Episode summary courtesy of Shouki at Animesuki
Phase-46, "Song of Truth" - long summary
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Pre-OP: Gilbert is getting a report of the Requiem relay points being taken over by ZAFT and some surrendering EA officers are shown. It seems in total there were only 5, which surprises Gilbert and co. Gilbert tells the officers over the communications channel to gather near the moon. Seems Yzak's team is at the Requiem cannon itself, or near - certainly several ZAFT ships are taking an interest, and the burnt-out control room (shot by Lunamaria) is shown. Shinn is seen sleeping in his room, still in his uniform, while Rey is working at his computer terminal. Gilbert orders the Minerva and everyone near the moon to take a break, and Talia is shown sleeping on her chair.
Some people next to Gilbert in Messiah praise the Minerva a lot, as well as ZAFT and Gilbert's response in general. Gilbert says that things may be over at last - particularly since he got a report saying that it looks like Djbriel got killed while trying to escape and his death and Rey's actions are re-shown. Gilbert adds that the Atlantic Federation president and the EA moon base of Arzachel still remain though (that base is where Djbriel was trying to go to), but it seems neither is willing to start an attack.
Gilbert then blames himself/ZAFT for allowing PLANT to take such damage - ie with what had gone on before, they should have been more careful to avoid another crisis. Meanwhile, the Archangel is heading around the moon and Mwu and Murrue are showing talking in a corridor, and Athrun and Kira talking in a room, with Torii on Kira's shoulder. The ZAFT guys are a bit depressed at Gilbert's words but then Gilbert adds that he's not blaming them and basically talks about trying to make sure such things don't happen again.
In Rey/Shinn's room, Shinn wakes up. Next Rey and Shinn are shown doing target practice in the shooting range. Rey is much better than Shinn. Lunamaria comes across them and seems a bit surprised. Shinn notices her and goes out to talk to her. Lunamaria tells Shinn she's surprised they're doing target practice when they're supposed to be resting. Shinn says he's already slept, and then Rey told him to do the practice. Lunamaria isn't impressed with that answer and walks off with Shinn following - he catches up in the corridor and grabs her arm, wanting to know what's bothering her since she seems angry.
Lunamaria tries to walk off again after saying she's not angry. She eventually says that there was something she wanted to talk to Shinn about. She says that "since then, it's been one thing after another", with "then" refering to "Athrun, and Meyrin". Shinn seems a bit nervous and behind them, Rey walks out from the practice room, and spends the rest of the scene watching them. Lunamaria says to Shinn that all she wanted to say was "Don't worry about it too much", with regards to Athrun and Meyrin. She adds that she feels unsettled knowing that Meyrin may still be alive, but says that Shinn did nothing wrong. She adds that it was orders as well, and they (Athrun and Meyrin) still seem suspicious. She finishes by saying "That's it - sorry" and runs off.
OP.
Phase-46, "Song of Truth" starts.
The Archangel docks at the Moon town of Copernicus, and is next to what looks to be an Izumo-class Orb ship - either the Kusanagi or the same type.
In a room, Kira says "Then, that was also the work of the Impulse pilot who got me - Shinn?", and a flashback of ep 34 is shown. Athrun says "That's right - he's now piloting Destiny", and Kira seems a bit surprised at the name. Athrun adds that he was really surprised since he never expected Kira to be beaten by Shinn. Lacus and Meyrin are shown talking in a corridor, getting along well. Kira says that at the time, he wasn't sure about attacking ZAFT so was hesitating, and since Cagalli was there too, he wanted her to be able to get away.
Athrun says he was also surprised when the Archangel was hit, but that also enabled him to understand that something really was wrong - and he started doubting Gilbert and Rey then. Meanwhile, Murrue and some of the bridge crew are shown meeting up with some Orb officer and beaurocrats - looks like Orb has a small base in the city. Athrun says that what Gilbert and Rey had been saying had sounded right until then, and Kira says he understands since they're not basically wrong. Athrun says that it seems Shinn can't get out from that - from believing in Gilbert and Rey's words, and Shinn is shown flopping down on his bed. Athrun says that since Shinn has a dream, he's working hard to achieve it. Kira says, "I see". I guess Kira understands why Athrun is trying to persaude Shinn.
Part of Copernicus city is shown, and in a large house (?) with a pool, Meer is slowing walking around singing one of Lacus's songs quietly. Inside, the female bodyguard from ep 44 (her name is Sara) is looking at a computer termnal, which shows pics of the Archangel landing. Meer seems sad and depressed. She has a flashback of Lacus's broadcast, and shakes her head to try to forget about it. Meer also has a flashback of Gilbert when he sent her off, and also of all the things she did as Lacus and tries to comfort herself by saying that she's the one who did all that. She then has a flashback of when Athrun tried to get her to escape in ep 36, and him saying she'll be killed eventually. Meer tries to persaude herself that that won't happen. Then Sara walks over, calling her "Lacus-sama", saying she's prepared some tea.
Meer is now sitting down, with Sara pouring some tea. Meer asks if there's been any contact from Gilbert yet. Sara says nothing yet and adds that things are very complicated in PLANT right now. Meer says she knows that, but is frustrated - probably because Gilbert isn't relying on her anymore, meaning that she is of little use...
While making some comments about the city they are in, Sara casually brings up the fact that the Archangel has docked here too, which surprises Meer. A brief scene of Murrue, Kira, Athrun and Lacus talking to a grey-haired Orb officer is shown, though we don't hear what they are discussing. Sara then suggests that maybe "she" is with the Archangel - "the one who in Orb said she was with the Archangel", and a brief flashback of Lacus's broadcast is shown. (during this whole scene, Sara never refers to Lacus directly, which makes Meer uneasy). Sara smirks a bit to herself, and then starts complaining about how "she" (Lacus) has ruined all the things "the chairman" (Gilbert) was working towards, and that the real Lacus wouldn't do such a thing. Sara then starts laying it on thick saying that Meer (who she seemingly refers to as "Lacus-sama" but sort-of makes it a question) is really a gentle person who wants peace but won't hesistate to take action.
In a round-about way, Sara says that Meer has to take action (ie use Sara and the rest of them), otherwise she wouldn't be "Lacus-sama" and if that's the case then everything Meer has done will become a lie. Sara implies that she believes Meer is the real Lacus, which is why she (Sara) has been working to hard to help the chairman. However, it seems pretty clear that Sara is simply blackmailing Meer - who is becoming increasingly worried and nervous. Meer is pretty much on the verge of a breakdown, while Sara calmly suggests they talk some more.
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Athrun picks up two clips of bullets, puts one in a gun and prepares it, then puts the gun in a holster, and walks out of his room to where Kira is, in his casual clothes. Athrun is also in "casual" clothes. Meanwhile, Lacus is talking to Meyrin saying she's happy to be able to go out since she's been stuck inside for many months. Meyrin is a bit surprised, and Lacus says that until the other day she was in space, and before that was stuck inside the ship - she understood it had to be like that, but it was a bit tough. Lacus has Pink-chan with her, and Kira walks over with Torii on his shoulder, next to Athrun.
Athrun asks Kira if he's sure about this, and Kira's pretty relaxed. Kira calls the bridge to tell Murrue they're off, and Kira is driving the car. Mwu is with Murrue and asks if she's okay with it, but Murrue thinks it'll be okay since it's just for a bit and Lacus will be well guarded. Mwu then says that what he really meant is if Murrue doesn't want to go outside too, and adds that he'll be happy to accompany her. Murrue says she'll be okay and will stay on the Archangel. Mwu then puts an arm around her waist and suggests she show him around the ship.... or maybe take a bath - together. Murrue is rather flustered and says it seems he is actually different, and Mwu just says "Really?"
The car Kira is driving is heading through some busy streets and some goon in shades spots them from a lookout. Meer is shown staring out a window. Gilbert is shown moving some pieces on his chess board.
In a shopping center, Lacus says it's the first time she's been here (Copernicus) and asks Meyrin if she's been before - Meyrin hasn't either. (Kira and Athrun went to school here, before Kira moved to Heliopolis and Athrun moved to PLANT, but for some reason this isn't referenced in this ep - the scene with Athrun giving Torii was in this place...). Lacus has a large hood over her head, but is happily chatting with Meyrin while checking out things. Athrun and Kira both look on pretty calmly (not much of a double-date...).
Kira asks Athrun not to be so angry (about them all going out) and Athrun says he's not angry - just dumbfounded that they'd do it. Kira says "isn't that the same?" and Athrun gets annoyed, and seems surprised Kira isn't more worried about Lacus. (Kira is very casual the whole time - I guess he believes in personal freedom, ie let Lacus do what she wants to). Lacus turns to them when she hears her name spoken. Kira tells Athrun not to worry so much - he and Lacus are both okay with this and suggests Athrun doesn't have to do everything himself. Athrun's still unhappy though.
Meanwhile, Lacus tries on a few outfits and asks Kira what he thinks. To the first, Kira says "Yeah, that's good", and "Yeah, I think it's nice" to the second, and Lacus sulks a bit saying it's like Kira is happy with anything. Kira tries to explain a bit nervously that he didn't mean it like that, and Meyrin giggles. Athrun happens to glance to the side and spots a goon with shades seemingly looking at the group.
Suddenly Meer's red Haro turns up - it has a note attached to it. Lacus's Pink-chan seems excited to have a friend. Athrun runs over after Lacus catches the red Haro and says its Meer's, and then immediately starts scanning the area. The note on the Haro says "To Ms. Lacus" on the front and "Help!! I'm going to be killed Ms. Lacus!" and signed with "Meer" on the back.
Meyrin turns to Kira and says "Seems like... this has got to be a trap", and Kira nods in agreement. Athrun also agrees but says they can't ignore it. Athrun explains that "Meer" is Meer Campbell, "the Chairman's Lacus". Athrun tells Kira to protect Lacus and return to the ship, and then decides to call in some assistance himself since he doesn't know when they'll be attacked.
Lacus says she'll go too and Athrun thinks that's crazy, and she says that Meer is calling for her, and that this is something that has to be settled sometime anyway, and asks Kira to agree. Kira doesn't really seem to like it but doesn't object. Lacus says she wants to meet Meer, surprising both Athrun and Meyrin. Kira then says he understands, and asks Athrun to talk to the ship about it. Athrun is really frustrated, and Kira's casual words ("It'll be okay, we know it's a trap after all, and we'll be with her") don't help. Athrun's head's going to explode before Yzak's at this rate Lacus thanks Kira, and he says they'll have to be careful though.
The scene shifts to an open ampitheatre, which seems abandoned. Meer is waiting there and a car is heard approaching. Athrun looks around a corner and Meer's Haro bounces around happily. Meer looks up and spots Athrun - and is really surprised to see him alive. From her spot in the wide open, she runs towards where Athrun is in a corridor. From a hiding spot, Sara says "Damn! That idiot - she was supposed to draw them into the open".
As Meer approaches Athrun he points a gun at her and tells her to stop. Athrun says he got her message, and that he also understands that this is a trap. He says, "this will be your last chance", which is why he came. Meer is surprised. Then the other three appear behind Athrun and Meer sees "Lacus-sama". Lacus smiles and says, "hello Meer-san, how do you do" and walks towards her. Athrun, Meyrin and Kira all have guns out and are covering the area.
Meer seems to be freaking out a bit while Lacus calmly says "I received your letter, saying you may be killed - so then, let's go". Meer backs away while having a few flashbacks and then says "That's me!" (meaning that she's Lacus). Meer remembers what Sara and Gilbert said before and feels she has to go along. Athrun tells Meer to calm down and that it'll be okay.
Meer says she has to be Lacus - her face, voice etc is the same. She says "what did I do wrong!?" and then pulls out a gun. Athrun immediately shoots the gun out of her hand, and tells her to stop this. Lacus moves over to where Athrun is and says it's okay even if they have the same figure - they're still different people, and no matter what that won't change. This gets through to Meer and she falls to her knees.
Through a rifle scope, Sara looks at Meer then shifts to Lacus, but Athrun is right in front of her. Sara was forced to shift position to a long distance away.
Lacus continues talking, saying that nobody can become anyone other than who they are already. That's why the two of them can be here and can meet. She adds that Meer's dreams are her own, so please sing them, for her own sake. While she is saying this, Lacus moves forwards a little, and Sara gets a better view. While Meer is crying, Lacus says that dreams mustn't be made by other people, and Meer bows her head.
Sara seems to have decided to shoot but at the moment, Torii flies into the area, Sara hesitates, and Athrun happens to glance over and spots Sara. Athrun jumps with Lacus out of the way. Meer looks in shock at this - like she didn't know it'd happen. Athrun takes Meer back to where Kira is in the corridor, and then takes Meer too. Athrun and Meer run down the corridor to where Kira, Lacus and Meyrin are, while Sara and at least 3 goons fire at them. Athrun asks Meer how many attackers they are and Meer tearfully says she doesn't know.
Athrun decides to jump out into the open, then runs towards a ridge and shoots two goons. Meer is sobbing, and Lacus crawls over to where she is, and says "It'll be alright... okay?". Meyrin looks on and so does Kira after firing some shots. Athrun shoots Sara in the shoulder, but a goon gets a bit closer.
Kira tells everyone to run and the goon throws a grenade. Meer, Lacus, Meyrin and Kira run around a corner to escape the grenade. With cool moves, Athrun then takes out the goon. With one arm useless, Sara runs in closer and throws a grenade. Either Kira or Meyrin shoot the grenade and it bounces back to where Sara is, and the explosion throws her to the side.
Meanwhile, Mwu is flying over in Akatsuki (still with the sky pack), and wonders what's going on. Meanwhile, Athrun shoots the final goon. Meer then looks at Lacus, noticing how calm Lacus seems. Akatsuki lands and Mwu asks if they're okay. Kira says "You're late, Mwu-san!" and Mwu looks a bit annoyed. Kira then asks Mwu to take Lacus (and Meer).
Athrun comes over and asks Kira if he's okay, and Kira says "somehow". Athrun then apologies to Meyrin for causing her problems again. Mwu puts down Akatsuki's hand for the "princess" (Lacus), and Kira holds Lacus's hand while she gets on. Meanwhile, Sara is still in one piece and has a gun in her hand, and slowly raises it, but a bit unsteadily. Kira then holds out a hand to Meer to get on Akatsuki too. After a bit of hesitation, Meer moves to take Kira's hand, but then notices Sara in the distance - everyone else's back is to Sara.
Meer jumps forwards saying "look out" and Sara fires with her shaking hand. Athrun, Meyrin and Kira all look shocked and Meer is shown in front of Lacus with blood coming from her back. Meer spins around once and falls. Kira and Athrun immediately jump in front of Lacus and Athrun shoots Sara in the chest, as Lacus runs to where Meer has fallen.
Lacus holds Meer, who weakly says "Please don't forget the life I had when singing" and pulls out a photo from her bag - it's a pic of Meer before she had surgery and dyed her hair. Lacus comments, "that is a bright, kind smile - is this you?" and Meer nods. Athrun runs over and Meer weakly says "I wanted to meet you properly" and then apologies to Lacus and falls unconscious. Kira tells Mwu to get Meer to the Archangel quickly.
Athrun angrily punches the ground and the ending song starts playing. Lacus is crying, as is Meyrin. Kira looks on sadly, as does Mwu. Athrun cries in frustration. Lacus looks at Meer's picture, crying, and then looks off into the distance.
ED.