4 Transition
~0~
Arriving at the hospital ten minutes later (the in-transit housing units being only two blocks from the hospital) Judy makes her appearance to a much-relieved Nick.
"Where ya been Cottontail?" smirks the todd.
"Riding around the base with a Miss Justine Shepard … perhaps you've heard of her?" snarks Judy back.
Thoroughly enjoying the slightly shocked look on her fiancé's face, Judy finally relents. "Relax Nick, Justine was really helpful. She gave me a lift to Senior's office, even when she knew who I was and that I didn't have any money – which has been taken care of by the way. She helped me shop and pick up some useful items, like a new phone plan and a new laptop, some food and some clothes for us. And yes, for both of us." the doe adds seeing the incredulous look on Nick's face.
"While I'm thinking about it, you told me earlier that the only thing you think that you're good at is killing, right?"
"Yeah, that's about the size of it, it's pretty much all I've known since I was a teen."
Placing her paw on Nick's arm, Judy offers some unexpected support "Nick, you are so much more than that…"
Seeing the now skeptical look that Nick's giving her, Judy begins her plan: "What if I can prove it to you…?"
"I know what you're trying to do Fluff…" answers the suspicious todd.
"Really? What would that be?" asks Judy in a suedo-innocent and overly sweet voice.
"To get me to admit that I can actually be useful as a civilian and to retire."
"Maybe … and … what if I can?"
"Then I'll retire and be happily married to the cutest female I've ever met!"
"NICK! You know how much I hate that word…"
"But you are! What's the big deal?"
"It's considered derogatory by bunnies; it demeans us by insinuating that we're weak and useless!"
"Okay, fine … then you are the most beautiful female I've ever set eyes on … there … happy now?"
Now it's Judy's turn to be shocked "… You … you think I'm beautiful? Really? I know you've told me that before, but it's still difficult to for me to believe that I actually am."
"Really really." he reassures the small doe, a genuine smile on his muzzle in place of the usual smirk.
"I – umm – ahem ….. okay then …" sputters the now flustered doe,"I did some research and got a hold of several of my contacts back in the states, and came up with several viable prospects for possible employment for you back home since it looks and sounds like you won't be a complete invalid."
"All right then, let's hear 'em." answers the now intrigued todd.
"Starting from what I'd fursonally consider as least desirable to most … Zootopia's chief of police Adrian Bogo, and yes he's related to Senior, a twin brother no less, is interested in having you join as a member of his SWAT team… since you'll be a military and combat vet."
"That's the least desirable?" asks the now slightly confused todd.
"For me, yes!" affirms Judy "Knowing the danger that you'd be in constantly; I think it'd be comparable to your still being in the Teams. I really don't like the idea of having to worry about you being hurt or killed all of the time."
"Okay, I think I can see your point!" admits Nick.
"The next one would be an instructor in the Zootopian Police Academy. Paw to paw combat, weapons training and tactics. Not as dangerous but still too close to Zootopia."
"And that would be an issue … why?"
"I-I was kinda hoping to find something away from the city, something that would get you away from all of the hustle and bustle … calmer… for your peace of mind as well as mine." admits the doe softly.
"And that might be … what?" asks a now intrigued and actually very interested Nick. Time and space from his current career was actually beginning to sound attractive.
"The Tri-Burrows Search and Rescue unit." remarks the now widely smiling doe, her large buck teeth on full display "You can use your natural talents to do good and not be subjected to the day-to-day grind and danger of being a cop or a soldier. Just think about the skills that you've needed to do your job in the Teams – one of the best noses in the animal world, excellent night vision, smart enough to think outside the box when it comes to finding lost mammals. Those same skills would apply working with the search and rescue squad."
"And you'll be doing … what?"
"While I have offers from several large reputable accounting firms in the Tri-Burrow area, mainly due to my family connections, I'd kinda like to be your partner on the SAR unit. I know the area from my kithood and I know a lot of the families from the area, so I think we'd make a really good team. I can train up while you're rehabbing. So … what do you think?"
Making a show of serious though for several minutes, Nick waits as Judy becomes more and more impatient for an answer, her left foot threatening to pound a hole in his mattress as she sits next to him on his bed.
"So … for this to happen we'd need to be married and I'd need to be a civilian, right?" asks Nick.
"Well, yes you'd definitely need to be a civilian, and I guess we wouldn't need to be married, but it'd be kinda nice…" admits a somewhat demur Judy.
"I know that I've got seven months left on my current enlistment" muses the todd "and how long would it take to get us married?" he wonders aloud.
"I'vegotthepappersrightherandI'vegotFatherMulcahy'sphonenumber…" blurts out the now overly excited doe.
"Slow down Hopps" laughs Nick "I'm messing with you ... sort of. Are you sure you really want this? To be married to a fox?"
"I-I've read up on fox biology and on your mating traditions. There are a few things that I hope that we can work around …"
"Such as?" Nick asks, curious as to what the rabbit might be getting at.
"Ummm …" begins a slightly flustered and now very embarrassed doe "biology for one. I-I'm actually still a virgin, and with your … umm-"
"Male equipment?" supplies now amused todd.
"Yeah, that" admits a blushing Judy who would actually like to disappear into the floor "our size difference due to our species will make it impossible for you to … umm-"
"Knot you?" gently prods Nick, almost unable to hold back a smile that he knows is liable to lead to certain disaster if shown.
*HEAVY SIGH* "Yes Nick, to knot me, okay? But I may have found a way around that little issue – and don't you dare say a word Nicholas Wilde!" the doe warns, wagging a finger at the todd. "There are … devices … to keep you from … over penetrating … that we'd have to use." adds the now fiercely blushing doe.
"Well" begins Nick in all seriousness "I truly wouldn't want to hurt you Judy, and I really mean that, that's not who I am."
"I know Nick. And as far as the claiming is concerned, that looks …"
"Dangerous?" asks the todd, again very serious.
"Kinda hot, actually!" admits the still furiously blushing doe, knowing that the scent she's most likely giving off isn't helping matters.
"Judy?"
"I'm sorry, but the whole biting thing is just … it just does something for me, okay?" she finally confesses.
When Nick starts to slowly lean in towards her with eyes narrowed menacingly, Judy's not sure whether to stay or to run or –when suddenly, Nick attacks and – pecks the doe gently on the lips, stealing a kiss back and evening the stolen kiss score.
"NICK!"
"Surprise?" asks Nick calmly. "To answer you concerns Judy," he continues "please relax. I told you before that I've been with other females, a lot of them were of smaller species, although there weren't any rabbits, so I actually do understand your concern. Your turn-on to the claiming part is a bit unexpected though…"
Drawing the now thoroughly embarrassed and frustrated doe into a gentle embrace and starting to gently pet the doe's ears while disregarding his own pain, Nick tries to calm her "Judy, listen to me. While I do enjoy teasing you, you need to know one thing … I will always have your safety at heart, whether it's out in the world or at home in the bedroom, I will make every effort to keep you from harm … claiming excluded. Yes, it will hurt a bit and yes you will bleed a little. But the bite is only just hard enough to break the skin and that's it. And don't forget, you have to bite me back … It's actually a trust issue – we place our lives in our mate's paws, or jaws actually. That's the trust that binds us together for the rest of our lives. That's the reason I never claimed anyone before now – the trust wasn't there. With you, it is."
"But … we've only known each other for what, less than a week?" incredulously asks the confused doe.
"Time doesn't matter Judy, actions do!" counters the todd. "When you shot Jack, you did it partly out of anger and revenge, I know that, but you also did it to protect me … a fox … who would have been your mortal enemy decades ago. Also, you had no idea that Jack actually had a small throwing knife in one paw, so you didn't kill an unarmed mammal, you killed a trained assassin who would have killed us both without a second thought if you hadn't shot him first."
"But-"
"No buts Hopps, it's a fact. Even though you knew I was a fox, you trusted me to rescue you, and when I hesitated while trying to obey my damned orders, you did what needed to be done. That's the kind of trust that bonds mammals together. Yes, there are female members like Goldie and others in the Teams, but we train together, we basically live together most of the time. But mammals like Goldie and the other females are more like sisters than lovers or wife material because the trust is necessarily taken for granted due to the nature of the job. Do you understand?"
"I-I think so?"
"Listen Hopps … Judy, again the actual core of entire issue is trust. I know that I can trust you with my life, come hell or high water and I'll stand by you and protect you with my life no matter what. The question us simply this … can you trust me? Trust me enough to put your very life in my paws … in my jaws during the claiming? And my life in your jaws as well. And if you've truly done your research, you know that the claiming needs to be done while we're-"
"Being … intimate…" softly admits the doe.
"Yes. That's a bit more polite that what I was going to say, but yes being intimate. It's that simple…"
Leaning back far enough to be able to gaze intently into Nick's intense emerald eyes, and taking a deep breath, Judy takes no time in answering – "Yes, yes I can. I know it won't be easy, and with your injuries I know that it'll be a while before we can consummate our wedding vows, the claiming included, but I'm willing to take the chance … because … through it all, I believe … I believe that I actually do love you, Nichols Wilde. After all, if true love isn't all about trusting someone with your very life, then what is it?"
Giving the doe a gentle smile, Nick draws her gently into what is to become their first meaningful kiss …
And just as the kiss becomes a bit more than chaste ….
The door to his room slams opens and in stride Senior, Wolford, Delgado, Goldie, Clawhauser and Fangmeyer.
"What the absolute fuck!?" curses a very angry Nick at the sudden unannounced intrusion.
"I told you!" announces a widely grinning Goldie to the group.
"Senior-" begins the irate todd-
"Can it Wilde, we happen to have a little surprise for ya…" interrupts Fangmeyer.
Stepping aside, Bogo motions the skunk priest, who Nick recognizes and remembers only too well, Father Mulcahy, forward.
"Yeah Wilde" adds Fangmeyer, "yer gonna git hitched, and we're gonna be yer witnesses… and about that second date…"
"Ummm, Fangs … I … ummm ….."
"Relax Nick, it's all good…" as the large feline looks hopefully at Nick's bunny…
"I've heard about his escapades, and I understand." confirms the doe.
Despite what Judy just told Fangmeyer, looking at his doe, Nick sees – concern?
"Judy?" asks the suddenly concerned todd.
"You-you're sure you want to do this Nick?" asks the doe. "You know it'll mean the end of your days in the Teams!"
"I think my days in the Teams were numbered anyway Cottontail," admits Nick "you just gave me a really good reason to hang it up. And thank you." as the todd leans in for another quick kiss, thoroughly embarrassing the poor doe amid the whistles and catcalls emitted by the Team members.
"Alright, enough!" loudly declares Senior. "Let's get this over with, I've got Teams to run…"
When Father Mulcahy steps forward, he asks a simple question – "Do you have the rings?"
As everyone in the room looks at each other dumbfoundedly, Nick motions the priest over and whispers to him "I've got this Padre, here's what I want you to do…"
With a bit of a smile/smirk, the priest begins "Since this is a bit off the cuff and very informal anyway …, Nicholas and Judith, please sit closely side-by-side and repeat the normal marriage vows …"
With that bit accomplished, he concludes the makeshift ceremony with "Since you have no rings just yet, please repeat after me … with this scent … I thee wed…"
A stunned Judy (as well as every other mammal in the room) simply stares at Nick until she hears him repeat "With this scent … I thee wed …" as he stares at her for a second and then leans in to scent mark her face, cheeks and between her ears.
Finally gathering her wits, the doe repeats the words and motions saying "With this scent, I thee wed…" as she chins Nick's snout, face and ears.
"You may kiss the bride." concludes the priest, which of course Nick takes full advantage of.
"Well, that's … unusual!" declares Sarah "But whatever works I guess." as she shrugs her shoulders. "Anyway, I've got a husband to get home to when we get back stateside, you two behave… or not!" she adds jokingly, addressing the todd and doe.
"And just so you know" Sarah adds as she exits, "I've decided to quit the Teams and take up a residency in the ER ward back home."
"That's great Sarah" admits Nick "someone with your convictions doesn't need to be put in a position of taking a life…."
"As soon as you're able, you do realize that you still need rings, right?" prods Father Mulcahy.
"Yes Padre, we do." responds a grinning Nick with a still partially stunned with Judy simply nodding in agreement.
"And Nicholas" adds the priest as he turns to leave "I sincerely hope that this is the last time…"
"As do I Padre, as do I." agrees the todd wholeheartedly.
With that, the rest of the assembled mammals say their congratulations and file out of the room, finally leaving the newlyweds alone.
"Well," begins Judy "here we are…"
"Sorry we can't … you know…" laments Nick honestly.
"Yeah I do, only too well". answers the frustrated doe "But at least I'm actually looking forward to when we can finally can with you."
…
Several days later, with Nick's leg finally healed enough for him to be transported, a jet normally used by the ZIA was commandeered by Agent Winters as part of a deal brokered to offset some of Judy's interaction with former Agent Savage.
Upon reaching cruising altitude, a letter addressed to Judy was provided by the comely antelope flight attendant.
Opening the letter that was addressed to Judith L. Wilde, the couple collectively gasp as they read the contents!
"Mrs. Wilde,
I know that you most likely consider yourself short on funds, what with being alienated from your family and all. With no job on the immediate horizon and with Nicholas not being able to work for the foreseeable future, I though that you could use a bit of good news.
I know that you despise the name and the very thought of Jack Savage due to your very recent unpleasant dealings with him. However, as you may not have known or anticipated, as his widow you are entitled to the benefits of his very generous life insurance policy as provided through the Agency. Even though the details of his death are considered overtly necessary, the Agency has decided to not only grant you the contents of said policy, but the contents of not only his bank account, but all of his personal and real property as well as restitution for his misadventures concerning yourself.
If you do not wish to retain, or take possession of, former Agent Savage's real and/or personal property, it will be sold off to any interested mammal that might wish to purchase said properties at fair market value.
Please consider your joint account with Mr. Savage closed and the amount of said account is enclosed with this letter in the form of a cashiers check, which you may deposit into your personal account when you return home to Animalia. The amount of the insurance policy will be forwarded to your personal account as soon as it is provided to the Agency
Please advise myself or the Agency as to the disposition of former Agent Savage's properties so they may be dealt with accordingly. If sold, the Agency will contact you so the funds minus appropriate fees and taxes, may be deposited in your personal account."
Respectfully,
ZIA Special Agent In Charge
Skye Winters
Skye Winters
P.S. If you need to contact me directly, please use the enclosed personal cell number:
Skye Winters 931-555-1212
…
Looking at each other slack jawed, Nick and Judy sat in stunned silence for several minutes.
"Th-this is real … right?" asks Nick.
"I-I guess so … I don't know why it wouldn't be …" answers the still stunned doe "But … three and a half million dollars? Plus the insurance money…?"
"And the sale of all of his property … No wonder the little shit could afford a private army…" groused Nick.
"What … ummm … will we do with it?"
"How about we simply hold the money in your account when we get back to the states and use it as a reserve just in case we can't get jobs right away … we still have a home and vehicles to by after all." Nick answers the unasked question that Judy was having a difficult time framing.
"Yeah, I guess that would work." Judy answers, glad that Nick can answer her so quickly with so much common sense.
…
Regardless of their new financial status, and not wanting to worry about the sudden very large financial windfall in their immediate future for the time being, with Judy now being a legal dependa (military dependent) she was able to live with Nick in a transition housing unit while he was in rehab at the Coronado, California Teams main Animalia west coast base. With the transition housing again being only minutes from the actual rehabilitation unit, a base taxi was cheap enough for Nick to ride with Judy not having to worry about him making it to his scheduled sessions on time. While Nick was rehabbing, Judy used the time to scour the internet around the Tri-Burrow area for a reasonable place to live, furnishings for their new home, a new vehicle, (or two) close to both the Tri-Burrow VA and to the Tri-Burrow Search and Rescue unit and anything else she could think of.
Thanks to Senior, the transition housing unit had 2 bedrooms, one of which was used to store Nick's BII (basic issue items) that were common to the Teams until such date as he - they – could be reassigned to the Tri-Burrow area VA hospital for the rest of his rehab and subsequent out-processing from the military
After the second month, Nick was finally able to transition to crutches and an inflatable leg brace of sorts to get around on, with the rest of his wounds healed to the point that he wasn't in constant pain so he could cut back on the pain meds so as to lessen the probability of addiction to the medications.
…
Looking up from her latest internet search, Judy realizes that Nick should have been home almost an hour ago.
Just as the slightly upset doe was wanting to dial her absentee husband, she hears the key in the lock and was preparing to chew out a certain fox when-
"Hey sweetheart, I … umm …?"
"Why didn't you call or text Nick?" asks the doe, attitude showing. "I've been worried sick, and I managed to misplace my phone…"
"Maybe because I did? I texted you right after I got done with my rehab session that I'd be a bit late… by the way, your phone is right there on the coffee table, under the latest copy of the Military Times. I can see the edge of it peeking out …" the todd says as he points to the coffee table.
Grabbing her phone, Judy realizes that she had inadvertently placed it on do-not-disturb, which is why she never heard Nick's incoming text.
"Okay, I apologize for almost biting your head off … so … what 'cha got behind your back?"
"You mean these?" asks Nick as he presents his doe with a bouquet of red and yellow roses, "Or these?" as he pulls out a slightly oversized black felt covered box.
"Thanks for the flowers" comments a now placated Judy "they look delicious. And that" she asks indicating the box "is … what?"
"This" snarks Nick "happens to be the matching set of wedding rings that I saw you drooling over a couple of days ago while you were surfing the 'net."
"Nick! How could you … we afford-"
Placing a finger gently on his doe's lips, Nick explains: "Relax Fluff. First of all, remember that you at least have large windfall when it comes to money. Besides, the guy at the jewelry store owed me big-time, so I cashed in the favor and got the rings for next to nothing."
"Nick, taking advantage of another mammal-"
"The mammal in question not only owes me his life, but the life of his family as well." reassures the todd "They were rescued by myself and the team on a mission to Iraqistan. I actually only asked for a slight discount on the rings, but he gave them to me for just under his cost. I would never deprive a mammal of his or her livelihood just for some jewelry."
"I-I'm sorry Nick…"
"It's okay Judy." answers the todd, taking his bunny into a tight hug while gently stroking her ears "but if you'd really like to make it up to me-"
"Yes! Yes! Anything…!"
"Well then, I also stopped and got this!" admits Nick as he shows his bunny a certain device he had purchased at a sex toy shop.
"That's to…"
"Limit my penetration, yes."
"And that means-"
"That tonight's the night … if you're agreeable with it of course." grins the todd.
Leaping into Nick's arms and gathering him into a very sensual kiss "YESYESYES!" admits the now overly enthused doe "Let's get you bathed so I can take a nice hot bubble bath and wear that sexy thing that I got a week or so ago to wear for you!"
As Judy prattles on, Nick simply grins as he watches the grey doe scamper around the small mammal sized apartment trying to get herself organized.
After a good shower, Nick sets out several candles around the edges of the tub to help set the mood as he waits patiently for Judy to finish with her bubble bath soak.
As Judy is entering the dimly lit bedroom wearing a negligée that did little to hide her ample bosom and other 'delicate parts', she sets her sights on the male that she finally wants to spend the rest of her life with.
…
After a night full of various 'adult activities', a very tired rabbit doe, tells her equally worn out todd "Nick …. Nick, you need to get up and get ready for you rehab…"
Somehow managing a weak smile, Nick reminds his wife "Fluff, today's Saturday, no rehab on weekends, remember?"
With that information slowly sinking in, a slightly perturbed Judy manages a weak shot to Nick's good shoulder "You absolute shit! How long have you known that you'd be able to do this?"
"Only since Wednesday. I needed time to get the flowers, rings and … toy."
Snuggling close Judy manages a weak apology "Okay, sorry love. Anyways … how about a good shower in a little bit? I think we could both use one after last night…"
As Nick takes his doe into his arms, a gentle squeeze turns into a tight hug.
"Nick?"
"S-sorry …"
When the pressure eases, Judy turns to see a very contemplative look on her todd's muzzle.
"Nick, Nick what's wrong?" asks the now concerned doe.
With a soft smile crossing his lips and a single tear forming in one eye, Nick confesses: "Judith Wilde, it suddenly occurred to me just exactly how much I love you, and the reason for the revelation…"
"… Okay, I'll bite, what's up?"
Running a finger gently down his wife's cheek, Nick tells her softly "I want to thank you for saving me …"
"I don't understand…"
"It suddenly hit me why Senior had been trying to get across to me for some time, and it took a tiny bunny to finally open my eyes. Blindly following orders was going to get me killed one day. The mission to rescue you gave you the opportunity to save my life … to turn my life around to hopefully be able to do something useful… so thank you Judy for saving MY life…"
Gently kissing her fox on the cheek, the doe softly replies "Foxes, so emotional…"
…
After a steamy yet careful joint shower, our favorite couple surf the internet looking for affordable housing, transportation and available jobs in the Tri-Burrow area.
Judy surprisingly spotted a small mostly inter-species community called Aurora on the outskirts of Deerbrook, which is the county seat for the Tri-Burrows area. Deerbrook also happens to be where the Tri-Burrow VA and the Tri-Burrow Search and Rescue headquarters are located.
What made the town of Aurora especially attractive was that it was a the short drive to the Tri-Burrow Search And Rescue headquarters, where both she and Nick were hoping for employment, which made every place that the couple would need to be a short distance away.
After reading through all of the particulars regarding the community, Judy decides to call the local real-estate agent to inquire about finding a suitable home, close to the VA.
After three rings, the agent picks up; "Deerbrook realty, this is Samantha speaking, how may I help you today?"
"Yes" begins the doe "My name is Judy Ho-Wilde, and my husband and I are seeking to move to the Tri-Burrow area, and we'll be needing a good place to live."
"I see. I noticed that you started to give your maiden name. If I may ask, what was it exactly?"
"I-umm … it … it was Hopps."
"… Well Miss Hopps, it seems like-"
"It … I … I told you that it's Wilde now. Is there a problem?"
"I'm sorry Mrs. Wilde," comes the sarcastic answer"but we currently have no listings at this time-"
"Please, before you hang up, please listen to me…" pleads the now slightly desperate doe.
"Fine, go ahead." comes the slightly belligerent reply.
"Yes, I used to be a Hopps, and I know that the Hopps name is more than a little hated in the area, and that a lot was made of the fact that I married a ZIA agent not long ago, but … I'm no longer with that son-of-a-"
"Judy…" Nick gently reminds the doe.
*SIGH* "Fine … Agent Savage and I are no longer together due to … a very unhealthy situation that developed shortly after our wedding." the doe states, knowing that the general public can never find out the details of her little 'adventure'.
"As a result, I am now married to a red fox todd and because of that have been excommunicated from not only the family business but from the Hopps burrow and from the Hopps name and community as well. I'm actually surprised that it wasn't all over the Tri-Burrow area as hostile as my parents were at the time!"
"If all that's all true," comes the voice over the speaker "then I'm sure that the Hopps clan didn't want to face the embarrassment and wants to keep it covered up. Not to sound rude, but would you mind if I did a bit of quiet research on your claim? If your information is substantiated, I'll be sure to call you back and we can go over any listings that might meet your particular needs."
Looking briefly at Nick, who simply gives a quick nod, Judy affirms the request "By all means, please do. I'll look forward to your call."
As the call is terminated at the other end, Judy places her phone on the coffee table.
"I would have never figured that I'd have such a difficult time even getting a place to live because of how much my family is hated!" grouses the doe.
Drawing his bunny into a tight hug from behind, Nick lifts her up and carries her and her phone over to the small kitchen table, placing her in front of the quick meal of waffles and juice that he had prepared while listening to the conversation.
"Ya gotta have some faith Fluff. Things 'll work out, they always do."
"I hope so, but there's always a chance that-"
And just then the phone rings – the return call from the Tri-Burrow realtor.
Holding her breath and resisting an urge to punch Nick, who happened to be wearing his best smirk, Judy answers "Hello, this is Judy Wilde…"
"Mrs. Wilde, this is Samantha with Deerbrook Realty returning your call. I'm happy, I guess, to inform you that your information checks out. While I know that it must be tough to be totally cut off from your family, at least you'll be able to blend into the community that you're attempting to find a home in. Now, if I may get a few specifics as to your needs … mate's name, how many kits, that sort of thing, we can try to find a you a suitable home."
"Well …" begins Judy, taking a moment to gather her thoughts "My mate is Nicholas Wilde, that's Wilde with an 'E', red fox todd, no kits as of yet but we are thinking of possible adopting in the future, so at least three or four bedrooms preferably with a basement, big yard, an out building or two, maybe even a small shop, close to the VA and to the Tri-Burrow Search and Rescue headquarters where we'll most likely be employed when Nick gets out of the military."
"Ummm, if I may ask, what does your husband do in the military?
"Actually, Nick was in special operations. The fact that he's a fox and I'm a bunny is why we really want to settle in Aurora. Is that a problem?"
"Personally, no it is not," admits Samantha"and I can understand why you chose Aurora, it's a nice quiet little town. With your husband being a predator and a military veteran, the search and rescue unit seems a wise choice. If you'll give me a day or two, I'm sure that I can find something that will fit your unique needs in or around Aurora. If you'll give me your e-mail address, I'll be sure to include some photos as well as the particulars and prices of the homes."
After giving the agent her e-mail address, the connection is severed and Judy looks expectantly at Nick.
"Looks and sounds like we've got that covered, now go ahead and call the search and rescue outfit and see if we're actually gonna have jobs." says Nick.
…
After a short break to help calm her nerves, Judy calls the headquarters for the Tri-Burrow Search and Rescue unit.
"Hello, Tri-Burrow Search and Rescue, how may I direct your call?" comes a feminine voice over the speaker.
"Yes, my name is Judith Wilde and I spoke with someone a few weeks ago about jobs for my husband myself…"
"Ah, yes, Mrs. Wilde. We were wondering when we'd hear from you again! It's so nice to finally put a voice to the name. My name is Jasmine Hopps and-"
"Jazzie?"
"WAIT! … The only mammal that I ever allowed to call me that is … JUDY?"
"… Yes Jazz, it's me." admits Judy, suddenly afraid that there is no longer a prospect for a job for either her or Nick.
"Judy, I-I don't understand!" says a now confused Jasmine "Mom and dad told the rest of us that you were still off on your honeymoon with that ZIA fella."
"That … couldn't be farther from the truth actually," admits an apprehensive Judy "but it's not something we can talk about over the phone, especially while you're at work. Does this mean that Nick and I have no chance at working with the Search And Rescue team? I know how much influence that mom and dad have around there."
"Okay, first of all, what mom and dad don't know won't hurt anyone. Now, who exactly is Nick and what happened to … what's his name … Jim … John … Jerry?"
"Jack is … out of the picture, which is all I can say for now, and Nick is the fox todd that I mentioned in my e-mail."
"Just … wait … did you just say that you're married to a TODD? After what happened between you and Gideon? Are you crazy?"asks a now astonished Jasmine.
*HEAVY SIGH* "Nick and I are due to be back in the Tri-Burrows area in about a month or so, I'll explain everything to you then, okay? In the meantime, please tell me that we'll have jobs there!"
"With your husband's military background and him being a predator, he's pretty much hired as soon as he's fit for work. But ... why do you want to work here? I mean – with your background you can work almost anywhere you want!"
"Again, you'll understand when we … okay, I'll give you a quick hint" getting an affirmatory nod from Nick "as to why I actually can't work anywhere I want, but you can't tell anyone … okay?"
"I pinky swear … so … what's up?" Jasmine's interest is now piked.
"Okay … Jack was into some really … questionable stuff and was only using me because of my connections to the family to get to Nick. Nick and his … friends rescued me. Nick's a really nice mammal when you get to know him, not at all like Gid." which now catches the todd's attention. "Anyway, when I told mom and dad that Jack was … indisposed and that I was engaged to Nick, they … told me that I would never be welcome in the burrow again … ever!" finishes Judy as she fights back tears."That's all I can give you, at least for now."
"Jude … this is for real … right?"
"Yes Jazz, it's true, all of it.
"None of us kits knew Jude. All we knew, up until now, is what mom and dad have told us. I'm SO sorry that this had to happen to you…"
"I know Jazz, I know. But, back to the issue at paw … are Nick and I gonna have jobs or not? We really need to know, because if not, we need to start to look elsewhere for work."
"I'm only the assistant chief here, so I've got a certain amount of pull … but that aside, give me a few minutes and let me talk to Brandon and explain things to him. Then I'll call back and let you know one way or the other, okay?"
"It's not like we have a lot of choice, but sure, go ahead and we'll start looking for transportation in the meantime. And … thanks Jazz." says Judy as Jasmine breaks the connection.
…
Roughly 30 minutes later, Judy's phone rings. Noticing that it's the SAR number, Judy immediately picks up.
"Hello, Jazz?"
"Judy? This is Brandon Catmull."
"Brandon? Brandon Catmull? … Bobby Catmull's brother Brandon?"
"Yeah, that's me. Listen … Jasmine has informed me of your situation, and to say I'm sorry that you're in that tight of a spot is a bit of an understatement."
"Buuuuuttt?"
"No buts I'm happy to say Judy. If you'll send me your e-mail address, I'll be happy to send you both applications for employment. Just download the fillable PDF file, fill it out and e-mail it back to me. All education and previous experience should be noted on the applications, with as much of your husband's military experience as he can provide will be helpful. I understand that as member of the Teams there's a lot that's classified, but whatever might be helpful to the SAR unit should be provided. If he's as experienced as I suspect, he'll likely be able to teach us a thing or three, while you'll need to go through an extensive 4-month training course to be able to join the SAR unit and be his partner. Does that sound okay to you?"
"Brandon, you have NO idea how you've just made our day. We're planning on … hold on a sec …. Ok, update … Nick just told me that he's, meaning we've, been cleared to move to Deerbrook so that he can finish his rehab at the VA there. By the time he's done rehabbing he'll be able to out-process from the military and will be able to report to the SAR unit for whatever training that he'll need. We should be able to move in a week or so and already have a line on a home in Aurora so the stay at the transition housing unit in Deerbrook should be relatively short."
"That's great. Look, I have a few things that I need to attend to here, so if you'll just give Jasmine your e-mail address we'll get thigs started on this end. It'll be great to see you again Jude."
"Same here Brandon. Bye." as the doe hangs up.
…
As Judy turns to Nick, she's greeted with the biggest smirk that she's ever seen on the todd.
"What?" she asks.
"I told you that ya just gotta have a little faith Fluff. It sounds like we both will have jobs and a place to live … So, what say we head to the base commander's office and pick up my orders, turn in my BII, well most of it anyway, and get ready so when the time comes all we need to do is head to the airstrip!"
"Most of that stuff in the spare bedroom? Why only most of it?"
"Because the Woobies and wool blankets are something that I want to keep. The wool blankets are warm and the Woobies are difficult to find and overly expensive in the civilian world." …
"I can understand the blankets but … what are Woobies?"
"Just a sec …" as the todd heads into the spare bedroom.
Returning a minute or so later, Nick holds up a camouflage - what? "It's actually called a poncho liner, but it's incredibly warm and waterproof up to a point. The woobie is warmer for the weight because it uses synthetic insulation with a thin nylon fabric while a wool blanket would be much warmer it's several times the weight. And in the field, on a mission, extra weight is usually reserved for ammo."
Taking the woobie in a paw, Judy notices that it's incredibly light but very warm "Huh! …ok, anything else that you really feel the need to keep?"
"Nope, that's it. Give me a paw to repack my stuff and we'll call a cab and head out."
Minutes later, doe and todd are on their way to base headquarters where Nick accepts and signs his final set of transfer papers, noting that the next military flight to the Zootopia region is on Monday morning,only three days away. Then on to the quartermasters to turn in his issued equipment and sign a statement of charges (bill) for the 'missing' woobies and blankets.
On the short trip back to the housing unit, fox and bunny both seem a bit apprehensive, for different reasons.
"You sure you're up to this?" Judy asks Nick.
"Yeah … mostly … I guess." answers Nick honestly. "You've gotta remember that this is the first time in decades that I've not been in the military. I'm used to speaking my mind and not worrying about my language. I don't wanna screw things up for us, especially for you by doing or saying something that I shouldn't."
"Well, I'll do my best to help you. But for me, facing mammals from around the Tri-Burrow area that will still think of me as a Hopps and hate the family name with a passion is another thing entirely, so we'll both have our own demons to deal with." confesses the now somber doe.
"Fluff … Judy … I know that you're mentally tough enough to handle any crap that is thrown your way, and as far as a physical threat … that's my department."
"Umm, you know you can't just kill them … right?" adds the doe.
"I-I can't?" asks Nick in (partial?) jest.
"No Nick you can't … we don't know if we'll have any place to hide the bodies … yet!" Judy shoots back, winking.
After organizing their few possessions for quick packing and exit, the odd couple decides to grab a quick bite to eat before resuming their much-anticipated bedroom 'exercise routine'.
~0~
A quick note: for some reason, fanfiction won't allow me to post from my laptop. If this keeps up, I may just abandon fanfiction altogether and only post on AO3. A suggestion to my faithful followers – please be sure to follow me on AO3 as well as ff just in case fanfiction decides to mess me up bigtime. I'm not the only writer that's been subjected to this.