The café in Little rodentia had a cozy atmosphere, with small tables and chairs adapted for the smallest customers, Judy and nick settled in a discreet corner, away from curious eyes, The aroma of fresh coffee mixed with homemade sweets filled the air, but Judy was more interested in the information she could obtain than in the delicacies that surrounded their tables
"So, about this noviy horizon" Nick began, as he stirred his large coffee that the rodents had trouble to make "What do you think they're really doing?, creating a new type of technology or just playing power games with the bad guys?"
"I don't know," Judy replied, looking out the window, "Benny seemed worried, If noviy horizon is getting involved with the criminals, they might be planning something bigger, we need to find out more about this company and who's behind it" nick was silent for a few seconds before trying to break the ice, but Judy soon spoke up, trying a homemade sweet "I don't know how you can resist these sweets, nick, They're irresistible!" Judy commented, taking a small fruit-filled pastry and biting into it enthusiastically
Nick laughed, watching Judy enjoy the sweet treat "I'm a fox, carrots, The last thing I want is for you to see me as a sweet tooth, but who could resist a licorice cake, right?" Judy raised an eyebrow, making an expression of playful distrust
"Licorice? do you really think this is a healthy snack?"
"It's the thought that counts, isn't it? I'm just trying to stay in shape to chase criminals with you" he teased, winking
"Or to run away when you're in trouble" Judy replied, laughing, as the coffee heated, they exchanged amusing stories from their work days, Judy told of a chase that almost resulted in a fight with a group of penguins, while Nick described a situation in which he disguised himself as a cat to get information from a group of felines,"I never knew you had such a theatrical side, nick" Judy said, laughing as she enjoyed the vivid description
"Oh, you know I'm full of surprises," he replied, with a mischievous smile, "Good thing you're the only one who can unmask me" Their eyes met, and Judy felt her heart race for a brief moment "I feel lucky to have you by my side, nick" "And I feel lucky to have you, Judy," he replied, holding her hand for a moment, as if the touch was a secret only between them, after enjoying their snacks and laughing together, the light mood was interrupted
"We need to get back to work," nick said, standing up, the serious expression returning to his face, before they could elaborate further, a group of rodents entered the café, laughing and chatting animatedly, one of them, a small squirrel named Chewy, stood out for his contagious energy, as the group sat down nearby, Judy couldn't help but notice the way chewy talked about a 'big plan' the gang was developing that was scaring the locals, "Nick, did you hear that?" Judy whispered, leaning closer to her partner "We need to talk to him" nick frowned "You know this could be dangerous, don't you?, What are you thinking?" "I know, but if Chewy is involved, maybe we can find out something, let's be discreet"
Judy stood up and, with firm steps, approached the group of rodents "Hi, Chewy! remember me? I'm Judy Hopps, from the ZPD district"
Chewy looked at her, his eyes wide "Of course, Officer hopps!, what can I help you with?"
"I heard you talking about a big plan, could you tell me more about it?" Judy asked, keeping her tone friendly
Chewy hesitated, looking at his friends as if searching for an answer, "Oh, it's nothing, just… just rumors, you know? actually, i don't even know if it's true"
Nick, who was watching from the table, decided to intervene "Look, mister chewy, we're detectives, if there's something going on, you can help us avoid a big problem"
Chewy's expression changed, and he started staring at the floor "Okay, fine, i heard that some of the guys who work with noviy horizon are meeting at the warehouse on the outskirts of central savannah, they're planning a big scam, but that's not all, they also mentioned something about a new type of... i don't know an android, a type of robot that they're creating"
Judy and Nick exchanged glances "A robot?" judy questioned, her heart racing "What kind of robot?" Chewy looked around nervously, as if he was afraid someone might hear "I don't know for sure, but they said it's something advanced, something that can even… hunt, I think" Nick crossed his arms, thoughtful
"This is more than just a robbery, we need to go there and check it out, chewy, can you take us to the warehouse?" "Oh, I can't, I don't want to get into that kind of trouble" Chewy shook his head, He tilted his head, clearly nervous "Chewy, you can help us stop something bad from happening, think about your community!" Judy insisted, trying to motivate him, chewy seemed to consider it for a moment, but soon gave up "Sorry, officer, I can't, but I can give you directions" "That should be enough" nick said, realizing it was the best they could get "We just need to know where it is" After a few moments of reluctance, Chewy provided the directions, and judy and nick prepared to leave "Thanks, chewy, whatever you need, we're here," Judy said, before returning to the table, as they left the café, the cold air of Zootopia seemed thicker, as if clouds of uncertainty were hanging over them "I think we found a starting point," Nick commented, as they walked. "But we can't underestimate this gang, or noviy horizon" "I agree, we have to be quick, but also careful, let's do this strategically," Judy replied, adjusting her fanny pack
AT THE WAREHOUSE
As they approached the warehouse, the atmosphere became increasingly gloomy, the smell of metal and grease filled the air, and the shadows lengthened as they approached, the warehouse itself was an old building, with fogged windows and graffiti on the walls.
"Seems like a good place to hide a secret," nick observed, looking around, "Let's take a look"
Judy nodded, pulling out her badge and holding it in her hand."Remember, nick, we have to be discreet, we don't know what or who we might find inside"
They approached the back door, where a dim light emanated from inside. When they opened the door, the warehouse was empty
A feeling of dismay enveloped them. The structure was dark and silent. They entered cautiously, but the place seemed completely empty, with no sign of any suspicious activity.
"It's all empty" Judy said, looking around, her expression confused "Where is everyone?"
Nick examined the corners and shadows, trying to catch any clues "Maybe they left before we got here, or maybe chewy made a mistake"
Frustration was starting to grow inside Judy "We need answers, nick, this isn't normal"
"I know," nick agreed, looking at the entrance, "Let's take one last look before we go back, we can't let this stop us from finding out what's going on"
They continued to investigate the warehouse, but the feeling that something was wrong only grew, nith no clues, no traces, they began to wonder if the mecanical things had really been there or if it was all part of a bigger plan
THE NEXT MORNING
The next morning, as the city awoke to a new day, something was about to unfold in the shadows, Model T-1.0.1, a robot designed to be the last line of defense for noviy horizon, was being activated, with an impressive appearance, the robot was a lethal combination of advanced design and cutting-edge technology, It posed as an ordinary citizen, but it was completely unaware of its surroundings
"Operating system activated, spontaneous freedom activated, day one victims (0), primary mission activated," a metallic voice announced
Without hesitation, T-1.0.1 left the activation corner and made its way to the Misfits District, an area known for being home to illegal activities and prohibited goods, This place was a maze of dark alleys and contraband shops where one could find everything from clothing to firearms
The robot advanced down the street, observing its surroundings, It was not a being of words, Its mission was clear, and it moved with precision and efficiency, when it reached a hidden in the shadows, a grumpy wolf looked at him, raising an eyebrow
"So, boy, do you want anything?" the wolf asked, assessing the strange presence before him
T-1.0.1 just tilted his head, without answering, the wolf's hesitation quickly turned into curiosity "You're naked, friend! Did you know that? We don't accept customers without clothes here, tell me you want to buy?, Because with that appearance, I can only think that you came to do a forbidden nudist parade"
The robot showed no emotion at the joke and continued to observe him "Weapons, clothes, practicals"
"Wow, a direct customer! I love that!" The wolf replied, leading the robot into the store "You're in the right place, what do you need? There are shotguns, pistols, grenades..."
"I need weaponry that is undetectable," T-1.0.1 stated, his tone impassive
"Okay, we have a few weapons that might do the trick, check this one out" The wolf pulled out a low-profile pistol, almost like a piece of art "This beauty here is silent and doesn't raise suspicion, perfect for discreet work"
The robot examined the weapon carefully, analyzing its design and functionality, pulling out the camera from the weapon "Appropriate, selected"
"You don't talk much do you?, great! now, as for clothes..." The wolf continued pulling out a few jackets and caps. uzes and a pair of sunglasses "These outfits are made to blend in with the crowd, with this, you will look like a typical street animal"
T-1.0.1 looked at a dark hood "Functional, choice made"
"You're doing great, friend, the only thing left is to know how you're going to pay for all this," the wolf said, rubbing his paws together in anticipation
The robot stopped, analyzing the situation for a moment, a cold glint appeared in his eyes as he approached the merchant, making the wolf swallow hard
"I can guarantee payment" T-1.0.1 said, extending his hand, with a snap, a small device on his wrist began to print an amount of money enough to cover the purchases
The wolf, startled, watched the bills piling up on the table "I-I... right, nice doing business with you! have a good day" he said, half startled, as he stepped back a little, aware of the robot's threatening presence
"Nice doing business," T-1.0.1 replied, his voice still impassive, and without further ado, he left the store, leaving the merchant stunned, wondering if he had really just made a deal