Here is the 42nd installment. Hope you enjoy.
Notes moved to the end, as that seems to be the preferred for everything. Sorry for the delay in posting, was enjoying some time in Vegas.
Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.
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Mike and Nick Tuesday
Nick walked into the precinct cube farm swaying to some music in his ears. Mike looked over as Nick took his seat and logged in, watching as Nick's tail swayed and snaked to some unheard beat. With a smile, Mike chuckled. "Hey, fox! What's got you in such a mood?" Not getting a response, Mike stepped over and tapped Nick on the shoulder causing him to startle.
Gripping his chest for a moment, Nick looked up. "Gah! Mike!" Tapping something in his ears. "Hey, sorry. I usually turn these off before I get this far, but I just love that song and couldn't bear to stop it. Five Finger Death Punch, A Little Bit Off." Nick pulled a small Hamsung case out of his pocket, then a pair of wireless earbuds out of his ears, dropping them into the charging case. "Carrots got me these for my birthday. Best sound I've ever had in a pair of headphones. They are great. Battery life for five to six hours, depending on what I'm using them for. Crystal clear call sound, and the case charges them to full in just under an hour. If I split them only using one at a time, I can go all day."
Mike nodded. "Oh, I know. Lizz loves hers. So, what's the plan for today?"
Smiling up at Mike. "Finish some paperwork, arrange that meeting with Ket's brother and boyfriend, more paperwork and case reviews before and after that meeting."
With a laugh, Mike nodded. "Sounds right."
After the bullpen meeting, Mike and Nick call Ket's brother, Henry Ket. Dialing the number, Nick looks at Mike. "I sure hope Ket gets cleared."
"So do I."
After a few rings, the line picks up. "Hello? Who is this?"
"Hello, is this Henry Ket?"
"Who's asking?"
"Hello sir. This is Officer Nick Wilde. I have Officer Mike Wolford with me. We work with your brother, Jason Ket, and after some events involving Jason's partner, we need to ask you a few questions. Would we be able to meet with you and your boyfriend today?"
Henry's voice was very unsure. "I.. Uhm..."
"Let me assure you that neither yourself nor your boyfriend are in any trouble. If you want to meet somewhere more public, we're happy to meet you over coffee."
Henry sounded a bit more relaxed. "Yeah, we can do that. Uhm... Do you know the Snarlbux just off ZU campus north?"
"I do. When would you like to meet?"
"Well, Kevin and I normally meet at eleven as he has a break between classes and my shift doesn't start until one. Though I have the day off today."
"That sounds perfect. We will meet you there. We'll be hard to miss."
"Okay."
The call ended and Nick glanced at the clock. "Oh. It's ten already? It'll take us 45 to get there, easy. Let's head out."
Mike nodded. "Lead the way."
Grabbing their gear, the two headed out to their cruiser and are on the road. Fifty minutes later, they were in the vicinity of the coffee shop in question and trying to find parking. Finally finding a spot, they jump out, feed two hours into the meter, and head for the shop a few blocks away, walking in five minutes after eleven. Sure, they're cops, and Judy was one of the few that would dare ticket a cruiser, but why put a meter maid in that position by abusing theirs. Their partners and mates would have their tails.
Looking around, they see a white tailed buck sitting with a wolf so brown he was almost black, waving them over. Nick smiled and nudged Mike to bring him along. "Grab us something to drink. Might as well take advantage."
Mike nodded and hopped in the surprisingly short line. Walking up to the table, Nick put on his best, warm and non-threatening smile. "Gentlemammals. Thank you for meeting with us. My partner is just getting us some coffee. Might as well take advantage and get something good." Climbing into one of the seats and adjusting it. "I promise you, breakroom coffee will keep you awake, but half from how bad it is."
Both Henry and Kevin chuckled, Kevin nodded. "Officer Wilde. It is an honor to meet the Designates First."
Nick gave a half frown half smile. "Does every wolf in Zootopia know already? Though I guess I get why you would. Nightwolf, correct?"
Kevin frowned and nodded. "How can you know that?"
Mike walked up with the coffee. "Here you go, Nick." Then glancing at Kevin and giving him a nod. "You must be Kevin." Putting out a paw. "A pleasure to meet you"
Kevin's eyes went wide, his ears fell back flat to his head and he moved to get off his chair, starting to bow. "Designate. I..."
Mike held his paw up to stop Kevin. "Stop. Right now I am Officer Mike Wolford, precinct one, here to interview you and your boyfriend. You can save the rest of that for when it is appropriate. Okay?"
Kevin took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand, Officer. We will help in any way we can."
Nick smiled. "Okay, I'm going to have to try that the next time a wolf starts going on about me being the First."
Henry looked to Kevin. "Kevin, what's going on?"
Kevin gave Henry a quick peck on the side of his muzzle. "I'll explain tonight, love." Turning to Nick and Mike. "So, what did you need to speak with us about?"
Nick sighed and took a long drink from his coffee, then pulled out a notepad and carrot pen, causing Mike to chuckle and the other two mammals to raise an eyebrow. "Okay. We can't go into a lot of detail, being an active case involving your brother's partner. What I can tell you is that I am confident that your brother, Henry, should be cleared of any involvement. However, because of what we know his partner was up to, we need to ask you some questions."
Taking a deep breath, Henry nodded. "Okay. What do you need to know."
Nick nodded. "Have either of you noticed any strange mammals following you. People you don't know asking around about you. Strange vehicles appearing regularly. Following you, or outside your homes?"
Henry shook his head. "Not that I noticed, but I would never think to look for such a thing. Why would someone possibly be watching us, because that is what you are talking about, isn't it?"
Kevin chuckled darkly. "This is an expansion from the case involving the Ekarts." Turning to Henry. "They were targeted because they were an inter-species couple." Turning to Mike and Nick. "We have been given additional advisement's to be watchful, especially myself because of who I have taken as a mate. I have noted only one possible instance, but that was several weeks ago. Henry and I were supposed to have a date, but I called it off and just wandered. They eventually gave up and I have not seen a tail since. As for unknown persons, that is much harder being here next to the university. You don't think we were being targeted, do you?"
Mike shrugged. "We don't know. It is why we are asking."
Henry breathed heavily and shook his head. "Why is the world like this? Why can't mammals leave us to love who we wish? It isn't as if we are hurting others."
Nick and Mike shared a look, Nick speaking. "We get it, Henry. Better than I think you realize right now. I'm sure Kevin will enlighten you later. The best we can do is tell you to be cautious, but don't let this change your life or make you live in fear. The ZPD is hard at work cleaning up this scum from the city."
Mike nodded in firm agreement. "Nick is right. You can't let this scum change you. Your best weapon is to be happy and open as you are already. Don't let them make you hide. That's how they win."
Nick pulled a pair of cards out and handed them over, Mike doing the same. "If you see something, if something happens that doesn't require you to call Nine One One, feel free to call Mike or myself."
Kevin nodded, taking the cards. "I promise we will. I won't let anything happen to Henry, if I can help it." A mischievous grin taking over. "I may just have to stay closer with him. Have him stay over at my place where I can keep him safe."
Henry grinned. "You'd like that, wouldn't you."
"Hey, I have to keep you safe, and I can't do that from an apartment across the city. Can I?"
Nick laughed. "You remind me and me and Carrots." Nodding to Mike. "I think we will leave you both to figure it out."
Henry looked over at Nick. "Carrots?"
Kevin leaned over and whispered into Henry's ear. "He's married to a rabbit."
Henry looked over to Nick in surprise. "Oh!"
After some goodbye's, and Nick giving them information on the Inter-species support group, Mike and Nick headed out after grabbing another coffee to go. A quiet ride back to the station leads them both to their cubes where they put in reports and continue to review cases until the end of their shift.
After punching out Mike snatched Nick up. "Hey! Put me down!"
Mike laughed. "You weren't planning on skipping out on dinner, were you?"
Nick frowned. "No! I'm not insane. You don't say no to an Alpha wolfess, let alone the Alpha of the Wolford pack. Not if you want to stay in the city unmolested! Now put me down! I left Judy at your apartment, if you remember!"
Mike put Nick down with a grunt. "You're a lot heavier than you look, Nick. Just gotta make sure you show."
Glaring up at Mike. "Damn fool." Leaping up and punching Mike in the shoulder, causing him to yip. "I would be leaving Judy high and dry, or did you forget about that? Dumb wolf. Besides the fact that you drove us here too, remember? I left clothes at your place to change into."
Mike scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry Nick."
"If you are really going to have me as your First, you need to trust me a bit more. I know you're nervous, buddy. But you have to take a deep breath and a step back. Now lets go, we have our mates to see, and to get ready for this dinner."
"You're right, of course. Sorry."
"Don't be sorry, just think a second. As Alpha, you are going to have to think through things, no matter how nervous you are, or how stressful things are. You need to think before you act. Just like you do when we are on patrol, pursuing a perp, etc... Those lessons from being on the beat will translate directly to you being Alpha. And if I know your mom, and I in fact do, she isn't planning to step down any time soon. So you have time to get it figured out, but do you hear what I'm saying?"
Mike nodded. "This is why I want you as my First, Nick. You're literally one of the smartest mammals I know, and the most level headed. I need your guidance."
"Okay. My guidance right now, is let us head to your place. Our mates are waiting, and then so is dinner."
Mike nodded with a deep breath and then led the way to his car.
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Wolfeyer residence, Tuesday evening.
Nick and Mike arrive at the Wolfeyer apartment about forty five minutes after leaving the precinct. Entering the apartment, they are greeted by the uproarious laughter of four females, with Judy's voice cutting through. "Oh my gods! No he didn't!"
Lizz, still laughing. "He did. He totally did. Don't let him know I told you though. It'll be parking duty for the rest of your natural life."
Judy, still laughing as well. "I won't, but it is good to know that there really is a soft gooey center to that stoney exterior."
More giggles followed as Mike and Nick followed the sound of their mates' laughter into the living room. Finding Lizz, Judy, Elli, and Joan present. Nick smiles as he comes up behind Judy who was standing facing the rest and nuzzles her neck as he pulls her to him in a hug from behind. "Hey sexy bunny. Have a good day?"
Leaning into the nuzzle and sighing with a happy grin. "It was good. Even better now. Missed you."
"Couldn't be nearly as much as I missed you."
Elli and Joan cooed, Joan speaking. "Oh my gods, you two!"
Lizz chuckling as Mike snuggled up next to her. "I know, they're sickening." Trying to pretend she didn't let out a contented purr as Mike snuggled against her and gave her a kiss on the side of her muzzle.
Elli laughed. "Sure, sis. None of us heard that purr you just let out." Shaking her head. "Just remember to keep that under control until mom calls an end to the formal part of the evening.
Lizz gave an evil grin. "I completely and totally understand what you are saying, Ellissa. Do you have any issues with that, Judith?"
Judy returned the evil grin with one of her own."I am in complete and total agreement and prepared for this evening, Elizabeth. Ellissa, do you think we should bring our mates in on this?"
Mike chuckled while Nick stood up and bowed. "I see, my good ladies. Is this how the first portion of this evening's events will transpire? My dear Michael, I do believe our ladies have set before us a challenge. Should we accept?"
Mike's chuckle took on a darker tone. "Oh, most definitely Nicholas. I do believe, if we can all keep this up we may in fact break the current record. I say that is a fine challenge, and something we and our mates are more than up to the task of completing."
Elli gave into a deep belly laugh. "Oh gods! If you four can keep that up, Mom will call an end to formality by the end of the appetizer."
Mike nodded. "That surely is the goal."
Nike chuckled. "I look forward to being a part of that. Now, Mike. You and I need to change, then our lady's do. We also need to leave a bit early as Judy and I want to drop off the rental agreements on the way, and unless you two are backing out, I expect you do as well."
Lizz nodded. "We do. For sure. What about the moving crew?"
Mike smiled as he stood up. "Nick and I will set up feelers tomorrow for those off duty the day we want to move. When are you two doing it?"
Judy smiled and glanced at Nick. "Our plan is for Thursday. I'm going to have a host of family come out and they're going to move us. If you're up for it, I'll have them move you too. You will just need to have a way for the larger furniture to be moved."
Nick nodded. "Mike, I think that the offer for the use of the Mega-fauna van is still open. If nothing else, we can rent a truck for the day. I'm sure it won't take more than two trips, depending."
Mike smiled. "I'll confirm that tomorrow and if we can't use the van, we'll get something arranged, if you can provide the bodies to do the moving itself. I know a few wolves that have big trucks."
Judy nodded. "We got you covered there. I'll make sure a few extra rabbits come along so they won't get overwhelmed."
Lizz nodded, but frowned. "How are we paying them?"
Judy grinned. "You aren't. Nick and I are paying them in pizza, and beer when they get back to the burrow that night. A few will show up on the earliest train and leave on the late train, though there will be enough vehicles to carry most, if not all of them back that way if needed. I'm pretty sure they'll be borrowing one or two of the buses."
Lizz frowned. "Buses?"
Chuckling, Judy nodded. "Yes, buses. How else do you think we move my 298 siblings around, let alone all the aunts, uncles, cousins, etc... We own a small fleet of medium mammal buses that have been modified to seat rabbits. We can pack one hundred rabbits, if we pack us in, per bus. Though we usually only do about 75 per. One bus should be enough and I don't expect more than thirty of forty to show up, with half a dozen pickups."
All but Nick gawked at the statement, Lizz shaking her head. "Wow. You should start your own moving company. Fifty rabbits show up and they can move damn near anyone in a fraction of the usual time."
Judy laughed. "Don't think we haven't thought about it, but too many of us are skittish, if we can ever get together a large enough group that won't be terrified to interact with lots of strange mammals, especially larger ones, then yeah."
Shaking his head, Mike nodded. "Okay, then how are you going to manage to get them to move us?"
"Nick and I will be here with you guys. Well, one of us here, and one of us with the other."
Lizz smiled. "Ah, creating a buffer between the big scary predators and them."
Judy shrugged. "Pretty much, that and none of them will dare cross me and therefore Nick."
Lizz chuckled. "Knowing how hard you hit from sparing, I will just bet they don't want to anger you."
"I've been used as a threat against misbehaving bucks mistreating my siblings for years. Basically, behave, have her home by X time, don't get pawsy, no means no, or we'll sick Judy on you."
Joan laughed. "Oh, that's fantastic. I assume they would play that Prom video as reinforcement?"
Judy nodded with an eye roll. "Sadly, yes." Turning to Nick and giving him a kiss the both got lost in for a few moments. "You go get ready so we can."
Shaking his brain back into function, Nick nodded. "Yes, my dearest rabbit. I shall be but a barest few moments."
An hour later, everyone was changed, Elli and Joan leaving to return home. Elli to retrieve her own mate and meet the group at dinner. Thirty minutes later they were at the new complex. Nick buzzed the manager's office.
From the intercom. "Hello?"
"Hi, Jacob. Nick WildeHopps. We're here to drop off the rental agreements."
The smile was clear in Jacob's voice. "I'll be right there." Appearing not a few seconds later. "Hi guys! Come in. We'll get you all taken care of."
Following Jacob into the office, the pregnant ladies are given the two chairs. "Okay, lets have them."
Taking a moment to go over things and make sure it is all in order. Jacob pulled out two folders. Slipping Nick and Judy's contract into one after signing it himself, then retrieving keys. He then gave them a remote for the garage entrance and had them set up a pass-code that would work on all the entrance gates, including the garage, if the remote wasn't working, or they didn't have it with them. After that, they set up a temporary code good for 2 weeks or till they moved in and told him to cancel it. This allowed them to use that code for the move and not have to change their own code afterwards. Lastly handing them the keys to their unit, which Nick and Judy took with wide grins on their muzzles. A check for the first month's rent plus deposit was handed over as the last item.
With Nick and Judy taken care of, Jacob turned his attention to Mike and Lizz. "Okay..." Dropping the signed contract into the second folder, having filed the first one and dropped the check into a deposit bag. "Okay... Pulling another set of documents out of the same folder. He flipped through them quickly then passed them over. "Here is the transfer agreement. Feel free to read it, please. It states that the current unit that you are renting is temporary until the other unit is ready. At which point you will have a month to move, and I'll tell you when that starts. I'm quite sure the whole community will be happy to help you get moved over."
Thinking a moment as Lizz and Mike reviewed the contract, having Nick and Judy look it over as well. Jacob straightened up. "Oh, that's right! The locks on your doors are brand new, wifi enabled and have a keypad. So once you get in, you will be able to set up temporary codes for visitors for your door, you'll need to reach out to me for temp codes to the gates." Slipping instructions into a second set of folders, pulling Nick and Judy's contract and dropping it on the copy machine behind him. "Almost forgot to give you copies."
After Nick and Judy's once over, Mike and Lizz gladly signed the second document set, getting copies of everything in their own folder. Jacob tapped his chin. "Lets see... Oh yeah!" Slipping the monthly newsletter and a few other items into the folders for each couple. "Also, you have a call box in each apartment, don't remember if I told you. It links to the cameras at the gate where the buzzer is activated. That way you can let in delivery mammals. All Zoomazon, and regular mail packages are handled through the office. Will be installing one of those Zoomazon delivery locker things some time next year, or sooner, if I can get the contract for it worked out.
One other thing, I have no issue with you giving your code and key to an emergency contact you trust, but please, don't spread it around. We try to keep things secure. Having someone outside with the code in case of emergency is always good, but not thirty someones."
They all nodded with a laugh, Nick speaking. "Oh, we all get that. We feel great about this complex and look forward to when we move it. Should be sometime later this week. I will text you once we organize it with Judy's family. They're going to be doing the move for both of us. I'll be providing pizza, and I will make sure there is more than enough to share with the complex, or at least the kids. We want to make a good impression."
Mike frowned. "You said that before, Nick. That is going to be so expensive. You really sure we can't help you cover it?"
Shaking his head, Nick smiled. "Nope. Calling in a favor or three for it. I just have to give them a count on how many rabbits I am feeding and it'll appear that afternoon."
Judy looked at Nick with a concerned look. "A favor, Nick?"
Nick gave Judy a reassuring, genuine smile. "Nothing to worry about, love. This is one I'm happy to be rid of, as are the mammals in question. If anything, they're still going to owe me, given I have lifetime pizza from them for some help I gave almost a decade ago. I'm offering to clear that, but with the advertising they're going to leverage, I'm sure I can still secure a few free pies for us in the future."
Judy chuckled. "Okay, Slick." Giving him a kiss on the side of his muzzle. "We all done?"
They went back over things, made sure both couples had the copies they needed, their new keys, codes were set, and with some handshakes, were headed out to dinner.
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A/N
Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)
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."
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