Chapter 17

Wheels in Motion

June 15th, Friday, 4:25 pm

Finnick and Nick switched seats again as soon as the Razorvacs were out of sight, and the red fox stayed with Judy in the back the rest of the way. They were both shaken, but while they remained concerned for the wolves, there was a sense of relief that Grenn would be out of the picture for now.

That didn't mean their troubles were over, though. They still had little idea of what they were walking into, and even Finnick didn't know the finer details of the bigger picture.

The sun sat on the horizon as the van crossed over the asylum's stone bridge. In the evening glow, most of the building still looked abandoned, but the first two floors were lit up. There were no guards this time; only a single figure waiting out front, along with several cars parked off to the side. Once they got close enough, Nick's eyes widened.

'Wait… is that Claire?'

Judy couldn't help the relief that washed over her, even if she'd only met the zebra once.

As Finnick pulled up, Claire approached them with a look of concern tempered with excitement.

'I heard gunfire! Just what happened to you guys?'

Finnick was the first out of his seat, pointing over at the pair with a thumb.

'One of their friends turned out to be an ex-military Nightstalker. Scary dude.'

The zebra glanced between them and the road behind. 'Is he alright?'

'…He'll be fine. Though… his story about getting shot through the stomach might have more weight now.' Nick said, coming out of the passenger door first, before he turned around and held out his arms to Judy, who tipped her head quizzically.

'Uh… Nick? I can get out myself, you know.'

'C'mon, Carrots, just give me this one.'

Finnick and Claire averted their eyes awkwardly, but Nick's expression was serious and earnest. Judy's ears turned pink, but she stepped off the van and allowed her fox husband to carry her, with him keeping their faces close.

'… We should get inside,' Claire said through an awkward smile.

The zebra led the way and opened the central pair of glass doors. The hallway, while brightly lit, was empty, but they quickly picked up the sound of two mammals on their right. There was another large room with opaque glass that ran all the way down to the end, where several elevator doors stood. From Nick's embrace, Judy immediately recognised Gabby's stern voice. There was another, though – and while they also sounded familiar, Judy couldn't place where she'd heard it before.

It wasn't until Nick got her into the medical room that she saw a honey badger wearing a white lab coat, with a white patch on the top of her head. Nick simply stared, but the two doctors turned around, with the shorter doctor smiling and nodding.

'We meet again, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.'

'You're… Dr. Madge, right?'

Nick and Judy took a moment to remember that the last time they saw the honey badger in person was when she was arrested alongside Mayor Lionheart from the entrance of this very building.

'There's no need to look so guilty,' the honey badger reassured them, 'since my position was reinstated as soon as Mayor Bellwether was arrested. And I suppose I have you to thank for that, hm?'

Judy shook her head slowly. 'But it was because of us that you got arrested in the first place…'

'My primary concern at the time was helping those afflicted predators. Even if I did get placed on house arrest for a few weeks, in the end you two were able to end that affliction. So I'm grateful; when all is said and done.'

Nick and Judy managed an appreciative smile, before Gabby cleared her throat.

'I'm sure you two are enjoying your… intimate position, but can we get down to business?'

Nick flinched while Judy's ear's burned again, and he gently lowered her to the ground.

'Can I get you two something to eat or drink?' Claire offered. 'You've all been through a lot.'

Judy nodded. 'That'd really hit the spot, thanks.'

'What, I don't look shaken up enough for ya?' Finnick grumbled.

Claire led them to the door, but Gabby spoke before Nick was able to leave after Madge.

'Wilde.'

Nick stopped, and his expression soured a little as he locked gazes with the gazelle.

'I want to clear the air with you, before anything else.' Gabby said as she stepped forward, and Nick looked up at her guardedly. 'I'm not going to apologise for what I said to you, and you no doubt harbour some resentment towards me for that. However, right now, I want to help you and your wife… admittedly for my own reasons. So I propose we put our differences aside until our job is done.'

Nick frowned thoughtfully. 'It's pretty obvious what your job is. With that in mind… what would my job be?'

The gazelle looked Nick up and down with veiled disgust.

'You need to clean yourself up. And get some clothes.'

'… Noted.'

As Nick turned to leave again, Gabby spoke once more in a gentle voice.

'Your job for now… is take care of yourself.'

Nick stopped and looked up at the gazelle in surprise, before nodding. With a final understanding glance, he left to join the others in the opposite walled-off room.

After Nick and Judy got their one box out and sorted out a small cupboard to put their belongings, Claire quickly offered to drive back to Nick and Judy's house to pick up supplies. After a few minutes of resting in the glass-walled room with armchairs and a makeshift bar, Finnick offered to go with her in Nick's place, as the red fox was hesitant to leave Judy's side. They gave Finnick their key and a list of things to get and where to find them. Just as they prepared to leave, Finnick voiced his concerns if it was safe, before there was loud knocking from the front doors.

'I wonder if that's the old man?' Nick managed to say, though he couldn't rule out the possibility of it being Grenn.

As if reading his mind, Judy grimaced nervously. 'It would help if those doors were clear glass…'

After waiting for a minute, with the others hesitating, Gabby stood up and strode over to the door, her high heels echoing confidently down the hall. All of them listened worriedly, but Gabby opened the front door without hesitation.

'Ah, you must be the "old man" I've already heard so much about.'

Nick, Judy and Finnick rushed out, and visibly relaxed when they saw Alex, as well as Bertha still on her motorbike outside. Despite looking as if he'd been put through a blender, the pale wolf's eyes were clear and alert and seemed no worse for wear. Only Claire studied the wolf nervously, but after a moment, it turned to concern as she studied his condition. Bertha did a quick salute in their direction before speeding off down the road.

After a confused pause, Nick and Judy walked up to the old wolf, but found themselves in awkward silence. The wolf also seemed uncomfortable under their grateful gazes.

'… Thank you, Alex.'

The old wolf scratched behind his ears in embarrassment.

'I'd rather be called old man. Addressing me by name is… well…'

Finnick squinted as he saw a messily-shorn boar tusk strapped to the old wolf's belt.

'What's with that tusk? You didn't kill that Razorback, did ya?'

The wolf gazed down at the fennec fox curiously. 'That would have created more problems.' He then glanced down at his belt, and momentarily had an unreadable expression. 'As for this… call me a sentimental fool.'

There was a pause as Finnick continued to squint at the wolf sceptically.

'You're a sentimental fool.'

The wolf stared at him intensely for several seconds before bursting out laughing and glancing over at Nick and Judy.

'You two have interesting friends.'

Nick managed a smirk. 'You're one to talk, old man.'

Gabby cleared her throat impatiently. 'Once again, can we get on with it?' She peeked around the wolf towards the road. 'Finnegan and my assistant were just about to leave for supplies. Is it safe?'

Nick and Judy glanced at Finnick oddly, but he just shrugged.

'It is,' Alex said, his scowl matching Gabby's. 'The current Nightstalker commander rounded up Grenn and the rest of the wounded boars. You should be free to go – but don't be surprised if the ZNN chopper follows you with its spotlight.'

'ZNN?!' Judy squeaked, while Nick's ears fell back in displeasure. 'What do you mean, Alex?'

'Calm down for a minute and I can show you.' The wolf waved Finnick and Claire out. 'This building still has a working connection, right?'

Gabby nodded, and fell in line alongside the wolf as they went back into the lunch room. Madge fished out a remote from the behind the bar and turned on the flat screen up in the far-right corner, and switched over to the news channel.

All of them, aside from Gabby and Alex, stared in shock at the headline darted over the screen, against the backdrop of a helicopter following a Razorvac, but with different markings than the one they saw.

'"BREAKING NEWS: ZPD OFFICERS NICK WILDE AND JUDY HOPPS ATTACKED"?' Nick read out. 'I… wasn't expecting them to be on our side.'

As they listened for a minute, the actual report was very speculative, frequently implying that some third party had tipped them sugar glider reporter had barely any clue about who Grenn was as the boar was led away by a large black-furred wolf in uniform. He did seem to know who the wolf was, however, as the glider leaned out of the helicopter in a way that would have been dangerous for anyone else.

'… We can see Maxwell apprehending the lead boar, who we know is affiliated with Council security. That other wolf, who is likely – but unconfirmed – to be affiliated with the Nightstalkers, was in a violent battle with this boar. We're not in a position to ask questions just yet, but for any viewers just now tuning in; I'll give it over to you, Fabienne.'

As the rest of the group paid rapt attention to the screen, Gabby managed to slip out into the medical room.

'Thank you, Bill.' The snow leopard anchor spoke with an eloquent British accent as she faced the camera with a serious frown. 'To reiterate, ZPD officers Nicholas Wilde and Judy Hopps were seen riding in a van to the Cliffside Asylum, Meadowlands, but we only caught a distant visual feed before the van arrived at its destination. We don't know why they sought refuge in the asylum, nor who was accompanying them. Our first clear visual feed was the white wolf and boar battling on the road, upon which the wolf left with another on a motorbike, and followed the officers into the building.' Then, she peered at a screen off to her left.

'I see the one common question I can answer so far – through our social media feed – is how the ZNN came by this incident in the first place. To answer that: an anonymous tip was given to several of our high-ranking staff and top journalists to check the Cliffside Road between 4 – 5 pm. Unfortunately, we received no more information than that, but we were able to get clearance for Bill to investigate. While we did not see the sequence of events directly, there is enough debris and visible damage to the van in question for us to believe the security vehicles were attempting to intercept them.'

She studied the screen again, and closed her eyes for a moment. 'As for the more telling questions – why were they intercepted? Why are they in the asylum? We have only just begun to cover this story, but we fully intend to reach out to Council Security, as well as the Mayoral office, to provide information on this development. I'm Fabienne Growley, ZNN. We will now return to the regularly scheduled programme.'

The screen transitioned back to some cooking show. Everyone still in the room glanced around at each other.

'So… that means…' Judy began nervously, 'that we should be prepared for some journalists to come knocking on our door.' She blinked as she remembered something Finnick had said. 'Wait, is their intervention what Finnick was talking about?'

Nick nodded. 'That's my guess – though it seems like they took a bit longer than he expected. Still, when you think about it… the ZNN will be the perfect deterrent.'

'Correct,' Alex growled. 'With their actions exposed, the Razorback's can't take action against us without the press questioning their every move. And if they had to explain that they were partially responsible for instigating deaths in childbirth, the public would turn against them very quickly.'

'Which, if I understand the network correctly,' Madge added with a hint of bitterness, 'that's what they'll be working towards.'

As Nick and Judy glanced at each other worriedly, they heard high heels and Gabby clearing her throat again.

'Well, if this is any source of stress for you, Hopps, then I'll see to it that you two have no obligation to answer any interview questions. The rest of us can handle that, if necessary.'

Alex's ears folded back. 'What, me too?'

Gabby glanced up at the wolf flatly. 'You do intend to handle security, correct? I can't think of another reason why you would linger around after checking in on these two.'

As he fell silent, Nick and Judy stared at him in surprise.

'Is she right, Alex?' Judy asked incredulously.

The pale canine rubbed his neck in embarrassment. '… More or less. I don't trust the media to be the only level of separation between you two and Grenn.'

'And you plan on doing this by yourself?' Madge chimed in. 'You certainly seem capable, but you can't effectively secure a facility this large with the staff we have now.'

Alex shook his head. 'I still have a few contacts from my old squad that owe me some favours.'

While still smiling, Nick coughed loudly. 'You're not gonna demand a pound of flesh for this, are you?'

'What kind of psychopath do you take me for, boy?' Alex rebuked, before glancing off to the side. 'Besides, you've paid enough blood.'

'… Huh?'

Alex clenched his jaw as he moved to leave.

'Never mind. I've got work to do.'

'Be sure to allow Claire to examine your wounds when she gets back,' Gabby suggested as he left the room, to which he answered with a reluctant grunt. She turned to face Nick and Judy with folded arms. 'I think it's high time I outline exactly what will happen here, if you two have settled down enough?'

Nick and Judy quickly stiffened as they faced up at the gazelle, but after a quick glance, Judy gripped the tod's paw and nodded.

Madge began moving boxes around as they left, and Gabby led them into the medical room. The doctor led them to the back of the room, where they got a closer look at the setup. There was a hospital bed designed for smaller mammals, but the large machine against the wall to the right was anything but. It appeared to be a dialysis machine, but with modifications made, as there were several empty blood bags attached to a metal column hooked on its right side.

Nick and Judy stared at the machine for several seconds. That something so mundane-looking would be the source of their new hope was… odd.

'Is this… the machine you were working on?' Judy finally managed to ask, her ears drooping a little. 'The one you tried to help your daughter with…'

Gabby simply stood still in silence for a moment as she closed her eyes.

'… Yes… you are correct. But that story is neither here nor there. I brought you here to explain what you'll be going through, Judy Hopps.'

She sat on one of the desk chairs off to the side, and gestured for them to sit on the bed.

'This bed is where you'll be monitored,' she explained, 'so we can maximise the chances of your pregnancy being successful. I won't request anything of you today, but tomorrow I wish to run some tests so I can get a baseline. I have plenty of experience with monitoring pregnant rabbits; so you shouldn't need to worry about that.'

After examining her for a second, Nick's ears folded back.

'I'm guessing you're gonna tell us what we "should" worry about, then.'

'…Perhaps.' The gazelle took a deep breath. 'I'm not going to sugarcoat this for you. You have a better chance for your child, or children… but it is still only a chance. Even if everything goes according to plan in the best case scenario, there is still a strong possibility of failure.' She turned her grim frown upon Judy. 'Knowing this, Judy Hopps, are you willing to risk your life for this? It's not too late to change your mind.'

The rabbit shook her head almost immediately. 'I'm aware of the risks… if there's even a small chance of this working, then I'm taking it.'

Gabby noticed the momentary glint of concern that washed over Nick's gaze upon her, but the gazelle inclined her head.

'I would have expected no less.' She was silent for a moment longer. 'If you can still move comfortably enough, feel free to explore the building. Madge and I have checked for hazards, and locked down any areas which we deemed unsafe. As we speak, she's setting up beds in the storage rooms above us. She will be quite busy, I think, if the wolf and his pack will be staying here as well.' She looked at her watch. 'I'll expect to see you two here at 8 AM tomorrow. I would also suggest you let your families know where you are, especially if they saw the recent ZNN report that we did.'

Nick and Judy's ears shot up and Judy immediately checked her phone, while Nick fumbled through his night clothes, momentarily forgetting that Finnick and Claire were retrieving his phone for him.

Judy bowed her head awkwardly as they left the room, while Gabby remained, peering at the apparently innocuous machine in front of her, a mixture of emotions combing through her chest.

Nick looked over Judy's shoulder as they read through dozens of text messages sent in the last hour. Most were from Bonnie and Stu, some from her siblings, and a couple from Clawhauser. Judy sat down with Nick and called them on Muzzletime.

It was answered almost immediately, but the screen disoriented them both at first as it flicked around the room, presumably because Bonnie was fumbling to pick up the phone.

'… Judy?!'

'… Hi, Mom. I'm sorry that–'

'Bon! Is that her?!'

'Mommy, is Judy alright?'

'Ask what that devil fox was doing with her!'

Nick and Judy glanced at each other awkwardly as several other rabbits visibly tried to push their faces into the frame.

'Enough! All of you will get your turns!'

After a few seconds of loud verbal squabbling, Bonnie and Stu were able to focus the camera on them properly. Judy examined her mother regretfully, the older doe clearly stressed out and on the verge of tears.

'I'm alright, Mom. But a lot's happened in the past few hours… I'm guessing you saw the ZNN broadcast?'

Bonnie squeaked as she attempted to answer, but she closed her mouth. Stu cleared his throat and shifted the camera over.

'That's right, Jude… Gideon gave us a call as he caught it right as it all started. Most of us have been watching the TV ever since. It… wasn't easy, I tell ya.'

Bonnie recovered her composure as she examined Nick and Judy closely. 'Thank goodness you're alright. But Nick… you look terrible. And… in your pyjamas, for some reason.'

Nick managed a light chuckle. 'You could say this whole ordeal has definitively disrupted my sleep schedule.'

'What about that wolf, Jude?' Stu piped up with concern. 'We all saw him go into the building…'

'Oh, Alex? He's going to be our security guard.'

As the two bunnies glanced at each other nervously, Judy continued.

'He saved our lives on the way up, guys. I trust him.'

'Oh… so that's what happened?' Bonnie said to herself. 'Well, if you say so, sweetie.' Her ears drooped after a moment of realisation. 'Just what kind of government attacks pregnant does like that?'

Judy quickly shook her head. 'We're not sure, but… I have a feeling that it's more the current mayor than the whole government. But right now, I need to focus on myself. Doctor's orders.'

'Ah, speaking of…' Stu cut in. 'Sounds like you finally found one that can help you, Jude. Too bad you had to go through a dangerous car chase to get to them.'

'Could we come and see you?' Bonnie said suddenly, and Judy was silent for a moment. 'I'd also like to meet this doctor of yours, if I can.'

Would that even be possible? But… I have to admit, Mom being here would help a lot. I know that she took care of so many of my sisters when they were pregnant…

'That… I didn't think of that. I can ask Dr. Banner tomorrow if it's okay.'

Bonnie raised a brow. 'Why tomorrow?'

'Well… basically everyone's telling me and Nick to take it easy today. Once the chase thing was over, we're both feeling pretty run-down.'

After giving Nick another look, the two bunnies slowly nodded in understanding.

'I can see that,' Stu murmured. 'You kids get your rest, okay? And Jude, please call us when you have time. You know the kits; they're not gonna be happy they didn't get their turns.'

'I will, Dad.'

'Take care, sweetie!'

As soon as Bonnie waved goodbye, the sounds of the other kits and adults began to clamour just as the Hopps hung up. Judy exhaled slightly, but was overall feeling much better.

'I'm glad they're keeping a level head,' Nick managed to say. 'If I'd imagined their reaction to all this if it happened a couple of years ago…' He scratched the back of neck with a grimace.

'… A horde of bunnies carrying torches and pitchforks?'

Nick chuckled. 'Something like that. I have to wonder if your Pop-pop would still go for that.'

Judy sighed. 'Yeah, he probably would. Mom and Dad gave up trying to explain things to him.'

They paused for a moment, before Judy glanced between her phone and Nick.

'… Did you want to call Mary?'

Nick took the phone slowly, frowning to himself.

'I do, but… something's off…'

As Judy tilted to her to question him further, there was loud, incessant knocking on the front doors that felt suddenly familiar.

'Open up! Where's my son and daughter-in-law? Let me in this instant!'

'Pipe down, grandma, or yer fur'll get matted.'

As they heard the doors opening, Nick's ear perked up as he quickly dashed out of the room, with Judy not close behind. The old vixen stood in the foyer with Finnick not far behind. As she looked around, her gaze fell on Nick and Judy. Her voice was quiet and gentle.

'Nicky? Judy?'

The tod managed a nervous smile. 'We're okay, Mom.'

However, Mary's jaw trembled for a moment as she began to tear up. Then she closed them, and before Judy could register it, she'd dashed forward, holding Nick in her arms.

'Ohhh, you're both safe… thank goodness…'

Nick patted her on the back while grinning with embarrassment, and stole a glance at Judy that screamed "a little help please?"

'You got here quick,' Judy said with a smile. 'I hope Finnick wasn't too much of a grump on the way up.'

At her voice, Mary opened her eyes, and then she knelt down to scoop Judy in her arms.

'Mom!' Nick called out with raised paws. 'Be careful! She's…'

'Ooh, I know!' All traces of tears gone, Mary raised her head and studied Judy's belly. 'Looks like I'll actually be a grandma before you know it!' She gave Nick a cheeky grin. 'Good work!'

'Moooom…' The tod scolded again.

'What? I didn't say anything.'

Judy giggled. 'Glad to see you haven't changed.'

'Speaking of change…' Mary released the bunny and began fussing over Nick's cheek fur. 'You look terrible, Nicky. Just how much sleep have you been getting?'

'… Not much, to be frank.'

'Well, do you have a bed yet?' She took one look at his pyjamas before glancing around the foyer.

'Our resident honey badger is preparing some upstairs,' Gabby's voice came from the medical room's open door. The gazelle was leaning against the frame with folded arms and an amused glint in her eye. 'If you would like to assist her according to your son's needs, you are more than welcome.'

Nick scowled up at the gazelle. 'Just how long have you been standing there?'

Mary studied Gabby for a moment before nodding in acknowledgement. 'Then I'll do just that!' She turned her head. 'Finnick, can I leave the other stuff to you?'

'Yeah, yeah, I gotcha.'

Judy followed Mary as she went for the elevator while Nick went to check on Finnick and Claire.

'You sure you don't need help?'

Mary stopped and stroked her chin. 'Don't you two need to rest?'

Judy shrugged. 'Making a bed isn't back-breaking labour or anything. Besides, I wanted to have a look around the second floor anyway.'

The old vixen resumed walking and adopted a cheeky smile. 'Do me a favour though, and save some energy for an in-game pounding.'

It took a moment for Judy to process her words.

'Wait, you don't mean…?'

As it turned out, Finnick had not only brought several sets of Nick and Judy's clothes, but seemingly whatever else they could pack from their house into Claire's large van. And to Nick's simultaneous dismay and joy, that included his Preystation as well, as Finnick had told Mary the asylum had at least one TV.

Nick immediately changed into his green shirt and tan trousers as Claire gave him a suitcase of clothes, but by the time he had finished helping unpack he wanted to put on his pyjamas again and collapse. However, actual sleep would have to wait until Judy and Mary were finished upstairs with Madge.

Thankfully, Finnick and Claire had brought a lot of their food from their fridge, and after moving most of it into the makeshift living room's fridge, Judy and Mary had finished upstairs. It turned out that Nick and Judy got their own room, with plenty of other rooms with spare beds for Alex and Mary. The doctors had their own rooms as well.

With his mother all too eager to set up the Preystation, Nick decided to have an early dinner and get to bed at around 6 PM. Judy was content to watch the news a little longer, at least until Mary was done and they could actually start playing against each other in Vexxen.

Nick could hear the comedically loud punches and the announcer even as he was heading up to the first floor. As the sounds faded away, a wave of fatigue pushed him to his knees.

Yeah… I really need a bed right now…

So much had happened in the span of a few hours that he was still having trouble processing it all. He had fully expected Grenn to come after them after the warning he had delivered, but it was still a terrifying thing to witness. No criminal that he and Judy encountered had attacked them with such zeal.

The Razorbacks did not set out to outright kill them – they would have brought heavy weapons if that was the case. The way Grenn had spoken to him, albeit indirectly, told him that the boar genuinely did believe in his cause, whatever that was, and that the boar was telling the truth when he said he valued the tod's contributions to society. That just made it all the scarier in that moment when they had locked gazes, as the boar made good on his threat.

But Alex saved us…

When he had asked the old wolf to look out for them on that miserable night, he wasn't expecting the wolf to deliver on his word in such a reckless manner. And the wolf wasn't the only one that had risked a lot to help them.

I'm… pretty sure Banner and the others are technically trespassing on Council Property. The only reason we're not immediately being kicked out is because the ZPD and ZNN are on our side… somehow.

The longer he thought about it, the more he realised that he found the latter more unbelievable. That so many mammals – some almost like strangers – would be willing to go so far for him and Judy, still felt alien to him. He'd grown up for over twenty years with the mindset that every mammal was out for themselves, and almost none would be willing to sacrifice so much for a fox. However, even with Judy's safety secured under the watchful eye of so many mammals, there was still one, terrible possibility that still squirmed in his gut.

Judy, and the baby – they're still not safe. And I won't know for sure… until the day comes.

As the doors opened, he pushed himself forward. Gabby's words echoed in his head, and he needed to focus on resting, as Judy's health wouldn't improve if his own was so poor that he couldn't sleep properly. And so, as soon as he opened the door to the dim, sterile room, he collapsed on the bed without bothering to change, and instantly fell asleep.

As Nick slowly opened his eyes, he couldn't tell how much time had passed, as the room was as dimly lit as he remembered. He started to wonder whether he was even awake, but soon felt something warm and fluffy against his side.

He shifted his body over to see Judy's face pressed into his shoulder, with tiny whistling snores. He smiled, fondling her ears gently without waking her.

The fox remained in that blissful position for a few minutes, but when he realised he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he reluctantly slid out the other side of the bed and pulled the sheets over his wife. He glanced down at himself as he realised he hadn't bothered to change.

As he stood there, he glanced around the room and realised his mother was sleeping in another bed in the other corner of the room. Her snoring was loud enough that he wondered how he had missed her coming in and somehow not waking him or Judy up.

I guess we must have been just that tired.

The tod reluctantly left the room after instinctively checking for any other exits, as he momentarily pictured Grenn or some other Razorback dropping into the room somehow. After he mentally erased that possibility from his mind, given no vent was big enough for boars that size, he forced himself away and looked around the first floor, as he wanted to scout out the place.

As Nick stood and listened, he heard the faint sounds of other mammals sleeping in the other rooms. Finnick's snoring was the most obvious, but Madge, Claire and Gabby were evidently in a room of their own. It took Nick a moment to realise that Finnick choosing not to sleep in his van instead meant he knew it would be safer inside.

However, he couldn't pinpoint Alex or Bertha, though he guessed the she-wolf would've gone home at some point. As Nick began to walk towards the elevators, he spotted a large figure in the distance, their silhouette bathed in shadows, aside from the glint in their eyes. That the figure was so outwardly terrifying made Nick instantly recognise him, and without thinking, walked forward towards the wolf.

'Old man?'

As Alex glanced down at the fox, the wolf was somehow unsurprised. He was still wearing the same uniform as yesterday, though he had his wounds cleaned properly and a couple of small bandages beneath his cheek fur.

'Nicholas. I presumed that you would wake up early. Concerned about the building's security?'

The fox nodded without hesitation.

'I just pictured Grenn dropping into our room, even though that should be impossible.'

The wolf was silent for a thoughtful moment. 'You can never be too prepared, boy. You wish to come with me? I have things to show you. This isn't the first time I've guarded this building, after all.'

'Oh yeah,' Nick said as his ears perked up, 'I almost forgot you were one of those Nightstalkers.'

'… Right now, I'm starting to question my decision to leave,' the wolf murmured, but squared his shoulders. 'Some new developments occurred while you were out of it. Follow me.'

The wolf immediately strode off to Nick's left, and the fox hurried after him. They went through a steel fire door, though Nick had to push through after the wolf went ahead, much to the fox's annoyance. After another, they were outside, and the early morning air was chilly. Nick took a moment to study the black metal railing beneath his feet; they were far enough off the ground that even a giraffe couldn't reach, but Nick wondered if a Razorback would be able to hook themselves to get up or something along those lines. Thankfully, as he looked up, the metal stairs were enclosed, and it seemed there was no opening large enough for a boar to squeeze through. There were also numerous, metal barbs on the outside to dissuade gripping and tampering.

Jeez, I wonder if the old man thought up that idea?

'Boy!'

Nick caught himself and hurried up the metal stairs, with Alex already several storeys higher than him.

By the time the fox got to the top, he doubled over and panted heavily. Counting the flights in his head, they had gone up at least ten floors. Alex, predictably, looked no different, as he waited for the fox to catch his breath.

When Nick finally raised his head, he realised there were two more large wolves dressed much the same as Alex was, and both were timberwolves that he estimated were the same age as Alex. They studied him inquisitively just as he studied them. The canines were standing on top of the second tower section, and he got quite a good view of Zootopia and the canyon beyond.

'Is this him?' The wolf on the right growled.

'If just a few stairs take that much out of him, I'm not sure he's up for it,' the other surmised.

Alex answered calmly. 'His condition has understandably deteriorated over the past weeks. You don't need me to elaborate on that.'

The two wolves averted their eyes from Nick for a moment as their gazes softened. Nick cleared his throat loudly.

'You want to elaborate on who your friends are, old man?' Nick said as he glanced between the three of them.

'I'm getting to that.' The wolf turned around and folded his arms, tipping his head to his colleagues one after the other. 'This is James, and Daniel. A couple of old war buddies, if you will.'

Nick looked at the wolf flatly. 'There was a war in Zootopia?'

James, whose fur was more on the brown side, laughed out loud. 'Oh Al, you think just living is a war.'

Daniel, whose fur was more on the grey side, also snickered. 'I hope you haven't corrupted this poor fox with your nihilistic delusions.'

'… Laugh it up, you two.'

Alex coughed uncomfortably before glancing down at Nick again. 'You likely guessed this already, but we three will be handling security until your business has come to an end.'

'Not to sound ungrateful, but…' Nick shifted uncomfortably. 'Can you three handle it? I remember a lot more wolves on duty during the Night Howler case.'

'True...' Daniel began, 'when they had to guard several more floors, and the captives being guarded were more or less large, violent predators. No doubt they needed just as much mammalpower to keep them in as keeping others out.'

'Fair enough.'

'Besides, if things go our way,' James continued, 'we'll have one more member of security today.'

After a brief pause, with all three wolves peering down at Nick, he coughed uncomfortably.

'Uh… It wouldn't be Bertha, would it?'

Alex stared for a second before bursting out laughing.

'Don't be ridiculous. She would much rather goof off or look over dangerous ledges than actually pay attention to security.'

Nick glanced away, the wolves clearly waiting on him. He knew immediately this was why Alex brought him up here.

'If you guys mean me… I'm not sure I can live up to your – admittedly flattering – expectations.'

'What makes you say that?' Alex said, after a moment's pause.

Nick took a moment to recall the car chase that left him face to face, if only briefly, with a pair of large boars. If not for Alex's intervention, he didn't know if they would have made it out. Most likely the Razorbacks would lock Nick up and…

He didn't want to think about what would've happened to Judy.

'I'm just a fox. Against boars, I can't do anything. Maybe if I had my police gear, but even then…' He sighed. 'I'm no match for them like you guys are.'

Daniel shook his head. 'You're selling yourself short, kid. We don't expect you to wrestle boars to the ground or anything. If there was one thing Grenn and Gilesby got right, is that mammals should play to their strengths. Trust us when we say your abilities as a fox are what we'd like to use. And your police training pretty much fits the bill for what we have in mind.'

Nick perked up a little at the encouragement, but he still hesitated, especially as he thought of what Gabby had in store for him and Judy. He also didn't immediately warm up to the idea of leaving Judy's side for long stretches of time.

'… I can't give you an answer right now. Let me think about it.'

The three wolves nodded in understanding. 'I expected as much,' Alex replied. 'However, if my hunch about that gazelle is correct, I'll be expecting an answer sooner rather than later.'

'No pressure, though,' James said with a gentler tone, 'since the Razorbacks have the media against them, and the last thing that hamster wants is more bad publicity than necessary.' He tipped his head thoughtfully. 'Though to be honest, I have no idea how he's supposed to spin this.'

'…I'm kind of curious myself,' Nick managed to say, 'even if I hate his guts, assuming he authorised all this.'

'I don't blame you,' Alex said shortly. 'In the meantime, you might want to return to your wife. Gabrielle will likely ask to see you both soon.'

Nick nodded thankfully and left the wolves to their work. Going back the way he came, he fought back the inevitable pit in his stomach as he looked down through the metal cage staircase, and made his way back to the bedroom.

Judy began to stir as a chilly sensation spread over the tips of her ears and feet, and she instinctively pulled the bed sheets over her while balling up her body. However, as she was already half awake, and reached forward, only to grasp empty air where Nick had been.

As she froze in momentary panic, she quickly remembered that the tod had gone to sleep early while she stayed up and played the Preystation for a couple of hours that night. She had been tired, but relaxed. She guessed that Nick was restless after waking up early and went to look around.

She lay there, musing over the frankly unbelievable past day or so; her joints began to ache as she grew restless herself. The rabbit sat up, images of the Razorbacks and colliding cars causing her to tense up.

Judy took care not to strain her belly too much as she slowly got out of bed, grinning as she heard Mary snoring as if it was any other day. Judy was surprised at how much more relaxed she was just having the old vixen around. It was probably why Gabby didn't object to her presence in the slightest. The rabbit's curiosity persisted, however, and Judy added it to the list of questions she already had for the gazelle.

She carefully changed into more comfortable clothes, including a blue jacket and thin trousers, and trying not to wake Mary, edged the door open. However, she stared as she saw Nick with a paw slightly raised as if to open the door himself.

'… Morning, fluff.'

Judy managed a small smile. 'Morning, handsome fox… though you do look worse for wear.'

Nick managed a grin and an overt sag of his shoulders. 'I'll say. The past couple of weeks haven't been kind to your dear old fox.'

Judy stepped closer and reached up to caress his cheek fur. Despite the dim lighting, she could tell his fur had lost some of its rich redness, though thankfully it was at least a tiny bit better than Thursday night.

'Did you manage to sleep properly?'

Nick gently reached up and squeezed her paw. 'Somehow, though I'm guessing it's just from the exhaustion.'

As the rabbit continued to watch, with a mixture of sadness and guilt, the tod shook his head.

'You don't need to apologize, Carrots. I told you already that I made a promise.'

'I know…' She sighed to herself. 'It still hurts to see, though.'

'Well, I promise that I'll try and take care of myself, okay? That goes for you too. Doctor's orders.'

Judy chuckled lightly. 'Well, I can play along if you like, "Doctor" Nick.'

'Oh.' Nick also chuckled. 'Heh…'

The rabbit tugged on his cheek fur a little as heat entered her cheeks, and Nick knelt down on one knee. After gently touching her belly, Nick pressed his forehead against hers, and they started kissing gently.

After a few seconds they broke the kiss, but only because they both felt a mischievous presence. As Nick opened his eyes, and looked up past Judy's shoulder, he groaned. Judy's ears perked up, also pink with embarrassment, and she turned around to see an old vixen wearing an incredibly smug grin in a white nightgown.

'Damn it, Mom!'

Mary cackled with self-satisfaction. 'Ooh, I had you both fooled with that snoring, didn't I? You two put on a better show, though.'

Nick pressed a palm to his forehead. 'You seriously need to understand the apparently alien concept of "reading the room". And we're not here for your entertainment!'

'Guuh… what's with all the noise?'

A door off behind Nick opened to reveal a dishevelled Finnick, yawning and rubbing his eyes. He was dressed in unassuming blue striped pyjamas, but he also had red marker drawn over his cheeks.

Mary snickered while Nick and Judy gazed on awkwardly. 'What's with that getup?'

The small vulpine gave her an annoyed look. 'I'm gonna assume you mean the makeup? Those two wolves, Dan and Jim, play a pretty mean game of poker. Still managed to win, though, but Jim gave me these,' – he waved his paws over his cheeks – 'as a "present" for winning. Not that I really mind, until you brought it up. Hag.'

Nick could see Judy giving him a knowing smile, and felt himself relax a little as well. It was strange but nice to see all the mammals assembled more or less getting along without their intervention.

The tod then got out his phone; the time read 6:50. It was still early, but from his mixed impressions of Gabby, he guessed she was probably up and about already. And there was a lot that he and Judy wanted to talk to her about.

'Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds, but Carrots and I have a doctor to see.'

At this, Mary adopted a serious expression along with Finnick.

'In that case… would you object to us joining you?'

Finnick nodded. 'Gotta say I'm kinda curious myself. Since most of the doctors you two've seen were assholes, you probably don't know the most basic thing about yer kid, do ya?'

Nick and Judy glanced at each other in thought, and realised he was right.

'Well… that's kind of the point, isn't it?' Judy said shortly, growing restless again. 'If you two want to join, I won't stop you. Gabby might, though.'

'… We'll see,' Nick said with a small sigh, remembering how easily Mary wormed her way in while the gazelle simply looked on.'Just another band-aid that needs to come off.'

It wasn't until Judy went to knock on the medical room door that they realised neither Finnick nor Mary had bothered to change. When she gave them a searching look, prompting Nick to notice the same thing, Finnick just shrugged. Mary then gently nudged them both forward as if they were going to school for the first time. 'Go on, don't be afraid.'

Judy simply sighed as she knocked. The response was prompt and sharp.

'Come in.'

Nick grimaced as his prediction about Gabby turned out to be correct. He and Judy then pushed the door open together.

The medical room looked somewhat different, as more furniture, bedsheets and general cleanliness meant the doctors had been busy in this room overnight. However, the same dialysis machine, the one that she was hinging her life on, was as mundane-looking as ever.

Mary raised a brow quizzically as she looked around. 'With all the hoopla the government raised about this place, I was expecting something much fancier.'

'Well… medical equipment tends to be far less mysterious when working with it for long enough.'

Gabby was sitting in an office chair against the distant wall, taking her glasses off for a wipe with a tissue. When she put them back on, she squinted at Finnick and Mary in particular.

'What is this, a slumber party?'

Mary shrugged, a cheeky smile spreading across her muzzle. 'Well, I'd like to think it would be.'

Nick's shoulders slumped as he sighed. 'Can you at least try to take this seriously, Mom?'

However, the gazelle continued to study the vixen thoughtfully, before exchanging a glance with Finnick.

'… I see. Perhaps you aren't as much of a fool as your first impression would suggest. However, it would be to everyone's benefit if you came clean, Mrs. Wilde.'

Nick regarded his mother doubtfully, but Judy gave the vixen a searching look.

'Alright, ya got me, doc,' she admitted. 'But I figure we want to make Judy's stay here as comfortable as possible, right? It's one reason a lot of mammals still prefer home births in this day and age, but obviously that isn't an option for you two.'

Judy's ears perked up. 'So that's why you brought the Preystation along with all that – that hubbub?'

Mary glanced at the rabbit gleefully. 'What'd you think? Did I get you relaxed, or what?'

'Well…' Judy glanced away awkwardly. 'That and a bit peeved at losing.'

Nick just stared at his mother for several seconds before chuckling awkwardly. 'Sometimes I forget there can be method to your madness.'

'… When I feel like it, I guess.'

Gabby and Finnick then coughed at the same time, the doctor gesturing to the hospital bed before her.

'Now, can we get on with why you came to see me? The bed is large enough for everyone, I assure you.'

Nick and Mary helped Judy up as all four smaller mammals sat next to each other on the surprisingly soft mattress. Gabby tapped her spectacles before she spoke.

'Now I want to do some basic tests. Check on your health, and that of your baby. I presume between all my colleague's conduct, you couldn't get that far?'

'…You would be right,' Nick said somewhat bitterly.

Gabby gave him a quick nod. However, she could see the questions ready to burst out from Nick and Judy especially.

'Is there anything you want to ask me before we start? I'd rather you not be too restless during the process.'

Nick was the first to speak, his voice breaking a little as he did.

'Just how did you get that machine in here in the first place? From what Ethan Hodge told me, the Council took it away from you, and I guessed they hid it away.'

Gabby took a moment to meet all of their searching gazes, including Finnick's.

'Ethan Hodge… now that is a name I made a concerted effort to forget. As well as Gregory Sunride.'

There was a moment of silence as Nick, Judy and Finnick regarded the gazelle sympathetically. Gabby was only silent for a moment before continuing.

'I can assume you three have at least heard of the messy details. Following that… ordeal, and contrary to what you may believe, I didn't immediately drop the problem. In fact, I obsessed over it.' She took a glance over at the dialysis machine with an unreadable expression. 'The Council did try to wrest this machine and all data associated with it, and while they eventually succeeded, I fought them tooth and nail for several weeks. Eventually, when I was stripped of my position and forced to relocate my dwindling assets, I gave up. They couldn't take the data I had hidden away for myself, however. And while I may not have noticed at the time, some colleagues of mine did.'

'… Madge,' Finnick said quietly, 'and Claire too.'

'Indeed,' Gabby said with a nod. 'They couldn't really help me then. Madge, however, did manage to let me know where the machine was after some time… but I no longer had the will to fight against the Council at that point.'

'So what changed?' Nick said, doubt once again creeping into his voice. 'This still feels really sudden.'

The doctor paused. For a split second, Nick spotted a glint of irrepressible hatred emanating from the gazelle, but it passed as her gaze fell on Finnick. 'Perhaps you should ask your friend sitting next to you.'

Nick and Judy then stared hard at Finnick, who averted his gaze from them and ground his jaw uncomfortably.

'Finn…' Judy started, 'is this what you were doing after I found Nick?'

'And just what kind of hoops are you jumping through for our sakes?'

Nick's concerned tone seemed to put Finnick on edge, causing the fennec to shift uncomfortably.

'Look… trust me when I say that it's better you don't know. If I told you now, it would just be a distraction. If… if things go fine for yer kid, then maybe we can talk about it.'

After a few long seconds of silence, Gabby nodded.

'I am inclined to agree.'

Judy studied Finnick for a while longer, but ultimately with everything he had done for them over the past 24 hours, she was willing to put it aside for now. Nick glanced over at his mother, who was gazing at the fennec with a pained look that he hadn't seen for decades.

They're serious.

'… Alright Finn, we'll trust you.' Judy then wagged a finger at him to be met with an off-put tan vulpine. 'But when this is over, we are definitely talking about it.'

Nick could only watch the rabbit worriedly until Gabby moved the conversation along. If you are still around, Carrots…

'Now – Hopps. Your husband being present is a given. However… Are you comfortable with Mrs. Wilde and the foulmouth present during these tests? As well as the discussions going forward? They will no doubt be of a sensitive nature.'

Judy bowed her head for a moment in thought, before she nodded.

'I am.'

Gabby stood up, preparing to gather medical tools from the desk also against the wall.

'Good. Then let's get started. We've all had appropriate training in the midwife field, so you needn't be concerned with our competence.'

The gazelle then proceeded to measure Judy's heartbeat and blood pressure. After that, they all had a break for a quick breakfast, mainly cereal and toast from the living area, where Claire and Madge assisted with organising the utensils. Judy then asked Gabby if her parents were allowed to visit, and the gazelle agreed, provided they were comfortable with having a wolf escort. After Judy and Nick found Alex and confirmed it with him, Judy sent Bonnie and Stu the information via text.

Then the fox and rabbit returned to the medical room, as they prepared for an ultrasound, which Nick and Judy were especially nervous about. The doctors prepped by bringing in another machine with an attached monitor, as well as a scanner.

They had Judy lay back in the bed while the vulpines sat on chairs against the opaque glass wall, with Madge gently coating Judy's belly and pelvic area with conductor gel and Gabby running the scanner over her fur. All of them watched the screen light up with an outline of the baby soon forming. As they got the full picture however… there seemed to be two bodies, with the image somewhat overlapping them both.

'… Does that mean what I think it is…?' Mary said with an edge of concern.

Gabby nodded. 'Indeed. There are two.' She frowned and gripped her chin in thought.

'So we're talkin' "kids", not kid?' Finnick managed to say. '…Shit.'

'Well, to be fair…' Judy said, trying to stay positive, 'being a rabbit, something like this is considered tame in comparison.'

Gabby nodded, but she pursed her muzzle. 'As the foulmouth so… eloquently put it, this is a complication. However, this was not an unforeseen outcome. I was prepared to make adjustments if needed.' She glanced away for a moment. 'The best-case scenario would have been just one rabbit, but that would always be somewhat unrealistic. Now as to what the babies "are", I have an inkling…'

Madge continued to run the scanner while Claire and Gabby began to study the images while examining them against other images on a separate monitor. Nick and Judy quickly picked up; they were comparing the images against past images, though it didn't take them long to figure it out.

'One's a rabbit, the other a fox,' Gabby said finally. 'Though at this stage, I can't say whether they would be completely normal representatives of their respective species.'

Everyone in Judy's group was silent as they processed the information, and after waiting a few seconds, Claire continued.

'We also believe that the fox is a girl, and the rabbit a boy,' the zebra said with an encouraging smile, 'if you maybe want to start thinking about names.'

Nick, somewhat choked up, managed to speak. 'A boy and a girl, huh? Heh… isn't that something…'

While Judy watched her husband, itching to reach out and comfort him, Mary took up the slack and rubbed her son's back.

'I can think of plenty for the girl. Buuut probably best to ask Judy's folks on the boy.'

The tod managed to swallow his trepidation enough to smile and nod. 'You actually said something smart for once. Who are you, and what have you done with my dear mother?'

Finnick managed a light chuckle. 'C'mon, cut her some slack once in a while.'

Gabby tapped on the side of the monitor. 'I also want to bring to your attention their size. The normal gestation period for a European rabbit is around four weeks. A red fox, however, is usually fifty days, or around seven weeks. If I stretch it to the best case, the rabbit could go up to 35 days, and the fox 49 days. That is, at minimum, a two-week gap.'

'… You're talking about one being premature, and the other being post term,' Judy said.

Gabby nodded. 'Provided they are born successfully, I foresee the fox at least, having some health complications. Then again…' She glanced back at the monitor. 'Conventional wisdom would say that this kind of pregnancy should be impossible. So I would not concern yourselves over this too much.'

She leaned back in her chair for a moment. 'I do have to mention that having a C-section is an option, however... Based on my previous attempt, the baby being a different species exponentially increased the risk of internal bleeding, especially if the baby is overly stimulated. In layman's terms, that would introduce even more complications than we can afford.'

The fox and rabbit pair nodded grimly after a short pause.

'What would be the best time to prepare, then?' Nick asked anxiously. 'Just so we can get an idea of when… labour starts, and that sort of thing.'

'Well, the longer, the better,' Gabby said, 'but practically speaking, somewhere around five weeks – so three weeks from now.'

'That gives us a time frame at least,' Finnick remarked.

'Three weeks in this place?' Mary said to herself, making no effort to keep her voice down. 'Then I definitely need to get this place in tip-top shape.'

Nick sighed, his tense joints loosening up. 'You're not gonna start putting up posters everywhere, are you?'

'Well, what does the doc say?' The vixen turned her gaze upon the doctor. 'Any boundaries to set, or can I go ballistic on the walls here?'

'… Feel free to do what you want for the living area,' Gabby said, mouth twitching in amusement, 'but anything in here, you need to go through Hopps first. No tampering with my equipment, either.'

Mary pouted with glistening eyes, which elicited a groan from Nick and Finnick.

'Ah, the sacrifices I make for my daughter-in-law.'

There was another groan, but this time it was from several of their stomachs.

'When did you last eat?' Mary said with concern, as only she and Gabby had no reaction.

Judy checked her phone. 'Nearly lunchtime – it's been that long already?'

With that, Gabby stood up and strode over to her desk. 'Now would be a good time for a break. Wilde, Hopps, I expect you back here by 2 PM sharp. There are some more tests I want to get out of the way.' She turned to glance at the TV barely visible through the glass. 'I would suggest you tune in to the news – I believe the mayor is holding a conference soon.'

The group consisting of Madge, Alex, the foxes and Judy, used the oven in the living area for a simple lunch of cricket and vegetable pies. The TV was set to the ZNN, with various pundits discussing through face pop-ups their own thoughts on what had happened, and their predictions on Gilesby's response.

Some were very much on the mayor's side, with them trying to push the narrative that Grenn and the Razorbacks were very much justified in trying to stop them, but when pressed on exactly what Nick and Judy were doing in the asylum, they either feigned ignorance or genuinely had little idea.

Sometimes the conversation turned to the possibility that Judy was pregnant with Nick's child, which some medical professionals called in to weigh in if this was even possible. Those that said it was impossible admitted they had little data to work with. However those that said it shouldn't be possible were trying to convince everyone else that Judy was pregnant by another rabbit, with no explanation as to why she would be pursued by Council security if that was the case.

They spotted Dr. Franklin as one of the speakers, though he reserved judgement, as well as the oryx doctor. Overall, those that Nick and Judy guessed were on their side were holding their opinion's back, though whether that was to wait for Gilesby's stance or not, they couldn't say.

The discussion began to die down as the Mayor was observed by ZNN cameras, walking past the audience in Zootopia City Hall. The hamster proved difficult to spot, as well as his assistant, but the audience's own heads followed the hamster's path. Nick couldn't help but notice that Linnalo was almost stone-faced, in contrast to the weasel's normal demeanour. He also spotted a few wolf guards, but only one Razorback: Emma. The female pig kept shooting nasty glares at the mayor from the entrance, with her partner Cal on the other side of the door.

There was an air of disquiet, anger and confusion. The hamster didn't flinch as the cameras began to flash, instead maintaining a dignified pose as he stood up at the lectern, and the audience fell silent.

'Let me get right to the point. The ZNN, and by extension, most of Zootopia, have likely gotten wind of the unfortunate situation up at the Meadowland facility. Before I answer any questions, I will share with you what I know so far: the Security chief, Ralor Grenn, received a tip-off that Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, along with an accomplice of theirs, departed to the asylum for the purposes of unleashing a biological weapon upon Zootopia.'

This sent a wave of discussion about the audience, but one in the front row put her hand up. She was a porcupine with a black collared shirt, and the camera shifted to another to see her cold gaze upon the mayor. The crowd fell silent as Gilesby pointed at her.

'Mayor Gilesby – Muriel Quilda here. Can you provide information on exactly what this "biological" weapon is? From my own sources, that facility has been largely unused except for medical research.'

'I'm afraid I cannot answer that, as I have no information on the specifics,' The white hamster answered.

A beaver raised his paw for another question. 'Mayor Gilesby, medical experts are saying that Judy Hopps is possibly pregnant from Nick Wilde. How is this possible?'

This sent another wave of heated back and forth among the audience, but Gilesby frowned and cleared his throat.

'I'm afraid I cannot comment on such matters without a medical examination from an expert, and Judy Hopps is in no position to be examined at the moment.'

The next question was from a female oryx. 'Sir, if this is a threat, why has the ZPD not mobilised to arrest them?'

'I'm afraid Chief Bogo has refused all of my requests to investigate the matter. Rest assured I fully intend to re-examine his–'

The porcupine interrupted. 'With all due respect, sir, what evidence is there of Grenn's claim? Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps have been high-performing officers, and detectives, for three years. Them suddenly deciding to turn on Zootopia makes no sense.'

'I'm afraid I cannot divulge classified information on city-wide security.'

There were several scoffs in the audience.

'Another question, then, Mayor,' Quilda continued as the hamster remained silent, 'why did your other Council security head arrest Grenn? Are you losing control of your own security force?'

'He is under house arrest at the moment,' the hamster admitted begrudgingly, 'as Commander Maxwell was not advised his own members were part of Grenn's operation.'

None of the reporters looked satisfied, with Quilda especially folding her arms and staring ahead coldly. Gilesby concluded the proceeding with a bow of his wide head.

'I am afraid I must draw this conference to a close, but rest assured I will step up to answer more questions as this situation develops.'

The audience devolved into arguments and discussions amongst themselves, and the news anchors and pundits soon resumed their discussions.

'Well, that felt… oddly satisfying,' Judy finally said. 'Nice to see I'm not the only one who can't handle conferences.'

'To be fair,' Nick remarked, 'he didn't make any real blunders. But his whole council has wormed themselves into a hole. That porcupine really seemed after his blood.'

Madge nodded to herself. 'I wouldn't say I trust her, but she was pretty fair and impartial when she came to interview Lionheart and I, way back when.'

'I'll be keeping my eye out for that one,' Alex growled. 'As I'm guessing those reporters are gonna come knocking on our door.' His shoulders sagged. 'Uggh… I hate dealing with the press.'

Finnick nodded up at the wolf emphatically. 'You and me both, buddy.'

'I wouldn't mind answering her questions, if it came to it…' Judy said to herself.

Nick, however, shook his head.

'I'm gonna have to draw a line there, Carrots. Even if we have three weeks, I don't want you to worry about any of this political crap. You don't need to answer to them; to be honest, I hate the idea of anyone, even an honest reporter, spinning our situation to push some agenda. We have bigger things to worry about now.'

Judy glanced at her husband, and while she knew his heart was in the right place, this was the long-term future for predator-prey couples they were talking about.

'Nick,' Judy replied with scrutiny, 'part of the reason I didn't want to abort was for this…"agenda".'

The fox nodded, his ears drooping sadly. 'I know, but if taking part in this leads to the whole of Zootopia throwing fire at you… I don't want to think about how that would affect the kids.'

Judy opened her mouth, but couldn't argue that point, as her own ears drooped at the thought.

'In case you two forgot,' Finnick barked, 'there are other mammals that can step up to do that. I mean, I could.'

Claire raised her head to smile down at them. 'So would I.'

Nick and Judy looked around at them with surprise, then gratitude.

Mary, however, looked offended. 'What about me?'

There was an awkward pause, before Finnick chortled mockingly.

'Hahaha! No.'

Madge raised a finger. 'They're going to want facts, and unfortunately you wouldn't be able to… articulate them very well. Though I suppose you can say something like "I'm here to divvy up the place" and that would be more or less harmless.'

'Well, that is why I'm here,' Mary agreed.

'Madge and I can answer medical questions,' Claire said, 'though I might need Madge and Gabby to interject on some matters.'

The honey badger's face fell. 'Uggh… fine, but Gabby might not cooperate.'

Claire answered with a knowing smile. 'Don't worry; I have my ways of dealing with her.'

Nick and Judy spotted Alex leaving the room without a word, while everyone else was more or less discussing or moving on to their own work. Judy quietly tipped towards Nick on the couch, facing Mary especially.

'I wonder sometimes why you objected to Mary coming to live with us.'

Nick whispered back, but smirked despite himself.

'Are you kidding? This is only a taste of the havoc she would wreak on our place.'

'Yeah, but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.'

Judy paused and looked around at the others.

'It's loud and chaotic… but it's… nice. Reminds me of the burrows back home.'

Nick found himself studying Finnick, who was discussing media plans with the doctors in the room. He frowned, an odd gutted sensation coming over him.

'Nick?'

He shrugged to himself. 'I dunno, I just got a funny feeling. Probably has something to do with what the big guy's still hiding from us.'

Judy nodded, but leaned into the tod and rubbed his arm. 'I know, but I still trust him enough to let him decide when he wants to tell us.'

Nick managed a smile. 'Yeah – me too.'

Finnick and Mary joined the pair for the afternoon tests, which were somewhat more uncomfortable than the morning ones. Much of it was done in the very back of the medical room in the closed back section. By this point, the three foxes trusted the gazelle enough to give Judy some privacy for the more invasive ones, especially when it came to swabs and urine samples. The rabbit wasn't always sure if the tests were completely for her benefit, as she got the sense that the gazelle was also gathering data for predator-prey pregnancies in general. When Gabby clarified that this was indeed true, Judy gladly allowed more tests so long as they wouldn't affect her health.

After the gazelle was done, the doctor sat them all down and detailed a schedule for Judy, which consisted of weekly tests, but also periods of free time where she would be allowed to roam the facility, but would have to clear it with the wolves if she wanted to go outside at any point. As it was, leaving the premises was still out of the question, as they couldn't be sure the Razorbacks wouldn't have some members still at large in the three weeks they had left.

The more Nick knew about the schedule, the more he realised he had little idea of what he should be doing in regards to Judy, to the point where he flat out blurted the question towards the end.

'So what should I be doing?'

The others glanced at him for a moment, Finnick and Mary looking confused, Judy concerned, and Gabby dismissive.

'Whatever you believe will be the best for your mental health,' she said plainly. 'It's not up to me to decide that for you, however.'

Nick bowed his head, his thoughts immediately darting back to the three wolves on the rooftop. '… I guess the wolves had a point.'

Judy's ears perked up. 'Wolves?'

Nick then found his thoughts wandering to exactly what kind of duties he would be performing under those three. He initially felt nervous, but he had to admit part of him, especially of his younger self, found the prospect of working directly under hardcore military wolves to be exciting.

'Helloooo…?' Finnick droned. 'Earth to stupidhead.'

Nick blinked and then faced the fennec with a self-satisfied smirk. 'I'll have you know I am using my brain to its fullest, thank you very much.'

'Care to elaborate, slick?' Judy said with a smile, but he detected a hint of concern behind her purple eyes.

'I've got some stuff to sort out, Carrots,' he said. 'I'd like it to be a surprise, though.'

'Oh?' Mary and Gabby said curiously.

As Judy continued to study him, her concern now apparent, he maintained his smile. 'Let me put it this way, Carrots. What would make you feel better – me sitting here all the time twiddling my thumbs, or going out and doing some work around the building?'

That seemed to convince the rabbit a little. 'Depends on the work.'

Nick slowly shrugged before glancing at his phone – 4:32pm. 'Tell you what, I'll catch up to you at dinner, alright?'

Judy sighed, as she could see Nick was getting some of his old self back. 'Alright. Just don't get lost or anything.'

'Same to you, fluff.'

The rabbit and gazelle glanced at him flatly, but this did nothing to stow Nick's mild giddiness as he left the room and went to the front door.

James was on duty for the afternoon, but when Nick announced his acceptance to their offer, the wolf gleefully arranged for Daniel to take over the front door. The brown furred wolf led him to the tallest building's rooftop while showing Nick some of the patrol routes that they used. When they met Alex at the top, they all went back down to the ground floor's storeroom, where the Nightstalkers kept spare equipment. During this time, James made it no secret that he was planning on taking more breaks with Nick around, though Alex paid little attention to his ribbing.

The red vulpine was surprised as they immediately found some equipment in his size, and when he brought it up, Alex said that Nightstalkers didn't only employ wolves, and that he was not the first fox to work with them.

Still, Nick only had a choice between two different sets, but after a quick dust off, he found himself trying on a black and blue military uniform with an equipment harness that made his police outfit feel half-baked in comparison. Thankfully, his unwilling training via giant metal doors meant he adjusted to the weight comfortably as he moved about.

The fox was quickly drawn to a full body mirror, likely used for examining injuries, and couldn't help admiring his reflection. The previous fox also had the fashion sense to have shades, and as Nick tried them on, he couldn't help but smirk as he stood there.

Wow, Mr. Fox – you're lookin' sharp.

Alex, however, was less than amused.

'Wipe that smirk off your face!' The wolf folded his arms. 'Our job is to lock down the facility, not audition for a beauty pageant.'

Nick waved a paw dismissively. 'Come on old man, lighten up. Just think of it as moral support. I mean, such a good-looking fox for a husband is bound to put a smile on my missus' face.'

Alex raised a brow, confused, but James laughed out loud.

'It would certainly help to keep the ladies happy.' He rolled his eyes at the pale wolf next to him. 'Honestly, with how dense you are, I wonder how Bertha can stand you.'

'Urrrrgh… Fine.'

Alex threw his paws up as he started running Nick through all his items and what they were for, most notably a taser and hand radio to report any suspicious movements.

The old wolf also ran through their daily schedule, which started at 5 AM in the morning. While Nick was expecting something like that, it still stung a little, but was willing to try and adjust his sleep schedule just for the next few weeks until Judy was ready to give birth.

Alex then led Nick back up to the top where they did some patrolling together, with the wolf pointing out the most used points of entry by intruders. However, it also involved simply sitting and watching, and as Nick got a pattern down, his thoughts began to wander a little, but he stowed them away for later when he was off duty. It was odd how much of this came naturally to him, but as he began counting in his head, he realised he and Judy were often top priority when it came to security details, especially at night, alongside the heavyweights like Francine or Delgato.

As such, he felt pretty good by the time he was off duty, as Alex seemed pleased with his performance, at least as the grizzled old wolf would show. Nick, still smirking, knocked on the medical room door, after checking the other rooms. Claire and Madge were initially surprised to see him that uniform, but he could tell both of them were a bit flustered before they directed him to see the others in the medical room.

As the group turned to him coming in, Mary and Finnick studied his uniform with surprise, then approval. Judy smiled brightly, and he could see her ears redden at the sight of him. Gabby, however, was the only one who didn't react, as if she'd fully expected him to do exactly what he'd just done.

'So I see you've joined the gung-ho military club?' she said. 'Well, I did say "mental health", so I suppose that's acceptable.'

'"Acceptable" isn't really the word I'm looking for,' Nick said as he walked up to Judy, the rabbit sitting in the hospital bed, and his smirk adopting a suggestive edge. 'Is there another word you'd use, Carrots?'

Judy couldn't help but fumble her paws a little, in that adorable way Nick was all-too familiar with. 'I was going to say "reckless", but you look so good in that getup I couldn't bring myself to say it.'

Nick chuckled to himself. 'Well, hopefully this perked you right up, fluff, since I'm gonna be wearing it a lot in the coming weeks.'

As the fox and rabbit held a heated gaze, Gabby cleared her throat.

'While it would normally be a non-issue for normal couples, I would recommend against sexual intercourse during this pregnancy.'

Nick's confident bravado crumbled in an instant, as his eyes went wide and ears flattened. Judy squeaked and started with embarrassment. Mary was wearing a shit-eating grin, and Finnick sounded like he was going to throw up.

'Gabs! Could yeh put that anymore bluntly?'

The gazelle eyed the fennec flatly, adopting a mocking tone.

'I'm sorry, are these words too much for your delicately large ears?'

As the pair began to devolve into an argument, Nick inched closer to Judy, attempting to regain his composure. Judy couldn't help but smile as she slowly took his shades off, and stroked his cheek fur.

'Well, it certainly gotten lively in here, huh?'

Nick smiled and nodded. 'Well, this is going to be our lives for the next three weeks, so we might as well get used to it.'

They remained there, satisfied for the moment, as they listened to Gabby and Finnick's bickering, Mary still wearing her stupid grin.