First Salvo Chapter 33, a zootopia fanfic

First Salvo

a Zootopia fan fiction by Dan

Rated M+

(Artist Ownership) Ayden Gull from BRO GULLS by Anti_Dev

(Artist Ownership) "I will Survive by William Borba 2017

(Artist Ownership) Sheath and Knife by Harmarist

(Artist Ownership) Anubis and the Buried Bone by Harmarist

(Artist Ownership) Don Carnage Disney's TAIL SPIN

(Artist Ownership) Ikkey the Fox Kit by Inkbunny;s Ikkey

(Artist Ownership) Master Guns Flash by Inkbunny's Flash Timberwolf

(Artist Ownership) Characters From Omaha the Cat Dancer Reed Waller 1994

(Artist Ownership) Jag Damien Tiger from Inkbunny's Fluffy Puffy

(Artist Ownership) Dean Wilson from Animalolympics 1980

(Artist Ownership) Tanya Mousekovitz from American Tail

(Artist Ownership) Blotasky and Perkins from Cat Shit One by Motofume Kobayashi

Chapter 33: Home and retirement

"The day after...I got up as always. I checked my e-mail as always. I got my usual cup of coffee as always. I made my usual small breakfast as always. and like every day before, I went to my bedroom closet and pulled out my pressed set of working uniforms. I was putting on my shirt when it dawned on me..."Oh yeah, I don't have to do this any more. What am I doing?" I took off my shirt and put the uniform back in the closet. I spent the rest of the morning...sucking down more coffee."

The author. The day after he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2005.

4am

Fleet Welcome Home Day

Nick and Judy's house, Downtown Zootopia

28 August 2040

"They say the number one killer of old mammals? Is retirement." The big deer buck said as he sat with a home made drink in a jam bottle. "Mammals got'em a job to do? They tend to live a little longer so they can do it. I've always figured warriors and their enemies shared the same relationship. So now that you ain't gonna have to face your enemy on the battlefield any more? Which "R" are you filled with? Relief? or Regret?"

The gorgeous female mountain lion who sat on the other end of the camper replied with a toothy grin..."A little of both."

Judy clicked off the television from her bed. "Kill Bull Two. How appropriate to wake up to this scene today?" She said as she stretched then slowly turned to give Nick a kiss on the nose. It was the same routine as every other day...

Morning shower? Ten minutes.

Morning brushing? Ten minutes.

Brush teeth? Five Minutes.

Fuss over nails and wild hairs? Too much.

Make funny faces in the mirror? Too much.

Coffee, carrot cake, vitamins, check email, check news, check police blotters from the night shift. Another hour consumed.

Get dressed. Fuss over appearance. Fuss over appearance some more. Fuss again. Shine badge. Shine badge again. Shine badge a third time. Look at self in mirror. Kiss Nick. Kiss Nick again. Hug Nick. Kiss Nick one more time.

Up at 4am and out the door by Seven. Clock work precision. Routine keeping life in uniform rhythm...except it was all about to go into the snit can. Judy shook her head as she climbed into her police cruiser. What a way to view what should be a very happy day for her but those little aches in her joints as she climbed into the driver's seat we a jabbing reminder that she was 24 years from the first day she stepped through the gates of the Police Academy.

"Officer Hopps! You ready to make the world a better place?!" She thought of the first time in the Bull Pen at Precinct One when her enthusiasm was akin to the fox flu...rabidly annoying. Yet her enthusiasm stayed hot for 24 years and she felt she could give another 24, spiritually so. Yet her body was telling her clearly that this was a younger mammal's world now, it was their time to take the ball and run as she had guided them to do. She'd simply run out of time and she couldn't defeat age.

The cruiser still smelled nice and still looked brand new. It wasn't the car Nick and her had been in when they had that terrible wreck years ago but it was the original cruiser she and Nick had been assigned to together when Bogo had finally relented and recognized her capabilities...

"Now be careful Hopps." Bogo grunted. "It's not exactly built to fit." An obvious jab at the size disparity between a bunny and a large police cruiser meant to carry the biggest offenders on the street. Yet, Judy was Judy, and she "made" the car fit. In fact she was determined to make all the cruisers fit for bunnies and as always...she won by iron will.

Judy smiled as she thought of how Bogo size disparaged her..."Yeah? But it's big enough to have sex in." She told him as she lay across the front seats seductively. That could have gotten her fired and she was glad Bogo had some sense of humor. Of course...she and Nick did give the car a "stink baptism" with a little "Predator and Prey" one night. That was a fun time...which could have gotten them both fired .

Judy patted the dash as she drove. The car would be taken out of service because it was an old model and newer fuel efficient and cleaner fueled cars had been taken on by the force. It would be "de-cop'd" of all the police equipment and given back to Judy as a gift from the force. Because of Nick's degrading physical condition, the precinct had donated enough money to have the old cruiser made "handy-capable". The show of love and respect made her sob a little. Today was going to be an emotional roller coaster.

Stopping at a red light, Judy turned her head to look at the sidewalk in front of a Deers and Robucks clothing store and giggled to herself. It was that little block of aged concrete where Nick tricked her into standing in wet cement...

"I am not a dumb bunny." Judy said frowning.

"Right." Nick replied. "And that's not wet cement."

When Nick proposed to her as she sported a very big pregnant belly. He took her right back to that spot and said..."I don't deserve you Fluff. I am so sorry I did that to you. Will you have this stupid fox as your husband?"

The drive to the First Prinky was filled with memories...Car chases, foot chases, tackles, gun fights. The dentist where Jackson got his first tooth pulled. The other coffee shop Nick loved besides "Yogi Boob". The store where Nick bought Judy her wedding gown. The parking lot where Nick had a cardiac attack during one of their hour long required naps when they worked the night shift. That was a terrifying night...

Judy was on top of Nick trying to get him to wake up as another cruiser slid to a halt..."Nick! Nick! He's not waking up! Nick!" She screamed as Officer Delgato pulled the passenger door open.

"Judy, let him go!" Delgato growled. "Judy! let me have him damn it! Let go of him!"

"It's too late! It's too late!" Judy screamed as she held onto Nick with a death grip while Delgato blew air into the unconscious fox...

"Damn it Nick!" Delgato screamed. "You don't give it up this easy...Come on fox! Breath damn it!"

Nick suddenly shot up with a loud gasp and fought to breath as Delgato held him..." That's it Nick! We're here mammal. Judy's right here. Come on back..."

Nick got his awareness back and hugged Delgato fiercely with Judy sobbing as she snuggled the big yellow Tiger's face. A tear dropped from her eye and Judy had to pull the cruiser over. A year after he saved Nick, Delgato was killed by a drunk driver during a routine stop. Judy was deeply indebted to Delgato for saving Nick for it was after that scare that night that she gave herself to her future husband and they conceived Jackson. She took a moment to remember that lovable cat before driving on to the First Precinct and turning into the maintenance pen where "Shagless" the long time precinct mechanic stood having his morning coffee...

Note: Shagless is the screeching Puma from the Bugs Bunny cartoons

"Hey...eeeeeeee Chief Wilde." Shagless said smiling as he leaned against the driver's side door. "Finally bringing the old girl into pasture eeeeeeee?"

"Morning Shaggy." Judy said as she hopped out of the driver's seat.

"I just wanted to say eeeeeeeeeee it's been a great time with you Chief. Eeeeeeeee you made my life less boring you know?" Shagless said smiling as he extended a paw.

"Hope the new Chief will be less abusive on equipment as I was." Judy said as she shook Shagless's paw.

"No worries Chief...eeeeeeeeeeee...you can't have a safe city if you're not willing to work the tools you have till they fall apart. These cars are built to be abused. But you go on and enjoy retirement and I'll have this old girl ready for you to pick up. I think you'll like how I trick it out for you and Nick. Tell him eeeeeeeeeeee I said hello ok?" Shagless said as he climbed into the driver's seat and swung the bunny controls off to the side. "You better go Chief before your tears start flooding us all away ok?"

Judy wiped her eyes..."I don't know if I'll get through the day without soaked fur." She said smiling as she waved goodbye to Shagless and walked through a side door into the main hall of the Precinct. As usual it hummed with the morning activities of day and night shifts turning over. Officers flocked around the coffee and pastry table or sized each other up in the every day "I am bigger and badder than you" sparing matches that mostly ended up in holes in the walls or furniture trashed. Page Clawhauser was at her kiosk processing some silly miscreant, who suddenly had the inspiration to bolt into a run...while still in handcuffs?"

Judy reacted quickly. She ran to the closest support column, leaped into the air, bunny bounced off the vertical surface and launched herself against the cuffed "perp" (a bull moose) and slammed her rabbit feet into his snoot! The moose spun like a top and crashed to the floor!

Then also, with a clumsy crash of her own, did Judy. She sat for a moment to catch her breath and shake her head as Dawn Bellweather came running up! "Judy?! Judy?! Are you alright?!" Dawn said as she placed a hoof hand on Judy's shoulder.

"Yeah." Judy replied. "That's what I get for not stretching before work. Give me a second Dawn?"

"You are just bound and determined not to go lightly are you?" Dawn said as she helped Judy to her feet.

"Just had to get in that last take down." Judy replied with a slight smile as two tiger cops pulled the "perp" off the floor.

"One thing's for sure Chief? Your feet are still dangerous." One of the Tiger cops said. "Enjoy your retirement."

Page Clawhauser walked up with a red folder in her paws..."I guess this is the last arrest reception sheet you'll sign Chief." Page handed Judy the folder and petted her on the head. "Is this allowed?" She asked.

"I'm not saying no Page." Judy replied as she signed the sheet. "Is your uncle planning the reception at Buckies?"

"Who else would?" Page replied as she took back the folder. "Chief Jordan is in the office waiting for you."

Judy smiled. "You don't know how weird that just sounded Page."

Page gasped. "Oh Chief! Oh I am so sorry. That was..."

Judy patted her leg and smiled. "It's nothing Page. Nothing bad at all. Jordan is Chief now or she will be as soon as I sign all the papers." Judy blew from her mouth. "Well? He it goes everyone. Can't delay this thing another minute." Judy said as she started to walk. She then grimaced as a knot in her calf cracked and she felt like she got struck by a truck. "Oh kay...I guess I can afford to wait a few minutes more while I massage this Charlie horse." Judy sat down to rub her leg as a wolf officer named Shanus walked up...

The gray and black wolf asked. "Chief? Would it be alright if I?" Shanus held his paws out.

"It's alright Shanus." Judy replied as the wolf picked her up and snuggled her against his cheek.

"It sure is going to be dull without you here." Shanus said.

Judy pulled on his jowls..."It won't be if you give Chief Jordan the same enthusiasm you've given me. Now don't you start crying and howling Shanus or you'll get every wolf going. Put me down now?"

"Sure...sure..."Shanus complied. "Don't be a stranger ok? Come and visit when you can?" The wolf said as he walked off waving back. Judy waved to him then made her way to the mezzanine above the atrium floor and stood for a moment at her...Jordan's...office door. Already the name was replaced with "Chief Jordan, First Precinct."

Judy took a deep breath, smiled and entered the office with a buoyant ambiance..."Good Morning Jordan!" She yelped happily with a paw wave.

"Good morning soon to be retired Chief Wilde." Jordan replied with a smile. "You ready Judy?"

"You bet!" Judy replied. "Time to let the younger generation strut their stuff and take our city into an even better tomorrow!"

Jordan gave Judy a slight smirk. "And now comes the feelings."

"Alright." Judy said with a sigh. "It's a front ok? I am scared snitless! I can't lie."

Jordan got out of her chair, walked up to Judy and patted her on the leg. "Everything will be fine Judy! Tomorrow morning you're going to wake up, look over at Nick and say..."I would rather spend a day being screwed out of my mind by you than sitting in a smelly old police cruiser."

Judy laughed, sniffled a little, laughed some more and wiped her eyes. "Let's do it so I don't start crying and flood the office?"

Jordan turned around to the desk and grabbed a blue leather folder..."Judy Wilde. I have here the completed turn over you have provided of all information and equipment pertaining to the operation of First Precinct, Zootopia Police Department. Are you sure that all information enclosed here is true and accurate to your knowledge?"

Judy nodded. "I do state confidently that I have provided a complete pass down and accountability of all information, officers and equipment. All records are indeed in full and complete order." She said confidently.

Jordan opened the folder and signed one of the two sheets of paper. Very Well. I, Chief Jordan, do hear by accept and assume all responsibilities as Chief of Police, First Precinct of Zootopia, this day August 28, 2040."

Jordan then passed the folder to Judy and offered her a pen..."I...Chief Judy Wilde...do certify with my signature that I have given my replacement a full accounting of all information including all equipment and vehicles assigned to First Precinct of Zootopia this day August 28, 2040. I therefore with my signature resign my duties as Chief of Police."

Judy signed the document, pushed her paw into a pad of ink and pushed it down beside her signature. She then stood up and saluted Jordan. "Chief of Police Jordan? The care of the flock now rests with you."

Jordan saluted Judy. "I accept the charge given unto me. You are relieved former Chief Wilde." Jordan said. She then turned back to her desk and hit the intercom switch. "Will those officers chosen this morning for the retirement of Officer Wilde please report to my office?"

Judy watched as several uniformed officers entered the office and stood around the walls as Jordan gestured her to stand before her...

Jordan cleared her throat..."Judy? You realize that the City is planning to give you a little tribute soon and retire you officially but we felt you wanted to start it much sooner. This is the day of your administrative retirement from the force. Given that your son is coming home from deployment today...we didn't want to hold you with a party this morning. Judy? Are you ready to go?"

Judy nodded quietly and held a paw to her mouth.

Jordan continued..."Chief Wilde...There is no need to give a long speech. All of your fellow officers present this morning know that you have done what you set out to do 24 years ago when you came to Precinct One as a rookie officer. You've always said..."Make the world a better place!" Well Judy? There is no denial that you did that and more for your fellow officers and for the city of Zootopia. It is indeed with heavy hearts and our deepest affections that we all say farewell to a good police officer and a wonderful mammal. In my paws former Chief Judy Wilde is the records forms authorizing your retirement from the force with all benefits well deserved. Judy? Are you ready to sign the authorization of retirement?"

Jordan then waved her paw...Oops...almost forgot. Someone wanted to say something. I have a text message from your son Jackson...

"Mom. No child could be more happy nor more proud of their mother than I am of you. I am enjoying great success in my life because of the drive for success you gave to me. As a mom, you are the awesome best. As a police officer, you are second to no one. Congratulations mom. I love you and I am proud of you. Now stop crying, go home and love on Dad with fox cookies, cream and warming lotion. Magic tongue! Love...Jackson."

Judy started crying as Jordan put the retirement papers before her. Taking the pen...Judy signed herself out of the ranks and into retirement.

Officer Willy Packster, grandson of former officer Francine "Franny" Stomper, bellowed his trunk and threw up his arms! "FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY!FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY!FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY WHICH NO ONE CAN DENY!"

A tiger officer picked Judy up and bounced her on his shoulder as everyone danced around the office! "FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY!FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY!FOR SHE'S A JOLLY GOOD BUNNY WHICH NO ONE CAN DEEEEEEENYYYYY!"

The tiger put Judy on the floor as officers both in the office and outside cheered and noised their happiness! Judy took a moment to stop crying and raised a paw to speak. "Oh...oh great Frith...you know? You know you are all just...just...just the most wonderful, the most loyal, the most excellent mammals I've come to know. It's been a joy being here with all of you through the years, wearing the same cloth, the same badge and pounding the same beats. I'd better...I'd better stop before I cry my silly cotton tailed butt off...I'm going to miss you all!"

A Hyena officer waved his paw. "Quit while you're ahead Chief!" Officer Billy Blanchard yelped. "Chief Jordan? Can I get her out of here before she tries to grow roots or what?"

Jordan smirked..."Yes! Get this civilian out of my office! And be sure to stop by the sex shop so she can load up on toys for her husband?"

Judy yelped. "Jordan?!"

"Shut up civilian Wilde! You shouldn't even be past the secure limit signs? Officer Blanchard? I told you to get this smelly civilian puke out of my office!" Jordan then bent down and gave Judy a kiss on the nose. "Enjoy your retirement Judy...you earned it well."

8am

Fruit Market, Downtown Zootopia

28 August 2040

The youngster was in his seat...then on the floor board...then poking his head out of the window and lolling his tongue in the wind...then climbing all over the big polar bear sitting patiently through the torture while the youngster beat him over his head with a stuffed animal...then the polar bear cub repeated the process of kindergarten craziness all over again as the driver tried not to crash the limo from laughing his butt off!

"Are you going to tolerate this disrespect boss?" Dino "The Butcher" Ferini (Polar Bear) asked Tall Pauley. "Such disrespect I tell yah! The Goombah needs his bottom whacked good!"

Pauley snatched up the cub by his ankles. "You want your grandfather to ice your behind Prudenzo?"

"Uh uh Ganny!" The cub yelped back as he protected his bottom with his paws.

Pauley turned Prudenzo right side up and sat him down in his car seat. "Then little cubs must learn t o sit quietly while the car is in motion...capeesh me ah Dono? Otherwise? Grandpa don't spoil his favorite grand son with salmon after his first school day. You understands?"

"Ah!" The cub replied enthusiastically.

"I love you my little stuffed cup of joy." Pauley said as he kissed Prudenzo on the head. He then thought...Hey Dino? Ain't we near Candy Stripe Lane?"

"Yeah. Two blocks. Why boss?" Dino replied.

"Cuss I have business to attend too before I drop off my little fluff of joy here." Pauley said as he looked at the little cub. "Hey squirt of sunshine in my eyes? Would you like to see Grand Pa at work?"

The cub replied with a rapid tongue flapping nod.

"Don't do that in class ok?" Pauley said as he cleaned the drool from Prudenzo's lips. "That's not dignified." Paulie pulled a huge revolver from his suit coat and handed it to Dino. "I won't be needing this thing. Do me a good favor Dino and while I am earst in our business? Pick up a nice Canolli?"

Candy Stripe Lane, Tundra Town

"I can let you have it for two hundred and fifty Zoo bucks. Trust me Pal, any other fence would sell this movie gem for three times that much." Duke Weaselton (The Weasel from Zootopia One) said to the arctic fox who carefully inspected the leather coat in his paws.

"And you're sure this was worn by Clint Eastwoof in Mighty Quinn?" The fox asked.

"Look at the tag inside? That is definably "his" scribble zig. I've had it appraised three times by top paw print experts. I'm only getting rid of the coat because it's a very hot commodity."

Tall Pauley couldn't believe this character. He had no understanding at all of self awareness or protection, putting his little operation up at a cross way with a street at his back? This was too easy. So Pauley decided to make it more interesting...

"Did I hear you say you were selling a Clint Eastwoof jacket?" Paulie asked as he stood right behind Weaselton, which for a visual perspective was like an ant standing in front of the Palms Hotel in Sahara. And that was a pretty good absurd size comparison.

"Yeah bub." Weaselton replied with his back to Pauley. "And I ain't letting it go for any less than two hundred and fifty Zoo bucks! So give me a higher offer there sport."

Tall Pauley waited for Weaselton to turned around before he unleashed a toothy vision of roaring hell and spit upon the small rodent!

Weaselton turned white as a sheet, pissed his pants, dropped his jaw, cried "mother" and took of running!

Pauley stood for a moment as if waiting for a reason to move. Little Prudenzo played along, allowing Weaselton a sporting chance before the cub pointed is paw past his grandfather's large head and screamed..."SICK EM GANNY!"

A polar bear as big as Tall Pauley doesn't need to expend much effort against so small a "prey item" and at the moment poor Weaselton was just that, as he got snatched off his feet by the long bounding bruin and thrown into a pile of garbage!

Tall Pauley unleashed another toothy display of fierceness which got his grand son laughing and giggling like crazy..."Oh? You like that huh?" Pauley said to Prudenzo.

Weselton cringed against the pile of trash bags till he saw the bear cub riding on Pauley's back..."Oh? Is that your grandson Tall Pauley? Oh my Gawd, what a cute little shave he is! He's adorable! Looks like you really." Weaselton tried to make some bear noises and swiped his paws around which got Prudenzo giggling and clapping...

"Why yes he is." Pauley replied to Weaselton." He's my precious fluff stuff. Ain't you Prudenzo?" Pauley said as he tickled the bear cub and caught Weaselton trying to slink away. A massive bear paw caught and pushed the weasel into a wall...

"And just where do you think you're going you little stick in the wind?" Pauley snarled. "Do you realize I had to interupt taking my grand son to his first day of Kindergarten to come chase your scrawny, silly butt because it would appear that you have some dimensia when it comes to filling your obligations, you read me?"

"Obligations?" Weaselton asked. "What obligations?"

Pauley growled..."Don't play me weasel?! You signed a legal contract and there was no small print! It was fully explained to you. You took out a loan which you need to pay up. Did you sleep during the penalty explainations you stupid reject from ferret university?"

"I never got out of elementary school.A' Weaselton replied as he shrugged.

Pauley sighed and looked up..."Great Gawd of the Northern Winds? Please restrain my urges to "cap" this moron?" Pauley calmed down. "Look hear Weaselton? Non-payment of debts is usually carried out with an ice bath but? I'm gonna give you one more chance since today I am taking my light of joy to his first day at Kindergarten. The Don? He expects some proof that we had this conversation."

Pauley held Weaselton over his right shoulder. "Prudenzo? Left side."

"PLUCK!"..."OWWW!"

"PLUCK!"..."OWWW! STOP! PLEASE!"

"PLUCK!"..."OWWW! PLEASE! NO MORE!"

"PLUCK!"..."OWWW! MERCY PLEASE!:

"You won't be walking so good with half your whiskers gone. If you refuse to pay up by next Monday? You won't be walkin good at all. You "renig" on your obligations again Weaselton? You'll be lacking fur and wind up a "Weasel pop" you read me?" Tall Paulie asked.

"Yes! Yes!" Weaselton whimpered.

Pauley pulled the jacket Weaelton was trying to fence from his own back pocket and waved it in the weasel's face. "Now about this jacket? Is it an honest article?"

"Yes! Yes it is!" Weaselton whimpered.

"You ain't trying to lie to me are you?" Pauley asked.

"No!" Weaselton begged. "I swear Paulie! It's the genuine deal! I got it from "Light Claws Eddie" in Savana, I swear it's on the level."

Paulie looked at Prudenzo and smiled. "Then consider this jacket the full payment of your debts. I'm feeling charitable today since this is the day of my grandson's first day at Kindergarten. I'll cover your spread but in the future? You will owe me a service."

Weaselton nodded meekly..."Yes."

Pauley then pulled out his wallet and paid Weaselton two hundred and fifty Zoo bucks. "For your trouble. Sorry to have been so rough with you but this is business you understand?"

"I guess." Duke nodded thinking he'd better agree. He watched Paulie and the cub walk off and smiled wickedly to himself..."A few lost whiskers but I still got my talents."

The jacket was obviously a fake.

7:30am

The Destroyer Growler, ISERM Berthing

28 August 2040

Kyle couldn't help but whine and pant a little in joy at the expert preening of his bushy tail. A glowing compliment about now would probably make the fox-bunny screw up so Kyle kept the urge to sing a little over-exuberant sonnet quiet until Jackson made the last snip with a pair of clippers then rn his paws through the tail to puff it up...

"And we are done." Jackson said. "Do you like it?" He asked smiling.

Kyle stood up and wagged his tail wildly..."Yes! I like it! I like it!" The red fox said giddishly as he danced in place. "Jackie? You?" You are an artist superve!" The happy fox said as he kissed his tail. "I have never seen Celeste look so clean and wonderful...thank you Jackson!" Kyle said as he pulled out his wallet and treied to hand Jackson a fifty Zoo buck.

"That's too much Kyle." Jackson declined. "We're pulling in today, ten is enough."

"Ten is an insult." Kyle replied. "If you refuse my fifty, that will be an insult to me. Damn Jackie? you should ask for much more for the work you do. Heck, you have a monopoly on the ship with fox grooming, your work is at least fifty per fox."

"I don't "shark" happiness Kyle." Jackson said as he played with Kyle's tail. Now don't forget to tallow and powder her before you put her in a sock or she'll become a stinky mess by the end of the work day."

Kyle smiled back. "Your honestly wins you a lot of friends Jackson. It should make you rich too yet I admire your principles. You parents raised you right. Look me up when we're in the party today? At least let me buy you some drinks?"

Jackson smiled as he petted Kyle on the head. "Alright. I can't refuse an offer. Have fun today ok?" Jackson said as he turned his own attention back to getting his dress uniform ready for arrival into port. He was just about to put the top on an ironing board when Gilly walked up to his bunk...

"Morning Jackie." Gilly said with a paw wave.

"Morning Gill!" Jackson replied cheerfully. "Did Kyle pass you leaving a cum trail or what?"

"Now what brought that on dude?" Gilly asked with a smirk.

"I just finished his tail and I think he was getting weak kneed from an orgasm." Jackson replied.

"Well? Your work does have that affect on foxes." Gilly replied smiling.

"So you ready for port?" Jackson asked. "Are we meeting her there or are we going to your apartment for the after big party, party?"

Gilly nervously played with his fingers. "Uh? Jackie? Can I talk to you in private? I mean... really private? Like the fan room?"

Jackson pursed his lips. "Are...you alright?"

Gilly's face told everything. Jackson took him by a paw over to a row of racks full of foxes who were getting their dress uniforms ready...

"Hey Sissel? Markland? Can you guys do us a solid and guard the fan room door? I need to talk to Gilly in private."

The two foxes followed Jackson and Gilly without complaint and soon were standing outside the latched (Dogged in Navy terms) door to the living compartment fan room.

Note: Fan rooms aboard Navy ships circulate fresh air through the interior when the ship is secured or "Buttoned up" during battle stations.

Jackson stood while Gilly sat on an air vent looking as if he'd whipped the family pet and felt a wave of terrible guilt...

"Gill? Are you alright?" Jackson asked. "Is it some bad news from home? Is it? Her?"

Gilly shook his head. "No...I'm not all right Jackie. I'm flucken scared out of my fur right now! Gilly snapped, then waved his paws with worry..."I'm sorry Jackson! I'm just scared, I'm really scared."

"Gill?" Jackson replied as he took a paw in his own. "Gill? If you don't calm down and take a minute to breath? You're going to pass out on me. Don't make me call a medical alert on you?"

"But...I'm scared Jackson!" Gilly gasped.

"Scared or not?" Jackson replied as he slowly rubbed Gill's cheeks. "Scared or not dude? You need to breath...now deep breaths and blow slow..."

Gilly did what Jackson told him and after a few minutes...he looked better.

"Now?" Jackson asked. "What's got you so droopy eared and chatter toothed?"

"I...I lied to you Jackson. I lied to you, to Darla, to everyone. I'm sorry Jackie...you're my best friend and I've been lying to you."

Jackson nodded slowly. "Alright...you lied and it's obviously ripping you up inside...

Gilly blurted out..."Jackie? I'm...I'm gay."

"Well?" Jackson said with a slight smile. "I...I kinda had my suspicions for a while. Well? Darla broached a hint about your girl friend not being real but...why did you have to lie about this Gill?"

"You're mad at me." Gilly replied sobbing.

Being a little upset at being lied too is a little different than being mad, Gilly. If me and Darla are as close to you as you tell us, then why did you lie to us? What about this "girl friend" of yours?"

"He's a wolf." Gilly replied. "Oh mammal...I'm gonna be sick."

Jackson helped Gilly to sit on the floor with his head between his knees..."Gill? You're not breathing again. Don't make me call medical?"

"Ugh..." Gilly moaned. "This is so scary."

"Yeah..." Jackson replied as he rubbed Gilly's shoulders. "You're shaking like crazy but you'll live. So? Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide being gay? I thought you and I were best friends? You're going to be best mammal at my wedding, doesn't that say something about how much you mean to me?"

Gilly sighed..."I knew you followed the rabbit faith." Gilly said as he rubbed his head. "I was afraid you'd shun me if you found out."

Jackson sat on the floor..."Yes, I do follow my mother's religion but what does El Ahairrah have to do with you lying to me? The most important thing in friendship is trust Gill. Have I ever given you reason not to trust me? Not to feel safe enough to talk to me?"

Gilly put his paws to his face and sobbed..."I'm sorry Jackson...don't leave me please?! You know how most El Ahairrah ministers teach about homosexuals? That we don't contribute to the warren? That we're vile filth? That we're no better than vermin? And me in love with a wolf? Oh that's a special ass beating case. Rabbits? Beat the flea flying fluck out of cotton tailed fags. They kick us out of the warrens, out of our families, out of the Burroughs? I had to join the Navy at a station in Savana because you know how news and rumors spread fast with our kind? I couldn't get a job drinking spit or piss."

"So? You lied to me and Darla?" Jackson asked frowning.

"I had no choice!" Gilly yelped. "I was scared! You're the only friend I have Jackie! Now I've broken our friendship and you hate me..."

Jackson rested his paws on Gilly's shoulders..."Will you please stop bowing your head and kissing the deck plates? For Frith's sake Gill...have dignity for yourself!" Jackson sat back and crossed his arms. "You haven't lost me nor Darla. You haven't lost anything because I don't care if you kiss a wolf, a Tiger, a Leopard or an elephant. Well? An elephant might be a little bizaro?"

Gilly wiped his face..."I'm so...so sorry Jackson."

Jackson petted Gilly's leg..."Be thankful that my mother isn't only devoted to her faith? She reads the scriptures and takes notes...lots of notes. It's a cop thing with a side of OCD. Yes... the prophet El Ahairrah wrote a lot of the importance of marriage between male and female. That it takes both male and female to populate the warren with tons of kittens. That relationships between male and female are "The normal and natural" way of procreation. But the prophet also said that every rabbit has the right to chose "their" own way through life and that no rabbit may change one by threats, or force, or against the will of the chooser. Abandonment of rabbits because of their choices by the warren is a high sin the prophet hates. El Ahairrah says that rabbits must stick together as a family and as a nation. If we let one die by neglect then we all deserve to die."

Jackson paused and continued..."You know what the problem is Gilly? The way the scriptures has been taught through the centuries has become perverted and poisoned. Look at how rabbits have viewed foxes? My father wasn't well recieved at first by my mom's family because foxes were viewed as wicked evil agents of the devil. So many rabbits forgot that Frith created foxes because rabbits were bull headed, pride filled, foolish and eating the world clean of grass. I'm lucky my mom was so careful with my education."

Jackson took one of Gilly's paws. "Leave you? Bull snit. You are my dearest and closest friend in the whole world, gay or not. If you want to be gay? Fine. If someday you didn't want to? fine. Your choice, not mine. Just don't go sleeping around with like fifty mammals and end up giving your boy friend the clap. Then? I might get really fricken pissed."

Gilly begged..."You promise? You promise you won't leave me? You won't let anything happen to me? If any of the rabbits on the ship find out..."

Jackson paused Gilly, walked to the fan room door and opened it..."Hey Markland? Could you come in here for a second?"

Merkland, a silver fox and a second class petty officer, followed Jackson inside. "Is Gilly all right Jackie?" Merkland asked.

"No." Jackson replied. "He's kind of gay."

"JACKSON?! WHAT THE FLUCK?!" Gilly screamed.

Merkland waved a paw..."It's alright dude. My lover is a male snow leopard. You're all right.'

Jackson wrapped an arm around Gilly's shoulders. "Gilly needs protection in case some of the rabbits here find out he's gay and decide to have some fun? I was thinking you and the other foxes might drop a dime that actions have their consequences?"

Merkland asked. "Why not take this up the chain of command?"

"Because." Jackson replied. There's a wider risk beyond the ship if this gets out. For now? Gilly wants to keep his love life a little "contained" like it's no one's fricken business."

Merkland nodded. "A friend of Jackson Wilde is a friend of all foxes. Fear nothing dude. We got your cotton tail covered."

Gilly looked at Jackson and sobbed..."Jackie? Jackie I..."

"We're pulling into port to a humungus block party and you're going to be a wreck. Sheesh what's this wolf going to think of you? By the way? What's his name and what does he look like?"

Gilly reached into his pocket and pulled out his waller. "His name's William Gray and... forgive me Jackson but? He's a dream...he's so fricken gorgeous."

Jackson looked at the picture of Will Gray and smiled..."This isn't the anti-war wolf Will Gray is it?"

"I'm not bragging." Gilly replied smiling. "I certainly know how to catch a prized gay fish huh?"

"Well? He is pretty smart." Jackson replied. "To say nothing of being handsome. Does he treat you ok? He's not like one eighty out from his public fursona is he?"

"No!" Gilly replied smitten with love. "He's wonderful! Wait till you meet him Jackson, I swear you'll...gee? Am I really pouring on the gay or what?"

"Ok." Jackson said as he pushed Gilly back. "You're in mad, passionate K-9 lust."

Gill then patted Jackson's chest..."Uh? You and Darla have to treat us in public like we're just old high school pals ok? Please don't slip up and drop hints that we're a gay couple, please Jackson? Please be very careful when you meet him? I mean...he has this huge reputation to protect and..."

Jackson giggled..."I promise not to "Gay-tray" you guys. But you both have to come to our apartment after the big party ok? No excuses."

"Just you...me...Will and Darla?" Gilly asked.

"Yes Gilly...just us, I promise." Jackson replied. "Now lets go and get our uniforms ready? Except? You stink like sweat and shame, go shower?"

Gilly stopped Jackson at the door and wrapped himself around him. "I don't know where I would be without you Jackie."

"You'd be a mess." Jackson replied. "Everything is cool between us Gill."

7:30am

The Gray Family Residence, Rain Forest District

28 August 2040

"Grace? Where's my dress shirt?" Gordon Gray asked as he came out of the bathroom wiping himself with a towel.

"I just finished ironing it honey!" Gordon's wife replied from their bedroom.

Alex came out of his own bedroom and about had a heart attack when he came face to face with his naked father...

"Damn it Dad?!" Alex yelped. "How about some BVD's or underwear or something over your sack?! Damn!"

"I thought you were accustomed to naked males by now son?" Gordon snorted.

"Oh fluck you tranny banger!" Alex snapped back. "Wrap your fricken schlong Pop? Sheeesh, the "squid" never left you did it?"

"So suddenly prude and modest? Yup, you are one ate up "Jar-pup" aren't you?" Gordon snickered as he appeased his growling younger son and wrapped himself with his towel.

"Before we go to Sahara dad?" Alex asked. "I have to talk to you and Mom about something important. When you're not "free balling" it around the house of course?"

Moments later...Gordon, Grace and Alex were together in the kitchen having coffee. Alex stood thinking of the words to say and adjusting his throat to be more adult than cubbish. Even at sixteen, he still sounded sort of a kid which annoyed him.

"Ahemm...Mother? Father? Alex said in a deep voice. "I want to have my own place. I want to move out and live on my own." Alex said commandingly.

Grace looked at Gordon, Gordon looked at Grace..."Ok son. When do you want to move out?"

Alex was shocked. "Seriously? That's it? I just said I wanted to move out? Me? Alex? The baby?"

Grace snickered. "At last check Alex? You weren't wearing Pampers any more."

"But? I mean? no..."Alex? You haven't finished school." No "Alex, you don't have a job yet?" no "Wait till you leave for the Marines Alex?" I mean...you guys want me to move out?"

Gordon sighed. "Alex?"

"Yes Dad?" Alex replied.

"Don't talk yourself out of it?" Gordon replied.

"You guys want to get rid of me?" Alex asked.

"I thought you wanted to live on your own Alex?" Grace said with a loving smile. "You'll soon be joining the Marines so it's better you start to ween yourself away from us sooner than later. And we can turn your room into your father's new tool room."

"Mom?!" Alex yelped.

Gordon thumped his son on the chest. "Do you want to live on your own or not? We'll spot for your apartment so long as it's reasonable. But you have to get a job within 30 days and prove to us that you will be responsible. I have no doubts about you Alex so don't disappoint us."

Alex waved his tail furiously! "Thanks Dad! Thanks Mom!" He yelped happily as he hugged and kissed them both. "You guys are so cool!"

"I think we did an ok job with you and Will." Gordon said as he wrapped an arm around Alex's shoulders. "Give me a few minutes alone with him honey?" Gordon said as he took Alex from the kitchen and into the living room.

"So?" Gordon asked. "Between you and Will? Is it over? All that stuff is over...right?"

Alex nodded back. "Yes Dad. It's all over and done with. I made sure it's over."

"Are you sure?" Gordon asked again.

"Dad? It's done! Please don't punish Will on his big day? The incest is done and gone." Alex replied sternly.

Gordon nodded. "Alright then. No more need to be said. But? Don't you dare disappoint me. I want you to stay focused on your future. Your mother only needs to hear good things coming from you. Is that clear?"

"Yes Dad." Alex replied. "Cept one thing? Do I really have to drive that piece of snit jeep?"

"We all must pass through the firey leaden trial of our parents hand me down jalopy son. This too shall pass."

"Not the smell." Alex snorted. "The thing probably smells like the tranny you ass banged during that in port. Have you ever told Mom your fetish for male Kangaroo ass in a dress?"

"You? Had better keep your mouth shut you know-it-all pup." Gordon growled.

"Then "YOU" need to get "ME" a nicer car...Dad." Alex replied. "Or I'll show mom those silk panties you kept from your little "wild ride"."

8am

Special Underwater Warfare Center

Mongoose River, Rain Forest District

28 August 2040

Virgil flew effortlessly around the Olympic pool twisting, rolling and turning sharper and tighter than he ever had before with his new prosthetic tail working seamlessly through every angle and bend of motion! He was so pleased at what the doctors had been able to do for him over the many weeks of fitting and rehab he'd done.

The otter swam for the bottom of the pool, bounced off the floor and rocketed upwards in the deep end to broach the surface and land with a slide to a stop before a pair of feet. When he looked up, there was Sargent Beezler standing with a new prosthetic arm of his own.

"Oh?" Virgil noised as he stood up. "Beeze? You come to say goodbye?" Virgil asked as he walked to a chair where his towel and clothes were.

"I heard you got orders to the Outback Islands?" Beezler asked.

"I did." Virgil replied as he toweled himself off. "I got assigned to military school house company. I'm going to teach Kangy and Kowala how to blow snit up. Did you get placement yet? When do you process out?"

" I don't" Beezler replied as he showed his smart phone and the email message. "I've been assigned to school house company too."

Virgil was surprised. "I? I thought you were done?"

Beezler raised a paw finger..."We pinky swore remember?" Beezler said. "Knowing you? You'll get into trouble and I'll have to bail you out. After all...I can't leave an undone turn open you know? You saved my stupid tail and lost yours so I have to save you a body part and loose another to make things even."

Virgil wrapped an arm around Beezler..."You're always a crazy dumb tail aren't you? Admit it! We're just inseparable, insufferable bachelors who can't live without each other. We should make a TV show? Call it "Bosom Buddies" or something. Two otters who dress like females to keep an apartment at an all female dorm because the rent is cheeper."

"You wear the panties pal." Beezler snorted. "That's your speed any way." Beezler reached down and played with Virgil's tail. "They did a wonderful job with this but there's no machine gun?"

"They couldn't figure out how to add it." Virgil replied as he petted his friend. "I'm so glad you stayed Beezy."

"What the hell was I going to do on the outside?" Beezler replied. "All I know how to do is blow snit up and lose otters their tails. You think I could see cars or something?"

9am

Nick and Judy's house, Downtown Zootopia

28 August 2040

The cruiser came to a stop in front of the house and Judy stepped out of the passenger side as Officer Blanard stepped out of the driver's side and extended a paw...

"Again Chief? It's been a real pleasure serving under you. Enjoy your retirement and don't be a stranger ok?" Billy said with a smile.

"Take care of yourself and the department Bill." Judy replied. She then watched the cruiser pull away down the street and sighed softly as she turned towards the house and walked up to the front door. She paused for a moment to think about how she and Nick would soon sell it and she wiped her eye clean as she walked through the door and into the front foyer. She closed the door behind her and the moment the door latch went "click:...

"Boom! Cha Boom Boom!..."Boom! Cha Boom Boom!..."Boom! Cha Boom Boom!..."Boom! Cha Boom Boom!...

Th sound of a set of drums filled the air around her as she looked sullenly down at the floor. As Judy looked up...she saw three female chipmunks dressed in grey dress suits with long flowing skirts and white silk bow ties around their white satin shirts.

The lead singer was stepping a few feet ahead of the other two who stood to her left and right and swooned to back up her every word...

"The night we met I knew I...needed you so...And if I had the chance I'd...never let you go."

Brittany Miller threw her hands in the air and began to snap her fingers as she walked towards Judy who now gasped and threw her paws to her mouth as her ears flew up! The Chipettes? The Chipettes were in her house?!"

"So won't you say you love me?...I'll make you so proud of me...We'll make 'em turn their heads...every place we go...So won't you please?...

Jeanette and Eleanor: Be my...Be my Baby

Brittany: Be my little Baby

Jeanette and Eleanor My one and only Baby

Brittany: Save me my darling

Jeanette and Eleanor: Be my, by my Baby

Brittany: Be my baby Now

Jeanette and Eleanor My one and only Baby

Brittany: Ah Woe Woe Woe Woe Woe

Judy looked over to the side of the room to see Nick standing with his paws behind his back. That familliar Nick Wilde stance, that old familliar Nick Wilde hustler face, the face that snugged her heart from the first day she met him. Slowly he put his paws out before him and his face turned to a countenance of joy and love she couldn't resist. Crying...Judy flung herself into his arms and Nick scooped her off the floor and cradled her lovingly as the Chipettes continued to sing...

"I'll make you happy baby...just wait and see...for every kiss you give me...I'll give you three..."

"Oh since the day I saw you...I have been waiting for you...You know I will adore you...till eternity...so won't you please?

Jeanette and Elanor: Be my...Be my Baby

Brittany: Be my little Baby

Jeanette and Eleanor My one and only Baby

Brittany: Save me my darling

Jeanette and Eleanor Be my, by my Baby

Brittany: Be my baby Now

Jeanette and Eleanor: My one and only Baby

Brittany: Ah Woe Woe Woe Woe Woe

A flourish of beautiful violins filled the air around them as Nick gracefully danced his wife around the room as she cried n his chest. That sly, mischievous, davious, wonderful old fox knew how to make her heart melt and make her happiness soar and he did it yet again!

"Oh since the day I saw you...I have been waiting for you...You know I will adore you...till eternity...so won't you please?

Jeanette and Eleanor Be my...Be my Baby

Brittany: Be my little Baby

Jeanette and Eleanor: My one and only Baby

Brittany: Save me my darling

Jeanette and Eleanor Be my, by my Baby

Brittany: Be my baby Now

Jeanette and Eleanor: My one and only Baby

Brittany: Ah Woe Woe Woe Woe Woe

Nick placed Judy on the floor and held her paws..."Happy retirement Fluff." He said as he wiped her eyes. "And now I can spend the rest of our lives making you happy. That is if you wish it?"

Judy looked over at the Chipettes. "How did you manage to get the Chipettes to come over our house? What did Nick promise you?" Judy asked the female chipmunks who replied with questioning shrugs.

"Carrots?" Nick said. "I am very shocked you'd even ask how this affair came about? You know I am absolutely gifted in achieving the impossible because as I have so often told you over the years, your hubby knows everyone in Zootopia and I do mean...every one."

Nick backed away from Judy with his arms stretched out at his sides and smiled at her deviously..."Dear Chipettes? Give me a little background dity? Not too slow but not too fast on the drum beats please?"

Eleanor snatched up a small trash can. Brittany pulled out a harmonica and Jeannette snapped her paw fingers to put together a back beat as Nick tapped his foot and bounced his snoot...

"Oh carrots...your hubby is still a scoundrel and a scammer...it never left there Sugar Tail... and I do mean...Sugar tail...dare to follow me ok?..."

"I know a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. The list it never ends..."

"I know the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, a thousand mammals I contend..."

"My talents for acquisition my dear...are as numerous as the stars..."

"My charm, my smile, my foxy ways...could take us very far..."

"Bare in mind that most of them are a shade bit illegal, but we'll exclude them and carry on."

"Oh I can get you anything your little heart desires."

"A house, a mouse, a mouse in a house...no request is beyond compliar."

"I can even get you seven stallions to dance the seven veils and that would surely tickle your bunny tail...but I digress..."

"Oh I am the fox of foxes...sly, cunning and shrude."

" I can scam a binkie from a baby...but that would be very crude."

"If you care to stick with me...your life will be filled with riches."

"Never mind the holes I cut into the pockets of your money loaded britches."

"Wow! A Masterdon Card. Don't leave home without it."

"Oh...I know a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. The list it never ends..."

"Nick?" Judy asked.

"I know the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, a thousand mammals I contend..."

"Nick?" Judy asked again.

"My talents for acquisition my dear...are as numerous as the stars..."

Nick?!" Judy yelped louder.

"My charm, my smile, my foxy ways...could take us very far..."

"NICK!" Judy yelped to stop Nick from singing.

"Yes my love?" Nick replied.

"I just got swept off my feet by the Chipettes and I'm afraid you come in a pretty lame second." Judy said with a smirk.

Nick frowned. "Well? I will just take my pride and my other lover...", Nick's tail Chantelle, "and I will bid you adeu. Hmph! See if I ever get you those ten stallions ever again Fluff." Nick snorted as he pretended to walk away jilted.

End of Chapter 33