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) Sheath and Knife by Harmarist
(Artist Ownership) Anubis and the Buried Bone by Harmarist
(c) (Artist Ownership) The Kzinti by Larry 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) Characters From Omaha the Cat Dancer Reed Waller 1994
(Artist Ownership) Jag Damien Tiger from Inkbunny’s Fluffy Puffy
(Artist Ownership) Dean Wilson from Animalolympics 1980
(Artist Ownership) Tanya Mousekovitz from American Tail
(Artist Ownership) Blotasky and Perkins from Cat Shit One by Motofume Kobayashi
The Chipmunks and Chipettes (c) from the 1980‘s cartoon series
(Artist Ownership) Akisawa and Isana (foxes) from “Two-Nayoshi-Tonari”
(Artist ownership) Hige and Toboe from Wolf’s Rain.

Chapter 39: Bye Bye Gazelle part 1

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
7am
September 15,2020

       Witty Arson (Black Bull) was Zootopia’s first mayor as the city came to life after the 100 year tragedy known as the Predatorial Civil War that followed the Zootopian Middle Age after the fall of the Lupinian Roman Empire. Arson was mayor during the formation years when Zootopia resembled the American Wild West and marshals were needed to establish and maintain the first codes of law. Mammals like Bart “Bat” Masterdon and Cheeto-see (yellow cheetah) Whales road the land as the first law agency known as the Long Riders. Arson in his twenty years brought Zootopia into the Modern historical era where Predators and Prey rode the uneasy peace to a stable society.

      The four lane Lenny Arson Bridge connects the auto traffic from the tri-Buroughs to the rest of Zootopia and spans the Bayou Bear strait that runs from the Meadows to the north to the Zootopia sound in the South. Gazzelle chose the location because the Arson bridge could support a huge crowd on its span and the spot was perfect for fireworks and light displays.

    As if the Navy could ever say no to a request, after all, having Gazelle strut herself across the bows of three Destroyers was good promotional advertising and she did say this performance was especially for the Sailors and Marines. She was not ignorant of the times nor the perils and if these brave mammals were going to put themselves out as the city’s first and last line of defense, then she was going to give them all the love and attention they deserved.

    The three warships were tied together side by side with their anchors fixed to the bottom of the strait and their hulls separated by large rubber bumpers to prevent them from scraping each other. Workers were busy putting together the stage that would span across all three ships, the lights that would illuminate the whole show, the sound equipment, the places for the media and the decorations and banners that would adorn these “Mammals of War” transformed in a platform for a hopeful demonstration of Mammalian unity and peace. Who knew? Maybe “Graceful Gazzy” could win the Kzinti over with song?

     For the crews of the destroyers there was the cleaning work, the never ending shining of every brass and silver fixture not covered by paint. Things that didn’t need paint? They got paint. Things that needed paint? Got paint. And not a too few Sailors ended up “being painted” by their over-excited shipmates. From foxes to elephants, the Destroyers were covered with animals making things ready.....save about fifty rabbits on the Growler who at the moment were sitting in the mess (Mess= place aboard ship for the crew to eat) waiting for their Master Chief.

     In an office just beyond the mess room....Jackson stood taking in deep breaths and shaking his paws. This was not going to be an easy thing to do. The old Don Lanzoni could have taught Jackson a hundred different things about how to mix “soft power” with “brute power” or “persuasion” with “A steel pipe” but it was another thing to bring it all together so Gilly could come back to the ship with no worries and he was coming back...

Days earlier....

      “I have made my choice Jackie.” Gilly said as he reached up to feel the paws of his love on his shoulders...”I’m staying with the ship.”

      Jackson looked up at Will who shook his head. “Like I’m going to convince him? I’m not that good in bed.”

      “All I can do is my best Gill.” Jackson said as he sighed. “Just.....just be very aware that I might not convince them all.”

     Gilly shrugged. “Well there’s always those sharp back teeth of yours and those extra long claws. But I don’t think you’ll have to go to that extreme...I trust you.”

     Will extended a paw to Jackson. “Just speak from your heart and do what you can Jackie. It’s all I can ask. I just want to be assured that Gilly will be safe. That’s all.”

Present....

      The old Master Chief entered the office. “Are you ready? These rabbits are getting ancy. Some are thumping their feet.

      Darla stopped Jackson short and played with his little “rack” of ribbons on his chest. “Just go out there and speak to them like they’re family.....which they are to us in a way.”

     Jackson nodded before following the Navy Ram into the mess space...

     “Attention on me Shipmates!” The old sheep bellowed and all the rabbits jumped to their feet and sounded in unison...”Give us the word Master Chief!”

     “Argh Growler!” The Ram replied. “Sit!”

    At his command, all the bunnies sat at their tables or quickly on the floor so all would be able to see and hear their senior enlisted leader...

    “Shipmates? I am sure by now all of you here have heard of what happened aboard this ship a few weeks ago. I had intended to speak to all of you about the incident involving Seaman Electronics Specialist Gilly, an incident which unfortunately puts a negative spotlight on you bunnies. Ten of our former shipmates are awaiting courts marshal on charges of assault and threats of sexual violence. I will not speak to you myself....instead I have given the task to one of you. You......will all......listen. Petty Officer Wilde has my authority. You disrespect him and you directly disrespect me and then all the rain of hell will come upon you like a tidal wave and Fritz help your ass because he won’t be capable of saving it from my wrath....”

     The Master Chief leaned forwards....”Do you bunnies understand me?”

    The rabbits returned nods and gulps of worry.

     “Now....” The Ram continued. “Nothing that will be said in here? Shall leave here. Nothing you say no matter how offensive will be used against you. You are all here to get the dirty diapers cleaned and for now....there is a huge pile and a ton of stink to endure. That being said shipmates? Petty Officer Wilde? You have their attention.”

     “Thank you Master Chief.” Jackson replied as he climbed on a table and stood to look at the room full of rabbits...

     “Hello shipmates....most of you know me or know of me. How many of you before now...knew I was a hybrid? Show of paws?” Jackson surveyed the paws that went up. “So a good number of you knew I was a hybrid which means those who didn’t raise their paws are just new to our ship or work in divisions where they really wouldn’t know me. Ok? Tough question...how many of you think my mother’s a dirty slut and my father’s a no good hombrah pimp who raped her?”

      No paws went up. “Oh come on? You are completely open to speak your minds everyone, no one is going to be arrested, no one is going to get the boot, no one is going to get beat up. Master Chief’s promise is a solid promise, we need to get this all out right here....right now. Once again?  Tough question...how many of you think my mother’s a dirty slut and my father’s a no good hombrah pimp who raped her? Come on?”

      Two bunnies raised their paws timidly. “Ok....two. You?” Jackson pointed to one bunny, a light brown one with a red ordinance shirt on his uniform. “You? Come up here? I’m not going to throw a paw in your face....come up here.”

      The bunny stood next to Jackson. “So? You’re an ordinance handler? What’s your name?”

       “Seaman Argyle.” The bunny replied.

      Jackson gave Argyle a smile. “So? My mother is a whore and my father is a rapist. Where did you get that idea from?”

     “From my pastor in Bunny Borough.” Argyle said. “He says mixed species breeding poisons  our blood and endangers the future of our kind. The prophet says so.”

     Jackson took out his cell phone. “Lucky for us that I have the whole book of rabbits on my cell phone...let’s try some searches Argyle? I want you to try and list everything your pastor said about hybrids or bunnies having sex with other mammals...just some short words or phrases if you would please?” Jackson said as he held the phone to the other rabbits snoot.

“Umm.....species purity.” Argyle said....

Jackson waited till the search of the book was done. “Boink!” “Hmmm....nothing on species purity.” He said. “Try again.”

“Inter-species breeding”  Argyle said....

Jackson waited till the search of the book was done. “Boink!”“Hmmm....nothing on“Inter-species breeding.” He said. “Try again.”

“Hybrid kittens” Argyle said...

Jackson waited till the search of the book was done. “Boink!”“Hmmm....nothing on“Hybrid kittens” He said. “Try again.”

   The back and forth went on until Jackson pointed for Argyle to sit. “We just went through thirty word and phrase searches of the book of Rabbits and nothing Argyle asked for came up. Now another question....how many of you know what I do with fox tails? how many of you know that I play spades? or that I’m an electrician in the ISERM department? How many paws?”

   Jackson counted the raised paws....”Did I suddenly become stupid at playing cards? Do you think I can’t now groom foxes tails as before? Can I not now perform my job because my mother was a no good long eared slut and my father is a wicked bunny raping hombrah son of a bitch?”

    One of the bunnies raised a paw...”Jackie? You shouldn’t say that about your parents dude?”

    “My parents know I love them and they know this is so important that a little reality is needed. Reality being those who think exactly “that way” about “my” parents. The same way ten stupid idiots with no brains between their big ears thought about Seaman Gilly when they beat the snot out of him and threatened to shove a mop handle up his tail hole for being gay and kissing a wolf. 
    All the bunnies were silent for a moment as Jackson paused....

  “Now! Right now! I want a show of paws as to how many of you were directly offended by Seaman Gilly. Was he looking at your cotton tail? Did he blow any of you kisses? Did he ask you to come to bed with him? Did he offer to suck your dick? Did he cop eyes on you in the shower stalls? Come on? Did any of you get offended or were you made uncomfortable in any way by Seaman Gilly? Show your paws right now.” Jackson said. He waited a few minutes but no paws went up.

   “None of you? Not one?” Jackson said. “In fact? The only way those ten jerks “knew” Gilly was gay was by a photo he dropped during an accident on the boat! I have known Seaman Gilly since boot camp and advanced school and here on the ship and all he’s ever done every day in port and out at sea is worked and kept to himself or played spades with myself and some of you. Not a single complaint to the contrary. I know Gilly and I don’t know any other rabbit who goes out of his way not to offend anyone and he didn’t “broadcast” himself out to every tail and ear because to him? His love life is no one’s business, he’s not a “flaunty fluff ball”. All Gilly ever does is the work that’s given him and then he goes to his rack or he plays cards with me and some of us or he goes some place quiet so he can write a love letter to his wolf.”

     Jackson pointed out one bunny....”Devon? Come up here?”

     The multi-colored gray, black, white and brown rabbit with long flowing fur came up next to Jackson. “Everyone here knows Clerk Specialist Petty Officer Devon? He’s our supply petty officer right? Anybody here care to say he’s not good at his job?”

     Some of the bunnies exclaimed Devon’s professionalism at his job and how cool he was.

    “Ok....Devon? Who are your parents? They’re both rabbits right? I mean they must be some seriously fur covered rabbits for you to be this “shaggy”?

     “No...” Devon replied. “My mother’s a wolf and my father’s a rabbit.”

      Some of the bunnies gasped.

    “Show em your teeth Devon?” Jackson asked. Devon opened his mouth and displayed his nice white canines behind his four rabbit “buck teeth”.
   
     “So?” Jackson gestured. “Devon’s a piece of snit now, I mean he’s a filthy hybrid like me right? So suddenly his supply skills are worth....nothing. Filthy disgusting hybrid bastard. I’m the son of a fox pounded slut right? Might as well kick us off the boat?” Jackson called for the Master Chief but a rabbit stood up and snapped at him....

    “What are you doing?!” The angry bunny asked.

    “Devon’s worthless and I’m worthless because we’re filthy hybrids. My mother’s a slut and my father’s a dirty fox so what worth am I? Devon and I are worthless so we might as well get processed out...”

     “Don’t be stupid Wilde?” The bunny yelped. 

     “Why don’t you ask the ten rabbits sitting in the base brig over in Sandy Point what they were thinking? Be honest all of you? How many of you think Seaman Gilly’s a piece of snit because he’s gay? Worse yet? He’s sleeping with a male wolf and don’t think “he” has an easy life for it? How many of you think that Seaman Gilly is a threat to all bunny-dom? That if he’s not stopped right now and forced to change who he is to fit “your” comfort zone that the whole bunny species is going to go extinct? Honest question?”

      One of the gun room handlers stood up. “I don’t get the big deal myself, I mean come on? the Bunny Borough population counter keeps ticking up like crazy. One bunny alone is going to reverse that? And what did they do? They suckered Gilly into a compartment and jumped his tail, what cowards! If you don’t like him? At least give him the decency of honestly and tell him to his face!”

     Another bunny stood up...”But the scriptures in the book of rabbits speak time and time again the importance of family and broods! That only male and female can keep our species going. What? Are we going to find a way to put a uterus in Gilly’s stomach so he can get pregnant?”

     Another bunny jumped up. “The scriptures say nothing at all about bunny’s choosing to be gay or that that’s a crime?”

     “But rape is a crime in the book! Incest is a crime in the book! They bring nothing good to the whole warren! What good does a.....what good does a gay rabbit bring to the growth of our families?”

     “What good did ten idiots do for all of us by assaulting a shipmate who hasn’t done a damn thing wrong!” Came another shouting rabbit.

     “How can I take a shower now, knowing this “peter puffer tail” could be meat shopping flames in my butt?!” Another bunny snapped.

     “You don’t have an ass worth a gaze Winnerwill.” a rabbit joked. “Look at his uniform pants? Saggy ass right there!”

(room full of laughter)

       Jackson waved his paws around....”All right! enough!” He screamed. Jackson allowed the room to quiet down....

      “Let me come to point....” Jackson said, then he took a moment to pause....”We just lost ten of our shipmates over pointless stupidity, over something the prophet says in the good book that “we”.....as rabbits are forbidden to do!

“Chapter 30, Paragraph 14, verse 5....And Lord Frith gave us freedom of ourselves, that each rabbit would be diverse from another and that one from another and so forth. It is detestable for one rabbit to force another to his will for such brings displeasure, strife and heartache to the warren. Let reason, gentle conversation and discord tempered by affection rule over domination for in this the warren shall thrive. In the end all rabbits are one nation.”

       “One nation....let that sink in my friends? Yes....I am a hybrid...Devon is a hybrid...Gilly’s gay....we’re all our own traits and quirks and talents and thoughts but together? We’re all on the same ship! Every one of you right now can not be replaced...that takes time! It takes time to bring everyone up to the performance level we all need to survive, we don’t have time for stupid, ignorant, bull snit like what happened!”

        “We needed those ten shipmates we lost just as much as we need Seaman Gilly to keep doing what he’s been doing every day since he got to this ship. Every rabbit lost can not be easily replaced and every loss makes us weaker....not stronger. I don’t know about any of you but...I don’t want to tred water. If we lose this ship in a fight because we’re weaker than we should be everyone? We all go swimming....and guys?....I can’t tred water! We rabbits....and yeah I said that...we rabbits can’t swim very good! Look at each other because right now? We’re all we have, we have to depend on each other or everyone dies!”

         Jackson took a moment to think. “I’m asking all of you...I’m begging all of you not to throw Gilly into a prison of isolation. Not to live by old stupid prejudices that rip away more talent that we desperately need...guys...if you can’t see what’s going on in the world right now then you’re blind and stupid. This is not the time for prejudices and ignorance when our mothers and fathers and kinfolk and warrens are under the threat of death. We could be in the fight of our lives within weeks, perhaps hours and when the bullets start flying who gives a damn fluck in hell what Seaman Gilly is doing in his own bedroom?! That thinking will get all of us killed!”

        Jackson sighed....”I’m done talking...I can only say last that I know Gilly and he’s the best friend I have....hell....a lot of you as my friends are irreplaceable.....all of you as rabbits are irreplaceable. I know I’ve been talking a little long but I speak from my heart. I’m asking all of you to think of what matters the most to you....to each of you....and do the right and just thing as the prophet or whatever guides your thoughts to do...don’t abandon a bunny out in the cold. Don’t sacrifice the ability of this ship to function at its best or all of us will be in the same snit soup and buried in the same coffin. That’s all I have to say.” 

         Jackson walked out, leaving the rabbit to mull over his sayings.

Nick and Judy’s house
Downtown
8am
September 15,2020

        “Eeeeeeep......eeeeeeeep.” Nick’s smart phone rang on his study desk as he sat sketching on a pad of drawing paper his idea for a small garden at the new cottage while Judy prepared breakfast...

       “Nicholas Wilde.” Nick said as he tapped the phone.

       “Good morning Nick.” The voice of Pop Bearenstain sounded. “How are you this morning?”

        “Hey Pop. Just waking up to the morning coffee.” Nick replied.

       “Well you’ll be happy to know that we’ve decided to buy your house by the agreement.” Pop said. “I’d like to set the time so the wife and I can come over and finish all the documents.”

        Nick took a deep breath...”Excuse me Pop...” He turned his head to the doorway...”CARROTS?! POP BEARENSTEIN IS ON THE PHONE! THEY’RE BUYING THE HOUSE!”

       The sound of Judy bouncing around the kitchen made Nick chuckle...”Oh great Pop. Now I have to put up with her wall bouncing all day long, thanks.”

       “Glad to be of service.” Pop Bearenstein replied. “Of course we’ll make ample time for you and the misses to get settled in your new home before we start moving in but we’re so happy for the house and for you Nick.”

      “I’m sure it will give you many good years Pop. Let me get breakfast and I’ll call you back to set up the closing meeting ok?” Nick replied.

      “Fine by me.” Pop replied. “Hear from you soon.”

      Nick clicked off the phone and went to get up....

      Then he fell hard to the floor.

      “OW!” Nick yelped as he tried to move....”Oh kay? Don’t panic...Um.....CARROTS?!”

      “Yes Nick! Breakfast is almost ready!” Judy replied buoyantly.

      “Um.....Carrots?!” Nick yelped again. “I....I kinda need some help?!”

       Judy came to the study door...”Nick?!” She cried as she dropped to her knees. “Nick?!”

       “Now....don’t pass a cow Carrots? I went to get up and I flopped. And.....right now I can’t feel my legs, talk about bad timing, warranty expiration...” Nick said as Judy carefully laid him on his back.

       “I’ll call Jag...” Judy said as she pulled out her cell phone. “You can’t feel anything?”

      “Well I certainly can’t lift my legs.” Nick replied. “Let me see if I can open my zipper and get a hard on.”

       “Nick? Really?” Judy sounded worried.

       “Carrots? I’m just making light of a situation that’s got me shivering like crazy.” Nick said as he waved a paw around. “Well if all goes South, I can make a nice book end or a door blocker or...a tire block.”

       It wasn’t long before Jag showed up. “Nick? You ok?”

      “I wanted to see what it’s like being an ant.” Nick said smiling. “No Jag...I went to get up and flop...now my legs won’t move.”

      Jag looked at Judy...”You better call “nine eleven”, we can’t move him.”

      “I’m calling Jackson first.” Judy worried.

      Nick grabbed her phone. “Don’t you call him and get him upset?” He snorted.

     “Nick!” Judy yelped.

     “Carrots?” Nick replied with a pointed paw finger. “Until a doctor says I’m a floor mat, you don’t call Jackie. Last thing I need is him flying through the city upset. This could just be a temporary discomfort. Do you really want Jackie upset?”

      Judy paused....

     “Judy? Do not call the boy. He’s got enough to think about. But call “Fen Fen”, can’t keep the little guy in the dark.” Nick said. “Jag? Get the drawing pad off my desk? I want to show Judy my idea for our new home garden.”