By Who's Authority?
The showy figure picked up the phone and spoke quietly.
"Yes?"
"The packages have survived."
"What? You promised me Express Service on Package One. What happened?"
"That's not entirely sure. It was arranged to have Package Two experience a disruption of service. Something prevented this from happening."
"Give me more information. In clear language, please."
"I had quietly and without notice moved most of the guards assigned to the bunny over to those assigned for the fox. This should have guaranteed his removal. The guards in Ready Room One got out on time when the alert buzzer sounded; Guards in Room Two exit door was mysteriously locked; good thing that room had a small window they could squeeze through. Slowly... but they made it. It is the door locks on Ready Rooms Three and Four that has me concerned most; they were mysteriously switched. We didn't have the keys, our resident locksmith couldn't be contacted, and it took longer than expected to break open the doors. By the time these guards could be released, the fox was near the end point of the trial."
"This is most disturbing. I will have another assignment for you shortly."
The shadowy figure hung up the phone and pondered this for a moment. He then put in a disc and replayed the opening events of the day. He particularly wanted to know who arrived with Judy's caravan, and watched each mammal that got out of the limos. One in particular stood out; he paused and enlarged the image. He knew this one, and if this mammal was here that meant a very powerful figure was certainly here. Kevin Kozlov rarely went anywhere without his brother Raymond Kozlov... and both of them here meant only one thing: Mr. Big was here as well. This was one mammal that had the resources to thwart his plans. Why was such a crime lord personally interested in a law enforcement officer?
"Your honor... wake up!"
Judge Arnold Ramson groggily woke up and looked at his steward. "Jeeves, this had better be important."
"Phone, sir."
Ramson thanked him and picked up the phone. "I'm awake."
"Glad you're among the living, Arnold."
"Travis, you know what time it is?"
"Of course... 3Am. But here's the scoop. Two cases just landed on our lap; one requires travel to Antarctica, the other's here in Bunny Burrow. Both are nasty, I'll give you first dibs."
"Travis, you never give up a case if it allows you to stay home. What's so bad about the Burrow case?"
"It involves the Council of Elders."
"Aww crap! Last time we had a case about them... it was about a hundred years ago."
"C'mon... you know you want to say it!"
"No, you tell me... or I'm taking the Antarctica case."
"Never mind. Have you heard about the Wilde-Hopps incident?"
"They were charged with breaking... aww crap! This is about them, isn't it?"
You got it! Their attorney is challenging the legality of the entire trial."
"Didn't it start already?"
"Yes. Apparently the first day had absolutely nothing to do with the original charges."
"Piss poor time to challenge its authority."
"Perhaps... but they may have a valid point. Especially if what happened on the first day have no relationship to do with the original charges."
"Still... they submitted to the council's authority before it happened. Poor time to cry foul now."
"We have to look into it. superior court has directed us."
"Wait, the last time they got involved this early..."
"Our forefathers had to get politicians involved. Since the council back then was a government unto themselves, Zootopia Council had to threaten war to get the elders to concede to a Charter Agreement. This led to Bunny Burrow becoming a self-governing town. Only by allowing the council control of education and certain trials... was this avoided... and allowing the council to remain independent of our judicial system."
"So... are we being asked to further cut the council's authority?"
"They didn't say either way. They want us to review the facts and postpone action until we give our recommendations to the superior court."
"And if I send this mess to the politicians? It was their failure to stop this before it started."
"They didn't say. But that may be a logical choice. The council is still a self-governing entity... exempt from most government regulations. Unfortunately for the council... Lapin Society has evolved beyond the council's original mandate all those centuries ago. So... it's up to our court to decide if they cease altogether, or they become an advisory entity."
"Well... pack your cold weather gear, Travis. I got this one."
Judge Ramson hung up the receiver temporarily, then picked up and dialed a number. He left instructions for his staff to have the case set-up for a 10Am Hearing this day. Then he hung up and went back to sleep.
Nick looked over to his mother waving his paws, trying to get her attention... and succeeded in getting everyone else. Exasperated, he looked at Stu. Stu Hopps stared back, with a puzzled look upon his face. But Bonnie knew exactly what the young fox wanted, so she tapped Jackie on the paw.
"Your son is trying to get your attention, Dear." Bonnie said.
"Oh I'm sorry, Nickie. What is it you want?" Nick had always disliked it when his mother called him that, and he was annoyed when Judy found it endearing. If there's anyone who can make a grown mammal embarrassed quicker than his mother, science and psychologists have yet to find it. Mother's prerogative... one could say.
"Mom... what was that small thing Councilor Elizabeth showed you last night?"
"Never you mind about that, young one" Councilor Elizabeth said between bites of blueberry pancakes. "It will all be for naught if you can't convince the rest of the council of your love for Judy." She got up and placed a kiss squarely between his ears. "I know you two are crazy for each other. But... not every rabbit can be convinced love is possible between mixed species."
Bonnie placed her own kiss between the fox's ears. "She's right. Mother has played matchmaker longer than I can remember. She was probably more ecstatic than I was when Judy brought home something that actually had a heartbeat, other than insects and small critters. Mother and I was certain Judy was going to end up an old maid."
Judy was protesting her mother's remark as Bonnie placed another kiss between the fox's ears... and caught it before she rubbed her chin across his head. That would leave her mother's mark upon him, a definite No-No especially on a day he would be cooped-up in a room full of strangers. That... and he wasn't her kit; it would probably upset Jackie and Judy. Oh yes... a definite No-No.
"Looks like my Nickie have made quite the impression upon his girlfriend's mother" Jackie said with a slight wolfish grin and a wink in her son's direction.
Nick couldn't respond at the moment because Jill, having entered the room with four of her sisters; Jody, Jane, Jenny, and Cindy... and having seen her mother and grandmother give Nick a kiss between his ears... led each of her sisters in kissing Nick in same spot. The only one he didn't protest about... was Judy. When she noticed the kiss parade going on, Judy knew it was something rabbit Does' couldn't resist... well, some couldn't; and these sisters in particular. If a non-family member Buck or other male mammal was well-liked by the burrow... and one Doe kissed him, the others had to as well.
Judy knew how to relax her fox, and when the last of her Family had kissed Nick, Judy leaned against him and raised her muzzle towards his. Like clockwork, he leaned down and they shared a long smooch. Jenny, being the Family *special moments keeper*, captured this moment with her Zphone's camera.
Mr. Big and his daughter Fru Fru had just arrived and few minutes ago. They were enjoying the tale what happened yesterday, Mr. Big seemingly not impressed, his daughter having the opposite effect.
"Judy, something strange happened yesterday... and I was wondering if it happened to you." Nick said between bites of blueberry pancakes.
"Are you referring to a Voice that gave advice at just the right time?" Judy said between bites of steamed vegetables.
"Yes, but mine also told the guards where I was... especially at the end." Nick said before sipping on the glass of blueberry juice.
"Did you have a tower with a catapult and an elder rabbit?"
"Yes! Mine gave me suggestions... practically told me how to win."
"Mine did too! Perhaps there are some council members who disagree with what happened yesterday. Maybe this is their way of helping without actually appearing to." Judy said cheerfully.
"Hmmm... This information just might be quite helpful to get things changed around here." Camila said. "We will save it for later, though. First things first; we have to win this trial."
Nick suddenly sat up, a strange look upon his face.
"Nick, what is it?" Judy asked.
"I was just looking out the window, noticing the sheer number of Council Guards out this morning. Something doesn't look right."
"So?"
"How many guards were attacking you yesterday? How many were each time they did so?"
"I dunno... maybe 2-3 at most. Why?"
"Look over there."
Judy peered through the window Nick was looking at. The field was full of guards, mostly in groups of 6. Apparently they were undergoing their daily training regime.
"What's your point, Nick?"
"Camp Billy. How many did they have during the last week of the drills?"
Judy's eyes lit up. Camp Billy's training in its last week put ZPD officers up against large groups. If they failed to work as a team, the superior numbers of attackers would easily overwhelm them.
Judy looked over at Mr. Big, her eyes having a strange look in them. The Shrew merely looked up at her, an eyebrow raised inquiringly.
"Those attacking me were not in groups like they are out there; my groups were too few in numbers... as if something reduced their numbers. Know anything about this, Mr. Big?"
The Shrew merely cocked his head and smiled a little grin.
"My child, what did I tell you yesterday morning?" He asked.
"That I had privileges that placed me above any attempt to harm me." Judy said.
"My contact here in the Council passed information about their plans for yesterday; it was revised when they realized we were preventing their normal routine. This is how I knew to counter their processes for yesterday."
"I'm not so certain it worked for me." Nick said.
"Godmother's consort... it most certainly did. My contact specifically said they wanted your hide more than hers. In your case, locked doors worked wonders."
Judy suppressed a shudder. She just now realized that yesterday's attackers were below full-strength... and Mr. Big's crews were not only stationed outside the Estate! If the guards attacking her and Nick had been at their full-numbers... neither she nor Nick would be here eating breakfast. They would be out there laying on a platform under the shade of the largest tree, with a babbling brook nearby, and a meadow full of the choicest of beasts grazing on sweet grass.
Tuesday 10Am First Circuit Court of Zootopia.
"All rise" the Bailiff said loudly.
Judge Arnold Ramson entered and promptly sat in his seat. Everyone sat down and waited for him to speak.
"This is a hell'va case you mammals have placed on my lap... and if SOMEONE had the foresight to simply conduct a little negotiation instead of blindly accepting the status quo, we would not be here this morning."
"Counselor Leaps... your client claims the Elders broke their conditions for trial when they altered the parameters for the first day. Do I understand it correctly?"
Clara Leaps stood up. "Yes, your honor. We were given a preliminary schedule and had prepared our case accordingly. It was a nasty surprise when my clients were forcibly removed from my presence without warning. Only by their sheer abilities did they survive what they went through that day." She sat back down.
"Counselor Prairie... your client claims rights as granted by the Charter Agreement, signed a century ago. This charter gives the Elders Full-Control over how these trials are conducted. Do I understand it correctly?"
Sven Prairie stood up. "Yes, your honor. Trials between predator and prey are a rarity, only two having occurred in the past 50 years... trials between rabbit and other prey mammals more frequent, roughly once every five years. What my opponent's clients went through is not beyond the norm." He sat back down.
Judge Ramson cleared his throat. "Well... that is up to me to decide. I remind everyone present that this hearing is only a preliminary one. It is to gather facts, get your written statements, and then hear your explanations why your case should be allowed and the other's ceased. Since the elders have a charter, this decision may or may not require a political review... which means a possible negotiation at that level."
Clara spoke up "You have our dossier, your honor."
Sven spoke up "You have ours as well, your honor."
"Excellent. I'll hear a brief explanation of each case by each of your law firms, and then I'll have a brief recess so I can consult with my staff. When I return, you will receive further instructions on the next steps this trial will go. Counselor Leaps, you may go first."
Clara Leaps took a moment to compose her thoughts and then stood up; folding her paws together.
"Your honor, my client's relationship with each other is genuine. They have been undergoing mandatory counseling sessions as ordered by their employer for nearly a year now. We contend and were prepared to show in their trial all necessary evidence and bring forth witnesses to testify on their genuine attachment towards each other. In our opinion, we would have prevailed and they would have had to reassess their practices. It is our opinion that by subjecting my clients to the harsh treatment they went through yesterday had only one purpose: to end their lives, thus saving the Council from the embarrassment of going forth with the trial."
She sat down and put her notes into an orderly pile.
"Counselor Prairie, your turn."
Sven Prairie stood up and cleared his throat.
"Your honor, my client had a purpose for the treatment they subjected the rabbit and fox to. It was to test their mettle; normally they are able to gauge the rabbit-fox's character by how they handle unknown situations. This is why agents are sent the night before to perform certain actions. However, because these were interrupted before they could complete their assessments, my clients went to their other methods. Since this rabbit-fox had advanced training in handling and apprehending mammals, we were certain they would succeed in passing what they were put through."
He sat down and rearranged his notes.
Judge Ramson cocked his head. "Now see? It wasn't that difficult. All right, I'll retire to my chambers. This court is in recess for one hour. Be back here at that time." He rapped the gavel and left the room.
Mr. Big ended the call and rubbed his chin. Fru Fru noticed her father only did this when a competitor was making a serious bid on something he was attempting to get at below market prices. She motioned both her and his polar bears to move them to a more secluded room. Once there she inquired what was troubling her father.
"Someone in the estate has an interest in our Judy. My source couldn't identify it, but yesterday a strange delivery arrived. It resembled something we once used a few years ago, on the Mandford situation."
Fru Fru thought for a moment, and then the memory of it all hit her. "Someone is trying to abduct our Godmother?"
"Afraid so. I left instructions to monitor it but not to interfere. You should place your item on Judy. Also... notify Mr. Fennec that he should be prepared to ready his team. We might need them soon."
"How's their project coming along?"
"Behind our deadline, but that couldn't be helped, since it was I who stopped it for Saturday night's activities."
"Oh... alright. I'll place my tracker soon as I can get Judy away from prying eyes."
A knock on the door disturbed his thought. "Come in."
"Sir, he's on Line 1."
"Thank you Mrs. Snucks. That will be all."
When the door fully closed, he picked up the receiver.
"I read your report and your recommendations." Judge Matheus of the Superior Court said in a voice suggesting impatience. "Are you certain this is the most appropriate way to handle this situation?"
"I am certain. Clearly the Lapin Society has evolved beyond that when our last review of the Council was made. I've noted several infractions of law that had become standard practice which, if any other mammal or other organization had done them, would require law enforcement action."
"That I agree... but to send this to the government? Do you know how they could stop our action before we get started?"
"That is why I wrote the other proposal. Hell... neither the Zootopia City Council nor the ZPD even bothered to negotiate for better terms. They blindly accepted them and now that things went south, they are complaining. By all rights I should simply let things continue."
Ramson continued. "It isn't the best option... especially considering the original purpose of the trial... the purpose the council claims their Ancient Manuscripts tells them. Both sides won't be happy, but at least it gets things moving."
"I see your point about negotiating." Matheus growled. "But I left instructions: You were supposed to gather all pertinent information and call me... not... THIS!"
"This case doesn't belong in court" Ramson countered. "It clearly calls for action by higher authority. If I were to act as I normally would, there would be many mammals locked behind bars... but the core issues that created this whole mess would remain. I believe NOW is time to get these addressed once and for all."
"Core Issues... List them." Matheus' tone in his voice suggested he needed actionable material to take before higher authority.
"1). Subjecting the Defendants to possible death before the final verdict. 2). Having a test before courtroom begins... which bears no resemblance to the original charges. 3). Harassing the defendants on personal property. These are for starters."
Judge Matheus sighed. "All right. Proceed. But I want lawyers inside that courtroom. They should treat this as an actual court case; all questions go through them. I'll prepare my end to receive an urgent request for a hearing. Let's hope you know what you are doing."
"One moment... how about we simplify it?" Ramson injected. "Let the Hopps-Wilde have their lawyers beside them in court; any question can be stopped by them. The Council's attorney should be there, too; but I see no reason why individual councilors should be restrained from asking the questions. Their system for questioning the subjects has worked well for millennia, let it continue. The Council's attorney should be there to minimize further liability. If the Matron and Chancellor want to finish this case soon as possible... they will agree to this, or wait months until the government finishes the negotiations. That... and remove the death penalty."
"I don't see how they could minimize further liability"
"Murphy Laws... and if one side has legal counsel with them, the other side should as well."
Matheus thought for a minute. "Agreed to all your recommendations." He hung up the phone.
Judge Ramson hung up his phone, leaned back in his chair, and sighed. He spent a few moments collecting his thoughts. Was this the best path for this case? All his years practicing law told him it was. If it were any other judge handling it, they would have handled it as any other case before them. But this was no ordinary case; one of the parties had an agreement which was written in terms of a treaty. That alone should take it out of his courtroom. But before that happened... he could at least address the violations most mammals take as standard legal protections; wither by government, organizations, or other mammals. He would act immediately to put in place certain protections that he hoped his superiors... and the Negotiators, would not reverse.
Ramson got up and made his way back to the courtroom.
Finnick was annoyed. A new hire he made a couple weeks ago was proving to be troublesome. Not trouble as in unruly or incompetent... but as in... something else. Distracting. She was a young Fennec fox; sharp and witty, about Judy's age, and eager to learn; perhaps a bit too eager. He wasn't certain if this was a plant, but he decided to keep her away from the more delicate part of this operation. The last thing he needed was a romantic distraction, and he had via a paw-held mirror, noticed she was looking at him with a certain look in her eyes.
His Zphone buzzed and he answered it. Taking a few notes, he acknowledged the call and then ended it. Another delay to this operation; but at least it brought him a small amount of happiness. Nick and Judy had caught a lucky break; their trial was being postponed. That bunny... she had the strangest run of lucky circumstances. Like when she and Nick almost fell to their deaths in the Rainforest District; their fall was broken by those vines at the last possible moment. Then there was that time they got trapped inside the Cliffside Asylum; the toilet being just big enough to flush them down. The last one was on the Missing Lover's Case; a series of murders involving lovers who had recently marked each other. The culprit turned out to be a disgruntled caracal who almost successfully gotten away... until he targeted Nick and Judy.
Mr. Big wanted his team at the Hopps Farm this afternoon; and Fru Fru as usual was running the show. Finnick wasn't certain if he should bring this new young Fennec fox, 'cause he knew if Judy ever saw her... she would be in matchmaker mode. But he needed his whole crew; so he would simply have to put the Fennec fox on the team in the furthest possible distance away from Judy. He just had to pull Nick aside and make a personal request... for Nick to steer Judy away from this female. At least until this trial was over, and he could determine if she was genuine or other.
"All right, now where were we? Ah yes... my instructions."
Judge Ramson shuffled a few papers, set aside a few, and then looked directly at the Counsel for the Elders. "The Council of Elders is hereby ordered to follow the following parameters"
"First; all reasonable medical treatment shall be given to Councilor Leaps' clients, expenses shall be paid for from the Council's coffers. The Council's own medical personnel shall be afforded opportunity to evaluate said client's conditions and be given opportunity to recommend different treatment. I trust Councilor Leaps' clients will not take advantage of this order to have unnecessary treatments which were not inflicted at time of the trial."
"Second; because it is clear to this court that the opposing council has given proof beyond reason of doubt that your client intended to end the trial before it arrived at an actual courtroom... I am removing the death penalty. Without this, they would be in double jeopardy: they escaped death once, no need to have it a second chance to succeed."
"Third; I am postponing this trial by the elders for 30-days, after which it may proceed... but under the following conditions: 1). Legal Counsel will be beside both Hopps and Wilde plaintiffs through the entirety of the trial. These shall have authority to quash any question they deem fit. 2). The Council's Attorney shall be present, however the questions will be asked by the individual councilors. I see no need to change this. Legal Counsel shall be there to minimize liability.
"Fourth; this trial by the elders shall continue unless Higher Authority acts to stop it. A recommendation to convene negotiation to modify the Charter Agreement is currently upon the Governor's desk. Upon passage of that... will dictate wither or not this court can take further legal actions against the mammals that clearly violated the rights of Counselor's Leaps clients. Let me say this clearly: If I were 100% certain that the government negotiating body would not reverse my decision... I would have already ordered many mammals to be placed in jail."
"Fifth; in the spirit of keeping the trial as real as possible... effective immediately, I am placing a gag order on my removal of the death penalty. Neither the rabbit-fox nor any other mammal who might possibly tell them... is to be told about this. Let their actions and their witnesses confirm their relationship is genuine."
"Counselor Leap, Counselor Prairie... you shall ensure my gag order is not in any way violated by your firm. I've cleared this courtroom prior to giving these instructions; that's why only you two counselors are here."
"One moment, your Honor; how am I to minimize liability? Surely it should be me who should ask the questions?" Counselor Prairie asked.
"Have all questions written down and screen them each evening/morning before the case starts. You and your partner should do it each day if you must. I'll allow spontaneous questions, providing they are logical. You should decide which of you handle the Hopps case and which handles the Wilde case; as far as when the Joint Trial begins... I'll leave it to your boss's decision wither he wants both of you there. Considering the Hopps-Wilde will have theirs during this part, I strongly recommend both of you be there as well."
"This court is adjourned pending further action by higher authority. Should it be allowed for legal action for previous offenses thus identified, your respective firms will be notified." He rapped the gavel and departed the room.
After breakfast Judy and Nick were escorted to medical to have their wounds cleaned and bandaged. Jill and Camila went with then to ensure this was done properly. Sometime during the previous evening, the Matron and Chancellor received a visit from Mayor Lionheart. The mayor was not a happy camper and he let them know it. He highly suggested it would go a long way to repairing the good relations between the citizens of Zootopia and the Estate if from now on Judy and Nick's attorneys were allowed to go wherever they went, with certain exceptions. He also suggested a member of Zootopia Health Commission to verify proper medical treatment was given.
After receiving medical care, they were escorted to the Chancellor's Office. Inside waiting for them were several mammals, clearly divided into two groups; one side was those of the Council, on the other were those from Zootopia. The one mammal they didn't recognize was the male Scottish terrier and a female mouse he was holding in his paw.
The Chancellor cleared his throat. "Officer Hopps, Officer Wilde; this trial is hereby temporarily on hold until certain things can be ironed out by Higher Authority. While this Council maintains our rights as granted by a charter signed a century ago... the present government begs to differ. Therefore we have no choice but to stop these proceedings until negotiations can be completed satisfactory to all involved."
Mayor Lionheart warmly greeted both officers. "Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde, introductions are in order. The elder rabbits over there are Chancellor Marcus Fleetfoot, and Matron Miriam Cloverson. Beside them are Council Adjutant Randy Grays and Mr. Nathan Daniels from the law firm of Hunter McGregor and Associates. Over here... this is Councilmammal Blackhorn, Councilmammal Pride, Councilmammal Bucks, and Councilmammal Darcy. The dapper-looking mammal with the mouse in his paw is Colonel Gregory Kohle and that is Director of Global Security Judi Dench. Do I have your name correct, Director?"
"Close enough. I choose to use that name; no one here needs to know otherwise." The female mouse said in a gruff to-the-point tone of voice.
The Matron spoke next. "Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde; we the Council of Elders have agreed to the following. 1). Until resumption of this trial, both of you shall remain on the Hopps Farm. 2). Your medical expenses shall be paid for out of our coffers. 3). Your previous medical doctors are to provide these services, our medical staff is allowed to be present to verify what has been done. 4). We expect resumption of this trial within the week, however... we have not heard back from this morning's meeting at First Circuit Court of Zootopia. Therefore until further notice, please be prepared to return here at that time. I and the Chancellor along with the Council, extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery. And may I say... both of you were impressive during yesterday's test."
"This is Fabienne Growley, ZNN News with a special report from the Hopps-Wilde trial. What do you have for all of Zootopia, Victoria?"
Victoria Harridon stood outside the entrance gates of the Councils' Estate. Beside her stood Special Events reporter Audrey Drew, who was barely containing her glee.
"Fabienne, have we got great news! Audrey, why don't you break it for our viewers?"
"Thank you, Victoria. We received word just a few minutes ago that the trial has been put on hold, pending negotiations. Details are sketchy, but the news release from the Council says: *Due to concerns from Zootopia's city government and higher authority, this council has agreed to postpone our trial. Officers Hopps and Wilde will be allowed to return to Bunny Burrow through the duration of these negotiations. Pending the outcome of said negotiation, these officers will return to this estate at a date to be determined.* When we have more information, we will file our next report."
"Thanks, Audrey. While it isn't a complete vindication for our bunny-fox duo, it is at least a reprieve to live another week. Back to you, Fabienne."
The shadowy figure acknowledged the call and hung up the phone. This was interesting news. He had to adjust his plan accordingly. Patience was the key; and if what his source told him was true, it would be a little while longer before he could claim his prize. Only one thing worried him: the stopping of the trial. His whole scheme relied on it continuing. His insider within the Estate had received the shipping container for moving his prize when the time came. Until then, he had to let things proceed as it would.
"You're back already?" Jackie said in amazement.
"Trial's postponed. Probably has something to do with all those High-ranking mammals present." Nick replied as he snatched a blueberry pancake.
"Other mammals?" Jackie asked as she gave her son a big hug, and rubbing her cheeks across his... leaving behind her mother's mark. She grabbed Judy and did same thing. "There; now you are part of my pack."
Nick would have made a reply, but his head was bent downward and Bonnie was rubbing her chin across his forehead, leaving her mother's mark on him. "Now you are part of our burrow, Nickolas. Take Judy and get a nap. My mother should be here shortly, if I know her she will explain everything."
"*UGH* I've been marked by old females! Help me get it off, Judy!"
"That's your problem to figure out, Slick. But if you do, you won't get my mark. And I know just how much you enjoy receiving it." Judy grabbed Nick's arm and led him back into the bedroom, an evil grin upon her face.
"Bonnie, us foxes mark our mates on two places; the neck and the nether regions. I wonder which she referring to?" Jackie said as she watched the two Young Ones disappear.
"Pretty much same for us rabbits." Bonnie muttered. "Won't it be fun just imagining it? I wonder if they are able to produce kits?"
"Yes it will be fun imagining it! Fox Mating Season will be here soon." Jackie was daydreaming as she said it.
Bonnie had a strange look upon her face.
"Sorry, let me explain. We vulpes, male and female, are only fertile once each year. The remainder of the year we could bonk uglies all day long and no pregnancy would occur. With Judy, I suspect our normal season will be her best opportunity to produce kits."
Bonnie looked a bit sad. "Only one litter each year? Hmmm... perhaps this is something to talk with Dr. Rosco about."
"Yes. Now let's get this place cleaned up before your mother gets here." Jackie was grabbing the dirty breakfast dishes and putting them in the cart to take them back to the kitchen to be washed. Bonnie grabbed the lap clothes and other linens and put them in another cart to be laundered.
"What do you mean the Death Penalty is removed?" The Matron had nearly yelled it, she was feeling incredulous.
"Did I stutter? The judge feels that since there was a very real possibility either one or both Accused could have died on Day One... it would be double jeopardy to have same penalty be an available option at end of the trial." Counselor Sven Prairie looked at her eyes not flinching.
"This has always been a valid option! Life is rough; and it would get rougher should a rabbit have a non-bunny marriage partner. Such a partner absolutely must be able to defend its spouse, especially against foes of numerical advantage. THIS is why they are put through the Trial of Skill."
"And at what time did you explain this to these Accused? Surely as police officers one would think the non-rabbit would have the skills to protect its spouse?"
This must have a hell of a realization; the Matron stood dumbstruck, eyes betraying the realization of this attorney's words.
"I see you realize an error. Your bylaws never were updated to take into consideration just how far Lapin Society has advanced. A century ago there were no police, no organization to enforce laws of the council... let alone those of society. Therefore this Trial of Skill was a rational and justifiable step in the process. However in today's world... there are mammals dedicated to protecting and defending the citizenry."
"Ahem," it was the Chancellor making his presence known. "Your family has served this Council faithfully for Millennia. We are appreciative for all you have done Today, and we will abide by the judges' order... for now. Return to the law firm and tell your boss we will stop by later to start planning our response to the government's negotiations."
Councilor Elizabeth was enjoying munching on one of Bonnie's blueberry muffins, her husband, Floyd, was outside talking to Stu and John.
"So, here's the scoop; trial is postponed for 30-days. Or at least until the government negotiating body decides if this trial can resume." Councilor Floyd said to both fathers.
"Postponed?" Jackie asked as she joined the conversation.
"Yes. Seems the Council's actions have run afoul of Zootopia's judicial system. Apparently a century ago the same thing happened, and back then it took quite a bit of persuasion to change how they did things. No one knows if something similar will occur, but maybe it will. I don't know how many of my fellows councilors will remain if our authority is reduced further. Many elder rabbits joined for the chance to improve Lapin Society."
"What negotiating body?" Bonnie asked.
"It's soon to be created. The young lawyer, Clara Leaps, just got back from this morning's hearing. She will be here shortly."
At that moment the young lawyer walked into the room. "Please have everyone gather into this room soon as possible."
Five minutes later Councilors' Floyd and Elizabeth, Director Wilde and her husband Arnold, Stu and Bonnie, John and Jackie, Chief Bogo and his wife Camila, and Mr. Big and his daughter along with their polar bear guards, Nick and Judy, and Jill Hopps.
Clara took a deep breath. "Alright here's what I can tell you. We won the first round. Nice start, but doesn't guarantee our ultimate goal: shutting down any event that remotely has the death penalty before the final verdict. The trial has been postponed for 30-days, pending action by the government. Depending on this outcome will determine if the trial continues or not. We are in limbo until then."
"Ms. Leaps... may I have a word?" Mr. Big looked inquired.
Clara leaned over and placed her ear close to the shrew, listening to his whispering. She whispered her reply, which the shrew whispered something more and she replied back. Mr. Big nodded his understanding and she regained her composure.
"Thank you, Counsel. I will heed your words."
Clara looked around. "Chief Bogo, the judge cleared your officers to return to duty; as per standard ZPD procedures. Director Wilde; your grandcub is out of danger for the time being, although his sly personality may be another story."
Audrey snickered. "He gets that from your side of the family, Arnold."
Arnold looked at her incredulous.
John stepped between his parents. "Now let's not hash that all over, shall we? Nick is safe and shouldn't we be happy for that small miracle?"
Jill cleared her throat. "I gotta get with my partner here and hash out the legal details of today's hearing. Dad, Mom... let's get our two survivors back to the farm and tell the rest of the family what's going on."
Clara wouldn't let it show in front of the others, but what Mr. Big had told her about a possible abduction... it made her quite nervous. He had assured her that the Godmother would be protected at all costs, save for his own and that of his daughter and granddaughter's lives. She in return had assured him that she would find some way to continue ZPD and other law enforcement' protection of her clients.
Jill found out about this eventually, mostly because through the short years they have been working together Jill had learned Clara's little idiosyncrasies. Since Jill already had a decent working relationship with ZPD, and Chief Bogo in particular... she was able to keep the small electronics board and Officer Elliot Fanghanel temporarily assigned duty to the Hopps farm. His wife, Chloe, was an added bonus; she was an accomplished chief in her own right. True to good cooks everywhere... she was enjoying learning to cook using old traditional methods by helping Bonnie and Stu's aunts.
Governor Randolph Darcy blinked again and rubbed his eyes. What in tar-nation was going on down there in Bunny Burrow? That sleepy little town never had so much as a J-walking violation. Upon further reading the legal request before him he finally understood; it was the Council of Elders. THAT was something which reared its head last century. What the hell had gone wrong now?
The ride back to the Hopps Farm was uneventful. The welcome home was a bit over-the-top, but Judy and Nick wouldn't have it any other way. Both sides of his parents, the Keen's and the Wilde's, and both sides of Judy's parents were here, the Jumper's and the Hopp's. Dinner was already prepared and waiting for them. Judy and Nick ate like they were starving, and the elder rabbits and foxes encouraged them with seconds and thirds. Soon the pair was in a food-induced sleep; their elders carefully placing pillows and blankets around them.
So it seemed fitting later that night after all the young kits were finally asleep, Nick and Judy would tell how their first day of trial went. Their facial expressions and gasps of concern reverberated throughout the main living room as each told their tale. Many questions were asked, some never answered for one reason or another. Some were answered by one of the listeners by a lucky guess or it somehow sounded like an event they heard about years ago. One thing was clear; most of the listeners agreed that what had occurred certainly shouldn't have. Only Councilor Elizabeth and Councilor Floyd knew the real reasons why this happened... and they refused to explain why, mostly citing it would be a violation of the upcoming negotiations. It was possible that the authorities might get wind of their spilling-the-beans and take it as an admission of guilt. Neither one wanted to find out what they would do about it.
Bonnie and Jackie made it a point to watch Dr. Rosco and his nurse assistant change the bandages on Judy and Nick's wounds... as did several of their Elders. Judy and Nick decided to spend more time with Councilor Elizabeth and Councilor Floyd; besides becoming a bit fond of these Elder rabbits, it might help them with coming up with a better strategy should the trial continue.
In the solitary of the Midnight hours, Finnick's crew kept their vigil, sometimes checking the fishing lines, sometimes checking-in with Officer Fanghanel, and sometimes waving to the lonely deputy as he made his rounds along the back-road of the Hopp's farm. This time there would be no unusual activity, no attempted entry by unauthorized mammals... but they kept their eyes peeled regardless. Tomorrow morning would bring a hearty breakfast and if they were lucky... a kiss from a very appreciative bunny. One could only hope for something more.