Episode 25
The episode opens up in a dark room. We can see a young girl maybe 16 typing on a computer.
Man: I don't like this Ms. Kabira, he's taking too long. I think we should leave.
The camera turns to show the man who spoke, because of the darkness we can't get a good look at him but we can still tell he's muscular just by making out his frame. The man is standing by a door, there's a little window and curtains on the door.
The man pulls the curtains back slightly and peeks through. From his stance we can tell he's been in the military. The camera looks back to the girl (Kabira).
Kabira: Just give me one more second Raheem, I'm almost there!
Kabira says "there" in triumph, but her smile quickly fads as she reads whatever it is she found. Raheem turns and sees the look on Kabira's face.
Raheem: Ms. Kabira what is it, what did you find?
Raheem walks over to Kabira. He looks over her shoulder and reads what Kabira found. His face also falls; he looks shocked.
Raheem: No, this can't be, this is impossible!
Kabira clenches her fist in anger.
Kabira: But it is; now we know who's responsible for the problems in our country Raheem!
Suddenly we hear a ticking sound. Raheem notices it and starts to scan the area. Kabira doesn't notice and goes on still excited.
Kabira: Ok now all I have to do is transfer the data onto my MK so I can show everyone undeniable proof of his treachery!
The MK is a future version of a flash drive or any portable memory storage device. Kabira takes something out of her pocket (MK) and is about to put it into the computer when Raheem grabs her shoulder and begins to forcefully drag Kabira to a window.
Raheem: I'm afraid we don't have time for that Ms. Kabira!
Raheem is trying to hide it but there's fear in his voice. Raheem is now running at full speed towards the window. Kabira is struggling desperately under Raheem's grip. She's reaching towards the MK she drop.
Kabira: Raheem hold on a moment!
Raheem doesn't stop. He gets to the window and without stopping he takes out a knife from his pocket and breaks the window. Raheem without breaking stride then jumps out of the window and onto a fire escape rail.
He's still dragging Kabira with him. He begins to slide down the rail while still pulling Kabira.
Kabira: Hey Raheem stop pulling me, what's the big hurry?
It's nighttime, we can see the stars in the sky and the moon. The building Raheem and Kabira where in looks like a small office building, suddenly the floor Raheem and Kabira were on explodes. We can see fire shooting out of the window they escape from. Kabira screams
Kabira: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Raheem protectively covers Kabira with his body. The fire recedes and Kabira stops screaming.
Raheem: Ms. Kabira are you ok?
Raheem and Kabira have made it to the street. Kabira is a little shaken up.
Kabira: Y-yes I think so.
Kabira and Raheem look up to the window they jump out of. Smoke is coming out of the window. The camera looks back to Raheem; he looks grim.
Raheem: It looks like our enemies know about us, getting back to Haben won't be as easy as leaving.
The scene ends with Kabira getting a focus look on her face.
Kabira: We're going to need a Gundam team.
The next scene opens up during the middle of a Gundam Fight. The camera starts out showing the outside of the stadium. The top of the stadium has been open to show the night sky.
We can see lights on coming from the stadium; the camera zooms in to show the crowd of spectators cheering. The camera looks down into the arena just as Nightwing does a downward vertical beam saber slash on a Gundam. The Gundam wasn't able to block and was cut in half. The camera looks up to the referee's screen
Referee: And the Shadow Knights do it again folks! The Shadow knights have just won their 12th consecutive team victory, so come on folks let's give a hand to this rookie team that's off to a great start!
The crowd goes nuts. The camera cuts forward in time, Shadow and the others are back at the same club they celebrated at last time. They're toasting
Shadow: Here's to our 12th consecutive team victory!
All: Cheers!
Everyone except Cagalli takes a sip of their beer. Cagalli is drinking a soda instead again, and Shadow is jumping up and down and punching the air excitedly.
Shadow: Man are we on a roll, hahahha. I've won every single one of my matches. I'm going to go undefeated!
Kenny sitting down in a chair at the table laughs at Shadow.
Kenny: HAHAHHA, Shadow you do realize that no one in Gundam Fight history has gone undefeated. Everyone loses some time or another; it's only a question of when.
Nick also chilling nods his head in agreement
Nick: He's right mate, there's no reason to get cocky after all; all we've been fighting against is other rookie and newbie teams and that's nothing to be too excited over.
Cagalli also sitting down comments
Cagalli: Shadow I think you should set some goals more in your reach like I don't know maybe finally landing square on your feet when you're launch from the Gundam catapult?
Shadow blushes; Jack joins in
Jack: Yea it was funny when you trip the first 3 times, after that it got old. The 4th through 6th time people were wondering if you were doing it on purpose in order to be either funny or to get your opponent to drop your guard. Now most people just think your stupid and have accepted this as part of your signature.
Roxas cuts in
Roxas: I have to disagree I still think it's funny; my favorite trip up would have to be the sideways barrel roll!
We have a quick flashback to show Nightwing trip and fall to ground and start rolling on its side. We come back to the present; Kenny also nods his head and laughs a little.
Kenny: HAHAH, I prefer the classic summersault.
We have another flashback of Nightwing only this time when it trips it does summersaults. We come back to the present
Cagalli: HAHAHA, My favorite would be the falling on his behind.
We have one last flashback this time Nightwing sticks both its legs out in and attempt to finally land square on its feet, but because of the angle of Nightwing's fall Nightwing falls backwards and lands on its ass hard. We come back to the present to see that Shadow has had enough.
Shadow: Shut up at least I haven't lost all 12 of my fights!
Cagalli blushes in embarrassment. Nick comes to her defense
Nick: Hey cut her some slack mate, Cagalli's is just a late bloomer. Just you wait sooner or later she'll start winning every fight she gets in.
Shadow realizes he's hurt her feelings. Getting over his anger he jumps across the table and traps Cagalli in a headlock and begins to rub her hair.
Shadow: Yea I guess you're right Nick. Don't worry Cagalli we'll keep you, besides my great instincts tell me you're going to become a great Gundam Fighter!
Cagalli pushes Shadow off
Cagalli: Get off me!
As Shadow takes a seat Cagalli runs her hand through her hair which successfully respikes her hair, although it's unclear if she did this on purpose. The camera turns back to Shadow he's still excited.
Shadow: Yea anyway on to more important matters whose going to stay and pick up chicks with me!
Cagalli looks at Shadow disapprovingly.
Cagalli: Pervert.
Shadow ignores Cagalli. Jack shakes her head
Jack: Sorry but I've got to fix the Gundams you damage.
Jack is glaring at Shadow. Shadow embarrassed turns away and rubs the back of his head. Kenny sighs
Kenny: And I promise to help.
Shadow turns to Nick
Nick: Sorry mate but I'm beat. I'm going to head home and go to bed.
Shadow is annoyed
Shadow: Oh come on how am I going to pick up chicks without a wingman?
Roxas comes to Shadow's aid
Roxas: Don't worry Shadow I'll be your wingman, and I'll even give you some tips on how to pick up women.
Shadow is slightly insulted
Shadow: You'll give me advice? You think you're that much better at picking up women then I am?
Cagalli and Nick get up
Cagalli: This conversation is getting too perverted for me, I'm leaving.
Nick: I'll walk you home.
Cagalli and Nick leave
Roxas: Well not to brag.
Jack gets up to and begins to drag Kenny away, Kenny complains.
Kenny: No wait I want to see Roxas pick up girls!
Jack shakes her head
Jack: No way, if you stay any longer you won't want to leave and I am not fixing those Gundams by myself!
Jack drags Kenny out of the club. Shadow quickly says
Shadow: See you guys later.
Shadow eyes Roxas
Shadow: You wouldn't mind proving that?
Roxas slightly offended
Roxas: Sit back little boy and watch how it's done.
Shadow's face twitches a little at the "little boy" comment.
Shadow: I'm 19!
The scene ends with Roxas walking over to a group of girls and saying in a seductive voice.
Roxas: Hi
The next scene opens up in the morning at the GFC building. Drake is standing near a water cooler taking a sip of water when Tim appears.
Tim: Hey Drake, how are you doing you big time manager.
Drake looks at Tim slightly annoyed
Drake: Big time manager?
Tim nods his head
Tim: The Shadow Knights are the talk of building. It's been 3 years since the last rookie team went over 10 victories without a single lost. The record is 36 wins and no loses by the Hound dogs. They finally lost though in there 37th match but anyway are you going to go and try to break the record.
Drake doesn't look pleased
Drake: You do realize that the 36 teams they beat were all E rank teams and that the first team they lost to was there first D rank opponent?
Tim looks at Drake annoyed.
Tim: What's wrong with you Drake, if anything you should be jumping with joy. I heard the Shadow Knights moved up in rank?
Drake still doesn't look happy. He starts walking away, but Tim walks alongside him.
Drake: Yea the Shadow Knights are now E-9.
Tim doesn't get it
Tim: So?
Drake sighs
Drake: Shadow, Nick, and Roxas are already fighting on a D rank level and I know Zuke can fight on D rank level if not higher. E rank is really just so that new Gundam teams can get use to the NS system and how the Gundam Fights work. There's no real challenge in E rank so for Shadow and the others to continue fighting in E rank would be a waste of their time and mine.
Tim still doesn't get it and is annoyed.
Tim: So what, if you're right wouldn't that mean they'll advance through the ranks quickly?
Drake shakes his head
Drake: No team rank is determine by more than just team victories, it is also effect by individual wins and losses and because Zuke keeps forfeiting and Cagalli keeps losing it's causing them to progress very slowly. By the time they get to D rank I'll be an old man.
Tim looks at Drake still annoyed
Tim: Don't you think you're exaggerating a little bit?
Drake looks at Tim annoyed
Drake: Well maybe a little but the point is I don't feel like waiting.
Tim sighs
Tim: Well it's not like you can do anything about it.
Drake looks frustrated. As Drake and Tim walk they pass by the GFC help center, we see Raheem and Kabira talking with the Desk person. We can see them clearly now thanks to the light. Their skin is tan from spending a long time under the sun, there also wearing lose fitting clothes, brown eyes of different shades and black hair. Kabira and Raheem seem upset
Kabira: How much trouble could it be to found at least one D rank team to escort us to Azize?
Raheem looks a little embarrass at Kabira's attitude, the Desk person is unfazed.
Desk Person: I'm sorry miss but I'm afraid that there aren't many D rank teams in Arianna at the moment and the ones that are here are currently busy with other task. However I can recommend a few C rank teams for you.
Raheem eyes the Desk person
Raheem: For double the amount of money of a D rank team.
Once again the Desk person is unfazed
Desk person: It's only natural that a more experience team would want more money.
Kabira and Raheem still look unhappy. Drake has been watching this conversation, Tim noticing Drake staring asks
Tim: Hey Drake what's up?
Drake doesn't replied instead he walks over to Kabira and Raheem.
Drake: Hey you there, I couldn't help but overhear that you wanted a Gundam Team to escort you to Azize.
Kabira and Raheem look at Drake suspicious.
Kabira: Yea so what?
Drake goes on
Drake: That's the capital city of Haben right?
Raheem speaks first before Kabira can do another mouthy comment.
Raheem: You are correct sir but may I ask why you are so interested?
Drake smiles. The scene ends with Drake saying
Drake: Because I happen to know a very inexpensive Gundam team that would be more than happy to take the job.
The next scene opens up at the apartment the Shadow Knights are staying at. Nick, Kenny and Jack are sitting down on the couch watching TV while Cagalli is getting a glass of Orange Juice.
You can tell they've only gotten up recently because they're all wearing the clothes they went to bed in, lose fitting T-shirts and shorts and PJs. Cagalli still looks half asleep, when an attractive blond girl walks down the stairs and walks over to the fridge and pours herself a glass of water.
Nick, Kenny and Jack turn around and stare at the girl. Cagalli doesn't notice her until she drinks the water. Cagalli's eyes pop open when she sees her, the girl is only wearing a huge oversize T-shirt (sorry guys but like I said early this is no hentai, you don't see anything). Cagalli is in shocked
Cagalli: Um who are you?
The girl is about to turn around and answer when Shadow comes down the stairs. He's only wearing a black T-shirt and black jeans, he's holding pants.
Shadow: Hey I finally found your pants, here.
Shadow hands the girl her pants
Girl: Oh thanks.
The girl takes the pants and puts them on, once again sorry guys but the camera looks away while she puts her pants on and we don't see anything. The camera looks over to Kenny, Nick, Jack and Cagalli to see looks of shock. The camera looks back to the girl to see she's put her pants back on. She turns back to Shadow
Girl: I have to get going, thanks for the wonderful night if I run into you again at the Club maybe we can have another.
The girl and Shadow share a kiss
Shadow: See you around.
The girl leaves. Shadow finally notices the others staring at him still in deep shock
Shadow: Um guys?
Cagalli still shocked points to the door then to the bedroom
Cagalli: You…her…bedroom?
Nick, Jack, and Kenny look like they can't form words either. Shadow looks annoyed
Shadow: Yes I got laid, why is that so hard for everyone to accept?
Everyone finally comes out of there shock. Nick whistles
Nick: Not bad mate, that miss was hot.
Kenny turns to Jack angrily
Kenny: That could have been me, if you hadn't made me help you with fixing the Gundams!
Jack over her shock is unconcern
Jack: Oh boo who why don't you cry me a river?
The camera looks over to Cagalli who looks pissed.
Cagalli: You stupid pervert! Don't you have any sense decency? Were you raised in a jungle or a zoo?
Shadow looks very annoyed
Shadow: I don't get why you're so mad?
Cagalli is still pissed and shouts
Cagalli: Because I don't like waking up first thing in the morning to see some half naked women I've never seen before! You insensitive prick; you do know there are other people living here too?
Shadow still eyeing Cagalli irritated
Shadow: I don't see what the problem is, we took a vote on whether or not it was ok to bring people we picked up back to the apartment to sleep with and when I ask you, you laugh and said sure.
Cagalli blushes and stutters
Cagalli: W-well, you see, when you asked me that.
Nick laughing walks over and slaps Cagalli on the back
Nick: HAHAHAHA, you see mate Cagalli didn't think you could actually pick up a chick.
Shadow is insulted and turns to Cagalli pissed
Shadow: What, I'll have you know that after you left the club last night women were tripping over themselves to get a chance to hook up with me!
Cagalli gives a sarcastic laugh
Cagalli: HA yea right.
Shadow and Cagalli start glaring at each other. Jack walks up and breaks up their fight
Jack: We've got to get going, Drake gave me a call this morning; he said something about a job he wanted us to do. Shadow can you go wake up Roxas while the rest of us get dress?
Shadow stops glaring at Cagalli and turns to Jack
Shadow: Sure.
Shadow walks away. The camera cuts outside Roxas's room. Shadow knocks on the door.
Shadow: Hey Roxas get up, Drake wants to see us!
The door opens just enough for Roxas to stick her head out, her hair is sweaty and she looks annoyed.
Roxas: Do you know what Drake wants because I'm busy at the moment?
Shadow shrugs
Shadow: No idea.
Roxas doesn't look happy with that answer, she lets go of the door.
Roxas: Of course he didn't say, this just gives me another good reason to kick his ass.
Roxas distracted by her anger of Drake doesn't notice the door swinging open. We can see that Roxas has on a sleeveless shirt and boxers. We can see 3 very attractive young ladies in Roxas bed, there under a sheet sleeping so we don't see anything but you can still tell there naked underneath the cover. Shadow's eyes almost pop out of their socket/
Shadow: You got 3 girls!
Roxas is uncaring about Shadow's discovery
Roxas: Yea, I thought you knew.
Shadow still surprise corrects Roxas
Shadow: No I only saw you leave the club with 2 girls last night.
Roxas suddenly remembers
Roxas: Oh yea that's right I pick up the last girl on my way back to the apartment.
Shadow looks upset, but he tries to hid it
Shadow: You better get them out of here the back way. Cagalli is apparently shy around this subject and that causes her to get angry. If she sees them she'll exploded.
Roxas does a thinking pose
Roxas: Hmmm this is going to affect my seduction strategy of Cagalli. Thanks for the information Shadow?
Roxas finally notices Shadow is upset, she then smiles at him.
Roxas: Don't feel too bad Shadow, I am older but don't worry someday you'll reach my level of skill. Well anyway I've better go change.
Roxas quickly closes the door before Shadow has a chance to reply which pisses Shadow off.
Shadow: What is with everyone doubting my ability to pickup women!
The camera cuts back to the GFC, we're back in the boss's office. Joey is sitting behind his desk staring at Drake, and Drake is sitting down becoming annoyed.
Drake: Are you seriously going to try the sit and wait game with me because we both know that the only thing that will do is piss me off.
Joey smiles
Joey: No I suppose a little trick like that wouldn't work on someone of your level but since we're on the subject of levels I must say I am surprise that someone of your capabilities can't see the foolishness of what you're purposing.
Drake rolls his eyes and says underneath his breath
Drake: I can't believe that little weasel Tim ratted me out to Joey; when I get my hands on him.
Joey goes on pretending not to hear Drake
Joey: There is a reason why only D rank or higher teams get selected for missions. You don't ask a ten year old to do advance algebra, you don't ask a new born bird who doesn't even have feathers to fly and you don't ask an E rank team to take on a mission.
Drake annoyed says
Drake: Your metaphors are noted but it's not unheard of for an E rank team to take on a mission, it has happen before.
Joey is unimpressed
Joey: You do realize that the last time that happen was over 3 years ago.
Drake has had enough
Drake: Look Joey thanks for the advice but there's no rule in GFC rule book that says an E rank team can't take a mission. There's nothing you can do to stop me, in the end it's up to the Gundam Team manager and client to decided who takes a mission.
Drake walks over to the door and is about to leave when Joey turns around and says
Joey: And what happens if they all get killed?
Drake stops and stands still, Joey eyes Drake coldly
Joey: Since you brought them up, I assume you know what happen to the E rank team that went on a mission 3 years ago. 3 out of the 5 Gundam Pilots ended up dead, the other 2 Gundam Pilots lost several of their limbs. You see it's a common misconception that Gundam Pilots are in the safest position on a battlefield because of the safety pod install in all Gundams.
Joey: It's true that they most likely won't be hurt in a Gundam fight but they'll be at the mercy of whoever picks up the pod, which means whoever wins the battle controls there life. In the case of the E rank team who went on a mission 3 years ago that was a group of violent raiders. After all 5 of the Gundam Pilots were defeated there ship was easily destroyed by the raiders.
Joey: The raiders then went around and collected the safety pods and brought them onto their ship. They open them up and tied up the 5 Gundam Pilots and made them stand in a straight line. They then executed 3 of the Gundam Pilots by shooting them in the head, the other 2 manage to survive by jumping off the raiders ship while it was still in midair, although they survive the fall cost them several of their limbs.
Drake has turn to look at Joey. Joey gets up and walks around his desk.
Joey: Being a Gundam Pilot regardless of how safe we try to make it is still the most dangerous job on Sora. Out there, there is no referee to make sure both fighters play fair, nor to stop the winning team from taking the lives of the losing team. There are a lot of dangerous people out there that will kill for Gundam parts, money, pride, or just for the fun of it and unfortunately some of them are very skilled Gundam Pilots equip with very good Gundams so listen to me Drake when I ask you to wait until your team is better train and more skilled before you send them on a mission.
Drake looks swayed for a moment but the moment passes.
Drake: Joey I know what you're saying and I've taken every precaution but I'm still going through with it, goodbye and thank you for your input.
With that Drake leaves. Joey stares at the door.
Joey: I hope you know what you're doing Drake for sake of those rookies.
The camera cuts outside the door to Joey's office. Drake is leaning against the door in deep thought.
Drake (They won't die, even if I have kicked the ass of an entire army and train them so that they can fight raiders in their sleep. I won't let a single one of them die!)
Drake doesn't notice Tim walking up to him. Tim looks a little nervous
Tim: Drake the Shadow Knights are here waiting for you in the office, oh and about ratting on you to Joey.
Drake cuts Tim off
Drake: Don't worry about it Tim, you were only worried about Shadow and the others.
Drake begins to walk away leaving a surprise Tim. The camera cuts into the office Shadow and the others are waiting in. They're all sitting at a table looking annoyed
Roxas: First he calls us and tells us to come straight over and now he makes us wait, that stupid jerk!
Shadow, Jack and Kenny nod their head in agreement. Nick is the only one that's calm; he's leaning back in a chair relaxed.
Nick: You all need to learn some patience.
Cagalli nods her head in agreement with Nick. Cagalli is also sitting in a chair with her arms folded perfectly relaxed.
Cagalli: This is the same type of game some of the politicians back in Orb use; it's supposed to assert superiority.
Shadow still annoyed and fidgeting
Shadow: Well I don't like it and if Drake doesn't come here in the next 5 minutes I'm going to go find him and drag him here.
Suddenly the door opens and Zuke walks in, everyone is surprise.
Kenny: Zuke!
Zuke ignores Kenny and goes to sit down which pisses Nick off.
Nick: What are you too good to talk to us mate?
Zuke sitting down and folding his arms looks at Nick bored.
Zuke: Obviously.
Zuke says this in a bored voice. Nick, Jack and Roxas get up angrily, Zuke looks at them unimpressed.
Nick: Listen hear mate I don't know who raised you but you could definitely use an attitude adjustment.
Jack nods her
Jack: That's right show some god damn respect to your fellow team mates!
Roxas adds
Roxas: Or we'll make you.
Roxas growls at him. Zuke looks at them a moment more then turns away ignoring there threats.
Zuke: Tis.
This sends Nick over the edge
Nick: That's it!
Nick goes to take a step forward but Cagalli blocks him
Cagalli: Alright everyone let's take a breath, there's no reason to fight.
Cagalli turns to Zuke and holds out her hand and smiles.
Cagalli: We kind of got off to a bad start, let's start over. I'm Cagalli Yula Athha.
Zuke looks at her hand for a moment then turns away
Zuke: If I wanted to get to know a bunch of weaklings I go outside and look for some ants.
Cagalli looks shocked at this comment. She withdraws her hand, and Nick is even more outraged.
Nick: Why you!
Nick is about to attack but this time Shadow stops him. Shadow shouts
Shadow: Nick stop!
Nick stops but he looks frustrated.
Nick: Why god damn it, why should I stop, this guy has been nothing but trouble since he got here why shouldn't I kick his ass mate!
Kenny nods his head in agreement
Kenny: He's forfeit every match refusing to fight because he doesn't think his opponent is worth his time.
Jack gets up and also starts shouting at Shadow
Jack: And his bad attitude just brings the whole team morale down.
Roxas growls
Roxas: I say we forget that Drake hired this guy to be our fifth pilot and just attack!
Shadow surprisingly the calm one gets up and walks in front of Zuke. Zuke looks at him and for the first time we see a glint of interest in his eyes. Shadow is grinning
Shadow: We're not getting rid of Zuke into I beat him in a Gundam Fight!
Everyone stares at Shadow like he's an idiot. Zuke laughs
Zuke: HAHAHAHA, don't make me laugh a natural like you could never hope of beating me. My genes have been engineer specially for battle, so there's no way a natural like you could even dream of beating me.
Shadow is still smiling unfazed by Zuke's insult
Shadow: You may be stronger than me now Zuke but I'm only getting stronger and you're staying at the same level so be careful Zuke because if you don't get any stronger I'll catch up to you.
Zuke glares at Shadow
Zuke: I see you must have heard stories about how some naturals were able to beat coordinators through intense training but let me tell you a secret; those coordinators didn't have any physical gene modification.
Zuke: You see although all coordinators have some level of physical and mental gene modification they don't all have the same level of gene modification in the exact same areas, for example some coordinators are better at sports while others are better at school work. This is because they have different levels of gene modification throughout their body.
Zuke: The coordinators that lost to those naturals didn't have a high level of gene modification in their physical strength but even still the naturals that beat them had to train incredibly hard in order to reach what we coordinators consider a low level of physical power.
Zuke: But I want to assure you that I'm not like that, my genes have been engineer for the sole purpose of battle so you can train and fight as long and as hard as you like while I sit on the couch and do nothing and you'll still never beat me because that is your limitation as a natural.
Shadow is unmoved by Zuke's speech and he's still smiling.
Shadow: You believe what you want and I'll believe in what I want to and eventually we'll see who's right.
Zuke looks at Shadow annoyed, while Zuke's been talking he's anger Cagalli. Cagalli glares at Zuke and snaps
Cagalli: Don't you know that it's because of comments like that, that wars are started!
Zuke looks at her bored
Zuke: Like I care, if there's a war between naturals and coordinators the coordinators would wipe out the naturals so there's nothing for me to worry about.
Cagalli's eyes almost pop out of there socket. She looks like she's about to attack but Shadow holds her back.
Cagalli: How can you say that, do you have any idea how many lives would be lost in a war or how many lives have already been lost, do there sacrifice mean nothing to you!
Zuke answers without hesitation
Zuke: Yes, I couldn't care less about the feelings of losers.
Cagalli is enraged and would attack if Shadow wasn't holding her back.
Cagalli: Why you bastard!
Nick, Kenny, Jack, and Roxas also look really to attack but Drake walks in.
Drake: If you guys have to fight then do it outside, until then stop!
Everyone stops except Cagalli. Cagalli directs her anger at Drake, Cagalli breaks free of Shadow's grip and marches over to him and starts yelling in his face.
Cagalli: And you how could you hire someone like him to be our fifth Gundam Pilot!
Drake eyes harden and without hesitation he slaps Cagalli hard. Cagalli goes flying to the ground.
Kenny: Cagalli!
Nick, Jack, Kenny and Roxas are surprise, Cagalli is shocked. She's got a hand on the cheek Drake hit. Drake takes a step forward and he looks pissed.
Drake: Will you get over yourself, this is the real world and sometimes you won't like the person you have to work with but shouting at me about it is only going to piss me off!
Cagalli gets over her shock and her anger comes rushing back.
Cagalli: Did you not hear what he said, I refuse to work with someone like him, or are you just like him Drake in not caring about those who die in order to bring peace to this world!
Drake grabs Cagalli by the throat and then slams her into the wall. He stares in her eyes and we can see genuine anger. Cagalli is a crossed between scare and surprise. He leans forward and whispers in her ear, although he's whispering there's a very cold edge to his voice.
Drake: Little girl don't you dare think that you know more about how the world works then I do, you've barely scratch the surface on what the real world looks like and just because you've been in 2 wars and lost some friends doesn't mean you know more about how the real world works than anyone else in this room.
Cagalli is not sure how to reply to this. Drake tosses her to the ground.
Drake: Now why don't you do us all a favor and just shut up and listen and who knows you might even learn something.
Shadow has had enough
Shadow: Drake that's enough, I know this is a personal matter between you and Cagalli but don't push it!
Shadow is glaring at Drake and his fingers are twitching towards the hilt of his sword. Nick is also glaring at Drake.
Nick: I agree with Shadow mate, I can respect your personal matters but only to a certain extent. I will no longer stand by and watch as you hurt a lady!
Nick unbuckles the strap on his gun pouch. Roxas also tenses ready to spring at Drake to attack, Drake eyes them for a moment then folds.
Drake: Fine, I've made my point. Anyway let's get back to the matter in which I have gathered you all here for.
Drake walks up to the front. Nick, Shadow, and Roxas relaxed and sit back down. Cagalli dazed gets up and sits down. Drake goes on talking as if nothing happen.
Drake: There are 2 things I have to discus with you. The first is that you all have moved up in rank.
Shadow, Roxas, Jack and Kenny openly cheer, Nick does the silent pride thing but we can still see a smile on his face, Zuke looks bored and Cagalli is thinking about other things.
Shadow: Yes, Yes, Yes!
Roxas: Well it's about damn time!
Kenny: I knew we were about to move up in rank, 12 consecutive wins definitely guaranties we're going up in the ranks!
Jack: It's all thanks to my excellent Gundams.
Shadow looks at Jack slightly annoyed
Shadow: Don't you mean it's all thanks to the excellent Gundam Pilots?
Jack shakes her head
Jack: No I meant it's all thanks to my Gundams, you guys did alright.
Shadow, Nick, and Roxas look slightly annoyed by this comment. Drake is getting annoyed just in general.
Drake: I hate to break this to you but you've only become an E-9.
Shadow looks at Drake confused
Shadow: Wait we're still an E rank team; I thought you said we went up in rank?
Drake still annoyed
Drake: You did, you went from an E-10 to an E-9.
Jack is also confused
Jack: Ok so what changes, do we get more money, do we fight harder teams, and are we going to get Gundam parts?
Drake sighs
Drake: Nothing, you get a slight pay increased to fights you win but it's so insufficient that it might as well have never happen. The only thing you really get is the right to say you're an E-9 and not an E-10.
Shadow complaining
Shadow: Well do we at least get to fight harder opponents?
Drake is becoming irritated
Drake: Ok since you guys obviously don't know how these Gundam Fights work I'll break it down for you. Ranks are broken down into letters, A, B, C, D, and E; obviously A is the best and E is the worst, within each letter rank the rankers are broken down in numeric rank 1 through 10, 1 being the highest and 10 being the lowest.
Kenny comments sadly
Kenny: So if we were an E-10 that means we were the lowest of the low.
Drake ignores Kenny and goes on
Drake: Gundam Teams are decided at random to fight each other within their letter rank, for example the Gargoyles were an E-5 Gundam team. The only exception to this rule is if you have a numeric rank of 1 or 10. For instants a D-1 team can be randomly assigned to fight against a C-10 team, which also works in reverse. Of course managers can also request there team to fight against a specific other team but it has to follow the same rules.
Kenny looks even more depressed
Kenny: So that means we can't fight against any team that has a higher letter rank then us until we're an E-1 rank Gundam team.
Drake shakes his head
Drake: Not necessarily, you could always challenge a Gundam team with a higher letter rank then you.
Shadow looks excited by this
Shadow: Great that means all we have to do is challenge a D or C rank team and then we'll defiantly go up in letter rank.
Drake breaks Shadow's hopes
Drake: You didn't let me finish explaining the rules on challenging. A Gundam Team can challenge any team they want to but if you challenge a team that isn't in your letter rank then that team has the right to decline the challenge.
Shadow doesn't get it
Shadow: Why would they want to decline?
Drake: Because beating a team with a lower rank then yours doesn't get you much ranking points and beating a team that's a letter lower than yours gets you so few points that it's a complete waste of time.
Shadow really annoyed now
Shadow: That stinks!
Cagalli finally coming out of her deep thought comments
Cagalli: But it works in reverse too, if you lose to a team that is a letter higher then you, you won't lose much ranking points right?
Cagalli asks Drake, Drake nods his head.
Drake: You're correct.
Nick asks
Nick: What about if you challenge a team that's in your letter rank?
Drake: Then they have to accept or they'll lose ranking points. The only way a team with a higher letter rank would agree to fight you is out of curiosity or fighters pride. They have to hear stories of how great you are and want to find out for themselves what you can do.
Shadow sees the dilemma
Shadow: But how are we going to get a team with a higher letter rank to get interested in us, I mean we've only beaten other E rank teams and I doubt that's going to raise much interest, so how are we going to get them interested?
Drake smiles, he was waiting for this
Drake: You get there attention by completing missions.
Shadow is once again confused
Shadow: Missions?
Drake is giving an explanation again
Drake: Yes missions, you see being a Gundam Pilot isn't cheap, maintaining and upgrading Gundams is really expansive and the GFC top brass realize that the amount of money E through C rank made simply wasn't cutting it, so the GFC top brass open up a new program simply called mission. You see many people come to GFC buildings with problems and they're willing to pay Gundam Teams to help.
Cagalli is eyeing Drake coldly
Cagalli: So we're mercenaries going to help the highest bidder.
Drake glares at Cagalli
Drake: No, although there are some people who request Gundam teams to help with battles that's not all the missions. There are a lot of other mission types, like escort missions, body guarding missions, rescue missions, bounty hunting missions and there are even litter picking up missions and those are just a few of the many different kind of mission types there are. You get to decide what missions you want, so in a way you decide what kind of Gundam Team you become.
Cagalli lowers her head as she realizes her mistake. Shadow once again excited
Shadow: Great so now all we have to do is complete a couple of really hard missions and then the higher rank teams will take notice of us and agree to fight us.
Drake shakes his head
Drake: It's not that easy, you see missions are also classified into letter rank categories base on how dangerous or hard they are, plus the client also has to accept the Gundam team given their mission or they can request another team.
Jack sighs depressed
Jack: So basically we can only do the boring uninteresting mission because no one is going to trust us with an important mission because we're an E rank team.
Zuke is getting impatient
Zuke: Drake you didn't tell me to come here because you wanted to give me a lesson on how the Gundam Fights work, so can you quit wasting my time and get to the point!
Drake looks at Zuke annoyed but lets it go.
Drake: Yes, well thanks to my awesome skills I've manage to talk a client into agreeing to take you on for an escort job.
Shadow getting tired of talking
Shadow: Great let's go!
Cagalli puts a hand on Shadow's shoulder and forcefully keeps him in his seat.
Cagalli: God will you learn some patience and sit down so Drake can give us the details of the job; you are going to give us the details of the job aren't you?
Cagalli asks Drake. Drake looks at her annoyed
Drake: No I was just going to let you run around in circles because I'm an idiot.
Drake says sarcastically. Now Cagalli looks annoyed
Drake: Escort missions are simple, all you have to do is take the client from point A and bring them to point B, and of course you have to make sure they get there in one piece, you know protecting them from raiders or bandits. In this case point A is East Dock, and point B is Azize.
Cagalli: Azize?
Cagalli asks, Kenny knows the answer to this
Kenny: Azize is the capital City of Haben.
Cagalli annoyed now asks
Cagalli: Ok what's Haben and please don't say a country because I've already figure that out.
Drake answers that one
Drake: Haben is a small desert island nation near the equator, alright we've talk long enough you've got 3 hours to get to the apartment and pack up your things then meet me at the East Dock to meet your clients. Any questions?
Nick has one
Nick: Yea why do we need him?
Nick says glaring at Zuke
Zuke: This mission is beneath me anyways, I don't want to do it.
Drake glaring at them
Drake: A Gundam Team has to have all its members when performing a mission or else it won't count in the rankings.
Shadow excited now asks
Shadow: Wait so we get ranking points for completing missions?
Drake nods his head
Drake: Yes but how much is up to a different department of the GFC, and not the managing office, now would you guys stop wasting my time and get going!
Drake pushes them out of his office, and slams the door in there face, which pisses Shadow off. The episode ends with Shadow shouting
Shadow: Would you stop doing that!
Note from author: Hello guys it's been a while since my last word from author so I thought it was about time I gave another one. I wanted to start off by thanking everyone who has read my story, without you I would feel very depressed when writing this story. I also wanted to reinforce the point I said in my first word from author, if you guys have any comments, questions or suggestions about my story please feel free to post them, as I said in my first word from author I have a dream of making this fanfiction into a real manga or anime. I know this is a long shot, trust me I know in fact I thought about giving up on it on more than one occasion but my hopes were refueled when I finally got around to buying and reading the Gundam Seed Astray series, and in my honest opinion I think my story line is just as good as there's if not better (which would explain why it was so hard to find) but I realize that my opinion doesn't count so that's why I want you to comment and post and tell me what I can do to make this story better for you guys and if you guys like the story please tell your friends or other Gundam Seed fans about it and if you have any connection to anime or manga production networks please have them look at it and if it's not good enough then tell me how I can make it good enough. Now on to the main reason why I have decided on writing this word to author, I need your help, I have a dilemma I need to face in my story. My dilemma is what kind of currency should be used on Sora, as you know my characters in the story have talk about money but I haven't actually stated a type of currency, my first thought was to use the same currency then use in the Cosmic Era in the Gundam Seed series but I realize that I didn't know what type of currency they use, then I thought about just using US currency but I realize that might confused foreign readers, and finally I thought about just making up a Sora currency but since I have no idea on how to do that I'm lost, so please, please, please help. Right now I'm just trying to avoid the issue in the story but that can only go on for so long so the sooner I have an answer the better. The last thing I wanted to say before I go is that I wanted to point out that I don't consider this my story I consider it our story a story written by fans. Sure I may come up with the ideas and take the time to write it down in my busy life and then struggle to spell and grammar check it so it's perfect for you guys but you guys still have the most important job. You guys give it life, you guys bring energy into the story and give it power and meaning it never had before, before it was just words on my laptop but you guys have given it life and help it existed outside my own mind and as I hope more and more fans begin to read this series it will continue to grow and continue to live on. Some may said it is impossible for this to become and anime or manga because I don't have the copyrights to the original Gundam Seed series but I want to say that when an idea comes out it takes on a life of its own a life the creator can't control a life that you the fans breath into it. Never forget your power, for you are the strongest force that decided whether an anime lives or dies, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. In the end it won't be lawyers, producers, or even the author of the original Gundam Seed series that decided it this becomes an official part of the Gundam Seed universe, it will be you the fans that make the decision and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Goodbye for now.