Several weeks since Nick and Judy boarded the Triumphant Phoenix, the mobile headquarters of the Jedi Order. Over that time, Nick had been training in marksmanship to better help him become Judy's partner.
"And I... and I thought gym class was rough." Nick complained in Judy's quarters.
"If it's any consolation. It's just so that you can keep up with me. You've seen what a Jedi can deal with on an average day." Judy said as Nick rested on her bed.
"Really? You face rogue Jedi often?" Nick asked.
"Master Tano and I have had a few run-ins with the Avatars of Ashla, and to a lesser extent the Sith in the Shadow Collective," Judy said. "Ahsoka got in a good shiner with her sabers on a Ragithian Human Sith this one time on Graia I, see it's a factory world-" Judy then experienced a dizzy spell. "Oh no."
"Carrots, do you need to sit down?" Nick asked.
"No... Leia... Leia is in danger." Judy said in concern. "Grandmaster Skywalker's daughter is in danger!"
XXXX
Later on in the Jedi Council Chamber. Nick and Judy stood before the Council. "Alright... we have all sensed that Leia has been captured by the Hutt Cartel over Tatooine," Anakin said, looking dower at the situation. "Her mission was to transport the plans for a rumored Hutt doomsday weapon to the Republic. But her ship, the Tantive IV was intercepted by a Hutt capital ship."
"And this weapon is... what exactly?" Nick asked.
"If the rumors are to be believed young Nickolas." Plo Koon spoke up. "It is some manner of bio-weapon. One that has the potential to eradicate all life on a planet... this latest development only proves its existence."
"I'll scrounge up a rescue party." Judy offered.
"That will not be necessary young Judy." A hologram of Obi-Wan said. "I am already on Tatooine, as well as Luke. And unless I'm mistaken, the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 were with Leia. Most likely they have the plans for this weapon, and escaped the Tantive IV." He reasoned.
The Geonosian then spoke up. "I agree with Grandmaster Namma Chikkac. We should still do something about this Hutt weapon. For all we know it could be completed in some way." Judy said.
"Yeah, fox locked out of the loop here," Nick spoke up. "I've never actually never met a Hutt, but I do know their reputation. Slavers, gangers, general scumbags. So... why do they have this WMD that's got everyone on edge?"
"To put it simply. The Hutt's have grown ambitious since the end of the Clone Wars." Obi-Wan said.
"We've been getting reports of a military buildup in Hutt space over the last decade. Not to mention reports of raids by the Hutt's into Mandalorian space." Anakin said. "From all appearances... war could very well be on the horizon."
"And the Republic isn't lifting a finger to help with this? Are they?" Nick said.
"The Senate has been endlessly debating what to do, though unlike back in the day there making progress. But as of right now, the Republic's hands are tied." Anakin said.
"I'm still going to mentally list that as 'doing less than a sloth on a fast day'," Nick said bitterly.
"Regardless, we must trust in the Force... hope that, even if the Hutts have finished their weapon. It will not have a chance to be used." Grandmaster Aayla Secura said.
XXXX
Several hours later, Nick and Judy were onboard Anakin's starship. "-anyway, after Obi-Wan lost the Twilight I had to get a new personal ship. And since then I've been performing regular upgrades to this baby. The Azure Angel V." He said proudly
"What happened to the Azure Angel I through IV?" Nick asked.
"Dark Jedi blew it up on one of the moons of Yavin during the Clone Wars," Anakin said. "I swear if Asajj knew how much time I spent making that Delta-7... anyway, II through IV are in storage. I've been looking for a buyer for them. Nowadays I've taken to piloting whatever starfighters look interesting to me."
"He's basically part grease monkey." Judy sniggered.
"Right... what's a monkey?" Nick asked as the shuttlecraft took off. "Anyway, so we're going to go and find your little girl. Despite the Council saying that we shouldn't do this."
"Yep! And before you say anything. I've been doing this since I was Padawan before the war." Anakin said.
"And the reason Master Tano isn't coming with us?" Nick asked.
"She's on pregnancy leave," Judy said.
"Oh... except, wait. I didn't see a belly the last time we saw her." Nick said.
"Yeah, Ahsoka has had this weird ability to not have a pregnancy belly," Anakin said as the ship made the jump into Hyperspace. "Now Judy. We need to meditate in order to narrow down where she could be."
"Wait, what?" Nick said in surprise. "Whose going to manage the ship?!"
"I wrote out comprehensive instructions in English," Judy said as she and Anakin went into the back of the ship.
XXXX
Several hours later on Coruscant. Padme Skywalker, now Chancellor of the Republic. Was waiting anxiously on news of her daughter's whereabouts. She paced around her office on Coruscant. Waiting for some kind of sign. Then a droid entered the office. "Chancellor Amidala, we have received an incoming call the Testament of Varl." The droid said.
"Put them through," Padme commanded. Then a hologram of a Hutt appeared, along with an aged protocol droid standing next to him. "Elder Entuu Voll... you mind telling me why you're in my ears?" She said spitefully.
"I will make this brief Chancellor. I have your daughter in my possession. She is onboard my flagship, along with the Scourge weapon. Now either the stolen plans are returned to me. Or Alderaan will be put down by the Scourge!" The droid translated.
"Will you give me some time to think about the matter?" Padme asked.
"The great and powerful Entuu the Conquerer shall grant you one week's time to return the stolen plans." The droid said. Then the hologram disappeared.
"What shall you do now Madam Chancellor?" The droid secretary asked.
"I shall get a hold of my husband," Padme said as she sat down at a console, and typed on a keyboard. Eventually, she contacted the Azure Angel V.
"Hello, this is Anakin Skywalker...'s shuttle."
"Of course it went to message," Padme said in disbelief. Then a hologram of a bewildered-looking fox appeared on her console. "And you are?"
"Uh... I'm Nick. Nick Wilde... of Mammalia." Nick said awkwardly.
"Is Anakin available?" She asked.
"Is there an Anakin Skywalker aboard this vessel?" Nick asked, rallying himself. "Yes, yes there is. But he's meditating-"
"Then get him up here. Now." Padme said in a commanding tone. Nick left, and roughly one-minute later he returned with Anakin. "Ani, I didn't know you had a secretary." She said sarcastically.
"I had a vision that you'd call... and tell me where Leia was," Anakin said coyly.
"Of course... I just got a call from Entuu the Zealot. He's threatening Alderaan if we don't turn over the plans for the Scourge. Not only does he have Leia onboard his flagship. But that is most likely where he'll make his first strike, even if the plans are returned to him." Padme said.
"Then we'll make for Alderaan. With any luck, Obi-Wan had the same idea and he's found passage as well." Anakin said.
"Then it's settled. Get to Alderaan as quickly as possible, intercept the Testament of Varl. Get our daughter back, and destroy the Scourge before the Hutts can use it." Padme said. "And Anakin... I want to meet with you at the usual place when you survive."
Anakin blushed. "Well... that's a bit, forward Chancellor. I mean... a galactic war may very well be on the horizon. Even if this mission is a complete success." He said.
Nick and Judy cringed at this. "So... there married?"
"Yep, right after the Battle of Geonosis from what I heard," Judy said.
"Would never have thought that I'd ever rub shoulders with such big wigs," Nick said.
"It's more like you'll rub shins with them... not kidding. Most lifeforms in this galaxy are at least as big at wolves. Some even bigger!" Judy said.
XXXX
One week later in orbit of the peaceful planet of Alderaan. The flagship of the Hutt warlord, Eentuu Voll hung over the world. "Has there been any word regarding the plans for the Scourge?" Eentuu asked impatiently of an aid.
"We have not received word from the Chancellor, she may believe that your threat was a bluff. Oh, glorious Eentuu the Bloodied." The aid groveled.
"Then I shall prove to her that I will conquer this galaxy! Send word for the Scourge to be readied! It is time... for Alderaan, to die." Eentuu commanded.
"My lord!" A soldier said. "We have two ships in the system... one designated the Millenium Falcon, the other the Azure Angel V."
A figure in a robe then spoke up. "One ship has what you are looking for Lord Eentuu. The other... has power beyond any of us."
"Take both aboard!" Eentuu commanded. "I will not be denied anything!"
Later on, both ships were in a hangar bay of the Testament of Varl. Eentuu went down to personally oversee the ships. "Well? Was there anyone inside?"
"Negative. According to the ship's logs, the crews went out of the escape pods right as the tractor beam pulled the ships in." The soldiers said.
"Oh, but they are here... they are beyond my sight I fear." The robed figure said.
"Then search every nook and cranny of this vessel! Scour the entire system if you have to!" Eentuu roared. Unaware of who was slipping out of hiding.
"That... that was too close," Nick said as he and Judy snuck into a storage room. They were quickly joined by Anakin. As well as the crew of the Millenium Falcon. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.
"Hello there, young Judy," Obi-Wan said to the young rabbit.
"Okay, can someone get the smuggler up to speed?" Han complained. "You left out the detail that we'd be walking in on the most infamous Hutt in the entire galaxy."
"Would you have even taken Master Kenobi's credits if he said that?" Luke said.
"Look, let's just calm down... and work out a plan for how to rescue Leia, and destroy the Hutt weapon," Judy said.
"Agreed," Anakin said. "R2? If you would do the honors?" R2-D2 then plugged into a wall. The little droid then displayed the interior of the ship. Including where Leia was being held. The ship's power systems. And the location of the Scourge.
"This seems straight forward. Anakin, you and I will disable this ship. Luke, you, Han and the Wookie will rescue Leia. Judy, you and Nick will have the most important job." Obi-Wan laid out.
XXXX
"Judy, why didn't you say 'no' to going after this Scourge thing?" Nick asked as he and Judy went through the Testament of Varl's ventilation system.
"He's a Grandmaster! I couldn't just say no!" Judy said.
"And then there's this Scourge thing. Isn't it a bio-weapon?" Nick said incredulously.
"It will only hurt us if we're not careful!" Judy said.
"And another thing, why didn't you tell me about all this war brewing hullibaloo?!" Nick said.
"First, who even says 'hullabaloo' anymore? Second, why didn't you ask in the first place? Like research it, or ask any other Jedi on the Triumphant Phoenix?" Judy answered. "Besides, when would that topic have ever come up in conversation?"
"Well... I would have liked to know that our galaxy is on the brink of war." Nick said. "And that giant slugs were creating superweapons."
"Just... Nick. Shut up. We're getting close, and I am having a hard time listening in them!" Judy said, she and Nick then saw the room in question. "Okay... R2, are you sure the Scourge is in here? Because Nick and I can't see anything that looks like the Scourge." Judy said into her communications device. R2-D2 answered. "Well Nick, it looks like we'll be looking through these crates," Judy said as she and Nick exited the vents, and went about looking for the Scourge.
"So... if I were a bio-weapon of untold destructive power, where would I be?" Nick said, then he caught a whiff of something foul. "WHEW! What is that smell?" He said in disgust.
"That's probably Hutt. Hutt's have some of the worst body odor in the entire galaxy, if not the entire world." Judy said.
"No... no, it smells less like BO and more like... like processed flowers." Nick said, he sniffed his way through the room. Eventually finding the Scourge. A purple-colored device. "Carrots, does this look like it?"
Judy then went to investigate what Nick found. "Oh... this has Scourge written all over it. Can't tell you why they'd write it so many times but there we are." Judy then looked over the device and found a small glass container on it that was also purple. "I'll be honest though. I was expecting this to be colored green." She said as she removed the glass capsule. "Also, why make it small enough for a bunny to handle?"
"Judy... the last time I picked up this specific smell. It was in that train car where Bellwether had Nighthowler pellets made." Nick said with worry.
"Yes... this does feel familiar... but we need to get off of this ship, and get this sample to someone who can examine it," Judy said. "R2, we got the Scourge, and we're heading back to the hanger!" R2-D2 then beeped back. "Roger that."
XXXX
Eventually, Nick and Judy returned to the hanger where their ships were... and found the Azure Angel V in a wreck. Destroyed in the firefight that had broken out between our escaping heroes and the ship's security. "Okay! Everyone aboard the smuggler's ship!" Anakin barked.
Everyone boarded the Millenium Falcon. And it took off, to the rage of Entuu. "No... NO! AFTER THOSE DREGS!"
"The fighters will be sent out... though we must hurry. We have ships from the Alderaan Defense Fleet on scanners." The robed aid said.
Meanwhile on the Millenium Falcon. "Okay... just got to plot a course through hyperspace!" Han said as he and his Wookie co-pilot Chewbacca typed furiously on the computers in the ship's cockpit. "Get on the guns, we've got StarVipers on our six!"
"Luke, you take the bottom turret, I'll take the top," Anakin said, he and his son then got to shooting down the Cartel aligned starfighters. "Solo! Can't you fly this hunk of junk straight?"
"Well, maybe age is getting to you old-timer! You ever figure out that?!" Han said snappishly.
"Dad I got one!" Luke said as he blasted apart a StarViper.
"Good job little buddy!" Anakin said proudly.
"So is this normal for you?" Nick said in a panic.
"Running from danger by the seat of our pants? Why yes, it is." Obi-Wan said glibly. Then the ship rumbled as it jumped into hyperspace. "Another day, another galaxy saving adventure."
"Okay... this was more then I was expecting," Nick said in exhaustion.
"Yeah... I'm so sorry Nick, I thought our first mission together would be less eventful... and major." Judy said reassuringly.
"Okay, now can someone tell me what the hell is going on?!" Han said irately as everyone met up in the Millenium Falcons lounge.
"Let me make this as plain as I possibly can to you," Anakin said, standing in front of the young smuggler. "I, am Anakin Skywalker. She is my daughter Leia. Officially, she was on a diplomatic mission on behalf of Alderaan. Unofficially, she was to serve as a courier for the plans for a doomsday weapon that Entuu and his 'government' were developing." He said commandingly.
"Oh... oh slag," Han said in disbelief.
"And now, not only do we have the plans. We have the weapon in question." Anakin said as he showed the capsule for the Scourge. "Though I was expecting this to be bigger. But the point is... that this little glass container. Could mean the difference between peace or war."
Han was silent for a moment. "Then I'd like to renegotiate my pay."
"Young man, you will accept whatever pay you and Obi-Wan agreed to," Anakin said sternly. "I just lost my ship, and I am really. REALLY. Not in the mood to haggle with criminal scum."
"Anakin..." Obi-Wan chided. "This young man has had the misfortune of being indebted to Jabba the Hutt. And I take responsibility for dragging him into danger he was not prepared for."
"Well don't worry about me. After this job, I'm going to quit this job. Between Jabba, the Republic, and competing crime syndicates. I'm going to get out this game before it costs me my neck." Han said, Chewbacca roared. "Well, how should I know?"
Leia then spoke up. "Father... would it be alright if I were to hire Captain Solo as my transport? After losing the Tantive IV, I doubt that Bail Organa would be amenable to give me another ship to replace it."
Anakin grimaced. "Alright... but I expect you to be on your best behavior!"
"In what regard?" Han said sarcastically. Anakin just glared at the young smuggler, while his Wookie co-pilot just cupped his face in his hands.
XXXX
Several days later. Nick and Judy returned to Mammalia. "Nick for the last time," Judy said as they disembarked a shuttle. "I don't hold it against you that you want to return home."
"It's just that after everything on that Hutt ship," Nick said, shaken up by the experience.
"Nick... I didn't expect to be involved in something so important. Let alone to drag you into it so soon after your training to be my partner." Judy said sympathetically. "We'll spend some time on Mammalia until you feel like your ready to go back out there."
"And I'm going to have to have to get a job... a real one," Nick said, then a smile went across her face. "Carrots... what are you thinking?"
"Trust me, Nick. After the Testament of Varl, this will be a walk in the park for you." Judy said mischievously.
XXXX
Several months later Nick was at the graduation ceremony for the Zootopia Police Academy. "When I was a kid, I thought Zootopia was this perfect place, where everyone got along and anyone could be anything. Turns out, real life is a little bit more complicated than a slogan on a bumper sticker. Real-life is messy. We all have limitations, we all make mistakes, which means - hey, glass half full! - we all have a lot in common. And the more we try to understand one another, the more exceptional each of us will be. But we have to try. So no matter what type of animal you are; from the biggest elephant to our first fox, I implore you - try. Try to make the world a better place. Look inside yourself and recognize that change starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with all of us."
The graduating cadets through there hats into the air, as Judy gave Nick a medal. "Thanks for believing in me Carrots," Nick said earnestly.
Judy just hugged her dumb fox.
XXXX
Shortly after this, Nick and Judy pulled over a car that had been speeding through Zootopia's Savanah Central.
Judy looked flabberghasted as the driver rolled down his window. "Flash, Flash, Hundred Yard Dash!" Nick said.
"Niiiiick." Judy could not help but groan, remembering all too well her ordeal at the DMV with this same sloth.
