Zootopia: ZPD Mysteries: Case #4: The Curse of The Pirate's Eye

Epilogue: A Matter of Trust

Half an hour later, Judy, Nick, Jack and Skye stood on the pier at Sahara Square Marina, having been shuttled back to land aboard Gazelle's yacht. Their adventure was now drawing to a close, and feeling the adrenaline drain out of their bodies like water from a bottle never felt so good.

The ZPD had been very quick to show up en masse, bringing a dozen cruisers, two boxy, squat PTVs and an ambulance to attend to the unconscious Shale. From the ambulance, Shale would be taken away to wake up in Iron Depths prison's infirmary with a massive headache and a lot of explaining to do.

Once Judy and Skye had removed Mafawna's gag and braced themselves for whatever swear words she might say, one of the medics gave the sour, hung-over impala a few Koalka-Seltzers. She seemed to be a little less angry afterwards, but her insufferable attitude was still there. But then again, what could anyone expect?

Clawhauser stood with Gazelle, fussing over her as he stood next to one of the cruisers. He had become quite convinced that the scratch on Gazelle's shoulder had become infected and was trying to apply a series of antibacterial band-aids. The poor lady was trying to explain that it really was just a scratch, but Clawhauser wouldn't listen, wanting to do anything to preserve Gazelle's life.

It was kind of sweet when you thought about it, but at the same time, it was a smidge overprotective.

Chief Bogo and Admiral Bagheera had allowed the foursome a last moment with Silver before he was taken away. The old captain was truly remorseful as he thought back upon past deeds that had now sent him to prison. But he faced it with his inbred East Umberlander bravery, the same bravery that had carried him across the seas for all his years.

"And if I help the police track down the rest of the Krakens," he was saying, "that will help shorten me sentence in Judge Peabody's court?"

Judy nodded.

"You've got nothing to worry about, Silver," she said, smiling at her ally. "The judge isn't merciless, and since he's such close friends with Chief Bogo, he understands how useful you can be. Besides, with Shale locked up and Strype gone, it won't be long before they're all in the cooler. And you know the location of the Krakens' base in the Undercity, so they'll be more than willing to listen."

"Which means they'll get that Thatch Biotech whatchamacallit back to its rightful owners, right?"

"Exactly."

Silver smiled sadly.

"When I get out, be sure to take me back to the sea," he said. "I won't forget you, Officer Hopps. Nothing, not even what I've done, is beyond forgiveness. You taught me that."

He then looked up, to face all of them, a wistful smile on his face.

"You all did," he said.

For a second, no one said anything until Chief Bogo walked up behind Silver.

"Mr. Ursine," he said, in a firm but understanding tone, "it's time."

Silver sighed, but the others knew he wasn't going to put up a fight. "Okay," he said with a heavy heart.

No one said anything as the old sea bear was taken away to the parked PTV across the pier. There was something majestic about Silver's silence, Judy thought—an old ex-pirate facing justice as a balm for his aching, guilty soul.