"What do you think? Should we intervene?"
After seeing off the representative from the United States of South America, Yang Hui gathered Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, and the others together. Even Creuset, who couldn't attend in person, joined the meeting via voice call.
The request from the United States of South America was simple: they wanted Orb to send troops to help them resist the Atlantic Federation's invasion.
Although the South American Republic was a member of the Earth Alliance, their relationship with the Atlantic Federation had always been hostile. The Atlantic Federation had long coveted the Panama Spaceport, which, while nominally co-owned by the Earth Alliance, was located within South American territory and thus under their jurisdiction.
Even before the war between PLANT and the Atlantic Federation broke out, the Atlantic Federation had already launched an attack on the United States of South America, seizing large swaths of territory, including the Panama Spaceport.
Yet, the United States of South America had continued to resist, fighting desperately to preserve their nation.
Now, with the Atlantic Federation weakened and Orb's rapid rise to prominence, the United States of South America saw an opportunity. They hoped to leverage Orb's strength to reclaim their lost territory and free themselves from the Atlantic Federation's oppression.
"What are they offering in return?" Creuset's voice came through the PAD on the table.
"Various policies and concessions—basically becoming a vassal state of Orb, more or less," Yang Hui replied.
"Hah. What a pipe dream."
Not only did Creuset scoff, but the others also found the South American offer unsatisfactory. Calling themselves a vassal state meant little in practical terms. The only valuable asset the United States of South America had was the Panama Spaceport—but not only had it already been destroyed by ZAFT, Orb itself already possessed two spaceports: the Kaguya and the Mass Driver. Adding another wouldn't make much of a difference.
While South America was rich in mineral resources, just like the Panama Spaceport, would the Atlantic Federation simply let go of such a prize?
Technologically, there was no comparison—even the Atlantic Federation, a technologically advanced nation, couldn't match Orb, let alone the United States of South America.
The same went for their military. South America's armed forces had always been weak, with their regular army crippled by the Atlantic Federation. Now, their resistance mainly relied on guerrilla forces and civilian militias.
The only remaining benefit for Orb would be population—but the current demographic of the United States of South America consisted mostly of the elderly, women, and children, offering little boost to Orb's productivity.
In short, it was a situation where the gains didn't justify the effort.
"But the United States of South America doesn't have anything else to offer," Yang Hui shrugged. To be fair, their proposal was already everything they could muster. Asking for more would be impossible—unless they were willing to dissolve their sovereignty and merge into Orb.
But that was out of the question. Hadn't the South American War of Independence been fought for sovereignty? Why would they drive out the Atlantic Federation only to be annexed by Orb?
"Can we secure mining rights in South America?" Creuset asked. Aside from population, their mineral wealth was the only thing worth Orb's investment.
"The ones they still control could be transferred to us, but there aren't many left. The best mines are already in the Atlantic Federation's hands," Yang Hui explained.
"This is quite... Hmm? Wait, I suddenly think this matter... is feasible!" Creuset said. "The Atlantic Federation has suffered such a heavy loss this time—they definitely won't let it go."
Hearing this, everyone nodded. They all knew peace was temporary. Beneath the recently calmed surface, turbulent undercurrents had always existed, and it wouldn't be long before this tranquility was shattered.
The Atlantic Federation's primary enemy would undoubtedly be PLANT, but they wouldn't spare Orb either. After all, Orb had just dealt the Atlantic Federation a major blow this time.
"Half of the Atlantic Federation's mineral resources come from mines in South America. What if... we took control of those mines? Do you think the Atlantic Federation would be furious?" Sumeragi asked.
"No," everyone shook their heads in unison. Though Creuset didn't respond, his answer was likely the same as the others. After all, the Atlantic Federation's current situation wasn't favorable. If their internal conflicts remained unresolved, they wouldn't rashly start a war. Moreover, they had just signed a peace agreement—peace was the prevailing theme now. If the Atlantic Federation violated this, they would become the target of universal condemnation.
"So... we should intervene and help the South American Union reclaim their lost territory," Yang Hui decided.
By driving out the Atlantic Federation's forces in South America and seizing control of the mines, the Atlantic Federation would face a massive resource shortage, hindering their military reconstruction and weapons production.
"Not openly, though—otherwise, we'd be the ones starting the war," Tieria reminded.
"Right, so we'll need to disguise our involvement. Liumei, do we have enough resources—excluding what's necessary for our plans—to support the South American Union?"
"If we focus on essential supplies... yes," Wang Liu Mei replied after roughly calculating their reserves.
"Good. Tomorrow, you'll discuss the specifics with the South American Union's representatives." Yang Hui then turned to Sumeragi. "How many of our existing forces are still available for deployment?"
"Currently, only the newly reorganized Sixth Fleet can be mobilized," Sumeragi said with a headache. Though Orb's forces had been relatively well-preserved, they were already stretched thin. With Orb's expanded territory—not just on Earth but also the Boaz Fortress in space, the ongoing reconstruction of Heliopolis, and the establishment of the Space Fleet—manpower was in critically short supply.
The Sixth Fleet was a newly formed naval fleet, composed mainly of Earth Forces personnel who had defected to Orb and newly recruited members.
Since Orb's reconstruction began, Sumeragi had been working on recruitment—not just from Orb itself but also from the local population in Papua New Guinea. Every available person had been mobilized, but there were still gaps.
"Are there any MS units we can deploy?" Yang Hui asked. To covertly assist the South American Union in reclaiming their territory, a naval fleet alone wouldn't be enough—they'd need ground forces as well. Ordinary tank and air units wouldn't stand a chance against the Atlantic Federation's MS units. They had to have MS units of their own.
"The First Special Task Force and the First Battalion have followed the First Fleet to Alaska for exercises and won't return for at least another month." Speaking of this matter, Sumeragi couldn't help feeling resentful. Originally, the First Fleet, the First MS Special Task Force, and the First MS Battalion were the backbone forces stationed in Orb. Yet with just a word from Yang Hui, they were all dispatched, leaving her once again in a position with no available personnel.
Not only those units, but even the three aces—Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria—were also gone.
However, Sumeragi understood Yang Hui's decision. The Atlantic Federation's attitude was improper, and they weren't about to indulge it. Sending troops to their doorstep to remind them that Orb was no longer an easy target was necessary.
"Hmm... In that case, let's deploy the First Squadron to South America. Once domestic affairs are mostly settled, I'll personally go there—"
"You can't go." Creuset immediately opposed Yang Hui's proposal. "Right now, countless eyes are fixed on you. If you move, the whole world will react."
"I could—"
"No, you can't. Whether it's you personally or your Mobile Suit, both are far too conspicuous. There's no hiding."
"Fine, I get it. But if I don't go, who will oversee things?"
"Can't Barry and Jiang handle it?" Lyle asked.
"Their individual capabilities are sufficient, but they lack the ability to coordinate the overall situation. We need someone who can oversee the big picture and make strategic arrangements."
"I'll go."
"You?"
Everyone turned their attention to the PAD on the table—it was Creuset who had spoken.
"Among those capable of coordinating the overall situation, there are only you, me, Ms. Huang, and Ms. Wang. You can't move, Ms. Huang and Ms. Wang are tied up with their own responsibilities, so I'm the only one left."
"No, your identity is too sensitive. You can't go." Yang Hui refused outright. It wasn't a matter of distrusting Creuset, but his identity was indeed problematic. If recognized, Orb would once again be embroiled in controversy.
"Don't worry, I'll keep my identity hidden. Very few have seen my true face, and besides, we don't have any other options, do I?" Creuset addressed the group.
"..." Silence fell over them. Creuset was right—they truly had no alternatives. Aside from Yang Hui, Sumeragi, and Wang Liu Mei, Creuset was the only one capable of achieving the objectives in the South American Union without provoking a full-scale war between Orb and the Atlantic Federation.
"...Can you step away from intelligence operations?" Yang Hui asked Creuset.
"All arrangements are already in place. Now we just wait for results."
"...Alright. Stay safe."
After careful consideration, Yang Hui agreed to let Creuset oversee the situation in South America. They truly had no other choice—talent in this field was far too scarce.
The others tacitly accepted the decision as well. They didn't yet trust Creuset, but they trusted Yang Hui. If Yang Hui chose to believe in Creuset, they would try to do the same.
"Alright, Ms. Huang, please inform me once tomorrow's negotiations conclude. I'll immediately coordinate with Ms. Sumeragi to formulate a plan." This could be considered Creuset's way of taking a more humble approach. In truth, his planning abilities weren't much inferior to Sumeragi's - as evidenced by his scheme to pit PLANT against the Earth Forces in an attempt to destroy the world.
Yet he chose not to act alone, instead proactively seeking Sumeragi's collaboration in planning. This was both a concession and an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the team, a way to bridge the gap with the price to be paid.
"No problem."
"By the way, Creuset, there's a new task. Arrange it immediately—I want the most detailed intelligence on King Oluf of the Scandinavian Kingdom, from birth to the present. Also, have him closely monitored. Wherever he goes each day, who he meets, even what he eats for every meal—I want to know everything."
"Understood, I'll have it arranged."
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