The year is Cosmic Era 73. Dreams of peace lie in ruins, the conflict that tore apart the Earth and the PLANTS space colonies has started once again. Gathering their forces in the Mediterranean Sea, the Earth Alliance and Orb Union forces launch a second attack on the Minerva and this time not even the Archangel's intervention can halt the fighting. While Shinn unleashes his anger against the Orb fleet, Kira and Athrun confront each other in battle and one of these lifelong friends falls in defeat. Back in the PLANT homeland, Chairman Durandal thinks back on his past and considers his plans for the future. Plans which will require the removal of disruptive elements like Lacus and the Archangel crew. In the aftermath of the battle Shinn reaches a fateful decision. Stella, the enemy pilot he once promised to protect is now a captive aboard the Minerva. Stella's physical condition is rapidly deteriorating and Shinn will have to betray everything he believes in order to save her life.