Fast Food Furries Book 1

Chapter 6b: The Divide

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Six Months Earlier

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Mach barged through the door of the Furry Capitol. Harambe was sitting quietly on his throne, his face obscured by shadow. "What the hell was that report I just read?" Mach demanded.

"It's simple," Harambe said casually. "Our forces discovered a warehouse connected to the Resistance's tunnel network, full of illegal humans."

"And?" Mach asked. He knew the answer already, but he needed to make sure Harambe understood.

"They dealt with it."

Mach was incredulous, and looked around as he searched for words to say. "There were families there."

"Well there shouldn't have been," Harambe argued, "and there aren't any more. Problem solved."

Mach could feel his anger rising. " 'Problem?' Innocent people wanting to be free is a problem now? And the 'solution' is slaughtering them?"

"And what about our freedom, Mach?" asked Harambe. "That which we fought so hard for. That which we earned through our sweat and blood."

"We have it!" shouted Mach. "You're sitting on a throne!"

"And they want to take it away," Harambe retorted.

"That's not true," Mach said, his voice now low as he paced the room. "And it never was. I don't know what Big City Mouse is telling you, but—"

"Big City Mouse is an Advisor. I have final say. I make my own decisions."

"Ohh," Mach said with a bitter laugh. "Right. She clearly has had no impact on you." His voice softened. "What happened?"

Harambe sighed, easing down as well. "Look, I hear you. I know things have changed. I know I've changed. I'd like to try to change your mind."

Mach rolled his eyes but continued listening.

"Meet me at Watchtower this evening," Harambe instructed. "I want to show you something."

"Okay," Mach agreed. "I'm... I'm sorry this has come between us." He lowered his head. "It was never supposed to be this way."

"I'm sorry too," Harambe said quietly. "These are tough times, but we've been through tough times before. We can do it again."

It was the same sentiment they had expressed to each other over and over for decades. They said it when they escaped the lab. They said it when they were surviving the chicken wars. They said it when the US government was reestablished. They said it when the furries were vilified and scapegoated. They said it when they were planning to take the city. They had been right each time.

Mach nodded, feigning agreement with the gorilla. This time felt different.

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Damien

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I very quietly inched towards the door as the knock repeated.

"We know you're in there, open up immediately," said a distorted voice from the other side.