WARNING: The following contains spoilers for SWORD #1 by Al Ewing, Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia & VC's Ariana Maher, on sale now
Krakoa's new space program, SWORD, is a massive step forward for mutant kind. Taking mutants into space opens up a world of possibilities for Krakoa, along with the rest of the world. None of this would be possible, however, if not for Magneto's previous involvement with several mutant space stations.
In SWORD #1, by Al Ewing and Valerio Schiti, Magneto visits the Peak on behalf of the Quiet Council. When he arrives, The Master of Magnetism is treated to the many features that SWORD has provided. Abigail Brand takes Magneto on a tour, first introducing him to Wiz-Kid, the Peak's resident technopath. With his abilities, Wiz-Kid has bonded Krakoa's plant technology to the Peak's systems.
Frenzy, the Ambassador Extraordinaire, is also seen conducting ceremonial combat with Paibok of The Kree/Skrull Alliance. Finally, Magneto witnesses the two-stage launch conducted by The Six, sending several mutants to the depths of the multiverse. The Six return with the strange Mysterium in tow, impressing Magneto.
While all of these developments are quite remarkable, it's Magneto's work which made SWORD and the Peak possible. Way back in X-Men #5, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Magneto created Asteroid M, the first orbital mutant space station, for his headquarters. On Asteroid M, Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants hovered comfortably lived above humanity.
Over time, Asteroid M went through various incarnations, as it was constantly being destroyed and rebuilt. New versions of the space station left room for technological advancements, including medical/science facilities, inhibitor fields for mutant powers, an observation deck, sleeping chambers and even a swimming pool. The constant improvements on Asteroid M set the stage for future space stations such as the Peak.
The remnants of Asteroid M went on to become Avalon, another important space station that originally belonged to Cable. Avalon's technological interface allowed Cable to teleport through time and space, greatly improving upon Asteroid M. When Cable abandoned Avalon, Magneto took over and expanded upon the station. Avalon was intended as a safe haven for mutants, though its existence interfered with Earth's electromagnetic field. Ultimately, Avalon was doomed due to its destructive influence, eventually perishing in battle.
It's worth noting that several crew members aboard the Peak have considerable history with Magneto. First and most notoriously is Fabian Cortez, one of The Six. Cortez was one of Magneto's original Acolytes, who infamously destroyed Asteroid M and killed the rest of the original Acolytes. Magneto branded Cortez a traitor, hating him ever since. In SWORD #1, Magneto's feelings do not seem to have changed, treating Cortez with utter disdain. Still, without Magneto, Cortez wouldn't be on the Peak to help SWORD.
Amelia Voght is another former Acolyte who plays a big role on the Peak. Over the years, Amelia has been a close ally to The Master of Magnetism, continuing his previous works within SWORD. Finally, Frenzy, as the Ambassador Extraordinaire played a similar role under Magneto's leadership in Genosha. As a former Acolyte and right-hand woman to Magneto, Frenzy illustrates Magneto's continued impact upon SWORD and the Peak.
Although the Peak is a product of Magneto's legacy, it also moves beyond his ambitions. The Peak is more than just a mutant space station. Now, mutants such as The Six are venturing out into the multiverse and retrieving powerful cosmic artifacts. As Magneto says at the end of the issue, the Peak's works are beyond anything of which he ever dreamed.