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

Admiral Cheng nodded, effectively giving the order to fire. The ship
seemed to vibrate more than usual as the weapons were unleashed. The
Symphony drew closer to the under attack graveyard. There were
quick flashes of bright yellow in the distance as Cheng’s ship closed the
gap. “Slow it down” he ordered as elements of the graveyard popped
more and more into view. Shards of debris and EVA suits started to fly
at the ship, and then there was the blood. The blood of one hundred
and seven people. It floated as orbs towards the screen, but disappeared
as soon as it got close.

---

“
The glass panels and much of our bow has a shield in front of it. It
‘disintegrates’ light flak, and of course liquids. Admiral Cheng was unfazed
by the sheer destruc on, if anything he was happy about it.
A body with a massive hole right through its torso loomed towards the
glass. Before it could collide, it burst into flame and not even ashes were
left in its wake. More bodies followed, blood staining the inside of their
helmets completely red. All of them were effectively cremated by the
shield. Yeylun smirked “keeps the cleaning bill low” beside a petrified
Derek.
“
We have arrived!” announced the Admiral. “We planned for this, men.
Now let’s get our men out there and secure this place!”
“
Aye, Sir!” yelled various members of the crew before they sca ered and
started to command. The Symphony slowed down to a snail’s pace in front
of the once familiar derelict ship. The Icarus. It stood s ll around half a mile
away, surrounded by other destroyed wrecks. Many of which had a faded
Orbi-Sec logo on it.
“
Wya ’s fleet will be here soon. Let’s get a move on” ordered the Admiral.
He then turned to the captains. “Remember what we planned. As soon as
our men are deployed, turn this ship around and give them hell!”
“
Aye, Sir!” they once again shouted. Admiral Cheng and his company
moved out. “We’ll take the airlock on this level. Let's go. He and the Vice
Admiral led Derek back to the elevators, only this me walking past them,
towards the back. Sure enough, there were many airlocks around the side.