Set several centuries in the future, long after the Earth was lost to the Cataclysm, the story follows a diverse cast as they travel the stars. The main character is Athrun Williams, a young man from Mars that is burdened by failures and regret. Disgraced and fleeing from his homeworld, he has become a starhopper, a vagabond adventurer willing to sell his experience and skills to anyone, human or otherwise, that can afford his price. Athrun has been hired to become the head of security for an interstellar cruise liner, the Resplendent Princess. This starship carries passengers and dignitaries...