For several decades, the United Earth Sphere Alliance employed a powerful military to govern over Earth and space colonies with great force. However, when the colonies voiced their opposition, their leader was tragically assassinated. Seeking revenge, bitter colonial rebels initiated "Operation Meteor" and dispatched five durable mobile suits called Gundams, constructed from the nearly indestructible Gundanium Alloy, to attack the Alliance and its sub-group OZ. During a battle with Zechs Marquise, OZ's leading pilot, one Gundam piloted by Heero Yuy - who took on the name of the fallen colony leader - crashes into the ocean. He washes ashore and is discovered by Relena Peacecraft, the daughter of a peace-seeking politician who witnessed the descent. Neither of them comprehend the significant impact their meeting will have on their lives, as well as those on Earth and in space colonies.