Gundam 00S: Star Struck Episode 8: Enter Space

Chapter 16
“Well, there it is, the orbital elevator.” Announced Ransac after several hours of flying. Ever since the battle he hadn't dared land in case of an ambush.

“It looks so beautiful.” Said Syrene. In his mind, Ransac agreed.

Extending from the ground into the very sky itself stood a massive monument to technology and ingenuity. The Orbital Elevator glistened as light reflected off the many windows and what construction panels could be seen.

The Orbital Elevator in the Human Reform League was the second to become fully operational. When fossil fuels began to dwindle, the world leaders agreed on a plan to replace fuel based power generation. After years of struggle, in which three wars were fought over the elevator, the construct was finally finished.

Despite being mainly intended to distribute solar power to the entirety of the HRL, the elevator also was host to a series of tourist attractions.

Tourists could ride a special linear train from the surface into space itself, coming out at the orbital block at the top. From there people could look down on the Earth itself. This was the highlight attraction of the orbital elevator.

Besides transferring people into space, the trains were also used to transport materials from Earth for space colony construction.

A lesson learned as a result of the wars, and due to the relative fragility of the Orbital Elevator, the tower was constantly under watch by the military.

“What’s that over there?” Asked Syrene, interrupting Ransac’s thoughts. Ransac followed her gaze, far in the horizon a small silhouette was approaching them.

“That would be Strafe, glad to see he made it.”

“Ransac, land the Gundam here, meet the others at the elevator.” Ordered Strafe.

“What about you?”

“I’ll smuggle the Agas suits and the Gundam within a supply train, you two will take the train into space, Daryl will meet you up there.”

“Roger that, landing now.” Ransac brought the Gundam to a stop. Just as Syrene began to climb out, another transmission came through.

“By the way, I brought you guys something.” Announced Strafe.

That something turned out to be a car. The vehicle was held firmly in the hand of Strafe’s Agas. Most likely the vehicle was stolen. Strafe gently deposited the car in front of Ransac.

“Happy Birthday to me.” Said Ransac as he inspected the car. He was about to climb into the drivers seat when Syrene grabbed his shoulder.

“Not going to happen, you don’t have a license.” She said with a grin.

“I can fly a high speed mobile suit designed to make rapid maneuvers without difficulty, but you won’t let me drive a simple car?”

“Yup, ironic isn’t it?”

Ransac reluctantly threw himself into the passengers seat. Syrene turned the key and drove towards the road leading to the Orbital Elevator. A few quiet moments passed. During this time an interesting thought came into Ransac’s head.

Before the battle, Syrene had barely talked with him unless it had something to do with the mission or the Gundam. Ransac had accepted this, believing his status as a Super Soldier, combined with first impressions, hadn’t helped him in the beginning. Dom had another theory.

Amidst barely contained laughter, which thoroughly confused Ransac, Dom had said that she had a crush on him. Ransac had seen this as another one of Dom’s jokes and thus didn’t take it seriously. Now he was getting the feeling Dom was right.

After Ransac had rescued Syrene from the base, she had been considerable more open with him than before. Now she was joking with him as if he were Dom or Strafe. This sudden change completely threw him off.

Back in the Super Human Institute, there had been no use for understanding relationships with the other gender. It was simply do as told until you die. While that training had helped Ransac over the past two years, it was of no help now. He had no idea how to deal with women.

“We’re here.” Announced Syrene. Ransac snapped out of his thoughts to realize that they were indeed at the elevator. As he climbed out, he looked up, and then up even higher.

It was strange for a pilot to experience vertigo on the ground, but here he was. The tower was enormous up close. Ransac had to make sure he was still standing before following Syrene into the building.

First impressions on the inside were that of looking into a mall. There were several stores placed throughout the building. In one corner was a eatery, where food vendors valiantly battled for supremacy. Sitting at a table, were Longshot and Dom.

Dom waved them over, pulling out two seats as they approached.

“Good to see you two made it, I take it Strafe is managing the mobile suits?” Asked Longshot.

“Yes, he’s bringing them up.” answered Syrene. Dom chuckled.

“That’ll cheer him up won’t it? He finally gets to use the Gundam. To bad it’s only for a short time.”

“I hope nothing goes wrong, it would be a disaster if Strafe was caught with the Gundam or an Agas.” Said Ransac.

“Don’t worry about Strafe, he knows this routine quite well, Celestial Being does this all the time for that matter.” Said Longshot. “It’s nearly time for us to get moving.” He added after checking his watch.

“Linear Train Five now boarding.” Announced the intercom.

“That’d be us, let’s get moving.” Said Longshot as he threw his bag over his shoulder.

The group struggled through a increasingly thick crowd as they made their way to the station. With an unceremonious squeeze, the group tumbled forward onto the station floor.

“Damn it, Dom! Watch where you’re going!” Snapped Longshot.

“Me?! It was your bag that got us stuck!”

“Shut up the both of you!” Snapped Ransac as he picked himself up. As he did, he caught sight of a man quickly turning away from his gaze. Curious, he followed him with his eyes as the man walked away. Before turning down a corner, the man turned to Ransac, and gave a wicked grin before leaving sight. Ransac paled immediately upon seeing his face.

“Guys, we’re not alone here.” Announced Ransac, interrupting the extended argument between Longshot and Dom.

“What do you mean? Is Strafe here?” Asked Dom as he looked around.

“No, Milliardo.”

“We move, now.” Ordered Longshot, practically dragging Dom by the shoulder as he marched.

“Lemme go, I can walk by my self!” Demanded Dom.

“Don’t walk, run!” Ordered Longshot, making a beeline straight for the train. The group didn’t hesitate to follow.

The group finally stopped when they reached the inside of the train. The group nearly fell onto a group of people as they entered.

“Watch it there, last four to board today I see, you get that cabin.” Said the conductor in a business tone. He pointed to a door two rows away before turning to seal the train.

The group piled inside and took their seats, checking almost everything for some kind of sabotage. When nothing came up suspicious, they finally breathed easier.

“What the hell is Milliardo doing here?” Snarled Longshot.

“Are we even sure it was him? You sure it wasn’t a trick of the light?” Asked Dom.

“It’s my face isn’t it?” Snapped Ransac.

“Alright, calm down, didn’t mean to insult.” Said Dom in mock panic.

“Do you ever shut up?” Snapped Longshot. And with that the two dove into yet another argument.