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

wine glass flew out of Martin’s hand, spilling much of it onto the white
carpet. “Sorry, Jeyne” said Martin as his guard looked down at her
wine stained leg armour. “It’s gonna take a fucking week to get this
out! No-one messes with my damn carpet!” Martin looked genuinely
mad. Another shell collided into the hull, shaking the ship violently.
“Activate the fucking cannons now! Retaliate! I want my vengeance!
Despite how utterly mad Martin started to sound, the captain activated
the weapons systems accordingly. “Light those goddamn cockroaches
up!” Coves yelled, and the ship vibrated yet again, only this time in
retaliation. “And where the fuck are my escort ships?”
Derek look out through the back window. A massive destroyer vessel
loomed in the background. Its twin about half a kilometre away. The
proud logo in USOC yellow painted across its hull followed by the
designation ‘Chorus’. Its buddy seemed to be named ‘Symphony’. Both
of which sounded like names Martin would have chosen. Or perhaps
someone with a very basic knowledge of music.
“
Oh, there it is. Thank, Derek” u ered Mar n before he turned to his radio
built into his desk. “Chorus, advance and defend our right flank! Symphony
can take everything else! The two destroyers advanced towards the
Lullaby, readying their enormous cannons. As the massive ships came
closer, they blocked out any light from the sides whilst looming over the

---

gold filled ship. They were huge, filled with enough firepower to level a
small country and then some. The ships, now on opposite side of the
Lullaby, slowed to match its pace. “No!” cried Mar n as he waved his arms
out “Go ahead! Go ahead!”
“
Perhaps they’re just trying to shield us” commented Jeyne. Mar n
growled then sighed, and sat back down, arms spread across the length of
the couch.
“
Or perhaps they’re boxing us in” added Derek.