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

Chapter 52, the last Chapter
Chance given...what a life can do.

2027
Nick and Judy’s house in Downtown Zootopia
1am

       Oh if Carrots came in the kitchen right now? She’d kill Nick. The kitten? Oh he’d be fine but Nick would be dead. Giving Jackson chocolate milk outside of Judy’s carefully crafted schedule of meals and snacks was a punishable crime and a half....

      But the kid wasn’t a snitch. Nick watched as his little son pushed the glasses carefully on the table because he was too small to be “eye’s level” with the surface yet. Jackson then climbed onto a chair, pulled the milk jug up behind him, got onto the table and poured each glass full. He then picked up the Hershey’s syrup and gave each glass just the right amount to turn the milk light grey....not black.

      This had become a two time a week thing between loving father and son, a chocolate milk social at 1am in the morning since Jackson was four. The first time Nick caught him sneaking chocolate milk was so adorably cute that spanking wasn’t an option. There was Jackson quietly sipping away while reading “Danny Deer and the Dinosaur” (his first book) to himself and being quite proud that he could read every page without pause. 

       This night however as they sat quietly sipping from crazy straws, Jackson said....”Daddy? Are you sad that I don’t look more like you?”

      “Huh?” Nick replied. “What do you mean?”

      “I’m more like Mommy than you. Are you sad?” Jackson asked.

      “Oh the things children say.” Nick thought as he extended an arm. “Put your arm out Son?”

       Jackson pulled back his pajama shirt sleeve and stuck his arm out.

      “What color is your fur?” Nick asked.

      “Yours and Mommy’s.” Jackson replied.

      Nick reached out and played with Jackson’s head tuft. “And.....what is this color?”

      “Red?” Jackson answered.

      “And who in our family had red hair?” Nick asked as he petted Jackson head.

      “Gampy Wilde?” Jackson replied.

       “Now? Open your mouth.” Nick asked. “Give Daddy a big “AWWWWW!”

       Jackson opened his mouth. “AWWWWWW!”

       “Now these big teeth came from who?” Nick asked as he pointed at the big flat bunny incisors.

      “From Mommy.” Jackson replied.

      “And these little really sharp teeth behind those big ones came from who?” Nick asked.

     “From......you!” Jackson said with a smile.

     “Now? Most important of all kiddo?” Nick said with a raised paw finger. He pointed to Jackson’s head...”What’s inside your head?”

     “Ummmm? Spa-get-eeee!” Jackson yelped then he giggled.

     “Yes....some times I wonder.” Nick snickered. “What’s really in your head you little muffin brain?”

     “My.....brains!” Jackson yelped back!

     “Good.” Nick said. “My you are so smart Jackson! Now why is that? Who’s brains did you get yours from?”

     Jackson smiled. “Gawd Daddy Mister Big! And if you say no? He’ll ice you!” (giggles)

     “Well....two out of three isn’t exactly a bad ratio.” Nick said as he crossed his arms. “Jackie? I am not sad at all that you didn’t come out looking like a fox. I’m not sad that you have big ears, strong legs and a cute little cotton tail butt....just don’t tell your Mommy I said I like your cotton tail behind, that’s a strange thing for a Daddy to say ok?”

       Jackson jumped up in the chair and wiggled his bottom at his father.

      “Annnnnnd.....don’t do that thing in my face? That’s bad...stop that.” Nick asked. “Are you sad that you don’t look more like me Jackie?”

     “A little....” Jackson replied. “I like your tail.”

      Nick stood up in his chair and waved his tail around...”Yup! It is a  beauty kid but it’s also a real pain in your Daddy’s butt. Consider yourself lucky because you have an easy, no fuss, no mess furry flag back there. This thing of mine? I’ll probably go bankrupt buying stuff to keep it looking awesome. Ask your mother sometimes, I’m sure she will agree with me that your tail is fine for you.”

       Nick rested himself over the table top and played a finger over his son’s nose...”Now? Am I sad that you are who you are Jackson? Nope. Not now and not since the day I changed your first diaper...though the eventual stink from the ninth level of hell I could have done without.”

      Jackson giggled...”You changed me with tape.”

      “Fathers are not perfect.” Nick replied. “Come here you little trouble maker!”

       Nick grabbed Jackson and pulled him into a snuggle on the table top...”So? What do you want to be when you’re my age?”

       “Like Gawdfather Mister Big.” Jackson said giggling.

       “Maybe.....not so much like him but the best parts.” Nick said smiling. “Son? You will be anything you want and I know you’ll do things and make a difference in this world because?....You! My little kitten...have the best of two mammals in you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be anything or do anything you set yourself to do. I see great things in you Jackie. Wonderful things...and they’ll all come from what’s inside your head. You’ve already had a wonderful start and when you’re old enough son? I’ll tell you the whole story.”

6pm
19 October 2040
Sandy Point Naval Station

       “Nick?” Judy called for the fourth time, then she bumped her husband off the head hard...”NICK!”

       Nick shuddered awake on the blanket Judy had placed on a grassy patch near the expected docking pier for the Growler. “Mwah? Yes Carrots?” Nick asked as he sat still half asleep.

       “I can see it coming closer now.” Judy said as she pointed out past the crowd of mammals flocking over the pier to the group of ships beyond. “You were sleeping heavy.”

       “Yeah...” Nick replied. “Just a dream of Jackie when he was six. I can’t believe I put his diapers on with duct tape.”

       “You did that so he wouldn’t try to piss on you like he did when you didn’t give him a baby cookie. Judy replied smiling at first, then frowning with worry on her face...”I want him off that ship so bad right now.”

       “I think everyone here wants all the crew off.” Nick said as he gestured around. “I think we should scout a place to go if those crazy tiger’s unleash another rocket attack Carrots? This is like...a stock yard pen at an illegal meat market if you know what I mean? Even with all the artillery all over the base...”

      “I’m way ahead of you Nick. Already have a plan.” Judy said as she gripped her husband’s paw tighter. The closer the Growler was getting to home...the more details were coming into view as to how bad things must have been.

       Not far from Nick and Judy...Will sat in the back of the truck cab with Alex holding onto his arm. The younger brother gently rubbed his head and nuzzling his mourning brother’s neck and face...

      “Alex?” Will tried not to sob again....”I love you...”

      “I know.” Alex replied. “Will? This is too much for you...”

      Will shook his head....”No.....I have to be here....I have to see it... I want him to know I was here for him....”

       Alex expected some kind of anger out of Will, some kind of unleashed rage for what was taken from him. Born teeth, snarling, cursing....but hate wasn’t Will, he’d take punches in school and never bore his fangs. He very rarely cussed angry...Alex thought that at least sparking a little fire in Will’s guts would give the older wolf renewed strength...

      “Kzinti cock suckers.” Alex snarled. “I hope well kill every last of those pieces of snit. They all deserve to fricken die for this.”
 
      Instead of Will getting angry.....he got angry and gave Alex a good slap in the snoot! “Don’t you EVER wish that! I don’t want to hear that out of your mouth again!”

      Alex cringed....”Will? They.....they killed Gilly! They ambushed that ship and they killed him! Aren’t you angry?”

      Will pushed Alex against the back of the truck cab which got Harold jumping to snatch an arm....”Will?!” He begged....

      Will grimaced....”Who knows why they did what they did....what gawdess damn good will it do to be angry and want the death of every Kzinti if we don’t know what led them to do all this?! I will not make Gilly’s name a reason for extermination....I won’t....I won’t! I won’t... I hate war!...I hate every damn thing about war! I hate our government who lied to us! It’s their fault we’re in this mess! Sending drone subs to Kzinti waters? What the hell were they thinking would happen?!”

     Will snarled at Alex....”If you ever talk snit like that again Alex? So help me...I will maul the snit out of you. Of all the stupid things you’ve ever said in your life? That was the “take the cake” of stupid.”

    Alex flew off and punched Will in the face! “YOU’RE THE DUMB FLUCK HERE WILL! BLAMING US FOR THIS SNIT?! YOU’RE A STUPID RETARD!”

    Both wolf brothers went at it tooth and swinging paw, a full blown canine fist and wild teeth fight!

    Harold vaulted into the truck bed and pulled his boys apart! “STOP IT! STOP IT YOU TWO!”

    Alex flopped onto his butt, stood up panting and rubbed a paw over his cut lip....”Maybe Gilly should have been the “top” between you two? You’re more of a little “bitch” than he was! YOUR A COWARDLY LITTLE CUNT WILL! FLUCK YOU MOTHER FLUCKER!”

    Alex vaulted from the truck as Harold struggled to keep Will from going feral and chasing down his fleeing little brother....”I knew this was a bad idea! We’re going home now!” Harold snarled as he bore his teeth at his older son...

     Will’s lips quivered.....then he gripped the side of the truck bed...”ALEX! ALEX COME BACK! I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY ALEX, COME BACK! I NEED YOU! I NEED YOU ALEX! DON’T LEAVE ME! PLEASE!”

6:45pm
19 October 2040
Sandy Point Naval Station
The Growler under tow

       Jackson looked down at his cell phone as the messenger chime ping’d and then he slipped it into his pocket....

      “Who is it?” Darla asked as they both stood together with their shipmates on the shore side of the destroyer...

       “Mom.” Jackson replied with a smile.

       “You cruel thing.” Darla snorted. “Answer her!”

       “It’s not much longer.” Jackson replied. “Just means I’m going to get tackled twice as hard.”

       “Have you? Have you thought about what you’ll tell Gilly’s boyfriend?” Darla asked.

       “First....I hope Arden’s family is here.” Jackson replied. “I want them to know how......and.....Arden asked me to tell his little brother something.”

          Darla rubbed her head against her husband’s shoulder...”All I want is a nice hot bath and about two days of sleep...between other things?”

         Jackson smiled evilly....”I’ll introduce you to my Dad’s “specialty”. Guaranteed to pull all the stress right out of you. I’m not going to get any breaks, that’s for sure. Mom will want to have that wedding if the preparations kill us.”

        Commander Winsor came walking up in his dress uniform. “Petty Officers Wilde? Both of you will be first off the ship when we call liberty call.”

       “Sir?” Jackson said. “You don’t...”

       “Yes I do.” Winsor replied. “Are you going to complain?”

       “Guess I don’t have a choice?” Jackson replied.

       “Besides.” Winsor said. “Some one must carry the little one’s so they don’t get trampled in the throngs. Ironic to survive this and then get killed on the pier. You two have a wonderful time on leave.....and I do mean a wonderful time?”

        Winsor produced a vintage bottle of “Copania” mammalian whiskey. “A wedding gift. I expect the whole bottle to be destroyed in a day. My expressed orders.”

         Jackson took the bottle and gave Winsor a stiff salute. “Thank you Sir! And may the Commander know that if it wasn’t for him Sir? We would not be here! Hazah for the Captain!” Jackson screamed out!

         “HAZAH! HAZAH! HAZAH!” The crew replied and boomed out over the decks of the destroyer.

         Winsor gave Jackson and Darla a slight bow. “I hope you both will be richly blessed with big litters of pups....or kittens.....or cubs....or.....”

         Darla smiled...”We’ll make sure there’s a Winsor in the six pack Sir.”

6:45pm
19 October 2040
Sandy Point Naval Station
arrival pier

       Tony looked as though he’d been destroyed....”Pregs?! What do you mean you’s pregs?!”

       “Holy snit Sis!” Fievel yelped. “Tell me you’re joking? You’re joking right?”

        “Nope.” Tanya replied as she rubbed her belly. “I’ll be filling out soon enough.”

        “Those dirty freakin swabs.” Tony snorted. “They knocked you up. They ruined ya! They decreased your profitable value.”

        Fivel grimaced....”Oh snit.”

        Tanya gave Tony a serious stink look. “What? The hell? Does that mean Tony Toponi?!”

        “I was just sayin that....you know....you being an expectant mother and such? You....” Tony started to back up as Tanya started to walk up to him looking like a volcano about to explode.....

        “YOU CREEP! YOU OVER CONFIDENT, SELF OBSESSED, POWER HUNGRY, MANGY STINKING PILE OF RAT DROPPINGS!” Tanya snarled!

         “Now Tanya? Easy going there ok? A female in your condition...” Tony tried to excuse himself.

         “Oh? So now in addition to being smart in math while you’re just plain stupid? I’m also weak, barefoot and pregnant? You’re certainly digging your way South fast Toponi! I’ve had it! I’m done taking your insults, your silly comments and worst of all? YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR BEING A MAMMAL!”

        “Hey tuts? Come on now, let’s be reasonable here?” Tony begged!

        Tanya was reasonable all right....enough that she cocked her fist back and laid into Tony’s snoot so hard that he flew up off his feet and crashed onto the ground!

        “OH SNIT!” Fievel squeaked.

        “You got anything to say there......little brother?” Tanya snapped.

        “Uh uh! No mam! Not a peep!” Fievel said shaking his head.

        I thought so.” Tanya yelped back. “And as for you Tony Bologna? If you EVER try to seduce me into your little pathetic crime crew again? I’ll put you in the hospital!” Tanya yelped loudly as she turned her back on Tony and scrape threw dirt on him with her feet!

         Fievel came to the aid of his mafia boss and often lover...”Tone!? Tone!? Can you hear me?!”

         Tony weakly raised a paw....”Avenge me my love Philly?.....ugh.” He said before he passed out.

         Fievel looked at Tanya then back to Tony and sat smirking and shaking his head. “We’re good right here Tone Tone, why don’t you fight your own battles for once? I’m sick of taking beatings for you.”

       Not far away from the pier but up on a grassy hill overlooking the naval base piers, Owen and Nori Hopps stood sharing a pair of binoculars between them as the Growler slowly glided into the bay.

      “Great Frith of Inlay.” Nori voiced with worry as he scanned the devastated and blackened ship...”How in hell did they survive?”

      Owen pulled out his own cell phone and nervously waited...” Come on Jackson....pick up please?” Owen said to himself.

       “Owen?” Jackson’s voice sounded!

       “What’s up you little snithead?!” Nori yelped!

       “Hey there Nori!” Jackson yelped. “And everyone else? Are they all right?!”

       “Jackie? Thank Prince rabbit’s mercy....you don’t know how glad we are to hear your voice.” Owen said as he wiped a tear...”Everyone’s fine. Your grandparents are both ok. The city is a wreck though.”

        “By the way you two?” Jackson said. “Don’t you dare call my parents but.....I’m married.”

        “You’re fricken what?!” Nori huffed.

        “Married.” Jackson replied.

         “Well damn...” Owen snorted. “You just never wait for anything do you? Now what are we supposed to do? We were all looking forwards to dressing up in our dress blues and doing crossed swords and all that formal snit and you go off and elope...you weasel.”

         “Well?” Jackson replied. “War and getting your tail blown off sort of changes plans don’t you think? But we’re still going to do a wedding, you know my mother. Are you guys getting shipped out?”

          “Not too quick.” Owen replied. “I mean this mess just got started. It’ll take a month or so till we’re ready to take the Kzinti on full time. And we have to finish infantry school first. But you stick to worrying about your new wife ok? No doubt you’ve already got her knocked up?”

         “That’s for me to know.” Jackson replied. “Any way....you take care of yourselves and we’ll meet up soon and wreck my apartment...if it still exists that is.....Love you guys much.” Jackson said before he clicked off the phone.

          Nori huffed...”Done gone and got married, how do you like that Owen? As stuff headed as his mother I swear.”

         “Sooner or later “Bear Bear” that’ll be all of us.” Owen said with a smirk.

        “Not that soon if I get my way Owen.” Nori replied as he looked back at the Growler with his binoculars....”Sheesh...she’s going to be in the yard for years getting repaired.”

7pm
19 October 2040
The Home of General Bugs

      The large kitchen table became a map table and the kitchen itself? Well it might be best described as a rape victim. The refrigerator was stripped bare of both food and drink to feed the large assembly of mammals gathered around the table with Bugs (Bugs Bunny by the way) walking the length of the table top with a pointing stick and a carrot clenched between his teeth. All the while his aids “Wild E” Coyote and Porky passed him slips of paper with constant updates from the Naval Intelligence center....

      All in all since the beginning of hostilities....Zootopia had broke even with her adversary. Her investment in technology had given the Kzinti some heavy punishment for their first strike attack....though nothing was gleaned yet from the BOMARC missile strikes that were thrown from some of the drone submarines against the Kzinti home islands....

       While the Kzinti made gains over several mammalian nations, two of them were still fighting like hell. The Kzinti toll was reported to be heavy on Madagascar where King Julian the 13th had them suckered into the marshy jungle....known to be infested with crocodiles. But those big lizzards could only eat so much in one sitting and even the best hastily created “off the land” weapons could do so much against artillery, bullets and naval shells....

        Then there was the Outbacks. The Otters were making a mess of things, the judicious little bastards. They blew every bridge and causeway, wrecked the national rail line, sank all the ferry boats and were killing cats by the truckloads with everything from machine gun bullets to improvised bombs to bow and arrows. The Outbacks had to be top on the priority list, such heroic little devils needed to be saved.

        But first on the target list....were several atolls and islands, chiefs among them a rocky crop out of the ocean called Roya Island. Roya was identified as being the chief rocket base for the Kzinti military, the first assault on Zootopia came from this lump of rock and for sure more were on their way. Reports from two drone submarines detailed the sinking of two very large “Row-Row” ships (Roll on, Roll off military cargo ships) heading away from Roya so the island base was being re-stocked to let fly again when it was ready.

         There were now two types of heavy rockets Zootopia was aware of. The first was a flying bomb with short stubby wings dubbed the “Imperial Vengeance One” rocket or V-1. The second was a larger more powerful “High Arc trajectory” rocket called the “Ivy Two” or the V-2. While the V-1 carried a 500 pound warhead...the V-2 carried a 2,000 pound warhead. It was a flight of these V-2 rockets that decimated the nation of Meerkatia, killing thousands of the African prairie dogs before the Kzinti’s Fleet Marines swept over the island and put the rest to sword and pike. The stories of horror and death were relayed by a terrified survivor who was still bravely transmitting at risk to himself and those he was trying to protect...Timon....Bugs would keep that name in mind....another heroic soul deserving of salvation.

       For now. however, the first order of business was obvious. The Kzinti rocket bases would have to be attacked and destroyed or captured first....or no one’s ass, hump or rump would be worth saving. With Bugs were the principle field officers, the Admirals, Generals and Colonels who would fall under his paws to direct and command. Mayor Sarabi wasted no time in making Bugs supreme allied commander and of course there were some opposition and groans from more than a few high order predators who felt a bunny wouldn’t be as aggressive as what would be demanded....that was until Bugs clamped his teeth and claws down on the nose of one Tiger who threw him an impertinence. Blood letting and torn up tissues make one’s case for top leadership pretty substantial...

        The first and most apparent glaring problem Zootopia faced, was naval ballance. For all her investment in high tech, Zootopia would still need substantial numbers of naval ships to counter the Kzinti and gain naval supremacy. Submarines alone can’t hold the sea lanes and every drone was a precious commodity. Already the Kzinti were chipping away at the number of submersible drones enough to make employment a cautious and slow affair. And destroyers alone with a single large amphibious capital ship were not enough against a Kzinti fleet boasting some seriously scary warships....like these “Empire” (Yamato) class.....”Battleships?” That’s what you call a steel monster carrying what? 18 inch diameter cannons?

        Admiral Bofer Blount was the overall operational commander of the Zootopian fleet, the big polar bruin was the one who got to move ships around like bath tub toys....only this wasn’t play time in a cold salt water tank...

        “The Navy’s estimation you ask?” Bofer said to Bugs. “Even if the shipyard went into full 24 hour, 7 days a week, night and day shifts? We could not begin to come up to a matching potential against the Kzinti for 8 months....perhaps a year. Right now all our focus is on maintaining our drone submarine force as the only viable deterrent to a naval assault or worse? Invasion. We have only a single aircraft dedicated launching ship while we’ve found out that our enemy? Has six.....six aircraft carriers. What you’re trying to propose General Bugs? Can’t even begin to be equipped for perhaps for two years.

        “And by your accounts Admiral? Our homeland will continue to suffer barrage by rockets. how many volleys’ do you think our country can stand? Especially if they get to lob these 2000 pound monsters on us? Admiral? We don’t have two weeks let alone two years to achieve this “paroty of force” you’re hoping for to stop the Kzinti from turning all of Zootopia into a block of Swiss cheese with dead mammals all over it.” Bugs replied stomping his foot on a map of Roya Island. “

        Blount bore his teeth and growled his disapproval.

        “Please spare me the ivory display? You know when it comes to their rocket bases, I’m right?” Bugs said with a pointing finger.

         The Commander of the First fleet Marine Division was a Grey timber wolf with A white head tuft and a stripe that passed over his snoot named Runner Churlneck. General Churlneck also ran the Marine Raiders which was nothing but wolves who had the popular nickname “The First in, First bites Brigade” The Raiders prided themselves on the “Blitz zen Bite” surge assault off the beach where they would run around the enemy then come up behind him to maul him to pieces. Churlick had stayed quiet through most of the round table discissions but now he rose from his seat as Admiral Blount threatened to settle his little dispute with Bugs...

        “Blow hard?” Runner asked. “Please don’t eat the Command in Chief?”

        “And I suppose you have a better plan at the moment there “Girl Neck?” Admiral Blount growled.

       “Yes....”Churlneck replied. “And your plan to walk in and blast that sand pile with rockets is about as practical as hitting sand with a sledgehammer. We can’t take their principle rocket base by throwing fireworks at it. It has to be taken and held by troops and Bugs has a point we can’t walk away from. We must take that bastard and soon ...otherwise? I expect us to get deluged with rockets. For sure they will throw everything at us to destroy that Navy Yard in Tundra Town and our industrial production. Hitting Roya is not “an” option, it is “The only” option we have to protect our home.”

       General Kenseki Ota, who commanded the Tanuki heavy recon Marine Division thumped a paw finger on the table....We will still.....even with submarine cover....be at least eight months from even that kind of operation. And what happens if we do take Roya? What then? The Kzinti will come at us with everything they have. Our supply lines will be on a string, naval support at a premium, there is no way we could do such a thing in less than six months.”

      Churlneck leaned against his fisted paws on the table....”Then you tell the few survivors of Little Rodentia that...or perhaps the marsh and meadow dwellers....or the rest of our country as they suffer wave after wave of rocket strikes over the next eight months or longer. Our drone subs can’t hope to hit every transport ship no matter how good their torpedoes are and from all evidence, the Kzinti are getting better at hunting submarines....the only way to take the pressure off our home and allow our population to breath is to go for broke on Roya. Sure the enemy will swarm there.....good! Then at least they’ll be close enough to kill in bunches.”

      Churlneck sat down....”It’s that? Or more of our citizens die. That alone is unacceptable to this soldier. I don’t know about the rest of you.”

7:30pm
19 October 2040
Sandy Point Naval Station
The Growler is docking

      The big national flag was almost half the size of the Growler and took up all of the main radar mast from the top catwalk to the base of the superstructure. When it caught the wind and flew aft, it brought a sea of mammals to cries and announcements of joy and praise!

     Captain Winsor grabbed the announcement mic on the destroyed bridge.....”Dear friends and fellow citizens!” Winsor bellowed with a deep voice. “We met the enemy! We are battered, bruised and burnt but we did not yield! We did not falter! We did not fail and we refused to surrender!”

     This enlisted a thundering applause from the mammals on the pier which slowly subsided to silence as the Growler stopped and the full scene of her devastated hull took on a grim and somber response...in the crowd were growing sounds of crying and weeping....many were realizing in brutal reality that their loved ones were not among the crew formed up on the decks.

      In the back of his father’s truck....Will had lost it again....now he was “mourn howling” a long pain filled wolf wail broken by sobbing...till a pair of loving arms wrapped around his body and a soft snoot gently nuzzled over his neck....
  
      “I’m always here Will.” Alex said as he hugged his older brother tight. “I’m always here for you no matter what big brother.”

       Will turned and sobbed....”I’m sorry Alex......I’m sorry....I’m sorry.
......I’m sorry....I’m sorry.”

       “Shhhhh......” Alex replied softly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Sheesh....we’re a couple of crazy knuckle heads aren’t we big brother?”

        Alex pulled Will into a hug and looked at his father...”Dad? I think he’s had enough. We should.......we should go home.” Alex then looked at the Growler. “I’ll....take care of things with......”

        Harold cocked his head. “Are you sure Son?”

        “Dad?” Alex replied. “I’m not a cub anymore? I got this. Just take care of Will and I’ll make sure......I’ll make sure Gilly’s taken care of. What else can a loving brother do? right?”

         Meanwhile....Judy was all pins and needles, hopping up and down and also hugging herself to keep from running mad towards the docking ship....”I see him.....I see him.......THERE HE IS NICK! JACKIE?! JACKIE?! Judy screamed as she leaped into the air waving her arms!

         Nick caught her as she came down....”Carrots! Don’t hurt yourself?! He’s coming off in a bit, be patient?” Nick said before he started waving his own arms as he used his butt cart to  stand vertically up....”JACKSON! HEY?! OVER HERE SON!”

         Jackson waved back....”DAD! MOM!”

        “She is so going to tackle you.” Darla snickered. “Or kill you depending on how she takes the news...I should tell her you knocked me up in a fan room.”
  
        “You tell her that and it’ll be our first domestic incident.” Jackson replied. “Do you see Arden’s family?”

       “Not yet.” Darla replied. “Hopefully they....I think? Well there’s two over there Jackie? It’s not hard spotting seagulls in this crowd since there’s so few of them in Zootopia.”

       Jackson looked where Darla pointed. The two seagulls looked like the description Arden had always talked about when it came to his father and younger brother. Hopefully they would have a chance to meet when Jackson got off the ship...

       And as to leaving...Rudy Dolf came up with a carry basket full of the remaining survivors from the mice and rats who were part of the crew, Albert and Myler among them...

      Jackson looked down as he took hold of the basket...”Are you all ok?” He asked.

      Albert looked up...”Jackie? Our homes are gone. Our families are gone. Everything and everyone.....are gone.”

      Rudy Dolf placed a hoof hand on Jackson’s shoulder...”Little Rodentia took a direct hit. There’s nothing left of it.”

      Darla gasped and shuddered....Jackson started to pet every little head....”I’m so sorry you guys. So sorry...”

      Myler stiffened up...”Tanya made it. I know she made it. Damn it if she’s not smart enough or tough enough not too. I won’t give up hope for a gawd damn thing!”

      Albert was made more resolved...”Damn right “My My” as long as we’re all here? Little Rodentia isn’t dead. We won’t let it die, screw those cats. Tanya’s waiting for us. Then again? Tanya and “family“ are waiting for us.”

       The sound of the boatswains whistle blew out over the pier...”Now hear this....now hear this....liberty call will commence with the name of the crew member or members disembarking. It is requested that their family members be allowed to come forward and greet them at the bottom of the gangway. Please be kind and respectful. We’re all glad to be home.....HAIL ZOOTOPIA HAIL!”

       The crowd on the pier replied “HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!”

       A band suddenly struck up a live and happy marching song as the boatswain cried out.....”NOW DISEMBARKING! PETTY OFFICER AND MISSES JACKSON WILDE!”

      Nick’s mouth suddenly gaped.....”What? Misses?”

      “Oh that little snit!” Judy said with shock on her face! She took off running, leaving Nick to try and chase her with his butt cart!

      “Judy! Don’t kill the kid before I get a hug in!” Nick yelled as Judy broke through the cheering crowd!

      “Oh snit!” Jackson gasped as he quickly passed the basket full of rodents to Darla. “Mom?! Wait?!”

      “BOOF!”

      Judy leaped off her feet and Jackson caught her in a spin before they flopped to the ground!....
  
      “My baby!” Judy sobbed as she kissed her son. “My baby! 
My baby!”

       “Mom?! Calm down?!” Jackson yelped!

       “Don’t you tell me to calm down when I’ve been a wreck and a half mister!” Judy snapped before she hugged Jackson tightly as he stood up. “You’re home! Jackie you’re home!”

        “Hello Mother.” Darla said with a smile and a wave.

        “Get over here you lucky otter!” Judy cried as she hugged Darla tight...”Welcome to the family you beautiful Mustalde! Oh....oh we have so much to do! We have to redo all the plans! Have to see if the Lanzoni mansion is still in one piece....”

         Jackson leaned up against his wife...”I think? I think the wife and I would like to maybe see if we have a home to go back to first Mom.”

        Nick stayed off to the side lest he be murdered for coming between a worried bunny and her off spring. Jackson and Darla walked up hand in hand....”Dad? This is my wife.” Jackson said smiling...

       “Well? Are you two going to stand there or give me some attention?” Nick said with his arms out. 

       Jackson hugged his father tightly...”It’s good to be home. It’s even better knowing you two are all right?”

      “We are.” Nick replied. “The old house? Well you’ll have to get used to 50 percent Son because the other 50 percent is smoking ruins.”

     “But at least you’re both all right?” Jackson said. “So you finally moved to Aiden right?”
   
       “Can’t sleep in half a house can we?” Nick replied as he held Darla’s paw....”My boy knows how to chose a mate. Course he learned from the master of all mating masters.”

        Jackson smiled. “ Illusions of grandure.....my father.”

        A female voice sounded behind them...”Darla?” An otter chirped.

        Darla turned....”Mama?!” She yelped as she ran to her mother...”Mama?! Where’s Daddy?”

        “I was dragged here against my will.” Darla’s father growled. “Now? where is this filthy rodent who stole and desecrated my daughter?”

         Jackson waved a paw and smiled as Darla’s father walked up. “You long eared snit. Don’t you know you’re supposed to ask a father to marry his daughter? What’s wrong with you? What misfit parents raised such a contemptible piece of poor meat like you?”

         “DADDY?!” Darla snapped as she bore her teeth!

         “Keep your choppers in place daughter?” The male otter warned before he opened his arms out to Jackson. “Well don’t just sit there like a rock son? Give your new Father in Law a hug!” The big otter said smiling!

        “You had me worried.” Jackson said. “Mister Delaware? May I please marry your daughter?”

         “Oh get out of here and start making pups?.....or rabbits......or “fox-ters” or Oto-Bun-Vulpines or whatever you make with your loins you hero you.”

         Jackson looked around and saw the two sea gulls he’d seen from the ship...”Mom?” He called for Judy. “Before we go any where? I have to do something.”

        Jackson slowly approached the pair and recognized Bailey from the photos Arden had shown him....”Excuse me?” Jackson asked. “Mister Gus Gull? Bailey?”

       “I’m Bailey.” Bailey replied.

       “I’ve been wanting to meet you both.” Jackson said. “My name is Jackson Wilde. Arden was my supervisor on the ship.” Jackson paused. “I was....I was with Arden....when he died.”

       Gus extended a feather hand...”It’s good to meet you son. Please? How did he behave? What......what happened?”

       Jackson took a deep breath....”The Kzinti ambushed us. They shot two rockets into the ship, knocked out our power then they were beating the snot out of us. Arden led some of us into the ship’s power transfer room to try and get the power back on so we could use our weapons.” Jackson paused again. “There was an explosion...most of our repair party was killed....Arden......Arden was mortally wounded...he.....he carried me to a ladder with rubber on it so I knew what he was planning to do....” Jackson choked up. 

      “Arden told me.....told me to tell you.....to tell Bailey.....that he loved you very much. That he would always love you very much. He then went to where the main power input cable was....put the two severed ends back together.....and was killed.” Jackson lowered his head. “I am... I am so sorry.....Bailey.....I’m sorry.....there was nothing we....I could do.”

       Bailey broke down and wept as his father stood stiff....”That’s my Arden.” The old gull said. “He was always so bull headed but damn.... that was my boy....that was my son....I am comforted that when it was needed? Arden did well.”

       Jackson grimaced...”He saved us all. If it hadn’t been for him? We’d all be dead like the Gnu York....Arden saved the whole ship.”

       Bailey wrapped his wings around Jackson and smiled through his tears....”I’m glad he wasn’t alone at the end. Thank you Jackson. Thank you so much for myself and my father. This just made losing him easier to bear for both of us.”

      “He was a good mammal....and a really good friend Bailey.” Jackson replied. “He always talked about you and how much you meant to him.”

      Albert and Myler stopped short of crashing into Tanya as they climbed out of the basket in the protected area where the survivors from Little Rodentia were gathered...

      “Don’t want to harm your delicate condition.” Albert said as he wiped tears from his face...

      “Oh shut up and come here you silly egg head!” Tanya yelped as she grabbed Albert and raped his mouth with her tongue...”You just don’t know what I’ve been through...” She said as she Frenched Albert over and over...”

      “Oh? So it’s that way huh?” Myler huffed before he too suffered the same assault....”That’s better.” He said as he didn’t care who was watching....he pushed Tanya to the ground and started to make out in front of the whole crowd!”

      “Sheesh.....no dignity?” Albert snorted as he pulled Myler off the ground. “Don’t you think it can wait a little bit there “My My?”

      Albert turned to Fievel...”So? Home is gone?”

      Fievel and Tony both nodded back sadly...

      Albert and Myler hugged their wife tightly...”Rebuilding’s probably going to have to wait till the war ends...or they stop shooting rockets at us.” Albert said. “But there’s more than enough of us left around the country to put our city back on the map.”

     “It’s gonna take a lot of work.” Tony Toponi said. “And some decent brains. You up to it there Einshrew?”

      “Well? We have to serve out our hitch first.” Albert replied. Myler and me were thinking of doing eight years but I guess we’re in this war for the duration....how long that will be.”

       Everyone looked back at the Growler. The evidence was saying enough...this was going to be a long and perhaps bloody slug fest.

Epilogue...

       Ten days after the October 18th surprise attack across Zootopia and most of the known Mammalian world by the Kzinti...On October 28th 2040 the Kzinti launched a night time rocket attack that covered almost all of Zootopia’s lands from Sahara Beach in the East to the Marshlands, the Tri-Burroughs and Aiden-burrough in the West.

      Whitney the Weasel, who believed Zootopian drone subs might have been involved in covert missions into Kzinti territory, was killed along with her shop mates when a V-2 2,000 pound rocket warhead slammed into the drone upkeep maintenance facility at Camp Haymarket. But not before Whitney sent all her information disguised as “CD music collections of Gazelle’s favorite hits.” to Will Gray and his peace movement organization.

       The attack took the lives of four hundred fifty two Zootopians and brought forth with brutal emphasis a fact for every plant and meat eating mammal alike...this was a war to the death. Lions, Tigers, bears, Mustalde, rodents and wolves flocked to the recruiting offices including Alex Gray who had promised his family he wouldn’t join....the he got some one to help him lie about his age so he could.

        Eventually....Gilly’s remains were recovered from the battered Growler. Will buried his “beloved bunny” by moonlight Falls in the Rain Forest district, which had always been Gilly’s favorite romantic spot to “swoon and spoon his darling wolf.” Will doubled down on his principles against war even as his country geared up to fight it, forever convinced that Whitney was right about Zootopian spy efforts being the cause of the calamity Zootopia was now bracing itself for.

       Rabbits and Hares were stiffened in their anger against the Kzinti when the first V-2 rocket bombs began raining down on Bunny Burrough. Driven to “the calling” by their prophet prince and the book of Inlay....which called every rabbit a soldier to defend his or her warren against vermin...millions of rabbits flocked to the fleet marines, the Naval armada or the war factories and the big shipyard in Tundra town to do their duty for family, hearth and mother earth.

       Across the hills, highlands and lands of Aiden Burrough. Drums and bag pipes called thousands of rabbits to war to fill the ranks of the regiments and divisions being called forth to fight. Their names would become legendary....”The Culps Guards”, “The Kyber Rifles”, “The black tailed devils” every rabbit leaving a home in Aiden with a war scarf wrapped lovingly about the neck expressed the measure of what was being placed at risk.

        In the highland village of Loc Lorian, home of the fifth Marine Artillery regiment, the village’s parson....Pastor Corbey.....bounded atop a large moss covered rock on the village green where the regiment was gathered with their heads bowed low and each rabbit deep in prayer...The plump black suited Quaker looking parson bunny dofted off his wide brim hat and tilted his face and snoot sky wards to the heavens...

        “Prince rabbit! Our sire! Our patron Saint! Our beloved prophet of Frith! Defend these your children about to go forth to place their lives into your paws for the freedom of your species and for their kinfolk and clans! Remember children! Remember our beloved! There is no place in the great plain of heaven for any rabbit who runs and digs a coward’s hole! Do not bring shame upon yourself or your family or to the prophet by dereliction or cowardice! Do what duty demands of you! You are all that stands between butchers and our children! Give the bastards hell!”

       “HAZAH FOR THE PROPHET! HAZAH FOR THE PROPHET!” The rabbits of the fighting fifth screamed out as they whipped each other into a war frenzy before forming up to march away to their destiny. 

       Owen, Powen, Nori, Dori and Ori Hopps came home to see their parents before leaving for a fate yet unknown with every fear and dread expressed by their loving mother Bonnie as she kissed every face and nuzzled every chin. She could have had less than twenty or more than a thousand children in her life and still every one was precious to her and she was risking her last loving brood, her five youngest sons along with countless other rabbit mothers who stood at the doors of their warrens in tears as if they might see their children for the last time.

       Each son in turn embraced their father. Slowly but with grim reality, Stu Stewart Hopps was turning more feral...his poor old mind trying to still comprehend the names of the sons who now said their farewells. They all hoped the war would be mercifully short, time with their father was never enough and in each one of their minds was the sad and sober fact.That Stu might be gone before they came home.

      One last time in their parent’s back yard, the five brothers formed a circle and grabbed each other’s shirt sleeves tight as their faces became hard and stowic....

     “We’re gonna get through this......all of us.....together......right?!” Owen said with his teeth clenched. Am I right?! Who can possibly beat this brood of little bastards?!

     “It’s a fact....” Powen said nodding. “Family is tight but broods are made of steel! No one can beat us boys! Ugly Tigers? Bah......dumb pussies.”
  
     “Those stupid tigers are in for a world of hurt.” Nori snarled. “We’re gonna win! We’re gonna get it done! We’re coming home for Daddy and Momma’s sake!”

      Dori kissed Nori and Powen....”I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but with my brood brothers! I won’t let you die! I will not let you all down! We’re coming back......all of us as one family!”

      Ori snorted. “I thought about saying something stupid to lighten the mood...but right now I’m not in the mood to get spanked....I’m in the mood to spank some Tiger ass! Momma and Daddy are counting on us to get home and we’re coming home brothers!”

     Owen threw a paw forward.....”Come on boys....let Ma and Paw hear us loud and proud!” He snapped as the others stacked their paws together....

     “WE THE HOPPS BOYS ARE ON OUR WAY!”
     “ STUPID TIGERS WE’LL MAKE YOU PAY!”
      “IF YOU THINK WE’RE STUPID AND EAT ONLY GRASS?”
      “YOU STUPID BASTARDS BETTER GUARD YOUR ASS!”
      “TIGER MEAT! TIGER MEAT! SUPER TASTY BUNNY TREAT!”
      “TIGER MEAT! TIGER MEAT! SUPER TASTY BUNNY TREAT!”
      “OOOOOO RAH!”

1am
6th November 2040
Judy and Nick’s cottage in Aiden

     The noises in the kitchen caught Nick’s attention as he slowly sat up in bed. His wife was out cold, cold enough for Nick to wave a paw in her face and she didn’t move. He gently kissed her on the head and slowly slipped off their bed and into a wheel chair where the fox slowly wheeled himself from the bedroom to find Jackson placing drinking glasses on the kitchen table....

     “What are you?” Nick asked.

      “Shhhhhhhh....you’ll wake mommy up daddy!” Jackson said softly as he roll played being younger. The fox bunny held out the plastic bottle of Hershey’s milk chocolate and winked at his dad...which make Nick giggle with joy. The last time father and son had done this was when Jackson was 11 or 12 years old.

       Nick watched as his son poured the milk, then added the chocolate, then stirred the mix to a gray perfection in both glasses...

       “Son? What are you doing up?” Nick asked Jackson as he sat at the table.

      “I.....couldn’t sleep again.” Jackson replied.

      Nick stopped his chair and moved himself onto a seat at the table.... “Jackie? I’m so sorry Darla didn’t conceive.”

      “It’s not like we won’t have a hundred more chances Dad, it’s nothing.” Jackson replied as he sipped his chocolate milk. “I didn’t marry Darla so she could be a pup factory all the time, we know you and mom want to see us have a baby. Now just wasn’t it.”

      Nick changed the subject...”You’re not sleeping because you’re having night terrors. I can tell the signs.”

      “Sigh.....yes dad.” Jackson replied....”It’s like the same dream over and over again...”

      Nick softly petted his son’s head...”Don’t be ashamed or afraid Jackie....your mother and I still have them occasionally. You can’t avoid them when you’d been a cop for so many years. This is when you cling to those who love you the most, don’t keep it all inside you.”

     Jackson slipped off his chair, went to his father and hugged him as he cried....

    “There you go....” Nick said as he kissed his son. “That’s it Jackie, get it out....”

      After a bit of crying....Jackson stood up holding his father’s paws. “Sheesh Dad....these used to be bigger.....”

      “And you used to be smaller.” Nick tenderly rubbed a paw on Jackson’s cheek....”You’ve grown into a wonderful mammal Jackson. Here’s my monument. And I thought sometimes I made a lousy father.”

      Jackson giggled....”You used to duct tape my pampers together.”

      “Well? I wasn’t always perfect.” Nick said shrugging. “But tell me Jackie? Did your mother and I make the right choice when we decided to have you? Have our dreams played out right?”

      Jackson wiped his eyes and smiled...”What kind of stupid question was that to ask?!” He said as he again hugged his father...”How did I get so lucky to have the best parents in the whole world?”

     “The same way we’ve been so gifted with the best child in the world. Sometimes you have to take a chance.”

      Nick reached for his glass of chocolate milk....”Now? What interesting thing should we talk about tonight?”

The end