PLANTs

The PLANTs (プラント, Puranto) were a collection of space colonies located at the L5 Lagrange point in the Cosmic Era timeline. Originally established as agricultural colonies, the PLANTs became the primary home of Coordinators—genetically enhanced humans—who fled persecution on Earth. The PLANTs declared independence from Earth in CE 70, leading to the formation of ZAFT and the First Alliance-PLANT War.

History

Origins

The PLANTs were established beginning in CE 15 as agricultural space colonies designed to provide food and resources for Earth’s population. The colonies were constructed at the L5 Lagrange point, utilising advanced technology to create habitable environments in space. Initially, the PLANTs operated under Earth’s jurisdiction and were populated by both Naturals and Coordinators.

However, as persecution of Coordinators increased on Earth following the public revelation of genetic enhancement technology, most Coordinators migrated to the PLANTs seeking safety and freedom. The PLANTs gradually became predominantly Coordinator-populated colonies, creating a distinct society separate from Earth.

Declaration of independence

In CE 70, the PLANTs declared independence from Earth, establishing themselves as a sovereign nation. The declaration was met with hostility from Earth nations, particularly those influenced by the extremist Blue Cosmos organisation, which advocated for Coordinator genocide. The Earth Alliance was formed in response to the PLANTs’ independence, leading to escalating tensions.

The PLANTs established the PLANT Supreme Council to govern the colonies, with Siegel Clyne serving as Chairman. The council represented the various PLANT colonies and sought to maintain peace whilst defending Coordinator interests against Earth aggression.

First Alliance-PLANT War

The First Alliance-PLANT War began when the Earth Alliance initiated hostilities against the PLANTs. ZAFT, the PLANTs’ military organisation, engaged Earth Alliance forces throughout the conflict. The war escalated dramatically when the Earth Alliance used nuclear weapons against the PLANTs, violating treaties and causing massive casualties.

The assassination of Supreme Council Chairman Siegel Clyne by ZAFT hardliners led by Patrick Zala marked a turning point in the war, as Zala’s hardline policies escalated the conflict. The war ultimately concluded with both sides suffering heavy losses, though the PLANTs maintained their independence.

Organisation

The PLANTs were governed by the PLANT Supreme Council, a democratic body representing the various PLANT colonies. Each PLANT colony had representation on the council, and the council elected a Chairman to serve as the head of government. The council system allowed for coordination between the colonies whilst maintaining some autonomy for individual PLANTs.

The PLANTs operated as a unified nation despite being physically separated across multiple space colonies. The capital was located at Aprilius One, which served as both a major colony and the centre of PLANT government.

Society and culture

The PLANTs’ society was primarily composed of Coordinators, creating a culture distinct from Earth’s Natural-dominated societies. Coordinator society emphasised merit and achievement, reflecting the genetic enhancements that gave Coordinators superior abilities. However, the PLANTs also maintained relationships with Naturals who supported Coordinator rights and independence.

The PLANTs’ economy was based on advanced technology and manufacturing, with the colonies producing sophisticated products including mobile suits and other advanced technology. The PLANTs’ technological capabilities, combined with their Coordinator population’s intellectual advantages, made them a significant economic and military power.

Military

The PLANTs’ military forces were organised under ZAFT, which operated independently but in service of the PLANT Supreme Council’s policies. ZAFT forces were composed primarily of Coordinator pilots and soldiers, utilising advanced mobile suit technology that often exceeded Earth Alliance capabilities.

The PLANTs’ military strategy emphasised technological superiority and Coordinator pilots’ natural advantages, developing advanced mobile suits like the ZGMF series. However, internal political divisions within the PLANT Supreme Council, particularly between moderates like Siegel Clyne and hardliners like Patrick Zala, created challenges in coordinating military policy.

External links

PLANTs on the Gundam Wiki
PLANTs on Wikipedia