"Your Honor, my client was afraid and defending himself while security guards pummeled him with shock batons. We plea for leniency ..."

"Denied!" The judge gaveled.

"This colony has minimal resources. We cannot imprison or rehabilitate murderers, much less transport them back to Earth. Your client understood the consequences when he signed his contract.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Mr. Ralph Jenkins, stand up …

"I hereby 'exile' you to the surface. May God have mercy on your soul."

Without giving him a last meal, the guards escorted Ralph outside and stripped him of protective gear.

After all, there were no resources for Earth-like justice.