<data>
<p>You are Cal Phoenix, a survivor, born on Thanksgiving in the year 2000 AD. When you cast your mind back to the time before <quote>The Day</quote>, you recall your two brothers and your sister, your parents<ch.apos/> house in California, and summer vacations spent cruising the blue Pacific off Catalina Island aboard your father<ch.apos/>s boat. They are your fondest memories, yet your most vivid recollections are of winter vacations, when the family would drive to Dallas to spend Christmas with Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann. Of all your Texan Christmases, the 2011 visit was the most memorable. It was also the last time you saw your family alive.</p>
<p>Your parents had decided to cancel the trip to Dallas that year. The oil shortage had pushed up the price of gasolene to $30 a gallon, and only the rich could afford to drive long distances, even in cars equipped with solar-pacs. You were so disappointed when you heard the news that you decided to walk the 1300 miles to Dallas, and would have done so had your father not caught up with you three miles from home. Then, when Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann got to hear of it, they fixed it with your parents so that you at least could spend Christmas with them at their ranch near Denton.</p>
- <p>From the moment they met your charter flight at Addison Airport you knew it was going to be a vacation to remember. Uncle Jonas was an oilman. He had been one ever since he graduated from the University of Texas in <ch.rsquot/>95 with a degree in geology. Earlier that summer he had been put in charge of construction at a shale-oil mine near Austin, the very first of its kind in Texas, and as a special Christmas treat he promised to take you on a guided tour of the whole underground complex.</p>
+ <p>From the moment they met your charter flight at Addison Airport you knew it was going to be a vacation to remember. Uncle Jonas was an oilman. He had been one ever since he graduated from the University of Texas in <ch.apos/>95 with a degree in geology. Earlier that summer he had been put in charge of construction at a shale-oil mine near Austin, the very first of its kind in Texas, and as a special Christmas treat he promised to take you on a guided tour of the whole underground complex.</p>
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<p>Most of the colony will be travelling aboard the bus, which will be driven by your uncle. Cutter will drive the tanker and you, acting as scout, will drive your roadster at the head of the convoy. With the bus full of passengers, luggage is limited to essential supplies only; everything else will be destroyed before leaving McKinney. At dawn, on the day before the convoy is to set off, a thorough check is made of the vehicles and provisions. There is enough food and water to reach your destination but, apart from your personal weapons, the colony has very few firearms with which to defend itself.</p>
<p>Long Jake Bannerman, a former roustabout from Gainsville, has volunteered to drive north and search for weapons and ammunition. His brother once owned a hardware store in Sherman and kept his stock of sporting guns locked in the basement. Although they may have to be dug out there is a good chance that they have survived intact. Everyone agrees that it is worth a try, and so Jake, equipped with a CB radio, a shovel, and a rusty revolver, sets out for Sherman in his beat-up old truck.</p>
<p>Two hours later he radios a message from Sherman. He has found rifles and ammunition, but his truck has broken down and he is now stranded in the town. He has also found a survivor<ch.emdash/>a teenage girl<ch.emdash/>and he requests that you come to pick them up as soon as possible. Uncle Jonas agrees. He tells him to sit tight and wait for you to arrive.</p>
- <p><quote>Trust Jake to go an<ch.apos/> maroon hi<ch.apos/>self with a gal!</quote> grumbles Uncle Jonas, wryly. <quote>Cal, you better git your body up to Sherman and haul <ch.rsquot/>em back here. An<ch.apos/> no messin<ch.apos/> with street punks on the way, y<ch.apos/>hear!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Trust Jake to go an<ch.apos/> maroon hi<ch.apos/>self with a gal!</quote> grumbles Uncle Jonas, wryly. <quote>Cal, you better git your body up to Sherman and haul <ch.apos/>em back here. An<ch.apos/> no messin<ch.apos/> with street punks on the way, y<ch.apos/>hear!</quote></p>
<p><quote>We<ch.apos/>ll be back in time for breakfast!</quote> you reply, cheerily, as you slide behind the wheel of your roadster and fire up its throaty V-8 engine. Then, with a farewell wave, you power the car out of McKinney and speed northwards to Sherman along what remains of Highway 75.</p>
<choice idref="sect204"><link-text>Turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>37</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>You may not need these, but have <ch.rsquot/>em anyway,</quote> says Kate, holding out two 12-gauge cartridges.</p>
+ <p><quote>You may not need these, but have <ch.apos/>em anyway,</quote> says Kate, holding out two 12-gauge cartridges.</p>
<p><quote>Every little helps,</quote> you reply, gratefully, as you take them from her hand (remember to note these on your Ammo Pouch). You press the shells into your gun<ch.apos/>s magazine and chance another look over the edge of the slope to fix the enemy<ch.apos/>s position in your mind.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ll go left,</quote> whispers Cutter.</p>
<p><quote>Whenever you<ch.apos/>re ready,</quote> you reply, and tense your body in preparation for the run.</p>
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<creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
- <description><ch.lsquot/>The name<ch.apos/>s Rickenbacker,<ch.rsquot/> he says, removing his goggles and shaking Uncle Jonas by the hand.</description>
+ <description><quote>The name<ch.apos/>s Rickenbacker,</quote> he says, removing his goggles and shaking Uncle Jonas by the hand.</description>
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- <p>Instantly you dive through the doorway of a store to your right and crouch in the shadows. The patrol swaggers past the store without noticing you, and soon their footfalls have passed out of earshot.</p>
+ <p>Instantly you dive through the doorway of a store to your right and crouch in the shadows. The patrol swaggers past the store without noticing you, and soon <!--ERRTAG-RE-162870-->its footfalls<!--/ERRTAG-RE-162870--> have passed out of earshot.</p>
<choice idref="sect7">If you wish to search the store, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect273">If you decide to leave the store and continue, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
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<meta><title>109</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You vault over the trunk and land feet-first in the driving seat, your hand poised to switch on the ignition. The engine growls, but before you can shift gear and speed away, there is another burst of gunfire. It shatters the windshield and forces you to throw yourself across the passenger seat to avoid being caught in a deadly crossfire. Then a savage voice screams a command and the firing ceases. You chance a glance over the dashboard and see, to your astonishment, a leather-clad punk come running towards you from out of the ruins. Long Jake takes aim. He fires, missing by a hand<ch.apos/>s breadth. Undeterred, the grim-faced renegade leaps into the car beside you, cackling like a maniac as he lunges for your throat with his flick knife.</p>
+ <p>You vault over the trunk and land feet-first in the driving seat, your hand poised to switch on the ignition. The engine growls, but before you can <!--ERRTAG-RE-168267-->shift gears<!--/ERRTAG-RE-168267--> and speed away, there is another burst of gunfire. It shatters the windshield and forces you to throw yourself across the passenger seat to avoid being caught in a deadly crossfire. Then a savage voice screams a command and the firing ceases. You chance a glance over the dashboard and see, to your astonishment, a leather-clad punk come running towards you from out of the ruins. Long Jake takes aim. He fires, missing by a hand<ch.apos/>s breadth. Undeterred, the grim-faced renegade leaps into the car beside you, cackling like a maniac as he lunges for your throat with his flick knife.</p>
<combat><enemy>Copperhead</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">14</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Owing to the surprise of the attack, you must fight the first round of combat unarmed.</p>
<choice idref="sect63">If you win, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You pull the transceiver out of your Backpack, flick the power switch on, and key in the frequency that Pop Ewell monitors aboard the bus. <quote>Red Phoenix to DC1,</quote> you say, using your emergency call sign. <quote>I<ch.apos/>m pinned down by sniper fire. It<ch.apos/>s coming from the diner across the street. Suspect two clansmen. Request assistance.</quote></p>
- <p>The tiny speaker crackles into life and you hear Cutter<ch.apos/>s voice reply: <quote>Hang in there, Cal. I<ch.apos/>ll circle <ch.apos/>round the back and flush <ch.rsquot/>em out.</quote></p>
+ <p>The tiny speaker crackles into life and you hear Cutter<ch.apos/>s voice reply: <quote>Hang in there, Cal. I<ch.apos/>ll circle <ch.apos/>round the back and flush <ch.apos/>em out.</quote></p>
<p>A minute later you see Cutter jump down from the bus and scurry across the rock-strewn ground behind the diner, cradling a shotgun, which he loads as he runs. He disappears behind the building, then a few moments later you hear a burst of gunfire and see a swarthy-faced man, dressed in western clothes, come running out of the front door with a pistol in his hand.</p>
<choice idref="sect143">If you possess a missile weapon, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect183">If you do not possess a missile weapon, or do not have sufficient ammunition to use it, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>135</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You see a cloud of dust approaching, then the roar of 100 motorcycle engines fills the air as the Detroit Lions come racing along the freeway into Colorado City. <quote>You gotta hold <ch.rsquot/>em off until we<ch.apos/>ve got this baby across,</quote> shouts Cutter, as he waves frantic signals to Uncle Jonas, who is having to fight to keep the tanker in a straight line. The sight of the makeshift platform sagging under the weight of the heavy vehicle makes your stomach churn.</p>
+ <p>You see a cloud of dust approaching, then the roar of 100 motorcycle engines fills the air as the Detroit Lions come racing along the freeway into Colorado City. <quote>You gotta hold <ch.apos/>em off until we<ch.apos/>ve got this baby across,</quote> shouts Cutter, as he waves frantic signals to Uncle Jonas, who is having to fight to keep the tanker in a straight line. The sight of the makeshift platform sagging under the weight of the heavy vehicle makes your stomach churn.</p>
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<meta><title>136</title></meta>
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- <p>The dying screams of their chief dispels the trance into which the clansmen have fallen, but before they can act, you jump into the Thunderbird and twist the ignition key. The moment the antique engine growls into life, you stamp on the gas pedal and accelerate away from the crowd. In a cloud of dust and blue smoke you leave Cross Plains and return to the gas station where you parked your roadster. Before ditching the Thunderbird you search it thoroughly and discover that the trunk contains a Pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition. Then, with night drawing in, you climb into your own car and drive away at top speed.</p>
+ <p>The dying <!--ERRTAG-RE-197220-->screams of their chief dispel<!--/ERRTAG-RE-197220--> the trance into which the clansmen have fallen, but before they can act, you jump into the Thunderbird and twist the ignition key. The moment the antique engine growls into life, you stamp on the gas pedal and accelerate away from the crowd. In a cloud of dust and blue smoke you leave Cross Plains and return to the gas station where you parked your roadster. Before ditching the Thunderbird you search it thoroughly and discover that the trunk contains a Pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition. Then, with night drawing in, you climb into your own car and drive away at top speed.</p>
<p>When you reach Rising Star you find that the convoy is awaiting your return with trepidation. Because you are so long overdue, they feared that you had fallen foul of Mad Dog Michigan and his bikers. You tell them what happened to you in Cross Plains and everyone agrees that, with darkness almost upon you, it is too dangerous to continue.</p>
<p>The night at Rising Star passes uneventfully and at first light the convoy sets off cross-country towards Abilene. The arid, stony bed of Pecan Bayou provides excellent cover from the surrounding high ground and leads the convoy northwest, back towards Freeway 20. It is shortly after midday when you reach the freeway, from which you can see the outskirts of Abilene less than five miles distant.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>For a mile beyond the junction, the highway passes through a corridor of petrified trees, the pitiful remains of a fertile city park that thrived before the holocaust. Then it crests a ridge of high ground that overlooks the sickly, tainted waters of Lake Worth. The bridge ahead is blocked by a manned barricade, and you slow to a halt, signalling to the others to pull off the road to avoid being seen.</p>
- <p>Cutter is the first to join you, his eagle eyes fixed on the barricade as silently he assesses its strength. Uncle Jonas and Hammer Harlan are the next to arrive and they are quick to ask Cutter for his opinion. <quote>Ain<ch.apos/>t nothing fancy down there,</quote> he says, almost casually. <quote>They got a few cars strung out in a line, that<ch.apos/>s all. I figure if we was to hit <ch.rsquot/>em hard enough, you can bet yer boots we<ch.apos/>d bust through their centre like a bull through a wicker fence.</quote></p>
+ <p>Cutter is the first to join you, his eagle eyes fixed on the barricade as silently he assesses its strength. Uncle Jonas and Hammer Harlan are the next to arrive and they are quick to ask Cutter for his opinion. <quote>Ain<ch.apos/>t nothing fancy down there,</quote> he says, almost casually. <quote>They got a few cars strung out in a line, that<ch.apos/>s all. I figure if we was to hit <ch.apos/>em hard enough, you can bet yer boots we<ch.apos/>d bust through their centre like a bull through a wicker fence.</quote></p>
<p><quote>We can<ch.apos/>t risk damaging a vehicle,</quote> says Hammer, wiping the sweat from his brow. <quote>If we smash a rad or rip a tyre, we can kiss goodbye to our hopes o<ch.apos/> seein<ch.apos/> Big Spring.</quote></p>
<p><quote>True enough,</quote> replies Cutter, stroking his stubbly chin. <quote>But I<ch.apos/>ve got an idea that<ch.apos/>ll give us a better-than-evens chance o<ch.apos/> cuttin<ch.apos/> through without a scratch.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>156</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Fifty miles of broken highway lie between you and the town of Albany. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed above 110<ch.deg/> Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begins to take its toll on those travelling aboard the crowded bus. As you approach the outskirts of a small town called Moran, Cutter signals for you to stop. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got six people down with heat exhaustion and four more on the brink,</quote> he says, his face awash with sweat. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got to get <ch.rsquot/>em out of this travelling oven and let <ch.apos/>em rest awhile in the shade.</quote></p>
- <p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Moran while you go on ahead to make sure that Albany is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be better able to continue. Before you leave for Albany you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of <typ class="item">Salt</typ>, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
+ <p>Fifty miles of broken highway lie between you and the town of Albany. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed above 110<ch.deg/> Fahrenheit, and the <!--ERRTAG-RE-222553-->combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begin<!--/ERRTAG-RE-222553--> to take its toll on those travelling aboard the crowded bus. As you approach the outskirts of a small town called Moran, Cutter signals for you to stop. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got six people down with heat exhaustion and four more on the brink,</quote> he says, his face awash with sweat. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got to get <ch.apos/>em out of this travelling oven and let <ch.apos/>em rest awhile in the shade.</quote></p>
+ <p>You suggest that <!--ERRTAG-RE-223065-->the convoy wait<!--/ERRTAG-RE-223065--> in Moran while you go on ahead to make sure that Albany is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be better able to continue. Before you leave for Albany you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of <typ class="item">Salt</typ>, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
<choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
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<meta><title>170</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>We won<ch.apos/>t be a<ch.apos/> skirtin<ch.apos/> <ch.apos/>round this place,</quote> says Cutter, casting a critical eye over the surrounding landscape. <quote>The land here<ch.apos/>s too craggy. The bus and the tanker<ch.apos/>d not get a hunnerd yards. Nope, our only chance is to hit <ch.rsquot/>em before they get muled up. If we go now we could cut straight through that lil<ch.apos/> ol<ch.apos/> town and be on our way to Big Spring before they know what<ch.apos/>s happened!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>We won<ch.apos/>t be a<ch.apos/> skirtin<ch.apos/> <ch.apos/>round this place,</quote> says Cutter, casting a critical eye over the surrounding landscape. <quote>The land here<ch.apos/>s too craggy. The bus and the tanker<ch.apos/>d not get a hunnerd yards. Nope, our only chance is to hit <ch.apos/>em before they get muled up. If we go now we could cut straight through that lil<ch.apos/> ol<ch.apos/> town and be on our way to Big Spring before they know what<ch.apos/>s happened!</quote></p>
<p>The plan is put to Uncle Jonas and he agrees that it is the colony<ch.apos/>s best chance of reaching Big Spring before nightfall. Kate volunteers to ride shotgun with you at the head of the convoy. Uncle Jonas will follow in the tanker and Cutter will close up behind with the bus, enabling those with guns to man the back window and keep any pursuers at bay.</p>
<p>Within a few minutes the plan is relayed to the colony and the vehicles are drawn up in line, ready to run the Coahoma gauntlet.</p>
<choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
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- <p>You have been driving for little over an hour when you see a bridge in the distance and notice a glint of sunlight bouncing off a point near the centre of the parapet. Not until you are within 100 yards of the bridge do you realize what is causing the refraction: it is the telescopic sight of a sniper<ch.apos/>s rifle and it is aimed directly at you.</p>
+ <p>You have been driving for little over an hour when you see a bridge in the distance and notice a glint of sunlight bouncing off a point near the centre of the parapet. Not until you are within 100 yards of the bridge do you realize what is causing the <!--ERRTAG-RE-252367-->reflection<!--/ERRTAG-RE-252367-->: it is the telescopic sight of a sniper<ch.apos/>s rifle and it is aimed directly at you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, and add it to your Driving and Stealth skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect326">If your total score is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect104">If your total is now 8<ch.endash/>13, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>On your arrival at Colorado City you discover that the colony has been busy during your absence. Using materials salvaged from the ruins of nearby factories, they have managed to put down a platform that spans the gap in the middle of the bridge. Now Cutter is supervising the strengthening of this platform to ensure that it will withstand the weight of the loaded tanker, the heaviest of the convoy vehicles.</p>
- <p>You tell everyone that you were unable to find an alternative way across the river, expecting the news to be met with disappointment. But most of the colony greets your scouting report with a nod of approval, a reaction that baffles you until Kate offers an explanation. <quote>That explosive we found at Lake Sweetwater is now under the bridge,</quote> she says, pointing towards the newly laid platform. <quote>Once we<ch.apos/>re all on the other side, I<ch.apos/>ll trigger the timer and two minutes later<ch.ellips/> boom! No bridge! It might not stop the Lions chasing us but it should keep <ch.rsquot/>em off our backs until we reach Big Spring.</quote></p>
+ <p>You tell everyone that you were unable to find an alternative way across the river, expecting the news to be met with disappointment. But most of the colony greets your scouting report with a nod of approval, a reaction that baffles you until Kate offers an explanation. <quote>That explosive we found at Lake Sweetwater is now under the bridge,</quote> she says, pointing towards the newly laid platform. <quote>Once we<ch.apos/>re all on the other side, I<ch.apos/>ll trigger the timer and two minutes later<ch.ellips/> boom! No bridge! It might not stop the Lions chasing us but it should keep <ch.apos/>em off our backs until we reach Big Spring.</quote></p>
<p>You are about to take a closer look when Pop Ewell calls everyone to the bus. He has made radio contact with Big Spring. <quote>Here, Cal,</quote> he says, handing you the headphones, <quote>your ears are younger than mine. See if you can figure out what they<ch.apos/>re saying.</quote></p>
<p>You slip on the headphones and listen to a voice that is almost completely obscured by the hiss and crackle of static. You close your eyes and concentrate as hard as you can in an effort to understand what is being said. <quote>The guy says he<ch.apos/>s going to pay us a visit,</quote> you say, hesitantly, suspecting that you have not heard the message correctly. Then the static fades and clearly you hear the words: <quote>Be with you soon. Watch the skies!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect68"><link-text>Turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>189</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Strawn is held by a gang o<ch.apos/> renegades,</quote> says Mountain Goat, looking west along the freeway in the direction of the town. <quote>There<ch.apos/>s <ch.rsquot/>bout forty of them. They was kicked out o<ch.apos/> San Angelo six months ago after they tried to take over the Angelo clan from Mekong Mike. He sure whomped <ch.rsquot/>em real good. Those that got away came north an<ch.apos/> settled here. They<ch.apos/>re known as <quote>the Skulls</quote> on account o<ch.apos/> their shaved heads, an<ch.apos/> their leader is a real mean dude called Alcatraz. He an<ch.apos/> his gang have got Strawn sewn up like a genuine fortress, just in case Mekong Mike should ever get the idea to come an<ch.apos/> pay <ch.rsquot/>em a surprise visit.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Strawn is held by a gang o<ch.apos/> renegades,</quote> says Mountain Goat, looking west along the freeway in the direction of the town. <quote>There<ch.apos/>s <ch.apos/>bout forty of them. They was kicked out o<ch.apos/> San Angelo six months ago after they tried to take over the Angelo clan from Mekong Mike. He sure whomped <ch.apos/>em real good. Those that got away came north an<ch.apos/> settled here. They<ch.apos/>re known as <quote>the Skulls</quote> on account o<ch.apos/> their shaved heads, an<ch.apos/> their leader is a real mean dude called Alcatraz. He an<ch.apos/> his gang have got Strawn sewn up like a genuine fortress, just in case Mekong Mike should ever get the idea to come an<ch.apos/> pay <ch.apos/>em a surprise visit.</quote></p>
<p>Dangerous though it would be, a raid on Strawn must be attempted. Cutter proposes that you and he should be the ones to go: he can identify the part that is needed, and you are by far the fittest member of the colony. You swallow your fear and agree to go with him at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect222"><link-text>Turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>251</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>An eerie silence is broken by Long Jake, who shouts out: <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.rsquot/>Taint over yet, Cal. There<ch.apos/>s more of them damn peckerwoods hidin<ch.apos/> out there somewhere!</quote> As if to prove his point, two single shots ring out, almost simultaneously, and ricochet off the storehouse wall. <quote>Watch your sides,</quote> Jake yells. <quote>Don<ch.apos/>t let <ch.rsquot/>em circle you.</quote></p>
+ <p>An eerie silence is broken by Long Jake, who shouts out: <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.apos/>Taint over yet, Cal. There<ch.apos/>s more of them damn peckerwoods hidin<ch.apos/> out there somewhere!</quote> As if to prove his point, two single shots ring out, almost simultaneously, and ricochet off the storehouse wall. <quote>Watch your sides,</quote> Jake yells. <quote>Don<ch.apos/>t let <ch.apos/>em circle you.</quote></p>
<p>You sense someone, or something, moving among the ruined shops away to your right. They are trying to get into a position where they will have a clear shot at you. If you are to survive this ambush you had better find somewhere less exposed.</p>
<choice idref="sect126">If you wish to make a dash for the store, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you decide to jump into your roadster and take off along the main street, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
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<creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
- <description><ch.lsquot/>Heng will be appeased!<ch.rsquot/> screams the chief, and lunges once more at your heart.</description>
+ <description><quote>Heng will be appeased!</quote> screams the chief, and lunges once more at your heart.</description>
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<p>You lead the convoy along the split and cratered surface of State Highway 571, across a wasteland of bleached hills and scorched scrub. In the distance you see mountains<ch.emdash/>the twin summits of Caddo Peaks and the craggy outline of Spring Mesa<ch.emdash/>standing sharp and clear against the backdrop of a cloudless sky. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed to 110<ch.deg/> Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the heat and poor road surface begin to take their toll. Two miles inside Comanche County, the tanker is forced to halt with an overheated engine. Luckily, the breakdown occurs within sight of the Sabanna River, now little more than a torpid stream, and enough water is soon collected to enable the tanker to continue. (If you wish, you can refill your Water Canteen at the river at the cost of one Medi-kit unit).</p>
- <p>Gradually the road turns westwards and climbs towards high plains country. Then, as you approach the outskirts of a town called Rising Star, Cutter signals to you to stop. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got six people down with heat exhaustion, and four more on the brink,</quote> he says, his face awash with sweat. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got to get <ch.rsquot/>em out of this travelling oven and let <ch.rsquot/>em rest awhile in the shade.</quote></p>
+ <p>Gradually the road turns westwards and climbs towards high plains country. Then, as you approach the outskirts of a town called Rising Star, Cutter signals to you to stop. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got six people down with heat exhaustion, and four more on the brink,</quote> he says, his face awash with sweat. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve got to get <ch.apos/>em out of this travelling oven and let <ch.apos/>em rest awhile in the shade.</quote></p>
<p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Rising Star while you go on ahead to make sure that Cross Plains is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be in better shape to continue. Before you leave for Cross Plains you must take a drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of <typ class="item">Salt</typ>, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
<choice idref="sect42"><link-text>Turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
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- <p><quote>You gotta hold <ch.rsquot/>em off until we<ch.apos/>ve got this baby across,</quote> shouts Cutter, as he waves frantic signals to Uncle Jonas, who is having to fight to keep the tanker in a straight line. The sight of the makeshift platform sagging under the weight of the heavy vehicle makes your stomach churn.</p>
+ <p><quote>You gotta hold <ch.apos/>em off until we<ch.apos/>ve got this baby across,</quote> shouts Cutter, as he waves frantic signals to Uncle Jonas, who is having to fight to keep the tanker in a straight line. The sight of the makeshift platform sagging under the weight of the heavy vehicle makes your stomach churn.</p>
<p><quote>You can count on it!</quote> you shout in reply, then turn and follow Kate as she runs back towards the town.</p>
<p>As you reach the end of the bridge you notice two ideal defensive positions. One is a three-storey factory that overlooks the freeway; the other is an auto wreck overturned on the approach ramp to the bridge.</p>
<choice idref="sect332">If you wish to hide behind the auto wreck, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
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- <p><quote>Saw your lights on the road,</quote> he croaks, a toothy smile cracking several layers of dirt that have built up around his nose and mouth. <quote>Said to m<ch.apos/>self, those folks will come a<ch.apos/> callin<ch.apos/>. Best whup up a real larrupin<ch.apos/> meal to make <ch.rsquot/>em feel right welcome.</quote> He jabs his metal rod into the fire and spears the blackened remains of a large rat. Proudly he holds it up and nods enthusiastically, as if he were about to serve you a prime T-bone steak. Your stomach turns when he offers you the charred carcass. You refuse politely.</p>
+ <p><quote>Saw your lights on the road,</quote> he croaks, a toothy smile cracking several layers of dirt that have built up around his nose and mouth. <quote>Said to m<ch.apos/>self, those folks will come a<ch.apos/> callin<ch.apos/>. Best whup up a real larrupin<ch.apos/> meal to make <ch.apos/>em feel right welcome.</quote> He jabs his metal rod into the fire and spears the blackened remains of a large rat. Proudly he holds it up and nods enthusiastically, as if he were about to serve you a prime T-bone steak. Your stomach turns when he offers you the charred carcass. You refuse politely.</p>
<p><quote>You gone an<ch.apos/> broked down, ain<ch.apos/>t you, boy?</quote> he says, pointing at the convoy on the highway below. <quote>What exactly<ch.apos/>s the problem? You never know, maybe I kin help you out. You<ch.apos/>d not be the first folks that ol<ch.apos/> Mountain Goat<ch.apos/>d set right.</quote></p>
<p>Half-heartedly you tell the old hermit about the breakdown, suspecting that he is just wasting your time. When you have finished, he smiles once more, and taps the side of his nose with a greasy forefinger. <quote>I know just where you can lay y<ch.apos/>hands on the part you need to fix that ol<ch.apos/> bus o<ch.apos/> yours,</quote> he says, smugly.</p>
<p><quote>Where?</quote> you reply.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect99">99</a>) Replaced <quote>H.E. Grenade</quote> with <quote>HE Grenade</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Replaced <quote>C.B. Radio</quote> with <quote>CB Radio</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-154541-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>cheered</quote> with <quote>cheers</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-154541-ITEM--><!--ERRTAG-RE-154614-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>brought</quote> with <quote>brings</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-154614-ITEM--><!--ERRTAG-RE-154721-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>promised</quote> with <quote>promises</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-154721-ITEM--><!--ERRTAG-RE-154839-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>hopes were</quote> with <quote>hopes are</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-154839-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect101">101</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - six rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one round; maximum: six rounds)</quote></p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect103">103</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect103">103</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-162870-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>their footfalls</quote> with <quote>its footfalls</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-162870-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.lsquot/>the Day<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote> with <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.lsquot/>The Day<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>chest and</quote> with <quote>chest, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect109">109</a>) Replaced <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect109">109</a>) Replaced <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-168267-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>shift gear</quote> with <quote>shift gears</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-168267-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect116">116</a>) Replaced <quote>key-in</quote> with <quote>key in</quote>. Replaced <quote>on and</quote> with <quote>on, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect117">117</a>) Added missing period after <quote>(0 equals 10)</quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect119">119</a>) Replaced <quote>Water Canteen, containing</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen containing</quote> and <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - five rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one burst; maximum: five bursts)</quote></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunner</quote> with <quote>machine gunner</quote>. Replaced <quote>aim and</quote> with <quote>aim, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect133">133</a>) Replaced <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect136">136</a>) Replaced <quote>north-west</quote> with <quote>northwest</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect136">136</a>) Replaced <quote>north-west</quote> with <quote>northwest</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-197220-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>screams of their chief dispels</quote> with <quote>screams of their chief dispel</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-197220-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced <quote>south-west</quote> with <quote>southwest</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect138">138</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>assess</quote> with <quote>assesses</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect152">152</a>) Replaced text based number puzzle with illustration.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect155">155</a>) Replaced <quote>red indian</quote> with <quote>Red Indian</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect156">156</a>) Replaced <quote>take its toll of those</quote> with <quote>take its toll on those</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect156">156</a>) Replaced <quote>take its toll of those</quote> with <quote>take its toll on those</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-222553-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begins</quote> with <quote>combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begin</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-222553-ITEM--><!--ERRTAG-RE-223065-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>the convoy waits</quote> with <quote>the convoy wait</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-223065-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect158">158</a>) Replaced <quote>C.B. Radio</quote> with <quote>CB Radio</quote>. Replaced <quote>setting and</quote> with <quote>setting, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect160">160</a>) Replaced <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.lsquot/>the Day<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote> with <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.lsquot/>The Day<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote>.Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect162">162</a>) Replaced <quote>Ammo pouch</quote> with <quote>Ammo Pouch</quote> and <quote>once sophisticated</quote> with <quote>once-sophisticated</quote>. Replaced <quote>Weapons list</quote> with <quote>Weapons List</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect173">173</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>exertion and</quote> with <quote>exertion, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>anti-biotics</quote> with <quote>antibiotics</quote> and <quote>H.E. Grenade</quote> with <quote>HE Grenade</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect177">177</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+<p>(<a idref="sect178">178</a>)<!--ERRTAG-RE-252367-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>refraction</quote> with <quote>reflection</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-252367-ITEM--></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect181">181</a>) Replaced <quote>rope</quote> with <quote>Rope</quote> and <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect182">182</a>) Replaced <quote>Erath country</quote> with <quote>Erath County</quote>. Replaced <quote>biker<ch.apos/>s raid</quote> with <quote>bikers<ch.apos/> raid</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect188">188</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff