As Barry followed Nick and Judy towards the crime lab they were met by a timberwolf coming the other way.

"Hey Wolford," said Judy. "Any luck with our guest?"

"Some," he replied. "He's a tough nut to crack I'll give him that, he seems to be more afraid of his employer than anything else."

"That's never good news," said Barry, bringing him to the wolfs' attention.

"So you're the alien that's Bogos worked up about." He said.

"That's me," he replied with a grin. "Barry Allen, nice to meet you."

"Likewise, say, do you mind waiting for my partner? We have a bet going that you might be able to settle."

"Sure thing," he replied. "It's not about abductions is it? Only I don't do that."

"Don't worry, it's nothing like that I assure you," replied Wolford with a smile.

"So, did you get anything out of him at all?" asked Nick.

"Grizzoli should be finished with putting the screws on him right now, but for the moment, all we managed to get was the name of his employer."

"What was it?" asked Nick.

''Sawbones,"

"Now, there's a name that says, 'cute and cuddly'," said Barry.

"Hopefully we can get some more once he's stewed for a bit." Wolflord said.

"Yeah," said another voice, and the group turned to see a large polar bear approaching them. "I've currently got him thinking that we're about one wrong answer away from going savage on him.

"Sounds like you guys have this well in hand," said Barry.

"You know it," said Wolford confidently. "Hey Grizzoli, this is Barry Allen, the alien we were talking about."

Grizzoli stopped and looked the human up and down for a moment, before reaching into his pocket and handing the wolf ten dollars.

"We had a bet that you would be green," he said. "Thanks for losing me ten bucks.

"Really?" he replied. "Why is it aliens have to always be green?"

"Why, what color would you make them?" asked Nick.

"I dunno, blue? Realistically, aliens could look like
anyone," he said, remembering his encounter with
Supergirl.

"Besides, I'm friends with some aliens back on my world. Like Supergirl, Superman, Martian Manhunter, Brainiac 5, Lobo, and Arkillo. They're members of the Justice League." Barry said as he shows them a hologram picture of them.

"He's right, they might even look like meeeee!" howled Wolford as he jumped up, attempting to wrap his arms around the neck of his larger partner.

"Wolford," deadpanned the polar bear. "We have been over this before, you can't win."

However, when his partner refused to give up, the bear just sighed and grabbed the canine by the scruff of his neck like an errant pup, before holding him at arm's length.

"Hey, no fair!" he moaned, flailing his arms as everyone present laughed at his expense.

"I can see you two have a lot to do so we're going to get to the crime lab," said Judy. "Let us know if you learn anything else okay?"

"Sure thing Judy," said Grizzoli.
"Don't worry; we've cracked tougher nuts than him."

With that, they parted ways, Wolford still in the firm grasp of his partner. Continuing to the end of the corridor, the three were faced with the double doors that led to the ZPD's extensive crime laboratories. Pushing them open, Barry was impressed by what he saw. The lab was spacious and clean, the type of clinical environment for analysing evidence effectively. There were a few tables and desks set up along the edges, each one covered in equipment that was familiar to any CSI. Several tables were set up in the centre of the room, including one for autopsies, there was also a light box for examining X-rays hanging on one wall.

"Honey, I'm home!" Called out Nick.

"When are you going to stop with that line?" replied an irate, female voice.

"Only when it stops being funny," said Nick as the lab tech trundled into view.

"My species does not mean you can greet me like life is a sitcom, I could complain to the chief about you!"

"But it's just so perfect, even your name fits." Nick said.

"Yes, yes, my name is Honey and I'm a honey badger its so00o funny, blah, blah blah," she grumbled.

"Now, is there anything I can do for you and your bald friend?" She asked.

It took Barry a moment to realise that she was talking about him.

"Actually," he said, trying to be polite.
"We were hoping you had something to show us about the porcupine we brought in earlier."

"Oh, that guy, now he was interesting." She said.

Taking a file from on top of a short stool, she walked over to the light box before pulling out some X-rays and thrusting them at Barry.

"You, put these up. They still haven't adapted this lab for small mammals yet." She said.

Now that she mentioned it, Barry did notice that most of the equipment was several sizes too large for the smaller mammal.

Taking the images from her, Barry carefully stuck them to the box and switched it on. The illuminated X-rays showed the skeletal structure of the porcupine and what appeared to be hundreds of white lines running along the length of his back, almost like roots from a plant.

"What are those?" he asked.

"Very tiny machines," replied Honey. "We did a closer analysis and discovered that it's actually a microscopic launching mechanism that's been surgically installed throughout the muscle structure of his back." She grinned.

"But wait, it gets better." She said.

Walking over to a table, she pulled on a pair of gloves before clambering onto a stool. Taking a pair of tweezers she lifted something from a metal dish and Barry saw that it was one of the porcupine's spines.

"These look natural, right? Well, they're not." Honey said. She slid the spike underneath a microscope.

"Take a look." She said.

Barry moved in and peered through the eyepiece, twisting the knobs on the side to clarify the image. As it came into focus, he saw that they were indeed, not natural, as the microscope revealed that they had an unnatural sheen to them.

"The spines of a porcupine are typically made of hair that's coated with thick sheets of keratin," explained Honey.

"They are nasty on their own, but this appears to be some sort of Microplastic structure, reinforced with an unknown metal so that it doesn't simply snap when fired', so to speak"

Moving aside for Nick to take a look, Barry turned to Judy.

"Could anywhere in Zootopia make those things?" Judy asked.

"Similar implants are part of cosmetic surgery," she replied. "But, I've never heard of them being weaponised before."

"Which works in our favor," interrupted Honey.
"The materials required to make these things, and the skill required to perform the implantation are going to be highly specialized."

"Narrowing our field of suspects dramatically," she replied.

"Indeed, although I am a little pessimistic, as it could also mean that whoever did this may be extremely difficult to find. I've got the rest of the lab analysing the materials and should have a result by this time tomorrow."

"What about the Night Howler serum?" asked Nick.

"I've got the drug team on that one, but they don't think they will be able to find out anything other than confirming what it is. We may find some trace chemicals or minerals from the refining process, but I doubt it will be much to go on. That said, growing those things in Zootopia will also require specialist equipment, so who knows, we may get lucky in a follow up search." Honey explained.

"We can only hope," said Judy. "Thanks Honey."

"Just doing my job Officer Hopps, now, I would appreciate it if you all left me to work."

As the three mammals were ushered out of her lab, Barry turned to Nick and Judy.

"Is she always like that?" He asked.

"Actually, that was a good day for her. Normally she cusses like a sailor." Nick said.

"I heard that!" screamed Honey from behind the lab door.

"So... while we wait for that to come in," said Judy. "Nick has a source we might be able to get a lead from."
_________________________________

Despite it being late in the day, Savanna Square seemed to be just as hot as ever, and Barry wondered if the large heaters were on all the time, of if the biome simulated the cold desert nights as well as the scorching days. He was currently in the back seat of Nick's personal vehicle, a modest red sports car, as the fox carefully drove through the back streets of the district.

"Tell me again how you can afford this?" asked Judy from the passenger side.

"You could say that it was a steal," he replied with a sly smile.

"Nick..." she admonished. He chuckled.

"Relax Carrots, this is actually Flashs' old car. He gave me a good deal on it long before we met.

"Sorry," interrupted Barry. "But did you say you got this from a guy called 'Flash?"

"Yep," he replied. "He's the fastest sloth at the DMV."

"A sloth... really?" Barry said.

"Hey, are you saying because he's a sloth he can't be fast?" Nick said.

"Well, no offense, but sloths don't really have a reputation for their speed." Barry said.

'We know," replied Judy. "But, he was instrumental in helping us solve our first case, and he's been a good friend to the both of us ever since."

"Okay, got it, don't call the sloth slow."

Judy sat back in her seat and adjusted the air conditioning, as it was late in the day; both she and Nick had changed out of their uniforms into their normal clothes. Nick was wearing his favourite green Hawaiian shirt and tie with brown trousers, while Judy had opted for a soft pink blouse and a pair of jeans.

"So, who are we meeting again?" asked Barry.

"A buddy of mine named Finnick," replied Nick.

"I still think we should be in uniform for this," said Judy. "I don't like the idea of being out here without my stab vest at the very least.

"Carrots, not everyone thinks that uniform we wear is a good thing. When word got around that I joined up, I lost a few friends purely because they hate anyone with a ZPD badge."

"Really?" she replied, surprised. "I'm sorry Nick, I didn't know."

"It's alright," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"They weren't the nicest of mammals anyway; I hang out with a much better crowd these days." He shot her a smile, and she felt her cheeks flush.

Turning a corner, Nick spotted Finnicks van parked in an alleyway between two buildings, lined up next to it were three chairs with foot rests that resembled shoe shine stands.

Indicating, Nick pulled the car over just across the street and they all got out. Approaching the van, the fox rapped his knuckles on the rear door, and had to leap back as they were suddenly flung open to reveal an irate fennec waving a baseball bat.

"Who is it?!" he yelled, in a voice that was surprisingly deep for a mammal his size.

"Hey there Finn," replied Nick, nonchalantly.
How're you doing?"

The fennec growled at his former partner, baring his teeth.

"You've got a lot of guts coming here Wilde, especially after what you pulled." He said.

Judy and Barry shared a concerned look, while a confused Nick cautiously approached the diminutive vulpine.

For a moment, it looked like Finnick would attack him right there, and then the scowl slowly broke into a wide smile before he dropped the bat and threw himself at Nick, wrapping him in what could have been a bear hug, but his size meant it looked more like a child embracing his father.

"Ha, ha! How you doing you old hustler?"

Nick, relived that his old friend was just messing with him, returned the hug.

"I'm doing great Finn, what about you?" He asked.

"Carrying on as normal Wilde," he replied, releasing him.

"What about you, still working for the Fuzz?"

"You know it. I'm on the straight and narrow."

"Ha! We both know that's never the truth," laughed the sand fox, lightly slapping the taller mammals leg.

"Oh, it is," said Judy, stepping forwards. "I make sure of it."

"Hey there Judy," he replied. "Still following this guy
everywhere?"

"More like, he follows me," she replied with a grin. "I hope you don't mind, but we brought a friend.

Barry stepped forwards, getting down to one knee so he could introduce himself at an equal level.

"I'm Barry."

"Finnick," he replied, shaking his hand. "So, what the heck happened to you?"

"Um, excuse me?" said Barry, confused.
"Your fur, I knew hair loss could set in early, but damn."

Nick couldn't help himself, and burst into loud fits of
laughter.

"Nick!" snapped Judy, trying to rein in her partner.
However, she found her composure slipping and had to fight back a few giggles. Barry felt just a little incredulous.

"I think we should explain something," said Nick, fighting back a few chuckles.

"Barry hasn't lost his fur, it's just how
he is." She said.

"Huh, never seen a hairless monkey before," said Finnick.

"Actually, I'm a human being," replied Barry, eager to move the meeting forwards.

"Never met one of those before," he replied. "You sure you're not some kind of naked bear?"

"Yes," said the human, firmly.

"Alright, don't get your undies in a knot," said Finnick,raising his paws defensively. "Anyway, you guys here for a foot grooming or what?"

"Of course we are," said Nick.

"Okay then, get up on the seats and I'll get my stuff."

As the fennec disappeared back into his van, the other three mammals wandered over to the chairs and sat down, their feet resting on the mounts.

"I don't think this is going to work for me," said Barry. "I haven't exactly got fur on my feet to groom."

"Nobody's perfect," replied Nick.

"Except you?" asked Judy, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course Carrots, I'm practically perfect in every way," he boasted.

Judy just rolled her eyes and sat back as Finnick returned with a carry case of brushes and grooming supplies.

"Okay, since Wilde has probably never groomed his fur since I last saw him, he's going first."

"Hey! I resent that remark," he replied.

"Save it slick, I remember when you would crash with me, those feet of yours nearly stank me out of my own van."

"So? It's not like mammals actually get that close to my foot fur."

"A know a few rodents that would beg to differ, I dread to think what they would be like if you wore shoes."

"Now that you mention it," interrupted Barry. "I don't think I've seen any one of you guys wear shoes since I've been here, do you wear anything on your feet?"

"Only for tough jobs," replied Judy. "Construction work is one field where footwear is required by law, but mammals generally don't like to keep their feet constricted."

"Well, shoes are kind of a requirement for my job." He said.

"I can imagine," she replied.

"Lucky for you I do shoes as well," said Finnick as he
started combing the tats out of Nick's footfur.

"So, Wilde, what brings you back to my neck of Zootopia?"

"Not much," he replied, nonchalantly. "Just wanted to see how my old buddy was doing, the grooming thing is new."

"I blame you for this, ever since you went straight, my girls been at me to do the same."

"So you're still seeing her?"

"You know it," he grinned. "Never thought she'd be into someone like me, but I guess anything can surprise you."

"Speaking of surprises," said Nick, discreetly slipping a ten dollar bill into his palm.

"You hear about the robbery we
foiled earlier today?" He asked.

"I heard something had happened," he replied, taking the money.

"Though the news was saying it was this new
mammal, 'The Blur' or whatever he's called."

"It's The Flash," said Barry.

"Whatever."

"Anyways," said Nick "One of the guys we arrested was a porcupine called Spike; the funny thing is that he was declared dead two years ago."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, he can also shoot his own spikes, didn't realize porcupines could do that."

Finnick slowed his pace as he swapped out the comb for a small brush, his large ears pricking up and rotating like a pair of radar dishes.

"They can't," he said quietly. "But that not the only weird thing I've been hearing."

"What do you mean?" asked Judy.

"There's been a few, rumours, going around about
mammals with...unusual abilities."

"Unusual how?" asked Nick, slipping his friend another bill.
Finnick pocketed the bribe before finishing his work and moving on to Judy.

"The stories going around a few of the gang hangouts are all different, I've heard everything from a mongoose hypnotizing an entire room, to a pig flying out of a skylight on metal wings."

"Is there any pattern to their actions?" asked Barry.
"Some sort of link?"

"Only that they seem to be the mercenary type," replied Finnick, as he groomed Judy's foot paws.

"It looks like anyone can hire them for the right price, although I hear more than a few have been targeting Mr Big lately."

"What?" asked Judy, shocked that someone would
challenge the most notorious crime boss in Tundra Town.

"Yep, those polar bears he uses as muscle, I've heard stories about them being beaten or killed during operations that these mammals have busted. Word is, this has been going on for months, but that old shrew uses his connections to keep things quiet.
Nick and Judy shared a look.

"What about Fru Fru, is she alright?"

"She's fine; I doubt he would let anything touch his
precious daughter and that kid of hers."

"Hey! I happen to be that kids godmother," replied Judy.

"And I'm sure she will grow up to be the happiest child in the world," he replied, quickly.

Judy sat back with a satisfied smile as Finnick moved on to Barry, swapping his grooming tools for a shoe brush.

"One last thing Finn," asked Nick. "Have you ever heard the name 'Sawbones?"

Finnick stopped in his tracks, the brush falling to the
pavement as he froze in shock.

"Where did you hear that name?" he hissed.

"From our suspect," replied Barry. "I take it you do know who he is?"

"I know OF him, if that's what you mean, and he's bad news."

"What do you mean?" asked Nick, offering his friend
another, larger, bribe. The fennec seemed to agonise over it for a moment, taking a nervous look around before snatching it from Nick's paw.

"Sawbones is the guy you go to if you want a mammal to either get better, or disappear entirely." He said.

"So he's like a mob doctor?" said Barry.

"If he's like a doctor, then he's Flankenstein. Stories are going around of bodies turning up so mangled or mutilated that even the ZPD can't tell what they used to be. I hear they had to identify them by their dental records."

The fennec shuddered, before quickly packing up his gear.

"If you are going after Sawbones, then my advice is, don't."

"Thanks Finn, " said Nick, handing him one final bill. "I owe you for this."

"I'll add it to the list," he replied. "You be careful out there Wilde, I've got few friends and I'd hate to lose you."

"Don't worry, I'll keep him safe," said Judy.

"I'll hold you to that," he replied with a smile. "See you round."

As Finnick returned to his van, the three mammals got back into Nick's car, the fox checking his wallet with a sigh.

"That was on expensive tip."

"But it was worth it," replied Judy. "If these mammals are targeting Mr Bigs' organization, then maybe he can give us our next lead."

"I hope so," he replied, looking out of the car window at the setting sun.

"It's getting late," said Judy. "I'll contact Fru Fru and set up a meeting for first thing tomorrow.

"Good idea," said Nick. "So Barry, you got a place to
stay?"

"Afraid not, I don't really have much except what I'm
wearing."

"Well that's no good, you can stay with us tonight; the sofa pulls out into a bed for when Carrots has her parents come over." Nick said.

"Thanks," he replied. "If it's not too much trouble, do you think we could find something to eat first?"

"You ate six boxes of doughnuts? How can you be
hungry?" asked Judy.

"My powers have given me something of a hyper
metabolism; I need about ten thousand calories a day. But the bright side is I don't put on any weight." Barry explained.

"Wish that was the same for everyone," she muttered.

"Nicks been plying me with carrot cake for months now, I swear my uniform is getting tight."

"I can assure you Carrots, you haven't gotten any wider since we met. Of course you haven't gotten any taller either." Nick said.

That earned him a slap from the bunny.

"Anyway, since Barry needs something full of calories, I say we order some takeout. I know just the place." She said.
  __________________________________

In the dockyards of Zootopia, an undiscerning warehouse sat by the waterfront. To any casual observer it appeared to be run down and abandoned, the inside was another story. Two raccoons, the only mammals to escape the foiled bank heist, stood nervously before an oak desk. Their employer, sat behind it, although they couldn't make out much of
large mammal due to the low lighting. The most of him they could see was a single red optic, which glowed menacingly in the shadows.

"So let me get this straight," he rumbled, his voice carrying a metallic edge. "Not only did you fail the bank job, something that was apparently too complicated for you clods, but you also allowed Spike, who I enhanced at considerable time and expense, to be captured by the ZPD, who you are telling me have their own enhanced mammal, the one that has been appearing all over the news in the last day?"

Swallowing, the two raccoons slowly nodded. With a feral roar that sounded like a rusty chainsaw, their
employer smashed the desk to splinters before effortlessly tossing the two halves to one side with an armoured claw. His optic glared angrily in the darkness, illuminating a muzzle heavy with scars.

"GET OUT!" he screeched, and the racoons frantically scrabbled out of the room.

The cyborg mammal huffed and panted as he regained his composure, the glow from his optic fading as he did.

"So, the ZPD thinks this 'Scarlet Speedster' can match my mammals, we'll see about that."

He gave a deep, dark, laugh as he pressed a paw to the side of his skull.

"It's me. Get your crew together, we need to send a
message." He said darkly.