Chapter 1: Visions of the Future
The year is After Colony 203 (A.C. 203), December 30th. It has been six years since the last war. Peace reigns supreme. Man-driven weapons known as mobile suits are no longer used, manufactured, or recognized in the Earth Sphere United Nation or on the space colonies. Former soldiers, including the feared Gundam pilots, have been forced to adapt to a world that no longer needs their strength. Instead, their energies are put to use as civilians through a new Mars terraformation project, officially called Project Prosperity. A delegation of high-ranking officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Relena Darlin, and a small group of Preventers, a task force meant to ensure peace, go to Satellite I, the station orbiting Mars, to celebrate Prosperity's opening ceremony on New Year's Eve. However, some question Prosperity's true purpose, seeing the project as a way for the World Nation to gain power over the colonies, once again restarting the bloodstained cycle of war.
"Are you sure Earth and the colonies are ready for this, Miss Relena?" Quatre Raberba Winner, a former Gundam pilot, stood in the doorway of Relena Darlin's room. "There has still been a lot of opposition from certain colony groups that claim Earth has enough power as it is. Maybe it would be best to let everyone learn to coexist with one another as equals a little longer before moving forward."
"I understand what you're saying, Quatre, but Earth's resources are dwindling in comparison to the total population of the World Nation. If we do not act, many people will starve or be without a home because we cannot rebuild or repair anything, much less feed them all." She brushed her hair, staring at her friend through the mirror.
Quatre nodded. "You have good reasons. I just have doubts, that's all."
"Despite that, you came. I thank you."
"As the new leader of the Winner Corporation and an advocate for continued peace and a public figure as a former Gundam pilot, I would be a fool not to stand by your side on this matter, Miss Relena."
To this, Relena dipped her head gratefully.
The screen on the wall beeped and a man appeared. "Vice Foreign Minister Darlin, we will be landing at the Prosperity Docking Satellite I in approximately fifteen minutes."
"Very well." The screen went black. "It's amazing." Relena looked out into the starry space beyond. "Together, between the colonies and the World Nation, we've made such leaps in technology. We have space shuttles that can go from Mars to Earth in one day. I am certain we can create a new life on Mars. Just watch us."
Quatre smiled. If anyone can create a better future, it's you, Miss Relena. Now, I truly value Heero's belief in your heart.
The shuttle descended, guided by light markers, into the civilian station orbiting Mars. Made of thick glass, a metal tube reached down to the red ground far below. The tube would serve as a ferry for future Martian citizens and various tourists to go from shuttle to planet swiftly. Satellite I was the first place carefully constructed under the watchful eyes of Relena's brother, Milliardo Peacecraft, and his loyal partner, Lucrezia Noin. "Wind" and "Fire" were their Preventer codenames, and they dutifully guarded the prosperous and on going plans for Mars.
"Are you sure you want to meet Miss Relena so openly? I thought you wanted to protect her from the shadows."
"I haven't seen her in six years, Noin. I'd like to act the part of a caring older brother, if only for a time. Besides, it will greatly help her image of peaceful reform. If the delegates see a docile and supportive brother, not the former soldier and White Fang commander, it will heighten their sense of hope. I just wish this peace lasts long enough for Prosperity to become a reality." Wind watched the delegation cruiser halt in front of Dock IV.
"Zechs," Noin still called him by the name he once masqueraded under as an Oz soldier, "you must trust Relena's resolve. A few unhappy colonists aren't enough to stop her from helping others lead a better life."
He laughed softly. "At the rate she's going, I'm not so sure I can keep up much longer."
"Then maybe we should let someone else handle it and lead a peaceful life."
"Noin…"
She put a finger over Wind's lips. "I know, I know. You and I will always be soldiers."
When the cruiser door opened, a group of representatives poured out. Most were from the colonies; some were from the various regions of Earth. Relena stood at the front. Behind her, Quatre and his bodyguard, Rashid, rested quietly. Wufei Chang, another former Gundam pilot, and Sally Po watched from behind Noin and Milliardo as the group began their guided tour. Noin performed an introductory speech and started the parade of curiosity at the satellite's amenities and attractions.
"Is there any validity in this?" Wufei stared at the crowd as they gaped at the view of Mars. "Do humans have the right to play god?"
"Haven't we already by creating the colonies?" Sally put a hand on Wufei's shoulder. "What's important is the continued desire for peaceful solutions. The fact that we humans are not fighting bitterly over what little Earth has left for us is a monumental shift in attitude, the likes of which history has never seen."
"Perhaps," Wufei followed the delegates to the end of the bridge. I wonder if you would like the humanity you helped birth, Treize.