Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

Char didn't answer immediately. He stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to Maru.

The GAT series represents the Atlantic Federation's mobile suit development program. In the original timeline, this program was secretly conducted in Heliopolis, ultimately resulting in five mobile suits, including the Strike Gundam, the Hurricane Gundam, and the Duel Gundam. The core technologies of these mobile suits—Phase Shift Armor (PS Armor) and Phantom Particles—are a unique technological system found only in the SEED universe, completely different from the technologies of the UC and 00 universes.

His mental database lacked data on these technologies. Not because he didn't want to possess them, but because these technologies were never meant for him in this world. The physics of the phase-transition armor was incompatible with the Minovsky particle system, and the application of illusion particles required a completely different energy system.

But that's precisely why he needs to come into contact with them.

"Warrant Lieutenant Lamias," he turned around, "I have a question. Why did General Halbarton choose me? Orb just fought a battle with the Atlantic Federation, and we sank your fleet."

"That's exactly why." Maru looked him straight in the eye. "Professor Halbarton believes that you have technology that surpasses all other powers, yet you haven't used it for aggression. You and he should both be working for the future of humanity, not just limited to either Naturals or Coordinators."

Char remained silent for a moment.

"I have one condition. First, the location of the cooperation will be designated by Orb. I will choose Heliopolis—it is Orb's satellite colony, belonging to Orb territory yet relatively independent. Second, during the cooperation, Orb has the right to know all the core technologies of the GAT series. Third, the mass production plan for the GAT series needs to be agreed upon by both parties and cannot be used unilaterally to attack Orb."

Maru quickly made a mental note and then nodded.

"I will pass these conditions on to Mr. Halbarton. I think he will most likely accept them."

"Okay. Once you confirm, we can send someone over."

Maru stood up and gave Char a military salute—not a courtesy between warring nations, but a salute to a respectable soldier.

"Commander-in-Chief Askha, thank you."

"You're welcome," Char returned the greeting. "Warrant Lieutenant Lamias, if you need any help while in Orb, feel free to contact me."

After Maru left, Char immediately summoned Mina and Erika to discuss the location of Heliopolis.

Heliopolis is Orb's satellite colony in Earth's orbit, established in CE 55, primarily for space industry and scientific research. Its relatively independent location, unaffected by Earth's atmosphere, and its regular communication with Orb's main island, make it an ideal location for establishing a secret research and development base.

"Why not develop the GAT series on Ame no Mihachi?" Mina asked. "Our space production base is already quite advanced."

"Because that's our core secret," Char said. "The GAT series is an Atlantic Federation project, involving many technical personnel. If we let them into the Heavenly Pillar, our four Gundams and Minovsky particle technology could be exposed. Heliopolis is a relatively isolated place—even if something goes wrong, the damage can be controlled."

"Are you planning to involve Orb's technical staff?"

"Only a small number of core personnel will be sent. Erica will act as Orb's technical representative, liaising with the Combine's engineers. Everyone else—no contact whatsoever."

"Can that officer named Maru be trusted?" Mina's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible wariness.

Char glanced at her. "She gave me a warning before the Atlantic Federation fleet attacked Orb. Without her, we would have had even less time to prepare, and the casualties could have been much greater."

Mina's red eyes flickered slightly. "So she's someone you can trust."

"Yes."

"Then let's do as you say."

On February 1, CE70, Char Aznable communicated with Siegfried Klein via VEDA.

"Congressman Siegel, I remind you again—the Atlantic Federation may launch an attack on PLANT in the near future. The target is most likely Junius VII."

Higel rubbed his temples wearily. "Commander Langlad, I submitted three warnings to PLANT security. Each one was rejected. The reasons given were 'lack of reliable evidence' and 'the intelligence from Orb is unreliable.' Sara even publicly mocked me at the Supreme Council, saying, 'Klein has been scared out of its wits by children from neutral countries.'"

"So you're not going to take any measures?"

"I will have the Klein faction's private security forces increase patrols around Junius VII. But frankly... it won't do much good."

Char remained silent for a moment.

"I will go to PLANT myself."

Higel was stunned. "What? You've come to PLANT? Do you know what that means? If people find out that the Commander-in-Chief of Orb is in PLANT—"

"So I will go secretly. I will only go to your sphere of influence and coordinate with the Klein family's security forces. I will not reveal my identity."

"For what reason?"

"To prevent hundreds of thousands of people from dying in vain," Xia's voice was calm but firm. "Councilor Higel, even the slightest possibility is still a life."

Higel fell silent.

"Okay. I'll arrange it. But be careful—Sarah's people are everywhere."

February 10, CE70, Orb Orbital Elevator Space Station.

Char, dressed in a plain spacesuit, boarded an Orb special operations ship disguised as a civilian cargo ship, accompanied by Kanard and two trusted bodyguards. The ship was carrying "humanitarian aid supplies"—in reality, minovsky particle jamming equipment and a batch of bulletproof armor intended for the Klein family.

"Brother, are we really going to PLANT?" Carnarvon sat in the cramped cabin, a folding knife in his hand, turning it back and forth. It was his habit when he was nervous.

"Yes."

"Isn't that enemy territory?"

"Whether on Earth or in space, there are not only enemies." Char looked out the window at the receding Orb Island. "Siegel Klein is the leader of the moderate faction of PLANT, and also our ally. What he wants to protect is the same as ours—peace."

The special operations ship detached from the orbital elevator space station and entered deep space. Its engines ignited, and it headed towards PLANT.

On the morning of February 12, the special operations ship arrived at a small agricultural colony called "Yuri" within the Klein faction's territory in PLANT. Far from PLANT's political center, it was inconspicuous but well-equipped enough to accommodate Char and his group.

Siegel Klein personally greeted him at the dock.

"General Langlad," he said, extending his hand with a tired but sincere smile, "Although this is our first time meeting in person, I feel like we've known each other for a long time."

"Congressman Siegel," Xia said, shaking his hand, "I hope our meeting won't cause you any trouble."

"We've had enough trouble already, one more won't make a difference." Higel led Char out of the dock. "Please come with me. We have forty-eight hours to discuss the defense plan for Junius VII."