Lap 22 - Ryu And Falcon

Ryu And Falcon is the 22nd episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

A warp gate appears to be functioning correctly, until a vehicle attempts to pass through. The driver questions the brief disturbance, but is told that it is simply the gravitational field, which is normal. Within moments, the warp gate begins to emit electric shocks and debris can be seen floating around it.

In John Tanaka’s office, he explains to Jody that only F-Zero machines have gravity drives that allow them to enter a warp gate. Jody refuses, saying it’s too dangerous. Tanaka laments that it is an order coming from their command, wondering if the warp gate could fall apart and endanger the planet below. Jody asks about the current situation, and is told that a research team has been sent to investigate. The research team’s vessel is destroyed, just moments after assessing the situation in the warp gate.

In the Mobile Task Force’s meeting room, the team discusses the warp gate situation. Like Tanaka, Jack states that F-Zero machines would be required, and Ryu volunteers to assist. However, after Jack discourages him from trying due to his “old age,” and Lucy accidentally refers to him as “ancient,” Ryu leaves the room. In the hangar, Ryu asks Dr. Clash of the Dragon Bird’s origins. Dr. Clash states that he didn’t create the Dragon Bird, but the engine was given to him by their command. Ryu feels a connection with his machine; no one understands their pasts.

The warp gate situation worsens, as Jody enters the meeting room. She informs Jack and Lucy that the higher ups are discussing what to do about the warp gate, and tells them to get back to work, before asking for Mr. EAD’s assistance. A news report states that the space elevator has been closed because the maintenance crew hasn’t come back, which in turn has affected millions of people, and citizens have begun to protest. At the Falcon House, Ryu enjoys a cup of coffee, as Clank states that many accidents have been caused by the warp gate. He then asks Ryu if he knows anything about the situation, but Bart advises Clank to leave him alone. The Falcon House endures a brief disturbance followed by a blackout in Mute City. Ryu’s communicator goes off, and he returns to the Galaxy Police headquarters. Mr. EAD is revealed to have been injured in the attempt to fix the warp gate.

Jack confronts Dr. Stewart about the secrecy, but Dr. Stewart explains that Jody, himself, and Mr. EAD attempted on their own due to the dangers involved. Ryu asks what they tried to do, and Dr. Stewart states that they attempted to use the Sandwich Burst technique on Jody’s command. The Great Star and Golden Fox lost control shortly after the White Cat achieved the burst of speed, and the White Cat was lost after entering a warp hole.

Jody is revealed to have been transported elsewhere, attempting to contact her team. Lucy determines that they can analyze the data of their machines in order to find Jody, but Dr. Stewart states that only a computer engineer could access the data. Ryu realizes Clank could help. Meanwhile, Jody comes across a fleet of Dark Million ships, catching the attention of several Dark Soldiers and Zoda. Ryu takes Clank to the 179th floor of the Galaxy Police headquarters, before scanning his key, which reveals another secret floor; the Task Force meeting room. Dr. Stewart welcomes Clank, and Ryu apologizes for not telling Clank the truth. Clank becomes excited at the thought of Ryu being part of a Task Force while also racing, and Dr. Stewart requests Clank’s help with accessing the data. Clank manages to access the data with ease, as Dr. Stewart and Jack insist that he must find Jody.

The Galaxy Runner then deploys the Dragon Bird, Astro Robin, and Elegance Liberty to the warp gate. As the three plan to utilize the Sandwich Burst, Ryu, reflecting on Jack’s earlier comments, insists on being in the middle. Jack tries afterwards, several times, but it doesn’t suffice. The Elegance Liberty and Astro Robin have reached the limits of their machines, as Ryu still insists that they keep trying. The Blue Falcon arrives, with Captain Falcon urging Ryu to follow him. The Blue Falcon turns to face the Dragon Bird, as its pilot informs Ryu to shut off the control system of his own machine. Falcon smirks upon realizing Ryu’s success, and both machines utilize Boost Fire to restore the warp gate. Meanwhile, Clank manages to determine Jody’s location and provide a warp hole for her escape from Zoda and his forces. The White Cat emerges from the warp gate, with Jack tearfully embracing Jody. Falcon drives off, and leaves the warp gate through the Falcon Flyer.

Clank arrives at the Galaxy Police headquarters on his own, telling Ryu, Jack, and Lucy to head to the meeting room. There, it is revealed that Clank became an official member of the Mobile Task Force. Ryu seems happy for him, but reflects on the technique that Captain Falcon taught him in the warp gate.

## Bart's Classroom

Bart reveals that the warp gate incident was caused by gravity changes within a black hole, and that it would have destroyed the galaxy if not for the Blue Falcon and the Dragon Bird's teamwork. He then calls for thanking Captain Falcon 10 times.