Abayev commands the Earth Federation Forces cruiser Damascus during Operation Phoenix Hunt, the mission to locate and secure the rogue Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex. He directs the deployment of the Shezarr Team mobile suit unit and the experimental Narrative Gundam piloted by Jona Basta. While Luio & Co. supplied the Narrative Gundam and its reinforcement equipment for the operation, Abayev clarifies their origin is Anaheim Electronics.

Abayev exercises command authority by ordering mobile suits like the Shezarr Team and Narrative Gundam to deploy outside the Side 6 colony Metis to reduce collateral damage during Phenex interception. He expresses reservations about psycho-technology, citing concerns over its classification as psycho-weapons. When Michele Luio installs a psycho-monitor on the Damascus bridge to track the Phenex's psycho-waves, Abayev voices unease but permits its deployment for operational needs.

He coordinates with embedded Luio & Co. representatives Michele Luio and Brick Teclato, maintaining oversight of their activities, including their maintenance of the Narrative Gundam in the ship's hangar. His command decisions reflect adherence to Earth Federation Forces protocols while managing external corporate involvement.