What is Going On?
Tundratown was at first glance looking as it normally did.
Shops were filled with shoppers seeking deals or specific items, cafes with lines of customers waiting their turn to order food and drink, and young mammals out on the central ice rink skating and having fun. Cart vendors moving around the perimeter selling hot chocolate, warm cider of various fruits, hot coffee and tea of various sorts, and hot sandwiches wrapped in foil-lined paper wrapping. Taxis and Zuber ride-share moved customers to and fro throughout the district. Everything appeared normal, on the surface.
But a closer look showed the cracks in a civilized society.
Certain mammals elbowed others or physically shoved them out of their way. An occasional brute would cut in line, the waiting customers unwilling or unable to correct the situation. Gang of teens catcalling to some female they found attractive; their lack of manners showed. A mammal accosting a cashier; apparently demanding something it claimed was its right to have. One group of mammals was having a strong verbal disagreement with another group; each claiming they were in the right. Overall it seemed an air of disrespecting your fellow citizen had settled upon the district.
Zootopia Police Department was there to restore the calm. Not necessarily to the satisfaction of all involved.
A group of polar bears moved through the crowd, everyone instantly recognized and swiftly moved out of their way. It wasn't just because they were the apex predators in this district; it was who their employer was. Soon they entered into a gated estate with polar bear guards; and then they entered into a Victorian-style home. It was multi-level in more ways than one, spacious rooms everywhere. One could be excused for not knowing whose home this was if they went by the size of the rooms alone; clearly this building was built for large mammals such as these bears. But the family that lived here for generations were anything but large; the home was built large on purpose to deceive as well as for the comfort of the guards.
The group split up and went to their normally assigned spaces, leaving just the large bear and two others moving down the hallway, down a flight of stairs, and then into an office. Koslov put his boss and best friend, Mr. Big, down at his usual spot. Raymond put Fru Fru down beside her father. The two rodents brushed the snow off their clothes and stepped to the edge of the table where the radiant heat from the fireplace warmed their bodies. The three bears were standing on either side, also warming their paws briefly before stepping away to a satisfying distance.
"Daddy, are we really going to follow through with the assignment?"
"My child, we must get together with the Godmother and make plans that will satisfy the Dark Council while minimizing injuries."
His daughter smiled, and then remained quiet as her father laid out his basic idea what should happen. Small bombs would be placed in various public places and detonated, each bomb just powerful enough to spray the area with minimal amount of shrapnel. This would pacify the objectives of the Dark Council while minimizing the risk to loss of life. The Big Family had always detested killing solely for killing's sake, but influencing mammals to purchase protection... this was acceptable. Unlike other crime families, smaller criminal organizations, and the Criminal Syndicate... it didn't actively seek it nor unjustly raise the amount. That was a sign of greed, and the ancient books warned against using greed to fill one's pockets. Sooner or later this greed would lead to the mammal's own downfall.
Judy was 24yrs old and Nick was 32 when she graduated from the Academy and solved the Nighthowler Case with his help. She turned 25 and Nick was 33 shortly after he graduated from the Academy when they started dating. She was 26 and Nick was 34 when they underwent the trial before the Council of Elders, of which they were found to be in a genuine relationship. Today she will soon be 27 and he will be 35. Even though they had been declared as married by the Council of Elders upon being declared in a Genuine relationship, their actual wedding ceremony was almost a year later. In their honor the council lit a very big candle; it was as tall as a jackrabbit's ears from the ground and took two rabbits to reach around it. Candle of Eternal Love symbolizes longevity of the couple's love and burned slowly for an entire week.
Very few rabbits lit more than one such candle; normally widows and widowers that remarried, which in these modern days were almost never happened. Judy was one of a very rare few to light two such candles. As much as she wanted to purchase it herself, tradition dictated both set of parents shared the cost. Their first honeymoon was when they departed the council's estate shortly after being declared in a genuine relationship and Nick's proposal. The second honeymoon was after their official marriage ceremony; this was spent doing several things, mostly visiting relatives on both sides of the family as this was a rabbit tradition. In this case it also was a necessity: they had to go with Nick's elder aunt to the nearest Vulpine Embassy and officially change the ownership registration for the jewelry set Judy received as a wedding gift. By now Judy was accustomed to Nick's female relatives being head-over-heels crazy about her. By this time Nick learned how to gently coax his relatives off of his wife so she could breathe.
Her Best Friend and one-year younger sister Evelin had shared her wedding day. Actually it had been a busy month for the Hopps Family. Her older sisters Jill, Jenny, and Jane had all gotten engaged and since they are littermates decided to share the same day. Judy's littermates Clara and Flowers, and Evelin's littermates Mia and Valentina, all four sisters were engaged and agree to wed on same day. However conflicts arose with their fiancé's work schedules; so it was decided Clara and Flowers would wed before Mia and Valentina.
All nine sisters wound up having their weddings spaced a week apart over a month's time frame starting on the first Saturday: Jill, Jenny, and Jane went first. Judy and Evelin were next on the second weekend. Clara and Flowers had theirs on the third weekend followed by Mia and Valentina on the fourth Saturday. The Hopps Family was certainly going through a boom; the Hopps grandparents wondered if some of these should be spaced a little further apart. Sure it made sense economically, but rabbit does' dreamed of having one day special. Thankfully it was a tradition for Lapins to share wedding days.
Did only one Candle of Eternal Love was purchased for each weekend wedding? No, each doe had her own. In this case the grandparents pitched-in on the cost, both families enjoyed seeing two or three candles burning together in a meadow near the Hopps main burrow. The Hopps farm, being quite big was a logical place to have these weddings; it allowed the sheer size of all family members and friends to attend without being cramped, unless you were the one sitting next to a large mammal.
One of the conditions for passing the trial by the Council of Elders was to get married within 6-cycles of the moon. Although the council itself proclaimed them immediately as Married in their eyes, she was allowed to have her own marriage ceremony. Nick properly proposed to her almost immediately upon conclusion of the trial, and placed the Family Heirloom on her finger; an ancient engagement ring last worn by her Great-grandmother Warren, and since Judy was Councilor Elizabeth's favorite granddaughter it was determined she would receive this ring. Luckily not every doe wanted these rings; the responsibility not to damage it or lose it was something of a stressor. This ring also met Judy's job requirement that any ring not protrude or become an entanglement hazard. Still, Judy always put it in her locker at work before going on duty, and retrieved it afterwards.
Their parents were slightly disappointed Judy was not pregnant by now; Judy was not and quite content remaining kit-cubless. It wasn't for lack of trying, as the pharmacy receipts for anti-soreness medicine for genitals proved refills were recently purchased. She still had a goal to reach; making the rank of Detective before starting her own family. Then there was the medication mandated by ZPD upper chain of command; every officer was needed, so birth control procedures were implemented until the crisis was over.
Today Judy was enjoying her time off by going to Little Judy's birthday party. She was still in her ZPD uniform and decided to come right over soon as her shift was over. It was annoying being 12-on / 12-off, but much more preferred than the other rotation schemes. Melissa Leporidae, Mr. Big's secretary and Janice Rosenberg, a medical student were there; both of these does' were survivors of the Longears Abduction case and close friends of Judy because of it. Also present were several of Little Judy's relatives from her father's family; her mother's side had few remaining living. At the moment the birthday shrew was busy shredding the colorful wrapping paper off one of her many presents.
"I hope you like it" one of her aunts said as the little kit tried on the pretty dress.
"Thank You!" the kit said as she hugged the shrew with all her might.
Next was the gift from Janice. The little kit stopped halfway through, not because the wrapping was too difficult, but because the young doe was slowly nodding off. Little Judy scampered onto the rabbit and gently pulled a blanket onto her. Then gave a peck on the cheek and quietly scampered back to the gift, resuming tearing the wrapping off it. Upon noticing it was a Barbie and Ken *Let's be a doctor* play house complete with action figures, the little kit silently mouthed *Thank You* to the now-snoring doe.
Judy and Melessa giggled as quietly as they could. Fru Fru and her husband watched from a corner of the room, obviously quite proud their daughter was displaying good manners. Mr. Big was watching from another corner, carefully observing his granddaughter. Fru Fru was nervous; she knew he was evaluating Little Judy. If the kit didn't pass his scrutiny, then he would unceremoniously ice his only granddaughter. Such was the importance of properly training the next generation of the Family Business.
Little Judy scampered over to her grandfather and curtsied before him. "How did I do, Pop-pops? Did I pass?"
Mr. Big picked up his granddaughter and kissed her cheek. "My child, it isn't a matter of simply passing, it is learning good manners. As my granddaughter, everyone will judge our family by the behavior of each one of us. If one behaves inappropriately, it will seem as if that is how we allow everyone to behave. We are teaching you the beginning steps. Soon you will learn much harder ones. But for now, go and open your remaining gifts. But I wonder if your godmother's gift involves handcuffs."
His arm was quickly slapped by his wife and a disapproving glare directed his way. Ziva Big was not to be messed with; proper manners were important, even for Mr. Big.
Nick had just entered the room; he chuckled as softly as he could at Mr. Big's remark. This earned him a raised eyebrow from the Arctic Shrew. "Mr. Big, sir... I can attest there is no such thing as that as the gift. Maybe a gift for... *OOOF!*"
It was obvious that Judy's elbow had hit him in the side. All the adults chuckled, including Mr. Big.
"Nickolas, I am relieved knowing that isn't her gift. Let's watch Little Judy open her remaining gifts without further comments, shall we?" Ziva Big said.
As Vito Big's wife she controlled which gift Little Judy opened next. Since Grandmama Big death, she was in charge of ensuring the guards were properly fed, not that she had to cook it herself; there were chiefs hired just for this. Ever since Gideon Grey's pastries were discovered by her husband during the Wilde-Hopps trial, she made a point to order enough pastries each day so the guards would have dessert and a snack. If the fox didn't have an ingredient to complete an order, she would have some sent over; the cost of it deducted from the price, of course.
The remaining gifts were opened in short order. Big Judy's gift was a miniaturized police outfit, complete with plastic things resembling proper police gear that could be removed from the belt. A gold plastic shield above the upper left chest stated *Officer Judy, 007 ZPD Precinct*. Melessa's gift was briefcase with everything necessary to be a secretary, including a carrot recorder-pen.
"Don't worry about the recorder pen, sir. There's a chipset inside that will not allow your voice to be recorded, only her voice. And the memory module is limited to how much can actually be recorded. As she matures, this can be upgraded to suit her needs and you can determine what functions are upgraded. It's meant to help her with homework. OPSEC at all times."
The birthday cake was an interesting oat-barley type, its icing was that normally put on carrot cake. Little Judy loved that icing, it was her favorite. Giddeon Grey made a similar one for the non-rodents, including candles for Little Judy to blow out.
"Birth cakes should always have candles, even if they are the second cake" he had said as he watched the little rodent blow out this second set of candles, and eat part of this cake the baker-fox had cut for her. Mrs. Big allowed this cake to be eaten by the guards; at least those who wished to have a piece. Once his bodyguard and best friend, Koslov gave his approval, the remaining guards each had a piece. Soon thereafter all presents were gathered up and put away, including the birthday-kit who was tucked into her bed with her parents saying a silent prayer over their sleeping bundle of joy.
"Well, that's one down in the record book" Nick said nonchalant. Judy rewarded him with a long smooch on his muzzle.
"Thank you for the assist, foxtrot. Just remember that when it is our cubs and kits shredding the packages."
Nick gave her a long but gentle hug, letting his hips press against hers. "Sure thing, Fluff. Now exactly how many are we expecting?"
Judy had a twinkle in her eyes. "Oh I don't know. Six or eight, probably as many as twelve or fourteen."
She enjoyed the momentary look of terror upon his face, knowing he grew up an only cub. Thus he had no reference how to handle multiple young ones. Evelin, her best friend and one—year younger sister, had promised to be one of several godparents to their young, just as she and Nick were already pledged as godparents to hers. Actually, her littermates and Evelin's littermates were pledged as godparents to each one's litters.
"Oh C'mon Nick... we aren't expecting this soon. I was just pulling your chain. I promise to make it up to you when we get home."
The fox was relieved but still feeling the ending twitches of the panic attack. He knew how she preferred to apologize, and it usually ended with both out of energy.
"Ok you lovebirds, enough of that!" Melissa said as she grinned towards the fox-bunny couple. "Can you tell us the latest what's happening out there?"
"I can tell you, and it ain't pretty" Janice said as she looked toward her new friend, having awaken from nodding-off. "Assaults against the ZPD are up and nobody knows who the ringleader is, much less the mastermind."
"Miss Janice, while you are not privy to the specifics... I will allow you a small hint to the general. The attacks are the result of my former colleagues. If I tell you any more, you will become their next target. I hope this will satiate your questions."
Janice knew her limited access to this crime lord's family rested solely on circumstance, her friendship with both the godmother and the secretary in their shared experience when all three were abducted and held prisoner in that god forsaken burrow. Only the godmother was spared the horrors of being impregnated and watching her first litter die soon after birth. It was a wonderful tonic to her soul being with these former abductees as they went through counseling together.
"Thank you, Mr. Big. While I don't completely understand, it will be enough for now."
"My child, when the time is right I will allow you to know more. Our success rests in resisting and ultimately beating my former colleagues. We will never beat the evil that rests inside the heart, but we can defeat their current plans."
Judy and Nick said their good nights and headed to the guest room Mr. Big assigned to them. Ziva went with them, making sure the couple was satisfied with the sheets, comforters, blankets, and special sweets in the dish on the nightstand.
Abigail Canny, aka: the nursemaid, had plans for these young vixens. One would rise to replace that sorry excuse for a Godfather; the other would be used to lure her true father out in the open. If the stain upon Vulpine society was not removed, the repercussions would be dire. Not only was she a member of the Outback Isles Mafia, but in recent months she discovered another group whose ideas she had an affinity for. Since the death of the godfather who she loyally served, she was looking for something else to dedicate her life once her duties to these young vixens were completed. The Servants of Truth fit the bill just perfect.
The nursemaid was about to say something more when she was unceremoniously pushed aside. In walked a rabbit that seemed as if it crawled through a trash heap, clearly not caring how he just treated the vixen.
"Peace to you, Grandfather Carl Wintersprite. And to you, Grandmother Kimberly Wintersprite" the elder rabbit said as he bowed to the old foxes.
"Peace to you, too, Priest of Mother Nature" the grandparents replied.
"We have been alerted to your conundrum, and have consulted Mother Nature herself. Your granddaughter is expressing her psychic abilities; a trait coming forth at such a young age signifies a strong connection to the other world beyond mortal senses."
"Priest... tell us, who is this other she speaks about?"
"It is her true father. Though she has never met him, she senses he is in grave danger."
"We know of their father; he was killed as was their mother... our daughter."
"Only one of the fathers was killed. I was sent to prepare her... and your family... for who he truly is. It is not a simple uttering of words; because he is not aware of his offspring. This was kept from him, in hopes these two would share a proper family and therefore a stable life."
The elder foxes now understood. Their eyes now turned towards the nursemaid, who now had a grin upon her muzzle. "Life Debt? Just how much of this is true? Is it repaying something... or these young ones a valuable cog in your larger schemes?"
The vixen was now visibly much different than before, as if changing personalities as one changes clothes. "You have no idea who you are messing with. I am accountable for these young ones. As long as I am near, they remain safe."
She was once again pushed aside. "It is you who uses these young ones for your own gain. While you dip your paws into ill-gotten gain, your tongue flow words design to throw suspicion. Keeping these young ones in material comfort fills only a small amount of what they want; it is their Family that fulfills what they need."
Abigail snarled. "Get away from here, priest!"
This was the last words she spoke in this house. Several of the older Wintersprite foxes had been watching the conversation, and when the nursemaid made her defiant claim they reacted. Abigail was unceremoniously wrapped in a rug and hauled outside. They put her into the bed of their father's pickup truck; several sat with her while a few others drove it down the road. She was unceremoniously deposited on the roadside in the small town of Woolie Meadows in the Meadowlands, and left on the roadside with her personal travel bag she arrived all those months ago. She didn't need to read the note they left on the bag; it was perfectly clear she was not welcome back.
"You cannot get rid of me this easily" her voice muffled from within the rolled-up rug. Within a few seconds she managed to extricate herself from the rug, and sat down watching as the taillights disappeared down the country road. She reached into her pocket and removed her satphone, pressed a preset number, then waited for a minion to arrive and drive her back to her base of operations. Little did those country bumpkins know she had tagged both vixens with a micro-tracker. It was cubsplay to bid her time when her minions could best grab the young vixens.
Kathrin Wintersprite was quite happy the old codger was forcibly removed from her family's home. She made a rude gesture towards the rug as her brothers carried the nursemaid outside. Her mother gasped at this lapse of decorum and her father rebuked her outright. Her remaining siblings were evenly divided between sharing their parents' reaction and that of Kimberly. But to her it was worth it. It was obvious the nursemaid was using the little ones for some purpose, for what she couldn't determine.
Kimberly looked into the toddler's room, and smiled at the two young vixens that were now sleeping peacefully. It might have something to do with whatever the earthen priest was doing in this room. She watched carefully, mesmerized by the ceremony he was doing. The room felt peaceful now, calmer than it usually did. Her thoughts lingered back to when she was a little vixen and her grandparents would either sing her to sleep or tell her nursery rhymes or stories. She missed those days, but happy that these two little ones now was experiencing a wonderful cubhood like she did. Her thoughts turned to the warning her parents gave about the nursemaid; they were certain she was dangerous, now whatever she was capable of there certainly was no reason not to do it.
Kimberly was on a mid-semester break from college. Her last class, introduction to psychology, gave her just enough tools to be able to see through the nursemaid's games. Too bad the nursemaid had been evicted before she had enough time to figure out, or at least determine her general goals for the two cubs. One thing was certain: she had plans and she had separate ones for each cub. But now that she was gone, Kimberly would have to keep her eyes and ears peeled for anything unusual.
Finnick and Vicky agreed there was something worthwhile about Hicksville as he called it which rejuvenated life. They decided it was worth making a trip to Bunny Burrow without these two ZPD officers, but not necessarily to the Hopps farm. There were plenty of other places they could visit. They had participated in this year's Spring Equinox Festival, celebrated shortly before Easter, and enjoyed it very much. They had plans to participate in the Tri-Burrow's Easter celebration... until the violence started.
Multiple improvised explosive devices detonated in various places around Bunny Burrow, one each day at random time of the day. The new traffic camera system installed did not show anything at all... until the GSD used their software to access the infrared recordings. Sheep using stealth equipment were documented placing the explosives. Once they were caught by police using equipment developed by Gary Bevyton, a research scientist working for the GSD, did these attacks stop. The good-natured scientist was currently working on a computer program to auto-detect and report activity deemed suspicious as recorded by the cameras in all recording modes.
Sheep... what is it about them that makes them so gullible? So ready to take on any assignment blindly accepting the assurances there was little risk to life and limb? There were many things one could say about them; many not so kind, others not suitable to repeat in public. If bunnies were the epitome of cute, sheep were its counterpart: blind faith.
The three main law enforcement officials gathered together to brainstorm about how to best handle the situation. Commander McHorn the ZPD liaison at the Council of Elders estate, Commander Knolls, and Sheriff Springs gathered at the Estate Law Enforcement Center building. Chief Vaulter and Colonel Kohle were there by invitation. After comparing notes it was decided to copy what the ZPD was doing in Zootopia and have two sheriff cruisers patrolling together, especially out in the Tri-Burrows. In Bunny Burrow city limits two police cruisers would do same. Commander McHorn would supplement either of these with the Lynx officers that were temporarily assigned to him. Chief Vaulter had his guards making foot patrols around the city center, traveling from the police station to the court house then to the central park and back to the police station. GSD would have their newest drones surveilling areas currently not with law enforcement or a police cruiser nearby.
Each burrow was to call either the sheriff or police station in Bunny Burrow should they notice anything suspicious on their farms. Since most farms had firearms due to their recent distrust of local law enforcement, they were given proper training by volunteers from the Lapin Legionnaires; a group of rabbits that had military service. Many of these Legionnaires were farmers themselves, thus a great many of the farms already had firearms training.
Governor Darcy supplemented security with a few National Guard troops. His cabinet was interviewing companies from The Netherlands; status reports for building dikes along the coastline in the Tri-Burrows were not favorable and they wanted to know what the problems were. Sunken vessels themselves from the recent Lynxion War was miniscule, it were mainly the ordinance and fuel they carried that worried the contractors. Otherwise finding sufficient material to create the dikes themselves was the primary challenge; rock of specific density was their main concern.
The Longears family was proud of their close family relations, and focused them on what really was important in life. When the violence started many questioned wither allowing foreigners into their mist really was wise. The chancellor and matron of the burrow had their paws full trying to keep tempers tamped down and rumors countered. They also had their paws full dealing with the aftermath of daily attacks.
Just as in Bunny Burrow, multiple improvised explosive devices detonated in various places. It was obvious what the intended effect was: create panic and hysteria. It succeeded. Rabbits by their nature were prone to nervousness, and these explosions caused them to become quite neurotic. It took hours to bring most of the crowds back to somewhat controlled panic; and the next day it would become stirred-up by the next explosion. Just as in Bunny Burrow, these stopped once police used equipment from GSD to detect stealth mammals that were placing the explosives. Unfortunately where and how these mysterious mammals were coming from remained unknown, and this was perhaps the biggest concern of them all.
But there are other methods of riling up the citizenry.
Random shots at irregular times of the day and night would ring out. Sometimes hurting a mammal, sometimes merely hitting close enough to rattle the nerves. Drive-by shootings became a popular method for unsettling the citizens; and an occasional improvised explosive device would blow up somewhere in one of the villages. It was clear some group had ulterior motives for this; and it further rattled citizens when no group or mammal claimed responsibility. Naturally this led to placing blame on any mammal that did not meet social norms, hence placing the blame first on foreigners and then on their fellow citizens that were social misfits.
The problems experienced by Bunny Burrow, the Tri-Burrows, and the Outback Isles were cubs play compared to what this city currently was experiencing.
Disruption of services became a common occurrence ranging from ATM machine malfunctions to burglaries happening nearly every day. Random bombings throughout the week wither by improvised explosive devices placed in curbside trash bins, or by vehicles packed with explosives, and sometimes mammals wearing explosive-laden suicide vests. Sometimes normal cash registers would add a tax to the sale that appeared genuine... until debunked by local or regional taxing authorities, mostly because the revenue wasn't going into their coffers. Taxis, buses, large trucks, even random personal vehicles were experiencing vandalism: random parts would be missing sometime during the night. Replacement parts would mysteriously be unavailable or very rare and difficult to find, obviously greatly increasing the costs to acquire.
Vandalism extended to buildings as well. Graffiti became the norm, especially to public places. Breaking windows became commonplace, as was breaking doors or damaging some part of the building's outside; usually something that was unique and difficult or expensive to replace, which was made much more expensive due to material shortages. Public utility workers would get orders to tear into a street for repairs to water or sewer lines or electrical lines, only to find out halfway into the job the problem was nonexistent. Delivery drivers fared no better; orders were received and once the order was made and driver presented receipt for payment, a befuddled citizen would deny placing such order which resulted in return of said items.
The ZPD fared no better. False calls for help came in at irregular intervals; some purposely led officers into an ambush. Those that didn't would lead to nothing more than mammals going about their daily business. These false calls soon caused the citizenry to question if the ZPD knew what the heck they were doing. Then again, with everything seemingly falling apart they soon decided to take everything as just another break-down of the system. When the maiming or killing of police kept occurring on a somewhat regular basis, it had an increasing negative effect on the citizens; not to mention on the ZPD itself. Precinct commanders had their officer respond in groups no fewer than four and take more cautious actions as they reconnoiter the area.
Emergency and other first responders were also being targeted. Buildings set ablaze turned out to also have been booby-trapped; thus increasing injuries and deaths among them. Paramedics responding to accidents or disasters were targeted by snipers or various bombing events. This increased fatalities as these responders would cautiously approach the scene and proceed only after police, firefighter, or other first responder checked the area and declared it reasonably secure. It became quite obvious this had been the intent, but it wasn't clear as to the reason behind the purpose.
Chancellor Marcus Fleetfoot and Matron Miriam Cloverson were sitting in the briefing room in the Estate Law Enforcement Center. Director Dench and Colonel Kohle were there as recent events in the Tri-Burrows had their agents concerned. This was a follow-up meeting to the one held earlier. The chancellor was not happy about having a good amount of the estate's guards being on patrol down in Bunny Burrow, but the mouse assured him it was necessary to rebuild rapport with not only the locals but the governor as well. She showed statistics that the violence had been greatly reduced since they started their patrols, and the citizens were reacting positively to their presence.
The matron was concerned about the increase time the remainder of the guards was spending on guard duty at the estate. Colonel Kohle showed their periods were changed, thus allowing more to be patrolling the perimeter and major buildings. His technicians had installed more surveillance equipment which allowed a few guards to oversee more actual territory, which allowed these to direct those on patrols to divert to any area deemed suspicious activity. Fewer guards were sitting at the gates, but most being on actual patrols. This greatly reduced the boredom factor while giving meaningful activity for each guard. This resulted in fewer guards resigning at end of their obligated service agreement. Automated weapons and barricades were scheduled to be installed soon.
Currently new housing units were being built; this would allow the guards to bring their families onto the estate and thus improving their morale, especially with the increase in violence occurring in the Tri-Burrows area. Once the new dikes in the Tri-Burrows were completed, the council wanted to see if something similar could be done off their shoreline. Perhaps a cooperative venture with the government of the Tri-Burrows; new land for housing was the primary motivator for the council. Some of their guards had expressed interest in remaining if they could be given housing for their families.
Zootopia Corps of Engineers were nearing completion of Phase-II extension of the Estate Law Enforcement Center; this was to give the estate guards their own office spaces including classrooms, training rooms, bunkrooms and everything necessary to be self-sufficient for several weeks. As such it was the largest of all planned building for this complex. Their original spaces were being preserved as a back-up and allowance to increase the guard should the council vote to do so. GSD was getting a new separate building for their own use; mostly so their operatives could come and go without impeding the other organizations.
In the end it took the personal thanks of Mayor Leporide and of the Bunny Burrow city council to persuade the chancellor and matron to keep the estate guards on patrol. Rabbits who were former guards made efforts to ensure these had cool clean drinking water and ensure their fellow citizens treated these guards with dignity and respect. For some it was a family tradition to serve as an estate guard; for centuries they were the only military until Lapin Legionnaires were formed to fight overseas in the Great War. In times gone by the estate guards were sent out to fight the Lupine Horde.
"Good Evening. I'm Fabienne Growley."
"And I'm Peter Moosebridge. Here's what's happened in Zootopia today." The camera changed from the male moose news anchor to show a scene of disaster; an ambulance rested in a heap of twisted metal, several bodies covered with blankets nearby. "Bombing at Mousie claimed several lives including the responding paramedics when an IED in what appeared to be set on delay exploded shortly after said ambulance arrived. Many in the crowd were also killed or seriously injured in the secondary blast. Those that survived are currently being treated at nearby triage center, next of kin are being notified those that died."
The view changed showing the female snow leopard news anchor. "In other news... today was the 1772nd Bunny Burrow Fall Festival. Security was exceptionally tight and thankfully nothing out of the ordinary happened, not counting the Kiss Cam catching various lovers as they attempted a little romance away from prying eyes. A pair of teenage bunnies was also caught by our Kiss Cam, the footage we won't show here live; it is available on our webpage. Highlight of today's events was the talent show, a perennial favorite that did not disappoint. List of winners can be found on our webpage."
Peter continued. "Commissioner Ursus continued his visit to another ZPD precinct today. Precinct Four welcomed their Top Chief who in his usual brief manner pinned medals on many members and congratulated those earning field advancement to next rank. It was a solemn occasion as many being promoted would have gladly stayed put if it meant those they were replacing hadn't been the recent casualties."
Fabienne now had the camera. "Before we head to our first advertisers break, let's get a brief glimpse of tomorrow's weather..."
This morning the duo's routine would be greatly altered.
"Hopps. Wilde. My office." The Cape Buffalo wasted no time returning to his office.
The fox-rabbit duo looked at each other quizzed. What was it now? Could their nightly routine be cancelled? They didn't think it was interfering with sleep, especially since they couldn't get to sleep unless they checked-up on their former day shift buddies. So off they went to get a cup of coffee for Nick and a cup of hot chocolate for Judy and a quick trip to the restroom. Afterwards they entered the chief's office after giving the required number of knocks on his door.
What they saw in the office greatly surprised both of them.
"Good morning my child."
Judy was nearly speechless. She knew the Godfather had a decent working relationship with Chief Bogo, especially after the abduction she went through during the trial at the council's estate. But he never came onto ZPD's property in all the time she knew him. Never. For him to be here must mean things are dire either for him or his family... or for the ZPD itself. After recovering from the shock she went over and greeted the rodent in his usual fashion; getting and receiving kisses. Now it was time to find out why he was here.
"Officer Hopps, Wilde... please have a seat. Our guest has something to say and time is of the essence."
It wasn't Bogo who said those words, and she instantly knew who it was. There behind Koslov, now that the polar bear moved a bit to his right, was Colonel Kohle. For this Scottish Terrier to be here meant the proverbial excrement was about to hit the fan. He clicked on a remote and the room lights dimmed and a projection screen lit up.
"Earlier this week our mutual friend here went to answer the call of the Dark Council. You, being the godmother of his grandkit, know why he rarely attends such meetings. This time we provided him an escort of two GSD teams using stealth units. This allowed him, along with his own extra guards, to attend this critical meeting with reasonable assurance of getting out alive. Now let's hear his story."
He motioned to the rodent and sat down himself. This was the cue for the shrew to have the floor.
"Gentlemammals, what was given me by the ranking member of the Dark Council, the Chancellor himself was this: the council is making its move against selected targets now that ZPD's ability to effectively interfere with said operations has been severely compromised. The attacks against you were designed for this purpose. My assigned target is this: both the GSD and ZPD."
The rodent waited for the shock to wear off of the fox-bunny duo before proceeding.
"Obviously I cannot do either without breaking the trust we all worked so hard to achieve. And I cannot lift a paw against the godmother without reasonable excuse to do so. Not only would it break Fru Fru's heart but Little Judy's as well. It would also break an ancient bylaw; which would give my guards justification to not only take immediate action against me, but terminate the ties that binds us together. They are more of a friend than mere guards; therefore I have another reason never to do this. It is why I have come here to enlist your help."
Judy was speechless. Mr. Big was quite the crafty rodent. For him to ask for help meant the problem needed everyone working together.
Colonel Kohle cleared his throat. "Mr. Big filled us in on all the targets, and we have passed the info on to those so affected. This allows him to satisfy his assignment without seemingly appearing to lose any officers on our end."
Mr. Big continued. "Unfortunately I am not the only one tasked with attacking both of you. Two of my fellow Alpha is tasked as well. My explosives are strong enough to wound; any lower-powered and they may become suspicious. Any time of the day other than rush hour and I will be exposed. If I give their location away, the Dark Council will know there is a mole amongst them. I am in a terrible position with little chance of remaining concealed for any length of time."
"Colonel," Nick said while raising his paw, "Perhaps we can use stand-ins."
Everyone in the room now gave the fox their undivided attention. He explained his idea which required assistance from Senior Technician Pangolin.
"Technician Pangolin has access to equipment that can clone a body in a day's time. If we arrange for Mr. Big to hit a specific street corner, we can select several mammals who normally travel by that corner and clone them. It doesn't matter if the clone is living; just as long as the body is genuine flesh and blood. I'm pretty sure a pacemaker can assist keeping the heart beating so the realism is maintained."
Colonel Kohle raised an eyebrow. "Clones have brains. How do you suppose to have them be mere bodies without them having sentience?"
Nick looked him straight in the eyes. "It was done before. Those mummified bodies back in the Tomb of the Prophesy are our template. I suppose we could sever the spinal cord as a last resort, but I'm pretty sure the machine could simply limit the activity of the brains or even create partial brains with the main synopsis connections missing. It would be as if the body is in a permanent comma."
When he was done, everyone present seemed to accept the idea. Colonel Kohle would talk to the panda himself getting the needed items ready soon as possible. Chief Bogo dismissed the two officers and had them continue same patrol route as yesterday. Colonel Kohle escorted the crime boss out the back door and into a sedan with heavily-tinted windows; Unit 462. This was the same unit used to take Judy and Nick to city hall on that day when the Council of Elder's case against them was started. They drove away and stopped at the garage where his limo had been waiting since the switch earlier that morning. Mr. Big and his crew departed in his vehicle and soon were comfortably in his own chair by his fireplace.
Gary Noble sniffed the goblet and smiled satisfactory. As the newest member of the Dark Council, Alpha Eleven, he had something to prove. While he didn't understand why he was not admitted to the bottom-most position, Alpha Twelve, he certainly wasn't going to jinx his good fortune. He understood Alpha Ten had a death warrant on his head. After seeing the several decapitated heads of those sent to collect his scalp, he knew it would take more than assassins to collect on the reward. He wasn't going to attempt it himself, but neither would he sit by and not help out. Obviously he would benefit from it, so he decided to keep his powder dry and ready.
He was from the Black Forest; in his homeland one was judged by the food and alcohol you kept on your table. This wine was a local variety from a small vineyard in the Tri-Burrows. It wouldn't win any awards in his hometown, mostly because it wasn't grown there... but if it was carefully bottled and claimed to have been, then it stood a decent chance. Subterfuge could net him a pretty amount of coin. He took another sip. Yes... it stood a decent chance.
He loved stopping by the Tri-Burrows and walking among the fields. He nodded approvingly at many of the farms, and others he merely tisked-tisked. He viewed chemical fertilizers as harmful to growing good crops, but there were situations in which it was necessary to jump-start a new field. Such as reclaiming soil from where a building once stood; the crop was used to bleach-out various contaminants from the soil. Obviously these would be grasses and non-food crops, at least until tests determined harmful contaminates had been removed. The field he was walking through at the moment was growing clover; it wasn't soil per se, this ground had been removed from deep underground, the farmer told him it was excavated so a new bomb shelter could be added to his burrow. The recent Lynxion War had taught many their current construction method, while quickly getting their home built, also sorely allowed it to be quickly destroyed. Many farmers lost their homes; now they were copying how the Hopps burrow was constructed.
This intrigued Gary. So he went and visited the Hopps home. Albert Hopps, one of the Elders of the Burrow, gave him a short tour of his home. When it was explained about what Gary saw a neighbor doing, the old rabbit grinned. He showed the new rabbit the storage room; this was what his neighbors were copying. He explained it was his modification of military construction, basically having a bomb shelter as the backbone of the burrow. It was something he had experienced first-paw back in the Great War, and he was grateful for the brilliant mammal that designed it. So when he got back home he spent the extra money and time to build it. Many of his fellow neighbors also served in the Great War; he was saddened that they didn't learn and now years later it cost them some of their loved ones during the Linxion Invasion.
Gary accepted a dinner invitation and during the meal shared how certain dishes were prepared. He complemented the does' that cooked the meal, noting it was his habbit to always eat whatever was placed before him. He explained he loved trying new dishes, especially those prepared quite similar to his own country. He loved experiencing how rabbits in different places would make subtle changes to the dish, even from neighbor to neighbor. He told of a meal he shared with a family that lived on the far end of the Tri-Burrows. Albert knew the family, and agreed they used different spices; he also said it was something in the soil over there. He and his fellow farmers were currently helping the young rabbit adjusting the soil's chemistry. Gary suggested allowing non-food crops to grow for a few seasons, until all contaminants were removed naturally. Albert thought about this, and then agreed to bring this before the neighbors. Meanwhile they would have to figure out how to help feed the growing family. Gary suggested everyone pitch-in, and suggested it should be about five years until the soil would be acceptable for proper food crops. Assuming they started immediately, including plowing under the current crops and putting a certain type of grass and chemical fertilizer to get things jump-started quickly. Gary handed Albert a very large bill, saying he was putting his money where his mouth was. This was helping a new farmer learn how to grow proper crops, therefore if the young buck followed his advice it would be worth it.
What Gary didn't say was this was a loan, and the interest timer just started. If the loan wasn't paid back within the five years, he would take possession of the farm. By then all the hard work of properly preparing the soil would have been done. He could make quite the profit selling it to a young buck just starting out in farming; most likely one from the city who would be clueless on actual land prices.
He left the Hopps farm, silently noting to himself the value it would be on the market. It was a proven lifesaver, and from where he was standing the crops were properly fertilized and cared for. Therefore it would bring top dollar at auction. If the loan wasn't paid back, this burrow was effectively put up as collateral; the old fool wasn't thinking clearly. The moment he accepted the money, without having it written in specifics... the transaction could be written by either party; and that mammal's word would be held up in court. He quickly got out his pen and pad, scribbling down how he wanted the contract to read.
"Dad, could you zoom-in closer?" Ralph eyes squinted towards the monitor trying to see something.
Stu did as requested, being curious why a foreign hare was so curious about his burrow. The camera focused closer until the notepad could be clearly read. This was being recorded including sound, a precaution Ralph took soon as he got his father started following this mysterious hare. Both gasped when it became obvious this prey mammal had tricked Albert.
"Ralph, quickly... write this on a pad. I'll get it sent to your sister Jill at her law firm. Hurry!"
The younger rabbit simply was annoyed at this; he already had an email package ready to go, waiting on the finished video and accompanying note. Once the foreign mammal finished writing on his pad of paper, it put everything away and departed the farm. Ralph finished attaching the video file as well as his interpretation of what was written by the foreign mammal. He also sent a rough copy of what Stu wanted their counter-contract to read. He finished attaching this to the email and then hit the *send* button. A moment later he received a confirmation of receipt. A couple minutes later the phone for the farm rang, Stu noted who was calling and quickly answered it.
"Hello my dear. You must be calling about the email."
"Dad... what in Hades is going on?" Jill Hopps said, her partner could be heard whispering questions in the background.
Stu pressed a button and now the two lawyer rabbits were being displayed on a monitor. "Earlier this evening the mammal in that video came for a visit, asking questions about how this burrow was built. As per our family custom, he was invited for dinner. Sometime during it the topic of the young Covey Farm came up. Your grandfather described the problems they were having, and this foreign mammal not only made suggestions but handed a very large bill to your grandfather. He stated he was putting his money where his mouth was, as it would be helping a young farmer. Your brother, Ralph, and I were suspicious so we followed this hare via the security camera system. That is the video footage you received, along with our transcript of his notes and you also have our counter-contract."
The doe and her partner remained quiet for a few seconds.
"It could be argued he was being recorded without his expressed permission. However, stopping on your property and writing the note out in the open nullifies his expectation of privacy." Jill muttered.
Clara, her partner spoke up. "His handing a large bill could also be considered a justified contract, assuming his words were not recorded. Normal mammals do not give money to complete strangers, especially those they just met. Doing so would normally be done after making agreement, which this hare is doing by writing a contract afterwards. He most likely will insist both parties agreed to his version verbally and he is just following through paperwork-wise. If you have the entire dinner conversation recorded, we could use a copy. Video and sound preferably."
"We'll send everything you request soon as your list is finalized." Ralph said plainly.
"Just to be on the safe side, send us video of his every action, from first stepping onto the farm to when he left." Jill said in her lawyer's tone of voice.
Stu selected the footage from the recording and had Ralph attach it to a new email. Soon as they had every possible file, it was sent to the law firm. Clara pulled up the email and quickly looked over the files. She nodded her approval to Jill, and then walked to her own desk. It would be a few minutes to script a proper contract and have the elder Hopps electronically sign the papers. From that moment she would have them notarized and sent to this foreign rabbit. The computer's artificial facial recognition software had by now identified who the foreigner was and his proper business address. Both does' whistled; this was no dumb bunny. They were dealing with a very slippery scoundrel whose reputation was as dirty as they come. They sent an urgent message to their employers; they needed to be aware what was happening. If they didn't want to get involved, then these two partners would be doing this pro-bono.
But they were greatly relieved when both Denis Wong and Charles Rung called back quickly. After reviewing a copy of everything, they sent these to another team for another review; having neutral set of eyes prevented emotional and rash action. After this second review returned with a positive opinion, they gave their permission to proceed. They also wanted them to use a specific notary, as the mammal had a strict by-the-book procedure it always followed.
Before leaving for the notary, Clara waved to Stu and Ralph. She received a couple paws waving back, and she closed the door. It was a simple walk across the hall and into the next door business, and waiting for the badger to finish processing the paperwork. As was his custom, the badger put the appropriate copies into a package, sealed it, and put it into an over-night shipping package. It was now inaccessible for everyone except the receiving post office that will be making the final delivery. This was another reason her boss wanted this notary used.
Chief Bogo was hard-pressed to recall anyone who didn't like the ZPD rabbit officer. Oh yeah…. anyone involved with the Dark Underground, that's who. It was a good thing this organization did not put its full attention towards this officer; he lived through and saw first-hoof what they were capable of when they went after someone. He still owed them for killing his first partner on the force; Maximus Stormhoof. Quite possibly the best example of what a ZPD officer should be.
He closed his eyes and the memory came back almost immediately.
Maximus was everything you could ever want in a ZPD officer, and he was tasked with being the ranking officer to this newbie. Hodan swore nothing could ever be more difficult than the months spent at ZPD Academy; he was wrong. His partner expected him to blurt out upon command not only the upcoming street but the next three streets as well. *Situational awareness, rookie. If you don't know the city just as well if not better than the criminal you are chasing... then you can bet your sweetheart's sweet arse they will lead you into a trap!*
Since that moment onwards the ranking officer had him do all the paperwork, pull all the reports for their casefile they had to solve, talk to all the grieving widows to get the necessary information for solving their current case, and the ranking officer's first cup of coffee each morning. Hodan at first thought he was being mistreated, but when he came in extra early and discovered Maximus reviewing the files for that day's case, he couldn't believe his mentor put in early hours.
"I am in charge of training you. How you perform is a direct reflection of my abilities. Therefore I must know before you everything I task you with. Now that you know the secret of a good police officer, which is to perform to best of your ability and pass-on to your rookie everything you know... I expect you to stop whining and understand what is being tasked, not only the verbal words but the unspoken."
Since that morning Hodan stopped whining and greatly improved his effort. The duo gathered accolades and awards for their actions against crime, particularly against the minions of the Dark Council. It was only a matter of time before that dark force decided to take direct action against them. The many ambushes and other methods of attacks soon forced the upper chain of command to place these officers into protective status. It worked for awhile... until they went on that mission. A snitch gave intel on a warehouse operating for the Dark Council. It was on the sweep through it that Maximus was killed when a large explosion occurred next to him. To this day Bogo uses everything he was taught by his mentor; his first partner who gave him the best pointers what it takes to be the best of the best.
Abigail looked at the reports and was puzzled. Why was the Godfather of the Outback Isles doing this? She had been out of the loop recently, mostly to attend to the needs of the young vixen that started having nightmares. The doctor recommended a slow-acting sleeping elixir, which proved not to be helping. She was going to take the vixen to a doctor employed by their organization when her plans were cut short. Now she had to decide wither to allow both remain with their grandparents or forcibly remove them and place into a more secure location. If she did this, it was obvious many relatives would have to be killed; at least those who would actively be seeking them.
She decided he was off his rocker and sooner or later the hows and whys would be explained to her. But for now she wasn't required to do anything. There was only one thing that both puzzled and slightly unnerved her; inquiries were being discretely made about the young vixens. Obviously someone was interested in them; this meant should they be found their lives would be jeopardized, and by extension her own. She had her most trusted advisor go and discretely find out who it was. The report he came back with was disturbing: there were two who were making the attempt, and both were the uppermost members of their organization... Gregor McKeen and his new wife, Catherin McKeen.
It was obvious why Gregor was interested; these vixens were not his biological cubs, and thus threatened his chosen heirs. But why the new wife... perhaps she wanted to know how true the rumors were. Abigail would have to avoid Gregor, but maybe Catherin would be reasonable. She decided to seek a meeting, in a carefully neutral place neither could have complete control, but both would be protected from the other. Looking at the map she found such a place. Recently their ancient pact had been renewed, albeit by the vixen who was now deceased. Still it was the only place that met the requirements.
She quickly wrote a message to be discretely delivered to the godfather's consort. Here's to hoping this would be well received and not resulting in her death.
Judy and Nick walked into the ZPD Lobby one bright Monday morning. It was pleasant until they came upon the scene: Clawhauser was spread out upon the floor, his body partially obscured by the counter and something red was smeared on his cheek. There was a hooded figure in black robes standing before the counter holding in one paw a weighing scale, and in the other an executioner's axe. Around the hooded figure were several rabbits all in black garb, their faces also obscured by hoods. Judy rolled her eyes; there was only one way this was gonna end and she was just going to let it roll.
Suddenly the hooded rabbits lunged towards the duo. Judy leaped into the air and roundhouse-kicked the nearest one, Nick dunked and swept his leg around taking down one of the attackers. Judy used another as a springboard to summersault over and land on one that was pulling on Nick's tail. She caught a glance into the hood of one of the rabbits and... Wolford? This caused her to lose the advantage. She was grabbed and held down by several attackers; Nick fared no better. Several attackers had lunged at him, overwhelming him and pinning him to the floor. Both were brought before the hooded figure and forcibly pushed into a sitting position. One of them plucked a hair from Judy's cheek and placed it onto one of the scale's cups. Another plucked a hair from Nick's cheek and placed it on the other scale's cups. Nick's hair-cup slowly lowered to the full-downward position.
The hooded ones whooped and howled; one of them grabbed Nick and held his head upon a large wooden block. The hooded figure measured his distance, put down the scales of justice, and then raised the massive axe above his head. With a long practiced movement he allowed it to fall towards its intended target.
"FRANCIS LEAPS!" A doe's voice fell from the second floor. Judy knew that voice, and it was obvious these mammals planned this without her knowing. Technician Marsha Leaps was a near-spitting image of Judy, except she wore reading glasses and was a head-height taller. Right now it wasn't clear if she was shouting a warning or fearful for her friend's life.
*WOMP*. The large block of wood shuddered as the axe impaled itself deep into it. The hooded figure reached down... and picked up the larger half of the bearclaw pastry which had just been severed by the axe. He bit off a piece and moaned at its tastiness. Clawhauser by now had moved next to the Executioner, reached down to grab the other half. He then pushed an ice cold glass of something towards the hooded figure; both raised their glasses and clinked together before taking a swig of the liquid.
"Well this better be good" Chief Bogo said as he reached into the box grabbing the pastry he had ordered. Taking a bite, he paused... and then nodded approvingly. "Morning briefing in five minutes." He turned and walked away.
"Could you all do something besides filling your faces? Like removing these restraints?" Judy said towards the hooded figure.
"I heard you liked being restrained." Wolford said as he removed his disguise. Several of their fellow officers chuckled as he grabbed a pastry from the box.
"Rumor has it they roll-play on a regular basis." Emma Quickpaw said as she put her outfit into a backpack, and took a pastry from the box.
"I heard they play Houdini. Let's see if they learned his secrets." Officer Catano was admiring how the prosthetic ears merged seamlessly with her head, nibbling on a pastry and taking a sip from a glass.
"One moment Judy... I got this." Marsha Leaps, wife of the Council of Elder's Executioner, used her multi-tool to remove said restraints from both ZPD officers. She was glaring alternately between her husband and the fox. "Nickolas... you are a bad influence on my husband!"
"I'm a bad influence? How about Clawhauser? At this rate your hubby will have a girth that'll interfere with his axe swinging."
The doe looked at the cheetah and then her husband momentarily. "Leave that to me. I'll work it off him soon enough."
While she was certain where the male's thoughts were going, hers went to a mental list of chores that needed to be done. But... bedroom activities certainly had their merits. She grinned instinctively imagining what he could do with his big paws and his big... she shook those thoughts away least her hormones take control.
Ever since Judy and Nick became members of the Council of Elders, Nick seemed to affect some of the staff, and gave unique nicknames to them. Like the one he gave to the new Public Affairs Officer: *Lips*. *Sharp* was for the Executioner, and *Wherezit* was given to Joey in the Estate Storage Facility. He has a standing bet with the Executioner that if he beat him in a duel he could hold his axe for one working day. Thus far he has lost every attempt, including this morning.
"When you are finished playing like kits and cubs, we have a meeting to attend."
Judy knew that voice and was not surprised to see Miriam Cloverson looking down from the balcony, her personal guards flanking her sides. The Matron had long ago given up trying to discipline these two, mostly because the fox kept getting outwitted by the young rabbit. He might have gotten help from various mammals who enjoyed stacking the deck against the fox; then again it was against estate rules to allow anyone but the Executioner to handle that axe. She was glad the GSD had made a replica of it for use outside the estate grounds. It was this replica that had severed the pastry; originally it was supposed to have a dull edge, but the Executioner preferred to use it as his personal weapon, since he was used to handling its weight. This one had a twin with its edge dulled that was allowed to be touched and have pictures taken with it at various public events, especially the Fall Harvest Festival and Halloween. These were only allowed to be in the care and presence of the Executioner when outside the estate. Both the massive axe and the Executioner were popular with the general public.
Five minutes later the Bull Pen was alive as many of the officers were gathered around Francis and his executioner's axe; currently he was explaining how it was cared for when not in use. The Executioner was very popular when the Chancellor and Matron came for a visit, usually bringing him along because his wife worked in the ZPD Technical Department and this was her rotation to work away from the estate. No matter how many times he came, the ZPD officers always wanted to know about the axe. Nick and Judy should have known their fellow officers would join-in on the bet between Nick and Francis.
"Atten hut!" Officer Higgins yelled as Chief Bogo entered the room, followed by the Chancellor and Matron. Bogo waited for his officers to get to their seats. Since their personal guards did not enter the room with them, Judy assumed they were standing on the other side of the door.
"Good Morning. Obviously everyone knows we have visitors today. I hope the little playtime some of you engaged in earlier won't affect your performance in today's assignments. Too bad if it does, I don't care."
Bogo stood at the podium and gave out assignments as usual. "Officers Hopps, Wilde, Fangmyer, Wolford, Lioness, and Quickpaw... in my office shortly. Mr. Leaps, I'm certain your presence is required as well." He looked quizzed at the elder rabbits. "Anything you wish to say to the troops?"
The chancellor spoke first. "On behalf of the entire council I wish to extend their thanks for your participation in the Wilde-Hopps trial and the Lynxion War. We learned much about how you operate and that helped us change some of our procedures. Precinct One has a standing invitation to visit us; we just ask that you schedule it through Commander McHorn."
The matron spoke next. "We have changed our bylaws as we promised. Through your fellow officers, Officer Wilde and Hopps, we continue to amend them. Your fellow Lynx officers have enabled us to see how our council can better help improve society and how we can better educate and instruct rabbits to do so."
After a few words to both elder rabbits and a few more to the gathered officers, Bogo left the room quickly; the elder rabbits followed him.
After Judy and Nick went to the locker room and removed a few things and used the restroom, they got a cup of coffee for Nick and hot chocolate for Judy before heading to the chief's office. When they arrived, they were redirected into the small meeting room next to the chief's office, following their fellow officers who were filing in as well and selecting seats here and there. Marsha was cuddled in her husband's paws; she couldn't stay mad at him for very long, especially since he would never harm an innocent... intentionally. Nickolas Wilde pushed that boundary at times, but only with those he cared to be with. Judy told her this was something ingrained in fox psyche.
"Chancellor, Matron... let's get on with why you are here. The floor is yours."
The chancellor stepped up to the podium. "Thank you Chief. We are here because of an unusual request we received recently. A member of the Outback Isles Mafia has contacted us requesting use of a space for what was deemed as extremely sensitive. Apparently the recent renewal of our ancient alliance is considered acceptable neutral place for a meeting of their high-level members. We have agreed to this request and Commander McHorn suggested our newest council members be present; since they are viewed favorable by both the Outback Mafia and the Council."
Colonel Kohle, who had remained quiet and sitting in a corner of the room, now walked to the podium. "This meeting is more sensitive than our upper chain of command cares to admit. My boss is not in favor but ultimately it isn't ours to make. We are still guests of the estate and still can be evicted, albeit the government will have something to say about it. There is very secret and still classified information that is to be discussed at this meeting. Therefore all ZPD officers assigned will be outside the building acting as security. Yes I know, it is already on a quiet and very secure location; but still this was requested. Therefore we shall comply."
The matron stepped up to the podium. "Councilors Wilde and Hopps... we want both of you to be in your robes. As you already know they enable you to know exactly what is going on; they also allows estate security to send direct communique to you, so you will be able to near-instantly direct your fellow ZPD members. While we don't foresee potential problems, it's better to be prepared."
Bogo briefed the officers present to be prepared to leave this evening, as tomorrow would be the meeting. Half of the officers would travel in ZPD cruisers early the next morning and the remainder would go on the train and stay overnight at the estate. Judy and Nick had at least two sets of robes; one kept at their small abode on the estate and the other at their apartment. The Wilde-Hopps officers decided to travel on the train with their fellow officers, but be in their council robes. This would give them additional communications to monitor the estate security frequencies, and the riders on the train tended to be more respectful when any member of the council was around. Having the ZPD and council together... yeah, definitely better behaved.
Albert was sitting alone under his favorite apple tree. His face was a mixture of sorrow and anguish. It was obvious he was shocked by the revelation of what that visitor had done, and he had unwittingly hopped right into his trap. All he was doing was explaining his secret why his burrow remained standing while others were destroyed. But he knew that wasn't the reason the whole burrow was in trouble; it was accepting the money. More than that; it was accepting the money without signing a formal contract first. Now it would be a court battle; and fate favored the foreigner. Common Sense said no one gave that much money without a verbal agreement and shaking paws. Now his burrow was in danger of handing the title over to the stranger; all because he failed to get a contract agreed to beforepaw.
Something stirred off to the side. A quick look there revealed what it was; Opal Hopps walked up and sat down beside her husband. She above everyone else knew what he was going through. He knew that look she was giving him, she had already heard all sides and formulated a plan. Most likely it was already being executed before she came out here. Another reason he felt more depressed; his burrow could handle problems without him.
"Blaming yourself?" Her words were firm, but with a touch of gentleness.
"I am acknowledging the facts. I hopped into that trap. How many times have I taught our young to recognize them?"
"Yes you have, but you also aren't seeing the larger picture."
"Larger picture? I brought him into our burrow. I am the one who told him about a problem. And it is me who disregarded what I taught."
"True, but also false, my love." She turned and now was looking straight into his eyes. "You taught your young and our grandkits to be diligent. You stressed that strangers would be crafty and full of nice-sounding words. Granted, we had in mind predators back then. Never did it occur to us prey would ever stoop to deception. But now one has... and your offspring has done what you taught them. Stu, Ralph, Jill... these have identified the deception, and they have acted without you having to direct them. I think this testifies to your excellent teaching."
Albert felt a little better. "It still doesn't relieve me of being at fault."
"No, it doesn't. But you never claimed to be without faults. Even with all the errors we made, our young have turned out better than we could ever hope. This too will pass. Our young have things in good paws." She reached up and nuzzled her muzzle across his. She felt his paws roaming across her old body as if they were still young.
"Watch those paws, old buck. Or else I'll get my fill of your body before you realize what happened." He grinned and she realized this was exactly what he needed to get his mind back to reality. They spent the next few minutes being young again.
Pastor Chester heard about the meeting up at the Council of Elders estate; he also was privy to the list of officers assigned to be there. When he noticed his charges among the names it was a no-brainer to go along. He had a strong suspicion this meeting was connected to the dream he still was having. He talked with Dr. Samantha Carter, whom he developed a liking towards. She agreed there was a psychic link and it definitely was something about the Wilde-Hopps couple. Together they talked with Dr. Bearinton, and Dr. Otterton, because these two seemed inseparable, together everyone made it a point to keep the others abreast of what was discovered.
On the train ride to Bunny Burrow the honey badger sat and talked with the ZPD officers. They let him know they thought he looked great in his official ZPD uniform, the insignia noting his position as religious counselor. High Priestess Ishanah just happened to be riding, she was returning to her order after making a visit to see her protégé in Zootopia. The high priestess was pleased the Wilde-Hopps couple was doing just fine, especially during these difficult times.
When everyone departed at the Bunny Burrow station, the high priestess declined a ride to the estate, rather a sedan was waiting to deliver her to the local monastery. She motioned to the honey badger that she wanted a word with him. The ZPD officers stayed around; they noticed a few nefarious types hanging around who seemed not to be shopping, and decided to keep them at bay while the two religious mammals had their discussion. The honey badger looked to the lioness and got straight to the point.
"High Priestess, it seems to me you are here for another reason."
"Yes I am. May I assume you have been having dreams about a young vixen?"
"I am. This is the first time I have been able to break away and devote time to exploring it."
"Let me save you some time; it is related to our charges. I greatly disliked keeping the todd in-the-dark about them, but the reasoning was sound. Therefore we kept an eye on them and by extension both families. Recently the nursemaid was forcibly evicted, now she is making plans to retrieve what she lost."
"So this means what for us? For me?"
"Let's allow the GSD to keep tabs of all them for now. It is obvious you intend to go to the estate, I agree. I suspect they will allow you to be in the meeting, may I suggest a different set of clothes?"
The honey badger chuckled, and then held up his travel bag. "Already considered that. I'd like to go to the estate tonight; there surely needs to be some cleansing which should be done before tomorrow's meeting. And maybe a little further."
The high priestess chuckled. "I will be there as well. But I don't intend to go any further than the main complex. My priests and priestesses are looking forward to my overnight visit, and I shouldn't keep them waiting. Most are elderly and as my elders it would be ill of me to mistreat them."
They ended their talk and walked outside. The ZPD offered a ride for the honey badger who graciously accepted. The high priestess blessed them and then got into the sedan sent by the monastery. They all departed their separate ways. The miscreants who were hanging around watched both groups leave. One removed a zphone and called a number, leaving a coded message to the recipient. After getting a coded message back, it hung up and the whole group left the train station in dark-colored sedans. One followed the high priestess route, the other headed straight towards the elder's estate.
Commissioner Ursus and Director Dench were having dinner in a private room at Antonio's Italian eatery. Their spouses were with them, so talk was mostly whatever was in the news. Occasionally one of the spouses would correctly guess what their most recent tasking, at least the gist of it. Jean Ursus, currently employed by the Zootopia Health Commission, had more knowledge about what was going on than the director's husband. But the mouse was no slouch himself; after many years being the spouse of an ambitious government employee, he obviously knew enough to be able to make an educated guess and give sound reasoning why they should follow his advice. He was a psychologist working for ZASA after all, his current tasking being the upcoming launch to the International Space Station.
Current topic of conversation was a story on the news about a vixen that was found along a road in Woolie Meadows.
"I can't believe someone would do that" Jean muttered as she sipped on a glass of Merlot.
"The whole story wasn't told" the Commissioner said, obviously not volunteering more info.
"Well I for one think she must have upset someone. Considering she's a fox, that wouldn't be too hard to do" the Director said plainly.
"Right or wrong, it must be followed up on. Foxes have rights, too" the Commissioner slapped his side of face. "I wouldn't have said those words 18-months ago."
"You're not the only one, Frank" the mouse said as she placed a tiny paw upon his. "Officer Wilde certainly has proven that assumption wrong."
"I think it was Judy that changed him" Jean said wistfully remembering something.
"That was proven during their trial before the elder's council" the Director muttered. "I have the transcript to prove it."
"Back to the subject at paw" the Director's husband muttered. "What or who do you think was responsible? Wasn't she a member of some unsavory group?"
"Newspapers said she claimed to know something about the missing cubs of that godmother from the Outback Isles" Jean said.
"Godfather" her husband corrected. "And yes, if she really does have that information, she is as good as dead. The previous godfather is very much alive."
"Only if she makes a terrible mistake" the Director said. "Mammals that high up in the command structure are relatively immune from attacks."
The remainder of the conversation was mostly on local events in the news.
"Nick, could you be a sweetheart and get this for me?"
Her robe appeared to have a mind of its own this morning, the connector kept moving out of her reach. Nick chuckled to himself. He was having the same problem and once he corralled the troublesome connector for his bunny he raised his arms showing the same unruly beast for his wife.
"Seems like we both are experiencing the same trouble." After a couple seconds the connector was fastened, although something didn't feel right.
"Let's have Marsha take a look at these; maybe something isn't right about them. Bent pins maybe?"
"Great idea. We have plenty of time, so let's go see her. But how about we avoid my little bet with Francis."
Judy giggled as she walked with him down the path leading to the GSD's technical shop. Upon entering she heard Marsha talking to someone. Being a rabbit herself Judy bent an ear and concentrated on the conversation. A few seconds later she relaxed; it was obviously an elder of her family on the phone. Marsha looked up and waved a paw at the duo and motioned them to sit down. Few minutes later she ended the call and smiled at the council members.
"So we're working for the council today, eh? What can I do for you?"
"Marsha, could you take a peek at a couple connectors? They aren't wanting to go together unless forced."
The technician got up and knelt down beside Judy, having her open her robe so she could see what the problem was. "Simple case of bent pins. I'll have to replace the ends for a quick fix, but return after your morning duty is completed and I'll replace the wiring segment. Now Councilor Wilde, open your robe. You are wearing something underneath them, right?"
"Foxtrot better! Ooops... I mean Councilor Wilde better. He was in his ZPD uniform before putting them on."
Nick looked at Judy with a wry grin. "Maybe I am, maybe I am completely in the buff. Perhaps we'll never know."
He was swaying his hips and tail in a suggestive manner... until he was tackled to the floor by his wife. Now it was Judy that was wearing the wry grin as she looked into his eyes, meanwhile opening his robes. Marsha looked at the connector and grinned.
"Same problem, same request. And by the way, your uniform looks a little dirty."
"We can thank Councilor Hopps for that. Now may I please get up before we are late?"
"One moment you two, I still need to replace those ends. We wouldn't want you to be impaired should either of you suddenly need to get out of them, now would we?"
The technician grabbed a few things from a drawer and went to work repairing the connectors. She chatted with Judy about her conversation with her parents, which was who she was talking to when the duo entered her workspace. Apparently Francis's grandmother wanted to have her grandkits over for the weekend, but her parents was scheduled to kit-sitting them. Since she knew her parents had a summer home that was near both of his grandparents, Marsha was trying to negotiate a deal. Currently she was waiting for her parents to talk to his grandparents with her proposal; she was really hoping the elder rabbits would agree.
A few minutes later she was finished with the temporary repairs. After a quick test to ensure the items were operating within acceptable parameters, she waved bye and watched the council members walk away. She made a note on the dry-erase board to get the proper sub-wiring harness ready for install as soon as the duo returned.
The morning meeting was tense.
Abigail Canny and her team were sitting on one side of the room, her table clear except for a couple briefcases. The godfather's consort, Catherin McKeen and her team were sitting on the other side of the room, her table similarly clear. Behind another table near a wall and between these two tables were the Chancellor Marcus Fleetfoot, Matron Miriam Cloverson, Director Dench, Colonel Kohle, and Team Bravo standing behind these. Judy and Nick were standing next to the door, two estate guards on either side of them.
Marcus cleared his throat. "Welcome to the Council of Elders Estate. We hope things are to your liking?"
Catherin nodded. "Chancellor, it is acceptable. Thank you for providing this place for our meeting on such short notice. I see you have others here who need no introductions. Director Dench, you waste no time putting your snout where it doesn't belong."
Everyone expected the mouse to snarl and return the subtle insult, but was surprised when she merely laughed and shrugged it off. "Consort of the godfather, anything on Zootopia territory does require my nose stuck in it. This building is required by the terms of the new Charter Agreement, since it provides separate spaces so our personnel don't interfere with normal operations of the council. I am only here for a short time until I am satisfied my personnel are in no unnecessary peril."
Catherin scoffed. "As if the world famous Team Bravo can't protect themselves?"
The mouse leaned forward and smiled. "No. I am here to keep them in line. We are here to ensure you and the other negotiation team does not harm each other. It would be a pity if in the act of preventing hostilities either of the negotiators were to be harmed. This would put my team at risk of a drawn-out trial of their own contesting their genuine attempt to prevent harm to bystanders."
Miriam cleared her throat loudly. "Ladies, let's move on to the reason we are here; namely you ask the questions" she pointed to Catherin, "and you answer them" pointing to Abigail.
Abigail's feathers were ruffled. "I was under the impression we would have our questions answered as well. Has the terms changed?"
"No. I simply misspoke. Please accept my apology" Miriam said as she made a gesture.
Marcus tapped a crystal glass somewhat filled with liquid. "Ladies, since we the Council of Elders, have an ancient pact with the Outback Isles Mafia but the specific vixen that reconnected with us is not here, it is up to me to decide who shall ask the first question."
"Not so fast, Chancellor. As ranking member of the Outback Isles Mafia in this room, and since it was me that initiated the request to this meeting, I deem it is I who shall ask the first question." The vixen's eyes flashed red, a clear sign of one declaring superior position.
Marcus looked quizzed at Abigail's table.
"Yes, that is true. A request from the godfather's consort was received a few days ago wanting certain questions answered. We deemed it necessary to find a suitable neutral place for questions to be asked from both sides. We have nothing to hide; we only ask to be taken truthfully."
"Very well. Godfather's consort..."
"I prefer to be addressed by my name, Catherin. At least by those not under my paw."
"Catherin it is. First question is yours."
The vixen fixed her eyes on Abigail. "Do you have any knowledge about my predecessor? Specifically her final few days."
"Yes I do. If this is headed where I think it is, I want those two," she pointed to Judy and Nick, "removed from this room. Preferably outside this building. What I have to say is not meant for their ears."
She had an ulterior motive for keeping the todd in the dark about the two young vixens.
Catherin's ears folded back. "Why? What possible reason could... oh." A grin crossed her face.
Abigail stood up. "My request is not unusual. This is between the godfather's consort and myself. If she wants her questions answered truthfully, those two will be removed from this building. Your move, Consort."
Miriam motioned towards Nick and Judy. "Do as she requests, councilors. It's not as if the world will end." She pressed a button on the intercom, instructing the guards outside to ensure the duo stayed outside until their presence was requested. Nick grumbled as Judy gently pushed him out the door, both were escorted downstairs and out the door.
"Now that the room is as requested, please continue" Marcus said as he looked towards Abigail.
The vixen face turned serious. "Yes, I do know quite a bit about her. What specifically do you want to know?"
Catherin leaned forward. "Reports state you were with Josephine Wintersprite during her days when she was on the run. Tell me about them."
Abigail grinned. "There really is not much to say. It is as most novels say: many days of moving from safe house to safe house. It is unfortunate that many turned out working for her husband. We barely got out mostly due to sacrifice of the guardians."
Catherin looked unimpressed. "Go on."
Abigail grinned. "Not until you answer a question of mine. You are the new consort, you are carrying his cubs and these are recognized as the legitimate heirs. Therefore you have no reason to fear your title being removed; or do you?"
Now it was Catherin's turn to show displeasure. "You are dangerously close to being disrespectful, subordinate."
Marcus rapped his glass gently. "Enough. Both of you. May I suggest, Catherin, you take a moment or two to compose yourself. Her question deserves an answer. Then she must continue with the story."
His words must have made sense; the vixen closed her eyes and obviously was practicing a meditation technique to restore calm. A few moments later she opened her eyes and nodded towards the other vixen. "I will reveal my concerns later. Continue, please."
"What more is there to say? We found help that proved reliable and strong enough to give her the protection she needed."
"Why? She was a strong and cleaver vixen, a worthy opponent that was more than a match for any who dared usurp her authority." Catherin's eyes were twinkling.
Abigail grinned. "What is it to you? As per your own words; she was more than a match for anyone."
Catherin matched her countenance. "I want to know what happened after she found, in your own words: help reliable and strong enough to provide protection."
Catherin looked intently towards the other vixen. "I heard she was pregnant. This would explain why she desperately wanted to remain hidden."
"Now you are speculating."
Catherin snarled. "Now you are being deceitful. I should..."
"ENOUGH!" Marcus rapped his glass slightly harder. "Ms. Abigail, we already know the reason why. I suspect the godfather's consort already knows as well. Spill the beans... errr, tell the truth. It will bode well for all of us."
Abigail nodded towards her hosts. "Very well. Josephine was pregnant. By her own bodyguard. She only knew about her husband being alive when he visited her during her house arrest by the Zootopians."
Catherin grinned. "Now... was that too hard to admit? Yes, I knew she was pregnant. I simply want to know is this: you are known as the *nursemaid*. It stands to reason you above everyone else know the whereabouts of the young that survived the attack which slaughtered most of Josephine's litter. I want their location."
Abigail face turned stern. "I will keep that for myself. And for your information, I am not the only one keeping tabs on them. Isn't that right, Director?"
Now it was the mouse that was feeling the weight of all the eyes in the room. She straightened her suit and stared back equally hard at the vixen. "Thank you for verifying the security leak. Yes, I know their location. And I intend to keep them alive."
Abigail now grinned at the mouse. "It wasn't a leak; your cameras are not as stealthy as you thought. Cleverly hidden, yes; but plain to the trained eye."
Director Dench kept grinning. "Well, they are still performing as intended. I'll just have to add a few agents to supplement their security, now won't I?"
Miriam now rapped her glass. "Let's return to being civil, shall we? Consort, You should explain why these young ones are such a concern to you."
Catherin was giving the elder doe dagger eyes. "Matron, that doesn't concern you."
Abigail leaned forward. "It does me. As you yourself just admitted, I am their caretaker; and perhaps it is reasonable for me to view you as a threat?"
Catherin now switched eyes to the other vixen. "No... I merely want confirmation that my husband is not their father. Wither or not they have proper precedence for being next in line for the title matters little should they not share common blood."
Abigail now had a wolfish grin. "There's the real reason for your concern! I can assure you, consort, they do not share common bloodline. Except for being same species."
Catherin now had the wolfish grin. "I thought so. Tell me... who is the second father?"
Abigail's face turned pale. How could she have known? Everything was carefully kept under wraps; she didn't mention anything about two todds.
Catherin laughed heartily. "Wondering how I knew? My spies, of course. But it was when you demanded that todd be removed is when everything solidified. He is the other father! All I need to figure out is this: how are you going to use his cub against me? Against my husband? It will be a delicious treat when I figure that out. Or perhaps you wish to destroy his marriage? He is quite the catch! Maybe I should take him as a consort for myself?"
Miriam's jaw was hanging wide open; but Marcus maintained enough presence of mind to quickly interrupt the feud. "There will be no action against our council members. Your purpose here is to ask questions and get answers. Is there anything that needs to be discussed?"
Catherin was still grinning like a wolf. "No, nothing more from my viewpoint. I won this battle of wits, so I will depart peacefully. As for your todd, the council member... I will have to evaluate his mettle. He just may be exceptional specimen for my harem."
Miriam now regained her tongue. "Councilor Wilde will not be joining you or your harem. This council declared his relationship as Genuine, and we declared them as forever married. Any attempt to acquire him for yourself will be seen as breaking our pact. Surely you don't want that?"
Catherin looked back at the elder doe. "It was you that stopped all communications and relations with us. For a hundred years you never helped us when we needed it during all those hordes from the Lupusdon Empire. So what is the difference?"
The vixen got up and headed towards the door. Just as she reached it, she turned back towards the elder doe. "Oh, before I forget my manners again; thank you for disclosing the todd's name. Such a famous male is worthy of adding to my harem." She looked over at the other vixen. "Is this why you tried to keep his identification secret? You wanted him for yourself, most likely after learning Josephine was going to do same thing. I can't blame either of you two; he really is a fine catch."
Catherin walked out the door and her guard closed it. Her entourage made its way out of the building and towards their vehicles. On the way out she passed close by Nick; purposely brushing against him and brushing her muzzle against his as she went by. This was not lost on Judy; she knew exactly what the vixen did. This was how vixens marked their mates; and by doing this the Consort was letting him know in no uncertain terms she wanted him in a very personal way.
The Consort and her group departed the estate quickly. Judy's gaze followed them until they disappeared from sight. She was now fuming; how dare that female try to take away her husband! Nick meanwhile was doing his best to assure her that vixen meant nothing to him; obviously he was not having much luck. Or at least much luck in calming her down. So he picked her up and walked towards the estate's hospital. There Dr. Marcus Lopps could find and use the fox pheromone neutralizing compound to remove the vixen's mark. It was only the first step in calming the bunny.
He also had to bring them both over to Marsha's shop; their robes still needed proper repairs done and the technician promised to have the correct wiring harness ready by the time this meeting was completed. He sent a quick note informing her they was going to the estate's hospital and would head to her shop in about an hour.
The chancellor and matron sat down at Abigail's table.
"Well, that was quite interesting" Marcus muttered.
"Not nearly as interesting as this" Colonel Kohle brought up a video. It was taken a moment ago; the godfather's consort was shown rubbing her cheek against Nickolas and immediately leaving the estate. Everyone was impressed by the todd's calm resistance; not so much by the outright fury the bunny displayed towards the vixen.
"Dr. Lopps is applying the anti-mark compound as we speak; Nurse Coveyton is pacifying Judy. I think we're going to have problems with that vixen."
Abigail shrugged her head. "The consort can only start a harem with the approval of the godfather. Obviously this means he gets one when she does, but not necessarily the same the other way around. There's an unwritten rule that both may have unofficial harem. But should things go south between them, the unofficial harem can be made public. Usually this results in them being beheaded, which naturally leads to the other harem being neutralized as well. Tit-for-tat, so to speak."
Miriam shook her head. "Perhaps we better send a message to Councilor Hopps, let her know everything is being handled. Plus she can have the rest of the day off."
Miriam was reading a note Nurse Coveyton just sent, saying the bunny had her husband in a very tight embrace and they were knotted. The elder doe merely chuckled; this was exactly how she would have reacted in her younger years.
Director Dench was frowning. "We better keep a closer eye on the consort. Her obsessiveness about the young vixens borders on... well, mania in my book. And Officer Wilde. Considering what happened last time a vixen took such an interest in him... it didn't end well."
Agent Walker snickered. "He got a vixen in his bed, that wasn't so bad."
Everyone just gave the Arctic Fox a bewildering look.
"Agent, that situation is exactly what has led to his current predicament. He's a father because of it, and we can't allow him to know about it. Dr. Bearinton doesn't know about it either; if he did, he would straight-out told them both. Now how do you think Judy will react to THAT?"
Agent Walker simply looked right back. "She'd react better than when she discovers a year-old toddler who's a spitting image of her husband. Don't forget how Director Wilde will react; nobody told her about these vixens."
Colonel Kohle answered before anyone had a chance. "It was because she would have insisted they be raised by Nickolas. It would give her a chance to mother them herself, especially since she never had a daughter. No... the Wintersprites had a much more stable environment. This would give the young ones stability they need to form proper personalities."
Walker scoffed. "Colonel, sir... you're forgetting the most important thing we Vulpes treasure most: family identity. Especially knowing who our parents were. If they discover later in life that either of their parents was still alive, it will undo every positive thing you so carefully constructed. No... they need to know Officer Wilde NOW!"
Director Dench reached over and placed her tiny paw on the vixens. "Agent... that was considered by the upper chain of command. But Judy and Nick don't have a support structure, even with their parents and siblings pitching in. These vixens need to be around foxes; Judy's siblings simply aren't enough. And Nick's parents and grandparents... older foxes might properly care for them, but they won't get stimulation as being around those their own age might. Nope... her parents were a better choice. They will be introduced to their real father when they are age four. We will deal with the trauma at that time."
Walker knew not to push her luck with the director. Something in what was just said told her the mouse disagreed as well. Their paws were tied by higher authority. As a fox, albeit a different species, she knew a train wreck was coming; she had better be ready to help not only the two young vixens, but the Wilde-Hopps duo as well. Judy would be the easier of the two to overcome; her large family would give her the psychological anchor necessary. But Nick... fox parental skills kick-in shortly after pregnancy is confirmed. How he would react to this news... would most likely sever any trust in his Upper Chain of Command, leading to him to renounce the ZPD and anything that could remind him of the family he was denied. Especially those important early-bonding months.
Looking through powerful binoculars the shadowy figure watched the godfather's consort as she exited the building, briefly brushing up against the fox in council garb, and then enter her vehicle to be driven away from the estate. He had a machine with more powerful optical unit recording everything happening at this side of the building. He also had other surveillance gear trained on the building; unfortunately the designer and builders made this particular building highly resistant to espionage. But there was one weakness.
His infrared laser unit was bouncing off the large pane of glass and returning. The technique used the large pane as a large microphone; amplifying any sound inside the building to which his electronic equipment would attempt to isolate certain frequencies, preferably those of mammal voices. He was having little luck, but there were more powerful systems back at base that could examine the recording in better detail. What little he could make out pleased him.
"So the two little vixens are valuable to everyone present. I'll have to get this to the chancellor quickly." He packed up his gear and left.
The call for attending the Dark Council meeting was an unexpected and nasty surprise. Mr. Big nearly arrived too late, which would result in him getting locked out and trying to escape while the guards were doing their best to assassinate him. But they made it, even if he had to use a sling-shot to blind a few mammals. Once inside he noticed Alpha Ten was here as well, and congratulated him for another successful entry.
The chancellor of the twelve called the meeting to order and read a report on the latest results.
"Our first efforts against the Zootopians produced what we expected: minimal interference in their society. Reduction of their law enforcement and first responders are fewer than was expected. Alpha Twelve... your efforts are most noticeable lacking. Maiming isn't what we want: permanent removal is our goal. You're fined $50,000 zoodollars for your failure."
The Arctic Shrew simply nodded his head and wrote out a check, handing it to the clerk that was waiting patiently nearby.
"Lesson for all of you" the chancellor was looking around the room."This is why I allow Alpha Twelve the convenience of rarely attending our mandatory meetings: he always pays his debts promptly and without question. That... and he never fails an audit. Words to the wise."
He rapped his gavel then gazed across the room. "Let's have your reports. I'll forgo Alpha Twelve's since we already know its outcome."
Alpha One stood up. "Zootopia's city leaders are effectively neutralized. I've paralyzed them with stretching their mammal resources thin, responding to every little thing as if any singular one could stop our assault. The mayor is resilient; perhaps due to his wife, a priestess."
Alpha Three purred in. "I can solve this little problem for you. For a price."
Alpha One disregarded her words. "She can be neutralized just as efficiently through exhaustion. Perhaps longer and truly converted through it."
The chancellor raped his gavel. "Next."
Alpha Two was giving Three an annoying stare, probably because the feline was making faces at the lion. "We released various strains of laboratory-altered viruses in specific areas of Zootopiia. Their healthcare systems have been kept occupied and overloaded. They have been forced to using med-students to keep up with the workload. When we go to Phase Two, they won't be able to handle it. Thus a domino effect will ensure their systems will crumble."
Two had to pull on Three's tail to get her attention. The feline gave him a snarl until the chancellor grumbled, letting her know time was of the essence.
"My minions are removing selected targets as they are requested. Too slow if you ask me, I'd rather kill everything. That will bring results much quicker."
"It will also bring in reinforcements from everywhere." Alpha One snarled the words towards her. "By going slow we are allowing their upper chain of command the false notion they can solve this by using only their resources. Which brings me to my question regarding the global Security Division: how are we coming along keeping them occupied?"
Alpha Six spoke up quickly, beating Alpha Ten. "We have our minions in the Dromedary Empire keeping the distrust against the Zootopians. Also we have the Kronos Empire up in arms about a *supposedly* Zootopian encroachment. These are keeping the GSD and their military occupied far away."
The chancellor motioned to Four.
"We have made certain that deliveries of critical items have been delayed longer than necessary. We rotated which items by your reports when and where you were going to have *disruptions* by protesters on our payrolls. This ensured the ZPD had minimal supplies to handle them, and other situations. The other items we delayed ensured the hospitals were reduced to minimal operations. Phase Two will have most items diverted or conveniently lost in shipment."
The chancellor pointed towards Five.
"Pachydermia has cooperated, albeit reluctantly through my persuasion. But there are some that have had pacts established outside the government. These are not outlawed per se, but neither are they completely acknowledged by the government. Our matriarch tolerates them; she allows certain families a measure of autonomy as long as these dealings don't bring discredit to the empire. We are working on doing just that. Soon we will be ready for Phase Two."
"Sit down, Six. You already gave your report. Go ahead Seven."
"We have been practicing the tactics you suggested, and should be ready for Phase Two when you require us to keep the Svalbear Empire in check. Don't take too long; the salmon runs will begin soon and many of my brethren will disregard our agreement for this."
"We can't guarantee how soon the Zootopians will be reduced for us to begin Phase Two; therefore your teams must be ready" Alpha One muttered. "When they are ready we shall inform you."
"I can hasten that, for a price" Three purred towards the large feline.
"I told you, Three... your tactics will only bring in reinforcements. We..."
"ENOUGH! Seven, we will work to hasten this, and without needlessly bringing in others. Eight, go ahead." The chancellor was starting to feel a migraine starting.
The buck glanced at Three before speaking; the smaller feline always enjoyed riling-up the larger cat. Briefly he wondered if this was simply to mess with his mind, genuine attraction, or... He shook the thought out of his head. One was a known philanderer; would he seriously entertain the advances Three was giving him? Or was this a means for Three to draw the Alpha into a private space where she could assassinate him, thereby allowing her to claim his position? The Greater Kudu shook the picture out of his mind.
Eight continued. "We are doing our part in splitting the membership of the GSD. Our raids on hydroelectric facilities worldwide have proven quite the success. We have also disrupted the proper functioning of Zootopia's Rainforest district, thus that ecosystem has tied-up some of their teams. My operatives are working behind the scenes in several areas worldwide. This has drawn the Zootopia Corps of Engineers away from the city; it has also drawn the GSD along with them."
"Nine, your report, please." He also had to glare at Three, who had by this time meandered over to One and currently busy playing with his mane, occasionally whispering into his ear. She also was putting tiny bow ties and curlers in his mane. It was obvious she enjoyed messing with the larger feline, and One was doing a masterful job ignoring her antics. He wondered if she was trying to bed him, to which he quickly shook the thought out of his mind.
"We have several of their city councilmammals comfortably enjoying their vacation. Certain herbals provided by Five and Eleven, my belated thanks to both of you, have ensured they are blissfully unaware they are over-staying their time. If necessary we will induce them into a coma. Another couple weeks and they will miss the critical vote for next year's budget."
"Ten... please."
"Do not worry about the Zootopians using their bases in the Outback Isles. We have infiltrated and placed mines at chokepoints and at the berths. As for their air force, we have identified their flight paths and know where to place anti-aircraft batteries at optimal intercept points. We only need to figure how to get these weapons there undetected."
Alpha Six whistled. "So that's why you requested to use our Orca allies. You never did disclose you put them in danger. Minelaying was not in the contract."
Ten grinned. "They only carried, they did not lay. Convincing them the rebreather equipment was reliable and they wouldn't drown was quite the challenge. We would like to use them in our future endeavors."
Six's ears were laid flat on his head. "Ambassador Takara raised cane about the ordinance carrying. You will most likely have trouble getting their services again."
"That is enough for now. Eleven your turn."
"My fellow members of the Servants of Truth are placing the finishing touches on our plans. With the help of this council, I now submit their appreciation." the rabbit clapped his paws and a few rabbits pushed a large cart the size of a small car into the room. Alpha Eleven dismissed them and opened the bottom chute. Sand golden in color poured out onto the floor. "Yes, it is exactly as it appears. This is a byproduct of our efforts to build our own bunker. This cart is the chancellor's cut; others have already been delivered to your associates."
"Eleven... more information is required" the chancellor said.
The rabbit merely grinned. "That wouldn't be any fun, now would it? Let's just say it is entrapment of those closest to Zootopia's favorite officers. Leave it at that. Your goals will be accomplished as we do ours; I trust this will be enough to satiate your curiosity?"
The chancellor pondered this for a moment. He knew some of his minions would use this operation to accomplish personal goals, and some attempt to move up in the organization. "Very well, I'll leave it at that. But failure to accomplish the tasking given will result in others taking your position. I trust you don't want that to happen."
Eleven merely looked back. "We learned from the previous group's failure. We will not make the same mistake. And your tasking folds in quite nicely with ours."
The chancellor gaveled the meeting over. As what happened in the last meeting, Alpha Twelve departed immediately. This time Alpha Ten departed with Twelve, both talking about something their renewed pact allowed.
Commander Knolls and Commander McHorn were watching their officers training with the estate's guards. When they first started bringing their officers up here to participate in these rabbit's early morning drills, many of them threatened to resign. This was not standard police training; this was not even using standard police equipment. But their attitude changed promptly when others in the ZPD Upper Command started training with these rabbits, especially Commissioner Ursus.
"Officers; we are facing opponents who clearly are a step or two above the criminals that we normally face in Zootopia. Therefore we have to change; for if we don't, many of you will be eliminated, just as those who refused to change and died in the early moments of the Bunny Burrow invasion. Your upper command has to change as well; we may be old but we will train with you nonetheless. Should this newest enemy breach ZPD Headquarters; I intend for everyone there to be able to perform close-in combat. Obviously we will traqguns and sidearms as weapons of first choice; but we must be prepared to repel them until you arrive as backup."
From that moment on their officers begrudgingly participated. Some soon discovered they liked using actual antique weapons; others merely tolerated these training mornings. Some soon wished they had paid attention to these training whenever they ran into those criminals the Commissioner had described. It royally sucked recovering in the hospital while their buddies were out there dealing with the bad guys. It was time for payback; as soon as the doc would allow them to resume their duties, they intended to extract it.
Now the two commanders had a dilemma: the Dark Underground was obviously on the move. Unfortunately they couldn't anticipate where they would strike next. At least until both were called up to ZPD Headquarters and now were sitting in an auditorium neither commander knew existed.
"My apologies to everyone whose rank normally does not allow you to sit in here. But time is of the essence and all of you need to know the information we are imparting to you. This room is our most secure room; and the information you are being given this morning we hope will greatly improve your success out in the field." Commissioner Ursus motioned for the speaker to start.
Gary Bevyton cleared his throat. "Good morning everyone. My associates have been crunching the data from these past few months. At first there was no rhyme or reason for these attacks, or any specific agenda we could conceive for them. When we used one of my infrared scanner units, combined with a specifically-written computer program, we were able to identify the culprits. Continued monitoring their activities allowed us to assemble a dossier and build a profile of who they were and what their goals are. Questioning a few of their members soon gave us the reason for all of this. Simply put, they seek elimination of the ZPD and total control of Zootopia's city government."
Gene Dexter took to the podium next. "We had wondered about the methods these mammals had been using. The manner which their tools and equipment didn't function like anything we had known. Therefor when the ZPD successfully captured one of the mammals, after many failed attempts, we were able to examine their tools. To say these tools were quite advanced would be an understatement. Only when we took these to Senior Technician Pangolin were they identified. This technician was able to work-up a complete manual how these worked and more importantly how to counter their operation. I'm sorry to say this, but I cannot tell you anything beyond what I already have. OPSEC requirements."
Technician Marsha Springs walked up next to Gene, pushing a cart filled with strange-looking equipment. Marsha would pick up each, one at a time, and explain what they are and its purpose. "This item is something developed to extend the range of a scanner unit in various environmental conditions. The officer or technician using these will be given instructions and a performance test with which he or she must pass before being allowed to use them out in the field."
She looked out among the audience. "This unit does not differentiate between if the target identified is above or below the unit; it simply compensates for various interferences. We are currently working on several possible solutions to this problem."
"This item" she held a box with a clear front that contained a golden rope-like item high enough so everyone could see it clearly, "is a truth finder. Be advised: it works both ways. If the suspect is skilled and has presence of mind, it can ask questions before your officer can. This unit allows only one mammal to speak at a time; that is, the one holding it and the other being held. We advise the officer using this does not know anything beyond the basics of the current mission. As with the previous item, we are working on several solutions but do not anticipate one in the foreseeable future."
Gary stepped up next to his colleagues. "You are allowed to come forward and look at these items, but please do not touch; especially the golden rope. Ask any question and we will answer as best we can."
The three rabbits pushed the cart to a rear corner area of the room; obviously making room for the next speaker.
Colonel Kohle strode up to the podium. "Good morning gentle mammals. GSD has been busy gathering information for these scientists and technicians, and what we discovered is disturbing."
The dog pressed a button on the podium, and a slide show began. "This is the Tri-Burrows and as you can see we have marked various places. These obviously are burrows... they also have been compromised."
He waited for the murmurs to calm down. "What we mean by this is simply that they have been used as access points for the Dark Underground. Their agents have been observed entering and leaving these at will, as if the family that owns them doesn't mind. We suspect that the families are being held as semi-prisoners, or at least there are enough minions of the Dark Underground currently occupying the burrow. Either way we need to infiltrate and answer this question: how did the criminals obtain total control of these burrows?"
The dog continued. "This is the singular reason why your precincts and agencies have been chosen for this mission. One of our technicians will operate the equipment during the first scheduled mission, after this it will be all yours. Obviously we need to gather the initial scans so we can formulate our next mission; hence why we are tagging along with your officers. You have the legal jurisdiction to conduct a health and welfare inspection at any farm at any time; obviously we will get the warrant from the Circuit Court of Bunny Burrow. Which we are doing so at this moment."
Bailiff Ben Springsen and his partner Bailiff Don Henen could tell the judges were not content with what they were being presented. Bailiff Springsen worked with Judge Petunia Springs, Bailiff Henen worked with Judge Amy Cloverfield. These had learned to read their judge; and could tell that even though tough questions were being asked and answered, eventually the request the government officials were requesting would be granted... with severe restrictions.
Director Dench started to seriously question her backing of these two judges for this court. The conditions they were imposing bordered on tying her agent's paws behind their back. She had thought her recommendations were perfectly reasonable.
"Your honors... the government agrees that the families of each burrow we are asking to conduct these Health and Welfare Inspections certainly should be given all due protections. The government simply is asking this court to have the family step out of the burrow so the inspection can be conducted efficiently. Yes, the Elders of the burrow and a few of the older rabbits should go along to make certain nothing is stolen. We simply can get this over quicker with as many rabbits out from underfoot as possible."
The two judges were sitting side-by-side in separate chairs. This room was a recent addition; its purpose was to allow both judges to listen to specific cases such as this where the government or an agency of it was requesting the court to grant a warrant. At the moment the two judges were making the director list specific action that would protect the burrow's rights as they conducted the search.
Judge Springs finally broke the long silence; she had been whispering with her colleague about this proposal. "Director, we can accept this. Your request will be authorized shortly, and we sincerely apologize for this delay."
She gaveled the session over and both judges proceeded to sign the necessary paperwork immediately. Both bailiffs waited nearby, each stand next to their judge. After a few moments the appropriate copies were handed to the bailiffs who separated them according to those to be given to the Director and those to be handed to the clerk of the court. After everything that was done which needed to be done, the judges invited the mouse to sit on the patio just outside this room and overlooked the park. Lunch would be served shortly and it was a nice sunny day with a light breeze blowing in the proper direction.
As the three of them were enjoying lunch, a shadowy figure watched them from a distance. Through his binoculars he was paying close attention to their lips, as he was highly trained lip reader. His patience was rewarded when the information he was being paid to gather was finally complete. The government was granted a warrant, no doubt to investigate the burrows they had been watching the activities of his fellow Dark Council agents operating from. He keyed his mic and said a short alpha-numeric code. He received a response a couple minutes later, and immediately packed up his gear and departed the makeshift observation post.