Welcome back my dearest readers.

That was a fun little chapter, wasn't it? Judy got to teach one of Mike's cousins an object lesson. Seems she has been keeping busy beyond just her kits and being a City Council mammal too. A dojo of her own! Hey, she gotta do something. And a fox in the ZPD again, that isn't Nick? Seems Bogo called in some favors and had some transfers done. Maybe he finally recognized that having some smaller mammals on the force was a good thing.

On with the show!

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

Chapter 15

WildeHopps daycare, Happytown. Judy walked in just as the teacher was picking up the phone. "Oh, Councilor. My apologies."

Judy smiled. "I know Jack or Skye are usually the ones that pick them up, but I promised them that I would today, and barring a city wide catastrophe, that wasn't a promise I was going to fail at. Besides, Jack and Skye are literally sitting in the cafe down the street. They could have been here in thirty seconds."

The teacher, an older red fox vixen, smiled. "I keep telling Heath that you're so much better a mammal than he wants to give you credit for. That fact that we're not living in a hovel just to afford medication is one of many things."

Judy waved her paw. "It's the very bare minimum the city should do. Being able to live is kinda one of those rights enshrined in the charter. The right to life and all that. Medical care, clean water, those are basics needed to fulfill that promise. So, how were my little terrorists today?"

"They were as good as any fox kit, though I doubt anyone unfamiliar with handling fox kits would be able to keep up with them."

They entered the room where about a dozen kits were playing. Four sets of red and gray ears rotated towards the door, heads quickly following, and with jumps that would make their ancient vulpine and lagomorph ancestors proud, leapt for their mother. A collective. "Mommie!" Coming from the airborne kits. If Judy hadn't expected it, she'd have been knocked flat.

Laughing as she hugged the kits, she released them and shoed them off to collect their things. Judy quickly signed them out after showing her ID. It didn't matter who you were, no kits were released without full verification. The particular preschool also provided, for a small subsidized fee, full day-care and even overnight care for families that needed it. Something some of the single parents in the area could not be more thankful for. The facility had actually grown three times since opening in the refurbished shopping area. They'd taken over the neighboring four empty sections. The preschool also had a nocturnal class schedule, which had revealed that there were a lot more nocturnal mammals living in Happytown than expected.

With the completion of the recent tunnel connection, there was a huge influx of interest for the overnight schedule, which led the school and care facility to seek expansion into another building close to the tunnel. Once Judy had her kits in tow, everyone with a paw, they made their way out to her car. Once strapped in, they were all giggles and whispers.

Judy looked in the back seat of her medium mammal van. "So, what are you four conspiring about?"

Nicholas giggled. "Just wondering why you picked us up, momma."

Well, I figured I'd take you with me to see your uncle Jason. He works for the ZFD, and I'm hoping he will take on a new roll." Clapping their collective paws, they were immediately excited and Judy couldn't get going fast enough for their liking. "Oh, and your aunty Lizz accepted that new job I told you about, so you are going to see a lot more of her and your cousins. She'll probably even be registering them here at your school" A statement that was met with actual cheers from the kits.

As she pulled into traffic, Judy turned on the radio for a little basic background as the kits cheered and talked rapidly amongst themselves. They had their own pseudo language she hadn't fully picked up. It was adorable beyond belief. She was beyond happy to have them, but looking at them, especially Nicholas who looked so much like his dad save the gray in his fur, made her heart hurt.

Rubbing her chest over her hears at a stop light, she wiped the single tear away as the light turned green. Aurora spoke up. "Momma? You thinkin about daddy again?"

Judy smiled and nodded. "Yes, sweeties. I can't help but think about him when I look at your beautiful faces. I know you didn't get to know him, but he was a great mammal. And if the vote goes the way I hope next week, that will finally be recognized."

A chorus of small voices came from the back. "We love you momma. We know daddy loves you too."

Judy put on a brave, warm smile. "I know, kittens. I know. And I love you back, more."

The kits giggled and went back to their conversation. What Judy didn't notice as she drove was the fact that the kits would occasionally look to the empty seat in the back and seem to respond to something, a question, a statement, coming from that seat.

Nearly an hour later, the kits leveraging the entertainment system in the back about fifteen minutes into the drive, they arrived at the ZES headquarters (Zootopia Emergency Services). Basically Precinct One, for the ZFD and ZEMR services.

Judy quickly unpacked the kits and led the way into the building. One could be forgiven for thinking the kits were four or five, instead of the not quite three that they were. They were outstripping even fox development speeds. Judy knew there were extra reasons for that, but it was not something she discussed with their doctor. As long as they were physically healthy, they were just exceptional, and given their parents, most didn't think about it any farther.

Inside they approached the reception desk. Judy cleared her throat. "Hello. Councilor Judy HoppsWilde to see Chief Bogo."

The painted dog looked around, then noticed the ears sticking up past the desk and leaned forward. "Oh, sorry. They are supposed to install some platforms, but haven't gotten around to it yet."

Judy nodded. "I know how it is. ZPD was the same for a few years. I had to leave just as they were finally getting around to it."

The receptionist laughed lightly. "That sounds about right. Let me let the Chief know you are here."

Chief Bogo of the ZFD stepped out of his office. "She already texted me, Francis. Judy, come in. Francis, please have Jason Hopps report to my office, and do not tell him who is here. Are these adorable creatures your kits?"

The kits looked up at the buffalo, Elizabeth speaking for the group. "Hey! He looks kinda like uncle Bogo. But uncle Bogo doesn't have a burn on his ear, and doesn't have a broken horn."

Chief Bogo chuckled. "They're every bit as smart as I was told to expect. Well, I look like him because he's my younger brother." Leading the way into his office. "I got the burn at the same time I broke the horn. Holding up a beam from collapsing and trapping my team."

The kits nodded in unison, Nicholas speaking. "Couldn't you get a… pro… Uhm… a proteees us?"

Smiling even wider as he sat down and Judy situated the kits in a larger mammal chair with her. "I could get a prosthesis, but honestly. I keep it this way to remind me, and the mammals that work for me, just how dangerous our jobs are."

The kits nodded, clearly not fully understanding, but happy to be talked to and given a real answer, even if they didn't fully understand, instead of the patented, you'll understand when you're older. They chatted for a few minutes, the kits happy to regale this new friend about their day.

Ten minutes after sitting down, there was a knock at the door. Bogo smiled, the kits going quiet. "Enter"

Jason Hopps entered, closing the door behind him. Turning just in time to get hit by four fuzzy muzzles all yelling at the same time. "Uncle Jason!"

The smokey gray and brown rabbit chuckled as he pushed back off the door he'd been tackled back into. "Hey kits!" Looking past them to Judy laughing in the seat. "Hey Sis. How you doing?" He took another chair and sat down, the kits hanging on him. He didn't even bother trying to paw them off, he'd learned the hard way that they got their way. "What can I do for you, Chief?"

The Chief grinned. "So, Jason. We were wondering." Indicating Judy and himself. "If you might be interested in a position in Happytown."

Jason chuckled. "I expected it. I'll happily take on one of the Station Chief positions."

Judy grinned. "Not quite what we were thinking, Jason. After discussion with Chief Bogo, the mayor, and your direct Chief. Well, we are wondering if you wouldn't be up for taking on a bit more than just one station."

Jason frowned, the Kits releasing him and quickly moving over to their mother. They knew when adults were getting serious, it was best to stay out of the way to stay out of trouble. "What do you mean? Are you going to break up the district into sub-regions?"

Judy glanced at Bogo and got a nod. "Well… If you take the position we're offering you, that would be up to you. So what do you say, Jason? Up for being Happytown ZFD District Chief?"

Jason looked at Judy in disbelief, then turned his attention to Bogo, who was smiling and nodding. Holding up size appropriate insignia. "You're both insane!"

Bogo shrugged. "Well, you and I are mammals that charge into fires, so that definition certainly fits. Having worked with your sister and discussed her with my brother, I'd say that fits her pretty well also. That however is not an answer."

Face pawing himself, Jason shook his head with a chuckle that turned into a full belly laugh. After a few moments he got himself under control. "Of course I'll take it." Turning to Judy. "I assume I am getting to run it the way I want?"

Judy nodded. "Like I said, if you want to break it up into sub-regions, it's your show, as long as I, as the district representative, can see statistics that show response times equal or better to those of other districts. I know you felt that would be a better way to manage a full district. Especially since the special election in the Nocturnal district is in a few months. If the vote goes the way it seems to be going, that will fall under you and me both by the next election."

Jason giggled and covered his muzzle. "Sorry. Wow. Uhm… Thank you for the vote of confidence, Chief. I know I wouldn't have even been considered if you hadn't signed off on it." Turing to Judy. "You too, sis. Councilor HoppsWilde. If it is within my power, I will not fail the trust you are placing in my paws."

Judy nodded with a smile. "Good. I expect good things from you. My office, midday tomorrow. We'll be sitting down with the ZPD Chief and ZEMR Director. I'm going over to find out who that's going to be now. You wouldn't mind looking after your nieces and nephews for a few, would you, uncle Jason?" Judy batted her eyes at her brother who just rolled his.

Bogo laughed, handing over the new rank insignia. "Go tell your crew and let them know who all you're stealing."

Judy smiled. "This is Happytown. We've had mammals training for a long time. Many positions are filled or ready to be filled with good mammals from the community. So make sure anyone you want to bring understands that, and will be expected to live in the community they serve.

It seems silly, but it's important. Every other effort to improve Happytown has been just moving in mammals from outside. Please, bring in some good mammals, but also look to who you're actually going to be working with. Elevate the community."

Jason grinned. "No worries at all, sis. All but two that I'm thinking of are, as they put it, Happytown escapees, and have stated they'd jump at the chance to go back and make a difference. And I am completely onboard with the idea of elevating mammals from the community that have put the work in. I just need a leadership team I can trust to lead and train them up to take those spots."

Judy nodded "Great. Bring your top mammal with than." Turning to the kits. "Alright you little monsters. Uncle Jason is gonna look after you for a bit while I take care of some business. Be on your best behavior. You know he'll tell me all, and I'll know anyway."

A collective response from all four kits. "Yes mom." Before mobbing their uncle, again.

xXx

Judy made a quick retreat and headed to the other half of the building. Entering the ZEMR area she is welcomed into the Directors office. "Councilor Hopps. How can I help you?" The director's smile was so fake wax dummies would be insulted.

Judy groaned internally. She knew it was going to go this way. All the prep work and research, as well as being ignored for the past six months, said as much. Still, she had hoped. Looking up at the deer, a Nick worthy mask in place. "Director Vance. It is HoppsWilde, if you don't mind. I hope to not take up too much of your time."

Vance gave up instantly on any pretense. "Just get on with it. The only reason I am talking to you is because you are a council member."

Judy sighed inwardly. "Well, Director Vance, I'm here to ask if you have any recommendations for the ZEMR Director for the Happytown district?"

Vance glowered at Judy. "No, and you never will get a Director from me, and I will not recognize them if you appoint one. Just as you will never get any ZEMR ambulance into that ghetto you call a district. I will not risk my mammals so they can be mauled by some strung out pelt, just because you managed to rig the election."

Judy nodded. "I see. So, can you explain then why you have rejected the application of hundreds of highly qualified EMTs, who happen to also be predators, while hiring mammals with questionable qualifications, missing or suspended licenses, etc…?"

"It's simple, you stupid rabbit. I will not hire predators and put my mammals or the citizens of this city at risk. I'm not having some pred go blood crazy while on a call."

"I take it that is why, since you took over, predators have longer wait times. Predators have worse outcomes due to little to no care in transport, and why predators have higher mortality since you took over and got rid of most of the predators in the ZEMR."

"Damn right! This city would be better off if you had let Bellwether finish her work."

Judy pulled her phone out of her breast pocket. "Well. I didn't honestly want to believe the reports, but from his own mouth, it is clear. Madame Mayor. My fellow councilors. I have no choice but to vote yes on the resolution and recommend the information in our investigation be forwarded to the DA."

Several voices echoed Judy, the vote unanimous. Vance looked on in horror. "How can you be making a call? My office is in a Faraday cage."

Judy shook her head. "For a Faraday cage to work, it has to be sealed with no breaks. I dropped a wire, creating a break as I entered your office. Although that was not needed. You have breaks in it for the electrical connectors, network connections, and you have a WiFi repeater in your office.

WiFi that is city WiFi. As a Councilor, I have access to that, and WiFi calling is an actual thing."

The mayor's voice came over the phone. "Vance, you're fired. Judy, I trust you can keep him from deleting any files until security gets there to escort him out. IT should have his access disabled by then as well." The Mayors voice going heard with anger. "I cannot believe you, Vance. We brought you in to help modernize the ZEMR service. Instead, you've just become another corruption statistic. Worse, you're another prey in a high ranking position who has used your position to hurt predators. In your case, maybe even killing them through engineered neglect.

Judy, I have reviewed the recommended replacements from you and the other council members. As much as I hate to do it, because it is gonna start to look like nepotism. At least they were low on your list. They also showed up on two other councilor's lists.

So, Vance. Your replacement is on the way with security and an IT mammal. As for your District Director. I agree that Doctor Jenna Winter's is the right fit. Does Skye know that you found her sister?"

Judy laughed lightly. "Nope, and I look forward to seeing her reaction tomorrow. Although it will take her a few weeks to be able to move and everything, so I will have Anna set us up with a fill in."

"Make sure to give us the blow by blow at the next meeting."

"Will do." With that, Judy ended the call and put her phone back in her breast pocket. "So, Vance. How's it feel to be clowned by a dumb bunny?"

Vanceet bleated, then scrambled to get over his desk. "I'll kill you!"

When security and Vance's replacement arrived, they found him tied up, face down on his desk, unconscious, with Judy sitting between his shoulders flicking his ear. "Hey, wake up, Vance. Security is here, as well as your replacement." Vance groaned as Judy looked up at the security mammals. "You'll want to contact the ZPD and have a unit come and pick up this idiot. I've already uploaded the recording of his threats and attempt on my life."

Anna Wilde stepped around the larger wolf and bull security mammals. "Judy, what did you do?"

Judy grinned. "Anna! What are you doing here? As for what I did, nothing much. An arm lock, then another, then used the cord from his desk lamp as a restraint."

The wolf chuckled. "He looks like he's trussed up for service. Like in those ancient paintings."

Judy chuckled. "Well, while some venison is tempting, I suspect he would be far too gamey."

The wolf and Anna nearly fell out laughing, while the bull looked on in concern. "Ma'am?"

Still chuckling, Judy climbed off the now waking Vance. "I'm the mother of hybrid kits with a Red Fox. Her brother, actually." Pointing at Anna, then freezing. "Wait… Anna, you're his replacement?"

Anna nodded with a grin. "I am."

Laughing again, Judy gave Vance a few gentle taps on the muzzle. "Hey, Vance. Your replacement is here." Pointing his face towards Anna. "Meet Anna Wilde, sister of my mate and father to my kits. The Mayor and the rest of the council decided that you should be replaced by a fox. Congratulations. You have forced the city to recognize that maybe they should look only at a mammal's qualifications, and not their species. You have helped improve things for all mammals." Judy gave him a gentle pat on the muzzle as she stepped back so the guards could untie him and put him in cuffs.

Vance screamed again upon seeing Anna, his enraged eyes locking on Judy. "Kill you. Rutting rabbit!" He tried to lunge at her, was restrained by the security guards, so he took a wild kick at her which Judy blocked, grabbing the offending hoof, and with a twist, flipped him out of the guards grip and back onto his face on the floor.

A foot in his knee and twisting the ankle. "Seriously. You'd think you would have learned after your first try. I was the reigning ZPD paw to paw champ for a reason, Vance." He tried to swipe back at her only to scream in pain as she added torque to the ankle. After a very brief struggle, he was cuffed and carried out by the guards. Both shaking their heads, with wary glances at Judy.

After he was out of the room, Anna turned to Judy. "Can't be easy with you, can it?"

Judy shrugged. "What can I say. He's a specist piece of crap and leaving you a pile of it to fix."

Anna nodded. "Yeah. I don't have any recommendations for you, but I have a lot of work ahead of me." The IT guy walking in. He had the sense to wait outside the office, though he had watched. "I will however have at least a temporary person show up for that lunch you're holding for your new heads tomorrow."

Judy nodded with a smile. "Great. And if they do a good job while you are getting the rest of things un-rutted, they might just keep a high rank position. The Mayor has agreed to hire Skye's sister, so you don't need to worry about the recommendation."

Anna smiled as the IT guy started working on the computer, swapping out the keyboard and pointer. "Ma'am. Do you want to keep the larger monitor? I can update the resolution and it'll give you more work area?"

Anna nodded with a smile to the IT guy, a water deer. "That sounds great. I'll even keep the desk and such. Probably be cheaper to do that and just do some modifications so I can use it easier than replace it anyway." Looking at Judy. "That's great about Skye's sister. She will do wonderful, I'm sure. You know, you've gotten down right foul mouthed since Nick died and you had the kits."

Judy shrugged as she headed out of the office. "What can I say. Your brother was a bad influence, and I've got a lot of it stored up. Saying things like moldy carrots just isn't satisfying. Especially when I have to do that with the kits around. It's why we cuss that way in the burrow. Way too many kits running about and around every corner to cuss properly, safely."

Anna laughed. "I know that. We missed you last month, but I know you were working. Try and make time to make Carrot day."

"I don't have a choice this year. I actually have to go because I'm a councilor, now." After some further conversation, Judy collected the kits and had a quick visit with Auntie Anna while she waited for some items to be brought up to her new office. A knowing grin on her face as Jason and Anna chatted. It might not go anywhere, but her improved nose sure picked up the signs of a clear mutual attraction. They then headed out to a nice family dinner at Mel's.