Dimensional Mayhem: A Time for Resistance, Ch. 6 by IronBeagle93 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Dimensional Mayhem: A Time for Resistance

Chapter 6: Unexpected Visitors

SRPA 5, Topeka, Kansas; Resistance Universe

January 1st, 1952 5pm

Judy and Nick moved away from the window in silence, still processing everything that they just witnessed. There was no doubt about it now. They were in a completely different world now, and from the looks of it, the beings that occupied it were not entirely happy to see them. Silently, the two decided that they needed to get out of there... and fast!

The vulpine walked over to a screen labeled 'main controls’ and flipped the power switch to on. The touchscreen lit up and displayed the word 'Error’.

That can't be good. he thought. While Nick felt around the screen edges for a reset, Judy began to turn on all of the control panels lining the wall, one after the other. Every one that she flipped a switch on said the same thing: 'Error’.

As panic started to take over the doe’s senses, she spied a panel in the back corner labeled 'Emergency Controls’. She dashed over to it and popped open the door, but to her dismay, every single button, switch, and lever within was destroyed.

Nick was by her side a moment later. “Clearly, Crazy Ewe doesn't want us to come back.”

Judy suddenly turned towards the fox and grabbed him by the front of his uniform with both paws. “What are we going to do?!” The doe was completely distraught at this point.

The vulpine was quite surprised by the rabbit's reaction, since she usually kept her cool whenever they were in a tough situation. But it wasn't everyday that they were teleported into a different universe, and despite Nick's facade, he was completely terrified as well.

“Well, the first thing we should do is take a chill pill.” He then pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and unfolded it to reveal a snack. “Blueberry?”

Judy blinked a couple of times at Nick, her quickened breathing now slowing down. Realizing that she still had a death grip on his shirt, she let go. Then she smiled up at the vulpine while swiping a couple berries from his paw.

“Sly fox.”

“Hehe, dumb bunny.”

Having sufficiently calmed down, for the moment at least, the doe popped the blueberries into her mouth and hopped back onto the windowsill, looking out at the aliens. She began to study the beings that had surrounded their teleporter, weapons still poised for use, if needed. That made her think, and an idea suddenly came to her. Who's afraid of whom?

The rabbit hopped back down, and Nick pocketed what was left of his berries while chewing a biteful.

“Any change on the outside?”

Judy shook her head, then looked towards the door. “I think we should go talk to them.”

Nick's ears dropped at this suggestion and, for a brief moment, his facade disappeared. “What?! Are you crazy?” He hollered, nearly choking on the berries .

“Crazy as a fox.” The doe smirked at the vulpine.

“Very funny.” The fox replied flatly, still not convinced.

“Seriously, Nick. What choice do we have?... Maybe they can help us.”

Despite the vulpine’s opposition, he knew that once Judy got an idea into her head, she wouldn't give in without good reason. Even at the risk of getting their tails blown off. He could clearly see the determination in her bright amethyst eyes. Besides, they were between a rock and a hard place, and out of options.

He let out an audible sigh before conceding. "Okay Carrots. Let's give it a shot.”

As they both walked up to the door, the fox put a paw on the rabbit's shoulder. “But…”

She turned her head towards him as he spoke. “... Don't make any sudden movements, and keep your paws where they can see them... I don't want to lose you.”

Those last words made Judy's heart skip a beat, and she replied with a warm smile. “Wouldn't want to lose you either, Slick.”

And with that, she pushed a button, and the door slid aside to reveal the world beyond.

***

After staring at the container for a few minutes, Lieutenant Hale turned towards the sergeant on his left. “Kawecki, how many occupants?”

The noncom had taken a knee and was looking through the scope of the Auger he was holding. “Two, maybe three. One signature appears to be part of the container.”

The Chimeran battle rifle not only allowed the user to pick up heat signatures with its scope, but the weapon also shot projectiles that could burrow through solid objects, which would allow Kawecki to eliminate the container’s occupants with ease, if given the order.

Sergeant Capelli walked behind and past Kawecki to stop at Hale's side. “What do you think, Lieutenant?”

Hale didn't know what to think. For all he knew they could be hostile, and coming from God knows where didn't help. Nevertheless, he had his orders.

“I have to try to make contact with whoever, or whatever, is inside there.”

Capelli nodded his head slowly. “Mhmm. And just how are you going to do that?”

As if to answer the question, Kawecki spoke up. “We've got movement at the door. Two of them.”

This was it. Now the Sentinels would see what they were up against.

Several seconds later, the container’s door slid open to reveal its occupants. What the security team saw was a great surprise to them, to say the least. Two animals, a fox and a rabbit, slowly walked through the threshold out onto the oil-stained floor of the mech deck. On their hind legs! The grey rabbit held its forepaws in front while the red fox kept it's paws against its sides, but slightly forward. Both had their ears perked up in the air, and both wore what appeared to be some kind of police uniform.

Hale stared in utter disbelief. Two animals, walking like humans, dressed like humans... but not human. He grabbed the microphone on his torso and spoke into it. “Echo 3 to Command. Put me through to Major Blake.”

A few moments later a reply came. “This is Blake.”

“Major, we have a new package in the mech deck. Roughly ten by ten by fifteen, with two confirmed occupants.”

“Can you give a description?”

“Uh, well, you're not gonna believe this sir…” He looked at the two uniformed mammals, who were standing just outside the container door, taking in everything around them.

“...but one is a grey rabbit. The other is a red fox. Both are walking on their hind legs, and are dressed in police uniforms.”

Several seconds passed before Blake responded. “Say that again, Lieutenant?”

“The occupants are animals: one grey rabbit, one red fox. Both walking, and dressed like humans.”

“The term is anthropomorphic, Hale. Have they come out of the package?”

“Affirmative. Will attempt to make contact.”

“Copy that. Proceed with caution. If you are successful, bring them to my office.”

“Roger that. Out.”

The lieutenant looked again at the uniformed mammals as he replaced his radio mic. Both animals turned his way and made eye contact with the Sentinel. Hale took a deep breath, then handed his Bellock to Capelli, leaving only the Magnum in his crossdraw holster for protection.

“Five bucks says they can't speak english.” The noncom betted.

“You're on.” Then Hale began his trek towards the two anthropomorphic animals.

***

As the alien started to come closer, Judy could feel her heart pounding against her chest. This is it... This is it. she thought as her heart began pounding again. Only Nick's reassuring paw on her shoulder helped to calm her nerves.

“Don't worry, Carrots. Everything will be fine.” But even he couldn't be sure of that as they both made their way to the approaching furless creature.

An eerie quiet fell across the room as the two parties crept closer to each other. The only sound that could be heard were of the soft patter of the mammal's hind paws and the clatter of the alien’s boots against the concrete floor. Less than a minute later, they met somewhere in the middle. It was the longest short walk that any of them had ever experienced.

Now that they were face to face, both parties began to study each other. The alien that towered over them was about the size of a large wolf, with the muscularity of a tiger. But the thing about him that struck Judy the most were his golden eyes, and despite never seeing a furless being like him before, they seemed to be out of place.

The soldier noticed her gaze and gave the rabbit a grin before breaking the ice. "Let me guess. It's the eyes, right?”

That was a relief. At least they could communicate. But for a brief moment she couldn't help but wonder if he was psychic.

“No offense, sir... but they do look a little odd.” Judy answered sheepishly.

“A brilliant diplomatic strategy, Fluff. Adding insult to injury.” Nick turned to face the Sentinel, pretending not to notice the doe’s scowl. “It seems you get that quite a bit, Lieutenant…?”

That prompted an introduction. “Hale. Nathan Hale. And you are?”

“Officer Nicholas Wilde.” The vulpine extended a paw, and the lieutenant shook it. Then he shook the rabbit's paw, surprised by the strength that both animals possessed. “Officer Judy Hopps.”

The next few minutes were spent discussing the events that occurred that day, the main focus being on the two mammals. They explained to Hale what had happened at the observatory and that they were stranded, unless they received some help repairing the teleporter. It didn't take the lieutenant long to confirm their story.

“From the looks of it, you two will be stuck here for awhile.” Hale concluded as he walked out of the teleporter. Like he was told: all of the controls had been destroyed.

“Will you help us?” Judy pleaded, fear creeping back into her voice.

For a brief moment the doe and the Sentinel made eye contact, and it was Hale's turn to notice her amethyst eyes, which he found interesting, especially on a rabbit. He had seen many a rabbit while growing up on a ranch in South Dakota, but this is the first one he had come across with that color.

He gave the rabbit a weak smile. “I think we can do something. But first you should speak with my CO. He'll be able to tell you better than I can.”

The lieutenant motioned for Capelli and Kawecki to come over. By this time the rest of the security team had relaxed some, but still had their weapons positioned at the ready. The noncoms were introduced to Judy and Nick.

Then Hale gave them their orders. “Okay, blindfold our guests and escort them to Major Blake's office. I will follow shortly.”

The vulpine raised an eyebrow. “Is that really necessary, sir?”

“Just protocol, Officer Wilde. You have nothing to worry about.”

Capelli blindfolded Judy while Kawecki took charge of Nick. Then they began to lead the mammals to the exit towards the admin deck, where Major Blake's office was located.

“Oh, and Capelli?” The lieutenant added. “ You owe me five bucks.”

***

The blindfold was removed from the mammals just after arriving at their destination. Judy blinked her eyes profusely in an attempt to readjust them to the sudden bombardment of light. After about ten seconds, both animals were able to see clearly enough to begin studying their surroundings. She and Nick found themselves standing in the doorway of a small windowless office, which consisted of a couple of filing cabinets lining the back concrete wall, a metal desk off to the right, facing the left wall, and two metal chairs that sat in front of the desk. Sitting at the desk was what Nick perceived to be Hale's commanding officer, typing away on a very primitive-looking computer. Primitive, at least, to the vulpine.

The CO hit send on the email he was working on, then rose out of his seat, circumventing the desk to greet the newcomers.

“Hello! I'm Major Blake, Lieutenant Hale's commanding officer. Welcome!” He extended his hand toward the fox, who shook it as he spoke.

“Pleased to meet you, Major. I'm Officer Wilde, and this is Officer Hopps.”

The doe stayed silent while the major shook her paw, only managing a weak grin. “The pleasure is all mine.” Blake replied, smiling back at Judy. Then he motioned to the empty chairs. “Please, sit down.”

As Nick and Judy climbed into a chair, the major dismissed Capelli and Kawecki. After they left, he reclaimed his seat at the desk, opposite the two uniformed animals.

“I have to say that your visit has created quite a stir here in the base. We weren't expecting anyone for at least another month.”

The two mammals looked at each other. “Nick, today's demonstration. It was successful!” Judy turned back to the major. “What was in the crate?” The doe’s excited tone became more demanding that asking.

The CO raised an eyebrow while reaching into his desk drawer. “Dog biscuits. Boxes of them… and this.”

Blake handed the doe a piece of paper; the one that was in the crate. She and the vulpine read through Doctor Bellwether’s letter while the major continued.

“We had no idea what to make of the package until that note was found in it. I would've thought you two would know more about it.”

“Well, we knew of the demonstration, but we didn't get to witness it.” Nick confessed.

Judy scoffed. “Yeah, thanks to Savage.”

“Savage?” The officer was confused.

“Agent Savage.” The vulpine clarified. “He was our team leader. Officer Hopps and I were part of the security detail for the demonstration. Unfortunately, we were positioned on the outside, so we couldn't see what took place.”

Blake nodded his head. “I see.” Then he leaned back into his chair. “So, how did you two become involved in the second demonstration?”

This time it was Judy’s turn to explain. “Actually, sir, this wasn't the planned demonstration. We were forced into that teleporter against our will, and then sent here without any way of getting back.”

As she continued, Nick noticed that her tone became pleading again. “That's why we need help. We can't get back home unless the teleporter is fixed…”

A knock at the door interrupted the doe, causing her to jump slightly.

“Come in.” Blake answered, leaning forwards.

The door opened and Lieutenant Hale walked through, along with a thin, white-haired man close behind.

“Lieutenant Hale reporting, sir.”

“ At ease, Lieutenant.” Blake answered Hale's crisp salute with his own, then he turned back to Nick and Judy. “I don't believe you two have met Doctor Malikov. He's head of our research operations here at SRPA 5.”

Malikov and the mammals exchanged pleasantries before the major continued.

“So what do you think, Doctor?”

“It's difficult to say at zhis time.” Malikov began, removing his glasses. “But as Lieutenant Hale mentioned, it appears zhat every control in ze machine has been deliberately destroyed.”

I could've told you that . Judy thought to herself, but decided to let the doctor finish before saying anything.

“I zhink ve can repair ze emergency controls, but vithout ze viring diagrams, it vill be extremely tedious.”

Blake nodded. “So how long would you say it would take to make the necessary repairs?”

“At least a veek. Maybe two.”

“A week?!”

Everyone turned to the rabbit that bellowed, and she now was blushing under her fur, embarrassed at what she just did. Fortunately, the sly fox beside her immediately went to work to smooth things over.

“Take it easy, Carrots.” The vulpine put a paw on the doe’s shoulder. “At least he didn't say that it can't be done.”

Then he turned his attention back to Blake. “I think we can manage for that long. And since we won't be going anywhere for awhile, perhaps you could fill us in on the situation here.”

Major Blake thought for a moment before giving the vulpine an affirmative nod.

“Alright. To be frank, Officer Wilde, our situation here is dire.”

The major explained that their world is currently in an all-out war with the Chimera, an alien species more vicious and grotesque than anything imaginable. Several continents had already fallen or were being invaded, and any humans in their path that weren't killed or eaten, were captured and converted into more of the savage beasts.

Blake also explained that the stinks were systematically cooling the planet to better suit their needs, and that the world was experiencing persistent food shortages as a result. Needless to say, humanity was facing extinction.

As they listened, Nick could feel Judy's grip on his left arm tighten with every word that Blake uttered, sheer horror clearly visible on her face. The vulpine commented when the major paused to get some water from the cooler that sat adjacent to him. “You paint a very bleak picture of the situation, Major.”

“When you're fighting for survival, bleak is an understatement.” Blake responded, then took a sip from his paper cup. “Every day we lose ground to the stinks. They have us outmanned and outgunned, and are way ahead of us technology-wise, despite our best efforts to reverse-engineer what we can from them.”

“What about mammals?” Judy asked. “I mean, what is their role in the war?”

The doe's question took the major by surprise. However, Malikov didn't hesitate to answer. “Ze truth is zat mammals, in general, don't act like ve do.”

Blake quickly took over from there. “What he means is that, present company excluded, mammals in our world are more primitive-acting. They can't talk or walk on two feet, and they don't dress in… well, anything.”

This was something Judy had feared. Mammals in this world had not evolved like they had in hers. But it didn't really factor in to the idea that began to sprout in her mind, and as Nick looked over towards the rabbit, he could tell she was thinking of something.

"Well, that changes today!" the rabbit declared.

The two mammals locked eyes as Nick figured out what she was getting at. “I hope you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, Judy.”

The doe smiled at the vulpine. “Oh, but I am.”

“And what might that be, Officer Hopps?” Blake inquired.

Judy turned back to the major. “Well… since we'll be sticking around for at least a week, I figured that we might as well stay busy.”

“That's very kind of you.” Blake replied. “We do have a million things to be done, and having a couple extra pairs of hands… I mean paws, around the base would help.”

The rabbit's ears dropped at the Major's last comment, and Nick took notice. He knew that Judy was a mammal of action, and that staying cooped up inside the base was not what she was getting at.

“With all do respect, Major, I don't believe that was what Officer Hopps meant.”

“Oh?” Blake asked. “What did you mean then?”

Hale had an idea of what she was thinking and spoke up. “You're talking about going out in the field, aren't you?”

The doe's ears perked back up at the lieutenant’s question, and the vulpine grinned before replying. "Bingo! Give that man a promotion!”

“No thanks.” Hale chuckled. “I'm fine where I am.”

The mammals turned back towards a stone-faced major who did not looked amused, at all.

He reminds me of Buffalo Butt. Nick thought.

“Surely, you two can't be serious.” Blake finally said.

“Trust me. When she gets a crazy idea like this, she's deadly serious.”

Judy smirked at the fox, and was about to jab his shoulder, when he cowered away in a playful fashion. “Please don't kill me.”

“Alright, you two.” Blake got the mammals’ attention back. “So what makes you think you can handle it?”

The rabbit took a deep breath before making her case. She mostly listed a series of qualifications, training, and experience that she and Nick possessed as a result of their jobs as police officers. Judy also was sure to mention their natural abilities, Nick's superb skill as a marksmammal, and her success at subduing criminals that were several times her size, without the aid of tranquilizers.

One example of the latter that she gave caused the major to chuckle. “So, you KO’d a rhino, huh? Now that I'd like to see.”

“Give us a chance, sir, and you will!" The doe added. “What’ve you got to lose?”

Blake stood up and began to pace slowly, taking careful consideration of Judy's request. After a solid minute of deep thought, he looked back over to the mammals.

“Why not?” Blake finally said. “We'll see just what you two are made of.”

Then he turned his attention to the lieutenant. “Hale, I'm putting you in charge of checking them out. I'll give you all day tomorrow to go over the basics, but I suggest you get started tonight.”

Not again. Hale mentally groaned. This wouldn't be the first time that he had civilians dumped on his lap, and the majority of the time, those that accompanied him on a mission didn't live to make it back. However, their jobs and their background did give them an edge, if what the rabbit had claimed was true.

Blake interrupted his thoughts. “And speaking of promotions, I'm bumping you up to first lieutenant. I was planning to promote you later on, but we're short on field officers as it is, so congratulations.”

What's to congratulate? Giving me more headaches? Hale didn't like it, but orders were orders, and when Major Blake gave them, that was it.

“Thank you, sir.” The lieutenant answered firmly, standing at attention.

The major addressed the new volunteers one last time. “First Lieutenant Hale will escort you to the records office to have you entered into the system.”

Judy thanked Blake and then the mammals followed Hale into the hallway, leaving Malikov and the major alone.

“Do you zhink zhat vas vise, Major?”

Blake sighed. “Let me put it this way: we need all the help we can get. And at this point, I'm not going to be choosy.”