TMiL Alterverse
Pride and Survival (part 11)
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"Are you enjoying the book?" Ainoko asked as she and Tantei 
A carried fresh bundles of wheat into the silo that Tuesday
afternoon.

"Yes, thank you." Tantei A replied. "I'm almost finished with 
it. This Bond fellow is quite impressive. Though not as 
impressive as Hoshiki Kindai."

"Who?" Ainoko asked.

"You wouldn't know him." Tantei A tossed his bundle into the 
silo and wiped his brow. "He's a character in a series of novels 
by Takarei Takasei, an obscure author from Nekowakusei. On this 
planet, he might be classified as a 'chosupai'."

"Do you have any novels by him?" Ainoko asked, tossing him 
another bundle.

Tantei A caught it. "You're very strong." he smiled. "No, 
unfortunately they were destroyed when the headquarters went 
up."

"Went up?" Ainoko asked.

"Kain, the creature I chased back here, destroyed our 
headquarters and murdered most of my friends. That's why I went 
after him."

"I'm sorry." Ainoko frowned. "Oh, Tantei A, I didn't realize..."

"It's okay." Tantei A told her. "I miss them, a lot."

"Do you ever think about going back?"

"Sometimes. And I've deciced that even if I could, I wouldn't. 
If I went back, I'd miss you more than I would miss the Galaxy 
Police if I stay here."

Ainoko blushed. "Tantei A, I..."

"Would you mind if I courted you?" Tantei A asked.

"If its okay with my uncle, then its okay with me." Ainoko 
replied.

"I'll ask him when I walk you home this evening." Tantei A 
decided. 

"Why don't you stay for dinner this time?" Ainoko suggested.

"All right." Tantei A agreed.