Orbital by bill zhao copyright 2017 Bill Zhao Table of Contents act one (earth)

driving his towards the fact that his dad was innocent like “It could
have been an accident”, “He was forced to” or even “If he didn’t
probably won’t be alive” but deep down Derek knew there was no
proof or evidence of such theories. Maybe that’s part of the reason he
was willing to go on this journey in the first place. Maybe. Derek dozed
off.
12 Hours later
In The Moon’s Orbit, Solar System
“
There” said the engineer, waking Derek. “That’s where we’re landing”. He
pointed at a spot on the surface of the moon. It was quite far away but
Derek could make out the general shape. It was white in colour. Like a
hexagon in shape. And surrounded by what looked like black dots. Derek
thought “Well if the USOC didn’t get us during travel, they would have
surrounded the landing zone” The Black dots took the form of humans.
With guns. “Shit! I think we’re screwed. USOC have that place surrounded”
Carter replied without turning his head “are you sure that’s USOC?”
Derek looked closer. Not the same uniform. Looks like militia.

---

Tom interrupted from the back “Not USOC. Us. Secure landing. Dark
zone.”
Derek started to calm down.
Every second felt like an hour. Terrible thoughts and ‘what ifs’ flew
threw his mind. Derek liked hypotheticals. Just not the kind involving
getting shot down and tortured. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing that
could happen” said Tom, startling Derek. “Huh?”
“
Your thoughts are loud.”
“
Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t try-”
“
It’s fine. Normal in this kind of situa on. Relax. We’ll be absolutely fine”
Derek wished that he could believe that.
The landing pad grew larger. They were closing in. Derek could see it in