Chapter 2: Alphabet Soup
Zootopia…Precinct One…7:55am
Bogo's warning was an understatement, the chaos of dozens of agencies from around Zootopia descended upon the station like a cloud of locusts, each agency with their own way of doing things and the inevitable squabble over jurisdiction. In truth, it was a fur ball. And all at once Judy and Nick understood what the Cape Buffalo was meaning the night before. It would require his full attention to keep all these agencies from stepping on each other's paws, and create some kind of cohesive effort. Otherwise devolve into a useless chaotic mess of activity and energy and time wasted. 'Too many cooks spoil the meal.' This would be the warning of which Bogo would operate, hence why he entrusted the actual effort of investigation to Wilde and Hopps, who would be the ZPD's agents of this particular endeavor.
Nick and Judy got to their desks at the station; they wondered how they would be able to pick out their contact from this crowd. A question they didn't have to ask for long, for their contact made herself known. Wading through the crowd making way for them, the motion of her said, business, a vixen, arctic fox with eyes of a cloudless sky, she walked up to the duo giving both of them a once over.
"So you're the two officers I'm supposed to meet?" she said unimpressed.
"Um…yes, I'm Judy Hopps and this is Nick….Wilde." replied the bunny introducing herself and partner.
"Pleased to meet you, sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances." The vixen replied, shaking both of their paws.
"I'm Special Agent Vivian Carter, FIB, part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force."
"Yes, we heard." Replied Nick
"What exactly do they do?"
"Well simply it's a partnership between the FIB and law enforcement agencies such as the ZPD, to respond to terror threats such as this one." The vixen replied.
"So you work these kinds of cases often?" asked Judy.
"Actually no, I got the call last night to take part in this, lately I have been working on the cryo recovery task force, all those stiffs that were found in Kai Ren Medical after the plague incident. I work on getting them recovered and placed back with their families, where possible. Or at the very least back into society."
"There are that many?" asked Judy
"Oh yeah, in fact it could take years to get through them all. And thanks to this terrorist, we have to delay our work just to go chasing after him." The vixen replied annoyed.
Vivian placed the folder down
"Preliminary analysis on the explosives." She offered
Judy picked up the folder and pulled out the report.
"Wow, that was fast."
"Well, when you're responsible for a monument being destroyed and the maiming of 150 mammals that gets people's attention."
Judy turned her gaze back to Vivian for a second, unsure whether that response was directed at her or not.
"What did you find?" She asked, choosing to ignore the comment.
"Well, as expected its high explosives, Composition Four and RDX."
"Demolition explosives?" Suggested Judy.
"Exactly, usually obtainable only by special permit, but of course, that's assuming he purchased them legitimately."
"Nick?" Judy turned to the fox.
"Don't take this wrong but, do you know where a person could buy those kind of explosives?"
The arctic fox raised an eyebrow at the question
"Um, why would he know?" Vivian interjected.
Judy pursed her lips and her eyes darted, realizing that she slipped. Nick shifted his weight and simply smiled.
"Well, snowball, I was a small time….businessman before I became a cop and I networked with a lot of folks. Officer Hopps here was simply asking if I knew anyone from those simpler days that might be able to put us on the right track." He explained, while tossing a glance to Judy and then back to Vivian.
"First off, don't call me 'snowball' , it's Agent Carter or Vivian. Two, what kind of businessman would know anything about explosive experts?"
"Well I was involved in a fair number of ventures, some of which included construction, I'm sure I could find someone who would be able to help us."
"Mmhmm." Vivian replied not impressed.
"Well I was thinking we should start by looking at the motive here. The message itself."
"The message?" asked Nick.
"Well you have to admit, the message was particularly very anti-prey."
"True." Nick admitted
"Well what group do you know of that is pretty anti prey?" asked the vixen.
Nick simply shrugged. Vivian turned to Judy as if asking the same question, and no reply.
"Seriously? Don't they brief you on anything at the ZPD?" she asked annoyed.
Vivian took a disquieted sigh, and simply face pawed.
"Have you never heard of PAC?"
"Pack?" asked Judy.
"Yes, PAC, Predator Action Committee, they are a political group that believe preds are being treated like second class citizens."
"You've seen them. The preds holding up the signs outside of city hall last year when bellwether took over, or the protest that happened where that kid got shot."
Vivian looked at both of them oddly as they didn't seem to know what she was talking about.
"Have you two been living under a rock this last year? You DO know a kid got shot like six months ago during the plague incident?"
"Sorry, we've been buried in a lot of cases." Nick admitted, sheepishly scratching his head.
The vixen scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Whatever. PAC has been known to say some inflammatory things about prey animals these last few years, and I wouldn't put it past them to have maybe some more shall we say….extreme members."
"I think we should start there."
"Agreed" replied the duo.
Zootopia…Otterdam…PAC Headquarters
The Predator Action Committee was a political group that was created when predators felt that to continue to live with the prejudice they faced from prey had reached a tipping point, the group's purpose is to have equal representation, equal pay, equal rights for preds. Obviously each goal they set for themselves was an uphill battle but they approached it in as best a manner as they could.
But in attempting to wage a battle for equality, they reminded themselves not to lose their culture, pred culture. In that light they encouraged the creation of a pred owned and run economy, pred owned businesses, pred owned industry. The idea was that instead of expecting prey animals to give them a place, they would create one for themselves.
It seemed easy on paper however real life is often more complicated than the best laid plans of lions and tigers. Specifically complications in the form of politics and social perception, trying to raise capital for their goals had proven to be harder than expected, given that the very city itself is occupied ninety percent by prey animals. Which unfortunately means the same ratio of capital, most of the banks are run by prey, so in that vein any predator trying to carve opportunity for themselves is tough to say the least.
However PAC and its members still consider fighting the good fight, and to never give up on their fellow mammal, though recent years have made them question a few things.
When the three arrived at their headquarters, which was a rented space in a business park in Otterdam, located a few miles south-east of the city center, there was clearly an air about the place, a sense of apprehension. Clearly the various predators here were aware of current events, but more than that, it was the concern of possible reprisal that was on the forefront of their minds.
Vivian had led them to the front receptionist who was a female jaguar
"Can I help you?" she asked impolitely
"Yes we're here to see Paxton Mobley" replied Vivian.
"So do a lot of people, any reason why you should jump to the head of the line?" she asked
Instead of engaging in a tit-for-tat, Vivian simply brandished her badge, showing it clearly to the receptionist.
"My name is Vivian Carter, FIB and these two are officers of the ZPD, we have some questions for Mr. Mobley."
The jaguar chewing her bubble gum, blew a small bubble and popped it loudly between her teeth.
"mmhmm." She replied unimpressed.
Nonchalant she beeped her intercom, and the sound of a male voice came through the other side.
"Yes, Sarah?" replied the voice.
"I have two cops and FIB agent out here to see you." She replied.
There was silence on the line for a moment
"Fine, send them back." Came the reply.
The receptionist turned back to the three.
"Paxton's office is third on the left." She smiled insincerely.
As the three past the receptionist, she gave each one of them a once over, but she locked gaze with Judy, the two exchanged glances. The jaguar simply huffed and turned back to her computer. They received similar glances as they walked back towards the office, Judy was receiving attention and not in the good way. Glances and downward cast expressions, something that didn't go unnoticed by Nick, he lagged behind slightly to stay close to Judy, but even he was starting to feel the uncomfortable stares.
As they reached the office, they looked inside the open door and seated behind the desk, a panther, black, strong, wearing a suit and tie. The name Paxton Mobley on the nameplate on the desk.
"Come in, come in." he invited.
As the three stepped in, Nick closed the door behind them. After a moment of greetings and salutations, of paw shaking, the general sizing up, one does in the few seconds before the proverbial 'shields go up'
"So…what can I do to assist the fine law enforcement agencies of Zootopia." The panther offered displaying a seemingly sincere, perhaps over sincere smile.
"We're here to ask, if you or any of your staff might have any idea as to the identity of the monument bomber?" asked Vivian
"Why would you think we would know?"
"Since this is a political bombing, clearly, we are checking with anyone that could have possibly come into contact with him."
"And why do you think we might have come into contact?"
"Because out of the many people you DO recruit, I'm sure there are a few 'crazies' you would turn away."
"You're reaching."
"Perhaps, but we have to start somewhere."
Paxton and Vivian were glowering at each other, Paxton not appreciating the implication and Vivian not appreciating the lack of cooperation. The tension seemed thick until cut by the words of the rabbit officer in the room.
"Look, Mr. Mobley, we aren't trying to accuse you of anything, we just want to find this mammal, and we are asking you for help, if you have any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, we would appreciate it." Said Judy in as sincere and friendly way she could muster.
The panther turned to the rabbit, his face relaxing.
"Ahh Officer Hopps, I knew I recognized you."
"Thank You?"
"Oh no, I should thank you." He said
"Thank me?"
"Oh yes, I want you to know that you've done wonders for recruitment here, better than I ever did."
Judy raised an eyebrow, her ear perked slightly on one side.
"Oh?" she asked confused.
"Your little speech last year and the subsequent effects after it caused the number of predators joining PAC to triple over a six month span."
Paxton reached over to a nearby collection of boxes, and fished out a coffee mug, white porcelain with the words 'P.A.C. Top Recruiter' written on it and placed it on the desk in front of him.
"So I mean it with all sincerity when I say, you earned this 'Officer'." He replied offering the mug to Judy with a patronizing smile on his lips.
Nick stepped forward and had an annoyed almost angry scowl on his face.
"Hey buddy; we came here looking for help with a case, now we were led to believe you could help. Now if you have any information on this, we need it….otherwise…."
"Otherwise what, Officer?..."
"Wilde, Nick Wilde."
"What is it you think you're going to find here? I'm trying to run an honest group here, a group that is trying to actually create true equality in Zootopia, where predators can actually feel comfortable in their own skin. And not worry about offending the sensibilities of….others."
"Hey pal, I hate to tell you, but we had a lion mayor," said Nick.
"Yes, a lion mayor, a lion mayor who took legislation to create equality for predators and misuse it to once again, appease the prey section of the electorate so he could secure reelection." Paxton fired back.
"A lion mayor who used the 'Mammal Inclusion Initiative' a piece of legislation who was championed by yours truly, but of course, Lionheart didn't exactly mention me or PAC when he instituted it."
"Ironic though what happened, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?" Nick asked
"That the very mammal that benefitted from the MII, was the very mammal who had him removed from office."
"One could even venture to say, that such a thing might have been planned from the very beginning." The panther stated all but accusing.
Judy dropped her jaw in surprise at first and then changed to an expression of disgust.
"Excuse me, the events of the savage case are very clearly documented, it was the manipulation of Dawn Bellwether who orchestrated those events."
"And the truth was revealed, and I went after the real culprit, I got the real criminal, and she's currently sitting in prison."
"I can't believe you would sit there and accuse me of being part of some kind of…..I don't know what. How dare you…" The little rabbit incensed.
"How dare I what…officer?" the panther levied the accusation right back.
"Was it Dawn Bellwether who arrested Lionheart? Was it Dawn Bellwether who went on television and told all of Zootopia that predators were going savage due to biology? Was it Dawn Bellwether, who when the political landscape finally swung back to prey's advantage once again, disappeared right back into the ether from whence you came?"
Judy taken aback was left speechless.
"Three months, Officer Hopps." The panther continued.
"Three months that this city and all of Zootopia were under the impression that predators going savage for seemingly biological reasons."
"Three months, you were nowhere to be found."
"And at the time, who were you? As far as anyone knew you were some unknown prey animal, ZPD's first rabbit officer, who only days after being given that assignment, you politically destroyed the mammal that gave you that opportunity, 'biting the hand that fed you.' And then the morning after that, set about destabilizing the very precarious balance that I and mammals like me have worked so very hard, for many years to accomplish."
"And you wipe it out in three days."
The panther turned to Nick
"Tell me you're not the least bit betrayed by this fact?"
"I don't concern myself with politics" replied Nick.
"Oh yes, please, keep presenting the stereotype of the solitary and lonely fox, who cares nothing for anyone or anything."
"Or are you simply satisfied with the handout you've gotten from the prey." Replied the panther pointing at Nick's badge.
"HEY! I earned this!" corrected Nick
"Really now, and just who was it that sponsored your Academy Application?" retorted the panther casting a glance at Judy and then back to Nick.
Nick sat in silence for a moment
"That's not important." the fox replied.
"Oh yes it is, very much so. You got in because a prey sponsored you, more than that it was the, at the time 'Golden Child' of the ZPD." Paxton firing back, increasing the tension.
"The same golden child who cleared the mayor's office, clearing out all of city hall in fact, which of course forced runoff election, a very corrupt and sordid business"
"To make way for our current and wonderful mayor, Clarence Deveraux." he stated sarcastically.
"Who is also….surprise surprise…..a prey."
"Your partner has very clearly changed the balance of power in this city, and you're telling me she has no idea of what she's done? That's just plain gullibility, sir." the panther finished with a flourish.
"I'm not going to stand here and listen to you bad mouth one of the best cops, one of the best mammals I've ever known, Judy's not some corrupt dirty cop, or whatever else you're trying to paint her as." Nick replied, his hackles bristling.
"Really? Then answer me this." Paxton calmed his tone.
"How is it that you're still a cop anyway?"
"What do you mean?" Nick replied.
"Well almost a year ago, your 'criminal record' came out, and you were subsequently fired. Which is a matter of public record, So how are you even here, wearing that uniform?"
Nick and Judy both stood silent, not knowing how to answer, at least not without revealing secrets.
"Hmmm. So maybe a little corruption." The panther nodded patronizingly.
Vivian finally had heard enough and stepped in.
"Look you ass, I don't really care about all this political intrigue, I like to keep my life simple, I'm just after a criminal who hurt and killed over 150 mammals, predator and prey. And considering he's going the political route, I would think you want him caught too, for everybody's safety."
"And again my vixen, why would we know? You still never answered my question?" the pather replied now frustrated.
"Because this terrorist, whoever he is, clearly has an anti-prey agenda, so….."
"…So you naturally assume that a pro-pred group such as myself, MUST be responsible."
"That's not what I said." She defended.
"No, but you were thinking it." He replied combatively.
"And the three of you were also making another dastardly assumption."
"And what would that be?" replied Nick
"You're assuming it's an ACTUAL predator."
The room went silent for a moment.
"I'll take your silence as acknowledgement." Mobley stated.
"Did you watch the video? I mean really look at it?" he asked.
The three shook their heads.
"We haven't had time." Replied Judy.
"Well we have." replied the panther.
"And I tell you this, in the entire video, we don't see this perpetrator. Not one image. So how do you even KNOW it's a predator?"
"You don't. But you know what you do see?"
"A little candid clip between the two of you." The panther pointed at Nick and Judy.
"Let me show you something."
The panther pulled up a public service ad made by a group called the 'League for the Assurance of Mammal Benevolence'
The clip consisted of a voice over quoting statistics on the predator population, with somber music
"It might surprise you that even though the predator population consists of only 10% of the population of Zootopia, they account for one fifth of its crime."
"That in areas of high predator concentrations, the violent crime rates are almost double."
"Incidents of predators suffering mental problems is almost fifty percent higher than prey animals"
"Now with the threat of going savage in the city, we should all be concerned."
The clip cut to a video recording, it showed Judy and Nick in the police station after the press conference a year and a half ago.
"So let me ask you a question? Are you afraid of me? Do you think I might go nuts? You think I might go savage? You think I might try to EAT you!" said Nick baring his claws on video
Judy ran after Nick on the video
"Officer Hopps, were you just threatened by that predator." Said deep voiced beaver
"No he's my friend." She replied
"We can't even trust our own friends." Suggested a rabbit.
The clip ended with white words on a black screen.
'Statistics don't lie, learn more at our website.' And the displayed web address
The panther looked back at the three and gauged their reaction
"I take it you haven't seen ANY of this before?" asked the panther.
Nick and Judy looked at each other sadly, the fact that a very intimate moment between them has become fodder for the political landscape making them both feel very exposed.
"I uh….had no idea." Replied Nick his jaw slack, his ears drooping.
"Well perhaps instead of busting my chops, you should be busting LAMB's." suggested the panther.
"I still have questions for you." Insisted Vivian.
"No, what you wanted was a lead, and I just gave you one. Whoever put that broadcast of poor taste together also has access to this clip. I'm sorry I couldn't help you more, but I have very important things to attend to. Blake will show you out."
"Hmmph." Vivian huffed.
The panther pressed a page button, and seconds later a grey timber wolf was at the door.
"Yes Paxton?" he inquired enthusiastically
"Mr. Kenney, Would you kindly show these fine enforcers of the law to the door, they have somewhere to be."
"Yes, sir. Come with me please?" said the timberwolf with an honest welcoming smile on his face.
The three were escorted through the office building back to the front, after being kindly given a goodbye by the timberwolf, who seemingly was the friendliest of the mammals they had encountered. They went back to Vivian's car and got in, with Nick and Judy taking the back seat. Vivian started the car and started to make their way towards LAMB's headquarters in Vole Gardens.
They seemed fixated on the words of the panther.
"Nick…"
"Yes, carrots?"
"You don't…. you don't ever think that I wanted you to become a cop just for my benefit, do you?" she asked twiddling her thumbs.
"Carrots, of course not. Don't listen to that cat, he's just trying to rattle you." Nick said rocking his favorite bunny.
"I just….nevermind."
"What's wrong?"
"I…I just…sometimes feel like I forced my dreams on you, like you became a cop just because I asked you to."
"Well, I did." She stated plainly
Judy turned to Nick, with pursed lips and a sad expression in her eyes, seemingly confirming her fear.
"I became a cop because you asked me. Because you believed that I could." He said
"I know….but I'm just saying, I don't want you to think you can't go after whatever your dreams are. That I won't support you in where ever you want to go." Judy replied
"Carrots….I'm right where I want to be." Nick replied warmly giving her a reassuring hug.
The vixen up in the front seat driving cleared her throat loudly, as if to remind the two of her presence.
"You two seem…..close." she commented.
"We've been through a lot." Nick replied.
"It would appear so." She replied.
Nick's ears flattened and he raised an eyebrow at the vixen, who saw this in the rear view mirror.
"Hey, don't mind me, I accept…whatever this is, I don't judge." she stated.
"Just keep in mind we have a bad guy to chase."
"Oh don't worry, I know… In fact, it's forever on my mind." Replied Judy with a twinge of anger in her voice.
Judy's phone chirped signaling a text message, she had been so preoccupied she hadn't thought to check it all morning. She opened her messages and smiled when she saw who it was from
'Kaiden: Hey we heard about the bombing, are u and nick ok?'
'Kaiden: Boss has approved assignment; we will be at the station soon.'
Nick looked over Judy's shoulder trying to make out the messages on the screen.
"Who is it, carrots?" he asked.
"Our two favorite metal mammals." She smiled.
Nick gave his eternal smile back to Judy.
"See, things are already starting to look brighter."
"I hope so." She replied.