Dimensional Mayhem: A Time for Resistance, Ch. 3 by IronBeagle93 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Dimensional Mayhem: A Time for Resistance

Chapter 3: Another Day, Another Job

Zootopia Astrological Observatory, Sahara Square, Zootopia

“Hopps...Hopps... Officer Hopps!!”

Judy was shaken from her stupor to see Jack staring at her.

“The guard needs to see your ID.”

“Huh?” Judy started. “Oh yes, of course.” She pulled a bifold out of her vest pocket, and let it flop open to reveal her ID card in one side and her ZPD badge in the other.

The elephant guard that was patiently waiting looked over the rabbit's credentials for a few seconds. Satisfied with what he saw, he opened the main gate. Jack passed through and headed to the parking lot where Nick and Celia were already waiting. The hare parked his coupe, then turned to Judy as he unbuckled his seat belt.

“You've been awfully quiet the whole way here. Is something bothering you?”

“No, of course not.” Judy answered. “I was just thinking through the possibilities of other dimensions. I mean, there's still so much to figure out in our own world that there being others just blows my mind.”

They both hopped out of the car and started walking towards the two foxes. “Yeah, science does that to some mammals.” The hare replied.

The rabbits were within earshot of Celia by then. “Does what? Boggle your mind? As much time as it took you to get through the gate, I'm not surprised.”

Before Jack could counter, Judy raised a paw and spoke. “That was my fault, I'm afraid.”

Celia just smiled at the doe, not wanting to push the issue any further. “Well, let's get going.”

As the group walked over to the main building, Judy paused at the sight of the oversized telescope that protruded through the observatory's roof.

“Quite a site, isn't it?” Judy brought her gaze back to Earth and to her right to see Nick looking at her.

“Yeah, it sure is. Makes you stop and think.” She looked back up at the structure.

The vulpine agreed. “Yes, it does. Maybe the good doctor will let you take a closer look, after we've talked to him.”

Judy remembered their secondary mission. “I doubt I'll even have time to ask him. There's a lot to be done today.”

“And tonight, as well.” Nick reminded her. “Have you thought about where you'd like to go?”

The rabbit did have a plan in mind, but hadn't decided yet if that's what she wanted to do.

“I'll let you know later. I haven't made my decision yet. Besides, I want it to be a surprise.”

The vulpine gave her a big smile. “Why Carrots, I think that's very cute of you.”

Judy's eyes narrowed and she gave Nick a jab to the shoulder.

“Ow! What? Still not allowed to use the c-word?”

It was socially unacceptable for a mammal to call a rabbit cute, unless it happened to be another rabbit. Judy strictly enforced this unwritten rule, and wouldn't even let her closest friend and partner use it.

“Nope.” The doe replied. Then she suddenly realized that they were falling behind the agents. “Come on, let's go.”

“Okay, you're the boss.” The red fox conceded with a smile.

The agents opened the door to the lobby and walked through as the two officers caught up with them. They all walked up to the gazelle at the reception desk, who looked up from her work at the group.

“Welcome to the Astrological Observatory!" The receptionist greeted them. “How may I help you?”

Jack spoke for the group. “Jack Savage and company to see Dr. Bellwether, please.”

“Oh yes, Mr. Savage. We've been expecting you. Would you follow me please?”

The gazelle stood up and walked to the group’s left. She led them to a set of double doors and held one open for the group to see inside the observatory.

“Dr. Bellwether is in the main testing area. Just head for the base of the telescope. You can't miss it.”

Jack thanked the gazelle, then the team proceeded towards the telescope, which seemed even bigger to Judy now than what she saw outside.

As they made their way to the testing area, they saw a small ram in a lab coat looking over a circular platform. The platform was in the middle of a large square area roped off by bright yellow lines painted on the floor. He was so wrapped up in his work that he did not even notice the group walking up to him.

“Dr. Bellwether?” Jack asked.

“Yes?!” The ram was startled slightly by the group's entrance.

Jack gave the doctor a reassuring smile. “Good morning, Doctor. I'm Agent Savage of the ZIA, and these are my colleagues Agent Walker, and Officer Hopps and Wilde of the ZPD.”

By this time the doctor had relaxed and smiled back. “Oh yes, the security detail. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Savage. And thank you all for coming on such short notice.”

The hare shook the ram's extended hoof. "Anything we can do to help. If you have a moment, we would like to get started so that we're ready before the VIMs arrive.”

Dr. Bellwether gave Jack an affirmative nod. “Of course, Mr. Savage. Let me show you around.”

The doctor led the group past the testing area and began to circumvent the room to show all of the entrances and exits. As they walked, he pointed out scaffolding and catwalks that would provide good vantage points during the demonstration. The testing area was off to one side of the telescope, which was in the center of the large circular room.

Finally, they walked towards the room’s center after making it back to the testing area. “The VIMs will be sitting here.” The doctor pointed to the space between the telescope and the testing area. “This should help to make your job easier.”

“Who will the VIMs consist of?” Judy wondered.

“Mostly fellow scientists, and some military leaders from the Zootagon.” The ram replied.

Nick’s eyes widened at the mention of the military being there. “Sounds like some very important mammals.”

“Indeed they are, Officer Wilde.” The doctor said. “If successful, this will open a whole new perspective to our universe, and allow us to interact with world's that we never knew existed. So it is imperative that this equipment does not fall into the wrong hooves or paws. Oh, and absolutely no reporters! Secrecy is key here.”

“Understood.” Celia answered. “I think we've taken up enough of your time. Thank you very much, Doctor.”

“My pleasure, Ms. Nightshade. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.”

With that, Dr. Bellwether returned to the testing area to finish preparations.

Judy and Nick looked towards the testing area. Besides the circular platform in the middle, there were several large control stations off to one side, and three metal discs mounted on tripods that were reminiscent of satellite dishes surrounding the platform. On top of the platform was a wooden crate.

While the doe and vulpine were wondering what was in the crate, Jack and Celia were busy scanning the room around them to figure out the best places to station themselves.

“I think that platform above the telescope will do nicely.” The vixen said, pointing at the spot in the center of the room.

Jack followed her gaze and nodded. “Good. You'll be there, and I will position myself to the the far side of the VIM area.”

“Okay. Just make sure I can see you. We have to maintain a visual with each other…”

“I know that, Nightshade. The last thing I need is a refresher course.”

“Sure, Jack.” Celia scoffed.

Jack put his paw up to his face and sighed. “Just once, can you focus on the mission instead of trying to make me look dumb?”

“ Oh, look who's calling this a mission now! And if you look dumb, it's not because of me.”

The argument brought Judy and Nick's attention back to the two agents. Nick cleared his throat before interrupting the quarreling hare and vixen. “Before you two eat each other alive, may we know where we will be stationed?”

The ZIA agents turned on Nick, scowls still plastered on their faces. Jack's slowly melted into a grin, while Celia's stayed as she crossed her arms.

“We need you two on the outside. You'll be at the main gate to check in the VIMs. Here's the list with their photos.”

Jack produced a folded pad of paper from his coat and handed it to Nick as he continued. “Once check-in is complete, no one is to be let in or out between 11:30 and 12:30. After you check the VIMs out, then you'll be free to question Dr. Bellwether about his sister.”

Nick unfolded the VIM list and began scanning the names and photos as Jack spoke. Judy stayed silent, somewhat disappointed that they would not get to witness the demonstration. The only physical sign of this that the grey rabbit showed was with her ears, which Nick caught out of the corner of his eye.

“Go ahead and check the outer perimeter. Check-in won't begin until 11am. If you need anything, let us know.” He finished, holding up his radio.

The officers gave Jack a nod, then headed to the double doors that they came in by. Once they were outside, Nick confronted Judy.

“You don't look too thrilled, Carrots. What's wrong?”

“Nothing.” Judy replied flatly.

Nick thought otherwise as he noticed her solemn demeanor. “Now I know you can lie better than that. Besides, your ears are drooping.”

The rabbit looked up into the fox's green emerald eyes. She knew neither one could keep anything from the other. They knew each other too well.

The doe sighed. “I think this is ridiculous. Why did he put us on check-in? It's as bad as parking duty.”

“Yeah, it's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.” Nick replied jokingly. Judy didn't laugh, which told him there was more. “Anything else bothering you?”

“Well... I was a little disappointed that we won't get to see the demonstration. I find this whole dimension thing quite fascinating.”

“I know.” Nick said. Stopping and turning to face the doe, he bent over so that his head was at the same level as hers.

“I know this is not what you were expecting. But remember, being out here is just as important as being in there. And don't forget, once we're done with this, we'll be able to get some real detective work done as well.”

The vulpine then put his right paw on Judy’s left cheek. As she closed her eyes, the rabbit put her own paw over his, and leaned her head slightly into it, feeling the fox’s soft fur and warmth. Their eyes met when she opened hers and they smiled warmly at each other.

Nick continued. “If it's any consolation, I'm not particularly happy freezing my tail off out here, either.”

They both laughed, and the remark made Judy feel better, if only a little.

“Thanks, Slick.”

“Anytime, Fluff.” Then they both proceeded to the perimeter to fulfill their duties.

Check-in went smoothly, and all the VIMs had arrived shortly before the 11:30 deadline. Despite the demonstration being very important, it would also be very brief. So after the VIMs mingled for a short time in the lobby, they all moved promptly to the testing area, where they took their seats. Jack and Celia were at their stations well before then, and kept their heads on a swivel as Dr. Bellwether began to address the audience.

“Greetings, and thank you all for coming today. I'm Joseph Bellwether, doctor of astrophysics with Zootropolis State University. Today's demonstration will serve as a test to see whether or not we are really alone in this universe.”

The ram paused to allow the VIMs to look and murmur to each other, then he continued.

“For decades there has been contemplation and theories regarding the existence of other dimensions, or universes, if you will. One theory in particular is the Parallel Universe Concept. The theorists of the this concept believed that there are several universes in existence, all starting out the same way, with the same organisms. However, over time, each universe becomes different from the others due to changes in events that have taken place. Of course, the theory also assumes that there are multiple universes in existence, which is still yet to be proven.”

The doctor eyed all the VIMs, especially the Zootagon officials, who seemed to become bored with the scientific lecture.

“Well, today marks the beginning of finding out!” That got the military leaders’ attention back.

“This will be one of two demonstrations. Today's demonstration will focus on teleporting cargo. The second demonstration will involve transporting mammals. When the second demonstration will take place is yet to be determined, as I'm still in the process of double checking my calculations and completing the teleporter.”

By then the VIMs were talking to each other excitedly, even the military leaders. While that happened, the ram double checked a couple of things on the circular platform, then walked to a control panel and brought the audience's attention back to him.

“Ladies and gentlemammals, please.” The VIMs looked forward. “Today I will send this crate to another dimension. It contains a shipment of dog biscuits, and a note I prepared explaining the crate's purpose. We will not be able to confirm whether or not today's demonstration will be successful until the second demonstration takes place. So, without further ado, let's get this show on the road!”

With that, Dr. Bellwether began working a series of controls. The circular platform powered up and began to spin, going faster and faster. Once it reached a certain speed, he pushed another button and the surrounding radar dishes began to emit rays of energy at the crate and platform. Slowly, the platform and crate began to disappear, evaporating before everyone's very eyes. The ZIA agents couldn't help but stare in amazement, along with the VIMs.

Once the package had disappeared, the doctor shut the power to the rays down and addressed the awe-stricken onlookers.

“And that concludes today's demonstration. If successful, the package will already have arrived at its destination. But like I said, we will not know for certain until the second demonstration takes place. I will let you know when it is scheduled to occur. Thank you.”

Jack pulled his radio to inform Nick and Judy that the demonstration was over. As he did, the VIMs began to file out of the room, discussing with each other what just took place. One by one, the VIMs left. By 1pm, all the scientists and Zootagon officials were gone, leaving the ZPD officers to head back inside after securing the gate.

They spent roughly an hour talking to Dr. Bellwether about his sister. Turns out Dawn wasn't very close with the rest of the family, and as soon as she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Zootopia. After that, nothing. The next time they heard anything regarding her was when she became assistant mayor, then the mayor, and then when she was arrested for being the mastermind behind the Nighthowler Conspiracy.

Dr. Bellwether, on the other hoof, had stayed home until he went to college in the neighboring town of Zootropolis. After earning his doctorate in astrophysics, he stayed on with ZSU to begin his work on teleportation and interdimensional travel. He only recently came to Zootopia to conduct today's demonstration.

The two officers left the observatory and met the agents in the parking lot. Then the team made their way back to the station for their debriefing with Bogo, and to update the cape buffalo on what they found out about Dawn Bellwether. After that, they would be able to go home to prepare for their date, which Judy was really looking forward to. Because, to her, this was just another day, another job.