Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

Even at its closest point, Jupiter is about 600 million kilometers from Earth, meaning a one-way communication signal would take more than 30 minutes. At such a distance, remote control is impossible. A Jupiter base must possess a high degree of autonomy, capable of operating independently, making independent decisions, and responding to emergencies independently.

Char needs a "proxy"—someone who can represent him in exercising command authority in the Jupiter sphere.

His answer was: Hello.

In the Gundam series, Haro is a small, spherical robot, usually used as a pet or auxiliary tool. But in Char's design, Haro was given a more important mission.

This version of Hello integrates a simplified version of VEDA's subsystem. It possesses an independent AI core, learning capabilities, and a certain level of decision-making authority. Its spherical shell is made of E carbon fiber, making it lightweight yet robust, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the space environment. Its "ears" are actually highly sensitive sensors that can collect various data about the surrounding environment.

More importantly, Harlow can maintain communication with VEDA, transmit information from the Jupiter sphere back to Earth, and receive VEDA's analysis results and recommendations.

Char crouched down and activated Haro.

The spherical robot's "eyes"—two circular displays—lit up, revealing a cartoonish expression.

"Hello!" it uttered a crisp electronic sound, then floated up in the air and circled around Char.

"Hello," Char said, "you have an important mission."

"Hello! Hello!" The little robot stopped in front of him, as if listening attentively.

"You're going to Jupiter," Char said. "To establish a base there and prepare for the future of humanity."

"Hello..." Hello's voice softened, as if to say, "I understand."

Char reached out and gently touched Haro's "head".

"Be careful on the road."

In July of CE65, an unmanned probe named "Jupiter Vanguard" was launched from Orb.

The design of this spacecraft far surpasses that of ordinary scientific probes. At its core is a miniaturized Minovsky particle reactor—the latest achievement of the secret Dawn team. Although its power is only thirty percent of the prototype, it is enough to support the "Jupiter Vanguard" in its deep space voyage, which can last for several years.

The ship carries three Haro units—named by Char himself: "Explorer," "Builder," and "Guardian." Each unit has a different mission: the Explorer is responsible for exploring the environment and resources of the Jupiter Sphere, the Builder is responsible for building the base's infrastructure, and the Guardian is responsible for the base's security and troubleshooting.

In addition, the ship carries enough modular components to build a small base—habitat cabins, laboratories, warehouses, energy systems, and a mini production line. Under Harlow's command, these components will automatically assemble into an outpost in Ganymede's orbit.

On the day of the launch, Char stood in the control center of the Dawn Corporation, watching the trajectory of the "Jupiter Vanguard" on the big screen.

"The estimated travel time," Christina reported, "is expected to be in early CE 67, using a new type of ion thruster. The acceleration phase will last for six months, with a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per second."

"Two years," Xia murmured. "Two years later, we'll have a foothold on Jupiter."

Erica stood beside him and asked softly, "What exactly is that base supposed to produce? You've never told me the whole story."

Char remained silent for a moment.

"A new energy source," he said. "An energy source that can change the fate of humanity. It's called the GN Drive."

"Is it related to the Minovsky particle?"

“Different systems,” Char said, “but equally important. The Minovsky particle is our present, the GN particle is our future.”

Erica watched the "Jupiter Vanguard" gradually disappear from the screen, lost in thought.

"You always think too far ahead," she said.

"Because time is running out." Char's voice was low, so low that only Erica could hear it. "I don't know when the war will come, but I know it will come. Before that, we must prepare."

In the autumn of CE65, the "Jupiter Vanguard" had already crossed the asteroid belt and continued its journey toward Jupiter.

VEDA has been fully integrated into Orb's communication network and Dawn's data system. It manages the construction progress of the "Heavenly Pillar," coordinates the operation of the solar power generation platform, analyzes global intelligence data, and—unbeknownst to anyone—maintains remote communication with the Haro who are heading towards Jupiter.

Orb's technological system, driven by Char, is advancing at an unprecedented pace.

But all of this comes at a price.

Char's schedule was packed—during the day he handled defense affairs, attended various meetings, and coordinated the relationships between the five major families; in the evenings and on weekends he spent in the Dawn Society's laboratory, working with his team to overcome technical challenges. He only slept four or five hours a day, and often ate just a few bites of food.

Uzumi saw it all and felt a pang of heartache, but he said nothing. He knew that what his adopted son was doing was crucial to Orb's future survival.

Cagalli was even more direct. Her eight-year-old sister would sneak off to the Dawn Company to bring Char rice balls and hot tea when he was working late into the night.

"Brother, you've worked so hard." Cagalli placed the rice ball on Char's table, hands on her hips. "Dad said we should eat properly!"

Char looked up at his sister's earnest little face and couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, brother, you can eat."

He picked up the rice ball and took a bite. The rice was at the perfect temperature, and the saltiness of the seaweed and the sourness of the dried plum melted in his mouth.

"It's delicious," he said.

"Of course it's delicious! It was made by Cagalli!" The little girl proudly puffed out her chest.

Xia patted her head.

"Cagalli, thank you."

"You're welcome!" Cagalli blinked. "Brother is protecting Orb, and Cagalli is protecting brother."

Char's eyes felt slightly warm.

This is what he wants to protect—this country, this family, and the people he loves.

December 31, CE65, Lunar New Year's Eve.

Char stood on the observation deck of the Dawn Society—his annual tradition to look down on Orb City at the last moment of the day, reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future.

The changes this year were far greater than he had anticipated.

VEDA is now operational and growing at an astonishing pace. Its intelligence analysis capabilities have surpassed those of any human team, and it has even begun to predict trends that Char had not anticipated.

The "Jupiter Vanguard" is en route to Jupiter, and everything is normal. The Haros have demonstrated amazing autonomy, even resolving several unexpected technical malfunctions on their own without ground command.

The main structure of the "Heavenly Pillar" space station has been completed, and VEDA's core module is operating stably. Equipment installation has also begun at the covert space production base, which is expected to be operational by the end of CE66.

The prototype of the "Sword" MS is under construction. Although the progress is a bit slower than expected, the direction is correct.

Four solar power platforms have been built, providing 15 percent of Orb's electricity. The cost of vanadium redox flow battery energy storage systems has decreased significantly, and they are beginning to enter the civilian market.

"We are moving forward," Char said softly to the night sky.

But there were also some things that worried him.

In its recent global intelligence analysis, VEDA has uncovered a disturbing trend—the radical faction within PLANT is rapidly expanding its military. Patrick Sara's influence has infiltrated every corner of the PLANT Defense Committee, while Siegel Klein's moderates are being marginalized.

Meanwhile, the Earth Alliance's "Blue Cosmos" influence is also growing. Murta Azrael's propaganda machine is becoming increasingly efficient, and hatred towards the Coordinators is spreading from the Atlantic Federation to other countries.

"The powder kegs on both sides are piling up," Char wrote in his secret report to Uzumi. "It's only a matter of time before the spark ignites. Orb must be fully prepared before the spark is lit."

Uzmi's reply was simple: "How much time do you have left?"

Char thought for a moment and wrote down the answer: "At most five years."

In the last second of CE65, the night sky over Orb was illuminated by fireworks.

Char stood on the observation deck, watching the dazzling lights bloom and fade in the darkness.

In his mind, VEDA's voice rang out—this was a function he had set up, allowing VEDA to report crucial information to him at any time.

"Lord Char, there is some news that I need to inform you of."

"explain."

"The 'Jupiter Vanguard' probe has transmitted the latest data. According to the probe's analysis, there is a stable Lagrange point in Ganymede's orbit, suitable for establishing a permanent base. Haro Explorer has begun detailed exploration."

"very good."

"Furthermore, the VEDA system has blocked seventeen cyberattacks against Orb in the past year, five of which originated from state-sponsored hacking groups. The source of the attacks has been identified; should countermeasures be taken?"

"Not for now," Xia said. "It's on record; we'll wait for the right opportunity."

"Instruction recorded."

Char looked up at the starry sky.

Jupiter is just an inconspicuous point of light in the night sky, but that direction carries the hope for Orb's future.

"VEDA," he said, "do you think we can do it?"

VEDA remained silent for three seconds—a duration that would be practically eternal for an AI.

"Based on my analysis, the probability of success depends on one variable."

"What variable?"

"Humanity's choice," VEDA said. "Technology can solve many problems, but it cannot resolve the divisions in people's hearts. Orb's future ultimately depends on whether each individual is willing to choose peace, coexistence, and protection rather than conquest."

Xia gave a wry smile.

"You're becoming more and more like a philosopher."

"I'm just imitating you," VEDA replied calmly.

Fireworks burst in the night sky.

CE65 has ended.

VEDA is orbiting in the sky, Haro is flying towards Jupiter, and Orb is quietly growing stronger.

And that boy is becoming the true backbone of this country.