On January 18 there was a fire in Norman's apartment building. Norman was unharmed, but his apartment's bedroom and bathroom were damaged. The damage was predominantly smoke and water related. Luckily, the NOVA archives survived undamaged. Everything that could be saved has been moved. Norman has since moved into a new apartment and is slowly getting everything organized again.

What else is happening (or not) in New Omaha? You decide. There are too many details to fit in our modest newsletter. For a change, New Omaha has not been destroyed by war or terrorism this year. It's still here. Will wonders never cease?
    This issue we offer some goodies for everyone; three bizarre productsthat fit the times in which we live.
 

Collision-Absorbing Chassis: Costs 3 times body costs, no weight or space. No modifications to chassis strength and suspension. The collision absorbing chassis reduces collision damage to a car so equipped hy -2 per die.

Hardpoints: $1,000 each, 100 lbs. each, no spaces, for military aircraft only. Hardpoints are specialized versions of the standard REWP. The amount of weaponry on which a hardpoint can carry is limited only by the weight capacity of the aircraft they are mounted. Helicopters may mount hardpoints underneath weapon wings, one hardpoint per two spaces of wing size (round up). Fighter aircraft may mount up to four hardpoints per wing, and up to three underneath the fuselage. Hardpoints may carry one drop tank each. They cannot be armored.

Metal Tires (revised): $1,000 each, 150 lbs. each, 10 DP, inherently fireproof, takes damage as per metal armor. Any damage in excess of the DP doesn't destroy the tire but instead inflicts 2 DP of damage. When a tire is destroyed, HC is dropped permanently by 1. Radial and slick modifications aren't allowed.
 

THE WORLD "OUT THERE"

"The Grim Reaper is dead. All clones are gone too! "

A rather large gang in the Lincoln area became tired of losing to the Grim Reaper. The gang declined to take out him and the Gold Cross building in Lincoln. The resulting battle was a gore-fest. Five city blocks, 26 innocent bystanders, 49 gang members, and 26 security and police officers were killed. The Grim Reaper, 6 cars, 25 cycles and a dog were utterly obliterated.
    The Reaper received word of the gang's plan and attacked the gang head-on, plowing into their midst and running down five of them (including the dog). The Gold Cross Security Force and the Lincoln Police were already involved in the fight as the gang continued its drive toward the Gold Cross building. The fighting caused the aforementioned city blocks to catch fire and burn to the ground. The Reaper was forced to abandon his wrecked car; he joined the security forces in one of their bunkers. Shortly thereafter the police hit a gang car that was traveling over 100 mph. The vehicle rolled into the bunker housing the Reaper and exploded, killing the Reaper and two Gold Cross guards. The gang then broke through the guard's lines and destroyed the Gold Cross building with multiple kamibombs.
    In the course of his career the Grim Reaper killed over 100 wanted criminals and destroyed over three dozen gang vehicles. The city of Lincoln will miss him.
 

In other news:

Early February saw the southwest part of Battle, Nebraska announce its independence and incorporation as the city of Milford (named after the city that was destroyed during the Dark Years). The Battle government was shocked by the announcement, as the area was considered a "dreg zone" The Battle Police were ordered by Mayor Harry Kellman to stop their "live weapon-testing" in the now-recognized city of Milford. A DMZ has been established around and between Battle and Milford by the State Government.
    Tim Jacques has formed a new chapter in Omaha called Hammer's Slammers. We wish them good luck and we'll keep good relations with them.
    Chris French is our new vice-president, filling the vacancy left by our former VP, Tim Jacques. Chris will answer some of our correspondence and edit the Nightmessenger.
    Daniel Sloan is forming NOVA South in Orlando, Florida. No word yet on other possible NOVA chapters.
    Dragon Mazer has left New Omaha for Florida. With the destruction of NOTS, he has more problems down south than up here. We wish him good luck wherever he goes. On the day prior to his departure, he received a challenge via mail. There was no return address, but it was postmarked from Chicago. It reads:

Dragonmazer sounds cool. Do you think he would consider trading law & order for chaos & destruction because it is possible in [indecipherable]. His might be a cool head to hang on my all. I'm not trying to threaten anyone but "inside every honest man there is a thief trying to get out", and I have no mercy. So maybe a showdown could be arranged sometime.

Signed

Just for Fun

[Note: We have no idea what he is babbling about!]

Dragon Mazer is very interested in taking up the challenge.

The heat is on: the Midwest Regionals is coming soon, and the fur is already flying. It will feature the only double club champion in NOVA history, and the only four-time regional champion. Other duelists are setting their sights on these two, so a message to those others: Don't even think of using teamwork or back-seat coaching.
    Regrettably, due to increased publishing costs, NOVA is announcing an increase in subscription rates. The prices are as follows:

Regular Meeting attendee: $4/year
U.S. Subscribers: $8/year
International Subscribers: $12/year

NOVA is considering getting a post office box. Please write to us on what you think of this idea.
 

Jan. 4, 2044: A pile of cyberninjas was found in Chalco by a police patrol. Chalco Police estimate at least twenty bodies were discovered.

Jan. 3, 2044: The Elvis Commandos held a concert at the Civic Auditorium to celebrate Elvis's birthday. Several thousand fans attended.

Jan. 9, 2044: Apparently the Elvis Commandos took out a Raven drug-house last night. The NOPD reported finding sunglasses on the premises, and one witness said she sighted a UFO over the house. Several seriously-injured Ravens were captured and hospitalized.

Jan. 10, 2044: Last night, the Elvis Commandos were accused of executing an attack on a Bootlegger drug-house. As with the Raven raid, sunglasses were found and a UFO was sighted. Several Bootleggers were captured and hospitalized.

Jan. 18, 2044: NOVA HQ was damaged by fire. The cause of fire is unknown. Some believe the Jackal is responsible. The NOPD is investigating the cause of the NOVA HQ fire.

Jan. 19, 2044: NOVA President Joseph Ratner announced the refurbishing of NOVA HQ. It began this day with Ratner cleaning out several rooms in the HQ.
    Police Commissioner John Smith commented that "the NOVA fire is arson, and that the perpetrators will not get away with it"

Jan. 26, 2044: Two cyborgs were eliminated at a Quad Cities security checkpoint after being identified by a trucker as the duo wanted for causing wanton destruction in Chicago a few weeks ago. The cyborgs and their car were completely destroyed.

Jan. 29, 2044: A celebrity race was held at Skyfire Arena, which had been reconfigured into a clone of the Dumbarton Slalom. The twist - the racers were driving tractors! Participating in the race, which was broadcast live as part of a fundraising effort, were DSA truck racer Adrian DeVries in a modified Super Ram, Continental Couriers driver Stormrider in a Radius Motors Slip, and Mayor Bill T. Cat in a stock Economy. All weapons were removed, and special race transmissions were used. The race would run 5 laps.
    The race began in spectacular fashion. DeVries rammed Stormrider shortly after the start, spinning him around, while Cat declined to run his laps clockwise (DeVries and Stormrider ran counterclock). DeVries and Stormrider thrilled the crowd with their bump-and-grind, doorhandle-to-doorhandle racing.
    Things became even more exciting halfway through The first lap, when Cat and Stormrider sideswiped each other. Cat bounced off a pylon, spun, and backed into a wall, while Stormrider's rig spun wildly, finally spearing itself on a safety zone entrance. Meanwhile, DeVries drove away, eventually gaining a half-lap lead on Stormrider.
    Cat's day did not improve; he lost control! (again) at the far end of the track, wandered around the track, hit several walls, and finally slammed head-on into a safe-zone door. Taking this as a sign from above, Cat exited the track some 200 feet short of completing his second lap. "Heck of a ride," Cat said later.
    Meanwhile, Stormrider tried desperately to run down DeVries, but was unable to close the distance. DeVries was still half a lap ahead when the checkered flag fell. Both DeVries and Stormrider high speeds of 110 mph before the race ended.
    Afterward, DeVries was asked about his opening spin-and-run against Stormrider. He replied, "He had me by 20 mph and was handling better, I had to do something. At least, when he did crash, it wasn't my fault!"
    Approximately $10 million was raised for the NOPD, NOFD, and NOMD (New Omaha Medical Department).

Feb. 1, 2044: Trakker Aviation of Great Falls, Montana, announced its plans to move to the New Omaha area. The aircraft manufacturer's Butte, Montana factory and headquarters facility was destroyed early in the Protectorate War by Japanese forces. "I have no interest in continuing our operations in Montana," Trakker Aviation's CEO Sharon Zametkin told reporters. "The southern states are either too rowdy or controlled by despots, the Free Oil States are just that, and the West Coast is just too crazy. The Midwest, Nebraska in particular, suits me just fine."
    Chalco responded to the move first, submitting an incentive proposal to the company. New Omaha, Springfield, Gretna, Bellevue, and Papillon followed Chalco's example shortly thereafter.

Feb. 2, 2044: A Protectorate hypersonic bomber was shot down a few miles south of Offutt NGB. The Jackal is believed to be responsible.

Feb. 3, 2044: Chalco, Elkhorn, New Omaha, and Gretna placed bids for the proposed Trakker Aviation facility in hopes of attracting the aircraft manufacturer's interest. "If they want a peaceful site, they'll give serious consideration to Chalco's offer," Chalco mayor Brett Mendenhall said. "Despite the terrorist attack last year, we've still had better luck maintaining the city's, and it's residents's, security than any other nearby town or city."

Feb. 11, 2044: City Wide Services tested its new Hunter/Killer Autonomous Police Units in Battle, Nebraska. The test saw the destruction of all H/K units by the so called "Dregs" of Milford.
    Milford (SW Battle) filed for incorporation today in Lincoln, surprising Battle officials. Mayor Harry Kellman said he's investigating the situation.

Feb. 14, 2044: A computer virus activated itself at locations throughout the state of Nebraska. New Omaha, Lincoln, Battle, and Toytown were affected most heavily. The Battle's nuclear reactors came close went into overload before being shut down manually. It will take several months of tests and inspections before they will be allowed To go back on-line. New Omaha and Lincoln defenses and businesses have gone to manual controls.
    Local computer experts are working towards finding a cure for The virus. They include "Cobra" Kurtz, Michael Shadow and others.

Feb. 15, 2044: Trakker Aviation CEO Sharon Zametkin, her husband, and their three teenage children finished a four-day "vacation" at Chalco's Lake Cunningham quarter. The Chalco Scouts displayed their equipment and skills for their guests during a firepower demonstration.

Feb. 17, 2044: Mayor Bill the Cat thanked Michael Shadow and Cobra Kurtz for eliminating the computer virus affecting Nebraska. Battle and Toytown are still affected by it; they have refused assistance for the time being.
    The offices of Ratner Taxi was destroyed this night. A group of thieves broke in and were attacked by the Raven gang. By the time the Police arrived, the building had exploded. Four police vehicles were totaled, and 10 officers were hurt. No Ratner employees were killed or injured; the total number of thieves and Ravens killed are not yet known. The Police believe the Mob and the Raven gang were involved in destroying the Rather Taxi offices.

Feb. 19, 2044: Joseph Ratner's house was destroyed by a Mob assault. No one was injured. Mr. Rather has made no comment on this and other attacks on his person and business.

Feb. 19, 2044: Michael Shadow announced he was sending the cure for the computer virus to Orlando, Florida, which has reported the appearance of a similar virus.
    The bodies of several Protectorate commandos were found near the sewage treatment plant in northwest New Omaha. Containers of TX-11 biological weaponry were found with them. The Jackal was implicated in the attack.

Feb. 22, 2044: Mount Fuji erupted, causing billions of dollars in damage and displacing thousands of people.

Feb. 24, 2044: Using the confusion caused by the Mount Fuji eruption, DKI operatives sabotaged the Tokyo-Yokohama municipal power grid, causing a total blackout of the cities. A second team, of operatives blew up the main pumping station of the Tokyo Municipal Water Works. When asked for comment, Death Knight said, "Just wait, the party has only begun!"

Feb. 26, 2044: "After due deliberation," Trakker Aviation CEO Sharon Zametkin announced, "Trakker Aviation has selected Chalco as the future site for our manufacturing facility." Mrs. Zametkin said a 60,000 square foot temporary pre-fab hanger will be ready for use within two months. Meanwhile, Frank's Construction of Springfield, Nebraska, will begin construction of a permanent 350,000 square foot manufacturing facility March 1.

Feb. 27, 2044: The Japanese Protectorate suffered another devastating blow today when the Nikki stock exchange dropped 25%. The cause of this drop was a computer virus called "Barney"; when it activated itself, it caused all the computers in Japan to turn their monitor screens purple and sing translations of mindless, poorly-written songs about people being nice to each other.

Feb. 29, 2044: A catastrophic fire at the JPAF spaceport destroyed all of the launching facilities. The fire started when a fuel line carrying liquid hydrogen broke and the escaping gas was ignited by a stray spark.

Mar. 1, 2044: A new pizza parlor, Torgo's Pizza, opened in New Omaha. Owner Thorsten Godfrey promised speedy delivery to any point in the city. Torgo's employees, surprisingly, are "gifted" men & women trying to work their way back into normal life.

Mar. 2, 2044: Vincenza Pinella and Dominec DiRenzo, both well-respected businessmen from New Omaha, were targets of a drive-by shooting in front of Luciano's Restaurant. Two bystanders were wounded and Pinella and DiRenzo's bodyguards were killed. Authorities are unsure what motivated the attack.
    Detective Hammer of the NOPD killed four mob members in a shootout. Commissioner Smith commended Detective Hammer's actions.

Mar. 3, 2044: A large shoot-out in a nominally peaceful neighborhood awoke residents early this morning. When police arrived, one house was burning and several bodies littered the house's front lawn.
    Two submarines of unknown ownership attacked a Protectorate merchant convoy today. Twelve vessels were sunk with all hands, and seven more were heavily damaged. The total loss of shipping exceeded 100,000 tons. The two submarines escaped unmolested.

Mar. 4, 2044: The New Omaha Police Department confirmed rumors that the house burned the previous evening was a suspected Raven drug house.
    NOVA President Joseph Ratner announced the formation of the 1st & 2nd NOVA (Nebraska National Guard) Battalions. The Weasel and Deathknight will command one battalion each.

Mar. 5, 2044: Several mob enforcers fell victim to Detective Hammer's silver bullets. Three mob cars were destroyed as well.
    The battleship USS Massachusetts was recommissioned in a ceremony held at the Boston Navy Yard. The ship is expected to sail for the Pacific and join the Seventh Fleet in operations against the Protectorate.

Mar. 6, 2044: Billy Gino was found shot to death in his southwest New Omaha home. Gino has been suspected of being a "made man" in the Council Bluffs Mafia for over a year. Police are investigating the matter.

Mar. 8, 2044: A mob house blew up today after Detective Hammer accidently shoe an exposed gas pipe. Five mob members were killed in the blast.

Mar. 10, 2044: Thirteen Raven gang members were found murdered, execution style, in an abandoned north New Omaha warehouse.

Mar. 11, 2044: Detective Hammer's war on crime continues: He shot down six mobsters and destroyed two cars. Rumors abound of the mob hiring outside enforcers.

Mar. 13, 2044: Mob enforcers are piling up like cordwood. The whereabouts of Detective Hammer are unknown.

Mar. 14, 2044: Several cycle gangs working in concert attacked and destroyed the Death Mall, then went on to engage in a running battle with the Police. The trail of destruction ended in the New Industrial Park at the gates of DKI, where the gangs were destroyed. Minor damage was done to the Blaster Motors and Radius Motors dealerships. This is believed to be another Jackal attack. Commissioner Smith stated, "It was a most damaging attack--but more to them than us."

Mar. 15, 2044: A drive-by shooting outside the posh TecLine nightclub left four dead and ten wounded. Dominec DiRenzo, the target of a previous shooting, was among those killed. Evidently, he died while shielding a woman from the gunfire with his own body. Gold Cross reports his clone has been activated.

Mar, 16, 2044: Two suspects accused of last night's drive-by shooting were placed in custody. Both are known Ravens gang members, but police officials would release no more information.
    Police Commissioner Smith reported that Detective Hammer singlehandedly eliminated a Mob godfather and his bodyguards today. Smith again commended Detective Hammer's actions.

Mar. 18, 2044: Tinker Taxi opened for business, hitting the streets with a force of thirty taxis. President James Tinker has high hopes for his taxi company, expecting to be competitive with other taxi companies in the area.

Mar. 20, 2044: Toytown locked down when a bomb was discovered in the city. The disarming of the bomb is still taking place.

Mar. 21, 2044: Toytown announced that they had disarmed a nuclear bomb, placed there by unknown terrorists. The Federal Government and Toytown are investigating the matter.

Mar. 22, 2044: The office of Minotte Insurance, located in downtown New Omaha, was burned to the ground. The body of Antonio Minotte was found in the debris. Police investigators revealed he had sustained over thirty bullet wounds before being burned in the fire.

Apr. 3, 2044: A 23-year-old man (name not released), rumored to be the leader of the Ravens gang, was found dead in his north New Omaha home. NOPD Commissioner John Smith said, "There's no way in Hell this could have been suicide. The wounds could not have been inflicted by himself, it was murder, period; the attempt to cover up this fact indicates possible trouble in the not-too-distant future."

Apr. 10, 2044: Toytown exploded spectacularly for reasons unknown. Debris was found as far away as Plattsmouth. A large crater was formed in the center of the town. The Federal Government and the National Guard are investigating.
 

NOVA's busy year continues through the summer. There are more conventions this year, so we'll be holding more events than in previous years.

May: Oasis in Florida. NOVA South is running the Southeast Regional. For more details contact Daniel Sloan.

June 17-19: Contretemps 8 in Omaha. NOVA will be running a tournament there. Origins '94: San Jose, California. Site of the Dueling Worlds.

GenCon '94: August 18-21 in Milwaukee. Site of the Racing Worlds. NOVA will be running a sequel to Godzilla takes Milwaukee and a racing tournament.

Mach 1: September 3-5 in Omaha, Nebraska. NOVA will be running a tournament again.

Nukecon 4: October?

Fields of Honor 3: October or November?
 

There are a lot of sci-fi films coming out this year, but only a few of them are Car Wars-related. TV may offer more hope for Car Wars-related shows.

Summer: The Shadow

TV: Robocop Series, Viper, Bandit, Knight Rider movies

Video: Demolition Man, Fortress

In the Works: Die Hard 3, Highlander 3, Total Recall 2; Minority Report & Time Cop.
 

Truck Racing by Adrian DeVries, WTRA (World Truck Racing Association)

People love racing. The sight of finely-tuned racing vehicles rocketing around a track at obscenely high speeds drives viewers into frenzies of excitement. However, these same fans are easily jaded; they enjoy seeing things that are new and different.
    Enter truck racing. At this point, most people ask, "How can trucks be raced?"
    When one thinks of speed, semi-tractors do not spring to mind. Yet, modified tractors (here after called "trucks") have achieved speeds approaching 250 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats (D.A.R.). One also does not associate trucks with race-level handling. So, they corner somewhat more widely than a Cam-Am; in fact, there are fewer crashes in truck racing than in some other types of racing, due to the need for greater care in handling the beasts. Cost? It actually costs less to race a truck than a car. As for transport, most drivers simply motor out to the track, switch out a few parts, qualify, race, switch the parts back, and drive home. So, racing trucks is not a problem.
    Problems do arise when trying to minimize bloodshed whilst maximizing excitement. To this end, weapons heavier than machine guns are banned, as are ramplates (collisions are dangerous enough!), and anything that could damage tires (they tend to shred under high G loads if damaged. Also, special transmissions are installed to improve acceleration. Finally, all vehicles are shipped with truck-sized racing slicks.
    Truck racing is divided into three categories: Stock, which allows no modifications save those previously described; Modified, which only allows speed-and/or handling-oriented alterations which do not substantially alter the vehicle from its original raison d'etre; and Unlimited, which allows anything. Modified vehicles are the most common type run, followed by stock; unlimited are quite rare. Divisional ratings typically are not used.
    Below is a typical racing truck, driven by myself to three consecutive DSA truck racing championships (2041-43):

'44 Super Ram: Standard longnose, x-hvy, chassis, super truck power plant with PC & SC, 10 solid truck slicks, driver, imp. fire extinguisher, streamlining, spoiler, airdam. Armor: 123 points. Accel. 10, top speed 192.5, HC 2 (3 at 60+); $143,536, 13,195 lbs.
    Options: add overdrive +$1,000. Add staggered racing suspension +$3,500.
 

Racing presents unique problems for Car Wars. While we have reviewed racing problems in earlier issues, there are many other situations not covered in the rules, such as drafting, door-to-door racing, and drag racing. This issue will deal with door-to-door racing, and how a certain principle of physics applies to CAR WARS, as well as reality.
    Racing "door-to-door": Two cars at the same speed cannot remain side by side in a turn; it's physically impossible. The car on the outside must travel a greater distance to match the outside edge of the inside car, hence it must travel at a higher speed. Otherwise, the outside car will fall behind the inside car. Why else would "freight trains" develop in racing? See the diagrams below.

Next issue: Drafting (even Bill Clinton can't escape this law!).
 

NOVA has always supported progress in Car Wars, and has tried time and again to bring improvements into the game. To that end, we have updated vehicles from earlier Vehicle Guides to 2044 standards. We hope to do follow-up entries in future Niqhtmessengers, since Pyramid lacks new vehicle designs.
 

Atlantic Industries '44 Mako
Compact, x-hvy, chassis, hvy. suspension, medium power plant with PC, 4 PR tires, driver, 2 passengers, HMG with HD ammo in universal turret. Sloped armor: F35, L35, R35, B35, T30, U23. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 3; 4,408 lbs., $11,660.

Freeway 2044 Doublecharge
Luxury, x-hvy, chassis, hvy. suspension, super power plant with two extra power cells, 4 solid tires, driver, gunner, turreted RR, RR front, SD with explosive ammo rear, two SWC, smart link for RRs, two additional links, fire extinguisher, streamlining. Armor: F30, L25, R25, B25, T27, U10. Accel. 5, top speed 115, HC 3; range 440 miles, 6,595 lbs., $20,240.
    Version A: remove turret, move RR to front, replace smart link with regular link. Armor: F30, L30, R30, B30, T27, U15. $22,240.
    Version B: Replace RRs with HMGs, downgrade turret to one-space, slope armor. Add extra driver controls and small mini-safe. Armor: F30, L23, R23, B24, T25, U10. $22,974.
    Version C: CA frame, remove turret, add solar panel. Replace RRs with one HMG front, one HMG rear. Armor: F46, L43, R43, B43, T45, U20. Range 440+ miles. $31,440.

Magnum 2044 Long Hauler
Sleeper longnose tractor, x-hvy, chassis, regular truck power plant with PC, SC, and 2 extra power cells, 10 solid tires, driver, gunner, VMG in universal turret, 2 linked VMGs front, flush-mount solar panel, passenger accommodations, LDR, extra driver controls, fire extinguisher, 2 HRSWC, smart link from turreted VMG to front VMGs. Armor: F40, L40, R40, B40, T40, U25, 610 point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 147.5 unloaded, HC 0; range 400 miles (plus solar panel), 16,190 lbs., $121,050.
    Night Hauler variant: replace fire extinguisher with infrared, add radar, radar detector and radar jammer. Armor: F43, L40, R40, B40, T40, U25. $130,652.
    Rocket variant: replace VMGs with RLs. Armor is now F50, L47, R47, B47, T47, U25. 16,198 lbs., $118,292.

Magnum Long Hauler II
Sleeper longnose tractor, x-hvy, chassis, super power plant with PC, SC, and extra power cell, 10 solid hires, driver, gunner, 2 MGs front, 2 MGs in universal turret, 2 links, smart-link between front and turreted MGs, 2 HRSWCs, extra driver controls, fire extinguisher, LDR. Armor: F50, L45, R45, B45, T45, U26, 6-10 point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 170 unloaded, HC 0; range 300 miles, 16,196 lbs., $133,429.
    Night Hauler II variant: replace fire extinguisher with infrared. Add radar, radar detector, radar jammer. Armor: F53, R45, L45, B45, T45, U26. 16,194 lbs., $143,031.
    Rocket variant: replace MGs with MMLs. Armor: F54, L50, R50, B50, T50, U26. 16,200 lbs., $131,875.
 

Armor All: any car with vast amounts of metal armor.
Funeral Pyre: any car with an internal fire.
Cow Jumping Over The Moon: A car vaulting.
Viking Funeral: destroying any vehicle, ped, or building with fire.
 

"Break on Through", "The Unknown Soldier," and "The End" by the Doors.
 

Every issue we try to bring you meaningful quotes. Sometimes, the quotes are long and drawn out, but we hope you like them just the same.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing." - "Sledge Hammer" TV Series.

"It is a good day to die." - American Indian Proverb.

"There's two things I hate: they're Mondays and rookies." - Nell Bonnett in Bandit: Goes Country. (Neil Bonnett died in an accident at Daytona Speedway on 2/11/94.

"Forest Taft is the patron saint of the improbable" - On Deadly Ground

"Squeeze the throttle, let the thunder roar, and the innocents will clear the streets. You can count on it." - Automobile Magazine, February 1994, on the Viper RT/10.

"Never stop! Never stop fighting 'til the fight is done!" - The Untouchables.
 

This issue we feature vehicles of all sorts, from trikes to planes, to cover the whole spectrum of dueling mayhem.

The Glaive
Luxury w/CA frame, x-hvy, chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 solid tires, driver, gunner, turret w/RR loaded with HESH ammo, 3 RRs linked front with HESH ammo, smart link from turret RR to front RRs, 10 points of component armor each for driver and gunner, bumper spikes front. Armor: F60,L50, R50, B39, T20, U20, 4-10 point wheelhubs. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 3; 6,600 lbs., $33,850.
    Division 35 variant--add targeting computer for gunner, remove 3 points of armor, add 4 oil dischargers. 6,590 lbs., $35,000.
    Division 40 variant--as above, but upgrade computer to hi-res, add targeting computer for driver, body armor for both driver and gunner. $39,500.
    Road version--remove one front RR, add extra power cell and dual weapons magazine (HESH Ammo) for remaining front RRs, HD shocks and ABS. 6,595 lbs., $35,830.

Jack-a-lope
X-hvy. Trike w/CA frame, x-hvy, chassis, OR suspension, 150 cid engine w/VP turbo, 3 OR solid tires, cyclist, HMG left linked to HMG right, targeting computer, HD brakes, 5 gallon racing tank. HD shocks, 10 points of component armor each for driver and engine. LR metal/FP plastic armor: F6/16, L8/20, R8/20, B8/16, T1/20, U1/10 with 2 10-point FP wheelguards and 1-10 point FP cycle wheelguard. Accel. 15, top speed 92.5, HC 2 (3 OR); 4,194 lbs., $34,286.
    Buck Version: replace armor with 261 normal sloped plastic. Change VP turbo to regular. Armor: F45, R55, L55, B60, T25, U21. $34,839.

'43 Challenger Fake-Out
Mid-size, x-hvy, chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 PR tires, driver, 2 VMGs (10 shots each) linked front, FCE rear linked to VMGs, fake turret with fake VMG, fake wheelguards & hubs, HRSWC, HD brakes, ABS. FP armor: 242 points. Accel. 5, top speed 92.5, HC 3; 5,760 lbs., $22,802.
    Option 1: remove VMGs, add BC w/HESH and blow-through concealment front, fake VMGS front, add 18 points of armor and fake discharger. 5,759 lbs., $24,978.
    Option 2: remove VMGs, fake wheelguards and hubs; add two linked RLs front with IRTL, LGL, and blow-through concealment, fake VMGs front, 23 points of armor. 5,760 lbs., $28,980.
    Option 2a: RL loads are armor piercing. $29,202.
    Option 2b: Make RL loads incendiary. Add only 5 points of armor. $28,712.
    Option 3: remove VMGs. Add two linked GGs front. Make fake turret weapon a GG. $39,052.

Death Eagle
Small fighter w/canards, 2 x-hvy, turbojets w/variable nozzles & particle inlet filters, 2-125 gallon aircraft fuel tanks (one in each wing), pilot, military-quality pulse laser cannon front, 6 hardpoints (2 fuselage, 4 wing), IRMTL and LGL, cyberlink (cannon), autopilot w/2 software packs, computer navigator, search radar, military radar w/link to radar detector, military aircraft radio, image enhancement, telescopic optics, life support system, improved fire extinguisher, drop tank, improved controls, military component armor of 30 points titanium/20 points FP plastic for pilot, 10 points RPFP armor for each canard. Spaced RPFP armor: 75 in all locations. Accel. 30, top speed 1,300 (1,225 w/full load), HC 4; 22,125 lbs., payload capacity of 2,875 lbs., $2,995,900.
    Option: remove drop tank, add 1,650 lbs. to payload capacity. $2,984,650.
 

Raymond Corcoran: Mayor of "Milford", Nebraska and head of the "Milford Field Police".

With the shocking events in Battle, Nebraska on February 12, questions, rumors, and assumptions have been flying about unimpeded. This reporter has taken upon herself the task of separating "the wheat from the chaff", so to speak. Thus, I spent several days in the Battle/Milford DMZ, interviewing the main players in this live-action drama.
    Once conducted into the DMZ, I waited for my subject to arrive. Spot on time, a rather well-used but intact Survivor-M pulled up to where I stood. The driver's door opened, and a well-groomed, middle-aged man with a salt-and-pepper crewcut, mustache, and beard, wearing what appeared to be blended armor, stepped out. He walked around to where I stood, stopped, and bowed formally, saying, "Good afternoon, My Lady. You are the journalist, I presume?" Needless to say, I was surprised. Nothing about this man said "dreg". He then opened the passenger door for me, closed it once I was inside, then came around, shut his door, and we motored off.
    He drove me around the territory claimed by the "city" of Milford. While the overall condition of the buildings and roads would suggest a "dreg zone", up-close examination revealed repair of battle damage, relatively fresh paint, and other signs of work-in-progress.
 

Holly Macshane (H/M) : I see you all have been doing some urban renewal work here.

Raymond Corcoran (RC): Yes, we are. The greatest part of the work is handled by those who otherwise would be unemployed, and by the odd lawbreaker.

HM: Lawbreakers? You have a judicial system?

RC: Yes. While we are without a proper judge - for obvious reasons - we do have a functional trial-by-jury system. The Padre acts as judge.

HM: The Padre?

RC: James Short. A Jesuit missionary who came down here about 2 ½ years ago to "convert some dregs". He found us, and joined up. He's a good man.

HM: Indeed. As background, just how did this community come to be?

RC: This is a long story. It begins about five years ago. I arrived in Battle from Providence (Rhode Island) looking to open a small consulting firm. I had just set up shop when a business call took me to Grand Island. When I got back, some maniac had taken over the city, pumped sanity-shredding gas into the air, and thrown open the armory's doors... suffice to say, there wasn't a lot left of the city, much less my business. I took a minor hit from the gas, evidently, so I don't remember much of that period. When I recovered, so to speak, I found myself in a basement crash-pad, my vehicle - this one we're in - somehow intact. Being practical, I set about trying to re-establish my business. The corporate Nazis who'd taken over the city, however, none-too-politely told me where I could go and what I could do with myself when I got there. Distressed, I returned to my hovel. I had no money, nothing except my vehicle. I began doing light courier work, slowly building funds. I was able to build my hovel into a nice little place, got a small bank account. The only major problem I encountered was the police "dreg sweeps". They thought I was one! Can you explain how a dreg acquires a vehicle like this - and keeps it intact, in good repair, and with up-to-date tags? Real brainy guys, those Battle cops. Anyhow, I dodged several hundred bullets. Then, about three years ago, I ran across another soul in my position. We got to talking about things, and he mentioned there were a lot of people - people canned by the corporate, mostly, but some others - living down here. He also told me the corporate Sturmgeschutz were slaughtering them wholesale.

HM: Any examples?

RC: About two years ago, a group of 300 surrendered to Battle Relocation Units. They were split into two groups, the able-bodied and the not. The former were ejected from the city. The latter were found about five miles away - stacked like cordwood (produces photos from glove box). They used lasers to save ammo. Bastards.

HM: And this sort of thing led to the formation of Milford?

RC: Yes. The two of us spread the word about a meeting for those interested. The turnout was huge! The people were sick of Battle's "up yours" attitude and homicidal behavior. The vote was unanimous, and work began immediately. Everyone who could chipped in to buy supplies; the rest did the labor. We didn't have much, though; enough to stem the collapse. We had to use our own vehicles for defense, which meant we couldn't beat back much. Eventually, we had to implement a program of creating weapons from scrap. AV crossbows, crossbows, bows, pipe pistols and rifles, the occasional actual firearm (chuckle), and, of course, the stuff what goes "BOOM".

HM: Explosives?

RC: Oh, yes. TNT on AV 'bow darts, and the nitroglycerin. The people who use that are the ones who make it. They tend to be more careful that way. Great stuff; it did in those automated monsters. Boom -- there it was.

HM: Was your decision to go public during a live-televised battle intentional?

RC: No. We'd planned on leaving the next day, but when the Sturmgeschutz rolled in, we bolted. We kept trying to call Lincoln, or the State Patrol, or somebody, but the jammers kept anyone from hearing until the battle was well underway.

HM: What legal principles can you use to support your position?

RC: Several. There's that one case from Indiana, which established "right of eminent domain over anything that is to be destroyed anyway"; I think it's called the "Monroe County Doctrine" There's also the recognized principle of "acquisition of abandoned lands by those who are closest to it".

HM: I'm not familiar with that principle.

RC: I'm surprised; it's the same principle the corporates used to steal Battle in the first place!

HM: Do you intend to honor the cease-fire?

RC: Yes. I'd be a fool not to; I'd have nothing to gain by violating in. My opposition, however.., well, let's leave it at that. It's enough to say we can't fight tanks. We'll play fair.

HM: Thank you for your time.

RC: You're quite welcome.
 

(This article does not express the views of all of NOVA, just those of John Scheibeler. )

"Waaaay back in 2038 or so, Charles Oines and Craig Sheeley attempted to describe the state of the art in automotive and dueling technology. These articles had many holes in them and did not promote my idea of what Car Wars was. To me, Car Wars started to the old "Mad Max" movies and have stayed around that level of technology. Well, maybe the technology has improved somewhat, but I couldn't imagine this game with highly advanced electronics like Oines and Sheeley purported in the articles. If that was the case, cars in 2038 would have been selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, not mere thousands.
    "So I'll try to fix some of those holes. This series will be an irregular Nightmessenger feature in which the technology of 2044 will be explained and updated, and at least made consistent with What Has Gone Before.
    "Let's look at Chapter 2 of the Car Wars Second Edition Compendium movement. Now, we all know how cars move, and how fast they move. In independent multi-wheeled steering, that's how they can do any maneuver over a D3 difficulty. Well, I've tried all the maneuvers in the Car Wars book out in my 1974 Plymouth Duster, and I can Safely say that my Duster can do anything a "normal" Car Wars car do. Even such high-hazard maneuvers as the T-Stop and the Bootlegger Reverse (this maneuver, by the way, was created by SJG after seeing a few movies and TV shows in which this maneuver is performed. If anv multi-wheeled steering cars can do any maneuver greater than a D3, this would be impossible) were accomplished with little difficulty by myself. Also, you can do a Bootlegger at higher than 35; I did mine at 50 with little loss of control. Of course, this was in a flat parking lot with no other distractions, but the way that combat is presented in Car Wars, so is any maneuver you decide to make.
    "Speed is another matter entirely. I know that a car moving 10 mph should move one inch on the map. I know that mathematically, it works out. What I don't know is why, when I timed my car at 20 mph, I only measure 15 feet of movement. According to my own observations, we are going about twice as fast as we should be. Yet this is flawed somewhere; otherwise, the math wouldn't work out.
    "Next article, we'll deal with construction rules and the fallacies therein."
 

This season has seen the Return Of the Supervehicles. The early eighties had "Knight Rider", "Airwolf", "Blue Thunder", and "StreetHawk". The late eighties had the "Highwayman".
    So far, this year has seen the arrival of Viper, Bandit: Goes Country (part of the Action Pack series), and Knight Rider 2010.

"Knight Rider 2010 (A.K.A.: "My Girlfriend the Car"; "Knight Rider Goes  Cyberpunk/Mad Max")" The only connection this series had to the earlier one is the name. Jake McQueen, the lead character, gets mixed up with a company that makes cybernetic organs for the Dome, a large West Coast city. His former girlfriend, Hannah, happens to work for the company as a computer programmer.
    The Dome is very high-tech; the outside is more like Mad Max's wasteland. The movie features a monster truck and a stealth fighter, nol to mention Jake's car. Jake's car features 2 Gatling guns, 2 TOW missiles, and a "Brilliant Pebbles" launcher. Hanna dies and becomes a computer gem, which is later mounted in Jake's car. Hannah is capable of generating a hologram of herself, which is really weird.

"Viper" TV series. Joe Astin (James McCaffrey) drives a souped-up Viper with the "Defender" combat option. Julian (Dorian Harewood) is the handicapped designer responsible for the Viper.
    Joe is an Outfit (criminal organization) driver, who got into an accident and had his memory blanked by the Police. He takes the wheel against his former friends in the Outfit and other criminals. "Viper" features two-dimensional characters and weak plots, but it's slowly making progress. Right now, it's bubblegum TV.
    The Viper Defender is equipped with electrostatic guns, three grappling hooks, two A/P rocket launchers, and to top it off, a stealth drone with a laser.
 

On Deadly Ground. This formula piece is the latest effort by Steven Seagal. He plays an oil company fire-fighter who turns against the company he works for. It turns out that the company (Aegis Oil) is ruining the Alaskan environment while trying to cheat the Eskimos out of their oil rights. In the course of the movie, Seagal uses an awesome arsenal (including Claymore mines and a full-automatic shotgun) to dispatch the villains in some highly imaginative ways. The head villain is played by Michael Caine, and the obligatory love interest is played by Joan Chen. Other than the usual hand-to-hand mayhem, the only point upon which one can base a favorable recommendation for this movie is the awesome scenery. A must-see for Steven Seagal fans. Another No-Gun film.
 

Next issue will feature the Regional Reports, more updated vehicles, and more regular features. Tell us what you like so we can continue to bring it to you-or what you DON'T like so we don't.
    Since the fire in January, some addresses have been misplaced or lost in the shuffle. Anyone who you know that's been missed by our mailings please write to us. We'd hate to lose valued readers anywhere in the world.
    Things are slowly climbing out of the pit. Hopefully things continue to improve with the Regionals and Worlds approaching.
 

DRIVE OFFENSIVELY!

Norman McMullen
NOVA President

Chris French
NOVA Vice President
 

NOVA Works:
Hardpoints by Michael Garrity
Collision Absorbing Chassis by Norman McMullen
Revised Metal Tires by Shea Montgomery

Dueling Ideas by Chris French

Nuts & Bolts by Norman McMullen and Chris French

2044 Vehicle Guide Update:
'44 Mako by Don Jacques
'44 Doublecharge & '44 Long Hauler I & II by Norman McMullen

Combat Rock by Shea Montgomery & Joe Pilto

Duelslang by Shea Montgomery

Quotes by Norman McMullen

The Showroom:
The Glaive by John Scheibeler
Jack-a-Lope by Ron Soller
'43 Challenger Fake-Out by Chris French
Death Eagle by Michael Garrity

Local Hero by Chris French

State of the Art 2044 by John Scheibeler

Cube Logs by Norman McMullen & Michael Garrity

The World "Out There" by Norman McMullen, Shea Montgomery and Tim Jacques

10 O'clock News by Norman McMullen, Chris French, Daniel Sloan, and Don Viner Everything Else by Norman McMullen

Typesetting of the Great American Novel by Don Jacques

Editors: Chris French, Don Jacques, and Norman McMullen
 

Nightmessenger is published quarterly by the New Omaha Vehicular Association, 2524 Madison Street, Bellevue, NE 68005. Ail material is copyright April 1994 by New Omaha Vehicular Association. Ail rights reserved.

Car Wars, Dueltrack, Boat Wars, Car Warriors, Crash City, Truck Stop, Convoy, Uncle Albert's, Uncle Albert's Catalog From Hell, Autoduel and AADA are registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or are used under license. The above trademarks, and the characters and situations of the Car Wars background are the exclusive property of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, and are used by Nightmessenger under permission.

Reproduction of any material published in the Nightmessenger without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Any reproduction of Car Wars stories published in Nightmessenger, or any other unauthorized publication of fiction using the Car Wars background, without the express written permission of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated is strictly prohibited.

Subscription rates: Regularly attending cluk members, $4/year for four issues. U.S. subscribers, $8/year for four issues International subscribers, $12/year for four issues
 

Dear NOVA,

For the past six years I have faithfully served as your vice president. However, recent changes in New Omaha have forced me to reconsider my affiliations wish the organization.
    To be honest, I yearn for my former Lincoln Avengers days. I desire to command an organization where honor, discipline, and maturity mean something. Sadly, NOVA lacks a certain comradery I've always demanded. Therefore, I've taken certain steps to rectify the problem.
    It is time to move on. It is time for Hammer's Slammers!
    Hammer's Slammers is a paramilitary club open to former Lincoln Avengers and veterans. Future messages will be printed in the Nightmessenger. Stay tuned for further developments.

Signed,

Tim "The Weasel" Jacques
President of Hammer's Slammers

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