Graveyard Orbit

"So what if TerraGov told all outsiders they'd be lasered into a miasma of incandescent plasma should they enter Earth's Hill Sphere?" Said Allo.

"That's the spirit," said Reem.

"No no, that was sarcasm. I won't let you endanger our lives, our ship, and our cargo for your little pet project," said Allo.

"Oh come on Allo, it's just an empty threat. We all know Terra isn't allowed laser stations anymore," said Reem.

"I refuse to have a part in your starting of an interplanetary incident. We're *freighter crew,* not Galilean Soldiers!"

"Allo, listen. If we stop in HEO we can pick up some antiques," said Reem. Allo raised her eyebrow.

"Go on..."

"High Earth Orbit is where the keep their junk, sure. But one man's trash is another man's--or woman's--treasure," explained Reem.

"Antique Earth Satellites are worth a lot of money on Martian markets..," said Allo.

"Now you're thinking like an interplanetary crimi--err... businesswoman," said Reem.

"Alright fine, but we can only stay in the same orbit for about an hour. We'll have to slow down on RCS thrusters, our rocket motor would draw too much attention. I'll plot the burn if you give me the orbital elements of the junk you want."

Reem looked in her notebook and pulled out the printed sheet. She started to read off the elements before Allo interrupted.

"Oh and by the way, we get my antique first." Some of the light of Reem's face drooped out.