Fox Hunt is On.
"Good morning Zootopia. I'm Fabienne Growley. Paws and shuffling of hooves are once again heard throughout our fair city as the city council has lifted almost all restrictions regarding the Moo-han Virus. Most mammals are still wearing the paw-hoof coverings and fewer yet are wearing the face masks. Most have decorated these with their personal style and some continue the morbid theme from the day of the protests. Speaking of returning, let's go to our reporters and see what they have for us this morning. Ladies, take it away."
The screen was split momentarily; showing Victoria on one half and Audrey the other. Obviously they were in different locations. As Victoria started speaking her side filled the screen; she was in downtown with city hall in the background.
"Good morning Zootopia and welcome back Fabienne. The ambassador from Vulpinstan is in town today and sources say he is in a foul mood. It most likely because of what some say has been a secret operation GSD performed in his country. Information has been scattered, but it suggests this was pointed towards the group known as Servants of Truth. Yes... that group which is responsible for making life difficult for Zootopia's favorite fox-bunny ZPD officers. Here's Audrey for more on the story."
The scene shifted to the other vixen; she too was in a different location in downtown and a different view of city hall behind her, and was wearing her wide frilly dress with an oversized Western cowgirl hat.
"Thank you Victoria and welcome back Fabienne. After many hours of interviews here's what we know. Sources tell me the group of mammals responsible for the attacks here in Zootopia was suspected operating in Vulpinstan; unfortunately no hard evidence could be found. They also say the GSD was in Vulpistan searching for clues why they were in that country. Regardless of the hows and whys, somehow the GSD has run afoul of the governing authority and now are somewhere anywhere chasing down clues they think will give them the answers they seek."
"But good news... the Wilde-Hopps is back in town. Officer Hopps was seen ushering her daughters into their apartment while her husband was talking to two older foxes who obviously were his parents. It looks like all is well with our favorite duo. We suspect they'll be back to work tomorrow with the rising sun. Back to you, Fabienne."
It was unfortunate that the ZPD recalled the two officers earlier than their leave was due to expire. Apparently the ambassador was angry that an unauthorized mission was conducted without consulting him. Thankfully there was no proof other than pics of a bunny wearing Daisy Duke shorts and shirt tied in the front ridding on a wagon pulled by a horse. The elder dog and the lynx both had proper paperwork denoting their status as authorized temporary workers. But she couldn't return until the outcry died down. There still was the matter of finding out what was happening to the Wilde Family estate; what little research she was able to do pointed towards theft and not multiple business deals going bad. And there was the other mess; what was the Dark Underground via their associates Servants of Truth doing in Vulpinstan? Something stank, and it wasn't Limburger.
Judy was holding a kit over her shoulder upon a spittle towel, gently patting its back while Bridget adjusted a bandage on a recent wound she received. Kimberly was holding one of her nieces while enjoying making subtle hints at Nick who was holding a kit in similar fashion as his wife. The fox simply pointed to Ralph who also was holding a kit, saying he was simply doing a favor for the newborn's father. Marilyn and Caroline were curiously looking over their father's arm at the newborn, both looking at the small kit that made noises as it shifted upon the todd's shoulder. Clara and Flowers each were holding a kit while giggling at the fox's predicament. Bonnie and Opal were holding kits and soon as Bridget was finished she took the kit Nick was holding and sat down, letting the two young vixens look and ask questions.
Meanwhile Mindy was busy feeding the last two kits; a small container of medication nearby ready when these would finish and her nipples could be treated. Nick had given these two nickname of *piglets* due to their nursing longer than their siblings; this annoyed most females in both rabbit families. The bucks... they understood and chuckled when out of listening distance of the does. Dr. Greenwood the Hopps' family doctor had given these two a clean bill of health; but the whole litter was on a weekly schedule to Zootopia Plainsburrow Hospital to monitor them. Bridget teased Kimberly reminding her someday it would be she that would need the medication. The young doe was not enthused at the ribbing; although she had a buck and their relationship was progressing nicely. It didn't mean he was reaping the rewards, not yet anyway. A smile crossed her muzzle as the possibilities crawled through her mind.
The elder family members were glad to have their ZPD officers back from their visit to do what originally was supposed to be a simple transfer of ownership for the jewelry set Judy received as a wedding gift. Albert, Opal, Floyd, Elizabeth, Stu, Bonnie, and Bridget had taken John and Jackie to secluded place on the farm where they could discuss what happened without being unduly interrupted. Some things chilled the elders, others made them suspicious, and some they wondered if the foxes were pulling their legs. After questions were asked and the story completed, everyone was glad Clifford and Margret Rorschach were nonetheless worse for wear.
Nick's elders, John and Jackie, Arnold and Audrey, Nathan and Vickey... these were given a briefing later when the Wilde-Hopps returned to Zootopia. Nathan was relieved his sister was unharmed and her husband as well. Audrey promised everyone she would have friends in another government agency keep an eye on them. Nick told her that as a detective, even in name only, allowed him to do this as long as it didn't interfere with his duties. Judy said Mr. Big had sent Fennick and his team down there, since as most were foxes they would blend in better; the others would stay out of sight and work at night. John reminded them of the ambassador's decree which now temporarily banned all mammals from Zootopia from entering the country for 90 days. Judy didn't refute this but knew that mere words would not keep the mafia out; and knowing the GSD it wouldn't keep them out either.
Cindy Hart was still feeling giddy from the sweet words that male elk told her just moments ago. What he asked her was borderline skirting the rules but in her mind she was forming a solution. If she could please him and not get into nothing more than a slap on the hoof, then she was certain tonight was going to be quite fulfilling. It was soon to be mating season for most cervidae; she had been rejected these years by bucks all because of the glasses she wore. She was very good at her job in the ZPD Mammal Resource department and it was grating on her nerves as her parents hinted at her lack of a social life much less dating. This all changed when that elk started coming into her department. She was requested specifically which she assumed was due to her having a reputation for finding the best resolution to most situations.
This was new; a pop-up message box on her computer screen notified her that what she had requested required approval from higher authority. Thankfully she knew her boss's password thus she was able to log on and enter the necessary credentials. The lion was a known flirter and appreciated his assistant doing most of his paperwork allowing him to entertain socialites in his office. Moments later her request was granted. She got up and knocked on his door, entering only when no answer was given. Sure enough... the lion was passed out on the couch with two females at his sides. She helped herself to a couple small bills in his petty cash drawer knowing he was misusing it. These bills would be safe from being placed into the two lioness's panty top. She closed the door as she went out.
She sent an email on her zphone that the elk gave her, letting him know his request was granted and she would send it shortly.
Why he wanted to know Judy Hopps birthday and which weekend she was off was a curiosity. The bunny was known to always go home to Bunny Burrow twice each month; unfortunately in recent months she was unable to do this due to ZPD shortage of mammal-power. Last year Chief Bogo assigned the bunny the weekend before her birthday duty with the Bunny Burrow police department. This allowed her to be on duty during the week and still be at her parents burrow on her special day. It was possible the bunny could be sent to Bunny Burrow as she was last year.
The elk was outwardly calm but inwardly grinning like a Cheshire cat. The email received said the rabbit abomination would likely be at Bunny Burrow on the date he requested, but operation commitments could nix this. He grinned; he had connections in city hall that could arrange the bunny to be home. His fellow members would be pleased to have this guarded secret, thus the Servants of Truth would be able to arrange a breakdown of the train somewhere far from any quick response by law enforcement. The abominations could be killed while stranded on the train and normal mammalian relations would be restored. Unfortunately these two were proving notoriously difficult to kill, and he swore his proverbial chickens would not be counted until they were hatched.
He thought about the deer doe. She would be a decent bed, but dangerous one this close to mating season. He already had several females he could pick among; and these were already aiming to trap him. Many years of learning the skill of talking sweet nothings gave him the tools necessary to slip out of entrapment. Early in his adulthood he made the mistake of impregnating a doe; her twin doe fawns were in high school and excellent athletes. He visited them once a month for a couple days; a tactic that kept them and their mother from contacting Family Services which would have greatly hindered his effectiveness. His regular large deposit of cash into their mother's bank account probably helped ensure their zipped lips.
His zphone rang in the melody denoting only one thing, he quickly answered the call. Moments later it ended and he said a silent prayer. A quick pressing a pre-determined number and then the *send* button. He didn't have to be nearby the ZPD building to know his carefully planted explosive detonated soon as the doe answered the phone on her desk. It was a waste of a perfect female; but she outlived her usefulness and it was obvious the ZPD would soon be aware of what she had done. Either way the doe's career was over she would sing like a canary. This canary would never sing again nor be a danger to the Servants of Truth.
Clifford and Margret were studying the security video; the multi-view displayed across several monitors was of the formal introduction breakfast of the Wilde-Hopps. Cycling through on the main screen one face after another they weren't surprised by the attitudes of most; they were merely contemptuous of the outsiders and these were most likely to oppose them. Vulpinstan law allowed those of the bloodline to contest not only the will, but those chosen to become the next baron. Should the elders fail to convince a quorum of the family, penalty of law allowed the challenger a duel to the death. The ancient symbol of victory was to rip the throat apart of the defeated, and to directly challenge the baron. Once challenged there was no turning back; either the elder conceded or fought.
The baron and his wife were reluctant to kill any contentious member, but unless they succeeded in turning minds they would have to kill many of their family or be killed themselves.
Clifford had a small wry grin on his muzzle. The bunny was no push over; stories of her fights were proudly told by his wife's brother Nathan Keen. Back when she was in the ZPD academy she knocked out a rhinoceros in the boxing ring. When she was undergoing the Trial of Skill on the first day at the Council of Elders' Estate, she fought several well-trained guards and bested them. When she was in that cave up north in the Land of the Prophesy, she fought in the dark against not only misguided rabbits but also orcas that calved in the cave. Then there were the battles on the streets of Zootopia; ranging from petty thieves to organized criminals. Perhaps what he was most proud of was her performance against the Dark Underground; she and her lynx and lioness partners rushed to the aid of many officers trapped in an ambush almost every day.
But Clifford was concerned. Even though he and Margret were in optimal health, there was no guarantee either of them would live a long life. He hoped his choice in successors would be able to ferret out what truly happened to the family fortune; after it was restored he could rescind his decision and choose another that knew the intricacies of Vulpine law. His nephew was originally in-line for the choice, but the necessity of restoring their family wealth took precedence. The paperwork he, his wife, and Judy signed had a sub-clause that allowed him to rescind and replace successors. It would be unfair to the bunny if she succeeded, but there were other things she could be rewarded with.
Rumors reached his ears of the Wilde-Hopps couple having ties to organized crime; even in Vulpinstan such connections held a taint. If both of them were not proven members in good standing in the ZPD, he would have readily believed them. But they were a favorite on the Zootopia news network; their actions in displaying crime fighting were nearly a weekly topic on the evening news. Since the fox was a distant relative of his wife, this made them an ideal choice. They were police officers, members of the Council of Elders, and if rumors were to be believed... prophesy fulfillers. They would most likely be ones that would not stop until whatever was wrong in the family was removed.
He only hoped it wasn't many of them. This would mean greed and corruption had thoroughly tainted the family, and to preserve their hold as the governing authority in this part of the nation required ferret out those tainted as such.
He was a baron, a low-ranking member of royalty. Word had reached the ears of the duke; thus Clifford knew if he didn't clean up his finances and by extension his family, the duke would be forced to act. After all it would only be a short step before the king and his court became aware, and in their eyes such a small rot could easily spread throughout the royal order. And these would not hesitate to purge every family member... include those of distant blood. This meant the Wilde-Hopps, now that they were official heirs, would be subject as well.
"Do you think she can persuade the crime lord to help her?" Margret was noticeably worried.
"She is godmother to his granddaughter. I suspect Nickolas will make the effort if she doesn't. Surely he knows the high stakes we've placed before them. Our consulting with his parents to determine if they could bring help from outside was a wise choice. They remain committed to justice and somehow this guides the Tundratown boss. If these two are unwilling, unable to help..."
He didn't need to say any more. Whatever force that was arranged against them was cleaver. It also was pitting the citizenry against them, and it needed to be exposed before whatever goals it had could be fulfilled.
Hillary pushed the sheep out of her view. Dawn may have been a mayor, but she also was an escaped prisoner. Their plan was working masterfully. This was the other reason they were here in Vulpinstan; they needed to establish a base to operate from, and removing that family of aristocrats was just the beginning. What once was a family held in high esteem now was held in contempt. It was easier than taking a popsicle from a piglet; while her hustling skills syphoned cash from certain family members, Dawn's knowledge of government systems turned the government against the family.
Once the Rorschach Family was purged it would be cubsplay to lay claim to the estate, which Dawn was already putting those plans into motion. Unfortunately there was a new wrinkle; the baron didn't choose the family member they had set-up as the best choice. Perhaps the old codger saw through their carefully laid scheme, perhaps he was aware that the todd simply didn't have what it would require to restore the family to its once respectable status. Choosing the outsiders was unexpected, especially those that were in law enforcement. The todd and his bunny wife had the skills to figure out and unravel their schemes. It was a good thing their agreement with the council would soon remove these, if only long enough to complete their plans.
The swine chuckled to herself. Her minion in the banking system had inserted clauses into every new business deal made by any member of the family. It was illegal and only a careful audit would uncover the scheme. Now much of their wealth was hidden in accounts that were kept off the computer network and on physical ledgers. This was standard practice even in today's society. Computers were easier to modify; ink on paper was harder to change. But the family did have a spending problem and it was cubsplay to encourage this.
Hillary was already having the estate inspected. She was not surprised that over the years before her schemes started removing their wealth, the Rorschach Family had neglected repairs to much of the estate. Even before her actions, this family had been rotting from within. In her opinion it deserved to have their throats ripped out, she was unsympathetic and somewhat eager to watch it happen. Swine were omnivores; as such she could almost taste their blood and probably could kill some of them herself, at least those that had become complacent and never learned the art of killing. Where she grew up that was the first thing young piglets had to master; the weakest were allowed to be killed without mercy. Like rabbits, swine had large litters; overpopulation was nearly a concern in this modern era as it was back before Zootopia emerged from the watering hole it once was.
Team Bravo was back in Vulpinstan. Analysis indicated someone had tipped off the ambassador to their presence; Agent Rodgers was certain it wasn't the locals, at least not the ones that had worked with them. They were granted a small space in the rear corner of the Rorschach Family's manor, and she was able to do a more thorough inspection of the embassy's communication logs. The ferret wasn't certain wither she should pity the embassy staff or be alarmed. For a government computer system it was poorly maintained, at least from a security viewpoint. But maybe since she was a highly skilled technician with access to the latest tools and programs she could excuse their incompetence.
"Boss... got something."
Agent Savage and Walker were over to her desk in record time.
"Spill" the vixen muttered.
"The tip-off came via a phone call originating at approximately this location, or at least from lines connecting to this junction. Satellite analysis suggests the neighboring farmhouses are least likely sources, therefor I think it originated from this camper. Topographic analysis suggests it hasn't been parked there for more than a couple months, six at the max. Someone has taken great care to keep it hidden from view, both the road and overhead."
"Let's go." Savage said and the team gathered their gear and departed the estate. It was a nice gesture Clifford made allowing them to drive one of the vehicles; driving one that was licensed locally would allow them to blend in. Ah hour later they were parked off-road and slowly surrounding the camper. Once Agent Golden picked the door lock they rushed inside, only to find no mammals but the remains of breakfast and some scattered papers. A quick glancing through these showed these were from the daily newspaper.
After documenting what they found and snapping pics, they locked the door and departed back to the estate. After parking the vehicle they went to their workspace. Clifford and Margret were waiting and beside them were a motley mix of mammals. Team Bravo needed no introduction; they knew these by reputation and their bio-records. That and they once worked with the short fox that was the leader.
Clifford cleared his throat. "Agent Savage, Introductions are in order. My I introduce..."
"Finnick Fennec, leader of Mr. Big's special ops team. I hesitate to wonder what brings you to this place."
The short fox spit a twig from his muzzle then glared forcefully at the hare. "I am here at the request of these good gentlemammals, via our common friend Officer Wilde and Hopps. And apparently to do what you can't."
Before either one could continue the trading insults Colonel Kohle and Koslov carrying Mr. Big entered the room. This meant whatever was planned required their bosses to be present; it also meant more of their coworkers were also here.
"Gentlemammals, now is not the time for this. Both of you are here for specific assignments and time is of the essence." Kohle said looking sternly at his team.
"Agreed. Finnick, you are being paid to audit the finances of these gentlemammals. Fail to discover the deceit and expose the deceivers... you know the punishment I will inflict." Mr. Big had one eyebrow raised and Koslov had a toothy smile.
Clifford stepped forward his paws raised. "Gentlemammals... please remember why all of you are here. We, Margret and I, have done what we can. Hence why your bosses were invited here to solve what we could not. We have the upmost confidence by working together you will discover where our common enemy lies hidden. Finding where our family fortune went is a close second."
Mr. Big raised a paw. "Mr. Rorschach, rest assured those that defrauded you will be ferreted out. Punishment will be dealt and your monies returned, minus my commission."
Finnick and his team departed on their assignment; some went with Clifford to town presenting their business credentials as an auditing agency while others stayed with Margret to do their tasking via Internet. Team Bravo meanwhile left to track down who it was that ratted them out.
Agent Savage scurried around the corner, barely beating the camera as its field of view swept across the place he was just standing. In quick succession he made it across interior of the storage building, finally hiding in the doorway barely sufficient to allow his body to fit inside and therefore out of the next security camera sweep. He had studied each camera as he slowly made his trek across the floor. It was wise yet annoyingly slow. If he couldn't pick this lock then he would have to make the trek back and signal Agent Golden to work his magic. How the tomcat could easily pick any lock with ease was beyond him, but as team leader he needed to improve his skillset... even those he was lousy at.
He was struggling with the lock until a sharp shrill sound of a klaxon blared throughout the room. Did he unknowingly trip it? Did some part of his body become visible and a sharp-eyed controller noticed? Before he could make a decision his earpiece activated.
"Savage... Rogers says the alarm was tripped in another building. She's temporarily turned off these cameras. Get that door open now... or else I'm sending Golden."
Typical of the arctic vixen and her sexy bushy tail... *gah*. He shook his head trying to erase the image out of his mind.
"Shall I?"
Damn. She didn't wait. Something must have persuaded her to act or else he must have been daydreaming longer than he realized. He relinquished the spot and watched as the tomcat used the same tools he did; only the lock clicked open in record time. As the door slowly opened both agents drew their weapons, then quickly went into the room. Inside was what obviously appeared to be a planning for some operation, maps, pictures, and paperwork lay around the various desks. Both agents turned on their video equipment and recorded everything quickly as they could. Time was of the essence and these cameras were using high definition, which meant they could move faster than a crawl but not necessarily at a brisk pace. At each map or picture they paused momentarily so the cameras could capture as much detail as possible. Each pile of papers they quickly picked up each individual piece until the whole pile was photographed.
Soon they have the entire room cataloged and both looked out the door before heading out. The tomcat picked the lock back into its locked position instead of turning the latch on the inside.
"This model has an interior trigger that sends a signal when the latch is used. It lets the camera operator know that a lazy guard used that method instead of using a key. It doesn't sound an alarm, but it does record a key being used. If I picked it correctly they will spend time trying to figure out who used their key. We'll be long gone by then."
Team Bravo met at the rendezvous point and got into the vehicle then drove away; passing by the main gate as they went about as if they were citizens out doing their normal activity. Agent Rogers plugged in each camera into her laptop one at a time downloading the information contained in each. When done she send the data via satcon communication back to her server in GSD headquarters. Senior Technician Pangolin would recover it and Colonel Kohle would assign a team to go through the data. When her team made it back to Rorschach Family's manor they would view the data themselves.
When they parked the vehicle they were met by the elder foxes, both visibly relieved. The team was ushered into Clifford's study, Margret serving tea and finger sandwiches as her husband locked the door and turned on the anti-eavesdropping equipment.
"So... how did it go?" the todd asked politely but with a hint of urgency in his voice.
Agent Savage nodded then spoke first. "We found evidence our quarry is using Vulpinstan for their next staging ground to attack Zootopia. We couldn't spend time to go over it in detail but soon as we are alone we'll do just that. What we can tell you is this: someone has definite plans for this estate... and it isn't a fox."
The elder foxes were obviously nervous and fidgeting. Agent Walker noticed and asked them plain. "Something happened while we were gone. Care to tell us about it?"
Margret looked at her husband, tilting her head as if nodding in the affirmative.
Clifford cleared his throat. "Yes, something did. The duke came by earlier. Our situation has reached the ears of the crown prince; thankfully the king doesn't know or has chosen to let this matter be settled at the lower levels. Our choice is clear: clean our house or he will do it for us. We also were given a deadline, and it isn't long enough."
Agent Rogers was looking the security video over, watching what had happened. She rewound a segment or two, interested in the words formed by the lips of each mammal. Agent Walker stepped next to the ferret, watching what played on the screen. When Agent Golden wondered over to see what it was they were watching, both females glared at him until he turned around and gave them space. Clifford and Margret found this interesting and whispered a question to the hare.
"Agent Golden finds Agent Rogers attractive... it isn't reciprocated. Hence when they don't have to be near each other she prefers him to be further away the better."
The tomcat huffed and looked at his boss; it was obvious he was thinking of a witty comeback. "And why does Agent Walker treat you similar?"
This earned him an angry stare from the hare and the arctic vixen. It also earned a chuckle from the elder foxes. Before either could respond a beep came from the ferret's laptop. She pressed a key and paraphrased the message scrolling on the screen.
"Message from the colonel. Analysis indicates we found what the Dark Underground planned to do. It isn't pretty; they want Vulpinstan as a new base to operate from. What we've collected was areas they have scouted for places to operate from, some they already control. One of their scouts seems interested in this estate."
Clifford and Margret's ears perked up. The other members of Team Bravo whistled.
"Colonel wants us to investigate these areas closer." The ferret brought the mission profile on-screen, letting everyone view what was displayed. Each member noticed the colonel tasked each member with specific goals, and it was noted there were additional teams inbound. A request for these to operate from the estate was included. The elder foxes agreed; if their home was targeted for capture it made sense to have as much help as possible. With the Zootopians already working on their behalf it made sense to keep them here. And in true fox hustle fashion they would have to repair the spaces they wanted to occupy. Materials would be supplied, of course. The architecture of the estate must remain aesthetic and uniform.
Judy was giving Margret a big bunny hug; the elder vixen had just finished rubbing her matriarchal scent on the younger doe and asked why the young vixens were not brought along. Nick explained this was not a social call and Colonel Kohle requested their presence, their daughters were in his parents care. His grandparents Nathan and Vickey were helping cubsitting them; Audrey helping when her duties allowed. Next week Marilyn and Caroline would be staying with their maternal grandparents Carl and Kimberly Wintersprite, possibly longer if whatever the colonel's tasking wasn't completed by then.
Finnick watched this and Agent Walker made a remark something about if hasenpfeffer was tonight's dinner. Margret *Piffed* and said it would be silly killing her heir for such purposes. The bunny was released and everyone went into the work spaces set aside for the GSD team. Judy whistled at the electronics that was nearly everywhere; she had noticed the roof had been replaced since last time she was here. Agent Savage answered the question which was not verbally asked.
"Zootopia Corps of Engineers was brought in at Director Wilde's request and granted by our hosts. She is negotiating on the cost of further repairs to the other building of the estate; we figure it probably will compromise with an agreement for the Zootopians being allowed to operate here for awhile."
"Ok let's get down to why both of you were brought here." The elder fox motioned for all to sit at the conference table.
Clifford and Margret explained the cover story: the ruse was the Wilde-Hops were here to question each family member on their fiscal activities, while in reality they were interrogating each. Were they a mole for the Dark Underground or other nefarious mammals? Being blackmailed? Or perhaps simply hustled or spoiled. Obviously the Rorschach would be in the room and Nick asking most of the questions. Judy, with her excellent hearing, would be their living lie detector. This was something the ZPD had been using her more often, especially with suspects that were hardened by prior experiences being arrested and questioned about their possible involvement in a crime.
When this was completed and all questions asked and answered lunch was brought in and afterwards everyone went on their way.
Finnick was annoyed. Melissa Leporidae, Mr. Big's secretary and an expert on file systems and paperwork, had been going over recent loan documentation. It wasn't her meticulous going through the mountain of paperwork that annoyed him; it was the occasional *tisk-tisking* that was annoying their hosts. She also wasn't a fox but a rabbit, and this was another factor grating their hosts. Thankfully the baron himself was nearby; if he wasn't here the fennec fox was certain they would have been thrown out the bank's front door.
Finnick's team had been introduced earlier in the week to the Rorschach Family attorney and banker. These in turn helped get them recognized by the government as legitimate consultants working on behalf of the baron. What little they had gone over was standard paperwork, but a few sub-clauses were marked as questionable. Finnick grinned; it was obvious someone with a little knowledge of subterfuge or mafia tactics had inserted these. He needed to uncover who and more importantly what clauses allowed fees assigned and what clauses allowed the financial deal to be declared over. Where did the monies go? He had other team members, a few weasels to be exact, tracking down this information.
Melissa called for a break. She had been going through paperwork for days and it was starting to show. She gave each loan a minimum of an hour; as time wore on it became easier to anticipate where and when a sub-clause that didn't belong would be found. She was annoyed at the fennec fox; he had been sitting beside her reading the same paperwork and if he could tell when the inappropriate sub-clause would show up then why couldn't the family member that signed this? Perhaps it was because these were done weeks apart and she was reading them nearly back-to-back. Either way she felt the Rorschach Family attorney and banker had a good case for appealing the most recent cases and get the loans reinstated or nullified. Perhaps most of the monies could be returned, perhaps a credit given to their account. But if she knew her boss, he had other methods of convincing mammals to do what was right. She didn't like his methods, but he did act with compassion once in a while.
Finnick was talking with the weasel team while the bunny was resting her eyes; she was enjoying an herbal tea and salad. The weasels were discussing what they found and what happened with the money wasn't what the fox expected. After making sure he understood them correctly, Finnick opened his zphone and placed a call. He left an alphanumeric message then ended the call.
"What was that about?" Clifford asked.
"Mr. Big needed an update and that was it. Putting it in this format makes it a simple and quick as possible while keeping the information from prying ears."
After adequate rest Melissa returned to the paperwork and Finnick read the individual ones after she finished. It was now a matter of documenting those which were genuine investments and loans from those that were hustles.
The Wilde-Hopps were taking a break. So far none of the todds and vixens interviewed appeared more than average mammals. Some were passive aggressive as was expected, some were neutral towards the mixed species couple. But they answered questions promptly, probably because Margret was in the room and asking some of the questions herself. Jeeves or another servant or maid entered the room occasionally offering snacks and drinks; this was a tactic to appear civil and non-confrontational as well as if anyone got aggressive they would be nearby to intercede.
One family member seemed excessively cooperative and another was the opposite; then there was one Judy was surprised she couldn't get a read on. Nick... he dealt with this type more than he cared to admit. These were the most dangerous; they could friend or foe and either way you couldn't know for sure until the deal was done. More often than not it ended badly and a well-executed hustle lay in ruins.
Margret accepted a cup of Earl Grey from a servant and gave her opinion. "Rhon has always been distrustful of these annual conferences. He hates having to show his books and frankly speaking we can't blame him. He is one of few who always managed his finances without reproach. Believe it or not it was he we first considered granting the title to before we picked you two."
"Ma'am," Judy laid the cup of chilled carrot juice aside. "Why did you change your mind? He seems perfectly capable of doing exactly what we are doing now."
The elder vixen smiled briefly and then the smile fled from her muzzle. "It's because he has had recent dealings with mammals of ill repute. We think the same ones your fennec fox friend is investigating. But I still hope it turns out nothing more than cleaver placed misinformation by a jealous sibling."
Judy's face still held a certain expression. "I think he deserves a second chance. Our duties with the ZPD and Council of Elders leave us with precious little personal time alone. Should your decision remain, we will consider him as our steward; doing the daily tasking that must be done. Vulpinstan needs a competent leader."
Nick noticed the facial expression on Judy's muzzle; clearly she could relate. With over two hundred siblings there was bound to be rivalry that went beyond civility. He experienced something like it during the first six months when he was dating Judy. It was shortly after her family accepted him into their burrow; a litter of her older sisters Rose, Rhonda, René had discovered how comfortable a fox's tail was. For the next three visits he made to the burrow with Judy these sisters found nearly every possible excuse to pull the fox away so they could butter him up with words he only described as *sweet nothings*. He knew them because he used similar ones himself. This ended only when he got the grandparents together and explained what he thought was going on. Albert and Opal apologized and mentioned they thought that was what was going on. Floyd and Elizabeth agreed and brought the three sisters before them and the other grandparents. It was this family court moment that ended the behavior. Nick bought something he called insurance: a full-size fox-fur body pillow that was the newest craze going through Zootopia. Apparently it was also a hit in Bunny Burrow; or at the very least in the Hopps Burrow.
Judy was now aware Nick saw her expression and quickly changed it. Margret had noticed it as well and now was curious. When the question was asked the younger female knew she had to spill the beans or her husband would. He often was wrong but not by much.
"Bunnies are good at multiplying, some ways more than others. My siblings once were curious about how a relationship with a fox could be like and Nickolas became their focus, at least until our grandparents got involved and put the kibosh on it. These sisters involved still have lingering desire, mostly on dating not developing the commitment part. Their rolodex now includes a few non-rabbits that are willing to fulfill their desires. One of these days they most likely will end up eaten."
Margret put a comforting paw on the bunny's shoulder. "Some things you cannot control. If they learned something about what you and Nickolas did to build your relationship, then soon they will make the final decision wither or not a non-rabbit is their cup of tea. Earl Grey?"
Nick accepted the offer and put the correct amount of honey in it that Judy liked. Meanwhile both females were embraced in a hug and he figured this could wait until both were sitting properly. He didn't have to wait long and soon the tea was consumed and the questioning session resumed. Soon the last remaining family members departed the estate and everyone gathered in the small dining hall. Team Bravo was there as was most of Finnick's team. Finnick was surprised as Nick chewed on a large burger that clearly was the genuine thing.
"Doc says he must eat a certain amount of animal protein each week if we are going to have properly formed kits and cubs." Judy enjoyed the reaction of most of the guests nearly choked on whatever was currently in their muzzles. Perhaps it was a sense of sweet revenge as Agent Walker, the Arctic vixen who enjoyed teasing them about their relationship, was one of those currently attempting to regain her composure.
Meanwhile Nick kept chewing as he looked at his best friend who was coughing and slapping the table. Obviously the older fox knew exactly why the bunny said it and he would enjoy telling this tale someday when the situation favored him. The Arctic vixen was being helped regaining her composure by the hare that was both her boss and her love interest. She was not doing well; obviously she was caught between allowing the help and wanting to be far away as possible. The remaining guests soon fully recovered and resumed eating. Clifford and Margret merely smiled; this brought back memories when this home once was filled with their litters and many instances of misbehaving cubs doing something similar that embarrassed their siblings. The elder foxes let the situation resolve itself.
Soon everyone departed to do what they wished; the elder foxes went to bed and the younger mammals for a stroll in the flower garden. Tomorrow their plan would be set in motion and if they did their homework everything would work out.
Team Bravo was in position and Finnick sent the signal. The middle age todd was surprised as the agents swarmed into the room and quickly had him pinned and into pawcuffs and a muzzle guard. He made a show about being unjustly detained, at least until the evidence shown to him about his financial agreement with foreign mammals. These were identified as members belonging to the Dark Underground and before he could complain further they showed him intercepted transcript detailing how the foreigners decided his fate would be after his usefulness was over.
The todd gave up the names and identification of the many hidden accounts in which the Rorschach Family wealth had been diverted into. Soon most of his associates were placed in nearby jail cells and after nearly a week those that could be found were now near him. The general public was shocked when the identities of those involved were listed in the news, and now many were pounding on the door of their bankers and financial advisors. The whole of Vulpinstan was in an uproar and this helped what happened next.
The duke was brought before the king and evidence shown proving he allied himself with foreigners. These foreigners were using government facilities and their plans exposed; using Vulpinstan to attack a neighboring country was not going to be tolerated. The king's spies had proof just how powerful the Zootopians were; this city of mixed species had defeated the Lynxion Empire, bested the Lupusdon Empire, and put the Outback Isles mafia in its place. But never once did it lift a paw against his empire; although it was true they had sent their spies into his kingdom. It was his own that proved they were merely acting in self-defense and thus proved who the traitors to Vulpinstan really were. While the king wasn't sure what he was going to do with the Zootopians, he knew exactly what he would do with the duke. He and those of his family that could be proven involved in this affair was executed quickly.
The king also summoned the entire Rorschach Family and executed those who had allied with the duke. As each were led to the guillotine they spat on the ground and cursed the mixed-specie couple; some swearing allegiance to the Servants of Truth as the blade did its job. Clifford and Margret were spared only because evidence showed the duke was authorizing the hustles against the baron and this angered the monarch. The monies proven stolen were returned and the king authorized a certain amount from the duke's coffers to be given as reparation. When all was said and done the Zootopian ambassador was informed to have a permanent space authorized for the GSD to operate from. Director Dench informed his majesty she preferred to have her teams operate from the Rorschach Family estate; however an attaché would be stationed in the embassy. A written agreement to share intelligence and go to mutual aid was drafted and signed with much fanfare.
Things were looking up for the Zootopians. Their citizens could travel using newly authorized passports and visas anywhere in Vulpinstan. As with any tourist they still had to contend with so-called tourist traps, some of these were literal traps that held the visitors captive until law enforcement intervened or the entrapped paid a certain fee. Foxes were crafty no matter where they lived and this proved true in the nation dominated by them.
Judy and Nick were out enjoying walking the streets of Crimson Lodge. This was a small village nearest the Rorschach Family estate and Judy liked the old heavy timber used in many of the buildings. It had the air of an old European village with that of an early American fort. Clifford said its citizens preferred using large wood beams because it was a proven material which was difficult to break through; that and the rustic old world vibe it gave off were comforting to many fox species. The Zootopians could keep their ultra-modern look; the Vulpians would keep theirs.
Judy liked how each neighborhood seemed to change its look slightly, but the heavy wood beams were a constant. Stain and paint seemed to be the primary choice in differentiating neighborhoods, but a close second was choice in types of lumber. Clifford told them there were whole forests dedicated to growing trees large enough to provide large beams; many different species were grown and techniques used made certain these grew thick and strong. One would be hard pressed to identify them with their natural brethren, but bark and leaves verified them beyond doubt. Judy was quite interested; her family was horticulturists and she was certain they would enjoy learning these techniques.
Earlier this week she had asked Clifford and Margret about the architecture. The elder vixen had suppressed a chuckle; she had just let the doe in on a little-known secret: some of the best lumber used to frame many of the burrows in and around Bunny Burrow was grown somewhere in Vulpinstan. The dense quality combined with Vulpine knowledge of forcing trees to grow straight made for strength that could rarely be found elsewhere. Only lumber yards that kept their secret could sell the very large beams, and these could only be sold in specific measurements which made the prices high but ensured the burrow lasted centuries. Judy didn't believe this until she called home and Albert verified it was so. She also found herself being dragged into negotiations on a new order for said lumber; apparently a new bunker section was going to be built in the old family burrow and the elder rabbit wanted Judy's newly established status as heir in an attempt to get a better price for the main supports.
Thankfully it wasn't that difficult to get a good deal. Since she married into the family and helped get most of the family fortune returned, the Rorschach Family were willing to help negotiate on her behalf. Or to be more precise... to hustle on her behalf. This was a nation of foxes after all. The elder Hopps had to wait because to complete the ruse the timbers had to be delivered to the Rorschach Family estate. After a couple days they were shipped as quietly as possible at night when the New Moon was at its fullest. Mr. Big arranged for these to be transported as quickly as possible. His eyes carefully examined a few of the larger timbers; his home needed repairs and these timbers gave him an idea for an expansion. Perhaps he would negotiate for a shipment when the time was right.
Now the Wilde-Hopps were walking again in downtown Crimson Lodge. Judy was enjoying the displays in the shop windows as Nick rambled on about something.
Nick was talking about something when he noticed nobody was answering him. Looking around didn't show any sign of her, not even the nearest stores. The more he looked the more it became obvious, she was missing. A lone bunny in a city dominated by foxes didn't bode well for the lapin. Heir or not, it stood a very good chance she was about to become dinner. He had to pause himself; uncontrolled search would not find her. He paused and took many deep breaths until his mind could focus enough to rationally piece together a coherent thought. He sent a text message to Agent Savage letting him know of Judy's mysterious disappearance; another was sent to his parents asking for them to continue looking after Marilyn and Caroline.
He was forced to postpone his search to answer several text messages and zphone calls from not only his family but Judy's as well. Thankfully Agent Rodgers did him a favor: she sent a small app that automatically answered all calls from Judy's siblings with a short message telling them GSD was on the case and Nick was working with Team Bravo. Only Evelin and her elders' calls were allowed direct access to the fox.
The local magistrate soon found Nick and officially took over the search. Team Bravo arrived and took Nick with them back to the Rorschach estate where they asked many questions and accessed the village's surveillance cameras. On one it was discovered what had happened and just how quickly it occurred. The abduction was multifaceted and well-timed, even Nick was impressed. Agent Rogers used computer software to select and focus on certain parts of each camera's video. On one a paintball weapon was used, on another a tranqdart hit the bunny. But it was the otter bumping against the bunny hard enough to force her to fall into an alleyway that surprised Nick. When nothing came out of the alley, Agent Roger froze the frame and used another program. Nothing appeared on the screen but numbers and data scrolled vertically on the left side of the screen.
"They used some kind of masking field. This technology isn't invented yet therefore I must conclude it is of a natural source. Perhaps a priestly one."
Agent Savage's ears flew up. "Priestly? As in..."
The ferret answered before he finished. "Dark Priesthood. This was described to me once by Priestess Clare Noble. When she once was a member of the Servants of Truth she was taught the spell. In a nutshell, it conjures a cloud of dark energy that absorbs light from the surrounding air. If timed right and in the location an unsuspecting mammal would not notice it, it would quickly render said mammal unconscious within moments. But this cloud fades rather quickly, so all this must have been timed down to the mili-second. See here? You were several yards further down the sidewalk before you became aware you were alone. Whoever did this was highly trained. I'm surprised they didn't attempt to try again when you went back."
Agent Walker spoke before Nick had a chance. "They probably did. But your frantic looking about caused a ruckus and drew unwanted attention. See there? That block-like thing resting on the curb? We noticed something like it back at the ZPD when both of you were first given your council initiates robes. Senior Technician Pangolin found something like it in her computer system. It's an area-wide silencer; built to mask the sound of specific frequency made by certain weapons. It's possible that the tranqdart and paintball operate on similar sound frequency, or at least close enough that what can be heard blends in with the background noise. If we go back we'll probably find several marks made by near-misses."
The remainder of the day was spent making plans on how to start the search and conducting video conference with Colonel Kohl. Chief Bogo and Chief Mondo were included as this concerned their operations. If the Dark Priesthood was involved this meant the other priesthood must be informed. Knowing them they probably already knew and were making plans of their own. Then there was the Vulpins; this occurred on their territory and they most certainly would be involved one way or another. Clifford and Margret were obviously neck-deep involved; their heir was abducted and both genuinely liked the bunny. The look in their eye said volumes: they were committing their entire resources to return the bunny.
From a side room Mr. Big was quietly listening. Finnick and his team just finished briefing him on what was found, what was returned to the Rorschach Family estate, and what the elder foxes agreed to turn over to the Tundratown boss. Now word reached the Arctic shrew's ears that the godmother was abducted... again. As his minions listened to what was going on in the other room, plans were being made here in this one. Just as a secretive faction operated under everyone's noses and succeeded in this, so too would his team. He was certain whoever it was that did this did not know they stirred a proverbial hornets nest, and he had the means to work where other couldn't. The Arctic shrew smiled; he approved the plans and had Koslov take him home as quietly as they came. Finnick would work with the locals and with Team Bravo, keeping his plans coordinated with theirs without them knowing. Meanwhile he had others who could work on this from another angle, and he needed to be in his home to run that effectively.
Judy woke with a splitting headache and her limbs refusing to cooperate. No... they were bound and she noticed she was blindfolded for good measure. Whoever captured her was good; she would see just how good. Slowly she strained against her restraints, one way then another. Yup... this was a professional. Time spent in the Advanced Police Tactics course up in Camp Billy brought back the memories of how to handle situations such as this. She wished it taught her how to conjure a couple pain pills.
"The hero awakes!"
Judy paused. That voice... she knew that voice. But wasn't the... oh yeah, escaped. Now it was starting to make sense. Well, not entirely but with a few carefully chosen words and phrases the crux of the matter would be laid bare. After all, it would practically be like taking candy from a lamb. A self-indulgent spoiled one with delusions of grandeur and plans to imprison predator species.
"Mayor Bellwether... excuse me... prisoner SH20160304. How are you these days?"
The ewe smirked and laughed. As she uncovered Judy's eyes she looked into them menacingly. "Bunny would be wise if she took stock where she was."
A voice came from across the room. "Dawn... be mindful yourself. Don't damage the merchandise before the bidding starts."
Oh oh... that didn't sound good. But the voice sounded familiar, and Judy knew it would come to her soon. But where? As she wracked her brain and mumbled the various scenarios, it was obvious the sheep standing a short distance away was getting a thrill watching her as she worked out the variables. In a moment the answer dawned on her; it wasn't that she saw the owner of this voice... it was a video file she had watched sometime before the crisis began, before the Dark Underground began its crusade against Zootopia.
"Ah... it's nice to know my nemesis recognizes my handiwork. Too bad you're worth more as a surrogate than as a prize reward."
The sow walked closer and out of the shadows into plain view of the rabbit. Her demeanor clearly showed her pride as she looked the bunny over, poking at certain places that were now completely exposed for any mammal to see. Judy rolled over and sat upright, wincing at every poke of the long pole. She glared at the swine letting her eyes give the warning what would be coming if this continued.
"Bunny thinks she's the stuff. I would savor the thrill of tearing her to pieces, but I'll mind my own words I said earlier."
Judy didn't relax, but neither did she waste energy giving a universal rude finger to the swine. She needed to find out exactly what these two had in mind, what was meant about being a surrogate. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know this meant being impregnated. She needed to know by whom or for whom. She had ideas, and none of them would be pleasant.
"Since you have plans and I'm in no condition to escape, how about you tell me about this auction you have planned?"
Hillary grinned.
"You wouldn't recognize them. Or maybe you would. They'll come from all over the world just for the opportunity to bid on the rabbit responsible for their many defeats. Maybe some would come from where your brother's new wife came from, deep underground. Maybe some will come from Linxion Empire or perhaps the land of Lupusdon. I understand Emperor Caesar has a grudge to settle; or maybe it'll be Empress Whitefang? You must have really upset her. But... I don't care what they'll do with you. Highest bidder wins, and after payment is processed you will no longer be our concern."
Judy waited for the sow to stop her laughter. "What about my being a surrogate?"
Hillary leaned towards the bunny. "Some might, some won't. Matters not to us. Highest bidder is all we care about."
Soon the young bunny was left alone in the cage. The bowl of gruel was hardly appetizing, but Judy recalled a lesson from Camp Billy: *As long as your captors provided substance, it is best to eat it. Hunger never allowed any opportunity to escape, and rare is it proper food will be provided.*
This reminded her of one Nick's attempts to make Borscht. His parents could make almost any dish suitable for rabbits; but the culinary gene obviously skipped him. She smiled at the memory, but fought back the urge to spit out the gruel. As one bitter spoonful after another made its way into her aching stomach, a plan slowly formed in her mind. It was incomplete, but tomorrow would provide additional information she would need.