ZAFT has captured Heavens Base only to find that Lord Djibril has fled to parts unknown, and Chairman Dullindal orders his forces to track the fugitive down. Aboard the Archangel, Kira laments his own powerlessness and wonders what will happen next.

While exploring an abandoned space colony, Lacus and her allies discover a clue as to Dullindal's ultimate plans. In doing so, they draw the attention of the ZAFT, and the warship Eternal begins a desperate race to Earth in order to deliver this evidence to the Archangel. Learning that Lacus is in danger, Kira decides to launch into space and go to her aid.