Lap 40 - Coffee Break

Coffee Break is the 40th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

Mr. Zero publicly introduces the Mobile Task Force during a race. Ryu wins first place, with Jack and Lucy in 2nd and 3rd respectively. At the winner’s circle, Ryu’s fatigue begins to show.

Jack approaches Ryu in the Galaxy Runner’s hangar, signaling him to follow. As Jack takes a shower and Ryu dries off, Jack notes Ryu’s fatigue, stating that he knows what it’s like to be exhausted from fame. Ryu apologizes, and Jack notes that he seems troubled. Images of Zoda, Black Shadow, Falcon’s disappearance, Haruka, and Miss Killer appear in Ryu’s mind before Jack tells him that he needs to move on or else he will burn out. Ryu then looks out into space, awed by the sight of the space station and warp gate, as they weren’t present 151 years prior. Jack approaches, using a device to dry his hair and shape it into its usual appearance, and offers Ryu an opportunity to use it. Ryu obliges, later using it on Clank out of curiosity. Clank is dismayed by having his hair changed, as Mr. EAD walks in to offer some coffee. He asks Ryu if he’d like some sugar and milk, which prompts Jack to make a remark as he drinks his coffee black. Ryu then asks Mr. EAD several questions about his abilities and schematics. Jack then declares that he’ll show Ryu the many things from the current year when they reach their destination. Jody attempts to discourage this, but Dr. Stewart convinces her to let them have a day off.

Jody leaves the main bridge as Dr. Stewart suggests for her to take a break. She insists that she’s fine, just as Dr. Clash and Lucy enter with some mechanical parts. Lucy asks about Ryu, and Clank responds that he “went out to have fun.” In the city, Ryu and Jack spend some leisure time together. Ryu is intrigued by a cycle vending machine, but Jack notes that they have too much to carry, and calls a delivery robot to send their purchases home. Taking in the sights around him, Ryu compares the experience to a dream before Clank arrives. Ryu assumes that F-Zero machines are similar to common cars, but Clank retorts that F-Zero machines are much faster, which alerts the attention of the crowd. He then explains how an F-Zero machine’s gravity drive works, with Jack remarking that Ryu doesn’t seem knowledgeable of machines despite being a pilot. A group of fans then surround them.

Later, at the Falcon House, Ryu and Jack ask for their usual coffee orders. Clank brews the coffee before inviting Ryu to listen to some music, but Jack pulls up his old performance from 3 years prior, on the screen. Jack explains that he wanted to be an idol instead of the Shinigami, and Jody invited him to the Mobile Task Force. Ryu watches intently, saying “So handsome” and urging Jack to move out of the way so he can watch the screen. The two seem quietly immersed in the footage, as Clank turns around. Only a moment later, Jack complains about Ryu being 23 and still putting milk and sugar in his coffee. Ryu recommends Jack to try it, but Jack refuses, and the two struggle, which ends up with sugar on Ryu’s face. They then begin to make jabs at each other's habits and berate each other.

In the Task Force meeting room, Dr. Clash and Lucy present their idea for a Galaxy Runner mecha to Jody, who informs them that it would break several laws and just isn’t in their budget. Clank runs into the room, urging Jody to do something about Ryu and Jack’s ongoing argument. Jody expresses puzzlement at their state, noting that they went down to the city to relax, but Jack refuses to spend the rest of his day off with Ryu and vice versa. The two then see the idea for the Galaxy Runner mecha idea, before Ryu remarks that it won’t work and complains about Jack getting the spot of the mecha’s head. Jack declares that it’s because he is a super star, and Ryu retorts that the choice should be based on skill instead of beauty. They continue to argue, bringing up their win records against each other.

Mr. Zero announces that the next F-Zero Grand Prix will be taking place on the Multiplex course. Octoman and Bio Rex set a record together, remaining confident about the upcoming race due to Jack and Ryu’s absence. However, the Astro Robin and Dragon Bird break this record shortly after. While Lucy’s friends discuss Jack and Ryu’s rivalry in the crowd, Clank watches from the hangar. Lucy assures Clank that these fights occur “all the time” and that they will eventually make up. The press takes pictures of Jack and Ryu, but the two refuse to acknowledge each other. They do, however, exchange some banter before the start of the race.

Navigating sharp turns and hitting dash plates, the Astro Robin and the Dragon Bird compete, with the Big Fang and Deep Claw behind them. Jack knocks Ryu onto the dirt path, slowing him down while Jack hits a dash plate. The Dragon Bird boosts past the Big Fang and Deep Claw, using a ramp to gain even more speed. Ryu hits his booster again, with Jack following after him with a boost of his own. They repeatedly clash with each other, allowing Octoman and Bio Rex to speed past them as the Great Star comes up from behind. The machines reach the mine strip, as Mr. Zero raises the stakes by announcing that the winner will receive a special reward. Ryu attempts to hit Jack with a Boost Fire, but Jack attacks him. However, both of their machines are knocked off course by a series of mine explosions. Octoman and Bio Rex laugh as they assure themselves in their victory, but Mr. EAD boosts past them. The Mad Wolf then knocks the Dark Million henchmen off the track.

Mr. EAD wins first place, with Pico and Billy in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Caught in the safety net, Jack asks Ryu if he’s still alive, and Ryu responds that he’s “just fine.” Later, at a fountain, Ryu laments that Jody will be angry with them, but Jack points out that they still completed their mission thanks to Mr. EAD. They simultaneously confront each other before laughing off their rivalry. Jody contacts them, but Jack snatches the communicator, telling her that he changed his mind about his day off, and hangs up. As they drive off, Jack tells Ryu that this may be their last day off, and that Jody can’t be mad at them if they’re on another planet. Jack insists on leading the way, but Ryu refuses.

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu warns Jack that Zoda may have something planned. Jack continually calls out for Ryu to come over to him, as Ryu tells him that Miss Killer and Black Shadow are after him. Ryu then states that something may happen to Black Shadow, and then exclaims that he “hears the cry of Jack Levin.”

## Bart’s Classroom

Bart answers a viewer’s question about who created Mr. EAD. He explains that Mr. EAD was created by a third party company, as the android replica of Dr. Shigeru Kyupon, whose nickname was “EAD.” Various clips of Mr. EAD are shown as Bart notes that the android’s design and appearance tend to bring joy to others. Bart also states that Mr. EAD’s boots also allow him to perform high jumps, and that he was created on November 16, 2021. While Mr. EAD is powerful, he is apparently not as strong as Ryu.