Lights in the Sky

Some interesting elements in this one. A lot of verbal sparring. We find out the description of Nick's ideal girl. A mysterious secret mission with an old friend. Oh man I can't wait!

Zoodate 110 P.C.

Nick was visiting the two love birds at their apartment. This wasn't unusual since he came over at least three to four days a week. Judy had stayed true to her word and never told the human about Night Exposure or the dozen probes he executed to sabotage Carrot's relationship with the human. The human truly loved and cared about Nick and it was hard to hate him. He had come to terms with his jealousy but it didn't mean he had to completely accept it. But he had grown to slowly accept the human as more of a friend and less of rival for Carrots affections. It didn't mean he wasn't going to have fun tormenting him or looking for any opportunities to let Carrots know that a handsome red fox could make her just as happy as a furless human.

Ah Nick thought, there is the human… lets try this new one out on him.

Nick: "Hello Mr. Carrots."

Drew: "Carrots and Mr. Carrots? Not sure if that really works Nick, I'm not a rabbit."

Nick: "Guilt by association."

Drew: "Well then I have no problem being Mr. Carrots then as I am quite thrilled with that association."

Nick: "Well that makes it no fun. Damn I am gonna have to think of something else."

Drew: "You'll come up with something I am sure or are you sticking with Furless?"

Nick: "Hmmm well I like it but it doesn't annoy you enough."

Drew: "Well it is kind of like calling you Red or Fluffy Tail… not really imaginative. Carrots is clever based on your early conversation with Judy where you called her out from coming from a carrot farm before you even knew she actually did come from one."

Nick: "You figured that out did you. I really need to find a clever one for you though."

Drew: "You do know carrots are not even good for rabbits."

Nick: "Judy told me. They have been mainly eating all the new human stuff you introduced now."

Drew: "I can't wait until the apple and pear trees come in… there are so many great things they can do with those. But unfortunately those will take many years."

As they ate their dinner it did annoy Nick how happy the bunny was having her ears stroked and her fur rubbed by the human. The human just did it unconsciously being around her. So he tried getting his mind off this by focusing on this new food the human had introduced and buried his head into the large bowl of steaming, white objects that the human had called "rice". He hadn't tasted anything like that before. He wasn't sure if he should try it, but his empty growling stomach convinced him otherwise. Nearly forcing himself, he picked up his spoon (he couldn't master the pair of sticks Furless had given him as apparently paws did not work as well with these like unlike hands… oh how the human liked reminding him of this), he scooped up a spoonful of the thousands of tiny white objects, splattered it over with some sort of weird brown substance and a variety of fish and vegetables, and painstakingly shoved it into his mouth. Hmm… it didn't taste bad, with the brown sauce at all. At least he didn't have to feel his own loneliness at the table anymore, with something else to concentrate on.

He looked up and saw the fondling and caressing had started heating up. He was surprised he didn't jump her right in front of him, but he supposed he was just extremely affectionate around her and was very comfortable around Nick now. Nick had seen this dance a lot and he had gotten mostly immune to it but it still bothered him a bit. He had figured it would have gotten old by now as it did with other couples but it did not seem to be the case. Even after the incident with the two lops their relationship had just gotten far stronger. He wasn't sure how this could have happened but Judy and the human's explanation was they they appreciated what they had that much more and didn't take it for granted as they did before. When something could be taken away they learned to hang on to what they had much harder.

He knew the two couldn't show their affection out in public or to much of anyone else so Nick was one of the only ones they could show this kind of affection around. But he didn't have to like it. But he couldn't really tell them to stop, it was their apartment after all, but it didn't mean he couldn't retaliate in his own special way.

That night the human had gotten a bit excessively frisky and was kissing her around her neck and caressing her ears while she giggled and cooed in delight.

Nick: grinning "Did you want me to move the stuff off the table so you could lay her out and do her right here?"

Judy: shocked "Nick!"

Drew: "Capital idea! "

Judy: lightly punching Drew "Stop it you two!"

Drew: "I know it seems like a sexy idea but it is not all that comfortable. The table is kinda hard."

Nick: "Blech! Too much information."

Drew: grinning "The great Nick is bothered?"

Nick: "Oh no just the thought of eating where you were doing that is a bit unsanitary."

Judy: grinning "Well we cleaned it quite well."

Nick thought well that was not working. They are getting way too comfortable with themselves. Conversations like this used to really bother them.

Drew: "Any sexy ladies find their way into your fox hole?"

Nick: "That is the fifth time you made that reference and it would work much better if I was a female or gay."

Drew: laughing "Sorry Nick it is funny every time."

Nick: "Why in the world would soldiers call it that. The humans like to blow up foxes during your wars?"

Drew: "I'm not sure Nick. You are still avoiding the question."

Nick: "Well I know you would like me to meet a nice lady but I couldn't have her meet you anyway because of the whole secrecy thing unless it was permanent. Unless we were married."

Drew: "Ah so you are thinking about marriage now."

Judy: "Marriage Nick, who is the girl?"

Nick: "Oh you guys are just too much… there is no girl. The only couple that should be talking marriage is you two."

Oops that slipped out. Damn you Nick sometimes your smart mouth can get you in trouble. He needed to be more careful.

Drew: "That is up to fuzzy there. She calls all the shots."

Judy: "You like to think so… but I don't always get my way you know."

Drew: "Coulda fooled me."

Judy: "Well… oh you asked about marriage."

Nick: "Did I?"

Judy: "We are in no rush. Not like we were planning on kids or anything. Besides if we got married we would have to file with city hall and that would problematic if it was on the public record."

Drew: "Ah so that is why you said no. Smart."

Judy: smiling "I told you I am no dumb bunny."

Drew: "Anyone who thinks that is the dumb one for underestimating you. I know for sure I never have."

Nick thought when did he lose control over these conversations. He always used to have the upper hand but these two were getting too comfortable with the verbal fencing. I guess they were getting a lot of practice lately. He was a fox damn it. A rabbit and a human can't keep up in a verbal battle with a fox. Well he knew a few areas they were sensitive about.

Nick: "So what have you two been up to lately?"

Drew: "What do you mean Nick?"

Nick: "Well since I haven't been getting any I have to live vicariously through your sex life."

Drew: "I offered to help you find a girlfriend Nick."

Nick: "You don't even know my type."

Drew: "You want a girl who will challenge you. One who is smart, who can take anything you dish out and throw it right back just as good. You want a girl who is cute, sweet, brave and affectionate. I am close?"

Nick: looking down "No."

Nick thinks damn him he nailed it. But he doesn't know he just described Carrots.

Drew: "Hmm I am thinking yes and you just don't want to admit it."

Nick: "Well finding a girl like that is quite rare."

Drew: "Yep it is… I got extremely lucky."

Nick thinks well on second thought maybe he isn't as dumb as he looks. Furless humans really did look stupid but this one wasn't stupid… just a bit naive and trusting sometimes.

Judy: "What are you guys talking about."

Drew: picking her up and hugging her spinning her around "Just how lucky I am."

Nick turns to the side and makes a fake retching motion pretending to stick his paw down his throat.

Drew: "I saw that Nick."

Nick: "Well you never answered my question."

Judy: "What does he want to know?"

Drew: "Sex life again."

Judy: "Nick, what is it about our snuggle time that obsesses you so much?"

Nick: "Snuggle time? Is that we are calling it now."

Judy: "It sounds much nicer. The other sounds so… graphic."

Nick: "It sounds like something a two year old would say."

Drew: "Well she is the size of a two year old… Oww!" as Judy punches him.

Nick: "Now you are stealing my lines."

Drew: "Just anticipating them now. But I took the hit for it."

Nick: "Well can't envy that… but I'm not getting that predicable now am I?"

Judy: "You are on that subject."

Nick: "Well just answer me honestly."

Judy: "What do you want us to do? Do it in front of you so you will stop asking questions?"

As soon as she said it she realized the mistake and put her paws up to her mouth.

Nick gets a giant grin on his face. Finally things were turning up foxy.

Nick: grinning wide "I thought you would never ask."

Drew: "Well he got you there Judy. You stepping right in that one."

Judy: embarrassed "It just slipped out."

Nick: smiling "Is that what I am gonna see? Who's slipping out you or Drew?"

Drew: "I guess me… I am not sure what she has to slip out. If she was a human female she would have stuff but she's not."

Judy: "Are you insulting me?"

Drew: "It not an insult just a fact of nature. I told you I love your chest the exact way it is."

Judy: "It's just weird that… male rabbits never do that… feeling there."

Drew: "It may just be something built in human male DNA even if there isn't the equipment there to feel."

Nick: "Oh you are talking about human mammary glands again. How would you react to a vixen's six teats?"

Drew: "I don't think they are like human females breasts."

Judy: "And why are they always hanging out all the time… don't they only need them when they have babies?"

Drew: "Well rabbits are much more efficient only developing them right before birth and then not large and only temporary. I don't know why male humans have nipples either. Bucks don't."

Judy: "It seems painful to walk around with those large things. I have seen some of your videos when they get hit in the head with those things when running or jumping. I run and jump all the time. That would be disastrous."

Nick is thinking damn it I had them right where I wanted and now they are off on a tangent again. This happens far to often now.

Nick: grinning "Well come on you two out with it."

Drew: "What are you on about Nick?"

Nick: grinning "The demonstration."

Judy: "You wish."

Nick: grinning "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't wish."

Drew: "I have heard of close friendships but that is a bit too close."

Nick: grinning "I'll shut up if you do it."

Judy: frowning "Yeah right. We would never get any work done. That's all you would be talking about."

Judy thought Nick had seen quite enough of the human and rabbits having snuggle time and Drew doesn't even know it. Well he should know from the video that there is quite a lot a human and rabbits can do. She just hoped he never found out what they had been working on for the past couple months to greatly expand snuggle time or they would never hear the end of it.

Judy then thought of one rebuttal that could at least buy them time.

Judy: "Nick it sounds like you really need a girlfriend. If you get one you can demonstrate in front of us if you wish. Maybe you could teach us something."

Nick: grins "You would actually watch?"

Judy: "I would make an exception just to shut you up."

Nick thought damn I must of hit a sore nerve on Carrots she was getting feisty. Well I need to switch topics then.

They had moved over to the living room couch after dinner. Nick wished to distract the love birds from their make out session so he had turned on the news. He knew it embarrassed the human any time he was on the news, and he was hoping to see something on some of the cases he and Judy had solved. It as a potential win win in his book. Anything to stop the cuddling, Judy's giggling and heavy petting under the covers.

They had been busy talking watching the news but a ZNN special news report came on and the three turned it up. The two anxious broadcasters, Fabienne Growley a female snow leopard and Peter Moosebridge a male moose, were hotly debating a strange topic. When the video of the strange lights came on the human completely took his paws… hands off his partner and stared at the screen fascinated. Strange lights could be seen floating in the sky far in the distance moving far too fast to be any of the gondola airships they used and also none of those were used that far away from Zootopia. They showed the video a couple more times in extreme closeup.

Drew: shocked "UFOs?"

Nick: "UFOs?"

Drew: "What we call them on human Earth. Unidentified Flying Objects. Many associate them with aliens but it just means unknown objects like these."

Nick: "I thought you said we were aliens."

Drew: "Well technically I am the alien here. But they are referring to creatures coming from outer space."

Judy: annoyed "Hush you two! Reverse that so I can hear it over your jabbering."

Fabienne: "Several reports of these lights have been seen coming from far south and south east of Zootopia population centers far past The Burrows and Outback island."

Peter: "There are also rumors of disappearances of mammals from this region although these have not been confirmed. The rumors suggest both predators and prey have been taken."

Fabienne: "So this does not appear to be related to Night Howlers or Covenant activity if these rumors are true but something else altogether."

Peter: looking at his predator co-anchor grinning "I guess we can't blame predators this time."

Fabienne: looking annoyed and haughty "You know full well predators were not at fault in the first incident and even stopped the second one."

Nick thought to himself they went off script! Nick loved when they went off script. They had such great chemistry. He especially liked any reference to himself like the last one. You go Fabienne!

Peter: "Reports from mammals in these remote regions report a large humming or buzzing sort of noise."

Fabienne: "These UAV as we are calling them… Unidentified Air Vehicles… are quite different than the gondolas as they are far too fast and appear to be capable of moving in all directions."

Peter: "Citizens are advised not to assault these unknown vehicles in any way, and to report such sightings along with video or pictures if available, location and approximate time to their local authorities or using the ZPD crime reporting app now standard on all carrier phones and mobile devices."

Fabienne: "These strange hovering devices have been seen during both day and night outside of greater Zootopia regional borders. Our own air security forces have already attempted contact, but these aircraft appear to escape at high speeds when confronted by our own defense craft."

Peter: "Fabrienne, could these craft be newly obtained or developed vehicles of the government, hidden from the public?"

Fabrienne: "That is the topic of our next guest. A special ZNN presentation featuring Professor of Aviation Technology Dr. Shrewd will be coming up in thirty minutes to discuss this and possible causes and explanations."

Peter: "Until then we will re-air the interviews with the mayor and city council regarding these unusual lights and UAVs."

Nick turned down the sound and turned to the couple looking shocked and holding each other. He could tell the humans brain was working furiously running through all scenarios. But what the human didn't know was he was a bit ahead on this topic.

Nick: "Umm guys. I kind of meant to tell you I going on a bit of a special mission starting tomorrow."

Judy: "Nick, was that why you were in the mayor's office this afternoon?"

Nick: "Well it was a bit hush hush if you know what I mean."

Judy: "Why was I not called in with you?"

Nick: "Well I have to go outside of Zootopian borders."

Drew: "It wouldn't happen to be far south say past The Burrows and Outback Island would it?"

Nick: grinning slyly "Maybe, I am not at liberty to say. The mayor called on me for my past special services to the city. I guess when they give you special shiny medals they feel they own you."

Judy: looking hurt "Why did they not want me with you? I am your partner."

Nick: "Well Carrots a rabbit and fox don't exactly blend in together. I felt it was an excellent opportunity to bring the old team together for this mission. Besides I hadn't seen enough of the little guy lately."

Judy: "Finnick agreed to work for the ZPD?"

Nick: "This has nothing to do with the ZPD. I am on special assignment for the government. Double pay and a sizable expense budget."

Drew: "Well I can see why Finnick would be interested now."

Nick: "I had to get them to pay him triple. The thought of working for the man did not sit well with him. But the thought of that kind of money helped him to overcome that objection. He is the only one besides Carrots I would trust on something like this."

Judy: "Well I suppose you have a point about us not blending in like you and Finnick. It would be good for you to do some work with him again. He always looked at me a bit jealously that I took his partner away from him."

Nick thought I know the feeling.

Drew: to Nick "Well there is no one better to do that kind of covert work than two foxes with your resumes."

Judy: "Quit gushing over Nick and his ingenuity. It is embarrassing. I solve more cases."

Drew: "He is talented in other areas my love. You are not so subtle."

Judy: punches Drew "You're supposed to be on my side."

Drew: "I thought we weren't supposed to take sides between the three of us."

Nick: grinning "You two fighting over little ole me?"

Judy: to Nick "You already have a big enough head as it is."

Nick: grinning "There's plenty of sexy fox to go around guys."

Judy: concerned "How long will you be gone?"

Nick: "That is uncertain as we don't know how long the job will take, but I would imagine from five to nine days. Or until Finnick blows our expense budget. Never had one quite that special and generous before if you know what I mean."

Drew: "I imagine Finnick can get quite creative with his budgetary needs. You should see the reasons he came up for me to bring him some special items from my home world. He is truly creative when motivated by profit."

Judy: "That sounds scary what kinds of items?"

Drew: "I agreed not to say. But nothing so harmful. I owed the little guy a lot if you know what I mean."

Judy knew about Finnick saving Drew and her from the Covenant guards while she was mentally trapped so she let this one go.

Judy: "Well I am not sure what I am going to do during all that time. But Tala told me she had a few days off and wanted to visit for a long weekend so maybe she can keep me busy."

Drew: faking looking hurt "I'm not enough? No Nick so you have to call your sis?"

Judy: "You know you love her to death. Sometimes more than me the way you guys get carried away with your conversations."

Drew: "Sounds like you're jealous."

Judy: "I would never be jealous of my twin baby sister. Usually seeing her ends up being more fun for you than me, so quit your whining."

Drew: putting his hands up in mock defense "Okay you got me. She is fascinating. She is a brainiac version of you."

Judy: punching him in the arm "Hey!"

Drew: teasing "Don't worry my love, she is quite a bit too much like me in that area for me to be attracted in the other way."

Judy: "She is a little bunny. That's perverted!"

Drew: teasing "I said I was not attracted if you would have listened. Besides she's fourteen. You always said bunnies develop much earlier than other species especially does."

Judy: "She's still a little baby."

Drew: "She is not so little anymore. The questions she is asking now are a bit embarrassing. She doesn't seem to have any hangups that you and I have discussing that kind of stuff."

Judy: concerned "What is she discussing with you?"

Drew: "Well I wouldn't call it a discussion. She brings it up and I change topics. I think you need to have some long talks with her if she comes."

Nick was quite enjoying this interplay. He loved Tala to death himself and Finnick and her were more brother and sister than any real brother and sister. Tala was the one thing everyone could agree on. She is the one bunny anywhere who seems to love foxes more than other rabbits. He had to seriously respect that. Foxes were great.

Judy went in the other room to call her sister leaving Drew and Nick on the sofa.

Drew: "You know Nick I have some thoughts on the UAVs."

Nick: grinning "I figured."

Drew: "Yes yes I know… I am predictable. I am just concerned about anything that might be human related I don't know about."

Nick: "Human related?"

Drew: "Well from the images and noises heard, it sounds like they may be helicopters. Conceivably it could be a harrier jump jet or people in rocket packs. It could also be a large flying animal with some kind of assistance and lights. But helicopters are a much more likely possibility from all the other evidence."

Nick: slying grinning "What's your problem with them? Afraid they will swoop down and steal your precious bunny. They want her back?"

Drew: shuddering "Don't even joke about that. I am just concerned with any potential human technology making it to Zootopia. We strictly control every item brought and if something like that exists then it means we have serious leaks."

Nick: "Do you think other humans could be here?"

Drew: concerned "I highly doubt it. They wouldn't have come through the dimensional transfer as all those records are quite detailed. The one good thing about bureaucracy. Everything is well documented a hundred times. But if there is potentially another transfer point then it is of extremely grave concern. Especially since these vehicles seem to be avoiding contact. That means they are hiding something."

Nick: "You think humans are plotting something?"

Drew: "Well I would like to hope not but am not naive enough to think it is not a serious possibility if they are here. I don't know if it is human related. It is possible plans for such vehicles were smuggled in although manufacturing those kinds of parts would seem extremely difficult. Another possibility is that the technology was developed by the native population."

Nick: "Well we are going on that assumption. I mean… if I was investigating this phenomena which I am not saying I am. There I am covered. We had not even considered humans."

Drew: "Yes wink wink nod nod… I am just very concerned for you and for the citizens here."

Nick: teasing "I didn't know you cared about me so much. I figured you would like Carrots all to yourself."

Drew: genuinely concerned "Nick if anything happened to you she would be devastated. I am not sure if I could ever get her back mentally to where she is now."

Nick thought initially the human was kidding. He was not. This was something he hadn't considered. Nick's presence was a co-dependent relationship in her life and the human fully accepted that. Well doesn't this just make things a whole lot more complicated. He wondered now if something happened to the human if she would similarly go off the deep end. The thought was not pretty. She was a bit of an emotional basket case and it was very likely the case. He didn't have to think about this as his mind was quite busy thinking about this additional information the human had presented. He thought at first this would be a great excuse for a road trip. But now he was considering this could potentially be as great a threat or greater to Zootopia as the Covenant. This made him nervous. But his motto was never let them see they get to you.

Nick: grinning and laughing "Okay okay… I will be careful so your bunny doesn't have to be committed."

He sees Drew raises his eyebrows at the word committed and start to speak.

Nick: grinning "I saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

Drew: "Ah you always were a fan of Jack Nicholson."

Nick: "He just gets me. Didn't think a human could be a kindred spirit."

Drew: "Well with over seven billion of us a few must be out there."

Nick: grinning "Well seriously I will take care Furless. It is good to know I am needed around here."

Drew: gently grabbing his wrist "You always are. I miss having you living here."

Nick thought damn if I didn't know he was sincere I would swear he was conning me. He admitted he was wrong about that. It is just he didn't think any male mammal would act like that to a fox… especially when he was sleeping with the partner and best friend of that fox. This certainly was a strange situation. But he was beginning to understand this human a lot more with that last revelation. Nick was important to keep Carrots mentally balanced. Nick and Drew were opposites in many ways but she needed both of them to be truly happy and fulfilled. Wow that was deep Nick thought. Damn human was rubbing off on him. Must be catching it through osmosis as he looked at the paw/hand on his wrist. Nick preferred it when things were simple.

Judy came back in and sensed some kind of moment going on as Drew was touching Nick which he did when there was a strong empathic link. She was getting worried. Drew would not react like that unless something was seriously wrong.

Judy: worried "Um guys… Tala is very exciting about coming. She will be here Wednesday night."

Nick: "I wish I could see her. I am sure Finnick will feel the same."

Judy: "Well I am sure she will understand. You have important things on your plate."

Nick: "Well speaking of that I have to be going. I have a lot of preparations to make."

As Nick said goodbye to them at the door Drew surprised Nick and gave him a full hug shocking the fox.

Drew: "Call me or my office if you need anything, and get word to us if you can."

Judy was now getting very worried.

She hugged Nick but was too shaken to say anything.