Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Seed Shadow ❯ Episode 15 ( Chapter 16 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Hcps 
Anime/Manga: Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.12.2012 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.9K | Visits: 155 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.12.2012 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.9K | Visits: 155 | Status: Work In Progress
Episode 15
The episode opens up at Tom's Warehouse, the sun has set. There's a party going on at full swing. The Warehouse is packed with people; the mechanics have set up a stage with huge speakers and a DJ. The music is so loud it's almost deafening. The camera switches to an overhead view; we can see that tables have been set out with food and drinks.
Some people are dancing to the music others are just standing and talking to their friends, everyone's eating and drinking. We spot Shadow, Jack, Kenny and Roxas dancing on the makeshift dance floor. They're laughing and having a great time, Roxas is dancing seductively with a couple of the guys and women.
We see Nick eating a steak by one of the food tables; he's having a pleasant conversation with one of the other mechanics. The overall mood of the party is happy and upbeat. The camera moves outside the Warehouse, there are a bunch of people also celebrating outside, but it's more of a quiet self-reflecting celebration.
We can still hear the music but it's nowhere near as loud as inside, and no one is dancing. The camera stops on Tom. Tom is standing by himself having a drink, he's looking up at the night sky. Mechanic A (the same Mechanic A that help Shadow out of the cockpit early) walks over to Tom
Tom: So how's Shadow doing Anthony?
Anthony grins
Anthony: We were a little worried at first because he couldn't move but the doctor told us it was just exhaustion.
Tom nods his head in understanding
Tom: Makes sense, physically he doesn't have the stamina yet to be in a Gundam Fight or any kind of battle for that matter. If it wasn't for his stubborn will he would have drop from exhaustion a lot sooner.
Anthony nods his head in agreement
Anthony: Yea, it was annoying getting him to the Warehouse though. He kept asking us about his Gundam, I had to get onto my phone and personally tell a couple of guys to take care of his Gundam in order to satisfy him.
Tom looks impressed
Tom (Well what Shadow lacks in skill he makes up in ethics at least. A professional Gundam Fighter always takes care of his Gundam before himself.)
Anthony goes on
Anthony: Well other than that he has few bumps and bruises but overall Shadow is fine. Ha, he's already up and running, I saw him dancing with Jack 5 minutes ago!
Tom lifts an eyebrow, a classic father concern look. Anthony sees this and quickly goes to reassure him
Anthony: Relax Tom, it looked more like a brother sister dance than anything else.
Tom nods his head
Tom: I see.
Anthony hesitates for a moment then asks
Anthony: Is it me or does Shadow remind you of
Tom finishes for him
Tom: Mark?
Anthony tries to read Tom but Tom's face is unreadable. There's a moment of uncertain silence then Tom speaks
Tom: Shadow wants to become the world's greatest Gundam Fighter; Mark wanted to become the world's greatest mechanic. Their dreams maybe different but the way they chase after their dreams, the way they keep getting up after getting knock down, the way they keep ignoring the people who tell them it's hopeless, in that way they are the same!
Tom takes a sip of his drink. The two old men take a moment to remember their fallen friend. Tom turns to Anthony
Tom: You should go back to the party.
Anthony looks back at Tom surprise
Anthony: No, it's alright Tom I can stay out here for a while longer.
Tom gives a good hearty laugh
Tom: HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAH, Who do you think you are, my babysitter? I'm fine, besides I want you to keep an eye on Jack. It's been a while since she's had a drink and I don't want her getting drunk and going wild; again.
Anthony hesitates then smiles and nods his head
Anthony: You got it Tom.
Anthony walks back into the Warehouse. As Tom watches Anthony leave he spots Cagalli sitting down on some kind of metal box by herself. She seems to be in deep thought and looks sad. Tom watches her for a second then sighs, and then Tom walks over next to Cagalli.
Tom: It's one thing for a bunch of old guys to choose to stand outside alone and miss a great party but for a young woman such as yourself to miss a great party like this and stand outside by yourself, it's enough to make the sky cry.
Cagalli surprise turns around to see Tom. When she sees its Tom she goes back to sulking
Cagalli: I don't feel like celebrating.
Tom gives her a caring smile
Tom: Oh, may I ask why not?
Cagalli gives Tom a look, then asks
Cagalli: What will happen to the raiders you capture?
Tom: They're going to be executed.
Cagalli gives Tom a horrified look. Tom rolls his eyes
Tom: Oh for the love of god, I was kidding, geez what do you think we are monsters!
Cagalli is relieve and a little embarrass, Tom goes on
Tom: Since Junk City isn't officially apart of any nation it doesn't have a jail or police force, but they're some friendly nations that have kindly offer to arrest the raiders and put them in their jail for us, after a fair trial of course.
Cagalli grins a little at Tom's small joke
Cagalli: Of course.
Tom: Although some of the mechanics did want to kill the raiders themselves, understandable if misguided, but most were satisfied that the raiders were going to rot in prison for a very long time.
Cagalli has gone back to looking sad; she nods her head in approval
Cagalli: Well that's good.
Tom gives her an all knowing smile
Tom: Well as touch as I am for your concern about your enemy I don't think that's the only reason you're missing the victory celebration.
Cagalli suddenly becomes very angry
Cagalli: What victory, people still die and for what; money! How can you people celebrate when so many homes were destroyed and so many lives were lost!
Cagalli punches the ground, she says this hatefully
Cagalli: And I couldn't do anything to help or stop it!
We have a quick flashback to Mr. 4 killing the people at the party. There's a brief moment of silence as Tom stares at Cagalli shocked. Cagalli doesn't meet his gaze, suddenly Tom gets down on his knees and hugs the sitting Cagalli. Cagalli is surprise
Tom: So this is what's been bothering you; Cagalli you are far too young to be carrying such a heavy burden. To mourn the deaths of the innocent in the silent night away from joy of others is the job of us old men.
Tom let's go of Cagalli. Cagalli is still surprise and stares at Tom; Tom goes on as if the previous incident never happen.
Tom: You don't have to worry about the people who lost their homes to the raiders, as mechanics we built our own houses from the metal parts we found in the Junk Mountains. At worst people would consider it an annoyance, HA most of the mechanics would think of it as a renovation.
Tom says this with a smile on his face as if he thinks this whole thing is a joke. This pisses off Cagalli, and she snaps
Cagalli: Well what about the people, who died I doubt that they'll think of it as a renovation; ARE THEIR DEATHS JUST A JOKE TO YOU!
The smile drops from his face; he stands up a little straighter and says in a sober voice, and although he tries to control it there's a little anger in his voice.
Tom: Of course not!
Cagalli realizes she has crossed the line. Tom sighs
Tom: How do I explain this? 156 people died today in the battle with the raiders.
Cagalli is not sure what he's getting at
Cagalli: You know the exact number of casualties, so what?
Tom looks at her evenly
Tom: The average daily death total for Junk City is between 140 and 180 deaths a day.
Cagalli is shocked
Cagalli: W-w-what!
Tom forces a smile and tries to pass this off as no big deal
Tom: Well if you thought about it, it makes sense; I mean we have no police so there's always a chance of getting shot or mugged in the street, not to mention a lot of these Junk Mountains are unstable and sometimes they collapse on people walking by. Plus we're mechanics; we spend all day reattaching Gundam arms and legs to Gundam bodies and as much as we try to prevent it if one of those limbs falls on a person they're dead. In just this Warehouse we have about 5 accidents a day.
Cagalli has got in over the shock and is just surprise
Cagalli: Then why do you guys do it, why do you live here if it's so dangerous?
Tom looks at Cagalli and gives her a genuine smile
Tom: Because we love it.
Cagalli doesn't get it
Cagalli: Huh?
Tom eyes start to sparkle as he begins to talk, the type of sparkle you get in your eyes when you talk about something you really love or were excited about doing.
Tom: I love being a mechanic; every morning when I wake up I can't wait to come to work and start working on the Gundams! When I sleep I dream of new Gundam designs, parts, weapons, armor, I am constantly dreaming of new ways on improving the Gundams and when a new Gundam comes in that I've never seen before I go all giddy like a kid that's just got a birthday present and can't wait to take it apart and find out how it works! Sometimes I get so lost working on a Gundam in the Warehouse I end up spending the whole night here working on it!
Cagalli is trying to understand
Cagalli: Ok so you love being a mechanic but why do you have to be a mechanic in this City?
Tom goes on still excited
Tom: Because this City is a mechanics dream! I mean just the other day I was walking home and I found an old Gundam part I was looking for. I brought it home and reconfigure it into a brand new and improve version of itself. Mechanics can find any part they're looking for here regardless of how expensive a part is. Regardless of the danger the mechanics that live here love and enjoy the life they live and if we sometimes have to shed tears in order to continue living like this then it is well worth it. I can also tell you right now that if I die sometime today then I would die a happy man because I live a happy life and most of the mechanics share my opinion.
Cagalli is still unhappy with his answer
Cagalli: Well what about the people who lost family members I doubt they're celebrating!
She's says this very bitter. Tom smiles at her
Tom: Then you'd be wrong.
Cagalli is surprise
Cagalli: Huh?
Tom turns to face the Warehouse, from the way we can hear the music and the lights we can assume the party is still going full swing.
Tom: No one knows how the tradition started, probability when the first Warehouses appear, but it's a tradition in Junk City to throw a party after a raider attack.
Cagalli doesn't understand
Cagalli: But why are you trying to celebrate a victory! What kind of victory is worth celebrating when you lost so many people!
Cagalli shouts in anger. Tom meets her anger with an even stare and soft smile
Tom: Where not celebrating a victory, we're celebrating being alive!
Cagalli is surprise
Cagalli: What!
Tom goes on
Tom: Tomorrow the families of the decease will have a private funeral for their dead but tonight we celebrate the people who survive the battle and will witness the sunrise tomorrow morning, tonight we celebrate the living; the dead can wait to be mourn.
He says this in a sober voice, suddenly a door to the warehouse opens and Shadow pops out. He looks a little tipsy, and he's holding a beer bottle.
Shadow: CAGALLI! CAGALLI! WHERE ARE YOU!
Other people turn to stare at Shadow as he begins to search for Cagalli. Cagalli and Tom turn to stare at Shadow. Cagalli moans and shakes her head in embarrassment at Shadow making a scene and Tom smiles in amusement at Cagalli's embarrassment.
Tom: You should go celebrate; after all you did survive too.
Cagalli turns to stare at Tom uncertain of what to do. Her decision is made for her when Shadow spots them.
Shadow: Cagalli! There you are!
Some people are still staring as Shadow stumbles towards Cagalli.
Shadow: Why didn't you answer me!
Shadow says in an unnecessary loud voice. The people that are staring start to giggle a little thinking this a couple's dispute. Cagalli blushes in embarrassment
Cagalli: Will you quiet down I'm not deaf, and are you drunk!
She shouts at him, the people are starting to laugh a little harder. Shadow flinches and puts a hand over his ear.
Shadow: Ow, man you're the loud one.
This pisses Cagalli off
Cagalli: Just answer the question!
Shadow smiles at her and says in a grand voice
Shadow: Nope I'm not drunk yet but the night is still young! Here have some beer!
Shadow offers the beer in his hand to Cagalli. Cagalli turns to Tom glaring disapprovingly
Cagalli: Isn't it a universal law that the legal drinking age is 23?
Tom smiles and shrugs
Tom: Like I said no police force; now why don't shut up, have a drink and have some fun.
Shadow continues to offer Cagalli the beer
Cagalli: Sorry but unlike some people I don't drink.
She says looking at Shadow. Shadow glares at her not liking the way she said "Some People" but then he gets over it and shrugs.
Shadow: Fine but
Shadow grabs Cagalli's arm and begins to pull her towards the Warehouse. Cagalli looks surprise
Shadow: If you're not going to drink, then you're going to at least dance; besides Roxas promise me a picture of her in a bathing suit if I brought you onto the dance floor.
Cagalli struggles a little but is gradually going with Shadow
Cagalli: So wait you're just using me to satisfy your perverted desires!
She says a little angrily. Shadow turns to her and grins
Shadow: No, I honestly wanted to celebrate with you; satisfying my perverted desires is just a bonus.
Cagalli's anger lessens to an annoyance, she is no longer struggling but letting Shadow guide her towards the Warehouse. Tom smiles at them and waves
Tom: Shadow make sure Cagalli has fun; even if you have to shove it down her throat.
Cagalli glances back at Tom annoyed
Cagalli: Isn't it a contradiction to force someone to have fun.
Shadow turns to grin at her
Shadow: With enough alcohol all logic makes sense!
Shadow says in his grand voice. He then leads Cagalli to the Warehouse as Tom burst out laughing, even Cagalli slightly grins at Shadow's joke. The scene starts to do the slideshow thing; we see pictures of the party.
Some of the pictures include, Nick politely dancing with Jack, Shadow and Roxas ravaging the food table and beer, Cagalli dancing and politely eating, Roxas chasing Cagalli trying to grope her again, Cagalli yelling at Shadow, Kenny talking with some of the mechanics while eating, and Roxas hitting on some people.
The scene ends after the slideshow. The next scene opens up in the morning, the camera goes slowly over the Warehouse. It shows the classic after party, there are people lying all over the floor pass out from too much drinking. The camera stops over Shadow, he has the classic hangover look on his face. Kenny also looks like he has a hangover; Nick and Cagalli are the only ones that don't have a hangover.
Nick: You should have listen to me mate when I told you to go easier on the drinking.
Cagalli has a huge "I told you so" grin on her face
Cagalli: Serves you right for breaking the law.
Shadow glares at her; he forces himself to straighten up
Shadow: Drinking was well worth the hangover!
Shadow shouts in a grand voice. Kenny covers his ears
Kenny: God, Shadow do you have to talk so loud.
Nick and Cagalli are momentary surprise, but it's quickly lost when Shadow immediately turns around and pukes behind the table right after he shouts. Cagalli burst out laughing
Cagalli: Hahahahah, say that again when you can hold down your stomach!
Kenny groans again. Nick gives Cagalli a look clearly saying the joke has gone on long enough. He hands Shadow a glass of water
Nick: Here mate, the best way to get over a hangover is to drown it with lots of water.
Shadow takes the glass of water and nods in gratitude
Shadow: Thanks
Cagalli sighs then hands Kenny a glass of water
Cagalli: Here you too Kenny.
Kenny takes the water grateful
Kenny: Thank you Cagalli.
Cagalli starts to look around as Kenny and Shadow drink the water
Cagalli: Hey where're Roxas and Jack?
Kenny turns to Cagalli and answers
Kenny: I haven't seen Roxas since last night when she was hitting on some mechanics.
Shadow now shows interest
Shadow: Male or female mechanics?
Kenny grins
Kenny: Both.
Shadow and Kenny high-five while Cagalli rolls her eyes and folds her arms.
Cagalli: Perverts
Nick turns to Cagalli
Nick: I saw Jack early this morning mates just as the party was breaking up. She told me she was going to head home to grab some supplies to fix Nightwing up with and to wait for her next to Nightwing.
The camera zooms out and cuts to Jack's house. Jack is packing her tools in a traveling bag, we can see a second bag full of clothes. Tom walks in
Tom: You seem to be packing for a long trip?
Jack isn't surprise to see Tom
Jack: I'm not going on a trip Tom, I have decided to accept Shadow's offer and become his team's mechanic.
Tom's face is a mask
Tom: I see, do you mind if I ask why?
Jack looks up from packing and turns to face Tom. She sighs not sure how to answer
Jack: A couple of reason really. Ha, during the battle with the raiders I realize how inexperience I am as a mechanic.
Tom: What are you talking about you've gotten plenty of experience working on Gundams in the Warehouse.
Jack rolls her eyes
Jack: I only have experience in reconfiguring parts and systems of the Gundams to make them operate better. At the Warehouse whenever I reconfigure a part or system it always operates better than the original part or system and increases the Gundams performance but the problem is I've never reconfigure more than one part or system within a single Gundam before.
Tom nods his head in understanding
Tom (That makes sense, most Gundam Pilots don't want the mechanics messing with any system or part that isn't damage and I haven't let Jack work on any Gundams that were damage in more than one place. Shadow was the first Gundam Pilot to give Jack the freedom to work on any system or part she chose.)
Jack continues speaking
Jack: When I look at Nightwing's battle data I realize that the different reconfigured parts and systems were reacting against each other and lowering Nightwing stats.
Tom doesn't understand
Tom: What are you talking about; Nightwing operated better after you installed the upgraded parts and systems!
Jack: But not as much as I had calculated, by my calculations Nightwing should have been performing 10 times better than it was! The reason my calculations were so off was because I never consider how the reconfigure parts would react to each other and I'll never learn how to property tune each reconfigure part or system with each other unless I've got a Gundam I can freely work on. That's why I have to go with Shadow; if I don't I'll never have another chance to join a Gundam Team and be able to freely work on a Gundam.
Tom wants to argue but he knows Jacks right. He sighs then asks
Tom: Tell me Jack why are you suddenly so intent on improving your mechanic skills?
Jack’s red eyes open wide in surprise. She gets up and turns to look at the pictures on her tool cabinet, and then she gives a little laugh.
Jack: Ha, that's right I never did take being a mechanic seriously.
Tom looks surprise and sorry, like when you accidently hurt someone's feelings.
Tom: Jack I didn't mean
Jack cuts him off
Jack: Don't patronize me Tom! Sure I was excited and proud to be a mechanic but I was no different than a kid going to school, I never pushed myself beyond my limits, I never strove to be the best!
She grabs the picture of Mark
Jack: It was Mark's dream to be the best.
There's a moment of silence, then Jack turns to Tom
Jack: Tom, tell me did Mark want to join a Gundam Team!
Jack demands to know, Tom looks uncomfortable.
Tom: Jack
Jack: Tom I demand to know, tell me did my brother want to join a Gundam Team!
Tom looks Jack straight in the eye
Tom: Yes, Mark also knew that the only way he could improve as a mechanic was to be able to freely work on a Gundam and the only people who have that privilege our official Gundam Team mechanics.
Jack looks sad
Jack: And the only reason he never join a Gundam Team was because of me!
Tom looks a little sad too
Tom: You're half right, Mark was a very gifted mechanic, there was always some young and new Gundam Team asking him to join their team but Mark always refused because as much as he wanted to become the greatest mechanic in the world he loved you more!
Jack looks close to tears. Tom goes on
Tom: So Mark had decided to wait until you turn 18 before he join a Gundam Team. He even asked me if you could move in with me, because he didn't want you to live by yourself.
Jack looks back at the picture of Mark. She grins, if you ever find something ironic but incredibly sad at the same time, that's the kind of smile she has.
Jack: So that's why after Mark died you kept asking me to move in with you.
Jack turns away from Tom. We see a single tear run down her cheek, Tom takes a step about to comfort her.
Tom: Jack
Jack quickly rubs the tear out of her eyes and turns to face Tom before he takes another step. She's got a resolved look in her eye
Jack: Mark's dead and he's never coming back and that won't change no matter how long I stay here or try to pretend otherwise.
Tom is deeply shock by this comment. Jack continues
Jack: But just because Mark's dead doesn't mean his dream has died.
Jack puts her hand over her heart
Jack: Mark's dream now lives on in me, because now my dream is to become the greatest mechanic this world has ever seen.
Jack puts the pictures in her traveling bag. She has finish packing, she picks up both bags and walks past the stun Tom. The camera moves in front of Jack so that we are facing her, we can see Tom stun stiff behind her. Jack stops then grins and without turning around adds
Jack: And if I’m going to become the world's greatest mechanic then it's only fitting I work with the world's greatest Gundam Fighter.
Tom's eyes pops open even wider. Jack starts to walk away again. Tom turns to watch her walk away; he still looks stun
Tom (Jack that was the first time I ever heard you say Mark was dead. I'm an idiot, all this time you tried to pretend that Mark was still alive. How many lonely nights did you spend pretending that your brother was still alive and making you dinner, playing games with you, tucking you in at night? No wonder you never recover from Mark’s death and I was too stupid to see it.)
A smile spreads across his face as a tears run down his cheeks like rain.
Tom (Thank you Shadow Zoomarey for healing Jack, thank you for finally making Jack's broken clock tick once again.)
The scene ends with a freeze shoot of Jack walking away from Tom, the way the sun hits her gives off a warm hopeful feeling. The next scene opens up at the Warehouse, Shadow, Nick, Kenny and Cagalli are waiting by Nightwing. Shadow seems to have got in over his hangover or more likely he's faking it to not show Cagalli any weakness.
Jack and Tom walk up to them. Jack stops when she sees the damage Nightwing, her mouth drops open. Tom notices her surprise and his face twitches a little as he tries to resist a smile.
Tom: Why do you look so shock, you knew Nightwing was damage?
Jack: This is the first time I've seen the damage up close!
Shadow is growing impatient and shouts
Shadow: Hey Jack what's taking you so long!
Jack walks up to Shadow and hits him with a wrench
Jack: You idiot look how badly you let my Gundam get damage!
Shadow is rubbing his head where Jack hit him. Nick has an eyebrow raise in question
Nick: Your Gundam?
Jack folds his arms
Jack: That's right; I fix Nightwing up so I consider it half mine!
Shadow's pride has been offended.
Shadow: I didn't let Nightwing get damage that badly!
Jack gets in Shadow's face
Jack: What are you talking about! Nightwing's armor has been completely trash; it's so bad that Nightwing would be better off going into battle butt naked then using that armor!
Shadow is unimpressed by Jack's metaphor
Shadow: You know that metaphor only works in human situations!
Jack is slightly embarrass as she realizes Shadow is right, but her anger quickly comes back.
Jack: Fine then how about this; Nightwing is missing fingers; FINGERS; how is that not an example of bad piloting!
She's right, the camera turns to show Nightwing missing several fingers. Now Shadow blushes in embarrassment. Cagalli, Nick, and Tom laugh at Shadow. Kenny still feels too crappy from his hangover for jokes
Cagalli: Hahahahhahah, I think she's got you beat Shadow.
Shadow turns to glare at her
Shadow: Hey whose side are you on!
Tom takes pity on Shadow
Tom: Relax Shadow it's all a learning experience but for future notice when you stab something that could be explosive, you want to pull the blade out and jump back not just stand there looking like an idiot.
Cagalli and Nick burst out laughing again. Shadow turns red again
Shadow: Fine, laugh all you want now but when you make a mistake in your Gundam Fights I'll remember this!
Jack sighs
Jack: It's going to take me at least 3 days to get Nightwing 100% fix up and running again.
Shadow, Cagalli, Nick, and Kenny are shock
Shadow: 3 days!
Kenny: We have to spend another 3 days in Junk City!
Cagalli: Where are we going to stay!
While they're panicking and cursing there bad luck. Jack turns to Tom
Jack: Hey Tom can you have your people load Nightwing onto my ship for me?
Tom nods his head
Tom: Sure
He signals to a couple of nearby mechanics. The mechanics bring over a truck and start to load Nightwing onto it while Shadow and the others look at Jack confused.
Shadow: Why are you loading Nightwing onto your ship?
The mechanics manage to get Nightwing on the truck and take off.
Jack: Dud so that I can work on it on our way to Arianna.
Nick raises an eyebrow
Nick: Our?
Jack turns to face him
Jack: Yea, Now listen up; I have decided to become the greatest mechanic this world has ever seen! As such it's only fitting that I work with the greatest Gundam Fighter this world has ever seen!
They all look surprise for a moment. Jack looks at Shadow
Jack: So is your offer still on the table; I also like to point out that I come with a ship?
Shadow stares evenly at Jack and Jack has a momentary fear that Shadow will say no but then Shadow's face breaks into a wide grin.
Shadow: YES, YES, YES, we have a mechanic now!
Shadow jumps up into the air. Jack also begins to smile; Nick slaps her on the back.
Nick: Welcome to the team mate!
Jack: Thanks, oh by the way what's our team's name?
Cagalli is also smiling. She shrugs
Cagalli: We don't have one yet, Shadow still hasn't decided on one!
Shadow doesn't like the way Cagalli said that
Shadow: Hey picking a Team name is a very important decision; you can't make it just like that!
Cagalli and Shadow start glaring at each other
Cagalli: Maybe you're just bad at naming things!
Shadow gets in Cagalli's face
Shadow: Why don't you say that again!
Shadow threatens. Kenny cuts in
Kenny: Guys, Guys, Guys, that's not what's important, what is important is that we have a ship now, which means no more walking!
He shouts with joy. The others start laughing, Tom smiling adds
Tom: I'll tell you what; since I'm in such a nice mood I'll give you the Y23 missies we savage from the raider's ship free of charge.
Shadow looks unimpressed
Shadow: Shouldn't you do that anyways since I save the city?
Tom is annoyed now
Tom: NO, if anything you owe me money for the beam rifle you destroy and the shield you lost not to mention all the food you keep putting on my tab!
Shadow forgot about that
Shadow: Ohhhh
Tom: Don't oh me, do you know how a beam rifle and shield cost and what a pain it is to build them!
Shadow looks at his Neon Gauntlet
Shadow: Oh, well I better go make sure Nightwing is loaded onto the ship correctly, so how about we say we're even!
Shadow takes off after the truck that hull Nightwing away. Tom turns to him and shouts
Tom: Yea you better run!
The scene ends with Cagalli and the others laughing at Shadow. The next scene opens up outside the Warehouse. The Archangel look-a-like is park right next to the Warehouse, we zoom in right next to the ship to see the mechanics saying goodbye to Shadow and co.
Anthony: Goodbye and good luck you guys!
Mechanic B: Thanks for everything!
Mechanic C: Good Luck on your Gundam Fights!
Mechanic D: We'll be rooting for you!
Shadow and the others are also waving goodbye.
Shadow: See you guys around, and remember my name because I’m going to be a famous Gundam Fighter someday!
Kenny and Nick are saying goodbyes too. The camera focus on Cagalli, she's a little ways away from Shadow and the others. She's staring intensely at the Archangel look-a-like
Cagalli (It looks exactly like the Archangel but how is that possible! The Archangel was a top secret Orb ship, only a handful of people knew it existed and even less had access to the blueprints. After the war I thought Erica Simmons destroyed all copies of the Archangel blueprints and kept the original blueprints lock up in a secret safe that only she had access to. So how did Jack make an exact replica of it!)
While Cagalli is thinking this Van has walk up behind her.
Van: Is the princess too important to say goodbye to us common folk?
Cagalli turns around surprise to see Van. She's annoyed at being called a princess
Cagalli: Don't call me a princess and I didn't think anyone wanted to say goodbye to me.
Van walks closer to her
Van: That's not true, you were a great help in the raider attack, and without you a lot more people would have die.
Cagalli is surprise and a little touch by Van's comment
Cagalli: Thank you.
Van shrugs
Van: I'm just stating the facts.
He holds out his hand
Van: Goodbye Cagalli and good luck in becoming a Gundam Fighter. You're welcome in Junk City anytime.
Cagalli looks at the hand even more surprise. A smile spreads across her face as she shakes his hand.
Cagalli: It was an honor to serve with you Van.
Van looks surprise for a moment then laughs
Van: Hahahah, serve! We're not soldiers Cagalli we're mechanics, see you around.
Cagalli is momentary surprise by his comment but gets over it and nods.
Cagalli: Goodbye Van.
Van walks away as Nick walks up to her.
Nick: Hey mate what are you doing, we're just about to leave.
Cagalli turns to face Nick and nods her head.
Cagalli: Right let's go.
Cagalli and Nick start to walk towards the Archangel look-a-like. The camera turns to Shadow and Jack; most of the mechanics have finish saying their goodbyes and are walking away. Just when it looks like they're about to leave too Tom walks up to them.
Tom: Hey you aren't going to leave without saying goodbye to me are you?
Jack turns around momentary surprise then smiles.
Jack: Of course not Tom.
Tom gets closer to Jack and takes a knee so that he's on the same height level as Jack. There's an awkward pause as neither know what to say, Jack gives a nervous short laugh.
Jack: Ha, so is this when you mother me about remembering to brush my teeth, watch my manners, don't stay up pass my bedtime, don't get into trouble, to always maintain my tools
Tom cuts Jack off by suddenly hugging her. Jack is very surprise
Tom: Just be safe, nothing else matters as long as you're safe.
The emotion in his voice is as plain as day. Tom abruptly gets up and turns around, he rubs the formation of tears out of his eye. There's another awkward pause then Jack says
Jack: You to old man don't die on me while I'm away!
With that Jack turns and runs to her ship, tears are coming down her face. The camera turns back to Shadow and Tom, Shadow has been politely watching the scene unfold. He now turns to Tom
Shadow: Well Tom it's
Tom suddenly punches Shadow hard in the face. Shadow falls to the ground
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWW, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!
Shadow shouts angrily, Tom looks Shadow straight in the eye
Tom: That was to show you how strong one of my punches are; and there will be a 100 more of them waiting for you if Jack gets hurt in any way! You're the leader of this Gundam team Jack is your responsibility now, it is your job and duty to protect her even if it cost you your life!
Shadow and Tom stare off for a moment, and then Shadow turns away.
Shadow: Tsk I was going to do that without you telling me anyway!
Shadow gets back up, then looks Tom straight in the eye.
Shadow: You have my word as a Gundam Fighter that I will protect Jack as if she's my own sister!
Tom is momentary thrown off, and then he starts to laugh.
Tom: HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA
Shadow thinks Tom is laughing at him and is offended.
Shadow: What's so funny!
Tom calms down
Tom: Nothing, it’s just life is funny some times.
Tom smiles at Shadow now and holds out his hand.
Tom: Well now that that’s taken care of; goodbye and good luck Shadow Zoomarey. The next time I hear from you, you should be at least a C rank Gundam Fighter.
Shadow takes the hand and shakes it
Shadow: Of course, see you around Tom.
With that Shadow turns around and walks towards Jack's ship. We cut inside the Gundam bay of Jack's ship, Nick, Kenny, Jack, Cagalli and Shadow are all staring and walking around slowly. We can see the still damage Nightwing in the corner, Jack is beaming with pride.
Jack: She's a great ship isn't she?
Shadow looks at Jack
Shadow: Why's it got to be a she, why can't it be a he?
Jack looks at Shadow annoyed now
Jack: Because I'm a she, and it's a known fact that the ship takes the gender of the person who built it!
Shadow nods his head thinking that makes perfect sense. Kenny snickers
Kenny: That's the first time I've heard of that.
Jack turns to Kenny very annoyed now
Jack: That's because you're not a mechanic!
Nick still looking around asks
Nick: Hey mate is it even possible for us to fly this thing by ourselves?
Kenny answers
Kenny: Most battleships require a minimum of 50 people before they're considered fit to fly.
Seeing the worry looks on Nick, and Cagalli's faces Jack quickly goes to reassure them
Jack: But that's only for long voyages, the crew is really only needed for maintenance, up keep and defense of the ship and so on. However the ship can fly on auto-pilot and since Arianna is only a couple of hours away by air we'll be more then fine.
Nick and Cagalli relax. Cagalli starts to look around as she realizes something
Cagalli: Hey where's Roxas?
Roxas suddenly appears behind Cagalli and gropes her breast from behind. Nick, Shadow and Kenny jump back in surprise by the sudden appearance.
Roxas: Fear not my darling Cagalli and her loving bosoms for I am here!
Cagalli's shock gets replace by anger
Cagalli: GET OFF ME YOU FREAK!
Cagalli begins to struggle to get Roxas off her. The others are still shock by the way she appeared out of nowhere.
Jack: Holy crap, how did you do that?
Kenny: Talk about mad ninja skills!
Shadow smiles
Shadow: More like mad chameleon skills.
Roxas looks up at Shadow's comment. Cagalli manages to wiggle free from her grip, Roxas smiles and nods her head.
Roxas: Yup, I've been wanting for a while to try out my animal blending techniques.
Kenny yawns then stretches
Kenny: Well we better start to take off or else we'll never leave.
Shadow nods his head eagerly
Shadow: Right, besides I want to take a look at the bridge!
Shadow turns around and starts to walk away at a fast pace. He looks like a kid going to get the toy he wants, but then he realizes something and turns around.
Shadow: Hey where's the bridge anyway?
They all burst out laughing
All: HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Shadow is annoyed
Shadow: Hey only Jack is allowed to laugh, none of you other guys know where it is either!
Cagalli and Nick shut up as they realize Shadow's right. Roxas has grown bored of the conversation and started scratching her ear with her foot like a dog. Jack is still grinning and Kenny has a smug smile on his face.
Kenny: Well actually I know where the bridge.
Shadow very annoyed now turns and glares at Kenny
Shadow: You don't count, Jack already show you where the bridge is!
Kenny is slightly offended
Kenny: I do too!
Shadow and Kenny start to glare at each other. Jack gets in the middle of them
Jack: Alright that's enough you two, come on I'll show where the bridge is.
The camera cuts to a hallway in the Archangel look-a-like, Jack is leading the guys to the bridge. Cagalli is towards the back of the group, she’s looking around closely.
Cagalli (On the outside Jack's ship looks exactly like the Archangel but on the inside its layout is completely different.)
Roxas is watching Cagalli closely
Roxas: See something you like?
This time there's no flirtation in Roxas voice; she's purely suspicious and makes no attempt to hide it.
Cagalli: Um, No, it's just
Cagalli stumbles not sure what to say. Nick saves her
Nick: The mate's just never seen a ship like this before and come to think neither have I.
Kenny has a hand under his chin and is taping his foot
Kenny: I know I've seen this Ship Class somewhere before but I can't remember where, or what it was!
Kenny is deeply frustrated. Nick and Shadow are also trying to figure out what kind of ship it is. Jack is enjoying watching them try to figure out her ship.
Jack: Would you like me to give you a hint?
Suddenly Shadow remembers something
Shadow: Wait a minute Nightwing said this ship was an Archangel Class ship.
Jack is taken by surprise, but Kenny snaps his fingers.
Kenny: Ah-Ha, Archangel Class, of course, I knew I saw this ship somewhere; it was in a battleship encyclopedia I read.
Jack nods her head and looks at Kenny impressed
Jack: Yea; you uploaded a ship identification program into Nightwing?
Kenny blushes slightly in pride and scratches the back of his head.
Kenny: Well, it really wasn't that hard, and I figured it could come in handy in a battle if Nightwing can identify a ship's Class!
Shadow is growing impatient
Shadow: Yea that's nice and all but could you guys explain to us what an Archangel Class ship is anyway?
Nick nods his head in support
Nick: Yea mates, I don't consider myself and expert on battleships but I haven't even heard of this Class before.
Kenny nods his head
Kenny: That doesn't surprise me, the Archangel Class came out about 80 years ago. Most critics say that it's one of the best types of battle ships out there but due to its complex structure and design it had to be handmade, so it was never mass produce. The few that were made became extremely expensive; unless you were like super rich there was no way you could afford it.
Jack nods her head
Jack: No surprise there, the parts by themselves were pretty costly and hard to come by, and if you add the manual labor cost.
Jack whistles when she does the mental math. Kenny nods his head and goes on
Kenny: Right, needless to say it didn't take long for the ship manufacturing companies to realize they were spending more money on building the ships then they were making selling them. The Archangel Class ship was soon discontinued, but what I want to know is how you got the original Archangel Class blueprints?
Kenny asks Jack. Jack doesn't understand
Jack: Why?
Kenny: Because it's so old most of the blueprints have been lost or destroyed, you could probably find one at the original manufacturing company but I doubt they let you see it out of fear that their competition would steal it, so how did you get a hold of the original Archangel Class blueprints?
Nick thinking out loud asks
Nick: Most of the technology on this ship looks pretty new, a lot of it wouldn't have been around 80 years ago; so isn't possible that she made the blueprints up herself and based them on what she knew about the Archangel Class mate?
Kenny shakes his head
Kenny: I check online using the ship's computer, even though there are some differences the fundamental designs and layouts are too exact for someone to successfully guess at. It's more likely that she had the original blueprints and modernized them.
Jack shakes her head
Jack: I didn't modernize them.
Kenny goes to argue but Jack adds
Jack: It was my brother Mark who found the blueprints and modernized them; after he died I just kept following the blueprints he had made, and I don't know where he found them. I had always assumed that he found it while he was scavenging for parts in Junk Mountains.
There's a moment of sad silence, suddenly Cagalli shouts
Cagalli: That's wrong!
The episode ends with everyone turning to look at Cagalli with surprised. Cagalli seems to be very angry.
The episode opens up at Tom's Warehouse, the sun has set. There's a party going on at full swing. The Warehouse is packed with people; the mechanics have set up a stage with huge speakers and a DJ. The music is so loud it's almost deafening. The camera switches to an overhead view; we can see that tables have been set out with food and drinks.
Some people are dancing to the music others are just standing and talking to their friends, everyone's eating and drinking. We spot Shadow, Jack, Kenny and Roxas dancing on the makeshift dance floor. They're laughing and having a great time, Roxas is dancing seductively with a couple of the guys and women.
We see Nick eating a steak by one of the food tables; he's having a pleasant conversation with one of the other mechanics. The overall mood of the party is happy and upbeat. The camera moves outside the Warehouse, there are a bunch of people also celebrating outside, but it's more of a quiet self-reflecting celebration.
We can still hear the music but it's nowhere near as loud as inside, and no one is dancing. The camera stops on Tom. Tom is standing by himself having a drink, he's looking up at the night sky. Mechanic A (the same Mechanic A that help Shadow out of the cockpit early) walks over to Tom
Tom: So how's Shadow doing Anthony?
Anthony grins
Anthony: We were a little worried at first because he couldn't move but the doctor told us it was just exhaustion.
Tom nods his head in understanding
Tom: Makes sense, physically he doesn't have the stamina yet to be in a Gundam Fight or any kind of battle for that matter. If it wasn't for his stubborn will he would have drop from exhaustion a lot sooner.
Anthony nods his head in agreement
Anthony: Yea, it was annoying getting him to the Warehouse though. He kept asking us about his Gundam, I had to get onto my phone and personally tell a couple of guys to take care of his Gundam in order to satisfy him.
Tom looks impressed
Tom (Well what Shadow lacks in skill he makes up in ethics at least. A professional Gundam Fighter always takes care of his Gundam before himself.)
Anthony goes on
Anthony: Well other than that he has few bumps and bruises but overall Shadow is fine. Ha, he's already up and running, I saw him dancing with Jack 5 minutes ago!
Tom lifts an eyebrow, a classic father concern look. Anthony sees this and quickly goes to reassure him
Anthony: Relax Tom, it looked more like a brother sister dance than anything else.
Tom nods his head
Tom: I see.
Anthony hesitates for a moment then asks
Anthony: Is it me or does Shadow remind you of
Tom finishes for him
Tom: Mark?
Anthony tries to read Tom but Tom's face is unreadable. There's a moment of uncertain silence then Tom speaks
Tom: Shadow wants to become the world's greatest Gundam Fighter; Mark wanted to become the world's greatest mechanic. Their dreams maybe different but the way they chase after their dreams, the way they keep getting up after getting knock down, the way they keep ignoring the people who tell them it's hopeless, in that way they are the same!
Tom takes a sip of his drink. The two old men take a moment to remember their fallen friend. Tom turns to Anthony
Tom: You should go back to the party.
Anthony looks back at Tom surprise
Anthony: No, it's alright Tom I can stay out here for a while longer.
Tom gives a good hearty laugh
Tom: HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAH, Who do you think you are, my babysitter? I'm fine, besides I want you to keep an eye on Jack. It's been a while since she's had a drink and I don't want her getting drunk and going wild; again.
Anthony hesitates then smiles and nods his head
Anthony: You got it Tom.
Anthony walks back into the Warehouse. As Tom watches Anthony leave he spots Cagalli sitting down on some kind of metal box by herself. She seems to be in deep thought and looks sad. Tom watches her for a second then sighs, and then Tom walks over next to Cagalli.
Tom: It's one thing for a bunch of old guys to choose to stand outside alone and miss a great party but for a young woman such as yourself to miss a great party like this and stand outside by yourself, it's enough to make the sky cry.
Cagalli surprise turns around to see Tom. When she sees its Tom she goes back to sulking
Cagalli: I don't feel like celebrating.
Tom gives her a caring smile
Tom: Oh, may I ask why not?
Cagalli gives Tom a look, then asks
Cagalli: What will happen to the raiders you capture?
Tom: They're going to be executed.
Cagalli gives Tom a horrified look. Tom rolls his eyes
Tom: Oh for the love of god, I was kidding, geez what do you think we are monsters!
Cagalli is relieve and a little embarrass, Tom goes on
Tom: Since Junk City isn't officially apart of any nation it doesn't have a jail or police force, but they're some friendly nations that have kindly offer to arrest the raiders and put them in their jail for us, after a fair trial of course.
Cagalli grins a little at Tom's small joke
Cagalli: Of course.
Tom: Although some of the mechanics did want to kill the raiders themselves, understandable if misguided, but most were satisfied that the raiders were going to rot in prison for a very long time.
Cagalli has gone back to looking sad; she nods her head in approval
Cagalli: Well that's good.
Tom gives her an all knowing smile
Tom: Well as touch as I am for your concern about your enemy I don't think that's the only reason you're missing the victory celebration.
Cagalli suddenly becomes very angry
Cagalli: What victory, people still die and for what; money! How can you people celebrate when so many homes were destroyed and so many lives were lost!
Cagalli punches the ground, she says this hatefully
Cagalli: And I couldn't do anything to help or stop it!
We have a quick flashback to Mr. 4 killing the people at the party. There's a brief moment of silence as Tom stares at Cagalli shocked. Cagalli doesn't meet his gaze, suddenly Tom gets down on his knees and hugs the sitting Cagalli. Cagalli is surprise
Tom: So this is what's been bothering you; Cagalli you are far too young to be carrying such a heavy burden. To mourn the deaths of the innocent in the silent night away from joy of others is the job of us old men.
Tom let's go of Cagalli. Cagalli is still surprise and stares at Tom; Tom goes on as if the previous incident never happen.
Tom: You don't have to worry about the people who lost their homes to the raiders, as mechanics we built our own houses from the metal parts we found in the Junk Mountains. At worst people would consider it an annoyance, HA most of the mechanics would think of it as a renovation.
Tom says this with a smile on his face as if he thinks this whole thing is a joke. This pisses off Cagalli, and she snaps
Cagalli: Well what about the people, who died I doubt that they'll think of it as a renovation; ARE THEIR DEATHS JUST A JOKE TO YOU!
The smile drops from his face; he stands up a little straighter and says in a sober voice, and although he tries to control it there's a little anger in his voice.
Tom: Of course not!
Cagalli realizes she has crossed the line. Tom sighs
Tom: How do I explain this? 156 people died today in the battle with the raiders.
Cagalli is not sure what he's getting at
Cagalli: You know the exact number of casualties, so what?
Tom looks at her evenly
Tom: The average daily death total for Junk City is between 140 and 180 deaths a day.
Cagalli is shocked
Cagalli: W-w-what!
Tom forces a smile and tries to pass this off as no big deal
Tom: Well if you thought about it, it makes sense; I mean we have no police so there's always a chance of getting shot or mugged in the street, not to mention a lot of these Junk Mountains are unstable and sometimes they collapse on people walking by. Plus we're mechanics; we spend all day reattaching Gundam arms and legs to Gundam bodies and as much as we try to prevent it if one of those limbs falls on a person they're dead. In just this Warehouse we have about 5 accidents a day.
Cagalli has got in over the shock and is just surprise
Cagalli: Then why do you guys do it, why do you live here if it's so dangerous?
Tom looks at Cagalli and gives her a genuine smile
Tom: Because we love it.
Cagalli doesn't get it
Cagalli: Huh?
Tom eyes start to sparkle as he begins to talk, the type of sparkle you get in your eyes when you talk about something you really love or were excited about doing.
Tom: I love being a mechanic; every morning when I wake up I can't wait to come to work and start working on the Gundams! When I sleep I dream of new Gundam designs, parts, weapons, armor, I am constantly dreaming of new ways on improving the Gundams and when a new Gundam comes in that I've never seen before I go all giddy like a kid that's just got a birthday present and can't wait to take it apart and find out how it works! Sometimes I get so lost working on a Gundam in the Warehouse I end up spending the whole night here working on it!
Cagalli is trying to understand
Cagalli: Ok so you love being a mechanic but why do you have to be a mechanic in this City?
Tom goes on still excited
Tom: Because this City is a mechanics dream! I mean just the other day I was walking home and I found an old Gundam part I was looking for. I brought it home and reconfigure it into a brand new and improve version of itself. Mechanics can find any part they're looking for here regardless of how expensive a part is. Regardless of the danger the mechanics that live here love and enjoy the life they live and if we sometimes have to shed tears in order to continue living like this then it is well worth it. I can also tell you right now that if I die sometime today then I would die a happy man because I live a happy life and most of the mechanics share my opinion.
Cagalli is still unhappy with his answer
Cagalli: Well what about the people who lost family members I doubt they're celebrating!
She's says this very bitter. Tom smiles at her
Tom: Then you'd be wrong.
Cagalli is surprise
Cagalli: Huh?
Tom turns to face the Warehouse, from the way we can hear the music and the lights we can assume the party is still going full swing.
Tom: No one knows how the tradition started, probability when the first Warehouses appear, but it's a tradition in Junk City to throw a party after a raider attack.
Cagalli doesn't understand
Cagalli: But why are you trying to celebrate a victory! What kind of victory is worth celebrating when you lost so many people!
Cagalli shouts in anger. Tom meets her anger with an even stare and soft smile
Tom: Where not celebrating a victory, we're celebrating being alive!
Cagalli is surprise
Cagalli: What!
Tom goes on
Tom: Tomorrow the families of the decease will have a private funeral for their dead but tonight we celebrate the people who survive the battle and will witness the sunrise tomorrow morning, tonight we celebrate the living; the dead can wait to be mourn.
He says this in a sober voice, suddenly a door to the warehouse opens and Shadow pops out. He looks a little tipsy, and he's holding a beer bottle.
Shadow: CAGALLI! CAGALLI! WHERE ARE YOU!
Other people turn to stare at Shadow as he begins to search for Cagalli. Cagalli and Tom turn to stare at Shadow. Cagalli moans and shakes her head in embarrassment at Shadow making a scene and Tom smiles in amusement at Cagalli's embarrassment.
Tom: You should go celebrate; after all you did survive too.
Cagalli turns to stare at Tom uncertain of what to do. Her decision is made for her when Shadow spots them.
Shadow: Cagalli! There you are!
Some people are still staring as Shadow stumbles towards Cagalli.
Shadow: Why didn't you answer me!
Shadow says in an unnecessary loud voice. The people that are staring start to giggle a little thinking this a couple's dispute. Cagalli blushes in embarrassment
Cagalli: Will you quiet down I'm not deaf, and are you drunk!
She shouts at him, the people are starting to laugh a little harder. Shadow flinches and puts a hand over his ear.
Shadow: Ow, man you're the loud one.
This pisses Cagalli off
Cagalli: Just answer the question!
Shadow smiles at her and says in a grand voice
Shadow: Nope I'm not drunk yet but the night is still young! Here have some beer!
Shadow offers the beer in his hand to Cagalli. Cagalli turns to Tom glaring disapprovingly
Cagalli: Isn't it a universal law that the legal drinking age is 23?
Tom smiles and shrugs
Tom: Like I said no police force; now why don't shut up, have a drink and have some fun.
Shadow continues to offer Cagalli the beer
Cagalli: Sorry but unlike some people I don't drink.
She says looking at Shadow. Shadow glares at her not liking the way she said "Some People" but then he gets over it and shrugs.
Shadow: Fine but
Shadow grabs Cagalli's arm and begins to pull her towards the Warehouse. Cagalli looks surprise
Shadow: If you're not going to drink, then you're going to at least dance; besides Roxas promise me a picture of her in a bathing suit if I brought you onto the dance floor.
Cagalli struggles a little but is gradually going with Shadow
Cagalli: So wait you're just using me to satisfy your perverted desires!
She says a little angrily. Shadow turns to her and grins
Shadow: No, I honestly wanted to celebrate with you; satisfying my perverted desires is just a bonus.
Cagalli's anger lessens to an annoyance, she is no longer struggling but letting Shadow guide her towards the Warehouse. Tom smiles at them and waves
Tom: Shadow make sure Cagalli has fun; even if you have to shove it down her throat.
Cagalli glances back at Tom annoyed
Cagalli: Isn't it a contradiction to force someone to have fun.
Shadow turns to grin at her
Shadow: With enough alcohol all logic makes sense!
Shadow says in his grand voice. He then leads Cagalli to the Warehouse as Tom burst out laughing, even Cagalli slightly grins at Shadow's joke. The scene starts to do the slideshow thing; we see pictures of the party.
Some of the pictures include, Nick politely dancing with Jack, Shadow and Roxas ravaging the food table and beer, Cagalli dancing and politely eating, Roxas chasing Cagalli trying to grope her again, Cagalli yelling at Shadow, Kenny talking with some of the mechanics while eating, and Roxas hitting on some people.
The scene ends after the slideshow. The next scene opens up in the morning, the camera goes slowly over the Warehouse. It shows the classic after party, there are people lying all over the floor pass out from too much drinking. The camera stops over Shadow, he has the classic hangover look on his face. Kenny also looks like he has a hangover; Nick and Cagalli are the only ones that don't have a hangover.
Nick: You should have listen to me mate when I told you to go easier on the drinking.
Cagalli has a huge "I told you so" grin on her face
Cagalli: Serves you right for breaking the law.
Shadow glares at her; he forces himself to straighten up
Shadow: Drinking was well worth the hangover!
Shadow shouts in a grand voice. Kenny covers his ears
Kenny: God, Shadow do you have to talk so loud.
Nick and Cagalli are momentary surprise, but it's quickly lost when Shadow immediately turns around and pukes behind the table right after he shouts. Cagalli burst out laughing
Cagalli: Hahahahah, say that again when you can hold down your stomach!
Kenny groans again. Nick gives Cagalli a look clearly saying the joke has gone on long enough. He hands Shadow a glass of water
Nick: Here mate, the best way to get over a hangover is to drown it with lots of water.
Shadow takes the glass of water and nods in gratitude
Shadow: Thanks
Cagalli sighs then hands Kenny a glass of water
Cagalli: Here you too Kenny.
Kenny takes the water grateful
Kenny: Thank you Cagalli.
Cagalli starts to look around as Kenny and Shadow drink the water
Cagalli: Hey where're Roxas and Jack?
Kenny turns to Cagalli and answers
Kenny: I haven't seen Roxas since last night when she was hitting on some mechanics.
Shadow now shows interest
Shadow: Male or female mechanics?
Kenny grins
Kenny: Both.
Shadow and Kenny high-five while Cagalli rolls her eyes and folds her arms.
Cagalli: Perverts
Nick turns to Cagalli
Nick: I saw Jack early this morning mates just as the party was breaking up. She told me she was going to head home to grab some supplies to fix Nightwing up with and to wait for her next to Nightwing.
The camera zooms out and cuts to Jack's house. Jack is packing her tools in a traveling bag, we can see a second bag full of clothes. Tom walks in
Tom: You seem to be packing for a long trip?
Jack isn't surprise to see Tom
Jack: I'm not going on a trip Tom, I have decided to accept Shadow's offer and become his team's mechanic.
Tom's face is a mask
Tom: I see, do you mind if I ask why?
Jack looks up from packing and turns to face Tom. She sighs not sure how to answer
Jack: A couple of reason really. Ha, during the battle with the raiders I realize how inexperience I am as a mechanic.
Tom: What are you talking about you've gotten plenty of experience working on Gundams in the Warehouse.
Jack rolls her eyes
Jack: I only have experience in reconfiguring parts and systems of the Gundams to make them operate better. At the Warehouse whenever I reconfigure a part or system it always operates better than the original part or system and increases the Gundams performance but the problem is I've never reconfigure more than one part or system within a single Gundam before.
Tom nods his head in understanding
Tom (That makes sense, most Gundam Pilots don't want the mechanics messing with any system or part that isn't damage and I haven't let Jack work on any Gundams that were damage in more than one place. Shadow was the first Gundam Pilot to give Jack the freedom to work on any system or part she chose.)
Jack continues speaking
Jack: When I look at Nightwing's battle data I realize that the different reconfigured parts and systems were reacting against each other and lowering Nightwing stats.
Tom doesn't understand
Tom: What are you talking about; Nightwing operated better after you installed the upgraded parts and systems!
Jack: But not as much as I had calculated, by my calculations Nightwing should have been performing 10 times better than it was! The reason my calculations were so off was because I never consider how the reconfigure parts would react to each other and I'll never learn how to property tune each reconfigure part or system with each other unless I've got a Gundam I can freely work on. That's why I have to go with Shadow; if I don't I'll never have another chance to join a Gundam Team and be able to freely work on a Gundam.
Tom wants to argue but he knows Jacks right. He sighs then asks
Tom: Tell me Jack why are you suddenly so intent on improving your mechanic skills?
Jack’s red eyes open wide in surprise. She gets up and turns to look at the pictures on her tool cabinet, and then she gives a little laugh.
Jack: Ha, that's right I never did take being a mechanic seriously.
Tom looks surprise and sorry, like when you accidently hurt someone's feelings.
Tom: Jack I didn't mean
Jack cuts him off
Jack: Don't patronize me Tom! Sure I was excited and proud to be a mechanic but I was no different than a kid going to school, I never pushed myself beyond my limits, I never strove to be the best!
She grabs the picture of Mark
Jack: It was Mark's dream to be the best.
There's a moment of silence, then Jack turns to Tom
Jack: Tom, tell me did Mark want to join a Gundam Team!
Jack demands to know, Tom looks uncomfortable.
Tom: Jack
Jack: Tom I demand to know, tell me did my brother want to join a Gundam Team!
Tom looks Jack straight in the eye
Tom: Yes, Mark also knew that the only way he could improve as a mechanic was to be able to freely work on a Gundam and the only people who have that privilege our official Gundam Team mechanics.
Jack looks sad
Jack: And the only reason he never join a Gundam Team was because of me!
Tom looks a little sad too
Tom: You're half right, Mark was a very gifted mechanic, there was always some young and new Gundam Team asking him to join their team but Mark always refused because as much as he wanted to become the greatest mechanic in the world he loved you more!
Jack looks close to tears. Tom goes on
Tom: So Mark had decided to wait until you turn 18 before he join a Gundam Team. He even asked me if you could move in with me, because he didn't want you to live by yourself.
Jack looks back at the picture of Mark. She grins, if you ever find something ironic but incredibly sad at the same time, that's the kind of smile she has.
Jack: So that's why after Mark died you kept asking me to move in with you.
Jack turns away from Tom. We see a single tear run down her cheek, Tom takes a step about to comfort her.
Tom: Jack
Jack quickly rubs the tear out of her eyes and turns to face Tom before he takes another step. She's got a resolved look in her eye
Jack: Mark's dead and he's never coming back and that won't change no matter how long I stay here or try to pretend otherwise.
Tom is deeply shock by this comment. Jack continues
Jack: But just because Mark's dead doesn't mean his dream has died.
Jack puts her hand over her heart
Jack: Mark's dream now lives on in me, because now my dream is to become the greatest mechanic this world has ever seen.
Jack puts the pictures in her traveling bag. She has finish packing, she picks up both bags and walks past the stun Tom. The camera moves in front of Jack so that we are facing her, we can see Tom stun stiff behind her. Jack stops then grins and without turning around adds
Jack: And if I’m going to become the world's greatest mechanic then it's only fitting I work with the world's greatest Gundam Fighter.
Tom's eyes pops open even wider. Jack starts to walk away again. Tom turns to watch her walk away; he still looks stun
Tom (Jack that was the first time I ever heard you say Mark was dead. I'm an idiot, all this time you tried to pretend that Mark was still alive. How many lonely nights did you spend pretending that your brother was still alive and making you dinner, playing games with you, tucking you in at night? No wonder you never recover from Mark’s death and I was too stupid to see it.)
A smile spreads across his face as a tears run down his cheeks like rain.
Tom (Thank you Shadow Zoomarey for healing Jack, thank you for finally making Jack's broken clock tick once again.)
The scene ends with a freeze shoot of Jack walking away from Tom, the way the sun hits her gives off a warm hopeful feeling. The next scene opens up at the Warehouse, Shadow, Nick, Kenny and Cagalli are waiting by Nightwing. Shadow seems to have got in over his hangover or more likely he's faking it to not show Cagalli any weakness.
Jack and Tom walk up to them. Jack stops when she sees the damage Nightwing, her mouth drops open. Tom notices her surprise and his face twitches a little as he tries to resist a smile.
Tom: Why do you look so shock, you knew Nightwing was damage?
Jack: This is the first time I've seen the damage up close!
Shadow is growing impatient and shouts
Shadow: Hey Jack what's taking you so long!
Jack walks up to Shadow and hits him with a wrench
Jack: You idiot look how badly you let my Gundam get damage!
Shadow is rubbing his head where Jack hit him. Nick has an eyebrow raise in question
Nick: Your Gundam?
Jack folds his arms
Jack: That's right; I fix Nightwing up so I consider it half mine!
Shadow's pride has been offended.
Shadow: I didn't let Nightwing get damage that badly!
Jack gets in Shadow's face
Jack: What are you talking about! Nightwing's armor has been completely trash; it's so bad that Nightwing would be better off going into battle butt naked then using that armor!
Shadow is unimpressed by Jack's metaphor
Shadow: You know that metaphor only works in human situations!
Jack is slightly embarrass as she realizes Shadow is right, but her anger quickly comes back.
Jack: Fine then how about this; Nightwing is missing fingers; FINGERS; how is that not an example of bad piloting!
She's right, the camera turns to show Nightwing missing several fingers. Now Shadow blushes in embarrassment. Cagalli, Nick, and Tom laugh at Shadow. Kenny still feels too crappy from his hangover for jokes
Cagalli: Hahahahhahah, I think she's got you beat Shadow.
Shadow turns to glare at her
Shadow: Hey whose side are you on!
Tom takes pity on Shadow
Tom: Relax Shadow it's all a learning experience but for future notice when you stab something that could be explosive, you want to pull the blade out and jump back not just stand there looking like an idiot.
Cagalli and Nick burst out laughing again. Shadow turns red again
Shadow: Fine, laugh all you want now but when you make a mistake in your Gundam Fights I'll remember this!
Jack sighs
Jack: It's going to take me at least 3 days to get Nightwing 100% fix up and running again.
Shadow, Cagalli, Nick, and Kenny are shock
Shadow: 3 days!
Kenny: We have to spend another 3 days in Junk City!
Cagalli: Where are we going to stay!
While they're panicking and cursing there bad luck. Jack turns to Tom
Jack: Hey Tom can you have your people load Nightwing onto my ship for me?
Tom nods his head
Tom: Sure
He signals to a couple of nearby mechanics. The mechanics bring over a truck and start to load Nightwing onto it while Shadow and the others look at Jack confused.
Shadow: Why are you loading Nightwing onto your ship?
The mechanics manage to get Nightwing on the truck and take off.
Jack: Dud so that I can work on it on our way to Arianna.
Nick raises an eyebrow
Nick: Our?
Jack turns to face him
Jack: Yea, Now listen up; I have decided to become the greatest mechanic this world has ever seen! As such it's only fitting that I work with the greatest Gundam Fighter this world has ever seen!
They all look surprise for a moment. Jack looks at Shadow
Jack: So is your offer still on the table; I also like to point out that I come with a ship?
Shadow stares evenly at Jack and Jack has a momentary fear that Shadow will say no but then Shadow's face breaks into a wide grin.
Shadow: YES, YES, YES, we have a mechanic now!
Shadow jumps up into the air. Jack also begins to smile; Nick slaps her on the back.
Nick: Welcome to the team mate!
Jack: Thanks, oh by the way what's our team's name?
Cagalli is also smiling. She shrugs
Cagalli: We don't have one yet, Shadow still hasn't decided on one!
Shadow doesn't like the way Cagalli said that
Shadow: Hey picking a Team name is a very important decision; you can't make it just like that!
Cagalli and Shadow start glaring at each other
Cagalli: Maybe you're just bad at naming things!
Shadow gets in Cagalli's face
Shadow: Why don't you say that again!
Shadow threatens. Kenny cuts in
Kenny: Guys, Guys, Guys, that's not what's important, what is important is that we have a ship now, which means no more walking!
He shouts with joy. The others start laughing, Tom smiling adds
Tom: I'll tell you what; since I'm in such a nice mood I'll give you the Y23 missies we savage from the raider's ship free of charge.
Shadow looks unimpressed
Shadow: Shouldn't you do that anyways since I save the city?
Tom is annoyed now
Tom: NO, if anything you owe me money for the beam rifle you destroy and the shield you lost not to mention all the food you keep putting on my tab!
Shadow forgot about that
Shadow: Ohhhh
Tom: Don't oh me, do you know how a beam rifle and shield cost and what a pain it is to build them!
Shadow looks at his Neon Gauntlet
Shadow: Oh, well I better go make sure Nightwing is loaded onto the ship correctly, so how about we say we're even!
Shadow takes off after the truck that hull Nightwing away. Tom turns to him and shouts
Tom: Yea you better run!
The scene ends with Cagalli and the others laughing at Shadow. The next scene opens up outside the Warehouse. The Archangel look-a-like is park right next to the Warehouse, we zoom in right next to the ship to see the mechanics saying goodbye to Shadow and co.
Anthony: Goodbye and good luck you guys!
Mechanic B: Thanks for everything!
Mechanic C: Good Luck on your Gundam Fights!
Mechanic D: We'll be rooting for you!
Shadow and the others are also waving goodbye.
Shadow: See you guys around, and remember my name because I’m going to be a famous Gundam Fighter someday!
Kenny and Nick are saying goodbyes too. The camera focus on Cagalli, she's a little ways away from Shadow and the others. She's staring intensely at the Archangel look-a-like
Cagalli (It looks exactly like the Archangel but how is that possible! The Archangel was a top secret Orb ship, only a handful of people knew it existed and even less had access to the blueprints. After the war I thought Erica Simmons destroyed all copies of the Archangel blueprints and kept the original blueprints lock up in a secret safe that only she had access to. So how did Jack make an exact replica of it!)
While Cagalli is thinking this Van has walk up behind her.
Van: Is the princess too important to say goodbye to us common folk?
Cagalli turns around surprise to see Van. She's annoyed at being called a princess
Cagalli: Don't call me a princess and I didn't think anyone wanted to say goodbye to me.
Van walks closer to her
Van: That's not true, you were a great help in the raider attack, and without you a lot more people would have die.
Cagalli is surprise and a little touch by Van's comment
Cagalli: Thank you.
Van shrugs
Van: I'm just stating the facts.
He holds out his hand
Van: Goodbye Cagalli and good luck in becoming a Gundam Fighter. You're welcome in Junk City anytime.
Cagalli looks at the hand even more surprise. A smile spreads across her face as she shakes his hand.
Cagalli: It was an honor to serve with you Van.
Van looks surprise for a moment then laughs
Van: Hahahah, serve! We're not soldiers Cagalli we're mechanics, see you around.
Cagalli is momentary surprise by his comment but gets over it and nods.
Cagalli: Goodbye Van.
Van walks away as Nick walks up to her.
Nick: Hey mate what are you doing, we're just about to leave.
Cagalli turns to face Nick and nods her head.
Cagalli: Right let's go.
Cagalli and Nick start to walk towards the Archangel look-a-like. The camera turns to Shadow and Jack; most of the mechanics have finish saying their goodbyes and are walking away. Just when it looks like they're about to leave too Tom walks up to them.
Tom: Hey you aren't going to leave without saying goodbye to me are you?
Jack turns around momentary surprise then smiles.
Jack: Of course not Tom.
Tom gets closer to Jack and takes a knee so that he's on the same height level as Jack. There's an awkward pause as neither know what to say, Jack gives a nervous short laugh.
Jack: Ha, so is this when you mother me about remembering to brush my teeth, watch my manners, don't stay up pass my bedtime, don't get into trouble, to always maintain my tools
Tom cuts Jack off by suddenly hugging her. Jack is very surprise
Tom: Just be safe, nothing else matters as long as you're safe.
The emotion in his voice is as plain as day. Tom abruptly gets up and turns around, he rubs the formation of tears out of his eye. There's another awkward pause then Jack says
Jack: You to old man don't die on me while I'm away!
With that Jack turns and runs to her ship, tears are coming down her face. The camera turns back to Shadow and Tom, Shadow has been politely watching the scene unfold. He now turns to Tom
Shadow: Well Tom it's
Tom suddenly punches Shadow hard in the face. Shadow falls to the ground
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWW, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!
Shadow shouts angrily, Tom looks Shadow straight in the eye
Tom: That was to show you how strong one of my punches are; and there will be a 100 more of them waiting for you if Jack gets hurt in any way! You're the leader of this Gundam team Jack is your responsibility now, it is your job and duty to protect her even if it cost you your life!
Shadow and Tom stare off for a moment, and then Shadow turns away.
Shadow: Tsk I was going to do that without you telling me anyway!
Shadow gets back up, then looks Tom straight in the eye.
Shadow: You have my word as a Gundam Fighter that I will protect Jack as if she's my own sister!
Tom is momentary thrown off, and then he starts to laugh.
Tom: HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA
Shadow thinks Tom is laughing at him and is offended.
Shadow: What's so funny!
Tom calms down
Tom: Nothing, it’s just life is funny some times.
Tom smiles at Shadow now and holds out his hand.
Tom: Well now that that’s taken care of; goodbye and good luck Shadow Zoomarey. The next time I hear from you, you should be at least a C rank Gundam Fighter.
Shadow takes the hand and shakes it
Shadow: Of course, see you around Tom.
With that Shadow turns around and walks towards Jack's ship. We cut inside the Gundam bay of Jack's ship, Nick, Kenny, Jack, Cagalli and Shadow are all staring and walking around slowly. We can see the still damage Nightwing in the corner, Jack is beaming with pride.
Jack: She's a great ship isn't she?
Shadow looks at Jack
Shadow: Why's it got to be a she, why can't it be a he?
Jack looks at Shadow annoyed now
Jack: Because I'm a she, and it's a known fact that the ship takes the gender of the person who built it!
Shadow nods his head thinking that makes perfect sense. Kenny snickers
Kenny: That's the first time I've heard of that.
Jack turns to Kenny very annoyed now
Jack: That's because you're not a mechanic!
Nick still looking around asks
Nick: Hey mate is it even possible for us to fly this thing by ourselves?
Kenny answers
Kenny: Most battleships require a minimum of 50 people before they're considered fit to fly.
Seeing the worry looks on Nick, and Cagalli's faces Jack quickly goes to reassure them
Jack: But that's only for long voyages, the crew is really only needed for maintenance, up keep and defense of the ship and so on. However the ship can fly on auto-pilot and since Arianna is only a couple of hours away by air we'll be more then fine.
Nick and Cagalli relax. Cagalli starts to look around as she realizes something
Cagalli: Hey where's Roxas?
Roxas suddenly appears behind Cagalli and gropes her breast from behind. Nick, Shadow and Kenny jump back in surprise by the sudden appearance.
Roxas: Fear not my darling Cagalli and her loving bosoms for I am here!
Cagalli's shock gets replace by anger
Cagalli: GET OFF ME YOU FREAK!
Cagalli begins to struggle to get Roxas off her. The others are still shock by the way she appeared out of nowhere.
Jack: Holy crap, how did you do that?
Kenny: Talk about mad ninja skills!
Shadow smiles
Shadow: More like mad chameleon skills.
Roxas looks up at Shadow's comment. Cagalli manages to wiggle free from her grip, Roxas smiles and nods her head.
Roxas: Yup, I've been wanting for a while to try out my animal blending techniques.
Kenny yawns then stretches
Kenny: Well we better start to take off or else we'll never leave.
Shadow nods his head eagerly
Shadow: Right, besides I want to take a look at the bridge!
Shadow turns around and starts to walk away at a fast pace. He looks like a kid going to get the toy he wants, but then he realizes something and turns around.
Shadow: Hey where's the bridge anyway?
They all burst out laughing
All: HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Shadow is annoyed
Shadow: Hey only Jack is allowed to laugh, none of you other guys know where it is either!
Cagalli and Nick shut up as they realize Shadow's right. Roxas has grown bored of the conversation and started scratching her ear with her foot like a dog. Jack is still grinning and Kenny has a smug smile on his face.
Kenny: Well actually I know where the bridge.
Shadow very annoyed now turns and glares at Kenny
Shadow: You don't count, Jack already show you where the bridge is!
Kenny is slightly offended
Kenny: I do too!
Shadow and Kenny start to glare at each other. Jack gets in the middle of them
Jack: Alright that's enough you two, come on I'll show where the bridge is.
The camera cuts to a hallway in the Archangel look-a-like, Jack is leading the guys to the bridge. Cagalli is towards the back of the group, she’s looking around closely.
Cagalli (On the outside Jack's ship looks exactly like the Archangel but on the inside its layout is completely different.)
Roxas is watching Cagalli closely
Roxas: See something you like?
This time there's no flirtation in Roxas voice; she's purely suspicious and makes no attempt to hide it.
Cagalli: Um, No, it's just
Cagalli stumbles not sure what to say. Nick saves her
Nick: The mate's just never seen a ship like this before and come to think neither have I.
Kenny has a hand under his chin and is taping his foot
Kenny: I know I've seen this Ship Class somewhere before but I can't remember where, or what it was!
Kenny is deeply frustrated. Nick and Shadow are also trying to figure out what kind of ship it is. Jack is enjoying watching them try to figure out her ship.
Jack: Would you like me to give you a hint?
Suddenly Shadow remembers something
Shadow: Wait a minute Nightwing said this ship was an Archangel Class ship.
Jack is taken by surprise, but Kenny snaps his fingers.
Kenny: Ah-Ha, Archangel Class, of course, I knew I saw this ship somewhere; it was in a battleship encyclopedia I read.
Jack nods her head and looks at Kenny impressed
Jack: Yea; you uploaded a ship identification program into Nightwing?
Kenny blushes slightly in pride and scratches the back of his head.
Kenny: Well, it really wasn't that hard, and I figured it could come in handy in a battle if Nightwing can identify a ship's Class!
Shadow is growing impatient
Shadow: Yea that's nice and all but could you guys explain to us what an Archangel Class ship is anyway?
Nick nods his head in support
Nick: Yea mates, I don't consider myself and expert on battleships but I haven't even heard of this Class before.
Kenny nods his head
Kenny: That doesn't surprise me, the Archangel Class came out about 80 years ago. Most critics say that it's one of the best types of battle ships out there but due to its complex structure and design it had to be handmade, so it was never mass produce. The few that were made became extremely expensive; unless you were like super rich there was no way you could afford it.
Jack nods her head
Jack: No surprise there, the parts by themselves were pretty costly and hard to come by, and if you add the manual labor cost.
Jack whistles when she does the mental math. Kenny nods his head and goes on
Kenny: Right, needless to say it didn't take long for the ship manufacturing companies to realize they were spending more money on building the ships then they were making selling them. The Archangel Class ship was soon discontinued, but what I want to know is how you got the original Archangel Class blueprints?
Kenny asks Jack. Jack doesn't understand
Jack: Why?
Kenny: Because it's so old most of the blueprints have been lost or destroyed, you could probably find one at the original manufacturing company but I doubt they let you see it out of fear that their competition would steal it, so how did you get a hold of the original Archangel Class blueprints?
Nick thinking out loud asks
Nick: Most of the technology on this ship looks pretty new, a lot of it wouldn't have been around 80 years ago; so isn't possible that she made the blueprints up herself and based them on what she knew about the Archangel Class mate?
Kenny shakes his head
Kenny: I check online using the ship's computer, even though there are some differences the fundamental designs and layouts are too exact for someone to successfully guess at. It's more likely that she had the original blueprints and modernized them.
Jack shakes her head
Jack: I didn't modernize them.
Kenny goes to argue but Jack adds
Jack: It was my brother Mark who found the blueprints and modernized them; after he died I just kept following the blueprints he had made, and I don't know where he found them. I had always assumed that he found it while he was scavenging for parts in Junk Mountains.
There's a moment of sad silence, suddenly Cagalli shouts
Cagalli: That's wrong!
The episode ends with everyone turning to look at Cagalli with surprised. Cagalli seems to be very angry.