"What?"
"Lord Uzumi, this is probably..."
For a moment, the three of them could hardly believe what Uzumi had said. The combat data of the Strike Gundam was extremely valuable—far more precious than the Strike itself at this point. With the Duel, Buster, Blitz, and Aegis having been stolen, and the Strike Gundam making multiple high-profile appearances, it was no longer a secret.
Moreover, the data of both the Strike Gundam and the Archangel had already been transmitted back to the Atlantic Federation via the 8th Fleet, so neither the Archangel nor the Strike Gundam were classified matters anymore.
Now, the most valuable thing aboard the Archangel was the Strike Gundam's combat data. Although Kira was a Coordinator and his OS couldn't be used by Naturals, his combat data could provide immense assistance in developing an OS for Naturals. After all, Kira's growth had been astonishing, and his combat record was terrifying.
"This is a formal diplomatic agreement between Orb and the Atlantic Federation, so you need not doubt its authenticity." At this point, Wang Liu Mei produced a document and handed it to the three of them.
They took turns carefully examining the document and confirmed its authenticity, but...
They still found it hard to accept. After all, this was currently the most valuable thing the Archangel had, and now it was being handed over just like that—in exchange for more benefits for them in Orb?
They didn't know whether to feel touched or cheapened.
"Wait, Lord Uzumi, I don't see any clause in the document you provided regarding Kira Yamato offering technical assistance to your nation," Natarle Badgiruel suddenly asked.
"Correct, that clause isn't there," Uzumi replied frankly, without hiding anything. "That was something I added temporarily, and it's not a demand on your ship—it's a request."
"This... Lord Uzumi, surely you must know that Kira Yamato was originally a citizen of Orb. His enlistment in the Earth Forces was under very special circumstances. And as the captain, I naturally have to consider the personal feelings of my crew."
"Yes, I understand. So, Captain Ramius, please relay this matter to Kira Yamato. We are also willing to respect his personal wishes," Uzumi answered gently.
"Thank you very much, Lord Uzumi," Murrue and the other two expressed their gratitude sincerely. Although Yang Hui had been the one to set all this in motion, Uzumi was the supreme leader who decided everything for this nation. It was thanks to Uzumi's favor that they could receive Orb's assistance. If Uzumi had refused, they wouldn't have been able to enter Orb smoothly.
"This is just standard diplomatic conduct—no need for thanks. Our nation has also obtained what it wanted. As for the members of your ship... Yang Hui, what do you think should be done?"
Instead of announcing his decision directly, Uzumi asked for Yang Hui's opinion, as Yang Hui was the one who knew the people aboard the Archangel best.
"I believe they can be trusted, Lord Uzumi. We can grant them permission to go out. Moreover, there are several Orb citizens aboard the Archangel, and some of them were originally students. They should also return home to reunite with their parents," Yang Hui replied.
Unlike the original storyline, the Archangel wasn't secretly brought back to Orb this time due to Cagalli's pleading or Lord Uzumi's demands. With legitimate reasons, the ship no longer needed to hide, so its crew weren't confined to Dawn Company's facilities. The Archangel's stay in Orb lasted over half a month—a decent vacation for them.
"If that's the case... then we'll proceed accordingly."
"Eh?" The three officers blinked in surprise at Orb's unexpectedly lenient restrictions.
"However, there's one condition," Uzumi's expression turned stern as he addressed Captain Ramius, Major Flaga, and Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel. "While your crew may enter Orb's urban areas, you must conceal your identities. Remember, Orb is a neutral nation. I won't tolerate any... inconvenient rumors."
"...You have our assurances, Lord Uzumi."
With that, the formal meeting concluded. They couldn't refuse Uzumi's terms—these conditions were already approved by the Atlantic Federation's upper echelons. As for Kira's request, Murrue and the others knew his nature would compel agreement.
After the trio departed, Uzumi and Yang Hui remained.
"You've overstepped this time, Yang Hui," Uzumi reprimanded sternly.
Yang Hui rolled his eyes and shrugged helplessly. "You know your daughter well, Lord Uzumi."
"..."
Of course he did!
Had Yang Hui not sent advance notice to prepare proper agreements for the Archangel's entry, Orb would've been forced to accept the ship anyway due to Cagalli's antics—but without legitimate justification.
"You should've dragged her back by force," Uzumi grumbled.
"And risk another runaway?"
"...Sigh ZAFT and PLANT won't be easily placated this time, Yang Hui."
"Then we won't placate them," Yang Hui responded seriously.
"Hmm?" Uzumi's brow furrowed deeply at the tone and implication—was Yang Hui considering open confrontation?
"Sumera, Liumei." Instead of answering directly, Yang Hui turned to Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei.
The women nodded, operating their PADs. The curtains automatically closed, lights dimmed, and a large screen illuminated the far wall.
"Lord Uzumi," Sumeragi began, "as you're aware, ZAFT's space forces continue deploying troops to Earth."
"Indeed. ZAFT's preparing a major operation—likely targeting Earth Forces' last remaining spaceport. Once Panama Base falls, Earth Forces will be trapped planetside, severed from Artemis Base. But that doesn't eliminate their capacity for resistance."
Both Uzumi and Orb's leadership recognized their nation would inevitably be drawn into war's vortex. The critical factor was time—Orb remained insufficiently fortified and needed more preparation.
"No, you're mistaken, Lord Uzumi," Sumeragi stated firmly. Wang Liu Mei then projected several intelligence reports onto the screen. "According to intelligence from our operatives, ZAFT Forces have been mobilizing troops from both Gibraltar and Carpentaria bases toward Panama. However... they've secretly diverted their main forces to these locations."
"These are—!" Uzumi stood abruptly, shocked by the red markers appearing on the map.
"Exactly. ZAFT's target may not be Panama alone, but also the Earth Forces' headquarters—Joshua Base in Alaska," Sumeragi asserted.
"...A feint toward Panama while striking at the heart. ZAFT aims for a decisive blow, but... this still isn't enough." Uzumi remained unconvinced.
"The critical issue lies here, Lord Uzumi. Alongside the ZAFT movement reports, we received equally perplexing intelligence from the Atlantic Federation." Wang Liu Mei displayed another set of data originating from Alaska Base.
"What... does this mean?" Uzumi frowned at the report detailing Alaska Base preparing multiple large transport submarines while secretly deploying numerous engineers for undisclosed construction projects.
"Everyone assumes ZAFT targets Panama—even the Atlantic Federation diverted Alaska's main fleet there," Yang Hui interjected gravely. "Yet these transport submarines remain. That's a significant force held back. More puzzling—why retain all engineers while sending combat units away? What construction project demands such manpower?"
"...Could it be defensive installations? Alaska Base is their central command—they wouldn't abandon it completely," Uzumi speculated.
"Then shouldn't they keep combat units for defense while sending engineers to fortify Panama?" Yang Hui countered.
"This..."
"Thus, we conclude the Atlantic Federation is preparing a major operation in Alaska—undoubtedly countering ZAFT's move. The exact objective requires further intelligence," Sumeragi confirmed.
"I've instructed our Atlantic Federation operatives to ascertain their high command's Alaska activities within five days," Wang Liu Mei added.
"I... understand." Though not fully persuaded, Uzumi recognized impending global upheaval where Orb couldn't remain neutral. Continued secrecy became pointless—better redirect those efforts toward strengthening their position.
"Lord Uzumi, I have a request."
"Speak."
"Redirect domestic resources toward Ame No Minashira and begin relocating Dawn Company's operations there."
"...Approved."
After agreeing to Yang Hui's request, Uzumi departed. Yet as he walked away, his usually upright posture seemed slightly hunched, as if he had aged several years in mere moments.
He knew that when Yang Hui made this proposal, Orb had already begun preparing for the worst. Everyone understood that in the eyes of the two major powers, Orb had become synonymous with danger. Should the war escalate to its most intense phase, they would undoubtedly eliminate this threat preemptively.
Moreover... whether it was Uzumi, other high-ranking officials of Orb, or Yang Hui, Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei and the others—they all recognized one undeniable truth: Orb was merely a hazard, not yet worthy of being considered an opponent by either superpower.
(End of Chapter)