Welcome back my dearest readers.

Well, how about that? Judy seems to have built the base of support to pull off that election, though we're not there yet. We're still back in time a bit so we can see what she has been up to. For clarity, Nick is still doing his exploration of hell thing while this all goes down. But how about that, huh? Peter and Fabiene? Judy sure dropped a big hint there at the end too, didn't she?

But the big question. What the heck happened with Nick? The higher beings seem to think he is gone, gone.

O_O

Oh, the Mammality! Could I have really done that? To find out if you're going to hate me forever or not, I guess you'll just have to keep reading, but for now, we are going to join back up with Judy and how she has been doing and what she has been up to.

Oh, big note. THIS ONE IS HUGE! I decided not to break it up, so strap in. Hope you enjoy.

On with the show!

I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

Chapter 11

Judy arrived at the Wolford Pack Alpha compound about two hours later and was let in. As she walked up to the door, it opened to reveal Victoria Wolford, pack Alpha. "Judy. Nice to see you. You don't usually say things to the press before discussing them with me, so I assume that was an oversight. Though you at least said it as an if, not an is."

Judy looked up at her for a moment in confusion before her ears fell back, realizing what the motherly Alpha was referring to. "Rotten carrots! I totally admitted to a pending run for city council, to the press, didn't I? I'm sorry. That announcement wasn't meant to happen for another two weeks."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Well, you're a pregnant rabbit with a fox's kits in your belly. You eat meat like a wolf, and your best friend is a tigress that I'm learning is actually bigger than most, and a princess for a kingdom that doesn't exist anymore. The occasional oversight is understandable."

Judy shrugged. "Yeah, let's go with that and not the fact that I had just outed Fabienne or the fact that she's pregnant."

Victoria nodded with a barked laugh, stepping aside so Judy could enter. "I'm assuming it's Peter. I've seen them off camera. There are some looks, and scents more specifically, that a wolf is going to pick up that you can't suppress in the moment."

Judy laughed. "Oh yeah. They may be out soon though. If her cubs are healthy, I'm sure they will. Peter actually trumpeted in the middle of the press room he was so happy upon hearing that they might be having kits."

Victoria laughed as she led the way to the lounge. "I believe it. He's far too controlled, so you overcome that and I'm quite sure he acted like a complete loon. Now, your friend, the Regent, my daughter in law, and for whom you serve as First, is waiting for us. I guess there are a few discussions we need to have. I'll let you set the agenda so we don't trip over something."

Judy nodded as they entered the lounge. Lizz looked up with a grin that turned into a scowl. "Judy?" Standing, fur bristling slightly. "Judy? Where in the nine hells have you been? Ben said he's got street cameras showing you driving into Happytown. And what is this about a Happytown pack?"

Judy's ears fell behind her. "Hey. I told you that I'm okay. I answer most of your calls, or call you back. I've been doing things. I've been active, and I'm fully sure that Jack and Skye have been tattling on me."

Lizz nodded and sat back down with a huff. "They have, but they haven't told me much more than you're doing okay, that the kits are healthy, etc… So what are you doing?"

Victoria sat heavily. "Oh hell, no." Giving Judy a pointed look. "You're going to run for the Happytown seat? There is no way you'll get enough votes."

Judy smirked as she took her seat. "Maybe. Maybe not. As of right now, we've managed to get just a stitch more than two thirds of the eligible voters in Happytown registered to vote. That includes the Happytown pack. Which is really the first item of business. In the process of everything else, I have had a chance to interact with the Happytown pack. They're a pack of misfits, rejects, and the otherwise excommunicated. However, the reasons for that excommunication, rejection, etc… are not reasons that the Wolford pack would tolerate, in most instances. They are, with a few exceptions, former members of the other packs in the city and beyond.

They want to be more than a cobbled together pack that really struggles to help their members. They are also deeply ingrained in the community of Happytown and I would consider them one of the major pillars, along with the Skulks, Stenches, Gangs, and Nurseries. They asked me, in my capacity as first, to bring an ask that they be allowed to apply for membership as a satellite pack. They want to remain able to easily welcome the unwanted of other packs, but they recognize their own need for the support of, and association with, a larger pack."

Lizz leaned forward, ears pricked forward. "What are some of these reasons? Obviously, a review of their membership would need to be made, their beliefs, etc… Though, if you are bringing this to us, I suspect we won't have too many issues."

Judy nodded with a smile. "Gay. Inter. A lot of inters actually, and because their packs ejected them…"

Lizz shook her head sadly. "Unless their mates' family would support them, or had a really good job."

Judy nodded sadly. "Exactly. Others are criminals that were released but their packs refused to let them return. Lots of reasons, they don't however welcome anyone you wouldn't. I know you don't believe that a wolf that comes out from a theft charge should be rejected, unless they just keep doing it. That the pack should support them, show them the right way."

Victoria nodded. "Exactly. Even a murderer may be worthy of a chance. Depending."

Smiling, Judy nodded again. "Exactly. Their beliefs, I truly believe, line up sufficient to be worthy of consideration. They are likely a bit more lenient than the main Wolford pack, but that's why they want to be only a satellite. They want to be where those in a higher need of that chance can go. Where they can get the support, and in some cases, oversight, they need. They also have no problem tossing a wolf out on their tail if needed. They are welcoming to all. Forgiving to a fault. They also will not tolerate someone who is simply not trying or proven to be taking advantage of their forgiveness."

Victoria looked to Lizz. "I'm going to put this one in your court, Lizz. This is a perfect test for you and what you have learned. I'm not even going to give you a timeline. Now obviously, your first cannot do more than the introductions, so you will need to select a second to go with you. Has Mike picked a new first yet?"

Lizz shook her head. "No. He's looking at some candidates, but he's relying on his second for now. Who does not want to be his first."

Victoria rolled her eyes, though she clearly understood. Nick had left some big paw-wraps to fill. "That pup. Okay, that takes care of that. What next?"

Judy smiled and leaned back, taking a sip from a protein shake and then setting it aside. "I cannot get enough of blueberry rhubarb since I got pregnant. Anyway, as you guessed. I'm going to run for the Happytown council seat." Noticing the looks she was being given. "What?"

Lizz leaned forward and spoke gently. "Judy. Where did you get that?" Indicating the shake.

"Wasn't that waiting for me?"

Lizz shook her head. "You know we'd get you anything you wanted, but no… That was not there waiting for you."

Judy looked at the shake, took another drink and set it aside. "Huh… That's happened a few times lately. Every since I saw Nick in a dream and he promised that he was doing all he could to make his way back to me. Weirdest dream, and his presence at the edge of my mind got a tiny bit stronger. I don't know if it is just like an after image, or what. But it felt like it was him. It really did."

"And since that dream, you have been just able to magic, protein shakes into existence?"

Judy shrugged. "I wouldn't say that. I need to dig into the Cheth, Helketta, and other writings on the link we shared, and you and Mike now do. It seems familiar, but probably not something I paid much attention to, because it seemed kinda absurd."

"Well yeah."

Victoria snapped her attention to Lizz. "Wait… What's this about a connection?"

Lizz smiled and sat back. "Mike and I. We can sense each other. Even get bits of information. It gets stronger the more we use it. If Judy is to be believed, we may even be able to have conversations without speaking at some point."

Judy nodded. "It's one of the things that made Nick and I such an effective team. Not just knowing your partner, but literally knowing where they were, what they were looking at. But we've gotten off track.

I'm going to be running for the Happytown seat. I've been working to create a base of voters that have been ignored and disenfranchised for decades. We're even making sure that they'll be able to get to the polls. There are plenty in the Happytown border areas, and I expect the poll workers are going to freak out when a few thousand foxes, skunks, and others appear to cast their votes.

In that vein. I'm hoping, entirely separate from my status as First to the Regent, if you would endorse my candidacy. Much of the pack area sits within the actual borders of the district. Your pack represents the largest other voting block than those I have already been working with to just get them registered. Sadly, there are also a lot of mammals that can't vote, because of their records. Many of those records were created because they made the choice to eat. It isn't fair, and a review of that is one of those early projects I have set for myself, after making sure all the money that is supposed to be spent on and by Happytown is actually directed there."

Lizz cocked her head to the side. "Hold up. You said you were running for a council seat, so I assumed you meant Meadowlaws seat or something. What is this talk of Happytown?"

Victoria shook her head. "Your family is newer to the city, well after Happytown existed, so it doesn't surprise me that you don't know. Heck, most have forgotten, the council itself for sure. When Happytown was created, it was actually done as an update to the city charter and is its own discrete district, giving it a seat on the city council. This was designed as a way to draw predators there, and away from other parts of the city.

It initially worked, but then of course, the rest of the council disregarded the vote and bills of that representative. Eventually mammals gave up as it was clear that their voices were not just not being heard, but actively ignored. When the seat went unclaimed, the council divided up the area to the neighboring districts. They did that using an emergency maneuver, but now they suddenly had more money to play with for their districts. So no effort was ever made to get a new mammal in the seat. It's why downtown, or Sahara Square are so well kept, and Happytown is the pit that it is.

I'm sad to say, my predecessors as Alpha were complicit, since it was foxes and the like who got relegated to Happytown, and we kept our own areas up. At this point I am not sure how it gets fixed, but having someone in the seat, and getting the money back to where it's supposed to be is a start."

Judy chuckled. "Actually, due to city documentary requirements, there is justification for emergency funds, as well as the obvious need. As well as a finding of deliberate neglect and systematic discrimination by the council members in charge up to now.

That's all, however, for once I am in the seat. As for what we will do in Happytown. The plan is to employ the residents. If they don't have the skills, then we'll bring in someone to teach them. This is not another gentrification project like the borders, bringing in mammals from outside, who have no stake in the long term results. We're going to actually address the problems. It won't happen instantly, but we can make progress. In truth, I already have in the process of getting the voting block actually registered."

Victoria nodded. "Well, I will wait to see your platform once you've officially announced your run. I'm sure you will easily earn the endorsement. Now, anything else?"

Judy shrugged. "No. I've just been busy organizing a campaign in secret. When I announce, there won't be enough time for the existing council members to do anything."

"Good. Smart, but I expect nothing less. But seriously, Judy. Are you okay?"

Judy shakes her head, finishing the drink. "Victoria, I am never going to be okay again. For that to happen. Nick would need to appear from beyond the grave.

I have the goal for city council. I have my kits. I have my friends, and family. These things keep me going. So, no. I'm not okay, but I'll be alright."

They chatted until later that evening, and had a large family dinner. Lizz and Judy discussed their cravings and experiences with being pregnant, with Victoria joining in and sharing her own, as well as some stories about her pups, much to Mike and Ed's embarrassment. As well as making arrangements for Lizz to meet with the Alpha of the Happytown pack on her next day off. Judy then headed to her current home on the inner side of the Happytown border.

xXx

The official announcement had gone off without a hitch and to far more support than she was expecting. The team she had assembled had apparently been working on the back side to drum up even more support in the border areas. Something that was on the to do list, but something Judy herself had planned to work on after the announcement. They were actually thrilled with the idea of having proper representation and having Happytown finally live up to its promise. It seemed that everyone believed she could do it.

The night before the election, Judy was passed out in Mel's Diner, which had become her campaign headquarters, going over last minute polling figures and plans for the acceptance party and such. Everyone didn't seem to understand that, while she ran unopposed for the seat, she still had to get sixty percent of the vote in the district to actually earn the seat. This also because of the same emergency measure that had divided it up to begin with.

As she was carefully picked up by Jack, Skye looking on fondly, they carried her up to the apartment that had been cleaned up and prepared for those nights, so often as the election grew closer, that Judy would end up doing just as she had done that night. Passing out as she tried to ensure her win.

It was clear to everyone, but especially those closest to her that this was no longer about vengeance, though that would come in its own time. No, it was clear that Judy was Judy, and this was about doing the right thing, about making the world a better place. So as she called out for Nick, they figured she was just dreaming. Unknowing that she in fact could see him looking on, and the fear for him she felt as he was surrounded by a malevolent darkness that seemed to be preparing to engulf him.

Jack laid her down on the bed that was very much hers in the spare bedroom, tucking her in before retiring with Skye. They had been mated just as Nick and Judy had, though the Skulks and Clan Wilde were far more accepting of him and willing to give him a chance than they had been with Judy. A privilege she had earned for him, and something he and Skye were eternally grateful for.

As she dreamed, Judy returned to one of the other events, shortly after her announcement, that had pretty much cinched her win. Even if she herself refused to accept that and continued to work hard for every vote.

xXx

Two weeks after the EMTs lawsuit closed, and three days after her official announcement, Judy was sitting in a green room at the ZNN studios. This was going to be a special, prime time special. Between her ears, and newly improved sense of smell, she knew that Peter and Fabienne, at least as of today, were no longer hiding. She could also smell Lizz and Mike, as well as Maria and Jarvis. This was going to be an interesting special.

At this point, there was no pretending that she was not pregnant, and she now had to actually wear maternity clothes. One of the times she was truly glad to be a rabbit. Nice, fashionable maternity wear was easily accessible.

She really hoped that this special would help her in the polls. She was doing well, and had not hidden who the father was. Still, this would be putting it out there in a forum that could not be ignored.

Judy was startled out of her thoughts by one of the techs. "Mrs. HoppsWilde. You're on in five."

Judy nodded. "Thank you. I'm as ready as I'm going to get."

The tech nodded. "Okay, follow me then. We'll get you set up just off stage. That way you can walk on right away."

"Great."

The tech looked down as he led the way through the back-stage area. "Did you know about Peter and Fabienne? It really hit everyone as a surprise this morning when they came in, together."

Judy chuckled. "Oh, I know a lot more than just that. I do hope you don't think any less of them."

The tech looked embarrassed. "Not at all. I think all of you are so brave, not only to be able to find love beyond your species, or even nearby species, but to celebrate it openly. If anything, I hope my parents are watching. My brother deserves to be able to bring his mate home for the holidays."

Judy nodded. "There is always hope. But even if not. If you are accepting, maybe you can propose hosting instead of the parents. Assuming you have the room."

The tech led them into the actual stage area behind the cameras and whispered. "My mate and I are actually buying a home for that very reason."

Judy smiled. "Good for you. Family needs to support each other. It's the only way the prejudices that have hurt us as a society for so long can finally be put to rest." The Tech nodded with a smile but didn't otherwise respond.

A few minutes later Peter and Fabienne appeared and took their places on the stage, Favienne giving Judy a nod and smile. The ZNN special interview music played and after a short countdown, the lights shifted and Fabienne smiled for the camera. "Good evening, Zootopia. I'm Fabienne Growley."

It was apparently a wider shot, as Judy was directed around behind the camera and to the first seat opposite Fabienne and Peter, which was in shadow due to the spotlight on Fabienne and Peter. "And I'm Peter Moosebridge."

Fabienne picking up from there. "Tonight we have a special interview for you. We will actually cover several subjects this evening. The first being the recent announcement of our first guest tonight to run for city council, but more than that, to run for the empty Happytown seat."

Peter picked up. "Yes, something a lot of us are learning about as she educates us all on some history I'm sure a lot of mammals would prefer we forget. Something, after some of our guests other exploits, is something we probably should not do."

Fabienne nodded with a smile. "That's right, Peter. Some context for our viewers that are not aware, or have heard some of the various details out on social media, some of which are amazingly without fact or connection to reality. Over a century ago now, when Happytown was initially created, the city was heavily divided. This was after the war for equality, but while predators like myself had won equal rights in theory, the practice was anything but."

"That's right, Fabienne. The prey at the time, to try and control and address the unrest of the predator population of the city, created Happytown. They did this with a change of the city charter to actually create it as an independent district, the same as Sahara Square, Tundra Town, or the Rainforest. This gave it, and the residents that lived there, certain rights, which included a seat on the city council, as well as money allocated to keep up the district.

However, as Fabienne mentioned. Things were not nearly as clear cut then as they are now, and the rest of the city council did all they could to undermine that council member. Their bills were ignored or rejected out of hand, no matter what they were for. Sometimes even reintroduced without changes under the name of one of the prey council members. Because of this, while many predators had been drawn there under the promise of equal and fair representation, they got anything but that.

After a few cycles, no one was willing to run for the seat anymore after the last council member resigned. To address the vacancy, the council used an emergency maneuver to assign sections of the Happytown district to other council members, along with a portion of the money that is allocated by law to the district. And with no one choosing to run for the seat, that became the status quo. The conditions of the core of the district are a direct result of the neglect, either deliberate or simple oversight, by all the city council members since that time."

Fabienne nodded and picked up from there. "Correct. At least that has been the status quo up until this recent election cycle. Our first guest is none other than Judy HoppsWilde, former member of the ZPD and recently announced candidate for the Happytown district city council seat.

Some may not know that Judy is no longer with the ZPD. This is due to, according to facts revealed in the lawsuit against her and the ZPD, which forced her out of the ZPD so as to not be fired due to pressure from the existing city council. That lawsuit was filed by a mammal that has been shown to have been in collusion with several council members to achieve just that goal, as well as, if reporting proves true, to commit additional crimes.

Judy, having lost her mate and her job within a day, did not give up. Just as the indomitable person we in this city have come to know her as. Judy did not buckle. Instead, she has spent the time since then working within Happytown to set the stage for her run for city council. Even before being elected, she has done more for that district than any mammal on the city council has done since the district's creation.

So please, help me in welcoming Judy HoppsWilde. Judy, thank you so much for joining us."

Judy smiled brightly for the camera as the spotlight expanded to include her, then turned her attention to Fabienne and Peter, seeing the light on the camera behind them come on. "Thank you, Fabienne. Peter. For that lovely introduction. I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to be running for city council and specifically the Happytown seat. A seat that has been unattended for far too long. I look forward to seeing the money you mentioned redirected to the district as it should be, and working with the residents of the district to fulfill the promises made when it was originally created."

Peter smiled. "So it sounds like you have some big plans already."

Judy nodded. "I do. After reviewing the council schedule, and the rules. I am actually running for the combined City Council and District Supervisor position. They are in fact not mutually exclusive. Interestingly, several of the city council members are taking a salary based on holding both positions, yet their district actually has a Supervisor or Manager, same thing, just depends on the district. One that is also accepting the pay for that position."

Peter smirked. "Is that so. Well, I would hope that the council with you on board will address such oversights and perhaps get that overpayment back from those council members."

Judy smiled with a nod. "That is on my agenda if I do in fact win the seat. I know I am running unopposed, but I still have to make a certain threshold to earn the council seat, a lower threshold for the Supervisor position, and a higher threshold to achieve both. I'm confident, but I'm a realist. With the help of my mate, I was able to remove the rose colored glasses I grew up with. I can do a lot of good if I get the lowest threshold of the Supervisor. I can do the most good if I can achieve both positions.

The Council schedule is actually designed to allow a mammal to fulfill both, so that they are in their day to day job, in direct contact with their constituents, as the District Supervisor or Manager. It's why they only meet once a week, at the end of the week. It allows them to have their constituents' needs in mind when they meet with the rest of the council. Having a manager or supervisor is an option, but it is why you get paid less if you split the job. It was meant as an incentive so our council members are also truly members of the community."

Peter nodded. "Well, I'm learning a lot more today about the way the city is constructed. It also sounds like some of the council members, deliberately or not, have been collecting more from the city than they are due."

Judy gave a thoughtful smile, an ear falling to the side slightly. "It is true, and I will not accuse them of either. It is however a provable fact that they are, and need to not just stop taking the extra money, but give back to the city the money they were not due. It probably has tax implications too."

Fabienne shook her head. "I certainly hope they were not taking that knowing they shouldn't have. The city has had enough corruption, we don't need more of it just because mammals got greedy."

Judy nodded sagely. "I totally agree. As for my plans for the district. We plan to employ the residents of the district to work to fix the district. Only if they do not have the skills needed would we bring in someone from outside to teach them those skills. It may take longer, but it ensures that this will be a true revitalization of the district. We're not bringing in mammals from outside the district to pretty it up. There is a lot of history and culture built up in Happytown at this point. Just as the Rainforest, or Canyonlands, or Tundratown all have their own unique and beautiful cultures. The combination of which is what makes this city so great.

I intend to live and work in the district core. I already live in a house on the inner border area, and my campaign headquarters is in the core. I have also already picked out where my offices will be, again in the core of the district, and I've picked out several places, once services are actually present in the district again, where I will move me and my family." Judy looked to the side upset, her ears falling behind her head. "If you will allow me to opine a moment…

What has been done to the Happytown district is borderline criminal. Mammals in the core of the district live without some of the most basic services that the rest of us take for granted. Power. Clean water. Working and easily accessed public transit. I mean, there are stops for the trains, subway and El. The train doesn't stop, and those stops are stripped out and boarded up with steel plates. I'm sure it was done for security." Giving air quotes. "The reality is however, that instead of addressing the issues of the area, the city council has been happy to give lip service to it. At best performing gentrification of the borders to create a barrier between the rest of the city and the blight born of neglect that can only be described as deliberate."

Judy was visibly upset. "My time working in the core, building up to this run has put me in contact with the residents of the district. They are wonderful mammals, families doing their best in conditions that are what one would normally only see in developing countries and war torn regions of the world. Only, it exists literally in our backyards, and the city council that is supposed to have been looking after this part of the city has taken that money, and improved their sections. It's unclear if the city council of today is even aware that a not insignificant portion of their district budget is actually meant for Happtown.

I truly hope they simply do not realize that. Because the alternative is a Bellwether level exercise is explicit speciesism and corruption. You see, the majority of the residents of Happytown are those predators that could not, even to this day, get a fair shake in the rest of the city. I've spoken out about this before. The treatment of foxes, racoons, skunks, weasels, and all those other undesirables according to the prevailing wisdom.

Well, what choice does a mammal have when they are not given a choice? I ask you this, Zootopia. If you are not going to give a fox, a raccoon, a possum, or any other mammal a chance to even try, what result do you expect? It's a literal self fulfilling prophecy. Well, with me in charge of Happytown, representing them on the city council, and as the district Supervisor. I will change that. Even if the rest of the city won't, the mammals of Happytown have welcomed for decades the unwanted, the rejected, the lost, of the city.

The support the mammals of Happytown give each other transcends species. They are the ideal the city as a whole claims to be. They don't care if you are a fox, a wolf, or a giraffe. If you need something, and it is within their power to provide you, the will. It is truly heartwarming, and something, as we bring the district up to what it should be, that we will endeavor to maintain, and spread."

Fabienne smiled widely. "It sounds like you truly have some good, concrete plans ready to go and hit the ground running. I expect you will pursue this job with the same tenacity and determination that provided you and your mate, Nick WildeHopps, such success in the ZPD. If I may say, I'm saddened that you were forced out, especially what we have already learned and continue to find out about that situation. However, I am happy in equal measure that you are running for this position and personally hope you win."

Judy grinned. "Well, Fabienne. Thank you. I hope then that I can count on both of your votes. As both of you actually live within the border of the Happytown district."

Peter chuckled. "We do at that, as the map you showed us before the show demonstrated." Turning his attention to the camera. "This evening, Jason Herkson will have a special guest. Getters Herdson, professor of political and Zootopian history to discuss the history of Happytown and the political and social movements that created the current state of things.

Now, Judy. As we move into the next section of this discussion. I want to ask. How are you doing, personally? Your kits doing well?"

Judy nodded with a smile. "I'm doing as well as can be expected, Peter. I have friends and family that help look after me when missing Nick gets too bad. As I told someone I consider family a few weeks ago. I don't think I will ever be okay again, but I'll be alright, because of the support I have received. How about you?" Sniffing visibly. "I'm guessing you're doing pretty good."

Peter laughed as Fabienne blushed. "We are doing very well, and our young are healthy so far. The doctor says that, as long as that stands for another few weeks, we should see healthy young in a few months." Turning to the camera again. "On that teasing note. We will be right back after these messages with some additional guests, and a live audience for the second portion of this evening's special interview."

The lights went off and the stage platform they were on rotated 180 degrees. The backdrop curtains sliding along a track automatically and the wall opening to reveal a small studio audience. Judy chuckled as this happened. She then noticed Maria setting up to perform, along with Lizz and Mike, and a couple she didn't recognize, though all clearly inter-species, and pregnant. Which made her glance at Maria and when she caught her eye, gave several paw signals. The nodded, grinning response, had Judy grinning and giggling.

The signal that they were returning came, and after the count again, Peter started. "Welcome back Zootopia, to this special ZNN presentation. We've been discussing the conditions of Happytown and Judy HoppsWilde's run for the Happytown district city council seat as well as district Supervisor position. Now however, we are moving into the main part of our discussion."

Fabienne nodded with a truly genuine smile. "Yes. Now we are going to meet several couples of the inter-species variety. We'll discuss some of the struggles and hardships they have had to weather to be together, as well as share in their joy at being able to have young together. Even if that is only through adoption. However, before we do that, one of our guests asked that she be able to perform for us before we start. Please welcome, Gazelle!"

The cameras switched, Peter and Fabienne rotating their chairs to watch. Gazelle grinned at the camera. "Good evening, Zootopia! I came back early from my world tour for this, and to support my best friend in the world other than my mate, Judy HoppsWilde. I'm going to sing one of her favorites, and something I feel is her theme song, really. I mean, she did help me write it after all."

The camera swung to Judy who was glaring at Gazelle, her ears showing a clear blush as she gave a thumb across the throat gesture to Gazelle. "Ah, Judy. Don't be like that. You're not in the ZPD anymore. You don't have those pesky rules about gifts you can and cannot accept." Turning her attention back to the camera as it swung back, she blew a kiss to Judy. "Love you. And I love all of you too, Zootopia! Now. Let's get this show going!"

Gazelle then performed Try Everything. When it finished she grinned at the camera. "I have one more song. It's brand new and this will be its first performance outside of my home studio, so please forgive me if it isn't perfect. My dancer, Jarvis, who has a beautiful voice as you are about to learn, will be singing with me."

Jarvis stepped forward, clearly a bit embarrassed but ready. "Hello Zootopia. I hope I can do this song the justice it deserves. This is my first time singing for anyone but Gazelle."

"And you're going to do perfectly."

The song sang of love and fear. Of hiding love from each other, then from the world. Holding each other safe, yet terrified every moment that you would be found out and torn apart by the hate. Of hope when you finally step out from the shadows, and how even if family and friends turn on you, you will always have each other, and there are new friends to make and family you can choose for your own.

At the end, Jarvis and Gazelle were in a dipping embrace, panting and staring in each other's eyes. Only, it was clear that unlike other performances, the look they were sharing was anything but for show. Jarvis finally set her back on her hooves and stepped back, a flash of pain on his muzzle. Gazelle however was having none of it. "You damn fool cat. Don't you know I don't care anymore?"

With that she leapt into his arms, grabbing his head and pulling him into a passionate kiss that had most of the mammals in the audience shifting in their seats. More than a few audible gasps included for good measure. When they separated Gazelle was all grins, while Jarvis was grinning like an idiot, his brain clearly still rebooting.

Judy laughed. "Damn! I miss being able to kiss Nick like that."

Fabienne chuckled as well. "And on that note. We'll be right back with Gazelle and the rest of our guests."

Judy was up and hugging Gazelle a moment later. "Maria! It is so good to see you." Giving Javis a hug next. "You too, J." Leading them back to the chairs, which had multiplied and were now occupied. "I haven't seen you two kiss like that since college. End of your second date, where I had to sleep in the dorm lounge."

They were signaled back as Gazelle laughed and responded. "What can I say, we have a lot of repressed PDA to get out of our system."

With a chuckle to her voice, Fabienne started them back. "Welcome back, Zootopia. Well, we've kicked off this conversation with a bang, and one heck of a kiss. So let's go ahead and start with our first, and most high profile couple.

Gazelle, thank you for joining us this evening. Tell us. After breaking so many hearts, how long have you and Jarvis been together?"

Gazelle grinned. "I've been with this lug longer than I have been famous. We met in college while taking a dancing class. Became friends, and then one day my roommate told me she needed to talk to me at a coffee shop."

Jarvis chuckled. "That same roommate told me they needed to talk to me at a coffee shop. We both showed up, got our coffees, and took a table to wait for the roommate, as we'd discovered that we were both there to meet them there."

Judy then spoke up. "I was watching from a cafe next door. When the idiots continued to dance around each other, I walked in. Told them to just kiss already, that they had a table reservation next door, and congratulations, they were on a date."

Gazelle smiled fondly. "It was a great date, too. Also, it was our third date that you slept in the lounge."

"Considering the second flowed directly into the third, and I was doing a training test and never came back to the dorm that night. I consider it your second."

"Well, we got that apartment the next month."

Fabienne blinked and laughed. "Wait. You're telling me that you two have been together since college? But…"

Gazelle laughed, looking up at Jarvis lovingly. "Yep, and we're together because this rabbit pushed us together so we could see past our species to the mammal beneath the fur." Turning her attention back to Fabienne. "As you know. It is actually easier when you are famous. Especially when my kitten is my bodyguard, one of my dancers, etc… made it so him being around me, and me smelling of tiger, was not shocking.

Add his brothers and cousin to the mix, and it was easy. We just had to keep it clean in public. If anything, the worst part was the rumors of me dating various others." Glancing at the pair Judy didn't recognize, though they did seem familiar. "Though the rumors of me dating Joe Mangagrowlo." Waving to the other couple. "Hi Joe. Sofia. "It was hard on all of us at first, then on one of our staged dates Joe admitted to already having a mate, and that we were dating just to give him cover.

I laughed and explained the same. We talked late into the night about our mates, and made arrangements for a meet up."

Peter chuckled. "I remember that date. It was the one that convinced the tabloids that you were truly a couple. Then you started visiting each other's places. Well, since we are breaking hearts. Let me introduce our next couple agreeing to come out of the proverbial closet. Please welcome Joe Mangagrowlo and Sophia Vergarr. Welcome."

Sophia, a white tailed deer, smiled. "Thank you, Peter. It's great to be here. It is a load off our minds and hearts, as I'm sure our friends can attest, to be open about who you love. And I love my red lion. He's my perfect mate. Truly."

Joe grinned. "And you're my perfect mate, dear."

Sophia and Gazelle rolled their eyes as Jarvis and Joe chuckled. Sophia looking at Fabienne. "They think they're hilarious."

Fabienne laughed and glanced at Peter. "They really do, even when they are not." Turning her attention to Judy. "Judy. We all know that you recently lost your mate, and you have our deepest condolences. I don't want you to relive that, this is not for that. No, what I want is to hear about who Nick was. What made you fall for him. It seems Gazelle and Jarvis had a connection you saw and they couldn't seem to get past. Making that song a bit more personal I'd say."

Gazelle nodded. "Very personal, but also an anthem for all those mammals out there." Focusing on the camera. "Give love a chance. And if you can do so safely, step out of the shadows. But if you cannot, we…" Indicating everyone on stage. "We understand. We love you. And there is help out there if you need it."

Judy smiled. "There are several groups out there that can offer safe havens. Legal services. And counseling. I know from my own experience, the species divide can be hard to cross. The physical differences are one thing, and I'm sure we all here would agree, those make things interesting. It's the cultural differences that can be the real struggle. The difference in experience. Especially when, like several of us here tonight, you cross that line all the way across the food chain.

Then again, that adds a thrill. Nick's growl, when we were being playful… Oh mamma, heaven help me." Chuckling. "The biggest obstacle for us were those cultural differences. The way he looked at things as a red todd was often, frankly, foreign to me. The key we found was talking.

Whenever he'd do something that frustrated me, angered me, etc… and I him in return. We learned to express that. "Nick, you are pissing me off. Why are you doing, the thing, that is pissing me off? He'd stop and explain, or I would if I was getting under his fur, he'd do the same.

After a while you get to know them and can tell when they're doing, in my case, a fox thing. So instead I would ask straight out about it. Sometimes there wasn't an explanation he could give words to, and the same with me. The key is learning that that is okay, too.

More times than I can count, he'd come back to me a week later with an explanation for something I'd forgotten about, or just chalked up to, fox. Our life together and my love for him was more important."

Fabienne nodded as the others agreed. The camera focused on the joined paw and hoof of Joe and Sophie, then Jarvis and Gazelle, then the paws of a wolf and tiger, and finally the joined paws of a snow leopard and a moose. "Absolutely true, Judy." The camera zooming out showing Fabienne and Peter lost a moment in each other.

Judy picked up. "So, if you're thinking about crossing the species divide. Take it from those of us that have been successful. It is hard work, but any relationship worth having is hard work. It takes understanding, patience, a lot of compromises, and a willingness to learn.

Really, this is true for any relationship. You have to work at it. You are different people. You have different viewpoints, different experiences. That's what makes it so great, but you have to give yourself the chance. That understanding, the learning has to be both of you."

Lizz spoke up. "I can say with absolute confidence that this is true. I'm a tiger, and Mike is a wolf. That right there was a gulf to cross. Unfortunately we didn't have Judy to push us together."

Mike smiled with a light chuckle. "No, we had a canine flu. I was sick and suffering through it in my tiny apartment. When my angel with stripes appeared, dragged me home and nursed me back to health. The rest involved a few dominance fights, a kiss or two, and my heart stolen."

Lizz grinned. "Mike had tried to get me to go to coffee a dozen times, at least. Then he suddenly called out sick. I couldn't focus. Everything in my world felt wrong and I didn't understand it. Not until I took off half day to clear my head and found myself outside his apartment building looking up at his window as a clearly sick wolf walked past it."

Peter nodded with a smile. "Let me introduce ZPD sergeants Lizz and Mike WolfordFangmeyer, as well as Mike's mother, Victoria, Wolford Pack Zootopia, Alpha. Welcome."

Victoria nodded. "Thank you, Peter. I was very glad you asked me to join you this evening as well as Mike and Lizz."

"Well, we figured, and a certain rabbit suggested, that you may have some interesting insight. So, what can you tell us? Wolf packs tend to be fairly conservative, and inter-species relationships definitely, at least to outsiders, would seem to fall outside acceptable."

Victoria nodded. "Generally true, and while Wolford Pack is more progressive than most, they did. But I watched as one of my son's struggled to get recognition for him and his mate, a water deer.

I saw how hard they were trying. How he cried when she broke it off because I allowed those old, conservative, specist elements to abuse them. Make them jump through hoops far beyond anything a wolf would have to.

The worst though, was when he told me that, if she'd take him back, he'd leave the pack. That he'd allow me to eject him. That crushed me. To realize just how much he loved her and it made me realize how unfair I had been. She truly put up with more than any mammal should have, she loved him that much. She just realized that there was nothing she could do, and wouldn't ask him to leave the pack.

I had deferred to the pack council and that was my first mistake. Not paying attention to the tortures they were being put through my second. I was not going to let my failures cost my son his happiness.

I met with her and apologized then arranged for them to meet. Made sure they understood that they had my full support as his mother and as Alpha. Then I walked away to let them reconnect. I refused to repeat those mistakes when Mike and Lizz got together. So I made sure they had the space, and support. Even if it was in the background.

When it was clear it was the real thing, I met with her mother and we taught each other about the other's culture and expectations. Then when it was clear that the fear of what happened to his brother was preventing Mike from coming to us, we worked with Nick and Judy to arrange an intervention.

Now I have two of the best daughter-in-laws I could ask for. Both are gifting me with pups, or cubs… fawns? We haven't figured out terminology. To me, they'll be my grandpuppies. They're as devoted as any wolfess, and just look." Pointing at Lizz and Mike. "All that talking and learning. It creates a deeper, stronger love that I am honored to get to watch grow."

Mike smiled and gave his mom a hug. "Thanks mom. Your understanding is more than we could hope for."

Victoria faced the camera. "To all of you out there. If your family rejects you. Like Judy said, there are others out there that will accept you. I am hereby announcing, based on the Regent and Designates recommendation, that Wolford Pack Zootopia is officially welcoming the Happytown pack as a satellite pack.

They are a diverse pack of outsiders, rejects, and misfits. They will make an excellent addition to the greater Wolford pack, and to all you out there. They welcome all. There are dozens of wolves in inter-species relationships in their number. Couples welcomed with open arms and a familial howl, no matter the species."

Fabienne smiled. "That is fantastic. If I may. Who is your designate and regent? And, how many are you having, Lizz?"

Lizz smiled. "I got it, mom. I'm having three. Twins and a third. I am also the regent. Mike is the designate. I have been training very hard to be worthy of the position and all that comes with it."

Victoria laughed. "Lizz, my dearest. You have far outstripped what any wolf would be expected of. It may be odd, but I know, and it relieves so much stress for me. When I step down and you and Mike are named the Alpha's. I will be leaving the pack in the best possible paws."

Peter smiled. "Well, I'm not a wolf, so I don't know how that works. That said, I'm sure that it is a good thing." Turning to the camera. "We'll be right back for the final segment of tonight's special. Audience questions. If you have been watching, you know there is also a call in line and website to submit questions. We will be picking several of those for answers from our panel as well." Peter welcomed them back exactly one minute and forty six seconds later. "Welcome back, Zootopia. This will be the final segment for the evening. Questions, where our audience, and you at home, can get some of your questions answered by our panel. Obviously, there are going to be some requirements. Keep it clean and be respectful, but our panel wants your curiosity and understands that not every question that seems insensitive is meant that way."

Turning to the panel, Peter smiled. "Okay, the first question is from a viewer via the website. Janet Yowler. She's a Jaguarundi and lives in the Rainforest. To the females specifically. It's clear that Judy and Lizz are pregnant. Are any of the others, and are you all actually pregnant by your mates or did you use a surrogate?"

Judy laughed. "Well, I can say without question that these little guys are 100 percent Nick's. I actually found out the day he died. Doctor left a voicemail while we were performing the raid that he was killed during. But they are his, and healthy."

Lizz smiled and leaned against Mike. "One hundred percent his. I'd never even looked at a male like that. I had no interest. I was too focused on my career to bother with males. I'm also stronger and bigger than most females of my species, save those in my family. Which is apparently intimidating, even if us females are larger anyway. Then this goof happened to me, and I'm happy to never look back."

Sophia smiled. "We've been pregnant twice, but they were not viable. We keep trying. We understand that our diverse species makes it harder, and Judy and Lizz's success gives us hope."

Gazelle giggled. "We've been pregnant twice as well. First time I barely realized it when it failed."

Jarvis looked down at her in shock. "Really?"

Gazelle nodded. "I didn't want to get your hopes up. It's also why I cut the tour short. I don't want all that stress putting it at risk. So I'm going to be here, with you, at home, taking it easy."

Jarvis grinned. "It's okay. And if not, well… Like Sophia said, if Judy and Nick, Lizz and Mike can pull it off, we can too."

Fabienne laughed. "First time for us, as far as I know. But they appear healthy so far. According to the doctor, thank you Judy for the referral, if they stay healthy for another week or so, we should be good. About the time I start to show."

Peter sighed. "I guess we're not waiting until the end then?"

Fabienne shrugged. "I think we should answer questions too. No?"

Peter shook his head in resignation. "I guess we should. It's only fair."

Peter turned to the camera with a happy smile. "Yes, you heard that right. We've hinted at it a few times, but Fabienne and I are and have been a couple for many years. Actually before we became co-anchors, and recently we found out that she is pregnant and confirmed that they are mine."

A collection of congratulations came from both the panel and behind the camera. A studio tech heading up into the audience. Handing the microphone to a wolf. "Hello. I'm Geerik Howlson, Howl Pack. This is directed at the Wolford Alpha, Designate, and his mate, the Regent. Do you really think that this more progressive approach, especially allowing a tiger to become Regent and Alpha in time, is healthy for your pack? Will you consider the hybrid pups legitimate heirs?"

Victoria held up a paw to subdue Mike and Lizz. "I'll answer that directly, as Alpha. I do believe that it is good for the pack to be more open and accepting. There is wisdom in some conservative ideas and ideals, but not in clinging to them without consideration of, and reconsideration against, the changing world around us. It is doing that, clinging to the old ways in the face of everything that brought packs such as the Reech, DarkWoods, and similar, to collapse. Tradition is important, but it is not everything, and if you do not change to match the world as you meet it, it will leave you behind as it did those packs I mentioned and many others.

I see other packs in the city clinging, almost in absolute terror to tradition, as if it will save them from a changing world. As if clinging to those traditions and the almost xenophobic zealotry will somehow make the work beyond the pack stop changing and moving along without them. In the past month alone Wolford pack has welcomed more than two dozen wolves into either the main pack or satellite pack. All were members of other packs who for one reason or another could not accept them, or those wolves see the writing on the wall and are seeking a safe haven before the pack they are coming from collapses."

Lizz stepped in. "Mom, if I may. The Happytown pack has welcomed thirty members in the past month alone, ten in the past week, from packs who have thrown them out for reasons such as being gay, or taking a mate from a pack other than the mate chosen for them. Arranged marriages are apparently still a thing, and the alternative is ejection and excommunication. I in fact do not have anything specifically against arranged marriages, as it can heal wounds and create strong bonds. However… You have to consider the lives of those mammals, wolves in the case of this conversation, who are subject to that. If they don't fall in love, forcing it will only ever result in mammals that cannot stand each other. And that is more likely to make what the joining was supposed to heal worse."

Victoria nodded sadly. "I suspected as much, and thank you. I hadn't seen those numbers yet. So this amplifies my point. Being gay is not a sickness, it is not something that you can catch, and clinging to those ideas and other such rank ignorance is detrimental to the long term health of the pack. Besides, the gay members of the Wolford pack want pups too, and there are ALWAYS!" Her voice rose in force. "Always! Pups who have lost their parents for some reason and need a loving home. Then there are the inter-species couples as well, few though they may be at the moment, that also want pups. Even if they can have their own, just like any other couple, are far more likely to also adopt.

There is a reason why the majority of wolves you meet out in the city are Wolford pack. We encourage our wolves to interact with the rest of the city, to not be insular and fearful. Meeting others, making friends that are not wolves, and learning about other species and cultures does not hurt us, it helps us and makes us stronger. We understand other species, and that allows pack businesses, as well as pack member businesses to better cater to all customers, not just pack wolves.

That means our wolves are more successful, which makes the pack more successful. We removed those most strident and fearful members from the council, for this reason years ago when what happened to my first son ended. It was a wake up call to me as Alpha that I needed to take a closer look at things, and that the status quo is not always the best.

As Alpha, I have to tread carefully, considering each move, decision, and change with not just the current situation, but long term effects in mind. With that we are still slow to change compared to society as a whole, yet, society has proven that gay marriage actually improves society. Here is another one I learned between what happened with my first son and his non-wolf mate, and why we welcomed Lizz so readily. Because of the communication and learning successful inter-species relationships undergo, just as Judy described earlier. Those relationships are more likely to last the lifetime of the members by 80%. They are more likely to be happier by any chosen metric by 75%, and more likely to have fewer fights and misunderstandings through the course of their relationship by 50%. Probably because they get that out of their system as they are getting together to begin with.

All that turned into an effort to help all our wolves be happier in their relationships. We encourage communication, sharing of the work of the household, including pup care. Doing this has improved the happiness of the pack overall by a demonstrable margin. Given that, I cannot see, given all the work that Lizz has put into understanding her role, both as Regent and mate to my son. If you could see her in meetings, and overlay a wolfess, you wouldn't be able to tell she wasn't a wolf. She's even managed to pull off a passable howl. I hope that answers your question." The final comment causing Lizz to blush.

The commentor nodded, clearly very thoughtful. "It… It really did. Thank you, Alpha."

Fabienne picked up while the microphone was retrieved. "Okay, next question from a caller. Karen, you're on."

Over the speakers. "Thank you, Fabienne. Congratulations. My name is Karen, and yes, I am actually a recovering Karen, as Judy and Lizz know. I want to just thank you both and let you know that I am pregnant as well. My mate was beyond thrilled when we found out, and while we are cautious as it is still early, we are hopeful. I don't know what has changed in the world, but something has, and I'm glad for it."

Judy smiled with a light laugh, knowing the callers actual name. "Well, thank you, Karen, and congratulations to you as well. Also, thank you for helping us out."

Karen laughed lightly over the phone. "Well, I'm glad my Karen ways were able to be a positive, for once. Also, I live within the Happytown district borders, and you have my and my mate's votes. It is well past time that some real change happened. As the Alpha said. Change is not always bad, and the status quo is not always best. So I really look forward to watching you shake things up!"

Judy laughed again. "Thank you, Karen. We're having a rally next week. If you can make it, I'd love to see you again."

"If I can, I will. I'll even drag my mate with me. Okay. I'm going to go now. Thank you all again."

Fabienne laughed. "Well, that was great. Yet another couple having young. Now an audience question."

The microphone was held by a capybara this time. "Hi. Jazon Burrows. I'm not sure who to direct this to. I mean, I don't understand the attraction, and I'm sure that is true for most mammals. Then again, I would expect the same would be said for gay relationships. I do NOT find other males attractive. But that's me, and I've seen how happy my brother is with his relationship. He's gay and an inter. Our parents disowned him, though I still keep in touch. I've even visited a few times. They have a whole liter worth of adopted young, of several species, and they are just so happy.

I guess it isn't really a question. Your talk about talking, communicating. I think that is what I have been missing, and why my relationships have failed. I've seen my brother and his mate have heated discussions, but they always come out of it with smiles and hugs. I was raised with very traditional values, traditional gender roles, traditional roles in a relationship. Seeing you all. Thinking about how my brother's relationship is so loving. I think it is me that needs to make the change.

I have never seen someone of another species that I feel attracted to, but I do hope that when next I find a potential mate, I… that is we, can apply your advice. Communication, sharing of responsibilities. Maybe then I can finally find my own mate. I just hope they are able to help me change."

Judy nodded. "I'll respond. Firstly, Jazon, if you find the right mammal, they will work with you. Your recognition of the need to change is the biggest first step. As for the rest. I'm sorry you have had to straddle the line between your parents and your brother. I hope this won't get you in trouble."

Jazon chuckled. "Oh, no. The likelihood of them seeing this is very low. They are very much consumers of Ratton News channel only. I'm sure the reporting on this will be interesting, but otherwise devoid of facts or connection to reality and what was actually discussed. It might actually be entertaining, if not also enraging."

Judy nodded. "Yes. Their coverage of my campaign so far has been… Unhinged I think would be charitable. With my own family there was discussion of disowning me, but the majority came around after they met Nick. I'm sad to say that not every family, or family member, is going to be able to adapt. Some mammals just cling to their positions on things, and reality and change never penetrates, or just makes them hold tighter. Even when it's clear to everyone that their position is horrifically out of touch and harmful to those they profess to care about. It is common enough there is an actual term for it. Cognitive Dissonance.

Unfortunately, we simply cannot get through to all of them. Some will come around when they start to see those around them ceasing to interact with them, others find an echo chamber and barring something truly world shattering, never get out. Ratton News is just one such echo chamber, because they dissuade mammals from asking questions or checking out the claims presented.

Which leads us to one of the things that we as members of inter-species couples, and I'm sure any hybrids out there as well have had to deal with. Discrimination. Something our kits." Indicating herself and the others on the stage. "Something our kits are going to have to deal with. It won't be as bad, at least openly as it used to be. It'll be more subtle. When Nick and I were first dating, we ran into it a lot, and not just because he was a fox. Although that was a big one.

It's something as a society we need to work on. We still have these old prejudices, the learned bigotry that we don't even think about. The inter community is owning that term, just as the LGBTQIA+ is the word gay. Words that are in fact meant to be a slur, and is how a lot of mammals mean them. We need to call each other out on it. Why are you refusing that mammal service? Is it just because they are a fox? Is it because they're a mixed species couple?

We have to stop and think, and then correct. That can be painful for someone with deeply entrenched beliefs they learned from the earliest age, but it can be done. That can mean challenging others too when you see it. If you can do so safely, and if not, maybe figure out a way to help that mammal that was discriminated against.

That can be as simple as apologizing and suggesting a business that you know won't discriminate like that. That also means not giving that business your business and letting them know why. That one can be the hardest, because we all have relationships, and we may not be subject to that prejudice, either explicit or implicit. That being someone openly being specist when chasing off a would be customer, or just not seeming to have what they are after, even when you know for a fact they do."

Lizz stepped in at this point. "I admit that is something Mike and I have worked on and struggled with. Especially early on when Nick was new to the precinct. Early on, I think he had been with the ZPD as an officer for less than a month. He went into a comic book shop to sell some vintage comics he owned. He was doing it to get some cash on hand so he could get an apartment close to the precinct, but because he was a fox, that meant he had to pay a ridiculous premium.

Six months rent ahead of time, in cash, and there would be no receipt. His receipt was recording the conversation on his phone. I know that sounds absurd, possibly even illegal, and it actually is, but it gets worse. I had to visit him once, about four months into his time at the ZPD. His apartment, and I'm using air quotes on that, was the basement utility room. His shower was the emergency shower, sink was the eyewash station. Mold. Leaky pipes, and a bed made out of the bottom drawer of large mammal dresser.

He was allowed to use the next drawer up, but the one above that was used by the super for tools and parts. He would come in any time he felt like, flip the lights on, work at the work bench, etc… Nick just had to deal with it. While I was there and asking him what the hell he was doing calling that an apartment, the super walked in. He laughed. I'm talking about a full belly laugh. He thought I was there to finally arrest Nick for pretending to be a ZPD officer. He'd actually deliberately damaged some of Nick's uniforms. It's why Nick never kept anything of importance there, or sadly at the precinct.

Anyway. The comics he was selling. They were pristine first editions. They were worth a literal fortune. The store owner triggered the silent alarm, which is why Mike and I showed up. While we were talking to Nick, he slipped the most valuable one under the counter, then tore up the second most valuable. Nick went in there with five comics, he left with three intact comics worth a third of the one that was stolen outright and half what the torn up one was.

After I confronted the super at his apartment, against his wishes. Nick got the boot, and no, he didn't get any of that money back. Nick arranged with the chief to live out of the nap room and to keep his stuff, because his locker was regularly violated, in the drawer of one of the empty desks. I learned this when I worked a late shift for some OT once. Which is when I learned about the comics and how Mike and I basically assisted in the theft, because well… He was a fox.

I didn't even realize at the time that I was discriminating against him. It was completely unconscious to simply take the word of the business owner over Nick, just because he was a fox." Lizz turned to Judy. "I'm sorry. I told him many times. You know he refused reimbursement? Said it was, and I quote. That's the price of being a fox. He then told me that. The fact that you apologized is payment enough and shows you are actually trying."

Mike nodded. "I think that night was when it really changed for both of us. She came home in tears. Explained what she learned. About the comics. It was not the first time I'd interacted with Nick, just the first time after he became a cop. My treatment of him was always that subtle, shadow speciesism. Where you do it, without realizing it. You're not cursing them out, you probably even think you are treating them fairly. If you look back on it, you are not. You really are not.

I cannot express the horror and dishonor I felt at that moment. Realizing that in my position in the ZPD, where I'm supposed to treat all mammals equally. That I was doing anything but treating them equally. Now… Now I call out my fellow officers when I see it happen. It has not made me all that popular, but I'm a senior Sergeant, and that's part of my job description. Besides, now that I understand those implicit biases that I had, and have, I can be better. It's on all of us to do just that."

The microphone was passed to a bull elephant, or rather a size specific one was. "Thank you. First, congratulations to all of you. I find it simply amazing that any of you could have calves, young I suppose, with your respective mates. That's simply amazing. Now, some background before I get to the actual questions, and I hope you don't take offense, I am truly curious. I am a mammal of strong faith, and I understand what society and science says about relationships like yours, or gay relationships, mammals that don't identify as the sex they were at birth."

He held up a hoof. "Please, allow me to finish. I also know what my faith says about these things, and I struggle with it. I'm supposed to love those mammals, but not what is said to be a sin. A sin that would relegate them to the darkest pits of punishment. I simply cannot seem to find a way to reconcile this. I see the unconditional love you share in spite of the species differences. That you are able to have kits, that many of the priests I've studied under would say are abominations, and I'm sure some do.

I've left all of those churches and temples. Some of the scriptures are very clear, some more vague, and yet I feel in my heart that they are wrong. Yet I also have my faith that says that they are correct. So my question is. What is it that you believe? If you believe."

Judy smiled. "Well, I can understand why you would be worried about someone taking offense, but you really were just describing the state of things. I'm going to say that I am glad you are struggling, and if you will give me a moment, I will explain." The elephant nodded. "You see, I'm what you would call a soft atheist, or maybe a hard agnostic. Despite the claims of those priests you referred to, as well as other mammals of strong faith. I've never seen evidence for any of their claims that is not explained by science, and if not, simply saying I don't know, is the actual correct response.

The error is when the religious say, I know, and then they fill in their preferred religious explanation. Because I can find another mammal from a different faith and they're going to, know, with a position based on their faith instead of yours, and which may very likely not agree with you.

This is true for those restrictive, conservative, ones, and those more accepting, liberal ones that are willing to overlook or simply outright ignore those problematic sections. It is not only okay, but the only intellectually honest response is to say, I don't know. If you say, I believe, that's okay, but don't claim to know.

So that brings me to you and your struggles. Your decency and empathy for others is showing through. It's telling you that those scriptures are problematic, and I agree with you. The results of those are the hate and meanness that you walked away from. Your faith gives you strength, but those scriptures demand of you what you know is wrong."

Lizz spoke up. "So I am gonna jump in here. I have never been super religious, but I do have faith. At a minimum I believe that there is more than we can see or science can contain. Thing is, when you study not just the scriptures, but the history around them. All those problematic ones, the ones those hateful priests and mammals that scream obscenities at gay or inter wedding that happen in the open.

Those scriptures are there for control of the masses uneducated enough to know better. They're there to create an, other, an outgroup, for their parishioners to fear and hate. The purpose to separate us all into in and out groups. In ancient times the prescriptions could be argued as needed, but as you yourself demonstrate, those parts are no longer needed, if they ever were at all.

When you boil any of them down, it is simple. Love your fellow mammal. Don't hate each other. Be moral. And morality is easy when we start looking at each other as mammals, instead of the shape of our muzzles, ears, fur color, or lack here of.

So I believe there is more out there, but I don't follow a specific faith, because they just end up demanding we hate someone, or should treat someone as an other, an outsider for things they simply had no say in. Unless, knowing ahead of time, you think someone, knowing how foxes are going to be treated, chooses to be a fox, or gay, or an inter. Well, I suppose I would, if I knew ahead of time the love I would get to experience with Mike."

The elephant nodded. "I understand what you both are saying, and I have to agree. I've seen atheists jump to help their fellows without expectation of reward, and the religious commit the worst atrocities. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you."

Peter took them out to commercial and back in. "Okay. These questions and answers have been great, but also eaten up nearly all our time, so I'm going to go with one more online question. Then, if you are all agreeable, the station and producers are ready to keep this going online, live."

Getting agreement, Peter looked up at the prompter. "Okay. This one is from Frederik Weaverton, a coyote from the Canyonlands. Here's the question. Your answers so far have been thoughtful and thought provoking. So I'll ask something different. Your favorite foods that are not stereotypical for your species?"

Judy laughed. "For me, that's easy. Shrimp. Breaded and fried, scampi, skewered with a spicy glaze on the grill. I've eaten protein for a long time. The doctor explained when I was younger and pushing myself so hard to become a cop, that I needed more protein. He suggested beans and such, or as I think a joke, predator protein bars.

I liked them. Lots of flavors. Then on a dare from one of my feline friends, a cougar, I ate some of his fish jerky. Loved it. Then Nick introduced me to some cajun spicy shrimp kabobs. He was trying to tease me. I was a rabbit and he didn't know about my protein habit. Been an addiction ever since."

Jarvis laughed. "It's true. I had to protect my food from both of them. I'd come home from work and find them eating my fish or chicken. I made them buy extra. As for me, I fell for the salads Judy made. Doesn't even need meat on it. A simple spinach and wheatgrass salad. Red onion and cherry tomatoes. Spicy sweet vinaigrette. Ambrosia."

Gazelle nodded. "I make him one at least once a week. And as you heard, fish. I cook a mean salmon steak, if I do say so myself."

Peter laughed. "I think it's obvious at this point. Those of us that crossed the species and food chain divide have come to love something of our mates. I think it's a way to be more with your mate. To be able to share a meal, even if only occasionally, brings you so much closer. Now she cooks me a sweet and spicy grilled chicken for my birthday."

Fabienne nodded. "The same. I find myself snacking on his alfalfa bars. I shouldn't, but I love them. When he asks, I feign ignorance and blame him for eating more of them than he does."

Peter laughed as he looked lovingly at Fabienne. "I know, I just didn't want to embarrass you." Turning to the others. "She will be so focused, working on a story, and have one of the bars in paw, just nibbling away. Those bars that have dried fruits and nuts mixed in. Just like I'll steal one of her fish bars every so often. But she'll be there in front of the computer, typing with one paw and gnawing on one of the bars. It's so adorable I have it as my lock screen."

Fabienne batted at him. "Peeeet!"

A round of warm laughter followed. Peter and Fabienne closed out the show, inviting the viewers to continue to watch and join the conversation online at the ZNN website. After they were officially switched to the online forum. They chatted for another hour plus with the audience, and some online mammals, opening up a chat and getting cringe and laughter.