Cima's blackmailing apparently works, as Anaheim asks Nina to be reassigned away from the Albion and out of the mobile suit development team altogether. Keith, who dates Mora, offers Kou movie tickets so he can ask Nina out after a field test. He does make a move, but a remark about the tests angers Nina again. Meanwhile, Kelly gets paid in gold bullion for his work on the Val Varo, but is shocked to hear that the Zeon forces do not want him piloting it for the new campaign. Incensed, Kelly takes out the mobile armor and challenges Kou to fight him so he could prove himself worthy of joining the Delaz Fleet again. When Nina gets in the way, Kou finally admits his feelings for her and defeats Kelly, who does not bail out from the exploding Val Varo because he never installed an escape system.