Match 22840 Diamondback vs. Casino

[JohnnyChany]

THE SERPENT SOLUTION: A GANGLAND SIDE STORY 

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The Iceberg Lounge was slowly regaining its rhythm after the disappearance of Jay, Lark, and Raven. Jazz drifted through the air while expensive liquor flowed almost as freely as whispered criminal conspiracies. The Penguin had adapted and replaced though he still held out hope that his birds would return to him.

The front doors opened. Three women entered together. They immediately drew more than a few wandering eyes. Not because they were loud, but because they carried themselves like women who knew exactly how dangerous they were.

The first woman on the left had shoulder length pink hair. She wore an elegant blush-pink evening gown that hugged her figure while allowing enough freedom to conceal several thin diamond shaped spikes beneath the flowing skirt. Diamond-shaped jewelry sparkled around her neck, subtly matching the codename she'd carried for years. Her name was Rachel Leightonm, better known as Diamondback.

She smiled warmly. It was the smile of someone who genuinely preferred talking before fighting and stealing before anything else

The woman to her right, Tanya Sealy, Black Mamba, looked considerably less approachable but equally alluring. Her sleek black evening dress flowed almost like liquid shadow. Green serpent bracelets wrapped around both wrists while her long black hair rested perfectly over one shoulder. 

Walking slightly behind them to complete the trio was Cleopatra Nefertitti, Asp. Her emerald cocktail was accented with subtle scale-like embroidery. Her smile looked more dangerous than the one worn by Diamondback.

 

 

Diamondback inhaled deeply. "I missed places like this."

Black Mamba looked around. "Better décor than HYDRA."

Asp laughed. "Much better drinks too."

A waitress approached. "Ladies, welcome to—"

Diamondback smiled politely. "We're fine, sweetheart We're just looking around."

The waitress nodded and left.

Asp leaned closer. "I still can't believe Viper actually did it."

Black Mamba folded her arms. "I can."

Diamondback nodded. "She's serious. Serpent Solutions has gone back to its roots”

“Organized labor for criminals,” stated Black Mamba.

"Representation." Diamondback corrected gently.

Asp looked around the Lounge. "Who better needs representation than the rank-and-file crooks working for these crime bosses in Gangland?"

Diamondback nodded. “

They're disposable. Every one of these bosses talks about loyalty. They rarely show it. In fact, I think the disrespect goes even higher.” Her eyes drifted toward Penguin's office. "I don't believe Jay, Lark and Raven were kidnapped."

Black Mamba looked surprised. "You don’t?”

“Nope”

Asp agreed. “Neither do I.”

“What makes you say that?” Black Mamba wondered.

“Think about it, if someone kidnaps three elite enforcers, there's usually a demand. A ransom., a political statement, a motive, something,” Diamondback explained.

“So far there has been nothing,” added Asp.

“We don’t know that for sure,” Black Mamba countered. “We are not in Oswald’s office to hear what he hears.”

"Something doesn’t sit right. I’ve watched surveillance footage of the trio since we thought about recruiting them,” replied Asp. “Jay, Lark, and Raven. They weren’t amateurs, they were exceptional.  I don't believe all three could be overwhelmed by one low-level hoodlum."

"And if they left willingly, it tells me Penguin isn't treating his people nearly as well as he'd like everyone to believe,” Diamondback concluded.

Black Mamba looked around the room. "Then it is good we start here."

Diamondback's eyes sparkled. "Exactly. We're looking for talent. The kind every crime boss wants.The people doing the real work."

The three women slowly surveyed the Lounge. 

Diamondback pointed across the room. “There.”

A blackjack table bustled with activity. The dealer immediately stood out. Short silver hair framed a confident face. Her uniform was unlike any other employee's. She wore a tailored black dinner jacket over a red leotard displaying generous cleavage. Her fingers handled cards with impossible dexterity.

Diamondback smiled. "I know a killer when I see one."

Black Mamba followed her gaze. "You think she's muscle?"

"I'd bet money on it."

Then Asp chuckled. "Between her, Jay, Lark, and Raven Penguin certainly has a type. Would have probably paid us pretty well when we were running Bad Girls Inc.”

Black Mamba's attention shifted toward the entrance. "What about her?"

Standing near the doors was another woman, with short blonde hair, a white dress shirt, fingerless gloves, and a purple vest. She stood with her hands behind her back like a professional security officer.

Anyone looking carefully noticed something else, her legs. Powerful and athletic, she had the stance of a trained kickboxer.

Asp smiled knowingly. "I can tell just from the way she stands. She could probably kick through a brick wall."

Diamondback smiled again.

"Good." We divide and conquer." She pointed subtly. I'll speak with the dealer, you two see what you can learn from the bouncer."

Black Mamba nodded. "Works for me."

Asp grinned. "I've always liked talking to fighters."

The three women separated.

 

 

Diamondback casually approached the blackjack table. She bought a modest stack of chips. Casino dealt without saying a word. Diamondback played three hands. Won one and lost two.

Finally, she spoke "Mind if I ask your name?"

The dealer looked up. "Casino."

Diamondback nodded, “Pretty fitting."

Casino merely shrugged. Diamondback played another hand.

"How long have you been working for Penguin?" 

Casino's hands never stopped moving. "Who's asking?"

Diamondback smiled pleasantly. 

"My name's Rachel." She intentionally omitted her surname. "I'm looking for work. I heard there'd been.... some recent turnover. Thought there might be an opening."

Casino dealt another card. "I started after the turnover."

"I see." Diamondback leaned forward. "Did you ever meet Jay, Lark, or Raven?"

Casino shook her head. "Never had the pleasure. But their absence certainly created opportunities."

Diamondback nodded thoughtfully. "So, do you enjoy working here?"

Casino considered the question before answering flatly. "It's a job. I don't hate it."

Then Casino stopped dealing cards. She looked Diamondback directly in the eye. "What are you really after?"

Diamondback blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"I'm not buying your story." Casino responded. "So, let's skip it."

Diamondback laughed softly. "I appreciate honesty. My name is Diamondback; I represent Serpent Solutions. Our goal is simple. We make sure talented professionals are properly compensated. protected, and treated with respect."

“I could tell as soon as I saw you that you are what we have in mind, someone with your abilities deserves that,” she added. "And I don't mean cutting cards."

Casino looked thoughtful. "Interesting."

Diamondback waited as Casino seemed to be considering her options. Finally Casino nodded. 

"I'm on break in twenty minutes." She gestured toward the rear exit. "Meet me behind the Lounge. We'll talk."

Diamondback smiled. “I'd like that."

Casino returned to dealing cards as more people from the lounge approached the table. 

As Diamondback walked away, she glanced across the room. Black Mamba and Asp appeared to be having an animated conversation with the blonde bouncer. Good, Diamondback thought, things seemed to be progressing nicely.

The alley behind the Iceberg Lounge was quiet. Diamondback had quickly changed clothes while she waited. Gone was the elegant evening gown, now she wore the skintight pink tactical bodysuit, and mask she had been known for.

Moments later, the back door opened and Casino stepped outside. She looked Diamondback up and down. A slow smile spread across her face.

"I like it."

"I wanted to be honest,” stated Diamondback.  "No disguises. No pretending. I wanted you to see who I really am."

"I appreciate that” Casino stepped closer. "In that spirit, I should probably be honest too."

Diamondback waited. Casino folded her arms.

"Penguin didn't hire me just to deal blackjack and be muscle for him. I'm a contract assassin."

Diamondback's smile faded slightly.

Casino continued. "And Penguin's paying me extremely well to eliminates anyone connected to the disappearance of Jay, Lark and Raven."

Diamondback slowly sighed. “You’re thinking I had something to do with that?"

Casino smiled. “I do.”

"I really didn't,” Diamondback insisted.

Casino reached into her jacket. "I actually liked your offer. But I enjoy being an independent contractor." She slowly withdrew a fan of razor-edged steel playing cards. "And I think Penguin's going to be very pleased."

Diamondback's hand drifted toward her diamond shaped spikes. “You’re making a mistake.”

"You know, your death could've been easy, mostly painless,” said Casino. "But if you're going to play dumb ...then perhaps I'll leave enough of you alive."

Diamondback narrowed her eyes. Casino's stare became ice cold.

"Penguin has a geneticist. Fright. I'm sure she will get whatever pieces of your remains to tell him everything he wants to know,” Casino threatened.

Diamondback drew two throwing knives, and she settled into a fighting stance. Across from her, Casino spread the razor cards between her elegant fingers.

“I hope Asp and Black Mamba are having better luck than I am.” Diamondback told herself.

 

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Diamondback
Read more about Diamondback at Wikipedia
Official Site: Marvel Comics Links: Wikipedia Marvel wiki Comicvine

Casino
Read more about Casino at Wikipedia
Official Site: Marvel Comics Links: Wikipedia Appendix Guide to the Marvel Universe Crimsom Cowl's Femme Fetales of Marvel

[leroypowell3]

OH snap. You used Casino! I bought the whole series of The Solution from the Ultraverse about a year ago and really liked her. I've had my eye on Diamondback too. I read her in an old early 80's Captain America that my brother had.

Casino humiliated this group that she was sending against The Solution. And they gave The Solution a hard time. 

I could see all three of The Bad Girls Inc. getting taken out by Casino so Diamondback alone surely dies.

Also, any interest in putting Nino Brown from New Jack City in the story? Surely somebody would be eyeing his drug operation.

[JohnnyChany]

23 minutes ago, leroypowell3 said:

OH snap. You used Casino! I bought the whole series of The Solution from the Ultraverse about a year ago and really liked her. I've had my eye on Diamondback too. I read her in an old early 80's Captain America that my brother had.

Casino humiliated this group that she was sending against The Solution. And they gave The Solution a hard time. 

I could see all three of The Bad Girls Inc. getting taken out by Casino so Diamondback alone surely dies.

Also, any interest in putting Nino Brown from New Jack City in the story? Surely somebody would be eyeing his drug operation.

Nino Brown is on the short list. Been mulling a way of perhaps integrating a drug war amidst the larger story, including people like China White, Tobias Whale, Nino Brown, Tony Montana, and possibly Omar Little causing chaos for all of them. 

[Boratz]

Great job, Johnny!

[Venom 2009]

Good match.

I'm voting Diamondback. 🥰

[Callisto]

Match Final Results

Member Ratings:
5.00 - Venom 2009
5.00 - Boratz

FPA Calculation:
2 Total Votes cast
10.00 Total Combined Score
10.00 / 2 = 5.00 Final Rating on the match

MATCH SCORE
Diamondback: 2
Casino: 1