Crazy Like a Fox

Okay lots of things are going on in this one, but primarily it deals with helping Nick's Mom and ultimately helping Nick even if he doesn't want the help. We also get to meet a new unique older gentlemammal that will have a role to play in the whole crazy drama that is about to unfold. Oops, please don't let Drew hear I used that word. He is quite sensitive to it… perhaps it hits a little too close to home?

Zoodate: 123 P.C.

The next day at work was quite busy as Drew put out the many fires caused by all the preparation for a possible administration change. He then checked in on the progress of the investigation into the human UAV and prepared reports and data for the Security Council. The office had to also plan for any possible agreements and incoming shipments of military assistance. All of these required a great deal of paperwork and planning and the office had to be ready to act the instant the Security Council made a decision. The election and possible future of Zootopia depended on their ability to handle this situation.

Then came the issue with Nick's mom and the broader scope of that entire subject affecting his relationships to Judy, Nick, Marion herself and Reynard and his entire family. Drew wanted to help Marion in every way he could, but he was hampered by many factors such as Nick's resistance, Marion's own reluctance to accept help and Reynard's restrictions on what he could say and do regarding his knowledge of her. The immediate problem of how to address Marion's unwillingness to accept direct help with respect to her food situation had been bugging Drew all morning distracting him from the many other things he needed to deal with. Drew finally came up with a perfect way to get some supplies to Nick's mom that she would find acceptable. He gave Mrs. Wilde a call from his office. There was an answer after a short wait.

Marion: "Hello?"

Drew: "Hi Mrs. Wilde… Marion… Drew Stevens calling..."

Marion: "Oh… Hi Drew. I didn't expect you to call so soon."

Drew: "I am not calling about what we discussed. But I wanted you to know that I have requested a data dump of information from human Earth and that will take a couple of days. I also started a search for available doctors."

Marion: "Oh… well please let me know. I wanted you and Judy to know how much I appreciated this media thing you got me. I have already watched several shows and have enjoyed it quite a lot. I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about it at first."

Drew: "I am very pleased you are enjoying it. I was calling hoping you could do me a favor."

Marion: "A favor? Of course, I would be happy to do anything to help I can."

Drew: "We don't have enough in your demographic to test many of the products we are looking at introducing from the human world."

Marion: "Demographic?"

Drew: "Female predators in your age range."

Marion: "Oh. What do you need tested?"

Drew: "I have prepared a package of all the different food products we are looking to introduce. Some are fresh, packaged, refrigerated and frozen. Some meat substitutes, some fish products, fruits and vegetables some fresh and some frozen, many desserts, cheese and dairy, different types of grains, pastas, etc. Oh and there is a variety of different beverages from vegetable and fruit blends, teas both hot and cold as well as varieties of coffee."

Marion: apprehensively "Drew, I couldn't possibly accept all that."

Drew: "Nonsense, you would be helping us out. You would be reviewing each. Each one has a rating and comment card. Feel free to share any thoughts you have about each product. You will find suggested recipes in a booklet that will come with them. There is enough for several servings so you can rate them again on any additional testings. I will collect any you have when I see you next. Don't worry if you only have a few done. I will collect them as you have a chance to go through each of the products."

Marion: hesitantly "I… I don't know what to say."

Drew: "Say yes. We would be very interested in your opinions."

Marion: "How would I pay for all this?"

Drew: "We should be paying you. But they won't approve that, I already tried. Just help us out with the cards is all. You don't have to write much. Just let us know which ones you like the most and if you think you might buy them in the stores. If you don't like any of them just leave a note telling us why, for example say too bland or the texture is strange."

Marion: "Okay. I will do my best."

Drew: "Just a short note is perfect. My testers appreciate brevity. They don't want to read any essays. I will send a courier over this afternoon if you will be around with the boxes and coolers. They will call shortly before they arrive. Will you be around?"

Drew would have been very surprised if Marion was not around.

Marion: "That would be fine. I will be here. Ummm... do you know the courier?"

Drew: "Yes it is a young energetic wolf named Sammy who is our gopher. He always goes for anything we need around here. I always laugh at that joke and tell him he is quite an overgrown gopher. He deliveries the mail, handles shipments from the portal, makes these kinds of deliveries and does whatever else is needed."

Marion: "That sounds fine then."

Drew: "If you have any problems with the order or any questions about anything please feel free to call me or my assistant Marvin."

Drew sensed Marion wanted to tell him something else but she was holding back.

Marion: gratefully "Thank you Drew. I am glad Nicholas has a friend like you."

Drew: "And I am glad to have one like him. Make sure not to become too obsessed with the media box. Please be sure to eat something every once in awhile and get some sleep."

Marion: laughing "I will. I will let you get back to your work. I imagine you are quite busy."

Drew: "That I am. Bye Marion."

Drew ended the call. He smiled congratulating himself on a small con of his own. Nothing approaching the level of Nick, but a decent one nonetheless. While Nick would con mammals for goods, money or just general amusement in his past and now to catch criminals and protect the public, Drew conned to help others. He was quite amused by that thought. While their office did have others testing food products like these, it usually only sent a couple products to specific parties or government employees. To ship a vast array of products in multiple quantities was unheard of, but it was good to be the boss as no one questioned such things.

After putting in a request to his human contacts for a complete data dump on anything related to dissociative amnesia, Complex PTSD, DSM-IV-TR and any other mental condition relating to amnesia based on traumatic events. He even requested any classified research and experimental methods of treatment known to exist anywhere. He then went through a list of every available psychiatrist in Zootopia and the surrounding Burroughs. Of the ones he found that actually had any experience in treating trauma based amnesia, most balked when he began to describe his case. One name kept coming up when he asked for referrals. The name was on his list, but the doctor in question was retired and not taking any patients.

Once he got to that final name he was extremely frustrated as it seemed very few doctors had ever dealt with any cases involving amnesia except in cases of injuries such as blows to the head or massive body trauma resulting from shock. He supposed this made sense as Zootopia didn't have a military or warring conflicts and true trauma related events were extremely rare based on his questioning of Nick and Judy concerning the most traumatic cases they had heard of happening. Drew sighed thoroughly frustrated and finally decided he would have to find a way to get the help of this Dr. Sussel Scrofton, III. Apparently a boar who lived and practiced during the time Reynard described. He had a reputation for being quite eccentric, but he had dealt with many trauma cases and did not appear to be afraid of experimental treatments.

Drew had to call several contacts in the government to find the private number of this Dr. Scrofton as it was unlisted. It was one of the benefits of having contacts in Zootopia's ZBI as well as the Security Council. He made several calls with no luck as the doctor did not even seem to use a messaging service. Finally in the late afternoon he was able to get a response and heard a raspy voice answer, "Who the hell is this?"

Drew: hesitantly "Dr. Scrofton?"

Scrofton: grumbling "Well at least I didn't get someone calling the wrong number."

Drew: "Dr. Scrofton this Drew Stevens the human ambassador."

Scrofton: "Well at least someone interesting for a change. How do I know this is who you say it is?"

Drew: "I am calling from my personal work phone. Don't you have caller id?"

Scrofton: "Why would I need such a thing? The only people who would call me are people I would want to talk to anyway."

Drew: "Hmmm possibly for a situation like this one."

There is a pause on the other end.

Scrofton: "Well you make a point there. What do you want Mr. Ambassador?"

Drew: "I have a special case I need your help with."

Scrofton: "I'm retired. Or didn't you have that in your records."

Drew: "I'm afraid you are the only mammal I could find that has any possibility of being able to help."

Scrofton: "Well I have to admit you must have some mighty high contacts to have gotten this number, but I am afraid you are out of luck."

Drew: "We have budgeted funds for you assistance."

Scrofton: affronted "I never did my work for the money."

Drew then knew this was a mammal after his own heart. He was this mammal. He got a smile then as he believed he knew how he could convince himself if he was on the other end of the phone.

Drew: "I certainly understand. The only reason I mentioned the money is that we can cover any other expenses you may have including assistants, research, any materials and equipment or anything else you may require. I did not mean in any way to infer I was trying to buy your services. Far from it. I believe I have a case worthy of your interest. I would not have come to you otherwise."

Scrofton: chuckling "Well you do know how to tempt me."

Drew: "I only ask you hear my description and let me know if you can help. I have already requested every scrap of research and treatment data from the entire human world classified or publicly available."

Scrofton: "This subject is that important to you?"

Drew: "Yes, for numerous reasons."

Scrofton: "Can you tell me those reasons? I want to know the motivations behind such an extraordinary effort."

Drew: "I can reveal some of those reasons if you agree to the treatment. However some of those I am constrained from revealing based on prior confidentiality agreements."

Scrofton: "Interesting… I can certainly agree to be party to such a confidentiality agreement."

Drew: "I am afraid the terms of that prior agreement were quite clear with regard to any outside parties. But I will happily agree to give you every bit of information I am allowed to."

Scrofton: "Well this is intriguing, but I make no promises. Please go ahead and tell me what you have."

Drew then gave a fairly detailed description of Marion's case without mentioning her name, Judy's name or any sensitive information. He also described his ability and impressions and the possibility of using it to assist with treatment. Once he finished there was a long pause on the other end of the phone for over a minute. Finally Drew couldn't wait any longer.

Drew: concerned "Dr. Scrofton?"

There was another long pause. Finally he heard some movement on the other end of the phone and a voice.

Scrofton: "When you first described this empathic ability I thought you were putting me on, but after hearing all the details I will have to reconsider that diagnosis."

Drew: "I assure you I am sincere."

Scofton: "Is this a common ability in humans."

Drew: "No sir, extremely rare. I believe that it has been greatly enhanced by the circumstances related to my appearance here. Many aspects did not manifest themselves until I arrived in Zootopia. It has been getting stronger and acting in unexplained ways lately."

Scrofton: "Well I have to say you may be a more interesting subject than this case you are bringing me."

Drew: "Are you subtlety trying to tell me I need mental help?"

Scrofton: chuckling "Well quite possibly… but it is more the fascination of a scientist of the mind."

Drew: "Well I would be interested in hearing your theories about what might be happening, but I would want to focus most all efforts on the case I presented."

Scrofton: "You say the trauma occurred a long time ago?"

Drew: "I am estimating thirty to fifty years ago."

Scrofton: "Those were turbulent times. That would explain the potentiality for such trauma."

Drew: "Have you had or heard of any cases like this?"

Scrofton: "I have dealt with several cases with some elements, but nothing remotely close to the length of time, extreme trauma and intentional mental blocks you describe."

Drew: "Do you think my gift could help in the treatment?"

Scrofton: "I would have explore it a bit more as it sounds like it could be potentially dangerous. But it certainly makes for an interesting treatment option. Are you sure you are willing to dedicate the time and risk the possible dangers with regards to this case?"

Drew: "Yes. Whatever is needed."

Scrofton: "I see. I suspect this has quite a bit of personal significance to you."

Drew: sighs "It does. The treatment effects quite a number of lives of individuals very close and quite dear to me. Extraordinary mammals who have done enormous services for Zootopia and others without ever asking anything in return. I am willing to do whatever it takes to see this through."

Scrofton: "Very intriguing. I never expected to have any case this complex and fascinating in my career. I suppose it fitting it comes to me when I thought I was finally finished."

Drew: hopeful "So you will help?"

Scrofton: "I will, but conditional on meeting with you first and having you prove yourself to me as well as exposing quite a few things I know you were holding back once I sign a full confidentiality agreement. You realize that normally anything is strictly confidential between doctor and patient. But you are requesting to be fully involved in all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment including active involvement in the actual clinical treatment."

Drew: "Excellent! I will have contracts prepared specifying the confidentiality for all parties as well as permissions from said parties for sharing all information regarding this case. I will have the subject and the other party notified."

Scrofton: "There is another besides the subject involved?"

Drew: "Yes, her significance and involvement will be fully explained once I meet you and have the contracts signed."

Scrofton: "Very well, when do you want to meet?"

Drew: "If I can get the documents all prepared and signed I can do it around six this evening."

Scrofton: "Not wasting any time I see."

Drew: "I would like you to begin treating the subject as soon as possible. I suspect this may take awhile and wanted to get started immediately. I can send a certification of reserved funds for this if you need."

Scrofton: "No need… I don't plan on accepting any payment for this venture. The payment I want is you."

Drew: stunned and confused "What?"

Scrofton: "I apologize if that was not phrased properly. The price for taking this case is a payment from you."

Drew: "Excuse me… oh… I suspect you are referring to something non-monetary."

Scrofton: "Correct. I want your commitment to explore this gift of yours. With full confidentiality between just you and me of course."

Drew: "Well frequently it is a curse and not a gift, but I can agree to this if you will take this case. But please file any expenses you incur as well as any possible resources you need through my assistant. All that is already budgeted for your needs."

Drew obtained all the details for a meeting with the doctor that evening at his home. He called Marvin to have contracts prepared and texted Sammy to let him know he would need him to take a document to Marion with her supply package and to Judy at the ZPD to have signed. He called Judy to let her know to expect the documents.

Judy: excited "So you found a doctor willing to help?"

Drew: "Yes, after quite an exhaustive search and a great deal of convincing."

Judy: "Do you think he will be able to help?"

Drew: "Well, if anyone in Zootopia can help, I believe it would be him. At least he is familiar with some of the types of trauma Marion experienced."

Judy: "Did he say if he thought he could help?"

Drew: "No. He only said he would take the case. But I have a feeling he may see this as the true culmination of his career. He does not want any money."

Judy: "Sounds like you."

Drew: "I certainly can respect such an individual and trust someone driven by such personal goals rather than monetary gain."

Judy: "You mentioned needing a contract signed."

Drew: "I wanted you privy to everything related to this entire case. I want you fully involved as you are central to every aspect including all three of our fox friends and their extended families, and most importantly I need your help. I couldn't do any of this without you."

Judy: "Of course. I understand now. You wouldn't be able to talk with me about this if I was not written into the confidentiality agreements."

Drew: "Yes, but I want you possibly to help with the direct treatment as well or to be there to assist me. I believe you may be critical to my ability to help Marion just as you were last night."

Judy: "Of course I will do anything I can. You know that. I am still at the precinct since Nick is not back at work yet. I will be waiting for the document."

Drew: "I won't be home until possibly eight or later. You and Nick can order out or use some of the frozen meals already prepared."

Judy: "Okay. Nick texted and said he wanted to discuss what he found out from his contacts when you get home."

Drew: "I look forward to hearing that. I think we need to contact our friend tonight after that."

Judy: "Which friend?"

Drew: "Wears a top-hat."

Judy: "Oh… will he be around that late do you think?"

Drew: "Based on his species and his past activities I suspect so. I will contact him earlier to make sure he is available though just in case."

Judy: "Okay just text when you are coming home."

Drew: "Will do my bun."

After finishing his work in the office and collecting the signed documents from Sammy, Drew took the subway to meet Dr. Scrofton at his home near Banyon St. in Savanna Central. The doctor had a decent sized condominium in one of the large housing complexes overlooking the water. He shook Dr. Scrofton's cloven hoof and was escorted into a living room filled with rich dark brown wooden furniture, sculptures and other various types of artwork. Drew noticed the decoration had a feminine tone and the doctor seemed to read his mind responding, "Ah… my wife is away visiting relatives. I am afraid I can only offer my meager company."

The boar wore spectacles and looked to be approaching seventy years of age. He was attired in a brown suit with a vest and had a gold pocket watch which he was absently looking at as he escorted the human to a love seat. The doctor placed a cup and saucer on a small table in front of Drew while he placed another on the arm of a recliner filling each with some hot tea. The boar when sat in the recliner.

Scrofton: "I prefer to have some tea with conversation. I hope it is to your liking."

Drew took a sample of the tea and nodded his head in approval.

Drew: "It tastes a bit like Earl Grey."

Scrofton: "Yes. I am familiar with your human brand, but I like this as it is more fragrant. We call it Cloven Dark."

Drew: "Intriguing… oh I have the contracts here for your signature."

Drew pulls the contracts from his briefcase and handed them and a pen to the doctor. The doctor read through the documents carefully flipping through the pages and nodding his head, and then gave a bit of grunt and looked carefully at the other signatories on the document. He then placed the document on a table in front of him and carefully signed all copies and took his copy and placed it in a green folder and returned everything else to the human.

Scrofton: "Well now that we got that out of the way, how about you show me this so called gift of yours before we go any further."

Drew: hesitantly "Well I am not used to performing like a trained..."

Drew was going to say animal but then realized that was not going to win him any points until he thought of an animal he could use and continued, "iguana."

Drew didn't even know if they could train iguanas but he couldn't think of anything else fast.

Scrofton: "Ah… I apologize for how that sounds. It is just my curiosity has been building all afternoon."

Drew: "Well think of an emotion or feeling. You have to be actually feeling it not having it just in your head. Maybe use an event that happened to you or something you read or saw to bring that emotion to your thoughts."

Drew let the doctor close his eyes and then shook his head that he was ready. The human then focused on the boar and sensed a very complex set of emotions. They were confusing at first, but he figured the doctor was trying to trick him and mislead him to truly test the extent of his ability.

Drew: "I was certainly not expecting anything like that from you, doctor. I sensed sexual excitement and deep arousal but of a more eclectic form which I believe to be masochistic in nature but also involving constriction of body parts and sexual organs."

The doctor gave the human a long look and then a huge smile sprang from his snout and he began laughing.

Scrofton: laughing "Well done. Such accuracy… I wanted to try something that could not be easily guessed. In case you were wondering, that was from a case of mine I had been glancing at earlier today."

Drew: smiling "I figured it had to be something like that. Either that or you were a regular at Tail Whip."

Scrofton: "Oh you know of the place? Surprising you have ventured out into such a location considering your obvious uniqueness."

Drew: grinning "Costume party."

Scrofton: "Ah… I understand now. Well can you demonstrate this projection?"

Drew: "It was only very weak before I arrived in Zootopia and only manifested itself as something uncontrollable and passive when I was uncomfortable and nervous and gave off that feeling to others. I never attempted to use or focus it prior to arriving in Zootopia. I suspect something happened when I arrived here and then found it could be focused and directed in an active manner. It and several other aspects of the gift are very new and I don't have enough experience in their use to explain or predict what might occur when they manifest themselves. I have found the projection aspect works much better the more I know or am bonded to the mammal as you would not realize I was doing anything unless you were quite familiar with my ability. But what I can do is project a feeling and see if you can sense it. Just close your eyes and lie back."

The boar nodded and did as he was instructed. Drew focused his mind and projected a fairly simple emotion of pure joy and happiness which he frequently used to cheer up his friends when they were down. He took the feelings he sensed from Judy's younger siblings hopping excitedly around him and projected them to the boar. The human saw the boar get a grin on his face and knew the sending was effective.

Scrofton: "Quite amazing… that is not an emotion I feel all that often anymore. Not in quite awhile. But can you send something not so pleasant?"

Drew: "I have only sent those by accident in the past. It is not something I am comfortable doing. In fact I have never attempted to consciously do what you are asking."

Scrofton: "Please humor me for scientific reasons and think of it as part of your payment for treating Marion. I need to get a firm idea of what you are capable of primarily as it is relevant to the treatment of the subject based upon what you had suggested previously."

Drew: frowning "Very well."

Drew decides to try a more harmless emotion and projected extreme disgust. He thought of things that disgusted him such as harming others and bringing them pain and sorrow. He could see the boar get an uncomfortable look on his face as the boar's snout began to turn into an ugly snarl. Drew then suddenly released the projection.

After about half minute the doctor gave Drew a concerned look.

Scrofton: "I did not expect that to feel so strongly."

Drew: "I did not do it strongly."

Scrofton: surprised "You were holding back?"

Drew: "I was concerned about harming you. It was merely a demonstration that it could be done."

Scrofton: contemplating "Hmmm... I want to know the full capabilities."

Drew: cautiously "I just don't know the consequences of such a thing. It could be very dangerous. I have never attempted doing anything like that even with respect to positive emotions. I recently believe something like that happened unconsciously during an intimate moment just a week ago and I am still a bit freaked out by the results. If we weren't distracted by a friend of ours who witnessed this event I am not sure what might have happened."

Scrofton: "Please remember this is part of the payment and humor me. I want you to try it again without holding back. I need to understand the strength and full extent of what you have described."

Drew: very apprehensively "I will do as you ask only because I agreed to cooperate with your investigation of this ability as part of the contract. I believe such an act to be extremely dangerous and highly unpredictable. Are you absolutely sure you want me to attempt this?"

He watched with dread as the boar nodded his head affirmatively. He already knew he was going to regret this action and he tried to push the dread and doubts from his mind and then attempted to calm his disquieted stomach which had been twisting in knots since the instant the doctor suggested such a thing. Even sending negative feelings unconsciously upset him, but to actually intentionally direct them and worse yet with full strength was reckless to the extreme. He wished Judy was here with him as she could help bring him back or stop him if anything happened just like she had the previous night with Marion. How he wished he could pay the doctor with any amount of money as the price the boar had chosen seemed far too steep at the moment.

Drew reluctantly shook his head from side to side and flared his arms and hands in front of him preparing himself and then committed himself fully to the action and chose something that he hoped would not have any long term consequences to the doctor. He only hoped the doctor knew what he was truly asking for and decided to go for it.

He breathed in deeply, closed his eyes and focused his entire strength and being on the projection directed at the mind of the boar. The emotions left him as visible waves in his mind and began drilling into the skull of the complicit victim sitting across from him.

He felt as if he was floating above the room looking down and witnessing the scene laid bare before him. A blackness flowed from him swirling around the helpless boar entering his snout and filling his skull. The form shook and convulsed and instantly vomited on the floor. He continued to force the waves gathering all the terror, hurt and pain he had experienced his entire life from his painful childhood and strained family relations, to all his romantic failures, to the insanity of being lost to the dimensional void, to the terror of Judy nearly dying on numerous occasions, to the feeling of terror and hopelessness she felt tortured in the cage, to being trapped in her mind on the edge of insanity as a result of the serum and finally to being on the very edge of death, a victim of a savage vixen. He had lived all those terrors with her in his own mind from her many nightmares as he sought to relive and counter those same memories when she had her occasional night terrors. However he now took them into his soul making them his own now and used them to project pure terror and horror to the boar. There was a loud thump in front of him and a strange gurgling sound which brought him out of focus the fraction of a second he needed to allow him to regain some control and to release his torment. It was as if he had become Senator and then later Emperor Palpatine unleashing emotions as if they were lightning from his fingers torturing his victim.

Drew got nauseous thinking of what he had just been doing nearly vomiting putting his hand over his mouth and trying to control the reflexive convulsions of his stomach. It was quite fortuitous he had not eaten anything since midday. Drew opened his eyes and no longer saw the doctor sitting across from him, but instead saw a large wet spot on the vacated seat. He looked down and saw the boar convulsing in a ball on the mat in front of the chair. Vomit covered his snout as well as a sizable portion of the floor. The boar's pants around his crotch were drenched and smelled of urine and the strong stench of fresh defecation assailed his nostrils. The poor doctor shuddered uncontrollably with his eyes tightly shut and he was making choking sounds gasping for breath.

Drew panicked for a few seconds and then realized what he needed to do. He closed his eyes and gathered his strength and blasted the doctor with bravery, strength, hope, redemption, love and anything else he could think of that could counter the torrent of negativity he had just thrown at the good doctor. He kept this up for at least a minute until he was exhausted falling limply slouched down into the love seat and then opened his eyes stopping the projection as he saw the doctor sitting up on the floor looking dazed and disoriented.

Drew: concerned and worried "Doctor? Are… Are you alright?"

The boar looked up at the human and seemed to remember where he was and then looked down seeing the devastating results of the demonstration. He got slowly to his feet and carefully made his way to the restroom with his legs clenched tightly together. He returned a couple minutes later wearing new pants and armed with several cloths as well as rug and upholstery cleaner, and then proceeded to clean the chair and floor. Drew tried to help, but the doctor silently waved him off and finished cleaning everything.

Scrofton: weakly "I need to finish cleaning myself up now. I will be right back."

Drew hoped he was okay and checked his phone for messages and read some documents on his tablet until the doctor returned after awhile freshly showered wearing some tan pants and a blue knit shirt. He poured himself a new cup of tea and refilled Drew's cup and calmly sat down in the now damp recliner as if nothing had occurred.

The boar appeared amazingly serene and collected considering his prior condition. Drew waited anxiously for the doctor speak. After approximately a minute of thoughtful contemplation with his hooves held in front of his snout, the boar broke the silence.

Scrofton: introspectively "Be careful what you wish for I suppose."

Drew: "I am very sorry doctor. I did try to warn you. I tried to reverse it as best I could."

Scrofton: "The terror was paralyzing. It was suffocating. I couldn't breath. I lost complete control of my bodily functions."

Drew: "I haven't ever tried anything like that before and for very good reason. I knew it was extremely dangerous."

Scrofton: "I concur. How are you able project such powerful emotion?"

Drew: "I gather the emotions from my life experience or ones that others very close to me have felt and focus them into the target."

Scrofton: "So you felt all the terror you sent to me?"

Drew: "No… most of what I sent you was from Judy."

Scrofton: "I presume that is the Judith I saw on the contract?"

Drew: "Yes. I am bonded far closer to her than anyone else. I feel anything she feels as strong or stronger than if it had actually happened to me. I suspect this is because she is a very emotional mammal so I feel it even stronger than if I had experienced it myself."

Scrofton: "This is the rabbit police officer I have seen on the news with you?"

Drew: "Yes."

Scrofton: "I see and how is she involved in all this?"

Drew: "Well in several ways. She is my support and strength when using my gift. She is also best friends and partners on the ZPD with the son of Marion, the subject. Additionally she is my confederate with respect to the other confidential connection to Marion."

Scrofton: "If she is best friends with the son. What is she to you?"

Drew: "She is my… my… whatever I say sounds either too corny or grossly insufficient."

Scrofton: "I see. A romantic partner?"

Drew: insistently "She is far more than that. It is just something where words seem insufficient."

Scrofton: puts his hooves together in front of his snout "And that is why she is bonded so closely?"

Drew: "I am unsure. We were very closely bonded before that with a steady progression for over six weeks. One thing just led to the other. But as I have known her longer, everything has gotten far stronger."

Scrofton: "The bond?"

Drew: "That and the… the reading… the projection."

Scrofton: "So you think she caused it?"

Drew: "It could be many factors or a combination. It could be the stronger bond. It could be because I use it frequently. It could be the different world."

Scrofton: "Was it getting stronger on your world?"

Drew: "Well as the bond with her got stronger yes."

Scrofton: "What about with reading others?"

Drew: "I am unsure. I wasn't really attempting to read many others, but those I did seemed much easier to read. But then again that could just be because I was getting used to using it more often. I really didn't even try to use it very often until I met her."

Scrofton: "And the projection?"

Drew: "That was only something passive and unconscious. It wasn't until after entering the dimensional transfer that I discovered that was something controllable and direct-able."

Scrofton: "Do you believe this was due to this transfer or being in Zootopia?

Drew: "I am unsure. It very likely may have something to do with being actually conscious while traversing through the event horizon."

Scrofton: "Causality will be difficult to determine unless you stopped using it for an extended length of time which I take it is unlikely, or you go back to the human Earth which is also unlikely at this point."

Drew: "It is more the fear of accidentally harming others or myself that concerns me."

Drew described to the doctor the recent occurrence with the kiss at Brens which Drew now attributed to projecting a full strength intense emotion to someone he was extremely bonded to, passing out semi-conscious at Marion's home, completely losing control of himself to the Lopp cousins, the issues he had all his life regarding any potential romantic partners and the effect of alcohol or similar substances dampening the ability.

Scrofton: "I am really unsure how to respond to all that. You have a right to be cautious about using this. I hesitate to call it a gift because of the many negatives issues associated with it as it seems to endanger your life and the lives of others, makes you extremely vulnerable or interferes with your life and relations with others. I suppose talent or ability fits better. It will require a good bit more study. Why do you think Judy was able to avoid the unconscious negatively projected emotions?"

Drew: "She was able to look past all my faults, all my flaws, all my insecurities and love me for who I was under all that. She looked into my soul and was able to overcome all the other."

Scrofton: "Interesting… she sounds like a very unique individual. And you were able to overcome the obvious physical impediments to your relationship?"

Drew: "Well quite a few of them with some work and creativity. I would be lying if I said any aspect of it was easy. But my attraction to her is not of a physical nature. It never was. The physical has gradually grown over time as I have associated her physical self with the feelings I have being close to her in any form. It is certainly far from ideal in every way, but I would not trade our relationship for the most perfect one ever with anyone else."

Scrofton: "She sounds quite amazing to have responded the way she did to the situation with these cousins."

Drew: "I am still amazed about that myself. But apparently she explained to me that she realized I was not at fault for what happened. I still feel incredibly guilty about what occurred, but she has repeatedly explained that other forces were at work including the extreme vulnerability caused by my… ability… when I was completely exhausted emotionally. Ever since that day, I have been extremely cautious and vigilant to never put myself in a position where anything like that could ever occur again. But actually because of that incident we became far closer as we realized we could never take what we had for granted and appreciated and cherished every day we had together that much more."

Scrofton: "Not many romantic partners I know would have been so understanding. She must be quite an exceptional and remarkable individual."

Drew: "I couldn't agree more. I hope you now see why I need her fully involved and require her support. It is her unstoppable driving force and determination which brought about this entire situation."

Scrofton: curious "Really, how so?"

Drew: "I have to be careful as this involves a third party whose very mention and any discussion we have had must be maintained completely confidentially and never revealed. This presents some difficulties as it makes us privy to important information which is vital to this case but which we can not divulge without breaking this sacrosanct agreement. It complicates this entire situation quite drastically. We can only divulge details learned directly from the patient and nothing that was gained through prior knowledge. That being said, through a lengthy discussion with this unnamed party, we learned about much of the past regarding the patient and why she is suffering part of her trauma. We don't know the specifics of what occurred to cause the later trauma to her, but we know enough about the situation to be able to hazard a likely hypothesis. Regardless, once Judy learned about the situation with the patient, she became driven like a mad demon to help the patient recover those memories in order to become reunited with her lost family and ultimately recover from her mental condition. It is Judy who has been the sole driving force behind everything. Her strength and determination are what make her such an amazing detective and in this circumstance an amazing friend."

Scrofton: "So you know what she has lost? You know of this family?"

Drew: "I can only reveal what the patient told us directly and nothing more. Please don't ask Judy or myself to say more than that."

Scrofton: "Interesting and quite mysterious… this entire case just gets more fascinating with every revelation."

Drew: "Nothing about our lives has been remotely normal since the moment I met Judy so I suppose that has become the new norm in our case."

Scrofton: "So what do you hope to achieve from the sessions?"

Drew: "We need to recover enough of her memories in order to have enough clues to locate her family and to convince her to give us permission to find that family."

Scrofton: "Why would she not?"

Drew: "I can only say that the answers are buried in her hidden memory. The reasons why her hidden mind wouldn't let her find this family. To answer the question I know you will ask. Judy and I don't specifically know what her reasons are for this, but we have some strong suspicions. But once we know and can convince her to let us find this family and reunite them, we believe she, her son and her entire family can then finally begin the healing process."

Scrofton: "Well this does change the situation. Normally a case like this would take many years of therapy to resolve. However if you are only specifically needing precise information in order to then take action which will help her long term recovery, this specific effort could be accomplished in a far shorter time period. But you know better than anyone the uncertainty involved with a patient in this condition, and normally you just slowly pull out pieces as you go until you finally reveal as much as you can. When focusing on specific areas, there could be many areas you can't get past without removing other impediments. That is why normally therapy is not so precise. But having someone with your unique ability that could help possibly break through some of those impediments does offer an opportunity never before attempted. It definitely increases the likelihood of a faster solution. However, I am insistent that I endeavor to push forward on my own for many sessions until I find such a critical impediment that can not be overcome in any other fashion. Then and only then will I bring you and Judy in to assist. You can have access to the digitally recorded sessions and any other information, but I want to attempt to solve it in the traditional manor using my own experience and the research from your home world. The effect of your ability is far too dangerous and unknown to be utilized as anything but a last resort."

Drew: "I understand this completely and am quite a bit apprehensive myself. I would never want to harm the patient in any way. But knowing how vital obtaining that information is to her future well-being and the well-being of so many others, I believe the risks are tolerable."

Scrofton: "Very well, could you please go over everything you can tell me as well as anything you have learned from the patient during your encounter. This includes all the blocks you have experienced and any readings or impressions you may have had."

Drew then discussed his and Judy's entire meeting with Marion and every detail and impression obtained during the entire evening. He outlined all potential problem areas and subjects as well what specific information and breakthroughs they needed to obtain. Drew wished the doctor good luck and asked to be kept informed of the progress. He was not naive enough to believe a case as complicated as Marion's could be solved in just a few sessions. Some memories had been repressed since she was a young child. Others had most likely been repressed most of Nick's life. Such a fragmented fragile mind would most likely take much of the rest of her life to fully recover from, but without her complete family by her side the chances were nearly impossible.

Drew arrived home just before eight o'clock that night to a typical welcome catching a flying bunny and then prepared and ate a frozen dinner, took a shower and changed into some sleepwear. Judy had been on the phone with Tala, her mom Bonnie and some of her siblings since shortly after she had eaten dinner with Nick after arriving home earlier. Apparently several of her siblings shared this birthday and Drew said a brief happy birthday to each of them and made sure they enjoyed their gifts. He tried to specially select gifts from human Earth that would best fit each sibling's age, sex and personal interests. The two said their goodbyes to everyone and then went to find their foxy friend.

They found him in his room watching an episode of the human television series Mr. Robot. They invited him to the living room for a discussion. He paused his program and followed them. As they walked to their favorite discussion area Nick asked the human, "Furless how accurate is the hacking they talk about on that show?"

Drew: "From what they have shown, most of the code I have seen is fairly accurate. I know that they try to make it as realistic as possible and have many consultants to make hacks appear legitimate. However, many hacks take quite a long time and have many failed attempts or many long monotonous periods, but I have to forgive them for not showing those as it would make for quite boring television. It does tend to make it look quite a lot more exciting than it really is."

Nick: "I am glad for that, watching you punching away in front of a computer screen would make me long to do Carrots ZPD paperwork instead."

Judy: grinning "Speaking of that, I still have quite a lot more for you to do."

Nick: remorseful "Me and my smart-ass mouth!"

Drew: grinning "You had to go and insult me. See, you get what you deserve."

They sat down in their usual positions with Nick in the recliner with his feet up and Drew and Judy across from the fox on the couch with Judy laying back against the human's chest in his lap with his arms loosely draped around her.

Drew: "How was your day?"

Nick: "Any day out of the wilderness is a good day."

Judy: "What did you do all day?"

Nick: "I did some follow up work for the Mayor in her office, tried to catch up on Carrots pile of forms and then visited some old friends from the neighborhood."

Drew: "I take it that is where the interesting topic of conversation will originate."

Nick: "Well the Mayor still needs a report on the findings from the humans on that UAV.

Drew: "I won't get a complete report until tomorrow afternoon at least."

Nick: "Well I suppose you want me to spill the beans on what I heard."

Judy: "It would be nice for us not to have to beg you for your cooperation for once."

Nick: grins "No such luck."

Drew: "You gotta be you I suppose."

Nick: grins "Darn straight. Beg furless one beg!"

Drew: "Oh please great almighty fox. Please share your great wisdom and knowledge with your humble roommates."

Nick: giving him a toothy grin "And?"

Drew: "Umm… we are not worthy of having such a friend as you. We would be completely lost without you."

Nick: continuing his toothy grin "And?"

Judy: exasperated "Nick, you're being ridiculous."

Nick: grinning "Let me have at least a little fun Carrots."

Drew: frustrated "Common Nick, what more do you want? How about… um… your fur is so lovely and your tail so bushy and luxurious?"

Nick: with a sly and mischievous look "Well I could use something kissed."

Drew: "I can give you a hug if you wish."

Nick: hesitantly "Nnnn… No… that is okay."

Judy: excitedly "We can both hug you!"

Nick: "Okay fine… no hugs and you have a deal… you two are spoiling all my fun."

Drew: "What did they say?"

Nick: "Well it is not good. Word on the street is they have all the herd animals and most prey riled up seeing everyone as degenerates and corrupting society and have convinced most to blame the Mayor for everything from the lights in the sky to the cost of bread going up. If they can find anything to blame her and the current Council members for they are doing it and the morons are all eating it up."

Drew: "Don't they recognize the tactics for what they are? Scare tactics. Fear mongering."

Nick: "They either don't see it or more likely don't want to see it. It takes a con to spot a con and these guys are running one big one on everyone. The sad thing is that none of these mammals have any clue what their real agenda is and what they truly stand for. Their only response is that they agree with them that the city is corrupted for some reason and must be purged."

Drew: "Can't they see that Zootopia is better than it has ever been in its history? Don't they know this is truly a utopia compared to anything out there? Why would they possibly want to shake that up and change it? Sure there are a few problems here and there but they are virtually nothing compared to any of the problems of cities in the human world. And things are far better than ever in the history of the city. This place was quite rough just a few decades ago from what I have heard."

Nick: "Who told you about that?"

Drew realized he may have said too much but he quickly recovered as it wasn't exactly a secret.

Drew: "I was interested in the history of Zootopia and had asked around."

Judy: "It is not only prey supporting them. Drew and I saw some predators there as well."

Nick: "Well from what I know they represent only a tiny fraction of the predators in the city, less than 5%. I never claimed ever predator was that smart."

Judy: upset "I can't believe a bunny was one of their leaders."

Nick: "Carrots, you're telling me no bunnies where you're from wouldn't like to see predators or foxes muzzled and locked away or stuck in a walled off section? You don't think some of your fellow bunnies wouldn't like anyone who didn't think exactly the same as them to be stripped of their freedoms and forced to comply with their idea of how everyone should think or act?"

Judy thought about her Pop Pop, and then about her father at times, and many other adults she had heard all her life warning her about trusting predators or thinking differently. Judy had been thinking differently all her life, but even she had been susceptible to such ideas and prejudices. She got a sick feeling realizing that many she knew in Bunnyburrow would support such beliefs of forced conformity and prejudice.

She looked at her fox mournfully with a knot in her stomach, "Nick… I… you are right. I am so sorry."

Nick could see the bunnies anguish and gently let her know, "It's okay Carrots. You are not responsible for all their actions and thoughts. After knowing you, I realize how difficult it must have been to resist those prejudices that had been ingrained in you your whole life."

Drew: "Is there nothing that can be done to change their minds? To make them see what allowing such despots to control their city will do to it. That it will tear it apart pitting mammal against mammal. It could destroy the peace and all that others have spent so many generations building. You build a perfect society through inclusion and acceptance not persecution and subjugation."

Nick: "The main problem is there is no organized counter to these Protectors. Even if all predators joined together, we would only be a small fraction of the numbers needed stop them."

Drew: "Judy, how could we get prey on our side?"

Judy: looking downcast "I am not sure. It is built into the genetics of most herd animals and social animals like bunnies to follow the leaders and the social norms so you fit in and don't stand out. The Protectors are using this mentality effectively to encourage compliance with whatever nonsense they are preaching."

Drew: "Surely they are more like yourself and Tala."

Judy: "Yes there are a few. I know many other bunnies that would not support anything like that. Once my family got to know Nick, Finnick, Drew, Gideon and others like you guys they realized that being open to new ideas and inclusive doesn't endanger who they are and what they believe in. That if you are afraid to question those beliefs, you soon realize you don't know why you even believe those things. Embracing others who have different ideas and opinions makes for a much richer culture and expands imagination and encourages growth both of the individual as well as the society."

Nick sat there looking a bit stunned by his bunny partner.

Nick: surprised "Carrots, when did you become a philosopher?"

Judy looked down a bit embarrassed. She didn't realize she had been thinking out loud.

Judy: looking up at Drew "I am not sure. I think the big human is rubbing off on me. Ooops..."

Too late, Judy had said it out loud.

But Nick was in no mood for an easy joke as his long eared buddy really made sense. He just wished he had a solution. He didn't have time to let every herd animal get to know him and other fellow mammals that those same herd animals sought to persecute and then change their entire way of thinking. He could only do it one mammal at a time every day he walked down the street or helped and interacted with each citizen every day he was on patrol. His winning grin and smile were winning hearts and minds daily, but it was not enough. He had done all he could stopping all these conspiracies and trying to turn public opinion. It was tiring work, but the energy and determination of his fuzzy partner kept him going and made it all bearable and worthwhile. He would never admit it to him but the big furless human had helped him expand his understanding of others never dismissing them out of hand, a human term this same friend had introduced. The human would never just accept things as they were, but would think about all possibilities and always be open to new ideas and improving yourself and everything around you. When he was a con artist on the street, he only thought of himself, but since knowing the bunny and human, he realized thinking of others and helping them however you could benefited yourself in the long run and made you new friends you never would have had otherwise.

Nick was broken out of his thought by the human asking him a question he wished he had a good answer to.

Drew: "Nick, do your friends have any suggestions on what we could do?"

Nick: "Well possibly turning that whole Lights situation around and allowing The Mayor to seem in full control of the situation."

Drew: "I am presenting every option to the Security Council tomorrow. But I don't have any control over what they choose to use or what they tell the public."

Nick: grinning "What good are you then?"

Drew was flummoxed at first until he realized Nick was joking with him. Nick had been so serious during this whole conversation he had not been expecting it.

Drew: grinning "Useless human."

Nick: chuckling "What other kind is there?"

Drew: "None. Well not exactly the news I wanted to hear but it was not unexpected."

Nick: "Well foxes can't always save the day every time you know. We have to let you other guys have a crack at it every once in awhile."

Drew: "I really wish you could save the day this time. You and Finnick did your part with the Lights and the UAV. We will have to hope it is enough, and the sheep as Honey calls all The Protector supporters, will see the Light. Pun intended."

Judy: "Pun… oh… haha… good one." Judy giggles.

Nick: "Does that UAV thing have some kind of beam that we could shine in all their eyes and hypnotize them all on election day?"

Drew: chuckling "It would certainly make things easier. I can imagine myself standing above the entrance to the polling place holding the UAV blasting it into all their faces."

Judy: "Oh you get to vote don't you? This will be your first election ever."

Drew: "Yes I was allowed dual citizenship. I am a full citizen of Zootopia as well as my home country. It took a special modification to the law by the Mayor to allow that. I really love her and don't want to lose her."

Judy: grinning "I'm getting jealous."

Drew: "Well she is gorgeous and all… but I will always vote Hopps first on the ticket."

Nick: grinning "Tala is running?"

Drew: "I wish she was. I would vote for her in an instant."

Nick: grinning "Over Carrots?"

Drew: "For Mayor yes. I believe she has a knack for it. Judy has many other talents and attributes but I am afraid that politics is not one. I would be terrible at it as well."

Nick: "I would think you would be well suited for it with your experience as Ambassador."

Drew: "Being Ambassador has been more suited for my personality as I am able to find common ground and solutions for both sides that make everyone happy. I get to make everyone winners and no one loses which is an ideal situation for me. But as a politician you can't always make everyone happy. You have to be capable of making hard choices and not being afraid of hurting feelings. That is an area where Judy and myself would be deficient."

Nick: "But not Tala?"

Drew: "Tala is not afraid of hurting feelings if she feels what she is doing is just and right. She will be capable of great things because she is not afraid of what others think of her. She is fearless. The only opinions that matters to her are her true friends and family. We have always encouraged her to be who she is and not try to be someone else. She doesn't have many friends, but those lucky few who she lets in are cherished and special. I have been very fortunate to be one of those few. And you and Finnick have also been so blessed."

Nick: "I never really thought of her like that. But then again I am not the big long term thinker. I prefer to solve the problems of the here and now."

Drew: "Well speaking of that I suppose I need to get to sleep early so am ready for the presentation tomorrow."

Nick: "Before you go what happened with my Mom?"

Drew and Judy panicked for a brief moment.

Drew: "What do you mean?"

Nick: "You were going to see her and give her something?"

Judy: "Oh we saw her last night."

Nick: "And?"

Judy: "She is a really sweet and wonderful."

Drew: "Judy is quite smitten with your mom."

Nick: "I hope you didn't bother her. She is a bit uncomfortable around… strangers."

Drew: "We dropped off a gift and had pleasant conversation. She is quite lovely."

Nick: "Hands off my mom."

Drew didn't know if Nick was kidding or not as he said it in a deadpan tone with a straight face.

Drew: "Hands… oh that actually makes sense in that circumstance. She is very sweet. We gave her one of the new media boxes just like you were just using earlier to watch your TV show."

Nick: "She knew how to use it?"

Judy: "We showed her how. She already likes it."

Nick: "What? How do you know?"

Drew: "I talked with her earlier today and she thanked me for the gift and let me know she was using it."

Nick: "Hmm… mom isn't one to be talking to others out of the blue."

Drew: "She was just being polite Nick. Why are you making such a big deal about it?"

Nick: "It is just… out of character is all."

Drew: "Your Mom can't be polite?"

Nick: annoyed "Just drop it, okay?"

Judy: curious "Why is it such a touchy subject Nick?"

Nick: "Carrots, I said I don't want to talk about it. It is good you got to see her. Just promise me you won't bother her anymore."

Drew: "Nick, I just don't understand. She is a very nice lady and she is lonely and we like her. Why would you want us never to see her?"

Nick: hesitant "It's just… never mind."

Drew: "I am sorry Nick. I can't make that promise until you justify to us why."

Nick: reluctantly "She… she… she has mental issues okay."

Drew: "She is dangerous?"

Nick: "No! No she is not dangerous. It is just… she gets stressed and when that happens… she can become erratic and a bit unhinged and emotional."

Judy: defensively "What's wrong with being emotional?"

Nick: looking sadly at Judy "Nothing at all for you Carrots. But with her it seems to make her mentally much worse."

Drew: curious "Has she seen someone about that?"

Nick: "We could never afford that! We grew up very poor. You've seen the place… the section of town."

Drew: "There is nothing wrong with growing up poor."

Nick: sarcastically "Well I'll see if I can swap with a rich kid next time."

Drew: "What I meant is it doesn't make you worth any less. And actually builds character and makes you appreciate things more than someone who has had everything handed to them and never had to hustle and fight to survive like you have."

Nick: "I know you are trying to compliment me somehow Furless, but it just brings up bad memories. Mom was a lot worse when I was younger."

Judy: "How?"

Nick: "She would get freaked out by anything, by things only she could see. She was very paranoid and always thinking someone was out to get her. I couldn't ever have friends over."

Judy: "What about Honey?"

Nick: upset "Honey! She would have been the worst possible friend she could have met. Honey would have fed into her delusions and made her paranoia much worse with all her own conspiracies."

Judy: "I guess that does make sense."

Nick: "She would have just added sheep to my Mom's list of delusions."

Drew: "She seemed fine when we met her. Just a bit nervous and apprehensive at first but she became quite comfortable with us after just a short while."

Judy: pleading "She was so nice Nick."

Nick: "Well you were fortunate. I still don't want you seeing her. Please respect my wishes."

Drew: "If we could get her some medical help, would that be okay?"
Nick: "What do you mean? Like a doctor?"

Drew: "Yes, someone who could treat her instabilities."

Nick: annoyed "You humans and your ways to make things sound pretty. You mean her crazy."

Drew: "Nick you Mom is certainly not crazy. We all have some mental quirks. Just some more than others through life circumstances. You know you have some of your own. For example what if something happened to her far worse than your own muzzle incident to cause these behaviors? Do you just give up on her or do you help her work through that pain just like Judy and I have done with you. Just like Judy has done recently going to the Natural History Museum and with respect to… the childhood trauma in her education program."

Judy gave Drew a very concerned look for mentioning the rabbit orientation incident.

Nick: confused "Education program?"

Drew: "Never mind, they were just examples of how others helped you both overcome these traumas that caused irrational fears. Don't you think your Mom deserves the same? If I could find a way to treat her free of charge."

Nick: countering "How do you know her delusions are caused by traumas and not just being crazy."

Drew: "Please don't ever refer to your mom as crazy no matter what she has done or said. She loves you and cares about you so much. I don't know for certain all her problems were caused by traumas. That is why she needs to be seen by a professional and diagnosed. For all we know she took steps to protect you the best she knew how at the time."

Nick: "What do you mean?"

Drew: "I don't know what happened with your father and family. I am just simply saying you should give your mom the benefit of the doubt, and be open to helping her resolve her own demons just like you, Judy and I have."

Nick: angry "What did she say about my father?"

Drew: "She merely said he left when you were younger, but did not give any explanation. I got an impression that the pain involving that still haunted her and may be part of the problem."

Nick: "See, this is why I didn't want you two to see her. You always have to butt your heads into everything without knowing what you are getting into."

Judy: looking at Nick sadly "Nick, we both love you. And she is part of your family."

Nick: "I know you two mean well. Well it is something I have lived with my whole life. I don't need you two to fix my problems."

Drew: "If Bonnie and Stu were in trouble, you don't think I would want to do everything I could to help them?"

Nick: "What if Carrots told you not to? What if she told you to butt out and let whatever terrible thing happen to them."

Drew: "If she explained it so I understood why I shouldn't, then I believe I could accept this. But why she would ever not want my help I can't imagine."

Judy: getting upset "I can't think of why not either. Drew has done everything to help my family and would help them in any way he could. Why would you ever think I would not want him to help?"

Nick: "I don't doubt this Carrots. It was only an example. Don't get so upset."

Drew: "I have found it is never a good idea to say anything to threaten a bunny's family in any way."

Nick: "I am sorry if it came across that way. It was your example. Why do I have to explain why I don't want you to meddle in my family business?"

Judy: gently "Because we care about you. If we didn't, we wouldn't bother. I can tell how everything regarding your family and childhood upsets you. Why would you not allow us to try to help?"

Nick: upset "Because it is my family, not yours."

Drew: "Nick, we think of you as our family and by extension your family is ours."

Judy: "He is 100% right. You are our family."

Nick: shouting "IT… I… I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!"

Nick angrily got up off the recliner and ignored protests by Drew and Judy and marched straight to his room and slammed the door to his suite shut. Something he had never done before. Something no one had ever done before. Drew and Judy had never seen the door closed ever. Even Tala never bothered closing the door as she always knew they would always respect her privacy.

Judy climbed off Drew's lap and stood slowly up on the sofa so she was eye level with him. She was visibly shaken and had a very concerned look on her face.

Judy: "I've never seen him act so irrationally. I know he is stubborn but..."

Drew: "Judy, I am afraid we are going to need to have him treated if we are ever able to reunite Marion with her family and Nick. Even if we are unable we may still need to have him treated."

Judy: "Do you think the same trauma that has afflicted his mom also haunts him?"

Drew: stunned "I don't know what to think. But you may very well be right."

Judy: shaking her head and staring downcast "Nick… is crazy."

Drew appeared ready to chastise her, but then shakes his head and blankly looks down staring at the floor.