Soldiers' Pay.Down on Earth, Yuki and Marito are part of a UFE squadron garrisoned in Yemen, where they are informed that the Deucalion will be transferred to their area, giving them a chance to reunite with the crew. Meanwhile, on the Moon, Slaine reaffirms his loyalty to Lemrina as Princess Asseylum's guardian. He then discusses the ramifications of his inheritance of Saazbaum's position with his servant, Harklight. Slaine soon realizes that other Vers Knights will suspect that he had betrayed Saazbaum. Thus, Slaine decides he must do something that will earn their respect, which will prevent them from attempting to usurp his position. Meanwhile, the faction of Vers Knights who oppose Slaine's promotion order Count Mazuurek to begin an offensive. Count Mazuurek has so far avoided fighting as he seeks to preserve Earth's natural resources and local culture, but reluctantly deploys in his Kataphrakt (which generates artificial gravity waves to defend itself). Yuki and Marito are sent to intercept, but cannot penetrate Mazuurek's defenses. Marito then realizes that Mazuurek's Kataphrakt is vulnerable to attacks from above, and lures him to an area where Inaho can fire at him from orbit. Mazuurek's Kataphrakt is disabled and Mazuurek himself is captured as a prisoner of war. The Deucalion finally lands, and Yuki and Marito are reunited with the crew. However, they find out that Slaine has singlehandedly destroyed Trident Base. Slaine wins the respect of the Vers Knights and silences his detractors, while Inaho realizes he has no choice but to defeat Slaine in order to proceed with his plans.