Lunamaria Hawke: The Minerva is attacked on the Indian Ocean. Athrun took command of our airborne mobile suits, i.e. Saviour and Shinn’s Impulse, against Chaos and 30 Windams. Rey and I were sent to fight the sub-marine threat of Abyss. I got hit by one of Abyss’ torpedoes but no serious damage. However although Athrun and Shinn managed to destroy all but one of the Windams and Chaos, Abyss destroyed our submarine escort. Shinn found a EA base and laid waste to it after seeing civilians being shot by EA troops despite Athrun’s orders to focus on the mission at hand. Shinn’s heroic euphoria evaporated when he got slapped and told off by a newly assertive Athrun.
Zyl: I don’t disagree with Athrun’s to drive his point forcefully across to Shinn but I don’t think it’s proper for a superior to lay hands on a subordinate unless the latter initiates it. Possible cultural thing here?
Other GSD 16 summaries: moyism, and Fencedude for some Stellar screencaps.
I’m under the impression slapping is something that only girls do (I hope I don’t incur the wrath of feminist groups here :P) or done with the intent to humiliate. Between guys, you either punch him or gut him. Since Shinn can’t do that to his superior, I guess the next best thing is to steal his no. 1 fangirl (aka President of Athrun Zala fanclub) in the later eps. ;D
Well, it wasn’t really theft. More like armed robbery plus plenty of misrepresentation from Rey & Gil. -_-;;