Onogoro

Onogoro (オノゴロ島, Onogoro-jima) was an island in the Pacific Ocean that served as the capital of the Orb Union in the Cosmic Era timeline. The island was the political and administrative centre of Orb, housing government facilities and serving as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to neutrality and coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators. Onogoro was destroyed during the Battle of Orb in CE 71 when Earth Alliance forces invaded the neutral nation.

History

Onogoro served as the capital island of the Orb Union, which was established in CE 55. The island housed the Orb Union’s government facilities and administrative centres, making it the political heart of the nation. Onogoro’s location in the Pacific Ocean reflected Orb’s unique position as a neutral nation that promoted coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators.

The island’s facilities included government buildings, administrative offices, and infrastructure that supported Orb’s operations. As the capital, Onogoro was the centre of Orb’s political activities and the location where major decisions affecting the nation were made.

Battle of Orb

Onogoro became the focal point of the Battle of Orb in CE 71, when Earth Alliance forces launched an invasion of the neutral Orb Union. The Alliance sought to gain access to Orb’s advanced technology, particularly its mobile suit development capabilities, despite Orb’s official neutrality in the First Alliance-PLANT War.

The battle saw intense fighting as Orb forces, supported by the Archangel and its crew, attempted to defend the island against the Alliance invasion. Despite their efforts, Orb forces were ultimately overwhelmed, leading to the decision to destroy Orb’s facilities rather than allow them to fall into Alliance hands.

Destruction

Onogoro was destroyed during the Battle of Orb when Orb forces, under the command of Uzumi Nara Athha, activated self-destruct systems to prevent their advanced technology and facilities from being captured by Earth Alliance forces. The destruction of Onogoro marked a tragic end to Orb’s neutrality and forced the evacuation of Orb refugees, including many civilians who had sought refuge in the neutral nation.

The destruction of the capital island was a devastating blow to Orb, forcing the nation to abandon its homeland and evacuate to space. The loss of Onogoro and other Orb facilities represented the end of Orb’s ability to maintain its neutral stance in the conflict.

Strategic importance

Onogoro’s status as Orb’s capital made it a strategically important location, both for Orb’s governance and for any force seeking to control the nation. The island’s facilities and infrastructure were valuable assets, and its capture would have given Earth Alliance access to Orb’s advanced technology and military capabilities.

The island’s destruction demonstrated Orb’s commitment to its principles, as Orb leaders chose to destroy their facilities rather than allow them to be used to further the conflict. This decision reflected Orb’s values of neutrality and opposition to war, even at the cost of losing their homeland.

Facilities

Onogoro housed numerous facilities essential to Orb’s operations, including government buildings, administrative offices, and infrastructure supporting the nation’s political and economic activities. The island’s facilities represented decades of development and served as a symbol of Orb’s status as a modern, advanced nation.

The island’s infrastructure included military facilities, research and development centres, and other installations that supported Orb’s technological capabilities. These facilities were among the most advanced in the Cosmic Era, reflecting Orb’s commitment to technological development and innovation.

Significance

Onogoro’s destruction marked a turning point in the First Alliance-PLANT War, demonstrating that even neutral nations could not escape the conflict unscathed. The island’s loss forced Orb to abandon its homeland and evacuate its population, representing the human cost of the war and the difficulty of maintaining neutrality in an escalating conflict.

The destruction of Onogoro also highlighted the lengths to which Orb was willing to go to preserve its principles, choosing to destroy its facilities rather than allow them to be used for warfare. This decision reflected Orb’s commitment to peace and neutrality, even when faced with overwhelming military force.

Behind the scenes

The name “Onogoro” (オノゴロ島) references Onogoro-jima, an island in Japanese mythology that was the first land created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. The use of this name for Orb’s capital reflects the island nation’s significance as a foundational element of Orb’s identity and culture.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny

External links

Onogoro on the Gundam Wiki