The Archangel, a cutting-edge battle carrier, has managed to maneuver through dangerous war zones with the help of the young, enhanced Coordinator Kira Yamato and his advanced robot, the Strike Gundam. But the constant battles take their toll on the young pilot-when Kira isn't fighting in reality, he battles in his nightmares. While scavenging for vital supplies amid a vast graveyard of space colonies, the crew turns up Lacus Clyne, the beautiful daughter of a high official of the Zaft Empire. But is this lovely hostage a blessing or a curse? When a descent to the Earth-controlled district of Alaska goes tragically wrong, the Archangel winds up in the African desert attacked by new Zaft mobile armors, one piloted by Kira's best friend and most dangerous enemy, Athrun!