The crew of the Archangel landed in the African desert and must escape the enemy Zaft Empire to reach their Federation military base in Alaska. As they travel across the Indian Ocean, they rely on help from the neutral island nation of Orb, but Orb's leader wants battle data and its mobile suit, which he plans to sell for political gain. Meanwhile, pilot Kira Yamato is conflicted with having to battle his former best friend, Athrun.

Printed Manga-style: book opens from left to right. Pages are read from right to left. Originally published in Japanese. "As seen on TV!"--Cover.