Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

February 28, CE69, Dawn Society underground factory.

Zagu Gai stood quietly at workstation number one.

Its appearance is similar to that of a regular Zaku—a sturdy body, broad shoulder armor, and the signature monocular monitor. However, the details are numerous. The chest armor has been replaced with Luna Titanium alloy, giving it a unique silver-white sheen. The thrusters on its back have been replaced with a high-performance model salvaged from the RX-78-1, providing 1.5 times the thrust of a regular Zaku. A beam saber—a weapon not originally present on the Zaku—is mounted on its waist. Its right hand grips a beam rifle salvaged from the RX-78-1, while its left hand holds a Luna Titanium alloy shield.

The cockpit had also been modified. The core regulator system—the small core fighter that could eject from the machine as an escape device—was inserted into the Zaku's chest. This meant that even if the machine was destroyed, the pilot would have a chance of survival.

"Zaku Kai, 17.5 meters tall, 58 tons fully equipped. As per your request, the entire unit is painted red." Erica stood beside Char, a hint of helplessness in her voice. "The Minovsky nuclear reactor outputs 986 kilowatts—the same as a regular Zaku. But the armor, weapons, and thrusters are all Gundam-level. Simply put, it's a Gundam in Zaku skin, but don't you think the paint scheme is a bit too conspicuous?"

"Don't you think red suits me well? Besides, as long as the performance is sufficient, it's fine," Xia said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Okay, whatever makes you happy," Erica said, looking at him with a hint of helplessness. "But there's a performance limit. The Minovsky nuclear reactor only outputs 986 kilowatts, which isn't enough to power the high-frequency use of the beam rifle. It can only fire a maximum of 15 rounds before needing to be recharged."

"Fifteen shots, that's enough." Char walked towards the machine. "A battle on the battlefield doesn't require fifteen beams."

He climbed into the cockpit and started the system. The cockpit of the core fighter jet was much more spacious than that of the ordinary Zaku, and the panoramic display screen lit up, showing the entire factory.

"Char Langrad Athha, Zaku Custom, activate."

The machine took a step, and the ground trembled slightly.

"All systems are normal," Char's voice came through the communicator. "Erika, have the firing range prepare. I need to test live ammunition."

After the test, Char stepped out of the cockpit and saw Mina Sahak standing at the factory entrance.

She wore a black pilot's suit—the uniform of a space force commander—the form-fitting design accentuating her slender figure. Her long, black hair was tied in a ponytail, and her red eyes gleamed with a deep light under the lamplight.

"Mina? Why are you dressed like that?"

"I want to apply to become an MS pilot." Mina walked up to him, her tone calm but firm. "The Griffin Squad still has vacancies, and my physical condition and mental qualities meet the standards. People from the Sahak family can't just sit in the back and command."

Char remained silent for a moment.

"Do you know what this means? If you go to the battlefield—"

“I know,” Mina interrupted him, “but Orb needs everyone who can fight. I’m not asking, I’m informing you.”

Xia looked at her, his red eyes burning with a stubborn light.

"Okay. Simulator test, now."

In the simulator center, Mina sat in the cockpit.

This was her first time using an MS emulator. Char had thought it would take her several hours to get used to it, but the result surprised him.

Mina's first simulation result was a B—better than most Griffin team members' first-round scores. Second simulation, an A. Third simulation, an A+.

"What kind of car did she drive before?" Xia asked the instructor next to him.

"There's no record. But she has a pilot's license and has flown small planes and helicopters. However, MS and airplanes are completely different..."

Char stared at the data on the screen, lost in thought.

Mina's driving style is completely different from her usual personality. Normally, she is calm, restrained, and elegant. But in the simulator, she becomes decisive, sharp, and even somewhat aggressive. Her maneuvers are precise and ruthless; every movement is clean and crisp, without the slightest hesitation.

"That's the talent of a Coordinator," Char said softly.

In the fourth simulation, Mina's score matched that of Noah Reyes—the most talented pilot in the Griffin team.

When Mina stepped out of the simulator, there was a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, but her eyes remained calm.

"Did it pass?" she asked.

Char nodded.

"From today onwards, you are the sixteenth pilot of the Griffin Squadron. Mobile suit—GM, custom model."

Mina's lips curled up slightly.

"it is good."

February 28, CE69, late at night.

Char stood on the observation deck of the Dawn Corporation, holding the test report for the Zaku II. Its performance was good, better than he had expected. But he knew the Zaku II was merely a stopgap measure. The real trump card—the four Dystopian reactors—was still awaiting the return of the GN Drive.

"VEDA, the location of the cargo hold."

"9 million kilometers from Earth. Estimated arrival time: September CE69. All is well, Hellos are in good condition."

"What are the developments regarding PLANT?"

"Patrick Sara's proposal to the Supreme Council was passed, and the PLANT defense force's budget increased by thirty percent. GINN production has increased to fifty units per month. Siegel Klein's moderates have been further marginalized."

What about Earth Alliance?

"The Blue Universe's influence in the Atlantic Federation has reached an all-time high. Murta Azrael has announced his candidacy for the next Atlantic Federation presidential election. His poll support is 31 percent."

Char closed his eyes.

"Notify Mina that starting tomorrow, the Griffin Squadron will be on high alert. All pilots will be on standby 24 hours a day."

"Instruction recorded."

He opened his eyes and looked towards the southeast sky.

In the direction of Jupiter, the cargo module is traversing the asteroid belt. Four solar furnaces lie dormant inside, awaiting the day they will be awakened.

"Faster," Xia whispered, "Faster."

At the same time, at the Sahak family residence.

Mina stood on her balcony, a glass of red wine in her hand. She was dressed casually, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the aloof female commander she had been during the day.

Her gaze drifted to the distant Dawn Society campus. There, Zaku Gai was charging at its workstation, waiting for its owner.

"Miss, are you really determined to go to the battlefield?" The butler's voice came from behind.

"Yes."

"If the patriarch were alive, what would he say?"

Mina remained silent for a moment.

“Father would say— ‘Sword and shield, protect Orb.’” She turned to look at the butler. “The Sahak family motto is not to have others protect it, but to protect it ourselves.”

The butler bowed deeply.

"This old servant understands. I wish Miss great success in her martial endeavors."

Mina downed the wine in her glass in one gulp, her red eyes flashing with a cold light in the moonlight.