Category : Stories

Sub Category : Childrens

The bullpen was bursting with animals. Judy remembered her first day on the job with distinct clarity. Nobody had cared about her back then, least of all Chief Bogo, or so it appeared. Today, the chief was on time, as usual. His bulky form stomped its way to the podium, where it faced a roomful of eager officers. The water buffalo glanced up, flicked out his glasses and placed them on his broad snout.

Judy stole a look at Nick from the corner of her eye. He probably didn't realise she was watching, but he was inconspicuously shifting just a couple of centimeters away from her, avoiding actual contact while they sat together. She focused on the chief.

"Attention! Thank you all for coming today." That was an unusual start. "I know we don't usually meet at this time, but I have some important announcements which affect the whole department. First up, there are new lockers arriving next Friday. I do not expect these to be broken for at least a decade, perhaps two. If you break these lockers, I will break you. Understood?"

The whole room nodded vigorously, believing every word of it.

"Secondly, and more importantly, I have some reorganization to announce. In recognition of a degree of dedication, perseverance, insight and empathy rarely seen clothed in our ZPD colours, I have decided that two of our officers deserve to be enrolled in Mayor Pardus's public relations initiative. They will be the face of the ZPD, reassuring the citizenry that the force which promises to protect them is doing just that. This assignment will entail a willingness to take on important duties, as well as ceaseless determination."

There was silence in the bullpen. Every officer had seen the posters which had been plastered along the corridors and meeting rooms of their place of work. Make friends, it read. 'Meet the governors of your city', it promised. All of this was complemented by a glossy image depicting a proud-faced tiger pulling an officer's jacket over a civilian shirt. 'Courage is something you wear'. It was a tempting position, but no one had yet been willing to put themselves forward to carry the weight of the force's public image and recruitment figures on their back for the six months it would entail. The small print assured all that it was entirely voluntary and could be withdrawn from at any time. Regardless, it was an extra responsibility of the kind that most found decidedly daunting.

The chief fixed the force's only rabbit squarly in his powerful stare. "Officer Hopps, I would like to offer you this posting."

Judy's mouth dropped. With the whole room watching them, she didn't dare look at Nick, but could imagine he would be just as stunned as she was.

"Of course, if you do not wish to accept, you may state so now." The chief continued to stare.

Nick nudged her, breaking her from her stupor. He smiled, gently rubbing his foot against her leg beneath the table. In the heightened state of uncertainty and anticipation, no one would notice, but the touch was sufficient to reassure her of his enthusiasm.

Shaking herself, Judy stood tall. "I would be honoured to accept this proposal, chief. I promise we will both fulfil all duties expected of us."

"When do we start, sir?" Nick chimed in.

Chief Bogo frowned, actually looking uncomfortable - something he rarely did. He readjusted his glasses. "I'm afraid it is just Officer Hopps who will be changing her routine, in view of her accomplishments on the recent case. Your time will come, Wilde."

Nick exhaled, stretching out his fingers on the tabletop. Judy flinched and shot him a glance. He was still smiling, clearly pleased by her good fortune. It seemed impossible to faze him. You never let anything get to you, do you? She glanced back at the chief.

"Sir? Chief, sir, do I understand I will not be moving with my partner? I'm…overjoyed by the opportunity you're offering, but…I'm not sure I'm used to working alone."

"I know," he nodded, shoulders shrugging slightly. "You won't be alone. If you accept this, you will be partnered with Officer Jordy Jerome, who has likewise received and accepted recognition for his part in your joint assignment. I will find another officer to partner with Wilde until such a time as you are both in comparable positions. If, at that stage, you wish to return to your current arrangement, you may. I will leave that decision with you when the time arrives. For now, I need your answer to the proposed assignment."