Ep 3. The Changing World

The episode opens with the crew of the Ptolemaios discussing their next move, following their successful interception of a Human Reform League transport vessel. The discussion is interrupted by the arrival of a Gundam attacking Celestial Being's resource satellite. The Gundam's pilot, Setsuna F. Seiei, engages in a fierce battle with the Celestial Being pilots, but is ultimately repelled.

Meanwhile, the Human Reform League is investigating the recent attack on their transport vessel. Sergei Smirnov, a commander in the HRL, believes that the attackers are using mobile suits powered by solar reactors. He is sent on a mission to capture one of these suits, so that the HRL can develop their own solar reactors and match the capabilities of Celestial Being.

At the same time, Setsuna meets with Marina Ismail, a young woman who has taken refuge in a Middle Eastern kingdom. Marina is the princess of Azadistan, and Setsuna was once a child soldier in her country's civil war. During their conversation, Setsuna reveals that he is a Gundam meister, and that he fights for Celestial Being in order to end all war on the planet.

As the HRL begins their operation to capture a solar-powered mobile suit, Celestial Being receives word that another Gundam has attacked a military base in South America. The Gundam's pilot, Allelujah Haptism, is captured and taken into custody. The Ptolemaios crew sets out to rescue him, but are quickly engaged in battle by the HRL's forces.

In the midst of the battle, Setsuna arrives in his Gundam and begins attacking the HRL's mobile suits. He is soon joined by the other two Gundam pilots, who have been dispatched to the region. Together, they manage to defeat the HRL's forces and rescue Allelujah.

Back on the Ptolemaios, Allelujah is interrogated about the secrets of Celestial Being. He reveals that the Gundams are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to self-destruct with a nuclear blast, and that the meisters have been instructed to do so if they are ever captured. The revelation sends shockwaves through the crew, as they contemplate the possibility that their own comrades may be forced to commit suicide in order to protect the organization's secrets.

The episode ends with Setsuna visiting Marina once again, and revealing his true identity to her. Marina is shocked to learn that her former enemy is now one of the Gundam meisters, but Setsuna reaffirms his dedication to ending all war on the planet. As the two part ways, Setsuna promises to take Marina's plea for peace to heart and continue fighting for a better world.

Overall, this episode focuses on the changing landscape of the conflict between Celestial Being and the world's superpowers. As the HRL begins to develop their own solar-powered mobile suits, and Celestial Being continues to launch attacks on military targets, the stakes are raised for both sides. Meanwhile, the revelation that the Gundam pilots are prepared to commit suicide in order to protect their organization's secrets raises questions about the morality of their mission. The character development of Setsuna and Marina also adds emotional depth to the episode, as they grapple with their shared history and conflicting perspectives on war and peace.