JohnnyChany Posted July 15 Read Aloud Posted July 15 THE SOVIET SYNDICATE: A GANGLAND SIDE STORY Little Italy wore its scars openly. Unlike the polished wealth of Silvermane's district or the glittering lights of Madam Masque’'s entertainment empire, Little Italy felt lived in. Brick apartment buildings crowded narrow streets lined with old family restaurants, bakeries, butcher shops, and corner cafés that had somehow survived decades of gang violence. Laundry hung from fire escapes. Church bells echoed over conversations throughout the streets Every few blocks, however, the illusion of normalcy cracked. Men in tailored suits stood outside social clubs with Thompson submachine guns hidden beneath long coats. Luxury sedans idled at curbs. Every storefront paid protection money to someone. Lately, everyone seemed to be waiting. Waiting to see whether Ma Gnucci or Sal Maroni would emerge as the district's undisputed ruler. Rumors of impending gang war had become as common as the smell of fresh bread. Yet one building stood apart from the rest, the old Imperial Hotel. At least, that had once been its name. The faded Italian signage had been removed. In its place hung a polished brass sign reading: HOTEL MOSCOW Russian flags draped from the balconies. Portraits of Soviet military heroes lined the lobby. Dark mahogany furniture had replaced the traditional Italian décor, while crystal chandeliers illuminated carpets embroidered with crimson stars and gold trim. Whoever had overseen the renovation had spared no expense. Unfortunately, they had misunderstood one very important detail. Balalaika slowly surveyed the lobby. She wore a sharply tailored brown military-style overcoat over a crimson-colored officer's uniform. Burn scars stretched across much of the left side of her face and neck, stark reminders of war in Afghanistan, but they had never diminished the authority in her eyes. She looked every inch the career officer she had once been. Behind her stood four veterans of Hotel Moscow. Each man wore immaculate dark suits over military shirts rather than ties; their cropped haircuts marked them as soldiers long before they were gangsters. They spoke little, but they didn't need to. Their commander was present. Across from them stood a giant of a hitman, Ivan Dragovsky, known to most simply as the Russian. He dwarfed nearly everyone in the room. Ma Gnucci’s top muscle remained almost expressionless, though there was unmistakable warmth in his eyes as he welcomed Balalaika. He spread both arms proudly. "What do you think?" Balalaika looked around once more at the banners, the uniforms, and the portraits. Finally, she smiled. "A remarkable effort." The Russian beamed. "I hoped you would approve." She walked toward one of the framed Soviet emblems. "I do appreciate the hospitality. "But..." She glanced around the building and then turned toward him. "You do realize Hotel Moscow is the name of my organization. It isn't an actual hotel." The Russian scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "I know. But I thought it was important to welcome you properly. It is the least we could do. You came all the way here to help us." Balalaika nodded. "I appreciate the sentiment. You should know, "I've actually brought more than just my unit." Ivan smiled. “As far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier." Balalaika studied him for a moment. “Ma Gnucci must truly be desperate to come to us for help.” she stated. The Russian walked toward the window overlooking Little Italy. "We don’t have many options. The other Mafia families have agreed not to interfere. They believe the strongest family should survive. They think whoever emerges will prove themselves best equipped to protect Little Italy from Rugal Bernstein." “Theu are so terrified of Rugal, that they're intentionally allowing a civil war?” Balalaika questioned. The Russian nodded. "They're convinced Ma's organization is the weak link among Gangland's crime bosses and Sal Maroni has always wanted his own territory." He snorted. “But, they're wrong. Ma’s much tougher than they give her credit for and Rugal is nothing to be scared of. Personally, I'd enjoy going over to his territory and crushing a few of those Orochi-worshipping crackpots." Balalaika did not immediately respond. "But none of that matters,” Ivan concluded. Now you're here. Together we'll take down Sal Maroni. We'll prove everyone wrong." Balalaika regarded him thoughtfully. "You've always been loyal. You performed exceptional work for Hotel Moscow. You earned every bit of the reputation you enjoy." She slowly began pacing. "When your message reached Thailand, I was intrigued. Business between organizations always interests me. Expanding influence, building alliances, that is how organizations survive." She stopped walking. "But. There was one thought that refused to leave me." The Russian frowned. "What thought?" Balalaika met his eyes. "How weak must Ma Gnucci be if she no longer believes she can defend her own territory with her own people?" The Russian shifted uncomfortably. "It isn't that simple." "I wrestled with that question throughout my journey,” stated Balalaika. "Then, I reconnected with an old acquaintance. And suddenly everything became clear." Before Ivan could respond, the doors near them opened. Half a dozen armed figures entered. They wore dark tactical uniforms accented with crimson trim. Compact assault rifles rested across their chests. Their faces remained emotionless as they spread throughout the lobby. Then, their commander, Red Claw, entered. She wore a striking crimson dress beneath a tailored dark coat, the elegant cut contrasting with the unmistakable red claw tattoo visible on her exposed shoulder. She carried herself less like the world terrorist that she was and more like a head of state. Balalaika inclined her head respectfully. “Red Claw.” Red Claw returned the gesture. “Balalaika.” Balalaika turned toward the Russian. "This is Red Claw." The Russian nodded politely. "I've heard of you." "I imagine you have," Red Claw replied. "I originally came to Gangland to establish a base in Madam Masque's Theatre District. Then I realized something. I don't merely want a headquarters; I want a district." Balalaika nodded. "So did I." The Russian looked between them. "I'm not following." Balalaika continued. "My success in Roanapur demonstrated something. I know how to run an organization in a city overrun with criminals." She looked toward the streets outside. "I suspect I'd govern this district considerably better than Ma Gnucci." The Russian was caught off guard. Red Claw smiled. "We've formed an alliance. The Soviet Syndicate." "What?" The Russian questioned. "We're taking Little Italy," Red Claw answered simply. The Russian looked genuinely confused. "How?" Balalaika answered without hesitation. "As I handled many military operations. We identify the objective, we eliminate resistance, we occupy the stronghold." The Russian took one uncertain step forward. "I... I'm not sure I can allow that." Balalaika smiled slightly. "Like I said, your loyalty, it was always one of your greatest qualities." She stepped closer. "But perhaps your loyalty should belong to your countrymen." The Russian looked around the room. "Tell me honestly,” Balalaika implored. "Do you truly enjoy serving as the lapdog of an Italian Mafia family?" “She pays very well,” The Russian replied. "Think about it Ivan. The Italians already control an extraordinary number of territories in Gangland. Perhaps. they've become too greedy and need to learn to share." said Balalaika. The Russian walked past a chair. "I'm afraid I…" "Sit." The word came from behind him. A pistol rested lightly against the side of his neck. The Russian turned just enough to see its owner, Xenia Onatopp. She wore a dark green military dress uniform with gold buttons tailored to emphasize athleticism rather than ceremony. Her dark hair was neatly styled underneath a military cap. She looked utterly relaxed; the pistol never wavered. The Russian took a seat in the chair. Red Claw gestured toward her. "Our newest partner, and one of our strongest recruits. Xenia Onatopp.” Xenia smiled broadly. “Hey there big guy," "She used to work for Janus, then that great oaf Goldfinger convinced her to join his organization," Red Claw explained. "But this..." Xenia laughed as she looked toward Balalaika and Red Claw. "...this is much more exciting." The Russian remained perfectly calm. "I'm not afraid of your gun. However, you should be afraid of me." Xenia's eyes sparkled. "Oh? Don't threaten me with a good time, I'd love to see what happens. I enjoy getting physical." Balalaika interrupted gently. "I've informed Xenia that you might become an excellent addition to our organization." She looked directly at the Russian. "Think about it while I attend to today's business." The Russian slowly noticed several rifles now aimed discreetly in his direction from Red Claw's operatives. He relaxed back in his chair. Red Claw smiled at Ivan. "You and I can become better acquainted in the meantime.” Across Little Italy, Ma Gnucci's headquarters buzzed with angry voices. At the center of them all sat Ma herself. Once the formidable matriarch of the Gnucci family, years of violence had transformed her into something terrifying. Her face bore deep scars, and multiple limbs had been lost in her long-running war with the Punisher. Prosthetic supports and specialized equipment allowed her to continue ruling, but every movement reminded those around her of the price she'd paid. If anything, the injuries had made her temper even shorter. She slammed a heavy glass onto the table. "They think I'm weak?" Her remaining attendants wisely stayed silent. "They think I can't hold Little Italy? They think because I'm missing pieces, I've forgotten how to run a family?" She laughed bitterly. "When we get our hands on Maroni, I'm going to laugh in his face right before I extinguish the light from his eyes." The thought of confronting Sal Maroni personally filled her thoughts momentarily. Then her thoughts drifted to her new potential allies. "Those Russians, they'd better be worth bringing here." The office door burst open, one of her men stumbled inside. "Boss!" "What?" "They're coming." "Who?" Ma Gnucci. "The Russian crime boss, Balalaika, and her people." Ma Gnucci scowled "They didn't schedule a meeting." She scoffed. "The nerve. Just showing up?" Then, the unmistakable crack of automatic gunfire erupted outside. Windows shattered and men shouted. Another burst rattled the front gates. Ma's expression transformed from annoyance. to fury. "They're shooting? The Russian!?! He betrayed me!" More gunfire echoed through the compound. Her men reached for their weapons. Ma Gnucci bared her teeth. "That Russian bitch thinks she can waltz up and take what’s mine. I’ll take her head!!” Quote
Callisto Posted July 15 Read Aloud Posted July 15 Learn More About Balalaika Read more about Balalaika at Wikipedia Official Site: Funimation Links: Wikipedia Myanimelist Absoulte Anime Ma Gnucci Read more about Ma Gnucci at Wikipedia Official Site: Marvel Links: Wikipedia Ma Gnucci Ma Gnucci Quote
Venom 2009 Posted July 16 Read Aloud Posted July 16 Oh, wow! A match with a Black Lagoon character. I haven't seen that anime in years. I'm going to vote for Balalaika. Quote
Boratz Posted July 16 Read Aloud Posted July 16 Awesome job as always I'm glad to see Ma get some use, but I don't think she'll manage a win here Quote
Callisto Posted July 20 Read Aloud Posted July 20 Match Final Results Member Ratings:5.00 - Boratz 5.00 - Venom 2009 FPA Calculation:2 Total Votes cast 10.00 Total Combined Score 10.00 / 2 = 5.00 Final Rating on the match MATCH SCORE Balalaika: 3Ma Gnucci: 0 Quote
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