Upon hearing this, Yang Hui and Sumeragi remained seated with calm smiles, offering no immediate response. Wang Liu Mei chuckled lightly and addressed the Atlantic Federation representative with composed clarity: "If this is meant as a joke, it certainly falls flat. Your government abandoned its own citizens at the onset of the ZAFT Forces' invasion. We consider this a voluntary relinquishment of your obligations and rights. Orb merely responded to the humanitarian aid request from the provisional government established by the local populace. Through mutual cooperation, this provisional government agreed to merge its territory with Orb. Your side holds no claim here—what exactly are we supposed to 'return'?"
"Th-That... That's illegitimate! The provisional government wasn't recognized by anyone, so it holds no legal authority—" The representative of the Oceania Federation stammered nervously. Although the Earth Forces had reclaimed vast stretches of Australian territory, the ceasefire negotiations had allowed ZAFT Forces to reoccupy their base at Carpentaria, leaving the region still vulnerable.
In contrast, the territories from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia were far more secure. Though they still faced Carpentaria across the sea, their eastern border was protected by Orb, while the north and west were shielded by the East Asian Republic. With two major powers watching closely, even ZAFT wouldn't dare act recklessly.
"Oh my? It seems your intelligence is outdated," Wang Liu Mei remarked with feigned surprise. "From what I understand, the provisional government was elected and recognized by the local populace. After thorough verification, we too acknowledged its legitimacy. So your argument holds no weight."
"But... but..."
"Moreover, as I've already stated, the moment your government fled and abandoned its people, it forfeited its duties and rights. From that point onward, your government ceased to hold any legitimate authority."
The Oceania Federation representative slumped back into his chair, drenched in sweat and utterly deflated. The message was clear—not only would Orb refuse to return Papua New Guinea, but Wang Liu Mei had also implied he no longer had the standing to represent the Oceania Federation. Being allowed at this table was already a concession; if he pushed further, he'd be shown the door.
The other attendees watched with cold amusement, as if observing a clown.
Yet this exchange also gave them their first glimpse of Orb's unyielding stance, raising their guard and preparing them for tough negotiations ahead.
Next, representatives from smaller nations stepped forward. Though they hadn't been deeply involved in the war, as members of the Earth Alliance, they knew Orb wouldn't let them off easily. Proactively, they presented lists of reparations—modest amounts of resources, funds, and diplomatic concessions.
Regardless of scale, their willingness to comply and submit these "pledges of allegiance" meant Orb, never one to bully the weak, accepted without hesitation. They also received assurances that Orb would never interfere in their internal affairs, easing their concerns.
Just then, the long-awaited grand farce arrived. A group of figures strode in with arrogant swagger, pushing the doors open. At their head was a high-ranking Earth Forces officer, his expression dark with displeasure.
"What's this? Starting without everyone present? What kind of peace conference is this? Or perhaps... is this how Orb treats its guests?" The high-ranking official stepped before Yang Hui, looking down at him with a questioning glare.
Yang Hui maintained his smile, lifting his eyes to glance at the man as his expression grew colder.
"Do your words represent the Atlantic Federation?"
"Hmph. As the head of this peace delegation, my words naturally represent the Atlantic Federation."
"Is that so? Very well then..."
With a disdainful smirk, Yang Hui turned to Sumeragi and Guelt seated behind him. "First Fleet, go to combat readiness level one and advance toward Alaska. Sumeragi, draft an operation plan. Have Gundam Exia, Gundam Cherudim, and Gundam Virtue accompany the First MS Battalion. Prepare my Mobile Suit as well."
Gasps filled the room. Everyone knew Orb would assert itself strongly during this conference, but no one expected it to go this far—deploying military forces at the slightest provocation was tantamount to a declaration of war.
The previously haughty Atlantic Federation representative immediately panicked. His intention had been to regain some dignity and remind everyone present that the Atlantic Federation remained the strongest nation in the Earth Alliance.
Instead, his attempt backfired spectacularly. Yang Hui's direct military mobilization far exceeded his expectations.
"You can't do this! Doesn't Orb advocate for peace? Initiating war violates your own pacifist principles!"
"Ah, allow me to remind you, Representative." Yang Hui stood for the first time during the meeting, meeting the Atlantic Federation delegate's gaze with an icy, merciless smile. "I never ordered my forces to attack you. If your hearing is impaired, I can recommend an excellent physician."
Indeed, Yang Hui's orders only involved moving troops toward Alaska—no mention of "attack" or "target." On the surface, this couldn't be construed as a declaration of war.
"Lord Yang Hui, we are in a ceasefire negotiation period. Isn't this action inappropriate?" A middle-aged man in ornate robes stepped forward from behind the Atlantic Federation representative, speaking calmly but sternly.
"Quite inappropriate indeed. But were your methods any better, King Oluf?" Yang Hui studied the man with a knowing smirk, his probing gaze searching for hidden truths.
King Oluf, a dignified man in his fifties, was the current monarch of the Scandinavian Kingdom.
Ever since uncovering issues within the Scandinavian Kingdom, Yang Hui had regarded this authoritative figure with both curiosity and wariness. Just moments ago, he'd noticed something alarming—a nearly imperceptible reaction from the Atlantic Federation representative.
When King Oluf spoke, the representative instinctively took half a step back before quickly correcting himself.
This tiny gesture revealed volumes—that behind the facade of this incompetent officer leading the delegation, King Oluf was the true authority. Moreover, the king's status wasn't newly acquired; such instinctive deference from the notoriously arrogant Atlantic Federation officials could only stem from long-established supremacy.
"...Our delay is understandable, as you know, humans are always insignificant in the face of nature."
"Is that so? It seems I need to thoroughly reorganize my country's meteorological observation department."
"To err is human, just like the Atlantic Federation, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Yang Hui?"
"..." The brief exchange made Yang Hui realize King Oluf was a tough opponent. Facing Orb's assertive stance and military threats, the king remained neither submissive nor overbearing, striking the perfect balance—a stark contrast to the foolish chief representative.
"The order stands. Proceed with military exercises in the Bering Sea. No offensive actions are permitted."
Words once spoken cannot be taken back. If Yang Hui revoked the order now, all the attitudes Orb had displayed and the demands it was about to make would become a joke, and Orb would lose all its deterrent power.
During peace negotiations, it was indeed inappropriate to provoke further conflict. Thus, Yang Hui ordered the fleet to conduct military exercises right at Alaska's doorstep while strictly prohibiting any offensive actions against others.
This approach gave both sides a way to save face while showcasing the Orb Military's deterrence—killing two birds with one stone.
Of course, Yang Hui emphasized the word "offensive," making it clear to the Atlantic Federation: "We'll flaunt our strength at your doorstep, and you can't stop us. If you want to strike first, go ahead—but you'll bear the consequences. Orb is no longer the nation you can bully at will."
King Oluf didn't argue further with Yang Hui. Military exercises were just that—as long as they didn't seek trouble, war wouldn't break out. Though it was humiliating to have someone flaunt their power at his doorstep, there was nothing he could do. The Atlantic Federation had suffered heavy losses in the war, was about to be dealt another harsh blow, and hadn't fully stabilized internally. Starting another war with Orb was out of the question.
The Atlantic Federation representatives took their seats one by one, and the meeting continued. With the minor players done, it was time for the major powers to play their game.
The first to speak was the East Asian Republic—yes, the nation that had always maintained good relations with Orb. They had never participated in any actions against Orb and had consistently opposed the Atlantic Federation's moves.
However, their opposition had been in vain, and their subsequent indifference was an undeniable fact. Thus, they had to put on a show, presenting their own conditions, which Orb gladly accepted, promising to continue their friendly cooperative relationship.
Then came the endless bickering between PLANT and the Atlantic Federation.
Oh, and let's not forget the Eurasian Federation. With their master present and the target no longer being Orb, they suddenly found their backbone, relentlessly harping on the destruction of Artemis. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Federation and PLANT traded accusations over each other's use of nuclear weapons—though neither side had suffered significant losses from them (in this world, only the Eurasian Federation was hurt).
After nearly two hours of heated arguments, Wang Liu Mei stood up again. Seeing that both sides were exhausted from quarreling, it was now Orb's turn to take the stage.
"This! This is unacceptable!"
"Preposterous! No one could agree to such terms!"
"Your appetite is too big—aren't you afraid of choking?"
After receiving Wang Liu Mei's list of conditions, the Atlantic Federation, Eurasian Federation, and PLANT all angrily declared that Orb's compensation demands were unacceptable.
"The amount of resources and funds can be negotiated, but the other terms are non-negotiable," Wang Liu Mei stated firmly. "I hope all parties present remember that Orb also possesses nuclear technology. Yet even when our nation faced occupation during the war, we never resorted to such forbidden power. What about you? The Atlantic Federation attempted to use nuclear weapons against Colonies again, and PLANT sought to bombard Earth with Genesis. If not for our elite forces stopping these actions, can you imagine what would have become of this world?"
"..."
The room fell silent. The Atlantic Federation representative had wanted to retort that Coordinators in the Colonies deserved to die anyway, but King Oluf's restraining hand on his leg beneath the table kept him from speaking.
Everyone knew that reckless nuclear escalation would mean Earth's destruction and humanity's extinction. So... did Orb truly have the right to make such greedy demands?
"I cannot decide on these terms alone. I must consult with my nation," said PLANT's representative after an intense internal struggle. The massive resources and funds aside, he couldn't possibly decide on surrendering Boaz Fortress. Yet Orb's position was clear - while resources and money were negotiable, Boaz Fortress was non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic and Eurasian Federation delegates wore equally grim expressions. They might not care about ceding territory in the East Indies, but expanding territorial waters to include Hawaii and Midway meant leaving the Atlantic Federation's front door wide open to an unrestrained lion.
For the Eurasian Federation, the crippling resource demands would bring their economy and industries to the brink of collapse. Though Wang Liu Mei said amounts were negotiable, seeing PLANT and the Atlantic Federation's situations made clear how little room there truly was for bargaining.
"We... also need to contact our homeland..."
"Same here..."
Such terms exceeded the delegation's authority. Wang Liu Mei nodded in agreement.
"Very well. However, we expect your decisions before the military exercises begin."
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