Chapter Five – New Beginnings

It wasn't too long after Doctor Reinhold left that there was a knock on the door jamb of his room. Dylan heard a clicking noise as a goat in a set of scrubs came into the room all the while watching him closely.

Dylan held up both his hands, palms toward the nurse, and asked "Were you one of the nurses that was here when I first woke up?"

The nurse nodded and said "I was, you gave us a bit of a fright but that happens with patients sometimes."

Dylan smiled ruefully "Then I'm sorry for that. It was just a bit of a shock after everything. Please forgive me if I offended you."

At that the nurse smiled and Dylan could see how mobile her face was. Her features, much like Doctor Reinhold's, weren't as pronounced as the same animal back on Earth. It was as if someone had blended in some human DNA causing her snout to be less pronounced, her eyes, which seemed to hold a higher degree of intelligence, were also larger and more centered toward the front "First, I need to ask you if you're in any pain?"

"No, none at all actually, just some tingling in my limbs every now and then, kind of like they 'fell asleep' does that help?"

"It does, we know next to nothing about your species so we pretty much only monitored you while you were out and just added nutrients to your IV. Now, I understand from Doctor Reinhold that you were hungry. So," the nurse said as she reached into a pocket and pulled out a folded, laminated, piece of card stock. Dylan could see her hand as she held the menu out to him. She had three digits, two longer than what they would be for an actual goat, and a third one about half the size of the other two... an opposable thumb. Each digit was tipped with a miniature hoof, almost like a hardened fingernail.

While Dylan was examining Wendy, she was doing the same to him. When he had first came in during her shift, she had felt pity for his sparsity of fur. After several days she realized that it was normal for his species. There was some fur growth on his muzzle around his mouth and under his nose, but if that was normal he must periodically remove it somehow. Oh well, different strokes and all that. At least he seemed nice. Kinda cute in an oddball way.

Dylan looked at the nurse as he took the menu and smiled. "Thank you Nurse...?" he left the sentence open, prompting her to give her name.

The nurse tilted her head to the side a little then answered "Kentala, Wendy Kentala. You'll notice that the menu you have is tailored to omnivores. If you'd like to give me your lunch order now, I'll go ahead and get that started. I'll bring in an order form later so you can go ahead and get your other meals pre-ordered."

Dylan bowed his head at the nurse and said, sincerely, "Thank you Wendy for everything. I know you were just doing your job, but I want you to know that I appreciate you."

Wendy grinned and said "Why, thank you Mr. Ambrose!"

"Call me Dylan" he said with a grin of his own before looking at the menu. As Wendy had mentioned, 'Omnivore' was printed in red at the top of the menu. It was broken down by meal so he easily found the lunch menu. His eyes widened slightly as he saw some of the choices. 'Bug Burger' was one with the description reading 'A succulent mix of beetles delicately roasted for full flavor. Served with potato fries or onion rings.' Dylan knew that some survivalists spoke of eating insects and that they were a great source of protein, but he wasn't sure he was ready for that just yet.

That was the only unusual item on the, rather limited, lunch menu. Reading through the rest of the menu he finally ordered a chicken sandwich with mayo, a side of potato fries, and steamed carrots with a side salad and a 'cougar cola' to drink.

Wendy smiled at him and then left. Dylan felt more relaxed with the situation he was in even though it still felt a little surreal most of the time. The animals, no, he couldn't keep thinking of them that way. The people here seemed nice and genuinely concerned for his welfare.

"Gods!" Dylan exclaimed when the Jaguar from before stepped silently into the room and interrupted Dylan's musings.

The jaguar stopped, put up his paws, and said quietly "It's okay Mr. Ambrose, I'm Doctor Rushing and I'm just here to check on you. Is that okay?"

Dylan quickly worked to get his nerves under control. When his breathing slowed down to something equating to normal he said "I'm sorry Doc, you startled me. Yeah, do what you have to do. I'm sorry about when I first woke up."

The doctor gave a small smile "Don't think anything of it. From all appearances you've had a rather trying time. I'd just like to ask you some questions so we can take better care of you. Now, we've found no records of your species so we have no referenced to what would be normal for you. Can you give us your baseline stats?"

"Sure Doc. Ummmm, heartbeat normal at about 60 beats a minute and blood pressure about one-ten over eighty."

"How about breaths per minute?"

Dylan shrugged "I'd say about eighteen to twenty."

Doctor Rushing nodded as he wrote Dylan's answers on the chart. "Well, Mr. Ambrose, as far as I can tell you're healthy. However, due to the circumstances, I'd like to keep you for a few more days just for observation." At this point, an antelope wearing grey scrubs came in carrying a tray but froze and stared at Dylan when it saw him. Doctor Rushing glanced over and said "Walter, you know it's not polite to stare. The patient is hungry and would like to eat."

"Sorry Doc" the antelope, Walter, murmured placing the covered tray on the overbed table then turning around and leaving.

Doctor Rushing looked back at Dylan with an apologetic look on his face and said "Sorry about that."

Dylan just waved it off "It's okay, if people haven't seen one of my species before then I expect I'll get a lot of strange looks, I'll just have to get used to it."

The doctor looked at him for a moment before stating "This is Zootopia. Here, every mammal can live peacefully together no matter the species or gender, whether they're carnivore or herbivore. You might get some strange looks for a while, but you shouldn't expect to be treated any different than any other species."

Dylan raised his eyebrows during Doctor Rushing's declaration. Doctor Rushing noticed and elaborated "It's our guiding principle and we must follow it or our society would fall apart. There was a mammal a few years ago that almost tore our city apart by inducing some predators darker instincts to the fore, erasing any higher thought processes they might have had. Thank Themis and Apollo that Nick and Judy Wilde were able to stop her. Two mammals, predator and prey, that worked together to save us and our city."

Dylan was impressed. It sounded like something from an epic movie or TV series, but actually true. He stared off into the distance, processing this new information and beginning to look forward to checking out the city and it's inhabitants.

"Please excuse my rant. It's something that I'm very passionate about." He then grinned, shrugged, and then continued "Almost as passionate as I am about healing."

Dylan shook his head "Don't be sorry Doc. You've made me feel better about being here, thank you!"

That being said, Doctor Rushing left just as quietly as he had entered.

oooOOOooo

Nick and Judy had been called in to the Mayors office regarding the mystery mammal. When they entered the office, they noticed a beaver sitting in one of the chairs in front of the Mayors desk. Being rather small mammals, both Nick and Judy were able to sit side by side in the other chair. Sitting on the Mayors desk was Judy's brother, Carl, and standing next to the Mayor was none other than Chief Bogo.

Mayor Fairbreeze introduced the beaver as Doctor Oscar Reinhold, a theoretical scientist, as the briefing started.

Mayor Fairbreeze leaned forward, her forearms resting on her desk as she began "The mammal both of you found woke about two hours ago. Doctor Reinhold had examined him while he was unconscious and was able to speak to him after he woke up. What he learned is... startling, to say the least. I'll let Doctor Reinhold explain. But nothing said here is to leave this room, understood?"

Both Nick and Judy nodded their acceptance of the stricture.

Doctor Reinhold cleared his throat before beginning "Well, our original hypothesis was only partially correct. While the place Mr. Ambrose came from does, indeed, use a different year and is not from the future, the place he comes from is much further away than another continent."

Nick and Judy looked at each other in confusion before Judy turned to the doctor and asked cautiously "If he didn't come from the future or from a different continent, where did he come from?"

Doctor Reinhold clasped his paws in his lap "Have either one of you ever heard of Multiverse Theory?" He asked.

Judy looked confused while Nick's eyes widened. Doctor Reinhold nodded at Nick. Judy saw it and looked questioningly over to her husband. Nick looked back and said "What? I read."

"Quite" Reinhold said and then explained for Judy's benefit "Multiverse Theory states that our universe isn't the only one. There are multiple universes layered one atop the other. Each universe is different from the other. Some differences may be small, some differences would be more significant. For instance, Mr. Ambrose arrived with a rather small type of computer that was battery operated. Very advanced technology. The techs couldn't even break into it, evidently it uses an unknown, advanced, source code."

"You're saying that our mystery mammal comes from another... universe? Then how did he get here?" Judy interrupted.

"Good question Officer Wilde." Reinhold responded "The simple answer is... we don't know. I talked to Mr. Ambrose and, after hearing his story, I tend to agree with his assessment that he ran afoul of a secret experiment his government was conducting."

"Which means" Carl piped up, "that he has no way home and is here to stay. Which is where we come to the heart of the matter. What now?"

Mayor Fairbreeze grimaced and said "We" and here she waved her paw between Carl, Bogo, and herself "Believe that we should tell the truth. I know that this may cause problems for Mr. Ambrose, but after the Night Howler incident, I ran my campaign on complete transparency. I plan to schedule a press conference and will try to emphasize that he is the victim here and that there is no cause for alarm. Do you think that is reasonable?"

Nick and Judy looked at each other, both knowing what the other was thinking. Judy spoke up "The main problem would be those mammals that would see him as a threat. If they stir up enough fear, there could be mobs in the streets advocating violence."

Mayor Fairbreeze's face took on a rather stern face and said "I will not condone violence in my city! If some speciest attempts to do so I will have them arrested and thrown in prison!"

Carl broke in "We do have laws on the books that make such crimes come with harsher sentencing. Not to mention that a majority of the public would react negatively, given the reasoning behind Bellwether's speciest viewpoints."

Doctor Reinhold looked over to the Mayor and mentioned "I don't think we should disseminate the information that his species, humans, was considered the only real intelligent life on the planet and that the rest of the species on his planet" Oscar looked around to the other mammals in the room "didn't have true intelligence."

Mayor Fairbreeze nodded as she sat back in her chair."I agree. Now, on another note, when we went through Mr. Ambrose's things, we discovered a pair of swords and a few other things that could be weapons. While none of the things he had were strictly illegal, we'll need to discover the reason behind his possession of them. Nick, Judy, if you are amiable, I would like the two of you to, uhhhh, 'interview' him. And, if it's okay with the Chief" here she looked over her shoulder at Bogo "I'd like it if you two could keep a discrete eye on him."

Bogo nodded and then looked at his two best officers "Done."

Nick smirked "So, protection detail. Any additional pay?" Bogo glared at him which made Nick smirk even harder. He loved messing with Chief Bogo and actually respected him a lot. Not that he'd want Bogo to know that.

Judy's eyes had widened at the opportunity. "We can head right over there Chief!" She said excitedly.

Mayor Fairbreeze raised her paw and pointed a finger at them "Take Doctor Reinhold with you. Be sure to go over what we've spoken of, especially the possible threat of violence. His doctor, Doctor Rushing, is keeping him for a few more days for observation. Hopefully this will blow over quickly."

Each said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Bogo to Police Headquarters, Doctor Reinhold and the Wildes to the hospital, leaving Carl and Jillian alone in her office. Jillian looked at Carl who looked back at her. "I hope this doesn't blow up in our faces Carl." She said sincerely.

Carl took Jillian's large paw into his own two smaller ones and replied with the same intensity "Whatever happens Jillian, you know I'll be here for you one hundred percent."

oooOOOooo

While Dylan wasn't really all that surprised at how easily he seemed to be adapting to the situation he found himself in. After all, he'd never been one to make judgments based on appearances, preferring to judge others on their attitudes and how they treated others instead. And everyone here seemed to be genuinely nice and caring.

He'd met Stacy Melgren, the wolf nurse that came to relieve Wendy. He'd apologized profusely to her for his earlier actions, which she graciously forgave him. They'd been having a great conversation when Dylan, feeling a little guilty about monopolizing her time, asked her if she didn't need to see other patients. When Stacy informed him that he was her only patient he felt only a little better. Stacy assured him that all the other patients were being well taken care of.

They'd even shared meals together, talking all the while. Stacy's lips thinned and she shook her head when Dylan told her about Alexis and what she had done. Stacy reciprocated by telling Dylan about how Alex was hitting on her but she was only interested in other females, a certain doe to be precise.

The hours seemed to fly by for Dylan and he felt that it was possible, at least hopefully, that he had found his first friend in this new world.

So engrossed in their conversation that neither noticed when the Wildes and Doctor Reinhold came into the room. The newcomers watched the two mammals chatting like old friends when Nick reluctantly cleared his throat to get their attention.

Both Dylan and Stacy turned at the interruption but, of the two, it was Stacy's that was the most telling. She smiled widely "Officer Hopps-Wilde, Officer Wilde, a very great pleasure to meet you! I take it you're here to, ah, interview my patient." She then turned back to Dylan and said "Dylan, this is Officer Hopps-Wilde and her husband Officer Wilde. They're the hero's of Zootopia I told you about. I'll be back later to check on you."

Dylan waved bye to her as she left, closing the door behind her.

When Dylan looked back at the three mammals, he was a bit taken aback by the color of the foxes eyes. He didn't think that foxes from his world had such a vibrant green. But, even that paled to the rabbit's striking purple eyes. He knew rabbits on his world didn't have that eye color! After several seconds of staring at the two new mammals, Dylan cleared his throat and apologized "I'm sorry officers. Please forgive my rudeness. Doctor Reinhold, officers, What can I do for you?"

Judy cleared her throat. He had a rather pleasant voice. "Mr. Ambrose, We've just came from the Mayor's office. We want you to know that you are most welcome here in Zootopia. The Mayor will be conducting a press conference explaining your presence here and asking everyone to make you welcome. The only thing we're hoping you'll help us to keep quiet is the intelligence thing you've mentioned to Doctor Reinhold earlier." Judy's face fell "And, unfortunately, there may be a select few that would react rather strongly to your appearance here."

Dylan shrugged. He was a geek and had been picked on my others that perceived him to be weaker. He had been quick to change their outlook as he'd been training in Ju-Jitsu since he was eight years old "They see me as a threat and decide to get physical."

Nick stepped closer "You can probably defend yourself given what we've found in your vehicle. I just wouldn't recommend carrying that sword around. People might get the wrong idea."

Dylan felt hopeful and asked "All my stuffs okay? My computer things? What about my musical instruments?"

Judy put her paws up in a placating manner "Everything is fine Mr. Ambrose. All of your things are locked up in police storage. But we were to ask you about some of the other things you have that might be weapons."

Dylan gave a slight smile and answered the implied question "Yeah, I do have other, what my species call, martial arts weapons. As you can see, my species doesn't have claws or large teeth, we can't run as fast as most other mammals. Honestly, we humans are our own worst enemies."

Dylan then went on to give an rough overview of ancient combat, the development of weapons, and how, in the more modern age, it was mostly relegated to a type of sport. And, while it could still be used in defense of yourself or others, you were still taught that avoiding fights was preferable.

"So," He continued "since there was always someone who tended to be bigger and more beligerent picking on me, I started learning the art of Ju-Jitsu to protect myself. Because, while I don't like fighting, I won't let myself get beat up either."

Both Nick and Judy got a far away look in their eyes as they both remembered how they used to get picked on. Nick recalled how he was treated when he was really hoping to join the Junior Ranger Scouts and Judy, her encounters with Gideon Grey. The couple looked at each other and Judy remarked "We understand, and we can relate. Both Nick and I have had similar experiences."

Doctor Reinhold spoke up "Mr. Ambrose, we've talked to your Doctor and he mentioned he wanted to keep you a few more days for observation. This will allow us to gauge the public's reaction to your presence as well as give me more time with you as well. That is, if you don't mind?"

"No problem Doc. And please, call me Dylan." Dylan requested.

Doctor Reinhold smiled with a genuinely happy expression.

Dylan was smiling also until, suddenly, a rather miserable expression came over him "Crap! What happens when I get out of the hospital? I have no money or place to go? Do you have homeless shelters here?"

Nick and Judy had no idea what a homeless shelter was, but Nick did get a very thoughtful expression on his face as he looked at Dylan. "You know, there is the Endangered Species Act." Realizing he had everyone's attention, he continued "It authorizes a species considered endangered to receive a modest residence for their size, free education, and a small stipend for monthly expenses. Nothing elaborate, but it will keep you from starving. And I'd guess that Dylan here is about as endangered as it gets."

Judy gaped at him for a second before turning back to Dylan, throwing a thumb in Nicks direction, and stating "Former con mammal, had to know the law in order to circumvent it..."

Nick gave a faux shocked expression and fired back "Con mammal? I'll have you know that I was an entrepreneur! I never broke the law!"

Judy put her paw up to the side of her mouth facing Nick, leaned a little in Dylan's direction and stage whispered "Just bent it until it screamed..."

Dylan laughed, he liked these two. "Okay, but only as long as I need it." Dylan hesitated and then asked sheepishly "Can I as a personal question?" Nick and Judy nodded. "So, you two are married?"

Judy grinned, grabbed Nicks arm, and hugged it to her "Yes we are! One of the first mixed predator/prey species couples in Zootopia!"

Nick picked up from there "Being the hero's in the Night Howler incident proved to be a silver lining. After us there were several more couples that came out of the shadows."

Nick and Judy then left promising to be in contact shortly, leaving Doctor Reinhold and Dylan alone.

With an excited gleam in his eyes, Doctor Reinhold climbed into the chair again and said "Well my boy, why don't we continue our discussion from earlier?"

Dylan nodded his agreement. The more he knew, the better his plans and new future would bring. He already knew he'd be taking advantage of the free education. He'd need a job here after all.

A/N: Okay, so things can start picking up speed now.

I struggled with this chapter a bit trying to come up with how I wanted to introduce Dylan to the Zootopian Public. Have the Mayor come up with a cover story? Play him off as an ambassador from another continent? A scout looking to colonize new lands? After considerable thought, I decided to stick with my original idea and, having faith in the resilience of the Zootopian people, go with the "truth".

Themis is the Greek goddess of wisdom and good counsel. She is the woman you see representing law (at least here in the U.S.) holding a set of scales and blindfolded. Apollo is the Greek god of several domains but here he is referenced under his domain as the God of healing and diseases. (Sensing a theme yet?)

I want to thank everyone that has decided to follow and favorite my fanfic. Until next time...