The narrative unfolds in an alternate 1996, where humanity has advanced sufficiently to establish long-range space travel and bases on both the Moon and Mars. However, Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union have not ceased; instead, they have intensified as both nations construct military facilities in space, casting a shadow of nuclear conflict over humanity, both on Earth and beyond. Meanwhile, on the Red Planet, a United Nations exchange program designed to foster peace and understanding is set to commence. The "Cosmic Culture Club," comprising 16 boys and girls along with their instructor Elizabeth, arrives at the UN Mars base. Among the passengers is Anna, a 14-year-old girl who serves as the story's narrator. Suddenly, four unidentified humanoid robots, classified as Super Powered Tracers, are detected engaging in fierce combat with one another. The UN base is caught in the crossfire and swiftly destroyed, killing all but six members of the "Cosmic Culture Club"—Elizabeth, Arthur, Roan, David, Simone, and Anna—leaving them stranded on an inhospitable planet that has abruptly become a battlefield. As the battle concludes, the sole surviving SPT lands beside the terrified group and opens up to reveal a pilot, who simply announces to them, "Earth is at stake."