Chapter 44: Big sister
The story came out in the paper a few days later, it's very flattering to us. Chris turned it into a mammal- interest story, and the feared public backlash did not materialize. No one appeared to be to concerned about a few hybrids.
We stay home for Christmas this year, mom and dad had to work. We had all kinds of fun seeing the sights of the city. We even got to ride on the tram way, though the adults were concerned when we started to hang over the sides of the gondola. We skated in tundra town; we swam in Sahara square pool, and picked (ate) flowers in the meadowlands. We all managed to see the ball drop in central square, really didn't see what the big fuss was about.
We all got gifts for Christmas, Suzie got a karaoke machine and we all tried it out. Ava and Terry got computer stations, and we set them up in Justin's old office. Rick got a new soldering station, and lots of surplus computer components. Susan and I got gift certificates for the firing range, I wondered what the arms master would think when he found out our age. Cindy got a complete set of modern law books, and was happily reading them. Davis got his own stethoscope, and his admission acceptance letter for med school. Cindy had to bring an age discrimination law suit to the school, but after Davis passed the entrance exam with 100%, they accepted him, he starts in the fall. Cindy dropped the lawsuit.
Just before our birthday this year, Susan got her masters Karateka, I was so proud of my love. But things took a turn for the stranger shortly there after.
Oh no, it's that dream again. She's walking along a beach with her paw in another's paw. But tonight, it was different, she turned to look at him. Wow, he's handsome. Her paw was in the paw of a coyote, he was older, but so distinguished. They were talking as they walked, but she couldn't remember what was said. She could see a glint in his eye, she smiled at him and starts to run. He caught her at the high watermark, and they kissed for awhile, then things start to heat up. DeDe woke to the sound of her alarm clock. Damn, why couldn't I finish that dream.
DeDe gets up, looks at the dingy hole-in-the-wall that she could afford. She thinks back on her life to date, and thinks of what a roller coaster ride it has been. She thinks about what was lost, and wonders if she can ever reclaim it. She pours her first coffee, and thinks about her new job. Why had she let him talk her into joining the bright side. Because you were tired of hacking, you dunder head she thinks to herself. She looks at the time, damn I'm going to be late if I don't get a move on. She jumps into her uniform and heads out the door.
DeDe enters the precinct, and is greeted by a big cheetah. "Good morning, are you DeDe"? "Yes, I am". "Good the chief wants to meet you before roll call. Second floor third door on the left". "Thanks…. Clawhauser". "Don't mention it, it's my job after all."
DeDe climbs the stairs and stand in front of the door mentioned. Before she can knock the word "enter" comes from with in. DeDe opens the door, enters and then closes the door. She then sits down at a chair that is way to big for her, and looks at the chief. Bogo just shuffles some more papers, and finally looks at her. She feels like a predator is watching her.
"So, Mis Demitri, I see here that you were a captive for a time". "Yes sir, but I'm not allowed to talk about it"." Let me set you straight, as the chief of police, I have a level two security clearance, and I know about what happened to you. You are not allowed to tell anyone else that has a level 4 or lower, level 3 or above only. This rules out most of the precinct, but there are four other mammals you can tell. Both officers Reynolds and officers Wilde. But no one else in this precinct, is that understood"? "Yes Sir." Bogo pushes down on the intercom, "officer Reynolds could you come to my office"? "On my way chief." Bogo folds his hoofs and just stares at DeDe. "Officer Reynolds will explain your duties to you. And I expect you to be by the book, no hacks, we don't work that way". "Yes Sir, by the book."
There is a knock at the door. "enter". "You wanted to see me sir"? DeDe's paws fly to her mouth, and she sits there in shock. "Yes, your new T.O. is here", "ah, good chief, we have been short staffed since Matt transferred out". She turns to look at the new officer. "DeDe"? "Kaylee!" The two bunnies wrap their arms around each other. "While I find this very heart warming, GET OUT OF MY OFFICE, AND GET BACK TO WORK." Both doe's run out of the chief's office and close the door. They then embrace in the hall.
"Oh God, Kaylee it's been awhile". "Yes, it has, where have you been DeDe"? "It's kind of a long story". "Well save it for later, you need to come down the rabbit hole." DeDe gives her a strange look. Kaylee laughs, "I'm head of the T.O. department, and there are 3 bunnies and two wolves working in it. Some officers have taken to calling our department the "rabbit hole", and with one more bunny, I think the name will stick now".
"This is your desk, and that bad apple over there is Rick, watch it with him, he thinks he's a lady's mammal. Randy is on nights this week, so you should meet him at the end of the day. Cedrick, Kyle, Barry, I'd like you to meet our new T.O. an old friend of mine DeDe." They all say hi and putting their heads down, resume work.
"Are you that hard a slave driver"? "Not really DeDe, the boys just are really into their job. I have to shut off their internet just to get them to go home at night"." Isn't it really hard working with all the guys around you"? "You know, my husband asked the same thing, I'll tell you what I told him. Kaylee raises her voice a little, if they ever come on to me, I will kick them hard in the ring, and jewels don't count for much when they are flattened".
"When did you get married, and is he a handsome buck"? "Ah, no, he's not a buck, he's a timber wolf, but yes, he is handsome". "Wait, you married a timber wolf"? "Yes, he kind of sweep me off my feet and mauled me"." I bet; does he have a brother"? "No, but he does have a sister who runs the company". "He's rich"? "Not anymore, but we are well off". "All right DeDe, time for you to get the lay of the land."
Later at lunch, DeDe and Kaylee are talking in the far corner of the cafeteria. "So, tell me DeDe, where have you been for the last 5 years"? "Well you know how I loved to hack; I found a computer that was just ripe for the picking. I got in, and found some files that were a bit unusual. I didn't see the stringer that was attached to that file, and it alerted the owner that someone was reading the file. They caught up to me about 4 hours later, and kidnapped me".
"Wow, what was in that file that they would kidnap you for"? "Well it was a study of four fox-bunny hybrids". "Stop right there, DeDe do you know what happened to these hybrids"? "Well, when we were rescued, I was driven away to Z CIA training grounds, I saw all eight of them standing there with tears in their eyes, as I was driven away". "Wait, Eight? I thought you said four"? "Yes, there was four hybrids and four rabbits".
"Stop right there DeDe, not another word, Nick and Judy need to hear this too". "But Kaylee I'm not allowed to tell just anybody". "Nick and Judy have the clearance to hear your story. They defiantly need to hear this". Kaylee dials her phone. "Mavis are Nick and Judy up yet? Hi Nick, listen can I bring pizza and a friend over tonight? Ok thanks see you then." She redials her phone. "Max honey, I need you to pick up pizza tonight. I'll be bringing a friend and we all will be going to Nick and Judy's. right make it one more vegetarian, about five thirty. Thanks hon, love yah". "So, who are Nick and Judy"?" Just some friends of mine". "Oh, would you look at the time, back to work slave. "Yes boss, can I have an extra bowl of gruel tonight"? "Not unless your work picks up". Both laugh as they head for the Rabbit Hole.
Kaylee and DeDe talk, laugh, and reminisce as they walk to the "House". They meet Max at the front entrance, max sweeps Kaylee off her feet and plants one on her muzzle. "Later big boy, but not much later." She kisses him again as he puts her down. "Max I would like you to meet DeDe," his eyes get big and wide, but he can see the shushing motion that his wife is doing. "Hi DeDe I'm Max". "Good to meet you Max. So, are Nick and Judy rich"? "No, they're just everyday working joes". "How can they afford this place"? "You'll see." Max turns back to the cruiser, and pulls out all the pizzas. "Wow, are you feeding an army"? "Some thing like that responds Max." They all go in.
"Mavis it's Max and Kaylee and guest". "Guest step forward and place your paws on the scanner, state your full name, and look at the camera". "Wow this is quite the security system. My name is Diane Demitri, but I go by DeDe". "Thank you, you all may proceed." Max looks over the Head of DeDe at his wife, she just gives him the motion for not now. Max shares some boxes with DeDe and Kaylee. "Uh Guys, I can't see where I'm going"." It's ok just follow Max." Kaylee opens the door and enters the house, with Max and DeDe following she enters the kitchen. "Wow, thanks guys, kits it's Pizza delivery." DeDe puts her pizza down and looks into a very familiar face. Her head whips around at the sound of approaching paw pads. Susan screams "DeDe" and we all run in and pile on her.
Max, Kaylee, Nick, Judy and William, just sit down at the table and help themselves to pizza. Peter and Vivian come in a little later. "Mom, you guys finished rearranging your bed room"? Peter chuckles and Vivian turns red. "Yes, dear, we're done." DeDe is still being mobbed on the floor, even Scott, Justin, and Elisabeth were mobbing her. After about 5 minutes we all allow DeDe to get up. We jump into our chairs and begin to devour the pizza. DeDe realizes that there is a few more than before. "Who are the new additions, guys"? Nick speaks up, "that little orange fur ball, is my brother Scott". "Not cool bro, I'm not a fur ball". We all laugh at his attitude. "The two by Judy are Elisabeth and Justin, our kits, and Daniels brother and sister. And the little fox over there is William Daniel's older brother".
"I seem to remember a file at the institute of two foxes born to a rabbit". "That would have been William and Izzy". "They thought they were defective so they got rid of them. How did you find them"? "Well William we dug out of a hole in the ground". William gives dad a dirty look, dad just smiles at him. "And Izzy we got from the orphanage she was at". "So, where is Izzy"? It gets quiet, and DeDe can tell it's a touchy subject. Nick clears his throat, "Izzy died shortly after we brought her home". "Oh, guys, I'm so sorry". "It's ok DeDe, you didn't know. It's still a little bit raw, even after a year and a half".
"So, DeDe how did you end up as part of the "Experiment"? "Well… you could say I hacked my way in". "But let's go a little further back. Kaylee and I grew up in a bad neighbour hood. We were the best of friend and we were both good at hacking. We played together, and we were called the Thompson twins, I still to this day don't get the reference. Kaylee and I learned all we could about hacking and computers in general. I thought I was a hacker extraordinaire, but I found out later I was a little better than mediocre. One night I found this computer with little in the way of protection, so I hacked it and found some files pertaining to some fox and bunny hybrids.
I missed the stringer attached to the file, so they were alerted to the fact some one outside was reading the research. I found it fascinating and continued to read. I had just finished reading it, when there came a knock at the door. When I answered it, I was bagged, tied up and thrust into the trunk of a car. I was so scared I wet myself. I thought I was going to die. They drove for what seemed to be forever, and I was wondering were they were going to dump my body. When they stopped, they hauled me out of the trunk and carried me into a building.
They stripped me, and tied me to a chair. They threw all kinds of questions at me, and kept asking me who I worked for. After a few hours of this, I was given a choice, join the hybrids or die. Not much of a choice. So, that's how I came into your lives. The nudity thing was hard to get use to at first, and I had a lot of leers from some of the guards, one guard cornered me, but after kicking his butt, management told them to leave me alone.
You guys were so darn cute, that I think I fell in love with you all right away. Heather and I become good friends, though her conversations lacked a lot of words. Oh god, I remember your first birthday, it wasn't much sugar, but boy did you guys get strung out on it. The night of the storm, when Heather disappeared with you Daniel, they blamed me and I was never allowed to leave that room again".
"So that's why we all slept in the one bed", says Susan. "Eventually the guard that was posted in the room, left, and was now posted outside the door. But the night Heather died was one of the worst nights, you were so inconsolable, it broke my heart. Shortly after that, you all expressed affection towards me, and I broke down crying. I had known for awhile that you could communicate with each other in your minds, and how I envied your ability to do so. Daniel when you came back, my despair of ever getting out of there was like a stone in my heart. But when you had a plan, and the means to carry out this plan, hope blossomed in my heart again.
And then as they drove me away, I remember your words Daniel, you said to follow my heart. They took me to the Z CIA training grounds, and I became their newest recruit. I did nine months of training, but they found I didn't have the mindset to be a spy. They then put me in the technical department, and I found out how much I didn't know about hacking. So, I learned and found after a time I didn't like to hack for a living. Also, the head of the department was after me "to work under him".
Jack was making one of his periodic visits to the training facility, and I managed to get him alone, and told him I wanted to leave. He told me I could leave at any time, but what would I do with my life he asked? I told him I didn't know, and he suggested joining the ZPD police academy. I Didn't know about that I told him. But my heart leapt in my chest at the idea, and if it got me away from the Z CIA and the technical department head, I would do it. Jack put in a good word at the academy, and they accepted me in. Training was a little harder at the academy, but not by much, just a lot more book smarts. So here I am back in Zootopia".
"Wow, DeDe that's quite a story, do your parents Know you are back". "Yes, Kaylee they do, but I didn't want any thing to do with them. they are back using again". "I'm so sorry DeDe, where are you living now"?" Down at the pagoda arms, it was all I could afford". We all look at dad.
Nick looks up, "all right guys I got the message, you can quit now. DeDe I have been informed by my children that if I don't at least offer the use of one of the bedrooms, I might not wake up in the morning. But be warned if you do accept, we start our day at five AM, with an exercise routine, and sparing practice".
"But won't the owners of the building object to you bringing one more person into this apartment"? We all laugh at the question. "Oh god no, they were the ones insisting on it". DeDe looks at Nick in a quizzical kind of way. Susan pipes up, "No, DeDe, the owners of the building want you to stay. The O'Hare's are a very generous bunch". "And who would these O'Hare's be"? "Why that would be me, Cindy, Suzie, and Rick, we own the building". "Now I'm even more confused".
"Let's just say that the institute was set up by our father's brother, and we were supposed to be his control over our father. It didn't work out that way for him". "And you want me here"? "DeDe you were the only mother we knew for three years, why wouldn't we want you here"? "Then if no one objects then I would like to stay". Again, she is mobbed by all of us.
"Mavis executive order Nickolas P. Wilde omega 1600, DeDe is to have full access to the house". "Executive order is accepted, welcome to the house DeDe". "Guys who's this Mavis"? Rick and Ava stand up, "that DeDe would be our house AI"." You guys Created an AI? But computers are not far enough along for a true AI". "Regular computers yes, but not our computer, would you like to see her"? WOULD I, lead the way". Everyone heads out of the kitchen except for the adults.
"Well it's been an interesting night; do you guys want to use the hot tub"? Max? "don't mind if we do". Max and Kaylee head down for the hot tub. The rest of us go for the pool. Vivian and Peter join them in the hot tub. Everyone returns from the computer room. "Where did they all go"? "They went to the hot tub".
"Did You Pick a room DeDe"? "Yes, I'll take the one next to Peter and Vivian's room. Right I can lend you a uniform in the morning if you like just so you don't have to leave tonight". "That would be great, but I would like to try the hot tub, have you got a bathing suit I can use"? "Ah, DeDe we don't use bathing suits, we are all family after all". "Well I can do that, after all I spent three years without clothes". We all head for the hot tub and pool.
"Nick can we trust her"? "Well fluff I trust our children's judgement, and they trust her. We need to get ready for work love". "Right Nick do we have time…"? Nick looks at the clock, "we have two and a half hours", "plenty of time then, come along Mr. Wilde", Judy leads him to their bedroom.
DeDe comes out of the shower and crawls into the hot tub. "God that feels so good". "I'm sorry I sprung that on you DeDe, but I didn't know if you were the same person the kits talked about. After what you said at lunch, I knew you were, but I still wanted to surprise you". "It's ok Kaylee I like surprises, God I never thought I would ever see them again". "DeDe do you love them"? "Yes, Kaylee I do. They were my anchors and they stopped me from falling into despair". "Then I'm glad you are all back together again".
"Well Max honey I think it's time for us to go". Kaylee Stands up. "OH my god Kaylee, were did you get those scars"? "I told you, Max mauled me". "I thought you meant another way". "Oh, he did that later, but this happened in the records room, and max was under the influence of night howlers at the time. We were already in love, so it wasn't hard to forgive what happened". "Come along max there's a private shower with our name on It".
DeDe is left with Vivian and Peter. "I'm Sorry I didn't get your names earlier". "I'm Vivian Nick's mother", "and I'm Peter howler Vivian's mate and husband and love". "One of those would have done you know". "Yes, but I like to say them all". He leans over and gives her a kiss. "God, I hope to have a love like that some day". "You will my dear, you will".