Thanks to Monica/Akira-chan. whose fic got me curious as to
what Patlabor was all about.  Ten videos later, I now feel
prepared enough to write one of my own.  Look forward to
seeing you at Otakon.

------------------------------------------------

[Scene opens on a large factory, immediately giving off the
impression 'rich and successful'.  SHINOHARA INDUSTRIES is 
on the outside of the main building.  We slowly pan up to the
top floor of the main offices, where an intense discussion 
appears to be happening.]

VOICE:  There will be no argument.  I am almost seventy years 
old, and ready to retire.  And I feel confident in passing the
company on to my son.

SECOND VOICE:  But sir, you yourself have said so often --

VOICE:  I have?  I've said the boy is headstrong, which he
is.  Stubborn, also true.  However, what is the one thing I
used to say all the time that you no longer hear?

SECOND VOICE:  Sir?

VOICE:  That the boy lacks direction.  Asuma has finally found 
a purpose.  Happily, it is with Shinohara Industries.  That is
why He is to be my successor.  As for his stubbornness and
tendency to be headstrong...those are not bad things in a 
corporation such as this.


                    SUBTLE ROMANCE LTD.
                    in association with
            CALL ME A SUCKER FOR SCHMALTZ, INC.


VOICE:  There is one thing that the boy needs, however.  He lacks
courage.  Most major steps in his life were taken for him.  He has
a tremendous mind, to be sure -- but only when given a kickstart.
In the past, that has been my job.  It cannot be so anymore.

SECOND VOICE:  What are you suggesting?

VOICE:  Asuma has been ignoring his family responsibilities for
too long.  It is time that he married.


                         presents
                     Patlabor - 2009


SECOND VOICE:  S-sir!  He'll go ballistic!  You know how he feels 
about your interfering in -- um, concern for his well-being!  And
besides, well...

VOICE:  I know.  Noa Izumi.  Even though they'll never admit it, they
couldn't do without each other.


            Noa Izumi        Asuma Shinohara 


SECOND VOICE:  So how do you suggest we marry him to anyone else?

VOICE:  Who suggested that?  Believe me, I firmly intend for him
to marry Noa.  The question is, once he finds out that I want it,
will *he*?  Or will he defy me, and go against his heart.  That is
why I called you here, gentlemen.  We need to do this differently.
None of this should be traced to me.  We are going to get my son
to propose to her.  At long last.


                 Love, Honor, and Family


coming soon to an FFML near you.  Phew.  Now to get to the fic I 
actually *am* working on.  You'll be delighted to hear - it's a
UY: The Senior Year side story!

<crickets>

Well, Fred enjoys them.  *Sigh*...

--Sean Gaffney
--who enjoys removing subtleties...