Mystery, intrigue, threats, goals, backstories and prospects for new ones. Pretty strong beginning to a story.
I like the first chapter. Red's perspective is not one we've seen before I think (or at least not often). Seeing her in her younger years when she's just finding out about Kate and such is pretty interesting and enlightening as to how she got where she is now. Also, I knew that was Charles. They make a pretty interesting combo. I look forward to seeing more of them should your story return to that. Also "creating dimensions". Intriguing.
Bridget has arrived and her being there along with the mention of both Mara and Kate in the previous chapter kinda makes me wonder if Aiden is actually some sort of harem protagonist.
The Leeks Works dynamic remains as chaotic as ever, if even rowdier than before what with all the new people who've joined it. I look forward to seeing what you do with all these characters. Obviously, can't develop them all equally, but it's still exciting to know they're there and will probably doing some stuff of their own right.
Macabross is a separate (pocket) dimension now? That's new. And interesting. Makes me wonder what connection it might have to Charles's goal of creating dimensions. Also, it's under Future Dimension control? Or is it just used by them? Well, this is probs pre-thedude Macabross anyway, so I wonder what exactly goes on with it and how it (or part of it) comes under thedude's influence later. Speaking of the planet though, that sounds like pretty harsh punishment for Rowana. Though I guess when you're faced with an unstable/corrupt government and its interests in such technology and knowledge as what Red possesses, you probably won't get it easy.
I like what you did with Chapter 3. Giving her a threat/mystery to face along with her messed up situation with her family and memories mean she's not reduced to a damsel in distress who can't do much while she waits to be saved by Intrepid and the others. Grace's "return" was also a fun surrpise. Finding a way to use a character even though you banished them to the beyond is always nice. And having an extra imminent threat of the Maelstrom invading Jirdia never hurt anyone... except the Jirdians.
All in all, a solid beginning with many interesting fronts to continue as the story progresses. Looking forward to moar.