The conflict continues to escalate as Earth Forces fleets encircle the ZAFT bases at Gibraltar and Carpentaria, and the PLANT Supreme Council decides to strike back in the name of self-defense. Despite her best intentions, Cagalli yields to her ministers' demands that Orb ally itself with the Atlantic Federation. The Minerva receives a warning message and prepares to leave Orb before it is too late.

In the PLANT, Athrun visits the grave of his old comrade Nicol Amarfi. He is escorted by Yzak and Dearka, who urge him to return to the ZAFT. And back in Orb, Cagalli faces a fateful decision of her own.