You're Under Arrest! Season 2 Discussion Thread

[Jimmie M]

-It's late afternoon & off duty time for Miyuki, Natsumi & Saori. No takers for karaoke, Natsumi? Saori's going to visit her parents & Miyuki's off to Zapper to check on a couple of parts for "Today"-Maybe next time, eh?

-"Special interest: trying out restaurants" & "Special skill: foot brake"? And "Lord of the spendthrifts" too? You know your partner better than anyone else, Miyuki!

-Looks like Honda's going to help out at another race. He certainly has been getting a lot of job offers since coming to Zapper, hasn't he Sena? He has to leave tonight by train since he can take riding one a lot better than riding in a car. Megumi says that she won't be lonely while Honda's gone but I wonder...

-Later, back at the apartment...While Miyuki's talking about Honda's settling down, Natsumi's watching ThunderCats! HO!!!

-Time to take out the recycling &...Hey, that's Yuuta, Shou, Maho & Megumi! What's going on? Class visitation-It's today at noon but Megumi never told Honda about it. No wonder she seems so down!

-A couple of the mechanics on the race team doubt Honda's skills but he'll make believers out of them soon enough, I'm sure. Meanwhile, Sena tries to call Honda but he forgot to take his cell with him-So Miyuki decides to go bring him back for the class visitation even though Megumi says she doesn't want him to come (She doesn't really mean it, though). Make sure you take enough car-sickness pills & barf bags with you!

-Miyuki arrives at the race & tells Honda what's going on...But he says he can't leave until he's finished with adjustments on the race car! Even the race team's chief mechanic (An old friend of Honda's) wants Honda to go but he insists on staying to finish the job. OK then-Miyuki will help but you come back with her after everything's done!

-In that case, let's go on the offensive with bolder settings & shoot for first place!
By the time they finish, at least one of the other mechanics is now a believer in Honda's skills-They might win this race yet!

-Heading back now...Honda really does get carsick, doesn't he? But he hates to lose even more & so does Megumi as we see on the vault during the school visitation. Also back at the race track the new settings & the driver's skills equal a win! One more try at the vault for Megumi and...YES!

-Miyuki & Honda finally arrive at the school but class visitation is over though. Megumi's still glad to see Honda & has just 1 question for him: "Did you win?"

Next time-File 11, "Big Panic on the Bokuto Line! Part 1"

[Jimmie M]

-A flashback to police academy training in the mountains (Before Miyuki & Natsumi met) opens this one: Natsumi wasn't that good a shot back then, wasn't she? Miyuki, on the other hand...

-C'mon Natsumi, wake up! You're going to be late again! Oh forget it, I'm leaving you here! And honestly, what's with all this stuff you keep ordering?

-1 hour & 35 minutes late! Don't try to put this on your alarm clock, Miyuki or even Ken, Natsumi! Miyuki's right though-A working person should be able to get up on time. BTW, have I already mentioned how scary Miyuki is when she's really pissed off?

-Another flashback, this time in weapons class: For Miyuki, breaking down & reassembling a police special is no problem but Natsumi...Well...

-On patrol now: Natsumi, you need to clean up your room since most of what's in there (Weights & the like, one of which Miyuki stubbed her foot on that morning) you've only used once or twice anyway. Quit wasting your money! Oh yeah? What about those car parts YOU'RE always ordering, Miyuki?
Uh ladies, the argument can wait-That speeder! The elderly lady! LOOK OUT!

-Even as Miyuki helps the elderly lady across the street, her argument with Natsumi continues, now over whether they should have gone after the reckless driver first! Whichever comes first, you guys shouldn't be blocking traffic, right?

-Late afternoon back at the station but Miyuki's letting Natsumi off here since she has to go to the NRIPS (National Research Institute of Police Science). And clean up your room by the time I get back!

-Flashback #3: Hand-to hand training...A bit of a struggle for Miyuki but a piece of cake for Natsumi...

-Miyuki arrives at the NRIPS...She was invited here by her escorts' boss to look over a new piece of police technology that they've been working on. Wait, what's that...An earthquake! It doesn't appear to be a serious one but the Chief orders all officers on standby, just in case.

-At the Tsukiji train station, an announcement is made that all trains will be stopped temporarily due to the earthquake & will resume after a safety inspection is done. Natsumi is on one of the stopped trains along with several other people...A water leak up ahead of the train? Not good...

-Here's what the NRIPS guys wanted to show Miyuki: A working prototype of the Macias T-5 (Police version), a remote controlled mech developed for use in disaster relief & in dangerous areas. Since several companies contributed to the cost & development of the T-5 the NRIPS boss's job is riding on this being a success. Want to try it, Miyuki?

-Flashback #4: An academy class community project that sees Natsumi helping to build a new playground while Miyuki repairs some of the kids' toys...

-Looks like it will be a bit longer before Natsumi's train can move since another train ahead of the is having difficulties & is stopped as repairs are made. Sir, are you all right? You don't look well.

-Up ahead, workers inspecting the tunnel discover damage & rising water! The motors are submerged so neither train will be able to move now...They'll have to evacuate the passengers as soon as possible (HQ tasks Bokuto Station to aid in the relief operation). The forward train's passengers are led to safety through the North Ginza Station-Now for the rear train...

-You've really got a knack for using the T-5, Miyuki? Not bad for a former employee of the NRIPS...Uh oh, a call for them to stand by due to the emergency on the Bokuto line! A chance to use the T-5, perhaps? Also, a call for Miyuki from the Chief apprising her of the situation & asking where Natsumi is since he can't reach her on her cell.

-On the way to Ginza Miyuki also tries getting Natsumi on her cell but no luck.

-Once at the North Ginza Station the Chief is informed by Etoh (Public Safety) that a large amount of ground water is seeping into the tunnel. A call on the Chief's cell...It's Natsumi! Where are you? In the subway?

-Once the train behind them moves out then they can begin moving back as well but then...A short circuit?
Meanwhile, two punks on Natsumi's train become impatient & start harassing the engineer but they soon pick the wrong person when Natsumi tells them to stop.

-That short circuit activated the watertight doors behind Natsumi's train! The train behind them had already cleared the doors before they began closing but Natsumi & the other people in their train are now trapped inside the tunnel!

-Why don't you two pipe down? There's children & an ill man aboard & you're not helping the situation at all! Besides, you've got a very capable police officer in Natsumi with you & if she says they'll be all right then you can take her word on that!
Oh no...More water's starting to come into the tunnel...

-Flashback #5: More cross-country training but this time in a snowstorm. Miyuki can barely see the next person ahead of her but she's soon joined by Natsumi & they continue on together through the rough conditions....

Next time-The conclusion in File 12, "Big Panic on the Bokuto Line! Part 2"

[Jimmie M]

-We open Part 2 right where we left off with the watertight doors closing behind the train, trapping Natsumi & the other passengers inside the tunnel as more water comes in...

...And our 5th flashback continues, now with Miyuki & Natsumi moving side by side through the snowstorm.

And now, the conclusion:

-Since the watertight doors can't be opened from the outside, Etoh plans to use the old Ginza station to get to the passengers since an emergency exit was built there connecting the old line to the newer Bokuto line. The workers have found it about 70 meters away from the North Ginza Station. Now it's a race against time & the rising water!

-The rescue team found them! Evacuation gets under way but a young mother with a son is now feeling ill, probably from all of the tension of the emergency. Hold it, you two-Women, children & those needing medical attention come first!

-The evacuation goes smoothly (Even the two punks lend a hand!) but there's a problem that the people in the tunnel aren't aware of-The ground inside the tunnel is quickly turning into mud, making the situation even more dangerous than before. With nearly everyone out the engineer makes a final check but then...

...One of the walls collapses & now the emergency exit is cut off by rubble and mud!
Natsumi, the son of the young mother, an elderly lady, the engineer & one of the young punks are still trapped inside!

-Topside, it looks to be almost impossible to reach them but wait...This place where the Bokuto line's ventilation system is inspected! Can they get to the surface from there? Miyuki asks Etoh if perhaps a wall in the machinery room could be broken down for a connection...Is there a way to contact the people down there? My partner's down there...And Chief, please call the NIRPS!

-Thank goodness the emergency phone works! The engineer relays their status and...Who? You want to speak to Officer Tsujimoto?
Miyuki!

-Flashback #6: Miyuki & Natsumi continue on through the snowstorm with Natsumi moving a bit ahead...

-Miyuki knows her partner all too well-Natsumi WAS going to an all-you-can-eat restaurant in Ginza! And you still have to clean up your room! Anyhow, listen...Lead the remaining passengers through a vent in the ceiling & then through a passageway to the machinery room. I'll break a hole in the wall there for you all to get out.

-Miyuki's going to rescue them? How? Why, with the help of the Macias T-5 of course, just arrived from the NRIPS! Sure she's only tried it a couple of times but with Natsumi leading the passengers to the escape point Miyuki wants to do this herself. Meanwhile, workers are trying to shore up the walls leading to the escape point but will they hold for long enough?

-What's this? Flooding in the passageway? We can still make it with this rope!
Meanwhile, what's happened Miyuki? Oh, just some mud splashed onto the T-5's windshield...We can still break through!

-We're here but...That sound! It's Miyuki-I'm sure of it! But so intent is Miyuki on breaking through that she fails to notice the ledge with AC equipment above where she's drilling through the wall...

...She's through! Oh no, the ledge & wall are giving way! The T-5's remote camera is damaged but the T-5 itself still works-Miyuki's not giving up and neither are Natsumi & the passengers!

-One last try at both ends and...YES! They made it out, safe & sound! On the other hand, the T-5 didn't fare so well but it got the job done-As did "Bokuto's Best Partners" (As if there were any doubt with them on the case )!

-Final flashback: Both girls finish the course...Natsumi must have made an impression on you on those final meters, eh Miyuki? And finally, graduation from the police academy (And in the same class)!

Next time-File 13, "Fake Officer VS Actor Cop"

[Jimmie M]

-Natsumi's late for work again...Woah, who's that in the Mercedes & why is she smiling at me?

-A giant spider & a schoolgirl? This might be one of Natsumi's most creative excuses yet!
Wait a minute...That girl in the Mercedes! Who is she & why am I teaming up with her?

-Meet Yuka Hasumi, an up-and-coming character actress who's starring in a new TV crime drama soon & she's modelling her character after you, Natsumi-That's why she's teaming up with you for a while (And she has fans in the traffic section as well).

-No Miyuki so Natsumi has to drive the patrol car since Yuka is a civilian...No problem since Natsumi has her auto driver's license, right? Just remember-"D" is for drive & "R" is for reverse (An automatic & not a 5-speed?).

-So Yuka's not spoiled or egotisical as you thought, eh Natsumi? She also wants her role on the TV drama to be as realistic as possible which is why Yuka's doing this-Spending time with Natsumi on patrol will prepare her more than just reading a script & imagining the role. Anyway, you can count on Natsumi's help to get you ready, Yuka!

-Yes Yuka, this is what traffic cops REALLY do-No snipers, robbers & the like! I don't think that you have to match Natsumi in eating, though.

-Late again but Yuka's on time! Want them to trade places, Chief?
Later on (With Miyuki's help) some training on the day-to day stuff like writing citations, directing traffic, etc...But Yuka seems disappointed somehow. What was she expecting?

-On patrol now...Yuka asks Natsumi to drop her off so that she can go to the criminal investigation section but then a black Honda sedan with another police officer pulls up beside their car. An undercover unit, perhaps? After he leaves the "officer" calls Natsumi on the radio & taunts her & Yuka, saying Natsumi can't tell the difference with a fake cop (Meaning Yuka). He's the real fake police officer-After him!

-This guy's done his homework...With Natsumi & Yuka in pursuit he takes the on ramp onto the Expressway, knowing that traffic cops have no jurisdiction there unless they have permission but Natsuni & Yuka go after him anyway, much to the chagrin of the Expressway Patrol! And on top of that, the fake cop gets away!

-Getting reprimanded by the Chief was bad enough but Natsumi & Yuka also find out that the fake officer posted a photo of them on a police fanatics' online forum with more insults for them. Yuka's manager isn't too happy about this either & takes Yuka with her!

-Time to work on the apology letter...Yuka? So you want to go after the fake officer too & restore your honor as an actress, eh?
Unfortunately, the Chief tells Natsumi to stay out of it & let Detective Tokuno & Investigations handle it. Argh!

-Wait a minute...What's that on your desk, Natsumi? A complete file on the fake officer?
Miyuki, you're the best!

-According to his posts the fake officer knows all about police regulations & hierarchy. Yuka may be on to something though-The fake officer actually believes that he's a real police officer so it should be easy to lure him out...

-What, a second fake officer & he's copycatting me? I'll show him! Only thing is that the second fake officer is actually Ken & you just fell into the trap, bucko!

-The Expressway again? Do you really think that'll stop Miyuki, Natsumi, Yuka & Ken from pursuing you? Nitro on!

-They cut him off but the fake officer won't stop! Yuka, get out of the way!
Oh no, he hit her! Or did he? Don't mess with an actress who specializes in action sequences!
They got the perp but more apology letters all around, including one from Yuka (Who's also grateful to Miuyki & Natsumi for helping her prepare for her TV role).

-Some days later, the traffic section gets to watch the premiere episode of Yuka's new show, "Special Attack Detective X". The helicopter & tank chases do make it exciting, don't they? I think Yuka passed the test for her new show, don't you?

Next time-File 14, "C'est si Bon. Wavering Love"

[Jimmie M]

-We open with Ken rescuing a kitty trapped on a box in a canal. Watch it, don't slip!

-Getting things like this letter of gratitude & the little award from the the kitty's owner (A little girl in the first grade at school) makes it all worthwhile, right Ken? We should celebrate...And you're treating!

-It's party time but where's Miyuki? Ken, you should man up & tell her how you feel about her!
Turns out she's at the Zapper shop checking on something with Sena, Daimaru & Honda-Ken, next time wait 'til you're sober before you confess your feelings to Miyuki!

-You don't remember what you said to Miyuki over the phone last night? It's not too late, Ken...You need to apologize to her ASAP!
Meanwhile, Detective Tokuno briefs the Traffic Section on a rash of car break-ins happening over the past month, usually at major events with the targets being cars belonging to couples going to a certain food stand that's pretty popular for it's specials.

-Miyuki has narrowed down where the next likely crime will occur so the Chief tasks two officers to go undercover for this (With surveillance backup)-Ken and...Natsumi???

-You're sure you're not mad about last night, Miyuki? Oh yeah, she is...
BTW, Sena & Honda have that part in that you asked them to look into-It's for a motorcycle, isn't it? Three guesses as to who's bike it's for...

-Well, here we are at the 2001 Japan Festival & with the number of cars here this would be a good target for our thieves to strike. There's the popular food stand-It's certainly doing a lot of business, isn't it? "Monja du Paris"...French food, eh?

-Saori & Yoriko might be distracted by the TV interview with Monsieur Yanagawa (The food stand owner) but at least Aoi is keeping an eye on Ken & Natsumi. Thanks, Aoi!

-Half price plus free food? With a deal like this it won't be long before a certain somebody hears about it & sure enough, here she comes...Scooter Mama! Clear the way! Plus, in the confusion several cars are broken into & to top everything off our favorite cops' cover is blown!

-With their cover blown Tokuno has no choice but to take Traffic off the case. The guys want another crack at it but the Chief says only on your free time. Oh look, the fireworks displays are tomorrow and there's bound to be a lot people plus food stands there...

-OK, it's decided! Miyuki will pair up with Ken since they probably weren't seen at the festival & the rest of us will be disguised as takoyaki vendors. A takoyaki stand (Borrowed by Natsumi from a vendor that she knows) plus a car borrowed from Zapper that's about to be tricked out by Miyuki will also be used in the stakeout.
BTW Miyuki's also scary when she's plotting revenge, isn't she? If only these perps knew what they're in for when they target this car...

-Good morning, Chief! You brought snacks and...An octopus for the takoyaki stand! And it's fresh!

-Think Mr. Yanagawa bought their story about being volunteers here?
BTW, good disguise Ken but focus on the case at hand! Time to get out of the car now...

-Walking arm-in-arm adds to the disguise, Ken! And besides, this gives you some quality time with Miyuki to apologize for what you said the other day. Yamagawa had to pick now to announce his "Limited Time Special", darn it!
Just a second-That couple with the stroller! They were at the festival too, weren't they?

-Oh no, it's Scooter Mama again! She certainly knows how to make an entrance, doesn't she (Along with taking a header into the C'est si Bon stand)? Meanwhile, Ken & Miyuki spot the couple with the stroller heading for their car-The perps that they're looking for!

-20 air bags in succession plus two ejector seats! You ARE enjoying this, Miyuki!
Plus the others find out that Yanagawa & two others are also in on this but they don't get away thanks to the fresh octopus (Nice throw, Natsumi!) & Scooter Mama!

-Ken's the official keeper of the "lucky" octopus? He'll do it for Miyuki of course who BTW has a surprise for him to celebrate making the arrest-The new part for his motorcycle. "Bokuto's White Octopus", indeed!

Next time-File 15, "Keep the Memories Brilliant"

[Jimmie M]

-We open with Sena taking her "Super 7" on a drive on the open road & then being passed by Daimaru on his black Ducati SS motorcycle. Look familiar? It should since this was how they first met before they got married. Yep, it's a flashback...

...But now we shift to the present & Ken's apartment where he's being roused for work by...Sena??? What are you doing here???

-Relax, Ken...Can't your stepmom come to see you once in a while? She even cooked breakfast for you so eat up! So she just felt like coming over, eh? I wonder...

-Is everything OK, Ken? BTW, your lunch just arrived via special delivery thanks to Sena who made enough for everyone in the squad room. She's also going to clean up your apartment for you while you're at work so go straight home, OK?

-Yoriko beat out Natsumi for the best morsels again! But aside from that, the Zapper shop should be open right now so why is Sena doing all this for Ken now? Did something happen to her? All Ken knows is that she suddenly showed up at his place this morning...Maybe we should check with Daimaru to see what's going on.

-For once Yoriko has a practical suggestion (Let Sena alone so she can work out whatever's going on between her & Daimaru)...But with an ulterior motive as always (More lunches).

-Ken, Miyuki & Natsumi make a stop at Zapper to see Daimaru but Honda's the only one there, watching the shop while Daimaru takes his bike out for a spin. Seems that Daimaru & Sena had an argument...Let's go to your place, Ken!

-Looks like Daimaru's going to be out on the road for a while...

-Wow, Sena not only cleaned Ken's apartment but also did his laundry & prepared his favorite dinner! This is all good but shouldn't you be at home with Daimaru?

-Sena, what did Daimaru do or say that's unforgiveable? Even though you're his stepmom Ken's not too keen on you staying with him so why don't you stay with Miyuki & Natsumi?

-Having Sena over quickly turns into a "Girls' Night" with beer, snacks & company from Saori, Aoi (I know, I know! ) & Yoriko (Who holds her liquor as well as Saori does since they both passed out at almost the same time). "Stupid Daimaru"?

-Speaking of Daimaru, he's still out on the road this late at night. There's almost no lighting on this stretch of road...That can! Watch out!

-Daimaru forgot the anniversary of when you first met, Sena (July 15th)? So that's what the argument was about! Man, Yoriko & Saori really can't handle too much beer, can't they (But they make sense even while drunk)?

-This isn't good if Sena's serious about not wanting to be with Daimaru anymore. Maybe if we remind Daimaru of the anniversary he'll remember it himself but we might make things worse if we mess it up. Some advice from someone else who's married might help...Detective Tokuno, perhaps?

-Daimaru's back at the shop but he's not too keen on giving flowers to Sena & apologizing. Don't sweat it, Honda-You didn't do anything wrong & besides, the guys' plan to get Daimaru to apologize didn't work anyway.

-You're going home to your parents, Sena? But isn't today the anniversary of you & Daimaru meeting each other for the first time? A drive in the mountains for no regrets before going home...
Meanwhile, Daimaru's done some thinking & is taking a ride himself...

-A short break on the road includes an old friend stopping to say hi to Sena & challenging her to a race. OK, but you won't get past me!

-Miyuki & Natsumi have come after Sena hoping to change her mind & they catch up just as she's racing the guy in the yellow sportscar! And no Natsumi, there's no nitrous oxide boost in Miyuki's Toyota-Only in "Today"! Hey, he's caught up with Sena but she needs to back off-LOOK OUT!

-Wait, who's that...It's Daimaru! He's WAY out of your league, kid! BTW, You're Under Arrest! Improper passing, use of illegal mods on your car & you lost to Sena! It's just not your day, is it?

-In the end, Daimaru & Sena worked things out without help from Ken, Miyuki & Natsumi after all. Best not to meddle, no?

Next time-File 16, "The Proper Way to Make an E-Mail Friend"

[Jimmie M]

-Natsumi's romantic thoughts of summer open this episode but she's not the only one with thoughts of a romantic getaway...Aoi?? And not to Hawai'i or Saipan but to Kyushu?

-There, Aoi's sighing again! It's almost as if he's depressed or something...What could be wrong with him? Of course, Yoriko has the answer-Aoi's in love! Of course she has proof but sighing over a daytime drama & getting an e-mail are only circumstantial evidence. We need material evidence-Let's pay a call on Aoi tonight!

-Hi, Aoi...THIS IS A RAID!! Exhibit #1: Chat found on Aoi's laptop! Exhibit #2: A man's name found on Aoi's cell phone e-mail! Who is this guy, Aoi?

-OK guys, Aoi will come clean so you don't have to hack his laptop or call the man on his cell! Apparently his name is Kunio Gouda & he's a friend living in Kyushu that Aoi met over the internet but they haven't met face to face yet. He's a Leo, single, 28 years old, played baseball, etc. & judging by his picture a hottie to boot!

-OK, since you've gotten to know this man so well via chat have you sent him a picture of you, Aoi? And does he know the truth about you? Aoi didn't tell him but he did send a picture of him with the others for Kunio to guess which one is Aoi-But he thinks that Yoriko is Aoi! Time to tell him the truth but it's too late-Aoi gets an e-mail from Kunio saying that he will be in Tokyo on business next Monday & is asking him out on a date that night!

-Nothing to do but to go through with it...Yoriko, you're going to be Aoi for this date!

-Kunio gets off from work at 5:30PM that day so some sightseeing at Asakusa Temple & Tokyo Tower before dinner at a restaurant in Odaiba, then drinks at his hotel's lounge to call it a night. Also, you have to cram studying Aoi's chats with Kunio & Aoi's favorite pastimes (Specialty dish-Meat & potatoes; likes swimming, flower arrangement & Beethoven among other things) before you meet him, Yoriko! Aoi has a lot going on in his spare time-Who knew?

-So Kunio has been helping you keep your spirits up when you struggle at work, Aoi? He sounds like a good man and you don't want to hurt him by revealing the truth about yourself...OK, I'll do my best on this date!

-Yoriko catches on fast, doesn't she? But on the day of the date, not only does Aoi follow her to see how she does but Miyuki, Natsumi & Saori as well! Uh oh, an e-mail-Kunio's running late & wants to meet at Shinjuku Station (Where his client is) instead of the temple. So much for sightseeing...

-Shinjuku Station and...Hey, that's Ichiro Suzuki (Outfielder-Seattle Mariners) on the big screen!
Another e-mail from Kunio...Meet at the South Exit? That kills the dinner reservation but you can still eat at another place nearby though.

-We're at the South Exit but it's been over an hour now...What could Kunio be doing all this time? Meanwhile, as they wait they've met up with Natsumi's friend who owns a takoyaki stand that they borrowed for the "C'est si Bon" case. Also, another e-mail...Now Kunio has to return to Kyushu so they can't meet this time. What?!

-He's at Honeda now so Aoi decides to try to catch up with him but he won't be alone...Natsumi, Miyuki & Yoriko are coming too! Sir, thanks for letting us borrow your van-We'll take good care of it so in the meantime Saori can stay with you as a "hostage"!

-Ask in just the right way & even the truck drivers will help out! But once at the Honeda airport they're too late as the last outbound for Kyushu has taken off. Wait..Another e-mail! Kunio's not on the airliner but on the Expressway bus instead-We can still catch him!

-Before long they catch up with the bus at the next interchange & Kunio & Aoi finally meet, face to face. Aoi tells him the truth about himself & apologizes...But Kunio also fesses up: He's the father of twin infant girls (Whom he's been carrying in a basket with him) & had just recently gone through a divorce! You never know, huh?

-Back in Tokyo again (BTW sir, thanks for the use of your van & keeping Saori company-Drinking sake all night?)...What, an e-mail from another guy (This time from Hokkaido) coming to see you, Aoi? Oh, no-You're on your own for this one! Good luck, Aoi!

Next time-File 17, "A Midsummer Night's Curse"

[Jimmie M]

-We open with Yoriko in a candlelit room introducing us to the tale that we're about to see...A tale of screams & fears that happened on a very hot summer day. And it's all true!

-It's supposed to get up to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) today? Man, that's hot!
We didn't know that you're THAT superstitious, Ken! And besides, Saori accidentally dropped her ice cream cone on your head so that doesn't really count as a bad omen, does it?

-Even a fortune read by Yoriko seems to forecast bad luck for Ken today! Uh oh, now Kaneko's dropped her ice cream cone (Knocked from her hand by a soda can dropped by a passing bird)-Look out, Ken!

-Nice save on the can, Natsumi! Sounds like you broke something in those trees though-Let's take a look, shall we?

-Doesn't it seem a bit dark & chilly in these trees? Oh wait-There it is!
*Miyuki screams*
Relax, Miyuki-The soda can damaged a small shrine here. You should fix it ASAP, Natsumi! And apologize! NOW!

-Not only is the talisman torn but in trying to fix it Natsumi accidentally breaks off one of the shrine's doors! A possible curse, huh? I've got a bad feeling about this...
BTW, I didn't know that Miyuki could move that fast! Don't worry, Miyuki...Natsumi & Ken will fix it later, OK?

-OK guys, we know the air conditioning's out of order so you can stop drooling over Aoi's "cleavage" now! Also, Miyuki's technical expertise doesn't extend to AC units so you'll all have to deal with the heat until the AC's fixed tomorrow. The Chief seems to be handling the heat very well though-He's one "cool" cat, isn't he?

-Enough! Miyuki, let's go on patrol!
A good idea except that once on patrol they find out the AC in "Today" isn't working either (Even though it was working fine yesterday)...And that's not all! The brakes!
At least the emergency brake works & just in time, too! But once back at Bokuto Station Miyuki can find nothing wrong with the brakes-Why did this happen?

-Things are starting to get freaky now: First Yoriko hears a woman's voice over her headset saying "I won't forgive you" as she's dispatching a police unit to an accident scene & then in the women's bathroom Saori also hears the same woman's voice even though she's the only person in there! The ghost of the legendary "Weeping Policewoman"?

-After Kaneko leaves for the day & Ken goes to make tea, Miyuki finds herself all alone in the squad room. It's already dark outside with a thunderstorm rolling through so Miyuki's not having a good night so far...And now the building's power has gone out!
Wait a minute-What's that on the hallway floor???? EEYAHHH!!!! Once down the hallway Miyuki runs into...A poltergeist? NOOO!!!

-Ken comes back to the squad room & finds Miyuki gone but he also finds what scared Miyuki so: The "poltergeist" was actually Natsumi who accidentally spilled some somen on her head when she slipped in the hallway & the object on the floor was the head of crash dummy that Saori was looking for.

-Don't scare us like that, Yoriko! So you think that the "Weeping Policewoman" (Whose dream of marriage was cut short due to a traffic accident) is after Miyuki?
Ken's on the way, Miyuki-Hang in there!

-Yikes, it's the "Weeping Policewoman"! Oh, it's only Aoi-Thank goodness!
Also, the Chief just came in to warn everyone about the water in the hallway so...What are you all looking at? My pants-No, it's not what you think! I just slipped & fell in the hallway...Really, I did!

-Ken's search for Miyuki leads him into the archive room where he finds...Miyuki?
His flashlight also gives out right then but it must be her, right?
Meanwhile, Natsumi goes out to the shrine & with Aoi's help repairs it so that it's good as new (Almost, anyway) along with apologizing for breaking it.

-The power's back on! The curse is lifted!
What's that, Ken...You said that Miyuki would follow you forever? Where did he get that from? Speaking of Miyuki...

...Here she is, carrying a toolbox! Apparently she had been working to repair a short in the building's switchboard after noticing that the auxiliary power didn't kick in when the lights went out. She was also working alone so if that was the case then who was Ken with all this time?

-Looks like Ken's going to be a happy man for a while...But the real terror is yet to come? Probably once he finds out who "Miyuki" really is...A girlfriend from the afterlife, eh?

Next time-File 18,"Cake or Steak: The Fateful Choice!"

[Jimmie M]

-A dark, foggy night on the waterfront opens this one and...What's Inspector Kinoshita doing out here? Looks like she's meeting-The Chief? What? What?!

-Is there ever a day when Natsumi is actually on time for work? "Dancing ladies in a convenience store", indeed! Amazingly, the Chief lets it go-What's going on?

-Let's sit over here, Yoriko-senpai! Oh look, there's the Chief sitting by himself-Who is he looking at? Natsumi??
Not just at lunch, either-Why is he keeping such a close eye on her?

-"Tsujimoto, do you like your current job?" Okay, that's it-Do you have something you want to tell me, Chief? If it's a reprimand, I can take it! Come clean now!
Whew-Saved by the bell (Cell phone bell, that is). Later, Tsujimoto!

-A meeting about the Chief's odd behavior leads to only one possible conclusion: The Chief wants to tell Natsumi something but he's having a hard time doing so. The way he's been staring at her & sighing...Could he be in love with Natsumi? Come to think of it, you had a "thing" for older men (The Chief & Tokuno in particular) before you met Toukairin, Natsumi-Why did you switch?

-A quick exchange of glances has Natsumi convinced now...The Chief DOES have feelings for her! But what to do? She's still seeing Toukairin...Oh, it's the Chief & he wants you to meet him at Malga Lina tonight at 7:00PM. He has something important to tell you-A marriage proposal? And no Yoriko, you're not going to follow them!

-This will be a night to remember...A white chapel, a wedding dress, "My honey"!
Uh oh, a call from Aoi-Toukairin was in an accident (He fell during a rescue operation)?!
They're taking him to the Police Hospital? Sorry, Chief-I'm on my way!

-It's just a fractured rib? Jeeze, I thought you were critically injured, Toukairin! Oh well, at least we'll be together for a while and...Oh, I was supposed to meet the Chief!

-Natsumi's old crush on the Chief has really taken hold again, eh Miyuki? It does seem detestable that she has feelings for both men but consider this-Which would you rather have, cake or steak? She wants both!
BTW, check out the plushies of our leads on top of the TV-So cute!

-The Chief heard about Toukairin's accident so he understood why you didn't show up last night, Natsumi...Just do something about you're being late & think about your future, OK?

-Cake...steak...cake...steak...Argh, I can't decide between the two! Breaking the table won't help, either!

-Toukarin's been released from the hospital with a corset on to keep the rib stabilized as he recovers. One good thing came out of this though-I get to see you again, Natsumi!
Your treat tonight? Let's do it!

-Cake...steak...Natsumi, do your thing! Not your feet brake, though-Get after that helmet-less biker on your Motocompo! Even at her desk or directing traffic Natsumi's still distracted by the same question: Cake or steak? Maybe Oshou can help me decide...

-"Chief" is actually the Chief's name (Written with the characters for "flower" (Ka) & "butterfly" (Chou)), Oshou? Wow, who knew? Anyhow, consider the situation, look within yourself & you'll find the answer you seek.

-Cake (Chief)...steak (Toukairin)...cake...steak...

-Thanks for your help, Oshou! Oh, hi Tokairin! There's a monja place you want to try? Naw...I'd rather have steak instead!

-Natsumi, the Chief wants to see you in the conference room & he says it's important! At last-Now to find out what he's been trying to say to me and guys, please don't eavesdrop this time, OK?

-You're turning down the offer? OK, but it's not what you thought it was...It's actually a personal invitation from Inspector Kinoshita to join the MPD Special Assault Team (They protect VIPs & investigate major crimes that existing departments can't handle). It's an elite group so are you sure about this?
Oh, if that's all it is...Wait a minute! Me???

Next time-File 19, "Vacillation"

[Jimmie M]

-It's early evening at Bokuto Station as we open this one with a private meeting between Natsumi & Inspector Kinoshita concerning her invitation to join the MPD Special Assault Team. You're sure about your decision, Tsujimoto? No regrets?

-Next day...A reckless driver nearly makes it a tragic day for school children but he's no match for "Bokuto's Best Partners"! Yoriko just had to open her mouth, didn't she? It's true though-It's not official yet but Natsumi is considering Kinoshita's offer, even with the understanding that she will have to leave Bokuto Station & her partner Miyuki if she accepts. You could've used a little more tact though, Yoriko-Time to go on patrol (Thanks, Aoi)!

-Miyuki, don't mind what Yoriko said...But outside of that, are you OK with Natsumi leaving Bokuto? Saori's bothered by it too but she's become a fine policewoman & will do fine after Natsumi-senpai is gone. Still, Miyuki...

-Time for lunch with Toukairin on the station's roof! No broth in the miso soup & bits of shell in the omelet? Don't sweat it-Toukairin loves your cooking all the same! And he supports your decision even though it means you both won't be able to see each other for a long while.

-I mentioned earlier in this thread just how well Miyuki knows her partner & it's the same for Natsumi: Miyuki tends to hold her feelings inside, is stubborn & hates to lose...And is the best partner that Natsumi has ever had (Or will ever have)!
Speaking of whom...She was listening at the door...And crying!

-Miyuki, are you really OK? Ken's here for you if you need an ear...

-On patrol...Miyuki, why don't we go shopping tomorrow? There's an Italian place that Saori told me about that we could try and...Toukairin? Well, he does go back to Toyama Prefecture soon...

-Natsumi heads out for her date with Toukairin but Miyuki also goes out a bit later. Hmm..."Commemorative Fair Celebrating 20 WRC Victories". Of course, while the fans & media types gush over the models & drivers Miyuki's more interested in the car's engine. Maybe Ken's right-I am running away. Oh-Honda?

-So Honda's here to give support for the race team that he was once with? Pretty cool! He also makes a good point too-Natsumi didn't become a cop for your sake any more than you did for hers, Miyuki. She's following her own path & besides, you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You don't have any regrets about your partnership, do you?

-Home again...Natsumi's not back from her date yet but there's a call from Ken to see how you're doing. Natsumi's back-Want to take your bath first?

-A 2-hour parking violation & these two punks have the nerve to blow off Yoriko & Aoi, who quickly head off in pursuit! Also joining in the pursuit are Miyuki & Natsumi-Nitro on! The two guys scrape the guardrail but a new use for Natsumi's feet brake plus Miyuki's downshifting brings the car to a stop. Another perp stopped thanks to our intrepid pair!

-We all knew this from the start, didn't we? Just as Natsumi felt that Miyuki was the only partner for her, Miyuki feels the same & doesn't want to hold Natsumi back-Take care & good luck in your new job!

-Another meeting with Inspector Kinoshita & Natsumi has made her decision: She's joining the Assault Team! Of course, Toukairin supports her decision-And no Yoriko, you can't watch them make out!
Meanwhile, Miyuki left early to go see Honda-Want to stay for tea?

Next time-File 20, "Missing the Bus"