Four in One
This chapter is like four mini chapters in one. Well mini chapters for me, but probably four whole chapters for most others. They include a discussion between the three roommates, the takeover of The Protectors and some of the new changes the group has started implementing for the city, a meeting between Drew and the new Mayor and a very memorable visit by a certain buck to a certain doe.
Zoodate: 138-143 P.C.
Zoodate: 138 P.C.
The morning after the date night was a bit tense as Nick seemed determined to find out exactly what occurred during this event. Judy was keeping tight lipped not saying anything and Drew kept using lines such as the Vegas promotion line, "What happens on Date Night stays on Date Night." When Nick got angry at that line he threw in some Fight Club references such as, "The first rule of Date Night is… you don't talk about Date Night." Eventually the fox's persistence paid off and he learned much of what happened especially after he presented his evidence obtained using his expert sniffer.
"I can't believe you told that story to those two and not me. I'm hurt. I was even there at the time of your story and you kept me in the dark. How come?" Nick displayed his apparent aggrievement to their failure to include him for this revelation.
"Because you would just keep bugging me about everything that happened forever." The hungover bunny declared in no mood for the annoying fox, "Some mammals can hear a story like that and keep it to themselves and not bring it up constantly to bug and annoy others."
"She really does have a point Nick." The human explained, "You were talking about the noise we made last week after the concert all week, and we keep hearing comments about anything we told you from months ago."
"Well if you would just tell me everything, I wouldn't have to keep bugging you. And what exactly did you two do in my chair while I was gone? If I didn't know any better I would have thought you had sex in it right in front of Claw and Teddy." He looked a bit disgusted thinking of what he smelled and then looked at the uncomfortable faces of his friends at the mention of his chair. No it couldn't be, they had… in front of… impossible! He then saw a bit of a smirk at the edge of the human's mouth. Ah, they were putting me on… good one. He got a big grin and laughed, "Oh… good one guys. You almost had me going there. But you can't trick a fox, you should know that by now. Good try." Like I would believe those two would do something like that. Little Miss Virtue. That was crazy talk.
Drew grinned back at the fox trying to look a bit disappointed, "Awww… damn… thought we could fool your nose. Judy had said spreading the scent would get you good." He loved coming up with things like this on the fly. He hoped Judy caught on. She wasn't completely back yet as her first hangover was not going over so well.
Judy was feeling quite lousy, but she had enough sense to figure out what her furless mate was getting at, "It should have worked. I marked it up just right and even spread my… well my scents and Drew's from our… special areas all over. Oh well." Hopefully that was good enough for this to work.
"Were you really naked under that blanket?" The fox wondered. All the evidence said it was true but he was not completely sure.
Judy figured that if she gave the fox this one, he would leave them alone about everything else, "Yes Nick. But I was covered with the blanket. For some reason if felt good being that way. You happy?" She hoped that admission didn't come back to bite her.
Nick gave them both a big toothy grin at that, "Well good to see you saw the freedom and amazing feeling from enjoying life without clothes. We'll get you to drink that alcohol stuff and you can come visit the Mystic Spring Oasis with me."
Judy gave him an annoyed look, "I told you I was covered. Only Drew saw me. It is perfectly fine for him to see me… he's my boyfriend." Why does he always want me to get naked?
Nick considered this, "So what was all that stuff with the buck, Mr. High and Mighty? He your boyfriend too?" Well if that is what you need for a gray furry viewing might as well add your ZPD partner to the list.
"See, this is exactly what Drew was talking about. You just can't leave anything. Now you're bringing up something I told you last week. And you know very well I didn't have anything to do with that happening." Judy said quite perturbed now.
Drew decided to try to change the subject to make some peace, "So Nick, how was your mom?" Hopefully she didn't say anything about her treatments or Nick would freak.
What was this obsession with my mom? "If you didn't have Carrots, I would think you had something for my mom. I know foxes are gorgeous, but you know I would kill you right, if you laid one furless finger..."
"Nick quit that. He doesn't have any of those intentions toward your mom. That is disgusting." Judy said with a grimace thinking of that, but seeing Nick's angry expression she quickly added, "Not because she isn't lovely and attractive. Just because she is your mom. And we both think she is wonderful and sweet."
"Well okay then. But she was acting weird… talking about mistakes she made in the past… stuff about my father… about not giving me the family I deserved. What the heck did you two talk to her about? She was way weirder than normal." Nick accused these two buttinskies.
Well his attempt at a distraction backfired and released a potential grenade. Drew decided to stick a pin back in this one and diffuse a potential disaster, "I apologize if our questions dredged up memories from her past Nick. But speaking of last week. Did you set up anything with Charlotte yet? I know she was busy yesterday with the concert, but how about today? Anything I can do to help?" There, that ought to distract him.
Judy realized what her mate was doing and gave him a knowing nod, "Nick, Gazelle said you should call her soon. You should have called her last week."
These two wanted a piece of every bit of my personal life. They just can't leave well enough alone, "I did call her last week if you must know. We met for coffee and hung out for awhile."
"That sounds great. Why didn't you tell me?" Judy wondered. How could he keep something like that from me?
"Because it is private just like my mom. Just let me go at my own pace." Nick responded in an exasperated tone. They would have wanted to follow along and get updates every few minutes if they could.
"Nick, you seem to want to know every detail of our relationship. It is a bit hypocritical talking about privacy when you are constantly bugging us about every detail of our intimate life." Drew defended their interest in their friend's life.
Judy agreed with this completely, "You have been that way since the moment you knew we were together. And now you wonder why we are interested in all aspects of your life? It is called being a best friend. But you still hide all that from me. You know you can tell me or Drew anything and not worry about it leaving this room." He is so closed about so many things.
"Well it is not like you tell me the details about much of anything. And Furless barely wants to admit he has even kissed you. So how is that the same?" Nick countered believing he was in the right.
An annoyed Drew shot back at the fox., "Telling the details of someone's intimate private life is quite a lot different than asking about how someone's mom is doing or their dating life. It's not like we were asking you to describe in detail if you were having sex with Charlotte and what exactly you did. I mean to be the same thing we would want to know how she liked it, an extreme detailed descriptive of her anatomy and what she liked to cry out when she reached ecstasy." He needed to understand what the fox was asking was not the same thing.
Nick thought the human was being crass. I would never talk about Charlotte like that, "Furless you are really pushing it. Charlotte is not some common floozy. She is as high class a dame as you get. How dare you suggest I talk about her like a slut. If we were ever to do anything like that." Which I really really hope we could if things go well, cross my digits.
Judy understood what Drew was getting at, "But neither am I a floozy. You ask those same questions about Drew and my intimate life all the time. Do you think I am a floozy then? Do you think Charlotte is better than me? Am I some common tramp you can discuss for amusement around the water cooler with Wolfard and Delgato? Don't think I didn't hear you discussing some stuff about me and Francine with them. You forget these ears of mine. That stuff is disrespectful, but you discussed me like some slut." She had forgotten about this, but this discussion certainly brought it back to her memory. She was so angry when it happened, and now that anger was back and looking for some payback.
Nick got a bit of an uncomfortable shameful look on his snout and then his eyes got a bit of glare and fire, "No Carrots, I don't think of you that way. You are pure and innocent… except for whatever you and Furless have been up to… but that is just goodnatured ribbing like I would do with guy friends. You are my best buddy… and that is what buddies talk about with other buddies. And I was covering for you with Wolfard and Delgato. They asked who you were seeing, and I mentioned that bunny from the concert only to deflect from you and Furless here. They just made some assumptions about what you and the buck were up to. I just went along with them simply to keep that rumor going. It is too suspicious if you never mention your dating life at work. They were starting to ask questions. A couple made some jokes about you and Furless being a possibility a couple weeks ago so I took the initiative."
Judy was concerned about what they were saying about her at the office, "What did they say about Drew and me? You need to tell me in advance if you are going to talk about stuff like that. And I know you are my buddy… and I am happy to talk about anything else as much as you want. That is just the one area I have a hard time with is all. I couldn't even talk to Drew about that. I still have problems talking about some things with him and we have been together quite awhile."
Nick defended his actions, "It was just a spur of the moment thing Carrots. Not like something I could plan with you in advance. They were just saying you two were awfully close and how he dotes on you whenever they see you together. I'm pretty sure they weren't serious about you two being together, but I didn't want to take any chances you know. As far as you talking about stuff, you have been better about talking about some stuff, but you are my buddy and should be willing to talk about sex stuff too."
Drew explains why Judy's actions are different from a normal guy buddy, "Well hers is a kind of a unique situation Nick. Since you live with her and me and well we see each other all the time it makes it quite a lot different than talking with a normal buddy about that kind of thing. Usually you aren't that close with a buddy's companion when you discuss that kind of thing. Also she is a girl. And I know it is all P.C. to think there is no difference in having a girl buddy and a guy buddy, but it does make a difference. It is just much harder for a girl to talk about that kind of stuff with a guy… most guys… me included. I know she has just a very select couple of close girlfriends and sisters she can discuss that with. I don't push it or pressure her, but let her have her privacy."
Judy adds to her mates analysis with some points of her own, "He's right… you and I can talk about anything else. But there are many things you don't want to talk about that I am willing to. You don't want to talk about family or someone you might be interested in like Charlotte. I don't want to know snuggling stuff about her. I just want to know how things are going, and if I can help. I mean I know I am no relationship expert, but I have heard about more relationships than most anyone else while living in the Hopps household. And yes many things involving rabbit relationships are the same as others. There are just some things that are universal for all species when it comes to that."
Nick decides these guys are just too serious about all this stuff, "You guys take the fun out of everything. I still want to find out about all the Bad Bunny stuff from last night."
Drew counters, "Well we want to know about Charlotte."
Nick begrudgingly admits, "Well I am seeing her again on Friday night. So spill Carrots." Time to tell me about this Bad Bunny.
Judy decides to rapid-fire some questions at the fox, "Where are you going? Do you have something nice to wear? What does she like to do?" Inquiring minds want to know.
Nick gets an exasperated look, "Forgot it… I don't want to know now." It's not worth the effort. Nick wanders back out of the room heading toward his bedroom.
Judy whispers to Drew grinning, "Works every time."
Drew grins and congratulates her, "Your secret identity is safe."
Zoodate: 138-142 P.C.
The time leading up to the takeover of the Protectors was quite stressful. But except for some last minute jostling for power and protection of certain pet projects everything went fairly smoothly. Mayor Le Pew made sure everyone knew she respected the process and office and did everything possible to make sure the handover was done in a respectful and orderly fashion.
The new administration had succeeded for the most part with their plan to quash any panic and false stories about potential dangers to Zootopia from humanity or any other entity. By the time of their takeover, the only story on the news was how this new Protector group was going to bring change, safety and security to their region. They kept running stories about how they were going to try new radical things to bring about this change, and the public should have patience and confidence that they were looking out for the best interests of Zootopia.
The first day of the new Protector administration was anticlimactic. Those that feared and had spoken out about the dangers of The Protectors had expected their world to crash the moment they took command. The supporters thought all their problems would magically disappear the moment they took over. Both groups were fairly disappointed as the day seemed just like every other day in the city. Apparently the new government was just getting used to the procedural process and where everything was located.
Mayor Lacki made an appointment with The Office of Human Affairs for the next day following the transition for a meeting with the ambassador to just get to know the human and go over future plans and some topics of interest between the two offices. Drew and Marvin prepared some of the plans to help with public perception and some topics to discuss for future plans. Drew was primarily interested in finding out what kind of mammal the new Mayor was and how much power and knowledge he really had.
The first day appeared to be about making numerous appointments including deputy mayor. A female wildebeest by the name of Picced Minnyon was selected for this position and had arranged a photo op and announcement on the City Hall steps. Most of the rest of the day seemed to consist of new changes to various executive positions for areas such as sanitation, health services, education and the courts. Many other existing positions remained the same and had their contracts renewed.
The day after the takeover three significant pieces of legislation were presented and easily passed by the new council. First was the Protector Act which was created specifically to fight conspiracies and organized groups with plans to harm Zootopia. It was designed to give special powers to prevent things such as the Night Howler and Covenant conspiracies and The Savage Moment. It granted special powers to certain offices like the soon to be created Defender Division, ZDOD and ZBI. These powers included allowing the bypassing of laws pertaining to search and seizure, the need for warrants and probable cause. It authorized the use of enhanced surveillance including following suspects, use of camera data from monitoring around the city as well as accessing internet traffic and telecommunications with minimal authorization. It allowed enhanced interrogation techniques and holding some detainees indefinitely depending on the suspected crimes. Many balked at some of these powers, but were quickly bullied down by those claiming they were necessary to provide the safety needed to combat groups such as The Covenant, gangs and organized crime. The proponents argued that this was part of their platform when running and they had a mandate to pass these new laws.
Second was a bill to create a new department called the DD or Defender Division which operated separate of the ZDOD (Zootopia Department of Defense) in that it would operate and investigate internal as well as external threats. They were given a sizable budget and complete autonomy in many areas of their operations. They were granted access to bypass numerous protections of freedom using the Protector Act.
The third piece of legislation decreed that littering was now a crime. Previously this was deemed unneeded as all citizens helped keep the streets clean and threw away and disposed of any waste products properly as was common sense. It was your duty as a Zootopian citizen to make sure your city was kept clean and tidy. The Protector led council pointed out that certain members were not living up to this standard. They pointed to gangs, troubled youth, derelicts and some mammals too lazy to pay attention to these common sense actions and thus some structure was needed. They declared that funding would be provided by fines levied against those found violating the law.
What was highly unusual about this new law was the method of reporting violators. While the ZPD did have the right to write citations for violations and even arrest those with unpaid fines, frequent offenses or resisting those citations, the main system for locating and identifying violators would be two fold. First a new advanced system that could use cameras currently monitoring the entire city would be enhanced with a new facial recognition system to easily and accurately identify the mammal shown on the video. The budget to pay for the costs of monitoring these new camera systems and this new enhanced system would come from fines levied against offenders.
The second primary reporting would be done by citizens themselves. They could record offenders with their mobile devices or other recording equipment, and send it as a reported offense using the new and improved enhancement of the ZooWatch app that was first created following The Covenant attempted invasion. It had been greatly enhanced and streamlined since it's early use for reporting Covenant member spottings or related activity. It had developed into a system where normal citizens could easily report crimes or suspicious activity with a few clicks of a mobile device and attach video or pictures to support any such reports. It had greatly enhanced the public's involvement in crime prevention and had lowered crimes significantly after it's implementation. The ZPD now depended on it regularly for a good part of it's information and reports.
The enhanced version would now allow citizens to create accounts in the system linked to their bank accounts and there was a reward system created for capturing video of violators of this new littering law. Those reporting would get a decent portion of the fine paid. Also a system for frequent reporters was established that would reward larger contributors with special perks and benefits. These new enhancements would be adjusted based on how effective various portions were found after implementation so a lot of the new system would be modified based on the reception by the public. A media plan was to be developed and implemented outlining the new law and the new citizen reporting and rewards program.
Zoodate: 142 P.C.
Later that day the Human Ambassador Drew Stevens met with the new Mayor Drekcus Lacki at the office Drew was quite familiar with as he had met Mayor Le Pew on numerous occsasions. However unlike Mayor Le Pew, this Drekcus did not seem to be surrounded by numerous assistants all scurrying this way and that to do her business, but instead he sat at his desk alone reading something on his computer screen. Drew examined this scene carefully noticing fine details once his secretary, a sheep named Lula Bell, told him to go on in and see him.
Le Pew was constantly running every aspect of her administration. It seems this Drek is a hooves off kind of guy. The human went inside and shook the goats hoof giving him a big smile in response to the friendly smile he received upon entering the room. The new Mayor motioned him to the chair in front of him. As he sat, this Drek wandered over to a refreshment table and poured himself some hot tea and asked Drew if he wanted any. Drew gladly accepted and it was served a cup with a bit of milk and a couple lumps of sugar. Each cup had an accompanying small cake and long oval cookie with a thin chocolate filling.
The new mayor seemed very relaxed and at ease. He almost seemed bored. Drew got an initial reading from him of a bit of excitement from the human's presence, curiosity and amusement. He did not sense any malice or negativity. Once they had a few sips of hot tea and nibbled on some of the cake the new mayor broke the silence with a jovial tone, "Mr. Ambassador, Drew, it is good to finally meet you. "
The human answered in a similarly friendly manner, "Mr. Mayor, Drek, I am quite pleased to meet you as well. Forgive me for asking, but it appears to be a lot calmer around here than I am used to."
The goat had an easy-going air about him. He calmly answered, "It is not my nature to try to manage every aspect of the government. I delegate and only bother with things that absolutely demand my attention. Towards that end, I got a full security briefing regarding these rogue humans. A lot of the details regarding them seem quite strange. The main questions being where they came, when they came from and what they are doing here. More specifically what are their intentions with regards to the mammals here in Zootopia. I know the new radar systems your humans provided have tracked the movements of several of these UAVs at the border. They didn't come in range of the anti-air systems. The tracking equipment did give us some origin locations, but by the time we got some forces to the area nothing was found."
Drew's reading of the goat yielded no interesting results, so he gave his truthful opinion on the rogue human problem as it appeared once again his goals and these Protectors coincided, at least they appeared to coincide Drew reminded himself thinking of Honey's point about the potential connection with these Protectors and this unknown entity. Drew also didn't rule out the possibility that this rogue entity was the real power calling the shots or that they were aligned with The Protectors. It is very possible that this Mayor doesn't even know he is working for them. But assuming they were on the same side he suggested, "The problem is you aren't getting to their source location fast enough. You would need either UAVs of your own, a small drone with a camera and a long flight range, a helicopter, a small plane or similar method to get eyes on this group. Another option would be to station a group in the vicinity of these sites and possible origin points that could quickly pursue this force. However that option is quite dangerous as it is likely this rogue entity could be heavily armed with weapons far more powerful than you currently possess."
"Hmmm an insightful analysis. I will have to run those options by the Security Council, ZDOD and DD." The Mayor appeared to impressed, "But that was not the main reason I wanted this meeting. I primarily wanted to get your thoughts on our progress to repair the reputation of humanity as well as thoughts on how this could be improved. Also I wanted to see about exploring other ideas for expanding our current relationship."
He said it so innocently. But those last words sent a chill up Drew's back. It was sort of how you could make anything seem positive if you put the right spin on it's wording. A death becomes a reduction in overpopulation. Breaking all the bones in your body turns into restructuring one's internal framework. He was unreadable in that no malevolence or depravity escaped his mind only simple pleasantness. Perhaps his handlers don't tell him the purpose behind their requests. He could also just be a very pleasant sociopath. Either way his emotional readings were quite useless so far regarding this mayor. His response betrayed none of these feelings, "Sounds like a very productive use of our time. I have been very pleased regarding the progress thus far towards that first subject. I had prepared some thoughts on how it could be further improved."
Drew outlined a plan he and Marvin had worked on regarding ways to improve the current perception of that partnership. It was quite extensive in it's scope with a wish list of almost every conceivable way to highlight the positive aspects of their relationship and promotion of aspects of humanity that demonstrated their love for their fellow mammals. All the parks, roads, schools, everything built or improved with money derived from finances obtained from the sale of human goods would be named and labeled as gifts of friendship from their human friends and promoted in public interest stories. Stories and news reports showing the human's love and partnerships with their fellow mammals on human Earth would be intermingled with entertainment shows to gain maximum exposure. Vegans, Vegetarians, Hindus, Anti-anthropocentrists, groups such as PETA or BAD, and numerous other groups on human Earth were all highlighted as freedom fighters for the rights of mammals and dedicated to educating humans on the principals behind the founding of Zootopia. There was even part of the plan highlighting Drew's own membership in BAD and his battle as a freedom fighter for the rights of his fellow mammals while he lived on human Earth.
Then there was an extensive push to show how humans especially value intelligent mammals, and how the more intelligent the mammal, the higher the probability that humans would be friends and partners with them and less chance they would be eaten or mistreated. It was extrapolated from this data that humans would thus treat intelligent Zootopians much better even than their fellow humans. Drew was particularly proud of this research he had sponsored when he first started as the human ambassador and hoped these findings could be spread in a media blitz. There were dozens of other plans for positive messages and pro-human stories and education campaigns. There was even a full plan to be used in the schools to gain the hearts and minds of the children of Zootopia through education and expressions of friendship. An example of this was extensive video footage of human children discussing their love for animals and particularly mammals. Throughout the whole presentation Drekcus would nod with a smile showing great interest and express how impressed he was with every idea. Drew even outlined how the entire budget for every proposal would be paid for jointly through money collected from revenues of sold human goods. It would put a bit of a strain on his discretionary funds budget, but Drew had stockpiled a huge excess in that budget prior to The Protector takeover.
Throughout this entire presentation Drew monitored the goat's emotions for any signs of apathy, disdain, or pretty much any negative sentiment, but they seemed to be all positive and hopeful. Once it was complete and any questions from the Mayor had been answered, Drek closed his eyes and sat back in his chair twiddling the digits on his hooves in front of him deep in thought and finally opened his eyes and smiled wide and exclaimed, "Let's do it!"
What is he talking about? The human wondered, "Do what?"
"The things in your presentation." The goat explained.
"Which ones?" Drew asked confused.
The new Mayor simply said, "All of it."
Drew had created a pie in the sky laundry list of any crazy hair-brained scheme he and Marvin could think up. There were just a few that they thought really showed promise, but they each knew that you needed to provide plenty of chaff so that the true gems would shine and be selected. He even pulled a lot of these from drug induced "I wish" rants of members of BAD and many similar crazy schemes that had been used effectively by groups on Earth trying to get positive messages out and educating of the public including viral videos and guerrilla marketing. Never in a million years would he ever have thought he would hear those words after such a crazy laundry list. He would have to double his staff just to implement them all. This guy has to be putting me on. He must know I just came up with some of these out of my ass. But if the goat thought this, he sure wasn't showing it.
Drek just smiled that pleasant annoying grin of his and expressed in a friendly manner, "Here is the information for my guys in the public relations and media management departments. Get together with them and put together a plan to get all of these implemented as soon as mammally possible."
Drew woodenly took the information stunned and bewildered, but outwardly smiling a practiced smile just like Nick had taught him and nodded his head. This is insane. Marvin will think I am putting him on or that I got into some of the drugs brought in from human Earth that would be used for killing pain and anesthetizing during surgery which would make the user seem loopy and whacked out of their mind. Once again these Protectors and this Mayor were surprising him. He couldn't get a read on them at all, but so far everything seemed amazingly positive in regards to the human alliance with Zootopia. The second part of his agenda for the meeting as well as the legislation passed earlier in the day both had danger, caution and warning signs galore for the human ambassador.
Drew wanted to get a read on the goat regarding this other agenda item, "Now as far as expanding the relationship with humanity. I would like to get your opinions on the matter."
Now one thing Drew noticed when the Mayor answered him, unlike all his previous conversations, he strictly kept his eyes constantly on the computer screen in front of him reading off a list of prepared items. While this would make sense for anyone giving a presentation as Drew had just done, or for someone making sure to cover every point. But the human noticed he spent a lot more timing reading the information off the screen rather than just glancing at the topic and speaking off the top of his head as the human would normally do. It was only something that someone who did quite a lot of discussions such as the one currently taking place would notice. Drew had already suspected someone else or many someones were doing most or all of the thinking and controlling behind the scenes. The Mayor's actions were of someone given a list rather than someone who had thought up the items on the list.
The proposal seemed innocent enough on the surface. More communication between officials in the government and those in charge of the human side. An expansion of high value products which would generate enormous additional income certainly helping to pay for all his crazy madcap ideas regarding increasing a positive image of humanity. The possibility of travel for representatives of Zootopia to visit human Earth and vice versa. A more thorough list of all the possible items humanity has to offer on a much greater range of areas. A much greater listing of weapons, vehicles and armaments available for perusal and consideration.
Most all of these sounded upright on the surface, but digging deeper all had the potential of very sinister purpose. He would have to tread quite carefully regarding most of these and remain noncommittal until he could discuss some of these with Sharon Le Pew and possibly The Colonel. The former Mayor had wanted to minimize contact between government officials and their counterparts to prevent discussions that were more pet projects rather than things that benefited Zootopia as a whole. Drew thought that the first would be acceptable for select officials to be there for some of his discussions while he was present. This could help them feel more involved in the process and take more ownership of many of the things he was trying to accomplish. The danger was that those same officials could try to take him and his office out of the negotiation process or try and cut deals on their own without his oversight. He did agree to try this on a trial basis in a strictly controlled manner.
The expansion of the high value items was not as much of a problem except that they would need to complete studies on the impact of their pervasive use for a few of these. Drew's office was very careful when introducing human products on a large scale. Now many of these products they already currently had in Zootopia in a similar form, but because of the massive production scales they could be produced far more cost effectively for a fraction of the cost. An example of this was large screen 4K televisions and monitors. These would make these products available to a broader number of citizens as they would be vastly more affordable. Small products like small electronic or mobile devices were ideal as the costs to transfer them in huge quantities through the portal would be far less. Many of these products were also ideal for trading to pockets of civilization in the greater world. Understand that when products were produced on massive scales for such an enormous population versus small runs for a select number of users, the costs involved were fractional in comparison per unit. For example the costs of producing expensive technical medical devices for thousands or even tens of thousands of hospitals versus less than fifty for things such as PET/CT or CAT Scanners, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Robotic Surgical Machines for incredibly delicate procedures that would be impossible to perform normally, Proton Beam Therapy/Particle Accelerators for cancer treatment, and so many more items where production for only one or a couple devices would be astronomical.
Many of these high value items were already in planning and approved and could be fast tracked. Most of the advanced medical technology was in planning as anything that could help the health and well-being of the citizens was top priority. A lot of the equipment would require some modification for use by a larger variety of mammal sizes. Fortunately some equipment like this existed and was used to treat very large mammals in zoos and nature preserves. One hospital in Zootopia was designated to treat the largest mammals and medical equipment specifically suited toward use for these mammals was to be ordered for their use. Drew agreed to prioritize studies on widespread use of certain consumer products to increase approval times.
As far as the possibility of travel of representatives from each side, there had been a six month hold on this established at the start where it was planned to be revisited after this period. Drew had already obtained emergency approvals for some transfer visas in case of dire circumstances. But he was quite hesitant to have The Protectors involved in this aspect. The potential of a public relations nightmare and potential information leak made any of this very risky. Any mammals on either side would have to be thoroughly vetted with extensive background checks. Drew agreed to look into this matter and examine any proposals for travel. He would have to tread very carefully with anything involving dimensional travel after all the problems with the Covenant. He also didn't really relish the idea of babysitting government officials from human Earth as he was quite busy enough as it was.
As far as a thorough list of items available from humanity especially military related, scared the human. What exactly are these Protectors looking for? Drew probed the goat looking for any hint, but either the goat had no idea what his bosses wanted or was doing an incredible job of hiding it. It is possible they just want a full shopping list to peruse items useful for some nefarious purpose. Unfortunately this information was theirs by right. Humanity had agreed to provide the rightful Zootopian government a full listing of available products and resources. Now of course any of those items selected were all subject to negotiation and refusal. But the information itself was part of the contract. Most all military assistance had been strictly refused by Le Pew's administration except for the exception made for the defensive equipment in response to threat of the rogue entity which seemed to involve humans, but could involve many other mammals as well.
Because he could not deny the government the information, he agreed to obtain all that was requested and provide the Mayor's office the complete list and technical specifications available for each. He did caution the Mayor that any items would have to go through the normal approval process include impact studies, security council approval for military items, and all items were subject to denial from his office if deemed too risky and potentially detrimental to the well being of Zootopia.
The smiling goat happily accepted the human's cautions and warnings nodding his head and relaxed sipping his tea and nibbling on snacks. Drew would have much preferred it if the goat would have cackled with maleficence giving him a true evil villainous laugh. The extremely pleasant nonchalant attitude of the goat quite irked the human. It made all his actions seem so innocent and forthright.
Well he would try and get a few probes in as his friend Nick had taught him. The fox's mischievous nature and knowledge of subterfuge and misdirects were quite ingenious, and some of those techniques had been bestowed on the human for just this purpose. He tried an initial probe, "My dear Mayor, I have to compliment you on all the thought that went in to everything your administration has done including all these new plans involving my office. Did you come up with them all yourself?" There, let's see you slime your way out of that one.
The goat's pleasant facade finally broke and he seemed to betray a bit of nervousness. His emotions showed slight nervousness, apprehension, fear and uncertainty for a moment, then he got his normal pleasant face back, "I can't take all the credit. I had a lot of help from my other party members."
"Ah, do you rule by committee, or is there a central body in charge of driving policy?" The human probed again.
Again a bit of nervousness and apprehension followed by a smile, "Oh we all have bosses we answer to no matter what our position. This is not a dictatorship after all."
Not a direct answer, but a deflection. A worthy tactic from a practiced lawyer. Drew continued his offensive, "The same bosses that came up with such brilliant unconventional campaign tactics? I was most impressed with the effectiveness at political maneuvering." Always compliment and show appreciation for your enemy as their overconfidence could be their undoing.
The goat's comfort level had definitely been shaken and he paused trying to come up with a response to this, "Ah yes my campaign manager was quite ingenious in his tactics."
A lie, the goat definitely seemed to be hiding something as his normally unflappable emotions were in a turmoil, "He came up with all of that himself? I would have to meet this mastermind. He would have given the political tacticians from the human world a good challenge and they have been using such methods for decades."
"Alas, he prefers to remain in the shadows so to speak. I suppose not all of us prefer the public light." The goat responded calmly.
This supposed campaign manager or whatever he or she was felt like part of the mind trust of these Protectors. Drew didn't have any idea who or how many were calling the shots, but he definitely strongly sensed that the same entity behind the Protector's unconventional and ruthless campaign had their hands, paws or whatever thoroughly in the decisions being made by the Mayor and the entire Protector group. During his many questions about each of the items requested by the new mayor, he could strongly sense the goat had no idea behind the reasons for them. Just the way the goat had deflected most of his questions or offered to 'get back with him' on many of them told him such. In some cases the goat didn't even fully understand what he was asking. He was good, very good, but against repeated cross examination the little cracks could be seen.
Drew realized at this point he was not going to learn much more about who was behind this group and their plans so he let his foot off the gas and discussed much more pleasant topics with the Mayor such as how he was enjoying his new position. How was he and his wife enjoying their new housing? And many other such neutral and pleasant subjects. The two chatted for quite awhile in an amiable manner with the goat asking the human many similar questions about his experiences in Zootopia, and questions about human Earth. They finally once again shook paw and hoof and departed on very pleasant and cooperative terms. Drew knew the answers would not come quickly, and would need the help of many of his friends including a lovely knowledgeable skunk, a resourceful fox in a tophat, another sly fox in a tie and green tropical styled shirt, a determined purple-eyed bunny and a battle-scarred brilliant raccoon. The Protectors may have their own committee running the show, but he had faith in his friends. They were definitely behind at this point with the recent battle lost, but the war was far from over.
Zoodate: 143 P.C.
The following day while The Office of Human Affairs was quite busy with numerous tasks involved in planning and implementing all the new requests from the new administration, a certain determined buck decided to take the initiative and make a visit to his most lovely beloved and hopefully future wife.
As he hopped confidently through the doors of the ZPD Precinct One in his finest suit and tie, he carried a gift for his beloved, a large bouquet of the freshest most beautiful spring flowers you could have ever found. He had gotten the hint from his lovely doe that she wanted him to take more of an initiative with respect to her courtship as she had not returned several of his calls lately. He knew she wanted to see if he was truly worthy of her intentions and take that initiative instead of sitting back and ignoring her like normal bucks. For Finley Fuzzbottom was certainly no ordinary buck. He had not gotten to where he was in life by sitting back and waiting for things to come to him. No, he went out and grabbed them and made them his. He chastised himself for pushing things a bit too hard in the photo booth at the concert. He could see how he might have frightened such a perfect vision of loveliness by his actions. Damn these buck hormones! He controlled nearly every aspect of his life to perfection, but sometimes biology and urges could get the best of anyone including even him. He was just pleased he had not completely given into them and had been interrupted in time by her human friend as it would have been unforgivable to treat his love in such a base manner when she deserved to be wooed in only the finest fashion.
For she was a gem among all gems, and he was here to bask in her brilliance and uncut beauty. Sure she was still rough around the edges being from a farm in Bunnyburrow almost all of her life and working such a job as a police officer. But he saw the potential there, for he was a self-made bunny as well coming up from nearing nothing, and with his help he was quite certain she would be the finest companion possible to help the two of them become a true power couple of Zootopia. He had such plans for them! He only needed to show her he valued her companionship to the degree she deserved, and then he could share his visions of their potential together. How could she possibly say no once she heard them?
As he hopped up to the reception desk he saw an enormous cheetah reading a magazine with Gazelle on the cover while munching on some sort of snack cake getting crumbs all over the desk. He certainly recognized this fellow as he was a mammal you would not soon forget. He was one of Judy's friends from the concert. They seemed to be quite close so it behooved him to be quite polite and pleasant to the fellow. He seemed a nice enough chap, but seemed to have quite a few impulse control issues. A few weeks at a private spa to get him thinking about his health would do him wonders. A stapled stomach, a personal trainer and workout regime, and a good bit of counseling and therapy and we might give her friend a chance at a normal life. He would have to discuss this with her when he had time.
He had been trying to get the large cheetah's attention for the past minute without success. He believed the large fellow's name was Benjamin. Finley was not one to be ignored by anyone. He had been dismissed, underestimated and neglected his whole life as a bunny, but he was no longer such a bunny to be treated in this manner. He demanded respect and obedience, and considered no one his better. So he hopped up onto the desk and looked down at the face of the cheetah thoroughly engrossed in whatever article he seemed to be reading. He politely tapped his foot rapidly on the table while exclaiming, "I say good sir, Benjamin, could you give me a moment of your time?" He noticed the cheetah looked up at his voice in surprise with a bit of a shocked expression. Finley gave him a polite grin.
"What? Oh… um… hello... who are you?" The briefly astonished cheetah answered putting down his magazine and tossing the rest of the cake in his mouth munching it down and swallowing with a quick gulp.
Finley smiled at the obese cheetah, "I am none other than Finley Fuzzbottom and have come seeking an audience with that most lovely vision of a doe you call Judith Hopps. We met at the concert nearly two weeks ago, remember?" How could anyone forget meeting him? Possibly the cheetah had memory loss issues related to the excessive weight. He supposed his heart having to provide blood to the rest of enormous fellow didn't allow proper blood flow to the brain.
Apparently this Benjamin now remembered the buck in front of him as he got a very nervous and concerned look on his face, "Oh umm… is she expecting you?"
Why would this cheetah seem so nervous by his visit? Sure he knew he had a commanding presence, but it didn't completely explain the feline's reactions. Ah well, the fellow definitely needed counseling that was certain. At least he knew someone important was before him. Perhaps that is why he is so nervous. He answered the question quite confidently, "It is a surprise. I called ahead to make sure she was back from patrol." Finley was always thorough in his research. He never wanted to waste his time.
"Um… let me check with her partner first to see if she is available." The cheetah made a call on his phone, "Nick, Ben here, there is a visitor here for Judy." Finley listened carefully so he could make out the voice on the other end say, "So why are you calling me?" The cheetah continued, "I just thought you should meet him first. You knew him from… the concert… you know..." The voice on the other end responded, "Well, that is certainly interesting. I will be right there." The call then ended.
"Mr. Bunny… Fuzzybottom… Nick will be right here." The cheetah answered nervously.
Finely was tempted to say, "Oh course I know that." But it never was good to remind other mammals that rabbits could hear most complete conversations if they were close by the receiver. Let them continue to underestimate us. He also wanted to correct the improper use of his name, but the cheetah seemed a simpleton and would forget it as soon as he corrected him so it was pointless. He instead grinned at the cheetah and responded, "Good, someone who values the importance of my visit." He knew this fox fellow was an advocate for his attentions toward his delightful partner.
He hopped down off the desk and greeted the fox warmly as he saw him come through a hallway a short while later shaking his paw and treating him like a friend.
The fox had an amused look on his muzzle and a sly grin as he looked at the flowers he held, "Oh you shouldn't have. How did you know those were my favorites?"
It took Finley a moment to realize the fox was referring to his bouquet of flowers. Ah this one sure was a funny tricky fellow. Well Finley had known his like and knew how to deal with him, "I am afraid they are for your partner. But I will remember to bring you some next time I am by." He smiled at the fox. I bet this one kept Judy on her beautiful white toes. She most likely appreciated such a constant challenge. Well he could provide one for her as well.
"Disappointing… but not completely unexpected." The fox responded looking disappointed for a moment but then grinning again, "My partner seems to be more popular than myself lately."
"I am certain there are many lovely vixens who would just love to shower you with their affections. I know several personally if you are looking for an introduction." Finley told the fox. If he could setup the fox with a nice date perhaps the fox would feel he owed him a favor which would always be useful to have from the partner of the one whose affections one was pursuing.
The fox thought about his offer for a brief moment, "I might just take you up on that. But I won't drop my drawers for just anyone you know." He answered with a sly grin.
"Perish the thought my good fox." Finley responded, "I would only select the finest prospect for a friend such as you. I meant to thank you for your help at the concert with your introduction to your amazing partner. I know she is quite shy and sometimes one such as that needs some help from a friend. You need only tell me exactly what you are looking for, a potential mate perhaps, just someone to have fun with, a dalliance of a more intimate nature or something else perhaps?"
"Oh a bit of everything sounds nice." The fox said with a grin, "Yes Carrots can be a bit shy and hesitant at times. She really needs to explore her options. You called her? She didn't mention anything about it to me, but concerning such matters she can be tight lipped."
"No… it was meant as a surprise. Do you think you could take me to her?" Finley asked hopefully. He would love to surprise her at her desk and give her fellow workers a look at what an amazing potential mate she had visiting her. He could always use good public relations from her fellow officers. Once they got a good look at him and viewed his intentions, he just knew they would help convince her to get closer to him.
"Well normally we don't just let anyone back there, but I am sure for you we can make an exception especially with me escorting you." The fox responded with a mischievous look.
"Excellent!" Finley answered feeling quite buoyed by this chance to see his love's workspace.
The fox led him back into a hallway and then through a large room full of desks and numerous ZPD officers all looking at him in shock and surprise. Finely was feeling quite invigorated as this was the impression he wished to leave on his love's fellow workers. He smiled wide at them all waving to them as if he was a celebrity coming to visit.
As he passed, he noticed most of the noise and conversation seemed to end and became a hushed silence. The fox then arrived at a desk area covered in neatly stacked folders and a pair of large lovely gray ears and gray head could be seen. Apparently his future wife had her back to them and was furiously writing something in one of the folders on the desk. He glanced to the side and saw the desk adjacent to hers covered in chaos with empty coffee cups, papers strewn about, the remains of some kind of food and a reflective pair of aviator style glasses on a cabinet next to the desk. Next to the computer screen was a framed picture of a lovely older vixen who Finley had to assume was the fox's mom.
The fox spoke to Finley's sweet love, "Oh Carrots…. I have a surprise for you."
The focused bunny responded back in an annoyed tone, "Not now Nick! I have to complete this report. Bogo will have our heads if we don't finish all this before he leaves."
Ah, what a lovely sweet voice. It sounded like the cries of angels. Well he would let the fox interrupt her as he didn't want to be the one to disturb her. So he waited for the fox to interrupt her once more, "Oh I think you will want to see this. You have a very special visitor. He was most eager to visit you personally for some special one on one alone time. I can clear off my desk if you want to lie down together and get more comfortable."
Oh this trickster fox was a saucy one. The buck's hormones kicked in thinking of that image and he started thinking about doing just that. He imagined tossing all the papers off the desk and laying her down and making sweet passion to her like she never imagined. But these were the same thoughts that got him in trouble the first time. He couldn't help she was so captivating and gorgeous. He was the finest buck and she was the perfect doe. What could be more natural than that?
He waited for his love to turn and be surprised. He put on his biggest smile and waited. The gray ears and head stopped scribbling for a moment and then turned to fox in a perturbed voice, "What… what did you just say to me?" It was then she noticed the impeccably dressed buck standing next to the fox with an enormous grin.
Finley had been expected a surprised look and he was not disappointed. His love looked like she had seen a spirit of some sort and might have a heart attack. He wanted to surprise her, not kill her. That would not be good at all, not to mention how it would complicate his plans. He attempted to calm her reaching out with his free right paw and gently grasping her forearm, "It's just me dear. I thought it would be nice to come by and see where you worked. You fox friend here was nice enough to escort me back here to surprise you. I hope it is not an inopportune time. I am happy to wait here..." Finley looked for a clean place to sit, but glancing at the fox's stained chair, he hoped he didn't have to wait long, "for however long you need."
Judy sat staring at the buck wide-eyed with an open mouth and began glancing around noticing her fellow officers had all gotten quite quiet all of a sudden and many had moved a whole lot closer to her desk than normal. Apparently the entire office was waiting to see how all this played out. She recovered after a few moments and got a pleasant smile noticing the flowers, "Oh hello Finley. That is a lovely bouquet of flowers you have there. Do you have a secret admirer?"
Ah she has such wit as well this fascinating doe. What new surprises would he find out about her? He gently grasped her paw in his and kissed the top it. He then presented her the bouquet with a laugh, "They are for you of course, my love. They are chosen to enlighten your day just like you have enlightened my heart." Finley had that line prepared in advance for this moment.
Judy took the proffered flowers giving them a good sniff exclaiming, "How nice of you. These are some of the nicest I have ever seen. It is quite hard to find such a variety in the city. And many of these are only found near my home. How did you find them?"
Ah, she noticed. He was particularly proud of that touch and glad it had paid off. He had paid a floral agency from the area to collect the most beautiful spring flowers from Bunnyburrow and have them delivered later that day. It had cost a bundle, but for her expression it was worth every penny, "I am so pleased you noticed. They were picked from your home region just this morning especially for you my love. I only wished I could have found flowers as beautiful as you, but that would be impossible of course. But I did the best I could."
Judy pulled out a pawful of the flowers and started nibbling on them making appreciative sounds.
The fox looked at her in shock, appalled at her behavior, "Carrots! What are you doing?"
The buck gently patted the stunned fox on arm, "My good friend, why do you think I selected such flowers for her. These are the most delicate delicious flowers that could be found. They are meant for her enjoy, a reminder of her home."
Nick looked at the buck and Judy and then back at the buck, "But she is eating them."
Finley had seen such confusion before in other mammals, "My dear sir, she is a bunny. Fresh spring buds and flowers are some of our most favorite delicacies. We only get to enjoy them on rare occasions. I had already sampled some of the extras they brought to make sure they were the most delectable and tasty flowers anywhere."
Judy was happily munching on them looking at the fox with a silly grin and nodding at him. The fox just shook his head exasperated, "Bunnies, I will never understand you guys. Well Carrots, Finley here had said he wanted to surprise you. Are you sufficiently surprised?"
Judy finished eating the flowers she had started and placed the others down on a clear section of the desk. She looked at Finley and glanced around at the other officers all staring, "I am quite surprised I have to say. I suppose it is my own fault for not calling you back sooner Finley. I had been busy and preoccupied. I had been in a foul mood and did not want to talk to you when I felt like that."
Ah, that is why she was not returning my calls. That was certainly understandable. She wanted to only show her pleasant side to him, but she needn't be concerned about that. He decided to disabuse her of that notion right now, "My love, I assure you that you should feel free to call me while in any mood as hearing your voice alone is like the sweetest song ever sung to my ears. I want to know your every mood, every emotion, every mad idea. I want to know all of you. For I wish to know you as I know myself and share in your thoughts." Finley heard quite a lot of mumbling from the surrounding officers after his comments. His rabbit hearing picked up quite a few impressed comments. This was exactly what I wanted.
His love appeared to be a bit stunned by his declaration and seemed uncertain how to respond. He noticed her fox friend seem to have an amused sly grin on his face looking back and forth at the two bunnies. Apparently the fox felt he needed to help, "Ah Carrots, Finley came all this way, gave you special flowers all the way from your hometown, and spoke with such elegance and you have nothing to say to him? You are being rude to your guest."
Well that was not a good thing for him to say to his love. He did not wish her to feel bad. He only wanted to see her lovely self as it had been far too long since last they were together. He decided to be a bit forward and gently touched her face with one paw, "Nonsense my dear fox. She needn't utter a word. Just experiencing her presence and beauty is enough to satisfy my heart. How could you gaze as this visage and not be moved to create and do things unfathomable by ordinary mammals. It is as if inspiration was given a form and life and was now renamed Judy Hopps." A great deal more murmuring could be heard by the collected office.
Just then an enormous water buffalo with a mood as dark as his face and body came charging into the office looking at the assembled officers all staring at Officer Hopps and Wilde and some well dressed rabbit. He showed his displeasure charging down upon this figure, "Hopps! Wilde! What's going on here? What is the entire office doing at a standstill staring at you?" The buffalo, who was chief of police, looked down in anger staring at the tiny figure below him who for some unknown reason exhibited no fear whatsoever. Instead the tiny creature was looking up him with a big smile and extending his paw as if to shake his hoof. The buffalo whose name was Chief Bogo ignored the proffered paw and addressed the small bunny, "And who might you be?"
The bunny was not ruffled by the presence of the Chief whatsoever. He had wanted to meet him from the start as he wished to know the boss of his beloved. He calmly put down his paw and addressed the buffalo in a calm and confident manner, "My dear sir, you must be Chief Bogo, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. For I am none other than Finley Fuzzbottom, Executive Head of Product Development at Kodiak, and hopefully the future husband of your lovely officer here."
The buffalo looked quite shocked at this pronouncement. Finley supposed he must not have expected someone so important to visit those down here at the ZPD, but for his beloved he would storm through jungles fighting alligators and snakes. A trip to the ZPD was nothing in comparison to such as that. The buffalo was staring at his love with a strange look and she seemed confused. Perhaps she was too embarrassed by his pronouncement in front of her boss. Sometimes his love and enthusiasm got the best of him as he wished to yell it to the entire world.
The buffalo finally responded once the shocked look disappeared from his face, "I… look here Mr. Fuzzbottom. It is fine you have come to visit my officer, but you are disrupting my entire office. How about you two go meet in private."
At that pronouncement all the other officers seemed to mumble disapproval. Even his love wished her fellow officers to hear his declaration for her as she was shaking her head no furiously to her boss.
Finally his love responded, "Chief. Finley was just dropping off a gift. He was just surprising me is all. We didn't mean to disrupt the office."
The Chief stared at her raising an eyebrow and had a strange look on his face, "Well go talk to him in private then. You can use one of the empty offices down the hall. And if anyone follows you I will have them on parking duty for a week. And see me afterwards for a little chat."
With that Chief Bogo stormed away. Everyone then turned to look at Judy expectantly.
Finley could sense his love was hesitant to leave to speak to him in private. He knew she was shy and was afraid of the appearance of any impropriety in front of her fellow officers. He decided to bail his love out and say what he wanted here in front of everyone so he grinned at her and exclaimed, "My dearest love, I know that you are very busy and I do not wish to take up any more of your time. I only wish to convey my true and pure love for you from the depths of my soul and the fiber of my being in a poem I wrote for you entitled Ode to My Bunny Love.
Judy and everyone stared at the buck in stunned silence as he recited the poem he had prepared,
"For there was in this fair city
A beauty so rare that caused one to weep
For her love I did seek
Her long gray ears and cute pink nose
Her eyes so large with lashes so long
The color of royalty her eyes did alight
Her gaze was such that my heart set ablaze
For an unworthy one such as myself
I sought to present my heart to thee
My love was boundless my feelings afire
Such a fair gray maiden of virtue so pure
Her fur as soft as silk and tail like air on the paws
For she was the doe of my dreams
As if a fortune from legends past
Proof that God exists
For one such as she to come into being
For me to worship and love
To cherish every day
To seek to take her into my heart
And make her mine is my wish
To hold her is to hold a dream
To kiss her is divine
To love her makes life worth living
To become one with her the greatest gift ever
I say to you my bunny love
Though I be unworthy of a love such as yours
I promise to give you all that I have
To stand with you against all the ills of the world
Ready to experience true happiness
If only you would be mine
Your humble servant
Your most devoted buck
I stand before you ready for judgment
And praying for mercy
Join with me and away shall we go
My most precious bunny love."
As he finished, Judy, Nick and the other officers all stared in hushed silence as if in reverence for a true event of momentous import that had just occurred. Finley leaned forward and kissed his stunned love on the lips giving her a big smile and then walking out the way he came in, his shoulders back and his head held high. The sound that he heard as he passed through the thongs of officers was applause and wild cheering. He felt quite satisfied with his performance. Now that's how you make an impression Finley style.
As the buck headed down the hall with a big smile on his face, a certain gray doe turned to her fox partner saying, "What just happened?"
The fox's only reply was, "Sounds like you just got a fiancé whether you wanted one or not. I am betting every female in the precinct wishes they were you, and possibly some of the males." As the fox looked around at the cheering officers still looking in Finley's direction he grinned at that thought.