Here is the 75th installment. Hope you enjoy it.
This is the last chapter that I had already calved off from my working doc, but… Muse has been behaving, so hope for more sooner-ish. :)
All other notes now live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.
Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.
It continues…. Enjoy.
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Sheeriton Imperial suite. 15:05 (3:05 PM)
The Cerebel came in at a hard angle, turned even harder, engines roaring to be heard inside the suite and came to a dead stop flat on its side. A sudden thrust from the engines on one side just as it started to fall towards the landing platform righted it, the gear extending and setting it down soft as a feather. A few moments later it shut down and the ramp lowered, revealing a giggling Fran in a one piece swimsuit and a grinning and laughing Terry sporting swimming trunks and a swim shirt.
Nick laughed as they all watched the two mammals approach the external entrance to the suite. "One hundred percent guaranteed, that maneuver was meant to show off."
Judy shook her head, happily buried under four kits. "Not taking that bet. The question is, which one did it?"
Nick shook his head with a wider smile. "I don't think Fran has been with that machine long enough, besides. That seems like something Terry would do, based on what we have seen of him so far. That was one hundred and fifty percent showing off for the mammal they're sweet on."
Terry opened the door, also carrying both of their bags. "Hey everyone. Sorry we're running a bit late. We just need to jump in the shower real quick and change."
Bonnie blocked the way to the bedrooms. "Not before I see it!"
Terry looked suddenly nervous as Fran grinned and showed off their paw. "Look at it, Ma! It's got what they called a Wilde Ruby."
Nick and Vivan almost teleported to Fran, both breathing a sigh of relief. Nick smiled at the suddenly nervous Fran. "Sorry. Like the Hopps sapphires, a true Wilde Ruby has very special characteristics. They're mined from an adjacent mine and are actually from the same ore stream from what the newly revealed histories tell."
Stu nodded. "That section of the mine has been sealed for centuries. It was always thought to be cursed. We've reopened it, and while it needs some work…" He pulled a small box from his pocket. "We've already found these." Handing the box to Nick who opened it carefully.
"Oh… Wow… Mom!" Holding the box out to her.
Vivian gasped as she looked at the content. A blood red ruby that seemed, like a Hopps sapphire, to almost glow from an internal light. "Now that is a Wilde Ruby. I have one, in a family crest that we do not show anyone." Looking at Nick, it's passed between the vixens' of the family. The Vixen that marries into the family, but I need to be dying before I hand it over."
Nick nodded. "I've seen it. It's a beautiful stone."
Fran frowned sadly. "Oh."
Nick grinned, putting an arm around Fran. "It's all good, Fran. Just like a Hopps sapphire, who can have them is kinda restricted, and since they probably haven't been mined since shortly after the Wildes were driven from the burrow, to find one in the wild." Chuckling at his own joke. "Would be rare. That said, the stone in your ring is simply brilliant.
I could estimate the value, but Terry might take exception to letting you know just how much money he spent. I can tell you this. That is the best ruby I have seen outside of a museum or in the possession of someone extremely rich, like Maria. Now, considering that we're remerging the clans again just like in ancient times, this also means that you might just be able to get a true Wilde Ruby to give to Terry."
After a moment's thought, Fran smiled again. "Thanks Nick. I really kinda knew it was just a simple ruby. It is beautiful though, isn't it?"
Nick nodded. "It truly is. I've not seen the equal to as far as rubies go, and the moon stone, which is what that stone there is." Pointing. "Is truly amazing. I've not seen one that looked quite like that."
Terry puffed up proudly. "Well, you Hopps and Wildes have your stone. My family has theirs as well."
Bonnie nodded with a grin. "Good. So, are you official?"
Terry blushed furiously and gulped. Fran on the other paw, grabbed Terry's paw and pulled him forward. "Mom, I would never kiss and tell." Leaning over and whispering. "We'll talk later." Then they both disappeared into Fran's room, the shower starting shortly there after.
Stu laughed. "Oh, yeah. And they are going to do it again now." The canines in the room laughing. All of them picking up just how much the two of them had gotten up to.
Nick turned to Mike. "Well, seems that diaper duty hasn't destroyed my nose yet, because it's clear to me what went down."
Mick nodded with a further chuckle before turning back to his pups. "True that. Those two have it bad."
Twenty minutes later, Fran and Terry exited the bedroom clean and in fresh clothes. Terry smiling, but a blush still tingeing his ears and around his eyes. "Okay everyone. Are we ready to head out? The Council is only ten minutes away, but I'm sure you want to get there earlier. Who all is going?"
Judy and Nick put up their paws, as did Vivian, Stu and Bonnie, Mike and Lizz, Amy and Jake, Victoria and Arron, and Chief Bogo. Five minutes later, the kits were secure in their transport seats, everyone else was buckled in, all supervised by Fran as Terry got the Cerebel ready. Fran then took up a seat in the cockpit and they were in the air a minute later.
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Landing on the pad at the City Council building, the ramp lowered to reveal several council members and a VPD (Von Police Department) security team. One of the council members, a very large Wolf with stripes, nearly as tall as Lizz, stepped forward. "Hello, and welcome to Von. I am Councilor David Heartoll, and am head of the external relations committee."
Nick stepped forward and offered his paw, which was eagerly taken. "Nice to meet you, Councilor Heartoll. I'm Nick WildeHopps. This is my mate Judy HoppsWilde, and our kits." Motioning to Mike and Lizz. "This is Mike WolfordFangmeyer and his mate Lizz WolfordFangmeyer, they are the Designate and Regent for Wolford Pack Zootopia, as well as Mike's parents, Victoria and Arron Wolford, Wolford Pack Zootopia, Alphas. These are their cubs, who share a birthday with Judy and Mine."
Judy picked up from there. "This is Stewart and Bonnie Hopps, heads of Clan Hopps and proprietors of all things Hopps Family Farms, and my parents. Yes, that includes HFF meats. As well as Nick's mother, Vivian Wilde. Then we have Jannet Hopps-Jackson with her mate, Jake Jackson of the Bunnyburrow PD, and finally we have Chief Adrian Bogo, ZPD.
Given everything, it was decided to have an on-duty officer that was associated with us, but not closely and who doesn't have family already here and knew about Von beforehand, in the way our friend Eric Delgato does."
Bogo grunted. "The BPD, operating under ZPD jurisdiction and Jake being in an interspecies relationship made the BPD, and Jake specifically, an obvious choice for official protection, under my supervision."
Councilor Heartoll grinned widely. "Welcome. Welcome. Do you not have more security than an officer from the BPD?"
Judy laughed. "Well, there are…" Glancing around. "Six Night Wolves skulking around, and Nick, myself, Lizz, and Mike are all ZPD officers and on the SWAT detail."
Bogo chuckled. "Yeah, and you two are the most dangerous mammals present, so… Security is covered."
Councilor Heartoll cocked his head to the side. "Six, Night Wolves?"
Nick nodded. "Yes, six Nightwolves... Well seven, if we count the panther assigned to my mother. One each for Mike, Lizz, Stu, Bonnie, Judy and Myself, and the big cat for my mom. Judy and I are the Firsts for Mike and Lizz, as well as the re-acknowledgement of the pact between the ancient Hopp clan and the Nightwolves via the original Wolford pack. While I'm sure that is something taught in primary school here, it's news to us, and one of the discussion points we bring with us to this meeting."
Heartoll nodded. "AH! Well, that is simply all the more amazing. It would seem that my claim that you four fit the prophecy more than most just fits more and more." Putting up a paw seeing Nick, Judy, Lizz, and Mike move to protest. "Don't take me wrong. It is part of my job to know the prophecy and flag mammals that might fit it. Seeing you two on the news when you, Nick, graduated. Well… That was kinda hard to miss when adding the names."
Nick groaned while nodding with a grimace, ears and tail tip flicking. "Yes. We've recently been made aware of that prophecy as well, and also made that and a few other connections. Although I suppose correlations to Judy and myself, would be more accurate. Let us make one thing very clear. We are not going to live our lives based on some prophecy, no matter how much we might fit the description."
Heartoll smiled. "Good. Call that passing your first test, if you will. Come. The rest of the council is eagerly waiting."
Turning, he led the way past the VPD who fell in line behind the group. They passed through several security checkpoints. At the final one, Bogo, Lizz, and Mike all had to remove weapons. Bogo stared at Nick and Judy and frowned. "I don't know how you are doing it, but that scanner has to be broken for it to not go off like you two just walked three tons of steel through it. It went off over my tooth!" Pointing at a platinum tooth.
Judy looked up at Bogo. "Now Chief, is that really how you accuse freshly minted parents? You think we're seriously armed?"
"Lizz and Mike were, and more so than I expected. So you two. I absolutely think you are."
Judy and Nick shared a look then laughed. Nick shaking his head and walking over to a free bin while Judy watched over the kits. "Fine."
Nick then removed multiple blades, which included four throwing knives and two long daggers, three collapsible batons, a lethal firearm, a Taser, and a four round tranq gun. They then swapped and Judy delivered the same set of weapons, as well as something that appeared to be a metal whip. Nick grinned. "Hey! if you have it, you got it working!"
Judy nodded. "Yep! I've got yours being manufactured back home as we speak. It was the fourth generation Mem-Metal, and a higher density battery that fixed it."
"Noice!" Giving Judy a fist bump. They froze and looked up as everyone, the VPD especially, looking at them like they were crazy.
Judy rolled her eyes. "Here." Picking up the metal whip, she stepped away to an open area after wrapping it around her waist. She then snapped it out, causing it to actually extend far longer than it appeared to be, gently tapping Nick on the nose making him sneeze. She then performed some spins and such, the whip cracking violently in the air.
Then, with it fully extended, it suddenly snapped back towards her into the shape of a sword, which she then danced with. Over several seconds, it became a sword, back to a whip, into a different sword, and then was back around her waist like a belt. With a grin, she took it off and placed it back in the bin.
Councilor Heartoll looked on in unmasked shock. "I'm sorry. What did I just see?"
Judy giggled while Mike stepped forward, putting an arm around the Councilor and leading him towards the council chamber doors.. "We've all learned that when it comes to Nick and Judy. That is not always the best question to ask, or more to the point, one you don't necessarily want the answer to."
Nick laughed, following Mike and Heartoll, two kits in paw, Judy carrying the other two. "Whip sword form two. It's a martial arts kata, but until now, the weapon it's supposed to go with was just legend. Judy now has built one. I've seen drawings of it and I've always suspected that it was built using spring driven, tensioned, cables. This would have given it a whip length of about one and a half times the length of the blade state, and would have only had a single blade state.
Judy however has leveraged some advanced tech, including memory metals, artificial muscle bundles, and high density batteries, to allow not just a longer whip length, but make the overall unit able to take on more than just two shapes. What she demonstrated here is just a very simple and functional proof of concept."
One of the VPD growled. "I've seen that form. Once. It was being demonstrated by a Tigriss member during advanced paw to paw training when I was in the service."
Judy chuckled. "That it is. That's where we learned it."
"That was twenty years ago, and there are no more Tigriss, so how can that be possible?"
Bogo groaned. "I already know where and both of you shut up, now. That's an order." Glazing and Lizz and Mike, Lizz who looked like she was about to speak. "That goes for you two as well." Turning his attention to the VPD officer. "Son, there are things you do not want to know, but I'll tell you this much. The reports of the demise of the likes of the Tigriss, Cheth, and other such groups is highly overblown, and if you think groups like that didn't have members that survived the purge and preserved the knowledge, there's some ocean front property in the badlands I'd like to sell you."
Judy giggled. "Hey, Chief. That property could be oceanfront. Depending on how long they choose to hold onto it." Bogo's only response was a hard roll of his eyes as they entered the council chamber.
Once in the chamber and the doors closed, they were then directed to some visitor seats where they quickly made themselves comfortable. After the council went through some typical pomp and circumstance, bringing themselves into session and in order, Heartoll stood and introduced them.
"Venerable council, for our last item of business for today, we have the mammals for which our secrecy has been breached. For nearly five thousand years, longer depending on which historian you listen to, the mammals of Von have kept themselves hidden, while doing all within our power to provide a safe haven for all. We have welcomed those who have found love, just as our founders did, with those sometimes far afield from their species. We have provided safe harbor for nearly any mammal who seeks it, who is persecuted for or by beliefs.
It was Von who welcomed, who sought out and spirited away the intellectuals of the time when the Cathor priests sought to murder all who did not bow to their teachings. We did that again during the Marvest purge, something the rest of the world does not even remember. It was Von who uplifted the voices of authors, philosophers, scientists, from across the world. It was Von that put the first satellite in orbit of our planet to look down upon it and created the first truly accurate maps based on those images.
It was Von who pioneered weather control allowing for arctic and desert mammals to live in harmony and with sections of the city specifically tailored for their comfort. It was Von who secretly championed drives for equality and equity amongst all mammals across the globe, and who proposed and sponsored the original Zootopia pact. Even if it did not meet the goal, it was a step toward the goal. Equality and Equity for all species. That a mammal be judged equitably, based on their abilities and not discriminated against based on species. That a mammals value be not subjected to arbitrary values such as what species they were born or where, but their ability.
Our secrecy has now been breached. The reason for this is well known, reported extensively in the press. Someone attempted to poison Judith HoppsWilde and her friends. Normally this would not warrant our direct interference and the breaching of our secrecy. However, as we all also know, Judy HoppsWilde is not just a rabbit, but a Hopps rabbit, and one confirmed by genetic verification as a direct descendant of the founders. Beyond that, she was at the time carrying the kits of Nick WildeHopps. A red fox verified by genetic testing to also be a direct descendant of the founders. From those lost to the river when the founders were driven into the ravine that led to the valley in which Von was founded.
Two mammals, whose lines can be linked directly to the founders. Who in spite of the teachings of hate and fear that drove the founders from the Hopp burrow so long ago, found love. Who were having kits. Kits that were placed at risk, and likely would not have survived were they not able to get the level of care that could only be provided here in Von. Care that they could not wait to receive.
Add to that, that the poisoning included the Regent to the Wolford pack, Elizabeth WolfordFangmeyer, Zootopia. Mate to the current Designate, Michael WolfordFangmeyer. The Designate being yet another mammal verified to be a direct descendant of Von founders. Know that the Regent is not a wolf, but in fact a tigress, who carried at the time the pups of the Designate, and therefore the future Alpha's of Wolford pack, Zootopia.
These facts alone, per our charter, warranted direct intervention. The level of risk to life of these mammals, the Regent, as well as Judy, who is in fact the Regents selected and accepted First within Wolford pack, Zootpia, warranted consideration of at least some breach of security. These facts are not in dispute. However, there is one more thing that we must consider, and it is why a very specific order was given to designate these four mammals, Nick and his mate Judy, Mike and his mate Lizz, as Protectorate Directive class one mammals.
We all know what that means, because that designation had to be approved by this body, and has only ever been granted three times in our history, including this instance. The reasons each of us voted that way are our own council to keep, however, I will remind everyone here, and for those that were not part of this council at the time the vote took place. That vote was in fact unanimous. No abstentions. No non-votes.
Thus, Allow me to introduce the mammals for which we have finally revealed ourselves to not just the governments of the world, who have known of us for a century, but the entire world's population. Please help me in welcoming Nicholas WildeHopps, Judith HoppsWilde, Michael WolfordFangmeyer, and Elizabeth WolfordFangmeyer, as well as their kits." Motioning to the four mammals to step to the center of the room. "Please, step forward. The floor is yours."
The twenty assembled mammals, most of whom were obvious hybrids, clapped warmly as the summoned mammals stepped down the aisle and took up their places at the center. Judy and the rest gave a respectful Bow. Judy stood forward to speak. "Thank you for the warm welcome, and the hospitality we have thus far experienced. We and our families are eternally grateful that we were found worthy of your breaking of the secrecy of your existence. Having reviewed the doctors notes and reports on our conditions, the likelihood that we, Lizz and I, our kits, or both, would have survived the poisoning was miniscule at best. Our survival is clearly due to the advanced medical care available here in Von.
Sadly, the reality is that by exposing your existence, while a boon to hybrids and inters throughout the world, I'm sure there will also be much unpleasantness as well. Demands and entreaties for the technology you have, which exceeds even that which the federal government possesses. We can only hope to live up to the hope you have for the world through us."
Nick nodded, stepping next to Judy. "To address the obvious, and something I'm sure burns brightly as a question for all of you. We understand our similarities to this prophecy. I cannot deny that we likely appear to fit it better than most. I do hope you do not expect us to live our lives according to it. Our goals have been, and will remain, to make the world a better place for ourselves, and our kits. That this will improve the world for others is what I once heard referred to as a side-benefit, or enlightened self interest. Helping ourselves, by helping others. It is why, despite our struggles from being in a relationship in a place that, unlike Von, is less than tolerant of that relationship. We continue to work as ZPD officers. We continue to show that the things so many claim separate us are simply false, and illusory.
Our kits, and the world we leave to them is our only true priority. Sadly, despite that being the mindset of any parent, it also feeds into that prophecy. We are also aware of the directions provided in that prophecy. Before we get into that, we hope that maybe you have some questions for us? We certainly hope to spend a few days here in your beautiful city and I am sure we will return often."
A smallish, rather skinny looking wolf with a mountain goat's horns stood. "Well, it is certainly a pleasure to meet you all. I represent the northern mountain district, and we actually have the largest population of Wilde descendant foxes within Von's territory and beyond. Would it be too much to ask that you visit?"
Nick shrugged. "We will certainly look at it. We want to tour much of the city, though given our current notoriety, too much public exposure is probably a risk we shouldn't take. That said, if not during this trip, I'm sure that could be arranged in a future trip. We know that Chief Bogo had already been discussing an officer exchange program with the VPD before this reveal, as part of a gradual reveal plan the city governments of Zootopia and Von were already looking into. If I know the Chief, that likely means that Judy and I will end up with at least a few months touring your lovely city, while on duty."
The wolf nodded. "More than fair. I hope I speak for all of us here when I say, again. Welcome to our city. For me at least, the release of the security is a good thing, though it will probably take some time for our citizens to get used to the idea as well."
Standing, a very large deer, nearly the size of a rhino stood, his nose holding the hint of a horn. "I am councilor Reetal, of the plains, which is similar to your Meadowlands district. There are a great many things I believe we all would ask of you, though as you point out, the likelihood of your assignment to Von as part of an officer exchange is very likely, and something I support. Not just so that Von gets a chance to be protected by the two of you. I believe it will be good for both the ZPD, VPD, and other sets of officers to experience other spaces."
Nick nodded. "Judy and I agree. There are a lot of officers that would benefit from service here in Von, to help get them past their embedded social and species prejudices. To help them see everyone as just a mammal and get past their bias of species. Not all will, but we are sure that most will, once they get outside of their niches. It would also benefit Zootopia and other cities to have Von officers and their very different outlook providing a different perspective for the officers and citizens of those other cities."
The deer nodded. "I agree. Now, as much as I agree that prophecy is not something to live our lives by, or run a government by. As much as it will be interesting, I want to meet your kits and you informally. I think we simply need to address the looming issue that this prophecy represents and the proscriptions, actually enshrined in the Von constitution, and earliest laws, be looked at with a clear mind. Truly, that is our purpose here, so let us not beat around that bush anymore and just jump into it.
The prophecy speaks of those that join together as their ancestors did. Considering that you are not just a rabbit and a red fox, but a Hopps rabbit and a Wilde fox. From what I understand of how you two came to be together, you did not start as anything but adversaries, which satisfies the bit about adversarial dealings. The love between you two now, is clear to anyone with eyes or a working nose.
You have a bond between you, one that clearly has spread, given your friends. You have had many hardships. The number of times you have been dosed with some version of Nighthowler is simply terrifying that you are still alive and sane. From what I understand from reports, it has in fact gifted both of you with side effects. Something that, while useful to you in your current efforts as ZPD officers, the way of getting there is not something one would recommend.
Then we get to the bit about blue and gold. I mean, we have all seen your photos at Nick's graduation, as well as other events where you two are there in your dress blues. Empowered by the night. Howling? Yeah, it's not super specific, and yet, the implication is there for anyone that wants to look. You stand against those like Bellwether, Meadowlaw, and others, who did in fact seek to exploit the differences of mammals. All, with the purpose of making the world a better place, as Judy is so often quoted, and you stated here now.
I have to wonder, what other gifts do you have from your constant Nighthowler exposure? Now you and your friends have young that I hear were born with savage eyes. Something I'm also told that both of you are now able to obtain, and have used during interrogations."
Judy laughed. "Yes, we can do that, and it is not something we do lightly. For many reasons. Not the least of which is that it gives you a massive headache afterwards. Are Nick and I gifted? Absolutely. We are gifted with each other. We are gifted with our kits. Are we stronger than we have reason to be, because of the Nighthowler exposure, yes.
All of which makes your point. I'm sure there have been few, if any mammals previously, that have fit the bill quite like we do. There is a reason I suspect that the VPD does not use blue in their uniforms, or use gold in your tassels for graduations from schools, etc… Which is why we are standing here instead of our friends standing over the graves of Nick, I, and our kits.
I understand that there is a direction, something enshrined in Von law. That you are to join with those mammals, to support them. Neither Nick, nor I can ignore the similarities as you list, we saw them as soon as we read the prophecy. As Nick said, we are also not going to pay any attention to it, nor try and claim that we are those mammals. That is not something for us to determine.
Honestly, most prophecies are created only to provide hope and direction for mammals in ancient times when things were truly bad. They tend to be, in the end, aspirational. Look here…" Waving a paw. "Someday, in the future, our inheritors, our descendants, will be great again! And things to that effect. This one does in fact not seem to be quite that, but it still has hints of that to it.
It does not help that we are planning a huge family and friends get together to celebrate a number of weddings, mostly of the interspecies couples that my parents are now recognizing. Part of that will be the publication of a correct and verified deep history. One that will rewrite the textbooks of most of the world, save those, I expect, here in Von. It is our hope that, while we are here, we will be able to connect our historians that are building up this history, with those in Von that can help corroborate and confirm what we are finding."
A very small buffalo stood up. "And is that all that is going on? Some weddings and the reveal of the compiled history?"
Nick shrugged. "Well, given that so many of those weddings are going to be of interspecies couples. There is a pact that will be available to be signed by anyone attending."
The buffalo nodded. "How many are going to sign it?"
Nick gave a knowing smirk. "Everyone that is in the weddings will be, that's already confirmed. I've been empowered by the Wilde clan to sign on their behalf. Stu and Bonnie are signing on behalf of the Hopps clan."
Mike stepped forward. "The current Wolford pack, Zootopia, Alphas will be signing on behalf of the Pack for Zootopia, New Yak, Chaikago, Lost Angels, and Seaotter."
Lizz stepped next to Mike. "I will also be signing as part of the family that is Mike and myself, as well as a representative of the family, Fangmeyer. Which, as I have learned, does in fact include the Fangmeyer wolves. Apparently Jacob is a very distant cousin by marriage."
Judy chuckled. "Well, I didn't know all that. I can say that the city council and mayor of Bunnyburrow and Foxenburg are signing on. In their individual capacities as well as the cities themselves."
The buffalo sat down heavily. "Good gods, if you tell me you have a weasel family in all that, as well as a few specific species…" Seeing the looks shared by Judy, Nick, Lizz, and Mike. "Oh, by the ancients. Let me guess, some of those still excluded by the current great pact of Zootopia?" Nick grimaced but nodded. The buffalo then gave a deep sigh. "FINE! I withdraw my objections to the resolution and call for an immediate vote."
A red fox stood. "I am Jacobi Wilde. Voice of the council. The vote is called. Please register your votes now." Each council member picked up a small device with several buttons on it, using that to cast their votes. A few moments later the fox stood again, having cast his own vote in the process. "The measure is passed. Unanimous in favor, no passes, no rejects, and no abstentions." Turning to face Nick, Judy, and the others. "The council has just passed the resolution that now has the binding force of law here in Von. We will have a representative present to sign onto this pact."
Mike smiled. "If I might suggest. Kreaven Wolford and his mates would make excellent representatives. Given that they are through his mate, Richard, they are distant family to Lizz."
Nick nodded with a grin. "Certainly. While you are all of course welcome, if the actual signers are not any of you, it will be harder for the feds, who we all know are going to have an absolute fit when this comes out as confirmed, to try and stop or interfere with it."
Jacobi nodded. "This is an excellent point. We will consider empowering them or someone similar that has a familial connection to one of you for that reason. I take it you are trying to keep the arrangements for the pact, if not secret, under the radar for as long as possible."
Nick smiled with another nod. "Yes. While what we are doing is in no way illegal. It will make things uncomfortable for certain parts of the government, not the least being law enforcement, the actual political bodies that have spent literal centuries playing lip service to the needs and issues with small and marginalized species will no longer have a leg to stand on. So while they do not have the right to try and stop it, that is not going to stop them from trying."
Jocobi stood again. "Indeed. Firstly, I will let you know that our historians have already reached out to yours and have provided all of the information they need as well as invitations to come to Von and review artifacts and documents. Now, to a final point of business."
Jocobi turned to the council, his voice rising. "As Voice of this council, I put forward the question. Do we, as the council of Von, agree with the proposal of secrecy and shall remain silent while we prepare for our own participation in said pact, and the celebration of the rabbit wedding of Nicholas and Judith WildeHopps. Are there any objections?" After a moment, with no one standing or raising paw or hoof to object, the vote was called and agreed to unanimously.
The meeting was then brought to a close. At which point the demeanor of most of the council instantly changed. They proceeded over to meet with the new parents, to dote on the kits, and generally be sociable. Many selfies and group photos were taken.
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A/N
Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)
If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."
You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.
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