In C.E. 73, despite the conclusion of the violent conflict between the Naturals and Coordinators through the second battle of Yachin Due, tensions persisted. During a meeting between PLANT Chairman Gilbert Dullindal and Orb Representative Cagalli Yula Athha, a group of soldiers stole ZAFT's newly developed Gundams. Shinn Asuka and his fellow crew members on the ZAFT ship Minerva embarked on a mission to halt the hijack with the assistance of Athrun Zala, Cagalli's protector. They pursued the unknown vessel but faced a bigger dilemma, ultimately sparking the second Bloody Valentine war.