This set of phases pushes into motion the events set up in the last set of phases.

Athrun is set upon a path that tests who he is and what he is fighting for when he is sent to retrieve the Freedom Gundam and learns that his fiancé is the leader of a resistance group against his father.

Kira embraces his roll as trying to end the war and his comrades on the Archangel join this endeavor when the Orb homeland comes under attack from the Earth Federation.

Speaking of the Earth Federation the bad to be bad guys are finally introduced. Piloting a trio of super Gundams with awkward designs, these human machines are more than a match for Kira and Athrun.

By the end of Phase 40 the entire face of the world has changed for the worse.

A stunning series of events and thought provoking dialogs has planted this series as a favorite. Sure it's not as real as the original UC Gundam series but it's not shying away from reality either. The politics and the nature of warfare are very well done.

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Phase 36

This is an Athrun episode. Athrun, after his victory over the Strike, is sent after the Freedom Gundam to capture or destroy it and kill all who has come into contact with it. After viewing Lacus give escort of a spy to the Freedom he goes searching for her. He finds her in an abandoned concert hall and confronts her. She weaves her magic and plants seeds of doubt about ZAFT and what he's fighting for.

Back on Earth Kira rejoins the Archangel and makes amends with those he alienated.

Phase 37

The Archangel makes way to Orb Union for repairs and rest after leaving Alaska. While there the crew contemplates their future. Kira confides in Cagali about why he continued to fight even though he fought against Athrun. The Orb Union pleads their case with the crew of the Archangel about how both sides are moving closer and closer to a final solution of total annhilation of the enemy as the end to the war.

Meanwhile ZAFT attacks the Earth Forces Panama base. The Earth forces unleashes their Strike Dagger mobile suits but ultimately lose when ZAFT deploys an EMP weapon. In revenge for Alaska ZAFT forces execute Earth forces instead of taking them prisoner, where we actually get to see a human side of Yzak.

Phase 38

Muruta Azrael, the Blue Cosmos leader and major player in the Earth Alliance government with his strong weapons manufacturing company, convinces the Earth Alliance to attack Orb to obtain their mass driver. Orb evacuates the civilian population and Maru Ramius gives a speech to the archangel crew allowing them to leave or stay and help defend Orb.

Mira, Mu and a host of Astray's, as well as Dearka in the Buster, valiantly hold off the Earth Alliance forces until the evil Gundams pop up. The Forbidden, Calamity and Raider Gundams push Kira to the edge before Athrun sheds his shackles and steps in to help.

Phase 39

While the battle over Orb rages on Kira and Athrun come to an understanding and team up to battle the three evil Gundams long enough for the Gundam pilot's mind enhancing drugs to wear off.

The lull in the battle allows repairs and rest to happen and a bit of soul seeking between Kira and Athrun. Kira explains to Athrun his position and the reasons he has taken it. A trust has been born between the two.

Phase 40

The Earth Alliance renews its attack on Orb and makes headway into the island nation against fierce opposition from Kira, Athrun, Mu, Dearka and a host of Astrays.

A fallback order is given and the hero forces fall back to Orb's mass driver for evacuation to space. Athrun has his realization of where this war is progressing and what the stakes are and agrees to go with Kira. Kira and her father, the ruler of Orb, are dramatically separated, with a picture showing two babies with Kira and Cagali written on the back. Kira and Athrun hold off the evil Gundams while the two ships make their way to space.

In a final act of defiance the leaders of Orb destroy the island chain and the mass driver with it, leaving nothing for the Earth Alliance.