Here is the 61st installment. Warning, this one is a BEAST, so gird thy loins and tuck in. Hope you enjoy!

Notes now live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.

Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

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Sunday Morning - Council meeting

Up bright and early, much to the frustration of their mates, Mike and Nick grabbed a Zuber, which turned out to be Flash, to the Alpha's estate. Their NIghtwolves doing their best to keep up. After waving Flash off, Nick stood in front of the doors wearing a suit that was strikingly similar to Mikes. "So, Mike… Do we have to be all formal and flowery with the language again?"

Mike shook his head, ears finally righting themselves and heart slowing down. "How… How can a sloth drive like that‽"

"Flash?" Chuckling Nick glanced up at Mike. "You get used to it. Best driver in Zootopia, even if he has an issue with speed. You will get used to having him in your life. If nothing else, it keeps things interesting. Anyway…"

Mike shook himself out. "No, none of that formal stuff, that is only for family dinner and special occasions, and is more of a challenge between us and mother."

The door opened to reveal Victoria. "A challenge you boys have risen to with vigor and creativity. After this last meal, I don't know if I am going to insist on it going forward. We shall see. Now get in here, we have a lot to go over and not a lot of time to do it."

Mike gave a slight bow, which Nick mirrored. "Yes mother." Stepping past her with Nick following.

"Good morning, Victoria. I look forward to what you have planned. I suppose there will likely be at least one or two challenges we have to deal with before we even get into the council chambers."

Victoria nodded with a grin. "Oh yes, especially after the stunt you pulled at the restaurant. My gods, that was brilliant. We have allies, evidence, and at least a few free moves against our opponents, to use your chess analogy."

Nick grinned and he followed Mike and Victoria. "That was the plan. Though it was more successful than I think you realize. Or maybe you do, being the Alpha, I'm sure you noticed and heard some of the mutterings and poorly whispered conversations just as Judy and I did."

Mike laughed. "You mean like Councilor Heltheaata and Broorus? Those two are clearly not on our side, but after the little display by Relti, they are clearly questioning their backing of him. Which, if nothing else, will hopefully fracture the resistance to us."

Victoria nodded with a smile. "Very good, Michael. I never saw your ears move."

Mike nodded with a wider smile at his mother. "Well, with Nick and Judy sitting opposite us, I focused on those conversations on the side of the table I was facing, allowing the radar dishes of the fox and rabbit to do their thing."

"Using your Firsts and their abilities to your advantage. Very smart."

Mike nodded. "I've worked with Judy long enough to know that the way her ears were rotating and twitching had nothing to do with her being in a room full of predators. She faces off against enraged large predators and comes out on top with way too disturbing regularity to be bothered by a room full of wolves. Usually those same predators complain about police brutality. I mean, at this point the criminal element doesn't even make a joke of it. If you say you got your tail kicked by a rabbit cop, no one bats an eye and gives you sympathy. No, what I saw was her using the assumption by the wolves in the room that a nervous prey mammal was suppressing her terror, to listen in on their conversations."

Victoria grinned as she opened the door to a large office. "HA! Oh, that's good. So you are telling me that her twitchy, rotating ears were just her listening in on conversations? Because that is how I read it, as her being at least a bit nervous."

Nick nodded as he took one of the offered chairs. "That's exactly what was happening. To prove this, she has, more than once to the embarrassment of Delgato, sat in Delgato's maw and played taps on his fangs. Then complained to him about getting her tail wet."

Victoria shook her head. "Delgato, as in the gay lion? Oh, that's priceless. Please tell me there is a video of that."

Nick laughed. "There is. Once we get done with our prep, remind me to show you. Her complaining to him that he can't help drooling with a meal in his maw, and to stop slobbering on her tail. Hilarious."

Victoria laughed. "Oh, now I absolutely must see this, but yes… let us get to the reason we are here. We can watch the video while we head over to the Council chambers for the meeting."

Mike nodded from his seat. "Okay, Mom. What are we doing? Other than presenting ourselves? Me as the Designate, mated to a tigress, and my First, a Fox mated to a Bunny. The outraged murmuring will be epic, and mostly for effect."

Victoria nodded. "Very much. Then you will have a bunch of questions to deal with. I'm honestly not too worried about it at this point. But there will be some inappropriate questions, and your handling of those are as much a test as anything. Of course your father and I will be there, and if you feel we need to rule on a question before you answer, you need to speak up. Please do not assume that just because your father or I do not speak up, that we approve of the question. That was the fear your brother had and why he and Elli put up with the torture they did. We are there to rule on questions, but only if you voice an objection to them."

Mike nodded. "I will, and I know Nick will, after some sort of snarky comment."

Nick grinned. "I'll keep that on topic and only when needed to jab the questioner for the absurdity of the question before the challenge."

Victoria nodded with a smile. "Okay. There really isn't much I can do to prepare you, because there is no way to know what questions will be asked. Just expect some weird ones, demands for details on your sex lives, which is very inappropriate, and probably questions about your mental stability."

Nick nodded. "No problem. I'll have Nine in my ear with information on the questioners, I can and will happily make this very uncomfortable for anyone that pushes too hard."

Victoria smiled then frowned. "Nine? You don't mean the hacker named Nine?"

Nick grinned, reflecting a downright wicked pleasure. "Oh, very much so. Old friend of mine in fact, and has been working to help protect Lizz and Mike since our official designation as Firsts. He's also digging into who worked over Darr's account with some very suspiciously timed and expensive fees applied to his account. With any luck, he'll have some information for me by the time we're being questioned."

The phone on Victoria's desk picked itself up and put itself on speaker, a mechanical voice spoke. "I have fixed the accounts… however… it would be wise to move the account as I cannot stop it from happening again… I am still tracing where the order came from … but have confirmed … the terminal it came from was … under a login that was not the mammal making the entry … as that mammal was working at the time at their assigned terminal. … … whoever did this is smart … but not smart enough … as they did not cover all their tracks. SlowBurn is also confirming some data … so do not be surprised if she contacts."

Nick nodded. "Thanks, buddy. We appreciate it, and I know Victoria, Lizz and Mike, appreciate it as well."

"It is fun. … They are trying hard to hide their tracks … but they are not as good as Slowburn and I. … We will find them and expose them. … We may even recruit them, once all is done."

The phone then hung up and Victoria stared at the phone in shock for several moments before looking up at Nick and Mike. "Did that just happen?"

Nick nodded. "You get used to it."

Looking at Nick in disbelief. "What? How? That a super-hacker is listening in on everything I'm doing?"

Nick shook his head. "No, they are not. They have a routine that is tracking and listening for keywords that then bring it to Nine and SlowBurn's attention. Specifically it's an app on my phone and Mikes. It also goes off and starts monitoring under certain situations and locations. It's very complex and smart."

Victoria gave Nick a look and shook her head. "Yeah… Nothing creepy about that, at all."

Nick shrugged. "Like I said. You get used to it. He's actually pretty helpful, saved our asses a few times while on stake outs and raids."

Checking the time, Victoria nodded with a tired sigh. "I guess it's not a bad thing in the current situation. We really do need all the help we can get, based on the rumblings I have been hearing from the council. Your stunt yesterday actually helped more than it hurt. So let us get going and grab a quick breakfast."

Nick nodded. "Sounds good." Looking over his shoulder. "And we should have Garret and Levi come with us as well. Guys, still failing, and I'm not going to tell you how."

Mike grinned at his mother and pointed to his nose as Garret and Levi stepped into the room from the hallway. Garret frowning. "Damn. I was were so much quieter." Lifting his foot. "Even wore claw caps" Showing off the small rubber caps on his foot-claws.

Nick shrugged. "Oh, that was effective, so sound is not how I detected you."

Levi groaned. "Damn. I was sure it was that."

Nick laughed. "Nope, and hasn't been the last few times either. You managed to sneak into our apartments only because we were sleeping."

Levi nodded. "That, and I'm betting Nine decided he wanted to see your reaction."

Nick nodded. "Probably that too. Anyway, food, then meeting with the Council."

Once in the limo and on their way, Nick pulled up the video of Judy on his phone.

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Judy looking up at Delgado. "Seriously, Del? You think I can't sit in your mouth and not be scared? Have you really not met me? How much are you willing to bet?"

Nick from behind the camera. "Don't do it Del. You're going to regret it."

Delgato gave Nick a glare. "Stuff it, fox. She is a rabbit, and while she may have gotten over you, there is no way she could deal with sitting in the mouth of a large predator like me for more than a few seconds. I could swallow her whole. So here's the bet. You sit in my mouth for five minutes, and I'll owe you a grand per minute. Make it one minute, that's one grand and I'll admit that you are not afraid. Make it all five, and that's five grand, and I'll do whatever you want for a week. Cover shifts, do paperwork, whatever. But, if you lose. If you cannot even last one minute, you have to admit that you are scared, and you buy drinks at the next poker night."

Judy laughed. "You're on." Putting out her paw. Delgato reached down with his paw, Judy grasping his index claw and giving it a shake. "Great, now open up kitty."

Delgato laughed, and then did just that. What he did not expect was a rabbit to leap up, grab his shirt and then swing herself up into his mouth. Her foot claws hooking on his lower front teeth as she grabbed his upper fangs to pull herself in. She then set herself down on his tongue, legs hanging down over his chin. His eyes went wide in shock. When he tried to swallow, Judy yelled. "Hey, what are you trying to do? Get a free taste? You're already getting my tail wet there kitten. Can't keep from drooling now that you have some prey in your mouth?" Slapping one of his upper fangs.

After two minutes Delgato's jaw was clearly getting tired, and started to close voluntarily. He whined and opened his mouth wider as Judy yelled at him again. "You really think that closing slowly that I wouldn't notice, kitten? You best behave yourself. I have direct access to your uvula and can use it as a speed bag. Now, let's go for a walk."

Delgato cocked his head slightly and rumbled. "huh?"

Judy chuckled. "You heard me, kitten. Move it, or I will sharpen my claws on your tongue." Tapping his upper fang. "Start walking."

With Nick following and recording video, along with a dozen officers, Delgato began walking through the station. Comments about him catching some food were common. Just as common were comments about him deciding if he wanted to spit or swallow, which made him groan. Judy could be seen patting the side of his muzzle. "Sorry, Del. That's kinda mean, considering. I know you swallow." Followed by an indignant grunt, Judy laughed. "I've talked to Jeff, and well… From what I understand, he's a very lucky mammal."

The embarrassed sound from Delgato's throat made Judy and the mammals following them laugh. At the five minute mark, Nick called out. "That's five minutes. Come on, Fluff. You need to hit the showers and wash the lion lobber out of your tail."

Judy laughed as she leapt from Delgato's mouth, landing lightly on her feet. "At least it isn't fox slobber."

Nick chuckled from behind the camera. "You wish, Cottontail."

Delgato worked his jaw and shook his head. "My gods. You are one weird rabbit, but I have lost fair and square. I'll have your cash for you tomorrow morning at roll call."

Judy grinned up at the lion. "Nope! You'll have a grand for me. I need to take my mate out on a date. It's my week to pay. You'll also have a receipt for a charity." Turning to Nick. "What do you think? The Happy Town community center and food bank?"

Nick grunted, the camera shifting as if he were nodding. "I like it."

Delgato nodded. "Okay. I can do that." rubbing his jaw. "Now, what are you going to have me do?"

Judy shrugged. "Don't know yet, but I'll let you know. I'll cash it in when I feel the need. You said for a week, not what week. So I'll let you know when I need you to do something. I expect I'll spend these seven days you have granted me over time. It'll be nice to have a full grown lion at my beck and call."

Dalgato groaned and rolled his eyes. "I am so going to regret this bet."

Nick laughed from behind the camera. "Don't know how many times you have been warned. Never bet against the bunny."

"Or the fox!" Judy said as she walked away towards the female locker room.

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Victoria laughed. "Oh, and how many of those days has she cashed in?"

"Just two so far, and Del lives in fear of the next one."

"I'll bet. I can only imagine what she has asked for."

Nick shrugged. "Nothing overly extravagant. First one was covering a shift for her so we could leave a day early on a vacation. The second was completing some paperwork for a case we all worked on." Glancing over his shoulder at the location they were approaching. "I'll have a wolf sized number 5 with onion rings and two tacos."

Victoria looked at Nick in surprise. "Wolf sized?"

Mike chuckled. "Don't worry, I don't know how, but he can eat it all and still be hungry."

"Thus the tacos." Nick said with a grin.

Mike nodded, and then frowned. "Nick. How is it that both you and Judy are as strong, fast, and can eat as much as you do? Knowing how and why is probably something I need to know, with you being my First."

Nick nodded. "I suppose it is. Yes, it is more than just the fact that I trained as Helketta, although that amplifies it. You know that Judy and I have been exposed to various versions and concentrations of Nighthowler at this point. Well, That is part of the why. The rest is that Judy and I have used the knowledge of the Helketta and Cheth and undergo a regular treatment of Nighthowler and a few other things."

Mike stared at Nick and blinked a few times. "You what‽"

Nick chuckled. "Yep. After the second time we were exposed, we decided to be proactive. We are not immune, but we are not affected the way other mammals are. For Judy and I, it's kinda like being drunk, only with your senses sharpened and heightened, the world slowed down compared to you. Plus, that part of you that says that you should not beat the goat that just shot you with a nighthowler pellet, into a bloody pulp. Well, that part of your mind is just not there. We, Judy and I, refer to the state as primal. There are no inhibitions. Not just suppressed, but gone. You and Lizz will be undergoing some of the same treatments as part of your training by Judy and I.

You will get stronger, and faster. You will be harder to hurt, heal faster when you are injured. Keep in mind I'm now in my forties. Most think I'm similar in age to Carrots, and she's in her early thirties now. You never wondered why Judy and I are able to return to work weeks before you might after being wounded?"

MIke blinked and then shook his head. "I should have known. Oh… I soo should have known it was something like that. That must be that pill I see you take."

"Part of it." Taking the bag with his food from Victoria. "Thank you." Glancing back to Mike. "How far you go, how much we teach you, is entirely on you and Lizz. Now, let's eat so we can hit the council without being hungry."

Mike nodded. "Sounds good."

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Forty five minutes later, they had finished eating and pulled into the Wolford Pack council building parking garage. Exiting the limo, Nick steps out first, surveying the area before motioning Victoria and Mike to exit. Their Nightwolves standing back but well within range. "Okay. I'm one hundred percent First from this point forward. I do not look forward to security and being disarmed."

Victoria looked down at Nick. "What do you mean?"

Giving her a wry smile, his tail swished. "You'll see."

A few minutes later they were standing at the security entrance to the council chamber. Mike surrendered his side arm, as did Victoria. Nick however was on his third bin, and the Nightwolf guards were watching him with ever increasing concern as he pulled yet another large blade from yet another hidden panel in his jacket. Especially as they had already patted him down three times and not found anything.

Nick grinned up at the guards. "Sorry guys. I forget what all I carry sometimes since I so rarely have to remove it all." Closing his eyes and doing a mental inventory, Nick smiled. "Okay. I only have two things left. A collapsible staff and my Claw, neither of which I can give up."

The lead guard nodded. "The staff is fine, and we all have claws."

Nick shook his head, ears flicking. "No. My Claw. It is a ceremonial blade. Reaching behind his back, inside his jacket, he came back with a large blade, which he placed at his hip. Looking to Victoria over his shoulder, Nick frowned. "They're going to try and make me give this up, and this is non-negotiable." Turning back to the Nightwolves. "Leaving my Claw would be no different than having you leave your Grelp blade behind."

Both Nightwolves reeled at that, ears folding back. The lead wolf almost growling. "I could never. Would never. I've never heard of a blade referred to as a Claw."

Nick smirked. "That's just my name for him, and it is a him. My claw is my Athame."

The lead Nightwolf turned to Victoria. "Alpha. I cannot allow him to enter without demanding he leave that blade, but I cannot in my honor make that demand without your order to do so."

Sighing, she shook her head. "Nick. Are you planning on pulling and using that blade?"

Nick shook his head. "I have no intention or desire to do so. One does not draw such a blade unless you plan on spilling blood, and in the case of my Claw, taking a life. I have only ever drawn my Claw twice, and both times were ceremonial, as part of it's blessing and binding to me. In a situation like this, if I draw my Claw, someone is going to end their time on this plane of existence shortly thereafter."

Victoria nodded. "In that case, I will allow it. Though you will have to answer questions about it I am sure."

"To be expected and unavoidable. Accepted as the price to serve as First."

Victoria smirked. "Let us proceed then, before we are late."

Stepping through the doors, they find Arron waiting for them. He then led them into the council chamber after they were announced. Nick and Mike taking position behind Victoria and Arron as Alphas."

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Victoria stepped up to the dais and spoke first. "I am Victoria Maria Wolford, Alpha of pack Wolford. I come before this council today to present my son, Designate of Pack Wolford, and his First, that you may review them. Be it known that I, as Alpha, accept my son, Michael Arron Wolford-Fangmeyer as Designate and successor to myself and my mate, Arron James Wolford. I accept his mate before the law and Luna, Elizabeth Violetta Wolford-Fangmeyer, without reservation as his mate and Regent, and their pups as legitimate heirs in their steed. I accept their chosen Firsts as being selected with wisdom and vision."

Victoria stepped back and Arron stepped forward. "I am Arron James Wolford, Alpha of Pack Wolford. I come before this council today to present my son, Designate of Pack Wolford, and his First, that you may review them. Be it known that I, as Alpha, accept my son, Michael Arron Wolford-Fangmeyer as Designate and successor to myself and my mate, Victoria Maria Wolford. I accept his mate before the law and Luna, Elizabeth Violetta Wolford-Fangmeyer, without reservation as his mate and Regent, and their pups as legitimate heirs in their steed. I accept their chosen Firsts as being selected with wisdom and vision."

Arron stepped back, allowing Nick and Mike to stand forward. Mike looked over the assembled wolves and spoke loudly. "I am Michael Arron Wolford-Fangmeyer. I stand before you as the recognized Designate of Pack Wolford for your review. With me I have my chosen First, Nicholas Piberius WildeHopps. May we honor the pack, and the Alphas."

Nick spoke, projecting his voice. "I am Nicholas Piberius WildeHopps. I stand before you for your review as the recognized, chosen First of Wolford Pack recognized Designate, Michael Arron Wolford-Fangmeyer. May we honor the Pack and the Alphas."

With that, Nick and Mike waited as murmurs traveled around the room. It took several minutes as the older wolves all seemed reluctant to be the first one to ask a question. When someone finally did speak, it was not however to ask a question, at least not a question in the typical sense. The question asked was if they would accept the challenge.

A younger wolf about the same age as Mike stepped forward. "I am Jovek Francicis Welk, and I seek to Challenge. I do not believe that the current Designate can represent the best interests of the Pack in any capacity due to his chosen mate. I do not fault you for the love you have found, but I also do not believe it is appropriate that a tiger be next in line to lead a pack of wolves. I challenge under the rules of this council, should you or your First fail to meet my challenge, then I demand only that you step down as Designate and I be named and recognized in your place. Do you accept?"

Mike glanced behind him to Arron and Victoria who nodded, signaling that this was on him. "What form do you seek this challenge to take?"

"Physical combat to yield, as is the rules of this council since before our history was written and the first Wolford pack was formed."

Mick nodded. "Very well. The challenge is accepted. Nick?"

Smirking, Nick took off his jacket. "I was wondering when the first challenge was going to happen. Expected to have a few of them on the way in here, but I'm happy to start with you. Do you want weapons, or just paw to paw?"

Seeing the blade on Nick's hip. "How dare you disrespect this body by bringing a blade in here." Turning to the council. "Does this now show the poor choice in First and the poor judgement of the Designate to have selected such a mammal?"

Nick chuckled. "Sorry, Jovek, but your grandstanding is in really poor taste and shows off your ignorance. The blade in question is my Athame, and I can no more part with it than a Nightwolf can part with their Grelp. Would you make such a scene if I were a Nightwolf and it was their Grelp you noticed on their hip? I doubt it greatly. Know that if I were to draw this blade, it has a single purpose, and that will be to end your life. As you have not demanded a death challenge, I will not be drawing my Claw. That is, unless someone interferes and tries to kill Mike, the Alphas, or myself."

Jovek turned on Nick in anger. "You have no business being here, fox. You are not a wolf, and this absurd claim to a sacred weapon is just that, absurd. I will beat you and then take it for myself as a trophy."

Nick stepped around the dais and stood in the large open space between the dais and the council. "Let me know your answer. Weapons or no? Then let me know when you are done posturing. I'd like to make this quick so the council can get to actual questions. We ask nothing of you should you fail in this challenge, save that when you do yield, you acknowledge Mike as Designate and the legitimacy of Mike, Lizz as his mate and Regent, and their pups."

Jovek nodded. "More than fair. Only those weapons that Luna has granted us, and you are correct. This is to yield, not death. I'll try not to kill you."

Nick smirked wider. "How gracious of you. I'll be sure to try and not break you so badly you are permanently damaged."

Jovek growled. "I will teach you a lesson you will not soon forget, fox."

Jovek then lunged at Nick, claws flashing in a haymaker like slash. Nick stepped inside the slash, grabbing the wrist and spinning, pulling Jovek along with him. Finally, when fully off balance and his paws coming off the ground, Nick released Jovek, continuing his spin and drove an elbow into the side of his head. Jovek tumbled and came to rest in a heap up against the dividing wall to the first row of council member seats.

With a pained groan and growl, Jovek picked himself up. "I said no weapons, fox. Yet you have already cheated."

Nick laughed. "No weapons, save those granted us at birth, and that is all I have used against you. That, and yourself. All the councilors saw what happened and they know that no weapon was used, just my elbow and your thick skull. The primary issue you have here is a lack of knowledge, so let me enlighten you before you make another stupid mistake and press this pointless effort.

I am trained, but far more than just as an officer. So in combat, be it with, or without weapons, you stand no chance against me. Moreover, some of those assembled here today will know some of the deeper histories of the world. I speak specifically of the formation of the current Wolford Pack. I speak of the time, shortly after the original Wolford Pack fell apart and the new one formed, led by Mikel Wolford. Where a pact was formed between this Pack, the Hop clan of rabbits, and the Wilde clan of foxes."

Several gasps could be heard and one shout of, you cannot know this! As Nick continued. "I very much, can, know this. Because I am a direct descendant of clan Wilde. As such, I have, due to that pact, which still stands and is in force today, just as much right to stand next to Mike as his First as any wolf in this room, and I would not be the first Wilde to do so. More than that, my mate is a direct descendant of the Hop rabbit clan, the name got changed into Hopps about two hundred years ago due to a clerical error. Since that makes me, by marriage, a member of Clan Hop as well. I would step very carefully when questioning either her or my rights to stand as First for Mike and Lizz, for doing so questions one of, if not the oldest pact that Pack Wolford has. A pact that predates the accords and most of recorded history."

Jovek shook with rage. "That is not possible. The ancient Wolfords would not have entered into a pact with rabbits or foxes, and what would a rabbit clan be doing making a pact with foxes?"

Arron stood. "In fact, this is true. It is in some of the most ancient records and confirmed by the Nightwolves as well. The pact actually predates the pact with the Nightwolves."

Nick turned to Jovek. "With that out of the way. Let's finish this, shall we?"

Jovek launched himself at Nick, but spun in mid-air into a kick. "I'm not untrained either, fox."

Instead of dodging, Nick brought up his arms, sinking his claws into the ground and took the hit. The result was the kick stopping dead, with Nick pushed back several inches, his claws creating deep rents in the wooden floor. Stepping forward, Nick grabs Jovek's leg, spinning with it and driving Jovek, muzzle first, into the ground. Spinning further, he snatches the other leg, locking them together and standing on Jovek's back.

Letting out a growl of pain and rage, Jovek tries to turn and yelps as Nick applies more pressure to his legs. Reaching back to try and grab the fox, he finds his arm also captured, and his tail used as a restraint for that limb as well, leaving him only one free arm. Jovek lays there panting and growling for several moments.

Tired of waiting, Nick shakes his head. "I've got three of your limbs, and your tail, tied up. You cannot get out of this without me letting you, or breaking your own tail, and you'll probably dislocate the shoulder while you are at it. Do you yield?"

Instead of responding, Jovek continues to growl, bark, and shift his body. Nick applies some additional pressure to both the arm and legs, causing Jovek to go still with a pained yelp and whine. Letting the pressure up slightly, Nick asks again. "Do you yield?"

Jovek flopped his head down on the floor with a huff, then turned his head slightly to look behind himself. His ears pinned back completely. "Yes. I yield. I yield."

With several quick motions, Nick unties Jovek from himself, then helps him up. "There is a reason the ZPD sends me and Judy in to apprehend larger mammals. You always, and I do mean always, underestimate us. Now, I do believe you have something formal to say."

Jovek rubs and rolls his shoulder, ears still pinned and tail down. With a sigh he nodded. "I do." Standing up with with a deep breath, he rights his ears and tail. "I am Jovek Francicis Welk. I challenged and have been bested. Luna and the gods have therefore shown that my position was wrong, and so I now stand with and recognize the full legitimacy of Michael Arron Wolford-Fangmeyer and his mate Elizabeth Violetta Wolford-Fangmeyer as Designate and Regent. I recognize the legitimacy of their firsts, regardless of species, and support their recognition by this body without further debate."

Nick grinned. "We thank you, and welcome your support." Stepping back over to the dais, he looked out over the council. "Unless someone else has another challenge, I assume you have a lot of questions for Mike and I?" Which got a few chuckles from the assembled wolves.

The first hour of questions were as expected, and nothing was generally wrong with them. Only a handful were questioned, and had about a fifty-fifty success rate of being answered. Most of them were fairly innocuous. Things like. How did you meet your mate? and Why did you feel it necessary to hide your relationship? It was near the end of the hour where things went sideways.

A questioner near the back of the room spoke up. "I understand that the tiger is pregnant, and you claim that they are your pups. While I do not believe that and will not until genetic testing is performed by my chosen testing agents. My concern is if you actually knotted this feline. Are you truly mated, or is this just an accident?"

Mike growled, but Nick put a hand on his arm and spoke up. "I'm not even going to ask the Alphas on that question. That is beyond the pale and utterly unacceptable. Do you knot your mate? Are all of your pups the results of..." Doing air-quotes. "Proper mating? That is not a question anyone has the right to ask of you, and you therefore have no business asking it of the Designate.

Are you suggesting then that you consider the pups of a wolf who, through no fault of their own, have to rely on invitro or a surrogate, and are therefore illegitimate in your eyes? There are many of you here that have family or have even yourselves needed such help. This council member thinks your family members, your own pups are not legitimate and do not deserve recognition if you didn't knot the female that birthed them in order to make them. Next question."

The same voice spoke again. "No! I demand an answer to the question. Does she like taking the knot, or, being a feline, is she against it? If she is against it, or won't accept it, then she is clearly unsuited to be alpha, regardless of species. I move that the council demand a proper mating confirmation ceremony to confirm and ensure that this tiger is in fact fully and properly mated to the Designate."

Nick shook his head. "Mike will not be answering this question, and your implication is so far beyond, which I expect is your intent in asking it, that I am forced to challenge you in defense of the honor of the Designate, his mate, and the Alphas themselves. Stand forward!"

Counselor Relti stepped forward. "I am not so foolish as to challenge you, fox. We watched you deal with that idiot Darr, and Counselor Welk here a short time ago. No, you will be fighting my chosen champion." Relti turned towards the doors. "I present my champion. Chet Morris, the lone survivor of the Heath assassin clan, and star of the internationally popular self defense video series."

Nick blinked, looked over at Mike who looked back at him in surprise. Turning his attention back to Relti, Nick managed to keep his voice even. "You're kidding, right?"

Relti frowned. "This is no joke. You challenged, he is my champion. Are you rescinding the challenge?"

Nick shook his head, swallowing hard to keep from laughing, though it was clear he was struggling with the strain in his voice. Strain that caused Relti to grin, clearly thinking it was fear. "Okay… Then, conditions… If I lose, what are you demanding?"

Grinning in clear glee, Relti stepped forward. "Simple. I demand that the Alphas step down as their acceptance of this disgusting and unnatural relationship, along with that of their other spawn and their unnatural relationship of their own Firsts. Them stepping down removes the perversion of their clearly genetically defective spawn from right of succession. In fact, I will demand self exile from the Pack for the Alphas and their entire brood of deviants."

Nick returned the grin and glanced back at Victoria and Arron, who gave him an affirmative nod. "Accepted, so long as you accept my terms without question and immediate action. You will surrender to Michael as a representative of the ZPD, all of your electronic devices, including unlock codes. You will surrender all documentation related to your actions to stand against the confirmation. You will speak the truth before this council detailing those actions, and will name all those that have worked with you. You also, in accepting this, command all those that work for you to preserve all documents and take no actions to destroy or obfuscate them.

Honestly, Relti… I did not expect you to make such a bold move so soon, and certainly not using this fool as your champion. So, do you accept my terms?"

Giving a very evil villain laugh, Relti grinned showing all his teeth. "Of course, pelt. You have no chance against Chet."

Finally giving in, Nick laughed, slapping his knee with his tail wagging happily behind him. "Oh Karma help me. You're serious? So be it. This council has heard the acceptance. Do any seek to speak in favor, against, or add to the challenge, or make their own?"

One voice from a shadowed section where Relti himself had been. "Yes. When you lose, fox. You, your mate, as well as the Designate and his, the Alphas, and the rest of their brood must quit the ZPD and leave Zootopia immediately, never to return."

Nick grinned wickedly. "And if I win, the same requirements of Relti apply to you, Councillor Ergot. Do you accept?"

"I do."

Nick nodded and clapped his paws. "Excellent! Challenge made and accepted. Anyone else?" There was silence for a full minute. "Excellent." Nick then turned to Chet. "Well, Chet. I guess they figured that since they are not dealing with just wolves on this side of the chess board, that they can use non-wolves. Still… I am surprised they have brought you in so soon. Not that I am complaining, mind you. You really ready for this?" Nick stepped back into the open area that acted as the challenge area.

Chet stepped forward with a wicked grin. "I've been wanting this for a long time, fox. You have elevated foxes well beyond their station. I look forward to putting you in your place. Then I'll put your rabbit in her place, for free, as part of my civic duty. You may not know who the Heath were, so let me tell you before I end you. The Heath were an assassin guild, who trained me. I was on a mission when the attacks happened that ended the guild, and am by that luck, the only survivor. No matter your training, you have no chance."

Nick laughed in Chet's face. "Chet. You trained with the Heath for exactly 53 days. When the attacks happened, you were in a cell awaiting your retirement, because you had failed out. The only reason that you are still alive is because of those attacks and the fact that those that took down the Heath figured you were a prisoner for ransom or something like that. You were scheduled to be retired. That means you were going to be killed the next morning you moron. Also, the Heath were a clan, not a guild, and the masters were a silver fox, a maned wolf, and a caracal. You were assigned to the caracal first, then the maned wolf, and lastly the silver fox, and it was them as a group that decided there was no hope for you. They weren't even willing to keep you around to clean the bathrooms."

Chet frowned with a growl. "Lies. Typical of a fox."

"See, that right there was the problem. You didn't think the other mammals could actually teach you anything. The master's notes make it clear that you were considered unteachable because your opinion of your abilities was far beyond the truth of your abilities." With a sudden move, Nick was standing next to Chet, who was doubled over with a fist in his gut. Nick whispered in his ear. "I cleaned out the master's books and writings for the Heath, that which the government forces that killed the rest, missed. You know, the real important stuff. Which included their training logs." Nick then stepped through and past Chet, turning to face him.

"Typical fox. Full of lies. Just like that so-called master. He didn't know anything and refused to show me the supposed killing techniques of the Heath. So I had to figure them out myself. Which I did. Should I use them on you, fox?"

Nick shook his head with a sad chuckle. "Oh Chet. You're Ewetube fame has really gone to your head, hasn't it?"

Taking a fighting stance, Chet growled. "Enough talk, fox. It is time I taught you a lesson. I allowed you to get that first shot in so you can feel like you tried."

Smirking, Nick took his own relaxed fighting stance and waited. He could see that Chet's stance was a literal beginners stance, and not even done well. Nick shifted slightly, seeing Chet tense in preparation or an attack. "Come on, Chet. As much as I am looking forward to pounding the absolute dung out of you, it would be better for both of us if you just gave up."

With an enraged roar, Chet struck with as much speed and strength as he could muster. His problem being, Nick was faster, and despite the size difference, was stronger than the leopard due to his training and night howler exposure. Nick blocked the strike, which was a wide swinging claw swipe, spinning into Chet's guard and delivering his own set of punches to the offending elbow and shoulder. Nick completed the move with a leg sweep as he slipped under Chet's arm, which dropped the leopard on his muzzle.

"Chet… Chet… Chet… You lack even the most basic of skills you should have learned in your time with the Heath. You were going to fail out because you were bested, time and time again, by those who had trained for a fraction of the time you had been there. You never seemed to learn, and even your final master, master Wilde, couldn't teach you. He was my cousin by marriage, if you were wondering. Ken was a master for a reason, and they always gave him the hard cases, like you, because they really didn't like having to fail someone. It was a waste of all the effort to locate, recruit, and train you. Yet, from time to time it happened, and you were one of those rare failures. He told me at a family barbecue, just before it all happened, about a week if I remember right, about this student that had so much potential, yet seemed unable to get past their own ego. I can only assume that was you."

Chet was fully enraged and gave up any pretense of subtlety, just swiping and clawing at Nick, who easily dodged the strikes, while delivering blow after blow of his own. After a good five minutes of Chet swinging wildly in rage at the fox he couldn't seem to so much as scratch, while the same fox hit him time and again. Mike finally got tired of it. "Nick. As entertaining as this is to watch you toy with your food, put the poor beast out of his misery."

Nick grinned. "Sorry Mike, but this is also kinda personal. This skid mark gets to live, while my cousin and his clan died? He gets to make money off their backs and their deaths by lying about his position and what happened? As much as I want to end this and would gladly end him as should have happened all those years ago, that is not the rules of this engagement. I will however take him apart a little at a time until he cannot move."

Chet laughed. "You know nothing, pelt." Spitting the word at Nick. "Your cousin, like you, wore a knife, but was terrified to draw it. I will take your blade and kill you with it."

Nick frowned. "He was never afraid to draw it, and neither am I. If you understood even the first thing of what they tried to teach you, you would know that it is not something to be drawn in anger or lightly. If I were to draw it, it cannot be re-sheathed without being coated in blood after taking a life."

"Nonsense!" Chet then charged Nick, swiping and swinging wildly, Nick, dodged and blocked the blows, striking back regularly, and finally delivering a spinning kick that drove Chet up into the dividing wall. Chet laughing as he slid down.

"You're a fool, Chet, and you have just sealed your fate."

Laughing maniacally, Chet stood up, brandishing a blade. "So worried about not pulling the blade, and yet you did not protect it or prevent me from drawing it for you. Now what, pelt? I have the blade now. And I'm going to kill you with it and end this."

Nick sighed sadly. "You understand nothing. There are rules around that blade. If you knew even the first of them, you would not have drawn it. I did not stop you because that is one of the rules. A true master knows better than to draw the blade of another, unless they kill them with it immediately. A true master doesn't broadcast their skills, and only uses those needed for the moment. A true master knows that if they draw that blade, be it their own, or that of another, and they fail to kill with it, they will be killed with it."

Nick glanced towards the Alphas and Mike. "I'm sorry for what is about to transpire." Glancing off into the distance. "I'm sorry Carrots. He leaves me no choice." Looking to Chet, who was grinning at him, knife in paw. "As for you, the quick death you have just earned is more than you deserve."

Chet charged Nick, who returned the charge, but as they came together, Nick moved in a flash, disarming Chet and driving the blade into his heart. Spinning out from under the shocked look on Chets face as he froze, Nick pulled the blade and delivered it into the base of Chet's skull with a loud thunk sound. Chet was dead by the time his body hit the ground and Nick's blade was back in it's sheath.

Stepping aside, Nick looked up at Relti. "You lose. Time to pay the piper."

Relti looked over at the now deceased leopard in shock. "You… You killed him!"

"He didn't give me much choice. I was only going to beat him senseless, but he never was that bright."

Looking up at Mike, Relti grinned. "As an officer of the ZPD, I demand that you arrest this fox for murder."

Mike frowned. "A few things with that, Relti. First, Nick did not draw the blade, Chet did. Chet made multiple threats, up to and including his intent to use the blade that he took from Nick, to kill Nick. Nick also gave him multiple opportunities to stop this. In the end, it could be classified as self-defense if this were on the street. Only, this was a formal, accepted challenge, here in the Wolford Pack council chamber. A challenge that was only to the point where one of them could not continue, it was not a fight to the death, yet your champion is the one that escalated it to that and made it that. As such, it falls into the category of one of a few exemptions to such laws, as set aside and requested by wolves such as yourself, who demanded that our old ways be respected in the law. I therefore have no justification, or right, to place him under arrest.

You on the other hand now have the price of your failed challenge and fallen champion to attend to. Both of you do. While you cannot be charged with accessory to murder, I do wonder if you bothered to inform the non-wolf that you brought in as your champion that this could have been a result, if he escalated it, or you set that as the terms? Did you bother to inform him of that? Let us ask that question again in a few minutes, shall we? First, I believe you have a story to tell."

The murmur around the room was loud, only the shouting of counselor Ergot as he was unceremoniously shoved out into the challenge area by a pair of Nightwolves. Nightwolves then took up position at all the exits, blocking Relti's sudden attempt to flee.

Mike stepped around the dais and spoke even louder. "Do not render more dishonor upon yourselves and this council than you already have. Tell your stories, name your names, as you agreed to, and then we will collect the documentation, as agreed to, as you lost fully and completely. Is there any counselor here that feels differently?"

There was no response as Nick moved next to Mike, allowing new wolves that had entered the chamber to remove the body and clean up the floor. Relti shook his head and growled. "I refuse. I do not recognize you as Designate, nor your authority here. He was not a wolf, and so the win does not count."

Victoria stood. "That would be rather false, Relti. You brought that mammal in here, very likely without the understanding of the possible consequences. The challenge was made, accepted and terms agreed upon. Same with you, Ergot. Pay up, or I will ask this council to support a resolution to have you both stripped of your titles, property, exiled from this pack, and driven from the city just as you demanded of my son, his mate, their firsts, and the rest of my family."

Ergot growled. "You cannot do that."

Senior counselor Trev Joehan stepped forward. "Actually, Ergot. She has every right to do that, and if you do not start talking, one of you, very soon, I will make that motion myself. I am not fond of the idea of a non-wolf as Alpha. Yet, a fox of all mammals has acted with more honor as his First than you have in your entire life.

At this point, it is clear that Michael is a worthy Designate and will make a fine Alpha, based on his selection of Firsts. Which, is that not the point of this meeting? Was it not to test both of them and see if they do not have what is necessary to fulfill their roles? Clearly Mike does in his selection of the fox, who has shown more honor than most wolves would in such a situation. His First, does, in his maneuvering around your machinations to try and discredit them and turn this council against them and the Alpha's.

It is also clear to me that the world is changing, and that we as a Pack must change too." Turning to Mike, Joehan bowed. "I am Senior Counselor Trev Joehan, and I acknowledge you as Designate, your mate as Regent despite her species. I recognize the wisdom of your selection of Firsts. This does not mean I am ready to formally recognize you, as my mind is not yet made. I do however have one question for you that I do hope you will answer."

Mike gave a light bow. "Thank you Counselor Joehan. What is your question?"

With a deep breath, Joehan stepped forward into the open area, looking both Mike and Nick up and down. "I understand that you have married you tiger, both in the view of the laws of this city, and as a wolf, save recognition by this council, is that correct?"

Mike nodded. "It is. Something I must again thank my First for recognizing the need."

Joehan nodded with a smile. "More points in his favor, and yours for picking him. I realize that she is pregnant with your pups, but if this council decided that your heirs must be pure wolves, and I am not saying that we are saying that. Such is a question to be answered at another time. No, my question is only that, should this council decide that, how would you resolve this?"

Mike glanced down at Nick who gave him a smile and a nod. Mike then looked up over the council and then upon Joehan. "That is in fact something my mate and I have discussed at length. If this were to be the case, and I do hope that the council will not slight my pups with Elizabeth that way. However, if this council finds that they cannot accept them as heir, then Lizz and I will either adopt a worthy pup, or will find a suitable second mate for me. One that will be able to sire pups that this council will be able to accept. Neither of us would be comfortable with that, but it is a sacrifice we are willing to make, if forced into such a position."

Joehan smiled with a nod and turned to the council, locking eyes on Ergot and Relti. "As you can see. As I see. As Designate, he has already discussed it with his chosen mate and they have planned ahead. I would be willing to bet that they already planned to adopt."

Mike smiled. "In fact we do plan to. There are thousands upon thousands of young in this city in need of a good home, and not just wolves. How can we be honorable as wolves if we turn our backs on those most in need and least able to fend for themselves? Our plan is to adopt, in addition to our own biological cubs, at least one wolf from within the pack, one from outside the pack, and one prey mammal."

Joehan nodded without turning around. He paused, and then nodded again. "This is good. Ergot. Relti. Time for one of you to start speaking."

Ergot growled, but started. He told of the conspiracy to undermine the Alphas, to stand against Mike as Designate, and do all they could to prevent a filthy inter from becoming Alpha. He described a planned attempt to poison Lizz so that she would lose the pups while setting Mike up for it. He also put the blame squarely on Relti as the instigator, though did in no way exonerate himself. He also named several other council members, who upon realizing that Ergot wasn't going to go down alone, tried to quietly exit the building. They were blocked from leaving by Nightwolves, just as Relti was, and quickly delivered to the open area to stand next to Relti and Ergot.

When finished, Ergot turned to Relti. "Your turn. Might as well spill it all. The whole effort is pointless now. They know it all, or most of it, and more than enough to figure the rest out. We're all going to be exiled, and not a pack in the world will have us."

Relti growled, his ears folded back. "I'll say nothing. They're ZPD just as much as they are here under the pack's auspices. Everything you said can be used against you."

Nick shook his head. "Actually, no. Nothing said here can. Unless the Alphas put forward a motion to have it submitted to the ZPD for review, and neither Mike nor I could investigate that, nor any wolf who is a member of Wolford pack, and neither of our mates would be allowed to touch such a case either. Conflict of interest and all that. That said, you agreed to spill your guts so the rest of the council knows what you were up to. So…" Nick glanced back at the Alphas. "With the permission of the Alphas, I can make you talk if you will not do so willingly.."

Relti growled, his hackles raised. "I will not, and there is nothing you can do to make me."

Victoria gave a wicked smirk. "Will it permanently damage him?"

Nick shook his head. "No. Luckily for him, it will not. At least not unless I do it for too long, but that's not a worry. I've already taken one more life today than I wanted. He might even end up a bit healthier after it is all said and one."

With a nod, Victoria looked to the rest of the council. "More's the pity then. What say you?" A quick vote of the council resulted in the affirmative. Turning to Nick. "Do it."

Nick nodded and walked up to Relti. "You really should have done this willingly." With quick set of strikes, Nick stepped back..

Relti gasped and fell to his knees. "What have you done?"

Nick stepped around Relti a few times, and with a nod stopped in front of him. "You'll find, Relti, that other than the blood coursing through your veins, I am the only thing you can see and hear. This is a little something I learned from my cousin who was a master of the Heath. You know, that little organization that your would be champion was failing out of. A few things you should know, before I start. First, I know the mammalian body, be it that of a wolf such as yourself, or a giraffe, better than most doctors. This is what lets me do this to you. I can cause you agony with a touch."

With that statement, Nick placed a finger against Relti's shoulder, causing him to scream, yet Relti also did not move. Removing the finger, Nick continued. "You see, in the current state you are in, any contact is pure agony, because your nervous system has been hijacked by what I have done to you. It is also why you cannot move, only feel. If I were to leave you in this state long enough, your heart would give out, and you would die, in agony. Now, you don't have to worry about that, because I doubt you'll need to be in this state for the full two days that would take.

However, there is something else that will cause you agony. Lying to me. Assuming you have the mental strength to do so. I doubt you have it, but just in case you do, I am giving you fair warning. Lie, and you will experience agony until you speak the truth. If you really want to test it, we can do that easily. Just lie about your name. What is your name?"

Relti looked around wildly, though only his eyes moved, and all he could see was Nick in bright, vivid color and blackness. "My name is Jason…" And he screamed as his body felt as if it were on fire. Though even through his screaming, he could hear Nick.

"Speak your actual name, and the pain will stop as if never there."

"Garr Terren Relti. My name is Garr Terren Relti." Breathing heavily for a moment as the pain vanished.

"Good. Now, Garr. You don't mind if I call you Garr, do you?"

"I do mind."

"The truth. Very good. Now that we understand each other. All you need to do is speak your truth to power. Tell us what you have done. How were you involved with Darr? How many illegitimate pups do you have out there? Tell us everything."

Relti just growled, and then started to pant. "What? What is happening to me?"

"Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention. Holding out on a question asked directly to you results in discomfort that, if ignored long enough, will start to feel like burning. Heat upon heat upon heat. Burning and itching until your whole body will feel like your fur is burning off. As you learned with the pain of lying to me, I am not going to lie to you about this. I have no reason to, and every reason to tell you the truth."

Gasping as the discomfort was rapidly becoming the burning Nick suggested. "You said that nothing I say here can be used against me?"

"Nothing here, and most especially not in the state you are in, could anything you say be used by the ZPD or any court of the Zootopain Judicial System. It would be considered obtained under duress and therefore inadmissible."

With a frustrated and pained growl, Relti yelled. "FINE! I will tell you everything. Just make this stop!"

Nick Grinned as he stopped and stood in front of Relti, filling his vision. "See, that wasn't hard. I know that the discomfort has already vanished by your decision to respond, but don't wait too long or it'll be back, with a vengeance. So go ahead. Tell us everything. Bare your soul, and speak your truth."

With that, Relti spilled everything. He spoke of all the females he had forced into mating with him, and the cubs he knew of. That there were probably dozens more he was unaware of. He spoke of the plot he built against Mike, Lizz, and the Alphas. How he slowly built support from when the Alphas accepted Ed and Elli, instead of driving them from the pack.

He went on to explain the deeper plot against Mike and Lizz, and how they had actually tried to poison her on several occasions once she became pregnant. Describing how frustrated they were that whenever they managed to get something poisoned into her paws, they would get a call forcing Mike and Lizz to abandon their food. How they only ever managed to get a single bite of poisoned food which made her a little sick.

Relti could not hear the rage fueled growl from Mike, but he felt it. Asking with a terrified voice. "What is that?"

Nick spoke calmly. "Nothing you need worry about, though given the subject, I'm sure you can guess. It's handled, and you won't come to harm."

"It was Mike, wasn't it."

"Yes it was. Now continue. What else did you have planned?"

Relti finished describing, as Ergot suggested, a plan to attempt to poison Lizz again and frame Mike for it. A plan to blow up the apartment complex, and the mercenaries that had been hired for the job. In the end, it turned out that Relti was a member of the group that Mike, Lizz, Nick, and Judy, with Jeff and Eric, had taken down.

Relti finally sighed. "There is nothing else. I swear!"

"The fact that you are not in agony says that much. If there is anything else, it is minor. The Alphas and council agree that you have given us more than enough." With a few quick strikes, Relti collapsed forward with a gasp and curls into a ball sobbing. "I almost feel sorry for you, but only almost. That is a very unpleasant experience to undergo."

Arron shook his head and stood over Relti. "I will leave it to a vote of the council, but Ergot was right. I expect you will be exiled for all you have done. All your assets will be seized and distributed to your victims and your pups."

Groaning as he tried to stand, he looked to Nick. "You said nothing I said could be used against me!"

"By the ZPD and the Zootopian Judicial system, nor the Judicial system of just about any country of this world. However, that is formal judicial and law enforcement proceedings. A vote of this council does not qualify as such."

"Damn fox."

Nick shrugged with a chuckle. "You're the one that put yourself in this position. Your, dare we say, evil ways, were going to come back to get you eventually. Karma doesn't always show her hand, but when she does, it is never good to be on her bad side."

The council made several votes, stripping all the named participants of their council seats, all their assets, and exiling them from the pack. The reason for their exile was to be communicated to all packs that Pack Wolford had contact and relationships with.

At the end, counselor Joehan stepped forward. "Mister WildeHopps. Before we enter debate, there are a few more questions that this body needs answered. This is especially true given your recent performance." Seeing Nick frown and his ears fold back. "Before I ask these questions, I wish to assure you that regardless of the vote of the individual member, all those that remain in this chamber take their oath seriously. Nothing said here within this chamber will leave this chamber or be spoken of again by those within this chamber, unless within this chamber."

Nick nodded. "Given what you have witnessed, I can guess your questions, and I suppose Judy and I both knew that once we accepted officially being First for Lizz and Mike, questions would be asked. I do however have a request, before you ask those questions. It is an assurance I need for the protection of myself and my mate."

Nodding, counselor Joehan looked over his fellow wolves. "What is this request?"
"I request, in order to be comfortable being completely honest with this body, that this body, though I understand your assurances, pass the following motion. The motion is this. That all present in this chamber, as members of this council, agree that they will remain silent to what has transpired thus far, and in relation to the answers to the questions, as well as the questions themselves. This shall also apply when you meet with and question the Regent and her First, my mate."

Joehan smiled. "I see. You want that assurance official, knowing that anyone that violates it violates their oath to this council and their position upon it."

Nick nodded. "What I will answer is not a secret from the Alphas, nor from the Designate and Regent. That said, it is also not something we wish spread widely, as it would place our jobs, our friends, and our kits at risk."

Joehan continued to smile with a nod. "That is not an unreasonable request. So I make that motion official, and raise it for a vote. Do we agree? All members present in this chamber, agree as members of this council that we shall remain silent to what has thus far transpired today, to the answers and the questions those answers are response to, for First to Designate Michael Wolford-Fangmeyer, Nicholas WildeHopps, as well as when we meet with Regent Elizabeth Wolfard-Fangmeyer and her First, Judith WildeHopps?"

Several wolves stand in support of the measure, and it passes with only two no's out of thirty wolves. Joehan nodded and turned again to Nick. "Ready?"

Giving a slightly nervous smile. "Go for it."

"Given that you stated that your cousin taught you that technique for interrogation. Were you in fact a member of the Heath, and are therefore an actual survivor of that group?"

Smirking, Nick shook his head. "Nope. While yes, my cousin was a master within the Heath, and did teach me that technique. I was never a member of the Heath."

"I see. How then did you know what you knew about Chet?"

"My cousin did teach me that technique. He did so at the Heath compound when I was delivering a message. When I heard about the raids, I went to the compound and collected everything I could get my paws on. The government teams that did it were not really interested in going after the masters notes, or much of anything else of that nature."

Joehan nodded. "I see. Who did you work for that you were able to deliver a message to the Heath compound where your cousin worked as a master? Essentially, I am asking which group you are the survivor of?"

Nick sighed. "And there it is. I am the only known survivor of the Helketta. I was ranked and would have been named master after another year of training. To answer your follow up question. I never killed a mammal as a member of the Helketta. My skills lay elsewhere, and I was on just such an effort when things went down. Have I killed many mammals? I have killed twenty at this time, all but one of those while a member of the ZPD and in performance of my duties as an officer."

"Your mate?"

"I have shared skills with her, and we have decided that we will train Lizz and MIke, as well as teaching some things to our Nightwolf guard that they would be better able to protect Lizz and Mike, as well as defending themselves, when Judy and I are not around."

Joehan looked thoughtful for several moments before smiling. "That actually satisfies most of our concerns. Then the final one, given your history as a member of such an organization, is this. What are your intentions?"

Nick chuckled with a happy wag of his tail. "We have zero intention of recreating the Helketta, Heath, or any other such group. The world is better for them no longer being a part of the world. Will we teach the skills we have? Of course. The knowledge has value, despite its source. Much as the medical knowledge gained from the evil committed by the Sheered and the Third Herd.

How that knowledge was obtained is horrific and should be condemned in the strongest terms. However, that knowledge, regardless of how it was obtained, has value in the good it has done in the world. Not using the knowledge, or letting it be forgotten could be seen as just as much a crime to all mammality as how it was obtained. How many millions of lives have been saved because those of your generation decided to save and use that knowledge?

It is an ethically sticky place, but we feel that the knowledge of the Heath, Helketta, and others has value similar to that. We also believe that such organizations should never again plague this world. Does that answer your question?"

Joehan nodded. "It very much does, and in much stronger terms than I think we expected."

"I want you to understand. If Judy and I have anything to say about it, such organizations will never again plague this world."

"Very well. I think that covers our questions. I am not one to normally state my position ahead of time, however, I think I will make an exception here. As you may have guessed, I was skeptical of you, especially after your little stunt at the Luna Grill. However, after speaking with you, and now understanding who you are as a mammal. Well, your former employment with Mr. Big's organization was concerning. Though again, that your part was in the gathering of information and acquisition of things, alleviated most of my concerns.

Your answers here, despite also having been part of an organization such as the Helketta, and your decision to train the Designate and Regent, bring me to this. I officially support this body recognizing the Designate and his mate as Regent. Further, I believe we need press no further in our inquiries. We know who we are getting from the other information already gathered. We are getting mammals that are as well suited for their roles, both current and future, as we could ask for.

While having a tiger, rabbit, and fox as official members of the pack may seem odd. As mister WildeHopps also reminded us, this pack has a pact with both the Hop, now Hopps clan, and the Wilde foxes. As such, this is not an unprecedented situation to have a fox or rabbit as a member, so adding a tiger is not a huge lift. Do I have a second?"

A voice from the back. "I second and call for a vote. The restraint shown with the Darr situation. The skills brought to the table and demonstrated, willingly or not, before this council, speak of mammals as qualified as any I can think of, if not more so."

A different voice. "While I understand the sentiment. I still believe we need to interview this potential Regent and her First. Though I understand that they are both very far along in pregnancies. As such, I call for a vote of provisional recognition. That the recognition of the Designate, Regent, and their Firsts be provisional. We will accept them at this time, and have a following vote once we have interviewed the Regent and her First, after they have given birth and had a reasonable time to recuperate."

Joehan gave an appreciative nod. "I believe that is reasonable. Let us put that to a vote. A provisional acceptance, pending interview of the Regent and her First, after they have given birth and recuperated. At which point we will hold a final affirming vote, or require further inquiry, but until that interview, we will hold no further inquiry."

The vote was twenty five for, five against, and was thus accepted. Thus concluding the session, the council adjourned and a meet and greet session commenced. Congratulations passed to Mike and Nick for their recognition, even if provisional. After saying their goodbyes, Nick and Mike, with the Alphas left.

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Climbing into the limo, Nick sagged into his seat. "Fuck…"

Mike looked over at the deflated fox. "You okay, Nick? I'd say this was an unmitigated success. Except maybe the whole Chet thing."

Shaking his head, Nick's ears folded back. "No. I have never used my skills to kill, and I swore I never would. Only to have Relti and that idiot Chet force me into it. I have exposed myself, and by extension, Judy. I've placed her and our kits in danger. I also have to tell her what I did."

Victoria gave Nick a warm smile. "You don't have to worry, Nick. With your request and passage of the motion, your secrets are safe. They will remain in that chamber, the same as everything Relti and Ergot said. If anything, you have won the war. The strongest force standing against Mike is dead. We know their plans, their co-conspirators, etc… There may be other smaller resistance, but to use your analogy, this was check and mate, at least for the strongest resistance. As for the rest, we've captured ground, and because you even managed the provisional acceptance, you have bought us valuable months."

Nick nodded. "That alleviates some of my concerns. Still. I have to tell Judy what I have done."

Mike put a paw on Nick's shoulder. "She will understand. If you need me to help explain it."

Nick shook his head. "No. There are no secrets between Judy and I. I know she will understand, and she will help me get through the guilt. Despite my rank, I never was sent on an actual mission to kill someone. As I said, my skills lay in other efforts. The same way I worked for Big, in the gathering of information and the acquisition of things. The masters knew I would if I had to. That was tested, but they knew I would also suffer for it. Just as I have for all those lives I have taken as an officer. Though less for those. I understand those in ways the lives I would have to have taken as Helketta would not have been. Those lives, as Helketta would have been simple murder, no matter the supposed justifications. As an officer, I warn, I give chances, and even as a sniper, me pulling that trigger is a last resort and not done lightly."

"That makes sense. It also speaks to your character as a mammal." They came to a stop as Victoria gave Nick a concerned look. "Are you sure you will be alright?"

Nick nodded. "I'm not okay, but I will be alright."

Nick and Mike exited the limo and entered the apartment complex. Nick made his way quickly to his apartment and his mate.

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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 dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (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."

You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.

So keep those reviews and comments coming. 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.