Jim and Chris are long time best pals. They lived in the same blue-collar neighborhood, and reconized in each other kindred spirits. This is not their first try at college; due to circumstances far beyond their control, they both had to bail out for a couple of years, where they subsisted on pizza delivery, factory, and convenience store jobs. Adventure and mischief have never been hard for these two to find, whether in school or out.

But they're back, now, and determined to make it, quite on their own. (Loans, grants, scholarships, and some interesting jobs keep them afloat at Demontfort). They have brand new majors; MIS for Jim and Criminal Psychology for Chris. Being 24, they are a bit older than most of their classmates, and they certainly have more experience about life in general, and the beauracracies and politics and red tape of DU in specific.

To them, eating Taco Hut on their ratty futon in front of the TV watching back to back Farspace and Startec with a couple of beers and not having to worry about making rent or cars breaking down or troubles at work or not having enough to eat... well, it's heaven, to be quite honest. They have a ton of friends, know how to work The System, and finally look like they're going to get somewhere in life (after years of spinning their wheels).

Jim (a red fox) is even dating a Taiwanese koala bear who loves anime and computers; she calls him "Tree". The geeky Jim is pretty much convinced he's died and gone to geek heaven. Jim works in the Physical Plant of the University in the Electrical Maintenance shop; a position from which has gotten to explore aspects of the University the regular students just don't see. At night, he works with the shop foreman's electrical company "Cat's Paw Electric," sort of a "Seal Team Six" of electrical contractors.

Chris (also a red plumed hawk, but looks nothing like Brad) is as strong as he is brilliant. He's been involved in self defense karate for ten years now, and has earned the privelige of being able to teach. He's been trying to organize an unsanctioned self-defense "class", and has been happily sparring and grappling with like minded individuals. When not doing that or studying, or making midnight runs to the 24 hour diner with Jim and some other friends for late night BS sessions, he can be found following the mixed-martial-arts forums on the web, or writing short stories.

Chris got a job working at a Natural Products Pharmacology lab. He pretty much knew that when he went to Student Employment, he wouldn't get one of the cushy jobs that basicly paid you to literally do nothing but study... those went to the pretty girls and influential guys... not blue-collar types like Jim and Chris. So, he wasn't surprised when he found out he'd be weeding, cultivating, and otherwise farming a plot of assorted plants whose medicinal properties were being investigated. The hydroponic tanks full of marijuanna were a bit of a shocker, though.

Jim and Chris want nothing more than to enjoy their new lives as much as they possibly can. They are always up for new experiences themselves, and for participating with the "youngsters" in whatever foolishness they're getting themselves into... telling themselves that they're just doing it to make sure the kids don't get into TOO much trouble. Late night runs to the diner with long philosophical discussions are important to these two.