Lap 24 - Octoman's Dream

Octoman's Dream is the 24th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

A Takoran transport ship arrives to a space port. At the foot of the ship’s entrance, the octopus Colonel questions if they have arrived to Earth.

At the Galaxy Police headquarters, John Tanaka is briefed by the Galaxy Police Chief about the planet Takora, which happens to be Octoman’s homeworld. The planet is stated to be on the other side of the galaxy, and did not agree to a peace treaty, which led to a war between the Galactic Space Federation and the Takorans in the Milky Way. Tanaka questions why they must protect the Takorans now, and the Chief states that it has to do with politics. Tanaka notes that the Task Force protects the Takorans due to their interest in pilots, and assures the Chief that they can handle the situation. Tanaka walks into the meeting room, assigning Ryu and Lucy to meet with the Takorans while the rest of the Task Force are out on the practice track.

At the space port, Bio Rex accompanies Octoman in disguise to meet with the Takorans. The Octopus Colonel seeks out Octoman, and calls for the other Takorans to greet him. They praise him as their planet’s hero due to his contributions, with one of the Takorans even commending Octoman for his alleged 10 consecutive race victories. Bio Rex questions the validity of this record as Octoman adds that he’s actually won 3 more races since then. From a short distance, Ryu also questions this, but Tanaka reminds him that Octoman is considered a hero on his planet. Ryu, however, insists that they should arrest him for the stolen classic cars incident from Lap 17. Tanaka states that they can’t due to the political conflict it could cause. Octoman attempts to get Bio Rex to make him look good with a joke, but the Takorans don’t have much of a response.

Ryu sneaks up on Octoman, remarking that a hero should tell the truth. The Takorans confront Ryu on his treatment of Octoman, as Tanaka reminds Ryu that they need to keep the peace. He then introduces himself as the Galaxy Police director, assigned to protect the Takorans. The Takorans are impressed, and praise Octoman again. The Octopus Colonel also presents Octoman with a badge, as Ryu realizes that Octoman has been sending his earnings back to Takora.

The Takorans ride in a bus, with the Deep Claw in front. Octoman laments that while he was able to pay for the hotel stay with the money he gained from the stolen classic cars, he still owes other people money. Bio Rex apparently is of no help either, as he doesn’t earn money. Ryu tells Tanaka that he needs to go to the practice track, but Tanaka insists that the Takorans are a more important matter. Tanaka then worries that the Takorans won’t behave themselves, and that if something goes wrong, he’ll be fired. At the hotel, the Takorans are seen enjoying themselves, but Octoman begs Ryu to leave him alone for 3 days. Ryu asks if he’ll surrender himself after the race, and Octoman obliges, before asking Ryu if he has any credits to spare. Ryu declines, and Octoman offers to give him a medal, for it is all he has. Tanaka then asks Ryu for money, but Ryu suggests that it would be easier if Tanaka gave Octoman some money. However, Tanaka states that he has to pay off his mortgage for the next 20 years, which makes Ryu reluctantly comply.

Outside the Falcon House, a celebration is held for Octoman. Clank seems skeptical about him, but Ryu assures Clank that it’s only for 3 days. Octoman then brings up Captain Falcon, and Bart tells him that Falcon won’t be in the race. At a Dark Million battleship, Black Shadow scolds Zoda and threatens him to win the next race, or else Miss Killer will take his place.

At the race, Mr. Zero announces the opening of the Grand Prix, welcoming the Takorans to the venue. Jody briefs her team on the race situation, stating that Tanaka will be participating, but Dark Million will as well. Dr. Clash recommends for everyone to keep an eye on Octoman. Meanwhile, Octoman pleads for Zoda to let him win the race, but Zoda refuses, stating that Octoman should be helping him instead. The race begins as Mr. Zero announces that Captain Falcon has dropped out of the race due to the Blue Falcon requiring repairs, and Clank notes that Bart was correct. Zoda instructs Octoman on the plan, and Octoman calls on Bio Rex to distract the others. The Wonder Wasp skims the dash plate, as Tanaka relays the race tip to Ryu and Lucy. As Jack attempts to take the lead, Zoda orders Bio Rex to retire half way through the race in order to destroy the Astro Robin. Octoman is contacted by Zoda, who offers up the prize money if Octoman helps him win, but he outright refuses. The Deep Claw takes the lead, with Octoman declaring that he’ll win for his people. However, the Deep Claw runs out of energy, prompting Octoman to drive it through the healing strip. The Wonder Wasp takes the lead instead, but loses control after the Big Fang crashes into it. This causes a pile up of machines, as Octoman’s Deep Claw manages to make it to the finish line. Bart and Clank watch in disbelief, but Bart soon becomes enthusiastic due to the unexpected outcome.

At the Dark Million battleship, Zoda scolds Octoman for disobeying orders. Ryu and Lucy arrive at the Falcon House, where Clank notes that Octoman paid back all of the money he owed. The Takorans head back home on their ship with a bunch of souvenirs. Zoda continues to yell at Octoman, but is soon interrupted by Black Shadow, who scolds him.

## Bart's Classroom

Bart addresses a viewer's question about how John Tanaka became the Galaxy Police Director, also noting that it is a frequently asked question on the show. He states that there are "many things in the grown up world" that the viewer wouldn't understand, and suggests one way that Tanaka could've acquired his position.

* Possibly graduated from a famous university, though Bart retracts this, as Tanaka would have been "good at treating" if that was the case.

However, Bart does commend Tanaka on his racing techniques, stating that Tanaka "must have skills we don't know about."