Over the next two weeks the newly risen faction, quietly but surely, got underway in preparing itself for entering the violent road scene.
In times gone past their Skylines would be a thing of pedestal-like admiration and awe. Now though the times meant any car was a car and it’s looks meant for nothing. But it was what lay within machine that gave it the true power.
Frames were constructed, weapons mounted, suspension raised and strengthened.
Initially BCs liberal mindset allowed the skyliners free rein over the steel, weaponry and armanents.
This was a heady period with those who had the knowhow fitting lethal weaponry to their machines.
Some favoured a ‘battle-car’ approach with heavy armour, weapons for slugging it out with a potential foe.
They looked like sleek behemoths; Steel armour-plating on the front, rear and sides, bullet-thickened glass, a mesh cage with removable ‘squares’ cut out for the driver and co-driver protected the windows further. A set of machine guns on either side, operated by either driver or co-driver was the typical arrangement.
An ordinary car would suffer in performance with the added weight, but not the Skyline!
BC and his conclave of brothers watched as the experienced mechanics and machinists directed the in-experienced ones to and fro.
“So these are the Barracuda’s.” BC mused, using the moniker these skylines were now known by. Most of them were R32s and R33s; their spare parts pool being in great supply.
“The machine-guns aren’t perfect BC. We’ve been able to mount them for forward-firing only. And there’s still no easy way to remotely trigger them from the cockpit.” Speedreaper said disparagingly. He was in-charge overall of the garage and it’s operation.
“So the gunner and driver have to leave their windows open and fire manually. Not good for high-speed fighting.” BC brooded, annoyed at the disadvantage his people would have. He went on.
“They aren’t the sentinel-guns that the Scoobies use but they’ll do for now. Are the machinists upgrading all 50 of the Barracuda Skylines to this Spec.” BC replied, mentioning the turret-machine guns mounted forward of the sun-roof favoured by Clan Scooby.
“Aye, but it took some persuading let me tell you. Some of the lads weren’t happy to see their pride and joy messed up with all the armour.”
“Times have changed and still there are those that think it’s safe to drive unarmoured when allied to a faction.” BC chuckled and examined one of the machine guns. It was from the catche left by the Benefactor, a GPMG from an abandoned barracks somewhere he reckoned.
It was of course heavy, yet BC handled it as though it was a mere rifle; something they lacked.
“See about using cables and pulleys wired to the trigger fixes the trigger problem somehow. It's a crude method but should suffice for the time being.” BC saged, noting the generous trigger guard.
“Will-do BC. Should take me a week to rig them all up.”
"This is only the start of our journey, look one of the Talon's is nearly ready.” BC continued, going over to the middle-section of the garage complex.
Here the 50 ‘Assault’ Skylines were almost complete. These lacked the heavy armour and instead of machine-guns were bristling with rams, spikes and other ingenious devices to destroy a car at close range. These were the Talons. Less lethal and dangerous than the barracuda’s which bristled with weaponry it’s driver would go about ramming and disabling a rival vehicle, intimidate an enemy and prevent it from closing in on the barracuda’s. Most of these were the R33 class of Skyline, a few were the R34 varient which took a slightly heavier frame.
Several members of the faction working stopped what they were doing as BCs conclave approached.
“That’ll do for now lads, get some food and rest for a while.” BC said. He’d been working the garage teams hard, from first light to last they’d spannered and modified vehicles for 7 days solid. They’d earned a rest and light duties now and he made a mental note to have them stood-down for a while.
The final branch of the factions machines lay outside and they walked though the open shutter doors to check on them.
It was a cloudy day but no rain threatened.
The previous day had seen heavy rainfall though and the ground was still damp and wet. In the compounds main clearance area was the DET Squad – The ‘Deep Eyes Trojans’ or just Deep Eyes for short.
Waiting, with machines engines running they were growing impatient as they wished to be away soon.
Their Skylines were only lightly armour modified with a ‘double-skin’ of foam and carbon covering various areas and a fine wire mesh covering the windows.
Soloists, rovers and adventurers they were.
The Deep Eyes would operate in small groups or pairs for months at a time in enemy territory scouting and sneaking around like wolves. No-one was officially in command of them but only their loyalty to BC and Clan Skyliner kept them in check. It was he who personally gave them their assignments and realms to dwell in.
These machines bore no emplacements or assault devices for causing havoc from within.
Only what hand-weapons they carried in self-defence protected them.
Any one of the DET squad knew relying on their hand-guns was a chancy business in these violent times. Their only true defence was in their light-weight and RB 2.6 300 bhp + engines. Some had the less powerful RB25 DET NEO too as GTR Skylines were in short supply.
Engine-proofing and exhaust baffles for a reduced noise signature were standard as they would gather intel, maps and occasionally resources for the faction.
They were to the untrained eye, a factionless force, masterless and free-for-hire.
They would be the clans eyes and ears, roving about and living among the other factions, sometimes openly as couriers-for-hire.
Only a subtle Japanese cipher and code-word would be their entry into and out of the base.
With a signal from him they turned and drove away; making their way out first in a careful convoy, then once off the side-road that led to the base they went their separate ways. Some north, most east and south, a few went west.
"Now we have our eyes opened." BC mused.
Off to one side of the base, watching them was a young lad, probably no older than sixteen with a girl who looked like his sister. Both were blonde and looked like refugee’s from one of the cities.
“Who are those two?” BC asked carefully.
“They came in with North Sea Tiger when he answered the summons.”
Picked them from pursuing crazie’s I think he said. I think they’re a bit touched in the head.”
“Assign them both to the guard-force. If they’re going to watch us in the corner they might as well make themselves useful.” BC nodded to himself.
With that He set about organising things further within.
Big Chief was of course a leader in his own right, but now he took on a more dynamic, active and hands-on role as the elected ruler of Clan/House Skyline.
The Faction was organised in a what they felt was a sensible and fair way. It wouldn't do to have a pure military 'top-down' pyramid, it wasn't BCs style, nor the faction as a whole.
He also knew it would be nonsense to have an anarchistic way of chaos and random action, he'd already seen how other factions had turned down that dark path.
Some middle ground was needed, a third way that would keep things balanced...
A New Way Forward
Over the next three weeks BC had come up with a way.
He would remain in charge as Clan Leader but operate on a laissez-faire ‘hands-off’ approach.
Jaffa Sky, Wardy, The Bruce, Wolf and Top Cat now led the faction via small sub-groups. Overall command was deferred to Big Chief as there was no doubt he was the leader.
They were in loose groups, not like a military force of smart-lines and rigid doctrine but with an easy, irregular, style. It wasn't their way for silly and strict rules and they operated better because of it.
Each sub-leader would command 19 of the other Skylines. This made 100 in 5 sections of 20. Each section was known as a ‘Manta’. With each 20 being given its indie-style nickname or designation.
Jaffa Sky – The Rebro’s
Wardy – The Warders
The Bruce – Claymore Crew
Wolf – Sabre Wolves
Top Cat – The Renegades
They would be the mainstay force of Clan Skyline. The Barracuda and Talon class would be mixed in at ratios of the generals choice.
Any raid, major defense or road war would be their calling.
A base leader known as ‘The Hesh’ commanded the Compound Crew and Guard Force.
The Guard Force was made up of the back-up Skylines; those that would be used for parts should a main-force Skyline suffer damage.
They would guard the HQ of Clan Skyline while they rested and slept. While they were not in the action of things they were usually the safest and more easy-going of the Clan. Most, but by no means all, were made up of the skyliners with families, wives and girlfriends. Conversely the Manta Sections typically were the opposite.
BC watched from his window overlooking the compound clearing, various lads in overalls, fatigues or just plain clothes went about their business.
The barter-system he’d envisioned was sort-of working, £ sterling was still in circulation but for how long no-one could tell.
His long-range radio transceiver now received a signal. He listened as the final DET Squad sent their report. Now he had intelligence on all five of the major factions of the land.
In times gone past their Skylines would be a thing of pedestal-like admiration and awe. Now though the times meant any car was a car and it’s looks meant for nothing. But it was what lay within machine that gave it the true power.
Frames were constructed, weapons mounted, suspension raised and strengthened.
Initially BCs liberal mindset allowed the skyliners free rein over the steel, weaponry and armanents.
This was a heady period with those who had the knowhow fitting lethal weaponry to their machines.
Some favoured a ‘battle-car’ approach with heavy armour, weapons for slugging it out with a potential foe.
They looked like sleek behemoths; Steel armour-plating on the front, rear and sides, bullet-thickened glass, a mesh cage with removable ‘squares’ cut out for the driver and co-driver protected the windows further. A set of machine guns on either side, operated by either driver or co-driver was the typical arrangement.
An ordinary car would suffer in performance with the added weight, but not the Skyline!
BC and his conclave of brothers watched as the experienced mechanics and machinists directed the in-experienced ones to and fro.
“So these are the Barracuda’s.” BC mused, using the moniker these skylines were now known by. Most of them were R32s and R33s; their spare parts pool being in great supply.
“The machine-guns aren’t perfect BC. We’ve been able to mount them for forward-firing only. And there’s still no easy way to remotely trigger them from the cockpit.” Speedreaper said disparagingly. He was in-charge overall of the garage and it’s operation.
“So the gunner and driver have to leave their windows open and fire manually. Not good for high-speed fighting.” BC brooded, annoyed at the disadvantage his people would have. He went on.
“They aren’t the sentinel-guns that the Scoobies use but they’ll do for now. Are the machinists upgrading all 50 of the Barracuda Skylines to this Spec.” BC replied, mentioning the turret-machine guns mounted forward of the sun-roof favoured by Clan Scooby.
“Aye, but it took some persuading let me tell you. Some of the lads weren’t happy to see their pride and joy messed up with all the armour.”
“Times have changed and still there are those that think it’s safe to drive unarmoured when allied to a faction.” BC chuckled and examined one of the machine guns. It was from the catche left by the Benefactor, a GPMG from an abandoned barracks somewhere he reckoned.
It was of course heavy, yet BC handled it as though it was a mere rifle; something they lacked.
“See about using cables and pulleys wired to the trigger fixes the trigger problem somehow. It's a crude method but should suffice for the time being.” BC saged, noting the generous trigger guard.
“Will-do BC. Should take me a week to rig them all up.”
"This is only the start of our journey, look one of the Talon's is nearly ready.” BC continued, going over to the middle-section of the garage complex.
Here the 50 ‘Assault’ Skylines were almost complete. These lacked the heavy armour and instead of machine-guns were bristling with rams, spikes and other ingenious devices to destroy a car at close range. These were the Talons. Less lethal and dangerous than the barracuda’s which bristled with weaponry it’s driver would go about ramming and disabling a rival vehicle, intimidate an enemy and prevent it from closing in on the barracuda’s. Most of these were the R33 class of Skyline, a few were the R34 varient which took a slightly heavier frame.
Several members of the faction working stopped what they were doing as BCs conclave approached.
“That’ll do for now lads, get some food and rest for a while.” BC said. He’d been working the garage teams hard, from first light to last they’d spannered and modified vehicles for 7 days solid. They’d earned a rest and light duties now and he made a mental note to have them stood-down for a while.
The final branch of the factions machines lay outside and they walked though the open shutter doors to check on them.
It was a cloudy day but no rain threatened.
The previous day had seen heavy rainfall though and the ground was still damp and wet. In the compounds main clearance area was the DET Squad – The ‘Deep Eyes Trojans’ or just Deep Eyes for short.
Waiting, with machines engines running they were growing impatient as they wished to be away soon.
Their Skylines were only lightly armour modified with a ‘double-skin’ of foam and carbon covering various areas and a fine wire mesh covering the windows.
Soloists, rovers and adventurers they were.
The Deep Eyes would operate in small groups or pairs for months at a time in enemy territory scouting and sneaking around like wolves. No-one was officially in command of them but only their loyalty to BC and Clan Skyliner kept them in check. It was he who personally gave them their assignments and realms to dwell in.
These machines bore no emplacements or assault devices for causing havoc from within.
Only what hand-weapons they carried in self-defence protected them.
Any one of the DET squad knew relying on their hand-guns was a chancy business in these violent times. Their only true defence was in their light-weight and RB 2.6 300 bhp + engines. Some had the less powerful RB25 DET NEO too as GTR Skylines were in short supply.
Engine-proofing and exhaust baffles for a reduced noise signature were standard as they would gather intel, maps and occasionally resources for the faction.
They were to the untrained eye, a factionless force, masterless and free-for-hire.
They would be the clans eyes and ears, roving about and living among the other factions, sometimes openly as couriers-for-hire.
Only a subtle Japanese cipher and code-word would be their entry into and out of the base.
With a signal from him they turned and drove away; making their way out first in a careful convoy, then once off the side-road that led to the base they went their separate ways. Some north, most east and south, a few went west.
"Now we have our eyes opened." BC mused.
Off to one side of the base, watching them was a young lad, probably no older than sixteen with a girl who looked like his sister. Both were blonde and looked like refugee’s from one of the cities.
“Who are those two?” BC asked carefully.
“They came in with North Sea Tiger when he answered the summons.”
Picked them from pursuing crazie’s I think he said. I think they’re a bit touched in the head.”
“Assign them both to the guard-force. If they’re going to watch us in the corner they might as well make themselves useful.” BC nodded to himself.
With that He set about organising things further within.
Big Chief was of course a leader in his own right, but now he took on a more dynamic, active and hands-on role as the elected ruler of Clan/House Skyline.
The Faction was organised in a what they felt was a sensible and fair way. It wouldn't do to have a pure military 'top-down' pyramid, it wasn't BCs style, nor the faction as a whole.
He also knew it would be nonsense to have an anarchistic way of chaos and random action, he'd already seen how other factions had turned down that dark path.
Some middle ground was needed, a third way that would keep things balanced...
A New Way Forward
Over the next three weeks BC had come up with a way.
He would remain in charge as Clan Leader but operate on a laissez-faire ‘hands-off’ approach.
Jaffa Sky, Wardy, The Bruce, Wolf and Top Cat now led the faction via small sub-groups. Overall command was deferred to Big Chief as there was no doubt he was the leader.
They were in loose groups, not like a military force of smart-lines and rigid doctrine but with an easy, irregular, style. It wasn't their way for silly and strict rules and they operated better because of it.
Each sub-leader would command 19 of the other Skylines. This made 100 in 5 sections of 20. Each section was known as a ‘Manta’. With each 20 being given its indie-style nickname or designation.
Jaffa Sky – The Rebro’s
Wardy – The Warders
The Bruce – Claymore Crew
Wolf – Sabre Wolves
Top Cat – The Renegades
They would be the mainstay force of Clan Skyline. The Barracuda and Talon class would be mixed in at ratios of the generals choice.
Any raid, major defense or road war would be their calling.
A base leader known as ‘The Hesh’ commanded the Compound Crew and Guard Force.
The Guard Force was made up of the back-up Skylines; those that would be used for parts should a main-force Skyline suffer damage.
They would guard the HQ of Clan Skyline while they rested and slept. While they were not in the action of things they were usually the safest and more easy-going of the Clan. Most, but by no means all, were made up of the skyliners with families, wives and girlfriends. Conversely the Manta Sections typically were the opposite.
BC watched from his window overlooking the compound clearing, various lads in overalls, fatigues or just plain clothes went about their business.
The barter-system he’d envisioned was sort-of working, £ sterling was still in circulation but for how long no-one could tell.
His long-range radio transceiver now received a signal. He listened as the final DET Squad sent their report. Now he had intelligence on all five of the major factions of the land.
