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.
(Artist ownership) Fievel and Tony Totoni from American Tail
(Artist ownership) Pixy and Dixy from Joe Hanna and Will Barbera
(Artist ownership) Lola Bunny from Space Jams

Chapter 40: Bye Bye Gazelle part 2

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
5pm
September 15,2020

        All the officers, Chiefs and representatives who were in the officer’s ward room when Kawam-ura took off his hoodee top sat in stunned silence for what seemed like an eternity until Gazelle spoke...

        “Please forgive me everyone? I had to risk bringing our guest on board like this to maintain his silence until the proper moment. I am so sorry I did this.” Gazelle pleaded.

        Commander Winsor stood up...”It was a dangerous risk indeed Miss Gazelle but since he’s on here now? Not much we can say or do can we? Since you intend to introduce him to the public during the concert.”

        Commander Tedder growled....”You brought him on OUR ships and he has seen OUR weapons and some of OUR inner workings close up.”

        Kawam-ura replied. “Excuse me Sir? Back in my own country I was from a simple farming family and we were NEVER allowed to see anything of OUR military so I very much sincerely doubt I would know a bolt or screw on your ship from anything else nor would I care about it. I do care about my country deciding to act stupidity and start a war with mammals that have shown me no harm nor provided any reason for me to hate them.”

       And just to be a wise hump....Morty phrased Kawam-ura’s words in Kzin. “How do you like that.....bitches?! “snap!”

       Gazelle gave Morty a displeased stare....”Morty? That was uncalled for?”

      “I’m sorry Gazelle...just putting it out there. I mean....Sirs? I have learned so much from my friend Kawam-ura about the Kzinti and believe me the risk we took to bring him on here was less than keeping him shut up in a safe house until the Kzinti shoot rockets or shells or whatever up our butts. Maybe he goes out there on stage and makes a case his fellow Kzinti will respect? Maybe he goes out there and they decide to start a war? Maybe we take him back home, shut him up and they decide to clobber us? Damned if we do and double damned if we don’t. We’ve tried everything we could and at least after tonight we can say we did ALL that we could.”

       Everyone in the room looked to be in agreement with Windsor walking up to Kawam-ura and offering his morphed hand....”Well then? Welcome aboard our ships and good luck tonight Mister Kawam-ura.”

      “Thank you Sir.” Kawam-ura replied with a bow. “Most kind of all of you. I will do what I can for the good of our shared cultures.”

The Destroyer Growler
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
5pm
September 15,2020

      Jackson and Darla arrived aboard the ship and made their way to “The Pit” on the bow of the destroyer which sat below the spanning stage that had been built across all three ships. The pits were for the “little ones” , the rodents up to the Mustaids, the mice up to the Otters and rabbits of whom Gazelle had a heart for...

      Gilly had a blanket and chairs set up for all three of them and Will once he’d finished his part in the concert to come....”About time.” Gilly said as he patted the blanket. “I was starting to think you two weren’t coming.”

      Gilly paused for a moment...”How’s your Dad Jackie?”

     “He’s my Dad.” Jackson replied. “Ask me if anything’s going to stop my father? My question is? How are you?”

      “I’m not frowning and I’m here.” Gilly replied. “Once again those golden lips of yours work things out...which is why I want you to do something you might thing I’d never ask for in a million years.” Gilly said as he leaned over to whisper...”Get our shipmates back here. Maybe not every one of them? But at least try?”

       Jackson was stunned....”Now wait a minute Gilly? What they did was...”

      “All I have to say is....Dawn Bellweather?” Gilly replied. “Your mom did something that wasn’t expected, I have to try the same thing. I have to be forgiving and be willing to give second chances and you’re right. We need experience we can’t replace.”

       Jackson looked at Darla and sighed....”Look...Gilly? I know Dawn Bellweather “tried” to have my mother killed but those bunnies beat the snot out of you and they threatened to “rape you”! That’s far worse than you should be forgiving for. Ignorant, stupid or not? They deserve to sit in prison.”

      Gilly pursed his lips. “It’s my life and my choice Jackie. Sometimes? You have to be willing to take a risk that while to some is completely crazy? It’s completely necessary. Those guys we need on our crew! Fireman first class Clinic? Yeah....stupid, stupid, stupid thing to do but who with no doubt is the best Damage Control monitoring mammal around? Engine Mechanic Bruster? Fixes engine gripes like no mammal’s business. “We can’t afford” to have them rotting in cells or booted to the street and I won’t press charges, I already told the Master Chief flat out that I won’t support any charges. I want them back because we need them!”

     “How did Will take it when you told him this?” Jackson asked. “Don’t lie to me and say he didn’t get a little pissy at you?”

     “At first? “Am I fricken crazy?” I blamed you as my “bad influence” meme.” Gilly snickered. Then after explaining my reasons? He still thought I was “Crazy as all get out.” Just....reduced crazy by ten or so points. But like I told Will...my choice, end of story.”

      Jackson shook his head as Darla leaned over his shoulder...”You’re sure you want to do this?”

      “Yes I am.” Gilly replied. “We need them back. You can’t replace good talent. And then maybe Jackie could throw some of that mafia stuff in their big floppy ears maybe?”

     “I would say no....” Jackson said....”But you’ll probably persist me till I do. Sometimes Gill? You can be an annoying snit?”

      “Yeah...I’m hopeless.” Gilly answered back as he wrapped an arm around Jackson. “Why you forgave me in boot camp is what drove me to do the same for these guys so....your fault there buddy bunny.”

      Jackson replied...”Bunny/fox.....bunny/fox.....”

     “What ever.” Gilly replied with a snort. “Just work those lips of yours and help them out Jackie? Please?”

      Darla snickered...”Really Gilly? “Work those lips?”

     “Oh....get your mind out of the gutter diver girl?” Gilly snickered back as he pushed Darla over. “They’re just about ready to start things up! WOOOOOOOOOO! WOOOOOOOOO! Will better get his part over early, I do not want to sit here by myself all night! WOOOOOOO!”

ZOO Television Special from the Witty Arson Bridge
September 15,2020
6pm

      The camera high atop one of the towers of the Witty Arson Bridge showed the masses of Mammality that were collecting from both the Borough side and the City Side of Zootopia to gather at the center where below the Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York were tied together with a stage spanning their bows. Boats of every size were collecting around the warships and already a band was already playing and helping technicians to set up the acoustics.

      “Good evening gentle-mammals and fellow Zootopians! This is Clara Cougar with Peter Panda here atop the Whitty Arson Memorial Bridge as the festivities kick off on what will be Gazelle’s final concert season as she retires from 25 years of musical memories. Peter, it’ been some 25 years for this beautiful mammal some have dubbed “Zootopia’s Angel.”.

      “What can you say Clara. She’s certainly unique in Zootopia’s musical history. The other nick name that has fit Gazelle so well is “The Old Rock Steady” and after many interviews over the years she’s remained as simple and as pure a Gazelle as she was when she first broke on the music scene on ZOO’s “Zootopia’s got talent” 25 years ago. She really has been “an angel” whether giving her profits to her favorite charities or standing up for various causes, Gazelle has remained simple, loving and generous. You can’t deny however that she ramped up Zootopia’s musical industry and tonight she’s doing this first concert absolutely free for the benefit of our Sailors and Marines and the wider city because we are living in precarious times.”

       “Yes we are Peter....tonight gentle-mammals, Gazelle’s theme is simple...it’s “peace”, it’s what we all want I believe and Gazelle informed us that a special guest will appear tonight to speak directly not only to our city but to the Kzinti home islands, it will probably be Mayor Leo which is our guess here but Gazelle has a talent to surprise so you never know. Right now performing on the stage that’s spanning the three Navy Destroyers below us is the up and coming camel group from Sahara Square “The House of Grain” let’s go below to the ZOO drone crew and watch as this celebration of Gazelle’s 25 years gets under way!”

“Put the Packs on my back, let me begin
dromedary in the wind, Sand thinks it can knock me down and win
I won't ever slack up, punk you better back up
Try to roll me and our whole crew will act up
Get up, stand up (c'mon!) see'mon throw your hands up
If you've got the feeling, jump across the ceiling

        “JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!” “JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!” “JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!” Darla, Jackson and Gilly joined every other bunny in leaping off the deck and coming back down in a crazy experiment to see if they could get the Growler’s bow to bounce in the water! It ended up in a piled up giggle fest between them....

        “WOOOOOOO!” Gilly howled as he waved his arms over his head. “WOOOOOOOO!”

        Jackson wrapped his arm around Gilly’s shoulders...”I am so glad to see you happy Gil?!”

        “Why shouldn’t I be?” Gilly replied. “We’re going to “tie the knot” the bunny replied with a paw gesture and a smile.

         Darla gasped. “You guys are going to union?”

        “Union bull cookies.” Jackson snorted. “Just call it marry ok?” He hugged his friend. “I’m so glad for the two of you! Now me and Darla have to plan for “YOUR” wedding.”

        “I....You can’t be the best mammal though Jackson.” Gilly said. “I wanted that but Will’s already asked a close friend of his. Doesn’t mean you can’t be like a “co-best” you know?”

       “Well....we....Darla and I....get to plan your wedding and maybe pay for you two to have a lot of “comfort time” together. And if you tell me I’d spend too much money? I’ll be so insulted so shut it.”

      Gilly wrapped his arms around Jackson and Darla and snuggled them both...”Enough time for everything, let’s enjoy tonight? Oh snit! Sugar Sweet Giraffe’s coming on!”

Stu and Bonnie’s home
September 15,2020
6:30pm

      Judy peaked into her parents room and she could at least draw a tender smile as she saw her father back to his old self with Bonnie softly nuzzling his chin. Gazelle wasn’t their speed and the expected excitement and light shows were going to be too taxing to Stu’s condition so Judy gently closed the bed room door and walked back to the living room where Nick was sitting upright and in his anthro form enjoying the TV coverage of the event...

     “I bet Jackson and Darla are up close to the stage and freeking out.” Nick said as Judy sat on the couch and pulled his paw into her lap.

     “To be that young 25 years ago.” Judy said. “Remember the Gazelle concert after the Savage Scare?”

     “Oh wow....” Nick replied. “We partied our tails off to like 3am.”

     “Too much carrot juice.” Judy said smiling.

     “Not enough magic tongue.” Nick returned with a sly smile.

    Judy pushed on him...”My Frith...is sex always on your mind Nick?”

     “Umm?” Nick replied with a gesture. “Who here is sitting on the couch right now, in her parents house mind you, dressed only in hot red silk panties?”

     “At least “I” am somewhat dressed there mister nudist in my parents house!” Judy snorted.

     “It’s not nudity if one is in an assumed form of “ferility” Nick replied as he morphed his legs into his foxy back legs....”See? Not exactly broken after all...though I still can’t walk so the ancient art of “humping” is gone forever, woe is me.”

     Judy stood on the couch and grabbed Nick’s jowls. “You can be broken down, dusty and old and I’ll still make you lose your mind there Mister Fox. Maybe after Gazelle we could...go into the back yard from some predator and pray and see how well you drive that cart of yours?”

      Nick smiled and hummed....”Mmmm...an interesting proposal there Mrs Wilde?” He said as he petted his wife. “I hope Jackson and Darla have like a hundred pups. How would we phrase them? Part fox, part bunny, part otter....how do you come up with a name for that cross breeding?”

      “Goulash.” Judy snickered. “Goulashia? Goulashins? Goulasha-bunottfoxy?”

       Nick gestured with a paw finger....”How about just....grandchildren?”

       “I am still too young to be a grand-bunny.” Judy replied. When Nick made a note to remind her of her forming silver hairs on her head...”Quit!” She snapped.

       “You’re going to love the job and you know it?” Nick snorted. “You’ve been wanting to change more diapers and blow on more tummies so don’t play me Carrots?” Nick warned as he pulled Judy into his lap....”Now let’s watch the show and scheme up ways we can turn our grandchildren into total hellion demon spawns on their parents?”

The Growler
September 15,2020
7pm

       Myler, Tanya and Albert sat together “up close and personal” on a troff built into the lip of the stage in a booth designed to reduce the noise and protect the hearing of the rats, mice and other small rodents who were part of the ships crews gathered for the concert. Tanya was especially “snuggy” as she divided her attentions between the two male mice as they all watched and listened as Sugar Sweet Giraffe swooned and walked over the length of the long stage...

      Albert hugged Tanya and snuggled under her chin...”So here’s how we handle the litter problem.” Albert giggled. “Me first....then “My My” and that’s it.”

      “That’s it?” Tanya replied with a head tilt. “That’s it?”

      “Well come on Tann?” Myler said as he waved his drink in his hand. “I mean we can only get so much family support fund for so many litters?”
       “I can’t believe this?” Albert said waving a paw. “We got Sugar Sweet Giraffe up there and we’re talking about litters and planning finances.”

        “Why don’t I just install a number ticker at the door of the bedroom?” Tanya said. “Number fifteen? Number fifteen next please?”

         “We’ll need a standard size mammal apartment for this?” Myler said as he watched the singing giraffe and took a swig of his mouse beer. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a litter yet. Got plenty of diaper experience though. I come from a huge family.”

          “My parents were satisfied with three.” Albert said. “My father’s a practical mouse. Clock making and repair is a simple job but it doesn’t pay a fortune. My parents tied their tubes after us three.”

         Tanya laid back and took the paws of both her future husbands...”Why don’t we forget all this talk and just enjoy the show tonight? We can scheme another time can’t we?”

        “She’s the brains of this family.” Myler said as he laid on his back. “Albert? About that request we put in to see if we could start a company while in uniform?”

         “Sent it already.” Albert replied. “Not a worry right now “My My”.” Albert said as he took off his big glasses and snuggled under Tanya’s cheek.

         “Glad you have our priorities set.” Myler said as he leaned down and softly kissed Tanya’s lips as the soft music continued and the other rodents were partying around them.

The Lanzoni Compound
Tundra Town
September 15, 2020
7:15 pm

       The Wolverine felt less threatened and more comfortable as he danced around the room throwing his hips about and doing an “air guitar” to “Finnix Skynix” as a group of Finnick Foxes on the television sang “Sweet Home South Savanna”...

       “Hey! Stop with the gay porn you silly snook?” Raymond growled. “Just because you won a pass doesn’t mean you can dance all over the house you silly bastard.”

       “Lucky you the boss has a good heart.....some times.” Kevin said as he pitched a cold can of Bear-n-Brau to Tall Pauley who enjoyed his grand son sitting on his lap clapping and shaking to the music....

       “You enjoy this the light of my life that shines brighter than the sun?” Tall Pauley said as he held the bear cubs paws and let the little polar bear dance on his lap.

       “I really am thankful for the understanding guys.” Bratko gates the Wisconsin Wolverine said. “It’s not like I’m thinking of who owns a car when I try to “lift it” (steal it) you know?”

        Raymond replied. “Count yourself lucky that the boss loves your talent.” The polar bear mafia capo replied. “Had it been elder Lanzoni? Gawd rest his soul...you’d be swimming in the ice right now you know? Always remember that every Lanzoni car starts with the letter “M”
and ends with the number 38 followed by an “M”. Don’t ask me any significance because I’m not in the know.” Raymond gestured to the television. “Sheesh....Gazelle’s really packed the talent into this show.” He said waving a soda in his paw. “Sheesh Pauley? Tonight would be a great night for our crews to go steal cars you know? Plenty of bars are gonna be filled with “droolers” looking at Gazelle’s wonderful “gams” and pawing their brains out.”

        “Boss said no.” Pauley replied. “Says it wouldn’t be fair and taking too many cars could end up being a stupid idea. Told all the crews to back down and relax.”  

The Shady Lady Bar n Grill
4th and Jerry Ave.
Little Rodentia
September 15, 2020
7:15 pm

       Tony Toponi leaned against the wall chewing on smokehouse almonds while his smaller side kick “Five” sat on a stack of wooden boxes hard focused on his smart phone...

       “What’s keepin yah?” Tony asked a little annoyed.

       “I’m just making sure of the model like you asked me.” Fievel replied.

       Tony looked across the street to his “mark” and then back at Fievel even more annoyed. “Come on?! By the time your done, these cheesy poofs are gonna be out and gone for cheese n crackers Five?”

       “And you’ll still be standing there pee’ing and going no where.” Fievel replied. “Let me do my work Tony?!”

       “I’m only being tolerant because you’re good at “pick outs” Five.” Tony huffed as he wiped a paw across his fluffy head tuft.

        “And.....done!” Fievel said as he hopped off the boxes and showed Tony his information. “That’s a standard Mark Six Mousa-zoni special. You can tell by the shape of the fenders. Basic with no frills, no “Chucky Cheese” (alarms) and no “Chitter Cheddar” (Lo Jack / GPS tracking)”

        “Yer sure?” Tony asked.

        “Absolutely.” Fievel said with a toothy smile.

        Tony gave Fievel a kiss on his head. “Sweet! I got the jack. Can you do the fixes in the usual time?”

       “Can you stop touching yourself long enough for me to finish?” Fievel snickered back.

        Tony gave off a smug look of confidence and counted as he and Fievel began to walk towards their “mark” looking up and down the street for any cars or cops.....”Three....two......one....GO!” Tony yelped as he and Fievel went “feral” the last fifty feet where Tony quickly threw a jack under the target car and lifted the side just enough for Fievel to slip under and start working through the electrical wire bundles and connections....

        “Ten seconds....” Tony said as he kept looking around.

        “Disabled.....disabled....disabled....” Fievel said as his back feet kicked around as he wiggled and shuffled his way around the car bottom....

        “Hurry it up five?” Tony warned.

        “Get your dick back in your pants.” Fievel snorted back as Tony popped the driver door open...

        “And.....boom!” Fievel yelped as he pulled himself from under the car, smacked the jack lock and allowed the car to flop onto all it’s wheels! “Go,go,go,go,go,go.....floor it Tony!”

        Tony made himself a Michael Bean meme....”One does not simply floor a Mousa-Zoni.”

        “Shut up and roll!” Fievel snapped into Tony’s ear and off the two mice peeled in their newly stolen car!

         “Five?” Tony said as he raised a paw....”I must deeply remind you as a friend about your very short temper....besides your very short stature and equally smaller mouse-hood....” 

         “Any slower and we’d be butt raped in prison.” Fievel snorted back. “What were you going to do? Take this thing on a test drive with an option to finance?”

         “And here you were having all kinds of phone sex looking up the information Five? Usually you’re “Johnny on the spot” when I ask?” Tony said as he rubbed the steering wheel of the mouse tailored sports car. “I am so tempted not to put the choppers to this baby. The leather still smells brand new. She’d make a hot gang car?”

         “Yeah....hot till we all got butt raped.” Fievel snorted.

         “Cheese? What is it with you and the prison pillow fetish here, like.....come on?” Tony asked.

        “I’ll explain later.” Fievel replied crossing his arms. “After we get this car to the shop. I’m still extremely upset after last night. I swear Tony...last night I wanted to wait till you were deep asleep then piss down your throat!”

        “Woe! Hostility here? Little mouse growing some big steel Naga’s.” Tony replied. “I said I was sorry ok?”

        “Hmph....” Fievel huffed. “I have a right to vent and you’re gonna listen. Right now? Let’s just concentrate on getting this car to the chop.”

67 Dewy Lane
Temporary “chop shop” of the Scritchy-Scratch Crew
September 15, 2020
7:32 pm

       Tony backed the stolen sports car into the makeshift garage that the rest of his crew had thrown together inside an old gas station next to another prize that was half way through being taken apart and slapped the hood as he climbed out of the driver’s seat...

       “Feast you eyes on this cherry boys!” Tony said as he threw his paws out. “I say she’s a keep but our walking brain trust says she’s gotta be whacked? Can you believe the nerve?”

       Dixy “Whistler” Hannah and his brother Pixy “Styx” walked up twirling tools in their paws...”Value plus parts plus returns plus liability plus profit equals.....she dies.” Dixy said as he studied the Mousa-zoni. “Plus she’s not cherry...I can smell the fluck juices in the back seat and....”

      Dixy took a knife and cut into the back seat bottom...”And she’s pregs with....pot and Novacine.”

      Tony stuck his head into the back seat....”Holy fluck a damn duck? How much you think is in here?”

     “Oh? The whole back seat? Bout 50/50 a bushel and a pussy shave.” Dixy snorted. “This car is super white hot.”

      “OH FLUCKEN SCORE!” Tony snapped! “SCORE! SCORE! SCORE!” The tall mouse yelped as he humped the air!

       Fievel tapped Tony on the back. “We have to dump it.”

      “Dump what?” Tony snapped. “Are you out of your fricken skull Five? There’s enough “Bambi Thumper” in there to get a hundred does (doe = female mouse/rat) pregnant at Raves and you want to dump it all?”

     Fievel reached into the back of the car, pulled out a stiletto, cut a piece of plastic off one of the bags and showed Tony....

      See? It says “Evidence”. We “lifted” a cop’s “Hump Rumper” (hump rumper = Narco infiltration prop) dump the stuff....chop the car.” Fievel snapped as he stuck his knife into the back seat rest of the driver’s side and walked off the garage floor and into a side room where Gazelle’s concert was playing on television....

       “Fluck....just flucken great.” Tony huffed. “So the snit in that back seat is worthless huh?”

       “Cut so weak it can’t get an ant hard.” Fievel snorted then he giggled. “Right now some cop is pissing in his pants trying to explain why his prop car got jacked. No wonder there was so much tracking stuff and alarm wires in that thing and it’s only a basic model.” Fievel snatched a soda from a little fridge. “Still? The parts are good and the car is near cherry. Jinxy should get a nice return sale from it.”

        Tony agreed and grabbed the television controller...”The concert’s going to like ten. You can not deny that Gazelle is still the most beautiful creature in the world Five? I sooooo want to get in her gams and lick her button...”

        Fievel snatched the controller and turned the television off....”Sorry, she can wait. I want to talk about last night.”

        “You’re still sore?” Tony yelped back. “The stupid “rainbow hopper’s” paying us 400 Zoo Bucks a month in protection money Five and you’re still mad?”

History note: Old New York Mobster Carlo Gambino made most of his money by extorting rich homosexuals with extortion and protection racks from the mid-1930‘s till his death in 1976 by playing a gay man in gay bars.

        “When were you going to show?” Fievel snorted. “I kept waiting and trying to be patient and that sick cotton tail was preparing to do some really freaky crap on me? What were you doing Tony? Getting off on it?”

        “You have to make sure the ”fish” is “solid” before you pull the line there Five. You bait em and I study them...that’s how it’s always worked.”

        “Well it isn’t “working” any more.” Fievel snapped. “Nah! I’m not doing that scam again Tony....no more. Why don’t you do the baiting? And don’t spill me all that “I’m top” stuff?”

        Tony waved his paws...”I don’t do it because you’re better than me at seducing, I mean you’re all cute and innocence and I’m all rough and un-attractive as all get out Five. Plus? You just look the part for it?” Tony sighed....”Ok....ok.....maybe I let the stupid cotton tail have more fun that he should have but we nailed him! This is our most productive scam Five? Come on? Don’t kill it because of one little “nag in the butt” please?” Tony pleaded....

        “Ok....ok.....I promise you kid.” Tony said as he got on his knees and took Fievel’s paws in his. “This coming pay day? I’ll give you a nice bonus to your cut? Go spoil yourself crazy! How’s that? Even better? You can spend a whole day spoiling Tanya like crazy, make your sister super happy like you always say you dream of doing. How’s that?” Tony asked as he rubbed Fievel’s shoulders. “Please Five? Don’t dump our best money maker?”

        “You? Stay away from my sister.” Fievel warned.

       “What the hell is turning your butt into a straw hole?” Tony replied shruging. “How did me and your sister enter the picture here? Just because I asked for just a little mental wizardry with our finances from her? You turn it into a superior court case?”

        “I don’t want my sister connected to us in any way Tony! Not a smudge, not a smidge, not a bite do you hear me?” Fievel snapped as he pointed into Tony’s chest. “She’s found herself two great Geek “swells” that I like and she’s super happy. If I have to be a bed squeeze for extra so you get the point then so be it but “YOU”.....”LAY OFF”.....”TANYA”....I mean it “Tone Tone”. You screw up my sister’s happiness and so help me I’ll make you regret it!”

         Tony rubbed Fievel’s chin and softly smiled. “You know? You are such a cute little mook when you’re angry?”

         “Oh....sit down and paw off to Gazelle you hopeless case?” Fievel huffed as he flopped into a chair next to Tony.

         “Five?” Tony said as he wrapped an arm around the smaller mouse. “You realize I value you like a thousand times more than just a pillow warmer don’t you? I mean....I feel it! We are so close to being “made” it’s not funny! And if I make it? You’ll be right next to me as my main gun, you the kid with all the brains and me with all “hoots” Just think Five? Our crew hooked to a family? One day we could build our own family? The Totoni Faction with you as my loyal under boss, ruling over all Little Rodentia. I so want that for you kid? Honest. That’s the focus of all my hopes and dreams Five...you and me paw n paw drowning in dough and forcing the other silly rats in this little city to bend over for us!”

          Fievel smiled softly....”Snit....like I could stay angry at you forever? I’m stupid to follow you Tony Totoni....stupid in love.”

         Tony kissed Fievel on the cheek. “Mono de Ermo me amore.” The taller mouse said as he clicked the television back on. “Next “spot” we go the female route.”

         Fievel snorted back....”You want me to “whack you” in rat sticky paper don’t you?”

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
7:49pm
September 15,2020

      It was one of the very rare times Simon Seville ever led a song, let alone had the opportunity to sit and swoon Gazelle personally as she sat holding a big bouquet of flowers Simon had given her.

     The upstaging by his older brother and what he felt was a “sub” to him had Alvin steaming and Theodore couldn’t help but give off a wry smile of delight while being entranced by Simon’s surprising soft voice as the tall chipmunk lightly swayed back and forth giving Gazelle soft paw gestures and penetrating gazes. How the three brothers could still manage to play the time and not have a break up over the tensions playing out was amazing...

I've had time to write a book
About the way you act and look
But I haven't got a paragraph
Words are always getting in my way
Anyway, I love you
That's all I have to tell you
That's all I've got to say
And now, I'd like to make a speech
About the love that touches each
But stumbling, I would make you laugh
I feel as though my tongue were made of clay
Anyway, I love you
That's all I have to tell you

    It was twilight now....the sun had just flashed below the horizon and the lights were starting to come on aboard the ships, the bridge, the surrounding boats and in the hands and paws of thousands of mammals as Simon finished his song and stood kissing Gazelle while gently petting her long snoot....

   “We’re going to miss you terribly Gazzy.” Simon said as he nuzzled Gazelle’s cheek and the whole scene went crazy with cheering mammals!

   Alvin huffed as he turned to walk off the stage but Theodore cut him off and poked his chest... 
“You go up to Gazelle and give her some due respect Alvin!” Theodore commanded. “Don’t you DARE disrespect her like this!”

    Alvin looked back as if he was in serious stage three jilt mode. He was hoping one of the other two would take the lead and see he wasn’t feeling up to the task....

    “Alvin?!” Theodore snapped. “Go!” The youngest Chipmunk snapped as he buffed himself up. “You want to make a scene? Fine by me. Then everyone can see you for the petty little “chip-punk” you’ve become.”

     Alvin sighed. no way he was going to fight with Theodore. He put on his best face as he walked by Simon...”That was a very nice song Simon. You....you sounded beautiful...”

    Simon smiled and touched a paw finger to Alvin’s nose. “Growing pains are bothersome, aren’t they little brother?”

    “Yeah...” Alvin replied. “Theodore’s right. Just took a while for that to sink into my stupid brain”

     Simon felt the sting from Alvin’s true feelings as the chipmunk walked towards Gazelle. Maybe Alvin was realizing he couldn’t remain young forever? Perhaps he’d caught the little silent messages being sent between Theo and Simon? Whatever the case....Alvin at the moment looked like he’d been hit with a tractor trailer....

     Gazelle gestured down to the stage floor. “Everyone? Alvin Seville.”

     As Gazelle reached down to pick up Alvin, the gathered mammals gave off quite a cheer for him but the melancholy didn’t melt....at least at first.

     “What is it Alvin?” Gazelle asked softly.

     Alvin took a deep breath and gestured toward Simon. “How about that everyone! Doesn’t my brother Simon have an awesome set of pipes or what? He should sing leads more often don’t you think? He really spends too much time in the background. I tell you, I could use a break for a while from singing any way.” Alvin’s voice suddenly brightened. “Simon you slug! Get out here and take more bows! My big brother Mister Awesome the Pawsome every body! Give em some thumpers!”

       Simon got pushed by Theodore back onto the stage to the adoring cheers and simply bowed before he walked off again...

       “The 2 by 4 suddenly smacked him.” Theodore said with a smirk.

       “Time will tell.” Simon replied as he crossed his arms. “I think you’re about to be challenged for my attention Theo?”

       “If he even ties, I’ll be amazed.” Theodore replied as he and Simon watched Alvin rev himself up to his cheerful self....

         “And let’s hear it for this wonderful walking field of sun flowers mammals! Isn’t Gazelle beautiful? You know how long I’ve tried to get a date with her but you know the music industry, we’re always way too busy for anything else save making good music and hasn’t she put way too much time into making good music for the rest of us? Doesn’t she deserve a break?”

         The mammals let out a glorious cheer as Alvin gestured. “Mister Monchess? Would you come out here please?”

         Monchess the black panther limo driver came out onto the stage with a small box in his paws as Alvin gestured from some background music to start. The melody of “Run to you.” began to softly play as Alvin turned to pet Gazelle’s snoot softly....

         “Gazelle? It took me like forever to find just the right parting gift. Myself and my brothers got into this business because you encouraged us when you first saw us singing together in that tree in the big park downtown if you remember? I...."we” just felt we needed to show you our appreciation and our love.”

        Alvin reached into the box and took out a beautiful golden chain with decorated gold and diamond tree hanging off a ring with a heart wrapped by a bow around the trunk...

        Theodore’s mouth dropped....”Where? When?.....how?”

         Simon leaned over....”The ogre can be a prince after all, can’t he?” Simon said as he stood strait with his hands behind his back. “You don’t think he saved like a pack rat for nothing do you?”

         Alvin fastened the necklass around Gazelle’s neck and wiped a tear from her eye...”An elegant Acacia tree for an elegant Acacia tree...”

         Alvin broke into “Run to you” as he gestured Simon and Theodore to quickly step into place and back him up as Alvin stood in Gazelle’s hoof hand and belted the song out with a passionate and high pitched emotional out pouring that brought the house down....

I wanna run to you (ooooooooooh)
I wanna run to you (ooooooooooh)
Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm?
I’ll run to you (ooooooooooh)
But if I come to you (oooooooooooh)
Tell me, will you stay or will you run away?

run awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay?
run awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay? BEOW!

 I need you here
I need you here to wipe away my tears
To kiss away my fears
No, if you only knew
How much I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Oh Won't you hold me in your arms?
And keep me safe from harm
I’ll run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away? 

     Alvin gave Gazelle a tender kiss on her nose, turned to the still cheering throngs and bowed, dropped the mic from his paw and waved as he and his brothers walked from the stage...

    “Did that meet your approval Theo?” Alvin asked.

    “I’m speechless.” Theo replied. “That was class act tops Alvin. Class act tops.”

    Alvin reached out and grabbed Simon’s paw....”Simon? I’ve been such a stupid, thick headed, brainless and thoughtless moron and I’ve treated you like trash. I’m sorry big brother.”

    Simon smiled. “What the heck has hit your head Alvin?”

    “I don’t know? But it was sure long over due.” Alvin wrapped his arms around his brothers. “Well? Our part’s over guys. Do we stay for the rest of the show or do we go out on the town and show em how Chipmunks can tear up stuff?”

    Theodore chip chuckled...”Wood chucking?”

     Simon nodded....”Wood chucking.”

     Alvin snickered...”Oh we are so going to chuck some wood. We’re gonna get so “chucked” it won’t be funny.”

     “Just as long as they don’t put me in a cell with a fat muskrat named Bubba? I’m gain.” Theodore said with an evil grin.

General Bug’s home
Savanna Central
7:59 pm
September 15, 2020

     Lola came into the living room where her husband sat with his two aides and placed tall glasses of drinks and beer before each one as they sat watching the show...

     “Is the counsel still in debate?” Lola asked Bugs as he sat wearing his favorite evening coat and nibbled on a large carrot.

     “No...they are all probably on those ships? As if I might expect them to put Gazelle before the city? Oh think of the insult that is to our very august body? They probably said...”That crazy rabbit should be tossed into a Hausenfeffer salad.”

    “It was a supreme effort Miss Lola.” “Wild E” said. You would have been proud of him.”

     “There you go “Wild E” buttering yourself for promotion again.” Bugs replied. “If any of them change their tune, I will be shocked.”

      Lola smiled...”Gazelle sings so passionately.”

      “Yes.” Bugs replied. “Like a calm rain before the thunderstorm hits. But I won’t lie. I love to listen to her softer stuff before bed. I hope she still considers making some music after she retires, would be a loss to have to find anyone equal to her talent. She’s like a vintage carrot wine resplendently chilled.”

       A phone ring caused Porky to get up from his seat and pick up a receiver in the living room. “Good evening, this is the residence of General Bugs 2nd Fleet Marine Division. This is his Aide De Camp Porkerton.”

      Porky was on the phone for five minutes before he bid the caller a good night. “Yes Madam speaker...I will tell the General your regards and your message.”

      Porky walked to the television and turned it down...”Sir? The counsel speaker wishes me to tender to you the reply of the counsel.”

     Lola took her husband’s paw. “Dare they to dismiss you.”

    “Easy Lola.” Bugs said as he pet her paw. “Proceed Porky.”

    “Madam speaker tenders to you the counsel’s deepest respect for all your years of military service. They observed that you have now reached the mandatory retirement age however, the counsel rejects any mention or intention of seeking your retirement. Effective immediately, your retirement is suspended for as long as your physical and mental health continue to be within standards.” Porky said.

     Bugs chuckled...”Which won’t be long because everyone thinks I’m crazy.”

     “Darling?” Lola said slapping her husbands paw. “Continue Porky.”

     “As to your speech to the counsel this afternoon. The counsel accepts the core of your arguments given the atmosphere and general world situation. However, The counsel can not begin to take the effective steps you so passionately and logically argued for until an expected event yet to come during Gazelle’s concert which the counsel says is of the deepest gravity and importance. The result of this event is considered crucial to the counsel’s final proposal which will be sent to Mayor Leo. The hopes of all Zootopians may very well rest upon this event. Once again...the counsel applauds the general for his forceful, honest and sincere devotion to the country and offers the General it’s deepest respect and admiration. The speaker tenders.” Porky stood with his hands behind his back....”My gawd Sir.....My Gawd if you don’t ever cease to amaze me.”

       Lola hugged her husband as “Wild E” walked up to shake his paw...”Crazy my tail. Crazy as a fox and powerful as a lion. Well done Sir.”

      Bugs was quiet for a moment before he bowed his head...”Lord Frith of Inlay...blessed be thee who watches over us. I guess it’s up to Gazelle now...what ever she has planned?”

       Bugs turned to “Wild E”. “I want you to issue to all commanders in the 2nd Division, from me, that there will be a mandatory conference with me personally tomorrow after Gazelle’s performance tonight. Put some emphasis to the order....call it....”War Order One” no excuses will be accepted for missing it if they see that in red on the letter head.

      “You’re sure?” “Wild E” asked. “War Order One?”

      “We might as well get to shopping for party favors, ice cream and cake before the shelves get picked clean. I hate being shorted and I want to be the first to give the other guy his gifts. Do as I tell you “Wild E”....War Order One.”

      “Wild E” saluted. “Yes Sir.....War Order One.”

       “Also?” Bugs asked. “Send a note to Colonel Faceman (otter) on the Outbacks from me through our personal message board....Start....Make all preparations with what you have for a fleet imposed invasion. Make all actions for protecting civilians with the island governance to the best an extent as possible and be quick about it. Expect invasion from this moment into when ever. Best of luck and hold on. General Bugs sends....Stop.”

       “Get that out too.” General Bugs commanded as he turned the television back up. “Never thought an issue so dire as life or death would hinge on a popular singer. Would make for a good television series...maybe call it “Furbo-Tech” or something.”

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
8:15pm
September 15,2020

“I’m Gazelle....Welcome to Zootopia.”

     Gazelle broke into her signature song..."Try Everything”....As she strutted over the stage with her dancing tigers going through their motions and the lights bouncing over the war, flashing off the Witty Arson Bridge...

“Till I reach the end...then I’ll start again!” TRY EVERYTHING! TRY EVERYTHING!TRY EVERYTHING!”

     She had been dressed in a two piece bikini suit until she started walking across the growler then on cue a sea of mice bounded from the small bleachers on the edges of the stage and climbed all over her in their service dress blue uniforms until she looked like a Sailor wearing a living and morph’ing uniform that flashed or reflected lights as the “little ones” held mirrors or swing light sticks or flashed colored cards...

    “Everyone! Every here and everywhere! Right now! Give your neighbor a hug! Give your friend a hug! Give your spouse a hug! A skunk? Yes....skunks need hugs too, don’t be shy even a porcupine can shake a paw! Show everyone why we’re hear! Show the world they shouldn’t fear! We are Zootopia! Friend is our name and friendship is everyone’s gain!”

       Hugs and kisses were flying wild. Up on the wing bridge of the Growler, Gilly felt himself lifted off his feet and a pair of moist lips met his as his wolf kissed and snuggled him...”Mmmm...sorry it took so long?” Will said passionately.

       “Kiss”...”I let our secret out. Sorry?” Gilly said as he pointed to Darla and Jackson.

       “Congrats Will.” Jackson said with an extended paw. “You two make a sweet couple.”

        “I wasn’t ready to make the announcement.” Will replied smiling. “But....better late than never huh? I think that’s going to end up being “small potatoes” to what’s about to happen.”

       As Gazelle finished her number, the mice leaped from her body. No longer was she wearing a bikini...now she wore a flowing white dress and she finished her number by giving the audience a deep bow. As she did so, the 40 millimeter cannons on all the destroyers blasted rounds into the sky where they exploded in brilliant colors above the Witty Arson Bridge. Gazelle then stood and waved at all the gathered mammals....

      “Thank you....I want to thank you all this evening for such a strong showing as this. Tonight this concert is being sent by radio and video signals to Kzin in the hope that they’ll see us for who we all are. None of us want war, certainly not our Sailors and Marines that are here tonight, Zootopia wants nothing nor do we ask for much nor will we demand nor will we force others to our beliefs and will....but what we will ask for and with great earnest stand for....is peace among all mammals large and small. Do we all agree on that?” Gazelle asked and the mammals of Zootopia responded with cheers.

       “Tonight, there has been a quick addition to this concert. For months now, a very special visitor to our country has been among us....watching our daily lives....listening to our daily words. He has come here tonight to speak to all of you and with hope to his own country. Please remain calm and give him your attention and your respect for the difficulty he faces here. He is my friend....he is all your friend and he may very well be the last hope of peace. You may come out now Tomodachi Kawam-ura-san?”

       All eyes turned to the many television screens and to the ship’s hatch where Kawam-ura had to duck to step out. The moment he stood filly erect...an audable gasp, a deep sounding grown and cacophony of different reactions sounded from the ships, from the boats, from the Arson Bridge and from many homes and buildings across Zootopia....

      “Is?......Is that?” Jackson asked Will as he pointed down. “Is that?”

      Will waved a paw as he held a very attentive Giddy....”Told you our getting “union’d” isn’t worth a shock?”

General Bug’s home
Savanna Central
8:29 pm
September 15, 2020

“Oh.......fluck.” Lola blurted out as she looked down at the food tray she’d just dropped to the floor as she looked at the television.

“You swore Lola?” Bugs said shocked. “Now there’s a historic moment.”

“That’s a Kzinti isn’t it?” “Wild E” asked as he pointed. “That’s a Kzinti. Tiger’s don’t get that big. That’s a Kznti.”

“Yes “Wild E”...a good observation.” Porky snorted. “Now am I a pig or a bovine?”

Stu and Bonnie’s home
September 15,2020
8:29pm

“Oh.....fluck.” Bonnie Hopps said as she stood gasping at the door to the living room. Jut so happened that she had to catch Nick doing something “naughty” between her daughter’s legs...

“Um?......Bonnie? I can explain....I can explain.....” Nick gasped as he sat waving his paws while Judy covered herself. Nick then realized what Bonnie was shocked about when he turned to look at the television....

“Oh......fluck.” Nick chirped. “Uh? Carrots?”

Judy sat pouting...”So much for a....” Then she watched the television. “Oh.....fluck.”

Fancy Fanny’s boat
September 15, 2020
8:29pm

     The ruse to separate Kimba from the rest of the party and have him all to herself in the sleeping cabin below worked like a charm, my that young wolf was a genius. Here was Fanny nude and showing off her sublime female cheetah perfection to this most rare of lions and probably a most responded virgin male. What she was about to do could get her a statutory rape charge...never mind all the sudden commotion outside as if something terrible had just happened, nothing was going to stop her from getting some White Lion seed in her belly....save when Kimba pointed his paw towards the below deck television and shouted....

“OH FLUCK! LOOK!” The White Lion Middling yelped.

“I do declare you gorgeous white beauty?” Fancy snorted. “You should be happy to lose your cherry to someone as cultured and elegant as myself why that Gazelle has nothing on my...”

“Oh shut up Fancy and look at the television!” Kimba said earnestly.

Fancy turned to look at the television and slowly cocked her head. “Well? I do declare? Fluck!”

“Yeah....a big fat fluck!” Kimba snorted. “You know? At first I didn’t like you being such a stuck up, puss the face Cheetah? But you know what Fancy? Fluck the Kzinti, Fluck Gazelle, Fluck everyone on the boat, in the harbor, in the city, my Dad, My Mother, my sister and all that White Lion mystical honor crap! Fluck the TV!....get down here so I can mount your gorgeous tail and you can score a “stat rape point” on your blotter sheet!”

Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD Savanna)
Quanaco Fleet Marine Base, Savanna Central
September 15, 2020
8:29pm

   “Dori?! Get out of the way!” Ori snapped. “I can’t see the box?!”

   “No one can see the television damn it!” Private Jo-quim (A Bengal Tiger) snarled. “Someone pull that fluff out of the way?!”

   “Look at the size of those paws!” Dori gasped as Nori snatched his shirt.

  “We can’t “look” with you hogging the set!” Nori snorted as he half dragged Dori to a chair. “Sit down?”

   “It’s huge!” Dori snapped as he threw his paws out. “It has to be like ten feet tall! A polar bear doesn’t get that big!”

   “You’re blowing it way out of the proportions.” Powen said as he studied the Kzinti on the television. “Doesn’t look any different than any other tiger....save.....the teeth are....pretty big.”

    Owen caught Powen gulping spit. “Usually you’re more calm?”

    “Usually you don’t see a Tiger “This big” Owen?” Powen replied holding his paw over his head. “I think we all need bigger guns. Someone needs to tell the armory to start mass producing Nori’s BAR rifle like yesterday.”

    “Told you the bastard would get some use.” Nori snorted. “I could cut that big bastard in two.”

   “I bet you that the brass are dropping pellets all over the floors right now over this?” Owen said as he leaned forwards in his chair.

      “Bro?” Nori asked as he turned in his chair to face his brother. “You are going to send that request up through the chain of command right? That we all get posted together in the same unit?”

    “I’ll do my best Nori.” Owen replied. “But it’s standard policy that brothers and sisters should serve in different units so a whole crop isn’t slaughtered in one shot.”

    Dori sat on the floor in front of Owen. “But you’ll have the rank of Sarge right out of Boot Owen? Best marks in our class? That has to count for some persuasion right?”

    “If they deny us?” Ori snorted. “I’ll go fricken AWOL. We can’t be separated.”

    “Now don’t start that snit again Ori? And you won’t get spanked....you’ll get shot.” Owen warned. “Don’t you go doing something stupid? I’ll work all this out after graduation. Right now? This big cat on the television demands a little attention.”

     Owen felt his smart phone hum and he answered it with a swipe. A moment of happiness caused him to smile as he turned the phone to his brothers...”Look what Judy sent? Father and Mother.” He said as he showed the picture of the boy’s parents in loving embrace in bed. Owen held out his paw as he gently kissed the screen as his brothers placed their paws one atop the other....

Owen: That’s why we’re here brothers. Home and family always right?

Powen: Ma....Pa.....we love you so much.

Nori: We love em is right, huh Door Door?

Dori: No question

Ori: Not a damn doubt. Let those Zinti bastards dare fluck with us Hopps boys or our Momma and Paw or our family!

Owen: Here flucken here skippy.

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
8:29 pm
September 15,2020

      The mice and small critters looking up at the Kzinti as he passed them by were on the verge of panic yet re-assuring paws and gripped shirts held each firm. Gazelle wouldn’t let this filthy cat lay a hand on them...

    “My......word.” Albert said as he adjusted his glasses on his face to try and fit as much of the towering “super tiger” into his view as he could.

     “My word?” Myler snapped. “My word? That’s all you can say this this monster?!”

    “I suppose the proper vernacular at the moment would be? “Oh Fluck!” “Holy Fluck! “Fluck!” “Fluck me running!” “Damn Fluck!” or some sort of corruption of the copullary vocabulary maxim?”

     Tanya sat with her arms crossed and a paw under her chin in curiosity. “I find him fascinating.”

     “Tanya?!” Myler snorted. “Stop scoping his package? What’s gotten into you?”

     “He is exceptionably endowed.” Albert said smirking.

     “Oh Cheese n Crackers! He’s a walking death machine and the two of you are judging his reproductive organ?! This relationship has entered Bizaro-Land and I want no part of that E Ticket ride to hell I can tell you.”

      “I don’t feel all that threatened “My My”.” Albert said as he pointed up. “I think they would show more interested in “bigger game” than us small fries any way?”

     “But a lot of us small one’s make up a good box of fries there Albert.” Myler snorted back.

     For his part...Kowam-ura was just as nervous as every other mammal and he feared doing something stupid like tumbling over his tail or forbid he step on a poor mouse trying to run across the stage. At last he reached out a paw and took Gazelle’s hoof hand...

    “Every one?! Every one please.....please remain calm.” Gazelle softly said as eventually silence came over the bay and the bridge above and the boats surrounding the destroyers and the city beyond as all waited with panting breaths...

     Gazelle continued...”Friends? Kawam-ura came from Kzin and has lived among all of us for many months with his friend Morty. Morty? Would you come up here please and translate for Kawam-ura?”

    Morty came onto the stage and accepted Kawam-ura’s warm embrace as the big tiger pulled him close to his side and spoke in his language...”The moment for all the world.” The Kzinti said softly.

   “Might as well rephrase that to....”For all the world’s marbles” Morty replied. “You can do this.”

    Gazelle took a moment to think....then she spoke ”Kawam-ura was not captured. He was not forced here. He was not kidnaped. He has not been mistreated. We cared for him because in the heart of every Zootopian is the meaning of the word “precious”. Kawam-ura is as precious to us as his country is precious, as every living mammal everywhere is precious in our thoughts and our hearts. Kawam-ura would like to speak to his country as much as he wants to speak to all of us. Please? Give him the moment he deserves for the hope of peace.”

     Gazelle handed Kawam-ura the microphone and then tenderly kissed him on his nose, which cause him to perk up his webbed shaped ears and return the gesture with a loving kiss on Gazelle’s nose....

      The big tiger took a moment to think to himself. Much was at stake....everything was at stake.

     “Mmmmm....Good evening.” Kawamura first said in Zootopian. “To my beloved countrymen, my fellow Kzinti, I give you good evening and blessings of joy and happiness as we are one kinfolk.”

      Morty replied....”Watashi no saiai no dōhō, watashi no nakama no kujinti ni, watashitachi ga shinzokudearu yō ni, watashi wa anata ni yoi yoru to yorokobi to kōfuku no shukufuku o ataemasu.”

      On the wing bridge of the Growler, Darla seemed to swoon as she leaned over the top rail. “It sounds so...gentle.”

     “Yeah....coming from a murderous fluck.” A reindeer sailor snapped from the Bridge door.

     “How about you listen and stop being a dumb ass?” Will snarled.

    “What did you say “butt plug” pup?” The reindeer snapped back. 

     Suddenly a hoof hand fell on the reindeer’s shoulder. “Leave...now....before I press charges on you.” Rudy Dolf commanded. “That’s a damn order there Petty Officer!”

     Jackson waved to Rudy. “Good to see you Sir.”

    “I’m still swallowing my tongue back into my mouth.” Rudy replied as he looked over the top rail. “Fluck...that Tiger is a monster!”

      ”Watashi no saiai no dōhō, watashi no nakama no kujinti ni, watashitachi ga shinzokudearu yō ni, watashi wa anata ni yoi yoru to yorokobi to kōfuku no shukufuku o ataemasu.” Morty repeated again. Then he gestured back to Kawam-ura.

      “My friends....my beloved country....many months ago...I made the choice of my own will, guided by my own curious nature, to make the dangerous departure from my beloved Kzin to the shore of Zootopia. I wanted to see the land and the many mammals so feared by my country. Who’s reasons for such fear be-fuddled and confused me personally.” Kawam-ura said. “I made this choice knowing full well it may mean my death both for defying the laws of my county and placing my life in the paws and hooves of those declared our enemy.”

      “My first contact here in Zootopia was with a fearless yet very kind Bunny Commander of the national police who astounded me with her courage and fearlessness yet spoke and treated upon me such tenderness and kindness that I could not bring harm upon her.”

Stu and Bonnie’s home
September 15,2020
8:35 pm

     Nick turned to Judy and smiled. “You always seem to have that effect on everyone?”

     “Trust me Nick.” Judy snickered back. “My panties and a pair of uniform pants didn’t survive the encounter.”

 The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
8:35 pm
September 15,2020

      Kawam-ura gestured to Morty. “My dear little Wakamoto no Tomodachi Morty, my very special friend, took me under his paws. He may be young but he is a youth wise in his understanding. I have been all around Zootopia. I have seen it’s many achievements, watched the happiness of it’s many mammals, observed much of its’ great culture and bore witness to its many fears of Kzin and my fellow Kzinti and I ask you.....my country....why do you mean your antagonism? What has fostered in you such hatred? This country and these mammals gathered here tonight....mean you no harm!”

      The throngs around the ships cheered until Kawam-ura waved his paws for silence.

     “I.....a son of Kzin. A father’s son of the lowest class am confused by this? Has Zootopia ever shown a single act of antagonism? Have they not....when their own citizens commit acts which violate their laws.....have they not acted swiftly to redress those wrongs? Have they not sent to you...my beloved country....messages pleading for talk? Pleading for understanding? Pleading for compromise and peace? Then in what manor of disrespect do you dare violate the very edicts you ask me...a low peasant son of our nation, to honor when you so disrespectfully without reason dishonor them yourselves?”

       The scene around Kawam-ura remained silent.

      “I can think of nothing which burns your hearts to wish so much hate and death upon these wonderful mammals than ignorance and a blind ambition of superiority, what else can possibly be so empty a reason? Will superiority feed our country? Will superiority increase our favor? Will superiority, and loneliness and fear and isolation of those different from us somehow increase the lot of every Kzinti? What do you propose to do my country? Set the world on fire? It is madness!”

General Bug’s home
Savanna Central
8:42 pm
September 15, 2020

      General Bugs was on his knees with his head bowed and his long ears drapped over his shoulders...

     “Sir? What are you doing?” “Wild E” asked.

    “I’m praying.” Bugs replied. “Get on your knees and do the same.” Bugs gestured. “Porky? Who do you pigs pray too? Brother Grim? Arm n Hammer? Spam?”

    Porky rubbed his chin. “To be honest Sir? I’m an atheist. But? Guess this mammal might need all the help he can get so....what the heck?”

    Porky dropped to his knees. “Frith of Inlay wouldn’t mind a pig asking for some favors would he?”

   “Don’t know.....don’t care.....just say something.” General Bugs said as he closed his eyes and prayed. “Frith in Inlay....I’m praying for a cat?! If I should explode or turn into a crazy hydra or melt in flames....it was nice knowing you all.”

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
8:47 pm
September 15,2020

    Kawam-ura continued.....”I know you...my country. I know what you intend, I am not stupid yet I call you blind! I call you mad! I call you stupid! And I call for you to listen to me! War is not the answer to our ancient fears! These mammal here tonight with me are NOT your ENEMY!”

    The throngs around the ships cheered until Kawam-ura waved his paws for silence.

    “I beg.....I beseech....I implore....I exclaim to you my beloved Kzin....to his most high and great majesty and father of our people oh most highest of Kzin!....Please! War is stupid! It will solve nothing for our country! We must not embrace death.....we must love life!”

     The throngs around the ships cheered until Kawam-ura waved his paws for silence.

     “These are not your enemies! It is you who seek to make them your enemies! If you make them your enemies....it is not they who will die but all of us will suffer! Where is the good in that my beloved Kzinti....my family! my kinfolk!” WHERE?!”

     “I beg you....do not pursue this path. Do not lust for this death. Do not embrace murder! For the good of all of us? Speak to us! Talk to us! Stop living in a coffin, craving for war!”
The throngs around the ships cheered until Kawam-ura waved his paws for silence.

      “I have given every last ounce of my heart and effort. Every thought and every beat of my heart is for you, my country and for these who would be our friends if but you would only break your walls of hate and ignorance and stretch out the paw to take this moment....I beg you. Do not throw us all into the same kettle of death? There is no worth in it! I have spoken to you my country, my kinfolk my beloved Kzin....please.....do not leave me an orphan of war....I beg you!”

      Kawam-ura lowered his head and sobbed and the scene around the ships simply exploded in a rapture of cheers, cries and noises that shook the Witty Arson bridge and traveled across Zootopia with the last desperate hopes and prayers that war would be avoided.

      But in Kzin...the minds were already made up...at least among those of the Imperial War Cabinet. It only took one Kzinti to set the whole machine into motion. Kawam-ura hadn’t even cleared the stage and the orders were already in the paws of dispatchers on their way to the military communication centers. The clock of total commitment was in count down mode and the one who might be in position to prevent the coming catastrophe...was being sheltered in a bubble of mythical status, outright lies and political dogma.

      Yet the mammals of Zootopia cheered oblivious for surely a great multitude believed that their visitor had put a crack into the Kzinti emotional wall. There had to be a response after such an outpouring of emotions against war.Others were more careful, as Morty and Kawam-ura found out after they’d left the stage....

    “So after this? There’s really no purpose for me to be shut inside a safe house.” Kawam-ura said to Morty as they found a place on the bow to sit among some of the Sailors and Marines...

    “That? Might have to be a city counsel decission.” Morty replied. “I mean no disrespect Tomodachi but? There’s the question of asylum, citizenship and you may be questioned to make sure you’re not some spy. Don’t worry...” Morty said. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

     A bunny Sailor leaned over to Kawam-ura....”Very nice speech. I’m Seaman Skylee.” The bunny offered a paw to shake.

     “Kawam-ura Skylee San.” Kawam-ura replied. “The “San” is an honorific title of respect.”

     “I must ask?” Skylee said...”What exactly do you eat? I mean? Do you eat live mammals?”

  
    “I only eat what we grew on our farm and what the government give us...which is usually canned meat and beverage. But I do have deep craving I sometimes have to work with.” Kawam-ura replied. “Sometimes they can be most difficult to Master but....I have never eaten or killed a live mammal myself.”

     A wolf Marine gave out his paw....”Corporal Varney? Welcome to Zootopia.”

    “Pleasure Varney-San.” Kawam-ura replied with a bow.

    “Are there any wolves in Kzin?” Varney asked.

   “Only wild ones.” Kawam-ura replied. “Wild as in they are feral beasts...and quite big and fearsome. Compared to them? You are a.....small dog.”

     Varny growled. “Who the hell are you calling dog you...”

     Morty jumped up....”Woe! Woe! Forgive him dude? He doesn’t know our culture ok?” Morty said waving his paws. “Don’t take it personally?”

    “Call me a dog you freaked out cat?!” Varney snorted.

    Morty turned to Kawam-ura...”Wolves here take the word “dog” as an insult. Really makes them upset.”

    “I beg forgiveness please.” Kowam-ura asked. “I am so sorry to have slured you so offensively.”

    Varney smiled...”I blew my chunks like a moron. I should have thought about you not knowing much about us. So just what species of Tiger are you?”

    “My own.” Kawam-ura replied. “I must admit...we are not much for traveling from our mother island so...we are a pure species which only reside in Kzin and.....I would say a great many Kzinti wouldn’t wish to travel any way nor meet any other tigers.”

    A reindeer Sailor tapped Kawam-ura timidly....”How do you find me?”

    “Big.” Kawam-ura replied. “Don’t worry. You would most likely be not worth a meal on a Kzinti table. Deer your size in my country are way too tough for our teeth to handle. But as part of a soba? The broth would be most savory.”

    “Soba?” The reindeer asked.

    “Oh yes....” Kawam-ura replied. “In Kzin? Big deer, their penis and scrotum are delicacy in soups.”

    “Well I don’t find that amusing?” The reindeer snorted.
   
     “I thought you may appreciate honesty?” Kawam-ura said with a gesture. “I mean you no offense personally.”

     Gazelle. whipped the throngs again with another of her unity calling songs...causing all the mammals around to sing with her....

“We put our paws in the air, to our friends every where, that we welcome you with our hearts...”

“For if we all stand as one...not a thing can’t be done...if we all share a kiss and a hug...”

“Come one every one!”

“From the little tiny Shrew, our mighty chorus it grew to the bear, to the horse to the sun....”

“If we all join as one, not a thing can’t be done, if we all share a kiss and a hug....”

“We send a call joyful and loud over the sea and through the clouds...to every mammal we wish to know...”

 “If we all join as one, not a thing can’t be done, if we all share a kiss and a hug....”

        The lights danced all over the bay as the party continued and there hung a sense that a turn was going to be made after months of tension and years of worry. There had to be peace after such a wonderful unified demonstration across all Zootopia. Yet...some mammals remained realistic about the chances....

Military Assistance Command. Zootopian Special Operations Forces Outback Island
“MAC OT ZSOG” Headquarters
9pm pm
September 15,2020

       Colonel Yannie Faceman (Otter) took a moment again to scan over the letter sent by General Bugs back in Zootopia. He had called together all his officers, his “principles” as he named them who would be the team leaders of squads of their kin who would “deal the cards” should the Kzinti wish to “play death poker”. In fact, as part of a potential psychological game of war. Each otter carried a 52 card deck of playing cards, each with an ace of spades and the white shape of an otter over it on one side and a tribal tattoo on the other.

      Among the principles were some who’s arms and leg calfs were adorned with “tribe” markings. Tattoos who’s lineage traced back to the Suwani tribe of Roman times when that tribe of otters served the Lupinian Romans at the battle of Caesar’s Bridge. All otters of Zootopia felt kinship to the Suwani warrior mythos if they could prove direct linage or not. To all otters, Suwani was a history of deep pride which gave every “little one” a feeling of predatorial power. Nothing was more dangerous than a pissed off and offended Otter, especially in their birth element. Yanni looked at each of them and felt a pleasing rush of pride and power from their determined faces....

      “Evening.” He said simply.

      “Sir.” Each otter replied.

       Yanni picked up a sheet of paper...”So far....we have received from home....300 ponks (Ponkus weapons cash pods) and material supplies of all kinds which will last us about a month...I estimate about a month but in reality? They may last a day.”

      Yanni showed the letter from Bugs....”General Bugs has said that our first priority is to keep safe as many of the island residents as we can in case the Kzinti become foolish. I can think of no better way to “keep something safe” than to make it difficult for the guy who broke into your house to get to your valuables while you’re chewing his balls off.”

      The Principles chuckled.

     “Obviously with our potential adversary? We might need to carry a few ladders to accomplish the chewing of the balls....and some Johny Seasoning.” Yanni said. He got quite a response.

      “Gentle mammals? My Friends? We’re it. We and our squads are all that stands between some ten foot tall very fearsome predators and the innocent mammals here who we all come to know as our friends. The last thing I want to see is these monsters sinking their teeth into a koala bear....which is why we are here.”

      Yanni went around the table and rubbed each shoulder....”We? My friends....are the sons and daughters of our ancient kinfolk of the Suwani. As they made life hell for the Tuskers of old? We will make life hell for these misfit tigers. Who gives a flying fluck if they can whip a sword over their heads or have bayonets the size of trees. We.....we my “little ones” have the water. We were born into water. We live in water. We know how to use water. All water is our home, our blanket and our bed. To the Kzinti? Water will be their flucken nightmare. We will determine when we appear and disappear...we will pick our time, our place, our conditions and our fight. The Kzinti? They will worry about their throats and their flucken balls.....we intend to cut them both.”

     “Sir?” Lieutenant Stabler asked with his raised hand. “What’s with this ball fettish of yours?”

     The Principles laughed.

     “I didn’t give you furry little water snakes permission to laugh at me?” Yanni snorted. “May I continue? Thank you....now?.....we don’t know how capable these big tigers might be in water. I don’t think anyone has seen them swim but no matter...tigers don’t live in water, we live in the water...Tigers come near the water? Tigers come to bath in the water? Tigesr even sit on the toilet?.....they are gonna die.”

      Yanni snarled. “Anyone dares to throw a toilet joke in here? I’ll bite their ear off.”

      One otter dropped his pants and flashed his “nuts”.....”DINNER CALL SIR!”

      Even Yanni couldn’t stop laughing.....”Terry you little prick? Go swim a hundred laps before I kill you?” Yanni said as he waved a paw...”Settle down....let’s be serious, alright? The point to remember is...we have each other and we have “our” element and we will use both to their best advantage. Now let’s not kid ourselves...otters against ten foot tall tigers? Not the best of odds. We’re not going to stop an invasion if they want to take the Outbacks but? Their occupation will certainly suck. Take care of yourselves, take care of your squads, take care of our friends here. We have a lot of work to get done and I don’t think we’ll have much time before the party crashers decide to show up. Let’s at least give them a lousy hang over for their trouble?”

     Yanni finished and offered his paw....”Come on you water rats? Bring it here?”

     The principles closed in and stacked paw atop paw as Yanni spoke. “For all the ties that bind us as kin.....for our loved one’s back home....for our friends here.....for the honor of our forefathers. What do we do boys?”

    “We stand or we die!” The principles yelled back.

     “Let’s get this done and then go home. Dismissed.”

The Destroyers Growler, Savanna and Gnu York
Tied up below the Witty Arson Bridge between the city and the tri-Burroughs
10pm
September 15, 2020

      Gazelle took the center of the stage over the three destroyers as lights shimmered and danced all around her with horns and elephant trunks blowing loudly as the moment had finally come and for many mammals it was a sad moment...

     “I...would like to say first that I appreciate from my heart every mammal that came her tonight. I especially want to thank all of you who wear the uniform of our military who are here tonight. All of your belong to someone...a mother....a father....a sibling....a grandparent...a lover....a wife.....a husband.....I could go on with all the possible attachments but we don’t have all night as some of us must get to bed. Let’s just say....you are all in our hearts and I don’t think there’s a single mammal here tonight who prays we don’t have to fight. No one here deserves peace more than all of you in uniform here tonight.....we......we....love you.”

      The scene erupted in a long stretch of cheers and horns. Among the Sailors and Marines there certainly wasn’t a dry eye or a furry face not now soaked with tears. Jackson hugged Darla, Rudy, Gilly, Will....who couldn’t he hug save his mother and father....and they text’d that with a few “X’s”.....about a hundred at least....

       “I would also like to say how much I love my manager of the last twenty five years...Hunter Hawk....Will one of my Tigers bring Hunter out here please?”

      Gazelle watched as a tiger carried her long time manager up to her in his paws...”Now gentle mammals? Hunter has always been such a little smart fellow in all but one thing...saying yes. I need your help to convince him tonight to say yes.” Gazelle got her snoot close to the squirrel’s face....”Hunter? I shouldn’t be the one to do this but I’m putting you on the spot. I don’t care about “certain” sizes? But I do care for a big sized heart? Hunter Hawk? Will you be my husband?”

     Cheers erupted with chants of “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!.....” shouted all over the place as Hunter shrunk his head down between his shoulders...

    “Hunter?” Gazelle asked. “What’s the answer?”

    “You’re blackmailing me!” Hunter snapped. “Gazzy?”

    “Hunter? Shut up? Say yes.” Gazelle said smiling.

    “Oh?......Oh heck, you’re retired now any way.....hell yes I’ll marry you!” Hunter replied.

    Gazelle took him in her hoof hands and kissed him on his head. “That wasn’t so bad....was it?”

    Hunter smirked. “The honeymoon is going to be interesting.” He then left the stage with the tiger as Gazelle continued to speak....

    “My friends.....it’s been quite a long ride. I have enjoyed every day and every moment and every note and every song and every performance, kiss, hug and smile for each and every one of you. This is my last song officially....oh....I may put one out every so often but after 25 years I think I need a break to allow others to have the joy that I’ve had. And with that? This song is from my heart to the country and the mammals I love and to help me belt this one out, I want to invite a young and upcoming saxiphone playing wolf.... Miss Lisa Simpson. Lisa? Come on up here if you would?”

     A yellow furred female wolf cub in a red dress and carrying a saxophone bigger than her bounded upon the stage and walked up to Gazelle....

    “You ready to rain down some love their sugar?” Gazelle asked as Lisa whipped out a pair of shades.

     “You just had to think I was sweat didn’t you Gazelle?” Lisa said as she popped on the shades and blew a string of wild jazz sounds then snapped her paw fingers at Gazelle....

     “Was that good enough?” Lisa asked.

     “Roll me into the song there little lightening!” Gazelle yelped as she gave her signal and all the spot lights on the destroyers, on some of the boats and the Witty Arson Bridge went to their brightest and swung in great arcs over the bay as Lisa started off the song with her sax then with the band behind her opening the number as Gazelle strutted over the stage.....

“There's a pebble in the sky......The kind you make your wishes on”

“Oh oh woe.”
 
“Oh, like the light in your eyes.....The one I built my dreams upon”

       Her tigers danced about her...turning and twisting spirals like yellow tornadoes as they circled her while she danced in her shimmering white dress. Her long blonde head locks swaying like flags in a mighty breeze....

“wish it would last forever...but time steals it from us and we both know why”
 
“But it will not break our bond......with each day it will get stronger” 

“We must never let it die....let us bind our hearts to eternity”

“Let’s join our hooves and paws and claws.....and seal our hearts with love”

“With a power not denied....we link ourselves with pride”

“We’re just one big herd after all.”

         The mice ran up from the edges of the stage and repeated their “living uniform” on Gazelle again as the tigers lifted her into the air and turned her as she sang out. Below her....Lisa was throwing herself into her sax playing, dancing over the stage and whipping the large sax around as if it were a mere toy....

“Living on with the painful past....it only stands in our way”

“We are Mammals who’ve grown beyond our savagery.....now let love guide us to our future”

        Now the 40 millimeter guns of the destroyers boomed out sending a rain of multi-colored streams of fire falling around the bay as Gazelle sung out the last refrains of the song. 

“Let’s join our hooves and paws and claws.....and seal our hearts with love”

“With a power not denied....we link ourselves with pride”

“We’re just one big herd after all.”

“Let’s join our hooves and paws and claws.....and seal our hearts with love”

“With a power not denied....we link ourselves with pride”

“We’re just one big herd after all.”

       Gazelle lowered herself into a ball and the crowds went crazy with cheers, fireworks, confetti and boxes full of roses that the mammals on the Witty Arson Bridge threw off the bridge deck. They made a snow like storm of red and white petals as they fell across the bay. There was love, joy, hope and a feeling across Zootopia that a turn had been made, that peace was still possible. But the countdown to war was inexorably and sadly set into motion.

End of Chapter 40