29 KARMA
XxX
So here it is, the final regular chapter of KARMA. It's kinda long, but there was no really good place to break it off, so just enjoy.
XxX
That evening, after she was sure that her mom and dad wouldn't overhear, Sarah picked up her phone and called a number she had rarely ever used, with a curious Rose listening in. (The phone is on speaker)
"Sarah?"
"Hey Jill."
"Sarah, I'm so-"
Sarah quickly cut her off "Don't Jill, please, just … don't."
"But if I'd said something sooner-"
"No Jill, it's not your fault. What happened to us was all his doing, nor ours, and that's that. I never told mom either until it came out at the rally, so we're even there. Although I'm not exactly sure how I feel about what happened to him, at least we can look forward to knowing that he can't harm, anyone else ever again."
"I guess..."
Since Sarah really wanted to get on to happier topics: "Anyway let's get off of that and on to something a bit happier. How's life in the city?"
"Oh no you don't. You're gonna tell how my little sis found a boyfriend that mom and Nick haven't sent running for the hills yet, and before I got one!"
Sarah started to laugh and begins to recount how she and Tanner met just outside of the ice cream shop.
"So … mom and Nick don't have a problem with you and this … Tanner being together?"
"Not a bit. I guess they figured that it'd be hypocritical if they objected just because he's a cougar. If he was a bad mammal of some sort and they didn't want me to be with him or because I'm only fourteen I'd totally understand. In fact, dad actually set up a date for us tonight! Bought the movie tickets, popcorn soda, the whole nine yards."
"Get out! Really?"
"I know, right? Of course we had to watch AJ and Cotton and-"
"Wait – you were on a date, and had to watch your adopted brother?"
"Yup, and Rose was there to keep an eye on us."
"Well, I'll be! So, if all of you went to the movies, what did they do?"
"Beats me … married mammal stuff I guess."
"Oh ick … I'm sorry I asked."
"Look Jill, I don't wanna sound mean or anything, but AJ, Rose and I are closer than I ever was with you and junior. (lost in the conversation, Sarah has forgotten that Rose is in the room and the phone is on speaker). I don't know how to explain it, but we are … sorry?"
"No, it's ok. You're right, we never were that close, so I'm really glad to you and your adopted sibs are getting along so well."
"But you don't have a boyfriend? Really? Ummm, you're not ..."
"Gay? Oh God no! dad's just overprotective, always has been."
"But … why?"
"I asked him once and he told me that he didn't want me or junior to make the same mistake that he and mom did, and it's just gotten a lot worse since he found out about Gerald."
"Well, that actually kinda makes sense I guess. Tanner and I have actually decided to remain celibate until after we're married. Kinda weird for a bunny huh?"
"And for a feline if you get right down to it."
"That's right! The stereotype is that they play the field almost as much as bunnies do!"
"So, what does your other sister think about your situation?"
…
Listening to Sarah and Jill, Rose couldn't help but wonder what the conversation would be like if and when she ever managed to get a boyfriend. She couldn't help but wonder if he would be predator or prey, not that she would care. After all, her dad – the only father figure she's ever had in her life – is a predator, while her mom –the first mother she's ever really had - is a prey mammal.
Then there's her sister, a bunny while her younger brother is a fox.
…
Suddenly remembering that Rose is still there and seeing the odd look on her face, Sarah tries to explain "Rose … I-I-I-"
Taking her sister into a tight hug that would do Judy proud, Rose calms her suddenly stammering sister "It's ok Choc'lat … really!"
"Choc'lat?" asks Jill over the phone.
"Yea, it's her and AJ's special name for me 'cause of my fur color. Well, I guess besides mom and dad. It's kind of a code word."
"And she gets to call me Cream for the same reason!" adds Rose. "Dad calls me Flower 'cause of my name ... I'm not overly fond of it, but as long as no one else finds out, I guess I'm cool with it."
"Just … wow!" comments Jill.
"Jill" says Rose shyly.
"Yea?"
"You-you can call me Cream if ya want…" says Rose haltingly.
"And me Choc'lat!" adds Sarah.
"I can?"
"Sure" says Sarah "we're sisters after all!"
"So not fair!" says Jill in a playful pout.
"What?" asks Rose.
"I ain't got a nickname."
"We'll work on it, ok?" suggests Rose.
"Ok, thanks. Look, I think we need to wrap this up" suggests Jill. "Dad's gonna be checking up on junior and me before long. I don't know how cool he'd be with us talking half the night."
"You think he'd have a problem with us talking?"
"Probably not, it's just gettin' kinda late is all. I'll tell him I wanna start talkin' to you more often when we're at breakfast in the morning. I'm sure it'll be ok … ok?"
"Ok … NITE" chorus both does.
Finally settling down for the evening, Rose asks Sarah "You and Jill were never close?"
After a moment's thought, Sarah answers "I guess that there was some resentment on my part that Jack would come around fairly often to see his own kits and that Gerald wanted nothing to do with me at all. Why I took it out on Jill and junior I don't know. But, at least now we're on reasonably good terms, like sisters are s'posed to be."
"Well, I for one am glad that you're my sister, and hopefully Jill and us can get along."
"I'm sure we will, especially after what she and I went through with Gerald, and what you went through at the orphanage."
"Anyway … g'night Sarah."
"G'night Rose, see you in the morning."
…
SUNDAY MORNING:
With everyone sleeping in late one last time before school begins tomorrow, the entire Wilde family sits down to a late breakfast.
Noting the odd glances that Sarah and Rose keep giving one another, Nick has to ask: "Ok you two, what's up?"
"Whatever do you mean dad?" asks Sarah, trying very unsuccessfully to act like she doesn't understand.
"You two keep glancing at each other and you look like at least one of you swallowed a canary or something. So, what's up?" asks Judy.
Knowing that she's the one that needs to ask, Sarah finally takes the leap "Mom … dad … ummm … would you have a problem with me … with us, Rose and me, talking to Jill?"
"Of course not honey" says Judy "why on earth would we mind? And why do you ask now? I know you and Jill have never been close."
"Well … I got to thinking about Gerald trying to mess with Jill like he did with me, and I just thought I'd call and talk to her… so I called her last night."
"I think that that's a great idea" says Judy "And I'm sure your dad does too, right Nick?"
"Of course. There's nothing wrong with that. The fact that you share a common … issue … gives you some common ground. It's never too late to connect with someone, as your mom and I know from personal experience."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Sarah and Rose comment "Thanks Dad" at the same time giving everyone (except AJ) a case of the chuckles.
…
As Judy, Sarah and Rose clear the table and finish the brunch dishes, Judy's phone rings.
Looking at the caller ID, Judy answers immediately.
"Good morning Madge" she says as she places the phone on speaker so all can hear "are the results in already?"
"Yes they are. The reason that I called today instead of yesterday like I originally intended, is that I really wanted to double check my findings. Is everyone there?
"All of our family is here. Tanner and Cotton are at their respective family's homes. I can relay the results to them, and I'll give you their physical addresses and e-mail addresses so you can contact them directly. So … let's hear it…"
"You might want to be seated when I give you the results Judy…"
"Umm. Is this bad or good?"
"I guess it depends on your point of view. Are you ready?"
Seeing everyone seated in some part of the spacious living room, Judy gives the honey badger the go-ahead.
"Let's hear it …"
"Ok, let's start with the youngest and work our way up shall we? …. Concerning Aja Gaylen Taron and Cotton Elizabeth Leaps – these two young mammals are deemed compatible to produce offspring."
Hearing the intake of breath by not only Nick and Judy, but by Sarah and Rose as well (Aja is oblivious to the meaning of the conversation at this point), Madge pauses for a second, then continues.
"This is why I needed to retest and double check the results. Most mammals have evolved to the point that almost any combination of species is able to produce young."
"While it wasn't totally unexpected, I guess the scientific proof is still a bit shocking" admits Judy.
"Ok then, I'm going to skip to the other young couple if I may" says Madge. "Concerning Sarah Leigh Wilde and Robert James Catmull Junior – at the present time, the minors in question are NOT compatible to produce offspring. However…"
"However … what?" asks Nick.
"However, I would highly suggest that these individuals be retested every three to six months. The DNA evidence suggests that in the very near future that the possibility of reproductive compatibility will be confirmed. Again, I would highly recommend retesting every three to six months."
Seeing Nick, Judy and Rose staring at her, a blushing Sarah comments "Tanner and I have already promised each other that we're gonna wait until we're married before we … you know…"
"Yes honey we know" responds Judy "but suppressants and birth control are going to be mandatory until you do get married … ok?"
"Yes mom, I get it … ok?"
"Ok, fine. Continue please Madge."
"While I don't have a clear profile to compare Rose Marie Wilde to, I do have a more or less broad spectrum that are distinct possibles. Most if not all canids, some felines, and of course all Leporidae, which includes both rabbits and hares. If the young mammal enters into a relationship of any kind, I would suggest another sample as soon as possible."
Seeing the concern on Rose's face, Nick responds glancing at both Rose and Judy "Alright, I think we all understand the implications, right?"
Seeing an affirmative nod from the two bunnies in question, Nick urges the honey badger to continue "That leaves just Judy and I … right?"
"That's correct. Umm, I know that you're married, but I need to ask …. Have you been using … contraceptive measures?"
"I had myself fixed just after Sarah was born, so no we haven't." answers Judy.
"Well, that's a good thing. You and mister Wilde would definitely be able to have kits if you hadn't. How long ago was your procedure?"
"Almost fifteen years ago, why?"
"If you chose to, you know you could have the procedure reversed, right?"
"I know, but at forty plus years old, there's no way in hell I'd be up to raising another litter of kits. Add to that the fact that I'd already lost seven out of the ten that I did have. So no, no more kits for me, thanks anyway."
"I just thought I'd mention it in passing. If there's nothing else, I guess we're done here."
"At least for today. We'll keep in touch. I think we'll see about how compatible that Sarah and Tanner – that is young mister Catmull – are in the near future."
"Since I already have their profiles in my system, a simple cheek swab is all I'll need in the future. I can mail you some swabs for future use if you'd like. That would eliminate the need to drive all the way to Zootopia for the tests."
"That would be great, thanks. I know you have our address, please mail a copy of the test results to us, I know Tanner and Cotton's parents will be very interested in the results."
"Until later then … good bye."
With that the connection was broken.
…
"Well, that was certainly … enlightening." comments Nick.
"To say the least!" returns Judy. "Now do you understand our level of concern?" Judy asks Sarah.
"Yes mom, I get it." retorts a slightly miffed Sarah.
"Same here." adds an equally put off Rose.
"Look girls" interjects Nick, trying to diffuse the escalating tensions "all of this is because we care. One thoughtless act in the throes of a heated make-out session could screw up everything you and Tanner have planned. While we can't supervise you two twenty-four seven, we can give you all of the information that we can, and show you both how concerned about you and your future together. Your mom and I made enough mistakes back in the day to know what we're talking about … ok?"
"I know dad, it's just so-"
"Frustrating? … I know honey" says Judy softly, taking the young doe into her arms.
"I think we've had enough drama for one day" says Nick "How about this … AJ and I can go put the finishing touches on your mom's old car, while you (indicating Sarah) can finish whatever you've got going on as far as commissions for the Aweston shop, and you (indicating Rose) can finish analyzing your soil samples. I think that you really need to get all of that finished before school starts tomorrow, ok?"
"Yes dad." parrot the two does as they head out of the back door towards their little areas in the loft above the shop.
…
"Do you really need to test drive the Falcon again?" Judy asks.
"No, not really. But you, AJ and I can take a short cruise in it if you want, just to pass the time."
"Ok, lets. I'd really like to drive the old thing now that it's been fixed up."
Pawing Judy the keys, Nick and AJ climb into the old car, while Judy starts it up and listens to it purr like it never did it in all of the years that she'd owned it.
"Nick, it sounds great!" she marvels.
…
After driving around several sections of land, the three return to the farmhouse only to be greeted by the sight of two large blacked-out official government SUV's and what appears to be an even larger armored truck.
"Nick…?" begins a suddenly very concerned Judy.
As the passenger side door of the lead SUV opens and a figure steps into the open, Nick tells Judy and AJ "Stay here … I'll take care of everything…"
Exiting the small car, Nick strides purposefully strides up to the grizzled grey wolf in jeans and a well-worn short sleeved shirt.
"Commander Marcinko …" begins Nick respectfully.
"Wilde ..."
"What's-"
However, Nick is interrupted when both SUV's begin to disgorge their remaining occupants.
A total of eleven fit and trim, very mean looking mammals, all dressed similarly to the Commander, form two ranks directly behind the commander.
"What's all this? I don't remember getting a call-up or a stand-down message!"
"Is this all of your family Wilde?" asks Marcinko.
"Need to know …" responds Nick with a hint of attitude in his voice.
"At ease Wilde, we've known each other long enough for you to know that nothing bad is gonna go down. Now, where's the rest of your family?"
"Girls!" yells Nick "come on out."
As Sarah and Rose hesitantly join the family, Marcinko complements Nick.
"Nice family Wilde, you've done well."
"Thank you, sir. It took almost twenty years, but I finally found my bunny."
"About damned time too" comes from a Bengal tiger in the second rank.
"Up yours Tony!" responds Nick.
"Not today Stalker!" which garners a laugh from the remaining group.
Seeing the concern on his family's faces, Nick does a mini introduction "Family, meet Commander Richard "Dick" Marcinko – commandant of Team 6, and the rest of these raggedy-assed mammals are the … currently undeployed members of the Team.
"Team, this is my wife Judy, my daughters Sarah and Rose, and my son AJ."
"Got busy in a hurry didn't ya Stalker?" asks a slightly disfigured hyena.
"Yea, kinda. You jealous Joker?"
"After finally seeing the doe that you whined about all those years, yea, kinda."
"Well, she's got like … a hundred or so eligible sisters if you're interested in one of your own."
"Thanks, but I'll pass. Justine would skin me alive if I brough a bunny home."
"I doubt if any of them would want anyone with mug as ugly as yours anyway!"
"Alright, that's enough bullshi – umm trash talking." interrupts the commander, remembering that there are kits present. "Is there anyone else you consider family within shouting distance Wilde?"
"Counting or not counting boyfriends or girlfriends?"
"Counting … this is important."
Glancing at Judy, Nick decides to share "Yea, a boyfriend and a girlfriend, all minors."
"Get them here Wilde. No argument, just make it happen…"
"…yes sir."
…
After calls Judy Georgette and Nick calls Bobby informing them that they would like them and their families to come to the farm for a little while, Nick is told to go change into his dress blues and is briefed on what's going to take place – the reason for the assembly and the reason for the necessity of the dress uniform.
While Nick changes, the Team members go into the shop and change as well.
With Tanner and Cotton and their immediate families finally all present, Commander Marcinko begins the ceremony:
With a small signal from Marcinko, the tiger called Tony issues the orders:
"Detail – Attention."
With that, a two-squad detail is maneuvered from the shop to stand directly behind Commander Marcinko as he faces the gathered families.
Commander Marcinko continues: "Lieutenant Junior Grade Nicholas P. Wilde, front and center."
With much practiced precision, Nick marches from a space just outside of the house to stand directly in front of the commander, facing him.
With a crisp salute, Nick makes his presence officially known.
"Lieutenant Junior Grade Nicholas P. Wilde, reporting as ordered, SIR!"
"Stand at ease."
"I know this all seems a bit unusual to most of those assembled here, but please bear with me."
After he is pawed an official looking document, the commander begins to read aloud:
"Attention to orders!
Be it hereby known to all that Lieutenant Junior Grade Nicholas P. Wilde, is on this date promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. With this promotion comes with all of the duties and responsibilities that are associated with it.
Congratulations Lieutenant Commander."
"Thank you sir!" is all that a totally shocked Nick can blurt out.
After saluting and accepting the promotion certificate, Nick turns to leave.
"Where the hell do you think you're going Wilde? You haven't been dismissed yet!"
Quickly retaking his previous position Nick apologizes "Sorry sir, my mistake."
After being pawed a second document, the commander continues:
"Attention to orders.
"Be it known to all assembled here today, that Lieutenant Commander Nicholas P. Wilde is hereby relieved of all duties and responsibilities from the Teams and from the Department of Defense, and is considered to be permanently retired from the Animalian Armed Forces. As such, Lieutenant Commander Wilde shall receive all pay and services afforded to him because of his selfless duty including but not limited to full retirement and disability pay, and all services afforded to him through the Veterans Administration Hospital Services."
"Congratulations on a job well done Wilde! Now, go join you family, but we do need to talk privately for a few minutes."
"Yes sir, I believe I understand why … and … thank you sir."
"Don't mention it Nick. now go, be with your family. We'll talk in a bit."
…
As Nick joins his immediate family, noting that Sarah and Tanner and AJ and Cotton are holding paws (as he expected) Rose is the one who actually beat Judy to him.
"Dad, does this mean that they won't call you up? That you can stay with us forever?" blurts out the anxious bunny.
"Short of an all-out war in Animalia, yes Flower, that's exactly what it means."
Leaping into the todd's arms, Rose lets loose a deluge of happy tears.
Seeing a tearful Judy approach, Nick opens his arms to make room for one more tearful bunny.
After a few minutes, Rose lets go and goes to mingle with the guests.
A short time later, Sarah and Tanner approach, Nick sees them unexpectedly stop short.
"Mister Wilde" begins a somewhat nervous Tanner "I'm-I'm really glad that you don't need to worry about leaving to fight again."
"Me too dad." Adds Sarah "I was so worried when these other mammals showed up, I was almost sick."
"We're happy for you as well" says Georgette who joins the small gaggle of animals "but I'm afraid that we have another problem to deal with …"
"What-?" was all that both Judy and Nick could get out before they notice where Georgette is looking.
Rose is timidly talking to a light brown and tan colored buck that seems to be another of Georgette's kits.
"It seems like one of my sons, Randy, and your Rose have taken a liking to one another."
"Well just … damn." declares Nick. "Just great. Three kits, all in relationships, and two of them teens. What else can go wrong?"
"I guess that there won't be a need to swab that pair for the ability to have kits!" sighs Judy.
"And Henry and I will need to have a loooong talk with Randy, reminding him that especially with Rose, paws off will keep him a lot healthier."
"I couldn't have said it better myself" says a now concerned Nick.
"NICK!"
"What?"
"You wouldn't dare-"
"Put my paws on him? Maybe?"
"Nick…"
"Ok, fine. But I will remind him from time to time that I used to kill mammals for a living."
"You'll do no such thing…"
"Actually" interrupts Georgette "that might not be a bad idea. You've got to remember how many rabbits there are around here Judy, and old customs still die hard."
"Seriously sis?"
"Unless you want to take the chance that Rose will end up having a litter or two before she's out of high school, yea, I'm absolutely serious."
"Fine. But Nick, you have to promise that you won't put your paws on him."
"I make no promises that I might not keep, but I will promise that I won't kill him … probably."
"NICK!"
Kidding Fluff, kidding. Jeese Louise…"
Just then, the group notices Rose and Randy approach.
…
"Dad" begins Rose "I-" and stops short, noticing the intense look that Nick is giving Randy.
"Dad?"
Stepping forward, Nick leans down so he can stare the young buck eye-to-eye, gives the young buck a disarming smile and introduces himself "Randy Leaps I presume? I'm Nick Wilde, Rose's father."
"M-mister Wilde" begins the young buck "I-I'd like to ask permission to date your daughter Rose."
Glancing at Judy, Nick gives the young buck an ominous answer "You have my permission as long as you can remember one thing."
"And what is that sir?'
"The ceremony that took place a little while ago. If you ever hurt my daughter physically-"
"DAD!"
"Do you understand young mammal?"
"Y-yes sir."
"Dad, how could you?"
"Nick, why don't you go talk with your former commander and the guys from your old unit, I'll talk to Rose and Randy." Interjects Judy.
…
"MOM-" begins Rose
"Rose, calm down for a second."
"Calm down? Calmdown? Dad basically just threatened Randy and we're not even dating yet!"
"Are you just going to stay mad, or do you want to listen to why your dad is so worked up? And Randy, you'd do well to listen as well."
"Fine." Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Rose sets herself to at least listen to Judy.
First addressing Randy, Judy begins "Randy, has Rose told you that she was both physically and mentally abused when she was in the orphanage?"
"We-we really hadn't gotten a chance to talk about that yet."
"Well she was."
"MOM!"
"Rose, let me finish please. Did you know that her sister Sarah and step-sister Jill were both almost forcibly raped by my former husband several years ago?"
"N-no…"
"That's also a fact, isn't it Rose?"
"Well yea, but-"
"But nothing. I made the mistake of sleeping with the wrong mammal years ago, not once but twice. Yes, I have three beautiful biological kits that I wouldn't trade for the world, however there's a third bad choice that I made nearly twenty years ago that almost totally screwed up my life forever. I hurt Nick. Terribly. I chased away the one mammal that I actually fell in love with and it almost got him killed. You saw the ceremony, but you know absolutely nothing about the mammal that he truly is.
"Rose, you've seen the physical scars, but know nothing of the mental ones. He suffered all of those because of me. Me. I drove him away through specism and a few careless words. He was almost killed several times because it was the only way he knew of to protect me, the doe that he loves more than life itself, even after I hurt him. He would literally die to protect not only me, but you, and Sarah and AJ. Not to mention Tanner and Cotton and now Randy. Do you know why? Because we're all family. If someone, be it Randy or anyone else, were to purposely hurt you or any of your sibs or their boyfriends or girlfriends, I can't guarantee what might happen. I wish you could've seen Nick at the rally when Sarah and I were threatened, it almost got ugly a couple of times. Please tell me you understand!"
"I-I-I never thought of it like that" I-I-I don't know what to say to dad now…"
"There's no need to say anything sweetie. Your dad understands, we just need you, both of you, to understand where he's coming from. Why he is the way he is. The mammals you saw earlier are some of the toughest mammals in the world, and your dad is … was … one of them. He may not be a part of the Teams anymore, but the training and the passion that drove him will be with him until the day he dies. Never forget that."
"Mom ... I'm so sorry I snapped at him."
"When you see him, just give him a hug, he'll know, ok?"
"O-ok."
"And Randy…"
"Yes ma'am?"
"I know your mom is right here and has heard every word, but please remember, Nick is not a mammal to be trifled with. As long as you treat Rose with the respect she deserves, and respect the rest of our family, you will never need to worry about Nick."
"I-I'll do my best to remember that Mrs. Wilde, I promise,"
"Good. Now, you two run along and enjoy the rest of the day, and please behave."
As the kits depart, addressing her sister Judy asks Georgette "Too much?"
"No, I'd have to say just right. If everything you told them is true, those two should be just fine."
…
At the same time that Judy is talking to Rose, Randy and Georgette, the following conversation takes place:
Meeting his former commanding officer on the back porch, Nick begins the conversation "You need to see me sir?"
"Yes, Wilde I do."
"Please, since I'm no longer in the Teams, it's Nick, ok?"
"Ok, as long as you call me Dick we're good."
"It's gonna be tough, but nothing I can't handle sir."
"Good to know. Anyway, the only thing that I really need from you now is any and all automatic weapons and explosive ordinance that you might still have. That's what the armored truck is for."
"That's it?"
"Since you'll never really be out of the Teams, the Defense Department decided to let you keep everything except the explosives and full-auto weapons. Everything else, including the ammo is yours to keep, you know, just in case."
"Everything you mentioned is being stored in a secure room in the basement of the house. While Judy has a pretty good idea what's in there, no one else does, so you're going to have to wait until my guests leave to remove it all."
"And the rest of your family?"
"It'll be easy enough to distract the kits later since they all seem to have 'friends' to keep them occupied."
"I meant what I said earlier about your family Wilde."
"I know sir. It was a happy accident that I managed to hook up with Judy, and the rest just kinda fell in place. In a very short period of time I went from having just a sister in my life to having the bunny that I loved for years as a wife, and three wonderful kits. And now that those kits all have prospective mates-"
"Welcome to civilian life Nick."
"I wouldn't trade it for the world boss."
"I know. Listen, I see that your wife is still lecturing your daughter and her boyfriend, so what say we join the Team for a farewell drink?"
"Don't tell me you brought some of that hooch that we 'liberated' from the brothel that time in Boosnia!"
"Yea, there's still a few bottles left, so we might as well get rid of the evidence, don't you think?"
"Might as well. I'm sure that Judy can handle putting the fear of god in the young buck-"
"Since when did you consider yourself a god Nick?"
"Not me boss. But as long as the young mammal knows not to hurt my daughter, I'm good. Now, let's go get that drink."
…
After the first drink, Nick has an idea on how to load the weapons and explosives without his guests getting nervous.
"What's up Nick?" asks Marcinko.
"Just a little sumthin' ta help get rid of my guests without creatin' any hard feelin's." as his fingers work the keypad of his phone "I'm gonna have Judy create a diversion for us."
Less than a minute later, Judy makes her appearance.
"What's so urgent Nick?"
"Well, the commander and the guys need to take the automatic weapons and explosives out of the secure room in the basement and load them into the armored truck. Since I doubt if any of our guests would be comfortable seein' that, I thought maybe if you explained that the guys were havin' a farewell party for me, and that things might get loud, rowdy and more than slightly obnoxious, that everyone would be willing to move to Jumbeaux's for some ice cream instead."
With her paws on her hips, Judy ponders the suggestion for a moment or two "You know, that's actually not a bad idea. I'll go along with it as long as you're willing to tell everyone goodbye and wish Rose and Randy well. She was pretty torn up after I explained a few things to her. I think she could use a little positive reinforcement from you right now."
"I can do that, no problem."
Turning to the commander "Tell the guys to get ready to move the munitions as soon as our guests leave. We can have a short party after the load-out is finished. I don't wanna get too blitzed, or my wife will have my tail…"
"And that's the truth" affirms Judy. Besides, I might want to celebrate after all of the excitement dies down later…"
"Tell the guys I'll be right back." says Nick.
…
As Judy rounds up Georgette and Bobby and their families to tell them of the move to the ice cream parlor, Nick finds Rose and Randy quietly sitting together on a bench just outside the shop. As Nick approaches, then kneels down in front of his daughter and her new boyfriend, the new couple is totally unsure of what's about to happen.
"Hey Flower"
"Hey dad" says a slightly dejected Rose. "I'm sorry I got all defensive a little bit ago."
"It's ok, things like that happen. What's important is that we all understand what's at stake. I may have overreacted a bit myself, but you, your sibs and your mom are the most precious mammals in this world to me, so I need you to understand-"
Suddenly a tearful Rose buries her face in Nick's chest.
After a few minutes, the sobs diminish and Rose moves back far enough to speak.
"I do understand dad, I really do. Mom reminded me about how much you've sacrificed to be able to be with her and with us. I-I didn't mean to be so selfish and self-centered … I'm so sorry…"
Kissing the young doe between her ears "Sweetheart, you don't need to apologize. You're still young, and this is just another learning experience. As long as you and Randy here will promise me that you'll behave and act like the intelligent, responsible kits that I know you are, you have my blessing to date … with the same restrictions that Sarah and AJ have of course."
"I promise dad, I really do!"
"I promise as well mister Wilde" adds Randy.
"Great. Now listen up…the guys are gonna be throwing me a 'get lost' party, so I gave your mom some money and had her call Jumbeaux's so y'all can enjoy yourselves and don' have to put up with our rowdy butts. I want you and Randy to have a good time ok? Not too good though…"
"I think we get the idea dad, and … thanks" giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"C'mon Randy…" and the newest pair head off paw in paw to find Judy.
Before allowing everyone to leave for Aurora, Nick wants a group photo of the family together … just him, Judy and the three kits. Then a picture of the kits and their prospective mates, and finally one of Nick, Judy and the kits and their boyfriends and/or girlfriends together.
After the last carload of mammals heads out down the driveway and towards Aurora, Nick leads the twelve mammals into the house and into the secure room.
Less than ten minutes later, the last of the explosives and assorted automatic weapons are loaded into the armored truck and secured.
Twelve grown, hard core mammals make short work of the three last bottles of illicit booze left over from a certain unnamed clandestine mission.
Gathering around one final time, Commander Marcinko speaks "Wilde … it's been an honor and a privilege to have worked with you and to have met you. I know I speak for all of the guys in the Team when I say we're gonna miss you. Good luck and Godspeed.
Seeing Tony carry something out of one of the SUV's, Nicks curiosity is quickly rewarded when he sees the tiger set up a camera and tripod.
"One final pic of the finest bunch of bad-asses in the Teams" says Marcinko with just a touch of regret in his voice.
Watching the final SUV depart his home, Nick texts Judy letting her know that the coast is clear and the Team has left.
…
Arriving home not long after dusk, Judy and the kits find Nick in his usual place, sitting on the swing on the back porch, gazing at the night sky.
"Nick … are you ok?" she asks as she sits beside him.
"Yea Fluff, I'm fine … really. It's … it's just a bit difficult to believe that I don't need to worry about being called up I guess."
"Dad," asks Sarah "do you miss being with the Teams?"
"That's a difficult question to answer Punkin. Yea, I miss the guys and the camaraderie, and the adrenalin rush that you can only get from a dangerous situation like combat. But when it comes right down to it, nothing beats being with family. To know that I'll be with your mom and you three every night and share in everything you do every day … I'm … content.
"Anyway … how was the ice cream party?" looking at Rose "And how was your first unofficial date?"
Looking more like a tomato with ears than a bunny, Rose answers "Fine … I … umm"
"I think she's trying to not tell you that she got her first kiss tonight." furnishes a smirking Judy.
"MOM!"
"Now you know how it feels!" adds Sarah, with a grin.
"Sarah!"
"An' she hugged him … twice." Says AJ.
"AJ!"
"So, when's the wedding?" asks Nick, knowing that it'll only deepen the doe's frustration level, not wanting to miss out on the fun.
"DAD!"
Finally realizing that the entire conversation is not meant to be anything but fun, Rose has to join in on the laughter.
"Ok, you kits go get ready for bed, school tomorrow remember…" interrupts Judy.
"AWWWWW!" comes from Sarah and Rose.
"Not for me!" pipes up AJ, "I got a date with Cotton!"
"A play date." corrects Judy.
"Go on, we'll be up to tuck you in in a bit." adds Nick.
…
As the kits head towards their respective bedrooms to get ready for bed and the next day's activity, Judy sits quietly with Nick.
"Been quite a day, huh?" she asks quietly.
Gathering his bunny up, Nick sets her in his lap, with both of them gazing at the stars in the night sky.
"Yea, it has been. Finally being free from worrying about a call-up, being rid of some of the stuff in the secure room. And to top it all off, Rose … our little Rose has a boyfriend…"
"Georgette sent me this picture, I'm gonna use it as my home screen on my phone. Just a sec, I'll forward a copy to you…"
When his phone pings, Nick opens the picture and has to smile. It contains the one taken of just the five of them, with Nick and Judy in back (wearing the proudest smiles) and Sarah and Rose on each side of Aja.
"That's truly … beautiful." says Nick, emotion choking his normally throaty voice.
"I'll send it and the rest to our computers, that way we can set whichever we want."
Just then, his phone pings again. Opening the pic, his smirk threatens to break his face.
"You're gonna print this one and leave copies all over the house, ain't you?" he asks his mate. (It's a shot of Rose and Randy's first kiss)
"Luck guess fox!"
"Nah, not really." as the two share a quiet laugh.
"C'mon, let's go get ready for bed" prompts Judy, "We have three kits to tuck in and I think I have a promise to keep to my husband."
…
As the kits get ready for bed, the two sisters are much too excited to go to sleep.
"Do you think we should call and tell Jill that you finally got a boyfriend?" asks Sarah.
"What, just to make her jealous?"
"Well yea, maybe just a little."
"Mom and dad 'll give us what for if we stay up too late, tomorrow is the first day of school after all."
"First thing in the morning then?"
"How about on the way to school instead. You know they won't let us use our phones at the table."
"Right, right. So … how was it?"
"What?"
"Your first kiss silly! How was it?"
"SARAH!"
"What?"
Rolling her eyes, knowing that she'd never get a moment's peace until she answered, Rose relents "Fine … it was … stars. It was better than ice cream. It was … I don't really know ow to describe it!"
"Did you get 'excited'?"
"WHAT? No, I …"
"Don't lie to me sis. I saw Tanner's ears pop up so fast that I thought they'd fly off his head."
"Wait, what?"
"In case you didn't know, preds can smell it when we get turned on, even a little bit. I learned that little tidbit from being around mom and dad when they first got together during the rally."
"Oh god, just kill me…"
"That's the reason mom and dad are so adamant about us both being on suppressants. We'll be in a mixed species school, remember? The absolute last thing we need is to have all of the pred boys chasing after us because we might get even a little turned on."
Seeing the look of horror on her sister's face, simply plods Sarah on.
"And think of the disgusting looks we'd be getting from the girls, especially when we come into heat…"
"I think that's enough talk for tonight" interrupts Judy, causing both does to jump about a foot into the air.
"GAAA!"
"Damn mom, don't do that!" says a startled Sarah, clutching her chest.
"Same goes for me. C'mon mom, really?"
"So, you two are you two finally figuring out why your dad and I are so concerned?"
"Yea. School never really entered our minds until just now I guess." admits Sarah.
"Especially with it being mixed species." says Rose. "No wonder I was getting such weird looks every time I came into heat when I was at the orphanage."
"No one said anything to you when you were there?" asks Judy "You poor dear!"
"I've still got some from earlier, I'll share with Rose until we can get her her own." offers Sarah.
"I'll pick some up when I'm in town tomorrow. Now, you two get in bed, dad 'll be in here in a minute or two.'
Kissing each daughter lightly between the ears, Judy leaves the room just as Nick enters.
"Hey kits…"
"Hey dad."
Seeing a bit of concern on his daughters faces, Nick has to ask. "You two ok?"
"Yea," answers Rose. "we had a few concerns about school tomorrow, but I think mom pretty well covered them."
Suddenly climbing out of bed, a tearful Rose wraps her arms tightly around Nick's neck "I love you so much dad … I'm so glad you don't have to go fight any more. I'm so glad you you're my dad…"
Without a second thought, Sarah joins Rose.
After several minutes, the tears stop and the hugs loosen.
Kissing the young does on their noses, Nick tells them "I'll see you two in the morning. Mom and I will be driving you to school until either or both of you can get your learner's permits, ok?"
"We get to drive?" asks a suddenly animated Sarah.
"When you get your permits, and only if you keep your grades up."
"EEEEEEEEEEE!"
When Judy makes a sudden appearance wondering what on earth had happened, all Nick could do was smirk.
"I think I broke our kits … sorry!"
"DAD'S GONNA LET US DRIVE!" squeals Sarah happily.
"When and if you get your permits" echo's Judy. "Until then you're stuck with us taking you to school, unless you want to ride the bus."
Looking at each other, a silent agreement was formed between the sisters "Thanks but no thanks on the bus, we'll ride with you until we can get our permits." says Sarah.
"And the permits will only be good to and from school." Nick reminds them
"It doesn't matter, it's still better than the bus." says Rose.
"All right then, off to sleep you two, breakfast 'll be early."
"G'night mom, Dad!"
"G'night you two."
As they partially close the door and head towards their own bedroom, Nick and Judy smile at each other.
"We really do have some great kits, don't we?"
"Yea, we really do…"
…
Early the next morning, breakfast at the Wilde household is a bit frantic.
While Nick and Judy amusedly look on, Sarah and Rose try to hurriedly eat while pointedly trying not to talk about Rose's new boyfriend and first date, all the time forgetting one thing needed for school after another and running up and down the stairs.
Even AJ had to laugh when Rose comes down from her umpteenth trip upstairs, when he noticed that she had mismatched leggings on.
"I did that on purpose!" came the indignant reply when he pointed it out.
"Too late to change now" remarks Judy, "we've got to get going or you'll be late."
"Moooom!"
"Nope. Get in the truck, chop, chop!"
During the twenty-minute ride to town and the extra ten minutes to the school, Sarah and Rose recounted Rose's adventure the night before to a slightly jealous Jill, much to the total amusement of their parents.
Arriving at the school, Nick calls the bunnies back for just a second.
"I've got something for you two to help keep unwanted boys from hitting on you …"
"What's that dad?"
Gathering his daughters into a tight hug, Nick suddenly scent marks them both.
"ICK! DAD, WHAT THE HECK?"
"Now I doubt if anyone except your boyfriends will bother you." He says with a huge grin "Speaking of which, here they come now."
Stopping just short of the girls because of the scent mark, both Tanner and Randy give first Nick then the girls a strange look.
"It's ok guys" says a smirking Nick "Just making sure that everyone knows that these two are off limits to everyone but you."
"I guess it's a good thing that Georgette decided to have Randy transfer from Bunnyburrow to Aurora." says Judy.
"Yea, at lease this way we don't have to worry about Rose's grades suffering because she's thinking about Randy all day instead of concentrating on her studies."
…
As the couple watch their daughters walking into the school paw in paw with their boyfriends, Judy notices that Nick has a strange look on his face.
"Nick?"
"I … I was just thinking … not that long ago I basically had no one in my life except Nickie and the Team. Then I found you. And now I've got a real family, but I suddenly I feel like I'm already losing a kit."
"Foxes, so emotional." quips Judy.
Shrugging off the funky feeling, Nick comments "Har, har. Let's go home, Georgette's s'posed to be bringing Cotton over so we four can go out into the berry fields for a while."
"You're only saying that because she said she has one of mom's old blueberry pie recipes and you need some blueberries..."
"And your point is?"
"You've always carried on about this being Karma, so I guess you've been right all along, things happen for a reason. Anyway … home James."
"I've been meaning to ask you about this James character again….."
FIN!
AN: Never fear y'all, there will be an epilogue chapter to follow. You didn't really think this was the end, did you?
A large thank you to Vescu for the suggestion on the opening scene of the chapter.