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
(Artist ownership) The K’zin by Lary Niven.
(Artist ownership) Don Carnage Disney’s TAIL SPIN

Chapter 7
Recruit Training part 5: Sports Day

4pm
The Mystic Spring
September 30, 2039

      Judy entered the front foyer and walked up to Yax’s desk. “Hey Yax! Is my Hubby done?”

      “Hehehehe….you make it sound like he’s the laundry. Lemme check the spin hanger.” Yax said as he flipped his hoof finger in the air...”Nah Mammal...he’s not quite done yet. He’s in the sleeping garden at the end of the open pleasure and meditation plaza.”

       Judy had gotten used to the fact that everyone beyond the office door flaunted themselves without a care and that in her chief’s uniform she stuck out like a black splotch on white wash yet she retained her conservative demeanor, preferring pleasant smiles and simple phrases in reply to those who greeted her while politely averting her eyes or keeping them closed with a big smile as an excuse not to give them a direct look out of coutesy. She weaved her way through the gauntlet of naked Mammals and came up to the entry of the sleeping garden and called for Nick….

    “Nick? I’m here, you ready?” She yelped. When he didn’t answer...she suspected he was passed out sleeping so she wandered into the plant and tree rich space and looked among the thick leafy foliage. “Nick? Come on Nick...it’s time to go, we have a dinner date tonight...”

A rustle in the bushes caused Judy to flinch...”Nicholas Wilde? You better not be playing games with me right now! I just had a serious and stressful meeting and there’s things I have to get to tonight….so…..”

More rustling and now a deep growl made Judy go to a knee...”Nick! If you’re planning so silly snit, I warn you mister...you know I can kick pretty accurately!”

Things then went suddenly quiet…

“Nick? Nick?” Judy turned her head and body around trying to see where he was… “Oh don’t do something stupid right now Mister Fox? Come out of hiding, fun’s over, let’s…..”

Judy turned just as Nick sprang from a plant in a fox jump! He nailed her in the chest, pushed her on her back and for a moment stood above her with a wicked, drooling snarl on his snoot….

Before his face doe’d and he gently slipped his tongue through his wife’s lips…

“Mmmmm…..you have been pounced upon madame Chu-dee by Zee Jandame of looooooooveeeeeee.” Nick said in slaughtered French as he moved slowly...his soft body fur tickled his wife as he walked on all fours and snaked himself around her….”You are my prey Judy Wilde...I have caught you and I plan to maul and devour you…..slowly…..like a good chock-coal-la-tay….”

“Giggles…...Nick!” Judy yelped. “Giggles….obviously? You had a wonderful day? She said as she slowly backed away and teased her husband’s maw with her gentle bunny paws...”You feel good enough to pounce?”

Nick sat up on his hind legs...”Obviously!” He said with excitement until he shifted enough to be reminded that he wasn’t a juvenile any more….

“Crick!” “Then again? Ow….ow…..ow…...ow…..” Nick rubbed his lower back as  Judy took an arm…

“Lay down?...sheesh Nick, you’re supposed to be taking things easy?”  Judy said. As she steadied Nick on his back, the fox reached up and started unbuttoning her uniform shirt!

“Nick! I don’t have time….” Judy protested.

Nick flashed a controller in his paw and pointed it towards the garden entry door. “There’s always time for a love cuddle….carrots.” Nick said as he clicked a button and the entry door to the garden slid shut and locked…

“Now? Where was I?” Nick said as he suckled on a paw claw….”Oh yes...I was mauling a poor, defenseless little bunny...”

Nick buried his snoot into Judy’s breasts as he “mammal handled” her uniform shirt off and worked to unbuckle her service belt….

“Nick! Stop! Stop it at once! Ugh….you’re high aren’t you?” Judy gasped.

“Nope….perfectly sober my defenseless bunny.” Nick snickered.

Judy giggled and gasped. “If we get caught Nicholas Wilde...I’ll fricken kill you!”

Nick used his snoot to push up Judy’s bra and suckled a nipple into his lips...” Better get that fox repellent out because I’m going for your neck next….”

Nick looked into his wife’s eyes with his eyes evil slanted and his tongue licking his fangs….”Run my prey….run….”

Judy’s heart began to pound as she scrambled to her feet, the excitement of the game made her quiver as her husband took on a menacing form of a natural fox…

“Oh please…..please mister Hombrah…..please spare me…..please…..” Judy got into the act, cowering and trying to cover herself with her shirt as she backed away….

“Spare you?” Nick snarled wickedly. “Spare you? Why should I spare you? Your fear feeds me...your scent makes me ravenous...your pleading excites me...run  little bunny...run and I might have pity for you….”

     Judy dropped her shirt and started to bolt when her cell phone chime went off!

     “Ugh!” She snapped as she went to get her shirt only to lose out to her husband who whipped the phone out and looked at the screen….

      “Gasp! It’s our son!” Nick snickered as he swiped the screen. “Hey! How are you Jackie?!”

      “Hi Dad….” Jackson replied. “Where are you?”

      Judy snorted quietly….”Don’t you tell him I’m here?! Nick?! Nicholas Wilde don’t you dare open your big trap or so help me...”

      “Weeeeeee?….are at the Mystic Spring...your mother and I that is.” Nick said with a snicker towards Judy who looked like a volcano ready to explode.

      “Hi Mom!” Jackson yelped out….”Are you guys? Naked?”

      “Yup.” Nick said boldly. “We are ridiculously naked!”

       “NICK WILDE!” Judy screeched. “I’M GOING TO TURN YOU INTO A DOOR MATT YOU…...UGH!”

       Jackson sighed….”Mom?...Dad? Magic tongue.”

        Judy stomped up and swiped the phone...”Mister!….” She said as she wagged a finger...”Jackson? You…..you look like hell….” Judy said with sudden concern as Nick peaked over her shoulder…

      “Are you ok son?” Nick asked.

      “Oh yeah….don’t worry. We just went through our 24 hour crucible and we did great! Wish you could have watched us Mom, we tore the simulator up and set all kinds of records. We got our phones back and boot camps going to be a slide from here on out. Darla’s company goes through it tomorrow.” Jackson said and he looked totally exhausted.

      Judy touched her breasts….”Jackson? I love you very much….” She got upset and let Nick hold the phone while she walked away….

      “She’s crying….isn’t she?” Jackson asked.

      “Yup...” Nick replied. “You know your mom kid….gnah….why do I keep calling you kid? That’s so insulting...”

     “Dad?” Jackson replied. “It’s ok…is she alright?”

     “She’s under a lot of stress.” Nick replied. “A lot on her mind…..you, work...other things. But you? You look beat up but good. What happens after boot camp?”

     Jackson replied. “School for electronics/electrical technician. Some of us are going strait to the ships. I’ll probably come home for a little bit before school.”

     Judy came back and took the phone...”Sorry Jackie...” She sniffled.

     “Mom?” Jackson replied. “Mom, you need to let go and enjoy yourself. Let Dad love on you like crazy! Dad….let me get off the phone so you can spoil mom?”

      “Jackson...” Judy giggled.

      “Mom? Stop being a prune?” Jackson snickered. “I’m gonna get some sleep because I am so super tired right now and “you” need to get laid so….love you Mom, love you Dad!”…..”Beep!”

       “JACKSON?!” Judy yelped. “I swear?….I swear he’s not that big enough yet not to get his furry butt tanned...”

        Nick took the phone and chucked it into the bushes. “Might I remind you that we have some time left and I haven’t finished ravaging my kill yet?”

        Judy pushed on his snoot as he snuggled up to her again….”Nick Wilde? I am not in the mood right now….”

        The feeling of his long fox tongue caused a shiver to run through Judy’s small frame…..”Nick? I’m…...I’m serious….”

         “About what?” Nick replied. “My magic tongue?”

         “Nick?” Judy yelped….”Cut it out…..cut it…….”

         Nick snickered….”Jackson said for you to stop being a prune Judy Wilde so….heed good advice for once?”

         “Nick?” Judy coo’d softly.

         “Judy?” Nick snickered. “Shut…...up?”

11pm
The Destroyer ZNDG-2 Savanna
On patrol in the Tundra Straits
September 30, 2039

       The ship shuddered hard again as the bow came down and met the trough between waves with an explosive shower of white water under the deck edge gunnels. It was 11pm and Petty Officer Lubano, a tan colored desert fox, would soon be relieved of his wing watch by his four hour replacement. For now he stopped to rub some lint free cleaning wipes over his big ship’s binoculars to clear the salt crusting up from the surrounding water sea water spray and did another scan of the dark ocean with the aid of the night vision adapter he flipped on with a toggle switch…

      As he scanned back and forth and up and down in a slow grid-like pattern, the smell of fresh coffee wafted into his nostrils and without breaking his visual scan he reached out a paw to accept a passed cup from the bridge “lee helmsman” who broke from his standby watch to give the wing watches some attention. Seaman “Bidvatki” (Japanese Racoon) stood wrapped in his thick wool sea coat hanging on to the railing as the ship crashed down again into the rough water….

       “No sign on radar of that pair of ships we were shadowing earlier.” The raccoon said to Lubano. They must have turned for home after the Captain steered us into a pursuit. They’re not much for conversation are they?”

       “Obviously not.” Lubano replied. “We’re going to rendezvous tomorrow with the Tundra and do a speed run on the warning line. See if we can get the “Zints” to play a little “tag” with us. New orders from Naval HQ to tease them so we can get some better pictures of their ships.”

        Bidvatki yawned...”I’ll be glad to pull into Savanna in two days. I’m going to get a hotel room and get torn up. What about you?”

       “I got leave coming up so I’m going to Deer-Burrough with my girl and spend time hiking in the mountains.” Lubano replied as he continued to scan with the binocullars until he stopped and focused on something in the distance...

      “Quick! Get the Junior Watch Officer will you?” Lubano said as he gestured earnestly with a paw….”Go….go…..go…..”

       Moments later, Lieutenant Selfrish (A Tan Puma) came out of the bridge and stood behind Lubano...”What do you have watch?”

       “Sir. I have a surface target off our starboard beam passing us by at fifty yards.” Lubano said as he tracked the target with the binoculars and handed them off to Selfrish. “Look there Sir. Your eyes are more sensitive than mine.”

       Selfrish took several takes then walked into the bridge to where the Officer of the Deck was sitting at his station…

       Lieutenant Quincy , A Timber Wolf, followed Selfish out the door of the bridge onto the Starboard wing and nodded at both Selfish and Lubano in agreement as he snatched up the communication phone and pressed the button for the main helmsman….

     “Helm….come about to starboard One Five Zero degrees, heading three five three, speed to flank. Send the bridge watch messenger to wake the Captain.” Quincy ordered as he looked through the binoculars...”I concur….there is definitely an object floating out there.” He said to Selfish and Lubano. Quincy then grabbed the phone again. “Boatswain? Call away the rib boat crew to stations,  awake the duty otter crew.”

     Coming out of her stateroom behind the bridge, Captain Sarabi (African Lioness) passed through the bridge and onto the starboard wing as the Savanna came about and put herself “bow on” with the object in the water ahead of her.

      “What do we have OOD?” (Officer of the Deck) Sarabi asked as she used her own binoculars to look ahead.
  
        “There is clearly something in the water mam.” Quincy said pointing. “I thought it best to survey it because even at 50 yards it has substantial bulk to it.”

         Sarabi gestured. “Have the forward flood lights turned on.” She then grabbed the wing phone and hit the button for the ship’s CIC (Combat Information Center). “CIC this is the Captain. What’s the Spy Eye showing? The threat board?”

        “Captain, CIC…..nothing on Spy Eye, nothing on the threat board.” Came the reply as the ship’s powerful forward flood lights lit up the water and chop around the bow of the ship and illuminated the target….

        “Bridge, Rib leader. The rib recovery boat is manned and ready with otters.” The leader of the ship’s hard rib patrol boat called saying he was mammal’d up and ready to proceed. 

        The Captain, the OOW and Lubano all focused on the target with their binoculars and all came out with the same observation….the target wasn’t some carelessly tossed piece of .floatsome….it was…..a polar bear on a raft.”

        Sarabi lowered her binoculars. “I see a polar bear….do any of you not see a polar bear?”

         “Concur Mam...” Lubano replied,

         “I concur Mam...” Quincy replied.

         Sarabi spoke into the wing phone….”Away the rib boat recovery team. Alert ship’s medical officer. Target ten degrees of the bow to starboard under illumination.”

        Moments later, a hard rubber rib boat splashed over the choppy water with two armed wolves and a pair of otters suited up in warm suits because of the cold temperature of the Tundra Strait at night. Petty officer “Fitzhue” (Otter) balanced himself on the nose of the bobbing boat while holding onto the tie rope as they closed with the raft. The polar bear was obviously unconscious with all the lighting shining from the ship and the wolves big mag lights…

       “Hey Kulvine?” Fitzhue asked as he turned his head back. “You swim up from behind and come up the back and I’ll check him from the front.”

        Seaman Kulvine came up and held onto Fitzhue’s shoulder. “He didn’t fall of a ship, that’s for sure.”

         Fitzhue turned to one of the wolves….Kavslov….”We’ll stop short and me and Kulvine will sweep the raft in case it’s been “Boobed” (Booby trapped).

        The wolf driving the rib, Petty Officer Snelling, patted his fellow wolf on the helmet...”First two “tranks”, the rest “lethals” just in case.”

        Seaman Palus slapped a new magazine into his M223 machine gun and locked the bolt….”First two tranks, the rest lethals….trank is up and locked!”

         Snelling brought the rib close enough to allow the two otters to jump off and quickly put distance between him and the raft in case it turned out to be an I.E.D.
“Hey Paul? What did you see when we went by?”

         Palus kept his rifle fixed and his eye focused through the aim scope...” It’s a polar bear alright...and he looks messed up.”

         Snelling called to the ship….”Otters in the water getting ready to board the raft.”

        “Keep clear.” A voice replied. “We have a “Ma Deuce” trained. If your game goes bad? Run for home.”

          Fitzhue and Kovine came up from below at the same time with Kovine slipping in behind the bear and Fitzhue slowly poking his head out of the water to get a few sniffs and poke a paw finger at the bears’ nose….

         “Hey? Hey buddy? Zootopian Navy….how did you get out here? Can you hear me? Open your eyes if you can…..”

          It happened almost too fast...the polar bear snapped awake, snatched Fitzhue around the neck and almost had its’ jaws clamped around the screaming otter’s head before two rifle cracks broke the air!

        “BLAM! BLAM!” Paulis placed two trank darts right into the neck of the thrashing bear and Fitzhue slipped into the water; for a frightening few seconds it was thought his head had been torn apart….

        Kovine whipped out his own 45 caliber pistol and trained it on the back of the unconscious bear’s head as his eyes searched frantically for his partner…..

       “Fitzy?! Fitzy?!” Kovine screamed...until Fitzhue’s wildly thrashing body came up next to the rib boat and Palus pulled him aboard by his harness….

       “Fluck! My flucking skull man!” Fitzhue screeched until Palus checked him out...”You’re fine Fitzy….you’re fine….lucky your almost all tough muscle.”

       “I was seeing death!” Fitzy yelped. “I saw his flucking tonsils…. Gasp….. damn!”

     Snelling called out to Kovine. “Kovine! Secure?!” When no word came back, Snelling yelped again….”Kovine damn it! Is that raft secure?”

     Kovine answered back by holding up the remains of an animal or what had once been some kind of animal because it was the half eaten and mangled remains of a hind leg….

    “Damn….” Snelling said to himself as Palus sat wrapping a bandage around Fritzhue’s bloody head. “Savanna? We have secured the raft. Neutralized polar bear was the only occupant. The only living occupant any way.”

2am
The Destroyer ZNDG-2 Savanna
On patrol in the Tundra Straits
October 1, 2039

     Captain Sarabi walked into the medical department where Bones Meercoy sat atop a large desk looking over some case charts and making notes with a pencil… a normal size number 2 pencil which for a Meerkat took a little skill and effort to manipulate well….

     “How’s the patient there Bones?” Sarabi asked.

      “You know Mam? You’re the tenth officer now to stick his or her head through my door and you’ll get the same answer...at least he’s breathing. He’s deep in la la drool land, emaciated, dehydrated but like all polar bears he’s a tough bastard to kill and not too much in the mood for conversation right now.” Bones said as he leaned against his pencil. “Was that an accurate medical appraisal?”

       Sarabi looked at the poor bear hooked up to monitoring machines and various liquid bags hanging on metal “trees” around the bed. “We found…..we think we found the remains of a fox in the raft...”

      “Yes….he did eat a fox.” Bones replied. “As for the other things you found like the fox tails and antlers? He didn’t kill those mammals. They were gone long before he was chucked in that raft. Now….I’m a medical doctor not a psychologist  but I can tell you he suffered some terrible abuse….if you would?”

      Sarabi picked up the Meerkat and set him down on the bed where the Polar bear lay…..”Look at his wrist and ankles. Those are electrical burn scars. Some of his teeth were ripped out, they mercifully left just enough for him to rip a poor fox to shreds. He’s been beaten with blunt instruments, you can feel the deformations in the skin under his fur coat. I think they were hoping he’d be dead by the time we found him.”

     Sarabi stopped to pet the poor bear on the head...”We’ll dock in Tundra Town tomorrow and transfer him off. If he wakes up, even for a little bit….I would like to talk to him.”

     Doctor Meercoy replied. “I think it best to keep him sedated for now Captain. Give me more time to evaluate his medical condition.”

    “Do what’s best for him.” Sarabi said. “I’m going to send off a message to Fleet Headquarters.” 

4am
ZN Fleet Headquarters
Downtown Zootopia
October 1, 2039

     Admiral Don Karnage studied the message intently as he walked with his    naval aid “Euphonious” (bobcat) “So...nothing more than this? This message came in an hour ago.”

     “Nothing since Sir. It does say the Polar bear’s condition was serious and that Captain Sarabi was making all haste back to Tundra.”

       “There were two Polar bears on the Pacesetter when she was pounced upon by the Kzinti. If this is a survivor, we have some very precious intelligence at our disposal. For now? I want him isolated at the Naval Hospital in Tundra Town. We’ll inform the family quietly but no one but Mayor Caesar is to be told. No one   
“Euphonious” I want that made clear. We will courts martial any mammal that opens their snoot.”

       “Yes Sir.” Euphonious replied. “I will inform the hospital to be ready.”

9am
259 Company Bay

       A feeling of someone resting themselves against the side of Jackson’s bunk woke him from his sleep…

      “Morning.” Gilly said wiggling his paw fingers. “Awwww…...you look like a cute wittle bay bee….”

      “Mfff...” Jackson replied. “You insult my gift from my grandmother and we’re throwing down on the floor.”

      “Dude?” Gilly looked around. “I sleep with a stuffed carrot doll. Like you corner the market on love trinkets? I was having serious detox when they took mine away.” Gilly sat on the edge of the bunk. “So? You got enough in you to go to chow or you gonna sleep in more?”

     “Give me till noon….” Jackson replied. “My ankle still smarts and I don’t want to push my luck.”

     “Get this though?” Gilly said with a paw thumb gesture. “I saw 260 marching past with all their flags? I don’t think they noticed their Goat Flag. There it was flying in the breeze and not a look.”

     “Really?” Jackson asked. “I would think Darla would be super suspicious. She’s like a stickler for details.”

      “What I don’t get is what you see in her?” Gilly asked. “Not being Mammalist ok? Don’t take me like that but…what do you see in an otter? I would think you’d trend towards a bunny or a fox...like your parents? Especially that otter, she comes off like she…..you know…..”

     Jackson sighed….”We’re rivals...it’s a funny relationship. We try to out do each other in everything, especially log rolling….that’s bizaro isn’t it? I mean an otter on a log roll...that’s expected but me? Number one….bunnies hate water, except in the shower...loving on a fox tail….”

    “Dude!” Gilly snapped. “Mother, father ugh….visuals dude really?”

    “Seriously Gilly...” Jackson said as pulled his covers off….”Do I look like I’m made for rolling a log?”

     Gilly smirked. “Well those legs and those larger claws have an advantage.”

     “Which is why I got into doing it in High School.” Jackson said. “That’s where I met Darla and ever since? It’s sort of a crazy “Wuv you but fluck you” sort of relationship where we try to up best each other. Makes our times together a little more….spicy….interesting….yet I can’t believe she hasn’t inspected the flags by now.”

     Gilly smirked. “She’s thinking of Sports Day. You’re a shoe in to beat the snot out of every competitor in the log roll so it’s going to come down to you and her. I bet she’s so obsessed right now with showing you up? She’s got horse blinders.”

     “We can hope so.” Jackson said as he laid back down. “Wake me up at noon and you me Manny and Turk will go to brunch. We have to organize who’s going to be in what events.”

      Gilly thought for a moment...”Oh? I was going to ask you to think about this, since we’re going to school together after boot? Why don’t we find two other students and get an apartment out in town?”

     Jackson scratched his head. “We can do that?”

       “Well that’s what I’ve heard.” Gilly replied. “They have cheep flats around the school base for monthly rents and four mammals can cover the rent and food easy. All we’d have to do is get some simple beds from “Elk-Key-Yah” for everyone to sleep on and we could “batch” exist on salad, carrots and fish….though I prefer “Rabbit-mon” the instant meal of poor suffering college bunnies.”

        Jackson chuckled….”I like that idea. Keep it in mind. Now lemme sleep?”

        “No problem.” Gilly replied. “Hey? Do you think we got the DC flag sewn up?”

     Jackson shook his head. “With Darla? You don’t count anything until you see her brow shrink and swears fly from her cute little mouth. I love it when she swears at me….she’s so hot when she’s pissy.”

Noon
The Destroyer ZNDG-2 Savanna
Docked in Tundra Town
October 1, 2039

     Captain Sarabi entered the sick bay to see off the recovered Polar bear as medical corps-mammals were getting ready to move him and even in his drugged and weakened state he still managed to outstretch his arms and gesture with tears running down his face to  embrace his rescuer…

     “Now….now…..” Sarabi said as she nuzzled the bears’ head. “No need for this my friend, you’re home….” The lioness said softly as she gave the bear a lick on his forehead….”What’s your name? Can you tell me least that?”

      “Jamie” He replied. “Jamie Rook….first mate of the MV Pacesetter out of Tundra Town….” He grimaced and cried as Sarabi held him to her breasts….

      “You’re home Jamie…you’re loved and your home, bless that. Now rest you poor thing and let us take care of you...” Sarabi said as she gestured to the crew around the carry litter and they picked Jamie up and started carrying him off the destroyer. Sailors came out of every hatch and passage to give comfort, the foxes causing the worst pain as they showered him with affection not knowing what he’d done to one of their own...yet they kissed him with loving tenderness all the way to the brow as Jamie was transferred from the ship to a waiting ambulance…

        “My family….what about my family?” Jamie asked a corps-mammal.

       “They’re being told. They’ll be brought to the hospital when you ready and better rested. You just relax my friend.” A gazelle said as she checked Jamie over.”

       “I’ll never rest.” Jamie replied. “I’m a murderer….I killed one of my crew mates…I don’t deserve to survive….”

      “Well you’re going to survive because dying will only disgrace your lost ship mates.” The gazelle said. “You’ve been through hell...stop torturing yourself and let us take care of you.”

       Aboard the Savanna, Captain Sarabi watched the ambulance drive off with her executive officer, Commander McCamish (Rhino)

       McCamish snorted….”After seeing what was done to that poor guy? I may not have any idea of how Kzinti speak? But I’m sure that will be the only language spoken in hell when we’re done.”

       Sarabi snarled a little in reply….”I don’t want to hear that from you again Commander and don’t you go stoking the crew with it….do you hear me? War should be the absolute last thing on everyone’s mind….including yours.”

      “I was only stating the feelings of the crew. There was no way we could hide what was in that raft? The whole crew is full of piss for flucking revenge.” McCamish snapped.

       “Then the whole crew can stay on the ship and kiss their leave and liberty good bye and I will make that very clear. Anyone opens their snoot about this and they will answer to me….including you X.O. so watch your lip. Am I clear?”

       McCamish snapped back. “Yes Mam….you are clear.”

Noon
Chow Hall, Recruit Training     

      With the end of Crucible came the end of strict regulations regarding “free days” and times for eating meals. Manny, Turk, Gilly and Jackson could sit to their hearts content as each admired and felt their uniform stripes which had gone from recruit green to Sailor red. Now the only they could be kicked back was to do something seriously stupid. They all sat around a rotating serving plate full of “snack nacks” from carrot sticks to leafy greens to fish and shrimp; each mammal writing in their notebooks as ideas came out with each competition meet in the upcoming Sports Day tournament…

     “Turk’s going to represent us in the Rhino Rumble match.” Manny said. “All the Rhino’s agree he should because he was a left tackle in high school football. Even watched some of his games posted on Paw-Tube? Holy fluck man… deeeestruction!”

      “Not tooting my own horns mind you.” Turk said with a snort. “I put the “cuss” in concussion.”

       “You also put stink in the bathroom.” Gilly snickered.

       “Do you want to be bunny mush you little carrot sucker?” Turk snorted back.

       “I find that a little offensive.” Gilly replied. “No really Turk...I find that offensive.”

      “Ok….sheesh…..sorry for plucking your puffy tail.” Turk replied. “You want the foxes and the weasels to handle the mad dash hash run? Why not the bunnies? With their legs, they’ll rip it up.”

       “I did some snooping.” Jackson replied. “There’s trick and turns in the maze run that will mess bunnies up and that only foxes and weasels can negotiate with their long slender bodies. The best place for the bunnies is the hurdle run. Good speed and good legs.”

     Manny nodded. “Good...now as far as the rope ladder climb? The female cats will do that one. The first and last one up the ladder will be Snoween (white Barbary lioness) and Karla (Rocky Mountain Lion) because both of them have gymnastic experience and Karla was a letter-mammal in Varsity. Snoween to give us the time lead and Karla to finish it.

     Turk munched on a thick stock of broccoli...”What about your ankle Jackson? Are you still going to make the log roll?”

     “If I can stay off it long enough.” Jackson replied. “I have an extra 24 hours of bed rest so I can re-coup. I’ll make it.”

      “If you’re as good as you say?” Gilly said...”You and Darla will be the last one’s standing. Who has the most throws though?”

      Jackson pursed his lips….”She does….by three.”

      “Well that’s not impressive.” Turk said. “Now if it were like ten or twenty? I think we’d have to worry.”

      “Well she gets lucky.” Jackson replied. “She’s good on her feet. And I suppose there won’t be a restriction against going “Feral four legs” which she has a good advantage with.”

      “If it were good?” Manny said. “She’d be ahead more than three throws. We got faith in you Jackie...but I wonder what married life would be like?”

      Jackson giggled….”Our bed would be a roll log….or a gerbil wheel. We’d probably have a domestic call a day for arguments over style. But honestly guys? Darla’s just awesome as a friend despite being so competitive.”

      Jackson finished his brunch and grabbed his crutch...”I’m going back to the bay to get more rest.”

       Gilly stood up. “I’ll go back too….make sure you don’t push your luck with that foot. We’d be screwed if you don’t get back to full health before Sports Day. Even without three flags by the end of boot camp, we’d still be in the running for lead company at graduation march.”

       Gilly and Jackson walked out of the mess hall and down the street towards their division...”Almost done.” Gilly said. “Can’t wait for school, I mean…for the end of the hard core stuff. I’ve been having a tough time of it coping wise.”

       “Why did you join?” Jackson asked the bunny. “Did you think it was going to be easy?”

       “I joined because after high school there really wasn’t much out there back in the Burroughs. I guess it’s more anxiety and separation than anything else.” Gilly said. 

        “You didn’t like leaving your parents?” Jackson asked.

        “No.” Gilly replied. “I have someone who’s dear to me that I just can’t separate from too long without having issues...which is why I sort of got a little “clingy” with you more than any of the other bunnies. You’re sort of a….I’m talking like a dumb butt...”

         Jackson wrapped his arm around Gilly’s shoulders...”Hey? You made it through boot and that’s what counts ok? Like I’m offended you needed someone as a clingy towel. Now if you decide to lose it during the last few weeks and get into some stupid snit? We’re going to wrangle….ok?”

        Gilly smirked...”I’m not too sure how to take that?”

        Jackson flicked a finger off an ear...”Just promise me you’ll come to me if you need a talk?”

       “Al right.” Gilly replied. “Thanks Jackie.”

3pm
Zootopian Fleet Naval Hospital
Tundra Town
October 1, 2039

     Cesar Leo’s wife Pansha walked into the waiting room where Mrs. Rook, Jamie Rook’s wife Marsha, sat with her oldest son Quinn and younger son Manfred. She embraced the female Polar bear then shook the paw of the older son before taking the toddler bear in her arms and giving him a kiss on the head….

     “Mrs. Rook? How are you holding up?” Pansha asked as she held Marsha’s paw and lowered her toddler to the floor.

     “As best as I can after I got the news.” Marsha replied as she sat down. “How is he? When can we see him?”

      Pansha gestured Marsha to sit...”At the moment….he’s not well enough to see you...not yet. They have him sedated so they can stabilize his metabolism and he regains his strength but he’s out of any danger, that’s a blessing considering what he may have gone through.”

     Marsha sighed...”And the rest of the crew? What happened to them?”

    Pansha looked down casted….”I’m afraid the others were lost...perhaps...killed. We don’t know….which is the worst part. What must be done at some point is your husband will have to be questioned...that may be most difficult which will require your strength. I must ask you for the good of our city to allow him to be questioned...you have every right to say no.”

     Marsha frowned….”Say no? Say no and let those who did these things to my husband? To his friends? get away with it? No….when my husband is ready? We will face the questions for the good of the city because your husband deserves everything he needs to make the right choices. I don’t want them to be protected by our fear and silence.”

     Pansha rubbed Marsha’s shoulder….”I know you say that now Marsha but… when the time comes it will be very hard not to say no...”

     “Polar bears don’t run.” Marsha replied. “My husband will not run, that I can promise you.”

     “My Dad is no coward.” Quinn said standing stiff. “I can’t wait to join the Marines so I can tear those wild cats apart for what they did to my father.”

      Pansha rested a paw on Quinn’s shoulder. “And that is exactly why we’re trying so hard not to see that happen.” She said. “I’m not calling you a coward. I’m saying that war must always be our last and only option left….till then we must all hope for peace and not build empty, mindless hatred in our hearts….no matter what mammal or mammals may have wrong us.”

     Pansha gave Quinn a kiss on the head. “Your life is worth gold to our city, an irreplaceable treasure we’re not willing to risk on a war if we can avoid it.”

      Pansha gave Marsha a card. “Call me if you need anything. I promise you will have it my dear.”

      Marsha bowed slightly. “Blessings on your wonderful husband and thank you for giving mine back to me.”

4:30pm
Wilde house
October 1, 2039

      Judy came through the door to the smell of cooking food and entered the kitchen to a bizarre sight….

      Nick standing at the cooking range in nothing but a two piece loin cloth; the back flap had a slit to allow his tail to poke through. He wore a large leather dog collar with a long leash attached to it. When he saw Judy standing at the doorway with a “what the fluck?” look on her face, Nick quickly walked up to her and got on his paws….

     “Mistress? I didn’t hear you come in. I’m making dinner for you now.” Nick said sounding serious…

     “What?…..what are you doing Nick?” Judy asked.

     “I’m your slave to do what you wish mistress.” Nick replied as he kissed Judy’s foot. “What ever you wish of me is yours.”

      Judy giggled...”Ok Mister Fox? What the heck did you break, destroy, drop or piddle on this time?”

      “Nothing my Mistress, I swear!” Nick got on his hind legs and begged. “Please don’t punish me?”

       Both of them laughed at each other as Judy hugged her husband...”You crazy fox….”

       “You mean bunny.” Nick snickered as he dangled the leash...”Want to take me for a walk?”

       “We are NOT going out on the street!” Judy snapped. “You want me to get my bunny butt punched out by some irate fox don’t you?” Judy took off her duty belt, loosened her uniform shirt and sat at the kitchen table tapping her paws...”What is wrong with you slave?! Get me my Carrot Juice now you disrespectful cur!”

       Nick quickly went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of Carrot Juice and poured it for his wife….”As you commanded mistress….”

       Judy giggled….”Ok….loosen the act up. How long are you intending to do this?”

      Nick replied….”All night. Our son said pamper the hell out of you? I’m going to pamper the hell out of you….complete with massaging and baby powdering your beautiful tushy bushy tail after a good bath.” Nick went back to the fridge and grabbed a “Fox-in-us” beer. “You know? I like Fire Chief Brunty? Not your typical elephant at all...certainly a little more cordial than most.”

      “He throws his size and strength around a lot less than many...” Judy replied. “Unless he needs to use it. It was a good conversation last night. He took to your “Paw-Tube” idea well.”

      “Why spend thousands of “duckets” on boring professionally done PSA’s that won’t grab or hold public attention with actors few mammals know? I mean we can invite Gazelle but let’s use real cops, real firemen, real EMT’s and make videos for cheep that have a little corny behavior but will actually get mammals talking and motivated?” Nick replied as he downed his glass of beer.

     Judy took a sip of her juice and rubbed a paw finger over the table...”Nick? Last night got me thinking...it’s obvious the population is no where near ready to respond to anything….if things ever start getting worse? I…..I want you to go live with the family in Bunnyburrough...”

    Nick leaned against the table with a slight frown...”What did you just say?”

    “I said if things get bad? I want you to go live with my family….” Judy replied.

    Nick shook his head. “Ah…...no.”

     “Nick? Please?” Judy said with her paws out. “I don’t want to worry about your safety...”

    “My safety?” Nick replied. “My safety? So I move to Bunnyburrough and in addition to being worried about my son? I have to worry about my wife and my son while I’m sort of hiding in relative safety.”

    Judy replied gasping...”I don’t want you caught trying to escape or trying to find me in what will be total chaos...”

    “You won’t have to worry about me trying to escape because I’ll unlock our cabinet, slap a magazine into our 223 rifle and be looking for a place to shoot bastards. How could you ask me to leave you for the hills? Gimp back or no gimp back...I’m still a cop and a cop’s place is protecting the herd until your able to escape or the bastards kill your butt and believe me Carrots...I’m not looking to get killed so easily so some toothy “sand box pissing puss” can wave my tail around like a fricken trophy. I’m not leaving my wife or my home….don’t ever suggest that garbage again to me...”

      Judy’s lips quivered….”Carrots? I said no.” Nick snorted. He then smacked her Carrot Juice off the table….

      “Wow….your slave just spit on your pride and rebelled. You need to tighten his butt up!” Nick un-clipped his leash, handed it to his wife, turned around and presented his rump to her with his tail purked up….

      “Don’t worry Carrots….now I’ve been a disobedient slave...you need to whip my butt good.”

       Judy sighed and gave Nick’s rump a light smack….

      “Huh...such a weak-tailed, dumb, stupid bun…..” Nick snorted.

      “KERSMACK!”

        “YIPE!” Nick jumped as Judy nailed him good. “Woe! OK! I’m glad we settled that little….

     “KERSMACK!” “KERSMACK!” “KERSMACK!”

      “Woe! Woe! Hitting wild for the fence are we not?!” Nick yelped.

      “Shut up you arrogant, disobedient ball of fur!” Judy snapped. “Get up stairs and make me my bath or so help me I’ll have your tail cut off and mounted as my foot wipe! GO!”

       Nick bowed low as he backed away….”Yes Mistress...you are so kind and benevolent...”

      “YOU LYING SLOTH!” Judy yelled. “GET BACK HERE FOR ANOTHER BEATING!”

      Nick giggled at her….”Grrrrrrr….. bunny with wolf teeth!…..Mrrraaoww…. that makes me feel so hot!”

     “Just get up there and get the bath going Nick before I get real serious and use a raw hide belt you sicko.” Judy commanded. 

October 12, 2039
Recruit training command
Sports Day

     “THAWHAM!” The collision of the two rock like beasts was loud enough to be heard across the field but that match lasted less than five seconds as Turk slipped his arm between the crotch of his opponent, lifted the other Rhino with one smooth jerk and tossed him out of the ring onto his back…

       “YEAH!” Manny screamed out. “YEAH! BITE THAT SNIT! YEAH!”

        Jackson and Gilly were left with gaping mouths….”I want a replay, I didn’t see what he did.” Gilly said.

       “Who cares.” Jackson said smiling. “That’s number three he’s beaten. We almost have this event sewn up.”

       Gilly’s face turned from joy to a frown...”A stupid gallon...a lousy, stinking gallon of water?” Gilly said as he slapped his lap...”We should demand a damn recount of the figures Jackie. No way 260 beat our rumps in the Butter Cup, no damn way in hell…..what bull snit.” 

      “You forget what I told you about Commander Anubis telling me that one company had beaten us already in getting their information about the Butter Cup
Gilly. That was “two sixty” and sure as hell...Darla had them just as prepared as we prepared ourselves. They just reacted faster and did things a little better.” Jackson said as he and Gilly watched the next round of Rhino on Rhino sumo.

       “Snit Jackie….if they win Sports Day, they’ll practically be color company for sure.” Gilly yelped.

       “You forget we still have the Goat Flag. Without the Goat Flag? You can’t be color company. If we win Sport Day today though? We’ll have enough flags to bump 260 from the lead company spot at graduation. Jackson said as he reached over and messed with Gilly’s head tuft. “Relax dude….I don’t intend to let Darla win without a whole lot of sweat.”

       Gilly quickly slapped a paw over Jackson’s snoot. “Shhhhh….damn...loose lips sink ships Jackie! Who knows who might hear us.”

       Another huge collision, a big thump and Turk stood pounding his big hands together in a mighty clap….”ANYONE ELSE! BRING IT! BRING YOUR BIG, HAPPY TAIL DOWN HERE, BRING IT!”

      “There are no others Seaman Turk? You sort of sent them all to the infirmary.” A weasel sailor said as he pointed. “Company Two Five Nine has won the Rhino Rumble match!”

       “YEAH! YEAH BABY!” Turk jubilantly celebrated his victory as Jackson and Gilly ran up and bounced their feet off his massive chest! “Quit while you’re ahead you guys.” Turk said as he walked towards the next event, the rope ladder climb.

      “Congratulations Assistant Recruit Company Commander, Seaman Turk.” A female voice sounded and Turk, Jackson and Gilly turned their heads to see Darla walking next to them with her paw extended…

      “Thank you Recruit Company Commander, Seaman Delaware.” Turk replied as he gave Darla a fist bump. “Your entry made that too easy. You should have told him to guard his center of gravity.”

      “A small loss.” Darla replied. She looked at Jackson with a mischievous smile. “Like “our” DC flag? Seaman Wilde?”

      “Yes Recruit Company Commander, Seaman Delaware.” Jackson replied. “It looks very becoming on you. Congratulations.”

       Gilly waved his paws. “Can’t we dispense with the long drawn out official introductions guys? I mean I’d hate to know one of our fellow Sailors was some sort of Arch Duke dude? How would that go?”

        Jackson snickered….”Arch Duke Deuche, vi-count of toe jam, Seaman Snodgrass of Worthington.” And Jackson couldn’t lose it before the Snodgrass.”

        “I’m glad you’re so happy now Jackson?” Darla snickered. “You won’t be when I sent your butt flopping into the water. But if you let me win? I’ll give you a reward?”

      Turk snorted. “You know Recruit Company Commander, Seaman Delaware? I could have that rope ripped right off your uniform for that kind of solicitation?”

      “What solicitation?” Darla replied. “I didn’t specify the reward at all. I was making a joke….which I won’t have to do such a thing because Seaman Wilde is going to go swimming. We’re going to have that Sports Flag Jackson? And you’re going to eat crow.”

      Darla gave Jackson’s nose a soft tickle and left him a little lost minded….

      “Snap, snap…..Damn psychological warfare….” Gilly yelped. “Snap, snap….Jackie? Hello dude?”

      Jackson shook his head….”It’s those eyes of hers….”

      “Yeah right.” Gilly snorted. “The eyes or the rest of her? Cheese Nits Jackson, she’s gonna psych you out! Look…..please? Please just focus on “sexing” that log and not her? Please?”

       “That? Sounded messed up Gill.” Jackson replied.

       “Oh what ever dude! Let’s watch our lionesses rip these ladders apart!”

A half hour later….

      “They…...sure ripped those ladders apart.” Jackson said with his head in his hands. “Literally…..I mean they shredded them right off the overhead!”

       “They can’t…...they can’t use Lynx’s! That’s illegal! They’re small cats!”

       Jackson patted Gilly’s back….”Quit while we’re suffering Gill?”

        Darla came up from behind and gave Jackson a quick smooch on the cheek. “Still time for that reward Jackie?”

        “Will you leave him alone!” Gilly snapped. “I’m gonna report you for harassment!”

        Darla giggled as she walked off…

        “Ugh….” Gilly sighed. “We’re barely breaking even with our sister company. Please tell me you can still win the log roll?”

         “I will if you stop trying to cry on my shoulder?” Jackson replied.

3PM
The Log Roll Pool

       A Wolf Chief Petty Officer walked around the pool with a microphone in his hands as all the training companies filled the bleachers for the final contest. As was expected….Darla and Jackson ran through their competition like two tigers through a meat market and now they stood glaring at each other across the pool and the rubber coated floating log being pushed around by two big seals…

       “All right Mammals! This is the last big smack down! The winner of this event will win the Sports Day flag! Five matches, each match is five points to the winner! Company Two Sixty right now is in the lead with 90 points! Her sister company is close behind at 89 points! One of these Seaman needs to win three matches to win the whole Sports Day! Let’s hear it Mammals! Scream it up!”

       The crowd whooped, barked, bayed and screamed themselves silly until the Chief quieted them down….

       “At this end of the pool is the reining champion of the Rain Forest District High School class of 2039 at 145 wins and 13 losses. She holds the school record for the fastest log roll victory and the longest duration roll ever recorded in school history! She’s the princess of slaughter, the amazing otter, the Recruit Company Commander of the fighting Two Sixty…..Seaman Darla Delaware!”

       The crowd cheered and Darla’s company went feral with dripping maws and gnashing grunts!

      “At the other end of the pool is the reining champion of Zootopia’s Prideland High School at 142 wins and 17 loses. He’s fast on his feet and springy with his legs, he’ll whip the water to chowder and shuck opponents into powder, Jumpy as a bunny and sneaky like a fox….give it up for Seaman Jackson Wilde of recruit company Two Five Nine!”

       The crowd cheered and Jackson’s company shook the bleachers till they almost toppled over…..

       “Woe! Woe! Easy Mammals….curb the enthusiasm just a little bit. Both Seaman come to me please?” The Wolf asked and Darla and Jackson popped tall before him…

       “Now….this match goes by the official rules of the log rolling sports counsel of Rain Forrest. Both of you can go four legged. Both of you can use your claws. Both of you can jump up but you must come back down and make contact with the log. No cursing at each other, no shoving each other, no paws on each other, no tripping, no seriously demeaning talk, no sexual epithets or you’re disqualified. Light trash talk is allowed….

      “Good.” Darla snickered. “Want your cry towel now Jackson or after when you’ll also need your baw baw, your teddy and your diaper?”

      Jackie sniffed. “My but you’re especially musky today?” He said snickering.

      “I’m gonna use it too beat your butt.” Darla snickered

      “Oh you’ll try.” Jackson snickered back.

      “Just so you know?” Darla said raising a paw finger. “This won’t affect our relationship…..much….just that you’ll have to look at my behind as I lead the whole division to graduation. But? I still love you Jackson.” Darla threw Jackson a kiss and batted her eyes at him.

      “You’re so notorious for over-confidence.” Jackson snickered back. “Like the 13 times I’ve kicked your sorry butt.”

       “Alright!” The Wolf Chief yelped. “Seems the mood’s been set so let’s get this match started!”

       The seals pushed the log to the edge of the pool and Darla and Jackson hopped on still glaring at each other….

       “You can quit now Jackson.” Darla snickered.

       “Better make sure those swim trunks are tied right Darla….unlike the what? The six times you lost your matches by showing your nearly bald butt?”

        Darla suddenly took off onto four legs and threw Jackson into the water! “Oops! Score one for me!” She snapped. “Hah!”

        “I didn’t start the match yet!” The Wolf Chief yelped out.

        “Why even try?” Darla snickered. “He’s going to lose any way?”

         Gilly, Manny and Turk sat shaking their heads as Jackson climbed back onto the log and shook himself dry...”KICK HER TAIL JACKSON!” Gilly snapped out before he climbed onto Turk’s back and screamed to the Company! “COME ON EVERYBODY! KICK HER TAIL! KICK HER TAIL!….”

      “KICK HER TAIL! KICK HER TAIL!KICK HER TAIL! KICK HER TAIL!” The Company shouted as Jackson stooped low and clenched his paws….

       “Let’s stop with the silly snit Darla? Consider this a date and you’re about to get kissed….by this log!” Jackson snapped.

       “Bring it Snickers.” Darla snarled.

       The Chief threw a paw into the air….”Ready?!…….set?!……..ROLL!”

       Off they ran! Spinning the log and throwing up a wildly flying spray as each tried to stop and reverse on the other!

       Darla went four legged….spun the log hard in one direction then reversed it quick with a throw of her body weight but Jackson caught the trick and jumped just enough to roll his body around and run in the new direction!

       “GO JACKIE!” Gilly yelled! “Those fox feet and big bunny legs are fricken awesome!”

        “She’s keeping right with him!” Manny said as his body contorted from the anticipation and nervousness.

        Jackson reversed the log and almost threw Darla off but the Female otter reached out, snatched the rubber coating and pulled herself back into a four legged run!

       “Damn! She’s strong!” Turk snapped.

       “What do you want?!” Gilly yelped. “Otters are one big muscle!”

        The first match went a wild seven minutes until Jackson went four legged, dug his longer claws into the rubber and with one strong push threw Darla into the water!….

        “YEAH!” Giddy screamed as he bounced off Turk’s shoulder. “NOT SO HOT NOW ARE YOU?!” He screamed out.

         Jackson reached out a paw and pulled Darla back onto the log...”You know what sucks about this date? No music.”

        “You got lucky.” Darla snapped as she thumped a paw finger off Jackson’s snoot. “I was going to be nice and spare you? Nice just went out the window.”

        “Good…..” Jackson snorted back. “You’ve been a bore so far. No wonder I fall asleep so fast on our dates.”

        Darla dug her claws into the rubber and smiled...”Get ready to eat this rubber Jackie.”

       “Probably better than eating…..” Jackson began to say.

       ”Ready?!…….set?!……..ROLL!”

        Darla took off with a powerful coiling of her body and within a few strong gallops she threw Jackson off the log!….

        “Ouch….” Manny said as he buried his head into his shoulders. “She caught him “skylarking” (not paying attention) 

         This time...Darla pulled Jackson onto the log...”Head in the clouds Jackie?” She snickered.

         “The only thing that’s going into the clouds is your butt before you hit the water.” Jackson snickered back.

         “You sure love butts and rumps a lot Jackie.” Darla giggled. “I’m beginning to doubt your…..”

          ”Ready?!…….set?!……..ROLL!” The Chief screamed.

One hour later….

           Jackson pulled Darla onto the log and checked her face with a worried look.  “You cut yourself pretty good smacking the log Darla...you ok?”

           “I’m fine!” Darla yelped. The Chief motioned the seals to bring the log to the pool side so he could look her over…

           “Chief? I am fine!” Darla said as she tried to resist his paws. “It’s a little cut, don’t pull me off please?”

          Jackson leaned over her shoulder….”You sure?”

          “Jackson? Back off before I hit you!” Darla yelped. “Please?”

           “You sure you’re alright to continue?” The Chief asked her.

          “Yes!” Darla yelped back. “I’m fine...really. It’s going to take more than a face plant to take an otter out of the game.”

           The Chief gestured the seals to set the log back in place as he grabbed up the microphone….

          “Let’s hear it for these two! Come on mammals! Talk it up! Talk it up! This is the fifth and final match!

“DARLA! DARLA! DARLA! DARLA! DARLA!...”

“KICK HER TAIL! KICK HER TAIL!KICK HER TAIL!”

         The companies were on their feet screaming and growling as Darla and Jackson crouched against each other….

        “Are you sure you’re ok?” Jackson asked.

        “I’m not the one you should worry over Jackie.” Darla snarled. “This is probably the last time we’ll ever do this so you’d better pour your heart out because I’m going to kick the snit out of your cotton tail butt!”

         “Last time? Oh good...I don’t have to suffer your bad cooking anymore?” Jackson said with a wide grin...”Bring it girl...hopefully it’s better than your love making as of late?”

          “Oh you little prick!” Darla snapped…

          ”Ready?!…….set?!……..ROLL!” The Chief screamed.

End of Chapter 7