Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

In the late spring of CE66, after Char returned to Orb from Alaska, he immediately devoted himself to another important task—cooperating with Serena Markguliff.

Serena Markkurif, a core scientist at the DSSD (Deep Space Exploration and Development Agency), met Char Aznable at the Equatorial Union's scientific symposium in CE58. For eight years, the two maintained close correspondence, their discussions evolving from technical exchanges into a deep academic friendship.

DSSD is an international organization independent of the Earth Federation and PLANT, focusing on space development technologies. Its member states include major nations on Earth and a moderate faction within PLANT. The organization itself adheres to the principle of "technology serving all humanity" and does not participate in political or military conflicts.

This neutrality makes DSSD an ideal partner for Char.

"Dr. Serena," Char said in the encrypted communication, "I have a project that requires the help of DSSD."

"Speak." Serena on the screen looked slightly more mature than she had eight years ago, but her eyes were still sharp and full of passion.

"Deep space communication technology," Char said. "Orb is building an orbital elevator, and future space development requires a reliable long-distance communication system. DSSD has the world's most advanced technology in this field. I hope we can collaborate to develop a new generation of deep space communication network."

Serena remained silent for a moment.

"What's your real purpose?" she asked, a hint of a smile in her voice. "Don't tell me you just want to improve the quality of Orb's calls."

Char laughed too.

"You can't hide it from me," he said. "Deep space communication technology is the foundation for humanity's future exploration of the solar system. Whether it's exploring the Jupiterian circle or developing the asteroid belt, reliable communication is essential. DSSD and Orb share common interests in this area—we are both advocates for peaceful space exploration and neither of us wants to see space become a battlefield for military confrontation."

"I accept that reason," Serena nodded. "And the specific plan?"

"I will send someone to DSSD headquarters to connect with your team," Char said. "Orb can provide funding and some technology, while DSSD will provide the existing research foundation and experimental facilities. The results will be shared, and the patents will be jointly owned."

"That sounds fair," Serena said, "but I have one condition."

"Speaking."

"Research data from collaborative projects must be made public to the international scientific community—provided that military secrets are not involved," Serena said. "DSSD's mission is to use science to serve all of humanity, and I cannot violate this principle."

"Agreed," Char said without hesitation. "Orb has no intention of hiding its scientific findings. Our goal is to make deep space exploration a cause for all humanity, not the privilege of a few nations."

Serena nodded in satisfaction.

"Okay, the cooperation is established."

In the summer of CE66, the joint project between Orb and DSSD was officially launched.

The project, codenamed "Bridge to Deep Space," aims to develop a quantum-encrypted communication network capable of real-time communication within the solar system. Its core technology is the long-distance transmission of quantum entangled states—a known but not yet fully realized technological direction within the SEED universe.

Char provided some "time-defining" theoretical frameworks for the project. He didn't directly present quantum communication technology from the 00th century—that would be too advanced and arouse unnecessary suspicion. He only offered "ingenious" mathematical derivations and experimental ideas at some key points.

Serena is one of the few people who can understand these ideas.

"Your derivation..." Serena exclaimed in the communication after reading Char's plan, "Where did you come up with this? I have never seen this mathematical framework in any literature before."

"It was my own idea," Xia said without changing his expression. "Maybe it's because I'm better at math."

"You're not just 'better at math,' you're a genius among geniuses." Serena shook her head. "However, I'm not going to pry into your secret. Everyone has their own secrets, right?"

"Thank you for your understanding."

"But I need you to answer one question." Serena's expression turned serious. "What is the ultimate goal of everything you've done—the orbital elevator, deep space communication, and all those things you haven't told me?"

Char remained silent for a moment.

"I want humanity to leave Earth," he said. "Earth's resources are finite, and its conflicts are deeply rooted. If things continue like this, sooner or later our mother Earth will be unable to sustain itself. But the universe is infinite. If humanity can invest its energy and resources in space exploration instead of fighting each other, perhaps we will find a new way out."

Serena looked at him, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

“You know,” she said softly, “your words remind me of the founder of DSSD. He once said, ‘Humans can only truly grow up when they leave the cradle.’ You share the same belief as him.”

"That's an honor," Xia said.

"No," Serena shook her head, "that's not an honor, that's a responsibility. With great power comes great responsibility. Are you ready to shoulder that responsibility?"

Char took a deep breath.

"Someone has to do it, right?"

In the autumn of CE66, Serena visited Orb at the invitation of the authorities.

This was her first time setting foot on Orb's soil. Char personally greeted her at the airport and took her on a tour of the Dawn Corporation, the construction site of the rail elevator, and the solar power generation platform.

"Your progress is much faster than I expected," Serena remarked, standing on the observation deck of the sea platform, gazing at the rising orbital elevator cable in the distance.

"Because Orb is small." Char stood beside her. "Small countries have an advantage—shorter decision-making chains and stronger execution. In large countries, a project might take five years from initiation to commencement; in Orb, it only takes five months."

"But small countries also have disadvantages," Serena said. "They have limited resources, limited talent, and limited ability to withstand risks."

"Therefore, we need to cooperate," Char said. "DSSD has the technology and talent, while Orb has the determination and execution. If we can cooperate, we can achieve what no major power can."

Serena turned her head and looked at Char.

"What is your ultimate goal?" she asked again, this time with a more serious tone. "Not those official pronouncements, but your true inner goal."

Char remained silent for a long time.

"I want to change the trajectory of human civilization and show humanity new possibilities," he concluded. "The world today is heading down a path of no return. The conflict between the Coordinator and the Natural is merely a symptom. The deeper problem is that humanity has not yet learned how to coexist peacefully in a world with limited resources. Looking at this starry sky, do you believe that intelligent life can only exist on Earth? If things continue like this, one day we will destroy ourselves."

Serena's pupils contracted slightly.

Do you believe humanity will self-destruct?

"It's not certain, but the probability is high," Xia said. "Unless someone can prove that there is another path to take."

"You want to be that witness?"

I want to give it a try.

The sea breeze blew, ruffling Serena's long hair. She looked at Char, her deep red eyes filled with an unwavering determination that was impossible to ignore.

"Okay," she said. "I'll help you."

Why?

"Because I saw that possibility too," Serena smiled, "but I never had the courage to take the plunge. Now that someone is ahead of me, I'm willing to follow."

In the winter of CE66, Maru Ramias sent Char an encrypted email.

The email was carefully worded—the Earth Alliance's communication system was monitored, so she couldn't be too direct. But between the lines, Char sensed her hesitation and struggle.

"...Recently, I participated in an evaluation project for a new weapons system. The goal of this project is to develop weapons of mass destruction targeting Coordinator civilians. I cannot accept such a task. But I don't know how to refuse..."

After reading the email, Xia remained silent for a long time.

He wrote a reply:

"Warrant Lieutenant Ramias, when a soldier finds herself unable to accept orders from her superiors, she has two choices: obey or leave. Obeying will turn her into a tool; leaving will make her lose everything. It's a difficult choice, and no one can make it for you. But remember—the doors of Orb are always open for you."

He waited three days after sending the email.

The reply consisted of only one sentence:

"Thank you. I need time."

Natal Bakiru did not email Char.

However, through VEDA's intelligence analysis, Char noticed some unusual developments—Natal had recently been transferred from the Technical Development Headquarters to a frontline unit. This transfer might seem like a normal rotation to others, but Char keenly sensed that it could be a harbinger of some kind of "purge."

"VEDA, analyze the reasons for Warrant Officer Bakiruru's transfer."

"Analysis in progress... Based on publicly available information and personnel change patterns, it is speculated that Warrant Officer Bakirulu may have ideological differences with her superiors. The specific reasons cannot be confirmed, but the transfer pattern conforms to the typical operation of 'marginalizing disobedient individuals'."

Char sighed.

Is there any way to contact her?

"There are currently no secure communication channels. Warrant Officer Bakirulu's unit implements strict communication controls, making it difficult for external information to get in."

"Continue monitoring," Xia said. "Notify me immediately if there are any changes."

"Instruction recorded."

Char stood on the observation deck of the Dawn Society—it was his annual tradition to look back on the past and look forward to the future here.

He was twenty-one years old that year.

VEDA has been operating stably for over a year, processing massive amounts of intelligence data and providing crucial support for Orb's strategic decision-making. The "Jupiter Vanguard" is en route to Jupiter and is expected to arrive next year. Construction of the orbital elevator is progressing normally, and equipment installation at the space production base is nearing completion.

In terms of talent, Murrue and Natal have already planted seeds within the Earth Alliance. Although they haven't made up their minds yet, at least they know Orb is a backup plan.

The cooperation agreement with Serena has been signed, and the "Bridge to Deep Space" project has officially started. Scientists from DSSD have begun to connect with the Dawning team, and technical exchanges between the two sides are becoming increasingly frequent.

Orb is getting stronger.

But Char knew that time was running out.

VEDA's latest intelligence analysis indicates that PLANT's radical faction is rapidly expanding its military, and Patrick Sara's approval rating continues to rise. On the Earth Alliance side, influence in the Blue Universe is also expanding, with the frequency of violent incidents against the Coordinators reaching new highs.

"Both of the gunpowder barrels are smoking," Char wrote in his diary. "I don't know when the sparks will fall, but when they do, Orb must be prepared."

Fireworks burst in the night sky.

Char looked up at the dazzling lights.

"VEDA," he said, "do you think Maru and Natal will come?"

"Based on my analysis of their behavioral patterns, the probability is over 70%," VEDA replied. "But the final decision depends on their understanding of their situation and their expectations for the future."

"Seventy percent..." Xia murmured, "Not high, but not low either."

"Do I need to take any further steps? For example, should I convey the information through a third-party channel?"

"No need." Char shook his head. "Let them choose for themselves. Coercion or manipulation is not Orb's way."

"understand."

Char took a deep breath, turned around, and walked back to his room.

The new year is about to begin.

New challenges await.