24

Quietly you inform your fellow judges of your decision and, after a brief consultation, Cutter Jacks announces the verdict.

‘By the majority decision of this tribunal, we find John Barlow guilty of the murder of Michael Gorgas in the first degree. This crime is a capital offence punishable by death by firing squad. The sentence is to be carried out immediately.’

Upon hearing the verdict, the surrounding colonists utter a sound that is full of shocked disbelief. Barlow’s face contorts into a mask of hatred and he reaches, like a striking cobra, for the pistol he has tucked into his belt. However, the Tucson escorts are already moving forward to grab his arms, and swiftly they wrestle the gun from his hand. A lone voice in the crowd demands a re-trial, but it is ignored. Then another voice rings out, but this time it captures everyone’s attention. It is Macy, the convoy’s lookout, and he is screaming words that make your blood run cold.

‘The Outlaws are attacking!’

Without warning, two grenades explode simultaneously in the town square and the chatter of machine gun fire echoes along the empty side-streets. Screams of panic mingle with the dull booms of more explosions as the colonists rush to the vehicles to try to retrieve their weapons before it is too late. A burst of gunfire from a rooftop stitches a line of holes across the table and sends you, and the other judges, diving for cover. Suddenly everything is chaos; it’s every man for himself. You grab your gun and scurry towards a garbage cart that lies overturned on the plaza. As you skid to a halt behind the cart, you find yourself face to face with Barlow, the man you have just sentenced to death. The confrontation is shocking, but it is the sight of the screwdriver that he is holding poised in his hand that really strikes terror in your heart.

With a cry of pure hatred he lunges with the screwdriver and tries to drive it into your chest.

Barlow: CLOSE COMBAT SKILL 16   ENDURANCE 21

Owing to the surprise of his attack, you are unable to make use of a close combat weapon until the start of the second round of the fight.

If you win the combat, turn to 331.