" Life comes cheap... especially mine." —Heero Yuy The stage now set for a military conflict, the show gets right down to the action, as the Gundams lay waste to military installations and strike terror into the hearts of the Alliance Forces. In addition, the pilots take on civilian covers; Trowa joins a circus troop, while Duo falls back on his connection with a salvage group known as The Sweepers. As for Heero, he enrolls in a private school as a student; during a fateful encounter with Relena Darlian, the brooding kid first utters what will become his trademark phrase: "I will kill you." But it is soon revealed that the Alliance—as well as the Gundam pilots—are but pawns for hidden entities vying for world domination. One of these is the Romefeller Foundation, whose OZ subsidiary provides the Alliance with their humanoid mobile suits. In addition to providing hardware and financial support, the Romefeller Foundation is also responsible for steering the Alliance towards its aggressive tactics and oppressive rule. "The Specials", the elite mobile suit force within the Alliance, is actually a cover for the secret society OZ, which includes its charismatic leader Treize and the masked ace pilot, Zechs Marquise. When the Alliance generals, weary of war and terrified by the Gundams, decide to negotiate peace with the colonies, its scheming financial supporter decides to take over. Luring the Gundams to the New Edwards base where the peace process is being planned, cunning Specials leader Treize "evacuates" the peace-minded generals in a shuttle... right into the hands of Heero's Gundam. Boom. In addition, peace-promoting minister Darlian is assassinated, and with his dying breath he reveals to Relena her true identity as Princess Peacecraft. OZ then drops its Specials facade and stages Operation Daybreak—seizing control of Earth, OZ proceeds to route the Alliance Forces from the colonies, promoting themselves as a savior from the Alliance. Welcoming OZ with open arms, the colonies begin to arm themselves under the "guidance" of OZ, and withdraw their support for the "troublemaker Gundams," leaving our heroes stranded... Next: On a Wing and a Prayer