Battle of Orb

The Battle of Orb (オーブ攻防戦, Ōbu Kōbōsen) was a major engagement that occurred during the First Alliance-PLANT War in Cosmic Era 71, in which Earth Alliance forces invaded the neutral nation of Orb Union to gain access to its advanced technology. The battle resulted in Orb’s defeat and the destruction of its facilities, forcing the evacuation of Orb refugees and the Archangel crew to space.

Background

Orb Union had maintained neutrality throughout the First Alliance-PLANT War, refusing to align with either the Earth Alliance or ZAFT. Orb’s advanced technology, including its mobile suit development capabilities and naval fleet, made it a target for both sides seeking to gain a technological advantage.

The Earth Alliance, recognising Orb’s strategic value and frustrated by its refusal to join the war effort, decided to invade Orb to capture its technology and eliminate it as a potential threat. The invasion was part of the Alliance’s broader strategy to consolidate resources and eliminate neutral powers that could interfere with its war plans.

Orb’s Chief Representative Uzumi Nara Athha had long advocated for neutrality and peace, believing that Orb should remain independent from the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators. However, this neutrality became increasingly difficult to maintain as the war escalated, and Orb’s advanced technology made it a target for both sides.

Course of the battle

Alliance invasion

Earth Alliance forces launched a massive invasion of Orb, deploying numerous mobile suits and naval vessels to overwhelm Orb’s defences. The Alliance forces attacked Orb’s facilities, including the mobile suit development complex on Onogoro Island, where Orb’s advanced technology was housed.

Orb forces, though well-equipped, were significantly outnumbered by the Alliance invasion force. Orb’s military, including its mobile suit units and naval fleet, engaged the Alliance forces in desperate defence of their homeland.

Archangel’s involvement

The Archangel, which had taken refuge in Orb following earlier battles, became involved in the defence effort. Kira Yamato piloted the Strike Gundam in defence of Orb, fighting alongside Orb forces against the Alliance invaders.

The Archangel crew’s participation in the battle reflected their commitment to protecting Orb and its people, despite not being formal members of Orb’s military. The ship’s involvement also demonstrated the complex relationships that had developed between the Archangel crew and Orb during their time in the nation.

Orb’s last stand

As the battle progressed, it became clear that Orb could not hold out against the Alliance invasion. Uzumi Nara Athha, recognising the inevitability of Orb’s defeat, made the decision to destroy Orb’s facilities and technology rather than allow them to fall into Alliance hands.

The destruction of Orb’s facilities marked the end of Orb’s ability to resist the Alliance invasion. Uzumi’s decision to destroy the technology demonstrated his commitment to preventing it from being used to further the war, even at the cost of Orb’s defeat.

Evacuation

Following Orb’s defeat, an evacuation effort was launched to rescue Orb civilians and military personnel. The Archangel, along with other vessels, participated in the evacuation, transporting refugees to safety.

The evacuation saw the separation of Cagalli Yula Athha, Uzumi’s daughter, from her father, who chose to remain behind to ensure the evacuation’s success. Uzumi’s death during the battle marked the end of Orb’s independence and the loss of one of the war’s most prominent advocates for peace.

Aftermath

The Battle of Orb resulted in the defeat of Orb Union and the destruction of its facilities. The battle marked the end of Orb’s neutrality and its independence, as Alliance forces occupied the nation and captured its remaining resources.

The battle’s aftermath saw the evacuation of Orb refugees to space, where they would continue to work toward rebuilding their nation and advocating for peace. The Archangel and its crew, along with Orb refugees, established new bases and continued their efforts to end the war.

The battle also had significant personal consequences for those involved. Cagalli lost her father and her homeland, forcing her to confront her responsibilities as Orb’s heir and continue Uzumi’s work toward peace. The battle’s impact on Kira and the Archangel crew further motivated them to find a way to end the war and prevent further destruction.

Significance

The Battle of Orb was a turning point in the First Alliance-PLANT War, demonstrating the Earth Alliance’s willingness to violate neutrality and eliminate independent powers to achieve its objectives. The battle’s destruction of Orb’s facilities and the death of Uzumi Nara Athha marked the loss of one of the war’s most prominent voices for peace and neutrality.

The battle’s aftermath, including the evacuation of Orb refugees and the continuation of resistance efforts, demonstrated that the war’s impact extended beyond the battlefield and that the conflict would continue to affect those caught in its path. The battle’s legacy would influence future events in the Cosmic Era timeline, as Orb’s struggle for independence and peace would continue in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

External links

• Battle of Orb on the Gundam Wiki