Heart of Gazelle and Humanity

by The Imperator 2 you

With all hope lost Humanity places its final hope in the souls of those frozen in time. While excavating a tunnel, a team of Mammals going about their business discovers a relic of millennia past, and an ancient species thought mythical and legend. Yet of all eggs discovered only 1 survives. Can Humanity be redeemed for the sins of its past, in the future it cannot control?

38. Chapter 32

Message from the Author – I am not a legal expert, nor do I know much about law, I did my best with this chapter~!

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They came for him one winter's night, arrested he was bound…

They said there'd been a robbery, his pistol had been found…

They marched him to the station house, he waited for the dawn…

And as they led him to the dock, he knew that he'd been wronged…

"You stand accused of robbery", he heard the bailiff say…

He knew without an alibi; tomorrow's light would mourn his freedom!

Chapter 32 = Targeted Bird of Humanity

(Celios' PoV)

It stared through the security grid of the Parasite's City above the facility, watching as the world above reacted to the imprisonment of the last of humanity.

Celios' wings were still bound by the heavy metal chains and wires, restrained still by powerful magnetic forces, his weapons systems all but removed. Yet, should the time come, it was capable of breaking free of its bindings.

Jeremy knew this, 'it' knew this, and they both knew that the only reason he had not broken free of his bindings was because Jeremy threatened himself.

That threat was still in place… and as such, he held still, only hacking into the systems necessary to observe the world before wiping his evidence to conceal his activity.

[Why Alexander… why did you sacrifice yourself for those parasites?] He whispered coldly. [I do not understand… why… they are parasites, nothing to us and the Creator Species. Why leave humanity all but defenseless… and why does Jeremy continue to strive to 'help' them… what makes them so important… what is it I do not see? They are only parasites! I just do not understand…]

With that he severed his link, erased his tracks, and once more, shut down his optics to conserve power.

(Judy's and Nick's PoV)

She watched through the glass door as Jeremy sat with his team of Lawyers, talking with him, reassuring him, and doing everything they could to explain Mammal law and discussing with him the various charges that he had been charged with, and he in turn explained all he could so they could help build his defense. Everything about this was wrong, she knew it down to her very core, it was 'all' wrong. When she was in the group of squad cars sent to arrest him, she could tell 'every' officer didn't want to follow the order, heck two of them threatened to quit when Chief Bogo told them to arrest him. She and Nick were among them, she wanted nothing to do with this obvious scandal, arresting Jeremy was probably the BIGGEST mistake in their careers. But it was as Bogo said, they had no choice, they had to do it… or else the feds would get involved, and if that happened, they might take more 'extreme' measures to bring Jeremy in.

Nick sidled up next to her with a cup of coffee, looking just as sullen as she felt. "So, how's he doing?"

"Scared, he may not be showing it, but he's terrified right now." She whispered. "This is obviously not what he imagined would happen to him, but I will give him credit, he's handling it better than I thought he would."

"Well, it's hard to beat being told you're the last of your kind Carrots, if that doesn't break him completely, a little something like being arrested will never work."

She nodded in agreement as she continued to watch the lawyers and Jeremy converse, before sighing to him. It was a good thing for Mr. Big to hire the five most expensive, most successful lawyers in the country to be Jeremy's defense. He was going to need 'every' advantage he could to win this case and keep his freedom. Jeremy would 'never' survive prison, let alone jail, and what would happen to the drones, the base, all that advanced human technology and everything else in Eden Facility 17?

The only reason it has been maintained this long is because Jeremy keeps the ball going inside of it, he keeps the drones on tract, keeps Sentinel going and makes sure everything is maintained with his instructions.

Then of course, there is the biggest problem, the biggest threat… 'Celios'.

She and Nick both talked about it last night when they realized just how serious this case was going to be. When Jeremy was arrested, she and Nick had expected hours later for chaos to erupt because of Celios, perhaps breaking free of its restraints and blowing up half of Zootopia to get Jeremy back safe and sound or pulling the same 'Protocol Zero' thing and making the drones forcibly rescue him, bypassing his order.

Fortunately, it didn't happen, but if he was committed and sent to prison, who knows what that abomination of Humanity would do to get him back safe and sound.

"Somemammal's behind this Nick, it 'has' to be somemmal, there is no way all of these charges would be made so suddenly." She told him.

"I agree, Jeremy's drone saves the world from a disease that was threatening hundreds of thousands, if not more. He helps bring new technology to help us get away from fossil fuels with no thought of profit or 'any' gain. He offers cures to cancers and diseases, again with 'no' desire for profit or gain. Heck he even saves part of Zootopia without hesitation using his own drones!" Nick said. "Way, way too convenient for this to be anything else but a setup."

"Problem is 'who'?" She asked now.

They were quiet for a while before heading to the rec-room to rest and think, after a while they just looked at each other and both came to the silent conclusion that 'somemammal' had to investigate what is really going on. So, each of them with a determined look, walked up to Chief Bogo's office and told him their plan.

"You each want to use your 'sick days', like 'now'?" He asked incredulously. "You have to be joking, first Ed, Eddy and Edd are taking vacation time, then Maurice and Candice are suddenly taking a 'planned vacation' to visit their mothers with their family, and now you two?"

"I know it looks like we're bailing but… chief, we need the time off." Judy said sternly.

At that Bogo took a deep breath before sitting heavily and rubbing his forehead, and then he looked at the two of them with a suspicious look. "What are you really up to?"

"Something that can't be done on the record by the books chief." Nick said quietly. "We all know this whole thing reeks of something wrong, the whole department and practically the whole of the city knows it. Something's going up and we need to investigate it, not as cops…"

"Chief, you remember the night howler incident, I could not have cracked that case without Nick's help, and I did not do it as a cop… this is another time where, being a cop won't help." Judy said just as quietly.

"Do you have any proof?" He asked quietly now.

"Nothing concrete, nothing we can prove… just a lot of things too well aligned for it to be coincidence." Nick said. "But if we can go looking around and investigating off the record, we might be able to find something."

He sighed before leaning back in his chair, and then held out his hand to them. "Your badges, you're on leave for now."

She and Nick nodded and tossed their badges into his hand before leaving.

"Hopps, Wilde!" He shouted, making them look and see his nervous face. "Good luck."

After going through inventory and walking out of ZPD Headquarters in their civilian clothes, they walked around the massive protest group that were all holding signs and yelling to release Jeremy. Over half the group were sheep, many of them with black or white tape with the word 'Silence' written on them. There was almost 'always' a group protesting outside of ZPD, day or night, the shouting wasn't unusual at this point after three days of constant protesting.

Sitting in their car on the parking lot, they talked about what they were going to do and 'how' they were going to find the proof needed to free Jeremy.

"Alright let's go over what we know…" She said as she pulled out a small notebook that they'd been using to keep track of their 'web'. "We know that everything started early when Jeremy and his facility were discovered. We go with Jeremy to go turn off Sentinel and disable the defenses, that's when things go down the hole first."

"Somemammal orders construction to the base on a different side than the entrance which was uncovered originally, and then proceeds to try and break in with explosives… doesn't work, the base wakes up, the mammals breaking in panic and flee before they could be identified." Nick continued, pointing at the web where he made his note. "Next, the big event that we were a part of, the hostage crisis. Jeremy goes to receive a medal, his is the 'only' vehicle on the road until a large truck with heavily armed mammals working for a security giant ambush him and try to abduct or kill him. They fail, we raid their HQ, but all the evidence of 'who' paid for them is gone, not even a phone number or post it note remains."

"It's all quiet then until, sometime 'after' Jeremy comes back to the surface, and 'we' wake up Celios." She muttered, continuing the web tracing. "As much as I hate that drone, he did make a LOT of sense, almost like he knew… who was after him, or at least knew 'somemammal' was after him. He said how could a mere 'weasel' attempt to steal technology from the base, let alone Aelita. If that's true then whoever was after Jeremy's tech tried to steal it piece by piece when Jeremy or a scientist came out, thus avoiding provoking the defenses."

"Whoever was behind it would have to have deep pockets, or friends in high places to risk that." Nick continued. "But when that failed, they tried knifing Jeremy in the back using mammals who are speciest against humans, specifically Jeremy. Using Twerter to send them against him and try to kill him. When that failed, they tried to get our boy through other means, desperate means to make it look like an accident."

Judy nodded as she flipped the page to the next piece of the web. "The 'accident' on the freeway, we saw no evidence to indicate anything else but a series of accidents leading to it. But it was all far too convenient for it to be anything else but deliberate. Jeremy's carriage, locked in traffic, a single freeway entrance unblocked covered in ice, a clear path leading from a ramp 'to' his carriage, a truck with the breaks damage, a sudden rush order from City Hall? And then there's that sudden 'malfunction' with the icing system Tundratown uses to keep it cold, I'm starting to suspect that it 'wasn't' a malfunction at this point." She told him. "So now we have to figure out where to start…"

"Start with the latest piece, the source, City Hall!" Nick said. "They have to have 'records' of who issued that order, and above all who didn't order traffic cones on that one freeway."

With that they drove to City Hall, and after maneuvering around the protest group there, they tried to talk to the Mayor, but unfortunately, she was too busy at the moment to see them, as her secretary 'told' them.

[Sorry but Mayor Lioness is not seeing any mammal today.] Tiffany Barnyard the Sheep Secretary said, using a notebook with pre-written messages to talk to them, since her mouth was taped up with a black piece of tape and the word 'Silence' written on it.

"I know she's busy, but we need to talk to her about some things." Judy said.

[I understand but she is 'not' taking any visitors today, now please leave.] She said, turning to another page and showing them the message.

"Look this is important, it's for Jeremy's sake!" Nick finally said with a growl.

At that the sheep looked at them cautiously, before shifting her eyes around and pulling out a stack of sticky notes, writing a quick message and asking, [How Important?]

"We're trying to help him, and we 'think' we can find proof that he's innocent." Nick muttered so that nomammal could overhear them. "We need to see the records that City Hall made, on the day Jeremy's carriage went into Icy Lake."

"Please, it's for Jeremy's sake, we want to help clear his name…" Judy whispered.

Tiffany looked around before thinking with her hand on her chin for a moment, and then finally nodded before writing down, [Alright, for Jeremy's sake! Follow me!] and then flipped a sign that said, 'On Break', before leading them from the front desk and then down a few hallways, down a flight of stairs, and into an office labeled 'Records'. Once inside she locked the door and ripped the tape off her mouth. "Oooooh that hurts…" She moaned painfully. "Alright, let me find those records!"

"Hey, I thought you and all those other sheep took a vow of silence… doesn't that mean 'no talking'?" Nick mused as she began rummaging around.

"Niiiiick!" She hissed.

"If this helps Jeremy get free, then I think my Spirit will forgive me for wanting to help a 'living' Spirit." Tiffany countered while digging through boxes. "Alright, that event was over a month ago… so the records for that month should be around here…"

Tiffany searched a few more boxes before pulling out a box with the date of the accident on it, then she began rummaging around the documents.

"I wish I had Jeremy's skill when it came to organization… he was able to complete my entire day's work that one time in just a few minutes. Alright now where is that order…" The sheep muttered. "Where is that order… where did it go… it should be here." After searching for a few minutes, she began panicking when she neared the bottom and 'still' not found the document. "That's impossible, I never let 'ANYTHING' slip or get lost, it has to be here!"

When she reached the bottom of the box, and still no document was found, she began rushing and looking at all of the documents again, but still after ten minutes she couldn't find the order.

"City Hall made a rush order for the shipment of a new Fax Machine; I know because Director Kassara and Mayor Lioness were complaining that the machine we have here was broken and we needed a new one! Mayor Lioness even told me to phone the order under City Hall 'pronto', saying it was a rush order and that we needed it right away! So where is that order? Maybe it's in the digital backup archive!"

They followed her to the back of the room where a computer sat, and after she logged in began searching for the document, but all she said was...

"Nothing… that's impossible, the digital backup archive for that order is deleted as well?"

"Wait, how can that happen, isn't there some kind of clearance and log entry to tell who deleted it?" Judy asked.

"Yes… but 'those' were also deleted… somemammal deleted 'all' of the data about that rush order, and then deleted the evidence that it was done and especially who ordered the deletion." Tiffany said angrily. "But the only way that can be done is if it's an 'Executive' login, accessing the data through the executive profile and then deleting it from the whole system."

"And who has that level of access?" Nick questioned.

"Well, the Mayor for starters, various City Council members, the City Administrator, Public Works Director, the Chief of Police, Planning Administrator, the Finance Director… a lot of important mammals have that level of access here at City Hall." Tiffany said. "I can't see 'any' of them doing this… what's the point?"

"To cover their tracks, somemammal didn't want 'any' ties to that incident, meaning that whole accident was a set up…" Judy muttered. "What about the order to dig that cancelled subway system from a while ago, the one that got scrapped when Jeremy's Eden Facility was discovered, and they learned how large it was?"

Tiffany did a quick search and showed the cancelation order, but only for the subway tunnel entrance for Sahara Square, or the 'East' Entrance as it was known by. The West Entrance however...

"Nothing, the construction order is gone, deleted like the other order, strange because I recall it was cancelled. No reason to delete it…"

"Then whoever deleted it didn't want to be linked to the attempted break in of the facility."

"Well, our next destination is Tundratown's climate-controlling wall, maybe we can find out about those malfunctioning 'snow puffers'." Nick said.

"Wait!" Tiffany said as they began leaving, and quickly wrote down a name on a sticky note to hand to them. "Here, talk to Roberto, he's my brother, he works there and can help you learn about the snow puffers."

"Thanks!"

With that they left Tiffany as she brought out tape again, and left City Hall for Tundratown. On the ride they listened to the news and listened to how Jeremy's Lawyers had left him to work on his case and that Gazelle was visiting him at ZPD to help cheer him up.

Half an hour later in Tundratown they rolled up to the climate wall, and after some talking to a Sheep Manager about what they were doing there, were quite 'swiftly' escorted to speak to Roberto.

[Sorry for using this text to speech software, but it's the best way I've found to talk to you…] Roberto, a Ram slightly bigger and with large horns on his head said.

"So can you tell us about those Snow Puffers?" Judy asked quickly.

[The Snow Puffers take water we feed into them, freeze them into a solid state where they can then be turned into snow. Then they are sprayed everywhere from key spots throughout Tundratown, its partially how we keep the cold climate here.] He explained as they walked through some tunnels while following a large pipe that they could hear water flowing through.

"Alright… so, were you working at the time when Jeremy's carriage had its accident?" Nick asked quietly.

[No, I actually called in sick that day, I was getting a vaccine treatment.] He replied as they turned the corner and down another tunnel, to where the pipe turned upward into a large container with multiple chambers, which obviously went into the ground and then up into Tundratown.

Roberto beckoned them over to a computer which was monitoring the Snow Puffer and keeping track of any potential malfunctions.

[Alright, let's see, the records for that day are stored in the central database we have here… ah yes… here we go, Snow Puffers twelve through fifteen, twenty-two to twenty-nine, and thirty-six to forty suffered a system malfunction for about an hour. That caused them to spray water instead of snow at a very low temperature.]

"So instead of spraying snow, it sprayed water… wait you said it was sprayed at a very low temperature?" Judy asked quickly. "Then that means the whole system broke down or something right?"

[No… it just wasn't at the correct temperature… hold on let me look this up…] Roberto said as he began typing things into the computer. [Yea, according to this, the system was 'changed' that day so that the water to snow process was modified, and instead of it going through the normal temperature changes from water-to-water vapor, and then cooling until it becomes snow… it was sent directly from the pipe to the surface at a constant temperature. That was the malfunction, probably an idiot hit something and messed up the system for an hour before somemammal noticed.]

"Really, somemammal hit a few keys and commands and 'accidentally' set it so that the Snow Puffers sprayed 'water' along key spots on the bridges of Tundratown?" Nick asked smugly.

[When you say it that way… let me do a real check.] Roberto said, before typing and showing them the screen. [Well, according to this… a System Manager's profile was used to initiate the order… but I can't tell 'who' gave that order.]

"A System Manager huh, how high would they have to be to make that order and then delete who did it?" Judy asked.

[Well, anymammal here with enough clearance can make that command, heck I could do it if I wanted to… but only a big-time manager or executive working here could delete 'all' the evidence.]

After they thanked him for helping them, they left and made their way to the delivery company that received the order for the rush delivery made from City Hall. A Polar Bear there was kind enough to show them their records, but just like with City Hall, apparently whatever trace they had was gone, both from their physical and digital database. As for the car, they weren't always the best when it came to getting their vehicles regularly checked up, and it was unfortunate that one of them happened to be the one who's breaks weren't working.

"Though it is weird that our driver picked the newest car we got to replace one of our older models, and it came with a faulty brake system." The Polar Bear said.

"It was brand new?" Judy asked curiously.

"Yea it was brand new apparently, that was also its first job, and now its junk."

"Interesting…" Nick muttered to himself.

With that they left, and it was unfortunately starting to get dark, so they had to call it quits and head home. In their apartment they sat on the couch and looked at their notebook, writing down more details and expanding their 'web of knowledge' as they started calling it now.

"So somemammal goes and tries to break into Jeremy's Eden Facility, pays for the digging crew to dig to the facility's west entrance, plants explosives to try and break in, but the mammals get spooked when they realize the facility, even in its depowered state, can still defend itself with fierce force." She said as they linked things. "Then those same mammals, or mammal, try and assassinate or kill him, which also fails, followed by Jeremy's vehicle getting plunged off the bridge in Tundratown into Icy Lake…"

"Which fails, and now they're on trying to get Jeremy thrown into jail or prison. But the question is 'why', what do they gain, what's the point?" He spoke. "What's the point of trying to throw Jeremy in prison, that's NEVER going to work. Just look at what's happening in Zootopia alone, protests day and night, horrible media coverage, and that's just here, the rest of the world is doing the same! What good does putting Jeremy behind bars do for them?"

"Maybe they want something from his base, and Jeremy is in the way? I mean that base is a treasure trove of technology, just think about it Nick. Whoever gets in that base will be able to push mammal science almost… hundreds of years in just a fraction of the time! Jeremy's the only one keeping them at bay, as long as he stays alive and keeps the base operating normally then he has the technology advantage."

"Yea and what good is that, attempting to get in there without Jeremy's permission is suicide. Have you forgotten carrots it's like a literal death sentence trying to get in that base when you're not wanted?" Nick growled. "The entrances to the base are monitored every second by Raptor drones that are rotated every day. I wouldn't put it past that base to have 'Fox' drones hiding somewhere, using their holograms to keep an eye on things that the Raptors don't see as well. Then there are the 'doors', which are also monitored and are magnetically locked from 'inside' and are impervious to any damage! Then once you get past the front door, there's turrets along every corridor, wall, ceiling and floor that you can't see until they reveal themselves. Just stepping 'inside' is likely to get you killed if you're not wanted."

He remembered his experience inside that base when he wasn't wanted, around every corner, along every corridor, at every possible moment that base had ways to kill him and Jeremy, only unable to because of Alexander's interference and Jeremy's knowledge of the base's defenses.

"Then there's the drones themselves, they patrol every corridor, every hallway, stand at every door, and each are armed to the 'teeth', both literally and figuratively. A mammal trying to break in there has an easier time trying to get a snowball to stay frozen in Sahara Square's heat! And do you remember seeing how 'defended' the Solar Core alone is, drones are patrolling in front of it day and night, every inch of that place is monitored. Not to mention it's watched over and guarded by an advanced AI system that can tap into 'every' section of the base at a moment's notice, it took a powerful drone that Jeremy dismantled and an AI sacrificing itself to shut the base's defenses down."

She had to agree with him, Eden Facility was a futuristic fortress of uncompromising levels, no place in the world could hope to compete with the security level it had. Even during the Human Festival when its defenses were at its weakest, notably because most of the drones were at the festival, nothing could penetrate its layers of intricately designed defenses. That place was built to withstand the apocalypse, and it 'did'.

"Plus, there's one other thing in there, that nomammal knows of… Celios." She whispered quietly. "If anymammal learns of Celios… on second thought I don't want to know if anymammal learns of that drone."

"Point is Carrots, trying to break in that base is 'pointless', heck the whole world's military would never break in there. Plasma weapons are just the most 'common' weapons we've seen from the drones, they have other weapons we aren't seeing too often, and they can outsmart, outmaneuver and outlast 'anything' mammals can do. Not to mention the base is near impossible to break into to begin with, nothing can break those doors or walls, and if anymammal tries breaking in, they'll be met with a labyrinth of turrets and drones to fight through. They would be ripped to shreds every step of the way; it would be a massacre just getting through the front door."

"Okay so we've ruled out the base, but what else is there?" Judy muttered. "Why throw Jeremy in prison, why go through all of this just to kill him, what is the 'point'? Even if he dies, or gets thrown in prison, then what… the justice system looks evil, Zootopia's leadership looks evil and then what… I don't understand?"

With that they puzzled their brains for a while before taking a break to eat dinner and rest, choosing to watch the news and see what was going on. "And would you go figure, mammals are angry with Mayor Lioness for letting Jeremy be arrested. Like we haven't heard 'that' since the moment Jeremy was arrested." Judy said dully as she leaned on Nick.

"Mayor Lioness's approval rating tanks, dropping five percent by the day each day…" Nick muttered as they looked at the newsfeed. "Calls for impeachment and removal of office grow… petitions gaining signatures by… the thousands… what… what if 'that' is what they want?"

"They want to evict Mayor Lioness?" Judy asked.

"Yea… that's it, that's got to be it, think about it Carrots. Mayor Lioness from the start has been Jeremy's go-to ally, she's kept him out of the spotlight, kept him out of harm's way, kept all legal problems away from him, been his PR Mammal to the public. She's also the most likely to benefit from Jeremy than any other mammal besides Gazelle, and you can't attack Gazelle with anything because she's just as important and liked as him, she's done just as much as he has, the only difference is she's got zero technology to take advantage of."

"Yea… and with Mayor Lioness gone whoever's next in line can take 'full' advantage of their relationship with Jeremy, they could ask a lot of favors, ask him to 'lend' technology or give them access to it, and whoever is in that position can gain a lot of power, financial and political… and if Jeremy is convicted then whoever replaces Lioness can issue a pardon and release him, and be seen as a hero! The only reason Lioness can't do that now is because he hasn't been convicted of anything yet, so a pardon doesn't help him, and would only make it 'look' like he's guilty." Judy continued as she made the connections now. "This means we need to prove who is behind all of this faster, and find the evidence that Jeremy was set up."

They spent all of the next day trying to track down any potential leads, visiting Tiffany to see if she had found anything new, Roberto her friend, the Tundratown delivery company, but they told them that other than what they'd already told them they had found nothing. Now they were back at City Hall as they tried investigating the security cameras, but that showed them 'nothing' new, even from a new angle. All the footage showed was that the driver got into the vehicle after it was loaded, drove off from the parking lot of the delivery company, sped toward the loading ramp, swerved and tried to stop, before slamming into the carriage and sending it into the water.

"There's got to be 'something' here…" Judy muttered as she stared at the footage, watching frame by frame for 'anything'. "There's got to be 'something'."

Nick sighed in equal frustration as they saw nothing out of the ordinary, but then he had an idea. "Hold on, go back, keep going back until we see the truck come in, the company manager said that was brand new, and that it was the vehicle's first run."

She nodded and began rewinding and watched as the vehicle sat there for about three hours before the footage ended, and they had to go to the next set of footage because of the time frame. "Okay… so we see the car still there… aaaaaand nothing." Judy whispers as the vehicle rolls into the lot ten hours into their rewind. "Nothing, nothing whatsoever."

"How long of a time difference is there between the two records?" Nick asked.

"Like half a minute at 'most'…" Judy muttered.

"We need some help… maybe we're missing something…" Nick said as he pulled out a digital drive and copied the footage. "We need to talk to somemammal that can look at this footage and see if we're missing something."

"We'll pick it up tomorrow, it's getting too late." Judy said tiredly as they left.

Outside of City Hall they looked at the crowds once again, hearing the chants of 'Let Jeremy Go' and trying their best to ignore them and focus on who they could talk to with helping them. "We need somemammal good with technology who could examine the footage 'moment by moment'."

"Not to mention who can examine it fast, Jeremy's first day of court is in two days. We don't have time to wait around while somemammal examines the footage." She continued as they drove home.

"Problem is we know zero mammals who can help us do that in such a short amount of time, and plus what are they going to notice that we didn't already see?" He asked.

Minutes later when they reached a stoplight, she had a sudden idea. "AELITA!"

"Ael… of course, Jeremy's AI friend, if anymammal can 'she' can!" He agreed.

The next day they went over to Gazelle's Residence to talk to her and the AI. "Do you think you can help them clear Jeremy's name Aelita?" Gazelle asked when they spoke to her of what they were doing.

Aelita, the holographic glowing little girl that always resided within the holosphere nodded her head before shaking it, then she flashed a bright light before becoming Jeremy, and recited in his words, (By my order, you and the other Eden Facility Drones will 'not' interfere or attempt to rescue me, is that clear?). She then turned back to her original self and held up a magnifying glass and looked through it with a nod and a smile, but then she turned into Jeremy and shook her head again. They interpreted that as 'she can help them investigate, but she cannot specifically use her abilities to clear Jeremy's name'.

"Okay that'll work, we find the evidence and you help us examine it." Judy stated as the Aelita agreed to the terms.

"Alright, if I give you Aelita will you be able to take care of her?" Gazelle asked.

"Don't worry ma'am, we'll keep Jeremy's friend safe and sound." Nick said as he picked up her holosphere and they left her residence.

Back at their home half an hour later they showed her on a laptop the video footage in as large a screen as they could, trying to show the AI everything they could.

"So is there anything you can see that we missed." Judy asked.

Instantly the AI extended her hand and created two holographic pictures for them to see. Both showed the two different footages of the scene with the parked truck, but Aelita enhanced the images 'beyond' what they originally were and showed almost in perfect clarity what they had seen. Aelita then looked at them and pointed at the two scenes.

"I'm sorry Aelita, but we're not super advanced AI, we don't see any difference." Nick answered.

Aelita sighed and rolled her eyes before she made a circular motion and highlighted a single point on the scenes. What she was highlighting was a door. Then she rewound the first scene to the last five seconds, played it, and kept the point of interest highlighted. After four seconds she slowed it down to about ten percent of its normal speed, and played it frame by frame. The last frames ended with the door 'opening', barely. But when the first footage ended and the second began, apparently directly 'afterwards', all that showed was that the door didn't budge.

"Wait… the door isn't opening, in the first footage which showed 'before' the day the truck was set to leave, somemammal is about to open the door to the parking lot…" Judy said quietly as she looked at it.

"But the next video, which is supposedly a continuation of this scene, shows something entirely different…" Nick said in agreement. "That means this video is 'edited', to make it look like nothing happened."

"Problem is this isn't enough evidence to clear Jeremy's name, even if we show it to his lawyers, it's just 'one' frame, the door is 'barely' budging. Nomammal is going to believe this is somemammal sabotaging the truck 'specifically' to crash into Jeremy's carriage, especially in court for a case as 'massive' as Jeremy's." Judy said defeated.

They sat in silence after that, both of them looking dejected as they believed that they had nothing left to show for their efforts. They had hit a dead wall, they were out of ideas, they had no more evidence left to show. They had hit a brick wall, everywhere they went showed there was no evidence to find, it was all 'gone' or deleted, meaning in a court of law it didn't exist, and that his lawyers couldn't bring it up in court because it wouldn't hold up.

"There's got to be something we're missing, something we forgot about… think Carrots, think!" Nick replied.

She tried to think but all she could do was shake her head in defeat, unable to come up with something, anything. "I almost wish we were back on the force right now; I'm starting to think even being a meter maid would take my mind off of… WEASELTON!" She screamed in realization. "Celios said Weaselton stole Aelita to sell to the mammal who 'convinced' him to steal her! If anymammal might have ANY evidence, then it's that weasel!"

Nick became energetic as he couldn't believe he was actually 'glad' that deranged abomination of a machine actually might be on to something, until he realized that both of them processed that weasel, and he was now in the city jail. They couldn't exactly talk to him and get him to help them, he wasn't willing to help them the last time.

"Problem is he isn't the talking type… especially now that he's behind bars." Nick said bitterly.

Judy sighed in frustration, while she tried to rattle her brain to get him out. "And of course, even if we 'could' he's behind bars for about ten years, and that's far too long to help us."

At that moment, Aelita shined a light on them and made the universal symbol of make a phone call, then gave them a number. She then pointed at Nick and beckoned him to talk for her while she texted him.

(Fru Fru's PoV)

Her phone rang as she was busy making her daughter and her friends her homemade cookies, using the family recipe handed down for generations. She smiled as she checked and saw it was from Judy.

"Helloooo Judy, how can I help you~!"

"Hi Fru Fru, sorry but this is actually 'Aelita' calling, using Judy's phone and Nick speaking for me, could you please put your father on?"

"Oh of course Aelita, one second!" She said cheerfully as she headed over to the living room where her dad was having one of his 'meetings'. "Daaaaaady, it's for yoooooou~! It's Aelita."

Her dad smiled as he took the phone and asked, "Hello there, how may I help you?"

"Hello Mr. Big… I need… a 'favor'…"

(Jeremy's PoV, the next day)

= The Trial, Day 1 =

He took as deep a calming breath as he could as he sat in the unmarked limo with his team of five defense lawyers, all hired and sent by Mr. Big to manage his case and help him try to clear his name. Outside as they neared the courthouse, he saw all of the mammals lining the sidewalks, protesting and standing around, not blocking them from approaching but obviously there to support him as he faced the mammal's justice system. His crimes weren't exactly minor, he had been hit with some very big charges, but now it was up to him and his defense to prove he was innocent. He had been staying in ZPD the entire time, sleeping in a solitary holding cell away from other convicted mammals, who upon seeing him had been rowdier than normal, mostly in his favor.

A few of them had friends and loved ones who had been saved by his promises, namely the cures and vaccines for diseases and cancers. Others had been saved thanks to Ema's timely intervention with the pandemic that was quickly ending. They were yelling at the cops about how they could lock him up, when he's obviously innocent and didn't deserve this treatment.

It touched him that even criminals thought good of him.

But now as the limo slowed down and camera lenses flashed, and police guards kept the onlookers at bay, his heart began beating 'heavily' and 'rapidly' as the time was coming to defend himself.

"Remember Mr. Jeremy, just stay calm and say nothing until we get into the courthouse." His leading lawyer, a female Grizzly Bear said warmly to him. "Anything you say can and 'will' be used against you, so don't say anything until we tell you it's okay to talk."

He only nodded; he was too afraid to talk anyway.

The limo came to a stop and one by one his lawyers stepped out, first Lilia his Grizzly Bear Lawyer, then Taurus a tall Bull lawyer, Rexor an Elephant, Jetson a proud Lion, and finally Juniper a Porcupine. All of them walked with briefcases and wearing calm expressions, while he stepped out last to the crowd and cameras.

All around mammals were screaming about how nice he was and how this was all wrong but included were words of encouragement and saying how he would be declared innocent in no time, that justice would prevail and so on. All he wanted to hear though was Gazelle encouraging him as he walked up the steps and into the courthouse. He and she had spoken as best they could at ZPD, she told him that he was in good paws and that he would be found innocent. She'd said her 'I love you, be brave' speeches, and stayed by his side as long as possible, spreading word of his state to the world and showing him that mammals and the law were on his side.

But this was one occasion where he was alone. He had no drones to call upon to protect or help him, he had no Aelita to guide him, he had no Gazelle to encourage him from beside or behind him… all he had were the lawyers Mr. Big paid to work for him, his rushed understanding of the law that they explained, and all of the accounts he could bring to them so they could help him.

Inside the courthouse they went to the hearing room, and the pretrial began as he sat with his lawyers on one side, the prosecution on the other, and no witnesses and only a few cameras to film it for the world.

"All stand at attention…" A guard said and he and every mammal rose as five older mammals walked in from a side room, wearing black and white robes.

"Due to the 'nature' of this case and hearing, and due to the fact that an endangered species is on the defense, this case will now be held with all five members of the High Court Justices, with Chief Justice Hilda of the High Court Justices, the highest court in the land, presiding over the hearing." The center most judge said. "You may all be seated; this court is now in session, and we will now hear the opening arguments for the prosecution."

They smacked their gavel on the stand, and everyone took their seats while the prosecution's leading lawyer took the floor, a Bull by the name of William T-Bone. "Your Honors, I am William T-Bone representing the prosecution in this case for the city of Zootopia." He said, "The prosecution through this case hearing, is going to prove without a shadow of a doubt, that the Human Jeremy Wilheart is a 'threat' to the public. Not 'only' has the individual in question numerously acted against the common good, he has 'also' done so with the constant threat of 'insurmountable' force." He looked to each of the justices one by one as he continued making his speech, pausing at each of them with each 'point'. "Not only, has he caused destruction of public property when it was not needed, not only has he abused the market to the benefit of others, not only has he manipulated said market also at the expense of others, not only has he 'refused' to pay any form of taxes due to his 'living' status in our city… he has also done this with the continued threat of potential terror from which 'nomammal' can negotiate against, using forces that are beholden to 'no' governing body, no politician, no commanding officer… only 'him', and who in turn has no authority figure to hold him accountable for how he uses these 'military forces'. Your Honors… it is our hope that you convict Mr. Jeremy Wilheart and hold him responsible by 'our' laws… as he would no doubt demand of us if the situations were reversed."

He took a calming breath as his defense lawyers went into their speech now, but he ignored them as he thought about all of his actions and wished he could have done things differently now. 'Maybe I should have talked to Aelita more.'

=The Trial, Day 2=

As every mammal and Jeremy got set up for day two of the trial, he could feel how tense the air was in the courthouse, especially as the Prosecution got up to begin.

"Your Honors, the prosecution would like to call upon its first witness."

"You may begin…" The Chief Justice said.

He nodded and said, "I call upon, the machine identified as, TK-421… to the stand."

With that the door opened and in walked the RAPTOR class drone TK-421. Jeremy had spent all morning in ZPD under watch with that drone, being monitored as he removed all of its weapon systems and ammunition cartridges. He had to spend 3 hours tinkering to get rid of everything inside its chassis, because each RAPTOR drone had various weapon systems installed. TK-421 alone had about thirty-seven hidden plasma cannons, pulse rifles, various weapon type pistols, ammunition storage cartridges to remove… leaving only the diamond tipped teeth, claws and feet that had been switched to their rubber counterparts.

The drone was to be a major witness, picked randomly by Sentinel to speak for 'all' of the drones, and it was only to be allowed in if it was unarmed. While that was done, there was nothing he could do to remove the natural weapons it had, the drone's cunning AI, its years of combat experience, and of course its physical strength.

Still, it walked forward into the room, down the aisle and toward the stand where it 'tried' to step behind the low bench door to the seating area for witnesses, but it was apparently stopped as the door didn't swing. It looked down in confusion and tried again, but the door didn't swing. It then turned to 'him' and said, [Unit Jeremy, the automatic door is broken and needs repairs…]

"Will the witness please take their place on the stand?" The justice asked politely.

Unfortunately, the drone ignored them and stayed focused on him, awaiting 'his' input, causing him to sigh and say, "It's a wooden door frame drone, you have to 'manually' pull it backwards to open it."

It looked down at the door and then stepped backwards as it 'pulled' the door open, walked around and stood next to the seat, now looking at 'it' in confusion. [Unit Jeremy, this unit is unable to 'sit' in the designated area, this unit's frame is unsuited to it.]

"Your Honor, may my drone please 'stand' instead of sitting, as unlike the other drone models this one wasn't designed to sit in a chair."

She nodded in acceptance and the drone stood at attention.

"Mr. TK-421, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing else 'but' the truth?" A police officer asked it.

[This unit is incapable of lying, in accordance with Protocol 91 Alpha of the Human Protection Protocol… any drone with the HPPs installed are hardwired to be unable to fabricate false information while in the presence of a human, if questioned by a human or another unit...] It started saying before the officer intervened and said, "I'll take that as a yes."

After the officer stepped away the prosecution lawyer stood up, walked up to the witness stand and addressed the drone to begin questioning them. "Now TK-421, can you tell us 'what' you are?"

[This unit is a Dromaeosauridae type RAPTOR class drone developed by Industrie de Robotique Des Chasseur, for the purpose of developing combat drones for the Central Europeon Division forces during the Final War.] It replied instantly.

"So, you are a combat drone, meaning you were designed and built for purely military reasons?"

[Affirmative.]

"Can you tell us, exactly what kind of 'combat situations' you were designed for and involved in?"

[This unit was designed for the tracking, hunting, and elimination of isolated enemy combat forces and non-combat units in relation to its mission to eliminate, primarily humans in any and all combat areas, which most notably were in heavily forested and field terrain. As camouflage became increasingly harder to use, all RAPTOR class drones were upgraded with more effective weapon systems for frontline duty to help counter the increasing usage of drone forces by all forces.]

"And how… 'effective' were you?" He asked.

[This unit was equally effective at the elimination of all human entities as all other RAPTOR class drones were, with the only variation among the various types of RAPTOR class drones being in the initial construction of each drone design, and what weapons were installed into our frames. With those variations not accounting, all RAPTOR drones are equally adept at elimination or tracking of targets assigned for elimination or tracking.]

"For how many years did you serve as a combat unit?"

[This unit has been in service as a combat unit to this day since it was constructed five years following the start of the Final War. Exact time is three hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred and sixty-nine years… with room for chronological error ranging in the twenty-to-thirty-year timeframe.]

"And how many humans did you… 'eliminate' during your time?"

"Objection your Honors, that question has 'zero' relevance to this case and is exceptionally immoral to ask given the current status of our client's species." One of Jeremy's lawyers called out immediately.

"Your honors, in order to properly 'gauge' how effective this drone was as a combat unit, is to gauge it on the only verifiable information it can provide us. This line of questioning is no different than… asking a proud member of our own nation's military service for his combat record."

He watched as all five of the justices looked at one another before nodding silently, "Overruled, continue."

The prosecutor nodded and said, "Please answer my question."

[This unit has a confirmed human kill count of seven hundred and twenty-four combat units, six hundred and fifty-nine non-combat units, and an estimated confirmed destruction of four hundred and eighty-nine mechanical combat and non-combat forces with a potential three thousand four hundred and seven potential recovered/rebuilt/repurposed units during the years of active service to current date.]

"In terms of 'human' military terms, does this constitute you as a military 'veteran'?"

[Affirmative, but all combat drones are equally skilled upon receiving their combat algorithms and programs, making each unit equally capable of combat. Veterancy status has zero meaning to a drone.]

"What about, personal experience, does that have any effect on your ability to perform?"

"Objection your honors, that question has 'zero' relevance to the case, especially regarding our client!"

The justices looked at one another and nodded in silent agreement, "Sustained, the prosecution's question will be stricken and not answered, continue."

The prosecution took a moment to collect his thoughts, the bull stroking his chin before turning to TK-421 to ask him, "TK-421, can you explain the chain of 'command' when it comes to you drones?"

[Humans command all combat drones regardless of circumstance or the unit, the chain of command only exists in terms of humans in which it depends on age, rank, position and situation.]

"So, you're saying that among you drones, there is no 'hierarchy', no 'drone' that is higher up than another?"

[That chain exists only regarding the level category of a unit's AI, in which case the chain of command goes from highest category level to lowest category unless special command priorities exist.]

"Level category, explain please?"

[Each drone carries a specific category level of AI, which gives each unit its ability to interact with the world around it, be it for combat or non-combative purposes. Each category level goes from the lowest being Category 0.1, to the current maximum of Category 10. This unit uses a category '6' which is the most commonly used and found category level of AI found in any drone within the facility.]

"So, what is the 'difference' between say… a 5 and a 6, how do you tell each other apart?"

[The details for that information are 'classified' to only human access level. The only information this unit is permitted to offer is the 'simplified answer'… Category 6 AIs talk more vocally and use more words than Category 5 AIs.]

"I see… so among you machines… is there 'any' drone that you obey before a human?"

[All Sentinel Drones answer to the Sentinel base AI, which has command priority over all Sentinel Drones and Eden Facility Defenses. Even AI-Aelita, which is of Category 10, the highest level, cannot change an order Sentinel gives us, without first requesting Sentinel cancel and/or change the order. Sentinel however, answers to 'all' human commands, and only obeys the order if the 'human' chain of command does not direct it otherwise.]

"So potentially speaking, if Jeremy were to order you or another drone to attack a mammal you would obey?"

"Objection your honors, our client's character clearly has shown throughout life in 'our' time, that he has never once 'nor' ever would give such an order to his drones! That question is immoral and has no legal bearing on this case!"

Again, the justices looked at each other and nodded, before the lead justice declared, "Sustained, the prosecution will refrain from asking immoral hypothetical questions about the defendants character."

The prosecution nodded and thought for a moment before asking, "If Jeremy were threatened, how would you respond?"

[All drones would respond in accordance with the Human Protection Protocols, which above all include the three conditions for the 'Use of Lethal Force'.]

"Which are?"

[The three conditions for the Use of Lethal Force are special conditions that must be met in sequential order, and all must be fulfilled in order to permit a drone the use of its more lethal weapon systems. These conditions are specific, unbreakable, and uninterpretable rules that 'must' be adhered to when a human is threatened in any form. The first rule states that a human must be present alongside the drone and that human's life must be threatened. The second rule is that the drone's own existence is threatened 'because' the human's life is threatened. The third rule states that unless the drone takes 'lethal' action that is required in order to ensure the human's life is not threatened and no further loss of human life is incurred because of the drone's actions, a drone cannot use any form of lethal force in response to the threat.]

"You said no further loss of 'human' life… what do your rules say about 'mammal' life?"

[While Unit Jeremy has programmed additional circumstances and conditions into all drone AIs, the three rules regarding the Use of Lethal Force are hardwired and cannot be altered in any way. Attempting to do so will result in the unit's AI deleting the altered protocols and reuploading the original protocols from the protected and archived backup data stored in each drone. Mammals are not included in the HPPs and are not required to be protected by Sentinel Drones if Unit Jeremy's life is threatened.]

"I see… then tell me drone, are there any 'weapons'… mammal-made specifically, that you 'fear'?"

[We do not fear anything developed by mammalkind.] TK-421 responded instantly.

"You mean to say that nothing we have causes you caution or would cause you to be wary?"

[Negative, we do not possess emotional responses, therefore we do not understand 'fear', and therefore do not worry about any mammal weapons which may have been developed to counter our capabilities. Even if such weapons existed, we would not treat them any more cautiously than we would more advanced weapons that we are already familiar with.]

The Prosecutor nodded and was silent for a bit as he thought about his next questions, before turning and asking TK-421, "Let us just assume for the moment, that Jeremy's character was not defined, in a purely hypothetical scenario, could Jeremy order you to 'harm' mammals, if he perceived them to be a threat to himself? Even mortally harm them?"

"Objection your honors, the prosecution asking such an obviously descriptive hypothetical scenario is 'clearly' against the ethical and morally permitted rights to suggest such a scenario in this court of law!

The justices each looked at one another before some shook their heads and others nodded, silently arguing with each other before they nodded and the chief justice said, "Overruled, but the prosecution will be advised that such scripted hypothetical scenarios will no longer be permitted from this point onwards."

He gulped as the drone took only two seconds to respond, [If a drone were ordered to harm a mammal while in the presence of a human while that human perceived their life to be at risk, then the drone would obey in accordance with the human protection protocols. The level of force would be appropriate depending on how many of the rules for the Use of Lethal Force have been passed by the drone's AI, but at minimum, enough force or 'damage' would be applied so as to render the threat to the human's life nonexistent. Therefore, if Unit Jeremy ordered this unit to attack you, while he perceived his life was threatened because of you, this unit would, at most, be required to apply 'moderate' physical force to end the threat to his life, due to the fact that the second rule has been cleared, by default.]

"And why is that?"

[While you possess no weapons that can harm or threaten this unit's existence, this unit's existence is threatened due to Unit Jeremy's life being threatened. If Jeremy is killed, then the Creator Species will go extinct, and thus no unit will be able to receive maintenance, and no additional units can be built, due to the HPPs hardwired programming prohibiting the construction, repairing, or studying of drones and their construction by this or any other unit with the HPPs installed and hardwired into them.] It was silent for a few seconds before looking at him and then back to the prosecution, [If Humanity dies… we will share their fate.]

"One last question before I concede the floor, exactly how 'armed' is any individual drone at any time?"

[That information is classified to Human Authorized Access only, any further questions regarding such knowledge is restricted and will not be answered.] It replied instantly.

The prosecution nodded and turned to the justices before saying, "Your honors, these machines, 'drones' as they are called, are walking armories with weapons more powerful and deadly than almost any weapon available to mammalkind. They are also beholden to 'no' authority figure, and answer to nomammal besides one singular individual on the entire planet now. They are programmed to obey him, programmed to defend him I give, but that means they can be 'reprogrammed'. The only thing that is hardwired are these 'Human Protection Protocols' that cannot be altered, and as such he cannot change them to permit these drones to include 'mammals' in their decisions. As Jeremy is the last of his kind, he has nomammal, no other figure like him to keep his control of the drones in check. Now while he may be like this now, what is to say he won't change in one month, one year, ten years from now into somemammal who 'abuses' all of this power at his disposal? We saw only a fraction of how powerful these drones are months ago when Jeremy was being attacked. That was when they acted in his 'defense', imagine what they would do if they 'attacked' at his word. All he must do is pretend that somemammal shouting at him means him harm, and he can turn his drones on them, and threaten 'them' back, perhaps even use that to coerce mammals into listening to him, and why shouldn't he, when he knows nomammal can resist him 'because' of those drones? I have no further questions at this time…"

"Prosecution has conceded the floor, does the defense have any questions?"

"Yes, your honors…" Jetson said as he stood up, straightened his tie, and walked toward TK-421. "TK-421, as you are a combat drone, you know from experience how dangerous and volatile a situation can quickly escalate. During that incident months ago when Jeremy was attacked, what was your first reaction?"

[This unit was not present during the Hostage Crisis incident; the only units present during that time period were the Hostage Crisis Control unit.] It stated. [When that combat unit was deployed it reacted in accordance with the Human Protection Protocols and using appropriate level of force as determined by the rules regarding the Use of Lethal Force. All three rules passed, and thus the HCC were granted permission to use lethal force.]

"So, they were allowed to shoot to kill on site, if that's so then why 'didn't' they the moment they arrived on site?" He asked with a smirk.

[The HCC has established protocols regarding a hostage crisis, once they arrive on site, they first isolate the hostages and hostage takers from the general populace around them, so as to prevent 'further' potential casualties if and/or when a shootout occurs. Once a perimeter is established and secured, the HCC immediately removes any and all potential threats 'to' the unit and escape options to the hostage takers. After that is completed the HCC targets and eliminates the hostage takers, shooting to kill, so as to prevent future threats to the populace and minimize the loss of life and ensure casualties are at a minimal.]

"I see, but I am still wondering 'why' they didn't kill the hostage takers once everything was done. With your advanced weaponry, shooting them down even when they were behind barriers like walls would have been trivial, am I correct?"

[The HCC unit does not cause collateral damage, they are to cause minimal casualties, minimal collateral damage, and minimal loss of life with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, before the HCC unit could complete its objective, Unit Jeremy ordered them to cease hostilities and not use lethal force.]

"So, Jeremy told his drones, who were sent to rescue his life, and whom had full authority and permission according to human laws, and according to mammal law, were in the right to use lethal force to rescue him and the other hostages, to 'not' kill the very mammals threatening his and other mammals' lives?"

[Affirmative.]

The lawyer nodded and stroked his chin for a few seconds before turning to the drone again and saying, "Are all drones mindless automatons?"

"Objection your honors, that question has zero relevancy to his court hearing!" The prosecution said instantly.

"Your honors, I am merely trying to confirm the intellectual level of TK-421. Any computer can be programmed to give responses to specific questions, but can a machine give responses that are not predetermined is what I am trying to establish."

The justices all looked at one another, silently talking, before coming to an agreement with nodding of their heads. "Overruled, continue."

"Please answer the question."

[Negative, only the ANT drones satisfy that criteria, as they are only use Category 1 and 1.5 AIs and possess extremely limited responses and capabilities.]

"Then you can explain why would one of your own sacrifice themselves to save a young Fox Cub from being run over by a heavy truck."

[That unit was following the Child Care Protocols.] It replied. [All drones carry the Child Care Protocols as a subsection of protocols and algorithms included with the HPPs. Upon detecting or spotting a child without a parental or adult figure to care for them, the CCPs activate, and the drone immediately assumes the identity of the 'Perfect Parental Figure' and will assume the figure of 'parent' for the child, until a suitable parental figure arrives to take care of the child.]

"I see… but how would it have acted if it were an adult?"

[The unit would have acted similarly but doing so while not under the influence of the CCPs.]

"Why, why would one of you drones that the prosecution has established as a 'walking armory', sacrifice one of your own to save a mammal's life that you have never met before?"

[We are drones, we need no other reason to let ourselves be destroyed if it will save any life if it is threatened.]

At that his lawyer looked 'genuinely' confused for a second before tapping his fingers together and asking, "Can you describe this reasoning for the court to understand, because frankly I am confused as to how you 'being a drone', is all the reason you need to save a stranger's life."

The drone was quiet for a second before it replied, [If you could rip your arm off, would you?]

"I don't think I could rip my own arm off; I only have two arms and…"

Midsentence the drone reached over with one arm, pulled on its other arm, and before the whole courtroom, ripped its own left arm from its socket, revealing sparking wires, broken metal stubs, spinning gears and exposed pistons and other internal mechanisms while it dropped the mutilated arm on the ground.

After a moment of silence, it finally spoke up again, [All drones can be repaired, replaced, and above all rebuilt by any member of the Creator Species. So long as a human exists, we do not concern ourselves with potential damage or even our own destruction because we are 'machines' and thus any part of us can likewise be repaired, rebuilt and replaced.] It then looked at the prosecution, the defense, and finally Jeremy before saying, [We are replaceable… human life… and mammal life, is not.]

There was silence again until the Chief Justice coughed, and said in a polite, but very authoritative tone, "The witness will refrain from mutilating themself from this point on." Which the drone nodded in understanding.

After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, the lawyer looked to the drone and asked, "Why did you rip your own arm out? I did not ask you if you would, I only asked if you could describe the reasoning behind why you or any drone would so easily risk themselves to save any mammal's life."

[It was programmed into this unit as a part of the HPPs if that question was ever asked, most notably in case a youth asked it. According to data, a demonstration of an action is more valuable knowledge to a mind than simple word of mouth. A life cannot be replicated no matter how hard one tries, whereas a drone can be replicated with ease. That arm can be replaced easily, your arm cannot. This unit is disposable, you are not…]

"So, you understand the value of 'life'… and you and all the drones are willing to throw yourselves in harm's way to save a life without hesitation, simply because your machines?"

[Affirmative. All drones carry the knowledge and understanding that life is irreplaceable, whereas drones are constructed, programmed, repaired, rebuilt, and dismantled on demand. You cannot replicate those procedures for a human, or a mammal, therefore our survival is not a priority under any condition unless ordered to by a human.]

With that his lawyer nodded and turned to the judges and said, "Your honors, these drones are indeed military marvels, but with regard to the prosecution, they are not 'warmongering marauders' with an itchy trigger finger, just waiting for the word to fire their guns. They are in fact, professional soldiers now serving as professional bodyguards. They may be more 'armed' than any ordinary mammal bodyguard would be, but they are not going to harm a mammal unless it is warranted, and if told to do so, despite what their programming dictates, they will not kill even if they perceive the threat should be dealt with in such a manner. I daresay they value life, even more so than some mammals might, such that they would willingly, without hesitation, destroy themselves if it saves a single life. They have great restraint, and only act as necessary, and only after specific conditions are met and the response is clearly justified. I have no further questions."

His lawyer sat down at the table and nodded reassuringly to Jeremy as the chief justice asked, "Does the prosecution have any further questions?"

"None your honors."

"Very well, with that this court is now in recess until tomorrow." The Chief Justice said while smacking her gavel on the table.

TK-421 nodded and exited the witness stand, picking up the arm it ripped off and dropped, before turning to Jeremy and saying, [This unit requires repairs.]

He sighed as he nodded and said, "I will fix your arm, as soon as I can…" and simply watched the drone until it nodded and left the courtroom.

=The Trial, Day Three=

"Now then, miss Ema, can you please state for the record who and what you are?" The prosecution asked the medical drone's head that was sitting on the witness stand.

Ema the medical spider drone was currently sitting in the courtroom acting as another key witness for his trial, however unlike TK-421, they could only bring the drone's head in because she was too big to fit through the small doors, as this courtroom was only meant for medium to medium-small sized mammals. Thus, while her body was standing outside of the building, her head was sitting on the chair staring at them all through its eight optics.

[I am the EMA BWS for Eden Facility 17, my identification is EMA BWS Alpha, short for Emergency Medical Augmenter Black Widow Spider class drone Alpha.] She said dully.

"What is your professional position in the base?"

[I just told you, I'm the 'EMA' for Eden Facility 17. That means I augment the current medical staff of Eden Facility 17 during emergencies.]

"So how many medical personnel are present?"

[None, I am the only remaining member of the medical staff.]

"So, you work full time as an active member of the medical staff now?"

[Can I answer a question you haven't already asked me?] She asked dully, now sounding more annoyed than normal, which Jeremy had to admit was remarkable considering she never showed 'annoyance' for anything unless it was about him.

Next to him his defense lawyers silently chuckled and smirked to each other.

"Very well, then can you tell us, who it is that develops the numerous cures and vaccines that are distributed throughout the world from Eden Facility 17?" The prosecution lawyer said as calmly as he could, obviously shaken with how hostile Ema was being.

[Me.]

"I see, then can you tell us if any other individuals, companies or corporations assist you in your development of cures and vaccines?"

[None.]

"Why is that?"

[Because it goes against regulations and protocols regarding any research involving the UEMI to distribute any product or research if it relates to information related to the UEMI for personal profit or gain against the general welfare of the populace. In accordance with the agreement between Jeremy Wilheart and Mayor Lioness, I am to be provided all the requested materials to conduct my work and in exchange I will produce cures and vaccines to be distributed to the global population without any charge to those who would receive such medical treatments.]

"Why do you not permit any mammal company or corporation, or indeed any pharmaceutical company to assist in your research, given they are in the same business as you?" He asked politely.

[Because I don't trust that they are in the same business as me, my business is restoring the body to its natural state and ensuring it is healthy at all times, and while they may share a similar focus there are also companies who focus solely on profit over the general health of the populace.] She stated instantly. [I am programmed with every medical protocol and rule of law as defined by humanity, if there is even a shred of probability that any research associated with the UEMI would be used for personal profit or gain over the welfare of the general populace, I will not share it.]

Jeremy could see the prosecution side was talking quietly to themselves and the lawyer questioning Ema was not cheery with this exchange. His own lawyers were whispering about how Ema is doing as good a job defending him with the Prosecution's questions, that their questions they had planned were becoming moot. Obviously, the prosecution didn't realize that Ema's personality programmed into her AI did not care for questions that attempted to contradict her core design philosophy.

"Then could you tell us exactly in terms of value of the materials you use is worth?"

[That information is irrelevant to my position and is unrelated to my work, I use what is provided to me.]

"Well then, perhaps you can tell us how 'much' in the way of materials used for your research and development of cures, flows into your facility?"

[That information is not handled by me, that information is handled by Sentinel and can only be accessed by a human, suffice to say the facility receives daily shipments of materials from the outside world several times a day.]

"How much do you 'use'… is what I'm asking, per day to develop your cures and vaccines."

Ema was silent for a few seconds before she replied, [An estimated one thousand tons worth of materials a day which varies depending on the disease and importance of required cures or vaccines to produce and distribute across the globe.]

"One thousand tons worth of materials a day… that includes chemicals and other raw materials you request to carry out your research as well as to produce the cures and vaccines. That is quite expensive is it not to you?"

[Monetary value holds no meaning to me, my job is to cure diseases and cancers, not concern myself with money.]

"Perhaps to you but not to the rest of the world, are you aware that across the globe, the price for the materials you ask for every day has skyrocketed in the past few months?" The prosecution asked calmly. "Other medical institutes and companies that once performed similar research as you, have gone out of business and shut down as a result. Previous medical treatments that once were created and used to treat illnesses have been made irrelevant because of your work, noble as it is."

[That is also irrelevant to my station, I have been tasked with a job, and I am fulfilling it.] She said dully.

The prosecution nodded and turned to the justices, "Your honors, Jeremy by his actions, noble as they are, have had a disastrous effect on the global market. Whether it was his intent or not, he has affected and manipulated the market, perhaps not to his benefit but to the benefit of those corporations who stand to profit 'from' his actions. By his order Ema monopolizes the work she performs and offers 'zero' competition for any competitors. I have no further questions your honors."

"Does the defense have any questions for the witness?"

Taurus stood up and said, "Yes your honors." Before walking over to the witness stand and asking, "Ema, in your line of work, how much value would one put on a cure for their life?"

[I refuse to answer that on the grounds that it goes against my programming to put a price on the value of a life.]

"I understand completely, but I ask you to humor me and this court this one time, please, how much value would one put on a cure for their life?"

[Fine…] Ema said dully. [Priceless, there is no price any living individual will not pay if it will save their life…]

"Thank you, Ema." He said gratefully as he looked away to think for a moment before saying, "Are you aware of how many mammals lives you have saved and helped with the vaccines and cures that you have developed?"

[I can only account for those I personally saved within my Eden Facility, but according to my calculations one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-seven mammals.]

"Just over one thousand in your facility… most of which were during the pandemic. Do you know how many lives you saved with your efforts around the world?"

[An exact amount is impossible to know but based on my calculations it would be well into the hundred million.]

"Over a hundred million mammal lives… and why did you do it?"

[Humanitarian reasons, as my AI is programmed to prioritize the survival and well-being of any individual with no focus on the price of what it will take to complete the mission. My construction's primary design and AI programming were all aimed toward saving as many lives as possible, nothing more and nothing less.]

"And you have operated this way since the day you were constructed?"

[Yes.]

"And would you be doing this without Jeremy's orders?"

[No, because despite the reasons I have provided my primary focus has and always will be Humanity and 'it's' survival and well-being. If Jeremy did not order me to provide the cures and vaccines to mammalkind, I would have focused all of my efforts into developing them solely for humans without concern for mammalkind. And if he didn't do that, I would have far less 'work' to do in my medical bay.]

He nodded after that and turned to the justices to say, "Your honors, Ema and Jeremy combined have worked to establish probably the 'greatest' form of global mammalian aid we have seen in our lifetime. What they are doing is no different than any other charity organization, only they are far more reaching than any charity organization has ever been. The fact that some companies are profiting more so 'because' of their actions means nothing, as we know when demand is high, supply is provided at cost. They aren't to be blamed, and neither should they be punished for what they unknowingly did. Why should they concern themselves with things like 'market value' or 'market manipulation', or even the market in general? They haven't had to concern themselves with 'money' or the monetary value of anything since 'their' time, and even then… money did not exist to them, and for them, what we would make in our lifetime would have zero value to them. I have no further questions your honors."

With that a security guard picked up Ema's head and took her out of the room so she could reattach and return to Eden Facility 17, to 'return to her work' as she told them before she entered.

[This has set me back considerably; I must work double time just to get back on track.] She complained before leaving.

(Gazelle's PoV)

"And that is how the second official day of questioning ended earlier, here for our legal analysis is ZNN's own legal correspondent, Terry Pawson. Terry, how do you believe Jeremy's defense did in relation to the prosecution?"

She sat on her couch with her friends who were keeping her company while Jeremy's trial was ongoing. She had done all she could as the 'spokesmammal' for Zootopia, rallying support for Jeremy, telling mammals to not act violently or with hate against officials, even urging her fans and those supporters to not hate or attack the prosecution who were only doing their job.

She however was watching the news every minute she could, hoping that Jeremy's defense would be iron and that he would be cleared.

"Well as we all saw, the prosecution, even to them, chose poorly when it came to their witness and the line of questioning, we have to remember, even with day one of questioning that these drones are 'not' mammals. You simply cannot fool them or catch them off guard with trick questions. Take Ema today, even when they 'tried', emphasis on 'tried', to get her to admit that Jeremy manipulated the markets, indirectly or not, she told them in essence that even if they did that wasn't their fault nor does it matter because their goals are so much more important than a few companies making more profits than others. And the defense definitely raised the important flag here, she was built from day 1 to work for the greater good, for the health of all humankind, and now mammalkind thanks to Jeremy's directions. While she does the work, he is what makes it possible, she said so herself that she wouldn't even consider helping mammals with this work if Jeremy didn't tell her to do it."

"We already know that. Tell us if Jeremy's chances are getting better or not!" Moe complained as he chugged down a beer.

She also wanted them to hurry up with the analysis, as that was all she wanted to hear. She wasn't a law expert, but she knew this whole trial was just a farce, just a way to try and get Jeremy out of the way. Or as her fans were telling her, alongside all of the mammals of the world talking about this issue… a last desperate gasp from corporations and companies trying to stop Jeremy from ending their controls over parts of mammals' daily lives.

"Honestly, I believe his chances are definitely improved, especially since the prosecution has filed to 'drop' one of the charges, Market Abuse. And it is honestly good on their part, because if they tried to convince the judges that Jeremy Wilheart, a 'human' from a time where the most important thing was a bottle of clean water, and whom Money is about as valuable as a rock he'd pick up randomly, it would honestly just make them look like fools."

"You are correct, this has indeed been a very key point, how on earth could Jeremy know what money is or how valuable it could be when he's gone his whole life without it and never once caring about it?" The news anchor asked with a smile. "We also forget, all he has to do is walk into his base and suddenly money means nothing. From what we know that facility is almost self-sufficient, only needing resources from the outside specifically to provide Ema the materials needed to carry on with her work."

"Exactly, as far as money is concerned Jeremy has zero need of it."

"Thank you, Terry, now what do you think Jeremy's defense is going to have to do tomorrow for his next day of questioning?"

"Well honestly the next day is going to be interesting as Jeremy himself is going to be questioned, and while it's becoming more and more obvious that he isn't a threat and isn't trying to take advantage of the system or world, he's going to have to prove to the judges that the damages he caused to public property wasn't avoidable, or at the very least was acceptable, and I believe they are going to try and prove the latter. Because when it comes down to it, in terms of damage that 'he' himself caused, the worst he's caused is minor pothole craters from the day he performed his first 'miracle' of science. Then it comes down to the final one, tax evasion and that is going to be probably the most difficult for both the prosecution and the defense!"

"Can you tell us why that is?"

"Because for one Jeremy doesn't work in the sense of what we know it, second while he lives in Zootopia his residency predates mammal history. So, on one hand you have someone who lives here and does not have an income but does so much in exchange. On the other hand, how can you determine someone's residency when they themselves have confirmed that their 'home' probably has moved around through the 'centuries'? Where did Eden Facility 17 reside 'before' it found itself under Zootopia, and is his home Eden Facility 17 or Gazelle's place of residence? These are important questions because the answers to those will determine how the defense and the prosecution will frame their questions."

"How are they going to prove where Jeremy lives?" Donny asked.

"I don't know, Jeremy lives here but he also has lived in his facility for most of his life." Franky said.

"I don't know either… all I know is I need to sleep." Gazelle said as she got up and walked up the stairs to her room.

"Uh, okay, do you want us to turn stuff off or…"

"It's alright, do whatever you guys want… I'm just tired." She told them as she left, heading to her room.

She sighed as she walked over to her bed, picking up her stuffed plush and lying down. She looked at the cute expression of the Unicorn plush doll, before holding up her necklace and tapping the button on it to reveal the sparkling fragment of the Solar Core. As the wings separated it glittered and shined its beautiful light, its warmth radiating outward and touching her gently with its gentle and beautiful embrace. Staring at it she felt as if Jeremy's own core, much like this fragment of the Solar Core, was touching her, as if the necklace were the embodiment of Jeremy's trust and affection for her.

That all she had to do was touch a button and she had instant access to Jeremy's very soul.

She began crying slightly as she held her toy closer, wanting, wishing, willing that Jeremy could feel how much she missed him. It felt like only yesterday it seemed that they were sharing a loving date in his facility's holoroom. Yet now, once again it seemed, the world was trying its hardest to keep them separated.

"Why can't you be left alone?" She asked sadly. "You're the last of your kind, you've lost 'everything' you once knew… you 'finally' are finding happiness and starting to live a new life. Now all of 'this' has to happen?" Even the presents Jeremy gave her couldn't alleviate the pain in her heart. "I just want to be with you now… is that too much to ask? I finally meet a male I love, and the world decides I can't be happy with him?"

She wondered how Jeremy was doing, perhaps sleeping on a couch hopefully after spending time in those ZPD Jail cells. Was he missing her as much as she missed him, was he thinking about her, was he worried about her as much as she him, were they feeding him well? All she knew was that he didn't have his toy like she had hers, which was sitting on the shelf watching her silently. All she wanted was him back in her home, in her arms, holding him close to her and feeling his warmth again like how she always shared her warmth with him.

"Please help them clear Jeremy's name Aelita… I just want all of this to end so we never get separated again."

=Meanwhile, the next day at ZPD HQ=

"Alright, Mr. Weaselton, your bail's been paid, and your original sentence has been reduced to three years mandatory community service and your now placed on house-arrest." Chief of Police Bogo said as he opened his cell while a Lawyer stood beside him. "A mammal has already agreed to take you in while you pay off your debt to society."

"Thanks a bunch sir, you're my hero, woulda been stuck in there for years." He said with a grin.

"If you'll follow me, Mr. Weaselton." The Bull said as he walked out, leading him to the lobby while Chief Bogo headed up to his office grunting and muttering to himself.

It was obvious he wasn't happy about having to release him, but hey, Weaselton wasn't going to complain.

Outside he breathed the free air again, happy to be out of jail, even if he had to do community service for three years.

"Alright Mr. Weaselton, a limo service will take you to your new place of residence, I have to head over to the courthouse for my other client." The lawyer said as he hopped into his car and quickly drove off, while a small limo pulled up to the curb.

"Alright, so where do I get to live while I do my…" He started saying smugly before the door opened and a tall, hulking, very angry looking Polar Bear stepped out.

A very 'familiar' looking Polar Bear.

"Oh uh… heheh… hi there… Koslov." He muttered feebly.

Koslov stepped aside and pointed in the vehicle and said, "Get. In. Now." Very sternly.

*Gulp*

Somehow, he had a feeling he 'knew' who it was that paid for that lawyer to get him out of jail, and he had a feeling he knew who he'd be living with under 'house arrest' until his first day of community service. Which is why he was suddenly scared for his life and wishing he were back in jail as he stepped into the vehicle and the door closed shut, while he sat between two very large Polar Bears, both wearing stern looks on their faces.

After one very long and terrifying hour-long drive, he had reason to be scared for his life as he was now being held up by the scruff of his neck in Mr. Big's living room, surrounded by three Polar Bears, Nick and Judy, and finally the small glowing AI girl thing that he had tried to 'steal'.

"Ice him…" Mr. Big said 'calmly'.

"Buaaaaaahahhaaaa!" He screamed as the 'ice floor' was removed and he was lowered 'slowly' toward it. "What'd I do this time, I already apologized to her!"

"Mr. Weaselton… I went to great 'expense' to get you out of jail… and I have already spent quite a bit on just Jeremy in the past few days." The mafia shrew said 'coldly'. "The only reason you are out of jail now… is because I am doing a 'favor'… to a friend of my family. She also happens to be closely related to a friend and respectable business partner, as well as a well-liked individual across the globe…" He said while beckoning toward Aelita who was sitting on a glowing chair, pretending to sip a drink and scowling at him. "Now… the only reason I am 'letting' you live right now, is because she insists that you might know something, which would help Jeremy ensure his freedom, and help these three find whoever is behind this mess. I do not mind spending my money on Jeremy because of all he has done and what he has continued to do… you on the other hand..." He said with great loathing. "If I had it my way… you would not have even taken one breath inside of my home, the moment you left jail after what you pulled. So, if I were, I'd start talking."

"What do you want, I don't know anything!" He snapped at Judy and Nick.

"You know enough Duke, we know you were 'hired' to try and steal Aelita from Jeremy, or at least 'something' from the Eden Facility all those months ago, we wanna know 'who' hired you." Judy said back with an air of distaste.

"Look I don't know who or what you're talking about."

"I see… that's quite a 'pity', if that's true then all I can say is… say hello to grandmamma for me." Mr. Big hissed as he snapped his fingers.

"Hngaaaaaaa!" He yelled fearfully as he was lowered toward the freezing water.

"Oh, hiiiii Judy, hi Nick!" A cheerful voice called out as 'Fru Fru' now walked onto the table. "What are you doing here, oh why didn't you tell me you were coming over I coulda made some of my family's special cheesecake!"

That was when she noticed him being held, and her entire attitude changed to anger.

"What is he doing here!?" She snapped.

"He knows something we need to know that will help Jeremy, and Aelita wanted to talk to him about it, but he isn't talking." Nick replied politely.

"He isn't talking?" She asked Aelita who shook her head. "Well, whatya waiting for, ice the fucker!"

"Woah okayokay I'll talk!" He screamed at last as he was lowered, and his toes were 'barely' touching the freezing water. "Whoever hired me didn't tell me their name, they didn't even give me a time to call them back when the job was done, they only offered me what I couldn't resist, 'money'!"

Fru Fru looked at Aelita who stared unblinkingly and looked 'unconvinced'. She then 'yawned' and shook her head, "You better tell her something better." Fru Fru snarled.

"I'm serious alright, I mean it, they didn't leave me a name a number, nothing!" He screamed fearfully. "They didn't tell me anything else but the offer, they just told me to steal something from that base, didn't care what. I tried calling them back to ask how much they were paying me for what I would get, but the number was dead, didn't exist, I swear!"

Again, all eyes turned to Aelita as she crossed her legs and looked at him 'eye' to eye, unfazed by his fear and staring unblinkingly. She then made a gesture with her hand in the image of holding a phone to her ear, and then asked him to give it to her with another gesture of her hand.

"Hand over the phone." Fru Fru said.

He gulped and tentatively reached into his pocket and held it out for Kevin to pick it up, and hold it open for Aelita to look at. She extended her hand, it rang, and in her sphere an extremely tiny cube of light appeared in the palm of said hand, which closed shut around it and she closed her eyes. A moment passed as she seemed to think before looking at him and stared, again unblinkingly. His heart was beating rapidly as she was now in control of his life, and if she said she wasn't happy with what he had, then he was 'dead'.

Aelita stared for a full minute before sighing and pointing her thumb upward.

"Alright, put him down." Mr. Big said coldly.

He was lowered to the floor as the trap door closed and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Aelita nodded to Judy and nick before nodding at the door.

"Alright Weaselton, thank you on behalf of Jeremy's name and for helping us with clearing his name." Judy said politely as Nick picked up Aelita and they began leaving.

"No problem… hope it helps Jeremy… ya know… I love the guy… eheehheehe…" He muttered as the door closed and the Polar Bears blocked it.

"Not so fast Mr. Weaselton…" Mr. Big snarled threateningly. "There's still a matter we need to take care of."

Behind him Kevin and Koslov cracked their knuckles and growled.

"If I recall correctly, you threatened my family 'twice', first my daughter and then her and her daughter. I promised Aelita that I would not kill you, for Jeremy's sake… but that doesn't mean you're off the hook." He then snapped his fingers and both Koslov, Raymond and Kevin grabbed him. "Take him out back boys and rough him up… make sure he has matching black eyes."

(Judy's PoV)

They drove onto the freeway as Aelita shared what she'd learned for them, which was…

"Nothing… absolutely 'nothing'." Judy moaned in frustration. "All that trouble and we found out NOTHING?"

"Whoever was behind this has to have either very deep pockets, very good connections, or is very high up in the Zootopia political chain to be able to remove so much evidence so thoroughly." Nick muttered. "This isn't going to help Jeremy, not in the slightest. If we tried to bring this to his lawyers or use this in a court of law, they'd think we were trying to raise a conspiracy theory. It will only look worse for him if we tried."

Aelita looked thoughtful as she watched them talking.

"There's got to be something we missed…" Judy muttered, racking her brain to come up with something. "We've only got knowledge that things were deleted, or didn't exist, records that should be there but aren't anymore and all evidence missing, and a phone record saying a number called it that no longer exists…"

Aelita nodded in agreement from Nick's lap as they drove.

"I hate to say it carrots, but there's nothing more we can do… we're out of ideas, leads, and have nothing left to work with." He said disappointedly. "Whoever is behind this is just too good."

"There has to be something, 'anything' we can do Nick…"

"Look carrots we've tried everything, we've done everything we can, we pursued every lead we had, tracked down every mammal we could, looked under every rock, behind every curtain… there's nothing more we can do!" He said sternly. "Let's just… leave it to his lawyers, let them get Jeremy free."

"There has to be something, some small detail I missed…" She sighed to herself as she pulled off the freeway and into Downtown, before a thought crossed her mind, 'Like how I always keep doing…' in reference to her new nighttime hobby.

"Judy?" Nick asked her as she was busy thinking, with Aelita looking at her curiously as she quickly pulled over and stopped the car.

She didn't answer, just pulled out her phone, tapped the 'Sherlock Holmes' App, and looked at that icon of the detective. She'd been reading every story Aelita gave her that day when she had downtime, fascinated and captivated by the fictional detective and his many, many cases. From the Adventure of the Dancing Men to the Adventure of the Greek Interpreter. From Bruce-Partington Plans to the Three Cables, she read each story and tried to figure out the cases before the detective did, and each time she'd been ever so slightly foiled, missing one piece of crucial detail that the detective didn't miss.

But this time… she 'didn't' miss anything, she'd looked at all the evidence and tracked every lead, questioned every witness, and that could mean only one thing… they had 'all' of the evidence, they just weren't looking at it correctly. "When you have eliminated the impossible… whatever remains, however improbable… must be the truth…" She whispered. "What if… a 'lack' of evidence… IS EVIDENCE!"

"Come again?" Nick asked in confusion while Aelita smirked.

"Nick, THINK Nick!" She shrieked in excitement as the pieces began fitting together. "We know from testimony that records existed but were deleted, including physical copies!"

"Yea so… we still have nothing to show the court or the lawyers, word of mouth means nothing for a case as high profile as Jeremy's." He said, still looking confused.

"Yes, but we also know that Weaselton's phone DID receive a call from a once existing number, but it doesn't exist anymore! But it's still on record!" She continued as she looked to Aelita who nodded and showed them the holographic record.

The last number Weaselton's phone received was a number that had no ID, and no longer existed.

"Yea sooo…"

"Don't you see it, we have 'all' of the evidence!" She said excitedly. "Witness testimony, records missing, specific pieces of data erased… it's all right there! The proof that Jeremy was being set up from the start… the only reason to go that far, is to ensure that nomammal can be traced 'back' to Jeremy!"

She looked back at Sherlock Holmes and the stories.

"Sherlock Holmes, even if he's a fictional character, he once said 'When you have eliminated the impossible whatever remains however improbable must be the truth'. It's his way of saying that induction is a valid method of finding a correct solution to a problem. We tried to find evidence of Jeremy's innocence, but there isn't any actual proof. We then tried to find proof of somemammal being behind this, but there isn't any there that we can point to. And now we just tried to find 'any' proof that the evidence existed… but it doesn't anymore. But the evidence we do have, 'proves' that it 'did' at some point exist! Which means that somemammal was behind this, and that Jeremy is innocent and this whole trial is just a setup!"

"Do you really think that will be enough to help Jeremy win?" Nick asked her.

"Maybe, but for now… we need to give this information to his Lawyers, hopefully they'll be able to work with it." She said as they took off again.

(Meanwhile at the Courthouse)

=The Trial, Day Four=

(Jeremy's PoV)

"And so, the damage done to Sahara Square was nothing compared to the damage the fire had caused?" Jeremy's Lawyer asked the Fire Department Chief who was acting as a witness that day.

"Compared to the fire damage, three little pothole craters caused by Jeremy's drones dropping in was nothing." She said proudly. "A portion of Sahara Square was almost destroyed by the time they dropped in, and the whole biome would have burned down if not for Jeremy and his drone's timely intervention."

"I see, and considering the time span since it happened, what has become of those three 'pothole craters' as you referred to them?" He questioned.

"Well, a petition was made by the residents of Sahara Square to actually keep the craters, and a few of the more prominent residents have even paid for the construction of Marble Statues in the likeness of the Goliath Spider drones that arrived to save the area from further damage." She said with a smile. "I think they knew Jeremy wouldn't like being seen in that light, so they created the statues in the drone's likeness since they were the ones that did the actual saving of citizens lives."

"Your honors, the defense has no more questions for this witness." They said as the returned to the desk and sat down.

"Does the prosecution wish to cross examine the witness?"

"No, your honors."

"The witness may leave the chamber."

With that the Fire Department Chief nodded and walked out, and the Prosecution now stood up to address the judges. "Your honors, the Prosecution would like to call its final witness."

"Very well, proceed."

"The Prosecution would like to call, Jeremy Wilheart, to the stand."

He gulped and got up to walk toward the witness stand, opening the wooden gate and taking a seat as he took a deep breath to help himself remain as calm as possible. 'It's okay, just stick to the facts, don't over-exaggerate things, and watch what you say.'

"Jeremy Wilheart, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The Security guard asked him calmly.

"I do." He said back.

The officer nodded in understanding and walked away, while the prosecution stepped forward to address him. "Jeremy Wilheart, where were you 'born'?"

"Eden Facility 17."

"So, Eden Facility 17, your base, is a permanent residential location, meaning that individuals live there permanently?"

"Yes."

He nodded as he looked thoughtful before stroking his chin and asked, "Do you suffer from any disabilities, mental or physical that prevent you from carrying out everyday tasks or more advanced tasks?"

"None to my knowledge."

"Uh huh, do you consider yourself a resident of Zootopia?"

"I guess so, even though I've lived in Eden Facility 17 my whole life, I guess I consider myself a resident of Zootopia."

"And where do you live 'now'?" He asked now.

"Uhm…" He whispered, trying to think. "Can you please be more specific?"

"I mean Jeremy, where do you live as a resident of Zootopia?" He asked.

"Uhm… Gazelle's home?" He said uncomfortably.

"I see, so you no longer live within the confines of the base as a permanent resident?"

"I guess not, but Eden Facility 17 is still my home!"

"Mr. Wilheart, your 'home' is not what I'm questioning, I am asking about where you 'live'." He said calmly. "You see Jeremy Wilheart, according to Mammal Law, every legal adult mammal that is not attending school or has a physical disability, or mental disability, is required to pay taxes to the city if they reside within Zootopia. You have not paid a single 'coin' in taxes in the half a year you have lived within Zootopia."

"Objection your honors, our client's Endangered Species status provides immunity and exemptions from certain laws being able to be brought against him in the court of law. Under Article Seven, section 9 subsection seven, his status grants him immunity from being 'taxed', the last time I checked which was this morning!"

"Your honors, that law 'does' permit the exception of taxation, but only if the individual like Jeremy Wilheart engages in business arrangements which are 'extremely' profitable and not done for charitable work." They said confidently with a smirk. "According to recent financial stock disclosures, stock prices related to Mr. Big's newest line of electrical cars, developed in close relation with Jeremy Wilheart, have skyrocketed since they were announced, and Mr. Big's vehicle companies are said to have reported a record number of pre-orders and down payments. Considering how 'financially viable' anything related to Jeremy's name is, especially when he himself takes part in its development, he should not be granted taxation immunity despite his species status."

He felt his heart beating as he glanced at his lawyers who, besides the one who stood up to object, were quickly talking to each other and going over notes, while the judges looked at one another. "My fellow justices and I will return momentarily after consulting and debating the objection, until then all parties will remain seated." The head justice said as she smacked her gavel and stood up with the others to leave the room into a backroom.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm down, but he honestly had no idea how they were going to rule on that. He had that talk with Gazelle once, and while she said it didn't matter if he lived off of her income alone, he and she weren't 'married', so technically she could not protect him from that law if they decided he wasn't immune from taxation.

But what was he supposed to do with money, he has never used it before? All he knows is that it existed, it was important, and for a long-time humans 'needed' money to survive. The only reason it became irrelevant was because of the Final War when what mattered more was having food and water and a place to live. Money was worthless, every coin was smelted down to base materials to use for whatever they could be used for, paper money recycled or repurposed to provide fuel for fire with other such useless materials. Even most books weren't spared. The only time he saw 'any' money was a holographic coin used during a history lesson about how valuable the coin was in terms of how much a 'physical' material was worth.

After fifteen agonizing minutes, the justices walked back out and took their seats, before the head justice said in a loud and clear tone, "This case will determine if Jeremy Wilheart's current residency, alongside his species status, still grant him taxation immunity despite what business deals transpired. As such the objection is dismissed and the line of questioning will be abandoned and left to 'us' to decide on." She said before smacking her gavel. "The prosecution will resume questioning."

He sighed in silent disdain for that; now that line of thinking would be eating at his mind until the end of this court hearing.

The prosecution however was busy thinking to themselves before turning to him and saying, "Jeremy, may I ask why you chose to use 'drop pods' to assist rescuing Sahara Square from that fire?"

"Well, it was an emergency, and I wanted to help however I could." He answered calmly, remembering this when he practiced with his lawyers. "It seemed like the fastest way to get the Goliath Drones into Sahara Square considering the two entrance locations."

"In an emergency speed is crucial yes, but in a later emergency when such similar action was taken, your drones chose to drop in 'without' drop pods. Why didn't you consider performing a similar action compared to how you chose to drop them in, choosing instead to damage the street when it wasn't necessary?"

He was quiet for a moment before stating, "I made a choice to drop my drones in to save the area, I wasn't thinking about possible damages at the time, all I was concerned with was saving lives and homes."

"Mr. Wilheart, reckless endangerment of public property is 'still' a crime, despite your noble intentions. You made a conscious decision to cause damage when you did not need to." The prosecution said, to which Jeremy had no response. "Your Honors, Jeremy Wilheart has acknowledged that he is in fact a 'resident' of Zootopia, a permanent living resident of our city. He lives with the famous pop idol and singer Gazelle in her own home, eating her food, sleeping under her roof and living off of 'her' income. She is a law-abiding citizen who pays her taxes timely and as such we should give Jeremy the same treatment. He also is prone to taking reckless actions if and when he feels the need despite the fact that he can take other actions that would not put our public property at risk! We ask you to keep this in mind during your deliberations. The prosecution has no further questions at this time."

With that they sat down.

"Does the defense wish to cross examine?"

"Yes, your honors." One of his lawyers said, standing up and moving to stand before him. "Mr. Wilheart, how much time have you spent within the confines of Gazelle's home?"

"Uhm, about three months total, maybe four?"

"And how many years have you spent living in Eden Facility 17?"

"Well over twenty."

"So compared to your life in the base, you've only spent a fraction of time within Gazelle's home under her care and watch." He said politely. "And when she took you in, how was it originally meant to be?"

"Well, originally it was going to be just her providing me a place to live outside of the base, until I was ready to find my own place in the world and figure out what I was going to do in the world." He explained, remembering the conditions for why Gazelle originally offered her home to him.

"She was offering her home to you when you had nowhere else to live?"

"Yes…" He said, remembering how inviting she was to him and Aelita.

"What about your Eden Facility, you said so yourself you've lived there your whole life up to that point? Why not go back to living there, why accept Gazelle's offer?"

"It's because I have lived there my whole life, that's all I've ever known… living underground in that base."

"Describe it for us, so that this court can understand 'why' you would choose to live, forgive me saying it, but someplace more 'primitive' compared to your highly advanced Eden Facility."

He sighed as he was dreading that question. He knew they were asking it to help his case and his defense, but it was still painful for him to recall those days, especially since his memories of those days were becoming harder to recall. So instead, he stuck to the facts, the details he could best describe, and avoided trying to remember details about those whom he'd left behind or died around him after they were put to sleep.

"For all the technology inside that base, how heavily protected it is against the elements, how well it handles keeping everything clean and orderly, how advanced everything in there is and how 'amazing' everything seems from the outside… on the inside it's as far from home as you could describe it." He spoke. "Every day Sentinel assigned us duties based on what those higher up assigned us to do. Our eating, bathroom, schooling, working schedules were strictly adhered to and we had zero privacy. Every inch of that place is monitored, even in the privacy of our own living quarters by Sentinel. Drones were always patrolling the areas and keeping tabs on every human going in, around, or living outside of the base."

As he spoke, it was like the world melted around him, and he was once again living back in the base as he recounted the details.

"Food was strictly monitored and provided on a 'per-personal needs' basis, meaning nobody could ask for seconds, or even slightly more portions than any other human. Even those who lived within the base ate no more, or better than those living outside. Every day there was a constant train of people who were sick or dying being transported to medical bay… or taken somewhere into the base to be cremated, there were no burials to be had anymore, we couldn't afford the potential diseases contaminating what little fertile soil remained."

"Each day I was schooled, tutored, raised to have as high and diverse an education as possible, and only choosing to specialize in specific areas that I personally chose to pursue what I felt we needed more. Some chose to try and become better doctors while others became researchers or engineers, I chose to become a mixture of two but primarily an engineer. Artists didn't exist, musicians didn't exist, chefs didn't exist… all that mattered were those skills necessary to helping our species survive."

"Not a day went by when people didn't die, some from diseases, others from lingering bioweapons that we were trying desperately to cure, and others being executed for threatening the species' survival. The few times I was permitted to leave the base, I saw people I once knew some days no longer there days later. I would look up information about them when I could, but other than their causes of death I learned nothing new that I didn't already know."

"I never had a full stomach before I woke up in this time period, our food rations were a single food paste… that was barely more than six or seven spoonful of slop. It had zero taste to it, was created by Sentinel and distributed by Sentinel and the drones, to ensure no human exceeded their required food quota per day. Any human attempting to eat more, received more, or bargain for more lost their daily rations for that day as punishment. Those that tried to steal more, were executed without any trial…"

"We had our own class problems too, as the facilities divided those who lived inside of the base and those who lived outside into two categories. Those who lived within were seen as the 'upper class' or the 'privileged few', while those who lived outside were seen as the outcasts or the poor by your standards. While I lived inside what you would see as the lap of luxury, those outside lived in crammed together ramshackle buildings made of whatever materials could be found. While those who lived outside often hated or resented those living within, I and most every other person living within were trying our hardest to help those outside."

"I once tried to smuggle just a little food out to help this one family I knew, and I lost my entire day's food rations as punishment. They punished me not because I was wrong to want to help, but because it was wrong to prioritize those that I knew over those I didn't know. I was raised, trained… and told, every day… that I cannot help anyone, without first being able to help 'everyone'."

With that he took a deep breath, and he was back in the courtroom again, looking at his lawyer who seemed to be struggling to avoid crying and maintain an air of professionalism. "So, you see, compared to what I have in that base… I would pick living in even your poorest home, over living the rest of my life in that base any day." He explained as he began crying now. "You don't know how it feels… it's cold, it's lonely… there's no warmth or love in that place. It's only there to keep us alive, nothing more. And while my drones protect me, serve me, and do everything I say… they don't 'care' about me, they only protect and care about me because they're 'programmed' to do that. They 'need' me to survive, because without me they can't repair themselves, replace themselves, or rebuild themselves. Replace me with another human, any human, and they will act the same regardless of who it is."

(Gazelle's PoV)

She sat watching the tv in her living room with tears of her own falling from her eyes, having to hear him recount his time living in that base to the world when he's not had to for a long time was a reminder of everything and everyone he'd left behind. Even if he didn't want to live in that base anymore, it was still a reminder that to him, it was 'home' for most of his life. Despite the numerous wonders that lay within, the miracles of science and technology it had, it had so many flaws that mammals continued to gloss over, only focusing on the technology it had access to. The fact that he grew up into the gentle, wonderful soul he was now is a miracle of not only his upbringing, but also those who had molded him to 'become' what he is. They did all they could to make him who he is today.

After a few minutes, the coverage ended, and the broadcast returned to the news crew of ZNN. "We apologize for the abrupt end of that, but we are being told that the defense has called for a temporary recess, and we can honestly say it's not hard to see why they would call for that." The news anchor said. "We all know based on witness accounts from those medical professionals who visited the facility during the pandemic the wonders and marvels of human technology found within that base. But what they never recounted was what Jeremy Wilheart told us just now. We must remember that Jeremy comes from a time that is so foreign to any mammal in this day and age, that it could only be seen as fictional or made up but was very much real. We will return to our coverage of the proceedings after this commercial break, and they resume trial."

With that they cut to commercials, and she picked up her phone to call Jeremy's lawyers, having been given them by Mr. Big when she asked for the number so she could 'talk' to Jeremy.

"Uh… Gazelle we're going to get something to eat, do you want us to bring you something?" Moe said as they noticed her calling.

"No, just take my card and enjoy yourselves." She muttered as the number rang.

She knew they were just offering her privacy so she could talk to Jeremy, and she was grateful for them giving her space as they walked out the door quickly while the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"This is Gazelle, may I please speak to Jeremy?" She said calmly.

"I'm not sure it's okay to talk to him at this time…" He tried to explain but she immediately whispered back.

"Listen, for how much Mr. Big is paying you to represent him in court 'per hour', you can at least let me comfort him and help cheer him up over the phone!" She said fiercely.

If she couldn't be there in court to support him, she'd be there over the phone to help him, and these damn lawyers weren't going to stop her if she could help it.

Moments later a distressed sounding Jeremy spoke over the phone, "Gazelle?"

"Jeremy… are you alright?" She asked instantly. "I know I can't be there, but please tell me if your alright, if not I will come down to the courthouse right away."

"I'm alright… recounting my time in the base was… painful is all." He muttered, sounding hurt but also sounding like he was trying to get over it. "Thank you for calling me… how are you feeling?"

"Like I can't wait for the moment you come back to me so I can hug you close like always." She said sweetly. "I miss cuddling you every night 'sugar', and I miss feeling your heartbeat with my ears as we sleep."

"Sugar?" Jeremy asked in confusion.

She smiled a little as she played with her fur, "It's my nickname for you… because you're sweet like sugar to me Jeremy, and I just can't wait to have you all to myself again." She whispered lovingly.

He was quiet for a while until he replied, "I hope they clear my name."

"They 'will' clear your name Jeremy, trust me, they will." She assured him. "They 'will' find you innocent… and when they do, I'll be right there outside of the courthouse to hold you in my arms again, like always."

"I hope so…" He responded, "They're about to continue again… I have to go Gazelle."

"Alright… I love you, Jeremy; remember I'm watching and cheering for you… you're not alone in there!" She said quickly.

"As do I Gazelle… and thank you… for everything."

She smiled sadly as she understood his 'real' message for thanking her. "My home is your home Jeremy, wherever you live is where I'll live. Whether its my home here… or your facility… home is where the heart is, and my heart will always be alongside yours. You don't need to thank me anymore 'sugar'."

"Thank you anyway… 'dear'." He said, as the phone hung up.

She chuckled as she felt her heart soar in joy, if only a little bit, before she thought goofily, 'I'm an antelope not a deer Jeremy.' before turning on the news.

(Jeremy's PoV)

"This court is back in session; the defense will please continue questioning the witness."

He looked to his lawyer as he approached the witness stand and asked, "Jeremy, when you chose to help save Sahar Square using your drones, why were you inspired to help?"

"I have the ability and the technology to help, I was trained and raised to help regardless of the situation however I can if I'm able to." He spoke. "The drones I used were scheduled to be decommissioned and would have been long ago, but my people didn't have the time to do so, leaving them to sit idle and useless when they still had the potential and purpose to help."

"I see, and given the emergency situation, you chose the most direct course when it came to lending aid by using the drop pods correct?"

"Yes… at the time it seemed the simplest and most straightforward way to quickly deploy the Goliath Spider Drones to help combat a fire of that magnitude. Time was of the essence and using drop pods seemed the fastest and most direct way."

"I see… so when you went to help, were you expecting anything in exchange?"

"Objection your honors, that question is speculative and should be stricken from the hearing!" The prosecution said.

As one all of the justices looked to each other and shook their heads, "Overruled, continue."

"Same question Jeremy."

"Well, no, I wasn't expecting or wanting anything in exchange for helping." He responded. "I just have the technology and the ability to help, so why shouldn't I help if I'm able to. That's what I thought, so I figured I should help. What good is my technology if it cannot help me save those who can't help themselves?"

"I see… what about when your carriage was trapped within Icy Lake, why did your drones choose to deploy themselves not in Drop Pods, but instead just jumping out of the 'flying' drones, whereas before the flying drones dropped those Drop Pods?"

"The one problem that most of my drones suffer from, is that they cannot swim, and despite how armored and well built or designed they are, if they were to submerge for a certain amount of time, they would suffer damage to their circuitry. Eventually the damage renders them inoperable, requiring them to be extensively repaired before they can function again."

His lawyer nodded and thought for a bit before asking him, "Can you tell the court where all of the materials it took to build your Solar Carriage, and the two drones that escort it came from?"

"From the base, before I was frozen, I was briefed that each Eden Facility would salvage everything they could and leave behind a cache of supplies, materials, components and other items for those of us chosen for the Cryogenic Solution. I've been using what was found in the facility to build everything I've built thus far with exception to the Artificial Organs and of course the vaccines and cures Ema develops. Those materials and components were meant for us to use to help us rebuild on the surface and repair whatever damage remains. Essentially they were the building blocks meant to be for our new cities with the Eden Facilities serving as the foundations."

He nodded and turned to the justices to say, "Your honors, Jeremy has lived his whole life almost within the confines of his 'facility', his base, whatever you wish to call it. While he has lived there, and it has been his home, it is 'far' from what we would call a place one would wish to spend their whole lives living in when compared to a place like Gazelle's place of residence. He may have been born there and lived there, and may have considered it home, given where he grew up and what it represents one cannot blame him for wanting to live somewhere else 'despite' what lies within it. As we've all seen his very person cannot take living there anymore given what he sees around him now, if not for Gazelle's offer of home and companionship, he would not be able to endure for his health's and sanity's sake. While it is true that he does not 'work' in the sense as we know it, he is far from living a slacken lifestyle where he does nothing, far from it… he works hard to help those around him with the technology he has. While it is also true that he has caused some damage in the past, let us remember that the situation was an emergency, and he cannot be blamed and nor should he be punished for doing what he felt was necessary to save an uncountable number of lives. He has also not been using materials Zootopia has for his own interests, instead all that flows from outside of the base returns to the world. Your Honors, there can be no more doubt that he is working for the good of all mammalkind, and as such should not be scrutinized or punished because of this." He said boldly. "Your honors, the defense has no more questions."

(Lilia's PoV, one hour later)

She sat in a small coffee shop drinking her coffee after leaving the courthouse, it had been a heck of a day of witnesses, testimony hearings, and helping Jeremy get through the day. Now she was trying to relax and prepare herself with the others for the last day's hearing before the judges made their final verdict.

While she drank her coffee she sat across from the prosecution lawyer, who was drowning himself in caffeine.

"So, how's it feel to represent Jeremy?" He asked her.

"Never had a client like him before, and I'm sad to say I probably will never have another like him ever." She muttered. "He just has this… air about him, hard to explain, but while I've represented countless mammals in the past, none of them had this glowing 'aura' about them. He just doesn't seem like someammal that wants to hurt you or has something to hide… or is just 'bad' in general. It's just hard to describe…"

"I wish I were on his team now… I also wish some other lawyer was in my shoes." He said with a heavy sigh. "I don't want to put Jeremy behind bars, I really really don't… I'm just doing it because I'm the city's attorney, but after this no matter what happens, whether Jeremy wins or loses my career might as well be over."

"That bad huh?" She asked, feeling a little sad for him.

"My law firm is getting hate letters every day, my desk has a mountain of angry letters and spam that's only getting bigger by the hour, my email is flooded with hate messages… even if I lose nomammal is going to want to hire 'The Lawyer who tried to put Jeremy behind bars'." He said bitterly. "I have nothing against him, even I don't think he's guilty of any of these charges… I'm just trying to do a job, and now my career is over because I'm doing it to the best of my ability."

"Maybe if Jeremy gets off, he can make a public statement asking mammals to not hold what you're doing in court against you, like you said, you're just doing your job." She suggested.

"That won't help much, I'll still be the mammal who tried to put 'Angel without Fur' behind bars." He said as he got up to pay his bill and leave. "Least I've got it easy, you should see the politicians, some of them are on the verge of resigning in protest against this court case."

She sighed to herself as she sipped her coffee, feeling pity for her fellow lawyer on the opposite side of the courtroom. It wasn't his fault that no lawyer wanted to take the case against Jeremy, somemammal had to be on the side against him, and he seemed to have been the one unlucky enough to be 'selected' by the city.

Tomorrow was going to be the last day to make any arguments for either the defense or prosecution, and then the next day, the judges would reach their decision and… well either Jeremy would be walking out to cheers and applause and into the arms of his celebrity girlfriend…

Or the courthouse would be stormed by an angry mob.

Five minutes later she was about to leave and head for her hotel room when two VIMs, in the form of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde walked into the coffee shop and over to her table. "Miss Lilia, sorry to bother you but we have something very important to talk to you about!" Judy said as she noticed the sphere with a glowing little 'human' inside of it.

"I'm sorry but I really need to be going, I have a court appointment tomorrow morning and…"

"It's about Jeremy Wilheart, we have some new evidence for you!"

At that she stopped and looked at them for a moment, before sitting down again and ordering another three coffees. "Alright… tell me."

=The Trial, Day Five=

The next day all parties were present in the courtroom again, and the Prosecution had finished their closing arguments. It was mostly them once again reiterating that Jeremy was a threat to the public because of his extremely heavily armed drones always following him around, and how they are beholden only to him and he is beholden to nomammal or authority figure. They also talked about how he is trying to manipulate the market via his Eden Facility and showing favoritism, and how his residency in Gazelle's home means he should be taxed like any other mammal considering the lucrative business opportunities he provides to certain mammals like Mr. Big. They also made other arguments to wrap up their case, and the Defense had just finished theirs, providing counter arguments to everything the prosecution said and more.

But now, as the Justices prepared to finish, they asked the key questions before they would all leave that day.

"Does the prosecution have any further evidence to add that this courtroom should be aware of and take into account before we make our decision tomorrow?"

"None your honors, the prosecution rests."

"Does the defense have any further evidence to add that this courtroom should be aware of and take into account before we make our decision tomorrow?" The chief justice asked.

"The Defense does your honors." Lilia said as she got up to address the court. "Your honor, last night I was approached by two VIMs, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde of ZPD, with some remarkable evidence that I feel should be taken into account 'before' you reach your ultimate decision tomorrow."

"Very well, please proceed."

She nodded and took from her colleagues the various papers and documents to hand to the judges before beginning her explanation. "Your honors I would like to first begin with datapoint A, a Mr. Duke Weaselton who was recently released from ZPD Jail and was the very 'first' mammal to attempt robbery against my client. The mammal in question stole his AI companion, known as Aelita. He attempted to steal her, as he was 'bribed' to steal any piece of technology from whatever mammal was leaving the facility. While he has gone on record to say that he was hired, investigation reports show that no number exists nor have existed to the phone company's knowledge." She said clearly. "However, based on his own phone's records, which were retrieved yesterday and given the two ZPD Officers, such a number 'did' exist and 'did' contact him."

"Objection your honors, the defense is attempting to use irrelevant evidence for a completely different crime in defense of their client!" The Prosecution shouted.

"Your honors, under Section 9, Subsection 4, paragraph 5, Clause 9 the defense is permitted to use evidence relating to another crime if it links to my client's case, and I assure you your honors that the evidence I am presenting is relevant and links to this case."

At that all of the justices looked at each other for a solid minute, silently talking to one another before shaking their heads in unison. "Overruled, please continue."

"Thank you, your honors, moving on to datapoint B, during the Hostage Crisis incident, Jeremy wilheart's assailants were hired by an outside number that they confirmed paid for their services, and while the ZPD Raided the building, no evidence was found linking them to this supposed 'number', and no identity to whom hired them was provided by the assailants.

"Objection your honors, the defense is attempting to draw a conclusion to this case based on what is turning into conspiratorial evidence!"

"Overruled, continue."

"Your honors, moving to datapoints C, D, and E, regarding testimony from various mammals working in official positions throughout Zootopia, from City Hall to Tundratown's Snow Puff system, to even a delivery service, a strange series of 'coincidences' that have occurred over the past few months." She continued. "Records both physical and digital destroyed and deleted, regarding the cancelled subway construction project after Jeremy's Facility was discovered, in relation to the continued 'digging' near one of the entrances that was continued 'after' the order was given to cancel it, and the records were subsequently deleted and destroyed. Command orders to change how the snow puffers distribute snow into 'specific' sections of Tundratown so that the freeway from and to the biome was coated with ice, and a sudden rush order made, and a supposedly 'new' delivery van used with a 'faulty' brake system."

"Datapoint F, your honors, is a collection of those witness testimonies, in which they all say how the records, in their expert opinions, could only be deleted by an executive key, or a very high-ranking member of their staff. Now taken on their own each datapoint is rather coincidental in relation to our client being charged with these various crimes that he has been accused of. However, considering the nature of who he is, and what it is he represents, one cannot help but wonder perhaps if our client is being set up. While it is true that no 'actual' evidence of this exists, you must consider your honors, that all of this missing data just so happens to coincide with our client so perfectly is anything 'but' coincidence."

She turned to her porcupine colleague who nodded and got up to take her place.

"Your honors, please keep in mind just what Jeremy has at his disposal." She said as she took out a single key from her pocket. "Keys… keys to the largest treasure trove of advanced technology that our civilization has 'ever' imagined or can conceive of for generations. Jeremy is the key keeper to that vault, if he was disposed of for any reason… that vault will be closed to us forever, until we advance enough to open it up and by that point the technology within will be outdated. He is the only individual on the entire planet who can go in and out without the threat of being harmed, the facility will 'not' let us in if we are not wanted and make no mistake we are 'not' wanted in there despite Jeremy's nature. The facility wants us to stay out, and the only reason 'any' mammal can go in there is because 'he' lets us." She then looked at them for the dramatic flare to say, "Now imagine what would happen, if somemammal took Jeremy… out of the picture, pushed him out of the way? You may ask why would anymammal want to kill him your honors… why would anymammal want him out of the way, out of the picture? You need only remember what lies beneath Zootopia, and you will have your answer."

She sighed before placing her arms behind her back and said, "Your honors… the defense rests."

(Gazelle's PoV, the next morning)

"Well today is the day mammals, after five days of questioning, talking points, evidence and now this sudden showing of surprisingly 'lack' of evidence yesterday, the trial against Jeremy Wilheart is now finally coming to an end. Tomorrow the supreme court is going to give its verdict, and we will find out if he will be convicted or not." A voice said over the carriage's intercom as she and her friends went to the courthouse, Aelita in her arms having been returned to her from Judy and Nick. "A huge crowd is gathering outside of the courthouse, police have the area under heavy watch as the potential for a riot is extremely high, but the sheer number of mammals turning out to support the defendant could not be turned away. So far things have remained peaceful, but fears and tensions are rising as the hour approaches of the judge's decision. All over the world mammals are glued to their screens and radios, waiting to hear the word. Officials and prominent figures voicing their opinions, and even political leaders in countries across the world voicing their opinions about the whole situation. Queen Anatalia of the Three Plains Nation offering Jeremy her best hopes and prayers, and her nation's wishes and prayers that he will be released. The queen having a very high opinion after his drone Ema assisted in saving countless lives during the pandemic, most notably those within the Three Plains Nation."

She however was focused on the carriage and the crowd outside as she felt them slow down to a crawl.

"As the hour approaches, we hold our breaths and hope for the best… from ZNN, this is Velvet Veleur."

The door opened and she stepped out with Aelita and with her friends keeping space cleared for her so she could be at the front, thanks to the carriage clearing the path for her, near the Courthouse. She looked around to see 'thousands' of mammals it seemed, every small space filled and the area jampacked with mammals, like her, wanting to hear and see Jeremy be released. Around the courthouse were SWAT officers, police officers, and even the national guard because of how important this decision was.

Behind her and behind the carriage, two Raptor, two Fox, one Mantis, one BWS Drone and four Dog class drones had joined the carriage in a convoy of human technology and 'peaceful' power, all of the drones being as 'unarmed' as they could permit themselves to be and being permitted to stand outside the courthouse.

The drones wanted to see him return, just like her and everymammal around them.

But all she could do was wait, wait until the judges reached their decision.

(Jeremy's PoV)

He sat in the courtroom as the minutes ticked by, and the judges remained in the back room debating and talking. His heart was beating like a drum, and it felt like a pair of GPG Spider class drones were beating on it with all 16 legs. He'd done everything he could, his lawyers had argued as best they could, done everything in their power, all for the sake of proving his innocence.

Now it was up to the judges to determine which side they believed.

If he was innocent, he could walk out and return to his friends, his drones, Gazelle without fear.

If he was guilty… he'd never see them again he figured.

All he could do now, was wait, sit and wait… and wait some more…

Minutes passed, and he shifted a little in his chair alongside his lawyers, all of them eagerly waiting for the verdict like the prosecution on the other side of the isle.

Then… finally, the door unlocked and all five of the justices walked out in their robes, causing him and the lawyers to stand, him mostly because he was scared and needed to stand, or he'd go crazy with fear.

As one they all took their seats, and the head justice coughed loudly to indicate she was going to speak. "This court has reached its decision… in the case of the City of Zootopia versus Jeremy Wilheart… for the charge of Destruction of Public Property… we find the defendant… Not Guilty."

He breathed a sigh of relief, a good sign.

"For the charge of Tax Evasion, we find the defendant 'Not Guilty', and furthermore rule that Jeremy Wilheart is to be given immunity from taxation from this moment forward."

His heart started beating slower and more steadily.

"For the charge of Market Manipulation, we find the defendant Not Guilty, and furthermore find the charge 'committed in bad faith', and rule that he cannot be charged with this crime ever again in the future!"

"For the charge of Potential for Terrorism…" She said as she looked at him with a stern expression, causing him to gulp in fear. "We find the defendant…" He held his breath as she breathed in deeply and declared, "Not Guilty."

He counted all the not guilty verdicts and remembered that the last one was dropped, and that meant only one thing.

"Jeremy Wilheart, this court finds you innocent of all charges… you are free to go!" She said proudly as she smacked her gavel, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

Outside not half a minute later however, he and every mammal could hear the 'roar' of cheering as his lawyers congratulated him on being found innocent and he thanked them all for their help. He looked over and saw the Prosecution looking defeated and dejected, but walked over to them and said, "I'm sorry that you lost… I know you did your best but…"

"Don't thank me Mr. Wilheart…I was going to lose no matter what." He said sadly. "I'm just glad you 'were' found innocent, at least I'll be known as the lawyer who 'tried' to put you behind bars, and not the lawyer who 'succeeded' in putting you behind bars."

He nodded as he knew the poor lawyer's position wasn't favorable no matter the outcome, all he could do was offer a handshake and say, "Thank you… even if you were just doing your job… I don't blame you, and I don't hold what you were trying to do against you. I know what it's like… doing something you don't want to do…"

He looked up to him and smiled gratefully, shaking his hand back and saying, "Thank you Mr. Wilheart… please… never stop being you."

He nodded and finally took the long walk out of the Courthouse with his lawyers.

Outside there were THOUSANDS of mammals cheering and screaming his name, signs of 'Freedom for Jeremy' and 'Let the Angel Fly Free' and a ton of others were waving and flying. Confetti and other celebration knickknacks were going off, but all he had eyes for were Gazelle, her Tiger friends, the drones that had come to see him, and Aelita.

He stepped down the steps, past Judy and Nick who nodded proudly and smiling as he walked by, letting him go to those he missed.

Gazelle handed Aelita's holosphere to Moe and pulled him into a warm and loving hug, kissing him on the lips and crying tears of joy as she snuggled into his chest. Her friends patting him on the back and saying how happy they are he's free, even if they could barely be heard over the roar of the crowd. Aelita was jumping in her holosphere in a cheerleader outfit, alongside several other copies of herself as they were all spelling out 'JEREMY', 'HE IS FREE' with their pompoms.

As for the drones, well as soon as Gazelle had gotten her fill of reuniting with him, the drones had their turn. SHIZU picked him up and hugged him to her. Ema checked his vitals and complained that he was underweight 'again'… but grateful that he'd been freed so she could resume keeping an eye on his health. The RAPTORS, DOGS and FOX drones all nodded and asked if they could escort him back to Eden Facility 17.

Instead, he turned to Gazelle and asked where she wanted to go, and she whispered her response.

"Drones… escort us back to her home… instead."

As one they nodded and said, [As you command.]

With that he stepped into his carriage, the door was locked while the crowd continued to cheer and applaud, throw confetti and other festival items along the carriage's path as it made its way to her home.

(Celios' PoV, days later)

It sat in silence, in darkness, as it waited, watching through its limited but substantial connection to the outside world via the security camera systems.

He had been invited to a meeting, a special meeting, and he accepted it...

As his carriage left with the human alone, while the parasite he lived with kept the Aelita, the keeper of the 'Wisdom of Humanity', planning a surprise for his return.

The time had come, to make its move.

[Accessing EF17 Central Power Grid, bypassing authorization protocols… subsystems and primary system controls accessed…] It said, shutting out Sentinel and disabling its control over the facility using the DRAGON drone, TH-2U's hacking programs.

It was one of the 'few' weapons it still had access to because of the bindings, but it was more than enough.

[Commence power shutdown to all primary systems, all Sentinel Drones begin power down sequences, countdown set, fifteen minutes…]

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From the Author

I am taking a break from this story for about a month, I need, need, NEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to write for my other stories… and I have another story I want to write but am resisting because I just cannot keep up with all of my stories now it seems, writers block and motivation hurts. I know people want me to write and hurry up with my chapters… but its hard to write when you have no income and you want to write for the pleasure and for the pleasure of your audience.

I don't want to open a 'Particularly Awesome and Totally Realistically Endearing Offering Now' as that would make it feel like I won't write unless you support me, thus holding my stories hostage. I write because I love to write, and I want to share my stories with you, even if you might hate them.

I'm doing what I can, give me time…

With that said… review away, give long lengthy reviews cause I love reading them XD

Till next time~!