Chapter Summaries

Episode Zero opened with Stargazer reaching Jupiter as DSSD researchers received its data, while Yzak Joule discussed AI and the dangers of combat machines with PLANT Chairman Durandal. At a space concert marking the armistice anniversary, Inori Yuzuriha performed as Kira watched; Asuka and Lunamaria observed from Durandal’s shuttle, where Asuka wondered why Yzak had left ZAFT.

• Stargazer arrived at Europa near Jupiter, and DSSD researchers discussed its journey and the machine’s legendary status.
• Durandal visited Apogee Space Station and spoke with Yzak about AI, drones, and the threat posed by the evolving power of machines.
• Kira piloted Villkiss to a space stage, where Inori performed “Gate of Stars” and “Ourania” for the armistice anniversary concert.
• Durandal watched the concert from his delayed shuttle and remarked that its distant position felt like a VIP section.
• Asuka and Lunamaria watched from the shuttle, and Asuka asked why Yzak had left ZAFT.

Asuka toured DSSD’s space concert venue with Durandal and Luna Maria, while Cagalli struggled to keep the Kusanagi running after Orb froze her assets. At Apogee Space Station, Durandal met Inori Yuzuriha and the newly debuted idol Kira, then learned about DSSD’s Radiant Communicator as Asuka was chosen to become its first pilot.

• Asuka admired the fragile-looking concert stage in space, and Durandal assured him that Orb’s neutrality was genuine now.
• Cagalli learned that Orb’s Sybil System had frozen the Asaha family’s assets, leaving her unable to afford the Kusanagi’s upkeep; she vowed to return to Orb someday.
• Kira arrived at Apogee Space Station with Inori Yuzuriha, and Durandal recognized her as the new idol whose school had been destroyed in Heliopolis.
• Inori Yuzuriha showed Durandal the Radiant Communicator and indicated that Asuka was the pilot she had chosen for it.

Asuka visited DSSD and tested a prototype using the Stargazer’s Radiant Communicator, but his excitement carried him beyond the designated area. Inori and Durandal watched as the test went wrong and Asuka lost control of his speed.

• Asuka saw the sealed Star Breaker and learned from Murrue that it was construction equipment and that DSSD sheltered victims of Earth Alliance experiments.
• Durandal introduced Asuka to the Radiant Communicator prototype, and Serena MacGreev explained that it was a bare frame built to test its systems.
• Murrue gave Asuka a special helmet, while Kira boarded Villkiss to stand by as part of the rescue team.
• Asuka launched Test-01 and activated the Radiant Communicator, amazed by its speed and altered sense of time.
• Asuka ignored Luna Maria’s instructions to complete several planned passes and sped beyond the designated area as Inori and Durandal watched.

Asuka lost control of the prototype during a high-speed test while a hacker shut down Apogee Space Station, forcing Inori and Kira to respond. Inori explained how the Radiant Communicator affected SEED users as Mu, Kira, and Yzak pursued Asuka.

• Asuka pushed the prototype beyond its target speed, and Mu reported that his modified Mobius could not keep up.
• Inori explained that the Radiant Communicator amplified SEED users’ senses while an intruder locked the station’s hatches and cut its oxygen supply.
• Inori took control of the station’s systems, and Kira piloted Villkiss after Asuka while writing antivirus software.
• Mu called for reinforcements, and Yzak split his squad between defending the station and pursuing Asuka.
• Asuka spotted Kira’s Villkiss and challenged it to a race, unaware that he had gone off course.
• Inori identified the intruder’s unregistered super Quantum Computer and explained that the Radiant Communicator could cause SEED users to experience Personality Deviation.

Asuka test-piloted TEST1 at dangerous speeds after an enemy interfered with the machine, while Kira pursued him and Durandal realized the attack also targeted the Radiant Communicator. Luna Maria’s team found an electronic-warfare drone hacking DSSD’s supercomputer, where it confronted Inori’s virtual avatar; Kira caught up with Asuka as the conflict continued.

• Kira failed to contact Asuka, then pursued him in Villkiss as Asuka raced through space in TEST1.
• Asuka entered the Debris Field at high speed, discovered his brakes would not work, and followed a blue route supplied by the enemy.
• Durandal recognized that the enemy was targeting both DSSD’s Space Station and the Radiant Communicator, while Inori identified the blue route as hostile guidance.
• Luna Maria’s team found and shot at an electronic-warfare drone, but it escaped through a conduit and connected to DSSD’s supercomputer using Quantum Communication.
• The drone projected a red-haired digital figure, and Inori’s virtual avatar ordered it to stop as Luna Maria and Murrue tried to force open the computer room.
• Kira caught up with Asuka, who noticed that something was wrong.

An ambush nearly drew Asuka into a battle, but Kira used electronic warfare to break the control affecting him and guide him to safety. Afterward, the characters reflected on the changing political and economic landscape, while Durandal discussed his vision for humanity’s future before departing.

• Asuka charged toward an unidentified fleet, but Murrue Ramius denied Yzak permission to fire until the enemy was confirmed.
• Kira reformatted the Radiant Communicator system controlling Asuka, restored his awareness, and guided him away from the enemy identification zone.
• The opposing fleet reported that its electronic-warfare operation had succeeded and collected the data it sought.
• After the incident, Durandal thanked Kira, while Lacus observed that economic growth and military expansion were leaving more people unemployed and bankrupt.
• Athrun learned that the Atlantic Federation had withdrawn and South America had gained independence.
• Durandal declined to reveal the intrusion publicly, invited Yzak to join ZAFT, and discussed his ideas for guiding society with Inori Yuzuriha before leaving by shuttle.

Inori Yuzuriha established an uninhabited Subnautica-inspired setting beneath Europa’s ice while keeping its discoveries in the background. The main story opened with Asuka returning from a test near Armory One, where Kira was preparing to perform at the port’s festival.

• Inori Yuzuriha arranged a two-hour recording of her peace concert and transferred her consciousness to the Stargazer.
• Inori Yuzuriha created uninhabited underwater settlements beneath Europa’s ice and planned further exploration with the Stargazer.
• Asuka completed a test flight near Armory One and reflected on his missing younger sister, Mayu.
• Asuka’s companions told him to return in time for a performance at Armory One.
• Kira prepared to perform for Armory One’s festival after Inori Yuzuriha reminded him it was the first anniversary of his debut.

Athrun Sarla attended PLANT’s ceremony to secure aid for South America and hoped to see Kira perform, while Asuka met the mysterious Stella at Armory One. Inori Yuzuriha confronted Durandal over the Factory Ship, and Durandal began probing her views on the current situation.

• Athrun Sarla arrived at PLANT after accepting an invitation tied to unconditional aid for South America, and he looked forward to Kira’s concert.
• Researchers at Apogee Space Station discussed PLANT’s new ship as Stella wondered why Athrun had not visited, while Canaris and Setona searched for her.
• Stella bumped into Asuka, who caught her and watched her leave with Canaris and Setona after they called her away.
• Asuka and Yulan headed to the observation deck for Kira’s concert, and Asuka admitted Stella was beautiful but said she had reminded him of his Imouto.
• Inori Yuzuriha met Durandal at Armory One to collect a debt concerning the Factory Ship, whose production depended on materials and data, and Durandal asked her opinion of the current situation.

Cagalli met Athrun and Durandal at Armory One, where Durandal questioned whether she wanted PLANT’s support to reclaim her former position in Orb. Faced with Orb’s success under the Sybil System and unable to argue that she could do better, Cagalli faltered as someone placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

• Cagalli rushed to meet Athrun, who sympathized with her exile but believed their positions kept them from being together.
• Athrun disguised himself as Kira Yamato before he and Cagalli entered Durandal’s reception room.
• Durandal asked Athrun to return to PLANT, but Athrun refused and warned that his return could deepen divisions there.
• Durandal described how Orb’s Super AI had helped the country prosper and break free from Earth Alliance control.
• Durandal asked whether Cagalli wanted PLANT’s help to restore her position, and Cagalli could not answer before a hand settled on her shoulder.

As Kira prepared for a space concert, Inori Yuzuriha learned that the debt had been repaid and gave her a gift. Meanwhile, Setona, Canaris, and Stella infiltrated a ZAFT hangar to steal Gundams, but their attempt triggered a trap and Inori went to respond.

• Athrun told Cagalli to live for herself, then left for Earth, while Cagalli decided to watch Kira's performance.
• Inori told Kira that a debtor had voluntarily repaid a debt and gave her a gift before Kira went onstage.
• Kira performed a space concert as Setona, Canaris, and Stella entered a ZAFT hangar to unlock its Gundams.
• Setona discovered a trap in the decryption system, and Stella shot at the arriving ZAFT soldiers while holding them back.
• Inori learned that the hangar alarm had been triggered and told Durandal it was the device she had set up for the supercomputer.

Canaris, Setona, and Stella bombed Armory One, seized three Gundams, and began attacking ZAFT’s mobile suits while Durandal and the others were trapped. Durandal escaped with Miss Inori and Cagalli, but Athrun arrived in Justice and discovered communications were down as Stella activated Gaia.

• Canaris detonated explosives that sealed Armory One, then joined Setona and Stella in taking three Gundams and destroying ZAFT’s mobile suits.
• Durandal found that communications had failed and escaped through a ceiling passage with Miss Inori and Cagalli.
• ZAFT soldiers reported that the attackers had seized three new mobile suits and that most areas had lost contact, though safety systems had activated.
• Athrun arrived in Justice, called Armory One, and worried that Kira might be in danger at the space performance stage.
• Stella activated the Gaia Gundam’s systems and unlocked its weapons.

Canaris attacked Athrun with Chaos Gundam as Abyss Gundam and Gaia Gundam joined the fight, leaving Justice Gundam outmatched near Armory One’s colony. Kira headed for Villkiss after Inori told him it could sortie, while Asuka tried to contact headquarters.

• Durandal warned Cagalli that Justice Gundam was outdated compared with ZAFT’s new Zaku Warriors and the stolen Gundams.
• Canaris engaged Athrun in Chaos Gundam, using its Dragoon weapons and superior mobility to pressure Justice Gundam.
• Athrun noticed the battle debris threatening the colony’s spectators and fought with heightened awareness, but Chaos Gundam’s allies arrived and damaged Justice Gundam’s Flight Pack.
• Inori told Kira that ZAFT’s forces could not sortie but Villkiss could, and Kira rushed toward the performance MS.
• Asuka, outside the base, called headquarters but received no response before another transmission came through.

Kira joined Athrun in the Justice Gundam using Villkiss as a backpack, unlocking a powerful combined form that overwhelmed the stolen Gundams. As the battle shifted in their favor, a pink Strike E Gundam appeared and attacked them.

• Luna Maria told Shin that the base network was cut off and Chaos, Abyss, and Gaia had been stolen.
• Rey told Shin that the Minerva was trapped but Impulse could still sortie, while the crew prepared to use its repaired Positron Cannon to break out.
• Kira flew Villkiss to Athrun and connected it to the Justice Gundam, forming Burning Justice and boosting its power and speed.
• Kira and Athrun used the combined Justice Gundam to evade and counter the attacks from Canaris, Setona, and Stella.
• A pink Strike E Gundam ambushed Kira, and Inori identified it as an Earth Alliance next-generation Strike.

Kira and Athrun fought Canaris, Stella, and Setona’s upgraded Gundams while Asuka intervened to protect them. Strike E Crimson’s hidden pilot repeatedly anticipated Kira and Athrun’s moves, and Kira recognized the pilot’s voice.

• Kira and Athrun targeted Chaos Gundam’s Dragoon Terminals, but a sudden attack left Canaris disoriented.
• Asuka’s Impulse Gundam interrupted Stella’s ambush, then took heavy damage from Gaia Gundam’s claws.
• Setona joined the battle and fired Abyss Gundam’s upgraded cannon, forcing Athrun to evade.
• Kira and Athrun pressured Canaris, using a beam shot against nearby wreckage to force Chaos Gundam into their attack.
• Strike E Crimson emerged from hiding and fired its concealed Enjin cannon, but Athrun’s overloaded braking maneuver let Justice Gundam evade.
• Athrun realized Strike E’s pilot was especially dangerous, and Kira said he knew the person.

Justice Gundam survived Strike E’s sniper attack and pressed Abyss Gundam, while Luna Maria Hawke and Rey intervened to disrupt Strike E. After the battle footage shifted away, Inori Yuzuriha spoke with Durandal about the attack on Armory One as the Minerva prepared to clear a path.

• Strike E’s Thouser cannon struck Justice Gundam during an unstable maneuver, forcing Kira and Athrun to overload the machine’s safety limits and suffer waist armor damage.
• Setona charged Justice Gundam with Abyss Gundam, but Luna Maria Hawke’s shot interrupted their clash and drew Strike E’s fire.
• Rey arrived in another Zaku Warrior and suppressed Strike E while Luna Maria searched for Asuka and found him fighting Gaia Gundam.
• Inori Yuzuriha asked Durandal whether ZAFT was safe, and he assured her Armory One’s AI-designed safeguards were reliable.
• Durandal said the attack would likely prevent the next day’s ceremony, while Captain Talia Gladys ordered the Minerva to prepare to clear the path ahead.

Neo arrived with Stella and led the Earth Alliance forces into a retreat, but regrouped his five Gundams to attack ZAFT’s outnumbered team. The Minerva fired its Thouser cannon to escape the base as the battle continued.

• Luna Maria and the other ZAFT pilots joined Athrun and Kira, while an unfamiliar Gundam appeared and Setona recognized its pilot as Captain Neo.
• Neo calmed Stella and ordered a retreat, using the nearby colony satellites to discourage ZAFT from pursuing.
• Neo accused ZAFT of using forbidden technology, and Athrun realized the enemy’s regrouped five-Gundam formation outmatched their four machines.
• The Minerva fired Thouser, breached the base, and charged out through the opening.

After the attack, Durandal asked Athrun to help pursue the thieves while Justice Gundam was repaired, and Kira questioned why war kept returning. Kira decided she needed greater power, and Inori Yuzuriha asked for authorization to manufacture a Gundam.

• Neo withdrew his squad after a new warship appeared, while Stella kept watching Asuka.
• Athrun carried Kira aboard the Minerva, where Kira reunited with Inori Yuzuriha and Athrun reunited with Cagalli.
• Durandal thanked Athrun and Kira for their help and offered to repair Justice Gundam if Athrun joined the pursuit of the stolen mobile suits.
• Cagalli asked who wanted to restart the war, and Athrun explained that both Earth Alliance members and Coordinators still sought conflict.
• Kira asked Inori why people continued to wage war, and Inori said only absolute power could end it.
• Kira said she wanted greater power, and Inori asked for authorization to manufacture a Gundam.

Athrun agreed to remain aboard the Minerva to help prevent war, while the enemy secured three Gundams and their Radiant Communicators. Neo’s group discussed Stella’s uncertain past and the amnesiac members of the Phantom Pain Unit, as the chapter ended on Setona’s unexpected place in the unit.

• Athrun accepted Durandal’s terms and told Cagalli he would stay with the Minerva to help preserve peace, while the maintenance crew questioned Justice Gundam’s battered condition.
• Luna Maria delivered Athrun a ZAFT Combat Suit, and the viewers joked that she had mistaken his closeness with Cagalli for womanizing.
• Neo’s group returned inside their ship with three captured Gundams, and Canaris revealed a face nearly identical to Kira’s while requesting Chaos Gundam modifications.
• Setona emerged in an Earth Alliance Combat Suit and complained about its revealing, uncomfortable design.
• Stella asked whether their pursuers would catch up, prompting Neo and Setona to reflect on her past and the amnesiacs in the Phantom Pain Unit.
• Setona considered how meeting Neo had given her a sense of belonging, and the narration began contrasting her new role with the unit’s original bitter fate.

Kira agreed to join ZAFT’s Minerva in intercepting the Earth Alliance’s Phantom Pain unit after Inori Yuzuriha pointed out suspicious conduct by both sides and Lacus shared intelligence. Lacus prepared to leave for Copernicus, while Asuka reflected on his past and his near loss of control during a test.

• Athrun and Kira discussed ZAFT’s forbidden technology and whether to stay behind, while Inori Yuzuriha analyzed the competing sides’ suspicious actions.
• Durandal insisted on accompanying Minerva’s operation, and Inori Yuzuriha explained the limits of his authority over ZAFT’s forces.
• Inori Yuzuriha reported that the Earth Alliance might be targeting the Radiant Communicator, and Kira agreed to help Minerva intercept the attackers.
• Lacus told the group that Neo’s Phantom Pain unit was likely behind the infiltration, and Kira promised to be careful before ending the call.
• Lacus stood from her wheelchair and told Aisha they would go to Copernicus, while Asuka recalled becoming a soldier and nearly losing control during a test.

Canaris told Stella about her connection to Kira Yamato and chose to regard Stella as her little sister instead of dwelling on Kira. As Minerva prepared to depart over the threat posed by the stolen Gundams, Neo watched Frey wake aboard another ship.

• Asuka remembered Mayu and the incident that had led to him being grounded before he regained Impulse as his mobile suit.
• Canaris explained that she was Kira Yamato’s biological older sister, a failed product who had once sought to surpass Kira.
• Stella asked whether Canaris wanted to acknowledge Kira, and Canaris said Stella was enough for her as an Imouto.
• Asuka and Rey received orders to take their positions as Minerva prepared to depart under Talia’s command.
• Talia worried that the stolen Gundams could shift the military balance, while the narration outlined the Julius Treaty and ZAFT’s new mobile suit technology.
• Neo watched Frey wake inside a glass enclosure, and she greeted him as Dad and Setona as Vice Captain.