Outback Excursion.
"Good morning Zootopia. I'm Fabienne Growley and here's your morning news minute."
"ZPD and GSD have been operating closer than normal. This has apparently resulted in far fewer deaths of our law enforcement mammals and caused fewer appearances of those mysterious mammals that live underground. General Rommel's spokes-mammal has told us the military has had its fair share of success recently. The general credits this with the close cooperation between his forces and the local militia. He also said the GSD's contribution cannot be underestimated."
"On the lighter side... Amour has apparently bitten the Hopps Family. Recently a buck had gotten married to a doe that some say has no local roots. The bride was confirmed to have been a month pregnant at time of the ceremony, this itself is nothing unusual. What is unusual is their family priest having amour with another of his species. We have been unable to get in contact with the priest to ask questions. Efforts are ongoing to get permission for an interview."
"Now for some happy news. Efforts recently have resulted in two members of the Hopps Family being rescued. Details are scarce but we are told that it was the result of an ongoing operation that had numerous failures but caught a lucky break. The rescued members are hospitalized and undergoing evaluation. Hospital spokes-mammal told us they are in stable condition and have received family and friends. Our cameras caught a brief moment as two young bucks of the Thumper Clan went into their room."
"This is your morning news minute. I'm Fabienne Growley signing off."
Marilyn and Caroline were happy as pigs in a wallow. Each day they romped around the apartment playing various games with the bunnies and each day they ate their meals by themselves. At first they didn't understand, but after seeing the reaction their new friends had when the vixens sank their teeth into some piece of meat, it finally sank into their minds. It took time and constant reassurances from the adults to get the bunnies used to the unusual meals these vixen's growing bodies needed. Now all youngsters were eating at same table which obviously was a relief for the adults. It probably helped that the vixens enjoyed eating some of the vegetables the bunnies ate.
Evelin Brooks-Hopps and Miriam Hopps were pleased at the progress integrating the young foxes into their family. Evelin had taken the same classes in young mammal education as her 19yrs old sister Miriam. Both worked at the same Happy Times Daycare in Bunny Burrow and both were the primary referees keeping the greatly numerous bunnies from harassing the vixens, and they kept the tempers of the foxes from lashing out at mischievous bunnies. Bonnie, their grandmother Elizabeth, and one of Nick's aunts and uncles were the ones here every day. Nick's parents usually showed up after they closed their store; Audrey and Arnold would be around every weekend and at odd times during the day. Opal, Albert, and Elizabeth's husband Floyd normally showed up on the weekends.
Bogo stopped sending a uniformed officer to keep watch on the apartment after a few weeks, mostly because they were sorely needed elsewhere. It was also because Elizabeth and Floyd had communication devices in their robes and it was a simple matter of getting a specific police frequency assigned so they could quickly contact the ZPD should something serious happen. Bogo didn't want the Hopps Family to call Judy or Nick directly, this would needlessly cause undue stress on his finest officers. He was pleased that his other officers did make a pass by the apartment at odd times, it kept the family satisfied they were being watched over and the community benefited by the extra patrols.
As the days went by, everyone wondered if they would ever return to their burrow. Stu would allow only the oldest of his kits to remain with him on the farm. Albert, Opal, and Floyd stayed behind because it was home; Floyd stayed because he could at least call for help on a moment's notice or get in contact with his wife. Occasionally Bonnie would have her eldest kits gather some of her youngest and they would go visit their burrow. Such as the time they went and decorated the burrow for the holidays; an added benefit was opening the old burrow for Ralph and his new bride Mindy's use. Having Mindy's family living there was a curiosity for the young bunnies, and many questions were asked.
Mindy was quickly showing signs she would be having a larger than normal litter; ten kits tied the record for first-time litters in the Hopps Family. Her sister Kimberly was slowly recovering from her injuries received at the ambush, and the younger sister insisted on doing something to help around the old burrow. Their mother Bridget, being a nurse, kept both of her daughters from over-exerting themselves. She was grateful for the daily visits Opal made, her excuse being that neither elder rabbit should do most of the caregiving that Kimberly and her team required. Dr. Greenwood, the Hopps' family doctor who worked at the Plainsburrow Hospital, made regular visits each week to check on the injured mammals. He also checked on Mindy and soon started bringing Dr. Frankinmyrl, a pregnancy specialist, along. The ram-sheep hybrid had seen Kimberly and confirmed the machine down in the caverns had successfully removed all fertilized eggs. He also confirmed nothing was wrong with her womb and she was free to become pregnant any time she wanted; not necessarily at the moment as her injuries needed time to mend.
One weekend Judy and Nick brought his daughters over for their first visit to the farm. Naturally this was a major undertaking but Mr. Big sent a few buses to move the entire family, few were aware the drivers were his hench-mammals as polar bears sometimes were known to drive such vehicles.
Once at the farm chaos naturally ensued as the young mammals quickly romped around the yard and the fields nearest the burrow. Caroline and Marilyn were so focused on playing with bunnies they didn't notice the truck that had pulled into the front entrance and parked near the front door. Stu and Albert along with John Wilde walked over and greeted the occupants.
"Welcome to our humble abode! To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Stu shook the elder fox's paw heartily while Albert hugged the elder vixen.
Carl Wintersprite wiped his forehead. "We heard what has been going on here in the Tri-Burrows. We're thankful that your family escaped unscathed, and truth be told we are a bit more thankful Caroline and Marilyn was nowhere near here when things went down. Sorry if that make what your family went through seem insensitive."
Albert *Piffed*. "Nonsense. I would have same feelings if the situation was reversed. Now my grandkits will show you to the guest quarters so you can unpack and stay a few days. It's been many weeks since our own grandkits has been here so I suspect the youngest will be burning off some pent up energy."
Kimberly Wintersprite was looking towards the barn; she had caught motion out of the corner of her eye and now could clearly see a mammal in black clothing slowly move until it disappeared out back. Stu noticed where she was looking and saw one of cavern dwellers slowly disappear around the barn. At that moment Ralph and Mindy walked out of the barn obviously helping Mindy's sister get used to the new crutches. Slowly they were making their way towards the main burrow.
"May I ask who they are?" Kimberly asked as she still looking towards the barn.
"My son Ralph just recently gotten married; that's his new bride Mindy on the left and between them is her sister Kimberly."
"Another Kimberly on the farm? I will enjoy having a talk with her. But she's injured, may I ask how?"
"My granddaughter-in-law has an unusual job meaning she works as a professional security guard. She really should take it easy, but she's high-strung and chomping at the bit to be back at work. She keeps insisting on nanny her sister as a manner to burn off energy. One of these days she'll not be able to walk very far and it'll be Ralph who will be carrying both females."
The trio soon made their way to the group watching them and Ralph greeted everyone. "Greeting everyone. My two lovely does' wanted to get out of the burrow and enjoy some fresh clean air. Dad, granddad... to whom are these visitors here for? Wait... I'll bet its Caroline and Marilyn."
The elder vixen nodded her head. "Yes we are here to visit our grandcubs, but we also are here to spend a few days. We already let Audrey know we'll be here and she gave us the skinny what to expect. But she didn't tell us about these two cuties."
Everyone noticed Ralph's chest puff up with a bit of pride. "This beauty that's obviously pregger is my wife, Mindy. The cutie between us is her sister, Kimberly."
Ralph endured his paw getting slapped by his annoyed wife.
Albert cleared his throat and began the other introductions. "These are Caroline and Marilyn's grandparents. This is Carl and that one is his wife, Kimberly."
Kimberly's ears perked up. "Oh? Another Kimberly on the farm? How should we address each other?"
The elder vixen giggled and gently reached over and gave the injured doe a gentle hug. "I'm sure we'll think of something. How are you two adjusting to life here on the farm? Audrey said there were new help on the farm, something to deter the mystery mammals running amok in the Tri-Burrows. I hope that injury wasn't from some farming accident."
Kimberly winced and subtly shifted her weight on the crutches. "Ummm, no it wasn't. I got into a tussle with a group of bad mammals. Escaped with this injury; escaped alive is better than the alternative."
"Yes, yes it is. Don't let us keep you from sitting down, even if it's inside." Carl made a paw motion towards the front door that by now opened and two elder does' came out. Bonnie checked on the injured doe while Opal went to talk with the elder foxes.
"Here to check on Caroline and Marilyn? They're somewhere running amok in the clover field" Opal said as she traded hugs with the elder vixen. "Let's see how long it takes before they sense you two are here."
The wait wasn't that long. Moments later two blur of red streaked around the corner of the burrow and leaped into the elder fox's paws. "Grandma! Grandpa!"
Caroline was held tightly by Kimberly and Marilyn held by Carl. Soon everyone was listening to the two little vixens tell their grandparents what had occurred since they left to live with Nick and Judy. Some stories were better left untold as what was told obviously involved something young eyes should not have seen. Ralph decided he should let Judy know they best lock the bedroom door when they wanted adult time alone.
Soon everyone went inside and settled in the main living room. The older Hopps sisters brought out refreshments while the older brothers took the luggage to the guest room; it really was renovated for Bridget's use but the elder doe decided to live with her daughters in the old burrow. This was more of a suite, a decent sized apartment suitable for the needs of an elderly rabbit. But the fur drier was sized just in case Nick's parents decided to visit and use this suite.
By bedtime the elder foxes retired to the guest room and Ralph took his two does' back to the old burrow. Judy was a bit miffed that Caroline and Marilyn wanted to spend the night sleeping with their fox grandparents, but she quickly relented and spent the evening talking with her siblings. Bonnie, Opal, and Elizabeth took as a good sign; the young doe had completely accepted her role as the young vixens' new mother. Now these elder does' made an agreement to help Judy in any way possible. Evelin reminded her elders that her littermates Patrick, Mia and Valentina were sworn to be godparents to Judy's' family, and Judy's littermates Clara, Flowers, and Ralph when he was able. Miriam said her services would continue until one of her littermates started a family, which wouldn't be for several years since none had a serious dating relationship.
Jonathan and Emma Longears were having no better luck than the Zootopians were in dealing with the mysterious mammals that erupted from below ground. They were fortunate that the incursion into their territory was not as severe as it was in the Tri-Burrows, still they lost many whole families and a few farms. The saving grace for them was in their Svalbear allies. The ambassador allowed his warriors to go down into several tunnels but only if accompanied by the Longear militia. The battle that ensued was bitter but at least the intruders didn't have large predators in their forces. Combined with the militia's firepower soon the invaders were driven out of the Longear territory. Unfortunately the cavern dwellers simply dug new tunnels in a different area. It became an annoying dance of getting quickly to where the new invasion point was and pushing them back down. Each time more rabbits would go missing, each time the militia got quicker to locating and responding.
Soon the large mammals living among the farmers asked for permission to be armed. They reasoned that since the invaders only wounded non-rabbits just enough so the primary goals of abducting rabbits could be accomplished, it made sense they should work in teams and wear a certain amount of armor. Sure it was uncomfortable and made farm work difficult, but at least they were more likely to properly respond when and invasion occurred. They also felt it better to save their long-eared friends than to mourn their abduction. This proved a mixed result; some succeeded and some didn't. Overall fewer rabbits were abducted.
Jonathan and Emma had allowed many families from Bunny Burrow to evacuate to their territory when the Tri-Burrows first experienced the invasion. Now many of these families wanted to return regardless of the higher risk of abduction. The Council of Elders sent representatives to talk sense into these, and soon a compromise was reached. Just as the Hopps Family allowed only the oldest members to return to their burrows, so these families followed suit. Obviously those farms cleared by General Rommel's forces were allowed to return home first, the others watched daily the battle reports on which farms were liberated and which were not.
Marcie Strongpaw, Great Mother of the Svalbear Empire, made a surprise visit to award medals to certain bears. She praised the close working relationship between her forces and the militia. It was obvious that some of these bears were veterans of the Lynxion War and they retained the practice of allowing themselves to be ridden as the smaller mammals used weapons to fire at the enemy. This tactic was proving beneficial and productive in the current conflict. It also kept more of her warriors from being injured and knocked out of the battle.
Officer Fangmeyer was walking point, Officers Grizzoli and Delgato walking not too far behind and spread equal distance from center. Officer Marki was in rear with his trusty sniper rifle at the ready. They knew being ordered to support Judy and Nick's mission into the Outback Isles was not as easy as it should have. Their convoy had stopped to investigate this abandoned farm; the fighting had stopped a week ago and Nick wanted to scout the area himself. So far there was nothing to indicate danger was imminent, but same could be true of daily patrols in the big city.
GSD had wondered why police officers were accompanying the fox-rabbit couple, something they deemed better suited for their agents or the military in general. But they relented when these officers said this mission was a short-term one and they didn't want their *little sister* to incur harm, but their *strange brother* was dubious. Judy was slightly angered at the humor her fellow officers still poked at the fox's expense. But they also made certain he understood they meant it in good humor. After all, he was the one they turned to nearly every week when some software on their zphone app refused to operate properly.
Agent Crystal Minksin was watching the team from the comfort of a surveillance post, the video being relayed by a drone. Her other team members were at controls of other drones; these armed with weapons to provide support and suppression fire should the ZPD officers find themselves in trouble.
"Tell me again why ZPD sent officers?" Agent Walkerson asked. "I mean c'mon. We're better suited for this work."
"I ain't gonna argue. They want to put their hides on the line, I'll gladly take the booze as they pay my tab after I save their sorry hides" Agent Rameras said as he put his drone through a series of maneuvers and brought it back to its assigned position.
"Quiet, please. I'm picking something up on the x-band frequency." Agent Ricardo was fiddling with his portable computer, trying to get the mysterious signal again.
"Ric... still trying to get that gadget to work?" Rameras said as he noticed his teammate fiddling with said equipment.
"Quiet all. Ricardo... same as last time?" Crystal asked.
"Yes. I'm beginning to think these are not radio talk signals. More like burst transmissions. Ballpark... I think someone is counting down to an ambush."
"Good enough for me. Team... arm weapons, fire at first opportunity." Crystal pushed a button and then waited for the communication ZPD officer to respond.
"Angel, Bushrat here. What you got?" Judy's voice came over the radio.
"Ric thinks you're being tracked and countdown to trouble actionable."
"Rodger. Taking evasive action."
Crystal noticed the mammals on-screen move towards a berm and take cover. Her system showed her team's drone signal showing guns and missiles activated as was her drone. On another screen a symbol designating the local militia was nearby. She sent a short zmail message to the unit notifying them their positions and that of the ZPD. She was pleased as the militia turned towards the ZPD's location and moved with obvious haste. After a quick radio message to Judy notifying her that the militia was incoming she turned her attention back to coordinating her team's actions with the militias.
The ambush was successfully ruined as weapons fire from the drones, militia, and the ZPD suppressed it long enough for Judy's group to leap into the military vehicle to make their escape.
It was a few minutes later the militia dropped off the ZPD officers to recover their vehicles, and then escorted them a certain distance away before its commander decided the danger was past. The militia waved goodbye and resumed their assigned patrol route. Judy's group returned a few hours later to Bunny Burrow and stopped off at the local police station. There she gave a report to Commander Bugs Knolls, the local chief of police and asked for a copy to be sent to Commander Ian McHorn who was at the Council of Elder's estate. Afterwards most of the officers decided to stay in town and enjoy dinning at a local eatery, mostly 'cause they knew there would be no meat served at the Hopps burrow.
Judy and Nick waited until they were in their vehicle and a decent distance away. They burst out laughing; Opal had made a decision to allow hamburgers cooked in the smallest kitchen. Dr. Frankinmyrl had explained that Nick needed to change his diet so his body's ability to impregnate Judy would improve. Nick had poo-pooed this but Opal decided the old doctor had a legitimate point. Besides... hamburger was not rabbit and it was difficult to determine what mammal it actually was. Gideon Grey found a supplier that was reputable; Mr. Big let the supplier know it was for his godmother's consort. The subtle message was not unnoticed.
Judy didn't forget the actions of the drones; she had a few bottles of her family's best fruit wine sent to them, with a note signed by her team. The militia received a shipment of fruits and vegetables. Albert authorized this saying they saved his granddaughter thus earned it. He just happened to have once served with the general that the unit fell under his command, thus sent a bottle of very good wine to said general thanking him for the unit's actions.
Nick was annoyed. Opal had been strongly hinting at grandkits and grandcubs ever since Judy and he arrived this evening. Judy played along with her grandmother's hints; she wore a very short skirt and sat on Nick's lap in a manner she knew he liked. Opal pretended to scold them for such actions at the dinner table, but everyone could clearly tell her efforts were like a boxer pulling his punches. When both finished their dinner, Judy hopped into his paws and he carried her to Judy's old room. Opal and Bonnie giggled at this, obviously knowing the two youngsters were merely playing along with the elder rabbit's strong suggestions.
"Any questions?" Chief Bogo asked the assembled group.
"Remember... this enemy wants you dead. Our contacts gave us information this mammal is one of the Alphas that has been behind the attacks here in Zootopia. While he isn't the senior-most, he does control the Outback Isles Mafia. Our sources tell us he is actively seeking someone he calls the nursemaid; a mammal once responsible for the two vixens under Officer Wilde's care. Thus it makes him our primary target for routing out and elimination. No jail time for this one." Colonel Kohle's tone of voice made it crystal-clear this was the only acceptable option.
Judy raised her paw. "Sir: what about the hare that was found dismembered? You know... the one that attempted to blackmail my family?"
Colonel Kohle sighed. "His death, while mysterious, seems logical enough to me. Our behavioral specialist had studied the courtroom recordings and that at the bank. They think he upset his superiors and thus was eliminated. We only found his head impaled upon a pole in downtown Zootopia just moments before the morning rush hour traffic commenced. This was a result of an officer from Precinct Four that just happened to make a wrong turn and found itself out of his normal assigned route. Thankfully we removed this display in time to avoid it being on the morning news."
He could tell the young doe wanted to press the issue, but Chief Bogo's stern glare had quieted the young officer. Still the Scottish Terrier could tell what she was trying to get out just might improve morale. He decided to give it an opportunistic tone.
"Officer Hopps apparently is trying to tell us some good news. Yes... the hare in question we think is a member of the Dark Counsel of the Twelve. This is the governing authority that we think controls all things that the cavern dwellers beneath our feet do every day. While our actions had no direct influence on his death, we'll take it as a good sign anyway. Now... if we can succeed in our current mission, it will be two of their members knocked out. Two out of twelve... we need to up our pace if we are to overthrow them."
The room was dismissed and officers went their assigned duties. Judy caught up with Detective Wilde who was being briefed by his superior, Detective Markle. She waved to the male grey wolf and waited a respectful distance until everything was completed. "Greetings Judy. Don't break my subordinate. I need him to finish those reports so they can be analyzed by forensics later today."
The young doe gave the wolf a big bunny hug and a peck on his cheek. This time the male didn't try rubbing it off, she guessed he resigned himself to getting this daily even though it broke rules and regulations. It seemed the upper chain had decided to look the other way; apparently this small symbol of affection was a good morale booster. She talked to her husband about something in the morning's briefing that gave her an idea. She couldn't act on it right away, but he would be office-bound all morning and thus able to look into it. Plus his new status allowed him access to information she was denied.
Nick watched as Judy was whisked away by her usual cohorts in crime: Officers Quickpaw and Lioness. Good... he was always thankful when she was with these two predator officers. Not that he wasn't appreciative of her being with the other officers; it was just that... females were less likely to be infatuated with the cute bunny. Plus this morning her pheromones told him she was beginning her heat cycle. This meant the mandatory birth control shot was wearing off and she was required to be at medical early this morning for a renewal shot. Nick thought for a moment; since he was around Judy every day, his body was acutely attuned to her. He could be over-sensitive to it; so he decided to send Emma a short zmail asking her to take Judy to Zootopia General Hospital.
A few hours later Judy and her partners were up in the Longears-controlled territory in the Outback Isles. They were with a combined ZPD-GSD task force searching for the target identified in this morning's briefing. It was the first step in the operation; identify the approximate location of the godfather of the Outback Mafia. He had moved his center of operations since the days of her trial at the Council of Elder's estate, something she wished he didn't but tactically agreed. This was made more difficult because any mole they once had was eliminated once the godfather regained control.
By nightfall everyone was tired and they stopped to make camp. Watches were assigned and robotic surveillance drones turned on and close-in patrol routes laid out. Judy wasn't certain she was willing to trust her life to these machines, but Agent Rogers assured her these would be less likely to miss someone attempting to sneak into their camp during the night. Besides... this was the other reason watches were set; trust in this technology was not fully realized. It would be events later that night which confirmed the GSD's agent's words. Several mammals attempted to use stealth technology to enter their camp, all were identified by these robotic sentries and their fellow teammates quietly alerted. All but one succeeded in using their cyanide pills; the lone remaining attacker now is resting somewhat uncomfortable in a barrel and being flown back to headquarters.
The next day they got a lucky break. Gregor McKeen, Godfather of the Outback Mafia, member Alpha Ten of the Dark Council of the Twelve... was spotted playing in the ocean surf with a very pregnant vixen watching his actions. This was their target, this was the reason their actions led up to. Getting beyond his security would be the challenge. His death was their primary goal, capturing him alive was acceptable. The only wrench in their plans was the vixen nearby. After comparing her facial features with computer records confirmed she was his wife.
"That's it!" Judy exclaimed; everyone was momentarily confused.
"She was there when Nick and I were standing at the secret conference at the estate. Apparently she was negotiating with the mammal known as the nursemaid and it all revolved around the two young vixens which Nick and I are parents of. She wasn't showing her pregnancy back then, so she must be near her due date."
"Anything else you care to share?" Emma asked.
"Yeah... she marked my husband. She owes me that one."
"Ok... besides that, anything else?" Lillian asked while rolling her eyes.
Judy thought for a moment. "Well... she was awfully concerned about the parentage of the young vixens. Seems she was under the impression her husband's first wife just might be their mother. If this is true..." Judy's eyes became wide as saucers.
She looked at the group. "Our vixens could be the legitimate heirs to the Outback Mafia."
"Pick up Nick... pick up!" Judy was getting impatient. She was not entirely disappointed when her call went straight to voicemail. She left a message to get ZPD officers over to their apartment soon as possible. She ended her call and quickly dialed Bogo's number; it went straight to voicemail as well. She left a curt and brief message same as Nick's. Next she dialed the ZPD's front desk.
"Good morning. ZPD Precinct One. How can I direct your call?"
"Clawie... it's Judy. Listen... please send ZPD officers to my apartment ASAP! No time to explain and I'm trying to find Bogo."
"Chief is with Kohle and both are in a do not disturb conference."
"Clawhauser, it's important. The vixens Nick and I are caring for... could be the heirs to the Outback Mafia."
"And this means what? They are going to start talking like a kingpin?"
"Clawie!" Judy was starting to get excitable. "Please... I wouldn't be begging you if this weren't important!"
"Ok... relax. I'm sending Officer Fanghanel and Grizzoli over right now. I hope this is worth being put on KP duty all week."
"I'll be right there with you." She kissed the zphone and promptly hung up.
Judy wasn't sure who to call next, so she opted for Nick's mother. She was pleasantly surprised the elder vixen was using her zphone and was in Judy's apartment enjoying her grandcubs. She had to be as calm and keep her voice as neutral as possible; it was important for the elder vixen to keep the front door locked and the balcony door as well. She called Elliot on his private zphone and told him to get Nick's house keys; he knew where her husband was working at today so it should be easy. Finally she called Mr. Big; she used a rarely known line he said was strictly for her to use in an emergency. She said the appropriate alpha-numeric code and acknowledged the mammal's question on the other side of this call. She asked for a temporary guard at her home, making it clear tonight she will be moving her family.
No sooner than she ended this call than her zphone sounded Nick's private ringtone: the first few musical notes of their wedding dance song. He was slightly anxious why he should give his key to Elliot, after she explained he quickly signed off and the call ended. Her phone rang milliseconds after this: it was Detective Markle. She explained why and he said he would send the appropriate alert through the ZPD hierarchy. He would brief Bogo after making sure the nearest patrol was heading to her apartment. A few minutes later she received a call from Finnick; he and Valarie were outside her apartment building and would take a quick trip upstairs to verify nothing was out of the ordinary.
Judy felt exhausted. Her phone rang again but the ringtone was one she never heard before. She was pleasantly surprised it was Audrey on the other end. After explaining why she was so excited, Nick's grandmother had her answer several questions. The elder vixen showed just why she was sitting in charge of an important government agency; her skills in calming the bunny while getting information Judy was reluctant to say spoke volumes. By the end of the call Judy was happy she said everything she said.
"Don't worry dear; they're my great-grandcubs. I'll make certain no harm becomes of them. I assume Finnick and Valarie are there keeping an eye on the place? Good. I understand Officer Grizzoli is keeping my grandson from driving? That's good. Now... assuming we reacted quickly enough I see no reason danger has befallen them. Stay calm and attend to your current assignment. Capture both foxes for me, please?"
Judy wasn't the only one feeling greatly relieved. As she looked around she noticed just how tense everyone must have felt the moment she started panicking.
Gregor McKeen, Godfather of the Outback Mafia, was enjoying playing in the ocean surf. He was enjoying watching his very pregnant wife as she lay in the shade of an over-sized umbrella of which was its purpose. She reluctantly agreed to come here even though he knew her doctor said not to travel over a certain distance from his office. He was subtly watching her, noting by her shifting her body that the cubs were now on their way to be born. He made his way to shore and shook the water from his fur and then used a towel to dry the remainder. Afterwards he gently convinced her to shuffle her way towards the vehicle that waited close by. The guards opened the rear door and helped her inside, then him as well.
Good. His carefully laid plans were working as planned. What happened next he didn't expect the Zootopians would try but anticipated his rivals might.
A very large helicopter arrived and its grappling hooks firmly grasping the vehicle's frame, followed in quick succession by winches pulling the vehicle towards the hovering vehicle as its own engines revved up. Within moments both were airborne and headed somewhere where several mammals were waiting to take them into custody.
Gregor could hardly believe it was happening again. He remained calm for only two reasons: his pregnant vixen was already being excited for both of them and being excited would not solve his current dilemma. He opened his zphone and spoke a code, then waited for the fireworks to begin. Shortly after ending the call several rockets appeared and slammed into the helicopter. It was obvious they were going to crash land, so he coaxed his wife into a curled position, placing his body between her and the nearest solid object.
When the doors opened he was glad they were his hench-mammals. They helped his wife out of the vehicle and into the attack copter, making sure she was seated as comfortable as such limited space could afford. He sat next to her and after strapping in they were airborne once again. This time the trip went smoothly and arrived at his newly designated headquarters. Her doctor was none too pleased at how long she had been in labor but thankfully no cubs started passing through the birth canal. Within the hour all cubs were born healthy and mother doing well, resting in a private room filled with flowers and gifts. Her parents were there enjoying their new grandcubs and waited until Mother Nature signaled all cubs had properly bonded to their mother and had their first meal of breast milk.
Gregor didn't stay long; he knew who it was that attempted to abduct his hide, let alone that of his family. The Zootopians would pay a price for this action.
Jackie was having the time of her life. She was cubsitting her granddaughters and took them over to their other grandparents' home somewhere in the Meadowlands. This was a weekend visit which she wanted the young vixens to experience both families getting along together. Begrudgingly she allowed Finnick and Valarie to come along because Judy was still convinced some mammal was trying to abduct them. Valarie suppressed her giggling as Finnick's patience was severely tested; the young vixens were putting curlers in his fur and pretending to have tea with him.
Jackie looked proudly upon the young vixens; her grandcubs were proving themselves very intelligent and quick on their paws. It was obvious their mother had to have been above-average in intelligence; such traits were passed down through the bloodline to the next generation of the same sex. This caused her mind to wonder what their mother was like when she was still living. She felt a pain of sympathy on their behalf; going through life without knowing their mother would leave a sizeable hole in their hearts. Thankfully their maternal grandparents were here enjoying playing a game suitable for much older cubs.
Kimberly must have noticed her companions' thoughts. "Wondering why these are so advanced in wisdom?"
Jackie tore herself from her near-daydreaming. "Oh... yes, I was thinking that. Their mother must have been quite sharp mind."
Carl chuckled. "Yes she was. Unfortunately she didn't have good morals. Such is the price one pays for having above-average intelligence. Such mammals are able to think quickly through tasking and selecting options that cause great harm but ends the suffering of others in least amount of time."
Jackie gasped. "How... surely... I mean..."
Kimberly placed a paw on the elder vixens shoulder. "It comes down through my bloodline. Seems every-other generation has to suffer an early death just so the next learns the lesson and behaves themselves properly. Of all my litters, only Josephine managed to accomplish great things. Terrible... but great. Her best friend and littermate Kathrin somehow escaped having questionable morals."
"Didn't the remainder of your litters?"
"Yes, but unfortunately each has some small flaw. I'll take a small flaw over what Josephine displayed; oh she was very loving and caring towards her siblings. But ambition was her first priority in life. I suppose she finally got that golden ring of power she so desperately wanted."
Carl looked at Jackie who now was deep in thought. After he caught her attention he spoke his thoughts. "We can tell you have quite the sharp mind yourself. Fortunately you have an equally balanced moral code within yourself. It is my wife's and my hope these vixens have inherited it from you."
He now looked into his wife's eyes. "We have decided that if these youngsters display the same attributes their mother had, it would be better if we end their lives rather than allow them to make similar errors their mother made. This is the first and only time we will say this out loud. We hope you as the other grandparent will understand. We much rather they spend as much time with your family as possible in the hope that their moral code strengthens and they become mammals of great intelligence using it for the greater good of all mammalkind."
Jackie suddenly realized something. "Kathrin... Josephine's littermate. What is she doing these days? Are you proud what she is doing with her life?"
Now it was both elder foxes whose faces beamed with pride. "She is doing remarkably well in college. She has taken up a strange hobby in her off hours from classes. We're not entirely certain, but we think she is trying to piece together her sibling's life. Josephine's death really affected her, and I think uncovering what her sister did after leaving home may help soothe her soul. Whatever she finds, we hope it doesn't lead to her getting killed."
Kathrin Wintersprite's mind was wondering again. She had a strange habit recently; she had left home for the purpose of tracking down who was the father of the lighter-hued vixen. Now that she had the answer, she wanted to learn more about her sister's life. Unfortunately she was now sidetracked. The group she was associated with, young aspiring detectives that wanted nothing more than to solve hidden things. This was unusual for female to be doing, societal expectations demanded them to be home caring for their young thus ensuring the next generation was sound.
Somehow in solving the parentage puzzle their group discovered the father of Marilyn was embattled against powerful but dangerous mammals. She wondered why he simply didn't drop everything and disappear into the world of a con-artist.
Her search for understanding the connection between Nickolas Wilde and her sister lead her to this library. Inside was a display featuring a cardboard cutout of the famous fox standing next to a lithe bunny. Both were in ZPD uniforms, except hers was two-tone while his was a singular color. Superimposed across the images was a phrase: *To make the world a better place*. It was a nice catch phrase and the advertising agency snatched it to use it as a recruiting tool. She liked how the images looked and decided if he really did look exactly as depicted on this cardboard cutout then he certainly was a catch any female would be lucky to have.
Next to this was several machines she knew to use microfiche; small rectangular sheets containing very small images of newspaper articles. She was surprised these were from every newspaper available in Zootopia, and these were selective; only stories about either the fox or rabbit were on them. She was further surprised these went back to the day either of these were born. Someone certainly spent a lot of time compiling these. She grinned to no one in particular; rare was it that anyone used microfiche anymore. This was the age of computers and stories today were written both in physical form in actual newspapers and in electronic form anyone with Internet access and a subscription could read online from the comfort of their own home.
Kathrin knew the college she attended used both methods, and she learned that mammals preferred using computers over operating the old clunky machines moving plastic sheets around. She had discovered for herself that instead of waiting for a computer to become available she could have instant access to information contained on these sheets. Bonus was there was no interference from a power spike or clumsy mammal bumping into her. She could have certain pages printed or electronically scanned and sent to her zmail at the end of her session.
It was hours later when the janitor interrupted her, noting it was nearly closing time. The old sheep was please someone of her young years appreciated what microfiche could do, noting that someday a bad mammal would find a way to interfere with today's newfangled computers. He said as long as a light source was available, even holding the plastic up to the sunlight, these sheets could be read. She respectfully agreed with him, mostly because she knew this would satisfy him and thus get him away quicker. She ended her session and entered the zmail address she wanted copies she selected to be sent and finally turned off the machine.
As she walked to her residence she pondered over the information she learned about not only the fox but the bunny as well. She was surprised they were married, surprised further when a little-known tabloid showed a picture of him and the bunny in questionable positions. Kathrin was no prude but neither did she have a particular enjoyment viewing those kinds of pictures. Males; they had an affinity for what lay underneath females clothes. Still the story was confirmed by a subtle mention in other respectable newspapers that the fox and bunny were indeed having adult relationships. She found herself giggling and wondering just how the bunny must feel when they engaged in such activity. *Probably like everyone else, only much more filling* she thought to herself, which caused her to actually laugh out loud.
Both were ZPD officers although the bunny was the senior by more than a year. Both were quickly gaining respectability as competent officers. The bunny was normally paired with the fox but often times with a lynx and lioness. The fox was highly sought by other precincts for investigations involving white collar crimes. His insider knowledge into how the criminal mind worked was valuable in cracking open many stubborn cases. One news article quoted him as saying he knew everyone in Zootopia; apparently he also knew to whom stored secrets of every criminal of every level. This alone was the primary reason many cases were solved quickly. Kathrin wondered if the fox had a death warrant on his hide due to revealing such information on so many criminal elements.
Kathrin giggled about something else. She held a printed photo of the fox-bunny couple as they posed in sexy clothes; him in a Chip-n-Dale outfit and she in a very convincing Play Bunny outfit. She obviously was a rabbit, but the outfit made it appears more so. Kathrin was certain some kind of camera trickery was used; this picture was just too convincing. Even though she was a female herself, she just couldn't take her eyes off the bunny.
Suddenly she paused outside a storefront window. Displayed for everyone to see was a small collection of stuffed dolls all in the likeness of the bunny cop. There was one of the bunny in plaid pink shirt with blue jeans, another in her two-color ZPD uniform, another of her in a standard ZPD uniform, one of her in a one-piece swimsuit and another in a bikini. Dolls dressed in almost every possible occupation showed what the bunny could look like, even one of her in the Play Bunny outfit. She went inside surprised the store was open this late. She quickly understood why; it sold apparel and items for couples to add spice to their relationship. The storeowner was very pleased noting that the best seller was the play-bunny doll, but the farmer-doll and the two-color police doll were close in sales each.
Karen walked out of the store somewhat embarrassed she actually bought several of the dolls. She would keep the Chip-n-Dale and the Play Bunny ones for herself, all others would go to her nieces. As she continued walking homeward she noticed just how popular the fox-bunny couple was. Seemingly everywhere their images were being used to sell practically everything. Then she realized which neighborhood she was walking through and it all made sense. This was the red light district; sex was the primary item of commerce here. Bunnies were the epitome of sexiness and the famous ZPD officer's image was earning unscrupulous business-mammals lots of money. She noticed the images were obviously photo shopped; the stories she read only hours ago told her the bunny was not promiscuous, but these images would convince a male otherwise.
Now that one story made sense; it was the reason why the reclusive bunny was put into the famous sexy outfit... she was recruited by the ZPD to work undercover in its effort to reduce the profitability of this district. But to Karen's viewpoint it seemed their efforts were increasing business. She kept hearing soft muttering of males coming from certain alleyways, each wondering when they would catch sight of the bunny in her outfit. This made her feel sick to her stomach and empathetic for what the bunny must feel every time she had to walk these streets in that outfit. A shadow crossed her path and after looking up at the source she gasped. It was the famous bunny was wearing the outfit and she was in a small group of females; each wearing something that accentuated their species sexiness. Kathrin stepped aside and let the group pass, amazed as each asked for her pardon for interrupting her nightly stroll. A short distance away Karen could tell the undercover cops were keeping a close watch on the group.
Karen was offered a ride home by one of the officers, the mammal stating it was obvious she had nearly given away Judy's identity. She accepted knowing they really wanted to get her away as quickly as possible, but she appreciated the ride nonetheless. Once safely inside her small apartment she played with her dolls, pretending the two sexy ones were doing an undercover sting operation. After eating a chief salad and taking a shower followed up by a session in the fur drier, she climbed into bed and cuddled with all the dolls. Sleep overcame her shortly thereafter.
Mr. Big was sitting in Briefing Room #5, Koslov standing nearby in his usual manner denoting patience but readiness to spring into action should his boss and best friend's life need saving. The large polar bear knew he had an important advisory role and that itself was power. Many of their successes were due to his ability to see something from a different viewpoint and negotiate it. Therefor he was paying close attention to what was left unsaid as to those actual words.
"My friends, I ask for some privacy so I may confer with my advisor. I would also appreciate it if Agent Rogers would stay as well."
Once the room was cleared the he asked what was bugging her. "Mr. Big, sir... I think you take their offer. The success of this operation depends on your survival. One of our recent operations failed to capture this Alpha, thus we strongly suspect he now knows only the information about his current whereabouts could have come from the only mammal with close ties: you."
"Ms. Rogers... in all the years since we first started our working relationship I have never had any reason to doubt you. Our relationship always has been one where you kept track of mammals I needed an eye on and you always let me know when their actions could possibly threaten me. As far as other events, you clearly never gave me delicate information unless I was the only one able to ensure a mission's success. When I needed information, you gave just enough so I could succeed."
The ferret was not deterred. "Sir... I strongly recommend you accept their suggestion." She got up unceremoniously, paused long enough to receive his kiss on her cheek, and then left the room. Both males waited until the door closed behind her.
"She has finally found a suitable male to service her desires" the rodent muttered almost under his breath. The bear obviously kept his opinions to himself.
"Boss, I received a report just before this meeting. Indications are as she just said; he knows." Koslov stopped there knowing further words would anger his friend.
"I must not show weakness, and waiting another day would surely signal my guilt clearly as if I said it plainly in front of him. I promised you, my best friend that I would never put your life needlessly in danger. I shall not this time. However I think I have something that will greatly increase our odds for success." He opened his zphone, selected a file, and then sent it to Koslov's zphone. Once the bear read what it contained he grinned and nodded in the affirmative.
"See why I am reluctant to do as they suggest?"
"Boss... surly we keep this to ourselves? Let's allow them to think they are doing more than they think."
The Arctic Shrew thought for a moment, finally nodding his head in the affirmative. Koslov went to the door and opened it just enough so he could let Agent Rogers know they were ready to resume negotiations. She forwarded the news to her superiors and went to the female bathroom to freshen up. Within minutes all that was in the room before were seated back in their places. This time the meeting went quickly and everything agreed to and differences ironed out. Everyone left the room and returned to their normal places and routine.
Agent Rogers knew what the Tundra Town boss had up his sleeve, just as she knew many of his closest secrets. Revealing even one of these would break a personal code of honor, thus she guarded them carefully. If knowledge is power, then she had plenty to influence the rodent to do many things she wanted whenever she wanted. But mafia bosses are highly unpredictable; they would just as soon kill you to eliminate a personal threat as they would agree so to get something done. The female ferret walked to her personal car, and pleasantly surprised as her chosen male stepped out to give her a warm hug and passionate kiss. They soon departed going where the male assured her would be a pleasant event for the both of them.
"Are we certain of this?" Gregor McKeen could hardly believe what was presented before him.
"Quite certain, sir. The photos clearly show Alpha Twelve entering and leaving Precinct One in the past few weeks. As you can see others show him meeting with the ZPD bunny officer in a semi-secluded public area just out of sight most mammals. Taken separately these would be nothing... but taken within the start of our operation to eliminate the Zootopian controlling authority, they leave only one conclusion."
Gregor paced the floor. Recent events certainly bore this out, and his inability to reach the rodent at certain times of the day now sent alarm bells inside his mind.
"Why now? We have a blood oath. Nothing can be stronger or more binding."
"May I remind you sir... this obligation to the ZPD bunny started before your pact was official. She has been confirmed as godmother to his grandkit. Same police officer saved the life of his only daughter, thus a family debt was created unknowingly. He has had several close operations with law enforcement ever since. One of our lower-ranking members has been keeping tabs on the rodent, documenting his travels and only revealed this when he had direct proof the rodent was personally involved in the latest attempt on your family."
The fox paused; if a life debt was started before a blood pact then that debt superseded the pact. Rare was it that one or the other acted against the other. But now evidence was presented for just that situation. He felt like a fool; and now he needed to end their pact before his ally could succeed in either killing him or capturing him. He listed his options in his mind, arguing the merits and demerits of each course of action. Several were promising and few stood a decent chance for success. Finally he made his choice and sent his minions out to put it into action. He only hoped he was making the right decision based on actual facts.
He made his way to the hospital room where his wife was recovering from birthing their cubs. She smiled weakly at him and softly grinned as he placed a kiss on her forehead. The litter was busily nursing and making noises as young are prone to do. He was surprised how these sounds aroused him, and he was grateful that he followed his father's advice to wear semi-baggy clothes on his first visit his newborn litter. Now it was a matter of regaining his self-control.
Catherin noticed something was distressing her husband; call it a female's intuition. "Something's bothering you, isn't it? And don't tell me the sounds of our litter nursing are arousing you. This is beyond that."
"It doesn't concern you. I..."
"You are wrong, my love. I can tell when it is more than mere business. This is a broken trust issue. Now tell me; surely my counsel counts for something?"
Gregor sighed. "It's the Tundra Town boss. We had an unbreakable bond. Now I find out he had one prior to our agreement and it trumps mine."
She thought a little bit, waiting to see if he volunteered more information. "There's more. Please tell me."
"I'm told he personally was aware of the recent operation, the one that tried to capture us when we were headed here to birth our litter."
"Being aware doesn't mean he condoned it."
Gregor looked her in the eyes. "Then why didn't he warn me? That is something I would have done at the very least."
"My love... send him a request to meet you. When it's just the two of you then you ask him plain."
Gregor reached over and held her close, or as close as several nursing cubs would allow. "What would I do without you?"
She looked into his eyes and grinned. "Diaper changing begins in an hour."
"Is there any questions?" Colonel Kohle looked around the room and then back down at his notes. "Operation begins in one hour. Dismiss."
The room erupted in pandemonium as mammals raced to their assigned positions in the convoy. Weapons had already been checked and rechecked then stored ready and waiting for the agents to return from the briefing. Agents also raced to the helos that would be providing cover and once inside strapped themselves in. Meanwhile others entered the control room that operated the various drones. These were quickly sent airborne and to the area that their target was semi-hiding. These would warn everyone if conditions changed from moment to moment.
Agent Minksin loved the thrill of a major operation. These were rare and challenging as the prey was elusive, and besting such mammal proved one's tactical prowess. Her team was the definition of calm under pressure, and sometimes she wished they showed a little emotion. It would help her better gage their stress level or confidence in the mission. But at least they didn't argue when she volunteered them to go in first.
Sooner than expected they were landing in their assigned sector and her team rushed out and began their sweep. The drone operators had not seen anything different or unusual in the past 45 minutes. Unfortunately infra-red could only describe so much. The howitzer pointed at them in point blank range opened fire almost immediately when they peeked around the corner. It was made into a mangled mess after her team called in a strike from the overhead drones.
What annoyed her the most was the heavy fire coming from the building clearly marked as a hospital. She made a difficult decision to fire a bazooka at the Red Cross symbol painted on the side of the building she could see; once she was satisfied it was no longer discernable, she called in a strike coming from a specific direction at a specific part of the building. She only hoped the operator wasn't aware of the symbol that was there moments ago. She watched as a series of missiles and bombs levelled this part of the building. Once her team reached that part of the building, they noticed parts of mammals holding weapons; they also noticed parts of cubs `scattered among the dead. Catherin McKeen's body was identified among the dead.
Agent Minksin hated this part of these operations. Innocents almost always were used as living shields.
Moments later their target was identified and now surrounded. Her team listened-in as the negotiator tried talking it into surrendering. By now it was clear the fox godfather was not alone; he was with another that was identified as friendly. She hoped this wouldn't take very much longer; she hoped he never learned about the death of his wife and cubs. She had read his file: he had been captured no less than two times by his competitors, one being his former wife and the other by Colonel Kohle. His own forces had arranged his escape only a few months ago; then there was near-capture he had escaped only hours ago.
Mr. Big was sitting on the table, seemingly indifferent to the chaos around him. Gregor McKeen was a bundle of nerves. Almost soon as he started questioning his former ally about the events that recently almost succeeded in his capture, this attack started. He was almost convinced he had been mistaken, almost about to apologize to the rodent when the attack began. Now all this firmly convinced him the Tundra Town boss had been using the Zootopians to muscle-in on his territory. He had the rodent alone; the guardian bear being held at bay by no fewer than a dozen of his best guards, all wolves and foxes.
He should have seen it coming; he should have known his forces weren't the only ones using stealth technology. But he was overconfident in his right-paw mammal's ability to remain focused on the screen of the instrument before him. But at the crucial moment he was distracted, and this cost him and the guards their lives. One moment the rodent and bear were the ones being subdued; next the room had several mammals lying dead on the floor. Gregor could only look around, not quite comprehending what just happened. It wasn't long until the world went blank. His final moments of life he recognized the Arctic Shrew seemingly standing on his chest, a blood stained sword held in his paw.
"My apologies, Alpha Ten. But it was you that made an attempt against my family. This after you acknowledged the ZPD bunny was the godmother of my grandkit. You should have known that a life debt supersedes our binding agreement. Now I am forced to eliminate you. I promise I will ensure your wife and cubs are safe and sound living as comfortably as the funds you've set aside will allow them. Other than this... by tradition of our ancestors and that of the Dark Council, I hereby claim your territory and goods as my own. I will make the proper claim when the council next resumes."
The chancellor of the twelve gaveled the meeting to order. There were two notable empty places, one they already knew and the other completely unexpected. It was not lost on the chancellor that Alpha Twelve was here at this meeting, something quite remarkable for him. Before the chancellor could say something more the Arctic Shrew clapped his paws and the polar bear guard came forward and placed a rag-covered item on the table... in the position of Alpha Ten. With a movement of his paw the item was unwrapped and laying there before all was Gregor McKeen's lifeless head upon a platter.
"Chancellor, friends... this Alpha made an attempt against my family. This after he acknowledged such mammal belonged under my protection. I exercised my ancient right as godfather and killed him where he stood. By rights of my ancestors and of the rules of this council, I hereby lay claim to his territory and goods."
"Not so fast" Alpha Six said and stood up. Franz Wright looked quizedly at the shrew. "I find it difficult to believe such a small creature such as yourself was able to do this. I..." This was all he said before he felt something pointy pierce his throat. He grasped towards his wound but only felt his own neck. A small voice whispered into his ear.
"Proof enough? Rare is it I lift my own blade against my equals, but this matter forces my paw. It is business after all, and this gathering takes business quite serious. Choose your words carefully my friend. They very well may be your last."
The chancellor cleared his throat. "This is proof enough for me. What say you all?" One by one the remaining Alphas acknowledged the claim of the Arctic Shrew. Alpha Three, the female caracal from Aswan Plateau, was making bedroom eyes at the rodent. Mr. Big knew a bedroom romp would be impossible with the feline, but her eyes certainly made such proposition a tempting choice. *must be her makeup* he thought to himself. She was an accomplished assassin after all, and tools of her trade obviously included seducing males of all species.
"It is agreed. Congratulations Alpha Twelve. You are hereby promoted to Alpha Ten. It is well deserved and in this chancellor's eyes far too late in coming." He raised his chalice, which was decorated with gems of many colors and inlaid with other valuable metals. "A toast; to our newly advanced member. May he never disappoint his colleagues and may his reign in his current position be long and fruitful."
Mr. Big stayed for the meal, making a request for his guardian to be served as well. He didn't push the issue any further but simply waited for the others to finish their protests. The chancellor granted the request, saying the first course of the meal would be the only one the bear would receive. Cheryl Stalk found a workaround by pretending to stumble and allowing a bowl of fruits to slide off her tray and land in front of Koslov. She kissed his muzzle saying they were the best money could buy, then quickly moved away before he could put it back on her tray. The other males gathered were surprised she neither slit his throat nor stayed to watch him eat. She did however make subtle flirting of her eyes at the bear.
Koslov was surprised he didn't have to fight his way as they departed the compound. When they arrived back in Zootopia Mr. Big received a zmail from the chancellor, reminding him their normal monthly audit would continue as always. If fact it was due early next week and the chancellor will be there earlier than usual. The rodent wasn't surprised; since the loss of two Alphas it made sense that more free time it gave the chancellor hence his decision to arrive earlier.
Mr. Big closed his zmail application and had Koslov take him to his den where he was placed on his favorite lounging chair in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace. His wife, Ziva, was already sitting in her lounging chair and busy knitting something he could only conclude was for Little Judy. Colette, Ziva's personal assistant and consort to Koslov, was sitting in an over-stuffed chair next to the shrew ready to get whatever the matron wanted. Tomorrow was gonna be another hectic day in Tundra Town, but tonight all was well in the Big's mansion.