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Chapter 15 - Fallout

One week had passed since the wolves made themselves known to the world. The event has already been dubbed Fur Friday by many. After the shock has worn off a lot of humans are struggling with the new reality they are living in.

***

“You’re listening the Riley Shields Show on Ninety-two, WXFQ”

“Welcome back, Riley here.” The talk show host’s voice called out on the airwaves. “Now, the talk of the day is still the event that happened one week ago today. Some people are calling it Fur Friday, but personally I’m not a fan of it. I get the alliteration, but seriously there’s a lot more going on than just some home-grown fur coats, am I right? Anyway, let’s go to the phones to hear what you have to say. The number is 610-555-WXFQ. Let's go to Kyle, hey Kyle, you're live on the air.

"Ah hey Riley. I've got a big problem with this whole thing."

"And what is that?"

"These werewolves, and don't tell me they don't like being called that; it's what they are, go around turning regular decent people into these furry beasts and we're all supposed to be ok with that?"

Riley looked over to his producer Lilah and could see the agitation on her face. "I think it’s just common decency to call people what they want to be called, Kyle. To your point, from what I've heard they don't seem to mind the transition. I’ve spoken to several wolves telling their stories over the past week, and although it was a bit of a shock finding out they were wolves," He made eye contact with Lilah, “they are happy with their new lives.”

"And that doesn't scare you? One second you're a normal person and then the next you are a fuzzy deviant!"

"Whoa there, Kyle, where do you get off saying that?"

"They all turn gay!"

"First of all, there is nothing deviant about being gay in the first place. And secondly, they tend to lean towards bisexuality."

"There's no such thing as being bi! That’s just-"

That was enough for Riley and he hit the disconnect button. Looking at Lilah she was already starting to bare her teeth.

"I'm open to discussing any topic, but I'm not going to tolerate such blatant hate on my show. Moving on it looks like next up is Chris. Chris? Are you there?"

“Oh! Hey Riley, long time listener here, first time caller.”

“Thanks, Chris. So, what’s your take on the whole wolf situation?”

“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought the last few days, and I think people are really blowing the whole thing out of proportion.”

Riley chuckled. “That’s an unusual opinion to have right now.”

“Maybe, but really, if the wolves really wanted to take over the world, last Friday wouldn’t have happened. They just would have kept growing in secret. Nobody seems to be mentioning that point."

"That's a good point to think about."

"Also, as far as that last caller goes, my still very much human sister is bi. It's real you idiot!"

"Alright now, I understand supporting your sister, but let's keep things civil between callers.”

“Sorry about that, It just hit too close to home. Anyway, thanks for listening.”

“You’re welcome, have a good one Chris. Next up we have Julia."

“Hey Riley! Glad I could make it on. You've had nothing but humans talking about the situation and I didn't think that was very balanced."

"I take it you're a wolf then."

"Yes I am, and thank you for using the right word."

"Of course."

"The entire point of showing ourselves last Friday was to prove to the world that there is nothing to fear about us. We are just people at the end of the day, being covered in fur doesn't make us any less. There is plenty of room for both humans and wolves to coexist. Besides I'm sure everyone already knows someone who is a wolf, even if you didn't recognize them on TV at a gathering."

"As I mentioned, I know some wolves. It was a surprise finding out you all were, well, real. However, they are still my friends and coworkers."

"Exactly! People need to stop trying to use this as an excuse to be racists against something new."

"Thanks for calling, Julia. Alright, it looks like it's time for Gloria with the traffic and weather."

***

"Hey Lilah, how are you holding up?” Riley asked after the show was over for the day.

"I think that was harder than going public at Memorial Park.” She sighed. “Some people just are so…”

“Stupid?” Riley offered.

Lilah shook her head. “I knew we were going to have to put up with crap like this before we came out of hiding. There’s no way around it though, people were going to find out eventually and better it was on our terms.”

“You know I had noticed something was different about you the past few months. I just wouldn’t have guessed the truth before Friday.”

“You think you were surprised, you should have seen me during my first shift.” Lilah smirked.

“I’ll bet.” Riley paused, checking that they were alone before continuing. “I still don’t know why didn’t you, um, change the entire station.”

She shrugged. “It wouldn’t be the best look if we tainted every member of the media.”

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

“Of course, if you're personally interested in becoming a wolf, I can arrange it.” Lilah smiled widely.

“I ah,” Riley shook his head, “I think I’m good.”

***

Bobbie pulled into a parking spot at Memorial Park. She reached over to grab the picnic basket and blanket she had brought with her. It had only been a week since her last trip to the park, but she had different plans for today. After a week of texts and calls she was meeting up with Greg for a date. They agreed on a picnic at the park, since that was where they had first met. Of course, this time Bobbie wasn't in her fur, instead she was dressed in a flowing light blue sundress. As she got out of her car, Greg spotted her and waved before walking over. He was dressed casually in khakis and a white golf shirt.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.” Bobbie said with a warm smile.

“No, I only got here a few minutes ago.” He noticed the basket in her hand. “I thought I was bringing lunch?” Greg asked, holding up the small cooler in his hand.

“I know you said that, and I appreciate it, but wolves have a big appetite, and I didn’t want either of us to go hungry and ruin our first date.”

Greg smiled shyly, “Oh, well, that’s probably a good idea then.”

“We can share. Do you have a spot in mind to set up?”

“Not exactly.”

“How about that tree over there?” Bobbie pointed out across the field.

“Looks like a good spot to me.” Greg smiled a bit more comfortably and offered his free hand.

Bobbie took it and they walked together in the afternoon sun. After taking a few moments to unfold the blanket they sat down under the branches of a maple tree. From where they were sitting they could see the center of the park where they had first met.

“I made chicken salad sandwiches, if that’s ok.” Greg said as he opened the lid of the cooler.

“Of course, I think that’s the one kind of sandwich I didn't bring.” Bobbie laughed softly.

Greg looked over to the large picnic basket and wondered just how much food was in there. He opened the cooler and pulled out a plastic container full of sandwiches.

“I tried to bring enough for both of us.”

“Thank you for trying.” She picked up a triangle sliced half of the sandwich and took a bite. “Mmm, that’s good, did you make the salad yourself?”

“Yes, It’s my grandmother’s recipe. It's the first food I could think of for our picnic date.” Greg picked up a half for himself.

“It’s so good,” She replied before quickly finishing it. “Sorry, I kind of wolf my food.” Bobbie winked.

Greg laughed. “I kind of expected that.”

As the pair enjoyed the food and each other’s company, more cars started to arrive in the parking lot. Bobbie wasn’t paying attention to anyone other than Greg at first, until she noticed a small gathering of people were forming in the center of the park.

“What’s happening over there?”

“Hmm?” Greg worked to chew and swallow his last bite. “I don’t know, it must be some kind of event going on.”

“I guess. Wow, more people are showing up.”

“It’s not an encore from last week, is it?”

“If it is, nobody mentioned it to me or my pack.” Bobbie shrugged. “I guess we’ll see what it is eventually, in the meantime, would you care for a turkey club?”

As Greg and Bobbie enjoyed their picnic the event organizer arrived. He was a late middle aged man, with a head full of perfectly styled gray hair. He was dressed in a black suit and was wearing an American flag necktie. At first glance anyone would assume the man was some kind of politician. He was surrounded by a small group of four people, it was hard to tell if they were assistants, security, or both. He paused along the way to shake hands and thank the people for coming out.

“I guess someone is getting a head start on elections.” Greg shrugged before pulling out a bottle of ice tea. “Don’t worry, it’s decaffeinated.” He said before filling a plastic cup with the cold brown liquid.”

“Thanks for remembering. I hope it’s not any trouble.” Bobbie accepted the cup with a smile.

“Heh, no, I’ve been meaning to cut back on it anyway. Sometimes it feels like I’ve been running on caffeine and spite since college.”

Bobbie laughed before enjoying a cool sip of tea. They weren’t paying attention to the gathering at all at this point, so they didn’t notice the signs and banners going up. It wasn’t until the cheering started that they looked over. It took a moment for it to sink in for Bobbie and when it did she gasped.

Cry wolf and save the children!

Keep our schools fur-free!

Remember Red Riding Hood!

Beware wolves in people’s clothing!

“What the fuck?” Greg whispered as he took in the scene.

Bobbie narrowed her eyes and fought back the urge to growl. Thinking quickly, she pulled out her phone and started to record what was going on. Bobbie zoomed in to get clear video of the hateful signs and banners. As she filmed, the man in charge of this gathering climbed on a step stool and using a bullhorn he addressed the clapping and cheering crowd.

“Thank you! Thank you for the warm welcome and for joining me today! For anyone in this crowd who doesn’t know me, My name is Wallace Smith. I’ve served on the city council for over ten years before retiring to take over the family business after my father’s passing. I had no plans to return to the world of politics until the events of a week ago.” There were murmurs of agreement and displeasure from the crowd. “What was revealed to us all was the greatest threat ever encountered by mankind. Literally monsters walking around us hidden in human disguises. These werewolves spread their filth and degeneracy corrupting once perfectly normal humans into sex-craved deviants. They admitted as much on the news!” He paused as the crowd shouted their agreement. “We need to unite as a country, no as Humans to save ourselves from this unprecedented threat to our lives and happiness!”

Bobbie was having a hard time staying quiet as she continued to record Wallace Smith’s speech. She felt a stinging mixture of anger and hurt inside her as she listened to his misguided and ignorant words. Greg reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. She felt a reassuring squeeze. Bobbie looked away from the screen of her phone and looked at her date.

Greg leaned in close, whispering into her ear softly. “We should get out of here.”

Bobbie shook her head. “We need evidence of this bastard and his little hate rally.”

Greg sighed. “I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

“I’ll be fine.” She nuzzled his cheek gently. “Besides, you should be the one worried; you’re the race traitor.”

Greg smiled slightly at the dark humor of her joke.

One of Mr. Smith’s associates noticed the couple under the tree and the fact the rally was being either filmed or photographed. He nudged one of his associates and covertly pointed out the couple observing the rally. After exchanging a few words the two men slowly moved away from the rally and moved to approach the couple from the side.

They didn’t take into account the direction the wind was blowing. Even in her skin, Bobbie noticed the scent of the men and their cologne. She turned her head and saw who was walking towards the tree. She quickly stood up and placed herself between the approaching security and Greg.

“Ma’am, what are you doing?”

“I was enjoying the park, until you assholes showed up.”

“Bobbie…” Greg said softly, putting his hand on her shoulder.

“Ma’am are you recording?”

“What if I am?”

“You do not have the permission of-”

“I don’t need your fucking permission. Your boss is spewing his hatred in a public park. I have every right to record it, just like I’m recording you two morons.”

“That’s incorrect, now give us the phone to delete the video before the police are called.”

“What are you talking about, this isn't some copyrighted broadcast, of course we can record it.” Greg stepped out from behind Bobbie. “We have every right to record a public hate rally in the park. So, either call the cops or fuck off and leave us alone.”

The security goon’s face showed his anger even with his dark sunglasses hiding his eyes. He lunged for Bobbie’s phone. Greg tried to shoulder check him only to be slammed to the ground by the other guard. Bobbie easily dodged the attempt to take her phone but when she saw Greg slammed down on the grass and restrained she lost it.

“Get off of him!” She screamed, her voice trailing off into a growl.

She didn’t even consciously trigger her shift, her body reacted on instinct to protect her date. Blonde fur erupted over her body. Her paws tore through the strappy sandals she had worn, but she didn’t even notice. The loose sundress managed to stay on her body, although it was strained by her increased size. The back of the skirt was lifted up by her tail going straight out and stiff with her anger and agitation. Her face became a fearsome tooth filled muzzle that growled at the two men. The one intent on grabbing her phone backed off, obviously shaken from seeing the transformation happen right before his eyes.

“Get the fuck off of him!” she growled, grabbing the other one painfully with her clawed hands and throwing the goon off of Greg.

“Bobbie,” He groaned as she helped him up. “I guess we should have just gone to the movies instead, huh?”

Before she had a chance to say anything back her ears twitched and she snapped her head around at the men rushing back at her.

“Back off!” she growled loudly at them, her teeth bared and hackles raised.

All the commotion was not unnoticed by the rally. Gasps and shouts rose up from the crowd as they saw a wolf suddenly appear and confront the two security personnel. Wallace immediately capitalized on the situation.

“See? Nowhere is safe from these bloodthirsty beasts!” He shouted through the bullhorn. “Look at how she is attacking those innocent men! What’s worse she is only looking for an opportunity to corrupt them into fellow savages!”

The crowd was angry now and they started to move towards the disturbed picnic. The security goons had backed off from Bobbie. The display of wolf aggression triggered a bit of fear even in the experienced men.

“Bobbie, we need to go, now!” Greg said as he saw the angry mob approaching.

Bobbie didn’t want to fight, she just wanted to protect Greg and herself. “Probably, grab my phone and we’ll make a break for our cars.”

It was then that the first stone whizzed past Bobbie’s pointed ear, narrowly missing her. Soon rocks, twigs, and anything else the mob happened to have on them was being flung at Bobbie and Greg. Greg took a solid hit in the head, and fell to the ground, holding his head.

Bobbie leapt to his side and stood protectively over his body. She could smell his blood, and that was only fueling her anger. She filled her lungs with air and let out the loudest howl she could. The crowd was stunned into silence as the long howl echoed through the park. Bobbie glared at the mob that watched her cautiously, waiting on her next move.

“Don’t be intimidated!” Wallace called out from his position safely in the back. “She’s all bark and no bite.”

“Why don’t you come out to the front and test that theory?” She growled back.

“We’re not afraid of you, monster. We have the numbers to deal with just one of you.”

Suddenly the air was split with howls. They seemed to be coming from every direction. The heads in the crowd whipped back and forth as they heard them pierce the air.

Bobbie stared down the man. “Who said there was just one wolf?”

The crowd was shaken, and when the sound of police sirens could be heard along with the howls they broke, running in every direction. Their signs and banners were left scattered on the grass as they fled. Screams were heard as many found themselves face to face with wolves running to answer the distressed howl they had heard.

Bobbie knelt down beside Greg. His face was bloody from a gash on his forehead and he was moaning softly.

“Greg? Are you with me?”

“Uhggg…I think so…Fuck, how can a small rock hurt so damn much?” He tried to sit up but Bobbie pushed him back down.

“Don’t get up, you need someone to look at that.” She grabbed a wad of napkins from the picnic basket and pressed it against the wound.

Greg sucked in a breath through his teeth. “How bad does it look?”

“Just stay calm and relax.”

“How am I supposed to relax if you won’t tell me how bad it is?”

The wolves Bobbie had summoned with her call slowly approached, trying to see what exactly was going on. However at the same time the police were arriving and trying to ascertain the scene. The wolves were ordered to stand down and stay where they were by the police, along with the protesters that had failed to get away in time. The humans were shouting loudly about a werewolf attack, while the wolves were shouting back it was a lie.

“Oh boy, here we go.” Alex sighed as he opened the door of the patrol car.

“I knew something was going to happen, but I was still hoping for the best.” Jesse responded as he did the same.

They approached Sargent Watkins, who was assuming control of the scene. They were both more than a little nervous as the sergeant had lobbied for all the wolves on the force to be suspended after last Friday.

“Foley! Mercer!” Sargent Watkins snapped at them both.

“Sir?” Jesse replied, fully expecting the reaction.

“I don’t want to risk any contamination, so I’m sending you two in to deal with it. Get over to that tree and see what that…wolf is doing to that downed man.”

“On it.” Alex responded to end the interaction as quickly as possible. They didn’t run, but walked briskly, knowing a pair of cops running in might trigger the female wolf.

“Ma’am!” Jesse announce their presence, “I’m going to need you to back away from the gentleman on the ground, slowly”

“He’s hurt.” She said softly, obviously trying to control her emotions. “He needs help!”

“We will get him help, but we need you to back away, slowly.”

She whimpered softly and got up on her paws, stepping a few paces away, her ears and tail both hanging low.

“Further please.” Jesse said as they slowly approached.

Alex hit his radio. “This is unit thirty-seven, we’re going to need a bus at Memorial Park.”

“Thirty-seven, EMTs are already dispatched.” the dispatcher replied.

“Ten-four.” Alex replied as he went to the injured man. “Sir? Can you hear me? What’s your name?”

“Greg.” he replied with a groan. “Damn this hurts…”

“We’ve got an ambulance on the way, Greg. He crouched down to get a better look. “Hell of a day for a picnic.”

“Heh,” Greg smiled bitterly, “first date, actually.”

Alex let out a whistle, “Yeah, won’t be forgetting this one. What happened?”

“Those…those bastards threw something at me!” He tried to sit up but Alex pushed him gently back down. “One of those wolf-hating humans. Bobbie didn’t do anything! She was protecting me from them!”

“Ok, ok,” Alex did his best to calm him down. “Is Bobbie the wolf we found you with?”

“Yes,” Greg smiled slightly, “she’s my date.”

“I see,” the cop glanced over to Bobbie, “and you were aware she was a wolf?”

“Of course. We met last Friday, here in the park.”

“I see.” That was confirmation enough for Alex.

“I know you can hear him from here,” Bobbie said to Jesse, “now will you let me go back to him?”

“Not yet, Ma’am. We still don’t know what happened here.”

“I can do one better than telling you, I recorded what was going on on my phone. Greg has it, just watch the video.”

“I can assure you, ma’am, we will, but I still need your statement. Also I want you to shift back. The rest of the force is going to consider you armed with your teeth and claws.”

Bobbie looked down at her hands, noticing the blood staining her fur. “I didn’t use them, the only blood on me is Greg’s from trying to help stop the bleeding”

“I know, I can smell it just fine. But please, shift back.”

Bobbie managed a nod and closed her eyes. Her shift back to her skin was more gentle than her previous transformation. Her dirty blonde fur receded back into her skin as her body reduced in size, but remained rather athletic in build. Bobbie wiggled her toes before easing her heel down onto the grass. She let out a long sigh before opening her eyes once more.

“Thank you, we don’t want anyone else hurt today.”

Bobbie ran her hands over the tears in her sundress. “Damn, I loved this dress too.”

“Ma’am, can you tell me exactly what happened here today?”

Greg stopped the phone from any further recording then handed it to Alex. “Here, Bobbie started recording once we saw what kind of a rally was going on.”

Greg saw the officer’s eyes go a little wide as he saw the various signs on the video. His jaw went tight as he continued to listen to the speech by Wallace Smith. He paused the recording and went to his radio.

“Dispatch, this is thirty-seven.”

“Go ahead thirty seven.”

“Were there any permits filed for Memorial Park today? Some kind of political event was being held here.”

“One moment,” there was a pause before dispatch came back. “Negative, thirty-seven.”

“Ten-four.” Alex turned back to the phone and continued to watch the recording.

He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up as he grew angrier by the moment. He was glad, however, for the evidence of what exactly had happened to Greg and Bobbie. Things got disjointed as the rocks and other items flew through the air, and the phone dropped to the ground with Greg. Bobbie’s desperate howl for help sent a cold shiver down his spine. He looked up to the other wolves, who like Bobbie had shifted back, that had responded to the call and ultimately chased off the protesters before anything else could happen. The video should help clear their names as well as just concerned citizens responding to a cry for help. Assuming, of course, that Sargent Watkins wasn’t going to be an ass.

“We are going to need a copy of this video, along with your statements.”

“Yeah, of course.” Greg nodded, which he quickly regretted.

“Looks like the EMTs are here. They’re going to take a look at your head, ok?”

“Yeah, is it alright if Bobbie comes over now?”

“It’s better if the EMTs can look at you without her hovering over you. Besides that, she’s still giving her statement to my partner.”

“It’s my fault,” He closed his eyes, “I thought the park would be romantic.”

“It’s not your fault, you couldn’t have known this was going to happen. Besides that, it was a romantic idea.”

Greg opened his eyes slightly and looked up at the cop. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“Well, a little” Alex smiled as he backed up to give the medics some room.

Leaving Greg in the hands of the EMTs, Alex walked over to his partner and Bobbie.

“...and then I was just staying by his side, trying to help. That’s when you guys showed up.” Bobbie was finishing her story.

“Alright Ma’am. Now, I’m going to ask you to stay over here while the EMTs tends to your friend. I’m going to go talk to my partner and the sergeant now, alright?”

“Am I under arrest? I wasn’t trying to hurt that guy, but he was on Greg, and no matter what those bastards say, I didn’t lay a claw on anyone else.”

“If the video backs up your story, you should be alright. I’m going to ask you to just stay here for the time being. Don’t make us have to chase you, do you understand?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said, crossing her arms and watching Greg intently.

Alex and Jesse walked quietly. They were aware how good Bobbie’s hearing was and they wanted some privacy.

“What did they have on video?” Jesse asked once they were halfway back.

“It corroborates her story. It looks like some hired security harassed them for taping the rally. After that confrontation the rest of the gathered humans were riled up by some guy named Wallace Smith. I think we can bring him in on inciting a riot at least.”

“That name sounds familiar.”

“He claimed he used to be on the city council.”

“Oh great, that’s going to go well.”

“Depends on what friendships or favors he still has, but yeah.”

“Officers, is there a reason she isn't currently in cuffs? You’re not playing favorites, are you?” Sargent Watkins glared at them both.

“Sir, they are both the victims of an assault here.” Jesse said without any hesitation.

Watkins crossed his arms, giving his best cop-stare at the two junior officers.“You believe her story?”

“Their stories both line up and she has video evidence of the incident, sir.” Alex said as he held up the phone.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” He huffed and put out his hand.

Alex handed over the phone and waited. The officer watched the playback and Jesse noticed his eyes narrowed when Wallace Smith introduced himself. He also winced when Bobbie howled. He paused the video and looked over to the two wolves.

“Does that howl mean something, Foley?”

“It was a desperate cry for help. The other wolves that answered the call and arrived were responding to someone in distress. No different than if humans came running after hearing a woman scream.”

“I see.” Watkins rubbed his chin as he thought things over.

“I already checked with dispatch,” Alex continued, “there was no permit for the rally.”

Watkins slowly turned his gaze on Alex. “I don’t think you and Officer Foley had one either.”

“A political rally requires one, sir.” He quickly countered. “More importantly, those two security guards assaulted our victims and Mr. Smith was clearly inciting a riot. He should be brought in.”

“That’s unavoidable, but I will be the one to bring him in for questioning. This will need to be handled delicately, do you understand? Your own personal situation does not factor into this.”

Jesse shook his head. “Sir-”

Watkins cut him off. “I’m serious. Regardless of your feelings about Mr. Smith, he is still well connected. Enough for any of us to lose our badges. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.” they replied in unison.

“Good. Make sure you have all the contact information for those two and download a copy of the video, then cut them loose.” He paused, mulling things over. “In fact, make two copies, just to be sure. Understand?”

The officers both nodded.

“Fuck what a mess. Had to be on a Friday too.” Watkins grumbled and turned to another officer. “Cut the wolves loose, but bring the protesters in. Wish we could prove if any of them threw the rock, but it’s at least a disorderly for the lot of them.”

Bobbie was finally able to be back at Greg’s side. She was holding his hands tightly as the EMTs prepped a stretcher.

“What’s the prognosis?” Jesse asked once they had returned.

“They’re taking me to the hospital to clear me fully for head trauma. Apparently it just bled so much because it was a head wound, it's not that bad.”

“Yeah, I know that first hand.” Alex said with a nod, “I used to box.”

“Ma’am,” Jesse continued, “you are free to go, but we will be in contact with you both. I’ll have to ask you both not to leave town.”

“I’m not about to run away from anyone. If you’ll excuse me, they won’t let me ride in the ambulance, so I’m going to follow them to the hospital. Can I have my phone back?”

***

It was raining in Washington, DC. It was a soft gentle rain with no heavy winds or lightning. The President stood by the window watching the rain fall. He had always enjoyed watching the rain. It calmed him, and helped to focus thoughts. He was in desperate need of calm given the unprecedented situation he found himself in.

Lee shook his head as he looked over a folder of documents.. “What can we do? Do you have any idea how many federal and state governments have been infiltrated by werewolves?

“Infiltrate is a harsh word” Kaitlin raised an eyebrow. “The wolves are not trying to take over the country.”

“Bullshit!” Clayton slammed his fist into his open hand. “They made sure to have members of the government on their side! Hell, we have seventeen senators and sixty-eight representatives confirmed as werewolves.”

Turning from the window the president addressed the gathered advisors. “In my opinion, Clayton, Capitol Hill has never had a shortage of wolves.”

He took a breath to calm himself. “Mr. President…”

“Let me remind you, they put on their fur along with their constituents last Friday. If they were acting with malice, the smart thing would have been to conceal that fact.”

“That doesn’t mean they are not working together with their constituents, as you put it, to bring this country to its knees.”

The President shook his head. “They are working together, allright. The wolves in both houses are showing the most bipartisanism we’ve seen since Pearl Harbor.”

“Sir,” Lee stood up and took a step forward, “we need to take definitive action on this.”

“What?” Kaitlin glared across the room at him. “Round up the wolves and throw them in internment camps? How will that look both domestically and around the world?”

Clayton let out a disgusted grunt. “Human rights are for humans. And that’s just it, we’re not talking about humans here, they are werewolves! Monsters are not citizens, or even people anymore. I say we get this matter sorted out in the Supreme Court and move forward with containment.”

Kaitlin’s eyes went wide with shock. “You want to disenfranchise millions of people and lock them up? What the hell is wrong with you? There is no way that wouldn’t ignite into complete civic unrest, possibly even a full blown civil war!”

“And how would we even do that if we wanted to?” Lee shook his head. “Who knows what numbers of the military not currently deployed are wolves. And what side do you think they will take if we round up the wolves?”

Clayton folded his arms over his chest. “There are already reports of violence related to werewolves. We need to protect the innocent civilians out there.”

Kaitlin stood up and took a step towards Clayton. “In every case I have seen come across my desk, the violence was started by humans. Do you fault the wolves for protecting themselves if pressed?”

“What we need now,” Lee raised his voice, “is some stability to come to grips with this change in reality, and not fan the fires of unrest.”

“That I agree with fully.” The president took his seat behind the desk. “But first I need to discuss a few things with a representative of the wolves.”

Clayton scoffed. “You mean that traitorous Director Mueller from the Agency.”

“I do.” The President folded his hands calmly on his desk. “Have Lester escorted in.”

“Sir, that is too much of a security risk.” Clayton pleaded.

“I agree with Clayton about that.” Lee said, stepping up to the desk. “He’s essentially armed at all times, and we know they can…compromise you as well as threaten your life.”

“I wasn’t asking for your opinions on the matter. But if it will make you both feel better, you can fill the Oval Office with secret service personnel. Regardless, the meeting is happening. Now.”

“You heard the President.” Kaitlin Walsh said in a firm tone. “Get Director Mueller in here along with a security detail.”

As his advisors and staff hurried to fulfill his request, the President turned in his chair back towards the window. He let out a long sigh as he tried to find some inner calm in the falling rain.

_______________________________________

Original story and setting by Syntaxerror37

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