Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

That afternoon, Char convened an emergency resource allocation meeting.

Attendees included Uzumi, Mina, Erika, and key officials from Dawn Corporation and the Ministry of Defense. The meeting had only one theme—to concentrate Orb's limited resources on the construction of four Gundams.

"The production lines for Zaku and GM are suspended." Char cut to the chase. "All E-carbon fiber raw materials, Luna titanium alloy, and high-precision processing equipment will be prioritized for the construction of the four Gundams."

"What about the Griffin Squad's training?" Mina asked. "Without new units to replace them, what will happen to the existing thirty—"

"Therefore, there can be no losses," Char said. "Until the Gundam is completed, the Griffin Squad will not participate in any actual combat. They will only train and not go into battle."

"What about the operating revenue from the rail elevators?" the CFO asked. "We originally planned to use that revenue to balance the budget—"

"All of it will be invested in the Gundam project," Char said. "The financial gap will be filled jointly by the Asuka and Sahak families."

Uzumi glanced at Mina. Mina nodded slightly.

"The Sahak family agrees."

"The Askha family also agreed," Uzmi said.

Char looked around and confirmed that there were no further objections.

"Alright. From today onwards, Project 'Spark' will be the highest priority. Everyone and all resources must make way for the four goddesses."

December 20, CE68, Dawn Corporation underground factory, workstation number one.

The RX-78-1 Sword Gundam stood there silently, its silver-white Luna Titanium alloy armor gleaming under the lights. This was Orb's first Gundam, and the one Char Aznable himself piloted. But today, it would be refitted.

It's not abandonment, but rebirth.

"The Minovsky nuclear reactor will be dismantled and replaced with a GN Solar Reactor." Char stood at the foot of the mobile suit and told the technicians, "All thrusters will be replaced with GN particle propulsion systems. The weapon systems will be upgraded to GN beam weapons. The armor will be retained, but GN field generators will be added to key areas."

"What about the modification period?" Erica asked.

"Two months," Char said. "In February of CE69, I want to see the Goddess of Justice activated."

The technicians got to work. A robotic arm extended and began disassembling the RX-78-1's backpack armor. Sparks flew, and the clanging of metal echoed through the workshop.

Xia took a few steps back and looked up at the machine that was about to be reborn.

December 25, CE68, Christmas Day.

A low-key inauguration ceremony for the orbital elevator was held in Orb. There were no foreign guests, no media, only representatives of the five major families and high-ranking officials of the Defense Force. Uzumi gave a brief speech and then pressed the start button.

The lift slowly ascended, carrying the first batch of cargo—the core components of four Gundams—towards the high-orbit space station.

Char stood on the viewing platform, watching the ascender become a point of light on the horizon and then disappear.

"Brother," Cagalli stood beside him, the thirteen-year-old girl already reaching his shoulder, "Will that thing send our solar reactor into space?"

"Yes," Char said. "Then, they will be put into the Gundam's chest."

"Is Gundam... more powerful than Zaku and GM?"

"Much more powerful." Xia looked down at his sister. "One Justice Goddess can defeat ten Zaku."

Cagalli's eyes lit up.

"Those four can defeat forty!"

"That's not how it's calculated," Xia laughed, "but it's roughly the same."

Cagalli clenched her fists.

"Brother, I want to pilot a Gundam too."

"Wait until you're a little older." Xia patted her head. "For now, focus on learning how to conduct."

"Um!"

After the ceremony, Mina Sahak found Char.

The two walked side by side down the corridor of the Dawn Society, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

"Char, you've concentrated all your resources on building these four mobile suits. Does that mean... you think war is coming soon?"

Char stopped in his tracks.

"Yes."

"When?"

"CE 70 years. Two years at most."

Mina remained silent for a moment.

"The Sahak family's private military satellite has been converted into a training base for the Space Force. Thirty Griffin pilots conduct weekly tactical training there in a zero-gravity environment."

"I know. Thank you, Mina."

"You're welcome." Mina turned around, her red eyes fixed on him. "Xia, I have a question for you."

"explain."

"If war really breaks out, can Orb hold out?"

Xia looked at her, his deep red eyes shining with determination.

"able."

"Why are you so sure?"

"Because we all share a goal in Orb, and we strive for it," Char said. "We have Uzumi's leadership, your support, Erika's skills, the Griffin Team's sacrifices, and me."

Mina's lips curled up slightly.

"confidence."

"If being well-prepared doesn't make someone confident, then I don't know how someone can be confident," Xia said. "Mina, I've chosen this path, and I'll see it through to the end."

Mina reached out and gently patted his shoulder.

"Okay. The Sahak family will always stand by your side."

December 31, CE68, Lunar New Year's Eve.

Char stood on the observation deck of the Dawn Society—this was his seventh year spending New Year's Eve here. In the distance, the city of Orb shone brightly, fireworks bursting in the night sky. On the sea, the cables of the orbital elevator gleamed silver in the moonlight, like a string connecting heaven and earth.

"VEDA," he said, "is reporting on the year-end summary."

"Yes. In CE68, Orb completed the following: the first Izumo-class ship was launched and completed sea trials; the Minovsky particle defense system was deployed; the main structure of the orbital elevator was completed; the construction of three GN Solar Furnaces was completed at the Jupiter base, and the fourth was expected to be completed in January; the project for four second-generation Gundams was launched, and all were expected to be completed by the end of CE69."

"What are the risks of war?"

"The relationship between PLANT and the Earth Federation has further deteriorated. Patrick Sala's approval rating on the PLANT Supreme Council has reached 70%. Blue Cosmos's sphere of influence in the Atlantic Federation has expanded to twelve states. The frequency of local conflicts has increased by 60% compared to last year. According to model predictions, the probability of a large-scale armed conflict breaking out in CE69 is 40%, rising to 90% in CE70."

Char closed his eyes.

"Notify all departments that CE69's annual leave is cancelled. All personnel are to enter a state of readiness."

"Instruction recorded."

He opened his eyes and looked towards the southeast sky.

Jupiter, below the horizon. But he knew that in the shadow of that giant planet, the Haros were building the fourth solar furnace. On Earth, the skeletons of the four goddesses were taking shape. In orbit, the Izumo awaited her first space voyage.

"One more year," Xia said softly. "Give me one more year."

Fireworks burst in the night sky, illuminating his profile.

CE68 has ended.

The shadow of war is already rising on the horizon.