Zonia Jessup's Story

It had been yet another 12 hour day, standing at his station in the stuffy factory floor where Randa earned his meager pay. He expertly but mindlessly assembled the piece in front of him, tossing the completed part into a large bin of completed parts. He was never quite sure what the final product was that he contributed to, the Floor Supervisor never let him get that far, and in truth Randa never thought to ask. He just knew without the paycheck he recieved, no matter how small, kept him housed and fed. He assembled another piece, and tossed it to the completed tray on his workstation just as the quitting bell sounded. All the Dims around him began to look up, as if awoken from a trance, awakening to their sentience once more. A large group began to fill up close to the double doors that led outside, waiting for the overseer to come and unlock the large chains that kept them "Safe" while they worked.

Randa had found himself about in the middle of the crowd, standing a head taller than most he was able to identify the glare shining off the overseers bald head as he pushed his way up towards the door with a large keyring. Over the mindless chatter of several dozen Dims, the sound of a metal chain could be heard collecting on the floor as the doors opened to a flood of daylight, enough to cause some to squint as the less than orderly egress commenced. Randa yawned, being pushed along with the crowd as they filtered out into the early evening. Finding his way away from the majority of the crowd, his ears folded back slightly as he lit up a cigarette, one of his only luxuries in this life.

He hated his job. He knew what it was, or at least he had a good idea. They keep you busy doing mind numbing tasks for half the day so you dont have energy to question the inequalities the other half of the day. Or... Thats what he thought, at least. Taking a drag of his smoke, he thought that of course he could be wrong. He had never seen any other way of living, especially not the human side of things. But he knew things had to be better than this, somewhere in the world. A place where the only water on tap wasn't lukewarm and brown, where the electricity wasn't shut off at 10 pm, where the streets weren't patrolled by paramilitary forces, always watching you, always begging for you to mess up so they could have some fun.

But what could he do? He was only one soul, in a sea of complacenty, under the boot of these hairless apes. Finally getting enough distance away from the crowd, Randa leaned up against the outer wall of the complex, taking another long drag of his cigarette before flicking it away. He supposed there was no reason to keep thinking of what could be, night after night, and just accept his subservience and quit asking the difficult questions. But something in him simply wouldn't let that happen. And it was getting louder every day.

Despite all this, Randa began to walk in a northerly direction, towards the dividing wall. His friend Zonia usually met him here, seeing as they lived in the same apartment building and worked the same shift, they usually accompanied each other home. The dividing wall was the very edge of the city, or at least the Dim side. On the other side of that 8 feet of concrete was where the human side of the city lay, heavily guarded and completely off limit to any without a work permit. Randa had never been, but had heard stories of the luxury.

The skinny maned wolf walked towards the barrier, once again leaning against the nearest wall, looking around haphazardly for Zonia as the sun began to hang low in the sky.

As yet another day comes to a close, Zonia finds herself organizing and taking inventory of her small functioning store. She gets a pretty decent income running her own shop, it might not be the prettiest but it does the job. Being careful not to get a paper cut Zonia continues to collect inventory and count the earning for the day. Her shop is one of a few that are available only for Dims. Which helps everyone, if they need something at a more reasonable price than where some may usually buy. Anyone can get it from her store or one of the many others. Zonia Sighs, doing the same thing over and over again isn't exactly what she likes to do. Sure it's a good job and keeps her busy but being watched and supervised. Having all these restrictions while the humans live in such a luxury she can only imagine whats it's like on the other side of that wall. More and more everyday she wishes for change, something different. She peers out the front of the store to get a look at the time.

"Almost closing" She whispers to herself and she makes a neat pile on the counter in front of her. She smiles as she marks on her list of items she'll have to collect in the morning to keep the store running. Zonia quickly counts the right amount of earning to cover the amount needed to purchase the items. Sorting it all out into different pouches, she places them in her pocket. The newer more durable bag for spending, the rugged one for herself. She finds herself at a halt having everything done a little early, she takes a seat and peers outside her shop. A paramilitary guard can be seen maybe a yard away. They are always patrolling looking for any excuse to hassle someone so they can have some fun. It's not a surprise Zonia isn't a fan of them, none of us are. They abuse their power and she's sick of them always acting all high up.

It being the end of the day, Zonia grabs her belonging and exits her shop. Turning around and locked the door securely, she just does this as a precaution. No one wants anything of theirs stolen the shops the only job she has if that gets taken away she'll lose everything. The clanking of the chains she uses could be heard as she secures everything together. She nods and turns around, she's in a slightly better mood today. Walking along the path way, she gazes around at her familiar surrounds, the wall being a pretty main focal point. She doesn't mind working at the shop, it's not a hard job but it does get a little lonely having only customers come here and there. She doesn't mind being alone, sometimes she'd prefer not to be. Zonia continues down the dirt path, almost to the barrier. This is where the dividing wall is, basically separated us from the humans.

Coming close she picks up her speed a little her friend Randa is usually there waiting for her. We live in the same apartment, so we usually can be seen together mingling until whenever. Zonia doesn't want to keep him waiting for to long. Approaching the wall she can see Randa leaning against the wall. The sun is slowly beginning to set. She waves at him from a distance. As she gets closer, she smiles.

"Sorry if i'm a little late, been day dreaming a lot today. So how'd your day go?" She askes him in a cheerful yet tired tone. Stopping a few feet in front of him, Zonia covers her mouth and let's out a decent yawn.

Randa stared straight ahead, lost in his own thoughts. The Dims passing him by all seemed to have the same expression of apathy and submission on their faces, afraid to look at each other, or up to the buildingtops and the setting sun, lest they allow themselves to dream a little too much. He sighed, before catching a glimpse of Zonia as she came towards the section of wall they had always met under. He tried to smile, but it would look slightly forced as he turned to greet her.

"You know I don't mind." he said in reference to her explanation. "The SWATS might though..." he said with some hesitation, before yawning and answering her question> "It was a day. It was like yesterday, it's like tomorrows going to be... No changes, no better no worse." He said with a sigh, before realizing he was being a bit mellodramatic, as per usual. "But.. I'm still above ground. Thats good." He said with a soft smile, glad to see his friend at least. "Now come on, we've gotta go if we're gonna beat curfue." He said, nodding his head towards the general direction of their apartment block. It was a good 20 minute walk, and Randa was walking brisky and giving Zonia subltle clues to keep up, as he grew more and more worried about the street lights beginning to come on, and the rumble of diesel engines of the patrol trucks could be heard starting up to patrol the street.

"Shit...." He muttered under his breath. "We're late... and I don't have my papers Zonia..." He said, looking back to her, worry shining in his golden eyes. "Uhm.. Hold on.. follow me, I know a shortcut!" he said just about the time headlights poured light over the street, they dissapeared into a small alley. He remain still, looking over to Zonia as the truck passed the alley they were in without incident. He waved for her to follow, and they began to walk down the labrynth of side alleys that eventually led to their apartment. "I think we're almost..." Randa called back, only to hear a voice that was not Zonias answer.

"Almost what?" came the deep voice, as a flashlight and large, armored SWAT officer walked out into the alley, blocking their path.

"Home..." Randa said, looking up to the officer, flinching as he remembered his lack of papers.

"You're also out past curfue. Where are your papers?"

Randa gritted his teeth, looking over to Zonia. He knew he was spending at least the night in jail. But what could he do? He sighed, looking down as the officer revelled in the implied fact that Randa was guilty until proven innocent.

Zonia nobs she wouldn't want to get caught up by the SWATS. She follows her friend as they head back to their apartment building. Trying her best to keep up with Randa, as it gets darker by every passing minute. Hearing the sound of the patrol vehicles start up in the distance, Zonia also began to worry. She wasn't sure she had her papers either She could see the worry in Randa's eye's. She hasn't seen him in such a state, it made her worry even more. Zonia Takes a deep breathe, and exhales trying to remain as calm as she can.

'Short cuts are fun' Zonia thought to herself as they both slip into the dark side alleys. Just as she's out of few the street lights illuminate the area they were just recently occupying. Letting out a soft sigh of relief, she peers over to Randa who is jestering her to follow him. Nodding she begins following him down the labyrinth trying to get home without a trace. Zonia is carefully surveying the area, making sure not to make sound. She hears Randa begin to speak, she looks up and they don't stop.

"Great.." Zonia whispered, looking up to the officer, she feels around in her pocket for her papers. Worry and fear wipe over her. Her papers aren't with her, before she left for work Zonia must have forgotten to grab them. She glances over to Randa who also looks pretty worried. Unsure of what to do next she whispers to Randa.

'Got a plan? I don't have my papers either." She confesses, as she looks over at Randa

"A plan?" The large man in the protective gear said. "A plan for what?" he said, taking another step closer to the pair, pulling out his riot baton and brandishing it at the two. Randa instinctively stepped in front of Zonia, pushing her back against the wall as he kept himself between her and the SWAT. "Well I got a fuckin plan for you two delinquents." The man said, taking another step. Randa was not really a match for the well equipped man, but he still tried to reason with the man. "Please! We just have two more blocks to go and we can be home... Our papers are there, too."

The SWAT stopped for a second, almost looking like he was giving into reason for a second. He nodded, and went to turn something off in his helmet, which later became apparent was his body cam. He then walked up to Randa, who was still standing in front of Zonia. "Wh.. What did you do?" he asked as the SWAT came towards him, and hit him directly across the muzzle with his club. Randa let out a snarl as he fell to the ground, attempting to get back up as quick as he could, but the SWAT towered over him. "You ran into the wrong fuckin guy today, mutt." He laughed, kicking him square in the jaw and giving him a few more vicious hits with his billy club. "I've just been *ITCHING* To let off a little steam." He said low. "And now your girlie gets to watch you die." Randa's head was spinning, blood dripping from his mouth as every breath hurt. Rage began to fill his body, and propelled him to try again to get to his feet.

"I'm not.. taking it..." He said, this being far from his first time being beaten by the authorities. He stood to his feet as the SWAT laughed, giving him a punch right in the gut. Randa let out a vicious snarl, clearly at the end of his rope, and clawed the mans face, causing him to yell in pain and retract. "Zonia!! Get outta here!!!" He yelled as the man recovered. He tried to punch the man again but he was quick on the draw, slamming Randa to the pavement and placing a knee on his back. "This is where you die, shit stain." the man leaned down and whispered into one of Randas oversized ears.

He felt two prongs enter into his back as a surge of electricity coarsed through his body, causing him to sieze and involuntarily scream, locking eyes with Zonia as he did so. This was exactly what kept Randa up at night, the fact that things like this happened every night, and they would never be seen as anything more than animals. Randa had so much more fight in his spirit, but his body, at this point, riddled with electricity and the full weight of the officer on him was unable to fight anymore. "Help!" He mouthed to Zonia, unable to actually speak as he was Tazed.

Zonia watches in fear as the Officer beats on Randa. The officers relentlessly beating on him, not giving any leeway for him to fight back. She felt herself beginning to sweat, panic was going to settle in soon. She couldn't let that happen, she needs to help him she can't just sit around and watch this happen. Zonia shakes her head trying to get herself out of the daze of her fear and help him. She watches as Randa is slammed to the ground and kneeled on top of him. The screams of his pain ring throughout the alley ways, how can anyone think this is okay? Her eye's met Randa's, She could make out him telling her to help him. She nodded and began to think.

" Get off of him! " She hissed at the officer, her paws form a fist as she inches closer to them. "I won't allow this to go on anymore, you've abused the power to much already" Zonia warned. The officer looked to Zonia "Oh yea? Whats a wimp of a girl like you going to do about it?" The officer remarked, Zonia stared him dead in the eye and gave a little smirk. "wimp? without a moment to lose Zonia delivered a mean uppercut to the officer making him fly off Randa. The anger and frustration of all the years being stuck in this horrid place are surfaces. She can't take living like this anymore, no more being hassled, it's time t fight back. She went over to the officer and gave him a hard kick to the gut.

The officer began to chuckle, Zonia focused her attention to him. "Lucky shot, catching me off guard like that...it won't happen again." He stated as he swept his legs under Zonia's, causing her to hit the cold concrete beneath her feet. "Shit.." She whispered, not moments after falling to the ground she gazed up seeing a boot coming right for her, without a moment to spare she rolls out of the way. She gasps for air, her head was spinning the fall to the ground made her uneasy. She shook her head. She rose from her feet, and readied her self for another attack. She could feel her body trembling, her muscles began to feel sore. She hasn't moved so much, she hasn't used this much strength in a good while. "That all you got?" Zonia pryed, trying to get him to attack again. She surveyed the officer looking for any weak points, none she could really make out.

Glancing over to Randa, she didn't like to seem him this way. She rarely got hassled by the officers, maybe once or twice and in those cases it wasn't this bad. Suddenly she heard the quick movement of feet on the pavement, Zonia tried to react but the cold baton sunk into her stomach like punching into a pillow. She yelled in pain, her vision got even more blurry. Zonia fell to the ground, one hand across her stomach the other holding herself up. Her body shaking, she couldn't take much more. "Please! Stop! I'll give you all the money in my pockets to let us alone!" she pleaded with the officer. Her eye's swelled with tears. She can't fight anymore, with her hand across her stomach she reaches into her pocket and pulls out her coin pouches and hold them up. "Please...Just take them and let us go.." She told the officer.

The officer grabbed a handful of Zonia's hair, and yanked her up to force her to make eye contact with him. "You were gonna get away, too, stupid girl." he said through gritted teeth, before standing up, dragging her with him by the hair as he had seemed to forget all about Randa. Her coins go scattering across the alley as he does so, dragging her forcibly to god knows where. But where had Randa gone? only a small dripline of blood trailed away. Had he really just left her to be captured? "Should have just left all you fuckers in the lab, make fur coats out of you..." he officer grumbled as he fought against Zonias protests, giving her one good whack on the head as they continued to walk.

A snap was heard off in the distance, and the officer stopped. Looking warily around the alley, he realized he no longer had track of Randa. His eyes widened a bit, just before feeling a jagged piece of glass enter the back of his neck, accompanied with a low growl of animalistic bloodlust. It was randa, holding the shard there even as it cut deeply into his hand. "Raaahhh!!" He took it out and stabbed the man again, spraying blood across the alleyway. He tackled the man to the ground as he released Zonias hair in shock.

"Not today!!" Randa said with rage as he plunged the makeshift dagger into the mans neck again, before rolling him over so he had to make eye contact with Randa. The Maned wolf could no longer control his animal instincts as he punched the man square in the nose with his good hand, until blood flowed freely from his nose and eye socket.

"Not now," He yelled, taking the mans tazer and service weapon from his belt, decking him again in the face as he shakily cocked the pistol, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He pointed the pistol directly between the mans temples. Suddenly, the broken mans face, still having a slight semblence of life to it, gurgled out a plea.

"Wait..." Randa angrily cut him off.
"No!" He exclaimed. "Let me see your papers you hairless fucking monkey!" He pressed the gun right up to the mans temple. "I've been ITCHING to let off some steam!!!" he said, the rage coming to a full head.

The pop of the gunshot, followed by the tinging of the casing falling to the ground echoed through the silent streets, as blood flowed freely from the mans freshly formed airhole in his brain. Randa stopped. Mouth Agape. He had killed a man. Not just any man... A SWAT. Standing up, Randa, covered in the mans blood as well as his own, dropped the gun. He looked with terror over to Zonia, just realizing that he might have signed both of their death warrants. "Zonia..." he said, looking to the man. "We.. I... We have to go!"

The fear in his golden eyes was more than apparent, but he knew this. That gunshot was a signal to every cop in the area to swarm towards them. Dims weren't allowed to carry weapons. "Oh shit... oh shit.." Randa backed up against a wall, burying his hands in his face as he slid down to a sitting position, trying to clear his head and think. "What the fuck do we do, Zonia?!"

"Let go of me! Zonia protested trying to get out of the Officers grip, kicking her feet at the ground. "I sai-" Everything went quite, a snap was heard in the distance. The officer stops, Zonia struggled a bit trying to break free. when suddenly Randa came out of no where and stabbed the man right in the neck. Gasping as her let her hair go and she hit the floor. She stood up and took a few steps back as she watched Randa go off on the man. She has to admit it was quite scary but she's glad he came along. The man falls to the ground still struggling to get away from him. The rage emitting from Randa was unbelievable, it was only a matter of time before he showed this kind of behavior. POP The sound of the gunshot rang throughout the silent streets. Zonia's mouth goes dry, he's dead. She looks to Randa, seeing the fear in his eye's she rushing over to him.

Zonia places a hand on his shoulder, she tries to remain calm. "It's going to be alright, I know things look bad, but we can get through this..We have two options. Either get to our apartments or.." She paused hearing the sirens of more SWATS closing in on their location. She looks back to Randa "Or we could run.." She tells him she knows it's a risky thing to do but who knows what could happen if they catch them, the SWATS would just kill them both with out any kind of trial or hesitation. If we make it back to the apartment, who's to say they wouldn't check every Dim's house. She can feel the intensity in the air.

"I know it's a tough decision and if we were to run, I wouldn't know where we'd go or what we'd do." Zonia confesses, her ears fall back as she looks up to the night sky. For all she know's this could be her last moments up above ground. The sirens get closer, she can see off into the distance the dim lights of the vechicels coming their way. Zoina Looks over to Randa and squeezes his shoulder.

"We have to get going...what do you think we should do?" She askes him in a soft tone, knowing it's not going to be an easy or restful night either way. Her hazel eye's filled with worry and concern a little more noticeable than before. If they were to get caught, the consequences would be dire. They will show no mercy, no matter the situation.

Randa's eyes could not keep off of the vacant stare of the man he had just sent to the afterlife, but he was still listening intently to Zonia. The bleeding in his nose had stopped, but his ribcage and left foot still burned with pain. Looking down, he realized his hand was bleeding pretty good as well from the shard of glass he had used. He was in no shape to run anywhere, and his mind was firmly against the idea.

"No... We can't run. Not anymore." He said, looking down to the pavers in the street. He took the piece of glass and removed his jacket and shirt, tearing up his shirt into bandages, and tying one across his hand, which still in turn filled with blood. He replaced his jacket, and hobbled as best he could over to Zonia.

"I can't run. I'd only be a burden on you if you wanted to. For now... " He grimaced as he stumbled and fell against the wall, catching his balance just before taking a tumble. "We need... To go. To the apartment. No matter what, we've gotta clean up our trail." he said, a determined look on his face as he used the wall to begin hobbling away from the crime scene.

Looking back, he made sure Zonia was following. "Come on.." He urged, heading in the direction of their apartment.

Zonia nodded as she listened to Randa speak, he was right they shouldn't run it would only cause more trouble. He was bleeding pretty bad, they needed to get home to clean up. Zonia was still a little sore and in pain from being tossed around and beaten. She looked around before rushing over to his side, lifting his arm over her shoulder to help support him. "We have to hurry.. She whispered to Randa, she knew he was in a lot of pain.

As they make their way to their apartment, she made sure to keep her ear's open listening for any footsteps or SWAT cars coming their way. Randa wasn't they lightest but she made sure to keep him up and help him until we got to the apartments. They need to clean up and cover their trail. She looked up and could see their apartment just a little bit up the street yet, maybe 1/2 a mile. She let out a sigh "We can make it" She thought to herself, changeling all the strength to get them both there safely.

Within a few minutes, they were to the front doors of the apartment. She set Randa against the brick wall next to the door as she opened them. The sound of the creaking door rang through out the silent building. Zonia looks back at Randa and offer's a hand. "We are almost there.. She tells him, forcing a small but slight smile of reassurance. The sound of sirens can be heard throughout the streets, blue and red light illuminating one side of the slums.

Randa grimaced slightly as he felt Zonia pick him up to help him, but he kept a straight face as the two hobbled towards their apartment. It was at least good to know that in this world he had a friend as good as Zonia, they seemed to have known each other their entire lives. He winced as he was set down, and reluctantly got to his feet, resting against the wall. He, too, could see the red and blue lights approaching. Inching his way around the wall, he crept through the main entrance doors into the main hallway. With Zonias assistance, they both made it to the front door of their apartment. Randa realized that he had the key, and dug around his coat pocket until he produced the small metal object. As the door swung open, their familiar home welcomed them, as if nothing at all had happened. They didn't have much, but the fact they had two seperate bedrooms could be considered a luxury in itself in these slums.

Breaking away from Zonia once more, he began to draw the blinds, then took a jacket hanging on a coat rack and covered up the gap at the bottom of the front door. He slid all three locks closed, and looked back to Zonia. "The plan is, if they knock on the door, we are not here. It takes them a second from what I remember to request a battering ram.. So we'll have enough time to escape. Remember the hole in the bathroom ceiling the landlord wont fix? That goes straight up to another unit, I think it might be Charlies but I'm not sure..." he said, deep in thought.

"If things go bad, we brace the door, and make that hole big enough for us to get out of." But for now... Nothings wrong.. Nothing happened, I don't know how that officer got there." He shot Zonia a look. "Alright?"

His heart was still racing from the entire event. He hadn't realized how bad he was shaking from the adrenaline either, until he went to the kitchen sink and turned on the water to begin washing his wounds. The water splashed and shook out of his hand as he washed them. Sighing, he grabbed a washcloth and began to wipe his nose, taking the makeshift bandage off of his hand as well. They didn't have medicine, that was much too expensive, so he had to make due with soap and salt on his hand, a painful combination, but one that sanitized and stopped the bleeding. He sighed, turning off the tap. Hopping over to the second hand couch that was in the living room, he plopped down on it with a grunt of pain, tail swishing back and fourth as he tried to get comfortable. What, the hell, were they going to do??

Zonia sighed as they entered their apartment, a sense of relief came over her. She watched as Randa hobbled around fixing things, his voice was frantic but calm. She nodded as he spoke to her "Alright, I understand" She tells him as she too begins to clean herself up. She watched as her blood stained fur begins to fade back to her normal color, watching it go down the drain she gets lost in thought. Zonia snaps out of it, while drying her hands she looks over to Randa who is getting comfortable on the couch. He was still in pain, she walked over to the living room and sat on the couch to the right of Randa. Zonia sunk into the couch letting out a sigh.Her tail swung to the left side and curled around her leg to fit like a puzzle piece.

"The best thing we can do know is wait, maybe even get some sleep..but it might be to risky to sleep. They could just barge in here without is knowing." Zonia said as she rubbed her head, she could feel a small but noticeable bump on the back of her skull. Probably from when the officer was pulling her hair. She brushed it off gazing around their silent apartment, no footsteps could be heard in the hallways or on the floors above them.

She peered over to the clock sitting on the side table between the couches 2:15 AM. It was getting late. Zonia closed her eye's and thought about the day she had. It all started off like any other day. She never would have thought it would take such a drastic turn. It's definitely not for the better as of right now. She thought about her shop, if something were to happen to her, what would become of it? Would someone new take it over or will they just destroy all she's created? Her tail begins to wag in frustration, she doesn't know what to do and she's scared of what might become of them. Zonia is glad to have a friend like Randa in times like this, he protected her today and she can't thank him enough. It's like they've known each other their whole lives.

"Hey are you alright? Do you need anything?" She askes Randa, she knows the day wasn't the greatest and its not easy for anyone, she just wants to be sure he's alright. During times like this it's better not to be alone or keep things to yourself. Worry and fear were still present in her eye's, you could see how tired and worn out she is. Zonia just wants the best for the people she cares about and likes to treat them before treating her self to needs she may have.

Randa waved a dismissive hand, with a yawn. "Its okay Zonia... I'm fine. But.. I'm going to.. just lay here for a while." He didn't know if he would sleep out here on the couch, but his eyes remain fixated on the ceiling above him. He couldn't stop replaying the incident in his head... The glint of the mans badge, the feeling of the prongs in his back, watching Zonia be dragged away. It had been his whole life, but he was sick of it. Other dims had to be tired of it too, right? It was all he could think of. He knew Zonia was tough and a fighter, and she was fed up too. Maybe... just maybe, there was something they could do. Another large yawn escaped his mouth, as he looked at the blue and red lights faintly illuminating the only window in the apartment. Because of the gene splicing in their genes, and the fact pads are not like fingerprints, it would be hard to trace them by fingerprint or DNA, thankfully. And the cop had turned off his Bodycam. So if he was human, he would stand a chance in court. And he was pretty sure there were no witnesses at all.

But the pop of the gun. That one signalling moment when the life was taken straight out of the man, released from the hole in his skull. It was not something Randa had ever done, or wanted to do. His ears folded back as he lay there on the couch. Things had changed forever tonight, and tomorrow, the fight begins. No doubt, patrols will be elevated, questions will be had, and Randa won't be showing up for work. In fact, he might get fired for not doing so. But he couldn't show up beaten and bloody like this.

Another large yawn escaped his canine muzzle as his eyes grew heavy. All thoughts for tomorrow, he thought, drifting softly off into sleep, the pure exhaustion of the day finally overriding the quickly waning adrenaline rush.

Zonia nodded as she watched Randa. He still seems a bit frazzled about the whole thing, but he has become tired now. She let out a deep long yawn before rubbing her eye's. She leans back in the chair, putting her feet up her ears fall back. It's been a long day, with all that's happen she's not sure what tomorrow will hold, if she should even attend work. The whole situation kept replaying in her head like a broken old record player. While letting out yet another yawn, she buries herself deeper into the couch. She peers over to the window in their apartment, the blue and red lights that are illuminating the streets will be an ongoing thing. No doubt that patrols will be higher and curfew taken more seriously than it already is.

Zonia fixed her eye's on Randa, who is already asleep. A soft smile form, as she closes her eye's. She should be getting some sleep too. They have no idea about whats happening tomorrow and what they might be in for. Zonia know's one thing for sure, she's getting tired of living like this. It won't be long til more and more Dims start showing how they truly feel, she knows that herself and Randa aren't the only ones who think things should change.

She know's the Officer Turned his body cam off, that being a big mistake on his part. She's just not sure when exactly he did, if it was before or after they were seen. If the other officers see it and we were the last two he came in contact with they could suspect them right away. Zonia pushes the thoughts aside, she can worry about all that tomorrow. She needs to get some sleep in case of some major events that could happen tomorrow.

A yawn escapes out before she drifts off to sleep, hopefully she can dream of a better place than where she will be once kicked back into reality.

Randa awoke with a crick in his neck from sleeping so awkwardly on the couch. He had had a dream last night... Cheering, torches, fire.. screams... But it was fading into the obfuscation of the dreamworld that runs tandem with consiousness. Stretching, it had seemed he had awoken in the earliest bits of the morning, the rays playing through the dust and curtains.

Sliding his way to a sitting position, he raised his hands and gave a big stretch. This opened the wound from the glass in his hand. Grimacing, he noticed his shirt bandage had soaked all the way through, and was crusted and dry, a new wet spot beginning to form . Pouring himself a glass of water, Randa sighed as he remembered all of the events of last night. Luckily their door did not seem to be broken down, and he assumed as his heart beat, so did Zonia's. Reaching for a bowl in the cupboard, he reached in for his generic steak flavored "cereal", issued by the company he worked for. He found no box. They had run out, which effectively meant they were probably out of food, adding to their dilema.

With a sigh, he went to put the bowl back, but his bandaged hand could not properly grip the bowl and it crashed to the ground, a shower of jagged porcelain pieces cascading across the linoleum of the kitchen. "Fuck." Randa said under his breath, knowing that probably woke Zonia up. Still.. He was so relieved they hadn't been killed in their sleep. But now they needed food.. which meant going out. Do they act like nothing happened? He didn't know...

He called Zonia's name, not wanting to make a bigger mess trying to clean up the broken bowl. Then, maybe they could talk about the next course of action.

Zonia was awoken by the sound of broken porcelain. Her body reacted in a jolt forcing her into a sitting postilion. She sighed in relief after seeing it was only Randa. She stretched as she let out a long yawn, her ears fell back as she did so. Her tired eye's glazed around the room, peering out the only window she could see it was early morning. As Zonia stood up she let out yet another long yawn that escaped her snout almost instantly as she rose from the chair. Making her way over to Randa, she could see all the pieces of the bowl scattered all around the floor. As she watched him clean in it up, she caught a glimpse of his blood soaked bandage, thus bringing back the events of last night. She feels relief knowing no one tired to break into their apartment, but she fears the events that might happen as the new day continues.

"So..uh what do you suppose we do? You know about all that happened last night..?" Zonia askes Randa in a soaft tone of voice, you never know if they SWATS have hidden microphones in the apartments. You think your safe and can do as you please but you should always be careful. She rubs her arm leaning over the counter top, her stomach rumbles she knows they are low on food. She can survive without food for a while.

Despite feeling like complete crap, she managed to get a good rest. She can't recall any sort of dream she had, but was able to fall asleep relatively fast given the circumstances. As she leans over the counter, rubbing her arm she grimaces as she touched where she had been badly bruised probably from being knocked down and dragged on the cold pavement. It's nothing he can't withstand, the pain of the bruise is minor, something she can simply tolerate. Zonia Fixed her eye's on Randa who is just finishing cleaning the bowl fragments.

Randa was still having a bit of trouble picking up the pieces of broken bowl, but doing an admirable job trying. "We lay low, we say it didn't happen... And we plan. We're dead already, unless we do something to show the humans we are done being pushed around." He dropped a piece, mumbling to himself. "At least I am."

He looked over, almost forgetting that she had recieved quite the beating too that night. "How, do you feel this morning?" he said softly, standing up. "I'd offer you some food but we're out." He added, throwing the pieces of the bowl into the trash, and walking back over to the sink, turning on the cold water, beginning to unwrap his makeshift bandage.

"We just.. Need to be cautious. I need to at least go to the factory and tell them why i'm late. And also why i'm not coming in." Randa would call, but as everyone knew, Dims could not own phones. "I suppose we should get more food while I'm there too... if i'm in time for the commisary." he sighed softly before looking in his wallet. Dammit! Payday at the factory was two days away still. But.. Maybe Zonia had some from her shop. "Do you think you'll open shop today?" he asked, looking over to her. "If you do.. Maybe i'll join you down there at the shop.

The last of his bandage fell into the sink, as he looked over to Zonia to see if the bandages were there.

Zonia nodded as she listened to Randa speak she managed to give him a slight smile of reassurance, about her injuries. "I'm alright just a little bruising, nothing to worry about. She paused thinks about what they will do today. Zonia should open the shop today it won't be to hard to manage, she hopes. "I'll open the shop, just so it doesn't look to suspicious..you're more than welcome to join me. I would love the company." Zonia said softly, as she ran her paws through her hair.

Zonia walked over to the sink to wash her hands, turning on the cold water. After her hands were washed she cupped her hands and gathered some water in them. Splashing her face, to give her more energy and a more refreshed feeling. She pats her face dry with her shirt lifting slightly around her snout, causing her stomach to slightly be visible only for a short time. Once dry, she peers back over towards the sink, she turned the water off. Zonia thought about what Randa said, about showing they've had enough.

Zonia turned and leaned against the sink. "You know, i've been thinking about what you said..I think it's time we start something. Show those SWATS we aren't taking their crap anymore." She paused, and sighed. "We just need to find some more people, ask around but we have to be careful. Some of the others might rat us out for a favor or some kind of reward. She said to Randa, she knows he is sick of taking their crap and she is too. They shouldn't have to be afraid all the time, enough is enough.

"If you want I can meet you at my shop, i'm just going to clean up a bit and than head over. It won't take me long.." Zonia states, as she shuffles over to their bathroom. She stops at the door way and looks back at Randa.

Randa nodded. With Zonias presence, it almost felt like a normal morning again as she walked over to wash her hands. "Okay." he said, looking over to her as he let a small smile curl across his lips. He had always loved Zonia's little shop, but never had the time to pop in and say hi. This would be the perfect excuse to take a day to do so. Randa stole a glance over to her as she cleaned her face, before she spoke.

"You know, i've been thinking about what you said..I think it's time we start something. Show those SWATS we aren't taking their crap anymore." Randa grinned as he looked over to her, letting her finish. It faded as she got down to the seriousness of the issue. He was glad she shared his passion.

Randa gave a solemn nod as she told him of her plans, taking the bandages and wrapping up his hand. He ached, but it was time. He headed over to the factory, with a visible limp still, hand bandaged, and right eye swolen. Even through the pain though, he held himself back straight, with dignity. Blending in with the crowd of unemployeds and derelicts, he went his own pace, but made sureto be as nonchalant as possible.

He passed a SWAT that didn't give him a second glance. Phew. But as he continued to limp along, he noticed the alley they had been in, completely quarantined, and heavily guarded. The coroners and CSID was there. His heart skipped a beat as he picked up the pace, still not picked up. They must not have a physical description, which was good. But it was only a matter of time before something got figured out.

He did his best not to think about it, and hobbled towards his work. At the front office, it was uneventful as Randa signed himself out, for the mandatory two strikes. He had never been late, never taken a day off, never sneezed on the job, and he still got two strikes. That was just policy however, as Dims were always *always* underemployed. Hobbling away, he made his way to Zonia's shop, beating her there. Leaning against the wall, he lit up a cigarette, and waited for her to arrive.

Zonia smiled as she heard Randa agree to accompany her at her shop. She's usually pretty lonely there, it gets boring only dealing with the few customers that come by now and again. She proceeded to the bathroom, and began to clean herself up. Turning the cold water on and washing off any dirt or dried up blood from the night before. The brownish water became a tint of red while she washed her fur. Wincing at the pain of the bruises as she went of certain areas, her ears instantly fell back. Some of the pain is a bit much but nothing she can't handle. Her tail curled around her legs as she brushed her hair trying to look presentable on her way to open her shop. Turning the water and light off in the bathroom before leaving she glared around the room, searching for anything that could be useful for them today. They didn't have much, Zonia did spot Randa and her papers she swiftly picked them up and folded them placing them neatly in her cargo pants pocket. She doesn't want to risk another confrontation in case they are late again. she shrugged and left their apartment, locking the door behind her she had no money which meant what was left in the store is what she'll have to deal with and get supplies another time.

Zonia made her way out of their apartment and across the not so heavily guarded areas outside. Making her way to the shop she noticed certain areas did have a few more SWATS than usual luckily no one stopped her, which was a relief. As she was close to her shop, she passed the Alley way where everything went wrong. It was highly accompanied by the SWATS which only made her heart beat a little faster. She picked up the pace and proceeded to her shop. She noticed Randa beat her to it. Zonia smirked, she knew he'd get here before her. "Hey, sorry for the wait i just wanted to grab something before heading out. She told him reaching into her pocket for Randa's papers. She offers them to him "Thought i'd grab these just in case" Zonia said, she reached again into her pocket fishing for her shop keys. You could hear the jingling inside the pocket. Pulling them out, she proceeded to the back of the store where the door was. She unlocked it and pulled the door open.

She stepped inside and pulled out the extra chair she had stored under the counter where the transaction of guests would be. She unfolded it and placed it across from her usual spot which was by the register and door. Glancing at all the supplies, she was running low but she could get through the day with what she has. Reaching for a box of cereal they usual have at their apartment and also a few waters she placed them on the table that sat in the back of the shop. Zonia also grabbed two bowls and plastic spoons. "Please, help yourself to some of the cereal, i know we didn't have any at home. If you need any extra bandages or anything help yourself to those as well." She said to Randa softly, she plopped down in her chair, her tail swings underneath her chair.