Match 22886 Jaws (James Bond) vs. Man-Mountain Marko

[JohnnyChany]

THE BLOCKBUSTER SURPRISE: A GANGLAND SIDE STORY

 

MAIN STORY REFERENCES HERE AND HERE

 

Pussy Galore led three prospective recruits through the winding drive toward Auric Goldfinger's sprawling horse ranch estate.  Galore had only just returned to Gangland after spending time crisscrossing the globe in search of talent. Goldfinger's organization had suffered one loss after another at the hands of the mysterious Mr. Benedict. Francisco Scaramanga was dead. Trusted lieutenants kept turning up as corpses. Whoever Benedict was, he wasn't simply killing Goldfinger's people, he was dismantling the organization piece by piece.

Goldfinger wanted new blood, not replacements, upgrades. Galore intended to deliver exactly that. She glanced toward the woman walking beside her.

Shego carried herself with effortless confidence, her pale complexion contrasted sharply against the sleek black-and-green asymmetrical catsuit that she wore. She had dark lipstick and perpetually unimpressed green eyes gave her the expression of someone who had already grown bored with everyone around her. Years spent serving the would-be world conqueror Dr. Drakken had earned Shego a reputation throughout the criminal underworld. Unlike most henchmen, she survived because she was competent enough to compensate for everyone else's stupidity.

Galore lowered her voice. "One bit of advice."

Shego looked sideways. "Hm?"

"If Goldfinger starts describing some elaborate trap he's built, don't compare it to one of Drakken's."

A knowing smirk crossed Shego's face. "Wasn't planning on it."

Galore smiled. "Good. He enjoys elaborate death traps every bit as much as your former employer."

Shego sighed dramatically. "I swear they're all reading from the same handbook."

Galore laughed. Her attention shifted to the second recruit.

Keith Kanyon. Better known throughout the underworld as Goldface. Every inch of his costume gleamed with polished metallic gold. More importantly, his extraordinary ability allowed him to reshape gold into virtually any object he desired, making him equal parts craftsman, engineer, and super-criminal. Galore considered him the easiest sell of the three. If Goldfinger had ever dreamed of creating the perfect henchman, it would probably look something like Keith.

She leaned toward him. "When Mr. Goldfinger asks for a demonstration..."

Keith nodded before she even finished. "I know. No touching his bullion."

Galore smiled approvingly. "You've done your homework."

"My power works on any gold. I don't need to use his."

"Smart man."

Finally, Galore looked toward the third recruit.

Justine Hammer. Better known as the Crimson Cowl. Unlike the others, she radiated theatrical menace. Her crimson bodysuit disappeared beneath flowing scarlet robes and a heavy hood that concealed much of her face. Only the eerie golden glow of her eyes remained visible beneath the shadow of the cowl. She looked less like a corporate executive and more like an apparition wandering out of a nightmare.

Ironically, Galore knew she possessed perhaps the sharpest business mind of the three. Justine had spent years financing criminal enterprises before stepping out from beneath the long shadow cast by her father. As the Crimson Cowl, she had assembled and commanded an unusually disciplined incarnation of the Masters of Evil, running the organization with the efficiency of a multinational corporation rather than a gang of costumed criminals. That was exactly what appealed to Galore.

Gangland wasn't simply becoming more violent. It was becoming more organized. Goldfinger would soon need someone capable of coordinating armies instead of merely hiring them. She suspected Justine was that person.

The four reached the front entrance. Galore knocked confidently. A moment later the massive oak door swung open.

Oddjob stood waiting. Immaculately dressed as always, Goldfinger's trusted chauffeur and bodyguard acknowledged Galore with a respectful nod.

"Oddjob." She smiled warmly. "It's good to be back."

Oddjob's eyes moved across the three strangers before returning with her and welcomed them in.

As they entered the estate, Shego's eyes wandered across the marble floors, and polished mahogany walls.

She whistled softly. "

Not bad." She folded her arms. "Less over-the-top than I expected."

Galore smiled without looking back. "Oh, give him time."

She glanced toward Oddjob. "Where is he?"

Oddjob silently pointed toward the study. 

Galore pushed open the double doors. Auric Goldfinger sat behind an enormous mahogany desk; a newspaper spread before him. The headline screamed of Francisco Scaramanga's murder. Beneath it ran a second story cataloguing the growing list of bodies connected to Goldfinger's criminal empire. His scowl melted the moment he saw Galore.

"Miss Galore." His voice immediately brightened. "Welcome I trust your journey proved worthwhile."

Galore gestured toward the three recruits. "I believe I've found exactly what we need. Shego. Goldface. The Crimson Cowl."

 

 

Goldfinger rose from behind his desk. His eyes moved slowly from one recruit to the next. They paused longest on Keith.

A pleased smile spread across his face. "My word, I already like one of you.""

Goldfinger circled them like a collector inspecting rare acquisitions.

"So, you genuinely believe these three are capable of finding Benedict?"

Galore met his gaze without hesitation. "I believe they're capable of surviving him. And once we discover who's directing him, they'll help ensure we're ready for whatever comes next. Whether that's Silvermane, Falcone, or even Kingpin himself."

Goldfinger nodded thoughtfully. “Ambitious claims. I should very much like to see what persuaded you."

Galore stepped toward Shego. "Then let's begin with…"

The office doors burst open. May Day strode inside. Tall, athletic, and impossibly composed despite the urgency of the moment, she wore an immaculate black tactical suit tailored as elegantly as an evening gown. Her striking features and close-cropped hair gave her the effortless poise of a runway model, while the calm intensity in her eyes reminded everyone in the room that she had been hired for one reason alone, to kill anyone foolish enough to threaten Auric Goldfinger.

"There are uninvited guests at the front entrance,” she stated, "But I don't expect the situation to remain peaceful much longer."

Goldfinger's pleasant expression disappeared. "What sort of guests?"

May Day looked directly at him. “A couple of Silvermane’s people, Marko and Scorpia, and some silver haired woman.”

Goldfinger chuckled. 

“How appropriate.” He turned to Pussy Galore and her recruits. "It would appear our introductions shall have to wait."

Without another word, he strode toward the entrance, his entourage falling into step behind him.  When Auric Goldfinger reached the grand foyer of his estate, he found the entrance hall transformed into a powder keg.

His bodyguards stood shoulder to shoulder with weapons leveled toward three unexpected visitors. Across from them, a statuesque woman with   silver hair remained perfectly composed despite the dozen guns pointed in her direction. She did not show the slightest hint of concern. 

Standing just behind her was Elaine Coll, better known in criminal circles as Scorpia, a cocky grin already spreading across her face as though she secretly hoped the powder keg would explode. Beside her loomed the massive frame of Man Mountain Marko, whose clenched fists looked capable of crushing brick as easily as bone.

Goldfinger surveyed the tableau with visible irritation.

"Gentlemen." His voice remained even. "Unless someone has declared war on my household without informing me. kindly lower your weapons."

Reluctantly, rifles dipped toward the floor. Only then did Goldfinger give the silver-haired woman his full attention.

"And you are?"

The woman stepped forward. "My name is Silver Sable. I've been contracted by Silvermane to identify the woman responsible for his son's murder, and anyone who may have assisted her."

Goldfinger arched a brow. "A tragic affair. But I'm struggling to understand what any of this has to do with me."

Scorpion folded her arms. “You were there. You attended the meeting. And your chauffeur conveniently picked a fight while Joseph disappeared with some mystery dame."

Goldfinger smiled faintly. Yes, I attended a business meeting. Along with Silvermane, Madam Masque, and the insufferably pompous Lex Luthor. Now explain why that makes me a suspect."

Silver Sable answered before Elaine could. "You were present. Oddjob's altercation created the perfect distraction for anyone else who wandered into that secret parking lot. Someone exploited that distraction to lure away Joseph Manfredi without attracting attention. "I'm eliminating possibilities."

 

 

Pussy Galore exchanged a glance with Oddjob. "You honestly believe the fight was staged?"

"I believe coincidences deserve scrutiny,” Silver Sable responded.

Galore nodded. "Fair enough. But Lex's driver threw the first punch. If you're following the evidence,. perhaps your next conversation should be with Mr. Luthor."

"If the investigation leads there, I'll have that conversation." Sable responded confidently.

Goldfinger sighed dramatically. "Miss Sable, "I don't orchestrate alleyway assassinations, I orchestrate empires. And at the moment I'm rather preoccupied with a far more pressing concern. A red-haired killer with a glass eye is dismantling my organization one corpse at a time. I’ve little interest in Silvermane's family disputes."

Marko stepped forward.

"You know something." His thick finger jabbed toward Goldfinger. "Man Mountain Marko knows you do."

Galore answered before Goldfinger could. "If you're looking for someone whose story deserves closer examination, I'd suggest Madam Masque."

Silver Sable shifted her attention toward her. "Explain."

"Joseph had history with her romantic history." Pussy Galore glanced toward Oddjob. "The last place Joseph was seen alive, going to the garage with a mystery woman. The very same garage where Madam Masque's chauffeur happened to be waiting."

Galore continued.  "And while Oddjob and Mercy Graves were occupied. her driver simply watched. I’d find that... curious."

Silver Sable remained silent for several seconds. Finally, she nodded.

"I'll speak with Madam Masque." She looked back at Goldfinger. "But understand something. If evidence leads back here, I'll return."

Goldfinger smiled politely. "I should expect nothing less."

Marko continued to glare at Goldfinger, which sparked another comment from Auric.,

"If Silvermane's son required protection, why wasn't his strongest bodyguard protecting him?"

No one spoke a word.

Goldfinger continued without mercy.  "Perhaps if Silvermane had employed better muscle, Joseph would still be alive."

Marko exploded. "You take that back!"

Goldfinger barely acknowledged the outburst. "The truth often offends that doesn't make it false."

Marko stepped closer, every muscle tightening beneath his suit. "Man Mountain Marko's stronger than anyone you've got."

Scorpion grinned. "I'll back that. Hearing that your driver threw his weight around against Mercy Graves wasn't exactly impressive."

Goldfinger gestured calmly toward May Day. "If May Day had handled the situation, the outcome would've been identical. I don't employ second-rate talent."

Silver Sable pinched the bridge of her nose.

"This is distracting us from the mission." She turned toward the exit. "Good day, Mr. Goldfinger, Miss Galore."

Scorpina didn't move. "I think we're just getting to the fun part."

Goldfinger smiled. “I agree. Would you like a demonstration to prove my words correct?

“Absolutely,” declared Scorpina.

“Bring out Oddjob,” added Marko.  "I'll flatten him."

Silver Sable sighed. "This isn't why we're here."

"Sable." Scorpina waved dismissively. "We'll catch up. You go chase the leads. We'll handle the entertainment."

Silver Sable studied the pair for a long moment. Finally, she relented.

"Ten minutes." Her tone made it clear she wasn't negotiating. "After that, we leave for the Theatre District."

Marko grinned. "Won't need half that."

Without another word, Silver Sable walked back outside toward the chopper they arrived in. Goldfinger watched her depart before turning toward his own people.

"I believe a change of scenery is in order." He suggested. "The stables should provide adequate room."

The two groups crossed the immaculate grounds until they reached the wide paddock beside the horse barns. The scent of hay drifted on the afternoon breeze.

"Where's Oddjob?" Marko wondered.

Goldfinger gave a quiet laugh. "My dear fellow, you don't choose the opponent. I do."

He looked past Marko. "I have so many powerful bodyguards to choose from… like Jaws."

The towering giant stepped forward from the stable entrance. Sunlight gleamed across the polished stainless-steel teeth behind his unsettling grin.

Goldfinger folded his hands behind his back. "I'd like both of you to witness what genuine strength looks like. Perhaps then you'll understand how foolish it was for Silvermane to believe a few hired bruisers could intimidate me."

Scorpia grinned.

"Oh, this ought to be fun." She stepped aside. "Rip him apart, Marko."

Marko cracked his neck. "My pleasure."

Jaws answered with nothing more than a slow, predatory smile. He didn't need words. His teeth said everything.

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Jaws (James Bond)
Read more about Jaws (James Bond) at Wikipedia
Official Site: MGM Films Links: Wiki for Jaws Wiki for The Spy Who Loved Me Wiki for Moonraker

Man-Mountain Marko
Read more about Man-Mountain Marko at Wikipedia
Official Site: Marvel Links: Wikipedia Comic Vine Marvel Wiki

[leroypowell3]

Marko should have this pretty decisively. 

[Venom 2009]

Good match. I really don't know Marko. So, I'm going to give my vote to Jaws.

[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
Jaws (James Bond): 4
Man-Mountain Marko: 1