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Gundam Seed Destiny Episodes

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Episode 04: Battlefield of Stardust

Details

Original Air Date: November 6, 2004

The Synopsis

Athrun is struck speechless as he battles silently with the sudden tension in the bridge after Dullindal revealed his true identity. The entire assembly listens intently as the Chairman explains that he simply wants to speak with Athrun's "real self," and that he holds nothing against him. All the while, the Minerva continues on its quest for the Girty Lue, which turns out to be the "true name" of "Bogey-1." Lunamaria, Shinn, and Rey launch their units and assume sentry duty around the Minerva. Athrun, who had been battling with himself over whether or not he should intervene, suddenly shouts a warning to Talia that it's a trap. The ZAFT trio eventually engage in battle with the three stolen units, Gaia, Abyss, and Chaos. Neo decides to attack the Minerva directly, and Captain Talia orders the Minerva to take cover from a large asteroid nearby. The Earth Forces manage to trap the Minerva in the Asteroid, using the debris from the clusters of rock against them. Lunamaria, Rey, and Shinn are too busy battling the Earth Forces pilots, and are unable to make it in time. Athrun devises a plan to escape from the danger zone by firing the ship's thrusters and main guns at the same time. The Captain protests that this would cause serious damage to the hull, but Athrun cuts her off by informing her that it was either that or death by the asteroid. Dullindal tells Talia to follow through with Athrun's plan, and during the process, watches Atrhun perceptively from the corner of his eye. The Minerva escapes, and Neo curses at the loss of victory when it was so close. As the Minerva appears among the asteroids, it exacts serious damage on the Girty Lue, turning the tables completely. The Girty Lue retreats, and the Chairman gently advises Captain Talia to think of a better strategy next time.
Dullindal informs Cagalli that he has sent for a shuttle to take her safely back to Orb. He then praises Athrun for saving them and the ship earlier, and Athrun brushes it off politely. Athrun apologizes to Captain Talia Gladys for speaking out of turn back there, but she tells him he did the right thing.
As Athrun sits in a common room, remembering all the pain that he had suffered through in the last series - of the death of Nicol at the hands of Kira, and of his father's infectious words - Minerva's ace pilots and a few members of Minerva's crew walk in. Lunamaria Hawke, one of the aces, tells Athrun that she is honored to meet the legendary ace, and that they are all thankful for what he did earlier. She asks him whether he will ever pilot again. Athrun replies that his name is Alex.
The crew rests, and Shinn holds on to his memories of his sister. Meanwhile, it seems that the remains of Junius 7 are heading in a crash course for Earth....

The Review

This is when the big question begins to revolve around the new Chairman Dullindal - whose side is he really on? What is he planning? This becomes one of the main mysteries throughout the next few dozen episodes. The question of Cagalli also comes into play. Her ability and inability to lead, her well-intended ideals, and her oftentimes brash and impulsive actions can lead her to despair. It's a good thing she has such good friends to help her.

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