So Draupadi stops in front of the Koumadaki, and Drupada is saved.
Later, Drupada (Dd) has a furious 1:1 w/ Dhrishtadyumna (Dn)
Dd: I should have known better than make someone who was born yesterday the senapati! Just one thing you had to do - kill Drona: just one thing, and you let me down.
Dn: I'm sorry, Pitashree
Dd: What else were you thinking of doing or achieving? I have nothing against Krishna, until he came in. You failed to protect me from him, fine. But not killing Drona? At least, you could have slain him while Krishna was confronting me!
Dn: Pitashree, how could I? My sword had been sucked in by the magnetic mace in the sky
Dd: You are worse than a woman, who I was berating just hours ago. Shikhandini failed me, I understand, she's a girl. But you are my son - you're supposed to do better than her.
Dn: Pitashree, please don't say that! Drona's death is the only thing I live for.
Dd: Maybe, but I don't see that happening, given the opportunity you let go of today
Drupada then goes to the army, followed by Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandini (S) & Draupadi (Di)
Dd: Attention soldiers, I have an important announcement to make. I know I gave you a new senapati today. Well, scratch that. I give you a new one.
Di: Thank you, pitashree, I knew you'd do justice to jiji. Thank you.
Dd: It's not Shikhandini that's getting this position back
Di: That's really unfair, pitashree
Dd: No, it isn't. It's true that Dhrishtadyumna couldn't save me from Krishna, but neither could Shikhandini. Her sword just flew out of her hands, like an ordinary soldier, and she just stood there staring @ me.
S: I'm sorry, Pitashree. But I agree that I've let you down a second time.
Di: So who's the new Senapati?
The army also waits w/ bated breath to see who will lead them.
Dd: You!
Di: Come again?
Dd: You!
Di: Who are you addressing?
Dd: Are you deaf, woman? YOU!!!
Di: That's so wrong. I know nothing about warfare. It was Shikhandini who led your army, and it should be given back to her. All I know about is love, and devotion and those sort of things - that's all the devas taught me.
Dd: Ma Durga carries 10 weapons in 10 hands, as you were telling me
Di: I'm not Ma Durga.
Dd: Neither is Shikhandini
Di: I'm more like Sachi. Did you ever hear about her fighting?
Dd: No, but she did cause Nahusha's downfall
Di: That I can do, but that's not what you need in a senapati
Dd: It's you and that's final.
Draupadi returns to her quarters, and goes to meet Shikhandini. She begs her not to cut her throat, telling her that she'd share her position w/ her
S: Don't worry, Draupadi. After what I saw of you today, you certainly deserve it more than me. You ran in front of Pitashree. I too could have done that, but didn't. So you deserve this role.
Draupadi starts crying, and tells Shikhandini
Di: Jiji, I know nothing about warfare. You at least beat the crap out of - what was that Kaurava prince's name who you whipped happily?
S: Dushashan
Di: Yeah, you beat him really well. Whereas if I were to confront him, he'd catch me by the hair & drag me, and I could do nothing to stop him
S: I have full faith that you will succeed in doing to him what I've resolved to do to Bheeshma
Draupadi smiles w/ tears, & the 2 sisters hug 🤗