuable there and it's their culture to marry for practical reasons. I know how you like to do things differently, but if you bring home a man, I expect him to be nice."
"I'm not bringing home a mate for a green-card marriage," Nala focused on her meal, taking a bite and chewing slowly. "Besides, that was the seventies, times have changed on a global scale, what was culturally normal then might not be commonplace now. And work is paying for this trip and they only reserved tickets back for me and Nigel, what am I supposed to do, shove him into my suitcase?"
"And leave all of your nice work clothes to make room? Nonsense," Sarabi winked. "Just bring a second suitcase."
"Absolutely not." Nala took a nonchalant sip of water as Sarafina laughed.
"We tease her too much," Sarafina giggled. "We'd better stop."
"If you don't, I might not come back," Nala rose an eyebrow.
"I believe her," Sarabi commented lightly.
"So do I," Sarafina sighed. "Nala, you are one of a kind."
"Don't act like I didn't get it from you," the younger lioness quipped. "So, Sarabi, how have you been spending your time lately?"
"Oh, you know," Sarabi looked pensive. "The usual, I suppose. Time's beginning to slip by, I can hardly remember anymore. One day bleeds into another, I suppose that's my age."
Sarafina put her paw on her friend's, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
"Nice and early," the lion stood and rubbed his paws together. "I like it!"
"Oh," Sarafina wrapped her arms around her daughter one last time. "Be safe, sweetie. I'll miss you."
"Always," Nala patted her mom, who still had not let go. "Do you really think Ni would let anything happen to me?"
"It's true," Nigel nodded. "I'll take good care of her, Mrs. Ngome."
"I know you will, Nigel," Sarafina finally pulled back, "and I know that you're a smart girl and you'll stay out of trouble, you're such a smart, brave, beautiful young lioness."
"Five days," Nala patted her mother's arm. "Everything'll be fine."
"I know," Sarafina pulled herself back. "I know it will. Okay," she took a deep breath. "I guess it's time for me to let you go, I will see you when you get back."
"I'll call as soon as we land," Nala reassured her. "Bye, Mom."
"Bye! I love you!" Sarafina gave her a kiss on the head before tearing herself away and walking back towards the front of the building.
"Oof," Nigel shook his head. "Mothers. Anyway kid, here's what the plan is," he furrowed his brow. "We take our stipend and we exchange it in the airport, not when we land, I know the exchange rate is better if we do it there but the department will have to take the loss, I feel safer if we do it here. We're gonna exchange that money and then we're gonna get on that plane and then we're gonna get on a smaller plane and then another smaller plane, and when we land, it's gonna be a two hour car ride to the town where our hotel is. These," he held up a bottle. "Are caffeine pills, and these," he held up another bottle, "are sleep aids. These are both yours, I have my own."
"Thanks," she took the bottles. "You know the big plane will have coffee, right?"
"Nope, no coffee, the smaller planes do not have bathrooms, you might have the bladder control to be on a rickety plane for three hours, but I do not. I envy your youth but you envy my experience and sage wisdom."
"Fair enough."
"Now," he unsheathed the handle of his rolling suitcase. "Let's do this."
Nala knew that she should have gotten some sleep during one of the flights, but she couldn't find it in herself to close her eyes and miss any of the journey. She felt as if everything in her life had prepared her for this trip, this career-defining opportunity. She couldn't wait to get out into the field with their translator and begin talking to the local animals, connecting with creatures who were living in an entirely different world, one that she had never experienced before.
Her boss, however, had neither qualms about sleeping nor snoring. He was a seasoned journalist and knew better than to waste his energy by staying awake on the plane ride. When was roused by turbulence, he pulled out a travel-sized crossword puzzle book and became engrossed. She passed the time by opening a thriller she'd picked up at the library a few days prior. They spent most of the sixteen-hour journey in this manner, sitting side-by-side quietly.
During the transition points where one plane landed and they had to board another, she followed closely behind him, for once comfortable with letting someone else take charge. Seeing foreign text across signs at the different points of travel was daunting to her, but he navigated each situation with ease, somehow knowing exactly who to talk to and where they were supposed to be at every moment. Never at any point did he seem frazzled or stressed in the midst of chatter in languages that neither of them spoke.
They landed in the area after sunset, the tiny plane sputtering to a stop on the thin tarmac, a small tin hangar being the only visible structure in any direction. A car was waiting for them, a make and model she didn't recognize, that was so small she wondered if both she and Nigel would fit. The driver, an otter who looked most irate, wordlessly tossed their luggage on the top of the car and strapped it in place with plain rope before gesturing for them to get in. Just as Nigel opened his mouth to protest, a small field mouse climbed up the front seat of the car and waved through the open passenger window.
"Mr. White, Miss Ngome!" He called out cheerfully. "Over here!"
"Ah," Nigel approached him. "So this is our ride, then?"
"I'm Pierrot Sokokwe, our driver today is Louvain," he gestured to the otter. "He's not much for words in any language, that's why you lovely folks hired me! Onward, yes?"
"Onward," Nigel opened the door for Nala, who squeezed into the backseat carefully, her ears brushing the roof of the vehicle.
"So, how was your trip?"
"It's been uneventful," Nigel grunted as he compacted himself next to Nala.
The two hour journey was dark, the sun setting across the savanna behind them as she fought sleep.
Finally, somehow, Nigel and Nala found themselves trudging down the narrow hallway of their hotel, stopping before their respective rooms. It was dark when they'd arrived in République de Phacochère, and she hadn't been able to take in any of the scenery, but she was far too tired to mind. There would be time to take in the sights when they hit the field the next morning.
"Now," Nigel rubbed his face. "I'll um, I'll see you tomorrow at nine local time, I'll knock at your door and let you know it's me. I wouldn't answer the door for anyone else, there's no room service here, nobody should try to enter your room or knock at your door for any reason."
"Way ahead of you," Nala nodded, exhausted. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Pierrot is supposed to meet us in the courtyard at nine-thirty, hopefully, he'll be early and we can get a move on. You ready?"
"I am," she tried to convey confidence with what little energy she had left.
"Good," he covered a yawn. "I'll see you tomorrow, don't hesitate to knock if you need anything at all, you hear me?"
"I hear you."
"Alright," he nodded. "See you tomorrow, Ngome."
"Night," she nodded back and opened her door. The room was small, as their hotel, La Tour d'Ivoire, wasn't a large establishment by any means, looking more like a large home than a small hotel from the outside, surrounded by high security fencing and with an armed guard posted at the front gate, but it was impeccably clean. Nala managed to set the alarm on the clock on the dresser before collapsing into the fresh sheets and immediately sinking into a deep sleep before she'd thought to change out of her travel clothes.
Author's Note,
Corderbollie [AO3]: I wouldn't say huge, but I've enjoyed the story I have drafted (it's the sequel where I want to go nuts) and I'm having fun and YOU ma'am are an angel and are a huge part of why I have fun. Hugs!
SpaceY [AO3]: Thank you so much!
criacuervos [AO3]: I happened to check my notifications during a really rough day at work and your comment genuinely brightened my day, I'm so glad you found this story and like what you've read so far!
Thank you all for checking this story out, it means a lot to me!
Cheers!
- Dieren