Side6 -
: This OVA is set almost entirely within the Side 6 colony of Libot. It highlights the fragility of neutrality when a secret Federation R&D base is discovered inside, prompting a covert Zeon mission that brings the horrors of war to a civilian population that believed they were safe.
In the expansive lore of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, , also known as the Riah Republic , serves as a critical geopolitical anomaly within the Universal Century (UC) timeline. While the majority of the Earth Sphere was consumed by the catastrophic One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, Side 6 remained a rare sanctuary of neutrality, illustrating the complex intersection of diplomacy, economic power, and the desperate search for peace in a time of total war. A Diplomatic Departure
The survival of Side 6 during the One Year War was not merely a result of goodwill but of strategic leverage: : This OVA is set almost entirely within
: Known for its immense monetary wealth and prosperity, Side 6 acted as a vital industrial and agricultural exporter. It provided weapon parts to both warring factions and essential food supplies to an Earth devastated by colony drops.
: Situated at the L4 Lagrange point (later moved to L5), it was often considered to have low military strategic value, allowing it to avoid the front lines of major fleet engagements. Narrative Significance While the majority of the Earth Sphere was
In conclusion, Side 6 represents the fragile possibility of coexistence in a divided universe. It stands as a testament to the idea that even in the midst of a "One Year War" that claimed half of humanity, political nuance and economic utility could—for a time—hold the darkness at bay.
: The colonies were home to the families of high-ranking military and political figures from both sides, making an outright attack a risky political move for either the Federation or Zeon. : Situated at the L4 Lagrange point (later
Unlike the Principality of Zeon (Side 3), which sought independence through violent secession and total war, Side 6 achieved its autonomy through diplomatic maneuvering. Declaring independence from the Earth Federation in April UC 0077, it successfully transitioned into the Riah Republic with backing from Zeon while managing to maintain functional ties with the Federation. This unique dual-recognition allowed it to position itself as a neutral ground when full-scale hostilities broke out in UC 0079. The Shield of Neutrality