Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Seed Shadow ❯ Episode 5 Drake The Rejecter ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Episode 5

The episode opens up with Cagalli and Shadow looking at different clothes in the mall. Shadow has grabbed a pair of black jeans, and a black T-shirt that says "Coolest cat in town" followed ironically by a cartoon dog. Having chosen his outfit our wannabe Gundam fighter turns towards his companion. Cagalli is looking at the clothes not really liking anything. Shadow rolls his eyes at Cagalli's indecisiveness.

Shadow: Would you just pick something already, honestly what is with women and clothes?

Annoyed at the stereotype Cagalli replies back wittily

Cagalli: Well sorry, but we women want to look good unlike some people.

She says this with a coy smile on her face while eyeing her equally fashion challenged companion's clothes. Shadow puffs clearly offend.

Shadow: First of all, only up tight snots judge people by what they wear...princess.

Cagalli now offended marches right over to Shadow where is standing and gets into his face staring him down.

Cagalli: Oh really? And what's the second and don't call me a princess!?

She asks challengingly. Shadow does not back down. He meets her amber eyes then smiles and says in his humorous voice

Shadow: The second is that I look good in anything.

The tension is instantly relieved as the annoyed Earthling rolls her eyes and grabs the first thing she sees, a red anime T-shirt and blue jeans.

Cagalli: There happy, now let's go pay for it and leave.

Waiting for this exact moment Shadow exclaims

Shadow: We don't have to pay for these clothes.!

Playing the cool cat, Shadow begins to walk over to the dressing room while his audience of one blinks in surprise.

Cagalli: What? Why?

Asks our suspicious heroine. Shadow steps into the dressing room and closes the door.

Shadow: While you were busy looking at crappy clothes I talked to one of the clerks and they said that all of the items in this aisle were going to be thrown out anyway so we could have whatever we want for free.

It takes Cagalli a moment to place the event then boom, back to angry we go

Cagalli: I was looking at formal attire!

Shadow with his voice slightly muffled replies through the door

Shadow: That's what I said, crappy clothes.

Cagalli isn't quite angry anymore, it's hard to describe but it's almost like she's entered some kind of debate.

Cagalli: They were not, there's nothing wrong with professional clothing.

The casual wearer is quick to point out a rebuttal as he exits the changing room in his new attire.

Shadow: Oh except for the fact most of the time you can't get full body motion in them, they're normally uncomfortable and you always have to worry about ruining them because they always cost way more than normal clothing.

But formal wearer is equally quick to respond as she steps into the changing room.

Cagalli: People will treat us with more respect if we look serious and professional; if we go around dressing like little kids then they're going to treat us like little kids.

Cagalli speaks from experience but Shadow also has a fine point.

Shadow: I'm not saying we should go around dressing up like little kids but that doesn't mean I can't pick out clothes I like and that are comfortable to wear. I like jeans, and I like T-shirts, they give my almost full range of motion and I don't have to worry too much about ruining them since they're affordable.

Sighing, Cagalli exits the changing room in her new clothes shaking her head and deciding to just leave it.

Cagalli: We're not going to reach an agreement on this subject so let's just agree to disagree.

Shadow: Fine.

Dressed and ready for action our heroes begin to exit the store while Cagalli for the first time notices that nobody is in this aisle.

Cagalli (Strange, if these clothes are free I wonder why there's not a herd of people running over each other to grab them.?)

Suspicion begins to dawn upon the girl as she eyes Shadow.

Cagalli: So did the clerk say why these clothes are free?

Cagalli was trying to catch Shadow in a lie but instead finds something else.

Shadow: Huh, oh yea apparently these clothes were just schedule to be thrown away because their old. You see the clerk had accidently scanned the wrong item charging a customer way too much money and lady went all nuts and wanted to speak to his manager but using my awesome charm I talked her out of it. He was so thankful that he told me we can have whatever we want from this section without paying since it’s all going to be thrown out or donated to charity at the end of the day. Since everything in this section is the same amount of money he paid for it already.

Cagalli just stares at Shadow a moment trying to tell if his story is true. The camera cuts to our other 2 heroes, the programmer Kenny and the cowboy Nick. They're outside the mall standing next to the large map sign. As cautions as ever Kenny paces back and forth exclaims

Kenny: Where are they? We said that we would meet at the front of the mall, AN HOUR AGO, so where are they?!

Relaxed as ever Nick is leaning against a wall, his eyes are closed and his hat is pulled slightly down to shield his eyes from the sun.

Nick: You need to chill mate, they'll be here when they'll be here, so just catch up on some Z's.

Kenny goes to argue when Cagalli shouts

Cagalli: Hey guys!

She waves to grab their attention as both Shadow and herself swim through the crowd to get their friends. Shadow carries an extra set of clothes for Kenny. After the 2 groups combine Kenny snaps

Kenny: What took you so long?!

Shadow points at Cagalli as he says

Shadow: Sorry but someone took forever picking out clothes.

Cagalli is offended and is about to argue when Shadow quickly adds

Shadow: Oh, these are yours by the way.

He hands Kenny a blue long-sleeved shirt with a polar-bear with sun glasses on it holding a coke, and a pair of jeans. Kenny looks at the shirt and looks at Shadow

Kenny: Really?

Growing annoyed by people constantly pointing out his lack of fashion sense, Shadow snaps

Shadow: Well if you don't like then don't wear it!

Cagalli smirks enjoying the fact that she's been proven right.

Cagalli: Ha, told you, you had bad taste.

Shadow glares at her, and is about to say something when Nick interrupts. Having gotten off his spot on the wall, he goes straight to business.

Nick: We found something about the Gundam Manager.

Confused Cagalli turns to her source of information Shadow.

Cagalli: Gundam Manager?

Shadow answers without hesitation.

Shadow: A Gundam Manager manages the Gundam team. They arrange the fights; keep track of the finances, and the good ones give us tips on how to fight. They work for the GFC and report our progress to them.

Kenny not wanting to be out done, adds

Kenny: And having one is a requirement in order to be an official Gundam team.

Cagalli takes this in as Shadow turns to Kenny and asks

Shadow: So what did you find out?

Kenny: Well the good news is that there's a small GFC company in the area.

The ex-politician's political powers tingle as she senses a butt

Cagalli: What's the bad news?

Chilled as an iceberg Nick adds casually

Nick: Just that they got the record of most rejected Gundam team applications.

Kenny nervously nods his head.

Kenny: Yea, a 70 percent rejection rate which is a high number for any GFC office, from what I could dig up one of the managers who works there is a major jackass, he has a 100 percent rejection rate which means he has yet to sign off on a single Gundam team.

Shadow: What's his name?

Shadow asks this innocently enough but there's an excited evil gleam in his electric green eyes. Luckily his cautious and nervous friend doesn't notice this and answers.

Kenny: Diz Drake.

Having accepted her current circumstance for now Cagalli just goes along with everyone else until she can figure out a way home.

Cagalli: Well I guess we better hope we don't get him then.

Using stats the hacker calms himself down.

Kenny: There are currently 74 managers working in that GFC building so as long as we aren't stupid or unlucky we should be fine.

Everyone nods their head satisfied with this outcome and move toward their new destination but Shadow hangs back for a moment reflecting.

Shadow (Diz Drake hmmm this should be fun!)

The camera cuts to inside and office building, cubicles take up 90 percent of the space on this floor of the building while the other 10 percent is for the walkways in-between the cubicles not counting the guest center at the end.

Shades of calming tan cover both the walls and the cubicles. The floor appears to be made up entirely of a brown carpet, each cubical looks identical on the outside; each one has a desk along with a computer.

Everyone we see is dressed in business wear and walks with purpose or panic. Some sit at their cubicles typing, others walk with their laptop cases or on their phone talking about business. The noise is a mixture of talking, clicks from laptop keys and phones ringing or being hung up.

We zoom in on one person sitting behind a desk typing away. Unlike his coworkers this person's desk is devoid of all intimate objects, no pictures, plants, posters, hell not even a sticker can be seen.

The individual seems to be in his early fifties, he's wearing a black suit and tie, his neatly combed hair is starting to gray. On his left eye is an eye patch with some kind of ancient runic symbol on it in red. Despite his age we can tell from his frame that he's still in decent shape.

Suddenly another guy appears, like the first he too appears to be in his early fifties but unlike the first he appears to have more of a rock star look going on, with a red button up shirt and almost shinning blue pants combined with his shoulder left brown hair. The only thing that doesn't fit this image is his glasses.

Rocker: So Drake how's your day going?

The rocker asks this as he sits on Drake's desk, forcing him to stop working and look up. Annoyed the less playful Drake orders

Drake: Tim, get off my desk.

The rocker (Tim) without moving from his spot asks in his own annoyed voice

Tim: First answer my question, why are you filing the company's money management data, instead of supervising your assigned Gundam team?

The rejecter bored sighs.

Drake: Because I don't have one.

Surprising and angering his cheerful companion.

Tim: What do you mean you don't have one, what about the one that came in this morning? I personally looked over their application and made sure there was no way in hell that you could reject them!

Drake answers unconcerned

Drake: Well you didn't check hard enough; they BS about their fighting skills. After just a minute of sparing with me they started crying from the pain and demanded a break. So I rejected them, anyone who cries and demands a break is not strong enough to be a Gundam Fighter.

Now Tim sighs preparing to lecture Drake despite his obvious annoyance.

Tim: Drake, no one starts out as a great Gundam Fighter, you have to help them, train them, and make them become great Gundam Fighters.

The repetitive feel coming from Tim's voice suggested that this isn't the first time they've discussed this.

Drake: Look if I see a team with any potential I'll sign off on them.

Drake gets up and starts to walk away trying to end the conversation but Tim calls out to him causing some people to look up to see what's going on.

Tim: A God would have trouble passing what you call potential.

Ignoring him Drake continues walking; he passes by the front desk and lobby where we spot our heroes having a heated discussion with the desk person.

Shadow: What do you mean it's going to take 3 months to process our application?!

Shadow was never a patient guy and the ridiculous waiting period doesn't help the situation either, Nick and Cagalli are giving the desk person whose name tag reads Kat angry stares but at least they aren't shouting yet. Kenny shyly looks down not liking his old friend making a big scene.

Kat: I'm sorry sir, but we have a lot of people applying to be a Gundam Fighter, and not as many managers to supervise them all.

In a diplomatic tone the most experienced negotiator responds

Cagalli: Yes that sounds understandable but 3 months? I mean really are you just that short on managers or do you have that many people applying?

Having to deal with people like this at least 3 times a day Kat has mastered the art of nonchalance.

Desk person: We also list the applications by other standards such as money.

Feeling a scam Nick angry replies

Nick: So wait, we're not getting looked at right away because we're broke mate?

Even professionals have limits on tolerance and Kat has reached hers.

Kat: Sir if you could find an open manager then you could get him to review and sign off on your application otherwise please fill out the required information and wait for a manager to become available.

Satisfied in the ultimatum Kat turns back to typing on the computer confident that this will send the annoying brats home. Nick and Cagalli are frustrated and mad but the system is too powerful for them to think of a way to defeat it and they're quickly beginning to lose their will to fight.

Kenny knowing Shadow too well is afraid that he's about to make a big scene and so he tries to prevent it from happening.

Kenny: Let's go Shadow; we can think about what to do next later.

Shadow, however is not one to be defeated that easily and being true to Kenny's fears proclaims in a grand voice

Shadow: What about Diz Drake?

The request is so far off base of anything the Kat has ever had to deal with that she’s completely stunned. Drake who had been using another computer terminal while ignoring everyone and everything, up until this point for the first time looks up at this new comer.

Kat: I-I-I'm sorry?

Kenny's mouth hangs open at the horror. Cagalli is shocked, and Nick smiles liking the idea. Shadow smiles finally having achieved the upper hand in what was otherwise the Kat's game.

Kenny: It-It was nothing.

The programmer stutters to the desk person, desperately trying to undo what Shadow is doing. He turns to Shadow and whispers furiously

Kenny: Shadow what do you think you're doing?!

But like a storm in motion, Shadow cannot be stopped while radiating confidence continues his attack on the Kat.

Shadow: You said that if we could find an open manager he could review and sign off on our Gundam Fighter application, well Diz Drake is an open manager.

Like a rat caught by its tail, Kat has never faced a situation like this before and desperately struggles to regain control.

Kat: B-Bu-but sir, Mr. Drake is-

Finally losing it Kenny explodes.

Kenny: The rejecter! Are you nuts! He holds single handily the record for most rejected Gundam Fighter applications ever and may I point out that it would take 6 normal Gundam Managers to equal the amount of people he rejected. So please Shadow let's not be stupid and-

Shadow cuts him off.

Shadow: I don't care; I'm not going to run from someone I've never even met!

Drake having grown more and more interested in these troublemakers has silently crept closer to the group, now before Kat can speak, he makes his move. Stepping out in front of the desk person he faces his challengers.

Drake: I'm Diz Drake the rejecter.

Kenny freezes, if you ever said something about your boss behind his back only to find out he's right behind you, that's the look Kenny has now his face now. Shadow however turns to face Diz Drake; his face is full of defiance.

Drake doesn't do anything but stare at them with his dark reddish brown eyes but he emits a presence so strong that it's felt by everyone within 20 feet. This is a warrior whose been in many wars, seen countless battles, traveled through the world and space and then back again.

While Shadow radiates a naïve amusing confidence, Drake radiates a confidence backed by mountains of experience and sheer overwhelming raw power.

Drake: Now that you met me are you going to run!?

Feeling his "aura" everyone stops their work and looks up to the scene unfolding. Cagalli and Kenny showing obvious signs of fear have taken two unconscious steps back. Nick gritting his teeth as a bead of sweat rolls down, has also taken an involuntarily step backwards.

Shadow is the only one who doesn't move; instead he smiles apparently liking what he sees in Drake.

Shadow: I'm Shadow Zoomarey and someday I'm going to be the greatest Gundam Fighter this world has ever seen. So old man if you really are Drake the Rejecter, then I challenge you to look at our application and see if you can reject us.

Drake (Well the kid's got guts if nothing else, but it takes more than guts to become a Gundam Fighter.)

Still, despite himself Drake also smiles liking what he sees so far.

Drake: You're pretty cocky kid.

Shadow just shrugs in acceptance and unconcern.

Drake: Very well, I Diz Drake shall accept your challenge!

This definitely gets the crowd's attention, almost all just expected Drake to dismiss them with the wave of his hand but before they have time to gossip about this new development. Drake turns on them launching a fierce killing intent with his one eye and in a booming voice commands

Drake: And the rest of you, get back to work!

Yeah something tells us that Drake didn't always used to be a manager. As for the crowd many of them blush in embarrassment and hurry back to their work or cower away in fear. Satisfied that at least one thing has been resolved, Drake walks up to Kat whose still stumbling over the new direction in which everything has gone.

Kat: Here's their file but you don't have to-

Drake grabs the file and cuts her off as he continues to walk towards Shadow.

Drake: Thanks that will be all.

Walking past Shadow towards the direction of his desk, Drake points at Shadow and says simply

Drake: You, walk and talk I'm a very busy person.

Drake takes off at a fast pace but Shadow quickly catches up followed by the rest of the team. Kenny moving past his fear of Drake talks first and fast trying to sell their team.

Kenny: Now I know that our file isn't the best one out their sir, but I can-

Drake interrupts him after quickly scanning the file.

Drake: You can say that again, no fighting history, no money, and worst of all you have no contacts.

Cagalli doesn't understand.

Cagalli: Contacts?

Bored Drake explains

Drake: Connections, people who can help you or pull strings in the system for you.

Nick looks at him curious.

Nick: You mean government people right mate.

Such a gross oversimplification annoys Drake.

Drake: Don't call me mate, and yes or scientist, doctors, mechanics; hell I'll even take a teacher. However you guys have no one.

Not seeing any point to this, Shadow questions Drake

Shadow: And why does that matter?

Drake is growing impatient at their lack of insight.

Drake: It means that you would have to start completely from scratch.

Cagalli: But doesn't everyone start from scratch when they first become a Gundam fighter?

Drake turns to look at the young woman as if she's a naive idiot.

Drake: Wrong! Some teams have money, so they can afford to buy Gundams and pay for their training, other teams have a fighting history, like serving in the army so they don't need to be taught the basics of combat, the rest have connections, people who throw charity their way, people who want to see you win. If you guys decide not to become Gundam Fighters no one in the world is going to lose any sleep over it.

They reach Drake's desk with Tim nowhere to been seen. Drake stops and faces them preparing to hand down judgment.

Drake: So unless you can tell me one thing you have that no one else has in the next…

He looks at his watch.

Drake: Ten seconds, I'm going to reject you and just to let you know this is one of the few times when 99 percent of the managers would agree with me, so don't think you can go and ask someone else.

Drake looks at his watch as he counts down. Cagalli, Kenny, and Nick try to think of something but Shadow on impulse answers without hesitation or thought.

Shadow: The will to go on even when everyone says it's pointless.

Everyone freezes; they all look at Shadow, and even Drake's mouth hangs open a little.

Drake (Is this guy for real?)

Drake suddenly starts laughing.

Drake: Hahahahaha

Shadow blushes slightly, fully aware of how stupid he sounds but he sticks to his guns and doesn't back down. Drake takes a minute to calm down then replies

Drake: I've got to say that I wasn't expecting that, I'll tell you what since you made me laugh I'll give you another minute to come up with something useful.

Drake continues to stare at the kids bored as they desperately struggle to think of a good counter-argument. Shadow fresh out of ideas runs his hand through his hair and that's when Drake sees it.

While the Neon gauntlet might as well be a watch or a Gundam whistle to its owner Drake has the experience to realizes it's true significance which is all too clear from the look on his face as we do a freeze frame on his one eye wide open.

With reflexes faster than the eye can follow Drake grabs Shadow's neon gauntlet arm and yanks it closer to his face so that he can get a better look at the neon gauntlet while startling the others.

Drake: This is an active Neon gauntlet.

Kenny starts breaking into cold sweats.

Kenny (Damn I should have told Shadow to take that Neon gauntlet off. Piloting Gundams without a license is illegal in Myrtus. Shadow could go to a real jail this time.)

Shadow: Yea, so?

Like the horrible poker player he is, Shadow tries to bluff his way out of the trouble he knows he's in but Drake sees right through him.

Drake: You didn't say you already had a Gundam. Let me guess you've been in illegal Gundam Fights?

Shadow looks away not answering. Drake stares hard at him for a moment then just shrugs.

Drake: Whatever, it's not my job to make sure illegal Gundam fights don't take place, however I want to see your Gundam.

Upon the realization that Drake isn't going to rat on them and the fact that he wants to see their Gundam, makes Kenny jumps with excitement.

Kenny: Does that mean you're going to accept our Gundam application?

Drake is annoyed by the implication that he would fold that easily.

Drake: It means that you bought yourself more time before I reject your Gundam application.

With his bubble burst Kenny sighs.

Kenny: Our Gundam is a couple of miles outside the city.

The way Kenny says this implies a hassle of going there which Drake doesn't understand.

Drake: So, we'll drive.

Thinking that's the end of it he starts walking towards the exit.

Shadow: With what car?
The manager stops surprised. He makes the connection and then sighs.

Drake: Well that's just great, and you want to be Gundam fighters, yet you don't even have a car.

Feeling insulted Shadow snaps back

Shadow: Lots of people don't have cars.

Drake retaliates

Drake: At least they have bus money. *sigh* I'll get my friend who has a car to drive us. Stay here!

Voicing his authority, Drake nods his head satisfied that they won't wonder off and then walks away. The camera cuts to Tim who's sleeping at his desk.

Still a little sore from their earlier conversation Drake slams his hand down onto the table roughly waking Tim up, but being the bigger man, he only takes a small amount of pleasure scaring the crap out of Tim.

Tim: Huh, what, I'm awake?

The sleepy employee being fearful of his boss having caught him, tries to shake himself from his dream daze.

Drake: Come on, I need you to drive me and a bunch of brats to outside the city.

Tim still a little confused focuses on Drake.

Tim: Drake? What why? What's going on?

Always on the move Drake begins walking while his rocker friend stumbles a little trying to catch up.

Drake: I'm reviewing a Gundam application.

It's as if he's still dreaming, a miracle beyond a miracle, Drake the most stubborn man on the planet is reviewing a Gundam application, by choice! It's almost too good to be true.

Tim: Really?

The next scene opens up with the crew back where they parked Nightwing. Shadow, Cagalli and Kenny are standing by the leg looking at Drake waiting to see what's up. Nick is also standing with them but he's checking out Nightwing.

Drake is further away also checking out Nightwing but unlike Nick he's looking at Nightwing with an observant eye. He's walking around the Gundam and taking in all the dents, scratches and even the placement of the dirt. He comes back around and then does another slow look through. Shadow grows impatient.

Shadow: How long are you going to take?

Drake turns to face him not liking his attitude.

Drake: As long as I feel like!

He turns back towards Nightwing and continues examining it. Curious Cagalli asks

Cagalli: What are you doing?

Drake looks at the girl for a moment trying to decide whether or not she's worth his time. He decides that it would waste more time arguing with them if he said no.

Drake: I'm seeing if you guys have any potential as Gundam pilots.

Kenny: That explains why you're having the computer programmer look at Nightwing's data, but what do you hope to learn by just standing there staring and looking at it?

Drake smiles a smile of all knowing.

Drake: You would be surprised by what you can learn by just observing someone's Gundam.

Shadow: Like what?

Drake once again not liking this little punk's tone of voice replies

Drake: Well for starters, I can tell from the dents on the head and knuckles that your last fight was an old fashioned fist fight, and judging from the amount and level of dents your Gundam sustained, I'll say that you were on the receiving end of most of the punches thrown.

Drake airs confidence, backed by experience, he can see right through Shadow. Shadow may have guts but without skill he might as well be the brave mouse who charges after the cheese right into the mouse trap.

Gritting his teeth Shadow looks away ashamed.

Drake: But since you're still here I'd have to say that you won by surprising your opponent in some manner, like taking out your beam saber.

Hitting the nail on the head, Drake can't resist a small smile of satisfaction as he sees Shadow squirm under his all-knowing gaze, even with one eye he sees more than most people. The noble cowboy after taking all this in puts 2 and 2 together and looks at Shadow.

Nick: So wait mate, you won by taking a dirty shot?

The deeply proud rookie Gundam fighter snaps back

Shadow: NO, he already had his beam saber out; I was just evening the playing field.

Nick still sees this as a dirty shot which is unacceptable to his code, thus an argument begins between the young adults about what is considered a dirty shot. Around this time Tim pops out of Nightwing's cockpit and waves Drake over.

Taking a momentary glance behind himself Drake makes sure the others are distracted, then performs about six jumps from Nightwing's kneed leg to the hand to the cockpit door. Drake moves like a ninja, without trying he moves at incredible speeds while still keeping his steps as silent as a ghost.

Upon reaching the top Drake looks back to see Shadow and the others have not yet noticed his movements. He turns back to face Tim.

Drake: So how many fights has he been in?

Tim: One.

Drake shows signs of surprise.

Drake: One!

Tim: Yea and you're never going to guess who they stole this Gundam from.

Drake now a little curious asks

Drake: I figured they jacked it from some rich guy who was using it for a lawn ornament.

Tim: Wrong, care to guess again?

Tim is having a good time at Drake's expense but Drake quickly fixes this.

Drake: Tim tell me now before I snap your neck.

Tim frowns at having his fun spoiled.

Tim: Fine, Mr. Spoil sport.

Tim takes a breath.

Tim: From the warden of Slyer.

Drake's reddish brown eye opens wide.

Drake: Wait Slyer, as in the prison for the innocent?

Tim nods his head.

Tim: The one and only.

Drake looks back down on Shadow and co. to see them still discussing the last fight. A thousand thoughts flash through his mind and not all of them are uncaring but the world hasn't been nice to Drake either and although his heart may not be ice it's neither soft.

Drake: Well I guess that explains why they don't have any money or connections, but to be able to break out of Slyer.

Drake shakes his head feeling his age. Almost daring not to hope Tim asks

Tim: Impressive right?

Knowing full well what Tim is getting at, Drake doesn't go for it.

Drake: True, but not impressive in a Gundam fighter way.

Tim's smile grows wider; he was clearly waiting for this moment having a counter move ready for his old friend.

Tim: True, but what about this, you said yourself that he won his last fight because he did something unexpected.

Drake nods not liking the fact that he's not controlling the conversation.

Drake: Yeah, he pulled his beam saber out.

Tim: Yes but I don't think it was because of that, I think it was because he operated the NS system at 100 percent capability.

A one two punch Tim had been praying for, stunning Drake.

Drake: What! It takes at least a month of training to operate the NS system at 100 percent capability!

Drake looks back at the rookies as if seeing them for the first time, even he can't deny that, that was impressive. Tim goes in for the finishing blow.

Tim: I know, would you not call that Gundam fighter impressive?

It's not stubbornness that keeps Drake from passing them, it's more like a deeply rooted personal issue, an uneasiness having nothing to do with the team but coming from within Drake himself. He just isn't ready to admit that this team has potential yet.

Drake: It's not unheard of for a Gundam pilot to suddenly operate the NS system at 100 percent capability on their first attempt in a life or death situation.

Tim can't believe his ears, do animals have to talk and do wizards have to appear before Drake bows?

Tim: But impressive none the less, or does a God have to come down and personally tell you they have potential before you accept it?

Drake like a corner rat grudgingly admits.

Drake: I guess it is a little impressive.

It's a start but Tim is still a little bit unhappy by this response.

Tim: A little?

Drake isn't willing to further humor the seller. He as well as the camera turn to look down on the supposed "potential" Gundam team. To his mild surprise they finally notice his movement and are watching his exchange with Tim although they're too far away too hear anything.

Cagalli nervous leans in close to Shadow and whispers

Cagalli: Is it a good idea to let that guy look at your Gundam’s data. We did steal it from Slyer.

Shadow: Slyer was an illegal prison not sanction by any government so the last thing they’re going to do is get anywhere near the cops to report us or their Gundam missing.

Kenny overhearing the conversation quickly corrects his friend.

Kenny: They wouldn’t report us but they still might report Nightwing as stolen to the police and have it listed under their front company but I still wouldn’t worry about it. Illegal Gundam Fighting is a much worse in Myrtus then stealing a Gundam, you get 5 to 10 years for illegal Gundam Fighting while stealing a Gundam is only a misdemeanor maximum 1 year in jail so if Drake isn’t busting us for illegal Gundam Fighting I doubt he’s busting us for stealing.

Cagalli is a little unsettled by this.

Cagalli: Wait hold a minute, stealing a Gundam, a military grade weapon is a MISDEMEANOR!

Kenny annoyed replies

Kenny: Gundam’s aren’t considered a weapon unless you activate the weapons systems or use it with the intent to harm others; then it becomes a completely different crime. Depending on the charges and court you’ll most likely get anywhere from 5 to 10 years not counting addition charges. For example if you’re piloting a stolen Gundam in an illegal Gundam fight that’s at minimum, 6 months of community service for theft, plus 5 years of jail for illegal Gundam fighting and an additional 5 years for activating the weapons system.

Shadow adds

Shadow: Don’t forget about the fines. Yea if you damage anything while illegally piloting a Gundam you’re legally responsible for paying for it. Break a tree, you pay to plant a new one, step on someone’s car you pay for how much it’s worth, you damage a street you pay for it to be repaired and if you can’t pay then you have to work it off….IN JAIL. That’s not even counting piloting a Gundam within city limits without permission and outside official designated areas.

Kenny gives a small laugh.

Kenny: HA you get caught for doing that you might as well kiss freedom goodbye because they’re never going to let you out.

Cagalli takes this all in in silence as she reflects upon the Sora laws. Bright shades of pink and purple light up the sky as the sun begins to set ending another day. Sighing, Drake jumps down from the Gundam. The kids are too inexperienced to realize the level of skill Drake’s jumps are at. The camera looks back up at the retired Tim frowning, clearly not liking being ignored.

Tim: Hey!

Shadow glares at Drake with his hands folded.

Shadow: Well did you decide to accept us yet or do you need more proof of our greatness.

The cocky rookie says the last part with a smile further irritating the already irritated manager. In the background Tim hops down from Nightwing, nowhere near as gracefully as Drake.

Drake: Impatient and overconfident not very good traits for a Gundam fighter.

Nick puts his hand on top of Shadow's head and pushes down causing a forced bow. Nick is smiling and putting the other hand behind his back in embarrassment.

Nick: Sorry about me mate here, but we had a long day and we're all hungry so if you could just cut us some slack.

Drake straightens his tie and begins to walk away from the Gundam towards the car. Shadow, Nick, Cagalli, and Kenny glance at each other not sure of what's going on turn around and start to follow as Drake begins to talk.

Drake: Well after looking at everything I've have to say that you do have some potential as a Gundam fighter.

Drake might as well be pulling staples out of his body the way he reluctantly admits this. Shadow and co.’s eyes light up with joy which is quickly dashed when Drake turns around and says

Drake: But not as a Gundam team.

Everyone just stares at Drake, not quite believing their ears or the absurdity of the statement.

Kenny: But isn't that the same thing?

Kenny challenges. Drake has stopped by the car and turns to face them.

Drake: Wrong, a Gundam fighter is someone who can pilot a Gundam.

Infuriated by this constant bureaucrat bull, Shadow snaps

Shadow: Which we are!

Drake snaps back

Drake: Which you are!

He points at Shadow.

Drake: First, you are the only member of this team, which by the way doesn't even have a name; that proved your ability to pilot a Gundam. Second you only have four people on your team.

He points at Kenny still yelling.

Drake: A computer programmer.

He points a Nick.

Drake: A sharp shooter cowboy.

He points at Cagalli; his yelling causes Cagalli to take a step back.

Drake: And YOU, what exactly do you do anyway, what do you contribute to this team?! Is your only purpose to look cute and act as a fan girl! You're useless!

While it's true Drake's sour mood is causing him to be harsher than normal nothing he said was a lie. It was his honest evaluation of the applicants said in the harshest possible manner; still the truth hurts and everyone feels the slash of his verbal sword.

Drake’s words cut Cagalli the deepest though. Not because they’re mean but because they’re true. Up until this point Cagalli hasn’t really done anything for Shadow despite all the help he’s given her. Without even realizing it until this very moment Cagalli has become the stereotype damsel in distress. Something she hates more than anything and it hurts her to realize how far she’s fallen.

Cagalli (useless, I'm useless just like…)

We should have a quick flashback to when Mr. 4 killed everyone at the party. Meanwhile Shadow isn't going to let Drake get away with insulting his team. Burning with anger derived from intense loyalty, he shouts back

Shadow: If you think my team is so bad then prove it in a Gundam fight!

Drake stops and turns to face Shadow not surprised by this response. It's common for rejected applicants to futilely challenge the managers to prove their worth. Drake quickly points out the problems concerning a Gundam fight.

Drake: First off your Gundam is damaged to the point where it needs to be repaired before it can fight again. Second in a Gundam fight I would be able to defeat you in seconds.

Shadow goes to say something but Drake continues

Drake: However I could use a good fight right now so I'll tell you what, we can have a good old fashioned human to humanfight instead and if you can land a single blow on me I swear on my life that not only will I sign off on your Gundam application, I'll train you personally. Do you agree?

The eager one is about to shout "hell yea" but Tim jumps in the middle.

Tim: Wait before you agree you need at least 3 fighters on your side.

This outrageous requirement further enrages Shadow.

Shadow: What, why?

Tim answers calmly and rationally.

Tim: Because otherwise it would just be a slaughter, Drake is really good, he used to be a Gundam fighter himself, and I've seen your skill and trust me you need at least three people to have even a 1 percent chance of landing a hit on him.

Tim speaks only the truth taken from a neutral and logical position but Shadow has too much pride to accept this.

Shadow: In your opinion! I plan on winning this fight.

Growing impatient Drake who believes in tough teaching says

Drake: Just let him fight me, he'll learn the hard way.

The way Drake says this is almost like an afterthought, there is no doubt in his mind he can defeat Shadow with ease. Shadow recognizes this overwhelming confidence and would have attacked right then and there if Tim didn't once again block his path.

Tim: No, we both know that he hasn't got a shot in Heaven in landing a hit on you by himself. I can't allow you to fight if you don't have two other people fighting with you.

Shadow goes to say something but Nick steps forward and puts his hand on Shadow's shoulder.

Nick: I'll fight with him.

Shadow doesn't care if it's a team battle or not, he just wants to fight and beat that smug confident look right off of Drake's face so he greets Nick's entrance into the battle with appreciation but the wise programmer knows that it's still not enough.

Tim: That's nice but you're still short one fighter.

Shadow: Oh come on!

Shadow tries to go around Tim to get to Drake, but although Tim may not be a fighter directly he's still not backing down and blocks Shadow's path every time.
Seeing that's not going to work, Nick looks to Kenny for help but the hacker seeing the look on Nick's face knows what's coming and answers the question before the cowboy can even ask it.

Kenny: Don't look at me I'm just a programmer, I don't know how to fight.

Drake has better things to do than play games with children,

Drake: Well since Tim here won't let you fight me without three people I'll be taking my leave.

Drake turns to go. Shadow's face is full of frustration at not being able to fight him. Nick also looks ticked off and just when it seems like they might attack Tim to get to Drake, Cagalli unexpectedly says

Cagalli: I'll fight.

For the briefest of moments something inside her stirred, an instinct or impulse that had long gone dormant and been buried deep inside but for a fraction of a second it moved, awoke and saw daylight and fought to the surface.

Cagalli's voice rings with an air of complete confidence, similar to Drake's and Shadow's that she's never heard before, not even during her times as Orb's Chief Representative or when she fought alongside Kira and Athrun during the wars.

In fact it's almost as if Cagalli hadn't spoken, rather the words themselves leapt from her mouth unable to tolerate their master's silence any longer, but all of that was just for a fraction of a second and it quickly disappears, leaving Cagalli and everyone else frozen in shock.

Drake: You, you think you can fight?

Drake asks more than a little skeptical which of course Cagalli takes as an insult. Her eyes take on her stubborn look as she replies with growing confidence feeding off her anger.

Cagalli: Yes! I do have some combat experience.

The noble cowboy goes to say something against putting a lady in such harm's way but the less noble fighting junkie quickly turns to Tim closing the deal.

Shadow: There happy, we now have three fighters so let us fight?!

Seeing that the fight is unavoidable plus with his requirement's fulfilled Tim shrugs and walks towards the car and Drake.

Tim: Fine, come with me to pick out your weapons.

Shadow, Nick and Cagalli look at each other not sure by what he means. Tim has walked to the back of his large shipping truck.

Cagalli: What do you mean by weapons?

Tim opens up his truck and pulls down a ramp, curious our heroes try to take a peek at what's inside the truck, but poor lighting makes it impossible to see inside, not that it matters because Tim brings out its contents anyway.

Racks full of all types of weapons are being pushed out. We see hammers, axes, swords, guns, ammunition, knives, chains, spears, lances, ball and chains, and pretty much any other normal weapon you can think of coming in all sizes and types.

Shadow stares at all of this like a kid in a candy shop, not sure where to begin. Nick although not drooling like his partner can't resist eyeing the ammunitions rack, having been low on bullets.

Cagalli of course is the only normal person in the group and knows that no matter what country she's in, or what planet she's on, there's no way in hell having that many weapons just lying around in the back of your truck is legal and eyes the rocker, a little afraid he might be a weapons smuggler.

Cagalli: Where did you get all these weapon and-

Nick puts his hand on her mouth before she can finish while Shadow annoyed turns around and faces her.

Shadow: Cagalli this is one of those times where it's best not to ask questions and be thankful that we get to get some free stuff.

Tim: If you're done having your group discussion, you can pick out one weapon each and all the ammunition your heart desires.

Leaving Drake to handle watching the rookies, Tim turns back to Nightwing and begins walking towards it while grabbing Kenny on the way.

Tim: Come on, you and me are going to see if we can't get some lights from this Gundam on. We wouldn't want them to also have to fight in the dark.

The waning colors in the sky also make this point clear. Kenny nods his head and follows the senior programmer, meanwhile the camera swings back around to look at the 3 fighters. Shadow jumps forward eager to claim his new weapon.

Shadow: I call the katana!

Figures Shadow would go after the sword. Nick heads straight for the guns and ammunition rack, itching to resupply free of charge.

Nick: Least I don't have to worry about buying bullets now.

Cagalli is the only one who doesn't dive right in, although the veteran isn't stupid enough to believe she can win the battle against Drake without some kind of weapon, she's still reluctant to just browse around the weapons as if she were buying new shoes.

Nick begins looking at the different types of ammunition while Shadow has already grabbed a katana from one of the racks. From the way he's holding it any idiot can see he has no experience with any kind of sword play.

Shadow: This is so cool!

After fumbling with his sword for a minute Shadow manages to get it out of its sheath without cutting himself, a miracle. With boyish excitement he begins hacking at the air pretending enemies have surrounded him.

The blade gleams in the setting sun, judging from the random and wild way Shadow swings his sword around it becomes even more clear just how little experience Shadow has with that weapon. Cagalli upon seeing this puts her hand on her head and shakes her head very worriedly about their slim chances against Drake.

Cagalli: We are so screwed.

Upon hearing this Shadow turns to face the nonbeliever and with his humorous smile replies

Shadow: Have some faith, princess.

The way he's holding the sword makes it look he's going to stab himself at any moment, and any sword master seeing him would be crying. The smile on his face however is one of pure joy.

Shadow: Why don't you stop worrying and pick out your weapon?

Cagalli surrendering to her fate at this point replies

Cagalli: Fine and stop calling me princess.

She begins walking between the racks looking at all the different weapons. Drake walks over to Nick, who is holding two different ammos in his hands.

Drake: You do realize that bullets come in different sizes?

Drake doesn't think much of the cowboy but luckily Nick doesn't notice.

Nick: Yes, but my gun is specially designed, so I can modify it to hold different sized bullets.

Drake now looks at him impressed.

Drake: Really?

Nick: Yep, but it's a pain to do.

The camera turns back to Cagalli aimlessly wandering the racks. She's heading towards the gun rack, of course being the most obvious weapon of choice for any modern warfare and is just really glancing at the other archaic weapons having no intention of bringing any of them into a real fight when suddenly one of those weapons catches her eye.

Freezing in her tracks Cagalli stands and stares at a spear type weapon. The point of the spear weapon when standing vertically on the ground reaches up to Cagalli’s shoulder. The pole and the blade are made from solid metal; the blade itself is curved with only one bladed side.

Cagalli (This is the guan dao)

A flashback is triggered, we're back at Orb, Uzumi is sitting at a desk, near a fire emitting warmth, and a young ten year old Cagalli is standing in front of him. He's scratching his chin.

Uzumi: So you what to know about the Athha family crest?

The way he says it makes it sound like he thinks the question is funny, he laughs a little. Young Cagalli puffs, not liking being laughed at.

Young Cagalli: Fine forget I asked.

Uzumi realizes he has hurt her feelings.

Uzumi: I'm sorry Cagalli, but before I answer your question can you tell me why you're interested?

Young Cagalli gets over her anger quickly and answers in an embarrassed way.

Young Cagalli: It's just that I've noticed that everyone else has two swords crossing on their crest, but we have some spear thing on ours.

The camera turns and looks up over the fireplace, where a shield is hanging up. Two guan daos are crossed behind it, there's a picture of a lion and a rose on the shield. This is the Athha crest (Not Orb, that’s a completely different crest) they're talking about. The camera turns back to Uzumi, he smiles kindly at young Cagalli.

Uzumi: Its proper name is the guan dao.

Young Cagalli: Gan dauo?

Young Cagalli mispronounces the word. Uzumi still smiling corrects her.

Uzumi: Not gan dauo, guan dao.

Young Cagalli: Guan dao.

Young Cagalli gets it right this time.

Young Cagalli: So why do we have it instead of a sword?

Uzumi leans back in his chair.

Uzumi: Well I was planning on telling you about our family crest when you were older but since you've taken an interest in it, I guess I can tell you now. Come have a seat.

Uzumi gets off his chair and leads Young Cagalli to a seat by the fire where she sits down. Uzumi moves to face the fire, and he begins to talk in a grand story teller fashion.

Uzumi: You see there's a story behind the reason why we have a guan dao on our family crest instead of a sword.

Young Cagalli is hooked already and asks with a child's excitement

Young Cagalli: Really, what is it?

Uzumi: Well you see long, long, ago

Young Cagalli interrupts.

Young Cagalli: You mean last year?

Uzumi smiles and laughs a little.

Uzumi: HAHA no, much longer, back during the time of the first Athha.

Young Cagalli's eyes open wide.

Young Cagalli: Wow.

Uzumi: You see the first Athha was a wanderer, he traveled from place to place and had many adventures, but his most well-known adventure was when he came upon a sad land that was ruled by an evil king. The king was cruel to his people and made them do work for him all day long.

Young Cagalli: Without any breaks?

Uzumi smiles.

Uzumi: Without any breaks, the people wanted to overthrow the evil king but his large army made them too afraid then one day the wanderer came to the land, he could see the people were in pain so he marched up to the evil king's castle and challenged the evil king's army by himself.

Young Cagalli's eyes are open wide.

Young Cagalli: All by himself?

Uzumi nods his head.

Uzumi: That's right, the army surrounded him on all sides, and then they charged, they say the people could hear the sound of fighting for three days straight. On the third day when the sounds of fighting had stopped, the people came out to see the outcome.

Uzumi pauses for dramatic effect, it works.

Young Cagalli: And what happen?

Uzumi: The first Athha had defeated them all; the evil king was no more, he had single handily liberated the people. That very night the people threw him a grand partly in celebration. The people worshipped him, they had wanted to make him the new king but by the time the party was over he had disappeared.

Young Cagalli: So wait why did he leave?

Uzumi shrugs his shoulders.

Uzumi: I can only guess that he had no desire to be king, he had done what he wanted and left.

Young Cagalli: Oh, so what happen to him?

Uzumi: Well after many more adventures he returned to the land that had he saved, only he made sure no one recognized him. He settled down and had a family.

Young Cagalli is confused.

Young Cagalli: Why didn't he want anyone to recognize him?

Uzumi: He probably didn't want people treating him any differently than they would a normal person.

Young Cagalli realizes something.

Young Cagalli: So wait what does this have to do with our family crest and why we have a guan dao instead of a sword?

Uzumi smiles again.

Uzumi: That's because the guan dao was his weapon of choice.

The flashback ends with a picture of Uzumi smiling. We come back to the present, Cagalli has picked up the guan dao and is holding it deep in thought.

Drake: The guan dao huh, a very interesting choice.

Cagalli jumps having not noticed Drake. She turns to look at him. Drake smiles when he sees her jump.

Drake: Well this should be interesting.

He walks away before Cagalli can comment. We cut to Nightwing whose light is illuminating the area. The programmers seem to have wired Nightwing’s eyes to act like giant spotlights. The camera takes an eagle eye view, it turns to one side where Drake is standing calmly; he has yet to take a battle stance.

We turn to face the other side, where Nick, Shadow and Cagalli face Drake. Shadow is holding his katana with both hands in front of his chest with the tip pointed at Drake. Nick is standing to the left of Shadow his gun is still in his holster but the strap is unbuttoned and you can see his leg muscles are tense and ready to move in any direction at a moment's notice.

Cagalli is to the right of Shadow; she's holding her guan dao with both hands about 3 feet apart. She’s holding it diagonally across her body, with the blade close to her right shoulder and the end of the pole close to her left knee. The blade is pointed towards the sky and to anyone watching it should look something like a defensive stance.

Drake looks bored. Shadow looks excited and can't wait for the fight to begin. Nick also looks excited but it's more of a calm excitement compared to Shadow. Cagalli is the only one who looks nervous; her eyes keep looking all around.

The camera suddenly looks toward Nightwing's hand, where Tim and Kenny are watching. Kenny is sitting down while Tim is standing, and then Tim begins to shout the rules.
Tim: This is a 3 on 1 fight; all types of weapons are allowed excluding Drake who is not allowed to use a weapon. The fight will continue until someone lands a hit on Drake or until you give up. On my mark

Shadow, Nick and Cagalli tense. Drake still looks bored.

Tim: Ready….. Set….. GO!

The episode ends with a freeze frame of Shadow charging.