Preparations and Introductions

I apologize for the amount of dialogue is this chapter. There are a lot of conversations going on. The characters have been regular chatterboxes and they haven't been able to keep quiet. We get to meet our lovely skunk Mayor, the Ambassador's assistant Marvin and finally a meeting with a mysterious legendary figure.

Zoodate: 116 P.C. - 117 P.C.

After a good nap Judy and Drew dropped Tala off at the train station. Drew had gotten her a pass as a consultant of the Ambassador's office so she could freely come and go to Zootopia with much greater ease. The high speed train was far faster and Drew always loved seeing his adopted sister as much as possible so it helped to make this a much more commonplace occurrence. Tala had done work for the Ambassador's office during her current visit and had plans to regularly assist his office so everything was copesetic. He had even gotten her a well paid consulting job with his office which involved researching what human improvements would best suit mammals outside of Zootopia city limits. It would seem it was just a case of nepotism, but Tala had a brilliant mind and there was no one better Drew could possibly think of for doing this kind of work. He felt absolutely no guilt and would have offered her a much more lucrative position had she not been currently in school. He planned on providing her a full time high paying position during her summer vacation and she was already approved to start as soon as her school session was complete.

The encounter with The Protectors really occupied his mind and activated quite a few responses. He would need to fit in an immediate meeting with Mayor Le Pew as soon as he could on Monday to address his concerns with the work being done at his office. He also wanted to inquire about information relating Nick and Finnick. He also sensed he needed to contact the mysterious fox he and Judy had met a few days earlier.

Judy: "Why the sudden need to meet this figure?"

Drew: "Well with Nick and Finnick still gone we are free, and I was hoping he might have some insight on this whole Protector thing."

Judy: "Isn't it risky outing our relationship to someone we don't know?"

Drew: "I have a feeling that gossip reporters will be the least of our worries in our near future if this Protector movement continues unabated."

Judy: "I have never felt such hate from Zootopians before… it felt alien… like it was almost something from your human news."

Drew: "Definitely very disturbing. I wish Nick was here as he seems to have a much better impression of the minds of the Zootopian mammals. Understanding politics and Zootopian behavior is just one area in which I am extremely deficient. Nick and Finnick are the ones who know the word on the street and the pulse of the city. Hopefully this mysterious fox might also be able to help with insight."

Judy: "I am just worried we might get exposed and this would cause a lot of problems especially with this new Protector movement."

Drew: "Well considering the fox was leading the events at Tail Whip I highly doubt he has any love for this group… in fact most likely quite the opposite. I would not have suggested it if I felt any risk from him."

Judy: "Very well… it would be nice to have someone to talk to."

Drew made the call to the mysterious number using an anonymous phone he had picked up for just this kind of situation. His years of work for The Unit and B.A.D. made him quite cautious. The number rang awhile and then heard the call being redirected. He had the modulator he used for Saphira ready if he needed to leave a message. Instead he recognized the live voice of the fox on the other end. He put the call on speaker so Judy could participate.

MOC Fox: "Keys?"

Drew was confused by the question at first until he remembered the card.

Drew: "Three gold."

MOC Fox: "Positive?"

Drew: turning the card over "Yep."

There was a long pause on the other end.

MOC Fox: "No three keys were handed out in a long while."

Drew: "Hmm do the names Saphira and Lancelot ring a bell?"

There was along pause.

MOC Fox: "Ah my two mysterious virgins. I had not expected you to call for awhile."

Judy: "Circumstances seemed to have accelerated the timetable."

MOC Fox: "I take it that is the lovely bunny knight. Good to hear from you again Lancelot."

Judy: blushing "It is good to talk to you as well."

MOC Fox: "Well I will stick with your aliases for now until you choose to give me your real monikers. Is this line secure?"

Drew had used a new encrypted government burner phone used for secure communications using new human technology.

Drew: "Saphira here. Yes this is as secure as it gets here."

MOC Fox: "Well you two are a truly fascinating pair. The most in recent memory. I made a great exception when it came to you. A three key had not been given out in years."

Drew: "I am not sure what the three key means but I take it we are a special case."

MOC Fox: "I would never risk exposing myself to any new acquaintances especially with recent events."

Drew: "That is one of the reasons we moved up the timetable."

MOC Fox: "Ah more and more interesting. I take it you may be at the heart of all this."

Drew: "I am afraid we might be and definitely not by choice."

MOC Fox: "I take it you would only want a private meeting and not a social event as is normal."

Drew: "That is correct. I would prefer no one else know of the meeting or our identities."

MOC Fox: "When do you want this?"

Drew: "As soon as possible any evening."

MOC Fox: "Evening of course. I would imagine both of you are quite busy during the day. This is some wonderful cloak and dagger eh?"

Drew: "I would be lying if I said no. It is definitely quite exciting. But we are at extreme risk especially with current events. So it is less entertaining than I once thought it would be."

MOC Fox: "Tomorrow evening then. Do you have a location for a meeting?"

Drew had considering this might be a possibility but had figured the mysterious fox would have been calling all the shots. For the fox to be willing to meet them at a location of their choosing showed he had a lot trust.

Drew: "I can arrange one if needed unless you have a better suggestion."

MOC Fox: "I only wanted you two to be the most comfortable with the arrangement. Normally I would have made the meeting at one of my residences. In the future I hope that this will be possible if I take care to make sure no staff is present."

This statement told Drew several things about this mysterious fox. He certainly was someone of quite substantial means although this did not surprise Drew in the least as he would have been surprised from his initial impression if this had not been the case.

Drew: "I would recommend a more secure neutral site if you have one available."

MOC Fox: "I will send an encrypted map on this phone tomorrow. You will need the password... your pseudonyms combined."

Drew: "Understood."

MOC Fox: "Do you have access to private transport?"

Drew: "Yes why do you ask."

MOC Fox: "The location will most likely be far from public transport."

Drew: "Time?"

MOC Fox: "7 PM. I will have a chef prepare a meal. Any dietary requirements?"

Judy: "Pure Vegetarian."

MOC Fox: "Obviously my mysterious bunny."

Drew: "No restrictions for myself. Well… I take that back. Just a normal diet as eaten by say a normal fox in Zootopia."

MOC Fox: "Interesting. I am quite intrigued by you Saphira. I take it you will be the biggest surprise. You assumed I might be serving some more forbidden or esoteric foods and that is why you changed your answer?"

Drew: "Not much gets past you my mysterious fox."

MOC Fox: laughing "Until we meet then."

The Fox hung up the call.

Judy: "Well we are going to have a busy Monday."

Drew: "I hope I can get a meeting with the Mayor. My nerves are really getting the best of me. I don't want to keep using alcohol as a crutch."

Judy: "I just had one of those daiquiris and passed out. I thought you said I would be this powderkeg thing."

Drew: "You only had a small amount and we were all extremely stressed. It just served as something to relax us when we were in such an agitated state. If you were in more of an excited state and drank a large amount the results would have been much different. Also we had just eaten a lot of food from the festival so your exposure was quite mild."

Judy: "I see. After seeing your reaction the other night I thought something crazy would happen but I see it depends on a lot of other factors."

Drew: "Just one strong drink on an empty stomach and I have no idea what the result might be with you. Just be careful and please don't ever do that unless I am there to protect you."

Judy: hugging Drew "Aww you care about me."

Drew: "That was in any doubt?"

Judy: talking into his belly "No. I still can't believe you thought I could ever play such a cruel joke on you like the other night. How could you think I would have Tala do that to you?"

Drew: "Do what?"

Judy: "Umm you know. With her mouth. Like…"

Drew: realizing "Oh… well I was quite stressed. I had also had a really bad nightmare the night before about that. I guess everything caused a good bit of paranoia. I wasn't exactly thinking clearly if you know what I mean."

Judy: laughing "Tell me about it. You are a lot of fun like your friends said but a bit much to handle with all that alcohol in your system."

Drew: "Ah speaking of that I have a few gifts for that mysterious fox. Some things I am sure he wouldn't have."

Judy: "Ah what do you think he would like."

Drew: "Well I have no idea but I am just going by what humans in his position might like and go from there."

Judy: "Like what?"

Drew: "Well I am going to try several things. I figure he will like at least one."

Judy: "Why do you want to impress him so much?"

Drew: "Just the swirl of emotions I felt. It was unique."

On Monday morning he called the Mayor's office first thing and told her assistant he needed a scheduled emergency meeting as soon as possible that day. She fit him in at 2PM and so he caught up on the work for the office and grabbed a few items he thought the mysterious fox might be interested in as well. Something a true connoisseur might enjoy.

After lunch he headed over to the Mayor's office and noticed there was a large number of mammals in her office and quite a lot of heated discussions going on. He patiently waited outside reading through some manifests on his iPad and checked his phone to see if the fox had sent the map. Apparently there was no word yet but he didn't find the fox to be the kind to be forgetful. He just had to be patient.

Apparently the discussion in the Mayor's office was going into overtime. He understood that she was quite busy especially with the election going on and was quite content to be patient especially with her fitting him in on such short notice. She finally shooed the assistant mayor, a Meerkat and squirrel out of her office and motioned Drew inside. She motioned for him to lock the door which was quite unusual for most of her meetings. He did as instructed and could sense her agitation and nervousness which was quite unusual for her. She looked impeccable as always. He thought to himself that she and Mia would get along quite well.

He shook her paw and gave her a slight bow.

Mayor Le Pew: smiling nervously "Now what can I do for my human Ambassador?"

Drew: "Mayor I really appreciate you fitting me in on short notice."

Mayor Le Pew: "Sharon please… did you get all the approvals you needed on funding requests you sent over?"

Drew: "Sharon, I got everything. Your office has been nothing but exceptionally helpful to me in every way. That is the primary reason I am visiting your today."

Mayor Le Pew: "I see. What seems to be the issue?"

Drew: "I have only been in negotiations for less than four months. I am concerned about this election and this Protector movement. I have completely stayed out of Zootopia politics intentionally and your office has been wonderful about not requesting my assistance in any politicking however I fear I may be a victim of politics if these Protectors succeed in defeating your campaign. The numbers I have seen are extremely worrying."

Mayor Le Pew: sighs "I suppose it is futile to lie to you and tell you everything will be fine and not to worry. Yes that was what the extended meeting was about before you came in. My numbers are dropping and this new party seems to be picking up greater and greater momentum."

Drew: "Why not come out with information about these mysterious lights to answer the criticism by these Protectors? They are using the fear caused by this current crisis to bring mammals to their side. Before this crisis your popularity was sky high."

Mayor Le Pew: "I just wish, I had something to report that would eliminate the fear."

Drew: "Have Nick and Finnick reported back yet? I know it has only been less than six days but it seems the answers to this question could have a far greater impact to Zootopia if these Protectors come into power because it."

Mayor Le Pew: "Well their mission was supposed to be secret but I suppose your knowing could not be helped as close as your are to those two. But no we have not heard anything and were hoping we would hear something by now. Nick said you thought humans might be involved?"

Drew: "Humans or human technology at the very least. I thought they were helicopters but they could definitely be just using human technology obtained from some unknown means. The chances of another dimension rift nearby would be astronomical so the other is a better theory. But anything relating to potential human technology we don't have full control over is of great concern. The last time that happened many citizens died and the entire city was in great peril."

Mayor Le Pew: "If the humans or mammals using this technology attack us by air could you do anything to defend Zootopia?"

Drew: "Yes as soon as I heard about this mission from Nick I put inquiries into Earth command to get permission to gain access to RPGs and defensive weapon systems. I preferred only air defense systems if possible to avoid anything offensive like RPGs getting in the wrong hands. I had no idea how long those approvals would take so I went ahead and filed the paperwork. We could fast track it if you need. You could show the people you had air defense from humans if you think it would calm their fears and help the political climate."

Mayor Le Pew: "I am quite appreciate that you have already taken preemptive steps. I may take you suggestion and announce we have humans helping with air defense. I have to run this by some advisers. We have been worried of obtained anything military or war-related from the human world.

Drew: "Is there other information you can provide to the population to quell their fears?"

Mayor Le Pew: sighs "Well there is nothing we can do until we hear from Nick or the other agents."

Drew: "How many different teams did you send to investigate?"

Mayor Le Pew: "Three… we have heard nothing from all three groups. I had the most confidence in Nick and Finnick based on their past successes."

Drew: "Well I know Nick knew the gravity of the situation before he left after I discussed it with him."

Mayor Le Pew: "Well there is nothing we can do at this time. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Drew: "I am concerned that if these Protectors come into power they could undo all the work I have done with respect to negotiations with the humans. I have only just now been seeing strong trust and cooperation from both sides. I need to find out how tentative my position is. I know you had said it was indefinite before but I don't know how your political system works. In my home country Ambassadors are appointed by the head of the country and approved by senate or in your case the council. However these positions can be more permanent or replaced at any time by the head of the country. How does it work here?"

Mayor Le Pew: understanding "Ah I can see why you have come here now. Typically ambassadorships work the same way here as they are appointed by the Mayor's office and confirmed by the council. However many ambassadors have served through multiple administrations especially if they remain political neutral like yourself. You want to make sure you can not be tossed out if the administration changes correct?"

Drew: "Yes that is essentially it. I have only just started serving and am afraid these Protectors will undo all the good works we have accomplished."

Mayor Le Pew: "Well under normal circumstances it would be out of my paws. But your situation is a unique. The human ambassadorship is not an official position like other ambassadorships. The way we structured it at the moment is that it would require a no confidence vote to remove your position."

Drew: "Realize I have no knowledge of Zootopian politics. What does that entail?"

Mayor Le Pew: "Well they could bring these up at certain intervals once a quarter not anytime they wanted, but it would require a two thirds vote of the entire council to have you removed."

Drew: "If this Protector group controlled enough votes or influenced enough other votes outside their party I believe they could still do this."

Mayor Le Pew: "I see. They have you quite worried I take it."

Drew: "I was at one of their rallies yesterday. I have seen groups like this from my world and I would not put anything past them."

Mayor Le Pew: "Well the best I can do is delay their opportunity to give you a no-confidence vote. Since it is a new position I can introduce a bill guaranteeing you a full year term before any such action could possibly take place."

Drew: "I suppose that is the best I could conceivably hope for under these circumstances. Could they cut my budget or mess with my personnel and staff thus circumventing my effectiveness?"

Mayor Le Pew: "Obviously they could mess with certain requests by your office but autonomy of your staffing and budgeting are fixed. In the same bill I can approve a large amount of addition discretionary funds they could not touch until the year is up."

Drew: "Anything you could do would be most appreciated. I hope that these actions will be unnecessary but I want to prepare for any possibility."

Mayor Le Pew: "Of course. I would do the same thing in your position. You have accomplished absolutely amazing things in such a brief amount of time. Far more than anyone could have believed possible."

Drew: "I am just hoping you can hear back from Nick and the others to hopefully thwart this Protector movement. I am trying to stay political neutral but if there is anything I can do to help you that doesn't comprise that apolitical appearance I would greatly like to help."

Mayor Le Pew: "I suppose just pray we can get the information in time and that the election goes well. I will let your office know if there is anything you can do. I will contact Martha to draft up all the appropriate documents to introduce into the emergency legislation I am introducing later this week in anticipation of the same thing you are worrying about across numerous departments. You are not the first official see me concerning this Protector situation. It has been a regular revolving door lately. I will send copies of the documents over to you office."

Drew: shaking her paw "Sharon I want to thank you for everything you have done and I just pray things work out well for all of us."

Mayor Le Pew: "Of course. I wish you could be above such political issues and could just focus on doing good works for all of Zootopia."

Drew: "Exactly my sentiment. Let me know if you need any additional information from my office."

Drew left the Mayor's office feeling a bit better but still nervous as he knew how politics worked. Even if he could not be removed an administration could still make his job a living hell if they wished. Many of the things he was working on had to be approved by the Mayors office and council before they could be implemented. He would have to have his office working overtime to get approval requests filed for anything he might need in the next six to nine months. He was going to need a lot of overtime in the next few weeks.

He called his assistant Marvin a brilliant raccoon with an amazing grasp on Zootopian politics, bureaucracy and social issues. It was one of the main reasons he had specifically hired him. He needed people around him who had skills he lacked.

Marvin: "Ambassador how did the meeting go?"

Drew: "As well as we could expect. We have at least a full year term and secure funds but we are going to have to file all the approval paperwork for everything we had planned for the entire year period."

Marvin: whistles "That bad huh."

Drew: "I don't know. I just don't want to take the chance. I can see us now besieged on all sides until our term is up unable to do anything if we don't implement this now. I am also wanting us to file a lot of stuff that is extremely vague that we can use to fit for anything we don't currently anticipate needing."

Marvin: "You mean like that travel request?"

Drew: "Yep. Definitely that one. Anything we can possibly imagine needing to be filed."

Marvin: "Won't the Mayors office balk at that many requests especially vague ones?"

Drew: "Nope. I suspect she will be expecting them."

Marvin: whistles again "Wow, okay I will request staffing for the additional people we will need and the overtime. I know you had an important evening planned so go home and let me take care of everything."

Drew: "Thanks Marvin. You are the best assistant a human could ever hope for."

Marvin: chuckling "Aww with compliments like that I might have to stick with you til the very end."

Drew: "Let's just hope that end is a long way off still."

Marvin: "Amen to that."

As he arrived home early he got a message on the phone with the map from the mysterious fox. He entered the password and pulled the map up on his computer. It looks like the location was far on the edge of the city in the Meadowlands far to the North of the High Road station. Drew knew that this was more of a wide open pasture area enjoyed by a lot of herd animals. This seemed a strange place for a fox but he supposed that it was just a good out of the way meeting place and had nothing to do where he actually lived. Judy had texted him she was trying to come home early and was stuck doing lots of paperwork and reports since Nick was gone and she didn't want a substitute partner.

He showered and prepared his briefcase full of gifts. He had a laid out his outfit which was a copy of Matt Smith's Doctor Who. He even had his hair styled to match earlier that day. Drew had always wanted to try out this look and this seemed to be a great opportunity. Off-white/gray shirt, burgundy bow-tie with white dots and matching thin burgundy suspenders, gray five button vest, tight black pants and tweed jacket matching the bow-tie and black 18-hole laceup boots. He figured Matt's whimsical personalty matched his own.

He had a full Peter Capaldi outfit as well which looked just amazing but it was a bit too severe for this first meeting. He couldn't wait to try out that amazing jacket sometime but would save it for another occasion. It was a lot of fun to have some discretionary funds to get some fun items like this.

He had gotten Judy a special dress for this occasion. He pulled the box out and checked that it was what he wanted and was pleased with the result. He had ordered a couple but thought he first choice was going to be the best.

Judy opened the apartment door and came around the barrier looking a bit tired but her eyes got wide as Drew gave her a pose complete with Sonic Screwdriver.

Judy: "Wow! That looks amazing. You look just like the doctor guy."

He had gotten Judy to watch some episodes with him. It wasn't her kind of show but she did like the idea of the doctor and female companion. She thought the outfits on the show were pretty amazing.

Drew: "Well I couldn't get exactly one of the costumes for the females on the show but they changed quite a lot and the ones they had didn't come in such a small size but I got a surprise for you."

Judy: "Baby Gap?"

Drew: "Nope you have graduated to big girl."

He gave her a box from Zoe Secret Garden.

Drew: "I had to have it custom altered to fit you."

Judy opened up the box to find the prettiest dress she had ever seen. It was a Tulle and Sequin Flower Party Dress. It was white with a beautiful pattern of dark multi-shaded blue flowers growing all over and had a matching blue belt. Judy held it up to herself with a big smile.

Drew: "Adorable!"

Judy: "You can say cute."

Drew: "Beautiful. You have graduated from cute."

Judy smiled big.

Drew entered the secret location into his GPS and then sat down to watch some Matt Smith Doctor Who just to get into character. He enjoyed the thought of the doctor exploring this strange world. This Zootopia was stranger than any of the worlds the Doctor ever visited.

Judy came hopping out spinning showing off her new beautiful dress.

Drew: "We better get going before I get tempted to do something about these impure thoughts."

Judy: blushing "Quit it."

Drew: "Come on my princess we have a bit of a trip."

Drew grabbed the brown briefcase and they went down into the private car entrance and got into a town car he had borrowed from the motor pool.

Judy: "Where is this location?"

Drew: "Northern Meadowlands."

Judy: "I thought it was nothing but sheep and goats up there."

Drew: "I had never been there before so who knows."

They arrived at a quaint farmhouse that seemed to be abandoned. They were a bit early but saw no other car or sign of life. It appeared to be deserted. They parked around the back of the building and Drew got out and checked the front and rang the bell and not no answer. Drew wondered if this was some sort of test. He wouldn't put it past a trickster fox especially knowing all the mischief Nick could think of doing. Judy had remained in the car. He didn't want her to come out until it was safe. He then thought well she can handle herself much better than I can. But it just felt wrong having her doing the scouting in such a beautiful dress. He was The Doctor damn it, so he better act like it.

It had gotten dark out and he looked around the outside and then saw something promising. There was an outdoor gazebo about fifty meters from the house with some faint light inside. He got Judy out of the car and he grabbed his briefcase. Judy was armed with a taser and fox repellent. Judy figured it was better safe than sorry and Drew couldn't argue with that. As they made their way to the gazebo they saw there was a very nice candlelight dinner setup. However there was no sign of their host.

There was a note on the table though.

"Saphira and Lancelot… Enjoy some appetizers I will be with you soon. - R"

Drew: "And the mysteries just keep coming. Hey save some for me."

Judy had been busy munching away on fig and olive tapenade on some crackers. She also had some mushroom caps with cream cheese type topping. He found some crab puffs and some shrimp and lobster. Where did he find this? Finding shellfish in Zootopia was quite difficult. Drew didn't wonder too long and just enjoyed these amazing delicious rarities.

The duo were busy enjoying their snacks as it was well past their normal supper time when Judy's ears shot up and turned to the left. Drew immediately turned this direction to reveal a medium fox sized figure covered in black.

Dark Fox: "Ah foiled by super rabbit ears again I see."

The fox threw off his black cloak revealing a middle age red fox looking quite dapper wearing a suit with a green vest with a yellow tie and blue silk jacket with matching blue pants and a blue top-hat.

He took off his top-hat and bowed to the shocked pair.

Reynard: "Reynard Cane at your service."

Drew recovered from his shock and bowed to him in return.

Drew: "The Doctor… I mean Drew Stevens… "

Judy: curtsying "Judith Hopps sir..."

Drew: whispering so only Judy could hear him "You know who this is?"

Reynard: "Ah I suppose you would not know me now that I think about it."

Drew: "You heard me again?"

Reynard: "I have developed a special focused hearing. It comes in useful for hearing conversations that are supposed to be private."

Judy: "I'm sorry. I thought you were dead."

Drew looks very confused.

Reynard: "The report of my death was an exaggeration."

Drew: "I am truly impressed. Not only a perfect Mark Twain quote but the actual quote and not the common legendary misquote. You sir are definitely full of surprises."

Reynard: "And you as well for knowing that. You need no introduction Mr. Ambassador. The same goes for you Miss Hopps. Both your exploits are legendary especially among my colleagues. I knew you were an interesting pair at the club but I had no idea how interesting."

Judy: shocked "Reynard is just a legend. I had no idea he was actually real."

Reynard: "I assure you I am quite real but before we get into anything serious I would like to compliment you on a stunning dress. You are a true vision to behold."

Judy: blushing "Oh thank you."

Reynard: "And you my dear mammal from another world. I have never seen such attire so I can only assume this is a human Earth outfit?"

Drew: "Ah yes it is as close a replica of Matt Smith's Doctor Who as I could get."

Reynard: "I am not familiar with it but I am assuming a human science show of some sort?"

Drew: "Science fiction yes."

Reynard: "I will have to give it a watch if you have released it to the public."

Drew: "I am not sure we have yet, but it may still be trying to pass the violence tests. While it is a show that human children can watch there are many scary moments and so we have to have some of these passed for proper content and rating. I am sure it will be available for digital access soon though."

Reynard: "Well the mystery of those costumes seems to be solved. I take it those are from the human Earth."

Drew: "They were from one of the biggest special effects studios from Hollywood. The ones that make these human movies."

Reynard: "Ah they were quite extraordinary."

Drew: "Before we get started I have some gifts for you. Some things you may not have. A guest should always bring some gifts."

Reynard: "A human Earth custom?"

Drew: "Well technically guests will bring some wine to be enjoyed with dinner. I kind of expanded this a bit."

Reynard: "Ah, wine?"

Drew: "It is made from fermented grapes and creates an alcoholic substance which has relaxing properties. I have brought a few of the finest examples for you."

Drew: "2008 Didier Dagueneau Silex, a sauvignon blanc."

Drew: "2008 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru."

Drew: "2010 Buccella Cabernet."

Drew: "And an amazing champagne which is a bubbly kind of wine, a 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame."

Reynard: "Remarkable which do you suggest trying?"

Drew: "What are we having to eat?"

Reynard: "Well for Miss Hopps a Caprese appetizer, Farro Salad with Winter Fruit Pistachios and Ginger, Seared Tofu Tabbouleh and Grilled Eggplant Parmesan.

Reynard: "For us we have She-Crab Soup, Grilled Shellfish and Vegetables al Cartoccio and Grilled Lobster in Lemon Thyme Butter.

Reynard: "We have a whole dessert tray with every kind of dessert for after."

Drew: "Well I suppose we would need a white wine with all seafood. I would suggest the Burgundy as it is the most expensive. In Zootopia I am not sure what you serve red wine with since you have no red meat. I suppose insects but that does sound strange."

Drew put the 2008 Domaine into an ice bath with salt and water to chill it rapidly.

Drew: "I also got you one of the best scotches made. It is a Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak. It costs over $1000 where I am from. I am not sure how much that is in Zoot bucks but I would imagine the equivalent of about 50 entrees at your finer restaurants. You typically drink this plain or over ice. It is quite strong so be careful with it."

Drew: "Finally I got you one of the finest pens made called a Mont Blanc."

Reynard: "My you did go a bit overboard with the gifts. But you definitely made a nice first impression. All of this is completely unnecessary but quite appreciated."

They sat down to dinner and Drew poured some of the Burgundy white in the glasses and chilled a bottle of the 2008 Didier if necessary.

Reynard: "Intriguing taste. I will have to look into these wines from your world in the future."

Drew: "Well alcohol has not been approved for use in Zootopia yet. But this is a special occasion. But I am sure I can make sure you are first on the list when we bring some in for limited distribution."

Reynard: "Well I would ask you two how you met but I am fairly familiar with your story already as it was widely reported. I am guessing quite a lot of that story was left out and that is the part I would most love to hear. But I am most intrigued how you two became a couple."

Drew: "Well the easiest answer would be she wore we down."

Judy: lightly punching Drew "Not true."

Drew: "How not true?"

Judy: "You make it sound like it was all my doing."

Drew: "I apologize to my companion here if that was the impression. I got to know her spending so much time with her and saw her as an amazing person rather than another species and fell in love with that unique being. It was quite difficult seeing past the other species part. That was the part she helped with but it took being in Zootopia for a full month before I was finally able to overcome that."

Judy: "Okay well that sounded much better."

Reynard: "Well I would imagine it definitely presents some unique complications. I don't want to be indelicate but..."

Drew: "We have just figured out how to make it work. It took some modifications in many areas but we have made all aspects of the relationship quite enjoyable."

Reynard: "I see well I think there are quite a lot details missing but I can definitely see why you have to be so careful about your public personas and keeping your association private."

Judy: "It is very frustrating. We have to be so careful we generally avoid going anywhere together. There is just too much temptation to do something which would give us away."

Drew: "It is torture for me. Especially when she feels discomfort."

Raynard: "How so?"

Drew: "Well I have a unique ability to sense emotions and am drawn to react to them. To my lovely bunny here I am specially bonded so the emotional sense is many times stronger than normal and she is an especially emotional mammal. The craving to comfort her in a situation like that is overwhelming."

Raynard: "Ah… so you were reading me at the club?"

Drew: "Certain rare individuals can sometimes mask their emotions like our fox friend Nick, Judy's partner on the ZPD. But most can't so it helps to tell me if they are being genuine or if they have ulterior motives. With you I sensed you were overly honest but the sense I had was that you were like a damn holding back a whole torrent of mysteries, emotions and information. It is hard to describe but it was a unique feeling that told me you were a unique character."

Raynard: "I have never been so described, but your sense it quite fine tuned. I suppose it is like my ability to focus my hearing and sense of smell. For example I can sense you both seem relaxed but very curious. The sense of smell can act as your emotional detector. It also helped me determine you were people worth knowing and taking a chance to expose my true self. I could sense from your scent your sincerity and I got an intriguing odor. Miss Hopps or should I say Detective Hopps I can sense you are full questions."

Judy: "I did not want to interrogate you like a suspect. I am also quite hungry and enjoying this wonderful meal you had prepared."

Raynard: "I noticed you have not had any of the wine."

Judy: "I am a bit cautious regarding the alcohol."

Drew: "It is fine to have some with the meal Judy. Just limit the amount. It will only serve to relax you a bit under these circumstances." He pours Judy a small glass of the Burgundy.

Raynard: "It definitely gives you a unique feeling. A bit like some mild drugs."

Drew: "Each kind of alcohol used in a different way evokes a distinct response. Commonly wine is sipped with meals and it has many layered subtle flavors which can compliment the food and serves to relax the imbiber. The thing my sweetheart there is worried about is the other use of alcohol which can cause one to lose control of their normal inhibitions. We recently had an incident she witnessed where this happened with myself."

Raynard: "That sounds quite interesting."

Drew: "Well it is not something I would want to go into but made me a bit difficult to manage."

Raynard: "Well I would assume you will be in full control this evening?"

Drew: "That is the plan or else the good Officer will taser me."

Judy: grinning "You thought I was joking about that. Try me."

Raynard: "I see having a relationship with an officer of the law can cause certain complications."

Drew: grinning "Well she has been quite restrained. I probably have deserved to be tasered, maced or tranquilized on numerous occasions."

Judy: grinning "Humans can be very annoying at times especially this one."

Judy thinks about something.

Judy: smiling "He is cute though."

Raynard: "I can sense a lot of this wordplay is for each of your own benefits. I feel a bit left out."

Drew: chastising "Judy please refrain from using inside references my exquisite lagomorph."

Raynard: amused "My aren't we one with the rejoinders."

Drew: "I beg your pardon if we got carried away. It is just a unique opportunity for us to be open about our relationship with a third party. There are so very few we can do so with."

Judy: "It is just fun to tease him but he is correct. Being with you provides us a rare moment to relax and not have to worry so much about every little thing we say or even glancing at each other the wrong way. We have avoided a lot of invitations to be together with others not in our extremely small circle for just that very reason."

Raynard: "How long have been together… like together together."

Judy: "86 Days."

Raynard: "Wow, that specific."

Judy: "It took a lot of work. He was quite stubborn."

Drew: "Well we were together almost constantly for about a month and half before that. It would have been the equivalent time of at least year or more for even close friends in normal circumstances. We had been through quite a lot together. Getting sucked through a vortex in space and each almost going completely insane will do that to you."

Raynard: "Ah sounds like another thing left out of the reports. I knew of the serum effect Judith here experienced as a thousand other citizens went through it as well. The subject has been quite well covered in the media and sounds like the most horrible thing one can imagine."

Drew: "Well we experienced a few other things that were worse or at least as bad."

Raynard: "You didn't get affected by the serum did you?"

Drew: "No but going through the portal conscious was similarly traumatic."

Raynard: "You two do seem like you have been together a lot longer than just 86 days."

Judy: "Well we have making up for lost time."

Drew: blushing "Judy!"

Judy: "I didn't say doing what."

Drew: "Well it was inferred."

Judy: "Well it's not like we are talking about it in detail or demonstrating it."

Drew: blushing "Hush!"

Raynard: grinning wide "I take it there is a lot of subtext I am missing but I am quite enjoying the dynamic between you two."

Judy: "I wish Nick would. He can be quite annoying sometimes."

Raynard: understanding "Ah your partner the great Nick Wilde I presume. Of course he would know. I have followed his adventure and exploits quite closely and not just because he is a fellow fox."

Drew: curious "Do you know him?"

Raynard: "Well that is part of my story, but I suppose we will get to that after dinner. I am quite enjoying this wine. I take it this particular one is not inexpensive."

Drew: "Well there are many extremely expensive but this is one of the most expensive higher priced ones that are not obscenely priced. I have never had such expensive wine before but I figured you deserved some special ones. I am kind of curious about the scotch."

Raynard: "Please feel free to open it I can think of no better opportunity to share such a unique item."

Drew opened a bottle of the Macallan and poured three small glasses over ice for the trio.

Raynard: "Very unique tasting. Definitely strong but quite fascinating and complex. The smell for me is what is most amazing."

Drew: "I imagine with your sense of smell you would be quite the connoisseur.

Raynard: "Quite fruity and yet smoky and sweet. The taste has so many different flavors it is like you could write a whole book on them. I think I will enjoy this for dessert instead of all the ones your mate seems to be enjoying."

Judy was busy grabbing a bit of every dessert offered.

Judy: "I am afraid I am not a big fan of this scotch stuff but I love all these desserts."

Drew: laughing "I noticed well I will not let your glass go to waste my bun."

Judy: "Thanks I would have felt guilty leaving it."

Drew and Raynard wandered over to the three lounge chairs that had been set up next to the dining area and sat down carrying the scotch, an ice bucket and some the tumblers full of one of the best liquors ever made.

Judy came over with a plate of desserts and tried sitting in the third chair but she was quite small in the chair and seemed uncomfortable and came over and hopped on Drew's lap instead sitting to the side putting her dessert plate on the arm of the chair and sitting on one of his legs.

Raynard: "How did your parents handle all this Judy? I would imagine this would be a bit unusual for those from the distant suburbs like Bunnyburrow."

Judy: "Well I thought they would be a lot more upset but they were actually quite understanding. I was kind of shocked and surprised. I suppose they have gotten used to my breaking the mold and doing my own thing. But they are incredibly supportive."

Raynard: "You are very fortunate. I would imagine most parents from a similar background would be have not been so accepting. Do they treat you okay Drew?"

Drew: "Her parents are very accepting of me into their family. Her father does keep bringing up my size but I think it is just he is very protective of his daughter and her safety. I don't blame him at all as I would imagine being in reversed positions I would worry about this lovely winsome gray vision at least as much if not more."

Judy gives Drew a kiss on the cheek and feeds him one of the chocolate and nut desserts. She then realizes she left a mark on him and wiped his cheek off. A chocolate kiss did not project dignity although he didn't seem to mind the impression. Judy was very careful not to get any of the desserts on her dress and put a napkin on top of the front of the dress.

Raynard: "Well it is time for a bit of truths. I will agree to share my story if you will tell me something about your story that no one else knows. The more unusual and secret the more story you will get. I can assure you anything spoken here would be kept in the strictness of confidence. I would expect the same from you two."

Judy: nodding in agreement "Hmm well I nearly murdered a helpless although extremely vile human and would have if Drew hadn't stopped me."

Raynard: raised his eyebrows "Well I was not expecting that. Please expound on the circumstances leading to this."

Judy told enough of her story and the explanation of how she had felt at the moment and the events leading up to near act of murder.

Judy: "I hate to think what would happened if Drew had not stopped me. I am afraid I would have been quite mentally damaged. I never thought I would be capable of such an act. I mean I could if it was defending my family, Drew or my partner Nick in the line of duty, but not a helpless creature no matter how heinous."

Drew: "I am expecting a significant story for my revelation."

Raynard nodded to him.

Drew: "I am not blameless throughout our initial meeting. What no one else knows is I inadvertently sexually assaulted Judy multiple times."

Raynard: shocked "My… you two are full of secrets. I have to know all the details around this."

Drew discussed their initial meeting and detail and Judy gave her side of events.

Drew: "I would have never touched any rabbit there except I completely misinterpreted her behavior. It appeared to me she was in serious trouble. I suppose I should have known she was not an ordinary rabbit but you have to understand I had no way of knowing she wasn't an ordinary primitive rabbit."

Judy: blushing "I am still so embarrassed thinking of that."

Drew: "I was extremely respectful of your sensibilities the instant I knew you were not an ordinary bunny."

Judy: "Yes you went a bit overboard with that although at that point it was hard to put the genie back in the bottle as you humans say."

Drew: "Well there was not much else I could do."

Judy: "I had never been touched there before, at least not since I was a baby. It was quite traumatic."

Drew: "I mean I was really gentle and didn't do anything but check if you were in any pain. I was quite careful not to do anything else."

Judy: "I know… it was just the shock of that on top of everything else I had gone through. It was kind of like the final straw. I know you meant only to help me and I even knew that at the time but it was still quite traumatic."
Raynard: "My your history is quite colorful. I take it everything in that department is fine now?"

Judy: bashfully "It is although it took a good bit to get over that and my treatment by the humans. But after going through all the other traumas it is so nice to have positive experiences. The human here is big and would appear to be clumsy but he is quite skilled at making sure I am completely comfortable with every tiny thing he does to me."

Raynard: "You said you could sense emotions. Didn't you feel her emotion of being uncomfortable by being touched there when you first met her?"

Drew: "I had asked myself the same thing but realize she had been tortured and all her emotions were pain and torture and discomfort. It was a giant sea of despair and sadness. Also I was not used to reading emotions from primitive animals so I was not even in the practice of trying to separate out her specific emotions. But even if I had been able and even if I had the strong bond I have with her now I still am unsure if I could have understood her emotions at that point. They were so jumbled. I read the discomfort as possible pain and physical abuse."

Raynard: "Fascinating… it is amazing you could put that behind you Judith."

Judy: "Please call me Judy. I realized once I got to know him and how he treated me that it was completely inadvertent and he was only trying to help me. I forgave him almost immediately as I knew it was completely unintentional. He was very sensitive to my needs and foibles even though many were alien to him."

Drew: "I still couldn't understand her hangups about being naked. I mean even completely naked you have to look extremely closely to see anything that would be considered sensitive on her body. She could get by with just wearing a small piece of tape. Human females would have quite a lot more trouble as there is quite a deal more that needs to be covered if they had any concerns about modesty."

Judy: "Human females look so weird unclothed."

Raynard: "I have seen them briefly like that in some of the restricted movies and I find them quite strange as well."

Judy: "And they all look so different. Most female and male rabbits all look almost the same in that area. There is not the wide variety you have in humans of both sexes."

Raynard: "It is an interesting topic. Are you uncomfortable around any unclothed mammals Judy, or just specific ones?"

Judy: "Well even the ones I initially saw at the party at the club made me extremely uncomfortable. I had to cover my eyes with my visor."

Raynard: "You didn't have problems with them Drew?"

Drew: "Well they just looked like animals to me. I have no discomfort seeing unclothed animals but I grew up my entire life seeing unclothed animals. If they had all been unclothed humans then yes I would have probably been uncomfortable like Judy."

Raynard: "Interesting so I suppose it has to do with what you grew up seeing was acceptable."

Drew: "Well the flaw in that logic is that her twin sister doesn't have any of those same hangups about her own nudity or the nudity of any other mammals including humans."

Raynard: "Hmm she sounds like quite an interesting character."

Drew: "Yep you can say that again. She was involved in this whole Covenant situation as well."

Raynard: "Interesting. Her role was kept out of the papers and news. I knew she had been there but they did not discuss her role in any detail. This would probably be due to her still being a minor I would imagine."

Drew: "If she had not been there, Finnick would not have been there. And without her, Finnick would also not have been where Judy and I came through. The two of them were critical to Judy and I surviving the Covenant forces. I freely admit I am quite useless in a physical confrontation."

Judy: "Tell me about it. I don't even think you have even given anyone a single light tap since I have known you. The only time I think you have ever hurt anyone is when you accidentally rolled over on me or got a bit too frisky during snuggle time."

Raynard: "Snuggle Time?"

Drew: "Her term for affection of a more passionate nature."

Raynard: "Ah so I take it even the terms themselves are uncomfortable to you as well Judy?"

Judy: "Well no I can discuss them when needed but I like friendlier words is all. There is no need to be disgusting if you don't have to be. I don't have any problems doing them with my mate here."

Raynard: "Are you embarrassed to be naked around him or see him naked?"

Judy: "I was at first. He was as well. No I take that back. He was never embarrassed seeing me unclothed. He was just embarrassed being naked around me. I am not sure why though I mean he is not like the male humans in the "professional" human snuggle videos but if he was we would be in a great deal of trouble and much of our intimacy would never work but he is quite perfect compared to other normal male humans just still a bit weird looking in general but I am getting used to it."

Drew: laughing "Not exactly boosting my confidence but it is better than what she has said in the past."

Judy: grinning "Well those things hanging there are just so strange. Male rabbits aren't like that."

Raynard: "Foxes either. We keep those tucked away most of the time."

Drew: chuckling "Well I didn't expect this as dinner conversation."

Judy: "How did we get on this topic?"

Raynard: "Ah forgive me I was just curious why you were so sexually repressed Judy dear. That seems quite unusual for bunnies or Zootopians as a whole."

Drew: "I wondered the same thing. I suspected it stemmed from her paranoia of getting pregnant and some recent childhood memories that have surfaced that shed more light on the subject."

Judy: "Well it is just a load of fun to be psychoanalyzed by the pair of you."

Raynard: apologetically "I beg your pardon if I have touched on a sore subject. It was never my intention just my curiosity."

Drew: "She teases me constantly about talking about the subject so I don't have quite the sympathy as you."

Raynard: "Ah you are repressed as well?"

Drew: "I guess we are both damaged goods."

Raynard: "But you have no problem in that department?"

Drew: "Quite the opposite. From what I understand we are quite a great deal more active than similar couples with similar relationships both of the same species and cross-species."

Judy: smiling "We are making up for lost time."

Drew: "She is quite the slave driver."

Judy: punching Drew lightly "Hey, I don't hear any complaining."

Drew: laughing "I'm just too tired to complain is all."

Judy giggles.

Raynard: "My you two are quite the contradiction. But it all seems to work quite amazingly perfect."

Drew: "Better not to be able to talk about it than not do it."

Raynard: "That is quite true."

Raynard: "Well I promised you a story and think I have left you hanging for far too long and I need to pay my part of the tab. I recommend visiting the facilities and getting more refreshments first. This may take some time."

The three of them did just that and Judy picked out a few rare exotic fruits some from the human Earth and some unique to Zootopia imported from the tropical climates. Drew poured Judy a fruit blend over ice and poured the fox and himself some more Macallan over ice and settled in for what promised to be a unique tale.

Raynard: "Well I suppose I will have to start at the beginning..."