Here is the 31st installment. Hope you enjoy.
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If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."
Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.
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ZPD cruiser, headed towards the rain forest district.
ZPD Crusier Z292 pulled up in front of Lemming Brothers main branch. Nick got out of the passenger side and opened the back door for Gerald. "Sorry we didn't have room in the front, Gerald" Handing Gerald a phone.
With a warm smile, Gerald chuckled as he jumped out of the back of the cruiser. "No worries at all. It was the first time I have ever had a ride in a ZPD cruiser where I wasn't terrified." Looking at the phone, Gerald looked back at Nick in Confusion. "You've already done so much for me, you don't need to give me a phone."
"Not giving you, lending you. That there is a burner. If you want to make a call to one of those numbers and not have it come back to you, use that. I'm the only one that will ever know who you called."
Gerald looked at it again. "Okay. You're sure?"
Nick nodded with his own chuckle. "I am, and I know that feeling about the cruiser. Took me a few weeks in uniform to get used to riding in the front. Speaking of which. I have been tasked with putting together some training for the ZPD. It's to give mammals that are not us, foxes, weasels, and other marginalized mammals, a feel for what we live because of the implicit specisism that still surrounds us. I need to collect at least ten mammals willing to give a talk and describe their experience. Yours, I think, would be a real eye opener." Nick put up his paw seeing Gerald go to answer in the affirmative. "Don't answer now. Think it over for a few days and then let me know either way. I still have some prep work to do."
Gerald nodded. "I will. Thank you again, Nick. You too Mike."
Nick hopped back into the cruiser. "Have a great day Gerald. Get something nice to eat. Get yourself a phone. I'm a Droid myself. This dummy." Pointing a thumb over at Mike. "And my bunny are both iCarrots. It's a question of preference. I like the flexibility, while they like something that just works and they don't have to worry about. Not that I do. Play with the test phones."
"Terry and I had the first Gen iCarrot. I'll see what I end up with. You guys have a great day."
"You too Gerald. Once you get your own phone, you can give that burner to Jesse and I'll pick it up when I have the chance."
Gerald nodded and waved. "Thanks again." Then turned and walked into Lemming Brothers.
Mike got them back on the road, and glanced at Nick. "He's a good mammal. Strong. I don't know if I could survived the way he did. You sure Lemming Brothers is a good bank for him, being a fox. I mean... After what we went through."
Nick frowned as he pulled out his phone. "He was put on suicide watch a dozen times while he was in, Mike. He wasn't kidding when he said that actual criminals looked out for him. that included checking on him. They saved his life a few times. I've put in notes to the parole board for three of them."
Mike turned back to the road, his ears folding at the revelation. "Oh..."
"No worries Mike. You didn't know. You'll get all these details and more once we have the task force up and running. As for Lemming Brothers, they are one of the few banks that will do business with foxes, and other marginalized mammals without screwing them over. They still get screwed a little, but not like other places. He'll be fine here."
"You're confident that the task force will be approved?"
"Absolutely. Especially after the Mayor and Deputy Mayor came out. Us inters are very much a minority, but there are still a lot of us due to how big the city is, and there are a lot of us in high places. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Maria, one of the council members. We're an unusual bunch, we all have that in common. We, when given a chance, seek out things that don't necessarily fit our species. Judy and being an officer. I wanted the same when I was little, and when I was given the chance by Judy, look where I ended up. There are others that I doubt you'd believe me if I told you, at least not until you see it.
Not to mention that, despite everything else, Zootopia is one of the few places that we can live relatively free and open. There are a lot of places in the world it would be a death sentence. Places that we will never be able to travel to, because of that fact. Claiming the term, Inter, as our own is another things we're working on." Nick chuckled seeing Mike's ears slant at the term. "I know. I know. You never even looked at another species until Lizz happened to you. Same for me. I was always a vixen only fox, and then... In my opinion, it's the mammal, not the species, that catches us. The species just adds some spice to the relationship. Assuming you can get through the cultural differences. If you hadn't noticed, Judy and I are quite advocates for Inter rights."
Mike was quiet for a moment, thinking over what Nick said. "I suppose you are right. Hadn't really thought about it that, how the rest of the world is. As for you and Judy being advocates... Say it ain't so." Glancing at Nick with a look of mock shock.
"Okay. Har har. With Judy that's kind of a foregone conclusion, I know. But she is also right. Claiming the term takes the power out of it for those that would use it as a pejorative. It keeps the offensive nature of the tern, but over time turns that against the user. Branding them the bigots we know they are. Now. Time to make a phone call."
Mike nodded as he drove. "I see. I guess Lizz and I just need to get used to this. It's been us for so long. You two seem to be plugged into it all."
Nick chuckled. "Only because Judy has taken the loose collection of mammals that were meeting just to support each other, and turned it into more of a movement. We've taught them how to protect themselves when it comes to dealing with bigots. What their rights are and how to enforce them, even if not right in the moment. All sorts of things like that. You and Lizz already know most of this as cop, it's just that now you're going to have to put it in practice. If anything, you two, like Judy and I, have a leg up on most mammals because we are cops."
"Point taken."
"Okay, now lets get us some new homes for our families."
Nick dialed the number he'd programmed into his phone the previous night and put it on speaker, setting his phone on the center console. After three rings, they hear the voice of the apartment manager, Jacob. "Misty Cliffs Family Suites, this is Jacob. How can I help you?"
"Hello Jacob. Nick Wilde. My mate and I, along with our friends Mike and Lizz, took a look at some apartments the other day. I've got Mike here with me."
"Nick! You're Betty and Sasha's nephew, right?"
"That's me. We're hoping that you still have those units open. My mate and I would love to take that ground floor corner unit. Lizz and Mike want that one next to it, until you get the town house that Betty and Sasha are in cleaned up and ready, then they'd want to move over to that."
The grin in Jacobs voice was clear. "Oh my! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear from you guys. I got an ear full from a few other residents last night that I needed to make sure you guys were able to join the community. I guess you already know a few of the other residents, besides the sisters."
Nick smiled. "That does seem to be the case."
"So, when do you want to sign the paperwork?"
"Well, Mike and I are on patrol, but we're going to be stopping for lunch at a place called the Golden Pagoda, near the complex. You wouldn't be willing to drop them by and discuss, would you? Otherwise we would only be able to do a quick smash and grab to pick them up and have to call you with questions."
"How long before you guys are there?"
Mick spoke up. We're about 30 min out."
"Perfect. I already have the contracts ready, I'll grab a table and see you there."
"See you in about thirty!" With that Nick hung up and grinned up at Mike. "This is gong to be great. We're going to have lots of possible sitters and help with our little ones."
Mike smiled. "You have no idea. Mom is probably already buying up something to create a local daycare nearby. Pre-school. Etc..."
"I believe it. If your mom gets with Maria, and Bill, we are totally screwed."
With a shiver, Mike shook his head. "Oh gods. Don't even talk about that."
"Hey, you have nothing to worry about. I still have a bunny wedding to go through, and there is zero possibility that my mom won't tell Fru Fru about it."
"Who?"
"Fruticia Bigglianno"
Mike blinked and glanced hard over at Nick. "Say what now?"
"Calm down. She's a fashion designer and works with my mom. Yes, I am more than aware of who her daddy is. Did you think Judy and I underwent monthly interviews with IA, the DA, and case reviews for fun? There's no secret that Judy and I have a relationship with the Bigs. Hell, Judy is the godmother of Fru's cubs."
Mike was quiet for a long time. "So... Bogo knows?"
"Yes, Bogo knows. He actually fought against the monthly requirement. Only wanted us to have to go through it bi-annually, or at most quarterly. We got screwed over by some council members and an over-zealous IA head. Have to put up with it for another three years before they'll back off. I think the intent was to get us to quit. They clearly don't know Judy."
Mike gave a laughing bark. "Oh. Clearly not."
"I look at it this way. With all the scrutiny we get, every case we work every piece of evidence collected and conclusion drawn, is all but untouchable."
"Even if it was only happening every quarter, it would be. But monthly. That's insane."
"It's what we deal with. It's why I was unavailable on the 1st and you had to ride the desk."
"Ugh... What a pain that must be."
"Been doing it since I got out of the academy. Just kinda used to it at this point. What sucks is that Judy will have to go through a full week of it once she gets back from leave, because of the stupid that put us in the position to begin with."
"That is not fair to either of you. Grizzoli has a cousin and brother that work for Big, and he doesn't have to do any of that at all."
"I know. Like I said. I am pretty sure it was intended to try and get us to quit. Those that pushed for it wanted to have an IA person attached to us day and night at one point. This is almost a compromise."
"I find it hard to believe that Bogo let it happen."
"He didn't. He was forced into it. Like I said, city council members were pushing for far more. It was accept this deal, or lose our jobs. We talked long and hard about quitting and going PI and bounty hunter."
"I would have."
"Honestly, it was a close things. Sadly, the council members that were pushing this are the same ones that would have to sign off on our carry permits, hunter license, etc... It was pretty clear that they would never do it. The only other option we had was to transfer to somewhere like Bunnyburrow or Podunk."
"Rough. What did the union say?"
"Rep said to take it and that they and Bogo would keep fighting in the background. It's been years now. I don't think we'll ever get out from under it."
"Sorry Nick. That is so unfair to you guys. You have both proven a thousand times over that you earned your badges."
Nick shrugged. "Change what you can. Accept what you cannot change. Let not the lows of life hold you under. Make the world a better place."
"You and Judy's credo?"
"Basically. I don't remember where she got it, not sure if she does either. Doesn't matter. It's what we are going to do."
A few minutes of silence later and they pulled into the parking lot of the Golden Pagoda. Nick grabbed the radio. "Dispatch, this is car Z292, Wolford and I are Code 7"
Ben's voice replying. "Roger Z292. Code 7. Enjoy."
"Thanks dispatch."
Hanging up the mic as Mike turned off the cruiser. They walked into the restaurant, finding Jacob sitting at one of the only booths.
Jacob grinned upon seeing them and waved them over. "Hey guys! Great to see you. Come on over. I already ordered some paper wrapped chicken as an appetizer. Hope you don't mind."
Mike smiled as he slid into the booth. "Not at all."
Nick hopped up and was pleasantly surprised to find a powered adjustable seat. After a moment, he was at a comfortable level with the table. "Nice. I like this place already. Powered seats is not common. Wish it was. I'm hoping that chicken is as good as I've heard."
Jacob nodded with a wider smile. "It is. I eat here at least once a week. You've given me an excuse to do it twice this week."
The waitress, a clouded leopard, walked up wearing traditional dress. "Good afternoon. The appetizer you ordered will be out shortly. What can I get you gentelmammals to drink?"
Nick looked up at the waitress with a smile. "I'll have tea and water, please. What do you recommend that we can get in less than thirty minutes. We're on lunch and only have a limited amount of time."
Mike nodded. "Same for me, and same question."
With a warm smile, she nodded. "Go with anything on the lunch special list and I can have it out to you in no more than twenty."
Mike nodded. "Sounds good."
They looked over the menu quickly, Nick picking first. "I'll have the spicy shrimp and veggie meddly." Looking at Mike. "If it's good, I will know to bring Carrots here for it."
Shaking his head, Mike laughed. "I'll have the General Tso chicken with noodles."
The waitress nodded and made notes on her pad. "Excellent choices. I'll get those in now. Jacob, yours should come out right about the same time."
Jacob nodded with a smile. "Thanks Jena."
She walked away with a swish to her tail as Jacob reached into a satchel next to him and pulled out two folders, handing one to Mike and one to Nick. "Here you go. Give them a read and let me know."
Mike nodded. "Unless there's something really odd, I doubt we'll not be signing them."
Nick flipped through a few pages, read, flipped some more. "Assuming we accept. When can we move in?"
Jacob thought for a second then nodded to himself. "Give the date, and since they're ready... As soon as I have the signed contracts I can give you keys and codes for the front gate and parking structure. Rent is due by the seventh, so that would give you nearly two weeks on the house, as it were."
Nick glanced up, clearly skeptical. "That's real generous of you, Jacob."
Jacob nodded, his ears folding back with a hint of embarrassment. "I'll level with you. It can be hard to get tenants sometimes for the same reason you found it hard to find a place. Zootopia still has a long way to go. With four cops moving in. The hero's of Zootopia plus the next Alphas of the Wolford pack. You moving in early is more for me, because it will help reassure the other residents once you have."
Nick nodded as he read some more. "There is nothing weird in here that I am seeing." Closing the folder. "As long as Judy agrees. We'll have it signed tonight and have it back to you tomorrow, Wednesday at the latest. I warn you though. There will probably be a small army of rabbits that will suddenly appear to perform the move, with probably a dozen farm trucks for transport."
Jacob raised and eyebrow. "Why's that?"
"Judy's father offered the help with the move."
"Oh. Okay." Jacob still clearly didn't get it.
Nick chuckled. "She's Judy Wilde-Hopps, as in the Hopps family farms. One of the biggest produce providers to the city and beyond."
Jacob's eyes grew wider. "Oh..."
Nick grinned and slid the folder to the side as their drinks and appetizer arrived. "No worries. They'll only be there long enough to do the move and devour an unholy amount of pizza as payment."
"Okay, that's fair enough. You wouldn't be planning any large family get togethers?"
"Many, but they happen on the Farm. The warren has more than enough room. You really don't get an understanding of how much land they actually control until you see it. Thing is, despite the value that us city folks might give it, it is the value in what they can pull out of it in the form of crops that really makes it worth anything."
Jacob nodded. "I can only imagine. What about you Mike?"
Mike took a sip of his water to wash down his last bite. "For Lizz and I. I expect we'll be doing much the same. Getting it signed tonight and turned over to you tomorrow." Looking over at Nick. Think we can hustle in on that rabbit gang?"
"I'll ask Judy, but I'm sure we can arrange something. Not as if we can't get enough help from the precinct too. I heard talk about borrowing the mega-fauna swat van. It needs it annual maintenance run anyway."
"Ha! I can see that. How exactly are we going to pay for the amount of pizza that is going to be required?"
"Let me worry about that."
Mike frowned, but nodded. "Okay, Nick. Just don't over do it."
"Hey, we still have to get it organized, and get our mates to actually sign off on this too."
"You're right."
The food came out at that point and they started eating. Nick savoring his shrimp with a grin. "Okay. I cannot wait to get Judy in here to eat this. You know how much she loves Fin's burritos, just wait until she gets her buck teeth on this."
Mike laughed and stabbed a shrimp off Nick's plate. "Mmmm. Oh, that is good, and spicy. She's going to love it! Lizz too. She's become just as addicted to those burritos."
Jacob frowned. "If you are talking about who I think you are, then I worry for the health of your mate. Being as she is a rabbit."
Nick chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea about this rabbit, Jacob. She is a full time omnivore, and she absolutely loves shrimp. True fact I learned from our specialist. Most prey mammals can tolerate a few bits of chicken or fish without any ill effects, other than a gross out factor. My bunny however is not typical prey. She has been eating fish and predator protein bars since she was little. She trains so hard, her body simply needs the protein. Trust me. Freaked me right the hell out when we were on patrol and I dared her to eat a bite of my chicken and cheese burrito. What I didn't know is that she ate meat all the time, at least three times a week back then. You've seen the videos of her going toe to toe with large and huge mammals and coming out on top. She hits as hard or harder than he does." Indicating Mike.
Jacob shook his head in clear disbelief. "What a second. You're telling me that Judy Hopps. A little rabbit, eats meat, regularly, and hits like a wolf."
"Since she got pregnant, it's actually prescribed that she does at least three times a week. Judy is not one to do thing half way, so our meals have meat in them at least once a day. If we have a chicken and shrimp burrito at Therus, which I highly recommend, then we will probably have a salad for dinner. If we just have veggie wraps for lunch, then that nights salad is guaranteed to have some sliced grilled chicken on it."
"Why since she got pregnant?"
"Well, they're half fox, so our specialist said that her body needed the extra protein to keep them healthy. Also suggested that, since she was already eating meat, her body chemistry was different enough that it improved our chances."
Jacob looked at Nick, clearly trying to find some hint of deception, then turned to Mike. "What about you, Mike? You going to tell me the same insane story?"
"I've watched it. Bunny is full on omnivore, and loves her shrimp."
Nick laughed. "Actually, Mike. Just about the whole clan is. She's not nearly as weird as ya think. Remember, her grandfather would have run away with Sasha."
"That's right. But the meat eating too?"
Jacob laughed. "Okay. I give. I am still going to have to see it to believe it. So, any questions?"
Nick shook his head. "Not really. As far as the contract is concerned, it is pretty clean. Nothing jumps out at me. Judy and I will go back over it again tonight, but I don't expect anything problematic. Do have some questions about the community itself though. You mentioned that you have several inter-species couples that live there."
"We do. Most of the residents are inter-species couples. A couple of them run a kinda mini-day care for the other residents. Although we do not have any hybrid kits or cubs at the moment. As far as I know everyone either had their younglings before their current relationship, used a clinic, or adopted. We hold barbecues, adult mixers if you will, where we get together by the pool, watch a movie and drink. There are other things. I do a monthly news letter that contains every thing. I'll give you a copy of this months as soon as I have the contracts in hand."
Mike smiled. "That sounds good. We're not always going to be able to make those things, but it is good that you try and foster community."
"I really do. I'm hoping to buy up the land to the south, both empty lots, and build them up as a way to expand the community."
Nick checked his watch after it buzzes at him. "That sounds great Jacob. However, we have about five minutes left, so I think we're going to take the rest of this excellent food to go and get about our patrol."
Jacob nodded. "Sounds good. I look forward to both of your families moving in."
Mike smiled as he slid the remains of his meal into a to-go box Jean provided as if she had been listening in on the conversation. (she was) "As do we. I can't tell you how much I want Lizz to not have to hike up those damn stairs anymore. I do have a question about the town home. I know we are taking the ground floor unit. When you fix up the town home, I really want it set up so that Lizz isn't having to bend down all the time. She's a larger mammal as you know, right at the top end of medium. Gets classified as a smaller large mammal depending on who is doing the measuring."
Jacob smiled as he stood up with them. "No problem there. This is just for the ground floor unit. I'll have an addendum ready for you guys to sign by tomorrow. It will detail that the lease signed will be transferred between units once the final unit has been prepared. Not the first time I have done this for someone. I'm just happy to have both of you joining the community. It is basically what I'm doing for Sasha and Betty."
Nick laughed as they walked out the door after paying. "As long as you are not like that crazy deer that ran Throughkelt Heights, I'm sure we are going to get along great."
Jacob grinned. "I really think we are. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to have your families joining our community."
They said some final goodbye's, then Mike and Nick called in off lunch and went about their patrol.
They were quiet for some time, both wrapped up in their own thoughts as they drove down the city streets working their way back towards the precinct. Mike finally braking the silence. "Hey, Nick. I'm wondering what your feeling is on this place. I mean, really. Honestly."
"I have a really great feeling about it, Mike. No alarms go off for me saying something isn't on the up and up. Plus, I did a bit more research. The community he has created is a real dream for us, and without the dark underbelly and tunnel system. The complaints that are up on the various apartment and home search sites are all speciesist jerks complaining about the fact that they have predators, or prey, living there. Then there are the ones that go on tirades about the complex allowing inter-species couples. Of the former tenants, the complaints are all the same and the reason they moved out. Too many predators. Too many prey. How dare they allow inter-species families."
"That's pretty damn good then."
"It is. The positive ones all sang the praises. That the rent was more than reasonable, which I think we can both agree with after looking over the contracts. The reasons they moved out were things like getting jobs in distant districts, different cities, or buying their own homes."
Mike nodded and started to drive forward when their light turned green only to slam on the breaks as he watched half a block down. "Nick. Isn't that?"
Looking up, Nick laughed. "Yes. Yes it is." Pulling his tranq and checking it. "Time to close a case." Nick then grabbed the radio. "Dispatch, Z292. Requesting backup on Grassland between Fourth and Fifth. We have robbery suspect to detain and a vehicle to take in as evidence."
Ben's response over the radio. "Roger Z292. Backup two minutes out. Proceed with caution."
"Roger dispatch. We will proceed with caution. Backup, two minutes."
Mike accelerated through the intersection and pulled up next to car parked on the side of the road. Mike jumping out and Nick rolled down his window. Flipping on the lights, Nick pointed his tranq at the driver, staying mostly behind the door as cover. "Jonathan Teric. You are under arrest. Turn off the vehicle and put your paws where I can see them."
The driver looks out and frowns. "Oh, come on! Not you. Please tell me the rabbit isn't with you."
"You're in luck, or not. No, today I have with me a very large wolf who would really appreciate it if you resisted."
The black furred fox groaned. "Hello Mike."
Mike grinned wickedly. "Jon. Your choice how this goes."
Jon groaned loudly with a curse under his breath. "Fine. I'm opening the door. Slowly." He shut the car off as Nick slid back slightly to ensure he wouldn't be hit if the door opened violently. It didn't. Jon then stepped out, his paws up and backed towards Mike. Mike then cuffed him, looking up as a wolf stepped out of the shop, a bag of cash in one paw and gun in the other.
Nick already had a bead on the wolf. "Drop the weapon or I drop you. Only warning." The wolf looked up at Nick, saw Mike with Jon cuffed in front of him and cursed, then dropped the gun with a loud clatter. Nick continued to give instruction. "Two small steps forward. Kneel. Cross your ankles and paws on your head. Good, now we're going to just rest this way for a few moments. You two got any other members? Be honest now, because if one walks out of that store, or any store near by, both of you are getting tranq'd so we can deal with them."
Jon grumbled. "We've got a guy in both other stores." Indicating the stores to either side with his head.
Nick nodded as two other cruisers arrived. They were directed to apprehend the other members of the group. Once they were in custody, Mike finished patting down and put Jon in the back of their cruiser. He then dealt with the wolf that Nick had kept covered with his tranq the entire time. Once both were in the back of the cruiser, another cruiser from the next shift showed up to take care of towing the car Jon as the get away driver had been in. Mike and Nick collecting surveillance video from the stores that had been in the process of being robbed.
Once back at the precinct, they handed their perps off to processing, logged the basics they needed to, the videos, and other evidence, opened their report, linked it to the previous robbery they had been investigating, and prepared to punch out for the night when Bogo walked up.
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A/N Keep the reviews and comments coming, it's making Muse happy, which lets me work on this and other things. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.
If you are truly enjoying this, you can check out my original work by popping over to my blog, Scribblings. You can link to it here: ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.) and then select Scribblings Blog ( Scribblings ).
