Delving into the Alternate Universe: Revisiting “Amuro and Lalah’s Secret Rendezvous“
The Gundam Universe Reimagined
With the resurgence of interest sparked by “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” I decided to revisit the novel “Secret Rendezvous: Amuro and Lalah.” What struck me was the distinct narrative on space colonization depicted in this novel, diverging from the classic anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam” (機動戦士ガンダム).
The iconic series opener is renowned for its memorable narration: “People have moved their surplus population to space colonies, already half a century has passed since then.” This establishes a foundational premise for the construction of space colonies—stemming from unprecedented population growth on Earth.
Space Colonization in “Secret Rendezvous”
In “Secret Rendezvous,” the backdrop of space colonization at its core doesn’t stray far from this concept. Up until the 21st century, humanity continued to exploit Earth’s resources, with vast populations living advanced and convenient lives. They established extensive networks for transportation and communication. However, even with clean energy, its consumption furthered Earth’s warming, and living conditions deteriorated until they reached a critical point. Humanity realized that Earth itself was becoming unwell.
Modern capitalism unveiled the notion of space as a seemingly boundless venue for consumption, propelling eager advancement in space development. This led to the formation of Earth’s Federation Government, charged with developing space colonies and a transportation system for space migration. In parallel, the Federation drained economic foundations to facilitate mass migrations to space.
The Burden of Intergenerational Debt
For migrants journeying from Earth to colonies, the cost had to be borne across three generations. They weren’t even allowed to return to Earth until the debt was settled. The act of sending migrants to space itself became profitable for the Federation and major corporations, thereby tightening the noose on regular citizens’ lives.
The Federation Government propagated the harshness of life on Earth, leading to a decline in public service quality. A poignant example is Lalah’s residence at a rescue home, where children were evicted upon turning 15.
Through these narratives, “Secret Rendezvous” paints a picture where the dreams of prosperity and exploration are overshadowed by economic burdens and social challenges, adding a unique layer of complexity to the Gundam canon.
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