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The Archangel lies submerged in the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Scandinavia. A buoy is sent to the surface to receive news broadcasts from around the world. Although there is much news about the problems with Eurasia, there is almost nothing about the war with ZAFT. Watching the news on the bridge, Andy wishes it was more uplifting, and Murrue tells him that a white dolphin gave birth recently. A video feed comes in of one of Meer's concerts, and Cagalli asks everyone if they're okay with this farce. Andy says he'd like to do something about it, but they can't give away their position without more information. Murrue thinks that Gilbert acted with restraint when the war began and would like to align with ZAFT, but Kira doesn't approve of that. With the assassination attempt on Lacus and the appearance of Meer, he doesn't trust Gilbert. Cagalli says that Athrun believed in him and she wishes he were here. Elsewhere, the Minerva sails into the Arabian peninsula and arrives at ZAFT's Mahamul base. In the mobile suit hangar, Vino and Yolant discuss the latest Lacus concert. They like how she sings now, along with her bigger breasts and more revealing dresses. Athrun appears in the middle of their conversation to get the Saviour Gundam's maintenance log. After Athrun walks away, Yolant says he's lucky to have Lacus as a fiance and asks Vino if he wants to unplug some of the Saviour Gundam's cables, and Athrun shouts out that he heard everything they were talking about. Lunamaria tells Shinn that he should stop staring at Athrun and just talk to him. Athrun, Talia and Arthur disembark and meet with base commander Joachim Radul. Joachim's soldiers all whisper to each other at the mention of Athrun's name, and Joachim offers them coffee. Shinn walks down a corridor with Lunamaria and Rey. Lunamaria says she understands Shinn's anger because Athrun left ZAFT and was now suddenly in FAITH and a superior officer. She tells Shinn he's acting like a child, and he tells her she's annoying and storms off.
In a conference room Radul shows Athrun, Talia and Arthur the current situation on the ground. He explains that they can't recklessly attack the Suez, but the situation is difficult. He says the best way to attack Suez would be an orbital drop operation, but the Council won't approve it. Talia thinks that's because of Gilbert's declaration that ZAFT has no territorial ambitions on Earth. Radul agrees with that, but he thinks that allowing the Alliance to do as they wish now will cause problems later. He explains that the Alliance is currently in the Suez area and would like to be able to attack ZAFT's bases in Mahamul and Gibraltar, but they are unable to because of rebel attacks and a thin supply line to the Suez base. He goes on to say that the Alliance has seized a power plant in the Galnahan ravine to help supply Suez. Athrun examines the map and says that if they cut off the Suez base they can move in and take it out. Radul agrees with that assessment, but he says the Alliance has considered that as well. He explains that the path to Suez runs through a ravine that is defended by the mobile armor Gelzuge and a Lohengrin cannon. The Mahamul base previously sent out a force consisting of land battleships, BuCUEs, GAZuOOTs and GINN OCHER Types, but they were all destroyed by the Lohengrin cannon. However, he thinks things might progress differently this time if the Minerva joins their forces in the next attack. Lunamaria takes a shower and talks with Meyrin about Shinn and Athrun. Meyrin tries on Lunamaria's skirt and is annoyed that it's too small for her. Shinn stands alone on an observation deck and is joined by Athrun. Shinn asks Athrun if it's okay for him to be outside, and Athrun comments that Shinn can't hold a conversation without starting a fight. Athrun asks Shinn if it bothers him so much that he came back. Athrun says Shinn must view it as unreasonable, and Shinn says it is indeed unreasonable. Athrun asks Shinn about his family, and Shinn says they were murdered by the Athha family. Athrun thinks about the deaths of his mother and Nicol, and he says that everyone who has cried and felt weak wanted power to make a difference. Athrun tells Shinn to remember that when he uses power he becomes the one who makes others cry. He says that if Shinn forgets that he'll just be a reckless destroyer of things. He tells Shinn that if he can remember that he truly is an excellent pilot, but if not he's an idiot.
Well, the Minerva arrives at ZAFT's Mahamul base, but it's not all smiles on the ship. Shinn has ignored Athrun since the end of the last episode, and Athrun attempts to make amends. While Shinn is indeed a good pilot, he needs to let go of the strange ideas he has about Orb and his severe hatred for anyone even slightly related to Orb. Lunamaria continues to fawn over Athrun, and she seems to be in competition with her sister Meyrin. The next episode looks like it will put the Minerva against another giant mobile armor, as well as a Lohengrin cannon just for extra fun. On the Archangel front, everyone finally finds out about Meer and lose trust in Gilbert. I'm surprised that the real Lacus doesn't seem to be bothered by the idea of someone impersonating her. Vino and Yolant are fans of the new and improved Lacus, and it's not surprising given how much breast bouncing the animators crammed into Meer's performance. Their comments about Lacus being Athrun's fiance suggest that it's not public knowledge that Patrick Zala ended their engagement after branding Lacus a traitor.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
 
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