FIRST SALVO
A Zootopia fan fiction by Dan

Rated M+

(c) Zootopia 2016 by Disney Animated Studios
(Artist ownership) Ayden Gull from BRO GULLS by Anti_Dev
(Artist ownership) “I Will survive” by William Borba 2017
(Artist ownership) Will and Alex Gray, Sheath and Knife by Harmarist
(Artist ownership) Anubis and the buried bone by Harmarist
(c) (Artist ownership) The K’zin by Lary Niven.
(Artist ownership) Don Carnage Disney’s TAIL SPIN
(Artist ownership) Ikkey the Fox Kit by Inkbunny’s Ikkey
(Artist Ownership) Master Guns Flash by Inkbunny’s Flash Timberwolf
(Artist Ownership) Chuck  Dawson (cat) From Omaha the Cat Dancer  Reed Waller 1994

Chapter 24
The Outbacks Part 4

The Zootopian UAV Trident Submarine “Snow castle”
1am 15 September 2040
Somewhere in the Western Seas submerged at 100 feet

Two Fleet Marine Recon Teams embarked…

Team Seven
Six Combat Swimmer Otters
Ten Tanuki

Team Nine
Six Combat Swimmer Otters
Ten Tanuki

     The “passengers” were in various stages of activity throughout “The Boat”. Some were “snonkered” where ever they could string a hammock or drop a futon. Some were cleaning weapons, sharpening knives or playing card games or Tanu-keishi (Japanese chess for raccoons) in pairs or fours. Still others...like the newbie to the Ninth team, combat sniper Hinshio, sat wide awake gripping a paw onto something like it was a matter of life and death. This was Corperal Hinisho’s first time riding in a drone sub and he wasn’t happy one bit.

     His team mate, a two toned brown Otter named Corporal Harper came over and sat next to the nervous Tanuki…

     “There’s nothing to worry about brother.” Harper said as he placed a paw on Hinisho’s shoulder. “You’re our sniper, you should be as calm as silk.”

      Hinisho took some comfort in the gesture of the Otter...”I’ve never done this before. This is my first time in a submarine. Suppose the submarine has a break down? The Engine quits? Something goes wrong and we can’t surface? We Tanuki don’t do long dives in water.”

     “But you’ve done the TDV (Team Delivery Vehicles) haven’t you?” Harper asked.

     “Well yes. But they don’t dive hundreds of feet.” Hinisho said squirming. “If something goes wrong?”

      Harper grasped Hinisho’s paw...”I promise you. They’ve built plenty of systems into this submarine and it will get us to the surface. If needs be? I will tie you to my body and get you to the surface. I promise you. You’re important to our efforts Hinisho, I will not leave you behind.”

     The tanuki breathed with relief. “Your tone is so assuring Harper.”

      Harper petted Hinisho gently and walked to see his Sargent, another Tanuki named Ushijima who was scanning through his combat computer tablet. “How’s Hinisho?” Ushijima asked.

      “Better.” Harper replied. “He was shaking a little less but I’ll keep going back and forth to keep him calm. No changes in our operations right?”

       “Nope.” Ushijima replied. “You will still lead the team to hit that railway bridge and then the local police station nearby with Hinisho as top angel so it’s important you continue talking to him during our transit. This is his first “Op” so keep him focused on “ingres, work and egres”. I will still lead a team against this rail bridge and the connected rail yard. Team Seven is tasked with a diversionary assault to cover the big operation. They get to expend tons of ammo and blow snit up, which will make plenty of locals pee their fur coats.”

       Harper smiled. “Can we go after “TOO” (Targets of Opportunity?) as they appear or is this a “quick fluck”?

       “Limited engagement of TOO’s authorized. We don’t want to spend all night on this.” Ushijima replied. “Everyone is to stick to the operational time tables. Make sure that is clearly understood.”

      “Yes Sargent.” Harper replied with a salute. He walked around the living spaces of the submarine until he found Lance Corporal Weiss (An Otter) laying on his back in a sleeping rack with his legs kicking away and mouth snapping until Harper woke him up and almost lost his paw fingers to a jaw snap…

      “Ugh….What the hell Harps?” Weiss asked growling. “You wake me up when I had this huge Salmon right in my paws.”

       “I wanted to tell you that the mission organization is still the same.” Harper said as he leaned against the rack. “In and out with no extra fluff.”

       “Awww….shoot. Here I was hoping to do some “extra shopping” while we’re there. Could have stopped at a gift shop or gotten a phone number, damn.” Weiss snorted. “Ok? So you woke me from my nice dream to tell me the standard deal?”

       “No….” Harper replied. “I woke you up because it’s time you got up and I got to sleep. Get your fat ass out of the bed?”

      “Anyone do another last check of our gear?” Weiss asked.

      “Not yet.” Harper replied as he climbed into the sleeping rack. “Can you do it? I mean….we have a lot of time before “go hour” so….you don’t have to do it right away?”

      Weiss replied. “Nah….I need to be busy. So? Kerstie is pregs again? What’s this for you now?”

        “Number three.” Harper replied. “I hope to get promoted soon. If I can get good fitness reports from this operation.”

       Weiss replied. “You will get a good fitrep. We’re a good team, we work well together, I am your executive extra-ordinare….you are shoe in for Sargent. Don’t angst over it. Now get some sleep? I’ll wake you up in six hours.”

Wooly Rocks, The Meadow Lands
5am 15 September 2040

    Whitney (Female Weasel) was up early as usual for a quick wake up run on the exercise wheel and then sitting down to brew a cup of coffee and skim through the morning news on her smart phone. She had just made USV Technical Specialist 3rd Class on a personal evaluation merit and the pay bump made her happy as punch...though the news didn’t make her equally happy. She still pondered Bobby’s e-mail from the night before. What if she was wrong? What if she was misinterpreting what the soldiers were talking about? But she felt they were clear enough...it was a difficult weight to ponder as she sat back sighing….

Then the smart phone pinged an incoming message. It was from Jackson Wilde.

Jackson: Hi! How’s the Meadows? Sorry been so long not getting back with you?

Whitney smiled and typed...”So kay...I made 3rd class! Things are going great here and I love it! How’s the Growler? How’s Darla?”

Jackson replied...”I’m a third class now too! We’re on our way to the Outbacks but you probably know that by now. I’m texting you because I hope you’ll do me a solid.”

Whitney typed. “Solid? Depends. I’m working a lot but I’ll fit you in when I can.”

Jackson replied. “If I give you Darla’s home address? Would you watch her parents from time to time? From a distance?”

Whitney jumped a bit...”What?! Spy on her parents? What for?”

Jackson replied. “It’s another of our little competitions. I think she’s trying to pull a fast one on me. Just tell me if her parents do any big shopping, visit places like caterers or photographers. Stuff like….oh? You’re getting ready for a wedding?”

Whitney replied with surprise...”You’re getting married?!”

“Well…..not yet.” Jackson replied. “Her parents “seemed” to have “stiffed me” as a husband but I think Dar’s pulling an act on me. Will you do me that solid?”

Whitney giggled….”Skulking around is a weasel’s favorite activity. Of course I will...”

Jackson replied...”No cost?”

“Perceptive.” Whitney replied. “Oh….maybe a little money to make my girl friend  look nice in the evenings?”

Jackson replied. “Hmmm….ok done. Thanks girl.”

The Assault Ship Sayoni
Chancy’s Squad
4th rifle squad, 1st platoon, 2nd Company, 4th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 1st Fleet Marine Division.
5am 15 September 2040

Squad Officer: (Wolf) Lieutenant Westerbrook
Squad NCO (Wolf) Gunny Chancy Hyke

Eight Wolf rifle Squad (M-14’s with hand grenades)
Four Grenadier Wolves (M-203 launchers and Law Rockets)
Two heavy machine gunners Tigers with M-60 machine guns
Two light machine gunners Wolves with Browning Automatic Rifles

The squad got the flight deck to themselves at 4am which started with stretching and calisthenics then they practiced their advancing and retreating massed fire drills with empty rifles, the four, two, one, one mammal relay where one group would pour fire into a central target while the other group advanced or covered on the charge or the retreat.

The lieutenant observed the overall performances while Chancy picked on the Marines one by one for faults or praises. There were many new faces during the previous three weeks so any time that could be found to spend on the minutia details of combat formations and movements was precious…

“Lendry?”(Tiger) Chancy stopped one of the “sixty” gunners during a retreating session. “Watch on the cover. You’re still keeping your finger on the trigger while the others are coming back, we want to hit the enemy not give em more bodies to run over. Finger out when you hear the cover.”

“Aye Aye Gunny.” The Lance Corporal replied.

“Hey! Eckolts?!” Chancy yelled at a young Wolf. “On the retreat run? Barrel up! Finger out of the trigger! Third time now Marine. The fourth and you do me forty push ups and a run.”

“I’m trying Gunny.” Eckolts replied. 

“Try nothing.” Chancy snorted. “You do it. You do it or you do the punishment. Understand?”

Chancy backed up and snarled. “Now….forwards! GO!”

The Marines went down the flight deck making gun noises from their mouths and performing the “rolling advance”, one group covered and shot, the other move up five yards drop and repeat the cover as the other group ran past them.

“Down on the five! No one on the charge stands when you hit the five, it’s on a knee or prone! Do you want to get your grape blown apart?!”

The Lieutenant walked up behind Chancy. “Still a little lanky Gunny.”

“They’ll shape up “El T”.” Chancy replied. “What we really need to do is more hand to hand, close quarter combat. The tigers could play the opponents and give the rest a run for their nuts.”

“I’ll go along with whatever you want to do Gunny.” The Lieutenant said. “By the way? Fitness reports are due. Who’s your top Corporal?”

“My pick is Delphenous Sir.” Gunny said as he pointed out one of the Tigers who seemed to have no problem jumping down throats and shaking “sky larkers” (Sky larkers seem to have issues with keeping focus and attention) Delphenous was on top of poor Eckolts pulling his combat pack off…

“The Gunny told you to keep your barrel down on the retreat! Pump out forty Eckolts!” The tiger snarled.

“You’re not the Gunny!” Eckolts snapped back!

“I’m the poor mother flucker you killed with your fricken gun moron! Push those forty out now!” Delphenous snapped.

The Lieutenant nodded as he watched the tiger’s performance. “I see your point.”

Chancy smirked. “He needs a little polish on his delivery obviously. Let me work on him and you’ll have a good Sargent for a section leader.”

The Lieutenant nodded...”So how’s that nephew of yours? The gung ho one?” Westerbrook asked.

“I left him with Master Guns Flash.” Chancy said of Alex. “he’s doing well. Finishes MCT’s faster than food, athletic as hell, motivated. I want to write a recommendation for him to go to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.”

“Hmmm...I suppose you’d like a character profile from an officer?” The Lieutenant asked.

“I would appreciate that Sir.” Chancy replied. “Give him to you for a day or two so you could evaluate him?”

“Keep it in mind.” The Lieutenant replied.  

The Command Ship Tun Tavern
Officer’s ward room
7am 15 September 2040

     Admiral Arthur Ace (African Lion) sat eating breakfast with some of his staff officers and General “Bugs” and his two officers “Porky” and “Wild E”…

     “How many ships again Admiral?” Bugs asked as he munched a carrot.

     “Three so far.” The Admiral replied. “They started showing through our drones about ten hours ago and so far they’re keeping their distance but they know we’re here and they can tell where we’re going.”

     Porky gave a stuttered reply. “If they have ships then they have submarines too.”

     “So far we haven’t detected any submarines.” The admiral replied. “Not by our USV’s or ship’s sonars. But it’s the surface ships that concern me. Of the three, there is one that’s obviously larger and it’s not a destroyer.”

     Bugs replied. “A larger what?”

     “We don’t know yet.” The Admiral replied. “It’s longer than a destroyer and the weather overhead has been obscuring high level visibility so we can’t get good images of it but we know it’s big.”

      Bugs sipped his coffee. “Well….we’re not going to let that change our operational plans are we? We’ll put a couple of our USV’s in the way to keep them “honest” so to speak?”

      The Admiral replied. “For now, we’ll just observe their movements. I’m confident that Kzinti don’t want to tangle with a full on fleet of warships just yet. I get these little “cultural tid bits” from headquarters every few days that help us to flesh out what the Kzinti think and how they act. I’m pretty sure this little counter demonstration of theirs is just a warning act against provocation or a dare to see if we’ll take a “suck in”. Naturally? I won’t take a sucker punch. But just to be safe General? We’ll cut down the amount of ordinance we plan to use for the maneuvers and send our support ships under USV protecting to the south of the Outbacks just in case the Kzinti want to get froggy.”

The Mayor’s Office
City Hall, Downtown Zootopia
9am 15 September 2040

      Morty entered the office where the Mayor sat patiently behind his desk and took a seat on the opposite side. “Good morning Mister Mayor.” Morty said pleasantly with a slight bow…

      “A good morning to you.” Cesar replied. “Our guest arrived here safely?”

      “With all your precautions of course Sir.” Morty replied. “I’m sure you had to do some serious fibbing to get everyone to clear out the way to the office. We did our best however to disguise Kawam-ura looks, not exactly easy with a ten foot tall predator like this you understand? Please don’t laugh when you see him Sir? That’s one of the important things you need to know.”

      Cesar nodded. “Go on.”

      Morty gestured. “He will obviously bow to you and he will bow low to you and you need to bow a little less. Paw shakes are not done by them, paws are considered un-clean. When you gesture to move or sit? Don’t use a paw finger to do it, use the whole paw face down. And when speaking? Look directly into the eyes and don’t avert the eyes when a Kzinti speaks. It’s not polite and as he described it? It’s dangerous.”

     Cesar pondered. “Is there a risk of him lashing out? Of being aggressive?”

     “Oh no Sir.” Morty replied. “You see? Kawam-ura comes from the lowest class in the country and he’s worried about offending. I guess the lowest Kzinti are treated very harshly by upper classes. Showing him any deference of respect will be new and strange to him so...go easy. I will translate for you and him.”

     Cesar breathed deeply. “Ok...show him in.”

     Morty nodded, walked to the door and opened it. He then spoke in Kzinti tongue. “Please come in. Our Mayor is most eager to meet you.”

      Cesar rose from his desk as Kawam-ura walked in dressed in almost ill fitting and lose clothes. He quickly removed the wide brim hat which he understood to be essential to guarantee his privacy and safety and for the first time Caesar came face to face with the pictorial description he’d had all his life of these predatory tigers. Kawam-ura came to a stop and bowed himself deeply as he spoke in his language…

      “I am honored and unworthy of this meeting Heikah (Hay-Kah meaning high leader) Forgive my appearance but it’s shabby nature is required. I mean no disrespect”

      Cesar bowed less low as required...”On behalf of myself and our city, we welcome you Kawam-ura San. Have no shame here. You are our guest and we hope our most dear friend.”

      Kawam-ura came out of his bow and looked at Morty for a moment before surprisingly extending his paw...” Morty-wakamono says this is a gesture of friendship? In my land it would not mean such but since I am here among Zootopia...it would be best to practice your culture...”

     Cesar extended his own paw and clasped Kawam-ura’s in an affectionate strength as he gestured towards a chair with another paw...”Please? Be seated.” The White Lion said.

     “Thank you.” Kawam-ura replied as he sat. He was silent for a moment...then he stood back up as Ceasar was going to sit and bowed low once more….

      “From this lowly Kzinti, Heikah….I admit to the terrible things which my country has done to your citizens and the hate which it may engender. I am filled with regrettable pains and sorrow. Forgive us I beg you. We are different from you. There is much misunderstanding and confusion. I desire not war and beg for none between us. I beg forgiveness on behalf of my nation” Kawam-ura said with a deep bow.

      Morty was shocked, perhaps more so than the Mayor who sat a little taken back by the Kzinti’s remorse which even in his language sounded regretful and real.

     Cesar rose from his chair and approached Kawam-ura. For a moment the White Lion stood tall and strait over the Kzinti before slowly placing his paws on Kawam-ura’s shoulders and patting them softly…

     “Some one from such lowly conditions should never apologize for the stubborn nature of their leaders or their culture. We here in Zootopia have always desired and deeply wanted peace and friendship with the Kzinti, not animosity or war. We welcome you as our friend….not our enemy. You Kawam-ura San have nothing to be ashamed for. Stand strait please?”

     Cesar gestured to the chair again...”Now? Let us get to know each other. Perhaps this is a good place to start understanding one another instead of possibly killing one another. I hope you agree to this?”

     “I strongly desire this.” Kawam-ura said. He turned to Morty with a gesturing paw. “Morty-wakamono has been a great example of the youth Zootopia has. What a waste it would be for a stupid war between our civilizations. Yes Heikah, let us talk to each other. This is good to do. I desire this exchange greatly.” 

     Morty sat and wrote quickly over a note pad to record the event. A written record would be the only thing history would have from this first meeting, even the internal recording system in the mayor’s office had been kept off given the delicate nature of Kawam-ura’s existence in Zootopia. The back and forth went on for two hours, making it a confusing and hasty scramble to get Kawam-ura through the building and down into the underground parking lot where he could be spirited away in a car with tinted windows…

    “Phewww!” Morty said as he wiped his head. “That was a scramble from hell.”

    “You were very comical with your pants half way up coming out of the bath room Morty-wakamono.” Kawam-ura chuckled. “You looked like our silliest Kabuki dancer! It almost destroyed my image of young Zootopians.”

     Morty snorted back. “I thought Kzinti didn’t believe in having humor?”

      “We don’t. It just so happens that the observation made a connection.” Kawam-ura joked. “But to be serious Morty-wakamono? I enjoyed the conversation with Heikah Leo and being able to see this City’s full view for once?I am in awe. Of course….there is so much space between the buildings here. We Kzinti make use of every available space possible. Our capital city is much bigger than Zootopia...more so vertically as there are Kzinti in great abundance there.”

      The young wolf scratched his head. “I would like to ask you about the military but if you don’t want to say anything of course you may not.”

      “What I might be able to tell you? May not be of much help.” Kawam-ura replied. “We from the low classes are forbidden to go any where near a military base, even observing maneuvers is taboo. That could get you shot. You are not even worthy to look up at his majesty’s soldiers as a dirt scratcher. Most of the time if I got to see them? They came to enforce the will of the land owner against some misbehaving farmer. I even dared as a cub to raise my head as they beheaded one farmer’s cub on a chopping block.”

      Morty was horrified. “A cub? What for?!”

     “It was one too many.” Kawam-ura replied. “Families of low class can only have four cubs in a generation. Any more and they are found out? The cub is butchered.”

      Morthy cringed with fear...”I am sorry Morty-wakamono but you deserve to know the truth of my country do you not?”

      “I need to go home.” Morty replied shaking his head.

       “ Morty?!” Kawam-ura said with worry….”I’m sorry to have upset you.”

     “It’s not you Kawam-ura Tomadachi...” Morty replied. “I just need a little time alone ok? It’s not you….I’m just…...I’m just a little upset right now and I need a little time to sort it out ok?”

     Kawam-ura replied. “Yes….yes I understand. I am so sorry.” He said as he down-turned his webbed ears. “There is much unpleasantness to speak about. But you must understand Morty-wakamono...it is my culture, my home...it is important you know all of it.”
      
Hill Street
Downtown Zootopia
9am 15 September 2040

    Judy was on her way to Precinct One after a morning visit to one of the elementary schools when she passed by what looked like a pair of raccoon, one on the shoulders of the other, spray tagging a building wall…

   “I should have known.” She snorted as she stopped the police cruiser and hopped out. “Hold it right there you two little creeps!”

    The two raccoon turned to see Judy whipping out a set of hand cuffs. “Well, well Rollo? If it isn’t our favorite cop?”

    “Hi Chief Wilde!” Rudy Racky said with a friendly wave. “It’s been a long time!”

    Judy stomped to a halt. “Obviously not! Get against the wall you little tricksters.”

     “Now hang on Chief.” Rollo said waving a paw. “We haven’t pulled a scam in years since the last time you bagged us. We found our calling for honest work, didn’t we Rudy?”

     “Yeah.” Rudy replied. “This is a mural we’ve been working on for the building owner. Come on Chief? You know this place. After all it was your old apartment building?”

     Judy smiled as she looked around. “Come to think of it? Yeah...yeah it is my first home here in the city. But I thought old Miss Crandberry sold the place before she passed away?”

    Rollo replied. “She sold it to her grandson Benny who has a good taste for art. We’re painting a mural from that movie the Last Unicorn.”

    Judy sighed...”Oh Fritz...I love that movie. I must have went to see it over and over as a kitten.”

    Rudy nodded back with a smile. “I love Amamammal’s soundtrack….” Rudy tapped Rollo on the shoulder...”Shall we swoon her bro?”

    Rudy pulled out his smart phone, scrolled through his music selection and hit a song…

 In the sea, The fish have learned to fly…..On a moonlit night...On wings of silver
As the enchanted stars 

Sail serenely by…Do they know?…..Where do unicorns go? ...Where winged horses fly?… Narwhales lost at sea….And never seen again.
Go……Go and ask the magpie…..Where do unicorns go?
In the trees…The birds have learned to speak...Many colored...They keeps their secrets..In a parade of clouds.
Playing hide and seek...Do they know?...Where do unicorns go?...Where winged horses fly?...Narwhales lost at sea...And never seen again.
Does myth….And mystery lie...Where the unicorns go?

The brother’s harmony made Judy dance around for a moment, lost in her memories of childhood. Of warm days and cool nights in Bunny borough when the family went to the local outdoor theater to watch the Last Unicorn. Once again the image of the brave rabbit prince putting himself before the red bull and giving his life for his beloved brought her to tears and she stopped to sob for a moment as the Racky brothers stopped singing…

“Sniff”….”Thanks you two.” Judy said with a wince and a smile. “You’re not kids any more...I kind of forgot that.”

Rudy jumped off his brother and gave Judy a little hug...”Oh come on Chief. Things change you know? Gotta admit though we had a ton of fun driving you and Nick stupid. But we decided to be nice to our old friends and give you old geezers a break.”

Judy gave Rudy a quick slap in the puss for old times sake. “You better watch who you call a “geezer” you little devil.”

“She still has it bro.” Rudy said as he rubbed his cheek. “So? You’ll be retiring soon? Nick’s been retired for a few years now hasn’t he?”

  “Yes.” Judy replied. “I haven’t fixed a date yet but it’s coming soon. Sometimes I wish it didn’t come soon but like you guys said? Things change.”

   Rollo smiled softly as he rubbed Judy’s arm...”Will you let us know so we can get you a gift? We promise it will be with legally obtained cash. We’re sure going to miss your face on the streets Chief. Honest. You made our days a ball.”

    Rudy took out his smart phone. “Hey bro? Let’s get a picture with the Chief?”

    Rollo nodded. “Please Chief? Just one photo?”

    “Why don’t you guys call me Judy?” Judy asked as she rested her paws on their shoulders. “I can’t wait to see this mural when you’re done with it.”

     Rudy set his phone up on the roof of the cruiser and ran back to get into the picture…

     And just as quick while they waited for the timer to count down to zero. The Racky boys took their opportunity to snag the pair of twenty dollar bills Judy had hanging out of her pants pockets...not that she hadn’t planted them by purpose in the first place.

The Growler’s Bridge
9am 15 September 2040

     Rudy Dolph reported to the Captain, Titus Winsor (Hippo), carrying his stuffee rather carrying Limcheck the short Polar Bear made to look like the White Lion stuffee in a pair of pampers in his arms…

    “Good morning Sir.” Rudy said.

    “Good morning Ensign.” Winsor replied as he gave the stuffed animal the look over. “You still have it, good.” The Hippo said as he sat back in his command chair. “I wanted to tell you personally that I am very pleased with your performance so far. I would like to know if you’re getting any excessive ribbing because of your nose however...especially from our other equine officers. I know you’ve had a history of problems with your fellow reindeer since you were a fawn.”

     “I haven’t been treated worse than the usual jabs Sir.” Rudy replied.

     Winsor grunted a little. “Usual jabs mister? What kind of “usual jabs”? From who?”

     “Sir? Really, it’s not like they’re going to phase me with their little petty insults.” Rudy replied. Yet the Commander wasn’t pleased by the look of his face.

     “Mister Dolf? There is something on this ship called “mutual respect” which is something I don’t just “expect” from the crew, I “require” it. That goes for these “Little petty insults” that if they’re done long enough and with enough callus disregard...they usually end up in fists flying, teeth biting and bones breaking. I, Mister Dolf, do not take kindly to petty little mouthy foolishness. Now? That being said? Who has been giving you this “lip service” and mind you Ensign? When I ask for something? It MUST be given. Now…..who has the floppy gums?”

     Rudy swallowed a little...”Sir? It’s…..it’s Lieutenant Prancer Sir. From E Division.”

     The Captain turned to the Boatswain on watch. “Boatswain? Please call Lieutenant Prancer to the bridge?”

     The boatswain grabbed his microphone. “Lieutenant Prancer! Lay to the bridge on the double by order of the Commanding Officer.” He spoke.

     Moments later….Lieutenant Prancer appeared before the chair. “Yes Captain?” Prancer said knowing that by Rudy’s presence...the matter of the appearance was already clear. The reindeer gave a little side glance of being angered…

        Commander Winsor leaned forwards in his chair having caught the look. “You need to look at something there Lieutenant?” Winsor snorted.

        “No Sir.” Prancer said back. 

        “You probably know why you’re up here...don’t you?” Winsor asked.

        “I haven’t the slightest Sir.” Prancer replied which got Winsor out of his chair.

       “Are you trying to be a bull snit artist in my presence Lieutenant? Because you’re a damn failure with paints and pencils. Mister? You better square with me or so help you? You won’t be a lieutenant qualified to control a mop. Do I make myself clear?”

       Prancer nodded. “Perfectly Sir.”

       Winsor pointed to Rudy. “Do you have a problem with your fellow officer here? Specifically his nose? Does this thing have any bearing on your life or your duties aboard my ship? Better think before you speak there Mister Prancer. I want honestly from you.”

       “Honestly Sir.” Prancer replied. “It offends me Sir. As a reindeer.”

       “Why?” Winsor replied. “Just because it’s unique? Because it’s not brown or it doesn’t “fit in” with those graceful curves and curls you reindeer seem to prize as being “better” than other four legged mammals? I hear all the “pride” crap all day from your kind. We’re better, we’re stronger, we can even leap great distances, I’ve even heard those fairy tail dreams about reindeer being able to fly. Well guess what Mister? I don’t give three sheets to the flucken wind of the North what you think! You don’t treat a fellow officer like snit on my ship! Do I make myself clear to you Mister Prancer? Maybe I should start up with your name? It sounds a little “fairy” to me. Maybe we should call you Lieutenant fairy and paint your room door pink? How would you like to be treated like crap Mister Prancer? Hell I may even make you wear a pink dancing tu tu just to get the point rammed home into your silly skull. That goes for you and the other seven reindeer in this crew. Would you like the shoe on your foot? Speak Mister!”

        “No Sir! I wouldn’t!” Prancer snapped back.

        Winsor grunted loudly….”May I suggest to you….Mister Prancer….that you repeat my words to your other friends on this ship. I get even a wisp of a word that Ensign Dolf is being given some sort of mistreatment by any reindeer? You’ll be the poster child of my wrath. You’ve been warned….now get the fluck out of my face Mister.”

       Prancer turned and marched off the bridge with Winsor returning to his seat. “Ensign? I’m serious now. Any disrespect upon you because of your nose and I want it reported. Is that clearly understood?”

       Rudy snapped to attention. “Yes Sir! Understood.”

       Windsor smiled back. “Good….now go change stuffee? He’s starting to stink. Better yet? Don’t fart again in my presence Mister?”

       Rudy yelped and bowed slightly as he left the bridge...”I’m sorry Sir! Sorry! Sorry!”

      Rudy walked through the passageway until he came to an empty bathroom and dropped Limcheck on his butt!

      “Ouch! Watch it Sir!” The small Polar Bear snapped. “My tail bone!”

      “That was almost my ass!” Rudy yelped back. “Damn it Seamammal Limcheck! You farted near the Captain? We could have been busted!”

       “Yeah.” Limcheck replied. “I kinda dumped a fluff down there...a little bit if you get the drift?”

       “Oh gawd...” Rudy yelped as the smell hit his face. “What the hell did you eat?” 

      “Oh the good morning chow of egg wraps and beans.” Limcheck replied as he rubbed his belly. “I need a changing remember? The Commander ordered you.”

         “I will not change your diaper Seamammal!” Rudy yelped.

         Limcheck reached for the bathroom door. “Oh Commander? Mister Dolf doesn’t have the stuffee?”

         Rudy slammed a hoof hand against the door. “You are more than capable of changing and cleaning yourself Seamammal. This wasn’t part of the deal with Petty Officer Wilde.”

         “Call it the excess clause under the fine print?” Limcheck said with a grin. “Come on Sir? Even a bachelor officer should be able to someday change diapers as he goes up in rank and acquires a family as part of his progress towards Admiral.”

        “Ugh!….I hate being a Bull, I really do.” Rudy said as he picked Limcheck up. “I can survive being called every red nose joke in the book but being a Bull Ensign sucks tail hole!”

       Limcheck gave Rudy’s nose a tweak. “Sir? You’redoing great. Don’t think for a moment you’re not because you wouldn’t have a bunch of us Sailors willing to help you if we didn’t think you were worth it. Trust me, everything you do has a purpose….like changing my dirty diaper.”

MCRD Savanna
Camp Quanaco Marine Base.
Grenade training for the recruit company
9am 15 September 2040

     Ori pulled the pin, got set with his feet and arms and tossed the round grenade high over the lip of the trench….where it fell short causing Gunny Rakshah to grab him and dive to the floor to avoid the small bits of shrapnel even a practice grenade could throw out…

    “Stand up Hopps?!” Rakshah demanded. “Is that the best you can do?!”

    “Well...” Ori said. “The trench top is a little high for us bunnies Mam.” 

     “That’s no excuse!” Rakshah replied. “Your other brothers have done well so far, they at least have gotten closer than the way you toss. The recruit Sargent has an arm like a cannon and he’s accurate as hell. Do you have string noodles for arms?”

      “Well I’m sorry Mam.” Ori replied with a shrug. “Sometimes I might need a little more fear motivation to perform better. I mean….tossing a ball is kind of a timid, relaxing sort of deal you know? I need to be motivated with a little fear against failure you know?”

     The other Hopps brothers were shaking their heads trying not to laugh to what Ori eluded to as “His fear factor”. Owen looked at the other three as if he was resigned by fate to explain “the needed motivation”.

    “Excuse me Mam?” Owen said as he looked into the trench. “What Private Hopps here needs? Is proper fear motivation fitting his character….though...not what you might think would work?”

     The gunny looked back up at Owen. “Continue recruit Sargent Hopps.”

     “Mam? If you would allow me? Give me a moment of time with the Private to administer the proper “motivation” please?” Owen asked with a beckoning paw. Gunny Rakshah did as Owen asked and climbed out to stand by the company. Then she heard Owen’s angry barking voice at his brother followed by what sounded like a series of “leather cracks” upon some object….or a surface. Followed by Ori Hopps screaming and crying, followed by more of Owen’s angry voice, followed soon after by a flying hand grenade that flew in a fast high arc, bounced on the ground, through the window of a fake brick building and exploded inside a room!

     Soon after...Owen popped out of the hole wiping his paws together with a mean snort and a sort of satisfied Ori following after him rubbing his paws over his behind…

    Gunny Rakshah shook her head….”I don’t want to know what you did Sargent, I don’t need to know nor should you do that ever again.”

    “Well it worked?” Ori said smiling.

    “Sit down you sick little monkey!” Gunny Rakshah commanded.

    As Ori sat with his brothers, Nori sat shaking his head in a paw...”We are NOT going to tell Mom and Dad about this part of boot camp. It’ll give them trauma for life.”

   Dori snorted...”You should have been sectioned eight out. Don’t expect us to do that to you in combat Ori? Fluck no way in hell.”    

   Powen smirked...”I’ll carry a special paddle just so you get sent back to the rear with the wounded..(chuckles) rear….wounded….”

   Ori shurgged….”Well damn it worked didn’t it? I threw farther than any of you did! At least I got it in the building!”

Downtown Zootopia City
Flock City Park
10am 15 September 2040

Taken from William Gray’s future book. “Rock n Principles...the anti-war movement during the Zootopian/Kzin War….

     “With the thought of our military possibly doing illegal spy operations in the Kzin home world kept on the back burner for the time being. Our group organized the first collective demonstration against our large naval deployment to the Outback Islands and the results themselves were a shock to our expectations. 

       All of the advertising and word of mouth was done through social media, including the invites to some of the biggest singing bands in Zootopia including Finix Skynix, The Chipmunks, Amammal-erica, Gazelle, The Wild Otters, Garry and Larry and to M.C. the whole smack? Everyone’s favorite Pony “DJ” “Dale Dorse the Amazing Horse from FM 200.

      Doing the invites by social media helped us to limit potential trouble makers from showing up and starting trouble from the beginning of the event. We let Bobby and his boyfriend be our representatives to the ZPD to present the required permits and explain the whole program from start to finish. Three big things we laid down from the start…

1. Respect and gratitude for the police and the troops.
2. Keep the event organized, on point and properly policed.
3. Maintain public civility and invite everyone to speak.

    There were a few chants we all yelled out...like…..”BIG FLEETS FROM OUR NATION! STOP THIS RUSH TO PROVOCATION!” and “ONE, TWO THREE FOUR! MORE THAN ONE SHIP IS A RUSH TO WAR! FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT! MISTER MAYOR DEESCALATE!”

    We made it clear we were not there to bash our Sailors or our Marines, that if we didn’t love them so much, we would not be there protesting. What shocked me was my own father and mother showing up. Dad bounded up to the stage, gave me a big hug, told me how proud he was that he raised a son who stuck by his principles and said he agreed with what I was trying to do. I saw Alex down in the crowd but he seemed there more to jam out to the music with some of his high school buddies than taking a part in the actual movement. But that was ok, at least he enjoyed himself.

     We were happy to have the ZPD present and invited Chief Wilde to come up and speak, reminding everyone that she was going to retire soon which brought her a lot of claps and cheers. She said a few words about her son Jackson and how much she loved him and that he was aboard the Destroyer Growler and hoped nothing would happen and that our hearts were indeed in the right place.

    Of course we let those who dissented to us speak and we totally agreed with their common point that if Kzin just out right attacked us, we would have to respond. The amount of response and where it might go or lead was the topic we all agreed to continue talking about in respectful civility.

    There wasn’t a problem or serious altercation through the entire event save a few fringe rebel rousers who tried to egg mammals to splinter into groups for an in-prompt stupid “cage match” for purposes of self-serving publicity. One joker even tried to start it up with the police by chucking a coke bottle. Good old Chuck with his girl friend Omaha tacked the guy with Omaha making him regret he called her the big “C bomb” word by a well placed high heal smash to his groin. I reminded myself after wincing at that goal post shot not to piss off Omaha at our future meetings.

     It was a far cry from those frightful days during the “Savage crisis” years ago when mammals were almost about to beat each other senseless. No screaming, no cursing at each other, no pushing the police lines or throwing things, no violence nor breaking stuff and at the end of the day everyone picked up their things, their trash and left the park as it was in good spirits with each other. We felt we made an impact just by the crowd that showed up. At least mammals would hopefully be more attentive and watch our government a little closer than before.

The Assault ship Sayoni
Noon 15 September 2040

     Kerdle dipped a wash cloth into the mixture of surface cleaning soap and water and wiped it over the wing of his UAV as it sat on the aft/port side elevator after being brought up from a maintenance check the night before. The red umber fox took a lot of pride in having it clean. He sat on his knees rubbing the surface so hard that he might have lightened the gray paint and probably would have stripped it if he worked it long enough…

     He stopped to look at a text on his smart phone as it beeped “incoming”. Surprising it came from Darla Delaware over on the Growler…

Kerdle smiled as he texted back...”Hi Darla?! How’s things on the boat? How’s Jackson?”

Darla replied. “He’s why I’m messaging you.

Kerdle thought for a moment...”Is something wrong?”

“Oh no!” Darla replied. “Everything’s great! I just need a solid if you could do it for me?”

“Depends on the need.” Kerdle replied.

Darla replied...”We’re in one of our little competitive flourishes again. Do you think your girl friend would be free for some spy work?”

Kerdle giggled...”What the heck have you two gotten into now?”

“I just need her to sort of watch Jackies’ parents. See if they go near the Rain Forest district or do some crazy shopping trips or go visit caterers, photographers, tailor shops...”

Kerdle yelped….”Oh my gawd! Are you two getting married?”

“It’s kind of a round a bout crazy sort of contest.” Darla replied. “Would she help?”

Kerdle thought for a moment...”You two are just strange trying to “out shuck” each other.”

“It makes it fun!” “giggles” Darla replied. “Please?”

Kerdle replied with a smirk. “If Jackie finds out? He’s gonna kill me or dye my tail pink or some crazy form of revenge. But what the hell, for a sweet lovable otter? Anything my dear.”

“Kiss”…..”You are a grade A fox.” Darla replied.

Kerdle shook his head and got back to washing the UAV before the next flight.

Nick and Judy’s House
Downtown Zootopia
1pm 15 September 2040

     “And….chah.” Nick said to himself as he gave the minute plastic piece of the ship model a dab of paint. He took a bit to just sit and study the model of Jackson’s destroyer, obsessing over every little detail while chewing on a claw…

     “That’s all of that for today.” The fox said as he slowly got up from his seat in his study and stretched until the pains in his back made him sag.

      “Mmmff...” Nick noised a curse as he grabbed his walking cane and slowly went from his small study to his son’s room, which hadn’t changed since the day Jackson left for boot camp. Nick had looked over two offers that had come in so far to buy the one floor house and of course he put them aside for later when he and Judy could look at them together. He hoped she wouldn’t put all the decision of closing a sale on his shoulders. The parting from what had been his first great joy in life was going to be rough…

     The room was so small feeling, after all it had been occupied when Jackson was just a baby….then a wild toddler…..then a never slowing down hyperactive “kit”…the little memories made Nick yelp out for old times sake….

    “JACKSON WILDE! YOU COME OUT OF HIDING RIGHT NOW MISTER! HOW DARE YOU SCARE YOUR MOTHER LIKE THIS?! YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE JACKSON!”

 Nick yelped, shaking his paw in the air as if he was holding a fresh pair of pampers to threaten his little naked speed demon. Then Nick noticed the old plastic clothes basket in the corner of the room near the bed and he broke out laughing! Oh the time Jackson dug himself into that thing and got Judy so upset because she couldn’t find him. She called Bonnie in a panic! Nick just couldn’t spank the little monster but Judy had no qualms. But why didn’t he ever piss on his mother? 

    “Well...” Judy said once. “He knows you’ll never spank his butt.”

     Nick sat on Jackson’s bed and rubbed the sheets tenderly. His little “mit kit” was all grown up, probably on the verge of being married himself. The words of Nick’s mother welled up in his head…

     “You will do great things.” She said after he came home from that horrible rejection from the Ranger Scouts. One of the reasons why at 15, Nick ran away and lived on the streets was because he just could not believe it; talk about “delayed satisfaction”.

       Getting up from the bed, Nick took a moment to look at some of the pictures that hung around the room….

Jackson with that broken arm from soccer with that smart smirk on his face next to his mother…

A crayon stick figure drawing...”Mommee n Daddee” with big police badges and enormous hats.”

A kindergarten graduation certificate.

Jackson on Yukie Bond’s enormous Wolf/Dog shoulders.

A hand drawn valentines day card….with one heart with Nick’s mother’s name in it. That caused a mouth blow and a lip quiver….

     “You will do great things.” His mother told him, assured him. Taking stock of his life at that moment, nodding with self approval, Nick mouthed….”Yup… you knew it didn’t you Mom?” He said with a smile. “Started out rough? But you always knew.” Nick thought...if something bad were to happen tomorrow or should the days come that he would be on his death bed? At least he would go knowing that indeed...his life had ended with great things as his mother told him. He gently tap kissed his paw to his lips as if to say to his mother...”I love you.” then slowly walked to the kitchen to get something to eat.

Mayor’s office
Downtown Zootopia
2pm 15 September 2040

  Pansha, Cesar Leo’s wife, entered the office carrying food in a plastic container for her husband as he sat watching the television coverage of the protest at Flock Park. She placed the food on the desk and stood next to her husband rubbing his shoulders as he brooded…

   “Is this upsetting you?” She asked.

    “No.” Cesar replied as he sat back and patted his desk with his paws. “It’s very refreshing. It’s wonderful to see. I made sure the radio stations covered it and that the television signals were doubled with analog signals. I want the Kzinti to get as much as they can. I want them to see what kind of society we have. If they get to see it at all.” Cesar sighed...”If I understand it correctly though...it’s doubtful your average Kzinti even hears directly from a radio.”

     Pansha wrapped her arms around Cesar’s shoulders and snuggled his furry head. “But you won’t change your mind will you? The Navy is still going to the Outback Islands?”

     “No. If I could recall them? I would but we can’t” Cesar said determined. “We’re not the one’s sailing an unwelcome and threatening amphibious force off someone’s shore line nor cruising aerial drones off the coast of a country of mammals who offer no offense to anyone. If we show even a little less resolve in this visit?...it might give the Kzinti a green light to invade the Outbacks. Those Kangaroos, Koala and dingos wouldn’t stand a chance against them. From what little our guest has told me? Kzin has a very professional fighting force.” 

      Cesar reached for his wife’s paw...”Damn it Pansha...I should go to that  protest. I want to tell our citizens what I know. Tell them about our guest! The most important event in our history and I can’t speak about it because it could bring down the war we’re trying so hard to stop.”

      Cesar slapped at his chair and walked to the picture window to look over the city around him. “We don’t want a war! I don’t want a war! yet…after today? All I see is the darkness of the future and it’s coming frightfully closer with every minute.”

       Pansha walked up and wrapped her arms around one of her husband’s arms. “What did he tell you?”

       Cesar looked at the floor. “If I had the stomach to tell you? I would. But I don’t. He showed me one thing about Kzinti. They are brutal in their honesty.”

        Pansha shook...”Will they attack our ships?”

       Cesar gave her a quiet reply. His face seemed to be searching for a definite answer but he couldn’t give it….

       “I don’t know. It’s too late to recall them without risking an attack. I just hope they get the message and understand it.” Cesar turned and looked at the food on the desk. “I’m afraid I can’t eat right now darling. Forgive me.”

     Pansha took hold of her husband’s mane and gave him a tender cheek to cheek rub before kissing him...”Please don’t stay too long at work tonight?” She said softly before separating from him and walking out of the office.

The Growler
3:30pm15 September 2040
Underway replenishment with the FSS (Fleet Support Ship)Tamamo Tower

     Underway replenishment between two warships is both a ballet and a delicate form of art. Two ships attached side by side by heavy ropes and tackle riding through waves and troughs must maintain the same speed, the same separation distance, the same pitch and roll and the same course while moving Mammals, Ammunition, supplies, food, mail, packages, fuel oil across the space between them all while keeping things from getting drenched in the frothy waters churning around and passing by the two bobbing ships.

      Jackson had the port side bridge wing watch from 3:30 to 7:30 and he watched below as the nets full of stores and packages crossed above the watery abyss. He turned his attention back to the big eye binoculars and scanned the horizon for possible surface and air targets when some one tapped him on the shoulder…

      “Excuse me watch?” Ensign Dolf asked as he stood behind Jackson.

      “Yes Sir?” Jackson replied. “Can I help you?”

       Rudy rubbed his head tuft...”Have you seen my stuffee? I got a little absent minded and left him sitting against the back bulkhead of the auxiliary bridge.”  

       Jackson leaned against the side wall of the wing bridge and cast his view towards the supply ship….”Uh? That…..that wouldn’t be it? Would it Sir?” Jackson asked as he pointed to a boastwain’s chair being pulled across the water towards the Tamamo Tower on one of the high lines between the ships…

       There….strapped into the chair...was the stuffed lion stuffee….

       “OH NO!” Rudy yelped. “UGH! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!” The poor reindeer cried as he ran into the bridge...”Officer of the Deck! You have to radio the Tamamo at once!”

        “What for Ensign?” The Puma lieutenant replied.

        Rudy stood still with fright for a moment before he spoke softly...”Ummm… the ship’s mascot got away from me and…..and now it’s on board the Tamamo.”

        The Puma Lieutenant grabbed a phone...”Skipper? You need to come up to the bridge? The Bull Ensign allowed our mascot to fly the perch.”

        Rudy yelped. “Did you have to tell the skipper?!”

        “Ensign? You were tasked to take care of the mascot and you lost it. You’d have to answer to the Captain sooner or later.” The Lieutenant growled. “Can’t you take care of something that simple Ensign? How can we even hope to trust you with the lives of Sailors or this ship if you can’t hang on to a stuffed animal?”

       Commander Winsor entered the bridge. “Did I hear that right? Did our Bull Ensign fail to follow simple orders?”

       While the Commander glared at Rudy. A call came to the bridge by the ship’s supply Chief….

        “Boatswain?” The Chief asked. “Would you please call for Seamammal Limcheck to report to his Division Chief? He’s late getting back to work.”

         The Boatswain replied...”Yes Chief.” The Wolf replied. He turned around and grabbed the announcing mic….

         “Now hear this! Now hear this! Seamammal Limcheck! Seamammal Limcheck! Report to your Division Chief ASAP! I repeat...Seamammal Limcheck! Seamammal Limcheck! Report to your Division Chief ASAP!”

          Commander Winsor crossed his arms and scowled. “Ensign? Do you want to explain yourself?”

          Rudy was about to speak when a reindeer came onto the bridge with a stuffed lion in his hoofed hands...”Captain! Ensign Dolf was going to pull a shuck on you Sir!”

          “Oh?” Commander Winsor replied. “What’s this?”

        “This was on his rack in his stateroom Sir.” The Reindeer Lieutenant snorted. “He had this all set to go just in case he lost our stuffee. Nice try there Dolf!”

         “That’s not true!” Rudy snapped. He turned to the Commander...”Sir! Our mascot has a white tag on it, this one is red!”

         “Oh really?” Commander Winsor snorted. “And why should I believe my Bull Ensign when he could even take care of the stuffee I gave him?”

         The Helmsmammal yelped out. “Captain? Tamamo Tower request a “break a way” now that replenishment is complete?”

         Winsor gestured for the mic….”Now hear this, now hear this….break a way, break a way, break a way….thank you Tamamo Tower for your fine service. Commanding Officer of Growler out.”

         The supply ship and the Destroyer broke off their connections, pulled in their ropes and tackles and soon were distancing themselves from each other as Tamamo took a course to meet up with another ship in the fleet.

         “Well my fine Bull Ensign.” Commander Winsor said as he shook his head. “Now we add the charge of attempted deception to the fact that our mascot has now flown the ship and will probably end up costing you a lot of pay. I am very disapointed in your Ensign Dolf, You were doing….”

         “Excuse me Sir?” Jackson said as he walked into the bridge from his watch. “But Lieutenant Dasher is wrong.”

         “Oh really?” Dasher replied. “Are you calling me a liar? Sailor?” 

          “No Sir.” Jackson replied. “It’s just that Ensign Dolf is correct about the tag on our mascot. I asked him if I could take a picture of him with the stuffee and sure enough….” Jackson showed his smart phone with a picture and sized up the tag hanging off one of the feet. “Sure enough...it’s a white tag.”

         Jackson turned to Winsor. “Sir? With all do respect? You should call the Tamamo and ask what color the tag on that stuffee is.”

        Commander Winsor reached for his phone….”Radio? Call the Tamamo Tower and ask them that whoever has our ship’s mascot? Please tell me what color the tag on the stuffee is?” Winsor hung up his phone and looked at Jackson. “Nice observation their Petty Officer.”

          Dasher snorted back. “Makes no difference Sir. This was still in Ensign Dolf’s state room so he was prepared to pull a fast one.”

        “I was not Lieutenant!” Rudy snapped back. “I would never try to cover up my screw ups! To try that when the mascot is on another ship and everyone knows it by now? That’s stupid!”

         Winsor gestured to Rudy...”Calm down Dolf.” Then he answered his phone. “This is the Captain…….yes…...yes…...oh it is? Interesting.” Winsor said, then he hung his phone up and stood with his hands on his hips. “Guess what? The tag on that stuffee? Is blue.”

        Winsor frowned. “Some one’s pulling a prank here...Dasher?”

        “It’s not me Sir.” Dasher replied. “I just grabbed this one because Ensign Dolf’s stateroom was unlocked and I took advantage of it. I didn’t plant that stuffee!”

       “Well I didn’t make on up!” Rudy snapped. “You have a lot of gaul Dasher! You’re the leader of the whole group that wants me to fail!”

       “Prove it Dolf!” The much bigger reindeer snapped back!

        “OFFICERS STAND AT ATTENTION!” Winsor snapped out. “You….are not going to start a brawl on my bridge. Is that clear? And stop your lying Mister Dasher?”

       Suddenly the Boatswain called out...”Captain? Supply Officer reports that Seamammal Limcheck has not responded to the call to report to him.”

       Winsor replied. “Sound Mammal overboard. It was time for a drill any way.”

       The Boatswain sounded into his mic….”Now hear this! Now hear this! This is a drill! This is a drill! mammal overboard! I say again…. This is a drill! This is a drill! mammal overboard! Day shift, night shift report to your divisions! Division Officers make your reports to the quarterdeck promptly!This is a drill! This is a drill! mammal overboard! Day shift, night shift report to your divisions! Division Officers make your reports to the quarterdeck promptly!”

       The boatswain turned to Winsor. “Word passed Captain.”

       “Very well.” Winsor replied. He turned back to Rudy and Dasher...”For the moment Ensign. It seems you’ve become the victim of a little “punk” action. When this muster is completed? I want all my reindeer officers in the officers lounge. I will find out who the “punk’er” is that thinks this is so funny. You don’t hold onto the ship’s mascot to play little “fluck fluck” games.”

       After five minutes...the officer of the deck check his muster list...”Sir? There is one missing mammal….Seamammal Limcheck.”

       Winsor snorted as he grabbed his phone and switched it to all paws n hoofs...”This is the Captain...every one get out around the ship and find Seamammal Limcheck. Seamammal Limcheck from Supply, you had better report to the bridge if you want to avoid sitting in the ship’s brig! Get your fuzzy butt up here right now Seamammal Limcheck. Now!”

     Dasher snorted. “That pocket polar bear’s always been a problem mammal.”

     Rudy snorted. “You hate anyone who’s not perfect like you Dasher. Hmph… you can’t even fly ten feet without tripping over your own ugly...”

     Dasher got nose to nose with Rudy...”Want to step onto the wing bridge and test your luck you little snit?”

     Winsor pushed the reindeer apart. “Would you two like to cool your butts in my brig too?”

      Suddenly, Limcheck’s Chief came running onto the bridge...”Captain! I was just brought this letter from Seamammal Limcheck! It was found on his rack!”

     Winsor took the letter and read it….

     Dear Captain,

             I’m sick and tired of being sniped behind my back and front by all the mammals making fun of my size so I’ve decided to leave the Navy by protest. By the time you read this letter, I will be on my way to the outback islands to ask for asylum. I took advantage of that cherry red nosed freak, stole his sex partner and use it to get me onto the Tamamo Tower. Don’t bother calling them, they won’t find me.

            Oh? If apple tree schnozzle wants his sex partner back? Maybe he should “chill” that nose of his with herring oil? We have plenty of it by now.

Chow! been fun…..not.

Limcheck

       Winsor gave the paper back to the Chief. “Hold onto that. Evidence at that miscreant's courts marshal. Boatswain? Contact the radio room, tell them to call the Tamamo Tower and tell them to put Mister Limcheck in irons.”

       Winsor then turned to Dasher and Dolf. “It would seem you are both owed an apology. Mister Dolf? You may keep this stuffee as a replacement for the ship’s mascot since obviously you were an innocent victim.”

      Jackson waved his paw. “Captain? I don’t think Limcheck got rid of the mascot. Read his letter again.” Jackson said as he took the letter from the Chief. “See this line? “Maybe he should “chill” that nose of his with herring oil? We have plenty of it by now.” Limcheck put the word chill in parenthesis. It’s a clue.”

     Winsor smirked. “Oh really Petty Officer Wilde?”

     “Sir? My parents are cops.” Jackson replied. “In fact? I bet Limcheck threw the mascot in the ship’s cold storage locker. “Chill” and “Herring”?” It’s worth a look.”

      Winsor nodded. “Have someone replace Petty Officer Wilde on watch?” He said. “Let’s see if some of those cop skill genes passed on to you Petty Officer Wilde?”

       The Captain, Jackson, Rudy Dolf and Dasher went down to the Growler’s cold storage locker and after a few minutes looking through boxes and corners…

      “Here it is Captain!” Jackson said as he pulled the mascot from a box wrapped in a plastic bag. “And there’s the white tag.” Jackson said as he waved one of the stuffee’s feet.

      Winsor smiled with a nod...”Excellent work Petty Officer Wilde. Maybe you should have been a Master At Arms?”

     “Nah Sir.” Jackson replied. “My parents raised me to go my own course but shipmates are supposed to back up shipmates so...here’s the mascot Mister Dolf. I’d keep it on a chain if I were you? Ask my parents what its’ like to have a fleet footed little terrorist in the house.”

     Rudy chuckled. “Thank you Petty Officer Wilde for being so observant.”

     “Hmph!” Dasher snorted. “A little “too” observant.”

     Rudy turned to Dasher and frowned. “Are you accusing Petty Officer Wilde of something Lieutenant because your little moment to screw me over made you butt hurt?”

     “I just get a vibe that the Petty Officer is pulling a fast one for your benefit.” Dasher snorted. “How advantageous he had a picture of the mascot on his phone and how quickly he was able to help you find it.”

     Winsor got in Dasher’s snoot...”Mister? You had better produce evidence for your charges right now or you won’t find the rest of your deployment a bit bearable to sit upon….get my warning Lieutenant? If you accuse anyone on this ship of wrong doing? You better back up your balls!”

     Dasher shut his trap and his ears drooped.

     “Again….well done Petty Officer Wilde. And as for you Ensign?” Winsor said with a warning. “If you lose the mascot one more time? You won’t like my reaction. You keep that stuffee chained to you like glue….understand?”

     Dolf saluted. “Yes Sir! Understood completely!”

ZPD Safe house
Sahara Square
5:30pm15 September 2040

       Kawam-ura walked to the front door and opened it to see Morty standing with a sort of “mourning look” on his face. And yet the young wolf dangled a bag from his paw…

      “Breaded Salmon?” Morty said. “I explained your way of cooking fish in batter and had my Grandfather cook it up. I hope it came out right?”

      Kawam-ura reached into the bag, took out one of the breaded “strips” and gave it a taste...”Well? It’s close but he should use less spices. The breading should also be a little less crispy but this will do. I wish I had some soy sauce to go with it?”

       Morty replied. “Soy?”

      The Kzinti gestured to the inside of the house. “Much for us to talk about other than unpleasant things yes?”

      Morty turned around...”Do they really murder their own cubs?”

      Kawam-ura sighed...”It is the lot of life for us who are in the lowest order of society. When you are told to do? You do quickly, correctly and without complaint or face dishonor and punishment. I really do not wish to dwell on the uncomfortable things in my country Morty-wakamono.”

     “What about?….what about prey? Are there weaker mammals in your country that are not Kzinti?” Morty asked.

      “Morty-wakamono? Right now that is too sensitive an issue to talk about.” Kawam-ura said with a gesture. “The food is getting cool. We should enjoy the food before we talk more...”

      “I’m just curious?” Morty asked.

         Kawam-Ura suddenly slammed his big paw on the nearby kitchen table! “And I have told you that I do not want to discuss it! Are you trying to enlist my anger?! Stop asking about it!” The Kzinti screamed, bearing his teeth and clenching his paws in shaking anger until he saw Morty was backing away with his tail tucked between his legs…

        “Sigh…..I’m sorry….Morty-wakamono...I’m sorry….” Kawam-ura said waving his paws as he took a seat. “All of this is very stressful. Having to live so un-acustomed to what you’re used to? Trying to understand a society that’s not yours? Try to explain my ways of life to mammals who have no idea of how to interpret them?”

          Morty slackened...”I can see how it would sort of suck.”

          “Even your slang makes my head spin. What means….suck?” Kawam-ura asked.

      Morty coughed…”Events or situations which are bad in the long or short time period that cause discomfort or maximum complaints. Like? “Ugh! School sucks!” “Work sucks!” “My wife spent my whole paycheck! She sucks!” “My fricken baseball team completely sucks!”

      “Your grandfather’s cooking…..sucks.” Kawam-ura said smiling.

      “Yup! Right on the money there.” Morty replied pointing. “But hey? Let’s enjoy this suck butt food in friendship huh?” So….I’ll change the subject. What kind of games or sports do Kzinti enjoy? You’ll obviously have to explain a little about them.”

      “Well there are so many.” Kawam-ura replied. “Most of our sports emphasis team spirit and martial skill. There is Kendo or sword sparring. There is Judo which is fighting by turning the opponent on himself. Schools have athletic days every week. We have Sumo which is wrestling but that is done by very very large Kzinti. It is the national sport and our top champion or Grand Yama-Zin is worshiped like a god. But my favorite is to run...I often run in the hills above our home and when I was younger I would run myself to sleep. You will find that the average Kzinti of low stature and otherwise is quite healthy.”

        Morty leaned forwards while eating a breaded Salmon to ask...”Our doctors say you are so hyperactive that its’ hard for you to gain any weight. Are all Kzinti like that? Is that why they’re hostile to us? Because they worry about food?”

       Kawam-ura waved a palm. “Oh no  Morty-wakamono. I can assure you that I am unique in that. I am just more energetic than other Kzinti, partially because I’ve worked in the fields since I was old enough to walk. You are correct about my physical activity, I do burn my food and fat very fast...I just have no idea why this is so. I only wish I could take you to my country but of course this can not happen. Even as a predator you would not be safe.”

       “Is it….is it beautiful in Kzin?” Morty asked.

       “There are parts of it that glow wonderfully in the spring and fall. Especially around the great mountain of FuZinShi.” Kawam-ura said with a warmth in his face. “That is what I miss the most of my country. For us? FuZinShi is a spiritual place. We believe it is from there that the Kzin sprouted forth upon the world, chosen by Kamei-Heikah himself to be supreme over all predators and pray.”

       Kawam-ura waved a paw….”It is all story of course….except….it is preached to be as unchanging and true as scripture. All Kzinti are taught that the world should be under our paws and claws...this is “Kzinti yane no shita no hitotsu no sekai!” all the world under a Kzinti roof. I fear….I fear my country is very serious about reaching Hitotsu no Sekai.”

       Morty listened intently as Kawam-ura spoke more while they ate.

Tundra Town
7pm15 September 2040
The home of Sunny Lanzoni, Son of the late Mister Big.

       Sunny sat looking at his smart phone with a warm smile on his face as he nibbled on a canole…

        “Thank you Donny Lanzo for your service. Many affectionate kisses for a long life. Jackson.

       Sunny returned a text…

        “Snuthin...a simple thing to do for a good family friend. You keep doing well Jackie. Many affectionate kisses returned. Goditi la buona salute e l'affetto di una buona donna. Saluto.” Sunny replied as he finished texting and looked at Tall Pauly as he stood near by…

       “Pauly? I just recieved a text from Jackson eh? You want me to text him your love?” Sunny asked.

        “Please?” Pauley replied. “I hope he is doing well in his service?”

         Sunny tapped out a quick text and sent it….”Hey Pauly? Did you watch this...this bushy tailed K-9 meat bag on the television at this peace protest today?”

         “You talking about that grey wolf making those speeches? Yeah….what about him Sir?” Tall Pauley replied. “Yeah he’s a blow hard.”

         Sunny swirled his wine glass...”He’s a shuck. I want you to send some one to get information on him. I have it in my mind to make that K-9 bitch walk with a spiked collar and drink his piss out of a dog bowl or better yet….ice him.”

         Pauley breathed a little heavilly….”Boss? Beg you for a moment to think about this? He’s young. He’s just a little rouser who doesn’t want a war...hell I don’t want a war? My grandson’s nearing military age. No one actually wants a war.”

       “I ain’t talking about a war.” Sunny replied. “I’m talking about survival. This… this pussy ass shlug is trying to turn all of Zootopia into a crop of whimps so they can be easy lamb chops at a Kzinti meat market. Oh no…..oh no…..this mouthy little lump of dog garbage needs a little “spirital education”. I want to know all about him so we can….direct him to the proper path if you get my meaning?”

      Tall Pauley sighed….”My Don. My Father. This would not be advntageous for our business at all. It would bring down bad heat upon the family. He’s just a little blow hard wolf...”

      Sunny gave the big Polar Bear a mean look back. “Do you want your grand children to be hanging meat slices in a Kzinti cold locker?! Are you trying to go against the expresses of your Don? Do you want to incure my wrath Pauley?! Shut up and do as I tell you! Why…...why of you even dared to speak to my father as you speak to me? You’d be a gawd damned shit catching rug in the living room! Now get to what I order you to do!”

      Pauley shut his snoot and walked from the living room and into the foyer hall where some of the other polar bears stood shocked after listening to the Don’s anger. Pauley chose one at random…

      “Yo? Menzy. Come ere.” Pauley asked the shorter bear with a waving gesture. “Do as the Don says? Find out what you can about this...this William Gray. But? Do not touch him, do not harm him...just…..just observe him. You understand?”

       “Yeah…..Yeah I do Pauley. Sure.” Menzy replied as he bowed his head and backed away from the Capo and Consigne. In Pauley there was great worry for the Lanzoni house. Sunny was by far not his father...certainly less capable and as the days passed by...more dangerous.

End of Chapter 24