What's up with Eureka 7? I'm feeling lost at ep 12 like I missed something. I don't see the conflict.?

For some reason I'm having trouble getting into this anime. Keep in mind that I'm coming off of watching Evangelin (series, movie, remake) Code Ge, Death Note and FMA. For some reason I felt that I had a better understanding of Eva by episode 12 (yes, I know it's only 25 eps and Eureka 7 is 50). It just seems like the world is unexplained. I'm not sure if this is because I missed something (I tend to watch around 4:20 if you get my drift ;) ) or if I'm not far enough into the series. For instance, I have little idea behind the motivations of the Gekko state, beyond redeeming themselves for the atrocities they committed in war. I must have missed the part where the carillons are introduced, or have not made it to that plot development point. I'm just not understanding what is going on up to this point, I don't see the conflict or purpose which drives this anime. Please let me know if I missed something or if I will begin to find any semblance of a story in my future beyond naive puppy love. If it turns out I did miss something, please reference the ep so I can go back and see if I missed anything. Thanks!