The Chairman of the HRL condemns Celestial Being's attacks against the HRL soldiers on Ceylon and announces that the HRL and the Union will be working together to stop Celestial Being.
Marina and her assistant Shirin observe a terrorist attack in Azadistan. They discuss how Azadistan's economy collapsed when oil exports became restricted following the advent of solar energy and how the National Assembly restored the crown and named Marina Princess so she could avert a civil war. Marina and Shirin are concerned that Celestial Being will intervene if a civil war breaks out.
Sergei reports to his commanding officer, Kim, about his fight against Exia. Kim places Sergei in command of a new elite unit with orders to capture a Gundam before the other power blocks. Kim assigns Soma Pieries, a young supersoldier, to this unit.
Eifmann presents Graham with his new customized Flag, which has incredible power and speed at the cost of subjecting its pilot to more Gs than a human can take. Graham's wingmen, Howard Mason and Daryl Dodge arrive to join his task force.
Taribia declares independence from the Union, citing the power bloc's favoritism of the US and its failure to defend Taribia from Celestial Being. The Union vows to end Taribia's secession by force. It's clear that Taribia is counting on Celestial Being to defend it from the Union.
Setsuna, Lockon, and Allelujah arrive in Taribia. They unexpectedly attack the Taribian forces, as the Taribians are the ones who started the conflict. Taribia quickly surrenders to the Union. The Union forces move to defend Taribia from the Gundams. The Meisters retreat.
Graham shows up with his custom Flag and attacks Setsuna. Graham puts up a much better fight than before, but Setsuna escapes by retreating underwater.
Back in Azadistan, Shirin speculates that Taribia's secession was actually a conspiracy between the Union and Taribian presidents. The failed secession will ease anti-US sentiment in Taribia and discourage other Union members from seceding, while also allowing the President of Taribia to gain concessions from the Union that will allow his party to remain in power.
Saji is shocked that Celestial Being intervened before any conflict actually started. Kinue tells him that the world is more complicated than he thinks.
- As You Know: Marina and Shirin explain Azadistan's political situation to one another, even though they both should know it.
- Deadly Upgrade: Graham's custom flag is incredibly fast, but the G forces can be dangerous for the pilot.
- Fake Defector: Shirin suspects that Taribia's secession was actually a plot between the Presidents of the Union and Taribia.
