A Rookie's First Day
Desperate times call for desperate measures. It's the only way to get his love back. Nick has regained his consciousness. The warm morning sunlight streams through the windows, making Nick sit up on the floor, cradling his head as he struggles to piece together the events of the previous night. Within a few moments, he recalls the horrible events that unfolded and tries not to panic or lose self-control. He rises to his feet, a little unsteady, and calls out Judy's name in a voice filled with pain, caught between anger and sorrow.
Nick: I'll find you Carrots, and I will make sure the person responsible for this will answer for your kidnapping!!! They will pay for this! They will pay for everything!
Nick surveys the living room, taking in the considerable chaos left behind after his altercation with Damon. He tries to push the mess out of his mind and makes his way to his bedroom to change his clothes. A few minutes later, he's dressed and prepared to tackle his most significant case investigation to date. He knows he'll need assistance to crack this case, and the best place to find it is at the ZPD. As one of the top officers on the force, he's eager to resolve this case as soon as possible.
After a while, Nick arrives at the ZPD. He parks his car near the entrance and heads straight to Officer Clawhauser's desk. Clawhauser is happily indulging in his favorite pastime—devouring delicious donuts. He's pleasantly surprised to see Nick, especially since he and Judy were enjoying a well-deserved break granted by Chief Bogo after Nick's bold proposal in front of everyone at the station.
Officer Clawhauser: Nick? You're back so soon? Shouldn't you be with Officer Hopps enjoying your well-deserved vacation after that sweet, jolly day that was yesterday?
Nick: Clawhauser, now is not the time for questions from your side. I am here for urgent reasons. Please, is Chief Bogo here?
Officer Clawhauser: Oh, yes. He's in his office as usual. Report to him for whatever unknown reason you came here. I just hope this matter of great urgency isn't too dire!
Nick: It was nice seeing you, Clawhauser.
Nick rushes up the stairs, reaching Bogo's office. Without bothering to knock, he bursts through the door, catching Bogo off guard as he examines some crucial papers on his desk. Nick's sudden entrance startles Bogo, causing him to nearly drop the documents, but he manages to grab them just in time.
Nick: Chief Bogo! I need you to hear me out right now!
Chief Bogo: Wilde?! Back in harness already? It was only yesterday you proposed to Officer Hopps, and you're already back from your richly deserved vacation?
Nick: I gotta get to the point—a strange-looking rabbit kidnapped Judy!
Chief Bogo: What?!
He puts down his glasses and stands up from his chair, barely believing what Nick just said...
Nick: She's gone, Chief, and I don't know what to do. I failed to protect her.
Chief Bogo: That's…horrible. If it weren't for your disheartened tone of voice, I would not believe it whatsoever, and I would consider it just another one of your terribly executed ludicrous jokes. Please, sit. We have a grave situation to discuss. Tell me, how did this outrageous kidnapping happen?
They both sit down, and Nick begins to explain everything.
Nick: As you know, she just moved in yesterday. Everything happened so fast. We were watching TV together in the evening when this strange black rabbit broke into our house, using literally tear gas grenades to disrupt our vision and temporarily stun us. I tried to defend her, but he quickly outsmarted me, knocking me unconscious even despite my utmost efforts trying to have the whip hand over the cold-blooded idiot. I woke up early in the morning without her, lying on the ground, and now here I am, begging you to help me. Please gather as many available officers as you can to join me in search of my love. I cannot live without her. You know how pivotal her role really is and how much she has contributed to our force ever since she joined.
Chief Bogo: The timing of these events could not have been more unfortunate, and I am profoundly disheartened to learn of Officer Hopps' kidnapping, particularly in light of your proposal from yesterday. It's shockingly beyond belief, but rest assured she will be placed on our top priority cases to be resolved. She is an incredibly talented, optimistic, and resourceful bunny, and our force cannot lose such a valuable asset. Officer Wilde, I don't mean to dampen your hopes, but I am afraid you will have to take matters into your own hands, well, almost.
He pauses and remains silent while looking down on his table full of documents...
Nick: Chief, what exactly do you mean by that? She could be in serious danger! Who knows what they will do to her if we don't start a large-scale search for her now! I can't be expected to do this all alone!
Chief Bogo: Crime is all over the place, and our officers and investigation teams are already well occupied with the cases they have been assigned to. There's, however, a rookie with a commendable training record from the academy who's joining our police force today. I was just reading through his resume before you came in, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere and causing a complete disturbance. The sudden arising of this case is just the right inducement for me to assign him to you so you don't have to go solo, Mr. Wilde.
Nick: No...no...no...NO! You can't assign me someone who just graduated and has no experience in the force. Whoever this rookie is, they clearly don't have any idea how unforgiving and dangerous this job is, mainly in this city, and a task like this should not be their day one assignment.
Chief Bogo: Don't let this rookie be a determining factor in your decision to not undertake this task with someone. I am sorry, but like I said, my officers are doing everything they can to solve the abundance of cases we are getting daily, but times change. Zootopia is not what it used to be anymore. It is brimming with criminals, and our manpower is on a critical level, becoming insufficient and meager day by day.
Nick: Then why doesn't the government recruit more people willing to keep our kingdom safe and secure? It's just one rookie joining our force today. Why only ONE? There should be many more officers joining our force considering our current officers are already damn well busy with their separate cases already, and we are clearly getting overburdened!
Chief Bogo: A mass recruitment is happening in a few weeks. We are getting hundreds of new officers, some of whom are rookies and even seasoned tough guys coming from a different region. As for today's rookie, Arwyn Bailey was supposed to join a week ago, but he had to postpone his induction for some "family-related" reasons.
Nick: Chief, I can't wait for that long. Judy is out there with people who are most likely murderers or psychopaths. My heart is troubled by the knowledge that the love of my life, my future wife, is in peril. This is preying on my mind, chief, and it hurts a lot.
Chief Bogo: Believe it or not, this is preying on my mind right now as well. Officer Hopps is someone I hold in high regard and genuinely care for. You have two options, Wilde. First, you can wait for some of your colleagues on duty to complete their current cases so they can assist you. Alternatively, you could collaborate with the rookie, who is expected to arrive shortly, allowing you both to initiate the investigation without delay. Partnering with someone rather than working alone significantly enhances the likelihood of successfully resolving this case and saving Officer Hopps. Regardless of his experience level, the rookie will learn and adapt quickly. What do you think? Which option seems more feasible? Time is critical in this situation, is it not?
Nick sits quietly, grappling with a difficult choice. He buries his head in his hands, overwhelmed, until his gaze shifts back to Bogo.
Nick: The rookie is coming with me, but he has no idea about the trials and tribulations of this job and specifically this case. I have some deep reservations about teaming up with this rookie, but Judy's life depends on me. I can't sit home idly and wait for a miracle to happen, hoping that she returns home all by herself!
Chief Bogo: Her freedom is contingent on you and your willingness to work with someone less experienced, Wilde. Desperate times call for desperate measures. We will dispatch more officers so they can join you in search of Officer Hopps as soon as they become available. But for now, let the rookie learn and build up the necessary experience next to someone who's been doing this for years now and has a particularly high reputation in the force. We gotta make sure the next generation of police officers has someone they can look up to. Being a role model for someone is a pretty sought-after quality for many officers in the force. Everyone wants to stand out and be the idol of the force. Don't you want to be one?
Nick: I do. but I just wish it wasn't Judy ending up as the victim here. That's it...
Chief Bogo: Zootopia's future is in the hands of this new generation of officers. Who knows, maybe he can be as successful as your partner, Officer Hopps, was on day one. Everybody deserves a chance.
Nick: Nobody will ever outshine her. Nobody! And what chance? You didn't believe in her. You wanted to strip her off her badge back then, forcing me to stand up for her!
Chief Bogo: Admittedly, that's true. I've underestimated her greatly. I've made a mistake I'm not repeating again, as you can see. I will do everything in my power to arrange a thorough investigation to find and detain whoever is behind this bold, witless move. Kidnapping a police officer is an extreme felony. She will be found and rescued before you know it, and the kidnapper will be punished accordingly, I swear!
Nick: That's the spirit, Chief, very encouraging. But how about we actually start doing something finally?
This is when someone knocks on the door...
Chief Bogo: Come in!
The door opens, and a fox enters Bogo's office. It's the rookie, Arwyn Bailey. He's a silver fox with yellow eyes. He walks with a big smile on his face.
Chief Bogo: Finally! Someone who has some good manners and knows how to knock. Welcome, Officer Bailey. We've been just talking about you!
Arwyn: You did? Oh, I'm pleased to hear about that, sir, unless it was related to my shortcomings, if there are any.
Chief Bogo: You're late, but let this moment be the last time I ever tolerate your irresponsibility. Now, take a seat and listen carefully. We've got some pressing matters to discuss...
Arwyn: YES! I'm so excited to be here, sir!
In front of Bogo's desk there are two chairs. Nick is already seated in one of them. Arwyn moves over to the empty chair beside him and takes a seat.
Arwyn: Howdy, fellow colleague, partner, co-worker, or...
Chief Bogo: No talking in the room unless strictly granted the right to do so. First and foremost, cordial introductions!!! Wilde, this is the rookie you'll be partnering up with, Officer Bailey. Bailey, this is Officer Wilde; he will be your dedicated mentor and partner for your first assignment.
Arwyn: May I talk now?
Chief Bogo: Just say whatever is on your pretty little heart...
Arwyn: I can't believe I was given permission to talk by the chief himself! Yes! So, what's the deal? Are we going to hunt down some nasty criminals and kick ass together? Solve mysterious crimes? I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Wilde...
Arwyn notices Nick is in low spirits.
Arwyn: Oh, may I ask, what's wrong with that gloomy look on your face, sir? You are not a very talkative guy over here, I see. But let me assure you that you are getting a rookie who outshone everyone back at the academy! We'll do just fine together! On top of that, just give us all the cases you have, chief, and we'll solve them in a day or two! What do you say? Ready to make history?
Nick gazes sadly at Bogo, hardly noticing Arwyn's foolish antics. It's at that moment that Bogo decides to intervene, recognizing Arwyn's inappropriate behavior and Nick's growing frustration.
Chief Bogo: I'll take it from here. Look, I do not take kindly to naive rookies with an overweening pride! Your training record from the academy may be exemplary, but it doesn't make you any better. It doesn't mean anything to us here in the force. You are yet to become someone here! If you crave respect and recognition, you will have to prove your mettle here first and be deemed a hero in our people's eyes for your valiant actions. It's what you accomplish and who you become here as an officer that truly matters. Did I make myself clear, or do I have to make you a parking enforcement officer that perfectly matches your level of skill and self-esteem? Because all I see right now is a little immature kid being scolded for his misbehavior!
Nick: And for your information, rookie, your first assignment with me is about finding my future wife, who was kidnapped yesterday. Tell me, why should I be all mirthful like you? Do I have a single reason for that?
Arwyn finds himself speechless following Bogo's harsh criticism of his behavior and Nick's source of unhappiness.
Arwyn: I am so sorry... I didn't mean to stir up such feelings in any of you. I got carried away by my excitement. It's my first day, and... and I don't really know what to expect. I promise I will work on my social skills. I will be better.
Chief Bogo: Good. Now that you've been enlightened and kind of accustomed to our etiquette, do you think you have what it takes to be a dependable partner who will make every effort to get the job done?
Arwyn: Absolutely, chief! I've joined the force because I want to help people in need and fight against crime intrepidly! I don't want anyone to suffer emotionally like Officer Wilde next to me.
He looks at him.
Arwyn: We will find your love! I am willing to put my life on the line here to successfully accomplish my first assignment!
Nick: A very daring assertion. I hope you know what this job brings and the risks. It's not a vividly colorful cartoon with some mild drama. We are venturing into the unknown with no lead.
Arwyn: Sir, I will not disappoint or fail you. When I first signed up at the academy, I did reckon with the difficult state of affairs related to the high crime levels in Zootopia. I know what's at stake here, and I know it won't be easy, but I am ready and well prepared, even if it means having a bumpy ride right off the bat.
Chief Bogo: This is the type of mindset everybody should have, rookie, and you seem to have a lot of determination and pretty much a consuming passion for this job. Your resolve will be tested here greatly!
Arwyn: May I ask, why me? Why is it me who is getting this assignment? Isn't it a bit too soon for someone like me? I mean, the honor is far too great!
Chief Bogo: There's currently nobody available to undertake this case with Officer Wilde. We've got an excessive amount of cases to solve. I believe you are just the right temporary replacement for his partner and future wife, Officer Hopps, the most skilled, clever, diligent, and overconfident bunny I've ever gotten to meet and have in the force. The suspect is a black rabbit, the kidnapper. Officer Wilde will fill you in on the deeper details of this case if needed. Get geared up and ready to dispatch. Officer Hopps must be found and rescued from the evil clutches of the kidnapper!
Arwyn: A workforce being thin on the ground is never a good thing. I will do my best, chief! Whatever it takes! Thank you for the opportunity! Let's get our assignment rolling!
Nick: Let's see if those grades from the academy will get paid off.
Arwyn: They mean nothing to me anymore.
Chief Bogo: Just like for the rest of us, especially me! Remember what's important here and what's frivolous. Good luck and be very careful out there.
Arwyn: Is he always like this?
Nick: Welcome to the ZPD, pal!
As they both prepare to leave Bogo's office, he adjusts his glasses and returns to the paperwork. Just as Nick reaches for the door handle, Bogo calls out to him, stopping him.
Chief Bogo: Officer Wilde, if you get into trouble, always call for backup. We are all here for you, even if we are all rushed off our feet. We always have contingency measures ready. I will send more officers to join you as soon as they complete their respective cases. You are not alone in this.
Nick simply nods and swings the door open, with Arwyn trailing closely behind him. Once the door clicks shut, a deep sigh escapes Nick, filled with despair.
Nick: Great, everything is up to me now, and I wasted so much time there.
He proceeds to walk through the hallway with Arwyn.
Arwyn: Excuse me, sir, everything is up to YOU now? Wow! I feel overwhelmingly excluded.
Nick: I nearly forgot you were with me. Please, all I ask you to do is not make this any more difficult for me than it already is.
Arwyn: I won't, sir. You just need to give me a chance. I want to prove my worth to you.
Nick: You'll do exactly what I say and when I say it without question. I don't want to be held back by a kid, so you better spare no effort to help me successfully find the bunny of my dreams.
Arwyn: Sir, you are my superior. As your subordinate partner, I will follow your orders respectfully. And I am no immature little kid! I had a choice back in Bogo's office. I could have easily refused this assignment to take the job of a parking enforcement officer, but that would be a way too cowardly move. I didn't do that, and why? Because I want to help people. Giving tickets isn't going to lower the crime rate in the city in any way. I want to help you, and I believe this is the right path to successful career development, an opportunity to do better, to have someone I can call a friend over here while working towards one mutual goal, which is maintaining order and justice while protecting those we love and care about.
Nick stops in one place and turns to Arwyn slowly.
Nick: You got some balls of steel. I'll give you that. I may or may not regret accepting you as my new "temporary" partner. Come, we need to pick our gear.
While strolling down the lengthy corridor, they come across three police officers who take a moment to chat with them.
Officer 1: Hey there, Nicky, What are you doing here?
Officer 2: We thought you were taking a little break. It was only yesterday you proposed to your bun...
Officer 3: Well, I'll be damned, it's Nick!
Nick: Guys, we're in a rush, not now.
Officer 1: I see a new face in our force. Who's that next to you? Another fox?! Wow!
Arwyn: You got an issue with foxes?
Nick: He is my new partner. He just joined the force today. My bun got kidnapped, so he is going to be helping me find her.
Officer 1: What? Kidnapped? No fricking way!
Officer 2: You are joking, right? If yes, that's a terribly executed joke...
Nick: It's something Chief Bogo would say in response to my joke, but sadly, this is the painful truth. I don't know what to do or where to start, but soon the whole ZPD will know about her kidnapping.
Arwyn: Me and Nick are hellbent on finding her!
Officer 1: You? A rookie? There was seriously nobody else to replace her instead of him?
Officer 2: You won't last a single day out in the criminal wilderness.
Officer 3: You are seriously undertaking this task with a rookie? Giving tickets is what he should be doing on his first day!
Arwyn: Then watch me prove you wrong!
Officer 1: Prove your amateurish skills?
Officer 2: You still got so much to learn here, dude.
Officer 3: We better get going. Got a lot of work to do. I hope you will find your love, Nick, but you better find someone else to assist you instead of this kiddo.
Nick: Yeah, I won't find another one because of how busy everyone is with their cases. Needless to say, I am starting to like this rookie, so please, shut the hell up and let him climb the ranks. We all started as rookies once, didn't we?
They all remain silent for a moment until they walk away without uttering any more words.
Arwyn: First day in the force, and I already learned not to voice my thoughts and opinions; otherwise, they will just get brushed aside, and apparently I can't even show my face because I'll just get written off. Great. Is everyone like this? Because this is just so rude and demoralizing.
Nick: Not everyone. We just stumbled across a pack of dirty dogs. Listen, rookies are often misjudged and underappreciated. When Judy persuaded me to join, I too was many times disregarded by my colleagues until I showed them that I am no petty fox. So, I feel you. Don't let them define your future, Arwyn. Always keep your chin up and follow your dreams!
Arwyn: Whoa, sir, that was nice to hear coming from you! I'll just try to mind my own business here while building my career without being cast down and criticized by some jerks who know nothing about me. Their judgmental arguments about me are pointless. Thanks once again, sir.
Nick: It's Nick, for you, please.
Arwyn: Oh, okay, I am sorry, sir. I mean Nick.
Nick: Come, we've got some goodies waiting for us to be picked in the armory.
They leave the hallway until they reach the armory, getting past the security.
Nick: Here we are. Grab your stuff.
Arwyn: Excuse my ignorance, Nick, but where exactly is my stuff?
Nick: It's everywhere around this room. As a member of the ZPD, you have access to everything—well, almost. Grab a Glock 19 for starters. It will be your best and most reliable friend while on duty.
Arwyn: Is that it?
Nick: What did you expect? This isn't a large-scale police raid.
Arwyn picks up a gun and secures it in the holster. Meanwhile, Nick is fully prepared and ready to move out, while Arwyn finds himself captivated by the array of weapons surrounding him.
Nick: You ready? What are you doing? Make haste!
Arwyn: Sorry! I'm on it!
Nick: You know what to grab next, right?
Arwyn: Of course! Baton, taser, stun gun, handcuffs, radio, ammo, and more ammo!
Nick: I am still waiting, partner.
Arwyn is still gathering his equipment, feeling quite anxious at this moment. His hands are trembling so much that he accidentally lets a few items slip and fall to the ground.
Arwyn: I am sorry for being sluggish and clumsy; it's my first day.
Nick understands that today will be challenging for both of them, particularly for Arwyn. He can relate to what Arwyn is experiencing.
Nick: We've all been there. Take it easy.
Arwyn: I never thought this would be this stressful, and we haven't even begun yet.
Nick: Relax; you are with one of the best officers. Lucky you, right?
Arwyn: The best or not, I am with someone I can learn so much from, someone who can potentially also become my first ever friend.
Those words truly bring warmth to Nick's heart, causing a smile to spread across his face for a moment.
Nick: I see you have everything you need for your first assignment.
Arwyn: Let's go find that special bunny!
Nick: After me.
They exit the armory and descend the stairs into the main hall, where civilians and police officers are bustling about, with some officers escorting detained criminals for questioning.
Nick: Bogo wasn't pulling my leg. The ZPD is really going through one of the toughest times.
Arwyn: I never imagined my first day would look like this.
One of the criminals breaks free from an officer's hold and takes off, colliding with civilians and nearly toppling Arwyn over. Thanks to Nick's sharp instincts, he quickly intervenes, drawing his taser and delivering multiple shocks to the fleeing criminal until the other officers arrive to help apprehend him.
Nick: Filthy scum trying to flee. That's not going to happen, bro.
Arwyn: That was very uncalled for yet pretty amazing...
Nick: Are you alright?
Arwyn: Yeah, I am fine. It's all good. I felt that collision a bit though.
Nick: What do you say, ready to make those crime rates crumble?
Arwyn: Is that seriously a question? People like that jerk are the reason I am wearing this blue uniform, Nick.
Nick: We are all here for that one sole reason.
They exit the building and make their way to the parking lot. Nick guides Arwyn towards his Dodge Charger Pursuit police vehicle.
Arwyn: No way! I finally get to sit in one of these fancy-looking cars! Hey, can I...can I drive?
Nick: As long as you feel comfortable driving a car like this, be my guest!
Arwyn: Are you serious?! This is like a dream come true!
Nick throws him the keys.
Nick: And please drive fast, but responsibly, okay? I have to find my bunny before someone does something nasty to her. I would never forgive myself for letting that happen...NEVER!
Arwyn: Fast and responsibly!? You got it! We drive in our style!
They sit in the car. Arwyn is really nervous at this point. He puts his paws on the steering wheel but doesn't start the car yet...
Arwyn: The escalating tension, man, I am starting to regret being all cheerful and enthusiastic when I first signed up, but I am not backing down. I have an assignment to complete and a partner to help out. This isn't Zootopia Police Academy anymore. I am out here putting my life at risk for the betterment of the citizens of Zootopia. This is it, the moment of truth. This is what I dreamed of. I know I can do this and help those in need, like you, Nick...
Nick: I am glad you are taking this seriously. Just remember that we are in this together, okay? This is how you gain experience, right out in the field. I have a feeling you will fare just well with that kind of attitude. Keep it up!
Arwyn: I'll do my best, partner!
Nick: And...don't be afraid of failure, even when I personally can't afford failing at this point. Judy is my life, my everything, and I cannot lose her just like that.
Arwyn: It is not failure I am afraid of. It's the consequences and judgment. Hey, shouldn't it be wise for us to get some better weapons for this assignment? I mean, knowing the criminals these days, they usually carry a wide variety of guns, and we only have pistols?
Nick: We already have shotguns and semi-auto rifles stored in the trunks of our cars in case of emergencies.
Arwyn: Damn, I should have known. Those goodies in the trunk could be lifesavers! So, where do we start?
Nick: Like I said back in Bogo's office. We have no leads. This is going to be an awfully difficult task, but remember that the main suspect here is a black rabbit.
Arwyn: And in addition, those black bunnies are quite rare here; I wouldn't be surprised if the first black bunny we encountered was the actual kidnapper.
Nick: His scars on his face are a key characteristic here!
Arwyn: Goooood! I cannot wait to add a few extra scars to his face once we get up close and personal with the dude.
Nick: As much as I would like to inflict serious injury on that rabbit, I must warn you that violence in these blue uniforms is not the way. You should always try to negotiate first with the suspect in a diplomatic way. You should only consider using violence or defensive measures if your life is in danger or if you witness the suspect threatening to kill or harm someone else. This applies especially after you've realized that negotiations have failed and the suspect is unwilling to cooperate. You will abide by this code of conduct, okay? We are here to protect and serve, not harm and kill.
Arwyn: I understand, Nick, but do you really think you will be able to resolve this peacefully with the kidnapper? I know what it's like to be consumed by emotions.
Nick: Honestly, I am scared. I don't know what I will do. Start the car and get us rollin'. We will begin at my house. Check for any clues there—anything that could help us track down the kidnapper.
Arwyn: On it!
Arwyn starts the car, revving the engine.
Arwyn: Wowsers! This is phenomenal, man! With this kind of car, we will get back your carrot-munching cutie pie in no time!
Arwyn has once again succeeded in bringing a smile to Nick's face. Nick's fondness for Arwyn is growing steadily. As they exit the ZPD parking lot, their urgent quest for Judy kicks off.