Chapter 32:Additions
I spent Monday afternoon with William, he was felling a lot better about life, I left just before supper was served. As grandma and I walked home, she asked, "Daniel do you really think William is your brother"? "Yes, grandma I do. I asked him about his early child hood, his memory is not as good as mine, but I found several lab coats in his memory that I have in mine". "You sure this is not wishful thinking"? "Well, I can't be certain, but I do think if nothing else we have a bond". "You have a bond with him"? "Yes, I do, it's the same as the one I have with all my mates. He is now in my head with the rest of them". "Wow Daniel, what is this bond based on"? "Our bond is based on trust, he trusts me grandma". "Nick was right, you do draw out the best in mammals".
As we come in the door, we are greeted by JR. "afternoon JR", "afternoon Daniel. Up to no good I see, keeping the ladies out all day". "Naw, she was keeping me out". We laugh as we head for the elevator. When we get to the elevator there is a new paw kiosk at the door. As grandma puts her card in the old slot in the wall, the kiosk comes to life.
"Please state your name, and put both of your paws on the pad, and look into the camera, please". "Wow Rick and Ava have got the system running". Grandma steps forward, "Vivian Howler with grand son". The machine scans her paws and retina. "Identity confirmed, welcome home Miss Howler. Grandson step forward, put both paws on the pad, state your full name and look into the camera". "Daniel J Wilde", I state as the system looks me over. "Identity confirmed, welcome home Daniel". the doors open to the elevator and we step inside.
As we come into the house Rick and Ava have a smug look on their faces, "wow that was neat guys. Did you give the computer a name"? "Ask her". "Computer what is your name"? "My name is Mavis". "So how close is she, and why did you give her a female voice and name"? "We didn't give that to her, she gave it to herself". "Ah, guys, Is she sentient"? "Daniel, I am the first true AI in computers. I gave that name and voice to myself because it puts mammals at ease". "Do you listen in on all conversations"? "No, Daniel, only when you say my name, or ask for the computer". "How much control do you have"? "I have access to the building security monitors, and the telephones". "Can you take over other computers"? "No, Daniel, I can't, it's hard for me to operate in the binary language".
"What she means to say is it would slow her down drastically to take over another computer". "But she could". "Well yes, but it would be like driving at two hundred miles an hour and having to go to walking speed, if you have 1000 miles to go, instead of taking five hours, it would take you 100 days". "Can she do other things"? "Yes, she can, she's tied to the phone system, can monitor all video cameras and mics in the building, she has night vision and thermal imaging cameras, all of them are Ricks design, you could even play video games with her". "You mean she can answer the phone"? "Yes, she can, and will notify the person whom the call is for". "Can I program a wake-up call"?
"You can do anything within reason, it requires voice print and code confirmation of two house hold members to make any changes". "Mavis, I need to set a wake-up call for everyone for five am Monday to Friday Authorization Daniel J Wilde code alpha 9910". "Mavis, second authorization Ava N Wilde code alpha 9914". "Codes accepted level of alarm"? "Level to be at annoyance factor for the different species living in the house, to gradually increase the longer they remain in bed". "Set and done". "Thank you, Mavis". "Your welcome Daniel". "Oh, you know dad's not going to like that"? "Well, like mom said, he can suck it up".
We have a wonderful evening; we all go for a late-night swim. The adults soak in the hot tub, and the rest of us frolic in the pool. I have a dream about William, in it he is running from something, and he wakes up screaming, I send him calm, and peace, and he soon settles down and falls back to sleep.
I guess I should have said what kind of annoyance, for the wake-up call. I woke up to a burning sensation in my ears. There was no sound, but the vibrations sure did get me up in a hurry, as soon as my feet hit the floor the burning stopped Susan looked at me with murder in her eyes. I looked at her, "well it worked didn't it"? She just laughs. We kiss and embrace and use the facilities. I've stopped trying to get her to sleep in her own room, but I do kind of like waking up next to her.
"That was very effective Mavis". "Why thank you Daniel, but some of the family are a little upset". "They'll get over it". We head down to the gym, grandma just smirks at me, but dad is in a towering rage. Before he can say anything, I hold up my hand, "it worked didn't it? Your all here". Dad calms down a bit, but I can still feel the anger. I push us a little harder, hoping to work off some of the anger. It works to some degree, as no one wants to lynch me at the moment. Dad corners me in the locker room.
"Daniel, I want the alarm changed". "No dad, I will modify it but I won't change it". "Daniel, this alarm takes away my free choice". "How about this then, Mavis will give you a five-minute warning, before she does the burning thing". "Your really adamant about this"? "Yes, dad you want to be able to keep up with mom, don't you"? Dad deflates, "all right I'll agree to that", "Dad I'm sorry I should have specified what kind of annoyance Mavis used". "Damn right you should have".
"Mavis, can I modify the alarm please"? "What would you like to do Daniel"? "I would like to have a wake-up tune played five minutes before the burning thing". "What kind of tune"? "Dad, do you have one in mind"? Nick thinks for a minute, then gets a smirk on his face. "I want you to play the song "Armageddon", it just seems fitting to me". "All right, Mavis do you need full authorization for the modification"? 'No Daniel, you are not changing the alarm just modifying it". "Thanks Mavis". At the breakfast table the modification is explained to everyone. Some are still not happy, but some just laugh at the song choice. I can fell the lynch mob has moved away; they only want to prod me with pitch forks now.
We get to the DOJO and I could tell some thing is different, there s a sense of anticipation. Before I can respond a bag is thrown over my head, and I'm thrown to the center of the room. I roll as I land and come up in fighting stance. I have just enough time to throw out my feelers and to grab power from the meadow when I am attacked.
The first attacks are very tentative but come more frequent and earnestly. I fight for what seems like hours, but could not have been that long. Eventually the attacks stop, and I could feel the anticipation again. I am drenched in sweat, as I let go of my power, I untie the bag and lift it off my head, I can see it was the masters who had attacked me. As one they fist paw, and then turn their backs to me.
The members of the DOJO start to clap, and my family joins in. Mr. Delaront comes over with a big smile on his face, "I knew you could do it Daniel". "Do what, I ask"? "We were going to start the final phase of your training, but I convinced the other masters that you didn't need it. So, we went to the final test. Daniel you passed the final test".
He smiles as he holds out a black Karateka. "Daniel I'm proud to give you a masters Karateka". "Why did they turn their backs on me"? "Daniel, it's a sign of respect. You never turn your back on an opponent, but you turn your back to an equal". "Daniel, you are the youngest member of any DOJO to receive this honor". "Wow, I'm honored. But I don't deserve this honor, I cheated".
You could have heard a pin drop in the room. "How did you cheat, Daniel"? "I used power from the meadow to enhance my abilities". I hang my head in shame. "Daniel, that is why we knew you would pass. All masters of the art can use the power around them, you just proved I was right". Susan runs to me and kisses me and hugs me, "I'm so proud of you, Daniel". Mr. Delaront just smiles at this show of affection. The rest of the day I sit with the masters, and give out instructions, I do go and demonstrate some moves to my family.
Nick and Judy start the day with a trip to the hospital to see William. They hand him two big books of pictures to look through. He picks out two suspects as the ones who beat him up. "William, can you tell me which orphanage you ran away from", asks Judy? "NO, you will take me back". "William, we are not going to take you back, the hospital will be looking after you for a bit, because no orphanage has the equipment to do so, and things might change by then". "HOW, how are things going to change"? "Let's just say that a foster couple has expressed interest in you". William deflates a bit.
"I ran away from the Ophelia orphanage on Jefferson about four months ago. But please don't make me go back, I can't stand it there. They have nothing there good for foxes, they beat me up all the time". "Who beats you up William"? The other kits, they keep taunting me, and saying I was shifty and no good for anything, and they laughed as they pushed me around. The only one they hurt worse was Izzy".
"Who's Izzy William"? "Izzy is a fox like me but she has bunny ears". "William we will do all that is in our power to do, to make sure your life gets better". Judy leans down and hugs him, "I promise William". He could see the sincerity in what she said, and hugs her back hard. With out a word to Judy, Nick leaves the room.
"Irene, it's Nick Wilde", "Hello Nick what can I do for you"? "Irene we are wondering if we can foster a couple of orphans"? "Yes, I believe I can arrange it". "One of the orphans is in the hospital right now, and the other is still at the Ophelia orphanage on Jefferson". "Can you give me their names"? "Yes, William he is a fox, and is in the hospital, and Izzy who is also a fox, is still at the orphanage. We would like to pick up Izzy as soon as possible". "All right, I'll fax the paperwork over to the orphanage, also I will notify the hospital". "Thanks Irene, this means a lot to us".
Judy leaves William and heads for the cruiser, she is in a bit of a mood. Judy jumps in the car and after fastening her belt, just sits there thinking. "Nick, we have to do something for them", "I know fluff". It's a few minutes before she realizes that they are not heading for their assigned patrol area. "Nick where are we going"? "We are going to do something". "Nick what have you done"? "I…. I may have told Irene that there were two foxes that needed foster parents". "Nick, you never cease to amaze me. Do you really think she could be our daughter"? "How many fox, rabbit, hybrids have you seen? Yes, I think she is our daughter".
Nick and Judy pull up in front of the orphanage, kits scatter when they see the cruiser. They walk up the steps and in the big front doors. They are met in the reception area by a small black bear. "What can I do for you today officers"? "We would like to see one of the kits in your care". "Which one"? "A little fox kit named Izzy". "Oh, you want to see Izzy Angel". "Why do you call her angel"? "Well I'm the only one that calls her that, no mater how bad things get, she always has a smile for everyone. She also seems to know things, and it scares the other kits. She also has a visual impairment and doesn't get out of the way fast enough for some kits. I hear her most nights crying, and calling out for her parents, she even has names for them, she calls them Nick and Judy".
Nick and Judy falter in their steps, but quickly resume their pace. As they enter the play area, they can see her playing with a fox doll, with her back to the wall. She looks up as they enter and they both can see that she is blind, both eyes have a milky color to them. She has short bunny ears but almost as wide as fox ears. She is a burnt umber color with a grey chest.
"Hello Dad and Mom, you finally came for me, I knew you would come, and I told William you would, but he couldn't wait. Miss Sampson I would like you to meet my parents Nick and Judy".
"Izzy, how can you know that"? "I know things, how I know them I don't know, they just come to me". "How do you know William"? "William is my brother; we were born together. The place where we were born, threw us away, when we didn't meet their standards. She starts to cry, why would they do that"? Judy hugs her, "well we are here now, and your coming with us". "Oh, my word you can't make a promise to a child like that, it just isn't fair to them". "could you check your fax machine, please"?
Miss Sampson heads back to her office, Nick picks up Izzy and follows Miss Sampson, Judy just hugs Nick's Side. Izzy cuddles in under Nicks chin and starts to Chirr. Nick and Judy look at each other with grins on their faces. As they enter the office, they can see the mountain of paperwork waiting for their signatures. "Can I see your foster cards…."? "Yes, you may, I'm Nick Wilde and this is my wife Judy Wilde".
Miss Sampson's eyes get big and wide, she doesn't say anything, just starts to fill out paperwork. "And you are fostering William as well? We don't know were he is, he ran away several months back". "It's ok Miss Sampson, we know were he is". About 10 minutes later they leave the building with Izzy. "Nick, we have to talk to the chief". "Already did, he wasn't happy, but he understood, and he gave us the rest of the day off to straighten things out". "I love you Nick, you appear to be good for something". "Har, Har fluff".
Nick and Judy take Izzy for a check up, as she appears to be in a little pain. Peter gives her a check up and pronounces her in good shape, but with some bruising. He then does a DNA swab, and draws some blood. "Nick can we go up"? "Sure fluff, he needs to hear the good news as well". As they enter William's room, they see Vivian and I, I'm talking to William as I hold him. "Hey mom dad, what are you doing here"? "Well, were here with some good news", before they can go on, Izzy lets out with a Shriek, "William". She lets go of Nick's hand and making her way to the bed, crawls on, and hugs William. "William your hurt". "Yes, but I'll heal".
" Izzy what are you doing here"? "Our parents brought me". "What do you mean our parents, wasn't that just a pipe dream"?" I Mean William, Nick and Judy are our parents". "How can that be"? "It just is".
"Hello brother, may I see your face"? "Um, sure". Izzy then stretches out her paws and lightly touches My face, it's kind of weird, but I have no problem with it. "You look like a Daniel, am I right"? "Yes, you are right, how do you know"? "I have seen your face in my dreams, and the name I get is Daniel. Daniel, I need you to do something for me, I need you to do an introspective on yourself, looking through the lens of your promise to someone in the meadow, can you do that? It's the only promise you made to him". "Yes, I can do that, why"? "Just do it and the answer will come to you".
"So, William, Judy and I have signed the paperwork, you will be coming to live with us". "But what about the foster couple that were interested in me"? "William I was referring to Judy and I". "You mean Daniel will be my brother"? "Yes William, along with the rest of the family". "How many of us are there"? "William, says Izzy, I told you, that we have four siblings and four littermates, there is ten of us all together". "Is she right"? "Yes William, there will be ten of you".
"Wow your house must be crowded". "Not really, we still have more room. You will leave the hospital when your wound has healed enough for a walking cast to be put on your leg". "How long is that"? said William dejectedly. "Not sure, Peter figures about a week. But we will visit every day tell then". "Could you bring me some peanut butter? That bug spread is disgusting, I eat it, but I don't like it". We all laugh, "yes William we will bring you some peanut butter", says mom.
Grandma and Izzy and I walk home. Mom and Dad return the cruiser and walk home as well, we all meet up in the lobby. Afternoon JR says everyone at once. "Well hi everyone, and who are you my little rose"? "I'm Izzy MR. Rathbone". "Ah Nick, is she one of yours"? "It's possible JR, we are waiting on DNA results". "Wow from no family, to instant family, to whole family. Quite a spread Nicholas". "Yes, it is".
"Mavis you on line"? "Yes, Nick I'm here". "Mavis, we have a new member of the family, this is Izzy". "Hello Izzy Could you speak your name, and place your paws on the pad and face the camera please"? Nick helps her place her paws, and points her at the panel. "Could you open your eyes please"? "Ah Mavis, she's blind". "Oh, I'm sorry, voice recognition and paw prints will do". "I'm Izzy, where are you"? "I'm upstairs in the house Izzy. Every one left paws on pad please". "Mavis Izzy and I will get off at the pool". "Very good Vivian".
"Come Izzy, I think we both need a soak. Now this is the shower room, we all wash the lose fur off ourselves before we go in the pool or hot tub. Would you like a hand getting the lose fur off"? "Yes please, I haven't had much practice at doing it right, I mostly did it by feel and with cold water late at night". "Why is that Izzy"?
"Well late at night no one else is around to bother me, and the water is cold because they shut the boilers off by eight". "Well we have plenty of hot water around here, and if you ever need help, just ask, I'm sure everyone will want to help. Tell me when the water gets to hot". "Oh, that fells great, that's hot enough thanks. Vivian may I see your face please"? "Yes, you may Izzy". Vivian gets down on her knees, Izzy reaches out her paws to feel Vivian's face.
"Oh, you're my grandmother, thank you grandma". "Izzy how do you know who I am"? "I see faces and names in my head, when I feel that face the name is right there". "Izzy, I notice the old bruises on your body, who has been hurting you"? "The other kits would make fun of me, and beat me when they thought no one was looking. They couldn't tolerate some one that is different".
"Well no one here will ever beat on you". "I know grandma, I can fell the love". "All right now let me brush you out, I'll try not to hurt you". Vivian gently runs the brush all over her, lots of lose fur comes off, and Izzy starts to shine.
"Now Izzy, I'm going to soak, would you like to join me or go swimming"? "Soak please, I've never been swimming". "Well you can try the pool in the morning". Vivian lowers Izzy into the hot tub, and crawls in herself. "Just relax Izzy, let the waters take your cares of the day, away". After about 20 minutes, they crawl out, shower, use the blow dryers and head up stairs, it's hard for puddles to move up stairs.