Here is the 62nd installment. 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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Nick stepped into the apartment, locking the door behind him. Judy came up to him quickly, concern all over her face. "Nick? What's wrong?"
Falling to his knees. "Judy… I'm so sorry. I didn't have a choice." Looking down, eyes closed. "Please forgive me." Tears flowing from his eyes.
Pulling Nick into a hug. "Nick. Please. Tell me what happened? I love you, and nothing will ever change that."
Taking a shaky breath, Nick nodded. "Sure. Let's sit on the couch."
A few moments later, Nick looked over at Judy, and then looked away. Judy reached out a paw to Nick's arm, causing him to try and pull away, only to have her grab him. "No. Nick. Don't pull away. Tell me what happened at the council meeting."
Nick nodded and took a deep breath. "Relti challenged, which is to be expected. What wasn't expected was that he had brought in Chet as his champion."
"Oh. That could not have gone well."
"It was going fine. I was never in any danger, and I got some real concessions out of accepting the challenge. No, the issue is that I had my Athame, because of course I did. Only, Chet… He…"
Judy teared up. "Oh gods. Nick. No. He didn't."
Nick nodded. "He did. He pulled the blade, and then made threats, and not just to me, but Mike, Lizz, the Alphas, and you. I had no choice a dozen times over. I made it quick. He needed to be put in his place, but not killed. Only… He lived up to the notes of my cousin and the other Heath masters."
Judy dragged Nick to her and into a deep and passionate kiss. "Nick. You had no choice. It was self defense at the bare minimum. Then he made the threats, and I know the rules of the Athame just as well as you. You really didn't have any choices. One of you had to die. As much as I don't want another mammal to die, I'd pick that other mammal over you every time." Nick smirked and Judy punched his shoulder lightly. "To die, and you know what I meant. Dumb fox. You are more important to me than the life of any other mammal on this planet, save maybe our kits. Hopefully this will reduce the resistance to Mike and Lizz."
Nick nodded, clutching himself to Judy. "I don't deserve you. Victoria says that we should have little further resistance. We actually got a vote of provisional recognition, until they can interview you and Lizz, after you give birth and have recovered. Though there is still a bit of risk out there in the form of a few plots against Mike, Lizz, and us, that will have to be dealt with. Arron and Victoria are already working on it. I'm sorry I let you down."
"Oh, you foxes… So emotional." Giving Nick a smirk.
Shaking his head with a weak smile, Nick kissed Judy softly. "Just one of my many charms."
With a snort, Judy returns the kiss. "Nick, you did not let me down. You did what you had no other choice but to do. Now, let's get you cleaned up and in bed. We all have to get up early tomorrow to make our reports, and you need to call Fin before you sleep and let him know."
Groaning, Nick nodded. "That's right. We have to all head to the station in the morning."
"Yes, we do. Now help me off this couch so I can help you clean up."
Kissing her as he helps her off the couch. "You are too good to me, Fluff."
After a long shower full of quite a bit of adult activities, Nick stood on their balcony as Judy slept, staring at his phone. Finally dialing, he gave a deep sigh.
Fin's muzzle appeared on the phone screen with his typical growl. "What are you bugging me for, Red? Especially at this time of… What's wrong?"
Nick chuckled. "You know me almost as good as Judy does. I am calling to let you know. Chet is dead. I didn't have a choice. I'll tell you more the next time I see you, but you deserve to know."
Fin blinked. "Damn, Red. You okay?"
"I'll be alright. Like I said, he didn't really give me much of a choice on several fronts. I'll give you the details when I see you. Don't let me forget."
Fin nodded. "No worries, Red. Go to your bunny."
"Have you ever told Clair?"
Fin smiled. "Yeah, she knows. Remember when she left me for about two weeks?"
Nick's ears flicked back. "Oh, damn. That was why?"
Fin nodded. "Yeah. That was hard. I was so terrified she would actually leave me permanently."
Nick nodded with a smile. "Well, let me know when you are ready to tie that knot. Anyway... Got an early day tomorrow. I'll catch you later."
"Take care, Red."
Nick hung up and returned to his bed and Judy. Curling around his mate, he was quickly asleep. Her scent, steady breathing, and heartbeat kept away the nightmares he would normally have after taking a life. A truth only one other living mammal knew, and she was currently curled up against him.
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Monday morning - WildeHopps apartment
Waking to his alarm, Nick quietly grumbles as he dragged himself out of bed. Quickly taking care of his own morning routine, he returned to the bed and his still sleeping bunny. With a paw on her shoulder, he shakes her gently. "Hey. Sleeping bunny. Time to wake up. We all have to go into the precinct today and file reports. Even you and Lizz."
Glaring at him through a barely cracked open eye. "Evil fox. Just eat me and be done with it."
Chuckling. "I did that last night. Now come on. I put some tea on and it should be ready by the time you are, if you get up."
"Don wanna!" Grabbing Nick, Judy pulled him down into a kiss.
Returning the kiss, he pulled away. "Eww. Morning bunny breath."
Judy laughed and rolled over. "Oh gods. So early! I donna know how I evah woke up this early without tryin. Jus down right uncivilized."
Nick kissed her between her ears. "I'll get breakfast ready."
"Fine! But I ain't gonna be happy bout it. Cheeky fox."
"Country bunny."
Nick left Judy to leverage herself out of bed and into the bathroom. Some time later she was dressed and sitting at the breakfast bar enjoying some fresh strawberry pancakes and turkey sausage.
Nick grinned at Judy. "You know, we really should be getting a discount on the sausage and such we buy. I mean, your family produces most of it."
Judy shrugged. "Well, we were not exactly on good terms with my parents until recently. So I'll bring it up when I talk to mom next."
"Sounds good. I pinged Mike and they're up and should be ready to head out soon as well."
Judy nodded as she chewed a bite. "Good. Sooner we get there and get those reports done, the sooner we can get out of there."
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Wolfeyer Apartment - Same time
Mick groaned softly. He was, as always, completely enwrapped in tiger. Not that he was complaining, it just was the fact that now he had to wake her. He took some small consolation in that she had to get up too, and he wasn't just waking her so he could get free and leave her to go to work. Reaching up, he wormed his arm upwards between them and brushed her breast, resulting in a groan from Lizz.
Continuing to move his arm, the fur of his arm dragged over the quickly aroused nipple causing Lizz to shift and pull him closer. Because of their position, this pushed his muzzle against her other breast, and when he opened his mouth to speak, he found said muzzle full. Moaning around his mouthful, Mike pulled his paw back down, his still sleepy brain acting upon the responses he had unintentionally created in his mate.
Lizz herself woke to tinglings of desire and pleasure. Blinking her eyes, she finds herself clutching Mike to her chest and can feel his hardness against her, as well as his paw and mouth on her. Giving a moaning groan, she shivered. "Mike, love. If you plan on waking me this way every morning, I am not going to complain, but you will need to do so earlier because I will demand you finish the job."
Pushing back slightly, Mike grinned. "Well, wasn't my intent, but good to know." Slipping his other paw down between them, and earning himself a gasp and moan from Lizz.
Some time later, they sat at their breakfast counter smiling and grinning at each other as they ate, Lizz's tail wrapped around Mike's as it wagged happily. Lizz giggled again as she finished her sausage. "Mike. I don't know what possessed you this morning, but I am not complaining."
Chuckling in response, Mike leaned over and gave her a kiss on the side of her muzzle. "Wasn't my intention to start your engine, but I'm not complaining either. You just had me so tight, when I tried to get a paw up to scratch your chin to wake you. Well… Things happened."
"Yes, yes they did. You can wake me up that way any time."
Mike grinned. "Duly noted." Seeing a text from Nick. "Looks like Nick and Judy are about ready. So if you are done, I'll clean up real quick and we can head out."
Lizz nodded. "Sounds good." Stuffing the last sausage in her mouth.
Ten minutes later Lizz and Mike exited their apartment and headed towards the parking garage, meeting Nick and Judy as they also exited their apartment. Nick shook his head and Judy laughed. Looking up at Lizz, Judy sniffed in her direction. "Well, nice to know you two have stopped with the musk mask, but there isn't a mammal in the precinct that isn't going to be able to smell you two coming. You sure you are ready for that?"
Lizz laughed. "After the wedding and all the news coverage that got. You do know it even got a mention on the news by Fabine, right?" Seeing Judy nod. "Yeah, well. With that, if anyone doesn't know, they were not paying attention. So, ready or not, here we go."
Nick smiled. "Yeah, but you two were clearly up to something this morning."
Mike groaned. "That your nose is as good as mine is cheating, Nick. I doubt anyone else will be able to pick that up."
"Well. Griz might, but he won't say anything."
Mike nodded. "Yeah. He won't say anything today… But he will say something. Probably at the next poker night."
Nick grinned. "Yeah, that's probably right. Maybe you'll get lucky and he won't be on shift today."
Mike shook his head. "Nope. We're not that lucky. It is what it is. As you would say. Never let them see that they get to you." A few moments later they were loaded into Lizz's car with Mike driving and on their way to the Precinct.
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Monday Morning - Precinct 1 - Bogo
Bogo walked into the precinct and managed to suppress a smile but not the happy swish of his tail, seeing Ben at the front desk always improved his mood. Thankfully, most of the officers either knew and didn't care, or just assumed that swish was just him, if they paid any attention at all and didn't simply avoid him. He was also happy because he had the opportunity to terrorize the mammals that were his biggest source of pain.
The rabbit/fox and tiger/wolf pairs would be in to write up the reports for all the city shaking, migraine inducing trouble they had been up to over the past week. He would then get to make the rabbit and fox sweat before revealing some very good news. Walking past Ben, he gave him a wink just for him.
Ben noticed and smiled back at Bogo, being able to get away with that because no one would suspect anything from him. "Sir. The mayor's office called. They want you to give them a call as soon as you can."
Bogo nodded. "Thank you. Please ping me when migraine one and two arrives."
Ben laughed. "Yes sir."
Ben then returned to what he was doing, which included reading the latest Gazelle news on his phone. Bogo shook his head as he walked away. He'd chastise the Cheetah, but there was no point, while he may not be the fastest cheetah on the force, physically, his brain was most definitely the fastest. What most didn't know is that there were three ear pieces plugged into the precinct communications system. One in his ear, and two bone induction ones, and he was able to parse through all three and still use the free ear to work with those who came to the desk, and watch his Gazelle videos.
It was how he was able to be such an effective dispatcher, as well as the full display of cruiser position tracking that he had displayed up against the front windows of the precinct. Bogo had initially been against it, but once he noted that it was only visible when wearing the special contacts that Ben wore, he allowed it. Few knew about it, and Bogo had a set of glasses that allowed him to view it when needed. He just refused to praise the fox and rabbit that had proposed the idea.
Entering his office, he picked up the content of his inbox and sat in his chair, sighing as he did so. Flipping through the inbox content, he set the reports he needed to review to one side, mail in the middle, and things he didn't care about in a third pile. He then went through the don't care pile, depositing most of it in the trash can. He had one, and had long ago given up on keeping a shred bin and a trash bin. He just had the content of his trash bin put into the shredder. It's why he never brought food, sodas, or other things into his office.
Those things that actually needed attention he added notes to, or stickies with where the items needed to go and dropped them into his out-box. He then went through the mail, adding stickies as needed to get them routed to the proper departments, such as complaints, accounting, investigations, etc… All of which then went into his outbox.
Finally, he picked up and reviewed the reports. Seeing them all being just general shift reports, those went into the out-box for filing. Only two of them needed his actual full attention. One was an updated report on the religious group take down, the other on the events outside Greethas.
The Greethas incident was getting clearer and clearer. They still had some rot in the ZPD and he really hoped that they could get the task force going soon. WildeHopps had done a lot of good work, but they needed the resources and ability to focus on nothing else. As much pain as it was going to cause him, he knew it had to happen.
The other report on the incident for the take down of the religious group just wrapped up the arrest of more members. It also detailed some more findings from their tunnel system and the tests of the bodies and such that they found in several rooms that had been just left to rot away. It was horrific and would require another press conference in a few more days. It gave him something he needed to discuss with the Mayor.
With that thought, he picked up the phone and hit the speed dial for the mayor's office. Three rings later and the line was picked up. "Hello, this is the Mayor's office, how can I help you?"
"Hello Joeanne, this is Bogo, is the Mayor available? I was told he was wanting to speak with me this morning."
"Ah, Chief Bogo. Yes, he does, but is currently in a meeting with the deputy mayor. I'll let them know that you called and are in."
"Of course. Do remind them that I'll be away from the phone from 9am to 10am, and to call my cell between 10 and noon."
"Will do."
The call ended and Bogo went about getting ready for the day and roll-call, making notes on the reports for who is getting assigned to what. Thankfully, he got in early and there wasn't a lot to do, yet, so when the phone rang a few minutes later he was free.
Picking up the line. "Bogo."
The mayor. "Chief! Great that you got in early. I have some good news and some great news. Though, considering the migraine the mammals in question tend to cause you, perhaps not so great news. I'll let you decide."
"What have you got for me, mayor?"
"A few things, but I would prefer to discuss them in person. So Janice and I are heading over to the precinct, should be there around nine thirty or so, and don't worry about us waiting. I am sure Ben can keep us entertained."
Bogo rolled his eyes, but allowed himself to smile since he was in his office alone. "Sounds good. See you then."
Stepping out of the bullpen, Bogo could hear Ben going on loudly about the upcoming Gazelle concert, which they would both be attending. It wasn't Patricia's thing, and as she said. it was a good chance for he and Ben to get some alone time. Bogo had given in and tapped into the other seemingly bottomless resource in the precinct. The fox would make him pay for it, somehow, but it was worth it to score the tickets for Ben's birthday. Though now he understood why it was so easy for the blasted vulpine to obtain the tickets when even he and Ben, as heads of fan clubs, couldn't pull it off. Either the fox or rabbit could have gotten them for him. He was going to pay, some way, somehow, regardless of which he had gone with.
Walking out into the lobby, Bogo kept his voice dark. "Clawhauser, please get back to your job and stop harassing the mayor about Gazelle."
"Of course, sir! Also, M1 and M2 are in the building and at their desks working on their reports."
Bogo nodded. "Excellent. Let them know that I wish to see them when they bring you the reports."
Giving a salute, Ben nodded. "Yes sir!"
Bogo turned his attention to the mayor. "Mayor. My office?"
Nodding, the Mayor motioned for Bogo to lead the way. A few moments later, they were seated in Bogo's office, and after locking the door and turning on the do not disturb device that Judy had given him. He didn't use it often, but felt this was one of those moments it was needed. The device in question was inside a picture frame and unless you knew it was there, was something you would need to tear apart his office to find. Bogo took his seat and actually smiled, despite having another realization of how the rabbit and fox knew and had things they shouldn't. "Okay. What do you have for me?"
The mayor grinned and opened his briefcase. "So, you left us a few things, and so I have a few things for you. First, a question. Do you really want to promote Hopps and Wilde to Lieutenant and make them Detectives?"
Rolling his eyes with a groan, Bogo rubbed his temple. "As much as it pains me. Yes. I do. They deserve it just based on their body of work up to this point. Even when on their day off, and on maternity leave for that blasted rabbit, they managed to save a life, take down a religious group that was killing inter-species couples, and take down multiple bad cops and more Bellwether sycophants. So, yes. But I need to promote them together, and I can't do that."
The mayor grinned. "Well, now you can." Handing over the first item. "Changes to your authorities which will allow you to remove the flag in her jacket, as well as approval by the council for the meritorious promotion of Judith HoppsWilde and Nick WildeHopps. Also adding some additional rules that will allow you to assign three levels of Sergeant, the highest of which can also be designated as Detective."
Bogo grinned. "Excellent. I have several that I can think of that need that right now."
Nodding, the Mayor reached in and pulled out the next set of documents. "I figured you might. The council has also changed the law and I signed the updates this morning. The ZPD now has authorities to look into Kit Services, and several other government entities when possible criminal situations exist. If you find that it isn't criminal, but otherwise problematic, there is also a new, independent oversight council that will oversee these agencies, take referrals from the ZPD, as well as review and report on the procedures of those agencies. Thus allowing the council to weigh in when an agency's procedures are egregious. The review we started on Kit Services on your prompting resulted in enough that the vote was unanimous."
Blinking in surprise. "I see. That is excellent. Is not a bad time to ask for a budget increase, because I'm going to need more officers so I can move others into positions to start looking into such things."
The mayor chuckled. "Well… The council may have anticipated that. They have accepted the plan as proposed for the task force, empowering it to conscript vetted members of the ZPD, Prosecutors office, and Defender's office, as well as giving it the ability to access all ZPD and ZBI assets when needed and approved by you and the ZBI director, depending on whose assets are going to be used.
In addition, the council has asked that you expand the task force to also look into the Kit Services and Social Services issues that you called out along with shown in the report as found by my office's investigators. The council is also prepared to pass laws if needed to criminalize conduct you identify that is clearly criminal but does not have specific laws against it."
Bogo gave a very disturbingly evil grin. "I see. Oh, this is excellent. I managed to find a loophole that would let me pull that mark from her jacket and promote her, though it wasn't going to go into effect for several months, with his promotion timed to go into effect at the same time. Now I get to do it now? And they are here and I get to torture them in the lobby when I do it. Thank you. I have needed an opportunity like this."
The mayor frowned. "Why would you torture them?"
"You don't understand the frustration those two mammals create. Chaos follows them. Them running this task force is going to shake the foundations of the city like nothing you've seen, and that is not in fact a bad thing. However, since I will have to suffer through that pain, I at least need to get in some shots of my own. Make them sweat a bit, worry a bit, before I drop the bomb on them."
The mayor and deputy mayor both chuckled. The deputy mayor shaking her head. "Adrian, you are a terrible mammal, but I appreciate it. I do hope you will let us watch."
"Of course." Hitting the intercom on his phone and getting static. Rolling his eyes, he got up, turned off the privacy device, and then tried again. "Clawhauser!"
"Sir!"
"Are they there yet?"
"Yes sir!"
Speaking as angrily as possible. "Good. I will be down there in a moment." Looking up at the mayor. "You will have an excellent view from up here, just wait to look down until you hear me."
The mayor and deputy mayor nodded and grinned. "We look forward to it."
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A few minutes later. Bogo stomped up to the front desk where the four mammals waited for him. Judy looked up and gave him a nervous smile. "We have all our reports done and turned in per orders, sir. What was it you needed to see us about?"
Instead of responding, Bogo just glared down at them, almost seeming to growl, then looked to Ben. "Clawhauser, summon all officers currently on duty and in the station to the lobby." He then turned back and continued to glare down at the four mammals.
An announcement could be heard over the PA system deeper in the precinct as the four withered under Bogo's glare. Judy finally turned to Nick. "What did you do?"
Looking back at her, Nick shrugged. "Nothing that I can think of. I swear."
Seeing the clear fear and nervousness of her mate, Judy nodded. "Okay. We face it together. Whatever it is." Taking his paw in hers.
Lizz and Mike shared a look, and then took each other's paw as well. Lizz looking to Mike. "We got this. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together."
Bogo rolled his eyes, hard, and snorted. Repeating his mantra to himself silently. I don't care. I don't care. Broken from his thoughts by Ben. "Sir. All officers not on specific duty, such as lock-up, are here."
Bogo snorted again. "Very good." Turning to the group of nervous looking mammals just generally collected in the lobby, he bellowed his orders as only he could. "Ranks!" The group quickly shifted around to get into lines. Since he didn't order a specific order, they just lined up as quickly as they could, forming four rows, tallest at the back. As they did that, he stopped the four. "Where do you four think you are going? At attention and in line for inspection."
All four twitched, hard, as none of them were in uniform. They still saluted and formed a quick line, Lizz on one end, Judy at the other, in front of the front line of officers. Bogo paced slowly past them, looking down his muzzle with a glare. He stopped in front of Lizz and looked her over.
"Officer Elizabeth Violetta Wolford-Fangmeyer." He glanced to the side to see the Mayor and deputy mayor looking down from the upper floor and gave a grin, which only served to terrify every officer in the room. "How much longer do we have to put up without your presence, officer?"
Lizz saluted. "I do not know sir. The doctor believes some time in the next few weeks, but cannot say for certain as the cubs are hybrids and may come sooner or later than a typical tiger."
"I see. You do plan on informing us, when this happens?"
"Yes sir! The likelihood is that my mate will be on duty when it happens."
"I see. And you expect me to release him from his duties when this happens, do you?"
Lizz's ears folded back and her tail dropped. "I… I had hoped so, sir."
"We shall see." Turning his attention to Mike, which caused his tail to try and curl up, kept up by sheer force of will, but his ears folded back against his head. "And you. I expect you will want to be released to attend said birth, as they are your pups, correct?"
Mike nodded almost imperceptibly. "Yes sir."
Turning his attention to Nick and Judy. "I assume you two expect the same and have the same answers?"
They both nodded, with Nick speaking. "Yes sir."
"I see. We will have to see how that plays out." Bogo's attention returned to Lizz. "Officer. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor have just met with me and informed me of some changes and authorities that the city council has just enacted and granted me. For a very long time, I have requested that additional ranks and grades be made available so that an officer has more to look forward to than the annual performance review and often pittance of a raise until they can get enough time in grade for a true promotion, assuming there is space for another mammal of that rank.
The council has now authorized just what I have been asking for. As so. You two." Looking between Mike and Lizz. "Will be the first recipient of these updated ranks, grades, and classes. The rank of Sergeant has been expanded to include three grades within that rank. First, Second, and Third grade. Third being the base, second a step up, and First, the rank you both will be the first to share." Looking over them at the rest of the officers. "Others of your fellows will also be joining you at that rank. In addition, the rank of Sergeant First Class, also allows me to promote the both of you to Detective Junior grade, as the Detective class now has meritorious sub-ranks as well to properly reflect the experience and effectiveness of those with said rank and class.
To that end, this means that, when working with more senior Detectives, you get to wear civilian clothes. Though, that only applies when working with said mammals, otherwise you will still have to wear a proper uniform. As such." Glaring down at Mike and Lizz. You are both, probably, not out of uniform. We'll see how that goes. Would hate to have to reprimand you right after getting promoted." He grinned again as the nervous looks he got from the two of them. "So congratulations. Pick up your new badges and ID's from the quartermaster and then report to my office, once we are finished here."
Both Lizz and Mike saluted and responded at the same time. "Yes sir!" Both of them grinning widely, with Mike's tail wagging unrestrained.
Taking a pair of steps over, Bogo stood before his smallest two officers. His most troublesome, and successful officers. The reasons for that had become more and more clear as of late, and those reasons explained why with all the smaller mammals that had tried, these two were still the only two in their size class. The next set with any chance seemed to also be relatives of the pair. As he rolled his eyes and repeated to himself again. I don't care. Then glaring down his muzzle at them. "Now. As for you two. Since the day you were on the force, I have had nothing but frustration and headaches, caused by one or both of you.
I assign you a case that should be nothing but a basic B and E. You two managed to discover an inter-district insurance scam, and then solve it, taking down dozens of mammals now serving long terms in prison. Before you…" Pointing at Judy. "Were on the force even a full week, and you…" Pointing at Nick. "...were even considering being a cop, you two managed to crack not one, but two cases that shook the very foundations of this city. You have been nothing but trouble since your very first days, and I for one, and the city as a whole, are better for it."
Nick and Judy blinked and glanced at each other, as this was not going the direction they clearly expected. The other officers lined up all snapped their heads at that, as they were all expecting something like a demotion, or even firing. Bogo continued. "As such, and despite the multiple migraines I know both of you have in store for my future, I am happy to announce the following.
Sergeant Judith Laverne HoppsWilde. The black mark in your jacket I was forced to place there has been removed. As such, you are hereby promoted to Lieutenant and designated Detective Second Class." The shock on Judy's muzzle made Bogo grin, which again terrified her, Nick, and every other officer in the room. "Which means, Lizz gets lucky. As you are partnered with her while you are both in your current condition, she is not out of uniform."
Bogo then turned his attention to Nick, a wicked grin on his face, only expanding as the foxes' ears folded flat to his head, and tail wrapped around Judy's ankle for support. "As for you. I didn't think a rabbit could do this job. I felt a fox was even less capable, and even more likely to end up being a dirty cop. I am also happy to say that you have proven me wrong, and of all the crow I have been forced to eat in my career. The crow served up by you and your partner is perhaps some of the bitterest, and which I have been most happy to eat.
Therefore, Nicholas Piberius are hereby promoted to Lieutenant and designated Detective Second Class. With that, your current partner finds himself also safe and not out of uniform. Collect your new ID's and badges, and report to my office. Congratulations!" Looking up at the rest. "For the rest of you. There are a number of changes coming down the pike, so watch your emails over the next few weeks as I review all of your records and those so deserving will see an update. And early congratulations to everyone, it is long past due. Dismissed!"
With that word, the assembled mammals erupted in cheers, surrounding WildeHopps and Wolfeyer. Bogo kneeling down to be closer to Nick and Judy. "I'm serious. Migraines aside, you have earned this, both of you. Keep up the good work."
Both Saluted. "Thank you sir!" Shaking his hoof, before wrapping each other in a hug and sharing a kiss.
Bogo growled. "I'll let that little bit of PDA slide, since you are not technically on the clock. I still need you both to see me before you leave. All four of you, and I'm sure you can guess why."
Nick and Judy grinned and separated, slightly embarrassed. Nick nodded. "I have a good guess, sir. We will see you as soon as we can get free of this." Glancing over his shoulder at the mass of mammals wanting to congratulate them but holding back due to Bogo. Bogo nodded, then stood and walked away, giving Ben a wink and receiving a smirk and eye roll in response.
With Bogo walking away, the assembled mammals moved forward with shouts of congratulations and well natured incrimination's directed at all four mammals. After a good thirty minutes, Bogo yells down from his office. "Enough already. Get your tails back to work before I reconsider the promotions any of you may or may not have earned."
That caused them to scatter, allowing Nick, Judy, Lizz, and Mike to head for the quartermaster's office. Bogo had waited and smiled as he watched them walk back into the precinct so that the quartermaster could prepare.
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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.
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