Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

In the summer of CE61, Erika's energy security report was submitted to Uzmi's desk.

The report's core conclusion is that nuclear power accounts for as much as 60% of Orb's electricity supply, and nuclear fuel is entirely dependent on imports. If the international situation deteriorates and nuclear fuel supplies are disrupted, Orb will face a catastrophic energy shortage.

The report proposes a solution: to build a large-scale solar power array in Orb’s exclusive economic zone, while developing new energy storage systems to use solar power as a supplement and backup to nuclear power.

Uzumi read the report carefully, then summoned Char.

"This report," Uzumi said, looking at his adopted son, "was it something you had Erica write?"

"It was my suggestion," Char said without hiding anything, "but the data is real. Orb is indeed overly reliant on nuclear energy, and there are indeed supply risks."

What exactly do you mean by "risk"?

Char took a deep breath: "Father, the radicals are rising in PLANT. Patrick Zala has already taken control of the Defense Committee. If he gains supreme power in PLANT, what do you think he will do?"

Uzmi remained silent.

"He will take extreme measures against Earth," Char continued. "And one of the most effective extreme measures is to cut off Earth's nuclear energy supply. PLANT possesses state-of-the-art neutron jamming technology—although they haven't made it public yet, I believe they have already developed a deployable neutron jammer."

Do you have any evidence?

"No. But I don't need evidence to push forward with the solar energy plan," Char said. "We only need one reason—energy security. No country should entrust its lifeline to others."

Uzumi stared at Char for a long time.

"You're very cautious," he finally said. "You never make definitive statements; you always leave room for maneuver. That's good."

"Because I can't say things I shouldn't know," Xia said softly.

Uzmi nodded and did not ask any further questions.

In the autumn of CE61, Uzmi approved the "Ob Solar Energy Development Plan" by cabinet resolution. The core of the plan was to construct five large offshore solar power platforms in Ob's territorial waters, with a total installed capacity of five million kilowatts, and to build a new vanadium redox flow battery energy storage system.

This plan was packaged as a "green energy initiative," and publicly claimed to be aimed at addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. No one knew that its true purpose was to address an energy crisis that had yet to come.

In the winter of CE61, Char Aznable began to formally intervene in Orb's political affairs.

Orb's political structure differs from that of other countries on Earth. The five major families—Asuka, Sahak, Makabe, Kisaragi, and Kazama—form the core of the nation's rule. The representative leader is elected by the five families, but major decisions require the support of a majority of the families.

Although Uzumi represents the chief, his power is not absolute. The Sahak family controls a large amount of Orb's military and industrial resources, the Makabe family controls a significant portion of the personnel appointments in the National Defense Forces, and the Kisaragi and Kazama families have enormous influence in the economic and cultural spheres.

To drive change in Orb, Char cannot rely solely on Uzumi's authority. He must win the support of the other families—or at least their lack of opposition.

The first family I came into contact with was the Makabe family.

The head of the Makabe family is Kazuma Makabe, a veteran in his sixties and a founding member of the Orb Defense Forces. He is a man of strong character and conservative ideology, and is very sensitive to "political interference in military affairs".

Char visited him at the Makabe family mansion. The meeting lasted two hours, but the atmosphere remained cold. Makabe Kazuma was unimpressed by Char's role as a "technical advisor" and showed little interest in his political views.

"You're too young," Makabe said finally. "Come talk to me again when you're ten years older."

Char was not discouraged. He knew that the Makabe family's support couldn't be obtained in a short time. Some people need time to be persuaded, while others need facts to prove themselves.

The second family I came into contact with was the Kisaragi family.

The Kisaragi family is the most "artsy" of the five major families, controlling Orb's cultural and educational resources. The head of the family, Kisaragi Kotone, is an elegant woman in her fifties who is not particularly interested in politics, but has her own thoughts on "Orb's future."

Char's meeting with Kotone Kisaragi went more smoothly than expected. Kotone was very interested in the orbital elevator project, seeing it as "a symbol of Orb's journey from Earth to space." She also deeply agreed with Char's idea of ​​"eliminating racial prejudice through education."

"You are a thoughtful child," said Kisaragi Kotone. "The Kisaragi family will pay attention to your behavior."

This isn't a clear commitment, but it's at least a positive sign.

The Kazama family, on the other hand, is more pragmatic. The head of the family, Kazama Hayato, is a shrewd businessman who controls Orb's largest trading group. He is very optimistic about the commercial prospects of the orbital elevator project, but he has reservations about Char himself.

"The rail elevator is a long-term project," said Hayato Kazama. "But who will build it? Who will operate it? How will the profits be distributed? These are the key questions."

Char assured him that the construction of the rail elevator would be a public-private partnership, and the Kazama family would have priority investment rights. Kazama Hayato nodded in satisfaction, but did not give any specific promises.

Finally, and most importantly, is the Sahak family.

In the early spring of CE62, Char met Londo Mina Sahak for the second time.

More than three years have passed since they first met at the inauguration ceremony. Mina is now twenty-one years old and has officially become the head of the Sahak family—her father passed away from illness in CE61, and she inherited the family business.

The fact that a 21-year-old girl had taken the helm of one of the most powerful families in Orb caused quite a stir in the Orb political arena. But Mina proved her abilities by demonstrating her capabilities—in less than a year in office, she had already streamlined the complex business relationships of the Sahak family and made several important strategic adjustments in the defense industry.

This meeting took place not in public, but at the Sahak family’s private residence on the outskirts of Obu.

The private residence sits halfway up a hill, overlooking the entire city of Orb. Its architectural style is similar to the Asha family's, but more solemn and dignified. On the wall of the reception room hangs the Sahak family motto: "Sword and shield, protect Orb."

Mina wore a dark kimono, her long black hair was styled in an updo, revealing her fair neck. Her red eyes shone with a deep light in the candlelight.

"Xia Ya-kun, we meet again." She gave a slight bow, her manners impeccable yet warm.

"Ms. Mina, thank you for your visit," Xia returned the greeting.

The two sat facing each other on the tatami mats. After the waiter served tea, he left the room.

"How is your father's health?" Mina asked first, her tone concerned.

"Thanks to you, I'm still in pretty good shape," Xia said. "It's just that I'm busy with state affairs and don't have much time to rest."

"Uncle Uzumi is a very responsible person." Mina picked up her teacup and blew on it gently. "But people who are too responsible often neglect their own health."

Char didn't respond. He knew Mina wasn't just chatting idly, but testing him.

"Miss Mina," he cut straight to the point, "I'm here today to discuss the cooperation between the Sahak and Asha families."

Mina put down her teacup and looked at him.

"What kind of cooperation?"

"First, there's the orbital elevator," Char said. "This project needs the support of the Sahak family. The Sahak family controls Orb's most advanced materials factories and aerospace technology resources. Without your participation, the orbital elevator is just a piece of paper."

"Go on."

"Secondly, there's national defense." Char's voice lowered by half an octave. "Orb's defense forces need modernization. While the existing armaments are of good quality, their numbers are too small, and they lack a systematic combat capability. We need a new generation of main force weapons, new warships, and a complete national defense system."

Mina's red eyes narrowed slightly.

"These all cost money," she said. "And a lot of money."

"Once the rail elevator is completed, Orb's economy will grow at least three times," Char said. "This is an investment. Invest now, reap the rewards later."

“You’re very confident,” Mina said, “but I need to see more concrete things. A technical roadmap for the rail elevator, specific plans for defense modernization, cost-benefit analyses—do you have all of that?”

Char took a thick document from his briefcase and handed it over with both hands.

Please take a look.

Mina took the document and turned to the first page.

Her expression changed from calm to focused, and from focused to shocked.

The contents of the document far exceeded her expectations. The technical roadmap for the orbital elevator was detailed, outlining the technical solutions and timelines for each key node. The defense modernization plan even proposed a complete "Orb Space Fleet" concept—including new warships, new mobile suits, and a space defense system based on the orbital elevator.