Orb Union

The Orb Union (オーブ連合, Ōbu Rengō) is a neutral Pacific island nation in the Cosmic Era timeline. Established in Cosmic Era 55, Orb promotes coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators, making it unique among Earth nations. Throughout the Bloody Valentine Wars, Orb maintained its neutrality despite immense pressure from both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, serving as a refuge for those seeking to escape the conflict and as a model for peace.

History

Founding and early years

The Orb Union was established in CE 55 as a nation dedicated to the principle of coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators. Unlike other Earth nations that discriminated against Coordinators or the PLANTs that primarily served Coordinators, Orb welcomed both populations, creating a society where genetic status did not determine one’s rights or opportunities.

Orb’s founding principles emphasised neutrality, self-determination, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. These values guided the nation’s foreign policy, leading it to refuse alliances with either the Earth Alliance or ZAFT. Instead, Orb maintained its independence and served as a neutral ground where representatives from both sides could meet and negotiate.

First Alliance-PLANT War

During the First Alliance-PLANT War, Orb maintained its neutrality despite significant pressure from both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT. The nation’s advanced technology, including mobile suit development capabilities, made it valuable to both sides, but Orb’s leadership, particularly Chief Representative Uzumi Nara Athha, steadfastly refused to align with either faction.

Orb’s neutrality was tested when ZAFT forces attacked Heliopolis, an Orb colony that had secretly been developing mobile suits for the Earth Alliance. The attack forced Orb to reveal its involvement in the Earth Alliance’s G Project, straining its relationship with ZAFT. Despite this, Orb continued to maintain its official neutrality.

The nation also became a refuge for those seeking to escape the war, including both Naturals and Coordinators. Characters like Kira Yamato and Cagalli Yula Athha, who had connections to Orb, found sanctuary there during the conflict.

Second Alliance-PLANT War

Following the First Alliance-PLANT War, Orb continued to maintain its neutrality under the leadership of Cagalli Yula Athha, who had inherited the position of Chief Representative from her adoptive father. However, the Second Alliance-PLANT War placed even greater pressure on Orb, with both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT seeking to force the nation to take sides.

Orb’s continued commitment to neutrality and its advanced military technology made it a target, particularly for the Earth Alliance, which viewed Orb’s refusal to join as a threat. The nation’s defense of its principles, even in the face of overwhelming force, demonstrated its commitment to its founding ideals.

Organisation

The Orb Union is governed as a republic, with the Chief Representative serving as the nation’s leader. The government operates according to democratic principles, with representatives elected by the population. Orb’s political system emphasises consensus-building and the protection of individual rights, regardless of genetic status.

Military

Despite its emphasis on neutrality, Orb maintains a capable military force, including advanced mobile suits and naval vessels. The nation’s military technology, developed by organizations like Morgenröte, rivals that of both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, allowing Orb to defend itself if necessary.

Orb’s military forces include units like the MBF-M1 M1 Astray mobile suits and the Kusanagi battleship. The nation’s military capabilities, combined with its strategic location in the Pacific, allowed it to maintain its independence despite pressure from larger powers.

Society and culture

Orb’s society is unique in the Cosmic Era for its promotion of coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators. Unlike other nations where genetic status determines one’s place in society, Orb treats all citizens equally, regardless of whether they are Natural or Coordinator. This principle extends to all aspects of society, including education, employment, and government service.

The nation’s culture reflects its commitment to peace and neutrality, with traditions and values that emphasise harmony and mutual respect. Orb’s society serves as a model for what coexistence between Naturals and Coordinators could achieve, making it a symbol of hope throughout the conflicts.

Orb’s population includes both Naturals and Coordinators living together, demonstrating that peaceful coexistence is possible. This diversity strengthens the nation, as both groups contribute their unique abilities and perspectives to Orb’s development and defence.

Technology

Orb’s technological development, particularly in mobile suit design, is among the most advanced in the Cosmic Era. Organizations like Morgenröte develop mobile suits and other military technology that rivals or exceeds that of the Earth Alliance and ZAFT. The nation’s mobile suit development programme included the G Project, which produced the five prototype Gundams that would play central roles in the First Alliance-PLANT War.

Orb’s technological capabilities, combined with its strategic resources and location, make it an important power in the Cosmic Era despite its small size and neutral stance.

External links

Orb Union on the Gundam Wiki
Orb Union on Wikipedia