Welcome back my dearest readers.

Judy managed to win her full election, by a damn narrow margin, but hey, she did it.

Clearly those specist council members are typical corrupt politicians, managing to mostly, if not completely dodge accountability, despite recordings of their misdeeds. I am also sure that Judy will still get her due. I mean, she did claim her blood right.

This one is a bit longer, and you get to see Judy kick some tail. Also, we're jumping forward in time to catch up with... Well, when things start to go pear shaped for our favorite Bun, again...

On with the show!

I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

Chapter 14

2+ years into Judy's first Term on the Council

The ZPD precinct for Happytown, as well as the ZFD and other services were all being mammaled by a collection of volunteers and loans from the rest of the city while the remodel of their offices, precincts, stations, and other facilities was completed. Once the remodels and basic retrofit of equipment was completed, about midway into the second year of Judy's term on the council, it was time to properly assign mammals to the ZPD, ZFD, ZEMR (Zootopia Emergency Medical Response - aka the EMTs and Ambulance service), etc…

When Lizz was called into Bogo's office to find Judy and the mayor already there, she was initially worried. The fox level smug smirk on Judy's muzzle did nothing to assuage her fears. She was sure it wasn't anything too bad, but her literal best friend and First had proven to be just as much of a prankster as her deceased mate. If not more so with him gone, almost as if she were making up for his missing jokes. Being on the city council did not seem to diminish her penchant at all. In fact, not even her fellow councilors were immune. From what she had heard, specist comments would find a counselor with their office wrapped in themed, as in offensive to the target as their comment had been, wrapping paper the next morning. Supposedly, the wrapping was so detailed, individual staples and paperclips would be wrapped. No one could figure how it was done, and the cameras never showed anything, but everyone knew, despite her denials, that it was Judy.

Bogo smiled, warmly, which caused Lizz's guard hairs to raise and her tail to poof slightly. "Ah, Fangmeyer. Thank you for being prompt." Indicating the open chair.

Lizz nodded. "Of course, Chief. I was just in the squad room wringing Helkerts ears."

Bogo chuckled. "Oh, and what did that fox do this time?"

Lizz sighed as she sat in the indicated seat. "He's as infuriating as Judy and Nick ever were. I don't know how you managed them, Chief. That said, you cannot argue with the success. It's just…"

Judy laughed. "Yeah, sorry. I did warn you about him, and his mate."

Lizz slumped in her seat. "Oh gods, don't get me started. At the same time, I could not ask for better mammals for Vice. Their knowledge, much like Nick's when I had the fortune to have worked with him, has proven invaluable." Facing Judy. "Of course, your new initiatives to decriminalize certain things, as well as provide better addiction support so a mammal can break the cycle. Along with the fact that if they seek that help, they don't get turned in for the usage or possession, and get significant credit for minor crimes committed. Those things have made our lives so much simpler.

Now I don't have to worry about low level nip users and such, and can focus on the real dangerous stuff. It's also really helpful that we can ignore users unless they have warrants for things other than the use. A free ride to a clinic is actually surprisingly popular. That said, what is it you wanted to see me about, Chief?"

Bogo's smile got warmer again, and genuine, and in his office, that was a truly terrifying thing for the tiger as her heart rate spiked. "Well… As you know, council member HoppsWilde has been working really hard to revitalize the entirety of the Happytown district. I believe you have even done a stint or two when volunteers were asked for." Getting a nod, Bogo Continued. "Given that, and your known good working and friendly relationship with the council member. We were wondering." Indicating Judy, and the mayor. "If you would be up for a promotion. As the Happytown District Chief?"

Lizz blinked several times. She took several deep breaths. Her tail poofed and relaxed several times as she looked over the Chief, the council member, and the mayor while trying to process what she had just heard. All wearing large smiles. Finally she gave a large swallow to wet her very dry throat. "Uhm… Sir. I'm only a senior sergeant. That would be a promotion past lieutenant, and captain."

Bogo nodded. "I suppose it would, which would require a personal request from the council member, as well as the sign off by the mayor, and myself. As well as an officer with a truly exemplary record. So…"

Lizz giggled, quickly covering her muzzle and holding her breath. After several very slow deliberate breaths. "Really? Me?" The grin on her muzzle was simply impossible to hide.

Judy shook her head with an eye roll. "Lizz, you would have been a lieutenant years ago were it not for the fact that a large number of them were already on the force. I mean, you know well that there were lieutenants on regular patrols at this point. Delgato comes to mind. It's why the expansion of the ranks, such as the levels of Sergeant. Lieutenant also has four levels now. There just hasn't been anywhere for them to go, and no way to really promote many of them until someone retires. With the full opening of the Happytown district precinct and stations, we're able to move mammals into positions they should have been in a long time ago, give promotions that are long overdue, etc… I mean, Erik is a perfect example. He has accepted the position as one of the station captains."

Bogo nodded. As much as I hate to lose as many good officers as Judy is stealing from me, it also opens up positions here in P1 for deserving mammals who haven't been able to move anywhere in their career because P1 has been full. Plus, the opportunity presented by starting up fresh locations is deserving of the best mammals. Something you, Delgato, and others represent. As for the question I know you are asking. Well, I do believe Mike is even more overdue for a promotion than you are, and he'd make a very good precinct captain, don't you think?"

Lizz nodded, fearing to use her voice for a moment. After calming herself. "Yes, he's been on the force two years longer than me. I fully admit to be freaking out a bit here, since this is not a combat situation. I'm keeping my cool by approaching it as such. I'd be a damn fool to not accept the job, but I have to ask. You are sure?"

Judy nodded. "We asked Erik first, actually. He does have seniority, after all. He only wanted the station captain job, as long as it was where the crime lab that Jeff will be taking charge of is. I know Jeff's already in charge, but he's moving his offices and the primary labs to Happytown. Larger facilities, and built to order so even more secure. The lab here will remain, but as a secondary and overflow for lowerer security and lower urgency work. He's getting to design a truly state of the art lab. He's like a kit in a candy store."

Lizz nodded. "Makes sense, and it doesn't have to be at the main precinct."

Judy nodded again with a smile. "Great."

Bogo rolled his eyes. "Go ahead."

Lizz stood, but before she could kneel, she found Judy nose to nose with her. Standing in the air. "Judy?"

Judy rolled her eyes and smiled. "I've given up hiding what I'm capable of from mammals in your position, Chief FangmeyerWolford. We will have to have a long discussion about how it all came about." With that, Judy went about changing out Lizz's rank insignia and name plate on her uniform. Placing her old sergeant insignia and name plate in her paw, now replaced with Chief's stars and name plate matching Bogo. "Don't forget to stop by the quartermaster and get some new duds requisitioned. If it were me, I'd do it first, that way you can really mess with Mike. Maybe grab a new uniform for him while you are at it. Surprise him."

Lizz giggled again. "If I do that, I'll end up violating PDA rules."

The three other mammals shrugged their shoulders, Bogo laughing lightly. "I am sure, as long as you don't go too far, we can overlook it. Chief."

Lizz nodded, a nervous giggle escaping her again. "Judy, is this for real?"

Judy nodded. "It is. The question is, can you keep the excitement from Mike? I've suppressed things while you are in here, the moment you walk out that door however, I can't keep it under wraps."

Lizz nodded. "I can. Just give me a minute. He'll know something is up, but will figure I've just got a special dinner planned or some other surprise." Lizz then closed her eyes, and after a few minutes of concentration, was fully calm and collected. "Okay, I'm ready."

Bogo nodded and saluted, Lizz returning it and giving a light hug to Judy. "Thanks, Fluff."

Judy whispered back. "You deserve it, stripes. Now, go torture your wolf."

Bogo gave her a parting nod. "Your first day is tomorrow. Make sure you and Mike say goodbye before the only time I see your mangey tails is official meetings and vroom calls."

Lizz nodded. "You got it, Chief."

xXx

Lizz left Bogo's office and made a direct line for the quartermaster. However, she had to get past Ben. She almost made it. "Hey Lizz, where are you going?" His head fell further and further to the side as his eyes and grin got bigger and bigger.

Lizz pointed a fully extended claw at him, invoking the full force of the glare she had been perfecting while in charge of the vice division for the past two years. "Ben. Do not say a word, or so help me, I will make sure that Adrian finds out about your chocolate stash. I will then work with Judy to arrange its replacement with nothing but ghost pepper infused extreme dark. Are we clear?"

Ben's glee switched to pure terror as he nodded rapidly. Lizz relaxed slightly. "Good. Silence until I am able to tell Mike. Got it!"

Ben nodded again. "I got it…. Uhm…"

Lizz nodded. "That's all you need."

WIth that she nearly ran for the quartermaster, almost running Erik over as he came out, a collection of new uniforms in paw. "Oh, sorry Lizz… I…" His eyes went wide and a grin took over his muzzle as he recognized what he was looking at. "They asked you! Awesome! Does Mike know?"

Lizz shook her head. That's why I'm here. So I need your help, Captain."

Delgato gave an even wider grin and dark chuckle. "Oh, and what that might be, Chief?"

Lizz chuckled in return. "I blame Judy. I'm going to get my new uniform, get dressed and I'm going to grab Mike's while I am at it. Since he, like you, is now a Captain. Precinct, to be specific."

Eric nodded. "Good. I look forward to working with you both in this new position. Get in there, I'll keep any busy-bodies from poking their muzzles in."

Lizz nodded and entered the quartermaster. "Hey, Jenny, you here?"

A deep chuckle answered. "Yeah, one sec. I'm guessing you're here for the new uniforms, and for Mike too I assume?"

Lizz rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I guess Judy got to you."

The large pig sow came walking from the back, several uniforms in hoof. "Yep. Though Bogo put in the orders days ago so things were ready. There's a big shake up, but I think it's good. These are Mike's. I was just finishing up yours, so gimme just a second. I take it Del is keeping the busy muzzles away."

Lizz nodded. "If needed."

Jenny smiled. "Good. I'll be right back with that and a duffle. Most aren't going to catch those new shinies on your shoulder right off. Once they see the uniform however."

Lizz nodded. "Exactly."

A few minutes later, Lizz stepped out of the quartermasters, duffle in paw. "Okay, Captain. Locker rooms so I, then you can change. Then the squad room so we can torture a certain wolf."

Five minutes later Delgato was standing outside the female locker room waiting, his new uniform shirt on. Francine walked up. "Hey, Del. What you doing?"

Looking up at the elephant, he smiled widely. "Just waiting for my new Chief." Pointing to his shoulder. "Taking a station Captain position."

Francine blinked and then laughed lightly. "Well, no dung. That's absolutely awesome! Congratulations."

"You wouldn't be interested in helping us out with a small prank on the precinct captain that doesn't know he's been promoted yet, would you?"

Francine frowned. "That is a very specific question, and implies a very few number of mammals, if your chief is in there." Pointing to the female locker room. This I have to see to believe." Pushing into the locker room to Delgatos chuckle.

xXx

Lizz entered and made a line directly to her locker. There she popped it open and started stripping. She was down to her sports bra and panties when several others entered from the gym. She quickly put the duffle in her locker, setting her new uniform and one of Mike's aside.

The other officers were laughing. A leopard and deer giving a wolfess a hard time. The leopard chuckling. "Ha! I'll give it to you. You're good, but you'll never be as good as Hopps or Wilde were."

The wolfess laughed. "You're saying a rabbit and fox could kick my tail? That's laughable!"

The deer noticed Lizz. "Hey, Lizz. Back us up here. Hopps was the top mammal."

Lizz chuckled. "Mike and I started training under them both. Now just Judy. Heck, she runs a dojo in downtown Happytown now."

The wolfess scoffed. "No way a rabbit can take a wolf. Besides, I was teams." Puffing up.

Lizz laughed. "I wonder." Pulling her phone out of her locker and dialing Judy. "Hey, you still here? … You up to giving a wolf, former teams mammal, an object lesson? … Exactly what I was thinking. … Okay, see you in the ring."

Francine entered, seeing Lizz sitting there. "Please tell me it's you, stripes?"

Lizz chuckled, pulling her pants on. "It is." Pulling on her new uniform shirt. "Was just arranging with Judy an object lesson for the newbie over here, as she's still here. Figure if you're willing to play along, we can sneak up on Mike after the match."

Francine actually pranced in joy, clapping her hooves. "Oh hell yes! I get to mess with Mike, and see Judy in action again. They were going to start the advanced paw to paw course when Nick was killed and she was forced out. Who is gonna get their tail handed to them?"

The leopard pointed to the wolf. "Miss, I was in the teams."

Francine chuckled. "Cool. I've missed this since they've been gone. You clearly don't know. Early on, right after Nick graduated. Bogo tried to make an example out of Hopps and Wilde. He put them up against the reigning champs at the time. Grizzoli and Henderson. Both spec ops and SWAT leads. It was beee….aaaaaa….uuuutiful. Like they'd choreographed it. Hopps and Wilde put down the champs simultaneously, and almost faster than you could see. From then on, fighting one or both became punished."

The wolfess frowned. "But… aren't they a rabbit and fox?"

Luzz nodded, finished with her uniform. "Yep, and you get to experience what many of us remember fondly. Getting our tails kicked by a rabbit. So get yourself out to the ring and get ready."

The leopard's eyes went wide, locked on Lizz. "Holy crap! What? I am not seeing this!"

Francine chuckled. "Yep. Chief FangmeyerWolford of Happytown District. Delgato is taking a station Captain job under her."

The deer squealed. "Oh my gods, Lizz! That's amazing! Congratulations! Is this what you were talking about Mike?"

Lizz held up Mike's uniform, the Captain insignia visible. "Going to use the officer training moment to sneak up on him to do the reveal. What is your name?"

The wolf, face pawed herself. "Renee Wolford, ma'am."

Lizz chuckled. "Welcome to Precinct One, Renee. You get the honor of learning the hard way to not underestimate any mammal. Something a lot of us learned that way when that rabbit was still in the ZPD. You're in Mike's Wednesday class, right?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I've fought this rabbit. So I'll warm you this much, as fast as you think she is as a rabbit, she's faster. She's also stronger than you can imagine. She won't hurt you, but I seriously doubt you can hurt her. Do not hold back."

After a bit more discussion, Renee and the others head out to the ring, where mammals were already collecting. Francine picked up Delgato and they made sure to collect Mike.

xXx

Mike heard something about a punishment match being chuckled about by some of the others in the squad room and chuckled. Thinking about the last one of those when Judy was still there. Finishing his report, he submitted it and leaned back with a yawn. Looking up as Francine approached. "Hey Fran. How goes?"

Francine grinned down at Mike. "Hey wolfie. Come on. Let's go watch your cousin get her tail stomped."

Mike chuckled. "Renee will likely win. She's damn good. You'd need Judy for that."

Delgato stepped around Francine in his Captain's uniform. "Well, as Judy just happened to be here for a visit, she's agreed to teach a lesson in humility. She is here recruiting, and yes, I accepted a station Captain slot."

Mike sprung up to give Delgato a strong paw shake. "That's fantastic, Del! Congrats! Long overdue. I'm just surprised they didn't offer you the district chief or at least the precinct Captain slot. That'll probably go to McHorn."

Delgato chuckled and pulled Mike along as Francine choked back a laugh. "It's going to someone, but let's go watch Judy do her thing. You don't think she's lost her touch, do you?"

Mike laughed. "Not at all. If anything she is scarier now. Lizz and I have a long way to go, but you know this yourself. You and Jeff attend the Friday Night sessions."

Delgato chuckled. "We do, and she is."

Francine moaned. "So she really has a Dojo now? I wonder if she can do megafauna?"

Mike smiled. "Sunday's. Check with Judy or Lizz. I'm sure McHorn would love to have someone else in the class. They do it in Nick's warehouse."

"I may just have to check that out."

A few moments later, they were in the gym around the ring. Mike quickly began to go around collecting bets. Bogo stopped him. "What are you doing?"

Mike glanced up at Judy who smiled warmly if sadly at him. "Well, Judy is giving a training match and Nick can't be here. So…"

Bogo sighed. "Continue. Bets still go to Ben to be distributed to charities."

"Wouldn't have it any other way, Chief."

Mike worked his way around, some of the newer officers were nervous but seeing the older officers pulling out cash, they got in on it. Explanations made later for those that didn't know.

Renee hissed at Mike from the side of the ring. "Mike! What are you doing?"

"You are new, cousin. So you don't know. This is what Nick did. Winner gets a payout, the rest goes to Ben to distribute to charity. You're getting better odds than normal, but that's likely because they assume she's gotten rusty. She really hasn't. Been nice knowing you Renee. You should stop by for family dinner sometime. Consider it an official invite."

Frowning, Renee considered an ear flick, but paused, seeing a mating bite mark, but not from a wolf. "Uhm… How can you make such an invite?"

Mike chuckled as he wrote down another bet. "Right, you just moved here from New Yak. I'm the Designate, my mate is the Regent. Now, with Judy. She is stronger than you think possible. She's faster than you can believe. You're good, but you're out of your league. What did you do?"

Renee groaned. "That's what Lizz said."

"Well, she'd know. She chose Judy as her First, and was approved by mom and dad. I had Nick as my First. I still haven't found a new First. That fox left big shoes to fill."

Renee slumped against the ropes. "Ah hell. You're that cousin Mike. I guess… Can I bring a guest?"

"As long as it's your mate, Richard, it would be expected for such a guest to be included. You won't even be the strangest couple attending."

Renee sighed and stood up. "I'll be there. I still don't buy the hype about this rabbit."

Judy slipped up next to her. "Hey, Mike. I don't buy the hype, either! A rabbit ruling as the ZPD champ. No way. Not like she knocked out a rhino or anything."

Renee jumped back. "Where the hell?"

Judy smiled innocently as a number of extra bets came in. "Hi. You must be Renee. I'm Judy. Best of luck."

Someone from the crowd. "You're gonna need it!"

Renee moved to one side of the ring. "Well, let's get this over with. I have a feeling that I missed something along the way."

Judy took up her spot opposite Renee. "Yeah, though you could be forgiven. Since I have been gone, the punishment matches have been against Grizz."

Grizzoli barked from the side. "Hey! Kick her tail, Renee. She's good, Judy. Probably not good enough, but I gotta have hope."

Judy laughed. "Well, you get points for consistency at least." Facing Renee fully. "Okay, pup. Let's make this quick. I gotta pick up the kits from school soon. I promised them mom would be there today, not auntie Skye and Uncle Jack."

"Fine. Your funeral, cotton tail."

Judy giggled, then side-stepped the lunge from Renee. "Oh, come on, wolfie. You can do better than that. You telegraphed that and I still had to wait a week for you to start it." Judy stepped in, gave both of Renee's ears a good flick, and was back out of range before her ears could react to the sting. The new mammals around the ring gawking while the older mammals laughed and cringed.

Renee's ears folded flat for a moment. "Hey! I'm not a guy!"

"No, but you talk a lot of trash and seem to look down on mammals like me. It's a mistake that could get you killed. Big as you are compared to me, or my Nick, that same shotgun blast would end you just as easily as it did Nick. Your assumption about mammals my size ignores the fact that it was a medium mammal weapon that did the job."

Renee went for a sweep and an opposing swipe, which Judy dodged easily, managing to use a toe to flick one of Renee's ears again as she performed an odd, snake-like flip. "Yes, and that you were not able to take out the medium mammal wielding it fails to demonstrate your point. Ouch! Stop that!"

"No." Judy laughed as she continued to dodge and flick Renee's ears. "You see, Renee. The mammal wielding that weapon was one of my brothers. Former, and for whom I now own by blood right. He is currently in prison and lives in constant fear of when I will claim my right. He is no stronger than a normal rabbit, and while it broke his arm, he was able to fire that gun no less effectively than you could."

Judy slid inside a swipe, swept Renee's leg, and with a spinning back-kick to the chest, sent her sliding across the mat. Renee picked herself up quickly. "Damn, Rabbit. You pack a punch."

Judy chuckled. "That was a kick." Renee suddenly found Judy right up next to her, felt three sharp hits to her gut, both her ears flicked, and then Judy was back out of range before she could react. "Those were punches."

Renee groaned. "Damn, you hit harder than my trainer."

"Oh? Who was your trainer?"

"Some tiger named Jarvis. I swear he looked like one of Gazelle's dancers."

Judy laughed, pulling out her phone and dialing it after putting it on speaker, while also dodging more swipes, punches, and a sweep kick. The line picked up. "Hey, Judy! What's up!"

"Hey, Jarvis. Question for you, sweets. Did you take a gig doing paw to paw training for the military?"

Jarvis chuckled. "He he he! Yeah, a few years ago. Did the job for six recruit cycles. It was while Maria was writing the Exaltation album. Why?"

"Oh, it seems I have one of your former students in the ring at the moment. Just thought I recognized some of the techniques. A little bit of Cheth, a little bit of Trigonis."

"Well, unless they were one of my more advanced students, I wouldn't worry, and even then. I really only did really advanced work with the Teams mammals, and they'll still have nothing on you on a bad day. I'm on speaker, arn't I?"

Judy laughed as she spun, dodging a series of kicks. She ended up on Renee's shoulders, set the phone on her head, flicked both ears three times, and then leapt back and away, phone in paw. "Yep. Say hi to Renee Wolford."

Renee growled. "Knock it off with the ears already, damn it!"

Judy just giggled. "No. You're a misbehaving pup who they put in the ring with me to teach a lesson."

Jarvis laughed. "Oh, Renee. I remember her. She was a good student. Fast learner of normal techniques, but never could quite understand the method you are now using until she is frustrated to the point of distraction. That's when it really kicks in. Damn, I wish I could watch this! Been a long time since I have seen you in action. Oh, and Renee. The rabbit is in fact teaching you. You once asked me where I learned what I did. You're facing one of those mammals right now. One of the three most dangerous mammals I have ever known. One of which was her mate and is now dead."

Renee growled. "You're joking."

"She has me on speed dial. Take a second, she'll allow you, and think through the conversation you just listened to. She said some words you should know. I'll give you one more. Helketta. Wish I could watch this, Master."

Judy laughed. "Ask and you shall receive. Mike, catch. Give Jarvis a show."

With that she tossed the phone into the crowd around the ring. Bogo was rubbing his temples. Grizzoli was face palming himself and muttering about how stupid he was. Several other mammals gasped and Delgato almost fell over laughing. Renee froze for a moment. "Wait. He is not implying that you are one of his masters. He was the most dangerous mammal I have ever met."

Judy giggled as she slipped around more punches and a kick from Renee. "Well, as much as I love Jarvis, I'm even able to best Maria on the regular now."

Jarvis could be heard from the side. "Oh, damn. She is so toying with you Renee. Why are you torturing the poor pup, Judy? She'll make a good student for you, if she can get out of her head and past her ego."

Judy nodded, slipping right up in front of Renee, who reacted with what should be a solid kick. A kick that stopped dead with a hard crack. Judy then spins, grabbing Renee's foot, and with a second spin, dragged Renee's leg, along with the rest of her over her shoulder into a throw across the rin.

To the shock of everyone in the audience, Renee managed to land on her paws. "Okay rabbit. That kick should have ended this. You should not be able to simply absorb a hit like that!"

Jarvis laughed from the sidelines along with Mike, Lizz in the back, Delgato, and any of the old guard officers watching, even Bogo. "Yeah! We have all had that thought a few times. Doesn't stop her from doing it anyway!" Came Lizz from the the back.

Delgato, still chuckling, called from the side. "The only mammals who ever moved her were Nick and Francine, and Francine took a bruise to pull that off."

Renee growled. "This is insane! A rabbit should not physically be able to do that!."

Mike responded. "She probably weighs as much as you do, Renee. You haven't been listening to us, or her."

Jarvis responded. "Exactly as I told you when you trained with me. Combat is a conversation, and you're not listening."

Renee roared in frustration and went after Judy with renewed violence and speed. Speed and violence matched by Judy, yet while Renee never landed a single punch or kick, Judy landed many, and flicked her ears many, many … many times. After nearly five minutes Renee was panting in the corner of the ring glaring daggers at Judy. While Judy stretched here and there and smirked at her. "So, ready to call it, or do I just finish you off?"

Renee growled, shook herself out, dropped to her knees and bowed. "You are clearly the master I have sought. I beg you to take me on."

"Well, that would require you to attend my dojo and prove yourself worthy of advanced training." Turning to look where Mike was standing, grinning as she see's Lizz in full uniform standing behind him. "It would be best if you worked in the local precinct. Perhaps the station house run by Captain Delgato? What do you think, Chief?"

Now Mike can be forgiven for his reaction. He glanced at Bogo who just grinned at him and gave a nod indicating someone behind him. Mike turned slowly, the first thing he saw was the Chief's uniform, as Lizz was standing right behind him, making him have to step towards the ring slightly to turn around. Looking up, the next thing he saw was stripes, and then finally the mirth filled, golden green eyes of his mate. He actually squeaked. "Lizz…" His voice cracked. After a moment to process it. "LIZZ!" A grin took over his muzzle and his tail began wagging fast enough to generate a wind. He tried to salute but missed. He bounced slightly as if he was going to leap at her and stopped himself. "I…" Taking a long breath, Mike shook himself. "Congratulations. A more deserving mammal doesn't exist."

Lizz smiled, a blush tinging her ears. "Thank you. You, however, seem to be out of uniform." Mike quickly looked himself over, then looked back up to argue only to see the uniform she was now holding in front of her. "Precinct Captain WolfordFangmeyer."

Mike's eyes widen to a nearly comical level. "Please don't joke."

Lizz leaned down so her muzzle was right next to his. "No jokes, Mike. We start tomorrow. So yes, you are out of uniform, puppy." Shifting back so their noses were almost touching, eyes locked. Neither heard the roar of approval as they pulled each other into a very passionate kiss.

Bogo finally knocked on the ring. "Alright you too. That's enough PDA. You're about to trip over what I am willing to overlook."

Lizz and Mike pull apart, Mike taking the uniform shirt and quickly changing into it. Both of them blushing furiously to the laughter and cheers of the rest of the assembled. Renee, standing next to Judy and shook her head. "Okay, I get it now. That was some passion. Reminds me of Richard. I'm here to be punished by my parents. Separated from the mammal I consider my mate, because I rejected a wolf for him. I haven't seen him since my parents called me in. I guess Auntie Victoria suggested they send me here."

Judy chuckled. "Any idea why you haven't seen him?"

Renee shook her head. "No, and it really isn't funny."

Judy snickered some more and turned her attention to Lizz. "So, Chief. Think the newbie is deserving of a slot? Maybe under Captain Delgato?"

Lizz turned to Delgato. "Erik?"

"Well, we are going to need patrol mammals, and I have an open slot. Though she'll have to be partnered with Heinrick."

Mike flinched. "Oh, that could be described as cruel and unusual punishment."

They all laughed as a corsac fox leapt up to the apron of the ring. "Hey! Maybe I donn want to be partnered wit'er."

Renee rolled her eyes and flicked one of his ears. "Oh shut it, Benton. We're both out of our training periods."

Crossing his arms, he huffed. "Fine, but ah reserve da right ta be snarky about it fur at least a week."

Renee laughed. "I'd expect nothing less." Glancing to Judy who was just barely containing her laughter. "What? I was a force to force transfer, as was he. Been an officer for almost two years. He's been a cop in some backwater fox dominated town for three."

Heinrick growled. "Hey! We may not be big, but we don't need t'be. I think there like four mammals bigger'n you in the entire county."

Judy rolled her eyes and bark-yipped a few things that had Heinrick freeze, eyes going wide and his tail freeze straight out. He slowly turned to face Judy with pure terror on his face. Judy just smirked, worthy of Nick, at him with a wink and turned to Lizz. "Lizz, I expect to see you in my office by midday tomorrow. We'll have lunch and discuss how you are going to run the Happytown district ZPD. Now, I have another mammal to go torture after I pick up the kits from school."

Lizz nodded. "I'll see you then, councilor."

Judy walked away, Lizz and Mike in a side hug they seemed unwilling to release. Renee looked the two over. "Well, at least I don't have to work for you two."

Heinrick laughed. "Girly… That's the Precinct Captain, to whom our Captain reports, cause we're just in a simple station, and she's the Happytown District Chief. We work for them both, just with a few layers between."

Renee groaned loudly. "Oh, come on!"

Delgato laughed. "Yep, and your first day is tomorrow. I expect to see you bright and early. Same shift you have been on."

Sitting heavily on the apron on the ring. "In Happytown?"

Delgato nodded. "It's not that bad, and there are several pack friendly apartment complexes nearby that are a lot cheaper than you are going to pay elsewhere."

Heinrick nodded. "And they nice too. Here in da city like dis. Foxes can't be all dat picky. At least wit dat rabbit in charge, tings seems ta be gettin better."

Renee rolled her eyes, hard. "Your accent is slipping. Just give it up. We all know you speak perfectly fine."

Frowning, he looked away. "Tsk! Whatevah!"

Renee laughed. "Fine, I'll see you tomorrow. Text me the location or I'll never make it there in time. I have to get ready for family dinner."

"That really that important?"

Renee nodded. "Yeah, when someone of Mike's position in the pack invites you. It's not a when you feel like it, it's a, tonight, thing, unless you have a life and death emergency. Besides, I've got nowhere else to be tonight but back at the pack apartments, and that's five wolves in a tiny room. At least I got a top bunk."

"Damn. That hurts."

Renee shrugged and hopped down, turning to face Heinrick, everyone else had filtered away. "It is what it is. At least I had a roof over my head since my parents sent me here with basically nothing but some clothes. I couldn't even bring my personal weapon. I will have to retrieve that another time. I just hope that the message I was able to pass to one of Richard's friends was able to get to him, so he at least knows I'm okay and where I am. I fear my parents may try and run him out of the city. At least if he knows I'm here, he may try and find me again."

Heinrick nodded. "I'll hold out hope for you. I don't know what I'd do if I got separated from my mate like that. You're lucky you're not a fox, especially not a red. Those poor sods. When they lose their mate, it's pretty much a death sentence. From what I hear, it can be for rabbits like the councilor too, if they don't have kits and more to keep them going."

Renee nodded. "Yeah." Starting to walk, Heinrick followed. "So, what was it she said to you? It was clearly vulpine."

Heinrick's ears flattened to his head. "Yeah. Not just vulpine, but a species specific dialect, too. I don't care that she was married to a Wilde. She has no business knowing that. What she said was pretty simple. She just told me to behave myself, but with an authority I'm reluctant to even try and argue with. I have a few calls to make, myself. I fear what I'm going to learn."