The story takes place in U.C. 0088, after the end of the Gryps Conflict and before the events of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, revolving around a Neo Zeon noble named Phaeton Rahu Argis. Phaeton commands a Neo Zeon fleet, and is ordered by Axis leader Haman Karn to capture the Brigaton space colony at Side 1. There he is confronted by the leader of the colony defense forces and AEUG ace pilot Vaan Vicksen, whom he convinces to join his fleet. Phaeton, using his charisma and influence, goes on to recruit Titans remnants belonging to the Gryps 1 defense group. After further negotiation with Federal military officers and gaining numerous allies, Phaeton's political influence within Axis grows considerably. Phaeton's true goal is to become a figurehead of Neo Zeon, and to this extent even plotted the deaths of the high-ranking officials of Axis' separate factions. As a result, Phaeton is appointed to the defense of Axis as well as the mission to invade New York on Earth. Here he tests the experimental super-weapon, the Rahu System.