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

But not until you have seen the reality of your father’s web of deceit.
Fuck. I’m doing it again aren’t I? My father had a knack for
monologuing. It’s just that he-” Martin’s speech was interrupted by the
deafening crack in the hull. It was followed by another. Derek got up
and walked to the window opposite while Martin strode to the pilot’s
cabin. From the cockpit he saw in the distance a small army of fighter
ships. No less than one hundred. He could recognise that blue crest
from anywhere. Orbi-Sec were here. And they wanted Derek back.

---

21
Clash
Lullaby, Solar System
“
Impossible…” mu ered Mar n under his breath. “They don’t have the
numbers. How could they amass such a force?” He peered out of the
window as more and more vessels came into view.

---

“
They’re ten kilometres away!” shouted the co-pilot as the Knights of the
Cove came swarming to defend their leader.
“
We were hit by one of their long range cannons. Soon we’ll be in range of
their armour piercing rounds” said Alexis, striding into the room with
weapons drawn. The ship shook more and the passengers could feel the
vibra ons. Mar n was s ll sat cosily in his seat, not seeming overly
worried.
“
Enjoy this picturesque scene while it lasts, Derek. All of those ships will be
either retrea ng or destroyed. They’re a acking us too close to Geisen.
Reinforcements will be here in minutes with our light a ack cruisers.” He
turned towards the captain’s cabin. “Jeffrey, let’s turn and face these
cockroaches, shall we?” The Lullaby started to rotate slowly and Derek’s
broadside view of the Orbi-Sec fleet was obscured. “Now, ac vate the-”
Another loud crash rang through the ship. The body shook and the