This story is based on a parallel Earth. The planet is still the third planet from its sun, but it is called Gaia instead of Earth. Gaia's continents and oceans are arranged differently than on Earth, with some landmasses and bodies of water having different names. For example, what we know as the Atlantic Ocean on Earth is called the Aethon Sea on Gaia, and the Pacific Ocean is called the Panthalassa.

The countries and cultures on Gaia also differ from those on Earth. Some of the most notable changes include:

- The United States of America is called the United Federation of States (UFS), and it is governed by a council rather than a president.

- China is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own government: the Eastern Union, the Western Alliance, and the Central Republic.

- The continent of Europe is home to the Pan-European Federation, a unified governing body that oversees the entire region.

- The nation of Australia is a confederation of several independent states, each with its own unique culture and government.

Overall, Gaia is a world that is both familiar and alien at the same time. Its people and societies have developed differently than those on Earth, leading to a fascinating and diverse planet full of unique cultures and histories.