Power. Control. Dominance.
Scourge defeated, Mayor exultant.
Missing Jessica: Kidnap theory.
A new motorway menace.
Explosion destroys abandoned colliery.
Arrested members of Yellers Gang freed.
One dead as Marauders strike again.
Tycoon's son killed - daughter missing.
Riding with Lackhart's Lancers
The cracking of super-heated air makes my head snap round. A flash of searing light lances across the landscape, followed by a second. In the distance, I see a body crumple.“Down and out!” The excitable voice of Rich Lackhart bursts from the radio speaker. “Let’s keep it moving, Lancers.”
Another morning’s commute for a mid 21st Century haulage gang.
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Motorway Patrol interview
It is 4am on a cold September morning. Patrol Sergeant Dave Chapman takes a deep draught of hot tea, standing at the service station in the shadow of the Severn Bridge. For the past two hours, he has driven from London at a sedate 55 mph, showing the flag and protecting his patch. Now he takes a well-earned break.“Everyone seems to think that we have high-adrenaline lives; that the excitement never stops. We have our moments, but actually, most of what we do is just remind people that we are here; that there is a law; and that someone cares if they break it. That is often enough.”
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23/9/55: Babylon is a true inspiration in these times of darkness. Under the dynamic leadership of Sir Hector McDonaugh, the company has thrived while so many others failed. Read more
20/9/55: Mayor Rod is victorious. The battle against an insidious foe has been won, and Mayor Forrester-Smythe’s aggressive policies have been vindicated. While others dithered, Mayor Rod took action. The result? Londoners are safe from a creeping infection that has decimated nations, destroyed civilisations and ripped communities in half. Read more
18/8/55: The recent attacks on everyday citizens have shocked the nation. The brutal slaying, just yards from his own doorstep, of Dominic Bruehl, a student with a glittering academic career, has deprived a young man of a brilliant future. On the same day, the gang that style themselves the Motorway Marauders have killed a working driver just weeks away from his retirement. Read more
Read the Informer todayBuses
“National Rapide”
This minibus is commonly seen on the short-haul and relatively safe routes such as Bristol-Bath, Manchester-Liverpool and Edinburgh-Glasgow. Custom-built to the exacting specifications of the commercial transport firm that gave the minibus its name, it is not available to the general public. The minibuses have a good track record of surviving engagements, but rarely stray from heavily patrolled routes.“Nationale Rapide”: Minibus, extra-heavy chassis, small truck power plant, 10 PR tyres, driver, gunner, 8 passengers, 2 linked VMGs in turret, VMG front, HDPS B, 8 flechette dischargers, small mini-safe, smart-link, 2 targeting computers. Armour: F50, B50, L45, R45, T25, U30, 6 10-point wheelguards, 6 10-point wheelhubs. Top speed 100, HC 1. 14,250 lbs., $46,940.
Cargo capacity: 150 lbs., ½ space (in mini-safe).
Vacationer
An import from the US, the Vacationer offers a safe and enjoyable holiday alternative. Fully equipped to keep a family of four entertained, the Vacationer has four berths which convert into a comfortable lounge during the day. Defence (and entertainment) is provided by the cupola turreted lasers. The front-mounted VFRP provides a substantial kick, and can be guided by the lasers if required, while defence is covered by explosive spikes, an oil jet and a smoke filled MML. The Vacationer also has enough space to carry two heavy cycles for exploring the backwoods*, and can pull a trailer of more than 14,000 lbs.Vacationer: 40’ bus, extra-heavy chassis, regular truck power plant, 10 solids tyres, driver, gunner, 2 lasers and gunners in cupola turrets TF, TB, VFRP F with rotary magazine (LGL to TF laser for 15 rockets, 15 unguided), MML B with rotary magazine (5 normal rounds, 5 smoke), linked SDs with explosive spikes L, R, linked to HDOJ back, 8 space passenger lounge/berths, assault ramp, compact television, computer navigator, extra-driver controls, extra-heavy hitch, galley, 2 HRSWC (cupola lasers), improved fire extinguisher, laser battery, LD radio, side door, surge protector, targeting computer (driver), vehicular computer (gunner). Armour: F50, B40, LF40, RF40, LB40, RB40, TF35, TB35, UF25, UB25, 6 10-point wheelguards, 6 10-point wheelhubs. Top speed 100, HC 1, 24,240lbs., $120,600.
Cargo capacity: 3,560 lbs., 20 spaces.
Towing capacity: 14,800 lbs.
Budget Vacationer: Remove lasers, VFRP, MML, laser battery, computer navigator, vehicular computer. Downgrade HRSWCs to SWC. Move targeting computer to gunner position. Add 4 VMGs (2 in turrets, 1 F, 1B). 24,370 lbs., $95,850.
Cargo capacity: 3,430 lbs., 21 spaces.
* A heavy cycle weighs 1,300 lbs and takes
9 spaces as cargo.