Year 70 of the Cosmic Era - Disciplinary action is taken upon Kira for his role in helping Lacus escape. But as the entire Federation 8th Fleet moves to rendezvous with the Archangel, Le Creuset is able to call for reinforcements and launches a new attack! In the ensuing battle, the Archangel manages to make an emergency escape towards Earth. The pursuit of the Archangel and the Strike heightens as the militant ZAFT forces gather approval to escalate the war!