With the world's vortex now centered on the announcement issued by PLANT from space, which has become known to the public, many people in Orb can no longer sit still. Undoubtedly, the statement authorized by Patrick has led to widespread speculation.
Has Orb secretly reached some agreement with the Coordinators?
Could Orb betray the entire Earth Sphere?
These are not impossible scenarios—after all, the world is just that surreal.
Sometimes, reality feels more dreamlike than fictional literature.
"Father, is it really as people outside are saying? Do you truly intend to side with the Coordinators?"
Having heard numerous speculations from those around her over the past few days, Cagalli—now slightly more mature and the nominal next leader of Orb—burst into her father's office.
Old habits die hard; even after being lectured by Wang Hu, she had made some progress, but she couldn't resist the instigation of too many people with ulterior motives around her!
"Cagalli."
With his usual calm expression, Uzumi, the current leader of Orb known as the "Lion," looked helplessly at his daughter, who had once again been used as a pawn.
"You should be more mature."
Although only he knew that the daughter before him was not his biological child, the world could criticize him for countless faults, but no one could say Uzumi did not cherish Cagalli enough. After all, if he hadn't spoiled her so much, she wouldn't have developed such a temperament.
"I understand, Father."
Reminded by Uzumi, Cagalli, dressed in the highest military uniform of Orb, suddenly realized her impropriety. However, after a perfunctory apology, she quickly returned to her usual self. After all, there were no outsiders in her father's office—only those within Orb who were loyal supporters of the Asuha family could appear here at such a time.
"Father, rumors are spreading everywhere outside. They say that you tolerated ZAFT Forces attacking Heliopolis without taking action because you had already been secretly collaborating with the Coordinators back then. And now, even as the Earth Sphere faces constant threats from Coordinators, you still refuse to contribute the Mass Driver. It's all to cooperate with ZAFT Forces in pressuring nations within the Earth Sphere, using this opportunity and the Coordinators' power to fulfill your own ambitions—even if it means the Earth Sphere suffers devastation!"
In her haste, Cagalli began questioning her father in front of everyone.
Uzumi sighed quietly, his gaze gentle as he looked at his still-immature daughter. Scanning the room, he felt relieved that none of his trusted aides showed any doubt in their eyes. After all, these were the loyalists who, in the original timeline, would have followed him to the death, regardless of the chaos that ensued.
"What is Orb's philosophy?"
Uzumi asked with unshakable composure, as if facing a collapsing mountain, and waited for his daughter's response.
"Not to invade other nations, not to allow other nations to invade us, and not to interfere in the conflicts of other nations."
Even though Cagalli was hardly studious, she still understood this nominal founding principle of Orb—after all, it was something her father repeated daily.
So she recited it fluently without much thought.
"Yes." This time, Uzumi smiled with relief and nodded.
"This world is being divided into black and white by the Allied Forces and ZAFT Forces, with both sides pulling out all the stops to win over various factions."
"Whether through force or tempting with benefits, it all boils down to pursuing their own hegemony."
"Therefore, especially at times like this, Orb, as a responsible nation, must calmly reflect on itself."
"Advance along the truly righteous path, bringing a glimmer of hopeful dawn to countless people sinking into darkness."
Clap clap clap.
Before Cagalli could react, others in the office had already erupted into enthusiastic applause.
To an uninformed observer, it would mistakenly seem as if the world had already fallen into an abyss of dire straits.
And that Orb, this tiny island nation in the ocean, was the beacon of humanity's future.
But if you paused to think carefully—was the Orb ruled by the Five Great Families truly as glorious as Uzumi claimed?
A national leader—not just in name, but one who truly wielded power—had always emerged from among these few families. In recent terms, it had even become the exclusive domain of the Asuha family.
Looking beyond the surface to the essence, one could only laugh dryly.
Having been educated, especially by Wang Hu's pointed questioning back in the desert—which still echoed in her ears—Cagalli calmly raised the doubts in her heart. "Father, if Orb were truly neutral..."
"Then the collapse of Heliopolis would never have happened. For a country committed to neutrality, Dawn Company and the Mass Driver..."
"Are nothing but hidden dangers that will inevitably bring disaster sooner or later."
"Hmm?" Uzumi was greatly surprised by his daughter's question.
A flicker of change crossed his composed expression.
"Who told you this? Who put such ideas in your head?"
For the first time, Uzumi's tone toward Cagalli carried a hint of severity.
And Cagalli?
Seizing this rare opportunity, she had hoped to resolve her doubts with her father.
Never did she expect that her usually doting father would react this way.
True to her impulsive nature, Cagalli's temper flared.
"Isn't that so? In my view, the Kingdom of Scandinavia is the model for a neutral small nation."
"I've looked into Orb—Dawn Company's arms production capacity far exceeds what suits Orb's scale."
"The resources for building the Mass Driver also come from arms trade."
"Not to mention your involvement in the Allied Forces' Mobile Suit development back then."
"What kind of neutrality is this?! It's nothing but a false peace!"
"Cagalli!" Uzumi could no longer remain seated. He stood up abruptly, staring at his beloved daughter.
Whether it was her mention of "neutral small nation" or "false peace" indirectly negating his governance achievements, he strode around the desk to stand before Cagalli.
"Orb must have the ability to protect itself—this is necessary for Orb."
"Necessary?"
Cagalli had mentally prepared herself for a scolding from her father - after all, Wang Hu had already reprimanded her several times before.
Unexpectedly, even after she had spoken such words and her father had become this angry, he could still treat her calmly.
"Neutrality isn't something you just pay lip service to. Only when you're strong enough can neutrality truly be neutrality."
"Otherwise, your nation's borders could be breached at any moment. Is neutrality gained through others' charity real neutrality?"
"And many small countries around the world, facing oppression from major powers, are unable to resist due to their limited strength."
"As a responsible major nation, Orb also has the duty to extend assistance when within its capabilities."
"At the very least, we need to let them see hope!"
"Is that so?" Cagalli's mind wasn't processing this quickly, and Uzumi's words made perfect sense.
It indeed aligned with Cagalli's logic - yes, if I can't protect myself...
Others won't care just because you claim to be neutral. When someone is determined to attack you,
what is neutrality? Can you eat it?
"Alright." Just as Uzumi was about to send Cagalli away,
the office door was pushed open again, and other factions within Orb not aligned with Uzumi's direct line entered.
Leading them was the head of the Seiran family, the most powerful clan outside Orb's five great families.
Uzumi saw Unato of the Seiran family holding a document, his face full of anxiety.
"Representative Asuha, this is a notification just issued by the Atlantic Federation."
As part of Orb's pro-Atlantic Federation faction, Unato's acting was still convincing at this moment.
Though the Atlantic Federation was clearly his master, he behaved as if completely loyal to Orb before Uzumi.
Taking the document handed over by the other party, the seasoned Uzumi knew perfectly well the other was acting.
But while Orb represented a force that could influence the world in his heart, the world didn't see it that way.
Thus, Uzumi had no choice but to pretend not to notice, quickly scanning through the Atlantic Federation's sternly worded ultimatum.
Closing his eyes, the Orb Lion sank into deep thought.
"Father?" Seeing her father's expression, Cagalli quickly snatched the document.
"How can this be?" Cagalli was stunned.
Because when translated, the Atlantic Federation's notification essentially meant: if you don't clarify your stance, don't blame us for being unfriendly.
Even if the East Asian Alliance doesn't take action, we in the Atlantic Federation will make you correct your attitude!
"Father!" Even with her impulsive nature, Cagalli clearly understood Orb's limitations.
With almost no strategic depth to speak of, Orb was just an island nation in the ocean!
If the Atlantic Federation truly decided to attack, just a few waves of missile barrages would be enough.
Even if they ultimately won, Orb would suffer devastating losses!
What?
You say Orb has the capability to protect itself?
That it can intercept all enemy attacks?
Not even dogs would believe such claims!
"Orb's principles will not waver."
When Uzumi opened his eyes and spoke these words, there was undoubtedly an element of gambling in his statement.
Never mind that in this world, PLANT had publicly announced its commitment to provide security for Orb.
Even in the original timeline, ZAFT hadn't made such promises.
Back then, Uzumi made the same decision as now, and it would be hard to say he wasn't taking a gamble.
He wanted to walk a tightrope between the Allied Forces and ZAFT. If he succeeded, everyone would be happy, and both he and Orb would gain unprecedented prestige.
As for failure?
Orb had its own unique circumstances. At worst, he would die—atonement through death.
What could be more manly than taking responsibility in this way?
"Father!"
Though impulsive by nature, Cagalli still had some brains and expressed her dissatisfaction.
(End of Chapter)