Here is the 71st installment. Hope you enjoy it.

Notes now live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.

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

It continues…. Enjoy.

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Hopps Burrow

Vivian and Bonnie were deep in the weeds of cooking techniques. Vivian had taught Bonnie how to properly handle the meat. They had gone over the need to keep separate cutting boards just for the meat and to make sure they were sterilized after use. They were currently working with some boneless chicken breast, chopped, and seasoned while using a wok. A pan Bonnie had, though she wasn't sure when she got it. Probably a gift at some point, mixed in with some veggies and rice to make a stir-fry. The scent drew in dozens of kits to investigate the strange, yet somehow wonderful smells coming from the kitchen.

They had just finished up when a sound none of them recognized came in from overhead. Stepping outside, they watched as a Von aerial transport landed in the Munch field. As it powered down, the ramp lowered and three mammals exited, approaching. To their surprise, Chief Bogo, Patricia Bogo, and a cheetah only Vivian recognized approached.

Grinning, Vivian met them, Bonnie and Stu training behind. "Chief Bogo, Patricia. How lovely to see you. Ben, good to see you as well." Catching a whiff of the three of them, her eyes going wide. "I see. Well, it's even more of a pleasure to see all three of you, together. Let me introduce the Hopps. This is Bonnie and Stu, Judy's parents and the leaders of this burrow."

Stu stepped forward. "Chief Bogo. A pleasure to meet you again. I am given to understand that you plan on signing on when the pact is proposed, this summer?"

Bogo nodded with a rare smile. "We will be, as a family. The fact is, the rumor of a new pact being planned is running through the city like wildfire. The news is talking about it, the politicians are poo pooing it, claiming it's absurd, while harassing me on the side to know if there is any truth to it or not. So far I have been able to distract them. It won't last though. Although with the Von reveal, I expect that will do a good job of adding some extra distraction."

Bonnie nodded. "Well, I'm not too worried. The laws out here provide us some protection from encroachment that even the feds can't bypass, and we already have some inroads to both the Bunnyborrow and Foxenburg city councils. At least enough support to frustrate efforts to harass or block mammals seeking to attend. Given that we're publicly planning a large, extended family get together that will include several weddings, and thus drawing in the friends and families of our kits and their non-rabbit mates. We have an excuse for just about everyone to be here that can't be attacked."

Stu picked up from there. "Yep, and with the number of kits we have, that's a lot more mammals that are not rabbits than we realized, and that expands outwards from there. That also means that we have kits in all sorts of places. One of our boys, Eric, is a researcher for ZNN's Peter Moosebridge. Eric is ready to hand off some prepared press information to him at the right time. Just imagine that nightmare that would create if the powers that be push their luck."

Bogo chuckled darkly. "And now I see where Judy gets it."

Bonne smiled slightly sadly. "I suppose. Although we could have been better. We're also trying to get better. Though now that we have more of the true history laid out, it makes more sense why we have always had the burrow built the way we do. Are you heading all the way to Von tonight? We're not scheduled to head out until the morning, although they said the transport would be here today."

Patricia responded with a smile. "Nope, we'll be heading out with you in the morning. We're just staying on the transport. It has some reasonably comfortable cots."

Bonnie scoffed at that. "You will do no such thing. We actually have a guest room that is more than capable of fitting all three of you if needed. Well, it might be a little tight with all three, but I'm sure you will be able to manage. It's even sound proofed." Giving Patricia a wink and a smirk. "That said, Vivian was just showing me how to cook a chicken stir-fry. Why don't you come in and test it, Ben. And Patricia, if you want, I'm sure Vivian will be happy to give you some pointers as well."

Seeing Vivians enthusiastic nod, Patricia smiled. "I would love that. I've always struggled to cook for Ben, and learning how to do it right would be great. He ends up cooking for himself more often than not. Adrian and I will eat small amounts, but we're just not up to taking in large amounts of meat. I still don't know how Judy does it."

Vivian chuckled. "Many reasons. Not the least of which being that the Hopps are in fact a bit more hybridized than they knew until recently. As for prey eating meat. There are few these days that can't, it's a matter of social, cultural, and psychological conditioning at this point for most. I have learned from a few friends that the key seems to be initially finding something you like, such as breaded shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce for my friend Erin. She's a goat, and can't take the idea of chicken, but she will gorge herself on shrimp if you give her the chance."

Patricia nodded. "I believe that. Lead the way."

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While all of this is happening…

Jan turned to Domi in the waiting room as the newly minted parents were wheeled into the recovery room. "Okay, Domi. You and I need to have a conversation. However, before we can do that, we need to arrange someplace for all these mammals to sleep, or get them home."

Maria spoke up. "I've already taken care of that. A transport is going to ferry the majority of them home. Those that are staying will be staying in one of the suites at the Sheeriton, downtown."

Domi's eyes got wide. "Suites, at the Sheeriton? Good gods, that's going to cost a fortune!"

Maria shrugged. "Meh. Not even a day's worth of interest for me. So no big deal. I feel kinda responsible anyway."

Domi shook her head. "Right… You're that Gazelle." Turning to face Jan. "Fine, let's get all these mammals situated, and then maybe you'll let me buy you dinner? I know this lovely place where we can eat and talk, unmolested."

Jan looked at Domi, the clear worry in her eyes, the cant of her ears showing just how worried she was. "That sounds good." Turning to Maria. "Okay, Maria. Let's get everyone situated. Who is staying, who is going?"

"Ed and Elli are staying, as are Jeff and Eric. Myself and Jarvis, of course. Since we are here, I've made an appointment to do an evaluation and maybe get some treatments."

Domi nodded. "Good. Take advantage of the opportunity. You're a bit of an extra level celebrity here, by the way. Given your stance on interspecies relations. If it comes out that you're with one of your dancers, the entire city will lose its collective mind."

"Well, won't' that just be fun." Giving a wicked grin. "Oh, Javis dear. You ready to go public, my love?"

Jarvis' eyes widened. "Maria? Uhm… I've always been ready, it's you that has wanted to hold off."

"Hmm… We shall see. I was thinking about doing the reveal at the charity concert, right before we sign onto the pact on stage."

"That is what I assumed was your plan. It's why you were really drawing me into singing. So we could sing together, right?"

Maria gave him a brilliant smile. "Yep!" Popping the P. "You know me too well." Turning to face everyone else. "Okay! We have dinner reservations and then the transport will take us all to the hotel, at which point it will drop off those of us staying and take the rest of you back to Zootopia. Although it'll be a much slower trip, since it won't be making it under emergency circumstances."

General nods and sounds of agreement replied. Shortly after which, they all exited the hospital boarding the private transport taking them to the hotel and dinner.

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Later that evening, Domi and Jan sat in a small corner booth enjoying a shared meal of pasta. Domi looked up at Jen, voice tense. "Okay. Let me have it."

Jan looked up from the bite of chicken sausage she was currently considering. "Let you have it? What are you expecting, Dom? Me to leave you? Because you lied to me about who you were and where you were from?" Watching Domi's ears fold back and eyes tear up, Jen shook her head. "Don't get me wrong, I was livid, but having to deal with what was going on forced me to push that anger to the side. Once everything was done, I was able to think through things.

Yes, you lied, but you kinda had to. You did have plans to tell me, fairly soon too, if I understood you." Seeing Domi nod vigorously, clearly afraid to use her voice. "That says a lot about your trust in me. That you wanted to bring our relationship farther as well, but knew that you needed to be completely honest before we moved to that next step. I appreciate that. I get it. Am I upset still? Of course! I'm hurt, but not as much as I was initially. The way things got revealed is the issue here. I'm sure you had something planned out. A nice meal like this. Lay everything on the table. And then pray I didn't turn my back on you."

Domi swallowed hard. "Yes. That was exactly the plan."

"Well, that reveal is out there now. So tell me more about who you are? Where did you grow up? All that stuff. I know you, but really I don't."

Domi smiled with a watery laugh. "There isn't much more to tell. My name is Domi Sandpaw. I'm actually a third cousin of Nick's friend, Finnick Deserttail. Although, I've never actually met him. Small world. I work for the Von government. My job is to protect hybrids and interspecies couples, specifically acting as a more knowledgeable midwife then they would normally be able to locate. As well as one that would not express specisit attitudes when dealing with inters.

Another part of what I am tasked with doing is when I find an interspecies couple or a hybrid in danger, I can call in assistance if I can't do anything directly myself. That can be legal, medical, or transportation. Legal usually means contracting a lawyer on their behalf to deal with issues that specist mammals might place them in. Medical is kinda obvious at this point, and transport is just that. Von has always been a haven for hybrids and the marginalized. We have huge populations of weasels, foxes, raccoons, etc… here.

My job as an agent is also, when I can, and without revealing the existence of Von to the general public, to spirit those in danger and in need of safe haven, away from their situation and to the city. I have done that dozens of times. There are those that refuse to go, while others jump at the chance. There have been more than a few couples that I've met, and who were in dire straights due to the situation. I then make sure they get out of it. I would usually arrange a car to take them to a new town, that town just happens to be one of the Von border communities. The situation with your sister and her friend being on the extreme end of things. Obviously.

The call I made will be put under a deep review, because it exposed Von to the world. It's a call I am able to make as a senior agent, and as much as I hate it… If the two mammals were not original Hopps and Wilde clan, mated and having kits.I wouldn't have done it. I actually got a mandate order to use all resources to ensure their safety."

Jan nodded. "So where did you grow up then?"

Domi smiled wistfully. "I actually grew up in one of those border communities. In the early days, the valley itself was enough protection. While you can get into the valley from the sides, it is not something you can do with a large number of mammals, and while you could use the caves, you would need to know them. We do, other mammals trying to find their way to the city via the caves, not so much.

Anyway, over time the city decided that having some communities outside the valley, but close enough that the defense forces could react was smart. Eventually the main part of the defense forces were moved. There is a large base at the mouth of the valley. The only way to get into the city now is to go past those forces, or by air, and well… Our air defense is pretty much, air tight, if you'll forgive the pun.

Anyway. My dad was in the forces, so of course, we lived in one of those outer communities. They still fall under Von, but most don't know that they are related. The most open of those is a newer community called Aurora. From what I understand your sister was considering moving there."

Jan nodded with a smile. "Yeah, if they had gotten a less welcoming reception in Zootopia when their relationship became public. They have had their struggles, but it has really been mostly positive. There have been a lot of inter couples that have had the strength to come out thanks to their example. It's forced things to change, for the better. But that is what they do. It's what Judy does, and once she got with Nick, it just got stronger. What's kind of tripping me out though is that Aurora is a Von associated town. that implies that von exists in the mountains I can see from the burrow."

Domi nodded. "Because it is. Although it is also fairly deep in the mountains. Aurora is the first town set up just clear of the mountains. Livington on the southern mountain passage is one of our towns.

With Nick and Judy, that really does seem to be the case. It's like they have a direct impact on the world.

So yeah, I grew up in a border town, and because of that, I got exposed to a lot more of the outside world than most citizens of Von do. Don't get me wrong, we don't isolate ourselves. But it's different just seeing things on the news versus actually experiencing the hate some mammals have for each other, and for no reason. Because of that, I got it full in the face. I look like a fox, even though I'm a hybrid. That doesn't matter to some mammals, and since we were a border town, although discrimination was against the law, that didn't stop mammals from doing it.

That drove me to the service. I wanted to help other hybrids. I was safe in that town, but visitors from the outside world. Especially new families moving in. The horror stories they told. I just couldn't look the other way. I'm actually a fully certified APRN (Advanced Practical Registered Nurse). That is however here in Von. The outside world doesn't currently recognize that, which is why I got certified as a midwife. Really the only related certification I could get without explaining where my medical knowledge came from, or going to school in Zootopia. Besides, how better to identify inter-species couples in need of help, as well as hybrids in trouble, then as a midwife. It put me right in the path of such mammals.

With the reveal in order to save Judy, Lizz, and their young. I expect that is going to change. It means I may be able to get a job using my APRN license. I might even be able to work with you directly." Domi got suddenly nervous. "That is, if you would want to."

Jan blinked and looked off to the side for a moment before turning her attention back to a clearly nervous Domi. "Well, that explains a lot about your medical knowledge. So, do you still have friends here in Von? Back in that town you grew up in?"

Domi nodded. "I do. Several of us went into the service in one capacity or another. I have a whole group of friends that get together whenever I come back to town. I'm the only forward agent of the group. Everyone else went into the support roles. Helping new hybrids and inter families when they arrive. Helping them get set up, deal with the changes, etc… It was actually one of those friends I made the call too. I'd love to take you home while you are here. If you would want to, that is."

Jen couldn't hold it anymore. "Like I said, Domi. I'm upset, but I am not mad anymore. I understand it. You were a literal undercover agent, and there were things you couldn't tell me until you were fully sure about me. It hurts, but I get it, and I will get over it. I would love for you to take me home and show me where you grew up. Do your parents still live there?"

Domi grinned, her tail wagging and thumping the bench seat loudly. "They do. They have been bugging me about when they would get to meet the legendary Janet. I never told them you were a Hopps, and they have never asked species."

Jan grinned. "Oh, that will be fun. Although I guess, given what I know, and am learning about Von, them not asking species makes sense. It wouldn't matter to them. So long as you are happy. From what the chat group is saying, I think my parents may also be finally joining the dark side, as it were. I think learning that Judy is pregnant shocked them enough to break through the fear and lies they lived all their lives. Plus the revelations about Pop-Pop. They've held a special dinner just for those with non-rabbit mates. It feels like things are finally shifting."

Domi nodded. "I saw. That dinner seemed to be quite the thing. I guess we will really see when they get here tomorrow."

Jan frowned. "What do you mean, when they get here tomorrow?"

Giving a light laugh, Domi reached a paw across the table towards Jan, who looked at it for a moment, then took it, giving it a light squeeze. Domi's heart rose with her smile. "It's almost a given, really. The Hopps and Wildes are the source of the city. We're really only a few hundred miles away. My high school Munch team actually played Bunnyborrow East in the tournament when I was a junior."

Jan's eyes went wide. "No way! Tell me that you were not on the team. The Cordilain Avalanche."

With a devious grin. "We will rock, and roll, and crush the competition. Our theme song was Thunderstruck."

Jan suddenly seemed almost angry. "That was you! Oh. My. Gods! That was you! I was in a rebellious phase. I had dyed my fur with green stripes."

Domi recoiled in shock, waving her paws in front of her. "No! No, no, no, no, no, no!" Starting to chuckle, and ending up doubled over in laughter along with Jan. "Oh no. That's too much! If you hadn't stumbled on that divit…"

"That loss cost us a shot at the regionals that year."

"We were not even in the running, but most of your team was so terrified of the predators on our team."

"That they pretty much just forfeited the match. It was only me and one of the bucks on my team that wasn't going to get shown up by a doe."

"Hey, you busted your tails in that match. You shouldn't have lasted as long as you did. More so, you managed to get it down to one on one."

"I just wish they had let me play the fox in the second round. Our normal fox was too scared to even get close to the sidelines, and the backup. Well…"

"Fastest munch match I ever saw."

"Yep. I left the team after that. After giving them all a piece of my mind. It was truly pathetic, and we didn't deserve the shot at the regionals after that performance. I mean, my gods. The entire concept of the game is a predator eating the prey."

"Yeah, but it is still a damn lot of fun."

Jan laughed. "It really is. I do hope Von will field a professional team now that their existence is public."

"We have three teams, actually. So I expect that they will form an official team for next season."

"I know who I will be cheering for."

"You and me both."

Jan and Domi finished their meal and Domi invited Jan to her apartment in the city, which Jan accepted. Although only after giving it a great deal of thought, and making Domi sweat it out for several minutes as they walked towards the transport station. Their night thereafter was very, well… we won't talk about that.

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A/N

Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)

If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."

You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.

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