"How is this even possible?"

I was still in pain, but I had finally regained most of my motor skills. My head was starting to hurt and it didn't help that my brain was getting very confused about hearing Onion's voice coming from Nate's arm.

"I couldn't sit by and have you… lose another friend. I… there was no way of saving his body, so I remotely hacked his system and downloaded it to my Pip-Boar."

"Why didn't you tell me? I almost… I yelled at you."

"I didn't know if it would work. You had some tricky encoding on his subroutines, and I had to clear out extra memory to let him fit."

"Clear out… you didn't get rid of anything… important, did you?"

"I… no, I have everything I will ever need."

"I'm glad. I would have felt horrible if you got rid of anything that was too important for you. I'm glad you did that though, it means a lot to me." I gave him a hug and a kiss to thank him.

"Me too Miss. To be honest I really did not want to do it." Onion's tone showed relief.

"This is… going to take some getting used to. You don't plan on carrying him around like that all the time, do you?"

"I figured that once things quiet down, we can make him a new body."

"May I make a suggestion Miss? I did find that old body to be a bit disadvantageous at times."

"I kinda liked the floating vegetable look myself."

"Very funny Miss. I was actually thinking of…"

Onion's voice got cut off by a sudden ruckus coming from Agent Hoppiny and her communicator. Once it was over, she turned to us, her face looking grim.

"We gotta return to the Chief. Now."

"What's going on, is he…"

"Let's move out." She stormed by us and left as everyone else followed.

Nate's face turned to a worried fear. This wasn't good.

"Logan! What's going on?"

Most of the Guardians that came with us were standing around the armory doors, and they all had deep looks of concern on their faces. Nate and I shoved passed them, and they gave way to our movements with ease. Mark and the other medic were standing inside, but when Mark looked at us, he simply shook his head.

Chief Lazlo was laying on the floor, not too far from where we left him. The blood on the ground had been cleaned up, and he had on fresh bandages, but he wasn't moving. My emotions started to well up within me as Nate ran over and knelt to his side.

"Mister Lazlo!"

"Nate my boy." His words were forced and slow.

"You're gonna make it, Mark tell me he's gonna make it!"

"No Nate, I'm not."

"He's bleeding internally, organs are failing at an alarming rate, and the ones that aren't are working overtime. He's lost more blood than we can give him, and moving him would simply exasperate the situation. He wouldn't make it out of here alive, yet alone to someplace with better medical equipment. He asked me to give him a drug so he could be conscious to talk to you. Once it wears off… I'm sorry Nate."

"No! You can't die. I…" Nate's voice quieted down, but his sadness increased. "Y-you're the closest thing I have to a… a father… you can't die!"

"You were the closest thing to a son to me Nathan." Despite his forced words, he still spoke firmly like the leader he is. "I regret not producing an offspring, but I was always too damn busy trying to make this world a better place. My time is coming to an end, and with my last breath I need to proclaim an heir to the Guardians. They need a leader, a strong leader." He coughed a few times, blood dribbling out as he did. "They need someone who can encourage the good in mammals, while discouraging the evil within them." Lazlo slowly lifted his arm towards Nate. "In my hoof, take my badge."

Nate took it and looked over it before returning his gaze towards the fallen Chief. "I-I don't understand."

"You. You are the mammal who best represents those traits. I'm leaving control of the Guardians to you, Chief Valiant."

"I-I'm not, I'm not the mammal you want. There has to be someone better. Logan, even Olivia, but…" Nate tried to put the badge back into Lazlo's hoof but he just pushed it towards Nate's chest.

"Olivia is too unpredictable, too much of a loose cannon. No offense Miss Springs."

"Um, none given?" This entire thing was striking me as unreal.

"And Logan, he's a good boy, the strongest soldier within the Guardians, but he's just that, a soldier. I would trust wartime efforts to him with no regrets, but he's a rock. He knows right from wrong, but sometimes it travels such a narrow path that it would be too easy for someone to make the right decision at the wrong time. You, you think before you act, you have always tried to find ways to solve a situation with ingenuity before violence. There will not always be war, there will be a time, I hope, where this world has been fixed, where the Guardians can once again serve and protect, to put away the sword and simply be a shield once again. When that time comes, mammals like Logan will not be needed, but ones like you, they will shine brighter than the sun. I want to make sure that there's someone who can pass down those ideals to future generations so when that time finally comes, the Guardians are prepared for it. That is why of every mammal I know, you are the most qualified, and I trust you to do what is necessary to see my dream come true."

"I-I…"

"Stalker Logan."

"Yes Sir?" I could tell that it was hard for Logan to keep his composure.

"Nate is Chief now, do you object?"

"Sir I…" He stood there for a moment, looking between Mark and Lazlo, as if he was trying to make sense of it all. "I respect you Sir, and you have never once caused that respect to falter. I will continue to respect your decision. I'm unsure how the others will react to this."

"That is why he needs you more than I ever have. Nate is Chief, but until he is able to fully take over for me, you will be temporarily in charge. You will obey his orders like you did mine, but it will be up to you to make sure that both he, and the rest of the Guardians are eased into this transition. Is that clear Stalker?"

"Sir, yes Sir!"

"I'm… sorry that I couldn't have been more of a father to you Sebastian Logan. I raised you like one, but so many Guardians had already run off to join those other perverse factions that I desperately needed more competent and qualified soldiers, and I cared more about making you into one that I never stopped to let you grow up to be what you wanted to be. For that, I am sorry."

"You told me I was abandoned Sir, that whoever my parents were, they didn't want me. You could have ignored me, you could have pawned me off on someone else, but you took it upon yourself to raise me into the mammal I am today, and I could not be more proud of you. Thank you Sir."

Yes I was upset at this, and I could feel myself on the verge of crying, but for some reason it wasn't him laying there on death's bed that was hitting me the hardest, it was how everyone else was taking it that was getting to me. It was only Logan and Nate that were speaking, but I could tell that everyone else was feeling it, that they were all taking this hard. Logan was still strong with his emotions, but from the slight tone adjustments as he spoke, he was not very far from breaking his veil.

Nate was the one I was worried about the most. I knew that Lazlo was one of the first mammals that he warmed up to after leaving their Burrow, but I didn't realize how much of a father figure he was to him, and on top of that Lazlo was making him Chief? That was a very unexpected outcome, and from the looks of Mark and Holly, they didn't expect that either. I put my arm on Nate's back and gently leaned into him, to show him that I was here for him.

"Olivia Springs. You are the strangest, most insane mammal that I have ever met. You cause destruction wherever you go, and cause your enemies to quake in fear of a tiny rabbit." He might be dying, but he was making me feel horrible the way he described me. "You also have a heart of gold, and are one of the kindest, most loyal mammals I have ever known. Thanks to your actions, this world has been lifted from its squalor and shown that one mammal can make a difference. I know you can't fix the whole world, but you have done more than anyone to try. Please, take care of Nathan. He will need you now more than ever."

"I… thank you. And you have my word, there is nothing that can come between us."

"You two do make the perfect pair. I was once afraid that I would leave this world unchanged, that everything I have done would have been for naught. I am happy to be leaving it knowing the world is in the paws of the two most capable mammals. I'm… feeling tired. Nathan, please, before I go. Could you… Agent Hoppiny, the transfer terminal?"

"Sir? Oh." The rabbit ran to a corner of the room and seconds later brought over a large blue box. She placed it between Nate and Lazlo. There was a keypad on it and Lazlo slowly typed in a code that unlocked it. Inside was a small computer with a familiar indent.

"Nathan, place the badge there."

Nate hesitated but then placed it. Upon connecting, the computer booted up and two buttons lit up, one green, one red. Lazlo placed his hoof on the red one.

"This is Chief Maximilian Lazlo, designation Guardian Chief. Confirm."

"Identity Confirmed."

"I hear by transfer all ranks and privileges of Guardian Chief to one Nathan Valiant."

"Transfer Recipient, Please Hold Down Green Button And Confirm By Stating Full Name."

"I-I…"

Nate looked at me, and I wondered if he thought I would do or say something to stop this, but I did not know what to do. Do I go against the wishes of a dying mammal? A mammal who has shown nothing but kindness and acceptance? I did not know if Nate really was the best choice for this, but what if he was? He was already stronger than I've ever seen him, he has shown his ability to take control of the situation, even when he himself is unsure. Lazlo was right, Logan was way too hardened to be an effective leader outside of combat, and I know I would make for a horrible leader. Putting the lives of a few friends on the line from a most certainly questionable decision that not even I was sure was right? No, that would be too much for me, but if it was too much for me, would it also be too much for him?

"I can't tell you what to do sweetie, this is all happening too fast for me to even comprehend. Just trust your feelings. I know whatever you decide will be for the best, and I will be there for you regardless."

"I…" He took one last look around at everyone and then placed his finger on the glowing red button. "Nathan Valiant."

"Nathan Valiant. Confirmed. Uploading Personnel file. Error, File Not Found. Continue?"

"Import File Valiant dash zero zero alpha five dash zero one from external database zeta one." Lazlo sounded tired. He didn't have much time left.

"File Successfully Imported. Personnel File Valiant, Nathan Located. Confirm Acceptance of Rank."

"You… you knew, didn't you?" That's all I could say, and surprise backed every word.

"I had the files prepared shortly before leaving for here. I was hoping they weren't needed, but there's a reason I haven't attempted reclaiming Precinct One earlier. I knew the dangers. King was right, I'm too old for this."

He didn't know. Not once did it occur to me that he didn't know about what happened with King and his Guardians. I wanted to tell him, but I think Nate realized it as well. He looked at me and gently shook his head before speaking.

"I, Nathan Valiant accept the rank of Guardian Chief."

"Processing. Unlinking Prior Records. Assigning Rank And Permissions. Link Complete. Please Confirm."

"This is Chief… Nathan Valiant, designation Guardian Chief. Confirm."

"Identity Confirmed Chief Valiant."

"Thank you Nathan. It feels good to know they are in capable paws as yourself." His words were even slower, as if it was getting harder to force them. "I was glad to have met you, along with your brother and Holly." Lazlo closed his eyes and with one last breath, he was gone.

"No! Please don't go." Nate looked up at Mark, tears in his eyes. "Can't you give him something again? Keep him alive longer?"

"No, it… it should have worn off already. I think he was keeping himself alive by sheer will. I'm sorry Nate. There was nothing we could have done."

"Sweetie, he didn't know about King, did he? Shouldn't we have told him?"

Nate stood up and wiped the tears from his eyes. "No. He died peacefully. I think… it was better that way."

"There are no more threats here to worry about, did you want to go somewhere and be alone? You can talk to me about if you need to."

"No. We still have a job to do." Nate's eyes grew stronger as he straightened his body. "Stalker Logan."

"Yes Sir."

"Get together our forces here and send out a message to all who are loyal to Lazlo. While I'm still not sure about his decision to make me Chief, I do know that it will be for naught if we remain separated like this. As my first order as Chief, we are going to take back our base and show King that the Guardians, Lazlo's Guardians, are not to be trifled with. Is that clear?"

"Sir, yes sir!"

Logan was the only one who said it, even though I was sure Nate addressed it to everyone here. His face looked stern, but I could tell that he was scared. They say it's in the eyes, and I think I knew those eyes better than anyone else, but unlike other times, only his eyes were betraying his real feelings, everything else showed his strength.

"Guardians! Whether you like it or not, Chief Lazlo is gone, and Mister Valiant is our new Chief so you will show him the same respect that you showed Chief Lazlo. Is that clear Guardians?"

"Yes Sir!" Jasmine and Zack, along with a few others responded to Logan. The rest remained silent.

"I said is that clear Guardians?!"

"Sir, yes Sir!" Nearly all of them responded this time.

"I expect every single one to show the same respect to Chief Valiant as you did to Chief Lazlo. Do I have to remind you who the Chief's girlfriend is? Am I clear!?"

I don't know what was worse, the fact that some of them were not seeming eager to accept Nate as their new leader, or the fact that Logan had just used me to threaten them. I was going to interject but then Nate walked up to Logan and carefully rested his paw on the wolf's shoulder.

"N-no, I will not let Olivia's actions try to act as a buffer for me. I still don't know if Mister Lazlo made the right decision, but it was his decision to make, and from the sound of it, it wasn't a decision he took lightly or rushed into. He must have seen something in me that I am only now seeing myself. I don't know if you're unhappy with this because I'm not a Guardian, or if it's due to my lack of training, but I'm sure it does have something to do with my species. There are very few foxes within the Guardians, and even fewer people seem to trust us, despite the good we try to do. So I ask you, are you willing to let Lazlo's legacy die just because I'm a fox?"

"No Sir!" The voices echoed so loudly in the room that I wasn't sure if everyone answered, but from the sound of it, I had a feeling most, if not all did.

"I'm not Mister Lazlo, and I won't try to be him. I don't think any mammal could be the mammal he was, but I promise you this. I will do everything I can to make sure that his legacy continues, to show that even a fox can be a leader. A good leader. My first edict as leader will be this. From hence forth we shall no longer be the Steel Guardians, we will be Lazlo's Guardians!"

"Hooah!" All the Guardians raised their arms in the air as they cheered.

Nate may not have won over every Guardian yet, but it sounded like a good start. This entire thing still seems so weird to me, like I was caught in a dream, but I know that it's not. Somehow, I think this is good. Ever since I met him, he has looked weak to everyone but those closest to him. He was stronger than most mammals, he just never knew how to tap into it. Sure I seemed to have helped, but he still needed something… more. I think now he has that extra kick. I just hope it doesn't decide to kick back.

Logan needed to converse with the other lieutenant Guardians, to explain the situation and get everyone ready for both this new change, and also to prepare the forces to take back the base. From the sounds of it, there's been very little activity from King's mammals, so we were going in blind.

Zack was assigned to our very own Tac-Lifter. It consisted of Jasmine, Holly, Mark, Nate and myself. I know that we usually flew together before, but there was often another Guardian, or Logan himself with us. I was glad to have this little alone time with those closest to Nate.

"How you holding up sweetie?" I sat next to him, gently leaning against his side.

"I don't know. This is just…" He was lost in thought, I could tell.

"Weird?"

"Yeah. I just, I never expected something like this to happen, let alone to me."

"You said it yourself, it doesn't matter if it's a fox running the Guardians as long as Lazlo's legacy remains."

"No, it isn't that Binky. It's… I have never been a leader, and now suddenly I'm made one out of the blue?"

"From what they told me, you were pretty in charge when I was kidnapped, and when you made the decision to open the Burrow door."

"That…" He paused, his gaze turning away slightly. "That was different. I let my emotions take over, to control me. This is different. I am in control, my mind is clear for the first time in a very long time, and despite all that I still can't fathom me giving orders, forcing someone to do as I say, especially if I'm unsure of what I'm even doing."

"I think that's why he let Logan take control for a bit, to teach you, to allow you to get acclimated to this."

"But what if I don't get acclimated? If no matter how much I try, how hard I try, I never am able to be as good as Mister Lazlo. I don't think many of the Guardians liked me and Mark already due to our species, but they put up with us because Mister Lazlo said they had to. The Guardians are already torn apart, I don't want to risk it happening all over again, because of me."

"Then kick them out."

Nate gave me a look, I couldn't tell if it was confusion or simply him not understanding what I said.

"I can't do that."

"Sure you can. If those mammals are too full of themselves to obey a fox, they will never work closely enough with you to be a functional team. You need mammals who can devote their fealty to you, who will not obey your orders just because you're in charge, but because they respect you as a leader. I doubt Lazlo earned that respect his first day, he probably had to work for it, to make sacrifices to get to where he was. I'm not telling you it'll be easy, but I'll be there the entire time to both help and encourage you."

"That's what I'm afraid of the most."

"What?"

"That I will find out Mister Lazlo was right, that I am the best mammal for the job."

"Then why do you make it sound so bad?"

"I don't know much about those who came before him, he's been in charge since before any of us was born. What I do know is that he was completely dedicated to his job. He worked longer days than most, he put himself out there at the front lines, he was so busy he never took a wife and had children, children who should be in this position, not me. The thing that scares me the most is that I will be so consumed by this new life like he was, that I will never have time for… you."

I gave him a kiss and wiped away the tears that were forming from his eyes. "That will never happen. I don't care if I have to become a Guardian in order to stay by your side. The only thing preventing me from doing that right now is the simple fact that I need to stop these Legionaries and find out who hired them in the first place. After that? Well, I think I'm more of a Stalker than anything."

Nate smirked a bit. "Stalker Springs? Has a ring to it. You'll be the most attractive one at least."

"I'd beg to differ." Zack shouted out from the cockpit. For a moment I forgot we weren't alone. Then I heard a loud thump. That girl really needs to learn to control herself around compliments.

That seemed to help calm him down a bit, but I knew it wasn't over. Nate is going to have a very long road ahead of him. Even if he got complete loyalty from all the Guardians, he will still need to learn how to use that loyalty. He's not the type of mammal to send someone to their death without knowing sure well any potential outcome. The question is, when it finally comes time for a fight, will he be willing to send mammals off to their deaths? That reminds me.

"What about King?"

"What about him?"

"What are you going to do with him? From what I hear, I don't think he's the type of mammal who will leave if you ask nicely. There is going to be a battle, one that we need to win."

"I don't know. He's already caused so much strife with the Guardians, the only thing I want to do is punch him square in that smug face of his."

"Whatever happens, I will be by your side, we all will."

When we arrived at the Guardian base, Logan had all of us land nearly a mile away, out of the external defense system's range. A single aircraft remained in the sky in order to take a detailed look around for any sign of movement. Logan assured us he knew we were here, but after half an hour of waiting, King showed no signs of it. What was he waiting for?

"Is there any secret entrance? I mean, even more secret, this entire place is a secret entrance it seems."

"The main entrance is within that building, while the hanger and garage are hidden in the blacktop. There is one more way in, but it won't be a comfortable one, especially for our larger soldiers."

"Why? What is it?" I tried to think what other kind of entrance there could be, especially one that from the sound of it isn't really meant to be one. Then it hit me. "Please don't tell me it's…"

A sewer. A fucking sewer, and from both the smell and the… muck that we were currently wading through, it was an actively used one. I would like to know who designed this fucking thing because normal sewers at least were kind enough to provide some kind of walkway, but no, this one was sans walkway, and complete with waist deep sewage. If we can't get this over with so I can take a shower, I might be the one who knocks out King.

"If I catch anyone laughing, or even smirking at me, I will personally shoot you."

"Pay no mind to 'livi, she just has a bit too much… crap that she's dealing with."

"Holly!"

"Shh, we're almost to the recyclers." Logan's voice instantly quieted everyone, which is good because I swore I heard at least one of them chuckling.

Around the next corner was a door, one marked Steel Guardian Personnel Only. Logan stopped us before we could move further and pointed to the door. It took me a second but then I recognized two automated turrets, only these were mounted on tripods rather than concealed within the ceiling or wall.

"Who in their infinite wisdom put guns in a sewer, filled with highly flammable gases?"

"Probably the same mammals who didn't think anyone would use the sewage system as a viable entrance."

"Ain't talking to you Holly. So Logan, you think King got around to changing their programming?"

"We have a few technicians unaccounted for, so it's entirely possible."

"Well, I have one way of checking."

I grabbed out a remote bullet. It was my last one, but I didn't want to risk finding out those guns were armed the hard way. Especially with any potential risk, even if it's minor, of igniting any flammable gasses in here. Once it was programmed, I shot it at the closest gun and accessed it.

Turns out I didn't need to waste it, the guns were still tied to the old friend-or-foe database, with no sign of tag changes. There was no internal access to the main systems, so I had a feeling they were standalone deterrents, not part of the main defense system. Not that reprogramming would help us in this situation. In order for that to work, I would have to go and manually change every single one of King's Guardians tags to foe, and I had no idea the names of most of these mammals. Plus, even if we did, we didn't have time. I'm sure they know we're here.

"It's clear."

"Alright everyone, proceed with caution." Logan was still giving commands, but I'm sure that Nate wasn't going to stop him, at least not yet. "I don't want any weapons discharged unless it's in self defense. We don't know who is loyal to King or who is just trying not to get themselves killed. Once this is taken care of, Chief Valiant and I will personally talk to every single one of them to figure out what really happened."

"It's going to take a while before I'm used to hearing you called that."

"Yeah, me too."

The recycler room was just that, a large room whose sole purpose is to filter and recycle any waste water. It was very similar to the one in my Burrow, but this tech looked much older and more archaic. That's the one thing I kinda like about this place, it has very few signs that Burrow-Tec had their paws in its creation.

A single door connected this room to the rest of the base.

"Stalker Rothschild, thermal scan please."

"Yes Sir." Jasmine took longer than it usually did before she reported her findings, and rather hesitantly too. "I… I thought I saw something."

"Do you or do you not see any signs of activity?"

"No Sir, I do not. Must have been something else. Coast is clear."

"Defenders, take point. Stalkers, I want you right behind them. I want to make sure that we don't let our defenses down. Remember, once we make contact, do not fire unless fired upon. Move out."

The first Defender opened the door but only took a few steps before stopping. "Uh Sir?"

"What is it Defender?"

"We're not alone."

"What do you mean…"

"Welcome back, Stalker Logan."

I moved to get a better look, but I already knew who was talking. Standing only feet away in the next room was the traitorous rhino and a team of Guardians, all who had weapons pointed right at us.

"Defender King! We're here to take back our base, surrender now and we'll be able to avoid any unnecessary violence."

"Stalker Logan, the bite to Lazlo's bark. Where is the old geezer anyways? I want him to see his decades of work crumble to the ground before I have you all killed."

"How did you manage to avoid Stalker Rothschild's thermal scan?"

"Turns out, your engineer friend has a ton of very interesting tech that she never once shared with any of us. One such device just so happens to mask certain scans, including thermal, and since I knew that Red-Neck bitch was going to be with you, I figured it'd come in handy. I ask again, where is your Chief?"

"Chief Lazlo, he's… dead."

"Oh ho! The old buffalo finally bit the dust did he? Pity. I was looking forward to seeing him one last time. Let me guess, you're in charge now I take it?"

Nate left my side as he pushed through to the front. "No. I am."

"YOU? You have to be shitting me! Okay, jokes over. I want to talk to the real chief now."

Nate pulled something out of his pocket and held it before King. "I, Chief Nathan Valiant hereby order all of you to stand down. Now." He sounded so confidant, I have no idea what he's like inside his mind right now, but if it was anything less, it wasn't showing.

"Well I'll fucking be. That old buffalo finally did go senile! Putting a fox in charge. Better yet, a worthless cur like yourself! I might just piss myself laughing!"

I reached for my gun, wanting to shoot him right here, right now just for even letting those words slip, but I felt a paw on my shoulder. Logan looked at me, shaking his head. I looked around and everyone was watching, waiting to see what happens. I looked at Mark and Holly, and they both showed concern on their faces, and they also had their paws clenched on their weapons.

"This 'worthless cur' just watched your leader die, helpless to do anything about it. Mister Lazlo was ten, no a hundred times a better mammal than you could ever be. I am not in the mood, so please, give me a reason to lash out. I dare you."

"What? You gonna send your girlfriend to do your dirty work? I bet she drags you around by a collar like the cur you are."

That's it. I'm shooting him.

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up!"

I couldn't believe my eyes. Nate darted forward, with his metal arm stretched out and before anyone could react, landed his fist so hard on King's face that not only did he drop in an instant, his horn shattered under the impact. The Guardians near King pointed their guns at Nate, but none of them fired. King was motionless on the ground.

"Anyone else have something to say!?"

I drew out my plasma rifle, knowing it was much more effective against their armor than my pistol and joined Nate by his side. They all still hesitated, a few of them, their weapons quavering. Logan used this window to order our Guardians to surround and disarm them. Not a single shot was fired. Between me aiming my gun at them, along with Holly and Mark joining our side, and the fact that Nate just took out their 'leader' with one punch, I don't think they were in the position to react, at least not before it was too late.

"That… was some punch bro."

"I'm a bit surprised by it myself Mark."

"I helped a little."

"Onion?"

"Yes Miss. I couldn't stand hearing him talk about you and Mister Valiant like that, so I took the liberty to overcharge Mister Valiant's pneumatic system. I do hope it wasn't too much."

"It was perfect. I'd hug you if you still had a body. How you hanging in there anyways?"

"Quite well actually, despite the circumstances. You don't know how much fun it is exploring a new system. My old one was pretty stuffy if I do say."

"Just… please don't go rifling around in any of his personal stuff."

"I am not a savage Miss."

"If you don't mind Miss Springs, we are still trying to reclaim the base." Logan sounded a bit annoyed. "Plus, you're talking to an arm…"

"An arm that saved us from any unnecessary violence."

"Ahem. Okay people! Let's sweep the area! I want all of the traitors rounded up and thrown into the brig!"

"Yes Sir!"

"Enhanced or not, that was exemplary work Chief. I know Chief Lazlo would have been proud, and I think it also sent a message to any who choose to follow them that our new Chief is not a mammal to be trifled with."

"Tell you the truth Logan, when he brought Olivia into it, I felt myself… slipping a little. I think it was that anger that took over, if only for a small moment."

"And the fact that you didn't continue to punch him shows you were able to show some restraint. That is the sign of a true leader, only giving as much as needed, although a little more restraint might be better next time."

"Yes Sir."

"You are in charge now, remember that. Sir."

"Yes S… Stalker Logan."

"Alright everyone! Report back to me every fifteen minutes, once we've rounded up all the traitors, we will be converging in the Hall. Move out!"

It took nearly three hours before the sweeps were over and all of King's men had been found. A few of them gave up the moment they saw us, but two of them tried to go out with a fight. One died, while the other sustained an injury. A single death was a pretty good outcome, although I would have rather not had any.

Matheous King, stripped of his Guardian rank, remained unconscious within a secure section of the medical facility. From what Doc said, any harder and King would have died, that his thick skull was the only thing that protected his brain from being turned into mush. A shard of his shattered horn had gotten lodged in his brain however. Doc said he'll live, but he was unsure of how he'll be when he wakes. Hopefully it was with a sound enough mind, Logan and Nate both wanted to have a word with him.

I gotta say, this place is HUGE. Apparently I've only been in a small fraction of the base, because I didn't even know about this Hall. It was large enough to fit nearly a thousand Guardians in it, and it was so big it took up an entire level. A large screen projected an image of a podium where Nate and Logan were standing. I was seated nearby, along with Holly and Mark. Jasmine, Zack, Tuskgen, and the others we knew were seated with the other Guardians right in the front row. This felt weird for me, and I wasn't even the one in the spotlight.

Logan spoke first.

"Today we lost a great leader. Chief Maximilian Lazlo has been around longer than most of us can remember. With his age he brought true wisdom to us all. He was not only a leader by voice, but by action. Most of you have had the chance to fight side by side with him, his own sense of morality empowering each and every one of us to give it our all. He cared about each and every one of you not as a soldier, but as a friend. Still, some decided that his kindness wasn't enough, that it showed weakness. Many of you were once scavengers, raiders, or even slaves. If it weren't for his kindness, you would not be sitting here. He didn't take you in on a whim, he saw potential in every single one of you, and all he asked for in exchange for rescuing you from a life of despair was to simply take his kindness and pay it forward, to act as a shield to protect the innocent, and a sword to drive away the darkness.

"While we will mourn the passing of our great leader for days to come, he did not leave us without guidance. Before he passed, he made sure, with sound mind, to appoint a new leader, one who he believed will help to continue his legacy, to make sure that we remain a force not for war, but one to prevent war and maintain peace. While some of you might question his decision, and some may not even accept it, I will make it known that I will continue my duties without hesitation and that I will follow our new Chief with such fealty that I had shown Chief Lazlo. I stick by his decision, and help to aid him in the months to come, to help guide him and shape him into the mammal that Chief Lazlo knows he can be, into the leader that will prove that we are not defined by our species, that we are more than that, we are not just mammals, we are Steel Guardians!"

Logan stepped back from the podium and signaled for Nate to move forward. I wanted to give him a kiss for luck, but I felt that this might not be the best time for that, so instead I just smiled and nodded. He looked very hesitant, but I wasn't sure if it was due to the fact he was about to speak before hundreds of Guardians as their new leader, or if he even had anything to say. For once, there was nothing I could do to help him. He was on his own, but I knew he would be able to take this step, even if it was the one of the largest ones he's ever taken.

"Thank you Stalker Logan. Only some of you… Only some of you know who I am, where I came from. So for those of you who don't know, my name is Nathan Valiant. I'm just a fox from a Burrow. I was never a guardian, never a soldier or a killer. I never want to be any of that. What I want… What I have always wanted is to make the world a better place. It's the dream my mother had before she… Before she was so unjustly taken from this world. She always taught us to look beyond a mammal's species. To judge them by their character and actions. She always told us to make the world a better place, one step at a time. On day at a time. Those same words were uttered to me by Chief Lazlo. A few of you who got to know me I'm sure were always curious why I always insisted upon calling him Mister Lazlo. Why I couldn't call him chief. I couldn't because he was too much like a father to me. He reminded me so much of my mother. How kind and thoughtful he was. How insistent he was in treating every mammal equally. Judging them upon their individual merits. I… I swear that if my mother had lived and escaped our burrow with us. They'd have been the very best of friends. In fact, I somewhat like to think they're making friends right now as they look down on us. Chief Lazlo has built an amazing Legacy here. He took each and every one of us in. Gave us a home and… And a family. Gave us a reason to go on living, to go on and fight for a better tomorrow." I watched him stop for a moment to stare down at the podium, taking in a deep breath before he glanced back out over the crowd and smiled.

"I think… No I know he wouldn't want a single one of you to change, even if you don't like me, he wouldn't want you to change. And neither do I. Each and every one of you is able to draw your own conclusions. You are all free to decide your own fate. I won't stand in the way of that. I'm no heartless monster. I care too much about others to even think of doing harm like that. All I ask is that you give me a chance. So I implore you to stand, not behind me, not in front of me, but right at my side and try. Try every day to make the world a better place for all of us. For every innocent mammal who's under threat. You are GUARDIANS! WE are Guardians. We bear the sword and shield emblem to defend those who can't defend themselves. To strike out against the darkness that evil resides in and sweep away the ills of this world. We stand here to watch over those who have no ability to defend themselves. That is the obligation and the duty we all share now. Lazlo left us a grand legacy. One we should all be proud of and I swear to each and every one of you seated here today. I will do my very damnedest to see that legacy grow, to make this world safe for every mammal wanting peace. So I ask, will you all stand beside me? Will you help me defend those who want a better world?"

—

Fallout: Zootopia After Show

Featuring:

'Stripes in the Morning'

[Stripes]

"Good morning Zootopian Wasteland! This is Stripes with Stripes in the Morning. That was an interesting turn of events, wasn't it? Some of you might wonder about the choice to make Nate leader of the Steel Guardians. Yes, when I was suggested that I was a bit unsure of it, especially with how Nate was developing at the time, but the thing is, he *was* developing. Some say a great leader is born, and others say they are made. Nate? He was neither. This leadership was thrust unknowingly upon him by someone who not only respected the fox, but also saw something in him that others never really did. Chief Maximilian Lazlo saw not what Nate was, but what he could become. What he was capable of. Not even Nate saw this in himself. That is why I believe that making Nate chief is the best option, to not only show him what he is really capable, but to be a…, well, a kick in the rear to get him going. For today's episode we will be talking with the new Chief. Mister Valiant, or should I say Chief Valiant, how are you doing? I promise this will be a short and simple interview."

[Nate]

"I honestly have very little hope in that that statement but sure… Go ahead, and Yes Mister Redbridge, I'm aware of what I'm signing up for this time… Marian help me."

[Stripes]

"I want to start off by saying I'm sorry for your loss. For the loss of all Guardians. May I ask about your relationship with Chief Lazlo? I know it has been, and will be addressed at some point, but I would like to hear it straight from the fox's mouth."

[Nate]

"Lazlo… Lazlo was a father to me more than any other mammal has ever been. Helped me to find a path to travel down just after I left the burrow. Gave me the space to come to terms with some of the things that had happened to me… He was the first mammal I truly opened up to about what happened down there. The first that earned my full trust. And I'm sure that's true about a lot of the Guardians. He saw the whole organization as a family. I see it that way too."

[Stripes]

"How are you taking your new-found role? I know that many of the other Guardians are a bit… hesitant about following your lead."

[Nate]

"It's… Difficult. And I've only just stepped into the role. If you think they're hesitant than none of em have even tried to talk to me! I'm a jumble of nerves and I know I have a huge space to fill. Literally *and* figuratively! Believe me when I say I didn't expect this in any way, shape, or form. I've never seen myself as a leader and until I get through all of this I just… I'm not sure."

[Stripes]

"What are your plans with Defender King and his followers? He doesn't seem to be the type who would take a defeat like that easy."

[Nate]

"Though I'm already certain that King won't accept it, I'm giving each of his followers a choice. They can either follow me, a little fox who knocked their leader flat on his ass in a single punch. Or they can be stripped of their gear and position. Exiled from the Guardians, and forbidden from ever again stepping paw or hoof within this base ever again."

[Stripes]

"All leaders have an agenda. Be it beneficial or detrimental to the world and those who live within it. I know it is soon, but do you have any plans for how you will lead the Guardians? I mean no offense, but you do not seem like the iron fist type of mammal. I can see that you want to help others, but what are you able to do that Chief Lazlo was not?"

[Nate]

"I have no idea. I've looked over some of Lazlo's propositions for the Wasteland. I've gone over staffing, inventory, holdings, threats. All of it. The best I can see right now is that the Guardians must step up and make themselves seen once again. It can be done, but it's not going to be easy and I'm not going to say more than that. We can do this and we will so long as we *all* work together."

[Stripes]

"Stalker Logan seems to be uneasy about your new appointment. At least I think he is. It's really hard to tell what that wolf is thinking at times. Do you have anything to add about that?"

[Nate]

"Stalker Logan is as loyal as they come. He may not seem like it, but I have confidence in him and his ability to handle the situation we've been presented with. I trust his capabilities in the field as I trust my capabilities in the tech lab. He and I may not see eye to eye, but I think that'll be a boon in our relationship. Two opposites working in tandem. Bringing opposing views and different ideas the other might not see to the table."

[Stripes]

"How are is your family taking this? I don't just mean your brother and Holly, but Olivia as well. Do you think this will change anything? I mean she is still trying to find whoever hired the Legionaries, along with helping nearly every mammal she runs into. I mean, Chief Lazlo didn't have much of a social life outside of the Guardians, are you afraid that will negatively impact your own?"

[Nate]

"Lazlo ended up married to the Guardians. So when I say the Guardians were his… ARE his family, I mean that literally. We were so much his children as we were his equals in his eyes. As for myself and my Mate… Time will tell. She and I love each other and there's no denial that I'll help her stop the bastards who are trying to snatch her up. She is my family and I will protect her. If there are those within my new command who don't like that, they're just going to have to suck it up because I am *not* going to be married to my job."

[Stripes]

"Max, did you have any questions of your own?"

[Max]

"Not really, no. Nate and I have been getting along pretty well actually so I don't really have any questions for him."

[Nate]

"My regards to your girlfriend by the by."

[Stripes]

"I want to end this with a message, but not from me. Do you have anything to tell those mammals who reside in settlements who seek protection, the wanderers who risk their lives every day in order to survive, or even the mammals who seek to destroy this world?"

[Nate]

"To those seeking protection, I will do everything in my power to help. I will seek you out and lend a paw where I reliably can. I will stand beside you, I will give you my paw and lift you up when you're knocked down. If those under my command are willing, they'll stand by me and do the same. I will not abandon those in need of help. There's been too much of that in the past two hundred years already. To those who are just barely surviving, I don't want you to survive anymore. I want you to *live*! And I will do everything in my power to make the Wasteland a place where you can do that once more. To those who only wish pain and destruction upon this world…I have one simple message for you. My name is Nathaniel Valiant, Chief of Operations for the Steel Guardians of Zootopia. I will NEVER allow you to bring harm upon a mammal under my protection so long as I live and breathe."

[Stripes]

"That's all the time we have for today folks. I will let you in on a little something. These next few chapters will be focusing a lot more on Nate's new position. While I try to make sure that Olivia is still the focus of the story, much of it will be applied to Nate, but fear not, this is simply a small arc within the overall story. Olivia will return to the forefront of everything soon enough when she embarks back on her quest. Take care folks!"