<data>
<p>Before embarking on your adventure, you must first determine your personal characteristics and the weapons and provisions with which you are equipped. An <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> has been supplied on which to record and amend these details as the adventure unfolds.</p>
- <p>Your personal characteristics comprise two basic attributes: <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. To discover your initial <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero. Add 10 to the number you have picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your
Action Chart (for example, if your pencil falls on the number 5 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, you have a <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> total of 15). When you fight an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be measured against that of your enemy, so a high score in this section is desirable.</p>
+ <p>Your personal characteristics comprise two basic attributes: <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. To discover your initial <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero. Add 10 to the number you have picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your
<a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (for example, if your pencil falls on the number 5 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, you have a <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> total of 15). When you fight an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be measured against that of your enemy, so a high score in this section is desirable.</p>
<p>To discover your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> level, repeat the process, but this time add 20 to the number you have picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. Write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (for example, if your pencil falls on the number 8 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, you have a total <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score of 28). If you are wounded in combat, or injured at any other time during your adventure, you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If, at any time, your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total falls to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over. You can regain lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during the course of the adventure, but your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> level can never rise above your initial score.</p>
<section class="frontmatter-separate" id="sskills">
<data>
<p>You force yourself to ignore the deadly hail of lead churning the ground around your feet, and concentrate all your efforts on reaching the safety of the alleyway. Seconds pass like hours until finally you enter the narrow, tunnel-like passage.</p>
<p>At the far end you discover a battered pick-up truck, daubed with clan emblems and slogans, parked beside a fire-escape ladder that is lowered all the way to the ground.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="141" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect335">If you wish to stop and search the vehicle, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect196">If you wish to climb the fire-escape ladder to the roof, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A splash of sparks lights up the lodge as your weapon is chewed up by the chainsaw<ch.apos/>s spinning toothed blade. Mad Dog<ch.apos/>s laugh becomes a malevolent snigger as he launches a wild, sweeping slice at your head. You avoid instant decapitation by rolling across the debris-strewn floor, but as you rise to your feet, a wave of dizziness robs you momentarily of your sight and you stumble backwards against the wall. Your vision clears, and as Mad Dog approaches, you duck below his wild sweeps and thrust your weapon at his chest. You draw first blood. The clan leader squeals like a stuck pig and pulls away, but quickly he recovers and attacks like a man possessed.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="146" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Mad Dog Michigan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect350">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You leap up and launch a two-footed kick to Mad Dog<ch.apos/>s chest that sends him sprawling. He drops the chainsaw and, as it crashes to the floor, the motor stalls and the buzzing stops. The clan leader reaches for a diver<ch.apos/>s knife, which is sheathed in a scabbard strapped to his thigh. The mirror-bright blade flashes in the gloom as he draws it and lunges at your chest.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="146" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Mad Dog Michigan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect350">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The moment you input the correct number,<footref id="sect28-1" idref="sect28-1-foot"/> there is a faint <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> and the whirr of a hydraulic lock as it disengages. The vault door opens easily and inside you find what you have come here for: Atropine.</p>
<p>You take the tub of Atropine tablets and check that its seal is intact; then you slip the tub into your pocket as you hurry out of the store and retrace your steps all the way back to the hospital exit. (You need not make a record of the Atropine on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>As you leave the hospital and make your way back to your car, an armed clansman with a solar torch comes walking across the lot. You freeze in your tracks, and then hide behind one of the wrecked autos. Judging from the direction in which he is walking, there is a strong possibility that he will catch sight of your roadster before you reach it.</p>
<choice idref="sect284">If you wish to sneak up and ambush the clansman before he reaches the roadster, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect16">If you choose to stay where you are and observe his movements, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You tug the transceiver from your backpack, only to discover that its power-pac has been smashed by a ricochet. (Delete the <typ class="item">CB Radio</typ> from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.) The unit, having stopped a rifle bullet, has probably saved your life, but without a serviceable radio you are now unable to warn the convoy about the ambush.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Rickenbacker glances at the broken transceiver and shakes his head. <quote>They<ch.apos/>ll be here in less than five minutes,</quote> he says, cocking his machine pistol. <quote>Let<ch.apos/>s see what we can do to make their welcome a little more friendly, shall we?</quote></p>
<p>With that he rises from his knees and empties an entire magazine at the clansmen<ch.apos/>s position. While he is firing, you chance a glance over the wing of the Roadster and see an alley lying directly opposite. It runs beside the cinema on which the clansmen are positioned. A black, Perspex awning covers most of its length, hiding it from view of the surrounding rooftops.</p>
<p>When you look back, Rickenbacker is busy reloading. You tap his arm and point to the alley, saying, <quote>I<ch.apos/>m goin<ch.apos/> t<ch.apos/> try an<ch.apos/> get around the back. Cover me.</quote></p>
<p>Bullets ricochet off the hood and strike sparks in a line along the armoured plating that protects your door. Then there is a sharp <onomatopoeia>bang</onomatopoeia> and the steering suddenly feels heavy, warning you at once that one of your front tyres has been shot out.</p>
<p>Add together your Driving skill score and your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
<choice idref="sect187">If your total is 24 or less, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect165">If it is 25-30, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect165">If it is 25<ch.endash/>30, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect274">If it is 31 or more, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You focus on the top of the outcrop, and at first you see nothing untoward. Then, about a minute later, a puff of smoke issues from the rock, as if a bullet has smacked into its surface. Patiently you watch the outcrop, half-expecting something else to happen. You do not have to wait very long: within a few minutes there is a rumbling noise, like the sound of distant thunder, and several giant cracks appear in the outcrop. Suddenly a whole section gives way and hundreds of tons of rock come tumbling down the mountainside.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You watch open-mouthed as the landslide spills out across the freeway, blocking the lanes in both directions. Rickenbacker tugs at your sleeve and suggests that you turn around and drive back to the colony as fast as you can. Numbly you nod your head and reach out to restart the engine.</p>
<choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Beyond the door you discover an old locker room that served as a changing area and equipment store for the fire department officers and paramedics who were once stationed here. A quick search uncovers a Fire Extinguisher, a Fire Axe (3), and enough medical supplies for three Medi-kit units.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">To leave the fire station and continue, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>The elation you feel at having found the medicine store is dampened when you take stock of your surroundings. Tens of thousands of bottles and containers line the shelves, not only in this room but in several other adjoining storage areas as well. And to make matters worse, there seems to be no logical order to the way the medicines have been stored. It could take you a week or more to inspect them individually.</p>
<p>Hoping to get lucky, you search the shelves for the better part of an hour until you notice, by chance, that the base of each container carries an index number. Now you concentrate your efforts on finding the catalogue, or file, that is the key to this storage system. Ironically, you discover it<ch.emdash/>a weighty computer print-out<ch.emdash/>lying in a drawer of the table on which you took refuge from the cockroaches.</p>
<p>Within minutes of finding the print-out, you locate a tub of Atropine tablets. You check that its seal is intact, and then slip the tub into your pocket as you hurry back to the roadster. (You need not make a record of the Atropine on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect232"><link-text>Turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Mad Dog launches a wild, sweeping slice at your head. You avoid instant decapitation by rolling across the debris-strewn floor, but, as you rise to your feet, a wave of dizziness robs you momentarily of your sight, and you stumble backwards against the wall. Your vision clears, and as Mad Dog approaches, you duck below his wild sweeps and thrust your weapon at his chest. You draw first blood. The clan leader squeals like a stuck pig and pulls away, but quickly recovers and attacks like a man possessed.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="146" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Mad Dog Michigan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect350">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You notice a Hunting Knife (2) lying nearby, on top of an office cabinet, and quickly grab it as Mad Dog launches a wild, sweeping slice at your head. You avoid instant decapitation by rolling across the debris-strewn floor, but, as you rise to your feet, a wave of dizziness robs you momentarily of your sight, and you stumble backwards against the wall. Your vision clears, and, as Mad Dog approaches, you duck below his wild sweeps and thrust your weapon at his chest. You draw first blood. The clan leader squeals like a stuck pig and pulls away, but quickly recovers and attacks like a man possessed.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="146" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Mad Dog Michigan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect350">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>109</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>I count six of them<ch.ellips/>and a truck,</quote> says Rickenbacker, as he peers through the dirty windshield at the distant bridge: <quote>They<ch.apos/>re from Yuma,</quote> offers Cookie. <quote>Puma scouts. Probably part of the group that came lookin<ch.apos/> for me.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I count six of them<ch.ellips/>and a truck,</quote> says Rickenbacker, as he peers through the dirty windshield at the distant bridge. <quote>They<ch.apos/>re from Yuma,</quote> offers Cookie. <quote>Puma scouts. Probably part of the group that came lookin<ch.apos/> for me.</quote></p>
<p>Carefully you assess the situation. A frontal attack on the bridge could prove costly, and the long whiplash aerial that you see fixed to the clansmen<ch.apos/>s pick-up can only mean that they are in contact with their base at Yuma. It would not take very long for their leader, Pentagon, to send reinforcements if the scouts radioed that they were under attack. The foul, black waters of the Gila River may look uninviting, but at least they are shallow and fordable, and it would be easy for you to circle around this bridge in the pick-up and cross further upstream, where you could not be seen. However, no matter how shallow the water, the convoy<ch.apos/>s buses would never make it. No, the only way the convoy is going to reach the Imperial Reservoir is by crossing here at this bridge.</p>
<p>Rickenbacker, who has been given a transceiver by Pop Ewell, radios the convoy to inform them of the situation. At once they suspect that Cookie is trying to lead you into a trap. He denies the charge, and in order to prove his good intent, he offers to try to lure the clansmen away from the bridge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you enter the pass and approach a section where a rocky outcrop overhangs the westbound Lanes of the freeway, you notice a glint of sunlight reflecting off something perched on the peak of the outcrop. It occurs to you that it could just be a trick of the light, but it could just as easily be a clan sniper lying in ambush!</p>
+ <p>As you enter the pass and approach a section where a rocky outcrop overhangs the westbound lanes of the freeway, you notice a glint of sunlight reflecting off something perched on the peak of the outcrop. It occurs to you that it could just be a trick of the light, but it could just as easily be a clan sniper lying in ambush!</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you wish to bring your roadster to a halt, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If you decide to continue through the pass without slowing, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>156</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The clansman<ch.apos/>s bullets chase you as you dive to the ground, and punch a line of holes along the side of the truck. Several of the slugs penetrate a metal container full of industrial blasting powder, which is standing in the back. A spark, caused by a steel- jacketed bullet, ignites the powder with devastating effect. Suddenly there is a brilliant flash, and a deafening roar fills your ears as the truck and its contents are blown sky high.</p>
+ <p>The clansman<ch.apos/>s bullets chase you as you dive to the ground, and punch a line of holes along the side of the truck. Several of the slugs penetrate a metal container full of industrial blasting powder, which is standing in the back. A spark, caused by a steel-jacketed bullet, ignites the powder with devastating effect. Suddenly there is a brilliant flash, and a deafening roar fills your ears as the truck and its contents are blown sky high.</p>
<p>When the dust and debris have finally settled, you drag yourself to your feet and survey the destruction. The clansman did not survive the blast: his body lies a few yards away, stiff and lifeless. Across the river you can see Rickenbacker and Cookie running towards the bridge after completing their part of the plan successfully. They are relieved to see you alive. You join them in the middle of the bridge and together you return to the pick-up to report that the way across the Gila River is now clear.</p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<signpost>LAGUNA <ch.ampersand/> IMPERIAL RESERVOIRS 7 MILES</signpost>
<p>You follow the sign, taking the smaller road that branches away to the west. The name <quote>Laguna</quote> stirs memories of your childhood before <quote>The Day</quote>, for it was at Laguna Beach, California, that you were born and raised. You are still thinking about your old home, wondering if it is still the same, when the reservoir and dam appear in the distance. The two features make an impressive sight, enhanced by the rugged backdrop of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains and the knowledge that the land on the other side of the reservoir is California state territory.</p>
<p>You bring the convoy to a halt at a point overlooking the wide service road that runs across the top of the dam. Cutter goes forward to check its cracked surface and after walking its entire length, returns to declare that it is passable.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You must now take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect48"><link-text>Turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Using the tube, you siphon a couple of gallons from the truck and transfer it to a fuel tank inside the pump house. Then, using the truck<ch.apos/>s battery, you manage to get the engine started. Anxiously the two of you fix your eyes on the cracked glass face of its water gauge, as the noisy old pump arm creaks into action. At first nothing happens; then, as the air that is trapped in the bore is forced out and the pressure rises, the needle creeps slowly around the face of the dial.</p>
<p>Outside, Jaeger locates and opens the valve of the outlet pipe, which looks like a huge faucet, and out pours a coughing stream of crystal-clear water. With a triumphant yell, the two of you rush to the pipe and take turns lying on the ground beneath it until you are completely soaked to the skin. The water is cool and refreshingly pure<ch.emdash/>restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>In less than twenty minutes you have drawn the sixty gallons you require and loaded the heavy containers onto the back of the pick-up. (If you wish, you may take this opportunity to refill your water canteen.)</p>
<choice idref="sect243"><link-text>Turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You cannot see your own weapon, but Kate<ch.apos/>s machine pistol is lying close by. You snatch it up and fire at Mad Dog, but nothing happens. The gun is empty.</p>
<p>Mad Dog frees his saw and launches a wild, sweeping slice at your head. You avoid instant decapitation by rolling across the debris-strewn floor, but as you rise to your feet, a wave of dizziness robs you momentarily of your sight, and you stumble backwards against the wall. Then your vision clears, and, as Mad Dog approaches, you duck below his wild sweeps and thrust the muzzle of your empty machine pistol at his chest. You draw first blood. The clan leader squeals like a stuck pig and pulls away, but quickly he recovers and attacks you like a man possessed.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="146" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Mad Dog Michigan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>During the combat, you may use the empty machine pistol as a Club (2).</p>
<choice idref="sect350">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
<p>It is an hour after dawn when the fortified gates of the Davis-Monthan base are unlocked and dragged open. With a reassuring smile, you bid farewell to Kate, and then accelerate the roadster out of the base along the pot-holed asphalt of a service road that leads to Interstate 10. Beside you sits Gary Rickenbacker, an ex-flying circus stunt pilot from Midland, Texas. He is one of the Big Spring colonists who joined up with DC1 when your convoy reached that town, the first of the few civilized strongholds you have visited on your journey west. In your driving mirror you see Macy and Langdon, both from Tucson. They are the other half of your scouting party. They drive a supercharged Trans-sol that is sheathed in grey armour-plate, a custom modification that has saved their skins on more than one occasion.</p>
<p>You hit the freeway doing sixty-five and follow the blistered road signs pointing north to Casa Grande. Thirty minutes later you pass through the fire-blackened ruins of Rillito and Marana, two towns the Outlaws torched last month to show the Tucson colony what Shiloh had in store for them.</p>
<p>Ten miles slip by before you reach the next town<ch.emdash/>Red Rock. There you see something unusual, which makes you ease your foot off the gas and bring your roadster gliding gently to a halt. Macy and Langdon pull up behind you, leap out of their car, and run forward to find out what is wrong.</p>
- <p><quote>Check out the wreck over there on the road,</quote> you say, pointing to a car parked outside a derelict drugstore.</p>
- <p><quote>What d<ch.apos/>you think?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Check out the wreck over there on the road,</quote> you say, pointing to a car parked outside a derelict drugstore. <quote>What d<ch.apos/>you think?</quote></p>
<p><quote>That sure weren<ch.apos/>t there the last time I drove through this place,</quote> answers Macy, squinting at the distant vehicle. <quote>An<ch.apos/> that was jus<ch.apos/> the day before yesterday.</quote></p>
<p><quote>If there<ch.apos/>s Outlaws in that town, we<ch.apos/>re gonna have to flush <ch.apos/>em out. If they get word back to Shiloh about the convoy, we<ch.apos/>ll have his entire gang come down on us like a ton o<ch.apos/> bricks,</quote> says Langdon, as he unbuckles the holster-flap covering his pistol.</p>
<p>You agree with him and propose a plan. Two of you will enter the town and search the buildings in the area near where the car is parked. They will flush out any Outlaws that may be hiding there. Meanwhile, the other two will skirt around the town and wait on the far side at the freeway exit. If the Outlaws attempt a getaway, they will prevent their escape.</p>
<data>
<p>You pull over to the side of the road and Rickenbacker radios to the convoy, instructing it to stop and stand by. Using your magnifying device you are able to see that behind the tents a road block has been erected. It consists of rubble and auto wrecks, and it completely blocks the highway leading to the town of Westmorland. The road south to Brawley is open, but there are several strange-looking people standing at the junction, either singly or gathered in groups. Some are dressed in brightly coloured patchwork clothes, others are half-naked; yet all of them have one thing in common: they move with such lethargy that, from a distance, they resemble a colony of shambling zombies.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p><quote>I don<ch.apos/>t like the look of this,</quote> you say to your partner. <quote>Radio the convoy and get them to put Cookie on. Maybe he knows something about these weirdos.</quote></p>
<p>Rickenbacker complies with your request and, within a minute or so, you are talking to Cookie person-to-person. <quote>Sounds like you<ch.apos/>ve run across a pack of Crazies,</quote> says Cookie, after listening to your description of the people at the junction. <quote>They<ch.apos/>re mainly junkies and street-scum that the army kicked outta LA and San Francisco. They<ch.apos/>re usually pretty harmless, but watch y<ch.apos/>selves. You never can tell what they<ch.apos/>ll get up to.</quote></p>
<p>You thank Cookie for the advice and sign off by telling the convoy that you and Rickenbacker are on your way back. You are about to reach for the ignition when suddenly you hear movement away to your right. You turn your head and see three Crazies<ch.emdash/>two men and a woman<ch.emdash/>emerge from the scrub and scurry towards the truck. Despite their frightening appearance, you notice that none of them appears to be armed.</p>
<data>
<p>You bring your magnifying device to bear on the bridge and focus on the thin man. The stick he is holding has a forked cleft at one end, and he appears to be attempting to catch snakes, probably for food. You hand your glasses to Rickenbacker to let him observe the man<ch.apos/>s strange behaviour.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p><quote>What do you think?</quote> you ask.</p>
<p>Rickenbacker shrugs. <quote>I can<ch.apos/>t see no gun and he looks harmless enough. I say we go <ch.apos/>n<ch.apos/> check him out.</quote></p>
<p>Slowly you drive towards the bridge, your eyes fixed on the man<ch.apos/>s movements. You are little more than thirty yards away when suddenly he sees you coming and dives to the ground. He reappears seconds later, brandishing a rusty shotgun, which he fires once in the air. You can tell by its dull report that there is something wrong with his ammunition. Immediately you stop the roadster and reach instinctively for your gun.</p>
<data>
<p>As you run through the deadly hail of lead, you are half-aware of a burning sensation that cuts across the back of your calf. But it is not until you reach the safety of the alleyway that you dare to look down, to find that you have been wounded: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Quickly you staunch the bleeding and then hobble the length of the narrow, tunnel-like passage. At the far end, you discover a battered pick-up truck, daubed with clan emblems and slogans, parked beside a fire-escape ladder that is lowered all the way to the ground.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="141" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect335">If you wish to stop to search the vehicle, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect196">If you wish to climb the fire-escape ladder to the roof, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Fighting back the sadness that you feel at having lost your roadster, you put on a brave face and join the others on the far side of the dam. Some of the colonists are celebrating their entry to California, but their numbers are few and, in the main, the mood of the colony is one of pessimism. You may have crossed the Californian state line, but you still have a long way to go before you reach civilization.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Pop Ewell tries once more to radio Pine Valley, but the contact is worse than before and he concludes that the mountains must be blocking the signal. On this side of the river lies the remains of a dirt road which runs north to south. Maps are consulted and it is found that this trail leads north to a small camping settlement called Picacho, and south to Yuma. As it is far too dangerous to approach Yuma, it is decided to go north in the hope of finding a way through the mountains to Highway 78.</p>
<p>You join Rickenbacker in the clan pick-up truck and begin scouting the way ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You look over Cutter<ch.apos/>s shoulder and see two Tucson men holding Rex Tyler firmly by the arms. Fear is stark in Rex<ch.apos/>s eyes as another Tucson colonist launches a stream of questions at him, and jabs him repeatedly in the chest with his index finger.</p>
<p><quote>Why are they holding Rex?</quote> you ask, growing concerned for your friend<ch.apos/>s safety.</p>
<p><quote>They reckon he<ch.apos/>s the killer,</quote> replies Cutter.</p>
- <p><quote>But Rex wouldn<ch.apos/>t hurt a fly,</quote> interjects Rickenbacker.</p>
- <p><quote>I can<ch.apos/>t believe it<ch.apos/>s him.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>But Rex wouldn<ch.apos/>t hurt a fly,</quote> interjects Rickenbacker. <quote>I can<ch.apos/>t believe it<ch.apos/>s him.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Neither can I,</quote> says Cutter, <quote>but it was his knife they found in Gorgas<ch.apos/> chest.</quote></p>
<p><quote>What<ch.apos/>s gonna happen to him now?</quote> you say.</p>
<p><quote>I guess we<ch.apos/>ll have to give him a fair trial<ch.emdash/>it<ch.apos/>s the least we can do. Only it<ch.apos/>s gonna have t<ch.apos/> wait. Macy and Langdon have spotted some Outlaw scouts on their way here. They<ch.apos/>re heading a large pack, judging by their numbers, and they<ch.apos/>re only <ch.apos/>bout three hours away, so they reckon. I hope you two didn<ch.apos/>t find no trouble in Sentinel <ch.apos/>cause we<ch.apos/>d better move out now if we<ch.apos/>re gonna stay ahead of those clansmen.</quote></p>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="125" mime-type="image/png"/>
<instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="text" src="none" width="none" height="none" >
+ <table>
+ <tr>
+ <td><ch.nbsp/></td>
+ <th scope="col">First Number</th>
+ <th scope="col">Second Number</th>
+ <th scope="col">Third Number</th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row">First Group</th>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>104</td>
+ <td>13</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row">Second Group</th>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>54</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row">Third Group</th>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>[adjustable numbers]</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ </instance>
</illustration>
<choice idref="sect164">If you cannot solve the security code, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Outside you find a pick-up truck. It was the vehicle Mad Dog used to reach the lodge ahead of his clansmen. Now these Detroit Lions cannot be too far away, and they have been reinforced by an additional contingent of Chargers. Quickly the four of you jump into the truck and head west, driving cross-country until you rejoin the freeway near a small town called Boulevard.</p>
<p>During your escape, Cutter makes radio contact with Pine Valley and tells them that you are on your way. He also warns them that you have a clan army hot on your heels. <quote>Don<ch.apos/>t worry <ch.apos/>bout them,</quote> comes the reply. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got a little surprise in store for those guys. You just keep your foot down and don<ch.apos/>t stop for nothing, y<ch.apos/>hear?</quote></p>
<p>All of you are puzzled by the message; then, as you reach a high peak called Crestwood Summit, you hear the roar of a jet engine, approaching from out of the western sky. It is a fighter aircraft, and Kate is the first to see it as it skims the top of Long Valley Peak and comes screaming towards you, tracking along the line of Interstate 8.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="95" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Captain Ed Hughes makes a mental note of his air speed and altitude, and realigns his F-14 Tomcat ready for a strike. His is the last serviceable fighter of the VF213 Blacklions squadron left at the Miramar Naval Air Station, and he is proud to have been the one called upon to fly this ageing but deadly combat machine on what could be its last mission. The target appears in the distance and, automatically, Hughes arms his sidewinders and locks-on his targeting computer. He is seconds away from contact. A last radio check confirms that the target is valid and, with an almost casual ease, he depresses the twin red fire buttons and sends his missiles screaming towards the line of clan vehicles. By the time they have struck and destroyed the clan column, he has already banked out of his dive and is heading west, above the Sawtooth Mountains, on a bearing that will take him back to his base at NAS Miramar<ch.emdash/>Fightertown USA.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small14.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="small14.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small14.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p>The sound of the F14<ch.apos/>s attack hits you like a clap of thunder behind the ears. There is a massive explosion, followed by a long and heavy rumble that echoes for minutes among the surrounding peaks. The suddenness and awesome power of the strike leaves all four of you stunned into open-mouthed silence, and it is not until you reach Pine Valley, and see your fellow colonists waiting expectantly beyond the fenced checkpoint, that you recover your senses fully and comprehend what has happened. You have survived the journey of a lifetime and, at last, you have reached your goal.</p>
<p>(<a idref="weapons">Weapons</a>) Replaced <quote>The maximum number of close combat weapons you may carry is <em>two</em></quote> with <quote>The maximum number of close combat weapons you may carry is <em>two</em>, though you may only wield one at any time</quote>. Replaced <quote>possess rounds of the wrong calibre</quote> with <quote>possess only rounds of the wrong calibre</quote>. Replaced <quote>Freeway Warrior</quote> with <quote><cite>Freeway Warrior</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Close Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>. Replaced <quote>zero</quote> with <quote>zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.plus/> 1) He</quote> with <quote><ch.plus/>1). He</quote>. Replaced <quote>are reduced to zero, at which point the one whose score is zero is declared dead.</quote> with <quote>are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead.</quote>. Replaced <quote>with a reduced ENDURANCE point score</quote> with <quote>with his ENDURANCE points possibly reduced</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Close Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>. Replaced <quote>zero</quote> with <quote>zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.plus/> 1) He</quote> with <quote><ch.plus/>1). He</quote>. Replaced <quote>are reduced to zero, at which point the one whose score is zero is declared dead.</quote> with <quote>are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead.</quote>. Replaced <quote>with a reduced <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point score</quote> with <quote>with his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Close Combat Rules</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of the book</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect290">290</a>) Replaced <quote>distant poppings</quote> with <quote>distant popping</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>reassuringly, <ch.lsquot/>we<ch.apos/>re</quote> with <quote>reassuringly. <ch.lsquot/>We<ch.apos/>re</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect291">291</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>scuttling scratching</quote> with <quote>scuttling, scratching</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect294">294</a>) Added <quote>(Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your <a idref="action">Ammo Pouch</a>.)</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>Gorgas<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Gorgas<ch.apos/></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>Gorgas<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Gorgas<ch.apos/><ch.thinspace/></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect297">297</a>) Replaced <quote>bang</quote> with <quote><onomatopoeia>bang</onomatopoeia></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect298">298</a>) Replaced <quote>breach</quote> with <quote>breech</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect300">300</a>) Replaced <quote><typ class="item">Telescope</typ> or</quote> with <quote><typ class="item">Telescope</typ>, or</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>message, then</quote> with <quote>message; then</quote>. Added a paragraph break after <quote>from his brow.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="map">Map</a>) Replaced <quote>San Christobel Wash</quote> with <quote>San Cristobel Wash</quote>. Replaced <quote>Pantona Wash</quote> with <quote>Pantano Wash</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>. Replaced <quote>Combat Results Table</quote> with <quote>Close Combat Results Table</quote>. Replaced <quote>zero ENDURANCE points, this</quote> with <quote>zero ENDURANCE points or below; this</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>. Replaced <quote>Combat Results Table</quote> with <quote>Close Combat Results Table</quote>. Replaced <quote>zero <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, this</quote> with <quote>zero <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or below; this</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
<data>
<ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li><a idref="sect12">Section 12</a>, <a idref="sect292">Section 292</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect21">Section 21</a>, <a idref="sect27">Section 27</a>, <a idref="sect83">Section 83</a>, <a idref="sect105">Section 105</a>, <a idref="sect234">Section 234</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect28">Section 28</a>, <a idref="sect80">Section 80</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect43">Section 43</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect49">Section 49</a>, <a idref="sect251">Section 251</a>, <a idref="sect276">Section 276</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect60">Section 60</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect200">Section 200</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect211">Section 211</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect293">Section 293</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect337">Section 337</a></li>
-<!--
-Welcome to California sign:
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- <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
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-Mountains & dam:
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- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
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- <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
- </illustration>
+ <li><a idref="sect350">Section 350</a></li>
-VF-213 Emblem:
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
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-Fire Extinguisher & Supplies:
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-
-Army Aircraft:
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-Water Pipe:
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-Atropine; Pill Bottle:
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-CB Radios:
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-
-Chainsaw; Lions Logo:
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
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-
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--->
</ul>
</data>
</section>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff