-Em: The problem with secrets-
Sometimes after a grand opening of a bar, the business can slow down. It is one thing to have a full grand opening, its another to keep your patrons returning.
Many of the bars in Zootopia saw a huge celebration when it finally opened its doors, only to see a quick decline in visitors a week or so afterward.
The gods of luck, however, must have been smiling down on Echo and the 10-7. Mainly because they continued to keep a steady pace of customers.
Sure it was hard to beat the grand opening but for the most part, the 10-7 stayed rather active.
One of the main reasons was the fact that there were so many responders in Zootopia and they all had different shifts and days off.
While many mammals enjoyed those sweet 9-5 with weekends and holidays off, the brave heroes of the city weren't so lucky. Many of them would work on the weekends and have various weekdays or shifts off.
Echo hadn't realized it but she had met a huge demand by setting up the bar. While most bars and restaurants catered to the office crowd and their schedules, Echo operated on different hours.
Drinking laws the way they were Echo wasn't allowed to serve after 0330 hours. Or 3:30 A.M. as she had to explain to a few of her bartenders. However, she was allowed to open at 10 A.M if she so chose to. Which she did by either opening the bar herself or offering a premium to anyone wanting to work what was considered a slower shift.
That quickly changed though because many first responders would finish the graveyard shifts around that time and didn't hesitate to swing by for a beer or two before heading home and crashing for the day.
Em was surprised at how the world of first responders worked at first but quickly picked up on the hours and even volunteered to work openings when she realized she had a chance of making some serious tips.
Even when it was slow there was always something to do or someone to chat with.
The otter barmaid learned rather quickly how to pick up certain tells from her patrons. On occasion, there were some flags waving that told Em that someone needed a shoulder to cry on or maybe just an ear to listen to a sad tale.
It reminded her of her days at the Ink and Paint Club. There was no loud techno music or dance floor to try and listen through.
Sure Echo had set up a great sound system and had different radio stations playing in the background. It was never too loud though which made it that much easier for Em to plop down on a table, cross her legs, and gently rest a paw on a mammal who looked like they had been through the wringer.
This was part of the job Echo had mentioned to everyone she hired. How they would not just be serving drinks but offering a lifeline to those who may be teetering on the edge.
Em had now seen on several occasions just how close many of these brave mammals were to completely falling apart.
She felt a little guilty about her own past on occasion. How some days she felt like nothing was going right. Maybe the key to her apartment didn't work right, or her computer froze up. Even her work problems were small in comparison.
While she may accidentally drop a glass and it shattered on the floor, it was nothing compared to the poor medic who spent what felt like forever trying to save an unresponsive child only to watch them drift away as their parents wept over his shoulder.
Or the firefighter who trudged in, still wearing a singed uniform as they fell back in a seat and asked for anything cold as they looked blankly ahead. The images of a raging inferno surrounding them or their friends.
Em had really been put to the test though when one of her new regular officers from the ZPD walked in and asked for two glasses of whiskey. She knew something was up because the officer was still in full uniform which was somewhat against ZPD policy. The way he spoke though told Em that something was wrong and he needed this.
When she placed the glasses on the counter she sweetly asked when the jaguar's rookie would be arriving. The two had visited the bar several times before and had always been so kind to the otter.
The feline looked over at Em, his bright yellow eyes welling up with tears. He then raised his glass and gently clinked it with the other sitting on the counter before gulping down his own drink and then asking for another.
Em looked at the other glass in slight confusion and then back at the officer.
"It's for the kid," The officer said, his voice sounding hoarse.
Moments later several other officers from the ZPD hurried through the door, scanning the bar.
When they spotted the jaguar they quickly trotted over.
A tigress whose eyes looked red and irritated from crying placed a large but gentle paw on the jaguar's shoulder.
"Come on Jeff," The larger feline whispered. "Let's get you home to Sara."
"Can't," The jaguar said as he looked at the other whiskey glass. "I promised the kid we would get a drink at the end of shift."
"I know you did buddy," The tigress said, tears in her eyes. "I know, but right now we should get you home."
It took some prompting but eventually, Jeff stood up from his seat.
Another member of the ZPD, a jet black wolf, stepped up to the bar and pulled out his wallet.
"Let me pay for his drinks," The officer said as Em stared in disbelief at what she was seeing.
She finally looked back at the canine and shook her head, "No charge."
"You sure?"
Em just nodded as her lower lip quivered slightly, looking down at the still full whiskey glass.
"Where is he?" Em asked slowly as she glanced up at the officer who took in a deep breath.
"He's gone," The canine managed to croak out.
With that, the officers began to escort their distraught brother in arms out.
Someone cleared their throat nearby and everyone looked over at a polar bear in a firehouse shirt. The large creature stood up and saluted. The rest of his table followed suit.
Several medics stood up and gave the officers similar salutes as a pair of nurses both stood up and bowed their heads.
The jaguar looked around the room as tears freely poured from his eyes. He gave his fellow first responders a nod before he was finally ushered out of the bar.
Em quickly wiped down the bar but left the whiskey glass where it was. She looked around the bar, scanning everyone's drinks. When she was satisfied that no one would go thirsty for a few minutes she left the bar and headed into the backrooms.
When she finally reached the stockroom she closed the door quickly. When she knew she was alone she burst into tears as she fell to her knees. Crying for her fallen friend and his grieving partner.
After letting her emotions pour out she left the stockroom and headed to the restroom where she cleaned herself up before returning to her duties behind the bar.
The old Em might have asked to go home or been distraught the whole day. Now though things were different.
She knew she had to remain strong because right now there maybe someone else in her bar dealing with similar demons. She didn't need to just be strong for herself, but strong for them too.
Word traveled about what happened that day and Echo quickly reached out to Em. Offering to come in and relieve the otter who politely declined. The painted dog however still showed up at the bar on her day off and sat down at the counter, chatting with Em about silly little things to keep Em's mind clear.
Em realized what the painted dog was up to rather quickly but was still grateful. Echo explaining that sometimes the thing we need is just someone to chat with.
"Hence the 10-7," Em said with a smirk as she poured her boss a drink.
The 10-7 however was not just a place to grieve or try to push back one's demons. It was also a place of celebration which Em thoroughly enjoyed.
She had to admit that while it could get a little rowdy, she enjoyed the atmosphere when a large party showed up.
One day it could be a team from the ZEMS unit who had just passed a series of drills. Announcing they planned to pay for the next round for everyone.
Later in the week, a group of EMTs might show up to celebrate their new position as a full paramedic. Making a few jabs at the other EMTs about now being chauffeurs. Of course, the EMTs were quick with their own comebacks.
The fire crews were always a riot when it was time to certify for highrise fire suppression. Mainly because Echo started a fun competition between the crews.
"Congrats on the highrise cert team," Echo declared as she stood on a barstool, looking around at the excited group of fire mammals. "Now let's see who can reach the top the fastest."
Echo had a large dry erase board at the bar that kept track of each team's drinks. Em had taken the time to draw two large tower looking shapes on the board. As a team got a drink she would color in more of the building. The first team to fill up their building would win.
It actually turned into a lot of fun towards the end as everyone in the bar was cheering on the different teams. It didn't matter if they were nurses, ZPD, dispatch, medics, or some other responder. All eyes were on the two teams as everyone cheered and chanted.
This wasn't to say the ZPD didn't have their own odd rituals.
Em was constantly amazed at how odd her first responder clientele could be, not that she minded. In fact, she found herself really enjoin working for Echo at the 10-7.
She could tell the feeling was mutual. Echo was the type of leader that was always willing to listen. How the bar was set up on opening day was not how it was a week later. As time went by Em made suggestions on how to improve the bar which Echo eagerly ate up and implemented.
While the 10-7 was Echo's bar, Em really stepped up and took ownership in her work. Molding the once empty warehouse store into a gem of a hidden watering hole.
The problem with secrets though, eventually the secrets get out. Especially when it came to a bar like the 10-7.
Em spotted the trouble makers as soon as they entered the bar.
A group of 6 came in, one of them blaring some unintelligible song from their cellphone. Acting like some kind of mobile DJ which none of the other patrons seemed to appreciate. Especially when the lyrics in the song started getting a little graphic.
The new arrivals acted like they owned the place. At one point their leader, a painted dog with the tips of his ears frosted, even put his paws on the back of a medic and pushed the surprised gazelle so they were out of the way of the rest of the rowdy bunch.
"Oh, this is going to be fun," An okapi next to Em said as she popped a few bottles open for one of her tables.
Em stared at the newcomers and folded her arms as she contemplated how to handle the situation.
"Want me to play bad cop?" The okapi asked with a chuckle.
Em snorted and stared up at her friend who was currently rocking a long-sleeve blue t-shirt with the bars logo on the chest on the back was a ZPD flag.
"I got this Ari," Em said with a sigh. "Watch my tables will ya?"
"I'll keep an eye on your patrons," The lovely mammal said as she loaded the open bottles on a tray and proceed around the bar. "While keeping the other on you."
Every bartender knew how important it could be to keep an eye out for one another. Even though the 10-7 was a responder bar didn't mean it was any different when it came to "incidents."
Paws could wander sometimes, no matter what the mammal did for a living.
Em took a moment to adjust her firehouse red t-shirt, puffing out her chest slightly in a confident manner as she strolled over towards the trouble makers who had taken a seat at one of the open tables in the center of the bar. The table itself only had 4 chairs but that didn't stop the newcomers from stealing chairs from nearby tables. One of them even removing a backpack and tossing it on a table where two very shocked dispatchers sat.
When the otter arrived at the table she stood between the painted dog with the frosted tips and a gazelle who was scrolling through her phone before raising it up and taking a selfie, making sure to show off some cleavage to get those extra likes.
Em cleared her throat at first, trying to maintain a level of professionalism. However, she was drowned out by the music blaring from one of the gang's phones.
"Hey!" Em finally blurted out which made the table suddenly jump.
"Oh good," The painted dog said as he grinned down at the otter, his eyes going right to her chest.
I hate my boobs right now…
"Eyes up here big guy," Em growled as she pointed at her bright green eyes.
"Oh sorry babe," The painted dog slurred. "Just ya know...the outfit looks great on you."
"Do you sell those shirts?" A vixen across the table asked as she eyed Em. "I would love that outfit."
"Whats 10-7 mean anyway?"
"It means Out of Service in ten cod-"
"What's that?" Someone interrupted which made Em's eyebrow twitch slightly.
"It means we are a first responder-"
"Whats a first responder?" Someone else asked.
Oh my gosh, its like dealing with misbehaving pups….
Em knew these types of mammals. They were the type that used their parent's money for a night on the town. Drinking cheap drinks in large quantities and acting as if it gave them an excuse to act like the children they secretly were.
They were also the type Em had hoped to avoid when she took a job at the 10-7.
"Hey, babe what specials you got?" The painted dog asked as he looked at one of the bar's menus.
"Depends-"
"Depends on what?"
"Ok first off," Em said in a calm but firm manner. "Stop interrupting me, I am not your babysitter here to answer every question that pops into your heads."
Em had learned a long time ago that sometimes you needed to lay down the law. Some drunks responded to it, while others would challenge it. Em however wasn't too worried. Especially when she caught the eyes of a tigress in a firehouse uniform who seemed to be eavesdropping on the table's conversation. She made eye contact with Em and raised a brow in a questioning manner.
The otter shook her head but gave a mental sigh of relief knowing at least someone was watching her tail.
"Second," Em continued, the table falling only slightly silent, a certain cellphone still blaring music. "I need to know what department you all are from."
"Department? Like store? I don't work at a department store," The gazelle said in confusion.
"Oh no she means like a police department," The vixen chuckled. "Well, what if we say we are cops? Do we get a discount?"
"Are you actually cops?"
"No but there will be a nice tip in it for ya if we can get their discount," The painted dog suggested.
"Listen if you all aren't first responders then you need to head out," Em said simply as she took a step back from the table and pointed at the door. She had had enough of the group and wasn't in the mood of entertaining them any longer.
"We haven't done anything though," One of the group whined.
"Listen can you just get us some shots," The painted dog suggested as he pulled out his wallet and flashed some bills. "Maybe something with lime and then two pitchers of whatever tastes the best."
"No," Em said simply. "I already told you that you have to leave."
"Are you discriminating against us?" The vixen asked as she raised her voice. "Can't stand to see a fox in your bar?"
"Don't even try and pull that card," Em growled. "We have simple rules and you will all most likely break them anyways. Plus I am not being held responsible for over-serving."
"We haven't even had our first round yet," The gazelle scoffed.
"No, but I can smell the pregame drinks on your breaths," Em pointed out.
"Oh snap she got you, Zack," Someone let out before bursting into laughter before pointing at the painted dog.
"Listen," The painted dog said as he began to flip through some bills in his wallet. Em waved her paws and shook her head as the canine retrieved a couple of bills. What happened next shocked the otter. In all her time as a bartender, she had actually never had this happen.
Zack produced a few bills and folded them up neatly before reaching over and sliding them down Em's shirt. The otter's eyes went wide as she tried to grab the painted dog's wrist but he was just too strong for her to stop. She felt the bills slide down her fur and between her breasts. However, that wasn't the only thing she felt brushing against her chest. Zack then pulled his paw out from Em's shirt and grinned.
"There is more where that came, Keep the drinks coming and I will make sure to take care of you," The painted dog chuckled before returning to his drunken group who all laughed at what they had just seen.
Em had a stunned look on her face as she slowly turned around and walked away from the table.
As the otter passed the bar she thought she heard Ari call out her name but she was still processing what had just happened to her.
She made her way into the back hall that led to the stock room, restrooms, and Echo's office. The same stunned look on her face as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Think you might have overdone it, Zack," The vixen at the table said as she looked up from her phone.
"Would you stop me shoving cash down your shirt?"
The vixen thought for a moment and smirked, "Depends on how much."
"Well let's just say I gave that sweet little otter enough for us to drink all night so I don't think we will have any trouble."
A minute or two passed by as the group chatted and shouted at one another. Several patrons at other tables gave the gang some dirty looks. One group even got up and moved to a different table on the other side of the bar.
"Where the hell is that ott-"
A low growl from behind Zack caught the painted dog's attention. He slowly turned and was shocked to see one of his own standing behind him.
The female painted dog was in a black shirt with the bars logo on the right breast. A pair of khaki capris showed off her legs. One of which looked like it was made of metal.
He had to admit she was actually a rather lovely sight but the fire in her bright teal eyes and the fire ax she currently had hefted over her shoulder made Zack cower slightly.
"So," Echo growled as she adjusted her grip on the ax, staring down at the table of intruders. She bared her teeth as she spoke. "Which one of you idiots touched my otter?"
If the neighbors on either side of the 10-7 didn't know the bar was there before, they sure did now.
Several squad cars sat parked on the street in front of the bar. The lights on the roofs of the vehicles all flashed red and blue as a few officers from the ZPD milled about on the sidewalk in front of the 10-7.
"You can't do this to me," Zack shouted as he was forced into the back of a squad car. He tried to resist but the rhino currently holding his arm managed to shove him into the car with ease. "My dad's a lawyer!"
"Can't wait to meet him down at the station," A female cheetah in a ZPD uniform said as she looked over the rhino's shoulder at the angry painted canine.
As the officers out front handled the trouble makers several were inside gathering statements from a few of the bar's patrons. While ZFD and ZPD had a fun little rivalry they would always act professionally when the time called for it. A few fire mammals had witnessed some of the exchange and were more than happy to provide what info they could.
Em had given a statement of the event and was sitting at a table by the bar, staring at the floor. Echo was standing next to her bartender, a gentle paw on the poor creature's shoulder.
Another painted dog approached and Em looked up, her expression brightening slightly when she recognized Delta.
"Hey there handsome," Em said softly as her lip curled.
Delta smirked as he took a knee so he was eye level with the otter.
"When I heard it was the 10-7 I came right over," The canine's expression softened as he looked right at Em. "You ok darlin'?"
Em let out a sigh and nodded, "I just feel bad about causing all this trouble."
"Oh no, don't you think that for a second," Delta said as he reached out and scooped up one of Em's tiny paws with his own.
Echo let out a sigh and was relieved that Delta was there. Since the bar's opening, her brothers had made a point to visit as often as they could. They bonded rather quickly with all the barkeeps. Em and Delta though seemed to have really hit it off. The two having become good friends.
"You didn't do anything wrong Em. The jerk being loaded into a squad car is the one to blame," Delta continued.
"I know its just, look at all the officers they sent," Em pointed out.
"You kitting me? They all heard it was the 10-7 and came running. We didn't have to send this many officers, we all just showed up to make sure our friends were ok," Delta said simply.
Em let out a sigh but nodded gratefully, "If you say so."
Delta smirked before continuing, "Do you have a safe way to get home tonight Em? If you want I can give you a ride."
"Trying to get me to your place?" Em asked as she raised a brow.
Delta let out a laugh and shook his head, "There is no fooling you is there?"
Echo rolled her eyes at her brother and bartender's antics.
These dorks.
"If you want I can drive you home," Echo offered. "Or you can come crash at my place for the night."
Em looked up at her painted employer, her eyes watering slightly at the kindness she was receiving.
"Would you mind?"
"Not at all," Echo said with a smile. "We can swing by your place if you want to pick up some stuff and then have a sleepover at my place."
"That would be nice," Em said with a sigh.
"And later we can discuss hiring some security," Echo suggested.
Em's expression actually seemed to brighten at the idea. While some bosses would try to brush an incident like this under the rug it appeared Echo planned to attack the problem head-on and look for a solution.
"So Delta," Em began as she looked back at the painted police officer. "Looking for work?"
Delta and Echo let out a laugh at the otter's idea.
"Well the ZPD does do overtime work. If you contact the department you can post for officers who might be able to pick up on their days off, but we wouldn't be able to provide security all the time and are kind of limited in the scope of duties. Plus it normally goes by seniority so I might not be able to pick it up just yet."
"Can you blame a girl for trying?" Em asked with a wink.
"You just wanted to see this handsome mug more often," Delta chuckled.
"Meh," Em said with a slight shrug that made Echo snort.
"So cold, so cold," Delta mumbled as he stood up but smiled down at the otter none the less.
After making sure Em was truly alright Delta excused himself to assist his fellow officers.
Ari hurried over and apologized for what must have been the 10th time. Saying how she had promised to help Em but felt like she failed. Em however was quick to remind Ari that the okapi had been busy helping patrons on the other side of the bar and probably hadn't witnessed what happened.
"I will keep both eyes on you from now on I promise Em," The okapi said in a sad tone.
Em stood up on her seat and opened her arms, giving her fellow bartender a hug and doing her best to assure the larger mammal that she wasn't to blame for all this.
It didn't take long for the bar to return to normal. After collecting the information they needed the ZPD headed out. Not before Delta managed to come over and give Em a hug though. The otter leaning into the painted canine and closing her eyes.
Eventually, the atmosphere went back to its casual quiet self. Em even managed to return to her routine and helped serve a few of the last patrons before they prepared to close up for the night.
After closing up shop Echo and Em made there way towards Echo's car which was parked out front. Em couldn't help but notice a lone ZPD squad car sitting a few spots away.
The girls both waved at the vehicle which flashed its blue and red lights for a second before going dark once more.
Em had to admit she was actually grateful to whoever was sitting in that car. Though she didn't feel like she was in danger it was reassuring to know someone out there was watching out for her.
They swung by Em's place where the otter threw a few overnight things into a backpack before hurrying back down to Echo who was waiting in her car.
Even for how late it was the girls still managed to stay up a bit longer. Both of them having changed into their pj's and were now sitting on Echo's couch as an old black and white movie played out on Echo's tv.
When the movie finally ended Em let out a sigh which caused Echo's circular ears to twitch before she glanced over at her friend.
Em looked up at Echo and smiled softly, "I guess its time we talk about the 10-7 getting its own bouncer."
Echo nodded and adjusted herself on the couch so she was looking right at Em.
"Know anyone?"
"Sadly no, but I am sure there is someone perfect for our bar out there."
Hey all!
So looks like Em is all settled at the 10-7. Sad to see some of the stuff she has had to go through but she is one tough otter and plans to keep helping Echo make the 10-7 the best bar it can be.
Now it looks like its time for Petey to pop into the mix. I am actually kind of excited about this one. Petey has had a background outlined for ages but I haven't been able to put it any of my stories until now.
I hope to get more writing done soon because I can't wait to tell you more about Petey!
Till next time, stay safe out there.
-Blue
