Change starts with You

by Winerp

Extra credit goes to Euphonemes who is now helping me by Beta Reading these chapters. He's being extremely helpful in this learning experience for me and his own fic Run definitely deserves a careful read.


Chapter 7 – IFF Pt 3

IFF = Identification Friend or Foe, technique which, with the proper equipment allows identification of a target as friendly but not as hostile. If the system gets a valid response from the target it can be confirmed as friendly, but an invalid or non-existent reply does NOT positively confirm it as hostile.

It wasn't the first time Nick and Judy found themselves arriving at Zootopia's Penitentiary. Whether delivering a new convict or getting one to turn on their buddies, Nick and Judy (really, any other ZPD officer) would usually visit the detention facility once or twice a year.

Though no matter how many times they went there, the prison's eerie and out of place look always managed to make them somewhat uncomfortable. It's not that a building like that was out of place deep in Tundra Town's Tundra Plains; rather, it was so different from any of the usual buildings found throughout the city, regardless of District. The Penitentiary simply felt like something out of this world. Kind of like Cliffside Asylum, Nick thought, althoughat leastthatthing had an architecture in line with the rest of Zootopia.

The prison in question was an imposing monolith of concrete and steel that stuck out like a sore thumb in the middle of the flat icy wastelands that were the Tundra Plains. The massive frozen desert was essentially the buffer zone between Tundra Town's residential areas and the district wall separating it from Sahara Square. It was also home to many of the district's weather control and manipulation stations, ensuring an even chillier average temperature.

That along with its natural features from before the city was even built – the ground had a surface as smooth as the ZPD's lobby floor and not a single shelter from the elements for a good few miles in any direction – made the region one of the most inhospitable in the city. Consequently, it made for an ideal venue for its prison complex. Even artic mammals would struggle without some kind of protection.

The edifice itself was little more than a fifty foot tall cubic fortress surrounded by an additional outer wall some twenty feet in height. Connecting the facility with the rest of the city was a single road guarded by the prison's guard station at its entrance as well as a checkpoint a mile or so from the edge of the Plains.

Once Nick and Judy had been cleared and allowed to pass that first line of defense, the bunny found herself lost in thought, unfazed even by the irregular twists and turns of the prison's access road. She couldn't help it, as the mere existence of their destination somewhat clashed with Zootopia's underlying ideas.

It was true that stereotyping and prejudice were still present, but the initial utopia that had spurred on the city's founders had been achieved: dozens of mammal species lived, worked and got along – for the most part – in one big metropolis. And even the issues that had ultimately resulted in the Nighthowler Incident were slowly receding into oblivion. So why would a city built out of the longing for comradery and peaceful interaction still find itself in need of a detention facility?

Judy might have been an optimist at heart, but she was also no fool. While Zootopia was on the right path – and she would see to it that things were kept that way – the city was still far from perfect. Crime was still a thing, one which might thrive on hate and fear, but can still exist in their absence. So, despite the ideals and goals behind it, Zootopia still found itself in need of a place which had a single purpose: to punish. And while Judy would cheer on the day when Zootopia's Penitentiary no longer had reason to exist, today it held someone who could help her in eventually reaching that goal.

She was brought back into reality as she noticed the ride growing less and less bumpy, and, looking up through the windshield, Judy found herself finally approaching the ominous gate.

#

Rolling up to it, Nick brought the cruiser to a halt, stopping in between the pair of armed guards standing watch. Another aspect that turned a trip to Zootopia's Penitentiary into a surreal experience was the sight of the guards found protecting the gates and standing watch along the outer wall. They were clad in snow-white overcoats so thick they almost doubled the size of the animal wearing them, with their faces sheathed in white mouthless balaclavas and their eyes shielded by orange anti-dazzle goggles; all told, they certainly made for an imposing sight.

Once the police vehicle was safely stopped at the prison's gate and flanked by both armed guards, a third mammal exited the booth in the middle of the road, wearing the same overcoat as his peers but lacking the face protection. Though it should be said his thick ear-covering cap was still terrifying as he approached the cruiser.

As soon as Nick lowered the window to greet the approaching mammal, his muzzle was itself greeted with an unpleasantly rude gust from the blizzard that raged almost continuously in the Tundra Plains. As he instinctively grimaced and his tail instinctively shot up to cover his lip, he could also hear the pained complaints of his partner, who was, fur-wise, even less protected than him.

"Good morning officers," the guard – which turned out to be a wolf – said, resting a hand above the cruiser's window. "What brings you out here today?"

Not wanting to prolong his or his partner's suffering any longer than necessary, Nick made every effort possible to shorten the little meet-and-greet. "Good morning yourself. We have an interview scheduled with a convict in about twenty minutes."

Nodding – as much as his gear permitted – in response, the wolf made the usual requests. "Ok, I've already logged your cruiser, so now I'll need your police IDs for a minute. In the meantime, my colleagues will do a quick check of the vehicle."

Anticipating this, both fox and rabbit had already readied their ZPD identification cards on the center console, which Nick handed to the guard, closing the window as soon as the latter removed his paw.

As the wolf returned to his booth to check their credentials, the other two guards pulled out a pair of telescopic mirrors and began circling the cruiser to check its underside. When one reached the trunk he banged on it; Nick unlocked it. Seemingly satisfied, said guard closed the compartment back up and gave the officers a thumbs up, immediately returning to his post alongside his peer to the side of the gate.

In the meantime, the wolf had returned with their ID cards, which Nick took through the window – much to his discomfort.

"Alright, you're good. Once you've parked, head up to the reception and check in. Have a good day, officers."

Offering a quick two-fingered salute, Nick quickly rolled the window back up and went through the now open gate into the Penitentiary's courtyard and then into the – fortunately – heated underground visitor's parking.

Having parked the cruiser in the closest spot they could find to the entrance, he turned around to see Judy move to exit the vehicle, paw already on the door handle.

"Carrots: wait," he called, gently grabbing her by the shoulder.

Turning back towards her partner, the rabbit limited herself to an inquisitive hum. Nick could still see some worry in her wide eyes, which he attributed to the conversation they'd had on their way there. While it hadn't been exactly easy or pleasant, the tod knew the subject would come up eventually, so he just took the opportunity his partner unknowingly presented. And, if he was to be honest with himself, regardless of the risks their case entailed, knowing that his current path was one that would make his father proud was both pleasant and motivating.

Releasing the bunny's shoulder, Nick explained. "Before we go in there, there's something I'd like to let you know… regarding the talk we're going to have with ol' Main Mane."

Smiling at the nickname, Judy spurred him on. "Alright slick, what is it?"

"When I talked with Bogo two days ago, and now when we chatted with Gordon, both referred to Lionheart as more than just a convict. Heck, I'd even say as more than an acquaintance."

Noticing Judy's rising eyebrow, the fox took to clarifying. "You weren't there, but when Bogo mentioned the former mayor, it seemed he was talking about a long lost friend. He sounded sad about the lion's imprisonment. And now, Gordon mentioned how he and other prominent ZPD figures worked with Lionheart against corruption. Not to mention, the Deputy Chief called him a 'victim' of the Nighthowlers."

"Huh, that's pretty observant Nick…" Grinning for a moment, Judy couldn't help but comment. "I told you you'd make a pretty good cop…." He responded with a wink and a click of his tongue. The rabbit was quick to get back on topic however. "So you think Bogo, Gordon and Lionheart are connected in a way?"

Humming affirmatively, the fox concluded, "Yeah, probably from even before they got to the high – well at least for two of them now – positions they're in now."

"So what do you think we should do about it? If anything."

Scratching his ear, the fox replied. "Well, the way I see it, since Lionheart did go to prison for his spectacular handling of the first Nighthowler cases, I don't think there's any foul play going on here. But…" His expression grew serious again. "It's still a connection we can't ignore. So I say we try to get Lionheart to spill it for us and, if he doesn't, we'll just have to bring it up with Bogo later today."

Tilting her head back in thought, Judy replied, "That sounds like a plan… but why not go to Bogo directly?"

Pointing in no particular direction, Nick explained. "We could, but my guess is that he isn't particularly at ease with whatever relationship the three share. I mean: Why else wouldn't he have told us to come here? It is the most logical way to find out about the inner workings of City Hall after all."

"Fair point." Turning to face her partner, the rabbit added. "So, who leads?"

Nick smirked as he popped open the door. "Weren't you the one who arrested him in the first place? I'm sure he's dying to speak to you first, Carrots…"

As she made her own way out of the vehicle, Judy winced at the memory. "Hhhngh… right. Let's hope he's not too peeved about that…."

#

Given the alien look of the prison from the outside, first time visitors usually found the reception area that greeted visitors and workers alike rather comforting. Climate control aside, the soft beige walls, moderately clean vinyl floor and squeaky cushioned wooden benches made said reception's waiting room feel rather quaint and, well, safe.

Even the prison workers in charge of visitors and staff added to the unassuming look of that portion of the Penitentiary. After all, they were little more than regular paper pushers, a lot like the mammals you'd find at the DMV (if sloths didn't monopolize that particular institution…).

It was one of these workers – a female ferret with a coat as white as the snow outside – that greeted Judy and Nick when they approached the reception counter.

"Good morning, officers! How may I help you?"

Eager as ever to get to work, Judy took the initiative. "Hi ma'am! We have a meeting scheduled with one of the inmates. Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde?"

Lowering her gaze to the computer under the counter, the ferret nodded. "Uhuh… and the convict would be?"

"Leodore Lionheart."

After a few clicks the receptionist looked at the two officers once more. "Very well, I've found your appointment, and it looks like you're right on time." She pointed towards the benches. "Please have a seat. Once the interview room is ready, we'll call you."

Thanking her, Judy did as suggested and, with Nick in tow, proceeded to the waiting area. Once they were seated, the rabbit took to taking in her surroundings. She found the room to be mostly empty, save for a janitor making his rounds and a deer with what Judy assumed to be her son. The lack of mammal presence wasn't too odd though, since regular visiting hours were right after breakfast and right before dinner, meaning they had arrived at their lowest point throughout the day.

What did catch Judy's attention, however, was the fawn. He was sleeping, with his head resting comfortably on the doe's lap; yet, he clung to something in his hooves as if his life depended on it. Paying closer attention, Judy noticed it was a small transparent container, the contents of which nearly brought a tear to her eye: it was some sort of fruit cake, with a pair of candles sitting next to it.

As she turned to her partner to comment on it, she found Nick already looking at her rather sadly, his usually vibrant jade eyes dulled. When she made a motion to show him the scene, he gently grabbed her rising paw and brought it back down to her lap, all the while nodding in comprehension.

"I know, Carrots. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time," he practically whispered.

"But why are they here right now? Morning visiting hours are already over…."

"If a convict shows good behavior, one of the perks he can get are specially arranged visits on some important dates." He glanced at mother and son and sighed. "Like birthdays."

She wasn't aware of that… and yet, she'd studied pretty much every rule and regulation available at the Academy's library. So how did Nick know it? Her confusion must have been apparent, as her partner was quick to explain.

"I know because my uncle on my dad's side spent a few years here, and my mom and I used to do the exact same thing."

Clamping her mouth shut, Judy once again glanced over at the pair, only to have her ears droop instantly. She was still a firm believer in the necessity to apply justice and accept consequences regardless of the circumstances, but she couldn't deny that those consequences could have a profound and not necessarily fair impact on those around the subject in question…

Right there and then she found herself replacing the fawn with young Nick in her mind, imagining him peacefully asleep in Mrs Wilde's lap, cradling some blueberry cake in his paws most likely.

"Was that before or after… you know…."

"My uncle took my dad's death as hard as us, and unfortunately he eventually resorted to drowning his sorrows in as much cheap liquor as he could get his paws on."

Bending over and joining his own paws on his knees, the fox continued. "A few months after the shop burned down he got into a scuffle and ended up hitting a cop in the commotion, which was why he got five years instead of community service.

"Back then I was still too young to fully understand what he'd done and, to be fair to him, he was always cautious to be sober around me… So I really don't have bad memories of him, I was just sad I could only be with my uncle every few days.

"He was as close to a father figure I had back then afterall."

However, Nick's reminiscing suddenly came to a halt when the ferret called, "Officers? We're ready for you now."

Giving a quick sniff and cough to clear her mood, Judy quickly shot up from her seat and bounded to the reception desk. By the time Nick got up, the rabbit was already face to face with the smaller mammal.

Motioning to a wolf standing between a thick cage bar door and a set of lockers, the receptionist explained. "That guard will escort you to the interview room and then back here once your discussion with the inmate ends."

Humming affirmatively, Judy turned around only to almost slam into Nick, who had caught up in the meantime. "Come on partner, we're up," she said, circling him while giving his forearm a comforting squeeze.

When both rabbit and fox got to the door that led deeper into the prison, they were stopped by the canine guard, who produced a body scanner from one of his belt's pouches and opened a couple of the lockers beside him.

"Please remove any metallic objects and place them in one of these. After that, please stand straight with your arms away from your bodies so I can scan you."

They obliged and proceeded to remove all the metal from themselves, storing the equipment safely in the lockers — though it should be said it was particularly difficult for Judy to part ways with her badge. Having already turned it in once after she felt she had failed the city, she couldn't help but recall that mighty unpleasant memory….

Once that was done, the wolf scanned the both of them, paying close attention to the beeps and wails of the machine in his paw.

Seemingly satisfied with the results, the guard once again holstered the device and retrieved a set of keys from another pocket in his belt. He opened the heavy door with one of them and motioned for the officers to follow him.

Once they were all beyond the threshold, the wolf locked the door back up and began leading Nick and Judy through a long corridor, at the end of which they came to a halt in front of another cage bar door.

This time, the canid looked at the camera overlooking the entrance, presented his ID card and gave a thumbs up. There was a loud buzz followed by the door's lock unlatching.

Once again closing the door behind them, the guard finally led them through a series of doors, all of them labeled 'Interview' followed by a number. Stopping in front of the door numbered twelve, the wolf turned to face the officers and explained. "You have thirty minutes to conduct your business. Should you wish to finish before then, simply call or knock on the door." When Nick and Judy nodded, he opened the room, allowing them inside and closing it behind them.

The small cubicle was actually a lot like their interrogation rooms back at Precinct One, only lacking the two-way mirror on one of its walls. There was a simple steel table with three chairs of the same material set up for them. But what Judy took immediate notice of was a small folded piece of paper on top of the table.

As they sat down, the rabbit picked the note up and opened it, her eyes immediately widening in surprise.

"Nick! Look at this…" She lightly elbowed him, effectively getting his attention.

The note had been clearly scribbled hastily, and read: 'The room's camera and microphone are off, and the guards outside it are friends. ~ Courtesy of C.G.'.

They didn't have time to dwell on it too much, however, as the door opposite from the one they had gone through suddenly opened and the reason for their presence there was brought forth in chains by a rhino guard.

Prison had certainly done a number on the middle-aged lion, at least as far as his appearance was concerned. His once gloriously lush and glossy mane was shorter and what little shine it still had was more oily than lustrous. He'd definitely lost weight, and with it a lot of his imposing figure, even if he was still of rather high stature. And his fur was overall messy, with some matted areas and other ruffled ones.

And yet… once the former mayor was seated and his restraints lessened to a pair of paw and foot cuffs, Judy couldn't help but notice how the lion's hazel eyes held the same intensity and pride she'd first seen at her graduation and then during his interrogation.

Lionheart himself probably hadn't noticed exactly who had come to visit him, since he suddenly straightened his back and his eyes widened as soon as they rested on Judy's form. Somehow, he quickly composed himself, relaxing into the uncomfortable metal chair and adopting the easy-going smile that had been his trademark since his first campaign several years back.

"Well well well… if it isn't the pride of the ZPD, Officer Judy Hopps," he stated, as if once again presenting her to an excited crowd. "And her now inseparable side-kick Officer Nick Wilde." His intense gaze switched to the fox. "It' good to see that not all of the things I did as mayor were torn down. And that the ZPD gained another peculiar character as a result of it." He wore a wide grin.

After the Nighthowler case had wrapped up and Nick's deal with the law brokered Judy just wanted the fox as her partner once more, and this time with an actual badge rather than a children's sticker. She didn't really care exactly how his admission to the Academy was handled. It was only later that she found out Nick had actually been admitted to the Academy as a beneficiary of the Mammal Inclusion Initiative just like her.

With a certain posture that betrayed his past in high-end politics, the lion crossed his legs and joined his paws over the raised knee, adopting an almost philosophical stance. "So what brings the masterminds behind my downfall here after all this time?"

Growing flustered by the former mayor's mention of the arrest she made, Judy quickly tried to defuse the tension she thought was building. "Mr. Lionheart, please! I know you meant well back then, even if you did act wrongly… but we really need your help and – " The lion's guffaws cut her short.

Startled by the sudden display of glee, Judy couldn't repress a nervous twitch of her nose nor prevent her ears from gluing themselves to the back of her skull. Quickly glancing over to her partner for a clue as to what had just happened, she was met with a quick shrug of his shoulders, together with a face that pretty much read: This is your show, Fluff.

Fortunately, the lion had managed to calm down in the meantime, and was finally able to express himself normally. "Oh I'm sorry officers, but we don't really get all that many opportunities to laugh like that in this fine establishment…" he said, still huffing slightly and wiping a tear from his eye.

Mouth hanging slightly open, Judy eventually managed a question. "So… you're not… angry or aghast with us, sir?"

Adopting a more familiar tone – maybe even a bit condescending – Lionheart was quick to put those doubts aside. "Judy, I can still call you Judy right?" Without even waiting for a nod he pressed on. "Yes, my accommodations are unpleasant. Yes, I do feel like what I did three years ago was for the best. And, to be completely honest, I was at first a little surprised to see the cop whose career I had helped the most arrest me without even a second of hesitation." Judy's chuckle was a nervous one, but the former mayor's was actually amused in nature. "But alas, that's exactly what you signed up for: to put those who disobey the law in jail. And while I still stand by what I did, I'm not enough of a hypocrite to even suggest that my actions were wholly righteous or unpunishable."

Pleasant as it was to hear, such a wholehearted and enlightened response did elicit curious stares from both officers. After all, even putting aside the Nighthowler debacle, the former mayor's general posture had always been one of aloofness.

The lion seemed to guess what their confusion stemmed from, as he began to explain, "I know I might not have looked it, but I did truly care about everything that happened in our city. Even if my last decisions turned out not to be the best…" He finished, scratching the back of his neck.

Feeling more at ease, Judy decided to ask, "But then why make it look like it was all the same to you? Wouldn't the people have grown to like you even more if you showed true interest in the various plights of everyday mammals?"

That got a chuckle out of the lion, though his face quickly adopted a sterner expression. "Judy, for the most part, mammals tend to care more about results than postures… and, to be honest, my lackadaisical attitude wasn't so much a show for the public, but rather for my peers at City Hall."

Noticing how both officer's eyes widened in sync, he took to developing the idea further. "In the end the mayor is little more than the face of the established government. He has the power to have the last word on any matter pertaining to how the city is run, but he rarely uses it. In truth, it's the councilmammals that sit behind the mayor who truly call the shots. Unless you manage to sway them your own way..."

"And how would acting like a happy fool help you get your way?" This time it was Nick doing the asking.

"It makes you look like less of a threat. It makes others lower their guard and think you're nothing but a pretty face, allowing you to start planting ideas into their heads which they would have never even considered hearing in the first place." At this point the lion's smile had evolved into a toothy grin and his eyes had become half closed. The aloof former mayor began to look like a seasoned hunter.

Not wanting to waste time and sensing an opportunity to steer the conversation in the path they required, Judy quickly jumped in. "Funny you should mention that, because we actually came here today in the hopes that you might shed some light for us on the inner workings of City Hall." She said, placing the notepad Gordon had given them and her carrot pen on the table.

Raising a single eyebrow, the older mammal replied. "Oh? And what would Gordon need to know that I haven't already told him about?"

Judy suddenly sat straight up in her chair, ears shooting up in full alert as she was taken aback by what the lion had said. "How do you know who sent us here?" Sparing a quick glance towards her partner, Judy noticed how he was also surprised, but seemed to have only grown more attentive as a result.

Looking around the small room the lion explained. "Well, we're talking in room twelve even though none of the other ones are being used, I was brought in here from my cell by Ross, and that looks a lot like ol' Castor's handwriting."

"So you do know him…" Nick chimed in.

"Well of course I do!" Lionheart stated naturally. "We went to High School together."

Judy could see a hint of a smirk tugging at the fox's lips. "Anyone else of importance you might have gone to school with? Say… ten foot six, sixteen hundred pounds, great motivational speeches…?"

To his credit, Lionheart only looked surprised for a split second, before once again breaking into roaring laughter. "BWAHAHAHA… Oh dear… Yes Chief Bogo was also there. And since we're on the subject, so was Quinn."

"The current Commissioner?" Judy asked.

Nodding affirmatively the lion slumped in his chair and began staring longingly. "We were quite the posse… A lion, a buffalo, a zebra and a beaver… We certainly got a few odd looks during lunch breaks, though we did get famous in other ways back then."

"How so?"

"Ah... We were known as the 'Helpful Hand of Four'. You see one of the main reasons the four of us got along so well was our shared will to help and better the world around us, and we didn't wait for college to start doing exactly that!

"Back then, if you had a problem with a bully Bogo and Gordon would be only too happy to dissuade him. If someone was being treated unfairly by a teacher, I'd try to establish some peace talks so to say. And Quinn, well he did a bit of everything."

Now understanding the situation better, the rabbit officer began thinking aloud. "So when the time came to choose your jobs and future – "

The lion nodded. "We basically kept doing what we did since High School, only we started getting paid for it."

"So why did you and Quinn choose politics over law enforcement?"

"As far as the Commissioner is concerned, he didn't have a clear idea of what he wanted to do, so he compromised and went for the part of the government responsible of law enforcement. As for me? I thought I'd be able to enact some real change rather than respond to whatever emergencies popped up. Given enough time I might have actually succeeded in that…" He sighed but smiled up at the young officers before him. "But, like I said earlier, at least I managed to pave the way for you two and others like you to have some chances at least."

Quickly looking at Nick, Judy found the fox had also turned to face her and they exchanged warm smiles. Had it not have been for the Mammal Inclusion Initiative, neither of them would be in the ZPD. Heck they would probably never have even met!

"But I was under the impression you wanted to know more about City Hall, not my friendship with your superiors…" Lionheart stated, drawing them both back to the moment at hand.

Opening the notebook on a new page and readying the pen, Judy began. "That is correct Mr Lionheart. So let's start with the basics: you said the real power is wielded by the councilmammals at City Hall, rather than the mayor himself. Now, we can easily get their list and what each of them does, but what is the power balance between them?"

Raising a single eyebrow, the former mayor began exploring the subject. "Huh, interesting question… If things haven't changed too much since my term, then there should be three top dogs: the counclimammals responsible for Budget, Law Enforcement, and Strategic Partnerships. Since those three control the money, the police and the influences of both public and private institutions within the city, they could set its main course.

As Judy began jotting down the lion's description she was careful to include reminders to look deeper into the functions of each of those sections of City Hall. In the meantime Nick picked up where she'd left off. "And how exactly could those influences be used to further any given personal goal?"

"Well they can fund or blockade any projects or ideas that they please, the ZPD can be given instructions as to what cases to prioritize, and finally they can easily instate or remove any outside influence by privileging certain companies or institutions… Officers what the heck is going on here?!"

Ignoring the former mayor's question Judy charged in once more. "And how could deals be brokered to accomplish goals such as those?"

Managing to focus on the question for a moment, Lionheart bluted out, "Most of the political cream of this city restricts itself to certain venues… In every regard: they always eat at the same places, they always have fun at the same places… Wait, for the love of God STOP." The lion put his hands as widely as he could on the table – given his restraints – and leaned up and into the two smaller mammals. "What is going on in my city?!"

Closing the notebook and storing both it and the carrot pen in her pocket – for lack of her utility belt – Judy got up and extended her paw to the lion. "We can't share details of an ongoing investigation Mr Lionheart. But we thank you for your time and cooperation."

Slightly flabbergasted, the lion took the offered paw and shook it meekly. Meanwhile Nick had also goten up and had approached the door the two officers had entered through. Standing next to it, he offered the former mayor a two fingered salute and added, "We really can't say more, but if you remember anything else that might be useful to know about City Hall, please call for us... Specifically us."

Knocking on the door, the wolf that had led Nick and Judy there was quick to open it for them, allowing them to pass before starting to close it behind him.

"Wait!" The lion's beg made them all freeze in place. "There's a favor I'd like to ask of you, Officers."

Looking at each other for a moment, they exchanged knowing hums and turned back to the former mayor. "What would that be, Mr Lionheart?" Judy inquired.

Sitting back down on the cold uncomfortable chair, he answered. "Please tell Bogo I'm sorry."


A/N

Well this was certainly a fun chapter to write. Lionheart is such a goldmine of a character… Thought the ending might be revised at some point.

Next chapter things finally get moving in the investigation, so stay tuned for that (I'll do something like last week, as soon as I have an idea of when Ch8 will be up, I'll post an update on it).

In the meantime, let me know what you think of the story so far. It's awesome reading your thoughts and ideas on it :D

Cheers!