The [White Tiger-class] battleships were incapable of atmospheric flight, leaving only the Archangel capable of descending to Earth. However, the Archangel still required repairs and couldn't depart immediately. As a result, Yang Hui, Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria had to take the lead, boarding a large shuttle ahead of the others.
After landing at a relatively intact airfield, Yang Hui instructed the prepared ground crew to transport the Dawn Gundam, Gundam Exia, Gundam Cherudim, and Gundam Virtue back to the secret dock's hangar. Along with the Mobile Suits, a mysterious large wooden crate was also transported—reportedly containing highly sensitive equipment with strict confidentiality protocols, forbidding unauthorized access.
"Welcome back, Supreme Commander, Chief of Staff, and Foreign Minister." Guelt, the commander of the First Fleet, had returned from Papua New Guinea to Orb's homeland to oversee its defense. Upon learning of Yang Hui's return, he promptly arrived with a group of ship captains and officers to greet them.
"How is the domestic situation?"
"Relatively stable. The takeover of the homeland proceeded smoothly without conflict with the Earth Forces. Citizens followed the recall orders in an orderly manner. Though a small faction attempted to stir trouble, we suppressed them quickly. However..."
"However?"
"After the First Fleet withdrew from Papua New Guinea, unrest has resurfaced there. Additionally, the Earth Forces' fleet remains stationed at the edge of our territorial waters without withdrawing. It's likely..."
"Disregard the Earth Forces' fleet. The Atlantic Federation's internal strife isn't over yet—they won't dare act recklessly. Just keep them under surveillance."
"What about Papua New Guinea?"
"Move the Mass Driver toward Papua New Guinea. The combined forces of the Second and Third Fleets will suffice."
"Understood."
While issuing orders and exchanging updates, they arrived at the main administrative building. The Ministry of Defense had been destroyed during the battle for Orb's defense, forcing them to operate from here for now. Though Yang Hui was still officially the Supreme Commander, with Uzumi and others having perished in battle, leadership naturally fell to him—though the formal announcement had yet to be made.
Entering the main conference room—the highest authority in Orb and the site of major policy decisions—they found a space designed for over twenty seats. Normally, this room would be packed during meetings, but now it was nearly empty. Aside from Yang Hui, Sumeragi, and Wang Liu Mei, only Guelt and a handful of returning officials were present. Many of the younger generation had either not yet risen to prominence or hadn't received official appointments.
"Sumeragi, you'll temporarily oversee all of Orb's military forces. Focus on stabilizing Papua New Guinea—suppress any unrest immediately."
"Understood."
"Liumei, reactivate the entire intelligence network and provide full reconnaissance support. Also, reach out to our allied factions and gauge their positions. This must be completed before peace talks begin."
"Understood."
"Guelt, place the First Fleet on secondary combat readiness. Though there are no immediate signs of danger, we must prepare for the unexpected."
"Yes."
Then, Yang Hui issued several appointments in succession, filling the vacant core positions. All domestic issues requiring resolution—public security, internal affairs, and more—were put on the agenda. This was merely a hastily convened interim meeting to temporarily stabilize the nation, yet it lasted a full three hours.
After the meeting, Yang Hui slumped onto the sofa, his eyes blankly fixed on the ceiling.
"Heh, what's wrong? Already exhausted from just this much?" Wang Liu Mei sat on his lap, her arms looped around his neck as she teased him.
"I'm exhausted. Sigh, I should never have taken on all this work in the first place. It's honestly more draining than fighting a major battle." Yang Hui wrapped his arms around Wang Liu Mei's slender waist and buried his face against her chest, acting coquettishly.
Managing a nation was far more complicated than he had imagined. Previously, though he had effectively controlled Orb from the shadows, the scope of his concerns had never been this vast. For one thing, he had rarely involved himself in civilian internal affairs—those had been left to Uzumi and others to handle. Now, even domestic security required his attention, including the reorganization of the police force.
In the past, he had only needed to set broad strategic directions before delegating the details to Uzumi and his team. How those policies were implemented hadn't mattered to him, so long as Orb remained stable.
But now… all of it was his responsibility.
"There, there. Just hang in there. Once this world stabilizes and the next generation of capable people is trained, you can hand it all over," Wang Liu Mei comforted him, stroking his head as if he were a child.
Yang Hui merely grumbled wordlessly, nuzzling further into her embrace.
Of course, he knew all this. This was just one stop on an endless journey—they couldn't stay in this world forever. They needed to cultivate loyal subordinates, trustworthy individuals who could manage this world for them once their mission here was complete.
Holding his beloved in silence, he allowed himself to fully relax, easing the accumulated fatigue. After about an hour, Yang Hui finally pulled away from Wang Liu Mei's arms and let her straighten his slightly disheveled clothes.
"Let's get back to work. The citizens probably already know we've returned, but we should still hold a press conference to reassure them."
"Mm, I'll arrange it right away." Wang Liu Mei nodded, pulling out her PAD to begin organizing the press conference.
Yang Hui then turned his attention to Sumeragi. "The military isn't an immediate concern. The Atlantic Federation wouldn't dare make a move, and the Eurasian Federation is too far away to affect us. Other nations either lack the capability to provoke us or maintain good relations with us. Right now, the priority is stabilizing Papua New Guinea."
"I understand that, but there's one issue, Yang Hui—our military forces may no longer be sufficient."
The reason for this concern wasn't due to significant losses in Orb's military. Rather, after the upcoming peace talks, Orb's territory would expand considerably, stretching from Papua New Guinea all the way to West Indonesia—nearly doubling in size. Naturally, more troops would be needed to garrison these new regions, but...
Currently, Orb's military is truly struggling to maintain such vast territories. Recruiting soldiers requires population, funds, and resources. Producing weapons and equipment requires funds and resources. Rebuilding the homeland requires funds and resources. Everywhere is a gaping hole. And let's not forget—the reconstruction of Dawn Company and Kaguya, the establishment of a space fleet, and the goal Yang Hui has set for himself.
Honestly, Sumeragi was already considering persuading Yang Hui to adjust his original objective, shifting toward demanding more monetary and resource reparations instead. Otherwise, Orb might bite off more than it can chew and choke to death.
"...In that case, our Triple Trinity Strategy will require significant modifications," Yang Hui said to Sumeragi.
The primary objectives of these peace talks, aside from securing massive amounts of resources and funds, include the necessary annexation of Indonesian territories. This is to completely block the eastern advance route of the Carpentaria Base while also bordering the East Asian Republic, with whom Orb has always maintained good relations. This expansion represents the current limit of what Orb can realistically absorb.
Of course, these demands are directed at the Earth Alliance—specifically, the Atlantic Federation and the Eurasian Federation. The Atlantic Federation is self-explanatory. As for the Eurasian Federation, this lackey brought it upon themselves by stirring up trouble in Papua New Guinea during Orb's occupation. Since they handed Orb the excuse, why not make them pay?
As for the Eurasian Federation using the destruction of Artemis as an excuse to refuse... that was PLANT's doing. What does that have to do with Orb?
Then there's PLANT. Although PLANT never launched a military strike against Orb—in fact, they were ambushed twice by Orb—the fact remains that they threatened Earth with Genesis. It's also a fact that Yang Hui led the team that destroyed Genesis. And it's indisputable that the ceasefire and peace talks were initiated by Orb's military under Yang Hui's leadership. Based on these points alone, Orb has every right to make demands as a victorious nation.
Yang Hui's target? The salvaged Boaz Fortress.
The Triple Trinity Strategy: On Earth—Orb's homeland, the territories stretching from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia, and the Mass Driver. In space—Ame No Minashira, Boaz Fortress, and Heliopolis (once PLANT repays its debt). Space, land, and the soon-to-be-expanded maritime domain—a triple trinity to solidify Orb's position as a dominant power.
"But there's no way around it. We're short on everything," Sumeragi said with a headache. "The homeland is manageable—the damage wasn't severe, and the citizens are willing to contribute. Papua New Guinea will stabilize soon enough, and the Mass Driver isn't an issue. If push comes to shove, we can always seek help from the Junkyard Guild. But the newly acquired territories are another story."
"That is indeed a problem," Wang Liu Mei said seriously. "On the ground, it's somewhat manageable. The areas previously occupied by ZAFT Forces have been liberated and have been in a state of anarchy. Once we establish governance, stability should follow quickly. We can recruit locally—if the people there don't feel a sense of belonging to Orb, we can simply offer better incentives. The real issue is space..."
"When is Archangel scheduled to descend?"
"Estimated in about a week."
"Stay up there for now and act as the space fleet. Let's also utilize the Kusanagi—have the entire Special Forces unit go to space to hold the fort." Yang Hui rubbed his forehead as he spoke. There was no other choice. At this point, Orb's space forces truly only had three warships available. He even factored in Kira and Athrun's combat capabilities, estimating they could temporarily stabilize the situation in space.
"So, you still don't intend to give up?" Sumeragi sighed and asked.
"I can't afford to. If we abandon this, our plans will need major revisions, and we don't have enough time as it is. There's a mountain of things to do." Yang Hui was also frustrated. The Triple Trinity Strategy was the ultimate goal of the White Dove Plan, and all subsequent plans were built upon it. Abandoning any part of it could cause the entire plan to collapse.
"Alright, I understand."
"Thanks for your hard work." Yang Hui embraced Sumeragi, stroking her silky hair, offering comfort through the warmth of his arms to ease her exhaustion.
"So, how are you going to make it up to me?" Sumeragi asked.
"Once things calm down, how about I take you out on a date? Just the two of us for a day?"
"Just one day?"
"Then... two days?"
"Hmph!"
"Three days! That's my final offer! Your sisters are already lining up!"
"Hmph! You playboy, I'll twist you!"
"Oww—!! Ah—!!!"