ZPD's New Plans.
"Good morning Zootopia. I'm Peter Moosebridge. Fabienne Growley has been placed on sick leave as per her doctor's orders due to flu-like symptoms. We here at ZNN News wish her a quick and speedy recovery. And now for your morning news. Yesterday a joyous celebration was held in the Meadowlands as two missing vixens were reunited with their family. We reported their story a while ago and all here at ZNN News wish to express our appreciation for their safe return. Pics and video can be seen on our website."
"In other news medical authorities report that several medicines have had promising results against the Moo-han Virus. Studies are continuing at Zootopia General Hospital and several hospitals throughout the region. Furthermore they report that the infection rate has hit an apparent plateau, thus encouraging citizens to continue following the guidelines set forth earlier."
"Our two reporters have an update on their experience. Ladies the floor is yours."
On screen both vixens were sitting on a bedside in floral-print pajamas wearing bunny slippers and surrounded by stuffed dolls. Victoria was holding one that resembled a grandma fox complete with glasses; Audrey was holding a doll resembling Judy Hopps in farmer gear. Both were obviously looking not quite healthy but not completely sick, just somewhere a bit more than sleep deprived.
"Thank you Peter. We are using our basic camera set upon a tripod for this broadcast, seeing as you can tell Audrey and I are coming down with the common cold. Dr. Rodgers assures us this isn't the Moo-han Virus and put both of us on bedrest with orders to drink plenty of fluids and eat chicken soup regularly."
She paused to swat the empty bottle of Merlot out of Audrey's paws, the vixen had been looking into the empty bottle and obviously not aware this was being broadcast.
"We sent our camera crew to get video of how the average Zootopian citizen is dealing with this unusual medical condition throughout our great city. Roll the tape."
The video showed various scenes throughout the ecosystems; many citizens were wearing facemasks continually and a few wore gloves. Almost everyone wore long-sleeve shirts and pants or trousers; rare was it that one could see fur or skin on their arms or legs. It was awkward to see mammals that normally wore footpads or none at all suddenly wearing shoes. It was obvious these were still getting used to wearing these and one could speculate why simply by looking towards what was happening in the Meadowlands.
Audrey spoke next. "See those new to wearing shoes? We asked Dr. Bearinton for his opinion and he summarized it this way: they simply think the Moo-han Virus can be brought home upon their feet, hence protecting themselves by wearing shoes which easily removed before entering the home. We consulted Dr. Otterton and his list of healthy practices can be found on this stations' website."
Victoria wrapped a paw around Audrey and both shared a hug. "It's time for us to return to observing doctor's orders and get back to bed. Back to you Peter."
The moose's head was slightly cocked as he was looking towards someone off-camera; shortly he returned his face towards the camera. "Our management sends their best wishes for a speedy recovery to our favorite reporter duo. We are sending over your favorite tea-types in teabags along with a small coffee maker, something you both already know how to use for hot water purposes. For our viewers that wish to know what these ladies prefer, you can find it on our website. Now to see what the weather for today is..."
Mother Nature reached out and tapped the very pregnant doe; it was time for her kits to enter this world and they had been a rambunctious bunch. Dr. Frankinmyrl had his paws full in the last two months of her pregnancy. It was dangerous for teenage does to become pregnant in quite the same manner as for an adult doe with a large litter. Both had limited space in their belly for growing kits, it was not unusual for these to kick someplace in their mother that could result in damage leading to internal bleeding or paralysis. Often times this led to death. Therefore the doctor had a pliable shield surgically implanted between her womb and body cavity. This was a recent invention of his, theorizing it would absorb the majority of a kit's kick energy while allowing the mother as much flexibility to move around as a normal pregnant doe would.
Bridget, Mindy's mother and a nurse herself, diagnosed the beginning of Mindy's labor early one morning. She sent Kimberly to get the Hopps ready to move her sister to the hospital. Bonnie, Opal, and Elizabeth rushed over to the old burrow to help Bridget prepare Mindy for the trip. They probably went mostly to keep Ralph from being overly excited; this was his first litter and new fathers were notoriously jittery and controlling. Having his elders nearby would greatly reduce strain on Mindy's family, and quite possibly keep her from actually hurting him when his antics grated on her nerves.
Stu, Albert, and Floyd made the arrangements for transportation, which naturally meant getting the old truck prepared and Floyd's estate-provided sedan warmed up. When Mindy and Ralph were ready Floyd parked the sedan near the burrow's front door; Bridget and Bonnie helped Mindy into the rear seat. Both mothers sat next to her while Elizabeth and Kimberly sat in the front with Floyd as he drove to Plainsburrow Hospital nearby in Bunny Burrow. Stu had Ralph with him in the truck's cab while those sworn to be godparents ride in the back. Albert and Opal stayed on the farm to control the younger bunnies that by now were excited about their newest cousin's imminent birth.
Judy and Nick sent flowers and their well-wishes; they were in Zootopia and not due to visit for a couple weeks. Considering the increase in operation tempo, this just might not be possible. Judy did call her sister-in-law to wish her well; Marilyn and Caroline sent their well-wishes, even though they probably didn't fully understand what the occasion was. Nick's parents sent their well-wishes as did Carl and Kimberly. Jill and her law firm partner Clara gathered up any Hopps siblings in college that wanted to see Ralph's newborn kits and brought them to Bunny Burrow. Jenny brought her new husband and her camera; she still was the family's photographer and thus wanted Ralph's first litter properly taken.
Bridget and Kimberly were the only ones allowed to stay constantly near Mindy's bedside. Bonnie and Stu chose to alternate between the lounge and Mindy's room, mostly to keep the well-wishers updated and to get the nervous father out walking about. Traditionally it was always a good idea to have new fathers removed from the expectant mothers' bedside; usually his parents or siblings took him for a walk in the garden or for a small drink to calm his nerves.
Dr. Frankinmyrl and Nurse Otterton entered the room and did a quick evaluation, they pronounced the litter's birth imminent and had Mindy moved into the birthing room. Bridget was allowed to follow since it was tradition for the doe's mother to be nearby during birthing process. Since rabbits birthed their young in a sitting position, the chair was specifically designed for a doe to squat as her young entered the world. The doctor positioned to cradle each as they exited their mother's body and the nurse ready to hold the young close to the mother; this allowed her natural instinct to clean her kits while ensuring she did not move off the birthing chair to do so. Sometimes kits were birthed faster than the previous one could be properly cleaned. In this the previous one would be handed to her mother while the newly born would be placed for the doe to start cleaning it, another tradition by rabbits.
Soon all kits were born and cleaned, Mindy was returned to her room and her mother kept watch over her. Occasionally Bridget made trips to the nursery to check on her grandkits and monitor their progress. Kimberly watched over her sister when exhaustion overcame the new mother of ten. Bonnie spent more time there helping the new aunt learn the eccentric behaviors new mothers sometime made. It was not unusual for one to wake up and become excited when feeling her belly that was not as round as it was before. Sometimes it was not feeling the kits movements that woke up the new mother; other times it was simply the necessity to use the restroom, especially now that her body could go without being impeded by multiple small bodies.
Kimberly's Tracker team kept watch from hidden places inside and outside the hospital. They were not the only ones paying particular attention to these newborns. The chancellor sent trackers that were watching and making plans. A certain mink nursemaid from the caverns made a visit around midnight; she had plans for these newborns and she needed to verify their condition. She smiled as all were deemed in perfect health. She radioed the trackers and stood near the nursery room's door; keeping it closed to everyone but those assigned to remove and bring them to the chancellor where he would collect payment before the newly assigned parents could collect their new bundle of joy. But tonight it was not going to be her payday.
No sooner than the trackers arrived to remove and transport these newborns, they were captured and subdued before activating the cyanide pill. The mink nursemaid herself was captured by Kimberly and Bridget; these two expected the abduction would be attempted and were proved correct. Thankfully the only members of the Hopps family that had an inkling what happened was Judy, Nick, Elizabeth, and Floyd. The Wilde-Hopps: because they were standing guard on Mindy's room. And the other two: because they were talking with Judy and Nick. Sheriff Ben Springs held the mysterious mammals until the ZPD sent a vehicle to bring them to a more secure facility in Zootopia, which was remarkably quick.
Because of the attempted abduction, Mindy and her litter were moved to the new hospital on the Council of Elders Estate. Security was much stiffer and both Chief Vaulter and Commander McHorn paid close attention to her well-being. All family that wanted to visit had to be escorted by Elizabeth, Floyd, Judy, and Nick; because these were members of the Council of Elders.
The elder swine walked down the hall towards the room where the meeting was taking place. His family was of the subspecies known as razorback; tough, independent, and for many millennia lived where other swine dared not go. Their sturdy body and thick hide made going through underbrush a breeze hence the nickname. He had been retired and was the former chief of police for Precinct One. Currently he has been recalled and serves in the ZPD Headquarters where he works for the commissioner. He found retirement less fulfilling than he thought; and although it was through unfortunate circumstances he was glad to have been recalled, he genuinely likes working in the building he once had distain for. Now that he had the chance to see what happened behind the scenes, it greatly changed his understanding and opinion. He moved through city hall and inquired with the mayor's secretary who confirmed the mayor and his staff was waiting for him. He thanked her and went to the appropriate room, knocked and went in when acknowledged.
"Chief Mondo Razorback reporting as ordered."
The lion returned the salute and motioned for him to seat himself. He was surprised Commissioner Ursus was already here. What was to be discussed must be something big, he thought to himself. In recent weeks he had overheard talk about some things that needed addressing; and the commissioner himself asked for his opinion on more than one occasion. Now he had a suspicion this is what it all led up.
The mayor briefly shuffled a few papers on his desk before finding one he wanted. "Chief... in recent weeks the commissioner and I have been in discussion about what to do about a particular problem. Zootopia needs to address the Dark Underground not just here on our home turf; we need to take the fight to them. The mammals in the caverns below us are only a small part of the problem. It is those that control them we must address: the Dark Council. Just as they are trying to remove the governing authority here, so we must remove those that govern them."
"To date we have successfully removed two of their senior members, what they call *Alpha*. Unfortunately these were the lowest ones on the ladder. Nevertheless it is a good start. We need an individual to coordinate and run this operation. Military has had good success, but they operate best against a foe that has defined borders and control structure. Paramilitary groups such as the Dark Council do not have either. Since they are sufficiently divested against physical control of actual territory, our military cannot target them effectively. This is where we believe one of our own can succeed."
Mondo scratched his chin; he had been working in the ZPD headquarters since this emergency started, thus he already had an idea what the lion was about to propose. He didn't like it; it took officers away from their primary responsibility, exposed many areas to excessive risk not only by the underground mammals but the common thieves already among them, and it was poorly thought out in his opinion. But this was purely speculation based on everything he heard via the gossip news network.
"Mr. Mayor, sir... what are the general objectives you want the ZPD to achieve?"
Leodore waited to answer, he knew the commissioner was against his plan but at the end of their negotiations the bear got most of what he wanted and pledged to support the goals the mayor wanted.
"It's named Spearhead; we need to identify those who are giving aid and comfort to the Dark Council. With luck we will also identify those who support the Servants of Truth; those misguided mammals dedicated to hinder relationships they deem unworthy. But the primary goal... is to find and arrest if possible the leadership of the council itself."
Mondo grunted. "We all certainly want to get our hooves on the council's members, but the other two objectives... those will be difficult to do. Possibly turn our citizens against us in the process. May I suggest a compromise? Focus on getting the council, the others we can arrest if we have proof of their activities."
Leodore thought for a moment. "Very well. But I expect to flush out of hiding any mammal whose allegiance is to either of these organizations."
"Mr. Mayor" the commissioner said as he placed his paw on the mayors' shoulder. "We will do what we can. Individuals can mask their true selves if wanted, and those with training will be nearly impossible to flush out. I'll pass this over to the GSD and the military. Perhaps they can create methods to accomplish this better than we can. After all, the ZPD is in the business of enforcing rules not in reading minds."
Mondo reached over and shook the lion's paw. "I'll accept the assignment. We have access to mammals that think in unconventional ways. These will be my team."
The commissioner walked out of city hall with the boar in tow. When they arrived at ZPD Headquarters the commissioner's staff was already gathered and over the next few hours they determined the first objectives of Project Spearhead and who was going to be assigned. The senior staff was already working on the commissioner's tasking regarding the Wilde-Hopps officers: are they ready to do tasking above their current paygrade? If they passed, their promotions would fill sorely needed bodies in positions badly needing mammals fully capable of doing the job immediately.
Colonel Kohle and Agent Savage were having a discussion about a certain missing priest. Things happened in the heat of battle and it was clear Team Bravo felt responsible for disappearance of the Wilde-Hopps family priest, not to mention the badger also held the position of ZPD Religious Counselor. It took the colonel quite some time to assure not only this agent standing before him but the other members of the team.
"You yourselves know very well what happened that day. The recording devices clearly showed you were up against impossible odds; half of what was thrown against you was something no agent in our history had ever gone against. This is why each of you is being recognized for heroism."
"Sir... and what about the priests?"
Kohle paused for a moment. What he would say next needed to be taken for the genuine manner it would be said in. "They are being recognized as well. We have been discussing this with the High Priestess and High Priest. While they dismiss the award as nothing more than doing their duty, they acknowledge our right to give it. To us it means much, to them it is a simple gratitude from those they serve."
"My team feels it is emphasizing our failure."
"Then you would be wrong" a voice came from the doorway. This new voice both knew. Both were not surprised as the Segway made its way beside the dog.
"It may be that your team feels this way, but awards are not solely given for successful missions; even though it is rare for such to be given for those that may be considered failures. No... no one could have known what their objective was. Debriefing clearly showed each of your team members thought the Dark Underground simply wanted to eliminate both yourselves and the priest-priestesses your team were assigned to protect. Considering how successful the enemy was in dividing every teammate from each other, it is a wonder that as many survived that did. These awards are well deserved."
Director Dench looked directly into the hare's eyes. "Besides... your equipment recorded more than you realize."
This caught the hare's curiosity. Kohle had a glimmer in his eye; he had volunteered to be the authoritarian and thus giving the director the privilege to place the hook before the agent. Savage's ears were upright and pointed at the mouse, clearly waiting for her to reveal that which caught his attention. She merely wiggled her finger, signaling both of them to follow. They walked through the maze of corridors, road the elevator down many levels of which the hare suspected was more than he ever went, and finally stood outside a large steel door Savage never had seen. This was a very high security area judging by the sheer number of guards displaying a no-nonsense sense of humor and the numerous electronic equipment each were required to go through. When they cleared the last device a door opened and they were ushered into a dark room.
A softly glowing screen was at the front, a couple spotlights focused on the center of a slightly risen stage and the entire room's perimeter was backlit along the edge of the walls where it met the floor. The trio sat in the front row of seats towards the center. A couple of attendants came out and inquired what beverages and snacks they wanted. The mouse requested a cheese platter with a carafe of herbal tea. The dog asked for beef teriyaki jerky and a pitcher of Earl Grey. The hare wanted a decanter of green tea and rye toast. When these were set before the trio the attendants stood off to one side in a cubby hole waiting in case one of them wanted something else.
The screen came to life, showing scenes Savage was already familiar with until a scene displayed that the hare had not seen before. Off on a hilltop was a group of mammals in robes similar to what the priest and priestesses he had been trying to protect. He paused the video via his armchair control panel; and then magnified each mammal. Something was different about these, something that seemed eerily unsettling.
"What you are looking at is what we call the Dark Priesthood."
The three mammals jumped in their seats. Savage had drawn his trusty Colt-99 and aimed it towards the voice, and then sheepishly put it back into its holster. The high priestess was slightly taken aback and the high priest merely cocked his head.
"Apologies for the intrusion" High Priest Aaron said as his paws waved a calming spell above his head.
"The Moon deemed it important for our presence. What you are looking at is something we need to give you everything you'll need in the upcoming days. The Dark Priesthood is not to be taken lightly. Now that they have taken an interest in you, Agent Savage, they have made it plain they want to eliminate you. Quite possibly your team as well." High Priestess Ishanah facial expression was very different from what he normally saw, and now it left a pit in his stomach.
Director Dench was not happy about the unauthorized presence of these two. "I don't know how you got past security, but the mammals that failed to prevent it will pay a price."
"Director... I allowed it." Senior Technician Pangolin stepped beside the two religious mammals. "What they have to present is quite possibly the singular thing that may ensure everyone here lives."
The mouse was looking furiously at the panda. "You above everyone know proper procedure."
"Yes, and I did send the proper request earlier this morning. When I didn't receive your reply in your normal timely fashion, I had Dr. Dexter run a trace. She confirmed it was deleted. Director... we have a mole somewhere."
Colonel Kohle's ears perked up. "First the ZPD, now us. Any idea who it is?"
"Gene is tracing it now. She should have an idea soon, and then I'll paw-deliver her report to you. For obvious reasons."
The mouse was slightly relaxed now, but this news was unsettling. She didn't want to think any of her subordinates could be turned; but apparently some could. A cold shiver ran down her spine; only one thing might possibly be the cause and it was nearly unpalatable.
"Servants of Truth" the mouse squeaked softly to herself.
"Agreed" the dog said just as softly.
Savage sat quietly, letting his mind work the information. He had read the incident report about the giraffe who was once a technician in the ZPD. He had done a search about this mammal past; it was nearly squeaky clean except for recent charitable donations to a charity at first glance seemed legit. Now he wanted Technician Marsha Springs to assist Senior Technician Pangolin in searching for this mole. He chuckled; it would be a strange turn of event if the mammal actually was a mole.
He sensed a pair of eyes looking at him, and answered before the question could be asked. "Mole... our mole could be an actual mole."
"Before we go down that rabbit hole, let's finish why we are here. Ishanah... Aaron... if you will, please." The mouse motioned towards the priests.
Aaron picked up a remote and clicked a button. "This is their leader, High Priestess Greta Daperclaw. This information was brought to us by a priestess that had been lost to us many years. This long-lost priestess has an unconscious connection with this hare; both are as we speak trading jabs in the ethereal plane. Soon Greta will make her move and there will be another war in the priesthood."
Colonel Kohle waved his paws in front of him. "Whoa whoa whoa... time out. Don't we have enough of that already? Why would they start now?"
Ishanah looked at the dog with stern eyes. "Because the abduction of our priest, the badger that serves in the ZPD... they did this solely to convert him."
The looks on their faces said it all, and the priestess sighed. "Think back to the founding of Zootopia. It was the actions of a honey badger that cleansed the watering hole that this great city now resides upon. The badger was a priest; first of his species to become one. His species are known to be great fighters and he was no exception. It was the combination of a badger's natural fighting abilities combined with power infused from priesthood... these enabled the badger to be victorious against the hordes of predators sent against him."
Aaron looked at each GSD member. "With a honey badger at her command, especially one trained in our ways she can use him to decimate both of our factions with ease. This is why we are here; we must work with your agency to recover our priest before she finishes the conversion."
Ishanah pointed a finger towards the ceiling. "One more thing you need to know. The Dark Priesthood has recently joined forces with a couple organizations you are already battling. The Dark Council... and Servants of Truth. Alone each of these are formidable; together they are nearly unbeatable."
The room remained eerily quiet for several moments. It was obvious that Savage and Kohle was waiting for the director to make a decision.
"Savage... your team worked with the badger; therefore you should have an idea of his idiosyncrasies. If he is as cleaver as these priests made him to be, perhaps he left a crumb trail. Find him... quickly."
Aaron put a data chip into a socket and pressed a few buttons. "This is everything we think you will need on your quest. Get your team together and meet us at our monastery in the Hidden Hills. Senior Technician Pangolin should be able to decipher what's on these files."
Savage put in a data chip into the slot in his armrest. Immediately it was loaded and a beep signaled it was useable. He pulled it out and put it into his jacket. He didn't say it out loud but the panda and his team shared something no other mammal had, not counting those that were with the Wilde-Hopps when the fled the Lynxion War only to discover their destiny in the Land of the Prophesy. The panda was given control of a bunker filled with advanced equipment no paw in Zootopia had made. It would be cubsplay for her equipment to decipher these files, and maybe there would be more information hidden in those ancient data banks to shed more light on these events.
Chief Bogo rubbed his eyes. It was tiresome doing his normal load of paperwork while overseeing training ops for the recent batch of recalled retirees. He was very happy to see that the mayor's office sent him several retired officers who had been at senior level. These proved they still knew how to do their jobs; many had only been in retirement less than two years. Thus they only needed a refresher course and new computer access credentials.
"Chief Mondo Razorback, how has retirement been treating you?" Bogo warmly muttered. "Oh, pardon me. You've been recalled and working in the commissioner's office. What brings you down to work amongst us lower levels?"
"A lot better before this crap hit the fan. But let's discuss other things before we must get serious." The boar shook the buffalo's hoof warmly and then sat down. "Bogo, I must say... you've done well taking over my old job. I hear you put a bunny and fox together as partners. Now tell me the truth... how much trouble has that duo caused you?
"A few more grey hairs, Raz... but nothing a strong laying down the hoof can't control."
"C'mon now, it's gotta be something you're not telling me."
"Raz... I give them some leeway, only because that fox has proven his worth. Since he's come aboard, this department has made significant inroads in closing cases against the Crime Syndicate."
"In my time, we knew him as one of many small-time crooks."
"I knew that as well. But someone had purged his file in our file room, which gave me a convenient excuse to recommend him to the academy. It was obvious they would straighten him up, and Camp Billy would finish the process converting a civilian into an effective officer. But after the trial they went through at the paws of those elder rabbits, ZPD Mammal Resources revealed they made the necessary changes to get the fox into the academy. Besides... something had changed inside him, and it has something to do with that bunny."
"Ok, I'll concede. Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde have proven to be a valuable asset. My best guess is they are the reason the Dark Underground chose to attack. What I can't figure out is why... why did that major crime boss come to our aid? There's no logical reason!"
"Officer Hopps gave us the reason: She's the godmother to his grandchild."
"Holy Mother of Pearl!"
"Yep. This has given ZPD access to the internal workings of the Syndicate itself. Granted we can't just order Officer Hopps to get it any time we want, Mr. Big made that very clear. It wouldn't take long before the Syndicate figured out it was he giving us info... and kill him. No... he only helps us with specific cases. In return, we have to give him information he asks."
"Sounds like compromising our data."
"Isn't it the same, from his point of view? Either side only gives what's absolutely necessary to get the job done. It's a delicate line we both are walking."
"Ok Bogo, that makes sense. Now on to more important matters... where can I set-up my operation?"
"How about we split my office? Tear down a wall so we can have a little more room?"
"Might work for the short term. How about I take your private meeting room? This way anyone wanting access has to go through you. It also affords me a bit of operational security for my team."
"Done and Done. That should free me to do more training for the retirees."
"I'll take over training those on my operation. Say... is Officer Wilde working Mids?
"He has been working with the detectives under Markle's supervision; they are understaffed and the commissioner authorized his assignment. I've been grooming him towards White Crimes skill-set before this. Officer Hopps is progressing nicely towards General Management."
"Ok, let's keep him there. Say, aren't Hopps and Wilde engaged? I thought I saw something last week on ZNN News."
Bogo smiled. It was obvious the old boar didn't follow the daily news; either that or he was testing him. "They are married hence why they aren't partners. Back before this I sometimes had to separate them because of duty requirements. Special Ops frequently borrows the fox as does White Crimes department. He has spent more time out of this department than in it. The bunny normally is assigned with two female predator species, Officer Quickpaw and Officer Lioness."
"Isn't she the mayor's niece?"
"Yes. She doesn't like to be reminded, prefers to earn her own reputation."
"So why the double partners?"
"Have you heard of the group Servants of Truth?"
"*Uhg* Not those misguided mammals! Ok point taken, these acts like a bodyguard."
"It allows us to send one unit instead of two, namely them, to back-up any officer pinned down by weapons fire. Officer Lioness loves her guns; always has an arsenal with her. Hence another reason to pair them with the bunny."
The elder boar whistled. "So she's trying for the marksman title?"
"Yes. Currently held in this department by Officer Wolford. It's getting tougher to judge, both clearly trying outdoing the other. I just might have to declare a tie, although in reality they would still continue the rivalry."
"We can always split the title into subcategories."
"We both know that works only on paper. It's the bragging rights each is seeking. But I'll go ahead and post that. It'll improve their moral, and competition."
"Anything I should know about the bunny? Fox? How are both dealing with these times? Think they have what it takes to stay in the ZPD for the long-term?"
"My wife suggested keeping the standard rotation. Dr. Bearinton and Dr. Otterton have been their counselors for well over two years, practically since both joined the force. So far they have not seen anything that may prevent either officer from performing their assignments. Officer Hopps does get homesick when her husband isn't working here, but she has excellent support from his parents. Otherwise I think they will remain indefinitely in the ZPD."
"Your wife still works at Zootopia Health Commission?"
"Yes. She has taken special interest in the relationship between Hopps and Wilde. She's anxiously waiting when these two become pregnant."
"How's her current case going?"
"You heard about that?"
"It's been in the news. Too bad what happened to the fox-jackrabbit couple. Do you know what happened during the medical exam?"
"Claire thinks the med techs simply took too many blood samples in such a short time. The hare simply miscarried. Simple as that. Claire suspects this was intentional; wither it was malicious intent or not... it can't be proven."
Bogo looked the boar straight in his eyes. "How many has the mayor authorized you to remove from my roster?"
Mondo looked him back. "As many as I need. I'm bringing with me three from the academy and ten retirees. These are suitable for beat duty... but not what I need."
Bogo knew what this meant. "So you want to swap them with my current officers. Let's haggle... still want your handicap in poker?"
The boar grinned. "Don't need it as I've greatly improved. But seriously Bogo... I only need eight officers. I suspect they will be doing beat duties most of the time, perhaps not as frequently as you need. If we're lucky Colonel Kohle will give us a team to do the surveillance work and maybe the crime boss will give us a heads-up."
The remainder of the conversation centered on Old Times as the cards moved through their hooves and tall tales were told.
Team Lima was in the briefing room listening to Chief Mondo Razorback explaining his assignment. Agent Minksin, Agent Walkerson, Agent Rameras, Agent Ricardo, and Technician Skye Winter sat patiently as they could; thus far what was presented seemed like every mission briefing they had gone through before. Colonel Kohle and Chief Bogo were present and already gave their briefings. Now they were being briefed on their tasking.
"I need GSD's specialty to search and identify how each Alpha's area of responsibility relates to the entirety of the Dark Council's operation. We also must track down our own ZPD Religious Counselor who has gone missing. This is where your team comes in. High Priestess Ishanah and High Priest Aaron have promised cooperation."
"Sir" Crystal raised her paw waiting permission to speak. The boar nodded and she continued. "Why use the ZPD? This is our specialty; we or the military should be the only ones doing this."
"Agent Minksin... normally you would be correct. But you know the GSD are stretched thin on too many fronts, as is the military and practically every government agency. General Rommel has his paws full assisting the Svalbears against their ancient nemesis the Kodiak Range, not to mention the Lupusdon Empire and their new allies in the Lynxion Empire. The Pentagon is busy on other fronts; thus we are left to do surveillance missions on our own. Once we have a suitable target the general is free to send what forces are most efficient to dispatch it."
"Sir" Rhonda waited to be recognized. "Why the ZPD? Why not just send our team and wait for our report?"
The boar paused, collected his thoughts, and then continued. "Frankly speaking... I am banking on Officer Hopp's unique relationship with a major mafia boss; one that just happens to be a member of the Dark Council. Through her we'll get leads quicker than sending your team by themselves. She'll benefit by your abilities and the rodent will provide his minions suitable to assist both of you. The ZPD refuses to let one of their members go on these missions alone, even with your team tagging along. Hence why several of them will be assigned; I will mix-n-match teams depending upon mission specs, thus we'll cover twice the territory. In theory at least, everything depends how both can work together."
"Sir" Cliff knew the drill and waited. "Splitting up a team is normally not a good idea."
Mono grinned at the ram. "True. But how else do you prove you have the ability to lead a team, much less rise to have your own? These days we don't have the luxury of allowing those mammals with ambition to climb the ladder. Every one of us that has been in the GSD or ZPD or other service... we know the drill, therefore we must step-up and lead others. Our ranks are being filled with new bodies, some fresh out of the academy. While you may or may not be an effective leader, those around you are to help during these times. They will know how to teach when you don't. This happens in the normal times."
"Sir." Pete was recognized in record time. Mondo was genuinely interested in what the pika had to say. "Which are we going to do first: the Alphas or the badger?"
Mondo didn't expect this question so soon, but neither was it completely unexpected. "Both. Obviously we'll do whichever one we have tips first, just be prepared to juggle between the two. We might find ourselves doing both at same time."
Colonel Kohle stepped up to the podium. "Expect to be changing assignments at inopportune times. We just might be doing a mission for the priests one day and going against the Servants of Truth the next and against a specific Alpha the next. Remember: we can call-in the military at any time. Any other questions?"
There were plenty of them, and after a while things settled down. The team was dismissed and everyone returned to their normal places of work.
"Quiet!" Chief Bogo bellowed in his usual manner. "Last night there was an attack that killed three of our officers. Because of this I'm pairing experienced officers with the newly recalled ones. This department needs to spread out our officers so those bastards have less chance to be successful. All officers that went through advanced police tactics training at Camp Billy recently will be split between the shifts. We need an available officer who can recognize what's happening and guide dispatch to avoid sending our responding officers into an ambush situation."
Wilde wasn't the only one to groan. Judy sat silently, feeling depressed. At this rate it was only a matter of time before Mr. Bigs' help would not be enough.
Bogo cleared his throat. "Now on to other items on the docket. The mayor asked our upper chain of command for suggestions and used their input to formulate a plan.
He paused "As you are aware, formerly retired officers have been recalled to Active Duty: some in support roles, most on the beat. These have greatly stemmed our losses but at a cost; our efficiency has lowered and some inter-species squabbles has resulted. Old ways of doing things have taken time to relearn the new, thus today we are in better standing. Each death requires a new mammal brought back into our precincts; and each has required time, patience, and counsel to adhere to the new rules."
He paused again. "The mayor's new plan will require all of us to change how we do things, from the newbies fresh out of the academy to those of you that been here for a while. I now introduce Chief Razorback. As many of you are aware, he was the previous commander of First Precinct."
The boar strode up to the podium and took a moment to size-up the offers."Good morning, I'll get right down to brass tacks. My assignment here is simple; I am to use this precinct as a spear-head against the Dark Council. This effectively creates two police departments using the same mammal-power. That... and many of you know we have the backing of GSD and the Seventh Army under General Rommel's capable paws. Furthermore...."
Bogo kept a stiff upper lip; the swine knew they had the support of a major crime boss. He told him as much, must be a good reason not to mention it.
The swine continued. "I have reviewed records of every officer and picked those suitable for my assignment. Officer Quickpaw... Officer Hopps... Officer Lioness... Officer Fangmeyer... Officer Grizzoli... Officer Delgato... Officer Wolford. You are hereby assigned to my operation. You will be the tip of the spear; first to be out there searching for those responsible deaths of our comrades."
The swine looked around one last time.
"Chief Bogo still retains command of Precinct One; I have command of the Spearhead operations. The mayor has faith that this precinct has the best chance to accomplish his goals. Chief Bogo and I will coordinate officers needed to accomplish the goals. Meanwhile most of you will be performing routine patrols. Chief Bogo... anything you wish to add?"
The buffalo stepped up to the podium and looked around the room. "What has been given us is perhaps the most important tasking this precinct has ever seen. I will not have my officers used as cannon fodder nor will I allow us to abandon those we are sworn to serve and protect. Those that are assigned to this tasking must know you have what is needed and you are the absolute minimum necessary to accomplish the mission. But you will not be alone; we expect *He who shall not be named* to supply his minions to our numbers. Together we will get things done."
Bogo looked around the room once again. "Anyone not willing to work with non-ZPD mammals must at the minimum know we aren't doing this lightly; we simply don't have the numbers to do these ourselves. The other precincts have additional tasking that I am not privileged to know. Suffice it to say if they were available, they would be working with us."
Bogo put his hoof onto the podium forcibly. "This is all for now. Get to your assignments and let's make Zootopia proud. Dismiss."
Judy watched her fox leave the room. She knew he wasn't happy about her being chosen for the operation and he was not... but he was at least at peace knowing Emma and Lillian were going with her; she knew his ego felt it took two mammals to do what only he could. She was happy that he was kept busy by Detective Markle; knowing him he would find subtle ways of keeping track of his wife.
"We're back together again, eh Judy?"
"Yes we are, Emma. Remind me to send Nick a quick note."
"Will do. How are you, Lillian?"
"I'll admit I am not exactly thrilled with the mayor's plan."
"Because he's your uncle? Or that he's loaded-up this precinct with high expectations?"
"Both. It's going to get officers killed, especially since many are worn down. Anyone with a keen eye can see it."
"Well... I talked to Mr. Big last week. He agrees with you, Lillian. He said his sources discovered the mayor's plan, and he strongly urged Nick and me to discourage the ZPD from doing this. He has since stepped-up using his resources to thwart some activities of the Syndicate... but if we go ahead with this spearhead, it will nullify what he does."
"That wasn't what I was briefed on" a deep gruff voice muttered. Judy and her crew spin around, and noticed Chief Razorback and Chief Bogo standing a short distance away. Sweet cheese and crackers... she should be more careful talking in public.
"Ok you three... into my office. We need to hear more, but without unwanted ears prying" Bogo muttered quietly and pointing to his office.
Once inside she noticed the others assigned to Spearhead ops standing in what once was Bogo's spacious office. Nick slid into the room after she did and now was holding her against his belly, something she knew he did mostly to reassure himself. She also noticed a wall was missing that once led to the storage room. Another desk and some file cabinets were new additions to the room. Mayor Lionheart wasn't kidding when he said he was putting two departments in same building space.
Bogo cleared his throat. "Hopps, do you really think Mr. Big is serious about this Spearhead going to fail?"
Nick spoke up. "Well Chief... Yes. In my previous line of work, I could have told you why this is so. Our officers are tired. How about giving them Light Duty one day a week?"
"Thank you *Hopps* for your suggestion" Razorback grunted.
Judy snickered. "Chief, Mr. Big suggested exactly that. Specifically... he recommended the ZPD go into a recon mode. We need tactical information more than raiding warehouses... it will result in fewer mistakes, such as last week's wrong warehouse we raided. Mr. Big said we were fed misinformation via a call on the Tip Hotline. I suggest we call GSD and request a team to help us."
Bogo picked up the receiver and pushed a button on his desk phone. "Send them in."
Door opened and five mammals in impeccable suits and a rabbit in black outfit walked in. Judy squealed ran over and gave the rabbit a big bunny hug; afterwards Nick picked Judy up and put her on his shoulders, attempting to make more room in what already was a claustrophobic environment.
"Team Lima of Global Security Department... here on your Superior's request. I am Lead Agent Crystal Minksin, these are my team members: Agent Rhonda Walkerson, Agent Cliff Rameras, Agent Pete Ricardo, and Technician Skye Winter. The bunny is our special envoy whose name isn't important."
Nick was surprised Kimberly Canter was here. He had to agree: having the Tracker and former member of the Dark Underground available was certainly giving the operation a measurable degree of success. If she was here, her team was certainly not that far away. He would have to get Chief Bogo's permission to allow them to be somewhere inside the ZPD, mostly to keep them out of the public eye which also keep them out of any Tracker still aligned with the Dark Council.
"Thank You for coming, Agents. It's good to be working with the GSD once again. I'm sorry it is under much worse conditions." Bogo said as he shook Crystals' paw. He motioned for the boar to continue.
"Operation Spearhead is the tasking I've been chosen to lead. In simplest terms... we are going to search for traitors, sympathizers, and the leadership of the Dark Council. Although not specifically mentioned, I am also adding the search for Pastor Chester, our ZPD Religious Counselor for Precinct One who is still missing in action."
It was not only Judy that felt a pang of hurt; in the short time he was involved in the ZPD the honey badger had endeared himself to many. It was no surprise his recovery would be a top priority should they get the chance.
"GSD has been greatly concerned about personnel losses ZPD has experienced lately. Prior operations prevented us from sending a team. Although most are ongoing we managed to get a breathing room of sorts. Thus we are here." Agent Walker replied.
"Ok everyone... let's take this meeting over to Briefing Room #3. Stretch out our legs. Besides, Officer Wilde looks like he's enjoying himself too much" Razorback said amusingly.
"Not so, Chief. I'm merely getting Officer Hopps more room so she isn't crushed."
"Uh-huh. Whatever makes you feel special."
As the room cleared Nick stayed behind thinking; Judy had climbed down and was walking with Kimberly towards the meeting room.
"Your thoughts betray you, detective" Bogo whispered in Nick's ear.
"Sir... her team should be given cover. I doubt they would allow her anywhere out of their protection."
"They are in the hallway and will join us momentarily."
Briefing Room #3 was one of the smaller briefing rooms, obviously meant for specialized briefing... like what was happening now. Better chairs, better electronics, even a wet-bar for High-ranking ZPD officers and city officials. Nick was busy making mild alcoholic drinks for everyone; something he once did in his hustler days to earn some coinage that was a genuine and legal moneymaking job. Kimberly's Tracker team was at the far end of the room and keeping their eyes peeled towards all exits; they accepted fruit-flavored water from Nick mostly because he was familiar to them.
Agent Ricardo slid a disk into one of the computers, waiting for the program to load.
"Here's the gist of what we plan to do. Notice that we will be working in two teams; Agent Minksin and Agent Rameras working nights, Agent Walkerson and I will work the day shift. Technician Winter will be working with Senior Technician Pangolin. ZPD officers will be split among our teams which will allow us to do multiple missions. Colonel Kohle will be working alongside Chief Razorback and may join us leading a team he has chosen... this is speculation on my part, however the situation here certainly may bear out my hunch."
"You are correct as usual, Agent Ricardo."
All ZPD members turned around to see who spoke. An elder Scottish Terrier strode into the room.
"It's good to see you again, Chief Razorback. How's Maria?"
"Doing well... obviously pleased now that I'm out of the house and out of her hair. She just wishes I was out fishing or some other hobby."
"We'll see about getting you back doing just that" Colonel Kohle muttered. "For the rest of you, my primary assignment here will be to run interference between you and city hall. I'll be working Daily with both Chief's here."
"Is Senior Technician Pangolin here?" Ricardo asked.
"Yes. Her team is setting up our Ops Center in the old section in this facility. This team will have a room set aside for your equipment. Chief Bogo...obviously the renovations are *on hold* until our operations are completed. Any repairs that must be completed will be done by the Zootopia Corps of Engineers, as they are already have top security clearances."
"Duly noted" Bogo muttered as he was writing down notes.
The remainder of the meeting Judy and Nick answered question about their involvement with Mr. Big and what their conversations with him related to relevant issues. Slowly a plan of action based on prioritizing reconnaissance was crafted. ZPD would revert back to standard operations. This would remove undue stress and allow them to return to somewhat normal working hours. GSD and Judy's group would be working directly on what the mayor originally set-up. Mr. Big's minions would be available when the time came to act against the Syndicate, the Dark Council, and the Dark Priesthood. Then there was Kimberly's team; since she was identified as an envoy it was a given her team would be heavily involved. This meant it would only be a matter of time before the Dark Council would know one of their most highly trained teams was operating against them; thus they would be targeted for elimination and possibly without regard for lives.
Judy knew Mr. Big had assigned Finnick's team to the one working on this assignment. This meant that Raymond, Kevin, and the other polar bears they led would also be heavily involved; obviously because the godmother was involved and they genuinely didn't mind working with Nick. Judy knew once these were identified by the Dark Council it would know they had a traitor. She knew the punishment against Mr. Big would be much more severe that anything thrown against Kimberly's team.
Priestess Hilda der Fuchs, Priestess Lionheart, and Priestess Noble were making their way through what only could be described as valley filled with crumbling ancient buildings. It was obvious that it also was once a battlefield. GSD Team Echo and Team Lima were walking ahead and behind, keeping an eye for anything that unexpectedly moved. Why Hilda insisted on coming to these ruins befuddled Paulina and Clare, but they had learned sometimes the elder priestess motives was well justified.
Kimberly Canter was here as was her Tracker team. Their wounds were sufficiently healed to allow them back in the field. When Kimberly heard about the Wilde-Hopps family priest being abducted, she and her team insisted only their involvement would assure success in returning him. Thus when Judy heard about Hilda going to these ruins she insisted the Trackers go along. Not only did it get them out of the old burrow and doing something productive, it also kept them from returning to their old base down in the caverns below Zootopia. Dr. Otterton said another month of rehabilitation was needed before they could go paw-to-paw in combat against their former members. Perhaps they may discover clues to where Pastor Chester had been taken, and if they ran across their former allies the priests would benefit from their unique knowledge.
Vines that had long ago died and became petrified draped across stone pillars that had been knocked down. It was difficult telling what the discoloration on these stones was until Paulina wiped her paw across one fallen pillar showed a gleaming polished surface under eons of dust. She spent a few minutes using a dust rag clearing grime off one stone end to end, noticing only a darkened streak along one side. Obviously this wasn't the original color of the stone.
"The Moon says it was caused by an Oracle sending a bolt towards a Dark Priestess; she survived only because of the ricochet, but the falling pillar landed on her companion killing him. Let's not spend time waking the ancient dead."
Hilda pointed to a spot under the pillar and when a Team Lima member bent down to investigate, he nearly screamed. Regaining his composure he took a quick pic then showed it to everyone. A fossilized partial skeleton was under the piece of stone, the remainder of the skeleton was hidden underneath. It was still dressed in what could only be described as robes even though the coloring had long ago faded.
"Hilda... why are we here?" Clare obviously was feeling uncomfortable for more than one reason.
"This used to be the garden grounds leading to the ancient library. While its ancient manuscripts had long ago been ransacked by the Dark Priesthood, their members return here often to search for hidden tomes. Once in a while they discover a fragment of a page, usually from a thrown away scrap that a student discarded. Such pieces gives an idea how students made errors in spells. Instructors had each student write the words on parchment and submit for his or her approval. If a student could not get the written words correct, obviously they could not perform the actual spell either. It is these that the Dark Priesthood finds valuable; for they help them to discover and learn a few of the ancient spells Oracles once used. Thankfully these scraps contain only errors for the most basic spells, and thus the more advanced spells remains elusive to them."
Hilda gathered her pupils in front of her. "There is an impostor in one of our factions that has almost convinced the council he is the chosen replacement. Should he succeed, he will discover and gain control of the secrets each of our temples guard so closely. Such secrets enable both our factions to keep the Dark Priesthood's membership low; it also allows us to prevent a high priest or priestess from arising within their ranks. Through the eons we have managed to keep them from gaining their former strength. Once a Dark Priest gains sufficient strength we act immediately... killing it before it can solidify its position and gain supremacy. It is best that the Dark Priesthood remain unorganized; once you see how they treat those below their stature, you'll understand why this must be done."
She held her necklace out, showing the medallion hanging on its end. "This is what the high priestess of the Dark Priesthood discovered; these necklaces focus mental ability and it is what made the original Oracles so powerful. The necklace she discovered and now wears allowed her to resist our priests when they attempted to eliminate her, and she has since tried to find more. I have moved these necklaces once belonged to the Oracle Council to a place only I know; with the intruder so close to gaining power allowing them to remain would be a tragic mistake. This is why Greta returns here to these ruins: this is where she found the necklace she now wears. Both of you were given a similar necklace, you will need it when next time the Dark Priesthood comes after you."
"This is why we are here... the Moon says the Headmaster's Study was never found. Inside are manuscripts that will teach us the most powerful spells the Oracle Council ever knew. Once we discover its location we will have the ability to expose this impostor, not to mention bring balance back into the priesthood as a whole. Should Greta and the Dark Priesthood find this before we do..." Everyone knew what was unsaid, knew the millennia of darkness the world would plunge into should this occur.
It was late in the afternoon and the mountains plunged the valley into dusk sooner than time declared it proper. Clare grasped the ancient necklace hanging around her neck, and then closed her eyes in meditation. At this moment a faint glow could be seen far down the valley. It lasted only for a moment, and then waned to darkness. She repeated her motion to no avail. After watching the young badger try unsuccessfully several times Hilda placed a paw upon her shoulders and said "Perhaps we should travel to where the glow once was. When we get where we think it might have been, perhaps we'll discover the reason what caused it."
It was a long walk made difficult by the many stone objects that once were pillars or pieces of some structure, these scattered haphazardly many with what now was understood to be scorch marks across their surfaces. The ruins looked like they could belong in either ancient Greece or Rome. A brief moving of a paw or cloth across the surface was all needed to confirm a suspicion. That and simply looking for a skeleton nearby; many of these were feline or canine, but other species were here and there. The ever-present vines made identifying them difficult, so the group settled for simply looking for any part that happened to be uncovered; most so as not to disturb the final resting place where the body laid.
Clare might have been the first to notice their necklaces started softly glowing; it started shortly after she had grasped hers and ever since it slowly increased in its brightness. Now it started pulsing as they got near a small hill.
GSD teams signaled everyone to dunk down. Up ahead and on the other side of the hill was a large crystalline globe on a large round flat surface; a decent sized paved walkway with steps leading up to it in perfect circular rings. Twelve pillars each with a smaller crystalline globe atop them surrounded the walkway equally spaced apart. These globes both large and small were all softly glowing with a purity the priestess had never felt before. It was obvious that someone had taken care of the area because everything was spic-n-span clean. Now the true beauty of the marble pillars could be appreciated. Pauline suspected this was not what caused the GSD team to want everyone to hide, and was proven correct.
Opposite them were a group of priest and priestesses walking towards the globe. The Oracle priestesses could feel it; the unmistakable sensation given off by a member of the Dark Priesthood. The group stopped before the steps below the large globe and one member stepped forward, placed her paw briefly upon its surface and stepped back. A dark spot appeared and quickly swirled around the globe as if trying to go down a bathtub drain. Moments later the whole globe was a dull black color and glowing as if it were an ultraviolet lamp. The twelve globes atop the pillars remained softly glowing in their original hue, which apparently annoyed the priestess.
"We must have priest of purity among us. Show yourself and spare a miserable death."
Hilda signaled everyone to remain quiet; she also motioned for everyone to back away. It was obvious this group meant business. Nearly instantly every dark member chanted a spell, and soon a dark familiar floated next to each. Paulina and Clare were impressed, Hilda whispered a spell and soon it was obvious why. The twelve orbs glowed brightly and within milliseconds an energy barrier encircled the ring of pillars; the group of dark priests just happen to be inside and thus trapped.
"Get moving" the elder vixen whispered. "It is unknown how long the barrier will last or if they will attempt to blast their way out. If they are foolish they will attempt to destroy one of the globes, the energy released just very well may kill everyone close."
The group was making good time backtracking away from the area, seeing as they didn't stop to identify wither it was a skeleton or vine they stepped upon. By now they had a pretty good idea what was rubble and what once was a walking path. The trek out stopped only when Kimberly signaled something was wrong. Clare had turned around and was madly rushing back towards the globe, the Trackers following suit... and now everyone else.
Pauline cursed under her breath as she raced to intercept the badger. She had felt it soon as they saw the lone figure; she had been in its presence many times. She tackled the badger just feet from where they once were, but now both could clearly see what was happening. The barrier was down and most of the Dark Priests were gone, obviously giving chase to their prey. A hare in the robes of a high priestess was standing next to the large globe, still glowing with dark hue. The figure was brought before her and its hood removed. Paulina had to hold her paws over Clare's muzzle to muffle her screams.
Standing before High Priestess Greta Daperclaw was the male Honey Badger once known as Pastor Chester Marquis.