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Story: Russ Lanier


Damocles credits thanked a few people who had called asking for the release date of the game. Among them was "Russ Lanier who's flying in to buy lunch!". Yet another unexplained in-house joke... Until Bruce Jordan explained it! And what a surprise one month later, when a certain Russ Lanier sent an email asking a question about MDDClone! "hey, wait..." ;)

Bruce Jordan (10th December 2003):
"As with all of our releases, Damocles appeared 'late' relative to the pre-publicity, and prior to release we had the buyer from Harrods phone to enquire on the release date for a particular American customer, Russ Lanier who did promise to buy us lunch the next time he was in UK (but never did)."

Russ Lanier (19th January 2004):
"Surprise me!!! Yes, I am the guy, I had no idea the Novagen Team had put my name in Damocles. Just a note on history and the reason why: During the 1980's and early 1990's I was living in Europe working as a Field Service Rep for Cessna Aircraft Company supporting the Cessna line of business jet aircraft operating in that part of the world. On one of my many trips to the UK I bought a copy of Mercenary, brought it home to Munich and was quickly addicted. I managed somehow to obtain the telephone number for Bruce Jordan. He was a great help when I got completely lost in the game, (many times), and I did promise him a lunch for the entire Novagen Team the next time I came to Birmingham. The reason I could not make my promise was the Gulf War started and Cessna returned me home, back to Wichita. I am really sorry not being able to meet Bruce and the rest of the team. I wish them all the best. I am surprised and happy Bruce used my name in their efforts."

(20th January 2004):
"I now remember that I had called Bruce several times a month asking the progress on Damocles, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy. I had no idea he was taking me serious.
Best regards and all the best."

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