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

Derek watched as the third man climbed the ladder down into the
airlock and the hatch closed. He had just enough time to unhook his
tether before the final countdown initiated. 3… 2… 1…
Derek felt the ship move noticeable faster, but at a smooth acceleration.
He saw the fleet in pursuit inching further and further away except for
a handful that were getting closer and closer. The rest of the pursuit
vessels. “we shouldn’t be wasting ammunition at this point. At this
speed we found that the mines are more effective…”
Admiral Cheng could not be more right. The screens changed and
showed camera feeds from the rear of the ship. “Oh I love this part”
commented the Vice Admiral as she cozied up between them. Derek
watched as a black spherical device was ‘shot’ out. It gave off a faint

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glint of red light before fading into the distance. A massive explosion
occurred in the following second, and more spheres followed as well as
more explosions.
“
The mines use a proximity detec on and predic on system. It allows them
to detonate at the exact moment.” Admiral Cheng seemed really into this
as well. Perhaps everyone on the Symphony is a gun nut. More explosions
occurred and the numbers of the pursuing ships dwindled as they faded
out of view into the black. The Symphony was gaining speed massively. And
for a split second the bridge was silent. Then the crew started to cheer and
congratulate, in a contained manner. “This is a small victory for us Derek.
We’ll be at the Icarus soon. And whatever’s behind that door will make
both of our lives be er.”
Derek didn’t know why, but Cheng’s statement made him feel just that
little bit uneasy. But he thought to himself “I have no time to question.