04-09-2018 1000 ZST
Nick slammed the car door, locking it with a 'beep' as he approached the high-rise containing his penthouse, located in a relatively upscale area of the city.
How far we've come. He thought as he flew through the revolving doors to the building, chuckling at the memory of getting his tail caught in the swinging deathtrap.
No time to reminisce, spy gadgets, here I come!
preemptively readying his keys, he bolted up the stairs.
Forgive me, Elevator... but you're too slow!
Reaching his landing, he took off down the hall at a full sprint, dropping his keys in the process.
he quickly pivoted and turned back, bending down to retrieve his lost effect, he overcompensated and went muzzle first into the shag carpet.
ARGH! Letting out several choice swears, he pulled himself from the floor.
I'm not against eating white carpet, but this is ridiculous.
Still running, though a bit more cautiously, he reached the object of his current obsession, his penthouse door.
the words 'patience' and 'professionalism' currently being foreign words to the excited fox.
Raising his keys, he missed the hole, once, twice... three times.
Oh sweet Mother Marian, PLEASE!
If at first it doesn't fit... PUSH HARDER!
Four, five...
MAXIMUM EFFORT!
Nick growled as the keys hit the floor after the particularly violent attempt at insertion.
Oh COME ON!
Bending down to retrieve the infuriating collection of pure metallic evil, Nick slammed his head into the door with an almighty thud.
****!
*****!
****!
*******!
Groaning, he fell flat on his back, staring at the ceiling as his head swam.
Why does the universe hate me right now?
Picking himself up once more, he slowly, deliberately unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Shaking off both the embarrassment and growing headache, he filled a glass with water and swallowed a couple aspirin.
It was then that he saw the nondescript black attache case sitting on the small coffee table in the center of the den area, excitement mounting once more,
he quickly undid the latches of the case, as his eyes scanned over the contents he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
Let's see what we've got!
Inside the case- lined with eggshell style foam, front and center, were a plane ticket, passport and ID card, underneath was a sidearm,
Akita 9mm, complete with a chest-strap holster, silencer and two loaded clips.
After posing in a floor-length mirror with the 9mm- Nick Wilde, License to Thrill!
he set the items beside the case, moving to the left side, which contained a low profile wireless earpiece and two slim, disposable phones.
Placing these beside the firearm, he moved on to the right of the case, pulling out a slip of paper, he read it's contents.
"Short Range Jammer, use in the event of trackers, bugs, or you are generally being tailed."
alongside the sleek device- a near perfect replica of his favorite ballpoint pen, were two chaff grenades and a single, compact charge of plastic explosives, C-4.
Wait, is this it? I'm not complaining, but I was expecting a bit more tech...
He then took notice of the actual depth of the case, with a tentative tug, the layer of foam lifted with little resistance to reveal a second set of equipment.
Let's see... Kevlar vest, prepaid cards, jack-knife...
That's when he saw what he was hoping for, a stylish little timepiece.
Is that...!?
Lifting the watch from its foamy prison, his ears shot straight up, tail flailing madly, he nearly squealed with delight as he held the object in his paws.
Doesn't look very high-tech... and the time's off.
He pulled the dial out to set the proper time with a small 'click' and went to rotate it.
just as the dial stuck and he thought that perhaps it was a minor malfunction, a thin blue light shot from the watch, thankfully the side opposite himself, leaving a pin-sized, smoking hole in the glass door leading to the balcony.
A massive grin splitting his face, he couldn't help but shout- "WOOHOO!" as he proceeded to put several identical holes in the poor unsuspecting door.
Satisfied with his handiwork, he immediately donned the watch and packed the remaining gear, placing the items in various hidden pockets within his jacket,
his suit was then exchanged for a simple green Pawaiian shirt with tie, and tan slacks. suit and all going under a fake bottom in his travel bag.
Deciding his new equipment was well hidden, he grabbed the plane ticket and accompanying Identification, pocketing them after double checking his itinerary.
(04-09-2018
Grand Pangolin Air, Flight 732
Seat B17.
Departing from Zootopia National Airport 04-09-2018 2100 ZST
Arriving at Sunset Isle branch 04-10-2018 1300 ZST)
Checking the current time a little too excitedly on his 'crazy cool superspy watch' (1535) he settled into the Lay-Z Fawn brand easy chair, letting his mind wander as the hours slowly ticked down to his scheduled flight.
Less than 6 hours to go.
They mentioned an escort being at the airport on arrival, wonder who they commissioned for that one?
Another agent, maybe...?
No, couldn't be, they'd have them investigating, if that were the case.
Guess I'll find out when I get there.
Deciding he'd try for a nap before his flight, he leaned the chair back, and while he couldn't actually sleep, he resigned himself to the peace and quiet of his abode, smiling as newfound excitement and anticipation permeated his body and mind.
Zootopia National Airport: 1930 ZST
After showing his paperwork to the mammal at the counter, a very bored bobcat, he was ushered past the usual security checks, straight to his designated flight.
"Enjoy your flight, thank you for choosing Grand Pangolin; where your flight, is our delight." the small feline drawled, lacking even a hint of genuine enthusiasm.
Giving the bobcat a sloppy two-fingered salute, Nick proceeded to his seat, after tucking his travel bag, containing inconspicuous 'tourist clothing and necessities' in the overhead compartment, he slumped into his seat to wait for take-off.
Now genuinely feeling fatigued, having been unable to sleep before leaving his home, he let his eyelids droop as sleep slowly took him.
Zootopia National Airport, Sunset Isle branch: 1300 ZST
Waking with a start, Nick could make out the voice of the pilot saying "Welcome to Sunset Isle, where the beaches are cool, and the food is hot-hot-hot." with every bit as much excitement as the bobcat that walked him to his flight.
Pulling down his bag, he made his way to the door and accompanying ramp, passing by a very... chipper, flight attendant.
"Thank you for choosing Grand Pangolin Air! Buh-bye now! Buh-bye!"
Nodding at the strangely cheerie antelope, he walked through the gate and down the ramp toward the smaller airport's arrival deck.
Okay... where's that escort?
As he was scanning the small crowd of mammals going to and fro on the deck, his eye was caught by a small sign being waved, with his assumed name "Hood" written across it in a quite attractive font.
Looks like someone has pretty handwriting, pulling out all the stops, eh?
He then noticed two black, round tips poking out from the top of the sign, as his eyes slowly trailed downward, they were met with a stormy grey coat, accented by a snowy white wrapping from their muzzle down to the collar of their shirt, and most strikingly, two violet orbs so deep he felt could lose himself in them, it was a bunny.
Unlike most he saw in the city he called home, this one was lithe, fit and- though he would never admit it, quite fetching, dressed in a simple pink plaid shirt and jeans.
Well... I think I could get used to the view here.
Realizing his mouth was hanging open, tongue slightly lolling out, he snapped it shut and put on his usual smirk while he waved the small female down.
A look of confusion flashed across her face as violet eyes briefly locked onto emerald, but was quickly replaced with the warmest smile he'd ever seen in his life.
She began skipping toward him, Nick grew increasingly uneasy as she went from a skip, to a run... to a dead sprint, all the while her expression darkened into what he could only describe as murderous.
What in the- he couldn't even finish his thought as the doe leaped into the air, sign discarded, right leg winding back for an assault in which he had no time to prepare.
Time seemed to stop as she twisted in the air, leg slowly whipping around, aimed directly at the baffled tod's head.
Her form grew closer and closer, eyes filled with a rage that burned into Nick's very soul.
Just as he felt her foot connecting with the side of his head…
Nick Jumped in his seat, panting in a cold sweat as his paw shot to his left cheek.
What the hell was that!?
Taking deep breaths, he slowly calmed down, bristled fur settling, ears rising to their normal, casual position the normal daze of sleep being absent in the face of the
shell-shocker of a dream.
I'm chalking that up to nerves.
It was just a dream, no big deal.
He slumped back into his seat as one thought pervaded his mind.
Why a bunny though?
Pushing it aside, he moved to check the time, but the action was rendered unnecessary as the intercom crackled to life.
"Welcome to Sunset Isle, where the beaches are cool, and the food is hot-hot-hot." came the droning voice of the pilot through the small speakers, making the fox pause with a twitch.
Creepy.
Pulling down his bag, he made his way to the door and accompanying ramp, passing by a very familiar, very chipper, flight attendant.
"Thank you for choosing Grand Pangolin Air! Buh-bye now! Buh-bye!"
Did I say 'creepy'? I meant utterly disturbing.
Nodding at the now disturbing antelope, he walked out of the gate and down the ramp toward the smaller airport's arrival deck, feeling very perturbed.
Forget about it, it's company policy, that's just their scripted, required wording.
no big deal, complete coincidence.
Alright, escort, where.
Looking around the now horrifyingly recognized arrival deck with more than just a little apprehension,
his eyes caught sight of a small sign being waved…
Bearing his assumed name.
No...
With attractive font.
No no no...
Black tips poking over the top.
I'm still asleep, this is one of those 'waking dream' things.
Stormy grey and snow white fur.
Yep, I've gone insane, developed PTSD before I even started.
Pink plaid shirt and jeans.
Aaaany minute now. he thought as he reluctantly waved the small female down.
A look of confusion flashed across her face as she briefly locked sapphire eyes with the emerald of the fox, quickly replaced by that wonderful, chillingly warm smile.
Then it hit him.
Wait, sapphire?
Sure enough, the skipping bunny doe approaching him had deep, gemstone blue eyes.
As much as I prefer the violet, I'm glad this one doesn't seem to want to kill me.
Nick put on his best hustler's smirk as the doe stopped in front of him.
"Mr. Hood?" she asked, "You got it, Carrots." the poorly chosen nickname left his mouth before he could stop it, but rather than looking offended, she simply looked… surprised?
"You know my name already? Guess we can skip introductions, then."
she said with a mischievous glint in her eye, while Nick failed to choke back a laugh at the assumed joke.
She wasn't laughing.
In fact, she was now staring daggers at him, foot thumping rapidly on the ground.
Nick paused before responding, "You're serious, your... your name is 'Carrots'!?" the bunny's ears went flat against her head, hiding the red tint spreading up the traitorous appendages. "I had... interesting parents." she said, crossing her arms. "Let's leave it at that."
Grinning like a madmammal and now extremely curious, Nick couldn't help but ask the obvious question. "So what's your last name?"
the now annoyed bunny just frowned and motioned for him to follow, he did so gladly.
Nick's attention focused on the bunny as he heard unintelligible muttering, he thought he could make out the words 'dumb' and 'fox' before she sighed, mumbling "Galore."
Doing his absolute best not to fall over laughing right then and there, he opted to cock his head to the side and blurted out "Carrots 'GALORE!?' what...?"
Now barely holding back his laughter, she turned to him with a defeated look and simply repeated "I had interesting parents." before continuing with a grimace
"Big families, they run out of names, okay?" Nick continued chuckling at the poor rabbits expense as they left the deck.
Approaching a mid-size Taxi, she quickly hopped up, opening the door and motioning for him to enter, after both mammals settled into their seats, Carrots began explaining what she was given in regard to the fox seated opposite her, "You'll be staying at the Night'n'Bite. It's quaint, but comfortable, all the expected amenities." pulling out a keycard, she handed it to the fox, who pocketed the flimsy piece of plastic as she continued.
"Your room is paid-up for the next two weeks, after that it's on you." Nick nodded his understanding and both went silent as the vehicle cruised through relatively quiet streets, taking note of the businesses as the driver transported them to their current destination, Nick decided that he would try to make time for a visit to the local eateries.
I might be on duty, but I need to keep up the appearance of simply being on vacation...
Can't hurt to 'play it up' a bit and enjoy myself a little.
The Night'n'Bite: 1600 ZST
After grabbing his bag and tipping the driver, Nick followed the bunny into the establishment, it looked old, weather beaten and welcoming, a carving of a lounging wolf adorning the arch above the door.
Home-y... I like it.
A small bell rang as the door was pushed open, the reception area was decently sized, the dim lights of a small, rustic chandelier illuminating the room, a wolf with black fur greeted them as they entered. "Welcome to the Night'n'Bite, name's Frank, Frank Furter!" he was wearing a heavily stained apron and had the look of someone who'd grown up- and lived in, a kitchen. "Have a reservation?"
Looking at the doe next to the fox, he quickly cut off any possible response.
"Ah, this must be Mr. Hood, I take it?" the bunny gave him a nod, and once again motioned for Nick to follow. "Enjoy your stay, breakfast is 8am, sharp, dinner at 7!"
Turning down a hall to the left, they went up a small staircase tucked into the wall, "The view from the 2nd floor is lovely." Carrots clarified, smiling. "I think you'll like it."
Nick hummed in approval as she stopped. "Here's your room, 213. It's on the back of your card, if you forget."
after inserting the card and receiving a beep and click, approving access. Nick walked into the room, followed at a slight distance by his new companion.
It was small, containing a comfortable looking bed, nightstand complete with lamp, a reading chair in the corner, a serviceable bathroom through a small door to the side.
Cozy. Nick thought with a slight smile.
"So." He heard from behind him as he set his bag on the bed, turning his attention back to the bunny, he raised his eyebrows slightly, waving a paw to show she had his attention.
"I'll be just across the hall, 212. I'm acting as your escort. So for my sake, please make sure you notify me whenever you feel the need to leave the building." She began wringing her paws nervously as she continued. "My last client caused a lot of trouble, and I really need this job..." ears now hanging down her back, she looked hopefully, imploringly, up at the fox.
Dear lord that's cute... That look should be classified as a deadly weapon.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, he smiled at the doe. "I assure you, I will be nothing but well behaved, Scout's honor!"
He gave her a swift two fingered salute and she relaxed a bit, "I hope so, Mr. Hood. I could really do with a good review right about now." she said, beaming that same warming smile that somehow melted the tod's heart, and simultaneously chilled him to the bone.
Nick broke the brief silence, "As for right now, I could really use a nap, long flight, jet-lag… You know." Her ears shot up, still smiling as she answered.
"Oh! Of course! I'll be in my room, let me know if you need anything!" she called, skipping across the hall.
Closing his door, Nick gave the room a thorough search for anything that could be used to eavesdrop before pulling out his suit, removing one of the disposable phones, he took a seat and called the only number listed on the device. He was greeted by a synthesized voice.
"The number you have dialed is no longer in service; If you'd like to try your call again, plea-" cutting off the message, Nick tapped in the now memorized series of numbers given to him in the paperwork he'd received with the phone.
Several rings later, he heard a familiar baritone voice from the other end, "I take it you've arrived?"
Leaning back into the chair, now moved to face the window overlooking the nearby plaza-
It really is gorgeous.
Nick answered. "Yes sir, the escort seems to be safe, though I'm thinking it might be difficult to do much without raising suspicion... I'll have to do the majority of my investigation when I can move without her on my tail." after a short pause, Bogo spoke. "Very well, I suggest you get some sleep, agent. I don't want to wait long for results, you start tonight."
Chuckling, Nick responded "Way ahead of ya sir. I'll contact you as soon as I've got something."
The buffalo grunted, "I'll be waiting, don't get yourself caught before you can even start... Good luck, we're all counting on you."
Nick placed the phone back in its designated pocket after hearing the click of Bogo ending the call.
Almost showtime, Wilde... you can do this.
Settling onto the bed, Nick rested as best he could in anticipation of his first night in the field.
Room 212: 1730 ZST
A grey rabbit stood by the window, shades drawn, eyes closed, phone to her ear.
"Yes sir, our 'friend' has arrived, safe and sound."
...
"Yes sir."
...
"I'll make sure he doesn't cause any trouble, sir."
...
"As far as he is aware, I'm some naive little country bunny, clueless to anything but my own job and well being."
...
"Yes sir, I'll keep you updated."
...
"If he gets too close?" the doe let out a cold, humorless giggle.
Metal dimly flashed in her paw as she lifted a pistol, modified for her size. Violet eyes now open and gazing adoringly at the weapon, they narrowed maliciously as she spoke.
"I'll make sure he doesn't have the chance to regret it."
A/N MKII:
inb4 "You can't make her a coldblooded killer!" *Blacklisted*
Well you're right, I can't make her coldblooded... She's a mammal! =3
I'd spoil things if I explained it now, suffice to say, our favorite bunny hasn't had it easy.
