 Through courage, luck, and a power that even he does not yet quite understand, Kira manages to save his friends and himself from the advances of ZAFT s invading mobile suits by piloting the Strike Gundam. But as the Earth Alliance warship Archangel enters the Helipolis colony in a flash of flame and destruction, and the mysterious and dangerous commander of the ZAFT forces Rau Le Creuset makes a dramatic entrance while engaged in lightning quick battle with Alliance top gun Mu La Flaga, it is abundantly clear that no one is truly safe. When both the Archangle and Mu come to Kira s aid, the situation seems to take a turn for the better, but with a revelation that stuns his newfound comrades, even the Earth Alliance ranks may not be safe for him. Kira, a Coordinator? But the mistrust and weariness of those around him becomes the least important thing on his mind when Le Creuset sends in another team of ZAFT mobile suits, with Athrun among them. Called upon to pilot again, Kira must fight against his will to protect his friends. But on the field of a battle that cannot be won without a price paid in blood, to escape the collapsing colony he called home, Kira must do what was unthinkable but an hour ago... kill.