Project Gateway - Chapter 3

Kate sighed. "Well, I can't refute what you've told me so far Mr. Ambrose, and to dismiss the evidence before my very eyes would be the height of denial. So, I'll tell you my experience and, since you're reputed to be a genius in your own right, and since Dr. Rheinhold here is a theoretical scientist, I'll tell you everything.

You are correct. There was a crashed alien ship that, after decades of research, helped fuel the technology explosion, including nanites and stealth technologies as well as the miniaturization of computers and cellphones. It took decades after it crashed before scientists at the time were able to open the craft, and even then there were still parts of the ship that we weren't able to access.

However, one that we could was the control center, what most of the martial types referred to as the bridge. 13 crystals were found in two concentric rings around a much larger crystal, what was termed the 'king crystal' directly in the center. After much experimentation it was found that if an electric current was run through 8 crystals, as long as one of the 8 was the king crystal, a portal would open. The first portal resulted in two deaths and three missing technicians who are missing, presumed dead.

I was recruited right out of college to head the work on Project Gateway to figure out how the portals operated and how to target them. I was the one to start using low powered lasers to activate the crystals and I was able to increase the length of time the portals would be stable to 20 seconds."

Katherine looked at Dylan. "It was my experiments that resulted in your being here. While I could reliably open the portals, I hadn't discovered how to target where they would open, I'm sorry."

Dylan smiled at her. "Don't be sorry. Coming here was the best thing that ever happened to me. I left behind an ex-girlfriend that cheated on me and now I have two amazing wives and a life I could only have dreamed of before. I also have two wonderful girls and I just found out a few days ago that Zoe is pregnant again... with twins."

Dr. Rheinhold turned to him with a surprised smile on his face and told him "Congratulations my friend! Children are a blessing!"

"Thanks buddy! But please continue Doctor Davies."

"Katherine please. I can't see being formal with the only other human in my new world."

"Well, thank you Katherine, and call me Dylan. Mr. Ambrose makes me think of my father."

"Thank you. Well, you were also correct in that Area 51 was where the alien ship resides. There had been a change of command ceremony. General Bradley Reese, the person who recruited me for the project, was retiring. Due mainly to the issue of your inadvertent trip through the portal. His replacement, a rather misogynistic individual, General Dickhead Hawthorne, was his replacement."

"Dickhead? That's a rather strange name. Is it common among humans?" Doctor Rheinhold asked.

Dylan laughed. "Nah, it means someone who's stupid or irritating."

"Ah. Humorous. Please continue Doctor."

"True, he was. He ended up demanding scientific breakthroughs with impossible deadlines. Meanwhile, I was working 36 hours at a time with only an hour or two of sleep, which resulted in my having an accident." Kate paused, remembering when her life changed radically. She saw Dylan nodding and looked at him.

"I suspected as much. Video of the recordings showed a jagged rip about ten feet in the air. The portal I went through was a perfect rectangle."

"I haven't seen the video so I will have to agree with your assessment at the time, especially since my experience in the portal differs from yours. To continue, this portal displayed gravimetric properties, namely it began pulling in equipment. It was pulling me, but I had my hand on one of the crystals. When my grip started slipping, I grabbed onto the king crystal. I'm embarrassed to say that I was panicking. This resulted in my forgetting that the crystals could be removed, rotated, and re-inserted into the control panel. The two crystals slid out of their recesses and I was sucked into the portal."

"So the crystals are stranded in the void?" Dylan asked.

"Undetermined. The rest of what I'm going to tell you is supposition with no clear facts. My trip through the portal was... painful. I saw the crystals dissolve along with my body. While floating in the void, I heard voices, several different ones."

Dylan and his friend exchanged glances and Kate waited until she had their attention once more.

"These voices seemed almost emotionless, and called humans 'species 417'. One suggested terminating me so I wouldn't corrupt what the termed 'the experiment', the one that seemed to be the leader said no and to wait and see what the data showed. But the one that has the most relevance to my situation is the one that said that the crystals had merged with me."

The three mammals were silent for a time, each one thinking through the implications.

"It seems to me," Dylan broke the silence first, "that the beings you possibly encountered was what would, in science fiction circles, be called The Progenitors, The First Race, The Forerunners, or something similar, depending on which book you were reading."

"Progenitors?" Both doctors echoed each other.

"Yeah, an ancient race that seeded the universe with life. It was a science fiction trope used to explain why most alien races would look similar to the human species. Or, at least, bipedal with two arms." Here Dylan waved his hand at himself and then his friend.

"I see. If I may, then if Zootopia is an experiment of theirs, taking mammals from your world, changing us, and then planting us here, I would postulate that humans themselves were also an experiment." Dr. Rheinhold suggested.

"That's an unsettling possibility Doc. But quite probably true given that we are 'species 417'." Dylan said.

Given all that she'd been through, Kate was actually in a good mood. Here she was, talking to two very intelligent people on an equal level. Dylan caught Kate's eye. "So you know now why there's no hamburgers here in Zootopia."

"No cows." She stated firmly. "

No, there are bovines, but no domesticated breeds. One of my best friends is a cape buffalo. There are many types of fowl, fish, and shellfish available for consumption though."

"Dylan..." Dr. Rheinhold said, looking at his friend expectantly.

"Okay, fine. I was just waiting for her to get settle in yet. Remember that it took me a while to fully acclimatize to Zootopia and I didn't want to gross her out."

Kate raised her eyebrows questioningly.

"I actually enjoy insects. Particularly jalapeno beetle poppers and the occasional beetle burger."

Kate nodded. "Bugaburger."

Dylan smiled. "Yeah."

"Insects are known to contain protein and I've been informed that they could be rather tasty." She told the two mammals.

"Katherine, I think you won't have a problem settling in here." Dylan said.

"Returning to the good doctor's narrative, I think that the information that we may be an experiment should be something we should keep between ourselves." Dr. Rheinhold said.

"I agree Doc. It's not like we could change anything."

"Now. The possibility that you absorbed the crystals would explain some of the anomalous test results I've been getting from your DNA. The thought that they could be mineral in nature rather than biological hadn't occured to me I must admit."

"Such a thing wouldn't have occured to me either Doctor. After all, our species has never considered the possibility. I admit to being curious about what that will mean for me though. Dylan mentioned mutating. I'm wondering if that's why I keep smelling what I thought was dog. But if there's no domestic animals here, I would have to assume some other canine species, in all likelihood, a wolf."

Dylan laughed. "Yeah, I can smell him too. Mainly in the chair by your bed. He's my friend Liam, Liam Wolford. And he and his partner, Officer Swinton, have been one set of partners that have been protecting you while you were in your coma. I'm rather surprised you don't smell her or my other friends Judy and Nick."

Kate sniffed the air again and then shook her head. "No. I still only smell wolf."

It was Dylan's turn to raise his eyebrows, an suspicion beginning to form in his mind. While he wouldn't voice his thoughts on that, he did on something else. "I'm just glad that there's not going to be a horde of humans pouring through a portal. I admit that I've been worried about the military following me."

"Protocols are in place requiring any first contact situation be diplomatic in nature." Kate said.

"Sorry Katherine, I don't have as much faith in the military apparatus that you do, much less the government."

"The president himself had the first contact protocols placed in the manual." Kate informed the two other mammals.

"Katherine, while I greatly respect your intelligence, I will only point out the error in that belief with two words 'Takings Clause'."

Kate stared at Dylan after he said that. While she had a perfect score in her Government classes during high school and college, she never really incorporated it into her thought processes. What mattered more to her were the laws of the universe.

Oscar Rheinhold looked confused. "Please elaborate Dylan."

"Remember me mentioning the United States Constitution during our discussions?"

"Yes. A remarkably versatile document from the way you described it."

"In many ways it is. Now remember how I explained 'Eminent Domain' while I went over history?"

"Indeed. A rather disagreeable philosophy."

"Oh, I agree. The 'Taking Clause' requires that 'just compensation' be given to anyone who's property is taken by the government. 'Just compensation' being the monetary value of your property, it doesn't take into account the history. If you had a farm that had been in your family for generations and the government wanted to turn it into a national park, all they have to do is pay you some money. It doesn't matter if it's your home or not and that you don't want to sell it."

Oscar looked aghast and turned to Katherine. "I wish I could refute Dylan's statement Doctor, but I cannot."

"Ahem. Well, then it is most fortunate that such an occurrence can't happen here. Now, getting back to you Doctor. I would like to continue to see you weekly if possible. The discussions that Dylan and I had were most enlightening and delightful. I will also continue to take DNA samples to try and ascertain the extent of any mutations that you may be undergoing."

"I am agreeable to that Doctor, as long as I am able to observe and read your findings."

"You would be most welcome Doctor." Dr. Rheinhold smiled and then left.

Dylan smiled at Katherine and said, "Well, I guess you're ready for the rest now. Doctor Rushing, a medical Doctor, is waiting to see you. He's a carnivore, a jaguar, but he won't hurt you."

Katherine swallowed thickly and nodded. Dylan nodded back and then opened the door to the room. Katherine could hear the normal sounds that she would expect from any hospital, at least from different shows. "Doctor Rushing, she's ready."

"How are you and your family Dylan?" She heard someone address Dylan just before a jaguar in a lab coat walked in. "Good Tim, Zoe's pregnant again... with twins!"

Kate watched as the jaguar grinned, showing his rather large and pointed teeth. She observed the jaguar as he placed his paw on Dylan's shoulder. Dylan never flinched, simply smiling back. "Congratulations my friend! Name one after me?"

"What? Name a girl 'Tim'? I don't think so!"

Both mammals laughed. Then they approached her bedside. "My apologies madam. Dylan and I are old friends and, even though he's a great philanthropist we don't get to see each other very much."

"I understand. I'm not in need of emergency care so there is no need to rush."

Doctor Rushing adopted a faux shocked expression and asked Dylan. "You actually brought me a cooperative patient?"

"C'mon Doc, I wasn't that bad!"

Doctor Rushing looked over to Katherine and pointed one claw at Dylan. "This one woke up, took one look at me and my nurses before screaming and passing out."

Katherine understood humor and recognized what Doctor Rushing was attempting to do. Still, she gave a slight smile.

"Well, I'm here to give you a quick physical. As a scientist, I'll let you know that your electrolytes were severly depleted after your arrival. Now, according to all the data that we've acquired from years of putting up with Dylan..."

"Hey!"

"... You are otherwise healthy. However, if there are differences that you think that we should be aware of please let us know now so that we may tailor your treatment. Other than a slightly lower difference in the intake and delivery of oxygen transfer, about 19.8 percent less, nothing else medically related. A relatively minor difference unless you are an athlete."

"That would be a firm negative Doctor."

"Okay then, may I have your permission to examine you?"

"Of course Doctor."

Doctor Rushing pulled out a rather normal looking stethoscope and proceeded to give her a quick physical checking her heart rate and breath sounds. "Well, as far as I can tell you're perfectly healthy. However, given the length of time you were in your coma, we'd like to keep you a few days for observation."

Kate was concerned. "How long was I unconscious for?"

"12 days." Doctor Rushing told her. "Two of the nurses, Stacy and Wendy will be checking on you so if you should need anything, just let them know. They're the same nurses that dealt with Dylan when he was here... all seven times was it Dylan?"

"Oh har har, it was only three times Tim, you know that!"

"Really? Seems like much more to me! Okay, take care Doctor Davies, I'll be by during my rounds tomorrow unless something unforseen crops up."

"Thank you Doctor Rushing." Katherine thanked the jaguar as he left.

"I was out for only 3 days. We believed that your extended coma was only from it being an accident, but now that we have the information of your possibly having absorbed the crystals..." Dylan left the rest of his statement unsaid.

"One possible theory would be that our coma's are necessary for our bodies to adapt to the changes traveling through the portal caused. My lengthier coma could be the result of having to integrate the crystals into my biological makeup."

"The effects of which have yet to be determined."

"True. So what happens now?" Kate asked, uncertain about her future.

"Well, There will still be officers guarding you until you feel ready to take your place in society. They've already turned away several mammals, reporters mainly, but one humophile zebra wanting a lock of your hair is included in that group. If you wish to avoid most of the press, I would recommend talking to one of the ZNN news anchors. One, a snow leopard by the name of Fabienne Growley, would be happy to interview you."

"It might be best to take a more proactive stance on the situation."

"I'll contact her and let her know. Now, do you know if you'd like to take me up on my earlier offer, or receive the stipend? I make plenty of money so I have no problem helping you get back on your feet."

"As I stated previously, I'm not sure if there are any openings for my speciality here and I'm not sure what else I'm qualified for."

"I support a think tank called Mammalian Minds that includes Dr. Rheinhold if you'd like to join it. They're dedicated to improving the lives of all mammals in Zootopia. You may even be able to teach classes at Zootopia University if nothing else."

Kate nodded, thinking. Such endeavors could be a worthwhile use of her time. "If it is possible, I would like to work with your think tank. At least until I get used to being here and can make a more informed decision." Then she smiled wryly at Dylan. "I've found myself reluctant to associate with governments for a while, quite possibly for the rest of my existence."

Dylan smiled at her. "Then welcome aboard Doctor Davies. I'll set you up with an apartment near where the think tank works. Anything you need, see Doctor Rheinhold and we'll make sure you get it. If it exists here at any rate. If it doesn't... it's a think tank and we'll figure out how to make it."

He then pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it to Kate. "This has my cell number on it, call it anytime if you need something. You may have to leave a message, but I'll be sure to get back to you within 24 hours. I'll stop by again tomorrow to see you and answer any questions that you may have."

"Thank you Dylan." Kate said appreciatively, looking him in his dark grey eyes.

"You are most welcome Kate. And... Welcome to Zootopia."

It was a few minutes after Dylan left when a sow in a police uniform walked into her room. Kate remembered Dylan mentioning one of the officers by the name of Swinton. "Hello, you must be officer Swinton, I'm Doctor Katherine Davies, late of Earth."

The sow smiled, "Call me Peggy. We were wondering if you were ever going to wake up."

"I would surmise so, given my rather unorthodox arrival... Peggy. Please allow me to reciprocate and have you call me Kate."

Peggy smiled, she liked this human already. "Say, do you like music?"

"Indeed. Studies have found that music can increase productivity by as much as 32% and increase creativity in a similar manner."

Peggy was slightly taken aback by the way this human, Kate, talked, but she seemed friendly enough so she pulled out her tablet, made by Prism Technologies of course, and began playing her favorite songs.

"This is my favorite song by Gazelle, Try Everything."

Kate greatly enjoyed this Gazelle person's voice and the song had a positive message that she liked. Then Peggy played a song that sounded familiar, as well as the male voice in the duet. "That song sounds familiar to me, as well as the male voice, is that Dylan singing?"

Peggy smiled. "Yes! He's singing with his wife, Tara. It probably sounds familiar since he admits he's not a songwriter and wants to share the music he from his home world with all of Zootopia. He doesn't get with his band, Crossroads, much anymore but they're sold out whenever they have a concert. Of course, Zootopia General staff and emergency responders such as the ZPD and ZFD get free tickets when they do."

"So I understand that Dylan married two sisters?"

"Oh yeah! It was so romantic when he asked Doctor Ambrose to marry him. He had invited her on stage with him and introduced him to the crowd, then he sang a very romantic song to her before kneeling right there and asking him to marry him! Wait! I have it here on my tablet! Just let me find it..."

The officer fiddled with the tablet until she smiled and turned the screen toward Kate. On the screen was Dylan as he introduced Zoe to the audience and then began singing to her while t hey danced together on the stage. When the romantic country song ended, he knelt and asked her to marry him. The cheering and clapping was thunderous when all heard her affirmative reply.

"He has a much better baritone than I'd expect from his speaking voice." Kate stated.

"I know, right?"

"Doctor Rushing said he was a philanthropist."

"He didn't tell you? How like that mammal. He doesn't like to brag and he's so personable that you'd never suspect that he's the richest mammal in all of Zootopia."

"I rather got that impression from the other mammals that came in with him, I just wasn't cognizant of the extent of his wealth."

"He doesn't care about it. He's used it to improve all of our lives here and almost everyone loves him. He's turned down several offers to run for office, including that of Mayor."

"I would agree with that, politics are a very murky endeavor and quite illogical."

"You ain't kidding Kate. And I bet that Dylan didn't tell you how he ended up helping to save Zootopia?"

"No."

"Oh my gods! You have to hear it! Well, before he arrived, there was an incident called the Night Howler case..." Peggy went on to explain all of what had happened from before the time that Dylan had arrived in Zootopia until she got to where he confronted former Mayor Lionheart. "... it was so romantic! After he got out of the hospital, him and Zoe were married."

"I'm amazed."

"Well, it's time for Officer Wolford to take over for me. You have a good night's rest and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night Peggy."

The sow left, to be quickly replaced by a rather large wolf with dark brown fur, a white muzzle, and blue eyes. Not the same shade as Dylan's wife, but bit lighter. Katherine was rather intrigued with the wolf, watching how he moved, the expression of interest on his face, and his scent. She'd been able to detect Peggy's porcine scent while she was here, but Officer Wolford's seemed to hit her nose the instant he'd stepped into the room. She had a weird feeling watching him that she didn't recognize, never having felt it before. It was like when she was craving a triple whopper when she woke up.

Liam looked at the human sitting up in bed. He noticed that they had the same eye color which was quite a coincidence. He smiled, keeping his teeth covered. Dylan had told him that grinning might put the female human on the defensive since, back where they were from, it was a threat display from canines.

"You must be Officer Wolford." Kate stated.

"I am, Madame."

"Please, call me Kate."

"I'm Liam."

"Peggy told me some rather fantastical things about the history of Zootopia. Would you be kind enough to tell me more about the geographical and sociological aspects?"

Dylan had told him that she was a genius much like he was, but that her area of study was more esoteric than his. Liam was a smart mammal, smarter than what most other mammals would suspect. While not a genius, he would have done very well in the sciences if he had wished to pursue such a career. His parents were a little disappointed when he told them he wanted to go to work for the ZPD. He mollified them by still going to college and getting a master's degree in Forensic Science. Liam sat in the chair he's been using since assigned to guard Kate and got comfortable.

"Well, Zootopia itself is separated into six primary districts..."

"... and so after Judy and Nick were married, many more mixed species couples came out of the shadows and very few seem to even give it a second thought now."

"Thank you Liam, this conversation has been most enlightening."

"I've enjoyed it." Liam said, grinning. He found it comforting that she didn't seem to mind him doing that. He'd told a joke that helped to illustrate a point when describing the social interaction between species when he had grinned, showing his teeth, forgetting what Dylan had told him. Instead of any negative reaction, she'd smiled at the joke! After that, Liam relaxed and the conversation with very smoothly from that point.

The conversation segued into their youth and home life and both mammals gained a better insight into their respective worlds. Liam felt more relaxed around Kate and noticed that, as they talked about more common things in their lives, the less she talked in more formal phrases. Kate was telling him about what had led up to her accidental arrival in Zootopia when she stopped and looked at him curiously.

"What?" He asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Were you... growling?"

Startled, Liam had to think about it and realized that he had, indeed, been growling. He was also surprised that his doing that didn't seem to frighten her, none that he could smell at any rate. "I'm sorry, it's just the idea of someone that self important, that... arrogant, treating you, I mean, another mammal, like that. It reminds me so much of what happened with the former Deputy Mayor."

"Peggy mentioned her when she was giving me the history of Zootopia, but mainly as it dealt with Dylan."

"Yeah, he's a great mammal. Did Peggy tell you how he gave all of the schools here in Zootopia free computers to use for education?"

"No, she left that out."

"She probably left a lot of things out. Dylan has done so much for Zootopia since he came here. The people have tried to get him to run for mayor, but he refuses saying that politics aren't for him."

"Dylan told me you were one of his best friends. Would it be possible to ask you a kind of personal question?"

Liam seemed to swell a bit at her statement. "Yeah, we get along pretty good. And you can ask me whatever you'd like. I know it's going to be a little difficult to settle in and I'll help you in any way that I can."

"Thank you Liam, I appreciate that. It's about Dylan and his marriage to Zoe."

Liam nodded understandingly. "Well, I can tell you about it from my viewpoint, but I'd recommend that you speak to him or his wives for anything more indepth. Although, I can't say if they'll answer."

"I just need your viewpoint Liam, to give me a perspective on how other mammals view Dylan's being married to two... mammals... with them being related to each other. My question ties in with Zootopian society and their thought processes."

Liam leaned back in his chair and thought for a second. "Well, I need to start a bit further back. Did Peggy tell you how Dylan and Zoe met?"

"She said he rescued her from a gang?"

"True. The Happy Slayers gang, a bunch of low life hyena's that the former mayor, Lionheart, had built up to take revenge on the citizens of Zootopia, had cornered Zoe on her way back from her former boyfriends apartment and were about to rape her when Dylan intervened. At that time, he was dating Fabienne Growley, the ZNN news anchor. Zoe and Dylan got to be friends after that. When Dylan and Fabienne broke up they ended up dating. One thing led to another and they ended up mating and then getting married."

"This was after when he rescued her from Lionheart?"

"Um, kinda? From what I know, they were mated before that and then married after with Zoe insisting on using the Old Rites."

"Explain that process please."

"Let's see. I'll talk about mating and marriage then I'll explain the old rites to give you context, okay?"

"That sounds agreeable."

"First, mating and marriage are almost identical. The major difference is how much the government is involved. Mating is recognized by the citizens of Zootopia as two mammals being together and creating the mating bond, which is an emotional connection between the mammals in question. This bond has been proven to exist, noticeably from the reactions of two mammals who've broken that bond for one reason or another, they act like addicts suffering from withdrawals.

Marriage is the formal and public swearing of vows between the mammals in front of a Priest or Priestess of Hera. This is officially recognized by the government of Zootopia and giving both mammals rights under the law."

Liam leaned forward and placed his elbows on the arms of the chair, looking intently at Kate. His blue eyes caught her own as he got a more serious look on his face. "The Old Rites are still on the books as legal, even if they've fallen out of general use. It's considered the ultimate surrender to your partner, the ultimate act of love and trust. Mating bonds can be broken and a marriage can end in divorce, but the use of the Old Rites is a forever commitment."

"So the Old Rites are a more restrictive form of marriage?"

Liam shook his head. "No. The Old Rites are like the mating bond on steroids. The one swearing basically loses the ability to say 'no'. If the person who swore the Old Rites is cast out of the marriage, they may not survive. If the breaking of that bond doesn't kill them, then they tend to lose all desire... for anything. Most of those who have suffered from it have literally allowed themselves to starve to death, that's the physical effects. As for society, they're stigmatized."

Liam could see the shocked look on Kate's face. He saw her swallow hard before she found her voice. "So I see why it's considered the ultimate act of love and trust."

"And why it's so rare these days. But Dylan had risked his own life for Zoe when they were complete strangers, and then almost died rescuing her again. To Zoe, he'd proven himself so she gave her all to him. And honestly, I've never seen a happier couple, even when they added Tara to their marriage."

"About that, how does that dynamic work?"

"From what I've seen and heard from others, they have a wonderful marriage. Zoe and Tara talk about what a kind, considerate, and attentive husband they have and how he's such a doting father, trying to spoil his cubs rotten over their rather half-hearted objections. It would probably be better if you were to talk to Zoe or Tara if you want any more details. Personally, I can tell you that he's a great friend, open and honest, willing to listen. He was there when I found out that Elle was cheating on me. He helped me hold it together, got me to talking to a therapist, and now I'm in even better shape than when I first met her."

"So you'd say that he found where he was supposed to be?"

"From what he told me about his past with his girlfriend cheating on him in college, yeah, I'd have to say that he did."

Kate took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The last bit of guilt that she'd been feeling since seeing Dylan here faded away. She saw Liam tilt his head to the side a bit and found she rather liked it when he did that. So she answered his unspoken question. "I was the scientist that opened the portal that accidently sent him here. I'd been feeling a little guilty, but from everything that you and Peggy have told me, here is where he belongs."

"Yep. Zootopia is a better place thanks to him."

Liam checked his watch and yelped.

"What is it?" Kate asked.

"I'm two hours past my shift!"

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, this is the most fun conversation I've had in a long time. But I'm supposed to have a date tonight and if I don't leave now I won't have much time to get ready for it."

"I look forward to talking to you again Liam."

"So do I Kate."

Liam exited the room to find Nick and Judy sitting in the chairs outside of the door. Both looked up at him and smiled. "How come y'all didn't let me know when my shift was over?" He asked them.

"We looked in and saw that you were engaged in a really deep conversation with the lady and seemed to be enjoying it, so we decided to wait until you were done." Nick told him, lowering his sunglasses and looking at Liam over the rims.

"Yeah, okay. But I need to go now and get ready for my date with Jackie."

"I know." Judy said, her eyes rolling in her head. "It's all she could talk about for the last three days."

Judy actually didn't see it working between the two of them, Jackie being a bit too flighty. But, maybe it would work, stranger things and all that.

"Don't do anything we wouldn't do." Nick snarked.

"And that would leave... what exactly?" Liam snarked back.

"I'll go inside first Love. Split the difference? Five hours each?" Judy asked.

"Sounds like a compromise to me." Nick agreed, wishing he could kiss his wife. While willing to push Bogo's buttons for fun, Nick actually wanted to present a positive image to the public as being the first fox officer on the ZPD. He'd seen the effects his actions had for the rest of his species, more fox's being hired, more of them willing to be seen and take part in society again.

Judy walked in, noticing how different the human looked awake and sitting up. The human's eyes widened slightly when she looked at Judy.

"Hello! I'm Judy Wilde."

"Hello. Katherine Davies. Dylan and Liam have told me a little about you. May I talk to you and ask questions?"

Judy quickly hopped up onto one of the chairs before replying. "Oh, absolutely! Nick and I have a daughter named Katie."

"First, I must say, you have the most magnificent amethyst eye color!" "

Thanks, my husband likes them a lot. But I have to admire his emerald colored eyes."

"And your husband is Nickolas Wilde, a fox?"

"Guilty! Sorry, a little law humor there. We weren't the first mixed predator prey species to get married, but when we did after the Night Howler incident, it let our type of relationship become more mainstream."

"So interspecies couples can reproduce? and how does Dylan's being married to two wolves affect your type of relationship?"

"Oh, sweet cheese and crackers no! Only species close to one another can reproduce biologically, such as two felines. Our daughter is adopted. Nick and I showed that our kind of relationship could work, and people were taking notice. But when Dylan got married to Zoe, it was like throwing flammables onto a fire. He showed that what the outside looked like, that predator, prey, or omnivore status didn't matter, love is love."

"But what about marrying two sisters? I'm just curious about how that works, it's the scientist in me."

"That you'd need to ask one of them about. We don't pry."

"I may do that. Now, Peggy told me about Zootopian history, Liam told me about the different districts and the given sociology. But he also told me about how you were the first rabbit cop and that Nick was the first fox?"

"Oh! Yes! I've wanted to ge a cop since I was a small kit! And I was able to talk Nick into becoming one also. It wasn't easy, we both had to overcome the stereotypes of our species."

"It's sad that stereotypes exist here as well. Which ones did you have to deal with?"

Judy sighed sadly. "Well, for me it was because of my size. They didn't think I had what it took to succeed as an officer. For Nick, it was because foxes were seen as shifty and untrustworthy... criminals. But now, thanks to his hard work, that stereotype is slowly fading."

"How do you think the public will react to my presence?" Kate asked.

"Very positively overall, thanks to Dylan. Figure on the public being very curious about you, asking a lot of questions."

"And the negative?"

Judy laughed. "While you were in your coma, there were a total of six mammals protesting outside of hospital property. All they did was carry signs warning of an invasion and even then, they didn't seem that enthused to be out there. Dylan went out and talked to them for a little while, then he bought them lunch, and they left shortly after."

"That's a relief."

Judy and Kate talked more, mostly about Judy and her family before marrying Nick, but also her family after, Judy showing pictures of both. A goat nurse with the name of Wendy came in with a menu so that Kate could order dinner and breakfast for the next day. She noticed that it said "Omnivore" at the top of the heavy piece of cardboard. Looking down at the offerings, she asked if she could have the buffalo chicken wings with fries and lemonade as well as a bugburger.

Judy's jaw dropped open in happy surprise at what Kate had ordered. Remembering the story Dylan would tell about him ordering his first meal and not sure about the selection. Judy continued to talk about her struggles with family and career, Kate smiling at Judy's mom and dad's antics with the fox repellent and fox stun gun while Kate ate her meal. Time flew by and Judy switched with her husband.

Kate immediately acknowledged Judy's comment about Nick's eyes, they were a beautiful emerald color. She loved his sarcastic humor and easy going manner. She actually laughed at some of Nick's descriptions of jokes he'd played on his boss, Chief Bogo. Nick kept talking to her, watching as she slowly fell asleep. He hoped she'd be able to cope with being here like Dylan did, otherwise she was going to find herself very alone.

A/N: Okay, Chapter 3 finally done! Sorry for the delay, but like I've said, my muse hasn't been exactly cooperative with this story lately. Thank you for being patient with me, I'm hoping to have the next one done and posted on time, depending on my new job. I am actually working on Chapter 4 of this story and will continue to do so until my muse escapes again.

I have several other stories I want to write, but I think I'll concentrate on two stories at a time, such as Deathtouched and this one until Deathtouched is finished, then adding in another.

But by then, I'll probably have several chapters of each to pick from.

Until then,

Speaks With Spirits