Price on a Big's Head.
The old ram put down the report and rubbed his eyes. This was an unexpected development. The Dark Council's campaign against the ZPD was going along so well. Estimates showed they would break their Will within the month, and most likely the Mayor and City Hall would have no choice but to sue for Conditions of Surrender. Everything they had done led up to this. The Criminal Syndicate, the splinter group loosely affiliated with the council, did their some damage although half-hearted and obviously prepared to exit should things seriously turn against the movement.
Obviously the goal of the Dark Council was simple... replace the entire Elected Membership in City Hall with members chosen by the council. Of course this meant that all members of the ZPD had to be killed, but the council was already training replacements. Mammals that had training but were fired or adjudicated for breaking one rule or another... these were first to be offered jobs and most leaped blindly at a second chance to regain their dream of working in the new ZPD. This new ZPD would operate under much more relaxed rules; rules allowing the new officers to use force for even the minor law infraction.
It was a given their operation would hit roadblocks; they were going after a well-trained foe after all. The slow progress of eliminating the beat officers of the ZPD had been anticipated and countered by assigning the resources of three Alphas. This resulted in improvements in the goal but it was troubling that one of the Alphas had consistently lagged behind in his quota. This would have been bad enough and would have resulted in his elimination, but one Alpha assigned was killed. This left the remaining two to complete the tasking, and results remained stubbornly low.
Alpha Two was puzzled. Three Alphas... Six, Ten, and Twelve... should have been enough to make quick work of the tasking. Even with two performing the tasking well, by now the ZPD should have been neutralized. But Ten was now dead and Six was puzzled why his well-placed explosives were ineffective. Twelve... the shrew was a hard-read. If Two didn't know any better, it would seem Twelve didn't mind losing money to being fined by the chancellor.
A knock on his door startled him. "Enter."
A messenger came in and placed a data chip on his desk, saluted, turned around and quickly departed closing the door behind him. The ram picked up the chip and inserted it into a port, waiting for the anti-virus program to finish and display what it contained. Moments later a series of files appeared on screen, and he clicked on one of the video files. As it played he grew concerned. He played all the others and after these finished he sat stunned. How could this be? How could one willingly do such an act? Was it not clear enough what the punishment would be if one so trusted broke the vow of servitude? To do such an act after becoming a member of the council of twelve was nearly impossible to consider.
"Twelve... why?"
Albert Battern picked up the phone and dialed a secret number. This had to be reported to his colleagues soon as possible.
Judy awoke to find a mammal in priest robes waiting outside her cage. In its paws was a tray upon which a bowl and glass sat. She was starting to get used to this; every day for a week a priest would appear with a meal before the regular mammal assigned to feed her. The priest-supplied meal was always better than the other, and now she was starting to worry. She asked one of these priests who the first one was, describing in detail what she remembered. They bowed and told her she should consider herself lucky; few have met face to face with the high priestess and lived to tell the tale.
Shortly after finishing the meal hoofsteps were heard coming towards her. Judy expected to see the usual mammal that brought her gruel but was surprised to see the two responsible for her being here. Hillary looked at the empty bowl and shook her head.
"So it's true. Someone has been feeding you. Well, it's no skin off my snout. You should be thankful it wasn't poisoned but I guess they don't teach that in the academy. Now I wonder who is so cleaver to do this?"
Dawn meanwhile retrieved the empty bowl and glass. "Looks like she'll eat anything, like last week's rancid stew we've fed her."
"Then it's a good thing I made certain she ate well."
Judy wasn't the only one that was momentarily caught off-guard by the voice. Everyone turned in time to see the high priestess enter the room, followed closely by several priests. The swine snarled and the sheep merely gazed angrily towards the newcomers. The hare looked in a pitiful manner towards these.
"I'm here to make certain my property is in good condition, seeing how you just admitted to being incapable of feeding prisoners properly before auctioning them."
"The bidding has not begun, priestie. Therefore you have not secured the highest bid. If I were you I'd..."
This was all Hillary said before her voicebox froze and her body contorted. Her tongue hung outside and off to one side as she gurgled and gasped for breath. Dawn momentarily reached over to help but a blue snaking of electricity leaped from the swine and struck her. The ewe lay on the ground for a few seconds before regaining consciousness, weakly lifting herself up on one elbow. Her partner now lay on the floor, weakly breathing and certainly unconscious. Dawn looked up and into two glowing eyes that somehow replaced those of the high priestess.
"I trust I've made my point clear? My property will be properly taken care of from now until this afternoon start of the bidding. Don't worry... you'll get a good deal. After all, such a high quality doe of breeding age is something we rarely pass up. Now... the chemical's work should be done. Therefore her first batch of eggs should be ovulating right about now. We'll have her taken and placed on our machine for harvesting. She'll be ready this afternoon for the stroll down the walkway, just in time for the gawkers to see her wares. We'll make sure she'll be in the play bunny outfit they love so much."
The gang of priests opened the cage door and wrestled the uncooperative bunny out and unto a gurney, fastening the straps so minimal movement could be made. The last Dawn Bellwether saw was the priests taking the captive out of the room, she collapsed unconscious and lay there for quite some time.
When they entered a room it reeked of medicine; it also looked more of a laboratory than a medical examination room. Judy recognized the chair normally used for pelvic exams and struggled against her captors as they unleashed her and placed her in the chair, strapping her in place. A flat plate was positioned above her abdomen; a horizontal blue line moved down her belly followed shortly by a vertical blue line that moved left to right across her belly. This device was removed and a u-shaped device was placed around her abdomen; it hummed for a few moments before turning off and was removed. An arm with tube that looked something like what a dentist used for taking x-rays of teeth was placed a short distance from where she knew was her left ovary. No sound or light came from it, but on a monitor nearby showed a surprisingly clear picture of her ovary. It was moved over to her right side and in short time-frame her right ovary was displayed. Soon this was removed and stowed where the other devices went.
"They're looking good. You obviously have had an excellent upbringing to have such excellent specimens. This first batch of eggs will bring a handsome amount on the market, assuming the high priestess wishes to sell them. There are so many lonely bucks that have earned their right to marry and sire a family. The high priestess will have a difficult time deciding which option is the correct route to go."
Judy couldn't resist a jab. "I recommend turning me loose. My enemies don't have a good track record when it comes to acting against me."
This earned her something cold moving into her; it was obvious the machine could perform the exam without a doctor present. The exam was over in record time and Judy was relieved, it also happened to been the gentlest she ever had. She couldn't help but wonder if a recommendation to her doctor to have a machine like this installed in her clinic. It just might encourage more does' to have this done regularly as per heath department guidelines. She was about to say something nice but a robotic arm swung over and plunged a syringe into her arm, it held her motionless as the contents was slowly pushed into her. Before she could swear a string of curse words the world went dark.
Chief Bogo and Chief Mondo were sitting in their combined office. The plan to make a separate room for the razorback swine apparently never materialized and both surprisingly didn't care. The former personal briefing room for the chief was indeed used for the operations of the swine, but lately most of the ZPD officers were out doing patrols. Until Judy's abduction. Now the team was in there using computers to search the Internet, use the satellite spy system, and go through the traffic camera system... anything to get some small clue on who would be brave or ignorant enough to capture the one mammal so popular with Zootopia's citizenry.
Nick entered and went straight to the other room, his uniform not exactly meeting proper standards. Both chiefs couldn't blame him, but soon something could be done to brighten his countenance. Like the report they both were reading. Both got up and followed the fox into the room.
"Any update?" Bogo asked to no one in particular.
Agent Minksin raised her paw. "We've traced the recent communique to an isolated section in this part of Vulpinstan."
She clicked on a remote and a map was displayed along with a blinking spot. Both chiefs looked at the monitor rubbing their chin as they did. The mink clicked another button and the view changed to display a beach with a valley leading off-screen. A few more clicks showed the general area; one of a complex that looked remarkably similar to the Rorschach Family estate. Another few pressing buttons and the screen turned a dark shade of grey; a horizontal line move top to bottom and then another moved left to right across the screen. Moment later reddish silhouettes appeared in various places and data scrolled vertically on the left side of the screen.
"Looks like we have unknowns. Team Lima, you're up on the hit parade. Investigate and report back. Let's see what these are doing, I doubt it is a beach vacation."
The chiefs departed to their desks; Nick was left alone with the remaining ZPD officers as Team Lima departed. Bogo put a reassuring hoof on Nick's shoulder, reminding him everyone was doing their best to find their little sister. He gave the fox permission to remain in this room as he performed his normal duties, keeping the screen activated and briefly watching another GSD technician operate it.
"My colleagues, what you see before you is proof of what I reported earlier." Albert Battern said. "The famous Agent Jack Savage from GSD has arrived on the field of battle. It appears our Allies whom we tasked with keeping the GSD preoccupied has failed."
"So it would seem" said Alpha Five, the elephant from Pachydermia.
"I am not as disappointed in this Agents' appearance... as I am in this confirmation that Mr. Big has been operating against us" said Alpha Nine, a moose from the Boreal Woods. "His treachery cannot go unpunished."
"Agreed. He has broken the sacred bonds that hold the Dark Underground together" Alpha Three, a caracal from the Aswan Plateau replied, her words more of a hiss than a coherent sentence. "He is now removed from the protections we have given him as a fellow operative in our dark trade. I propose whoever brings his head and presents it to this council shall receive his entire operation."
Chancellor of the Twelve gaveled the room to silence. "It would be better for him to be here to face our judgement; to explain in the flesh his reasoning. Afterwards we can ignore his words and pronounce our verdict as we see fit. Our ancient code he should know full well: there can only be one outcome for what he has done. Death."
"Chancellor" Alpha Seven, grizzly bear from the Kodiak Range interjected. "Would it be proper to allow our assassins to do this for us? The risk of his spies among us giving him warning thus his bodyguards being extra armed would be great."
"I concur" Alpha Eight, the greater kudu from the Olmec Plains. "Twelve would be foolish to come to a summons earlier than normal schedule without taking extra precautions. Surely by now his spies must have sent a message about this meeting."
The chancellor held up his paws. "Gentlemammals. This meeting was masked; the summons sent each of you sent by other means. But your concerns are duly noted. Therefore extra security shall be inside the meeting hall and each of you is allowed to bring your own forces. Make certain you do not target anyone except the shrew, otherwise my security will treat you the same."
With that announcement, the meeting concluded.
The undead goat's prediction proved accurate. The high priestess acted as if she were the ranking one present thus he pronounced it worthless working with such a closed minded mammal. She shrieked and attempted to strike him with dark energy, something he merely swiped the bolt away as if it were a ball. He countered with one of his own faster than a living could track; it knocked her backwards several feet and she lay there smoldering for a few seconds.
"Remember that before you attempt anything against me, young one. I battled Oracle Priests, have you? Judging by your pitiful antics I'd say the most you battled was heartburn from a bad meal. You know very little about power except how to make your minions shiver in their shoes. I'll take my leave of you. This bishop needs my abilities far more than you, and with me by his side his mission will succeed. Good day... madam."
High Priest Billie followed Bishop Gandoff out of the room and soon both were traveling towards the monastery of the priest faction which was deep inside the mountain range called Hidden Hills. Order of Mother Nature was about to get a wake-up call they never will forget.
The undead goat and living ram made small talk as they travelled, the living driving the vehicle.
After driving for many hours and going through the many twists and turn following the stream that flowed between the mountains they finally stopped at the entrance of the monastery. High Priest Billie was slowly thrashing on the floor.
"Bishop... they must have some sort of anti-undead spell protecting the entrance. Back away until you're around that last corner. This will put enough of the mountain between it and me. Unless you don't want my company, which is understandable."
The living did as requested and soon the undead sat up and expressed his thanks. The undead goat thought for a moment before making his next statement.
"Is there a library that contains ancient books at your main compound? The one where your faction primary residence is?"
The living ram almost looked at his companion with a wry look, but caught himself; this undead probably lived and died during the Great Upheaval, a time when their monastery was forced to be abandoned due to that part of the cavern being flooded. They were fortunate that the main doors were watertight; it took quite awhile to pump out the water and seal the cavern wall that someone had dug into an aquafer.
"You should know that answer, we haven't moved since our monastery was established eons ago. But yes... yes there are still books in the great library."
The living thought about something the undead mentioned to the high priestess. His claim about battling Oracle Priest was obviously a ploy; but it was possible he indeed battled a priest that had extraordinary abilities and power. History books said this high priest had powers which could have rivaled the fabled ancient oracle priesthood. The undead must have sensed the living was thinking of him, it turned and drew a picture of a necklace.
"Have you seen something like this before? I once wore it when I was alive; it afforded me protection from the arcane, from practically any spell cast against me. But I was foolish to have taken it off and put it in a cabinet. That sealed my doom and the combined assault from the other priest factions found me and ended my life."
Bishop Gandoff froze. He couldn't believe what he was seeing; it looked exactly like the necklace the high priestess wore. He saw it dangling from around her neck once when she was getting dressed. He saw something more than he wanted, something that proved she was neither living nor dead. The undead noticed his expression and let out a cackling chuckle.
"So you did. Seems you also saw something more. Care to tell me, living one?"
"High Priestess Greta Dapperclaw wears your necklace. What I saw in that moment proved to me she is neither living nor dead. A state of existence in between."
"Yes, I know. I never did complete the transformation, just as you have not. This is why the other priest faction did not decapitate me. Why they encased my body in amber is unknown. Perhaps to ensure the energies in the rock formation did not restart my body. That is why you put the soaked wool blanket on me and lay me directly on that rock, isn't it?"
The living nodded. "Yes... and something else. I discovered a file in our computers that described restarting a dead body using a medical device powered by a plutonium core. Amber in contact with wool soaking in an electrolyte solution would slowly build up a charge; over time it dissolved the amber and once reached a specific level would infuse enough power into a body to revive it. Unfortunately the result would be an undead; your body's regenerative ability is severely hampered. Eating freshly killed body while the lifeforce is still in the cells will repair your body. It's gross, but necessary."
The undead nodded his head. "Thank you. Did it say any other method for nourishment I can use? Besides drawing it from a living mammal?"
Gandoff smiled. "If you don't mind standing near a nuclear source. A low-power source is sufficient. We wouldn't want you to be glowing or radiated. Both would easily give your position away. When we get inside this monastery I'll show you which ones."
The two traveled back until they arrived at a small town. They found a store that sold medical supplies; fortunately it also sold the lead blankets used to protect patients during x-ray usage. Several were bought and after piling them on top the undead they made it through the monastery gate and parked out back near the old stables. Both went inside and carefully made it to a room marked *authorized personnel only*. Once his credentials were accepted the living led the undead inside and to a small room where he donned one of the lead vests and opened the door. Inside were various containers with warning labels denoting radiological hazard. The undead nodded his head in the affirmative, placed his hand on one container and smiled.
"I'll have to open the door for you seeing as my credentials can't be signed-in at two places same time. But perhaps I can get one for a newly recruited technician, eh?"
"Clever deception, living. Perhaps there is hope for you yet. I can feel the energy nourishing me as we stand here, time will tell how long I must wait to become satisfied. While you're creating the ruse, how about adding access to the garden? It will allow me to venture outside and find places to hide if need be. I doubt you'll want me tagging along as a puppy, we both need personal space, yes?"
The living nodded and suggested the undead wait here while he gathered more appropriate clothing for him to wear. He also handed him a radio, showing him how to operate it and which frequencies he could monitor without setting off suspicion.
"You found what?!"
Priestess Hilda der Fuchs tail swished excitedly as if it were a fan. She had to listen to it again just to make sure she wasn't misunderstanding.
Colonel Kohle sighed. "Team Bravo said the hologram would allow passage only to a priest that had the gift of an oracle. All others would be repelled accordingly. The weapon system displayed was proof it could do so with ease."
High Priestess Ishanah smiled. "Looks like our first big break into the past. It could be a small outpost or maybe an ancient cache. Either way we need to find out. But it's risky; do we dare send the ranking member or a subordinate? After all it could be a trap."
High Priest Aaron thought for a moment, moving himself away from the excitable tail that kept hitting his muzzle. "Priestess Lionheart would be an acceptable option. She's experienced enough to know if it's a trap and if it's genuine whoever is on the other side will have a decent conversation."
Hilda was about to object but held her tongue. She could see the point both were making and if she were in their paws she most likely would say the same. Still... if it were genuine she would want to be as close as possible. She sat down and began to meditate. If the moon had any input it would let her know shortly. Moments went by and she sensed nothing. Disappointed she opened her eyes. "The moon agrees, or at least hasn't made it certain either way."
Aaron put his paws together. "Then it's settled. Paulina will go first. She'll have a radio on her so if this Caretaker allows her access she can obtain permission to signal us. And if it is a trap her not calling us within a few minutes will make it plain. Either way the mystery will be solved."
"Try this."
Everyone turned towards the new voice. Senior Technician Pangolin entered the room. She put into their paws a small semi-thin device that seemed nothing more than a stick of chewing gum. She put each against a meter, showing no activity on either one. When she bent one of them the meter sprung to life, showing a small signal on a specific frequency.
"If whatever is inside does not allow Paulina to call us, this will be our backup. One of our satellites will beam a specific radio frequency down at this site. This device will piggyback on the signal when activated thus be carried back and transmitted to you on a predetermined frequency. In this manner you will know if she requires assistance. If she uses her radio, all is fine. If she uses this device, we'll know she needs help. If we get neither within a specific timespan, we'll know she needs help. Any of these scenarios will make the situation plain."
Hilda waved a paw. "Whoever could let her in also could activate this or her radio. What then?"
The panda looked at the elder vixen. "That has been taken into consideration. Biomarkers of the mammal holding either object is transmitted along with the signal. This will be sent to my workstation and I will determine if it matches our priestess or not. If a mechanical or artificial device sends the signal, then no biomarker will be sent and we'll know she is in trouble. I'll inform the team immediately so you will not wait excessively long."
Ishanah clapped her paws. "Wonderful. Great ideas. Let's put it into action. We will be monitoring if nobody objects. If something does go wrong, such as this may be a Dark Priest trap, we'll be ready to assist."
The group went out of the room and on to the normal business. Hilda went and found her two subordinates, each were practicing the latest skill she tasked them earlier. She was pleased these had quickly mastered it; as she had told them each new skill after that first day would become quickly learned. By now they had learned almost every spell of the ancient oracles the moon had taught her. After gathering them under a shade tree she told them what GSD had discovered and the plan. Paulina was justifiably concerned about going in alone and Clara was miffed at not being allowed to go along. Both were assured Clara that Hilda would be nearby as would a team of priests. It was a given the GSD would have extra mammals nearby and if she knew them, Team Lima most certainly be involved.
Chancellor of the Twelve gaveled the meeting to order. All was here except Alpha Seven; he was still in his homeland, the Kodiak Range, hip-deep in a war against the Svalbear Empire. The Svalbears were reinforced by their Longear Allies as well as the famous general from the Zootopians. The chancellor almost had his chance to pit his wits against the famed Desert Fox; but fate determined to give Seven first dibs.
Alpha Twelve couldn't help but sense an air of danger that suddenly changed from warm welcome only moments before. Something was about to go down and he was certain it involved him. His mole, an actual mole, in the chancellor's office had given him a warning not to come. The Tundratown boss thanked him and immediately called the Scottish terrier to arrange extra agents to accompany him. The colonel couldn't guarantee these would be available, but the usual number would go along. The Arctic shrew dialed Finnick and ordered a team of demolition experts ready to accompany him, assuring the fennec fox that if these were needed he was authorized to use maximum force. Meanwhile he had Koslov send word to a local street gang; their usual fees and commission was to be paid with death benefit clause invoked if necessary.
Chancellor of the Twelve gaveled the room to silence. "We are here to put to rest a solemn situation this council has not seen in millennia. All will have their say and a vote will be taken to resolve the matter. We gathered here are equals as per custom. Roll the video."
Alpha Twelve was not surprised. Onscreen was his entering and leaving the ZPD on different days over the span of when this operation against the Zootopians started and progressed. It showed his teams adjusting bombs and other explosives so fewer citizens would be killed. A transcript showing a few of his conversations with the GSD and ZPD. When this ended the room remained eerily silent.
"Twelve... evidence has been presented and you are afforded the opportunity to explain your actions. Choose your words carefully."
Mr. Big adjusted his tie and looked towards the chancellor.
"There is nothing more to say. I live by the old ways; as such they are a font of knowledge meant to guide us in proper relations with our mammal brethren and those who are strangers. In the old manuscripts are ancient rules that have tested the sands of time. Mammals that heed them prosper; those that does not falter and are consumed by their own greed. One of these rules forbids me from raising my paw against any mammal that has not done me wrong. Our organization lives precariously on the edge; we do not force mammals to obtain our services yet we judge those that seek our loans. The law enforcement has an uneasy relationship with us; we do not blindly follow their laws but neither do we break them without justification. The bunny that saved my daughter is a police officer. This act made my daughter life-indebted to her and resulted in her becoming godmother to my granddaughter. Therefor when your order to kill all police without justifiable reason except to remove them so this council can impose its will upon the city... this was something I could not do. The ancient laws binding my guardians to my service could not stand firm if I acted against the godmother by your orders alone. Therefore I chose to stand oppose you until this council reverses its actions."
"Remember... my early years these members attempted to kill me for nothing more than my size made me an easy target. I did nobody harm before this, and yet I did not act against any of you. Today you accuse me of breaking ancient laws binding our membership together. Today I call-in the debt each of you owes me for lifting your paws against me; I'll take it in gold in one hundred bricks certified in the *Good Delivery* standards. That will be ten bricks each from Alpha... One through Nine. The chancellor shall pay ten plus an additional ten not counting towards this one hundred brick total. As leader you received tribute from each of us, therefor it is only fitting that you pay tribute for not ensuring my safety to reach here and leave these premises. I await payment."
The room was aghast. It was not only the chancellor that was incredulous from what the shrew said. Here the shrew was on trial for breaking ancient laws, and he had the nerve to demand payment for something that was allowed by those ancient laws. Looking around the room showed the other Alphas felt as he did.
"Twelve... you are on trial, not us. Your words proclaim your guilt. There is no further need for a vote. By the ancient rights of tribute and plunder, I declare your territory up for grab. Whoever brings me his head gets his territory and contracts."
The room became a madhouse. His polar bear guardians dished out punishment as much as they received it. His other minions covered the bears by laying down a hail of bullets and flechettes that effectively cleared the room of anyone that was inside when the brawl started; not counting his own minions. The front door suddenly broke into many pieces, sending wood slivers directly towards Koslov and by extension him. He heard his best friend roar as the rain of slivers hit him. It was drowned out by his own shriek as suddenly pain railed through his body.
The world went dark for one known as Vito Big, godfather of the Tundratown mafia, and Alpha Twelve of the Dark Council of the Twelve.
Carl and Kimberly along with Gary and Wendy were watching their grandcubs trying to act like Sherlock Holmes. Kathrin had come home on college break and left her detective jacket out on the couch. The two young vixens had scrambled inside, one with her left paw through the left sleeve, the other with her right arm through the right sleeve. The deerstalker cap meandered between the two heads almost on a moment's whim. Currently they were walking through the house looking through Kimberly's magnifying glass. Occasionally they would bicker about the other not sharing the item, but it was a curiosity how they managed to walk without tripping over themselves.
The Dennisons thanked the Wintersprites for allowing them to stay the week. Carl *Piffed* and reminded them the vixens would be going home with them this afternoon; it was time these youngsters went and stayed with their other set of grandparents to expand their understanding of their Family Tree. Wendy was concerned how Marilyn would react to being in a non-relative's home. Kimberly reminded her that the Hopps household was non-relatives for both vixens and yet thrived among the bunnies. True, their step-mother and their father, step-father to Caroline, was nearby but nevertheless they adapted well. Equal treatment and equal love was the key to raising them, and Kimberly urged Wendy to do the same.
Now it was Wendy's turn to *Piff* at the other grandmother. She genuinely loved the vixen that wasn't her bloodline and couldn't decide which she adored more. Obviously Caroline but that was because she resembled her father in certain aspects. Before coming here they had their son's empty room cleared out, deodorized and deloused, and new furniture suitable for young females put inside. She had thrown out the poster of a vixen dressed in a Play Bunny outfit with the name Marilyn signed on the margin; it was obvious her son once held a crush on the real actress. Thus in short order the room was transformed into something basic yet acceptable for youngsters. She would allow these to accessorize it as they wished.
A smile crossed her face: the elder vixen couldn't wait for the young vixens to discover the library of Hardy Boars and Nancy Shrew books she once loved growing up. A new collection was in the room waiting for young minds to discover them and the adventures waiting within the pages. She had kept track of their tastes via zphone calls with Kimberly who obviously kept in touch with Jackie and who spent time with Judy. The vixens were nearly changing their minds every week, something Dr. Bearinton once told Judy was normal when they were this young and soon as they entered their teenage years each would settle on specific interests... besides todds.
The crowd was yelling hoops and hollers as the sexy bunny slowly walked the gauntlet. She kicked or slapped paws that reached out to grab the outfit that hugged her body tightly. She spun this way and that way, trying to avoid paws least any get a firm hold. This was perfectly acceptable to the crowd, as her body clearly showed her curves to every male eye in the room. She was being led by a choker chain held by a bear, and followed by a wolf that enjoyed hitting her with a cattle prod. She was thinking thoughts what she was gonna do with that prod should an opportunity present itself.
Judy detested this outfit, and now this situation was further burning her resolve to quit the ZPD's anti-prostitution program. The high priestess kept her word and had a Play Bunny outfit brought in fresh off the shelf. This one had none of the accommodations the ZPD made at her request; more fur was exposed, fishnet material on her legs and arms clearly showed more fur, and the plunge between her breasts went further than necessary. She did get some satisfaction; the priest that helped put her into this outfit now sported a bruise above his eye.
She was forced to keep walking the entire time bids were being yelled. Gambling or being at auctions was never her thing, but she did a few undercover operations at the various auction houses around Zootopia. Some legal but most on the black market. If what the amounts being wagered were anything like those she experienced, she was easily bringing in a hefty amount. Possibly breaking records, if such were kept for slaves. Her kick was timed perfectly; the fox howled in pain as he fell backwards holding his forehead. Having a fox husband taught her to recognize the subtle movements Vulpes made.
A loud gavel echoed through the colosseum. "We have a winner!"
Huh? Everyone hushed and angrily turned towards the auctioneer.
"Sorry folks... that was for the two parties betting on how soon the bunny would succeed in making direct contact with a groper."
The room resumed their bidding while the fox was unceremoniously pushed out of the room. Judy wondered just how high a bid the high priestess was willing to allow this to go. She did proclaim ownership was already a forgone conclusion this morning. Why would she allow the price to keep climbing? Them a voice appeared in her head, one clearly in the voice of Greta.
"It's because I'm not paying, but neither will the winner take you home. I'll walk out of here with you in tow and the highest bidder will relinquish his winnings or he'll be dead. Swington and Bellwether will have their compensation; I will have what I came here for either way. Watch out for that paw."
A shiver ran down Judy's back. Now she understood why the two priest factions mercilessly hunted down and killed these priests. Her thoughts were interrupted when a paw grabbed her scut. Her shriek and attempted spinning around only found herself firmly in the paws of another fox. Normally she enjoyed how this felt, but he was neither her husband nor her lover. Besides... his breath reeked of alcohol and some foul smelling meat he ate for lunch. A quick paw to his throat forced his release. Thankfully she didn't have to endure this humiliation much longer.
Several flash bangs went off and few explosions happened around the room. It became a madhouse as mammals dived towards something anything that would provide some protection. Unfortunately for some this was their last day on this world, their bodies strewn with holes and blood scattered everywhere. The bear holding her chain was lying on the floor, half his head missing and his brain clearly visible. The wolf behind her was lying on the floor as well, his body riddled with flechetts. She was still standing dumbfounded when the two GSD agents grabbed her and unceremoniously stuffed her into a body bag.
The world was bouncing around as she was carried helter-skelter like mice attempting to get away from a roomful of housecats. The outfit she was wearing was uncomfortable mostly because it seemed to have a mind of its own as were the twins that now escaped. All this was instantly forgotten when she heard the one voice she never wanted to hear again.
"No you don't foolish mammals."
She felt the bag drop and heard whoever was carrying it suddenly howl in anguish. Even in this bag with thick walls their screams were unbearable. She heard multiple mammals screaming in pain, clearly in multiple places nearby. The bag suddenly opened and a wolf pulled her out, clearly ignoring his own pain. He held her over his shoulder as he ran quickly out of the building, dodging something Judy wasn't certain what it was. He threw her into the back of the smallest helicopter she ever saw, and once she landed in the basket it took off. As it skimmed across the beach and out over the water she saw purple bolts of energy whiz by uncomfortably close.
The pilot was obviously not concerned about her discomfort; he weaved and dodged the incoming bolts. As they made their way further out to sea she craned her neck so she could watch what was happening behind them. The attack was impressive, but equally impressive was the purple bolts that flew out from the building. One by one every attack helicopter fell to the ground burning in flames. She said a silent prayer for the crews wishing this could have been avoided. The flight was short, and the pilot landed on a warship obviously not a carrier. She was once again hauled out and placed on a gurney, and then quickly carried somewhere inside the ship.
She squealed in delight as Dr. Otterton and Nurse Rosenberg met her and began checking her over for bruises and other possible injuries. The play bunny outfit was removed and put inside a bag labeled *evidence* and she was covered with a heated blanket.
"Janice is doing her internship under my supervision. Dr. Harrinton and Dr. Frankinmyrl agreed to allow her to accompany me out here to learn more about field operations. Since she has been involved in most of your medical care we felt a familiar face, especially a female one, was something your psyche would respond better to. Looks like we were correct."
Judy didn't care for the reasons, she was happy to be with the otter and rabbit.
"Doctor... looks like standard trauma resulting from physical abuse, possibly sexual."
Judy *Pfffed*. "Those priest had a machine that did something they called *egg extraction*."
Dr. Otterton was immediately concerned. He inspected Judy's hips and with her permission inspected her privates. He was puzzled by not finding any sign of trauma. He pulled Janice aside and both talked quietly. Judy was annoyed that some strange sound prevented her ears from clearly making out whatever they were discussing.
"Sorry Judy. On such cramped conditions as this ship we must use methods that prevent the patient from hearing our conversation. My intern must feel free to say exactly what's on her mind without fear of being listened-in on. Now... tell me more about this machine."
Judy described how it seemed to operate painless and smoothly almost without her being able to tell what it was doing. She mentioned she wished all her gynecological exams were this smooth. When he asked if she could tell if anything was moving inside her womb she said she honestly couldn't tell. A few minutes later the examination was done and allowed her to get dressed in the bedclothes lying nearby. Pineapples-print was not exactly her type.
Soon she and the doctor with the intern were loaded aboard a vtol jet and flew back to Zootopia. Once back at Plainsburrow Hospital she was reunited with her family and shortly afterwards she received a phone call from her husband. Nick was with Detective Markle and they were on their way. Jackie and John stopped by and told her the vixens were staying with their other fox grandparents and would be returning in a couple weeks. Audrey stopped by and assured her that her daughters were doing just fine and had discovered reading books; a series about junior detectives called *Hardy Boars and Nancy Shrew mysteries*. Security was extra tight and she was concerned why Mr. Big didn't visit her. The doctors would only say he was nearby and would come see her when his period of observation was over. It was Finnick that spilled the beans; the Dark Council discovered his actions against them and it was necessary to extract him. The shrew was a few doors down the hall under sedation. No life-threatening injuries but needed rest to recuperate.
Chancellor of the Twelve winced as the medic tightened the bandage. What once was a perfectly planned and meticulously orchestrated ambush turned into a rout. As he looked over the scene of death and mayhem he couldn't help but be impressed. If it were he that always stayed away due to numerous attempt of larger mammals trying to kill him, then suddenly start attending the meetings again... he too would have an ace up his fur. In this case it was heavily armed mercenaries hidden under a cloaking field.
Reviewing the security video explained everything.
These were no ordinary mercenaries; he recognized the GSD field uniforms in nearly half the group. The others were obviously hired guns as was indicated by the rapid-fire shotgun firing flechettes nearly as quick as a machine gun. All of the guards in the room were initially taken out and the intruders were on the verge of doing something else until several Alphas sprang into action. His wound was the result of the first round fired by the shotgun; his life spared by the quick sacrifice of his bodyguards. Each intruder was well-armed and at first their fields of fire were properly interlocked. The results weren't pretty.
Alpha Three aka: Cheryl Stalk... gutted as she leaped towards the wielder of the shotgun. At least her impaled body upon the barrel allowed his sniper to remove the threat. It was nasty business removing the gun from her mouth.
Alpha Four aka: Arthur Horne... his body riddled with bullets as he attempted to plow through the nearest group of intruders. Under his body were found several of the mercenaries, and one GSD agent.
Alpha Five aka: Armand Stout... same as Alpha Four but he succeeded in lasting much longer than Four. His rampage resulted in most of the deaths of the intruders. He was going to miss this bull... of all the Alphas he genuinely thought Five stood the best chance of taking his place.
The Council of Twelve was severely diminished; only One, Two, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and himself remained. Seven members now remained... eight if one wanted to be technical and count Alpha Twelve.
Alpha One clearly missed Three; her subtle messing with his mind must have indicated something else. The Chancellor wondered if that was proof there indeed was a physical relationship going on in either bedroom. The lion gently wrapped her body in an oversized towel and placed into a body bag, sealing it himself and carrying it to the morgue.
The Arctic shrew remained living... but he was now marked for death with the reward tripled and additional monies from the estate of the deceased. The security tapes showed the bear carrying the shrew was seriously hurt; closer examination showed the shrew also was injured, possibly from a near-miss or something that went through the bear's body. Either way it would be cubsplay tracing where he received medical care; most likely from his family doctor.
The Chancellor smiled. The godmother aka Judy Hopps, was in the paws of his ally; the high priestess of the Dark Priesthood. It was obvious why the nearly-undead hare wanted the bunny: she was being drained of her eggs so that the families proven loyal would receive them. He wanted the ZPD officer... but getting possession would be tricky. He had an ace up his fur; a copy of an ancient manual described how to kill such a priest. If it came down to this he would have it done. Using the bunny would draw out not only the Tundratown boss, but the ZPD and GSD as well. If he played this deck of cards right, not only would he claim Twelves territory but rid the Zootopians of their remaining guardians.
But for the moment there must be funerals planed and wanted posters sent out.
Chancellor of the Syndicate read the report with great interest. One of his moles in the Dark Council barely had time to escape the carnage. It was an actual mole, one that was a double agent as it kept the one known as Alpha Twelve abreast of anything that could harm him. This mole just told of the council's attempt to kill the arctic shrew, apparently for working against the council. He chuckled. It was obvious the council thought they held all the cards, thus they failed to consider the shrew might actually have taken advantage of some new technology. Technology such as a rumor about a wrist-mounted device that makes mammals invisible. If he knew about it, surely the Dark Council knew about it as well.
Like himself, the shrew lived by the old ways. Greed is the shortest route to failure and treating all mammals as you wish to be treated was the best path towards prosperity. Obviously taking advantage of mammals that didn't or couldn't tell the difference between a hustle and a legitimate business deal... was acceptable.
But now here was a golden opportunity. The Dark Council was diminished to half its membership. It had lost two members not too long ago, now in one afternoon it lost double that number. Double if one counted the shrew as no longer a member in good standing. Six members remained, if you did not count the chancellor himself. The Syndicate could capitalize on their misfortune if it acted quickly. The chancellor picked up a phone and dialed a number. He had a pretty good idea what he wanted to do next.
Detective Markle had barely stopped the cruiser when Nick jumped out and rushed into the emergency room. Word had gotten back about a serious incident involving the Tundratown boss. Since Detective Markle's department had access to the secure radio frequencies, this was how received the report of the Arctic shrew's injury. When Nick found the room Dr. Carl Harrinton the Big's family doctor, was already completing the finishing touches to the last bandages. Nurse Otterton was tending to Koslov's wounds while another nurse was tending to Raymond's wounds. Kevin's wounds had already been cared for and looking anxiously towards his brother.
The Arctic shrew looked up and smiled at the fox officer. "It is good to see you, Nickolas. Your concern in light of your own troubles warms my heart."
Nick struggled to control his emotions. "Sir, what happened?"
The mafia boss winced as he adjusted his position to better talk to the fox. By now Detective Markle and his partner were in the room and taking notes as this would be the start of their investigation.
"It appears my involvement in the Council of the Twelve is officially at an end. As you can plainly see, it was not easy to get away. Neither did they escape without injury. I lost many of my protectors and good friends as well. I am told a few of their Alphas are dead, lower ranking. It is the more dangerous ones that remain. These will not be easy to remove and I fear many innocent lives will have to be taken before these are removed."
"Here is the list we've tallied thus far" Colonel Kohle muttered as he entered the room. He was followed by everyone's favorite general. Ziva Big watched the newcomers with steely eyes. Her husband patted her paw and whispered these were acquaintances in good standing. She relaxed her stance slightly; obviously they would have to earn her trust.
"So... it takes one suicidal shrew to remove twice the number of Alphas we have put together." General Rommel traded fist bumps gently with said shrew.
"I would take credit but as we know it was not I that pulled the trigger." Mr. Big held the sheet and skimmed down the list, noting which were deceased on both sides. One line item caught his attention. The death of the elephant from Pachydermia genuinely saddened him. This was not lost on the gathered mammals.
"One you genuinely liked?" The dog asked in a sympathetic tone in his voice. The shrew nodded.
"Alpha Five, Armand Stout... he always treated me properly. If he tried to have me killed, I am not aware of it."
"The mole reports he along with the rhino rushed the attackers, as did the caracal."
"Alpha Four was always protective of the group. It was he that tried to keep harmony. I am not surprised he would give his life so others may escape. Alpha Three... she lived for the kill. Obviously she miscalculated the flechette-wielder. She died in the manner she lived. I never pictured her growing old."
Nurse Rosenberg knocked on the door before she pushed Judy's wheelchair through. Nick kissed his wife and the bunny stood up and leaned forward so the shrew could kiss her. He *Piffed* when she apologized for not making it here earlier, simply stating he was busy with his doctor and knew she was with her family. Ziva traded kisses with Judy and the bunny hugged Colette, Ziva's protector and best friend. The elder shrew asked how Judy was coping after being abducted for the second time. Judy acknowledged being jittery, and then thanked the Big Family for doing whatever it took to help the GSD find her.
Team Bravo was back in the small glen staring at the elder rabbit hologram that was still walking around a gazing pool. This time they were accompanied by the three oracle priestesses and a small group of other priests. GSD was here in force, the extra teams observing from a distance ready to respond should the need be manifest. High Priestess Ishanah and High Priest Aaron stood with a small group of their faction around them. This was a day history was to be made; hope was felt in the air and tails and noses twitched excitedly. The hologram wanted oracles to be here next visit... today it got its wish.
Priestess Hilda der Fuchs motioned for Paulina to go with Agent Savage, hopefully the hologram would recognize the agent from the previous encounter and also recognize the lioness as being the oracle it wanted to meet. There was only one way to find out.
The hare and lioness walked at a normal pace towards the pool. As expected the hologram stopped and turned towards the approaching pair.
"Halt right there. Give me time to evaluate your companion. Processing."
Paulina was amused as the image of the elder rabbit held up its paw and closed its eyes. Whoever programed the code was meticulous. This certainly looked and acted like a living being, if she wasn't previously informed she would have easily been fooled. Even the rhythmical movement of it chest and nose was completely lifelike.
Savage was casually looking around. There... just like last time strange things protruded from various building's rooftops. Sensors... there must be something this priestess wore or some energy given off from her body that whatever machinery ran this complex could detect. It said on the last visit it would know if a priest had the gift of the oracle. He was interested in just what this would be. Then he noticed it; she was wearing a necklace. It was ancient and he never saw her wearing it before. Just as he was getting ready to whisper something to her the hologram returned to activation and addressed them.
"Greetings... teacher of the library of the oracles. But... you are not properly attuned to your control device. Explain, please."
Paulina drew a deep breath. Would it accept her story? Was it testing her? Hopefully her explanation would be enough.
"I do indeed have the gift you asked to meet. The Oracle Council was decimated eons ago and only recently have a few been discovered to have the gift. I and my companions were given these necklaces after battling a horde of dark priests' just weeks ago. The moon has been training us in the basics ever since."
It wrinkled its nose and groomed its headfur for a moment. "You have been near the Altar of the Oracle recently. There is another close by that has recently been near it as well. I wish the mammal to step forward and stand beside you."
Hilda gently encouraged the honey badger to join her mentor. Slowly the young female walked towards the pool and stood beside her friend. The hologram did as before, eyes closed and paw raised. Savage was watching the rooftop devices and this time noticed them softly glowing; it was obvious these were indeed conducting a sensor sweep. Soon the rabbit image returned to gazing at the trio.
"This one remains attuned to the altar. Why did she not instruct the orb to reset? It remains in a fail-safe status until properly reset."
Paulina stood with her mouth agape; she was impressed this whatever-it-was could tell what happened back on that afternoon a few weeks ago. Savage smiled; it just confirmed his suspicions. Meanwhile Clare was giggling madly; this explained the image she saw of her lover. Those dark priests couldn't use the orb because whatever she did had interrupted their plans. Now she knew it was a race to find out how to rescue him and thus permanently foil their plans.
"Hmmm... we detect each of you have a different response to my words. I'm curious why the youngest is so excited. Please explain."
Clare was only all too happy to explain. "Oh you just confirmed why the dark priests couldn't use the altar to transform my love into one of them!"
"Does not compute. The Altar of the Oracle has no such function. Further information is necessary to formulate an explanation."
Savage placed a paw on Paulina's shoulder. "May we have a moment alone? We'll be right back there discussing this with others who may help formulate our response."
He didn't wait; grabbing both priestesses by a paw and nearly pulled them as he headed back to his team. He was thankful Stella already had an idea what he wanted to talk about.
"Clare," Agent Rogers said to the badger, "tell me everything you remember. Color, texture, sixth sense. Everything you ca think of."
"Her necklace was the first to glow" Hilda said as she was now standing next to the badger. "This must have been what triggered the altar. The rabbit... err hologram... said something about a fail-safe?"
"That must be the answer. Satellite sensors just confirmed a subtle signal on a carrier wavelength we have never noticed before. Checking sensor logs... ok, records indicate it has been slowly losing strength. If this is what prevents the altar from working for another priest, then we need to get you back there to reacquire your attunement. Let's prevent those... whatever they are... from ever using the altar for their purposes again."
Savage held up his paw. "Hold on. Let's give this information to the hologram and see if it will tell us anything else. There still is the matter of this *attunement* to necklace it mentioned a bit ago."
Savage, Paulina, and Clare started walking back. They were surprised by what the hologram said next.
"Bring with you the other oracle."
Hilda muttered a few words to the remainder of Team Bravo and hurried to join her subordinates. Once the group was standing in same spot the hologram continued.
"This one is stronger in the gift. But all of you are not properly attuned. Do you have an explanation?"
Hilda motioned the others to let her speak. "Yes I do."
She took a deep breath and began. "Millennia ago there was a great war within the priesthood. The Dark Priesthood threw itself against the Oracle Council and defeated them, killing every one they came across. This left them nearly depleted as well, and they retreated when the other two priest factions counter-attacked. To this day their numbers have not recovered; until now. One of their members has a necklace similar to the one I am wearing. It allows her to resist the attempts of the two priest factions from keeping their numbers low. Thus the Dark Priesthood numbers are growing and soon they will be able to complete what they started many millennia ago. We cannot allow this; hence why I am starting the council over from scratch. Using the moon's guidance we are learning the old ways. But we sense there is more the ancients knew. This is why we seek the Headmaster's Study. We must get there first before the Dark Priesthood become stronger."
Hilda sat down on a nearby marble block. Whatever was going to happen she needed to rest before continuing on.
The hologram shimmered for a second. "It is unfortunate this occurred as it means none of you are aware how to enter the sanctum. But this was anticipated. I will need the three of you to step into the pool. Your friends need not be alarmed... I will transport you to the sanctum where the answers you seek can be found. Choice is yours but make it quickly. As I said before, once you depart here I am forbidden to allow you to return."
Clare made it into the pool in record time; Paulina helped Hilda up and together they walked to the pool. It was obvious Savage slipped something into her pocket as she brushed against him as if trying to move him out of her way. Once all three priestesses were standing in ankle-deep water a bright light flashed, enveloping them.
Agent Savage blinked his eyes several times. He wished a warning had been given; it could have saved his eyesight.
The hologram merely cocked its head. "Those identified as oracles have been transported to the sanctum. Once the others have been convinced they are truly genuine in the gift, they will be given instructions how to return here. This will not take long; until then you may wait here for their return."