"You want to do WHAT?"

Holly didn't seem to be happy with my plan. None of them did.

We got back ten minutes ago and met with everyone in the garage. Holly had been putting the finishing touches on the guns while Mark was showing North the book that we recovered. We had filled them in on what happened, but once I mentioned what I was planning on doing, all eyes were on me, and not in a good way.

"It's simple really. With the Legionaries and the Red-Necks keeping each other busy, we'll just sneak into their base, get what we need, and be on our way. If we're lucky, we may not even need to engage in any combat."

"You are the biggest ass-twat in the wasteland! That's suicide you know? Sure, their forces might be preoccupied, but you forgot about their automated defenses!"

"That's what I got this baby for." I held up the gun that Holly had put the finishing touches on. "Automated defenses means computer controlled, right? Well this baby, I really need to think of a name for it, is designed to fire projectile versions of my remote hacking modules. As long as they're near a connected signal, I can then use my Pip-Boar to bypass any defenses by either shutting them down or making them see us as friendlies."

"But what if there are still Legionaries inside? I doubt they would send all of them outside." Holly was right.

"Between all of us, we should be able to handle anything they throw at us. We should send a message to Chief Lazlo informing him of our plans. Having Guardian backup might not be a bad idea, although I don't want them there. We might be able to sneak in, but giant armor clad soldiers? They'll draw too much attention."

"What about the big lug? He's nearly as big as those Defenders."

"You're right about that Blanche, that's why we'll outfit Drake with a Stealth-Boar. It should give him enough cover to get into the building, and with the APC we'll be able to make a quick getaway."

"I know you really want to get at those Legionaries 'livi, but them and the Red-Necks are two of the most ruthless groups out there. Between doing anything for money and burning anything just for the hell of it, I'm not sure if either side will even survive a full on confrontation. And you want to put us smack dab in the middle of it? This goes way beyond your typical crazy 'livi."

"Holly, I get your concern. I know you're all concerned, but this might be the best opportunity we have. Blanche knows the Legionaries better than any of us, Drake gives us both aerial support plus I think his claws can slice through pretty much anything, making locked doors seem like child's play. Between Nate, Onion, and I we have our scanners to help keep us safe, and Nate and I will be able to crack any computerized hazard along the way. Holly, you have the firepower, and if any of us do get injured, Mark has the supplies to fix us up and get us out of there. We all have a part to play and as long as we do it together, I don't think we can fail."

"What about me?"

I sort of forgot about North still being here. "You're probably not much of a fighter, are you North?"

"Not really. I've survived all this time through my wit and smooth moves. I can practically talk anyone into doing anything… not to you guys. No. You'd probably kill me before I got the chance."

"Very reassuring keeping jerky face with us."

"Shut it Blanche. I don't want to drag someone along with no combat skills, but I do have something you can do. I don't want to risk any of the Legionaries getting wind of our plan, so I'll need you to personally deliver this message to Chief Lazlo over in Guardian Headquarters." I popped out a data disk from my Pip-Boar and handed it to North.

"What is it?"

"Our plans, plus a special frequency that Nate threw together. If anything happens to us, or if we need backup, the information on this chip will prove valuable to them providing help for us. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes. Yes I will. I don't like fighting, so this will be a better use of my talents. Plus, I know how to avoid all the dangers of this land, unlike you, you crazy rabbit."

"Thanks for the compliments North. Now, if you don't mind getting a head start. I want them to have that in their paws before we reach the Legionaries."

"Good luck carrots. Hopefully this won't be the last time we meet."

"Oh, you can count on that North."

He left with the data chip as I turned to the rest of them, still looking a bit nervous about my proposed plan. "So we have Guardian back up out of the way now, feeling any better?"

"Not really 'livi, but you're not going to change your mind. Are you?" I think Holly knew the answer as she asked the question.

"Nope. I'm as stubborn as they come."

"Well if that's the case, then we can't have you running off unprotected. Me and the boys are in."

"Gee, thanks for making up my mind for me fluff, but yeah, she's right. We know you well enough to know when your mind is made up. Plus, someone has to be there to patch you up." Mark sighed. "I better bring all the medical equipment. Help me load the APC Holly."

My eyes met Nate's. He looked more nervous about this than anyone, but I can't blame him. "I-I… don't want y-you to do this alone." He moved next to me.

"I'm glad I don't have to." I gave him a quick kiss. "Drake? Blanche? You with me on this?"

"Drake. Protect. Rabbit. Protect. Friends."

I looked at Blanche who was sitting on top of Drake's head. "Well ain't this fucking great. Was kinda hoping that at least one of you ass-twats would see the stupidity in this plan… hell, who am I kidding. I've been looking forward to getting back at those Legionary ass-twats. Get me some more booze and it's a deal."

Why do I get the feeling that Blanche has taken alcohol more than caps for payment in the past? "Yeah, sure thing. If we pass any traders I'll make sure to buy you all you need."

"Y-you… you can h-have some of m-mine."

"Nate? You… after what happened before you're willing to just give her some of your own stuff?" I was actually caught by surprise when he said that. From the looks of it, I think Blanche was a little shocked as well.

"I-I'm sorry, Blanche, f-for accusing you."

"You… what's the catch? There has to be a catch. No one says 'no you can't have it' and suddenly turns around and give it to you. What you want fox?"

Nate's tail started to curl around me. I think he was still scared around her. "Blanche. He's not asking anything for it. He's giving it to you out of the kindness of his own heart. Not every mammal wants something in return. Haven't you ever heard of an act of generosity?"

"No one's ever generous out there in the wastes."

"We're not out there, we're in here. Just take the gift and don't forget our little talk." I didn't have to say anything else. Blanche let out a little squeak and flattened herself against Drake, trying to hide, even though his black fur made her white stick out tremendously. Nate's tail loosened a bit as he looked up at me, slightly confused.

"T-talk?"

"Don't worry about it sweetie. Let's just say that Blanche won't be going off on you for a long time. Now, let's go get her a bottle. I have something I want to talk to you about. In private."

He gulped a little, probably unsure what I meant when I said 'in private'. We grabbed a bottle on the way to our room and he insisted on getting three for Blanche. I was surprised at how generous he was, but I also wonder if it had to do with what I told him about her. I'll have to keep an eye out for more of this stuff to replace it, especially since I was kinda getting used to it.

I asked Nate to go bring the bottles to Blanche. He seemed reluctant but I assured him that she wouldn't snap again. He didn't even have to hand them to her, he could just place them inside the door and leave. I figured it would be a good show of peace between him and her if she saw he was the one bringing the whiskey to her rather than me. I told him to meet me back at our room.

As soon as he went towards the garage, I rushed to our room and closed the door. Holly's 'gift' was still in its package sitting on the bed. I had something to tell him, something that I think he was waiting to hear, but I didn't want to just say it. It felt more… natural to do it this way. Plus I did promise him this.

I slipped out of my clothes and threw on the gift. It was very loose, but the lace definitely showed more than I think I was comfortable with while wearing something. At least the panties were solid. I don't know why, but I feel even more uncomfortable wearing this in front of Nate than I was being naked. No, this is just too… I wanted to change but the door started to open. I quickly grabbed a towel and held it up in front of me.

"Olivia? Y-you… are you okay?"

It was only Nate. I think part of me was afraid it would be Holly, although she hasn't teased me any since that incident. I didn't want to risk it wearing this around her though.

"I-I'm fine. You just startled me is all. Close the door, and lock it. Please."

"O-okay…" he did what I asked and then faced me again. "What's with the t-towel?"

I could just quickly throw something on, I could just tell him to look the other way as I get changed, but… no. Even though I made this promise to try to ease his mind a little during that whole fiasco earlier, it was still a promise. I knew I was probably blushing in my face and my ears, but I dropped the towel, and Nate's face started to mirror my own. He quickly glanced away.

"I said I would show it to you when we got back, plus I figured it might make what I have to say a little easier. Here, join me on the bed."

I climbed onto the bed and patted it for him to come sit. I could tell he was still nervous and shy being around me, especially like this, and to be honest, I was still feeling it as well, despite everything. Part of me wondered if we had been moving too fast, that normal relationships don't simply rush to this like it has between us. Then again, everything about what's happening I don't think is normal by any standard. Mammals die every day, and despite how much we try to protect ourselves, to protect others, at any moment one of us could just fade away into nothingness. We needed something to hold onto. A thought. A feeling. Something emotional, along with something tangible. I wanted us both to know real happiness before the wasteland tore that away from us. To some this might be moving too fast, but to the wasteland? It isn't happening fast enough.

"Do you mind… taking off your shirt? Just the shirt! I… I don't think I'm ready for… that, yet."

He looked a bit concerned, and confused. I don't know if he even thought I was trying to elicit sex from him, but I wanted to make sure. I still didn't trust my own body, or my mind, to go that far yet. He seemed hesitant to taking off his shirt, but eventually he gave in and tossed it to the side. I put my paw on his chest and gently pushed him down onto the bed as I laid my head on his chest.

"I… I like… listening to your heartbeat." I glanced up at him, his eyes just watching me. "The first time I laid my head on your chest, I felt… safe. The beating of your heart, the gentle raising and lowering of your chest as you breathe, and the warmth of your body feels very… calming to me."

I felt his heart start to speed up. His arms wrapped around me as his tail found my waist and started to gently tighten around me. "I… I-I never really… t-the only time I e-ever heard my heart was w-with B.A.T.S., but it… Mark says I have s-some kind of heart condition. It never b-bothers me, unless I a-am under the effects of that s-serum."

"I thought it was supposed to be harmless to the user?"

"I-it is. We don't know w-why it affects me like that. It's p-probably the reason he doesn't t-trust it."

"Well, I'm no doctor, but I think your heart sounds… lovely." I pressed my head against his chest a bit harder, listening to each rhythmic beat. I could fall asleep right now. I ran my paw through his fur, and felt all the scars that lay hidden from the world. "They really hurt you, didn't they?"

His heart started to beat much faster as his breathing became more forced. He didn't like thinking about his past. "I… I-I…"

"You don't have to talk about it, not unless you wanted to, but I promise, as long as I'm here I'll never let you get hurt like this again. You don't have to be afraid of your past. Even if it comes back to haunt you just remember, I will be here by your side to drive it away."

His heart and breathing started to slow a bit as I felt his arms and tails grip me tighter. I felt his head move as I glanced up. He kissed me, and I was more than happy to return it.

"Nate? Remember when you asked me about the… marking?"

"Y-yeah…"

"Well, I've been thinking about it. Honestly I couldn't stop thinking about it this entire time. I had a little talk with your brother, and it… it sounds like a big commitment, one that I want to make sure you're not just jumping into without thinking."

"B-but I have been thinking a-about it. It's a-all that's been on my m-mind. I-I love you. We… we h-have traveled all o-over the wasteland. M-met so many mammals, but n-none of them ever looked a-at me and my b-brother like you did. T-they all saw u-us as just f-foxes. Y-you didn't."

Even speaking about something like that seemed to be enough to trigger Nate's anxiety. "I love you too Nate, and I'm glad that out of all those other mammals, that it was me who made you feel this way. I honestly never thought about relationships, or meeting the 'right' mammal, hell I thought about it so little that if someone were to have asked me if I was into guys or girls, I wouldn't have known myself. I'll be honest with you. I have no idea how any of this will turn out. I could be walking us into a trap again, or worse. I think we both need a sense of security within us, something that reminds each other that no matter what, we need to do everything we can to stay together. So, I think this 'marking', is the first step in getting that security."

"Y-you really mean it? You d-don't have to if y-you don't w-want to."

"I want to. So. How does this work?"

"I… well, it's…"

"Just tell me what you need me to do."

Nate moved and leaned over to kiss me. I could feel him shaking a little, but I don't think he was afraid, just nervous. To be honest, I was as well. I had no idea what was about to happen. Mark told me it went both ways, but how would I know what to do? I felt Nate's tail flicking over my legs as he started to move his jaw slowly across the front of my neck. I remember that rabbits have their own scent glands in their chin so I… "ow!" I felt Nate nip me on the neck.

"I-I'm sorry!"

"Calm down Nate, it's okay. Just surprised me is all. Here, let me…"

I slowly took off the nightgown. I had no idea what I was supposed to do still, I started to reach down to my panties when Nate stopped my paw. "N-no. You d-don't need to. I won't have t-to…"

"Thank you." I didn't want to do that. Not yet. I think that was what made me the most nervous about this whole endeavor, was the thought that Nate would have to do something, down there. The thought of me associating him with that boar scared me more than anything. I hated what he did to me, what he put me through, and I didn't want that hate to extend to Nate. I couldn't ever hate him, and I especially couldn't let him see that hatred.

He was already shirtless, but he started to remove his pants. Just as he told me to keep mine on, he left his underwear on as well. He started to gently rub the bottom of his jaw along my chest as I felt his tail move all over. I leaned my neck in and slowly rubbed the bottom of my chin on the top of his head. This felt… natural in a way. I started to smell a… floral smell. Violets? The smell was getting stronger, but it wasn't unpleasant at all, it was actually quite… soothing.

I think instinct started to take over Nate as I felt him not shaking anymore, and his movements were less fidgety and more carefully planned. As he promised, he stayed away from my nether region, letting his tail move back and forth along my legs and feet. The pleasant smell seemed to fill the room. He kept switching between nuzzling, kissing, and gentle nips. The first few shocked me, but I was getting used to them.

I suddenly let out a squeak and started to giggle, and that caused him to immediately pause. "That tickles!"

I expected him to react the way he did when he accidentally nipped me. I wasn't expecting him to rub his paws over my sides, causing the tickling sensation to build up. I tried to keep in my giggles, but I couldn't hold it back any longer. I started to chuckle and let out squeaks and squee's.

If Holly heard any of this and tries to say anything, I will kill her.

I don't know how long it lasted, but eventually we both fell asleep. He was still passed out next to me, his tail wrapped around me and one of his arms was draped over my side. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but the whole thing was actually quite pleasant. I don't really feel any different than before, although I was feeling a bit more… complete? I felt at ease. I felt… like I needed to pee.

Since Nate was a very deep sleeper, it took some very uncomfortable wiggling to get out of his grasp. When I was finally free, I threw on the closest thing to me, which happened to be Nate's shirt. It was baggy, but long enough to hide my underwear. It was more like a short dress than a shirt to me.

I rushed to the bathroom and relived myself. On my way back to the room I ran into Mark.

"There you are. We're… is that, Nate's shirt?"

"Uh, yeah. I had to go to the bathroom, and it was the closest thing to me… why are you looking at me like that?"

"He… you…"

"Before you say anything. No, we did not have sex."

"No, not that. The smell… he… marked you, didn't he?"

"Y-yeah. He… we did…"

"Wow. You guys move fast. I knew he wanted to but… I really didn't think you'd agree to it this soon."

"Well, since our little talk before, it's been on my mind. It was hard to think about anything else. I wanted to be able to have a clear head, and I also wanted to make a promise to Nate, that we will make it through this. It just felt like the right time."

"Well, how do you feel?"

"Good. Very good. Happy too. Not just because it's not weighing on me anymore, but I feel…"

"Complete?"

"How did you…"

"It was the same with Holly and I. Once we marked each other, we both felt complete. I believe that every mammal is born with a hole in them. They're left incomplete their whole lives until they find the one soul, the one spark that can fill that void. Once you fill that void with one who is meant for you, it will be very hard to live without that feeling. Welcome to the Valiant family Olivia. I'm proud of you… and for him. I never once thought he'd be able to fill that hole. You don't know how happy it makes me to know he was finally able to."

Mark continued on to where ever he was heading to as I made my way back to the room. Nate was still laying on the bed, fast asleep. We needed to head out soon, but I figured I could let him sleep for just a bit longer while I got ready. As I was putting my shirt on, the violet smell hit my nose. Was that his unique smell? Mark said that the mark was to say that a mate was taken. Does that mean that everyone who can smell me will smell that?

Once I was fully dressed I went to go wake him up. "Wake up sleepy head." I poked him a few times in the arm, tried to rock him back and forth, and then I remembered something I discovered earlier. Right in the middle of his sides was…

Nate shot up laughing as I tickled him awake. I'm glad he has a ticklish spot. It wouldn't have been fair if I was the only one who did.

"Good morning sleepy head. How you feeling?"

"Good. Very good."

I gave him a kiss. "Me too. Now, get dressed. The others should be ready to leave soon. We have a long trip ahead of us."

"Right. I still need to do a few modifications on the remote turret… but I can do that on the way. Mark knows how to drive."

"Maybe I can help you with that? I'll bring my tools." I grabbed my belt that I realized I hadn't worn in a while. Things have been so hectic that the thought of needing tools was the last thing on my mind most times.

Once he was dressed we both left towards the garage. Holly and Mark were sitting near the APC, and the moment she looked at me, the biggest smile crossed her face. Why did I think that Mark wouldn't tell her own 'spark'? I saw Mark lean over and whisper something in her ear, and she simply waved him back. Oh please don't let Holly ruin this moment.

"'Livi!" she got up and darted towards us.

"Hey Holly, I… oof!" Holly gave me the biggest hug as she ran right into me.

"Mark told me! Finally you're officially one of us!" He looked over towards Nate. "Didn't know you had it in you, you big doof."

"Gee, thanks for the encouragement." Nate sounded rather chipper in his words, and was that a hint of… sarcasm I detected?

"Would you please…" Holly must have felt me struggle because she finally let loose her grip from me and stood back a foot. "Thanks, I would really appreciate it if you didn't tease me about this. Please?"

"I promise I won't." I heard her whisper, "as long as Nate doesn't let anything adorable slip." Her voice returned to normal, as if she never said anything. She did realize I was a rabbit, right? "And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for having things get out of paw the other day. Sometimes I Just can't help myself. I… it wasn't until Mark told me how hurtful that was to you. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?"

"Yes. As you and Mark have expressively stated, I'm family now, and I can't hold grudges against family. Just please, cool it on the teasing a little bit?" I decided to have a little fun myself, and spoke in a whisper that I knew she could hear. "At least until I pay you back…"

"Did you just… 'livi, you wouldn't, would you?"

I just smiled at her as I went towards Drake and Blanche to see how they were doing. Nate went to the APC, and I swore I saw a bit of frolicking in his steps. Drake was on the other side of where everyone was working, and from the looks of it he'd just finished his dinner. Insect carapaces were scattered around the floor.

"Hey Drake. You doing good?"

"Drake. Full. Bunny. Smell. Flowers?"

Shit, he can smell it too? "Um, yeah. Long story on that one. Where's Blanche? I need to… oh there you are."

Blanche was sitting on the ground, two of the three bottles already emptied. I guess she doesn't know the meaning of savoring something. From the looks of it she was half asleep. Or half dead. Seriously, it can't be healthy to drink that much!

"Blanche? You with us?"

"Oh, hey Olivia." She let out a few hiccups before continuing. "Just having some breakfast… want some?"

"Um, I'll pass. You going to be okay for this trip?"

"Yeah. Never better! Just give. Moment to. Drink. More."

"You're starting to sound like Drake. Here." I reached down and picked her up. She struggled for a moment before giving into my help.

"I'm, sorry Olivia. I. I'm not very social. I didn't mean to hurt your fox, call him that. He's not a bad guy."

"I forgive you Blanche. As long as you treat all of us with the respect we deserve, I promise not to get… angry at you again. I'm sorry about that too. I feel bad about it."

"You love him… don't ya?"

"Nate? Yeah. Yeah I do."

"Love stinks. Right big guy?"

Drake seemed to just shake out his wings and shake his head to let the fur ruffle a bit. I had no idea what that was supposed to mean.

"You're very drunk Blanche. Here Drake, take her before she drinks anymore? The last thing I need to be dealing with is a sick mouse in the midst of an all out war."

Since Drake was upside down, I gently placed her on the bottom of his jaw. He chirped and purred a little bit. I wonder what the deal between these two is? Part of me really didn't want to find out. A rabbit and a fox? Sure. A tiny mouse and a giant deathwing? I just can't even picture it. How would they even…

"We're ready to head out Olivia." Mark snapped me out of thoughts that I really shouldn't be having about those two.

"Oh. Yeah! Right. Drake, you and Blanche follow us when we leave. Keep an eye out for any potential threats. We plan to avoid them if at all possible."

"Drake. Follow. Drake. Watch."

"Good boy. And… take care of Blanche, will you?"

"Drake. Protect. Mouse."

"It's a wonder that yours is the only name he seems to speak Olivia."

"Yeah, although I have a feeling who the next name will be. So, we're all set? Let's get moving!"

Mark informed us that the trip would take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the conditions of the roads. We were planning on taking all the least used passageways, and he knew a few underground tunnels that were large enough for the APC as well. We needed to save our ammo and our energy for when we reach the Legionaries base. None of us knew what to expect.

During the trip Nate and I switched between getting the remote system for the turret online. Apparently it can be hooked to his Pip-Boar to allow for short range control of one of the guns, which will be very handy for cover fire in case of an emergency. There were also small canisters that he was finishing installing. When I asked what they were, he said they were smoke canisters that allow for a more stealthy escape if needed.

Holly spent most of her time looking over all of our weapons, making sure they were loaded, and fit for use. I never even got to perform a test shot of my special gun, which I decided to name simply the remote gun. I had six rounds made for it, so I'll make sure to make each of them count.

We didn't have too many obstacles on our way. Every time there was a potential threat, Mark would try to find a detour, or Holly would point the guns towards the onlookers. That usually dissuaded any aggression against us, although a few times we had to add in a deathwing to the equation.

There were two times that intimidation didn't work. First was when we were underground and ran into a dozen savage ghouls. The guns made short work of them. Holly and Nate were both happy they worked. I got a little annoyed when I head Holly say: 'it worked? Oh, I it actually worked!'. Didn't she test these things before we left?

The second time was when we nearly got blown up disturbing a nest of Firebugs shortly after leaving the tunnel. Nate assured me that this thing could take the impact of a missile head on, but that didn't really help alleviate the sensation when one of those fucking bugs blew itself up right next to us. Besides my rad detector going nuts for a few seconds, it felt like the whole APC was about to flip over a few times. Thankfully it didn't, or else the meal I had before leaving would probably be all over the floor. Or ceiling.

Blanche, who was finally awake and somewhat lucid, informed us that we were approaching the area. The wind must have been pushing in our direction because I started to smell smoke wafting in through the one open top hatch… and burning… flesh… no. Not now. Please don't do this to me now! I felt a paw on my shoulder. I turned to Nate, feeling like I was about to cry. I've probably seen looks similar to this on him multiple times, so I could tell he knew it on my own face.

"What's wrong?"

"It's… the smell. It's… every time I smell flesh. Burning flesh. It… ever since Beaverton…"

He hugged me. "It's okay Olivia. I'm here, and remember our bond? I won't let anything happen to you."

"T-thank you Nate." I kissed him as I realized that for once, our places were reversed. I had to do better. If he can persevere through everything he's been through… I had to be stronger.

"Here." Nate handed me something. It was small and had straps on it.

"W-what is it?" I found myself starting to stutter, trying to hold back the thoughts that the smell was causing.

"A ventilator. It helps to block out smoke. And smells. Mark figured they may come in handy. It seems he was right."

I took it from him and placed it over my face. Instantly the smell vanished. Unlike the gas mask, this one seemed to be outfitted with a small radio like amplifier. My voice seemed to echo as I spoke. "Thank you. I-it's… it's helping."

He kissed me on my head, between the ears. "Guess it's my turn to protect you."

For a moment I forgot that we weren't alone. It wasn't until I heard Mark clear his throat that I was snapped back into reality. I looked towards him and saw that both him and Holly were staring at me, Holly's visage a look of disbelief mixed with awe.

"We're here."

Mark stopped the APC and we opened the rear hatch and got out. We were parked on the side of a small building, but it was still large enough to cover our vehicle from view of those below us. We were on a small cliff overlooking what looked to be a small island with a single bridge connecting it. The bridge was on fire as a horde of Red-Necks pushed their way across it.

"Looks like we're just in time."

Fallout: Zootopia After Show

Featuring:

'Stripes in the Morning'

[Stripes]

"Good morning Zootopian wasteland! This is Stripes with Stripes in the Morning! Today we have a very special gust. Some of you may know him as the head of the Zootopian News Network site, and some of you may have also discovered this vast world through him and his team's writings. Sure the ZNN doesn't exist within the wasteland, and sure, the Savannah Caller may have ransacked the old ZNN broadcasting studio and took it over as their own, but that's all in the past now. So, let me introduce to you, the one, the only, Andy Lagopus! So Andy, may I call you Andy? Let's start this interview off with a simple question, if this is hundreds of years into the future, how exactly did you manage to survive?"

[Andy]

"Thank you for that introduction, Stripes! And don't worry about the studio- it was ransacked long before you were born. I think. To answer your question, it turns out that immortality is pretty cheap. All I had to do was pay some radioactive air the low, low price of my stunning good looks. For those of you who are listening in at home, imagine the most handsome arctic fox you can, then remove most of the fur and add some burn marks, and voila! Andy La-Ghoul-pus. My face is definitely made for radio these days, so it's good to be on the air again! Even if my voice is more gravelly than it used to be. But I can live with that. For several hundred years, actually!"

[Stripes]

"So tell me, how did you first get the idea to create the ZNN? Did you have help or was it a singular effort?"

[Andy]

"Well, I was inspired by this horse I knew named Seth. Interesting fellow. Started a paper called Equestrians Daily, or something like that. It got big, so when I moved to Zootopia, I figured it might be fun to try making something similar. In the beginning, yeah, I was flying solo. But that didn't last too long. A week or two into it, a wolf named Moony just walked into my office, sat down at my computer, and refused to leave until ZNN looked good. After that, more and more mammals just started showing up, and I just kept them around. They're too awesome to let go."

[Stripes]

"Out of everything you have done with the ZNN, what is your most enjoyable part of it? On the flip side, do you ever regret something about it? Something that if you could go back and change, you would?"

[Andy]

"I love how it's grown and changed. It started out so small, and now… well, it's amazing. I only wish I could do it full-time. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to."

[Stripes]

"I know that starting and maintaining a site such as yours takes a lot of effort, time, and even finances. Your team has steadily grown, through patrons you have earned the caps needed to keep it going financially, and so far it seems like you have done a bang-up job at it. You got any advice for some fellow mammals that would like to start their own endeavor such as yours?"

[Andy]

"Well it may sound cliché, but try everything! And don't be afraid to ask for help, especially from people you see are more skilled than you at certain things. They can help make your wild idea into something truly special. And after all, strangers are just friends you haven't met."

[Stripes]

"Are you still looking for people to help expand your team? If so, what are you looking for? I figured after all you've done to help not only promote this world on your site, but also introduce me to a wonderfully artistic prairie dog, the least I can do is help with a little advertisement."

[Andy]

"Well, for now we're recruiting by invitation only, so if you want to join us, I'd recommend either doing something original, or something extremely well. If you can blow me or another member of the staff away with your work, then you just might get an invite to join us. And you've met Quirky, have you? That's a funny story right there. He was a friend of mine before the war, so he's just as old as I am. Lucky dog hid in a refrigerator when the bombs fell. Thought he was Indiana Bones or something. Ended up accidentally freezing himself until I was able to find a working hair dryer and thaw him out. Glad he survived that, I didn't have anyone to draw things for me for the last hundred or so years."

[Stripes]

"Hey! I'm the only one who can make fourth wall pop culture references here…"

[Max]

"You're just mad that his was better than anything you can do."

[Stripes]

"Shut it fox. Anyways, let me ask, after stumbling upon this engaging world, what were your first opinions on it? Be truthful now."

[Andy]

"Hey, you pointed yourself out to me, remember? I had done a piece on a song by an artist named Dr. Dissonance, and you told me about what you were doing here. Once I started read- I mean, listening, I was hooked!"

[Stripes]

"There are plenty of colorful characters within the story, and while there are still more to come, so far who is your favorite and why?"

[Andy]

"Olivia is amazing. Can't get enough of her story. So far I think I relate to Nate the most. He's smart, quick on his feet, innovative, and awkward and dorky around the girl he likes. He's so lucky to have a girl who likes that."

[Stripes]

"Hmm, it seems that I've run out of questions for you. However, from the incessant nagging from my co-host, it looks like he has some questions for you as well. So Max, what have you to ask?

[Max]

"So… Heard you're setting up shop and may be looking for some new hires…? Perhaps…? Hopefully…? Muttering Oh please by every God in the Pantheons say yes…"

[Stripes]

"Do that, and I'll be sure to spoil the ending for you."

[Andy]

"Hey, no need to break the fourth wall there, Stripes! Goodness knows you lean against it enough as it is."

[Max]

"I have to ask why did ZNN stop? I mean you guys were a force in the wasteland for nearly fifty years after the bombs fell! Why only pick things back up now? And not just in radio, I heard you're looking to start a print edition up in Hope!"

[Andy]

"Funny you should ask. After the bombs fell I tried to keep the network together, but when the whole office has turned into ghouls, it's only so long before someone goes feral. And then another. And another. It's heartbreaking, and I couldn't keep watching my friends turn into monsters. So, I found a safe place for them to live with lots of good, juicy radiation - an old burrow with a faulty reactor. I took all the ammo and caps they had in there, and sealed it up so that nobody can get in or out.

"After that, I wandered the wasteland for a while. But after a few years I started to get a bit bored. To pass the time, I wrote a guide to surviving in the wasteland. That was decently popular- I hear there are still a few copies floating around here and there.

"Eventually I decided that if the wasteland was going to screw with me, I could screw with it. I took all the caps and ammo I could find and started putting them in random places. Containers, drawers, etc. So far, I think it's kept things interesting.

"As for why I'm starting ZNN again… well, honestly, you guys inspired that. It's been so long since there's been a news station on the air that I figured there wasn't really a demand for it anymore. But hearing your stories of the adventures of Olivia Springs, your interviews, and seeing all the hope she's inspired in… well, Hope… I figured it was about time to get off my butt, go back to my roots, and do something awesome again!"

[Max]

"I have to admit, you seem very ambitious… Though uh… If you don't mind me saying… We could really use a better producer here at the caller… Our current boss used to lead a small time raiding group and… Yeah… Apparently some fox shot them up from range and it all fell apart for them. So uh… You interested by chance… ? Cause our current producer was Stripes' hire and fault and honestly I'd love to get through a day without being threatened with bodily harm or torture… Or worse…"

[Stripes]

"Hey! He was a cheap hire. Plus, it's your fault for not cutting me off. You know how much business savvy I have when I've had one too many to drink. You don't have to answer that if you don't want. The show's just about over. Got any parting advice or comments for our audience?"

[Andy]

"That's an interesting idea! If the new and improved ZNN ends up taking off like the original did, I would definitely not be against some sort of merger between us. Especially if it means getting my old office back. For… sentimental reasons, you know? I totally don't have anything hidden there that may or may not classify as "sweet loot".

"For advice, I'd just like to say an old proverb that's defined my approach to life recently. 'You lift me, and I lift thee, and together we ascend eternally'. So go try helping others, lifting them up, and you may be surprised how high you end up climbing together."

[Stripes]

"Well then folks, that's all we have for today. Tune in next time when I finally get around to paying back Max for locking me out of my black gold and precious cider. I will also be delving into some more details on one of the more dangerous raider groups, the Red-Necks. I hope it gets everyone… fired up. Take care!"

[Andy]

"Good luck with that! Stripes, Max, It's been a pleasure to be on the show! Mind if I do the sign off?

"This is Andy Lagopus, and, as always, remember…

"Try Everything!"