TMiL Alterverse
Pride and Survival (part 12)
----------------------------

"Watch this." Tantei A winked as he aimed a perfect pitch at the 
bull's eye on the "Dunk the Banker" tank at the county fair that 
weekend.

Ainoko giggled as the 'banker' went into the tank.

The man who ran that particular game handed Tantei A a stuffed 
panda dressed in a yellow kimono with a matching umbrella. 

Tantei A, in turn, handed it to Ainoko.

"Oh, its so cute." Ainoko squealed in delight. "Thank you, 
Tantei A."

"You're much cuter." Tantei A replied.

Ainoko blushed, then went even redder as Tantei A kissed her 
forehead. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love.

He looked back down, and for a moment, it seemed as though they 
might kiss. Instead, he drew her close and whispered in her ear, 
"We'll save *that* kiss for our wedding, my beloved."

Ainoko nodded in agreement.

They shared a stick of cotton candy and a seat on the ferris 
wheel. Then Tantei A played a few more games and won a couple 
more stuffed animals for Ainoko.

They were on their way to play one more game before returning 
home, when a hand tapped Tantei A on the shoulder.

"Yes?" he asked, as he turned, "What can I do for..."

Then he stopped dead.

The uniform was different. That was to be expected given that 
this was a different time period. But it was still recognizable.

The man standing in front of him, holding up a silver hand that 
matched Tantei A's own, sea-green eyes blazing brilliantly with 
the effects of the adrenaline rush of his occupation, his thick
waist-length hair woven into a samurai braid, was a member of 
the Galaxy Police. The one Tantei A had taken his own name from 
when he'd joined up.

"Tantei Alpha." Tantei A gasped.

"I sensed your implants and came to investigate." Tantei Alpha 
said in a very firm no-nonsense tone. "The girl is native to 
this place and time, so she can remain. You, however, must come 
with me."