Shinn and Rey struggle against the enemy commander Neo Lorrnoke. In order to help her pilots, ZAFT Captain Talia Gladys orders the newly constructed warship Minerva to launch from Armory One and join the battle. The enemy forces withdraw, and the Minerva gives chase.

Although Cagalli and Athrun have ended up aboard the Minerva, the apologetic Chairman Dullindal informs them that there is no time to send them home to Orb. Dullindal gives Cagalli a tour of the ship, and she reacts with anger to the sight of all ZAFT's mighty weaponry.