"Salem Lives"

WEEK OF JULY 8, 2007 EDITION

THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE EXPLODES!!!

As fans of SALEM LIVES already know, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE event officially began on Monday July 2 in the wake of the SALEM LIVES: VENDETTA climax. This week, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE explodes as many Salemites fins themselves going down with the ship...literally. "It's a summer blockbuster story and it is epic," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "However, it is not going to be a story or event that is driven by the catastrophe. This is going to be driven by the characters. This event greatly changes the canvas. We lose some beloved characters but, in the wake of tragedy, comes love and romance for some new couples and some of our most beloved couples. There are some magic moments that will drive fans to tears. It's great drama and it tugs at the heartstrings."

Indeed it does. One setsider reported four scenes, in particular, that had the whole cast and crew in tears. "It was alot of raw emotion and the acting and overall impact of the scenes really got to everyone," says Lowery. "I think it's some of the best stuff we have done and I hope the fans agree. Every episode this week is fantastic with big things happening every day and it all leads to Friday, which is some of the best drama we have seen all year. Every day this week just gets bigger and bigger with what we are doing. We hope the fans enjoy it."

Lowery credits his Co-EP/HW, Patrick L. Ewing, a great deal with the evolution of VENDETTA, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE, and the upcoming stories in the wake of all this. "I need to thank him alot," says Lowery. "Our visions came together on all this and the results are what you are seeing now. We each brought our own ideas to the table and it all meshed so beautifully. He really has written some great stuff during all this. He always has written great stuff but he has reached levels I never thought could be reached in writing. Just take the MCF reveal episode, for example. The suspense and drama of that episode was top notch and all credit goes to him for that. I am just glad to have him writing with me. SALEM LIVES would not be the same without him."

Lowery admits the biggest difficulty with all this is the cast cuts that are being made. "The next few weeks and beyond will be hard," sighs Lowery. "Some wonderful actors and actresses will be gone but we need to do what's best for SALEM LIVES. We feel this is best an that the story potential is great from so many angles. We hope the fans understand and sit back for an amazing ride."

For more on the cast cuts hitting SALEM LIVES, check out next week's edition of the INSIDER which will feature in-depth coverage of any departures that have occurred thus far.

WHO'S IN/WHO'S OUT

Paul Kersey (Alan Harris): Kersey, who returned to the role of Alan in June 2006, last aired on July 4 when Alan was shot for the second time and fell to a watery grave. A setsider reports that Kersey only signed for a year, which was the length of the story, but the door does remain open for a possible return. For more on Kersey's exit, check out next week's INSIDER.

Jensen Ackles (Eric Brady): Ackles, who reprised his popular role in May 2006 for what began as short-term but soon became a recurring role, is out. He last aired on July 4 when Eric succumbed to a gunshot wound with his family around him. Setsiders report that Ackles had stayed much longer then expected and that recurring was still hard to do with the actor's primetime gig on the WB's "Supernatural" so the time had come for Ackles and the show to part ways. For more on his exit, check out next week's INSIDER.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 7/9/07

-Several Salem couples share some magic moments.

-Two dramatic love confessions take place.

-Several Salemites meet their maker.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: THURSDAY JULY 12 AND FRIDAY JULY 13

DON'T MISS TWO DRAMATIC LOVE CONFESSIONS, A DRAMATIC SHOWDOWN, AND MAGIC MOMENTS FOR SEVERAL BELOVED SALEM COUPLES. HAVE THE TISSUES HANDY!!

NEXT WEEK: The cruise ship survivors fight for their lives in the stormy seas. Don't miss a stunning, jaw-dropping moment that will leave you breathless!!

-The storm has picked up. It is raining heavily and the stormy waters surrounding the cruise ship are making their presence known. Thunder and lightning have become a recurring theme and visibility is poor, at best. The fire in front of the ship has been put out by the torrential rains. The scene pans down to the upper deck of the ship, which is the lookout landing. Carrie and Sami pull Lucas and Austin off of Roman and Eric. Carrie tells Sami that neither of them has been shot. Both men regain consciousness, as does Roman. Lucas tells Sami and Carrie that they all bumped heads during the scuffle when the ship jerked forward from the lightning strike. Sami says that she fired her gun and Nicole fired hers, as well. Carrie adds that Sami's bullet didn't hit anyone because they fell back when she fired and also says there was also a third shot. Roman says that he and Alan struggled for Alan's gun as he was trying to get himself up and it went off. Alan was hit.

Sami is revealed that it was Alan who got shot and not anyone else. She then looks at Eric and says he must have bumped his head really hard. She then notices blood pouring out of his chest and screams. Roman takes a look and realizes Eric has been shot. Carrie turns and realizes Nicole hit Eric when she fired. Nicole, still in shock, shakes her head in disbelief.

Nicole (shaking with tears in her eyes): I...I...Alan told me to shoot. Roman was...on top of him...I was aiming for him so Alan could get free. I...never...not Eric...

Roman says that Kate went to get help as he figured a doctor may be needed. Roman calls out to Eric to wake up and talk to him. Eric doesn't respond. A crying Sami says this can't be happening. It has to be a nightmare. Lucas comforts her. Sami breaks free of his embrace and begs Eric to wake up. She is then stunned when she is grabbed by the neck from behind by...ALAN!!

Alan has his gun pointed at Sami's head. Roman orders him to let her go. Alan, showing a devilish smirk, says:

Alan: The bitch destroyed my life. It's time for her to pay up...followed by sweet Carrie over there.

Sami: Wrong...Alan. It's time for you to pay up...for all that you have done.

Sami punches Alan in the gut and breaks free, She turns, points her gun, and aims it at Alan.

Sami: It's over, Alan.

Alan: Not...yet!!

Alan lunges for Sami. Sami pulls the trigger and the bullet hits Alan right in the left side of his chest. He falls back and flips over the banister, into the stormy waters below. Sami looks over the banister and says:

Sami: May you rot in hell you bastard! (takes a deep breath) It's over. Finally...Alan's gone...

Carrie: Yeah but he was the only one who knew were Will and Evan were. Now what will we do.

The scene the shifts back to the ballroom. Orpheus asks Marlena what she is talking about as those in the ballroom watch. Marlena smiles and says he will see soon enough. She walks away to a corner as a curious Orpheus watches and notices her whispering something to James. Orpheus's attention is divided between his guests in the ballroom and Marlena and James. He opts to keep an eye on Marlena and James while checking on those in the ballroom. Caroline walks over to Maggie, who is distraught over her secret coming out earlier and over Victor being taken away.

Caroline: It's not too late, you know. He loves you, Maggie. You love him.

Maggie: I didn't trust him. I didn't believe in him. I said some awful things...

Caroline: I talked to him. He has forgiven you. He loves you, Maggie. The way he looks at you...

Maggie: Is like he looks at you?

Caroline: I am not your competition. Victor and I can never be. Too many people will get hurt. We have tried so many times...we share a son and the love will always be there but...I am his past. You, my dear, are his future. Go to him. Life is too short and there is no telling if we will make it off this ship with Orpheus on board and this storm. Tell him how you feel. Be happy. I apologize for the awful things I said before...we all have trouble letting go and so much was happening.

Maggie: It's ok. It's in the past. I appreciate you saying this but...say we get off the ship, what will happen? I'm going to jail.

Caroline: Victor will be by your side. He will help and support you. Just go to him. Everyone can see the love you two share. You two need each other...the love is evident when you two look at each other and talk about each other. Go find him...Orpheus is letting people wander. Go...before it's too late. Time is so precious...I of all people know. You don't want regrets.

Maggie: I do love him...we do really need to talk and...ok...fine! I will go find him. What if he is being guarded?

Caroline: You'll find a way. We Horton's and Brady's always do. Just be careful and find someone to help once you do find him.

Maggie: Good idea. Thanks. It means alot.

Caroline: Just be good to each other and love each other. You two deserve every happiness.

Maggie: So do you.

Caroline: Don't worry about me. As long as those I love are happy...I'm happy.

Maggie (smiling): Ok. I'm off. Wish me luck.

Caroline: Good luck.

Maggie races out of the ballroom as Orpheus smiles, commenting on how the room is emptying out. Julie wonders where Maggie is going and asks Hope, who gives her the cold shoulder while Doug walks away from her as well. Kate then races in and says Roman told her to come and Kayla. They may need a doctor and Kate adds that she heard gunshots. Kayla says she will come. She tells Steve to stay behind. Caroline realizes Roman, Carrie, Eric, and Sami are out there and says she is coming too. Belle says she is going to. It's her family out there and she regrets not going before when they left. Greta is worried about Eric so Frankie agrees to take her outside, leaving Jack, Billie, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest behind. Bo won't let Caroline go but she insists. Frankie says he will take care of her and Greta.

Hope tells Bo they should go too but Bo says they should stay back to protect the rest of those in the ballroom from Orpheus. There are enough people out there. Shane reiterates that plan, as does Abe. Lexie offers her services. Stefano reminds Lexie of her vow to never help those that betrayed her again. Lexie reminds Stefano that he betrayed her too. She turned her back on everyone else and went back to the Dimera's only to have her father lie to her. She walks away and leaves with Kayla, Frankie, Greta, Kate, and Caroline as Abe and Celeste both smile. Cassie comforts Stefano, telling him it will be ok. He still has her. Stefano walks away silently, leaving Cassie with Tony and Anna. Tony tells Cassie to leave Stefano alone as it's not a good time.

Abe tells Celeste he is proud of Lexie. Celeste says she is too but she is so afraid of what is coming. Death is drawing near and there is no telling how many victims it will claim. Bo, Hope, Doug, Julie, Max, Jack, Billie, Steve, and Shane overhear this and look on, worried.

The scene shifts back outside on deck. Roman is trying to stop the bleeding but can't. Lucas whispers to Roman that this isn't good. Roman nods and says he agrees but hopes they are both wrong. Kayla, Lexie, Frankie, Greta, Kate, Belle, and Caroline arrive and are shocked to see Eric has been shot. Carrie fills them all in on what happened. Kate looks over at Nicole and advises someone take the gun from her. Lucas takes the gun from Nicole's hands. She is still in shock and repeatedly says "She never meant for it to happen." Lexie and Kayla examine Eric and determine the bullet hit a major artery. Sami asks what that means.

Kayla: We're out on stormy waters...so far away from a hospital. We're not even going to be able to get him to one! I...I'm sorry. (begins to cry) The chances...there not...

Carrie: No...

Greta: Not Eric...he just got another chance to live...it's not right.

Frankie: I know you two were close.

Greta (crying): Our relationship ended ugly but I still cared...we were still friends. After all we did to save him before, how can...

Frankie embraces Greta and tells her he is there for her. She thanks him.

Sami: No...not Eric. There has to be something...a first aid kit...putting pressure on the wound...(shaking and crying)

Lucas grabs her and tells her it will be ok. Sami screams:

Sami: NO!!! MY BROTHER IS DYING!! A PART OF ME IS DYING, DAMNIT!!! (looks at Nicole) YOU BITCH!!

Lucas holds her back. Eric's eyes then slowly flutter open. Everyone is overjoyed. Lexie asks how he is feeling.

Eric: It doesn't hurt...really. Hey...could you and Aunt Kayla stop working on me? We need to accept what is happening and just...get this show on the road.

Roman: Don't say that son.

Eric: Your a cop, dad. You deal in facts. The fact...is that this is it for me. I can feel it...I heard Lexie and Aunt Kayla. I had two brushes with death before. This was...my third shot. Third time's the charm.

Greta (crying): Don't say that!

Eric: Come here, Greta.

Greta walks over.

Eric: I want to thank you for being such a loyal friend. I know our relationship...didn't go so well. I appreciate all you did when I was sick and...you were a true friend. I'm sorry I hurt you and...

Greta (in tears): It's ok. I care about you. Always have and always will.

Eric: Me too. Some guy will be very lucky to have you. He's out there, Princess. You just need to find him. All...I want...is for you not to cry for me. None of you. Be happy. Greta (pulls Greta in close to him and is whispering)...tell Victor. Life is too short. You searched for years to find your father. Go to him...tell him. Do it for me...and for you.

Greta: Eric...

Eric (smiles): I will be watching you, Princess.

Greta smiles. Everyone then hears a noise. They are stunned to see Will come up the stairs, holding Evan. Carrie and Austin race over and scoop Evan up in their arms while Sami, Lucas, and Kate reunite with Will. Austin greets Evan and tells him it;s nice to meet him. Carrie smiles as her and Austin lock eyes. Carrie tells Austin that is the best look he has given her in 24 hours. Austin tells her to think nothing of it. He loves her but there were so many lies. He needs time...to think and figure things out. Carrie nods as Lucas comes over and greets Evan. Will then tells everyone how he was locked on the bottom level in a room with Evan. Evan was crying and Will says he was screaming for help when grandma Marlena freed them, saying that "children should not pay for the sins of their elders." Everyone is confused. Sami fills Will in on what has happened and embraces him, telling him Alan is gone and he can't hurt them anymore.

The attention then goes back to Eric, who tells Caroline, Belle, Frankie, Kayla, Roman, Carrie (who is holding Evan), Will, and Sami to come closer to him. Eric tells Will that he needs to take care of his mom. She is going to need him. He tells Lucas and Austin to take care of his sisters and warns them not to hurt them. Eric tells Frankie and Kayla that he regrets not spending more time with Max and them but tells them to take care of the family and to look out for themselves. Eric tells Caroline that he will miss walking in to the pub and getting some chowder or smelling whatever aroma was coming from the kitchen. A crying Caroline tells Eric the family won't be the same without that gorgeous smile of his. Eric tells Caroline he will say hi to grandpa for her. Greta and Caroline comfort each other.

Eric (turning to Carrie): You hold on to that baby of yours. Make up for that lost time...life is too short.

Carrie (crying): I know. I'm going to miss you. You have no idea how much.

Eric: I love...you.

Carrie kneels down and embraces Eric, with Evan in hand, and then backs away. Eric motions to Belle.

Eric: We never really spent...much time together. I regret that.

Belle (crying): Me too. You were gone for so long and now you come back finally and...

Eric: It's ok. Just know your bro is...looking down on you. You be happy and take care of Claire.

Belle (crying): I will tell her what a great guy her Uncle Eric was.

Eric: You do that. I love...you.

Belle (embracing Eric in tears): Love you too.

Belle leaves Eric, who then motions to Roman.

Eric (turning to Roman): Dad...I don't want you to feel guilty. I want you to be the man you always have been. The man I am so proud to call my father.

Roman (fighting back tears): Son...that bullet...it was...meant...

Eric: Stop it! Just...don't give up on mom. I wish I could say goodbye to her but...just don't give up. You watch over the family, as always.

Roman (in tears): I love you, son.

Father and son embrace as a crying and shaking Nicole watches, still in shock. Eric orders Lucas to bring Nicole to him. He does so and Eric pulls Nicole in close. Eric tells Nicole that he's sorry for everything that happened. It seems like the third time wasn't the charm for them. He tells her what happened was an accident and that he wants her to find happiness, despite everything. He adds that he still believes there is good in her. He saw it when he first fell for her and he saw it a year ago. He tells her she can find it again and she can still lead a happy, full life. He tells her that she got lost and that she can find the way back. It may take time but she can. He then kisses her on the cheek and tells her goodbye and that he will be watching. Lucas then pulls her away as her body goes limp. She tells Eric she is so sorry and breaks down in tears. She breaks free from Lucas's arms and turns and walks away.

Eric then tells Sami to kneel down next to him. She does so.

Eric: Hey, sis. You know...it's funny. Twins come into this world together but they hardly ever, if at all, leave this world the same way.

Sami (crying): I can't take this. It's like a part of me is...

Eric: Your made of the strong stuff. You will be fine. You need to be strong for dad, Will, and the family. Do that for me.

Sami: I finally straighten myself out and your not even going to be around to see me get married and finally settle down.

Eric: I have seen enough of your weddings, sis (laughs).

Sami (laughing): This is no time for jokes. You have always been the one thing...I could count on. You always understood me when no one else did. God...why...this can't happen.

Eric (eyes beginning to close): Sami...it's alright. I will be watching and I will always be with you...right by your side. Just...b...e...happy. Be...happy...fo...r...me. I...love...you sis. I love...you all.

Eric's eyes then close as Sami lets out a blood curdling scream. Lucas comforts her as Austin comforts a devastated Carrie. Roman turns away, wiping his tears and fighting back more. Caroline embraces him. Frankie comforts Greta, who tells him to go be with his family. She is going back to the ballroom as she can't watch this. Frankie nods and tells her to be careful. Greta walks away and, remembering Eric's words, says she knows what she has to do. She needs to find Victor and tell him the truth.

-Back in the ballroom, Philip worries about Victor and wonders if he should go after him. He sees Orpheus watching him and panics. The scene then shifts to Cal and Katherine, who are tending to Ernesto in a cabin room. Katherine tells Cal that Ernesto doesn't have much time. The bleeding just isn't stopping. Cal begs a now unconscious Ernesto wake up and tell him what he knows about his past. Ernesto's eyes open, slightly. He tries to say something but struggles. Cal tells him he can do it and that this is important. He begs Ernesto to give him the answers he needs.

-Back on deck, a distraught Roman picks up his son's body and says he isn't leaving it there. He leads everyone down the stairs and they all head for the ballroom. Sami stops. Lucas and Will ask what's wrong. Sami breaks down in tears as Lucas and Will embrace her. Nicole is an emotional wreck and she spots Carrie holding Evan. She says that she may have lost Eric...but she isn't losing Evan. Nicole walks right up to Carrie and tells her to give her son back to her. Austin tells Nicole to back off as Evan is not hers. Sami, Lucas, and Will look on. Lucas tells Sami that this is pretty bad but he fears the worst is yet to come.

-In the ballroom, Roman puts Eric's body down in the corner. Everyone in the ballroom is stunned. Bo and Hope comfort Roman over his loss. Orpheus looks at the body and acknowledges the first casualty. Roman lunges for him but Orpheus pulls out his gun and tells him to back off.

-In the boiler room, Victor is chained to a wall and sweating. The door then opens. It's Greta. Victor asks what she is doing. Greta explains that she heard two guards talking about a prisoner in the boiler room so she raced over and jumped a guard, knocking him out with a fire extinguisher. She stole the guard's keys and they need to hurry. She tries to unlock the chains but is interrupted by another guard, who asks what she thinks she is doing.

-Back in the ballroom, Marlena waits in a corner with James and says it's time. She thanks him for his help in getting by the guards. James says that Orpheus betrayed him so it's time to return the favor. He asks Marlena what she is really up to. Marlena says nothing much...just blowing the ship sky high. James is shocked and says he thought she was simply foiling Orpheus's plan. Marlena laughs and says she was just fitting it to her standards. She reminds James she wants everyone on the ship dead, as well. She just wanted to do it. James says she can't do this. Marlena pistol whips James, knocking him unconscious as she says that she can do whatever the hell she wants.

Marlena reminds everyone in the ballroom it's the 4th of July and that it's time for the fireworks. Orpheus demands to know what she has been up to. Marlena smiles and tells Orpheus to pull out his detonator. He does so. Marlena tells him to push the red button. Orpheus explains that the ship will blow. Marlena laughs and says it won't. Orpheus is confused and presses it. Nothing happens. Marlena yells out, "Gotcha!!"

-Back in the boiler room, Greta finds herself in chains on the wall across from Victor. Victor says she should've never came and asks why she did. Greta says she had to. Victor asks why that is. Greta is silent.

-Back in the ballroom, Orpheus asks what Marlena did. Marlena explains that she heard that the emergency detonator he gave to his head guard was defective so she switched the defective detonator with the real one. She pulls out a detonator and says that she has the real one and has re-arranged the explosives on the bottom level so that the ship will take a little more time sinking rather then just blowing up and sinking. She wants everyone to suffer as the water filters in and sends them to their death. Roman interjects and tells Marlena she doesn't want to do this. Marlena reminds Roman that her name is "Samantha" and she does want to do this. Orpheus says that he has armed guards above. She will never get the chance to pull this off. Marlena smiles and says she took all that into account. She then pulls out several grenades and throws them. It's tear gas!!!

Everyone ducks for cover. Roman goes after Marlena. Marlena covers her face with a mask as Orpheus lunges for her. The detonator and both their guns go flying. Marlena and Orpheus struggle. Roman races to reach the detonator. Orpheus breaks free and lunges for the detonator as Roman and Marlena watch. Roman screams, "NO!!" as Orpheus falls right on top of the detonator, pushing down the red button and setting off the explosives on the bottom level.

Loud explosions can be heard as the whole ship rocks. Everyone screams. Doug, Julie, Frankie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Steve, Kayla, Abe, Celeste, Kate, Lexie, Stefano, Cassie, Philip, Tony, and Anna all fall back and are tossed around the room. Abby's wheelchair is tossed around with her in it as Forest lunges to save her while Jack, Billie, Max, and Chelsea watch. Roman gets thrown against the wall, as is Marlena. Orpheus rolls and slams against a wall, as does James. In the boiler room, Greta and Victor wonder what is going on. Meanwhile, Maggie is nearing the boiler room and gets thrown by the explosion. She is knocked unconscious just as water bursts through one of the holes caused by the explosion. Cal and Katherine hear the explosions in the cabin room and are thrown around the room. Ernesto rolls off the bed and on to the floor. Cal falls and hits his head, knocking himself unconscious.

On deck, Sami and Will are thrown backward and fall down the staircase as Lucas lunges after them and falls down the staircase himself. Nicole falls back and hits the wall behind her, knocking herself unconscious. Austin takes Carrie, who is holding Evan, in his arms, and tries to shield them. He grabs on to a railing and tells them both to hang on. The three of them do not see that a communication pole, which was struck by lightning earlier causing it too loosen and crack, is tipping over from the impact of the explosion. The pole then completely snaps and falls right toward Austin, Carrie, and Evan. Carrie turns and screams as the scene goes black.

***SALEM LIVES IS PREEMPTED THURSDAY JULY 5 AND FRIDAY JULY 6. IT WILL RETURN MONDAY JULY 9. FIND OUT WHO WILL LIVE AND WHO WILL DIE. ALSO, MORE SECRETS ARE REVEALED AND DON'T MISS SOME MAGICAL MOMENTS FOR SOME BELOVED SUPERCOUPLES!!!***

-On the cruise ship, Sami continues to chase after Alan. Alan hides in the captain's quarters, wondering how he is going to lose Sami, who is gaining on him. Nicole, who has followed the both of them, is nearly seen by Sami. She ducks out of sight. Meanwhile, back in the ballroom, Lucas is worried about Sami and thinks they need to go after her. Austin wonders how they can do that when all these armed men are standing around above them. Carrie says they need to find a way. Evan and Will are missing and now so is Sami and Alan. They can't wait anymore. Eric overhears and agrees. Roman jumps in and says that they can't go off on their own. A desperate Carrie says they are wasting time.

Orpheus walks over, smiling, and then adds to the debate:

Orpheus: Go on. All of you. None of you can leave this ship. We are out in the middle of nowhere. The waters are too deep and there is a storm on the way.

Hope: A storm?

Orpheus: Yes. I couldn't have planned it better myself. If my plans don't kill you, the storm and it's the dangerous conditions it creates will. This storm has forced all boats and ships back to port while we are heading right on into the heart of it. Hope you all packed your floaties.

Caroline: You monster!

Orpheus (smiling): Thank you, Mrs. Brady.

Roman says they are wasting time and they have to get going. Bo asks if they need his help. Hope, Shane, and Abe also offer to help. Roman says they need to stay back to protect everyone else in the ballroom. Austin turns and notices that Carrie is gone. He races off with Lucas, Kate, Eric, and Roman in tow.

Orpheus: Well, that cleared the room. Time to have some fun with the rest of you!

The scene then shifts back to Alan, who slowly sneaks out of the captain's quarters. He makes his way on to the deck and sees Sami behind him searching. He goes up to the third level of the ship. A hand then touches his shoulder, stunning him. It's Nicole, who asks Alan what the hell is going on. Alan says he is trying to avoid Sami and needs her help. He asks her to pull out the gun he gave her earlier and to cover him. Nicole wants to know where Evan is. Alan says he will tell her once Sami gets off his ass. Alan insists they have to move...now!! Alan walks away quickly as Nicole pulls out her gun and follows.

Sami turns and sees Alan and Nicole running above her. She is shocked when Carrie grabs her arm, asking her what is going on. Sami says she is chasing down Alan, who appears to have Nicole with him now. Sami adds that she needs to keep going...this must end tonight. Carrie follows, saying:

Carrie: That monster has my son!!! Wait for me!!

-Back in the ballroom, Orpheus seems to be distracted by talking to one of his armed guards on his radio. Caroline goes up to Victor and says:

Caroline: Unbelievable. A year ago, we were all on some damn island being held together like this and now it's a ship.

Victor: I know. Don't worry, Caroline. We'll get off this ship and we will make it through this storm.

Caroline: I know. I have faith. You know, I never thought that we would be talking like this after all that has happened. I just want you to know that...

Victor: It's the past, Caroline. We all make mistakes. I think what happened was what was meant to happen. I will always love you. We just never could get it right. The timing...Shawn...

Caroline: I know. It just seemed like we were causing ourselves more pain and those we love more pain. It's for the best.

Victor: I know that you don't like my violent lifestyle and the way I dragged Bo and...

Caroline: Bo made his own decisions. It was an ISA operation. I don't like you going back to your shady dealings and all the guns and...you know...I don't want to talk about it. I want you in my life. We share a son. I think it's best if we don't mention your business or anything related to it. Let's just be friends and avoid issues we know will cause tension.

Victor: Good idea. It pleases me to have you in my life in any capacity. A part of my heart will always belong to you, Caroline. Bo will always be a reminder of the great love we shared, in addition to the memories.

Caroline: Yes...well, you have Maggie now. You love her. I can see that. I was wrong to act how I did before and to...

Victor: I understand. Again, we all make mistakes. I do care about her very much.

Caroline: You love her. I see the way you look at her. The look in your eyes...it's just like...

Victor: How I look at you?

Caroline: Only...stronger.

Victor: Yeah but so much has happened and now she has legal trouble...

Caroline: You can help her. You have the power to. She loves you. She made a mistake and I know she feels guilty for it. You two have become so close and...life is too short. Don't waste a day...a minute. Go to her. Work things out and be good to each other. Be happy...I know seeing that will make me happy.

Victor: Thank you for that You are truly one of a kind, Caroline. Your right. Maggie and I do need to talk.

Orpheus then comes over and says that isn't happening. He orders one of the guards to take Victor back to his own personal prison. He deserves to die alone so he can think of all the reasons why he should burn in hell. Caroline begs Orpheus not to do this as Maggie looks on, in tears. Caroline looks at her. Maggie and Caroline lock eyes. Caroline whispers to her to go to Victor. A crying Maggie turns to see the guard pulling Victor away. Maggie races after them, crying and screaming for them to let Victor go. Victor turns back and looks at Maggie lovingly. He whispers "I love you" as he is pulled out of the ballroom and the door closes behind him and the guard. Caroline races over to comfort Maggie, who breaks down in her arms. Julie watches this scene and turns towards Doug, who turns away from her as tears well up in her eyes.

Philip, having just watched his father be dragged away, regrets getting his father and himself involved in this. He assumes they took him back down to the boiler room and he contemplates going down there and rescuing him. Greta overhears this and wonders his Philip got Victor and himself involved in what is going on. Greta then wonders if she should sneak off and find Victor. There is no telling what could happen and it may be time to tell him that he is her father...before it's too late and she never does. Frankie comes over and asks if she is ok. She nods and they return to Jack, Billie, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest.

Kayla and Katherine continue to help tend to Ernesto with Cal. Steve asks Kayla if he can help in any way. Kayla shakes her head and says he needs a hospital. He is losing too much blood. Katherine says that even a first aid kit would help a little but there isn't any around the ballroom.

Orpheus: Go ahead, Mr. and Mrs. Winters. Ernie is a dying man. Go find the kit and try to save him. It's futile, anyway. Although, you may get the answers you wish out of him. That would be a comfort before you all perish so go right ahead. It's not like you can leave the ship.

Kayla tells Cal and Katherine to take Ernesto and go and not to question it. Cal tells Kayla and Steve to come. Kayla thinks that Steve and herself need to stay back. Orpheus said he was letting only him and Katherine go. Besides, she is needed there if anyone else is hurt. Cal understands and he and Katherine help Ernesto to his feet and race out of the ballroom as Orpheus motions to the guards to let them go. Kayla tells Steve she hopes Ernesto survives, at least long enough to help Cal get the answers he needs.

Meanwhile, Celeste is trembling and Lexie asks if she is ok. Celeste says she feels death in the air as Lexie, Abe, Bo, Hope, Caroline, Shane, Steve, Kayla, Forest, Abby, Chelsea, James, Tony, Anna, and Stefano overhear while Orpheus laughs and yells out that death is indeed in the air...and closer then they all think. Orpheus them looks outside and sees lightning in the distance. The wind is picking up and so are the waves. Thunder can now be heard and it's starting to sprinkle as Orpheus watches in glee at what he is seeing. He then hears Marlena yell out:

Marlena: You know...it's usually when you think things are perfect that things usually go wrong. You may think you are all powerful but your not. Far from it. That will be proven...tonight.

Orpheus looks on, laughing, as the remaining guests in the ballroom continue to watch.

Back on deck, Alan and Nicole have made it all the way up to the fourth level of the ship-the lookout landing. They are both stunned when Sami and Carrie appear behind them. Alan pulls his gun on Sami as a out of sorts Nicole aims at both Sami and Carrie. Sami aims her gun at Alan and tells him this ends...tonight!!!

Meanwhile, on the second level deck, Austin is searching for Sami and Carrie and sees them up above. Austin races to the stairs and quickly moves up them. Lucas sees the women as well and follows Austin. Kate, Roman, and Eric see Lucas and Austin race off. Roman tells Kate to go back and get Kayla. They may need a doctor and he also doesn't want Kate getting hurt. Kate refuses to leave but Roman insists and begs her to cooperate. Kate reluctantly agrees and races off. Eric tells Roman they need to follow Lucas and Austin. Roman grabs him and tells him no. He has another idea but he needs Eric to follow his instructions.

The scene shifts back to Sami and Alan, both with guns pointed at each other. Alan tells Nicole to move to the side and to keep that gun on Sami and Carrie. Nicole obliges.

Sami: It's over, Alan. After all the suffering you...

Alan: Suffering?! You don't know the meaning. You and your sister over there (looks at Carrie). She knows I had a tough life...my father...

Carrie: I know, Alan. That still doesn't give you the right to do all this. I gave you another chance. I believed in you and trusted you. You treated me so wonderful. You saved me...I can't believe that was all an act.

Sami: It sure was...and I told you...

Carrie: I know, Sami. Your evil, Alan. You, Nicole, Orpheus...you all cost me time with my son.

Nicole: Honey, you gave him up. We just took advantage.

Carrie: You know...

Sami: Don't bother. We'll deal with her. Alan, you raped my son. That is something he may never get over and now you have him and Evan. Where are they?

Alan: How do you know I have them? Maybe young Will got lost or jumped overboard? Maybe Evan is with him?

Sami: Cut the bull.

Sami and Alan stand looking at each other as the tension rises.

Alan: You don't know what I went through...after you shot me...my life was a mess. I started drinking...no one wanted to date me...I got into this fight after a few beers and I ended up in jail for assault. The guy got messed up pretty bad...all that aggression and anger I had was built up...I was in prison for 2 years before being released. I tried to get over it...move on...but I couldn't. What my father...and what you two did to me...my father is gone but you two were still here. You both needed to pay. I needed to make it appear like I changed and I knew Sami would never buy it but...Carrie...always the good one...the gullible one. You bought it...that got me in., in addition to me becoming William's best friend. With Orpheus's help, I got the ball rolling on my plans...now, tonight, I will complete my revenge. I will say I felt...glorified after getting some from your son.

Sami (holding back tears): You bastard!!! I will shoot you right here...and, this time, I will aim for the head or the heart.

Alan: What a relief!

Austin and Lucas then arrive. Lucas asks Sami to give him the gun. Sami tells him to back off. This is her chance to make him pay and she isn't giving it up. Austin begs Sami to calm down. He is the only one who knows where Will and Evan is. Sami points out Nicole probably knows. Nicole shakes her head. Alan tells Nicole to keep her focus and to hold her gun on Austin, Lucas, Sami, and Carrie. Meanwhile, Eric and Roman are climbing up the safety ladder. They make their way up and find themselves right under the lookout landing. Roman tells Eric they will jump over. He grabs Alan and Eric grabs Nicole. Eric agrees.

The storm is intensifying. The waves, thunder and lightning, wind, and rain have increased. Visibility is low. Sami and Alan have guns on each other.

Sami: For years, I lived with what you did to me. I never got over it. I moved on but I will never forget. Now...you hurt my son, just like you hurt me, and he may suffer with those memories for the rest of his life...because of you!!! I will make you suffer for all this...even if its the last thing I do!!!

Carrie, Austin, and Lucas try to calm Sami down as Nicole hears a noise and turns around just in time...to see Eric and Roman jump over the banister. They ambush Alan. Eric leaves Alan to Roman and lunges for Nicole. She jumps back. Eric sees Alan getting the upper hand on Roman. He goes over to help, as do Austin and Lucas. Nicole looks on, gun pointed at the men on the ground, struggling with Alan, who has dropped his gun. Sami and Carrie see Alan recover his gun as Austin, Lucas, Eric, and Roman struggle with him. Alan then yells out to Nicole to remember who knows where Evan is and orders her to help him...and to SHOOT!!!

Alan begins to pick himself off the deck as the struggle continues. Nicole aims but has trouble pulling the trigger. Alan manages to pick up his gun. Sami sees it and aims her gun. Lightning strikes the front of the ship, starting a fire and rocking the whole ship. Nicole is sent falling forward, along with everyone else. She then accidentally pulls the trigger while Roman yells out for Sami to shoot...leading to her firing as well!!! A third gunshot soon follows leading to Carrie and Sami screaming as the smoke from the lightning strike and fire, along with the rain and wind, make it hard to see what has happened.

Sami and Carrie recover and then race over and see Alan, Austin, Lucas, Roman, and Eric laying on each other in a pool of blood. Both women scream and then turn to see Nicole, who is shock, with her gun pointed right at the men lying on the ship's deck as the screen fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Greta: I know what I have to do.

Sami (crying) to Carrie: This can't be happening. It's a nightmare...it has to be.

Caroline to Maggie: Do you want to spend what could be the last moments of your life wondering what could've been? Go find Victor. Before it's too late.

Marlena to Orpheus: Gotcha!

-Orpheus: My, my, Roman. You should be used to seeing people come back from the dead in this town.

Orpheus chuckles at Roman as Roman and the rest of the guests are stunned by seeing this man’s face once again, after 20 long years. Bo can’t believe it, as Victor steps forward and asks Orpheus....

Victor: What in God’s Name did ANY of us do to you to cause so much grief?!

Orpheus: Ask your former son-in-law, Victor! Taking my wife’s life destroyed me. So......I made it a point of destroying his life, as well.

Roman: So you didn’t think that blowing up my house and kidnapping Marlena wasn’t enough?!

Orpheus: Apparently not, Roman. If it was, I wouldn’t have had as much fun ruining the lives of everyone that you hold dear.

Stefano: (Stepping Forward) You are one.......disgusting human being.

Orpheus: Look who’s talking. That’s real rich coming from someone who has kidnapped or murdered friends and relatives of almost everyone standing in this ballroom. And.......(Holding up a picture of Roman’s former face) who was it who changed this man’s face and turned him into one of his Pawns?! You or me?

Stefano: Whatever I did.........I regret. I have spent 30 years of my life trying to bring Roman to his knees......and for what?

Orpheus: Now, I guess you’re going to tell me you’ve found religion.

Stefano: The only kind you can find in my world......and I will spend the rest of my days (Walking towards Orpheus) making you pay for everything you’ve done to me and my family.

Orpheus: Stefano......you don’t have one clue, do you? I have spent the last 20 years amassing a monetary fortune that now rivals you, Victor and Ernesto. Business holdings, stocks, bonds, and some more.....nefarious activities have allowed me to assemble a consortium of partners from around the world.

The guests look at Orpheus silently as Marlena, who has just been standing to the side watching with her gun in hand, quietly sneaks off to the side of the stage and out of the ballroom.

Orpheus: And I also have secured the services of a highly trained mercenary staff that will remain loyal to me and only me. Now, question.......how can you, or Ernesto, or even Victor match up against that?

Victor: Young man, you truly are delusional. If you honestly think that we are not prepared for anything that takes place........you are dead wrong.

Steve: Dead being the operative word, !@#$%^&*].

Orpheus: Well........so be it. If that is how you choose to meet your fates......who am I to disappoint?

Orpheus walks away from the group as Hope looks over at Bo, who turns to look back at her. Cal tends to an unconscious Ernesto as Kayla comes over and helps Katherine tend to him. As Kayla bends down and begins to give medical attention to Ernesto, Katherine asks Cal what the hell is going on and who this man is. Cal explains that he is someone from Roman’s past. What’s strange, he adds, is that he remembers him too, even though he knows he never met the man before tonight. Katherine knows that it must be more of the brainwashing he went through to become Roman Brady. Cal agrees and all three then happen to turn and look at Orpheus, who is walking towards them.

Orpheus stops and looks at the three of them, then throws a file at Cal. It lands on top of Ernesto and Cal snatches it off him before standing up to face Orpheus. Orpheus warns him to watch his temper. If he decides to become a hero, not only will everyone die, but he will never find out what is in that file. Orpheus then smiles, turns, and walks away. Katherine stands and goes over to Cal as Kayla continues her work on Ernesto. Cal opens the file and starts reading. With Katherine reading along with him, he starts to realize, very quickly, that this is everything pertaining to his past from birth up until his wedding to Katherine, including his tours in Vietnam, his rank as Captain, his work with Stefano, the doctors who performed the surgery on his face, the men who brainwashed him.........it’s all there.

It also includes files on his family. Before he can get into that, though, Steve walks over and asks how Ernesto is doing. Cal closes the file and says that he is hanging on. Steve then asks Cal if Ernesto meant for any of this to happen. Cal says that he didn’t, but, look where everyone is. Once again, Cal reminds, most of their family and friends are stuck together, held by some madman bent on their destruction. Steve remarks that maybe he should have moved to Cleveland instead of Salem. Nutcases running around, cruise ships in the river...he just doesn’t know what he got himself into marrying into the Brady family. All three chuckle at the thought of what is going on and Steve then tells Katherine and Cal that if they get out of there, if there is anything he can do, to let him know.

As Steve shakes Cal’s hand and walks away, Cal and Katherine look down at Kayla. Kayla looks up with a worried look on her face and then stands to tell them both that they better get him to a hospital soon......or else he won’t make it. And then, Cal says, he will lose what he feels is the only link to his past. Katherine hugs him from behind as Cal stares at the other guests and then looks down at the file on his life.

As the scene shifts, Bo walks over to Hope and asks how she’s doing. Hope says that she is used to stuff like this. What she wants to know is how did Orpheus survive all these years? Roman had shot and killed him on the island where he held Marlena. Bo knows this and doesn’t have a clue. He looks around, trying to find a way out, and wonders how all of them are going to get out of there with Orpheus’s guards standing on the second floor, pointing weapons at them. Hope looks at Bo, places her hand on his chest, and then tells him how proud she is of him. Bo smiles and leans in, gently kissing Hope. He tells her.......anything for his Fancy Face. He just hopes that they all can survive this. This is a very dangerous game.........

One Orpheus intends on winning. Hope stares at Orpheus, who is looking at her as well, smiling, and then she places her head on Bo’s chest as he comforts her.

Doug looks at Bo comfort Hope and just shakes his head. When Julie walks over to him and asks him why he is doing that, Doug just says that he has spent his life doing only two things.....loving and protecting her. And how does she treat him? By lying to him about the fire that nearly killed him. He tells her that he thought she was through acting like a spoiled brat. Julie looks at Doug and tears start to stream down her cheeks as Doug tells her that the tears mean nothing to him. When Julie tries to explain, Doug turns and walks away but not before telling Julie that as far as he is concerned......

She is dead to him. Julie breaks down completely as Maggie runs over to comfort her.

Sami is worried about Will. Lucas tells her to calm down. They will find him. Sami sees Alan sneak off stage and exit the ballroom. She decides that she can't wait. Her son needs her and Alan could very well lead her to him. She tries to think of a way out of the ballroom with all the guards around. She then has a brainstorm. She begins to cough violently and then faints in Roman's arms. He places her on the ballroom floor to look at her. She then reaches up and says she is sorry. She grabs his gun and holds him and the rest of the ballroom guests at gunpoint.

The armed men above aim at her but she aims at Orpheus, threatening to kill him if he doesn't let her go. He smiles and, ultimately, does and she races off to look for Alan. Nicole sees her racing off and, realizing Alan went that way earlier, follows to see what is going on. Meanwhile, one of Orpheus's armed guards radios down to him and asks if someone should go after Sami.

Orpheus: Just let the woman go. It's most likely her last night alive, either way. Same goes for all of them. They can't go anywhere...except straight to hell!!!

The screen then freezes on Orpheus's face and then fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Celeste to Lexie: I can feel death in the air tonight.

Marlena to Orpheus: You may think you are all powerful but your not. Far from it.

Lucas to Austin: We have to find Sami before it's too late.

Sami to Alan (both holding each other at gunpoint as Nicole watches): This ends...tonight!!!

ANNOUNCER: LAST FRIDAY...

Clip of Orpheus pulling off his hood.

THE MCF WAS FINALLY REVEALED!!

Orpheus to Roman: Well...aren't you going to say hello to your old friend?!?!

NOW...THIS WEEK...CHAOS ERUPTS!!

Orpheus: I will kill you all...with this (holds up detonator). I will blow this ship sky high!!!

Marlena (pointing gun at Orpheus and holding another detonator): Not if I do it first with you on board.

Clip of Orpheus turning around in shock at Marlena.

ONE BIG WEEK...WITH A MUST SEE KILLER ENDING WEDNESDAY!!!

Marlena (about to press the button on the detonator): And...down goes the ship!!

PLUS...

Clip of Alan racing to the top of the cruise ship with Sami running after him.

A DRAMATIC STANDOFF YEARS IN THE MAKING...

Sami (holding Alan at gunpoint): This time...I am aiming for your head.

Alan: You kill me and you will never know where Will or Evan is!!

THAT ENDS IN TRAGEDY!!

Clip of Roman and Eric jumping over a banister and grabbing Alan as both Sami and Nicole fire their guns while a third shot is fired and the screen goes black.

THIS IS ONE TWIST YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING!!!

Sami (crying): NO!!!!

THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE!!! SEISMIC SUMMER!!!

WEEK OF JULY 1, 2007 EDITION

THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE HAS BEGUN!!!

Beginning Monday July 2, Salem Lives will begin a special 3 week event entitled THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE. This event, on the heels of Salem Lives: VENDETTA, will focus on he aftermath of what happened during VENDETTA and will drastically change the lives of every Salemite. "It's a classic summer adventure story," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "My co-EP/HW and I put this together awhile ago as they grand finale of everything we built with VENDETTA and all of our other stories. This is the culmination of a year's worth of story. Many of these stories have been going since we began writing and we will see the big climaxes to these while new stories take shape. This event will feature a great mix of drama, intrigue, suspense, and romance. It's the biggest thing we have ever done and it's truly like a summer movie blockbuster. It starts Monday but, in many ways, this VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE has been going on since everyone boarded the boat on June 21. It's a cataclysmic event, to say the least."

At the center of this story is a great amount of tragedy as many Salemites won't be making it back home. "It's true," sighs Lowery. "We have such a large cast and we have been trying to write for everyone but, at the same time, when that happens you tend to miss some story beats at times so we really need to scale down and focus on who we feel needs to be involved right now. Some major character will be leaving us in the days and weeks ahead and this exodus could continue even into 2008. We have some big things planned and alot of it is story-dictated so it won't be forced at all but we do feel it's necessary to make cuts." As for who is getting cut, Lowery is mum. "The fans will have to wait and see. We will address the cuts and state of matters as we go along but we don't want to spoil anything. We just want the fans to enjoy this epic event because it is one hell of a ride."

THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE BEGINS MONDAY JULY 2.

WHO'S IN/WHO'S OUT

IN

George Delhoyo (Orpheus): As fans learned on the Friday June 29 episode, Orpheus is the mysterious MCF that has been terrorizing Salem for months. Delhoyo was added to the contract cast but no word yet on how long his stay is intended to last.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WEEK OF 7/2/07

-Orpheus is finally face to face with his enemies.

-Sami gets a chance at revenge.

-Alan takes a stand.

-Nicole and Carrie fall apart.

-Cal begins to get answers.

-Marlena gets the upper hand.

-Chaos erupts on the cruise ship.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: WEDNESDAY JULY 4

-CHAOS ERUPTS ON THE CRUISE SHIP!!! DON'T MISS A KILLER ENDING THAT WILL LEAVE YOU HANGING!!!

Will SL's Bo and Hope (Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso) get caught in the crossfire on the cruise ship?

REMINDER: SALEM LIVES IS PREEMPTED THURSDAY JULY 5 AND FRIDAY JULY 6, 2007 AS IS TRADITIONAL WITH REAL DAYS OFF AND SO MANY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS GOING ON. ROMAN AND I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR LOYAL READERS AND EVERYONE AT SON A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

NEXT WEEK: Several Salem couples share some magic moments. Two dramatic love confessions take place. Several Salemites meet their maker.

VENDETTA GAME WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

ON YESTERDAY'S SALEM LIVES EPISODE, THE MCF'S IDENTITY WAS REVEALED. THEREFORE, THE VENDETTA GAME HAS NOW REACHED IT'S END. AFTER WEEKS OF TRIVIA, CLIPS, AND CLUES...THE TIME HAS COME TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER. OUR FINAL TWO PLAYERS WERE TISHY AND DAYSFAN. BOTH COMPLETED THE FINAL TRIVIA CHALLENGE. HOWEVER, NEITHER PLAYER PREDICTED THE MCF'S IDENTITY NOR DID THEY PICK THE RIGHT GENDER. BOTH SUBMITTED GREAT GUESSES AND WERE WORTHY PLAYERS THROUGHOUT THIS EVENT. IN ORDER TO DECIDE THE WINNER, WE WERE FORCED TO LET THE OTHER QUESTIONS ON THE VENDETTA TRIVIA CHALLENGE DECIDE SINCE BOTH PLAYERS DID NOT GUESS THE IDENTITY CORRECTLY. BEFORE ANNOUNCING THE WINNER, ROMAN AND I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL YOU PARTICIPATED AND READ EVEN MORE THEN USUAL SINCE THIS WAS A BIG EVENT THAT REQUIRED SOME ADDITIONAL READING. ALL THE GAME PLAYERS GAVE IT THEIR ALL AND WERE FANTASTIC. WE ALSO WISH TO THANK EVERYONE AT SON FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ALL OUR LOYAL READERS AND FELLOW SONBCers FOR THEIR SUPPORT AS WELL. WE APPRECIATE IT AS ALWAYS.

NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, THE WINNER OF THE SALEM LIVES VENDETTA GAME IS....

TISHY!!!

ON THE FINAL VENDETTA TRIVIA, TISHY HAD 7 OUT OF 10 CORRECT WHILE DAYSFAN HAD 5 1/2 OUT OF 10. BOTH DID A GOOD JOB WITH SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS THAT FOCUSED ON ALMOST A YEAR WORTH OF STORY IN ADDITION TO ALL THE CLUES I HAD SENT THEM AS PLAYERS. THEY BOTH DID GREAT AND I CAN'T STRESS THAT ENOUGH. THE FINAL SCORES FOR BOTH PLAYERS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

1.) Tishy (343 pts)

2.) daysfan (303 pts)

CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH ON GETTING THIS FAR AND ON YOUR HARD WORK THESE PAST FEW MONTHS!!

PRIZES: The second place finisher will have the chance to see a character written into the blog in their honor this July. This will be minor role, however, with little input allowed from the second place finisher, which is daysfan in this case. The first place winner will have the chance to have a character written into the blog in their honor and they will have a HUGE amount of input. This character will be written in for at least 6 weeks and could be made a long-term character if the character takes off with fans.

Here were the final Vendetta trivia questions just in case anyone was interested:

1.) What was the MCF's first official crime (Hint: It took place in 2006, not in 2007)?

2.) Name 3 of the MCF's most notable crimes and those he or she targeted.

3.) Who are the MCF's assiatants (both willing and unwilling)?

4.) What was the MCF's lair until recently?

5.) When approximately did the MCF make his or her first appearance on Salem Lives?

6.) True or False: The MCF has used hi-tech gadgets and spy gear to complete his or her missions.

7.) Name 3 of the important clues you acquired as a Vendetta game player and how you think they are important to the identity of the MCF.

8.) Name 3 clues or hints you picked up on from some of the Vendetta clips or just regular episodes of Salem Lives. How are they important in your mind to the identity of the MCF?

9.) Is the MCF male or female?

10.) Who is the MCF?

Tishy and daysfan...I will be sending you each a personal PM by Monday to discuss your prizes and to tell you each specifically what you got right and wrong and so on. If the both of you or any other player has any questions about the clues or any other part of this event, please send a PM and we will happily assist you. Thanks and congrats to both Tishy and daysfan once again!!

REMINDER: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BIG MCF REVEAL, READ FRIDAY'S MUST READ EPISODE THAT IS POSTED RIGHT UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

As James places his hand on the MCF’s cloak, someone in the room points a gun at his head, saying cryptically....

Marlena: I wouldn’t do that if I were you, partner.

James, without even looking at Marlena, slowly removes his hand from the MCF and lowers his gun as well. He then takes a few steps back and wipes his face, looking at Marlena with contempt. Everyone else looks at Marlena as well, with Stefano remarking....

Stefano: My, my, my, Roman, she is even a better Pawn for this person than you were for me.

Roman: (Turning to face Stefano) Old man........you better keep that smart crap to yourself. The face is different but the hatred remains the same.

Stefano: More lowly threats from a lowly man. Acting the high and mighty cop, while your WIFE is holding a gun on all of us!!

Roman: My wife is my problem, old man! Remember that!

Stefano: How can I or any of us forget it?! This.......psychotic woman is holding us at gunpoint with a man who loves walking around wearing a smelly CLOAK, for God’s Sakes!!

The MCF speaks up, saying........

MCF (via voice changer): ENOUGH!!! I’m sick of all of you, quite frankly. And, I’m sick of these games. Walking around like this bores me.

The MCF, having manipulated the circumstances in his/her favor, walks away from the group, pausing briefly to look over at Cal, Katherine and Ernesto. Cal looks at the MCF with hatred then looks back down at Ernesto, who tugs at his shirt and quietly says to him.....

Ernesto: I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Really.....I didn’t.

Cal: Well, I would think you would have learned something from what you did last year.

Ernesto: Apparently not, Cal. (Coughing) Didn’t learn a damn thing I guess.

Victor walks over to the three people and bends down next to Ernesto. In a surprising but very touching gesture, he takes Ernesto’s hand. He then tells him..........

Victor: Well, my old friend. Didn’t turn out like you wanted, did it?

Ernesto: No. I guess not.

Both men chuckle at the thought of where everyone is and how this entire situation turned out. The MCF looks on as Ernesto grips Victor’s hand and tells him.......

Ernesto: Thank you. For being a father........to Isabella.......before she died.

Victor: (Pausing) The greatest time of my life, my friend. Amazing, isn’t it? We all were......young men together. You, me, Stefano.......we achieved wealth and power but why do we always learn the most important lessons when it’s too late?

Ernesto: (Having trouble breathing) I don’t know, Victor. I have not one clue.

Stefano walks over and looks down at Ernesto, smiling slightly. Both Katherine and Cal look at Stefano as he then leans over.....and gently kisses Ernesto on his forehead, before taking his other hand and shaking it gently. He then pats Ernesto on his chest and walks back over to the group. Victor then tells Ernesto........

Victor: Well, if this is it, and you see Isabella.......tell her......that I said hello.

Ernesto: I will.......old friend.

Victor then looks at Cal and Katherine and then silently stands up, looks at Ernesto once more, and walks back over to the group. The MCF then responds, saying.......

MCF: How touching.

The guests stand and look at the MCF, who then says that one of his or her guests are missing. When everyone looks around, Lucas says that he doesn’t see Will. Sami and everyone else look around the ballroom but there is no sign of him or Alan, for that matter, as Eric says. Doug, Julie and everyone else look at the MCF and Bo pipes in, demanding to know what has happened to Will. The MCF tells him that Alan has taken Will to another secure location. What is about to happen is not for a young man that age.

But, the MCF assures, he is safe. Sami takes a step towards the MCF and the MCF holds her at bay, telling her.....

MCF: The mother lioness trying to protect her damaged cub. Sickening if you ask me.

Lucas: Who asked you, you psychotic bastard?!

MCF: Watch your mouth, boy!! Don’t ever think that you are man enough to deal with me, ok?

Victor: Then, if he isn’t, maybe I and my men are.

Just then, Nico bursts into the ballroom along with several armed men. Stefano smiles at his old friend as Victor turns to look at Stefano and then turns back to look at the MCF. One of the men walks over to the MCF and yanks his helmet off, revealing the face....

Of Steven Johnson, who tells the MCF......

Steve: Whose got the drop this time, !@#$%^&*]?

Steve then turns and walks towards Victor, shaking his hand and thanking him for including him in this thing. Victor, having been joined by Stefano, Roman and Bo, tells Steve that it was his duty to see that not one other person was harmed by this person. He knows that he kept his word.....and that his dear Isabella just might be proud of him right now. Bo seems to think so, slapping Victor on his back while flashing a huge smile on his face. Roman walks over to the MCF and demands that the person release everyone on the ship, to which the MCF replies.....

MCF: Dear, dear Roman. Do you honestly think it would be that easy? OF COURSE NOT!!!!!

The MCF slowly reaches into their inside jacket and pulls out a device. A timing device. The MCF then tells the guests that.....

MCF: Now, did you honestly think that any of you would get off this ship alive?! How could you sell a person short who got a cruise ship into the middle of Illinois?!

The group reflect on that for a moment before Frankie maneuvers his way past some of the guests, trying to get closer to Marlena. The MCF’s attention is on the men standing in front of him or her as Billie and Eric see what Frankie is doing and slowly walk in front of him, shielding him from the MCF while he gets closer and closer to Marlena, who is still holding her gun towards Roman. Forrest looks on in silence, thinking to himself that maybe it would have been best to stay where he was at instead of getting mixed up with the MCF.

At that very moment, Frankie springs up and grabs for the gun that Marlena is holding. Tony launches himself at the MCF but is grabbed by a man from behind. The guests then realize that other than Steve and Nico, the other men that he came in with work for one person...........the MCF! Frankie was successful in getting the gun away from Marlena and a huge fight now ensues with Cal jumping off of the stage onto a guard while Bo takes two huge steps and tackles another guard.

Roman elbows the guard standing behind him in the gut while Eric takes a swing at another guard. Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Hope, Belle, Carrie, Sami, Kate, Greta, Lexie, Celeste, Cassie, Anna, Abby, Chelsea, and Kayla all back into a corner and watch this free for all as Roman, Bo, Austin, Lucas, Jack, Max, Shane, Abe, Philip, Steve, Eric, Frankie, Victor, James, Lucas, Tony, Stefano and Nico do hand-to-hand battle with the MCF’s henchmen. One of the guards is knocked towards the group of women standing in the corner and Doug gets ready to join in the fight but both Hope and Julie grab him and stop him. Doug looks at Julie and yanks his arm away from her, while Hope stares hatred at Julie for what she did. They then turn their attention back towards the brawl taking place.......

As Kayla sees Stefano reach inside his jacket pocket, the fight continues as Roman kicks one guard in the gut while swinging a roundhouse right cross at another, connecting with his jaw and sending him flying. Bo slams another guard into the wall and then looks over to see Roman in trouble. He runs over and tackles another guard who was just about to hit Roman over the back of his head. Roman turns and faces the guard as Bo stands up. Now the brothers are instinctively standing side by side as Bo grabs the guard and holds him while Roman knocks him clean out with another right hook. As the guard falls to the ballroom floor, the brothers look at each other and then turn to rejoin the battle.

Lucas punches a guard out while Eric and Steve fight with two other guards. Victor smashes a vase over a guard’s head as Stefano punches another guard and pulls the device out of his jacket. He screams into it........

Stefano: NOW!!!!

And at that very moment, men on the second floor above them reach over the balcony and point guns at everyone in the room. Shots ring out overhead as the fight dramatically stops and everyone in the huge ballroom look upward to see men in black battle gear and helmets holding everyone at bay. Victor catches his breath and walks over to Stefano and then they both shake hands. That is when everyone realizes that this latest turn of events was secretly planned by Victor and Stefano, who look at the group with huge smiles on their faces.

But the MCF, who was not involved in the massive brawl, then pipes in once again. The person steps forward and tells the group with contempt.....

MCF: You two old men really think that you have fooled me, right?! This is MY ship.....this is MY game.....and I call the SHOTS here, GOT IT?!?!

The MCF then looks skyward and orders the men to take off their helmets. When they do...Stefano, Victor, Roman, Bo, Steve and the rest see that these are NOT Victor and Stefano’s men. The mood then turns grave when they all realize that the MCF has pulled his/her last greatest trick and now there is nowhere for any of them to escape to. The MCF steps forward and tells the guests.....

MCF: All of the men that you hired are in the cargo hold right now, having been made unconscious by the sleeping gas that I released down there. (Looking at Victor and Stefano) I run this, got that?! (Looking at Roman) And now, that all of this BS is now out of the way, I think it’s time to show you all who has manipulated your petty lives for the last year.

The MCF walks forward and stands near Roman. The MCF then removes his or her gloves. Bo, Hope, Kayla and the rest of the group are shocked by what is happening. The MCF speaks, saying.....

MCF: I hope your medical insurance is paid up because, my dear old friend, you’re going to need it in a few moments.

The MCF throws his or her gloves on the ballroom floor and then reaches up, grabs the front of the cloak, and rips it open. The MCF then takes one more step towards Roman and looks at him face to face. The MCF then reaches up, takes the hood of their cloak and slowly pulls it down, finally revealing who has been tormenting, blackmailing, and murdering the people of Salem for the past year.

MCF: Well, Roman THE IDENTITY OF THE MCF REVEALED!!!........aren’t you going to welcome back.......

YOUR OLD FRIEND?!?!

Roman, Bo, Steve, Kayla, Hope, and the rest of the guests are stunned by who the MCF is as Marlena laughs wickedly. Victor and Stefano look on in absolute shock, Steve stares hatred at this person, Cal looks down at a now unconscious Ernesto and back at the MCF as the scene goes from one shocked face to another and stops on the face of the MCF, who stares hatred at Roman........

And then the screen slowly fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

THE MCF HAS BEEN REVEALED BUT THE DRAMA IS JUST BEGINNING. THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE BEGINS MONDAY!!!

James: You.......disgusting bastard.

That is all James can say upon learning that the MCF was the one who murdered his entire family in a night of unholy terror. Tears stream down his face in anger and sorrow as it sinks in. James stares at the MCF and says to this person...

James: After everything I have done for you......you repay that by killing the people that I love?

MCF (via voice changer): I don’t know what the hell you are talking about. Your family was nothing to me. Why would I kill them?

James: Because you are one sick !@#$%^&*], that’s why. You have been playing God with these people’s lives for the past year, all with my help. And then you do this.

MCF: Get off your moralistic high horse, my friend. You did what a good soldier does. Period.

James: A good soldier?! Putting these people through hell?! I need to have my head examined for ever listening to you. All the pain I have went through.....you caused.

MCF: I did not kill your family.

James: Oh, give that crap to someone who hasn’t seen you operate for the past year. All that crap you did with Marlena Evans.......

Marlena stands just off to the side, smiling from ear to ear....

James: And now I’m supposed to believe you. Bullshit!

MCF: Look here. (Walking towards James) You are getting way out of line. You better remember who I am before you join the others in their fate.

James: Save that horseshit! You can keep the threats. (Pulling a Gun) Oh, I see I now have your attention.

MCF: Put......that gun down, sir.

James: Oh, now I’m ‘Sir’. Amazing what a firearm can do to change the tone of a discussion.

MCF: Yes. It certainly can.

James holds the gun up and points it directly at the MCF, demanding that....

James: You either tell me the truth about what happened to my family that night or I’m going postal in this place.

MCF: As crude as ever. No wonder I had to kill those people you called family.

James is shocked and beyond angry. His hand is shaking as he holds the gun at the MCF.

James: I knew something.....but not this. I ought to kill you right here and now.

Roman: No, James. Don’t become the scum that he is.

James: Roman, your family is still here. I have nightmares about what I saw that night. And you just want me to let him walk away from that?

Roman: Yes, James. I do. I know what it’s like to feel so much pain and hatred from the death of a loved one that it will drive you crazy. But.....you have to be bigger than the pain, James.

Marlena: (Stepping out from the back) Well, well, well. I thought I was the doc in this relationship.

Marlena points a gun at Roman as Doug, Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Belle, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Will, Kate, Eric, Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Max, Shane, Abe, Lexie, Celeste, Stefano, Cassie, Victor, Philip, Tony, Anna, Kayla, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest all look on with Nicole watching from the back of the ballroom. Steve, Alan, James, and Ernesto are still onstage. All of them look on in amazement.

Julie tries to call out to Marlena but she is told to shut up. Marlena also says that her name is Samantha and if anyone else calls her by that horrible name again.....it will be the last thing they ever do. Cal and Katherine look over at Marlena as they tend to Ernesto. Sami also tries to take a step toward her mother but Marlena points the gun at her as well and tells her that she is the last person who should try and get through to her. She still does remember all the times that Sami called her a whore and a slut. Nothing will ever make her forget that.

Sami tells her that it is all in the past. Marlena tells her “Like hell it is.” She reminds Sami of everything she’s been through after that crap on the island over a year ago. So, she tells Sami, no need to play the daughter act with her. That is dead and gone. Doug pulls Julie to the side while this exchange is going on and tells Julie that he can’t believe the woman that he fell in love with and married would do what she did. Julie is crying now, telling Doug that she thought it was the best thing for everyone at the time. She reaches out her hand to Doug, who jerks his arm back and tells Julie that he doesn’t know if he can ever look at her with anything but contempt from now on. Doug then walks back over to the group, leaving Julie to cry her eyes out at what she has done....

And what it has cost her.

As everyone watches on, Ernesto reaches up and grabs Cal’s shirt, telling him......

Ernesto: You have....to get your bride and yourself out of here.

Cal: We’ll split when we can get you to a doctor, ok?

Ernesto: Even........after all.....these years, still the cop, aye?

Cal: Well, I guess so. (Pausing) Why did you get involved with this nutcase anyway?

Ernesto: All in due time. And now, just do what I say, and leave here......now.

Cal: No. No matter what crimes you have done, even you don’t deserve this. (Looking at Katherine) Right?

Katherine: Right, as always.

Katherine smiles at Cal as he asks her to help him take Ernesto to a huge table in the ballroom. As Eric rushes over to help Cal carry Ernesto, Roman and Bo, along with the rest of the guests, try to get through to Marlena......

Roman: You can’t do this, lady.

Marlena: Call me Samantha. I know you always had the hots for my sister. Now you have the best of both worlds. (Turning to the MCF) You know, that was my favorite Star Trek: TNG episode.

MCF: You know, you really are nuts.

Marlena: Thanks for the compliment, boss.

Bo: Boss? You mean that you have been working for this !@#$%^&*] all this time?!

Marlena: Bo, Bo. Don’t be so nasty. This person washed my back.....so to speak, and I washed theirs. Just a simple business transaction.

Roman: Then you must know how dangerous this person is, Doc.

Marlena: DON’T CALL ME THAT!!! MY NAME IS SAMANTHA, YOU JACKASS!!!

Roman: Ok, ok. Samantha. I so sorry.

Marlena: The only true words you’ve said today.

James, still holding the gun, steps over towards the group and stands next to Bo, Roman and Steve. James tells the MCF.....

James: You know, I’m sick of this crap. This has went on long enough. After what you did to my family, I think the least that can happen......is for these people to finally find out who you really are.

MCF: You wouldn’t do that. You’re a loyal soldier.

James: I haven’t been loyal to anyone since I got back from Vietnam. My family......my precious family, were the only ones who I ever cared about......and loved. And they accepted me for who I was. And you (Crying) destroyed all of that. So now (Pointing the gun at the MCF) since you stripped me of everything.........it’s time for me.......to return the favor!

James calmly walks over and reaches up to the MCF’s hood. The MCF has no choice but to stand there and watch James slowly reach for the hood and prepare to yank it of.......

As everyone in the ballroom looks on in terrified shock. As James says.......

James: Well, time to reveal.....the puppet master........

The scene goes to quick shots of everyone in the room and then stops on the MCF............

As the scene suddenly goes black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

AFTER NEARLY A YEAR, THE MCF IS FINALLY REVEALED!!! DON'T MISS THE VENDETTA GRAND FINALE TOMORROW!!!

VENDETTA CLIP #25

A small group of the MCF's guards arrive outside the ballroom and watch the happenings insider.

Guard #1: Looks like things are rather tense in there. I should radio in and see what we are to do next.

The guard radios in and the MCF picks up on the message in his or her earpiece.

MCF (whispering via voice changer): Yes?

Guard #1: My team and I are outside. Everything is a go with the explosives. You ok?

MCF: Yes. Just have a few loose ends to tie up. I will let you know when I need your services. Just stay put nearby for now. Gold leader out.

Guard #1: Ok. We are to wait for further instructions from the boss.

Guard #2: So, is the boss taking that cloak off tonight?

Guard #1: Yes. I think so.

Guard #3: Finally we get to see who we have been dealing with.

Guard #1: It won't make a difference. Whoever this is, they are truly hellbent on revenge and have so much anger inside them. There is no telling how far they will go. Hell, we have already seen it. I have a feeling we haven't truly seen the extent of what this person is capable of.

Guard #2: Then God help this person's enemies and anyone else whoever crosses the great cloaked one.

The scene then shifts to the MCF in the ballroom as the following voiceover is heard:

TOMORROW...AFTER NEARLY A YEAR...THE MCF IS FINALLY REVEALED!!! DON'T MISS THE VENDETTA GRAND FINALE!!

The scene then fades into...

-Cal, Katherine, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Belle, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Will, Kate, Eric, Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Max, Shane, Abe, Lexie, Celeste, Stefano, Cassie, Victor, Philip, Tony, Anna, Kayla, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest all look on with Marlena watching backstage and Nicole watching from the back of the ballroom. Steve, Alan, James, and Ernesto are still on stage as the MCF laughs and says to Stefano:

MCF (via voice changer): Wow...that cold stare has me shaking in my boots.

Stefano: Don't mock me.

MCF: Oh, come on. Why such tension?

Stefano: You shot me!!! You left me in a coma for weeks. You led Alexandra on a wild goose chase and ambushed her in Milan. You attacked her in my own home country. You imprisoned her...you also imprisoned my son, Tony.

MCF: Oh, come now, Stefano. You don't give a damn about Tony. He isn't even your son. He's Enrico's with Daphne. You only call him your son to suit whatever purpose you have at the time.

Stefano: I will not have you making such ludicrous statements.

MCF: It's the truth. You know it.

Cassie (whispering): So, that is why he didn't seem so desperate to find Tony at first. But, that means I am not his granddaughter by blood. He seems to treat me well...

Stefano: Tony, don't listen to this person. Whoever it is, don't worry. He or she is speaking nonsense.

Tony: I know, father. You wouldn't lie to me. You told me years ago that you have and always will think of me as your son.

Stefano: That won't change. I assure you.

MCF: Touching. Cassie! One of my lovely forced assistants. (gently touches Cassie's neck)

Stefano: Get your hands off her. You have done enough to my family. I will have your head!!

MCF: Calm yourself. Cassie and I are good friends. Aren't we?

Cassie: You...

MCF: We started off rough. You see, I set her up so that her little secret came out. She had made it appear like Abigail Deveraux pushed her down the hospital stairs, thereby causing her to miscarry her baby with Max. She manipulated Max and guilted him into staying with her and turning against Abby. She even blackmailed Chelsea by using the fact that Chelsea murdered her rapists. I set Cassie up and had Max walk in on her watching the security camera footage of her fall down the hospital staircase. She had wanted Chelsea to steal it so I made it very accessible for her to steal. I tricked Chelsea into leaving Cassie's room and made sure Max walked in on Cassie watching the tape. She lost everything, making her vulnerable to doing my bidding. She wanted revenge on Max, Abby, and Chelsea so I met with her and asked her to do me a favor. One that would help me and herself. Tell them, Cassie.

Cassie: I...

MCF: Oh, you want me to? How giving!

Cassie: No!!

MCF: You see, everyone. The lovely Cassie aided my men and I in kidnapping Abby Deveraux and Chelsea Brady. I needed to distract Jack and Billie a bit so, with Cassie's help, I had their daughters kidnapped. Cassie was nice enough to drug the girls and cover our tracks as my men entered the Deveraux home and nabbed them.

Max: You did what? I knew it. I knew you were acting real guilty that night!

Jack: You helped them kidnap my daughter!

Billie: I can't believe this!!

Abby: Just when I thought you couldn't go any lower, you do this. Cassie, you truly are a Dimera.

Cassie: I...

Stefano: Cassie, is this true?

Cassie: Yes. The cloaked person threatened you and our family, grandfather. You were in a coma. I didn't have a choice.

Stefano: If I wasn't shot and in a coma...

Cassie: It's ok.

MCF: Gotta love you Dimera's.

Stefano: Shutup!

MCF: You really act like the caring father. Bravo!

Stefano: I love my children.

MCF: Yeah...but only when they are what you want them to be. They must be true Dimera's.

Stefano: What the hell are you talking about? I would do anything for my children no matter...

MCF: Now that is bull. If that was the case, how did your Alexandra lose Theo? Your one of the most powerful men in the world and you can't make sure your daughter wins a custody case? Sounds to me like you wanted to ensure loyalty from your daughter. She had turned her back on your family once after losing the child she believed to be hers. You knew the only way to get her fully back into the family and to remain loyal would be to turn her against all of Salem. Isn't that why you hired Tek to seduce her and break up her marriage to Abe? That set up the custody issue so perfectly. Poor Alexandra watched all of her friends in Salem support Abe because they wanted to keep Theo out of the Dimera's clutches. You knew this was pushing her toward you and you twisted the knife. Then, you lied to her and said you tried to influence the judge with threats and bribes but he balked when, in reality, you did nothing, Stefano. You made it seem like she lost Theo because of Abe, Celeste, and all of her friends in Salem. You and the Dimera's were all she had and she needed you to help get Theo back and that turned her to the dark side, if you will. Caring father...HA!! Not you. Not a father that manipulates his own children.

Lexie: Father, is this true?

Stefano: Alexandra...I...

Lexie: Oh my...you did. (Lexie slaps Stefano) How could you?!

Stefano: I'm sorry. I...

Lexie: No!! You don't get to speak. Not now.

Lexie turns and walks away from Stefano. Celeste looks at Abe and smiles. He smiles back, realizing this may turn Lexie against her father and the Dimera's for good.

MCF: Ok. Enough of this. I'm bored with this group. Let me see who else I can have fun with.

The MCF looks around. Hope and Chelsea both panic, wondering if the MCF will come back to them and reveal their secret. The MCF then looks at Cal and Katherine.

MCF: Ah!! The newlyweds. How is life treating you?

Katherine: Go to hell!

MCF: Aww...is that any way to talk to the person who can give your husband the answers he seeks? I know the truth, Cal. I know all about your past, just like I said in the invitation you received to come here.

Cal is stunned.

-Back in Salem, at the Horton house, Kim is drinking tea with Alice. She thanks Alice for letting her stay with her. She had no place to go and the police made her leave the harbor. She is so worried about their loved ones. Alice says they just need to have faith that it will all work out. Kim says she has a horrible feeling that they may have seen many of their beloved love ones for the last time. Alice tells Kim she did right by calling the police as soon as the ship left. Kim hopes it wasn't too late.

Alice looks at Tom's picture, remembering the awful feeling she had earlier that something bad was going to happen. She prays that Tom and all of heaven's angels will look down on their loved ones at sea and bring them home safe and sound. Kim then joins hands with Alice and says that the people they love need all the prayers they can get. They both then close their eyes and continue praying as the scene shifts back to...

The cruise ship, where Cal asks:

Cal: You know the truth? Your bluffing.

MCF: I do. Ernesto, come here!

Ernesto walks off stage and down to the MCF.

MCF: Give me that file.

Ernesto: Wait, no. Per the terms of our partnership, you vowed not to reveal this.

MCF: I changed my mind.

Ernesto: You can't...

MCF: The partnership is off, Ernesto. Things change.

Ernesto: Wait, you can't...

MCF: You know, I was going to let you have your revenge on your enemies, just like my other assistants. I like you, Ernie. However, you are getting on my nerves right now. It's simply good business and I think you and I need to go our separate ways now. I have had a change of heart.

Ernesto: You used me! You used all of us. You appeased us by allowing our enemies on board to make it look like you were sincere. Damnit...you played even the people that were on your side. The people that helped you pull this off.

MCF: Your usefulness has reached it's limit. You no longer have anything I need.

Ernesto: Wait a sec...

The MCF then points his or her gun at Ernesto and shoots him. Ernesto falls to the ground. Everyone in the ballroom is stunned. The MCF laughs and says there is plenty more where that came from if everyone doesn't behave.

Cal and Katherine look on. Cal tells Katherine to tend to Ernesto. He may be a bad man but he may have the answers to his past. He tells Katherine that Ernesto seemed really worried that the MCF would tell him about his past. Ernesto appeared in his memories. It has to mean something. Katherine agrees and goes over with Cal to Ernesto. They begin to tend to the wound and put pressure on it. Katherine is aided by Kayla, who says she took an oath to save lives regardless of who the person is. Kayla says that Ernesto is losing a lot of blood.

The MCF watches and says that this scene is truly touching but it's time to move on. James then comes forward off stage.

James: Wait, how do I know you won't screw me over like you just did Ernesto? I mean, he was your partner.

MCF (looking at Alan): Have I screwed you over?

Alan: Nope. I am pretty happy.

MCF: See?

James: Yeah. Big deal. Alan is getting his revenge and what he wants but I have yet to get anything. My family was murdered and you promised me...

MCF: Revenge. Yes, I know. You will have it.

James: Seeing as how you just betrayed Ernesto, I can't trust you. Also, the fact that you have mentioned everything tonight but the night my family was murdered tells me that you are hiding something.

MCF: Do you want to be shot, too?

James: I just want answers. I want to know why you are steering clear of mentioning my family's murder tonight? You said Marlena did it so why not mention it? You talked of everything else.

MCF: Well, there was no point in mentioning it and...

Marlena: Oh, please. Don't try to avoid the issue again. Just tell them all the truth. Tell James the truth.

Marlena then appears, aiming a gun at the MCF.

Roman: Doc...

Sami: Mom...

Belle: Mom...

MCF: Marlena!! Truly a sight for sore eyes!

Marlena: I'm not Marlena. I'm Samantha. Also, save your BS for someone else. You betrayed me. We had an agreement. I help you and you help me. You set me up the night of the Chez Rouge fire. You fed me to the police and I ended up locked in a psych ward for weeks!!

MCF: Well, I look at it as me sending you on a vacation. I mean, you got some nice peace and...

Marlena: Shut up. I'm not crazy!

MCF: Well, you have taken on the name of your dead sister.

Marlena: Ugh...I should've known you would betray me in the beginning.

MCF: Oh, come now. I helped rescue you from that volcano last summer after you fell. Ernesto saw you fall on that ledge and he and I came back and got you. We nursed you back to health.

Ernesto (weak from his wound): That's bull. You...and me used hypnosis on her. We took advantage of what Andre, Wendell, and the Dimera's did before us. They had messed with Marlena's mind to have her...recall all the bad times in her life over and over again. They twisted everything in her mind, taking her to a dark place. She was still like that when we got a hold of her. I used my hypnosis talents while you used ISA psychological techniques to get her...under your control. Too bad we pushed her to a psychotic break. She became a loose cannon. You thought that she could be controlled. That was the plan. We were going to use her as a key piece of our plan but she went over the edge. That is...why we had no choice but to set her up and have her get captured and put in that psych ward. We needed her out of the way or else she would ruin everything. We put her through hell and put ourselves in the predicament we...got into with her.

Kayla: Well, you both had to know that was coming. Her mind can only take so much and it went through a lot in a short period of time with the brainwashing and hypnosis from Tek, Wendell and Andre, and then from you two.

Ernesto: Yes. She went off the deep end and multiple personalities was the result. She became a loose cannon, as I said.

Katherine: And her sister represents one of the darkest things ever to happen in her life so, based on the fact that the brainwashing and hypnosis was emphasizing the negative in her life and manipulating it to mold her into what you two wanted her to be, it's no wonder she took on that persona.

Marlena: ENOUGH!! I am not crazy and stop rehashing all this!! Now...back on topic. Come on, oh great cloaked one. Tell James. What are you afraid of? For months, you strut around like you are invincible so what has changed?

MCF: I have nothing to tell.

Marlena: STOP LYING!!! You glossed over this topic all night. You obviously have something to hide. Think about it, James. You and I spent time together. What purpose would I have to kill your family? I wasn't afraid of the police or anyone else. They couldn't catch me until the cloaked one over there set me up.

James: Well, you did say one time that you would do whatever it takes...

Marlena: Yes but I had no reason to kill your family. They were more of a threat to the cloaked one and Ernesto then me. If they went down, I would still be around and kicking and I could still do what I planned to do. They had more to lose, James. They had more motive. We all know Ernesto wasn't here at that time so that leaves our beloved boss over there.

James: Alright. Fine. (looks at MCF) I want the truth. I have had my suspicions, especially lately, that you were the one that brutally killed my family and that you used that to keep me on board to do your bidding. You didn't manipulate my emotions, did you? I mean, losing my family...I want to avenge them and you know that. You could use that as a way to get me to help you with your enemies. You didn't do that, did you? I want the truth. Did you do that? Did you kill my family and manipulate me like that?

MCF: Of course not.

Marlena: LIAR!!! Julie and Mags over there already tried to frame me for arson.

Doug coldly looks at Maggie and Julie.

Marlena: I will not continue to be framed for this. Tell James and everyone in this room the truth. Tell them that you killed James's family and used that to manipulate him. You made him hellbent on revenge against the PD, Jack and Billie...practically all of Salem. Tell him, damnit!!

MCF: I will shoot you!!

Marlena: I have a gun too. You may have guards all around but killing you will be worth me dying. Tell the damn truth. You did it. Tell him.

James: Is it true? Did you kill them?

The MCF is silent.

James (with tears in his eyes): You did, didn't you? I should've known. It was all right in front of me. How could I....damnit!! You did it...you gutted my family like fish and then you manipulated me!!! YOU COLD BLOODED MONSTER!!!

The MCF looks on silently. Everyone in the ballroom is stunned and looks on while Marlena, still holding her gun, shows a devilish grin as the screen slowly fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

James to MCF: After everything I have done for you......you repay that by killing the people that I love?

Ernesto to Cal: You have....to get your bride and yourself out of here.

James to MCF: Well, time to reveal.....the puppet master........

-The MCF tells Roman that it's not quite time for the reveal of his or her identity yet as Cal, Katherine, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Belle, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Will, Kate, Eric, Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Max, Shane, Abe, Lexie, Celeste, Stefano, Cassie, Victor, Philip, Tony, Anna, Kayla, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest all look on with Marlena watching backstage and Nicole watching from the back of the ballroom. Steve, Alan, James, and Ernesto are still on stage. The MCF says he or she still has much more to reveal and discuss with them and it's all been so much fun so far.

Marlena (backstage, rolling her eyes): Yeah. It's been a barrel of laughs.

The MCF looks around and stares at Steve.

MCF (via voice changer): Well, your beloved wife already revealed to everyone the terms of our partnership so there is no sense in me repeating what she, I'm sure, so eloquently said to the masses here. All I will add is how well-behaved you were, Steven. Well, until recently.

Steve: Shutup. If it weren't for my loved ones, I wouldn't have ever...

MCF: Yes. I am well aware. You want to protect them and want your memory back and yada yada yada...too bad you are getting none of that.

Steve: We had a deal!

MCF: Oh, come on now. You lost your memory, not your brain. You had to know this was coming. Besides, I could have forced you into this even by simply making threats. It was just fun to throw in the fact that I could help you regain your memory. It gave you a glimmer of hope for me to crush on this very day.

Steve: I will kill...

Kayla races on stage and holds Steve back, taking him off the stage and down with the others in the ballroom. Kayla tells Steve it's ok. He is a victim, just like the rest of them.

The MCF wishes to move on and tries to remember where he or she left off. The MCF remembers not talking about the night after Carrie gave birth and Alan raped Will and tells the crowd that it may be wise to leave that alone at the moment as there are more fun topics to broach. James looks on, wondering why the MCF keeps skipping over the night of his family's murder. Marlena looks on backstage, laughing at the MCF and commenting on what a coward he or she is.

The MCF then looks over at Doug, Julie, and Maggie. The three of them are standing together.

MCF: Ah...nothing like a few Horton's to brighten up the room. Salem's beloved family. Pillars of the community. Well-respected...HA!! If all of Salem only knew, they would not know what hit them.

The MCF walks behind Maggie and whispers into her ear.

MCF: All secrets have a way of coming out, my dear. You know what you did. It's eating away at you. Come forward. Your all going to die tonight, anyway. Say it. Absolve yourself. Rid yourself of the guilt.

Maggie (shaking, as tears stream down her face): Shutup!! Please!!!

MCF: Hmm...you see, ladies and gentlemen...I don't know if you quite remember that infamous night at the end of February. The night popular Salem establishment, Chez Rouge, went up in smoke. After a few days, it was concluded that the ever so nutty, Dr. Marlena Evans, had started the fire.

Marlena coldly looks on from backstage.

MCF: Well, your ever so thorough Salem PD screwed up on the job again. You see, they questioned two beloved citizens who normally would be able to be trusted. However, in this circumstance, they couldn't be. With the help of one Victor Kiriakis, these two women concocted a scheme to pin the fire on Marlena, who was not to blame. Marlena was already committed to the psych ward and couldn't speak for herself so it was all too easy. I should say that one of the women, the one who set the fire, did not want to do this. The guilt has eaten away at her for weeks. She was unconscious at the time due to smoke inhalation and other injuries. Her memory was quite fuzzy at first so the other woman and Victor were better able to convince her that she didn't do it. She soon remembered and they forced her into agreeing to the plan to pin it on Marlena. You see, the woman that set the fire had a bad night that night. She was convinced that the man she had fallen for, so soon after her beloved husband's death, had betrayed her with his ex-wife. This woman was the delightful Nicole Walker-Brady and the man was Victor Kiriakis. The woman believed they had slept together but didn't realize it was a trick set up by Victor to push her away. He feared for her life due to me, the great cloaked one, being around and due to his business dealings. The woman ran off to Chez Rouge, where she spent the night getting hammered as her loved ones searched for her. The next morning, her partner in crime found her and she had gotten so drunk that she lashed out at the world and set fire to the restaurant by tossing down a candle in anger. She fell and knocked herself out as she tried to leave. This fire endangered many lives, as you all know, and ended up leaving beloved Doug Williams in a coma for weeks.

Roman: What is the point to this?

Maggie (fighting back tears and whispering): Victor and Nicole didn't sleep together? Oh my...he did it to try to protect me. He does love me.

Eric: That is what Nicole was hiding and what Victor wanted in exchange for his help with getting her a job at Titan and custody of Evan. It makes so much sense now...

MCF: The point is...Marlena didn't do it. This all started because a certain someone learned of Victor being alive and went to find him. She felt like she had to or else her beloved aunt would never get closure. She was able to track Victor down outside of Salem and persuaded him to return so he could either break it off with her aunt or stay with her. Of course, she tried to convince him to break up with her aunt out of fear for her safety following the shootout on New Year's.

Doug: Wait...aunt? Two women...the candle...Chez Rouge...Julie, you were the first one that showed up at Chez Rouge that morning. You saw the fire start and, from what I hear, you and Maggie were who the PD questioned. You two told them you saw Marlena exiting the restaurant.

MCF: I can assure you, Mr. Williams, Marlena was never inside. Marlena was at the restaurant as I set her up to be caught that night. I had to get rid of her, you see. Whatever the case, she didn't start that fire.

Doug: Oh my...

Maggie (In tears after hearing all this): I DID IT!!! I STARTED THE FIRE!!! NOT MARLENA!! ME!!!

MCF: I knew you would break.

Doug: Wait, that means the other woman...the one that went and found Victor and brought him back here...the one that helped cover up the fire that nearly killed me...my God, no!!

Julie (fighting back tears): Doug...I...

Doug: I told you!! We had a deal. You were not to deal with Victor anymore. You were not to deal with his relationship with Maggie anymore but you did. You convinced him to return here and helped set all this mess in motion by having him return to give closure to him and Maggie. The whole ordeal led to the fire and me being in a coma!! YOUR OWN HUSBAND!! I NEARLY DIED AND YOU HELPED COVER THE CRIME UP!!

Julie: It was for the sake of the family...the Horton name. It was for Maggie.

Victor: Doug...

Doug: Stay out of this!!!

Victor: Lose the jealousy.

Doug: Lose the ego, Victor. Yes, I know you and Julie had a brief relationship but that has nothing to do with this.

Victor: Hmm...I beg to differ.

Doug: I want you out of our lives. You are a cancer and this proves it.

Julie: Doug...

Doug: I know Marlena isn't herself and did a lot of things but she was innocent. God, I can't even look at you and Maggie right now.

Maggie: Doug...

Julie: You have to believe me!! I never wanted this. It...happened. I was protecting Maggie. She fell off the wagon after Victor was presumed dead and needed me. The family needed to protect it's good name and...

Doug: I can't even look at you!! I can't hear this right now!!

Julie: Doug!! Damnit!! (looks at the MCF) Why do you want us to suffer?

MCF: Well, dear. Your not my enemy. Ernesto wanted to target you.

Ernesto: You screwed up my illusion back on the island after the Loretta sank. Hope and you interfered in my plans and, as a result, I had to take you both hostage and Hope ended up going in the cage. Of course, Hope offered herself for your life. You see, I resent the fact that you got off scott-free. Hope was switched with Greta. Both Hope and Greta were scarred. I was left scarred in that explosion and was in a coma for years. You should've been in that cage too with Hope. Actually, moreso you rather then Hope. You were Victor's current trophy girl at the time. You two cared for each other then and one of my regrets was not forcing you into that cage just to make him suffer. In a way, I am making up for that now. However, I just want revenge on my enemies and you happened to be one of them by association that infamous night on the island. The night that left me in misery for years. You must pay and tonight you are and the others will soon too.

MCF: I am grateful you all are here, even if you aren't my enemies. You can witness how this grand scheme came together and how truly gifted I am as a mastermind (Ernesto rolls his eyes as Marlena says backstage she is ready to vomit). However, I did make a deal with my assistants up there (looks at James, Alan, and Ernesto) and I did promise them they would have their revenge so that is just as big a role in this as any.

A pleased MCF is ready to move on and tells everyone to shutup. The MCF warns that this all is only the beginning. Hope then calls out to the MCF and asks him or her how heartless they can be. Lives are being destroyed and he or she is treating this like a party game. The MCF snickers and says it is.

MCF (gently touching Hope's face): Ah...Fancy Face. (whispering in her ear) You have a little secret too.

Hope realizes the MCF knows about Chelsea being her daughter and not Bo and Billie's. She panics. Bo gets upset and tells the MCF to get his or her hand off his wife. The MCF sarcastically recalls how Bo has been pushing his wife away and doesn't seem to care about her lately...or anyone for that matter. The MCF then remarks on how Bo is a shell of his former shelf. He is isolating himself from everyone.

MCF: What's the matter? Big, bad Bo Brady learned he got some action from his own uncle and now he isn't so bad anymore.

Bo: You bastard!! (punches MCF)

MCF: I could very well be a woman, you know!! Shouldn't be hitting a woman.

Bo: I don't care. Are you ok? What did this monster say to you?

MCF: Yes, Hope. What did I say?

Hope: It's just mind games, Bo.

MCF: Hmm...perhaps Chelsea can elaborate.

Chelsea panics as Hope gives her a knowing stare. Chelsea knows from Hope's look alone that the MCF is trying to get them to admit their secret.

Chelsea: Uhh...No.

MCF (gets up and circles around Chelsea like a vulture): Oh, come on. I'm sure you can.

Chelsea: No...

MCF: Well, I suppose we could move on to your other secret then. The one concerning the vile act you committed. Of course, you had ample reason to perform this act but so many of your loved ones were accused and could've been arrested. Lucky for you, our esteemed Salem PD dropped the ball again.

Chelsea: What are you...

MCF: Oh come on, Chelsea. I know you have grown up so much with all you have been through. The car accident Abigail and you were in forced you to mature but this act was committed before that. You still need to account for it and what time is better then now? Your going to die on this ship. It doesn't matter. Just tell all of your loved ones. Tell everyone here since this is turning into a Midnight Confessions themed party anyway. Come on, just do it.

Chelsea (as tears stream down her face): Why are you doing this? Just back off, ok!!

MCF: No!!

The MCF aims his or her gun at Chelsea.

MCF: Say it. Recall Jason and Barry. The two guys that hurt you so much last summer. You hated them, Chelsea. They raped you, Chelsea. Both of them. They beat you...you wanted revenge. They nearly killed you...you took action. Action that you got away with...until now. Tell them...look at your loved ones and tell them what you did to Jason and Barry.

Chelsea: Why...

MCF: Do it or I start shooting up that dysfunctional family of yours (points gun at Billie, Kate, Hope, and Bo).

Chelsea: OK. FINE!! I HATED THEM!!!I WANTED THEM TO PAY SO THAT NIGHT I KILLED THEM!!I WENT TO THE DOCKS AND SHOT THEM BOTH DEAD!!! I KILLED THEM!!

Chelsea then breaks down in tears as Abby comforts her and is joined by Kate and Billie, who calls the MCF a monster.

MCF: Can it, Nancy Drew. Now, let's not stop the fun. It's time to continue on with the misery. Who's up next? Ah, yes. The Dimera's (looks at Stefano, Cassie, Tony, Anna, Lexie, Abe, and Celeste).

The MCF and Stefano then engage in a stare-down as the screen freezes on a split screen of Stefano and the MCF and then fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Kim to Alice: I'm worried. I am worried we may have seen so many of our loved ones for the last time.

Stefano to MCF: I will make you pay!!

James to MCF: I want to know why you are steering clear of mentioning my family's murder?

Marlena: Yes. Why are you, oh great cloaked one?

VENDETTA CLIP #24

Some of the MCF and Ernesto's guards are in the cargo hold. They move the crate of explosives that Marlena was fascinated with earlier, revealing a few more crates of explosives.

Guard #1: The cloaked one wants these set up on the bottom floor and evenly spead out along that floor.

Guard#2 and #3: Very good.

The guards began to move the crates out of the cargo hold.

The scene then shifts to a little later. The guards are lining explosives under a porthole. They are duct taping them to the ship's wall.

Guard #1: That's the last set. The whole bottom floor is wired to blow. All that is left is to strike the match.

Guard #2: Let's also remember the boss can always set all this off with the detonator remote. That will ignite the lead explosive and set off the rest.

Guard #1: Yes. Everything is in order. Let me just radio up. Gold leader to the cloak!! Gold leader to the cloak!!

The MCF is in the ballroom, facing everyone, when he or she hears something coming in on his or her ear piece radio. The MCF turns away from the crowd and whispers:

MCF (via voice changer): Yes?

Guard #1: It's all set, per your instruction. Once you let us know or detonate the system using your remote, you will blow so many holes in this ship it will sink like a rock.

MCF: Good...so, I trust everything is in order?

Guard #1: Yes.

MCF: Very well. I will be in touch.

Guard #1 puts down his receiver as the MCF snickers under his cloak and whispers:

MCF: The end is near...for my enemies and the many others on this ship.

The MCF laughs as the screen fades to black and then into...

-The MCF laughs and tells everyone in attendance in the cruise ship ballroom, via his or her voice changer, that it's time to begin this evening's program. The MCF says he or she will now reveal the truth behind his or her first few months in Salem including how he or she appeared for the first time in Salem at the Halloween Ball and watched several Salemites from the shadows. The MCF also reveals his or her involvement in the explosion at Sami's apartment and proclaims that as his or her first official act of vengeance. The MCF notes that they all must know that already since Jack, Billie, and their merry band of detectives discovered surveilance tapes of some of his or her early appearances. The MCF commends them on their superb investigative work. Jack coldly looks at the MCF, who snickers.

The MCF moves on to explain how he or she effortlessly made it appear he was both a Kiriakis and Dimera lackey at the New Year's Eve ball. Stefano and Victor both fume with anger, saying no one interferes in their business let alone someone like him or her. The MCF laughs and explains how easy it was. The MCF then reveals how he or she was the real person who shot Roman. He knew Bo was asked by Victor to do it and that part of his and Roman's undercover operation with the ISA was to fake it so the MCF interfered and shot Roman for real. It made it appear like Bo did it and it gave the MCF time to escape, even though he was seen by Maggie, Jack, and Billie and nearly caught.

Bo can't believe that is what happened. He thought things went wrong somehow and wondered if Victor had switched the blanks in his gun with real bullets. Victor says he had no reason to do such a thing. He assumed at that point that Bo was on the up and up. Roman reminds Bo he was wearing a vest. The MCF reveals he had a special type of bullet in his or her gun, designed by the ISA to pierce said bulletproof vests. Roman wonders who the hell he or she is.

The MCF goes on to mention the happenings at the warehouse a short time after. Bo was on the run and so was Victor due to the shootout and Roman having been shot. The MCF admits that he or she found out their whereabouts and he or she was the one that called the police and Hope. The MCF knew that calling Hope would also drag Caroline into this, along with Maggie. The MCF had hopes that all hell would break loose and it would be a bloodbath, thereby getting rid of so many of his or her enemies. Caroline can't believe they were all manipulated like that. Hope says she knew the person who called her was laying a trap. She never thought about this a lot because of everything going on. Once the MCF became a popular name around Salem's parts, she figured he or she was behind the interference that day. The MCF laughs and then says he or she knew that the explosion of Victor's limo was nothing more then a ruse so Victor could get away. It was too easy.

Victor wonders how he or she knows so much. The MCF says that all will be known in due time. He or she still has much more to reveal. The MCF then says that the fun is about to begin as he or she says it's time to move on to the night where he or she upped the ante on his or her plans and began to lay the groundwork to this very day. Everything was child's play until this point. Almost like warning shots, even though someone could've very well died, which wouldn't have bothered him or her. Whatever the case, the MCF moves on to talk about a night of new life and great suffering...one that was followed by a night of mass murder that shocked Salem. James watches and realizes the MCF is speaking of his family's murder. Marlena watches as well, wondering if the MCF will actually admit the truth with James right there.

The MCF explains how they all already know the truth behind Carrie giving up her beautiful child. The MCF explains how easy it was to run interference. He or she just stopped Alan's car and took the baby and made sure Eric and Nicole found it at Green Mountain. The MCF explains that was not the initial plan but it's funny how so much of Salem played into his or her hands. Their lies, deceptions, actions...all made his or her plans easier. He or she then jumps into the future and explains how he or she used Nicole's desire to keep Evan to get her under his or her control in the event that he or she needed her, like when he or she asked Nicole to deliver a letter to someone. Nicole would also be the scapegoat if the truth did come out. Nicole is angry from afar but the MCF laughs, saying that would have been unlikely. Besides, the original plan was to have the whole Evan debacle revealed so that it would aid on luring everyone to the ship, just like it did tonight.

The MCF adds how shocked he or she is that it all worked out so wonderfully. So much of this was based on whether they would all come of their own accord and so many of them did. Some were forced but that was the clear minority. The MCF then looks at Kate, saying she is another example. Her pathetic interference in her children's lives reared it's ugly head again. He or she knew it would so he or she relied on that to help his or her plans. The MCF reveals how he or she called Kate and made sure she saw Carrie holding Evan at Salem Place. He or she put Kate on the right track and Kate put the pieces together via DNA testing and found out the truth about baby Evan. The MCF adds that the truth couldn't come out yet so he or she made sure that Kate would keep her mouth shut by threatening her family. Nicole would keep an eye on her and Carrie, who soon learned the truth herself. The MCF reiterates he or she wasn't ready for the truth yet to come out so he or she threatened that Carrie would never see Evan again and threatened her family. Crisis averted.

The MCF laughs about the wedding of Carrie and Austin, saying how much fun it was seeing Carrie tortured with that secret and beginning her marriage with a lie. Carrie lunges for the MCF but Austin holds her back, saying she put herself in that position and has no one to blame but herself. Carrie looks down in shame. The MCF says Austin is right. So much of Salem left the door open for him or her to manipulate them and use them all to his or her advantage. It was truly pathetic. The MCF says that wedding wasn't all fun. He or she was nearly caught and needed to jump over a balcony. The MCF looks at Kate and thanks her for being his or her shield that night. The MCF mentions regretting the loss of his or her beloved lair in the warehouse but would rather have given up that then getting caught and having everything ruined.

The MCF looks at Jack, Billie, Frankie, and Greta and calls them royal pain in the asses but pain in the asses he or she had to count on. The MCF needed people on the trail of his or her plans. It was all part of the game to help lure them all to this lovely ship. It also allowed him or her to toy with them all. The MCF does admit that they came too close a few times to the truth but he or she had James on their trail, although he was hard to keep in line at times. Billie mentioned the night in the warehouse they were nearly torched to death. The MCF says that was James and Alan. James wanted revenge on them for their part in his family's death. The MCF mentions how JJ and Angel worked with Jack and Billie on the case and had seen the MCF with Marlena, James, and Alan. They put Jack, Billie, and the others hot on his or her trail, which the MCF had wanted but not at that moment. James says that his family died because of the police, Jack and Billie and their whole investigation, and also at Marlena's hand. The MCF adds that James was and still is in a lot of pain. Billie apologizes but it's too late according to James.

The MCF quickly moves on as Marlena laughs from a distance, saying she knew the MCF wouldn't say a word about who really killed James's family. The MCF says it's time to go back to the night Carrie had her child. The MCF knows they all now know about Alan and Will's unplanned tryst. Sami tells him or her to go to hell. The MCF admits he or she was quite appalled but realized the situation would work to his or her advantage and it did. It helped get them all to the ship on this night and any suffering that is brought on the Brady's is good for him.

Roman: Why is that? So much of what you did focuses on my family. On the Brady's. Why do you hate the Brady's? Why do you hate all of us in this room?

Ernesto (coming forward on stage): Let's remember, Roman, that I am also involved in this and that this room is filled with a combination of my enemies and the enemies of our esteemed cloaked friend here. Some in this room are enemies I and the cloaked one share in common.

Roman looks at the MCF.

Roman: Why not take off that damn cloak? I mean, it has to be hot under there. It's summer, for heaven's sake. LOOK AT US!!! LOOKS AT YOUR ENEMIES!!! THE PEOPLE YOU TORTURED FOR SO LONG!! LOOK AT US....FACE TO FACE!!! DAMNIT!!! ENOUGH OF THE GAMES AND THEATRICS!! WE'VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH!

The MCF turns away.

Roman: The time has come for the truth. For all of us to learn who has terrorized us for all this time.

The MCF laughs as Nicole watches from the back of the ballroom and Marlena watches from behind stage as James, Alan, Ernesto, and Steve watch from on stage. Cal, Katherine, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Roman, Belle, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Will, Kate, Eric, Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Max, Shane, Abe, Lexie, Celeste, Stefano, Cassie, Victor, Philip, Tony, Anna, Kayla, Abby, Chelsea, and Forest all are in the room and look at the MCF as he or she continues to laugh and the screen fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

MCF to Bo: What's the matter? Big, bad Bo Brady learned he got some from the uncle and now he isn't so bad anymore.

Bo to MCF: You bastard (punches MCF).

Julie to Doug: You have to believe me!! I never wanted this.

Doug to Julie: I can't even look at you!!

MCF to Chelsea: Why don't you tell them what a cold hearted monster you really are?

WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2007 EDITION

VENDETTA'S GRAND FINALE!!!

Salem Lives: VENDETTA finally comes to an end this week after more then 3 months of trivia, clips, twists, and turns. "It's been a fun ride," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "I want to thank all that participated and kept reading. It was alot of fun. Our goal was to make this a very interactive experience and we succeeded in that. It could've been better but it's so hard these days with time constraints of individuals to get everyone together and so on. We are lucky this came off as well as it did. Hopefully, we will do something like this again...just not as long."

So, what can we expect this week? "We will build up to the big moment on Friday by reviewing all of what the MCF did," says Lowery. "The MCF will reveal some pretty big Salem secrets to shake up some lives and will give a detailed account of how he or she pulled this off and so on. It's going to be full of drama with so much happening."

The big reveal takes place on Friday June 29 when the MCF finally lifts his or her cloak but Lowery emphasizes how big the whole week is. "I strongly suggest not missing a day this week. We are taking the opportunity to show those who may have missed a day or to show new fans how important this story was and how huge this journey with the MCF has been. Friday is the huge day but everyday is a big day."

As for the aftermath, Lowery is tight-lipped. "My co-EP/HW and I have put together some great stuff. This summer is truly like a summer blockbuster. Just because the MCF is revealed and VENDETTA is over, doesn't mean the drama is over. Far from it. Several Salemites are in danger this week and beyond. Salem Lives will never be the same, we promise you."

VENDETTA REMINDER: THE FINAL TWO VENDETTA PLAYERS...TISHY AND DAYSFAN....MUST HAVE THEIR FINAL VENDETTA TRIVIA CHALLENGES SUBMITTED TO ME BY 4PM EST THURSDAY. THE WINNER OF THE VENDETTA GAME WILL BE ANNOUNCED RIGHT AFTER THE JUNE 29 EPISODE AS THE MCF WILL BE REVEALED THAT DAY.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 6/25/07

-The MCF reveals all.

-Several long-held secrets are revealed.

-A worried Kim and Alice comfort each other.

-Will finds himself at Alan's mercy again.

-James learns the truth.

-Cal and Katherine try to save a life.

-The MCF's identity is revealed.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

FRIDAY JUNE 29: THE MCF'S IDENTITY IS FINALLY REVEALED!!!!

NEXT WEEK: Alan takes a stand. Chaos erupts on the cruise ship.

-On the cruise ship, Philip is in a private room and is looking at the monitor he was given. He stares at his father being chained to the wall in the boiler room and says:

Philip: I am so sorry, dad. So sorry.

A guard then comes in and grabs him by the arm. Philip asks what is going on. The guard says he is joining the other guests now. Philip is confused and wonders what is going on.

The scene then shifts to Tony and Anna, who are in their cell. Two guards come in, telling them it's the day they have been waiting for. They finally get to get out of that room and find out what is going on. One guard grabs Tony and another grabs Anna. Tony warns the guard not to hurt Anna. They are dragged out of the cell. Anna tells Tony she has a bad feeling about all this. Tony agrees and takes the opportunity to remind Anna of the potential severity of their situation:

Tony: This could be our last chance, Anna. There is no telling what could happen. I love you. Just say you love me.

Anna is silent. Tony begs her, telling her they could very well see their lives end tonight and she will regret it if she never tells him how she feels. Tony knows she will. Anna is silent still as they continue to be dragged off.

The scene then shifts to Abe, Lexie, and Celeste in their cell. Lexie is still concerned about how shaken her mother is and wonders if she had a vision that she doesn't wish to tell them about. Abe thinks that could be it and that this all is very concerning. Three guards enter the cell, saying it's time to go. Each guard grabs someone and drags them off as Abe warns the two guards who have Lexie and Celeste not to hurt them. Celeste then has a vision. It's the same one she had a few weeks ago. Everything is black and a loud mass of screams can be heard. The sound of waves and crashing water can be heard, followed by a loud explosion and flames everywhere. Celeste then snaps back to reality and yells out:

Celeste: We're all doomed!!!

Abe and Lexie look on with worry as the guards snicker.

The scene then shifts to the cell where Forest, Abby, Chelsea, Steve, and Kayla are. Forest thanks Chelsea and Abby again for not telling Steve and Kayla who he really is. Abby says she understands and his secret is safe with her. Chelsea fumes and says she doesn't like this but will do this for Abby...but only for now.

Meanwhile, Kayla tells Steve how they need to find a way out of there to warn their loved ones. Kayla says that if what Steve is telling her is any indication...they are all in danger. Steve thinks it's already too late. The likely reality is that many of their loved ones are already on the ship. Kayla says that they can still stop all this if that is the case. Steve says he isn't so sure and he doesn't want to get involved. If he does, she and Stephanie are in danger and he may lose his one and only chance of getting his memory and life back. Kayla tells him there are other ways and that their loved ones are going to be in danger either way. He doesn't have to do anything for this MCF anymore. It's over. She is in this with him now.

Kayla: You can stop this. We can do it together. You have never been afraid before so why are you now?

Steve: I'm not afraid. It's just...

Kayla: Steve, I know why you got involved. I understand. I am not mad. I don't understand you lacking the courage to stand up and fight now. This person has targeted my family and many others in Salem. This has to stop before anyone else gets hurt. You have been with this person. You may be one of the only people who can stop all this. Together, we can help stop it. The minute we have an opening or find a way out...Steve...we can do this. There has to be a way and we will find it together.

Just then, several guards come in and say that it's time to join the party. Forest and Chelsea are both grabbed and dragged off. A guard grabs Abby by her wheelchair and wheels her off. Two guards grab Steve and Kayla separately and say that Kayla goes first. Steve warns the guard not to hurt her and then demands he be let go to go with her. Steve watches as Kayla is dragged off, screaming a warning that anyone that hurts her will have to deal with him.

The scene then shifts to Alan and Nicole on the main deck of the ship. Nicole is holding Evan, telling Alan she never signed up for this. She doesn't want this. Alan asks her again if she wants to hold on to Evan. Nicole says she does but a cruise ship with half of Salem on board that is likely to be some sort of death trap isn't something that interests her.

Alan: There is no way out of this. We all made our beds, sweety. Now we all have to lie in them. Just do as your told. Are you with us?

Nicole: I...

Alan: If you are, you have our promise you will be safe. If not, then all bets are off.

Nicole: Fine. What should I do?

Alan: Take the child down to room #302. There is baby stuff in there and a crib. He should be fine there. Then, come back up and watch the happenings in the ballroom from afar. You will want to be there.

Nicole: I am not leaving Evan alone in a room.

Alan: There is a baby monitor you can use. Just do it. Now, I have business to tend to.

Alan walks off as Nicole looks on with great worry, wondering what the hell she has been dragged into.

The scene then shifts to the ballroom where Cal, Katherine, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Roman, Belle, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Will, Kate, Eric, Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Max, and Shane are looking for a way out of the room. The entrances and exits are covered with guards and/or locked. Roman doesn't see any way out at the moment. Just then, Philip appears, shocking Belle and Kate who approach him. Billie, Lucas, and Austin are also stunned. Kate asks what he is doing there. Philip lies and says he was told his father was in danger on board so he arrived and has been searching for him on the ship ever since, with no such luck. He then ended up here in the ballroom and was pushed in by a guard, who locked the door behind him. Billie says it seems like Philip got lured into this too.

Everyone then hears another door open and sees Kayla walking through it. Caroline asks what she is doing there. Kayla explains that she saw Steve on the ship. She was able to sneak on and found him. Kayla says that Steve was forced into helping the MCF. The MCF has a drug to help him get his memory back and he or she promised Steve his life and memory back. However, they gave him no choice really by threatening his family and friends if he didn't do as he was told. Hope adds that it seems like Steve is yet another victim of this monster. Kayla agrees and wonders where he and the rest are. Roman asks what she means by the rest. Kayla says Abby and Chelsea are on board.

At that very moment, Chelsea comes in wheeling Abby. Jack and Billie race over to them to lovingly embrace them. Both apologize for them being kidnapped due to their investigation. Abby and Chelsea say it's fine. They are just happy to back with them right now. Forest appears and Jack asks who he is. Abby says he is Fred Allen. Forest adds that he was kidnapped and held captive on the ship for months and then says there is no need to go into the rest right now. It's not the time or place. Jack is suspicious. Max races to Abby and embraces her, telling her never to do that again. Abby smiles. Bo embraces Chelsea as Hope does the same, adding that Chelsea was missed. Chelsea smiles and thanks her as Kate embraces her as well.

The side doors open once again to reveal Abe, Celeste, and Lexie. Roman embraces Abe, saying they were all wondering why he hadn't called. Abe recaps how him and Celeste were on their mission to follow Lexie in hopes she would find Tony. They believed Tony, who is like the anti-Dimera, would help them end Stefano's reign. This could help them protect Theo and save Lexie from the Dimera's. Lexie looks on with a angry look on her face. Abe says they were all ambushed in Milan, Italy and held captive on th ship from that point on. Kayla adds that Steve's assignment for the MCF was to follow Lexie and her Dimera men. He was then forced to help in the ambush. Abe is confused so Kayla fills him in on Steve being forced into the MCF's web.

Lexie hates that Abe did all this. Stefano agrees with Lexie and then embraces his daughter lovingly, saying how happy he is that she is alright. Lexie says it feels so good to see him awake and in her arms. She was so worried. Cassie smiles and says she cared for him.

Everyone then hears yet another door close. Tony and Anna appear. Carrie runs into her mother's arms. Roman comes over, telling Anna long time no see. Anna explains that she was in Milan, Italy doing a fashion show and she was told to meet someone at a coffee house for a business meeting. She was nabbed on her way there and held captive in a dark cell and, later, on this cruise ship. Stefano embraces Tony, as does Lexie. Tony explains that he was held captive by Andre and Wendell for years in a cell somewhere in Europe. He believes it was a castle turret. He had heard that Wendell took off and Andre was dead so he wondered what would happen as guards continued to care for him. Ernesto then took control and Tony mentions how he would appear from time to time when Wendell and Andre were around.

Tony remembers one day when he was eating breakfast and was blindfolded. When the blindfold was taken off, he was on board the cruise ship. Soon, him and Anna were put together and he admits that it was perfect timing because being in captivity for so long nearly made him lose his mind. Anna says she would've never made it through this without him. Tony and Anna exchange a loving glance.

The scene then shifts to the captain's quarters of the cruise ship. Ernesto walks in to tell the MCF that everyone is in attendance in the ballroom.

MCF (via voice changer): Time to make my grand entrance, it seems.

The scene shifts back to the ballroom where the lights flicker and then a familiar voice booms from the PA system:

MCF: Hello, my friends. I see you have met our beloved residents of this fine ship. Now that you all are together and reacquainted, it's time to begin the show. This is what I like to call a grand finale, if you will. The culmination of so much hard work and...well, enough of that. I would like to start by introducing my allies and assistants. I will start off with those that I had to push a bit to aid me in my plans. Cassie Dimera...

Cassie looks around as everyone looks at her.

MCF: Come on, Cassie. Take a bow and be proud of what you did.

Stefano looks at Cassie curiously as Cassie worries.

MCF: Steve Johnson...

A guard drags Steve out as Kayla looks on.

MCF: Of course, you all know Alan Harris.

Alan appears on stage as Sami, Lucas, Roman, and many others steam with anger.

MCF: Oh, and let's not forget the lovely Nicole Walker Brady, who is with us on board but not in this room. Or, is she? Dun dun dun!!

Nicole looks on from nearby, wondering just how evil and nuts the MCF is.

MCF: There were others I could mention that I forced into doing my will but all in due time. There was also the beautiful Marlena Evans but she couldn't be with us this evening. She is all tied up right now.

Roman fumes at the remark. The MCF laughs as Marlena watches from behind stage and pulls out her gun, sarcastically laughing at the MCF's remark and then promising revenge.

MCF: Now, James McCluer. Very important to my plans. Couldn't have done it without you, James.

James appears on stage and looks coldly at everyone in attendance.

MCF: Last but not least...the master of illusion himself!!! ERNESTO TOSCANO!!!

Ernesto appears as everyone in attendance stands stunned. Roman says he knew that bastard would come back to haunt them again. Ernesto smiles and says hello to Roman too. He then adds that he has a surprise for the whole room. He motions to a guard who brings out a chained Victor and throws him off the stage and into the middle of the ballroom. Caroline races to his side. Julie and Maggie start to but back off. Greta thinks of coming over but stops herself. Philip races to his side and helps him up. Victor sees everyone and Ernesto and asks what is going on. Philip says it looks like he was kidnapped. Ernesto laughs and tells Victor welcome aboard.

MCF: Hate to interrupt the action. Oh, by the way, nice touch Ernie!!

Ernesto: Thank you!

MCF: Anyway, now is the moment you all have been waiting for. Please welcome your host and the person behind the torture and pain you have all experienced for months...the one and only...CLOAKED FIGURE!!!

Smoke fills the stage as the MCF appears through it and walks out to center stage.

MCF: Thanks Ernie for the special effects. It helps to have an illusionist around. Now, welcome everyone. We have a fun evening planned for all of you. One of revelation, discovery, and great suffering ending in the eventual demise of all of you. However, not before I expose some nasty secrets and give you all the details behind my plans and how we pulled this all off. Yes, I will tell you all everything so you can all know how the greatest scheme ever was done and how it succeeded. Yes, tonight you will find out all that you wanted to know, including who I am and my reasons for this vendetta. So, without further adieu, let's begin!!

The lights dim as everyone in the room looks around, including Nicole from nearby and Marlena, who holds her gun and says she just needs to wait for the perfect moment. The MCF looks around the room and laughs as the screen fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

MCF: Let's begin with my first appearance in Salem...

Bo to MCF: You did that? How?

Sami to MCF: Burn in hell!!

Roman to MCF: The time has come. Reveal to us, once and for all, the person under that cloak.

-Outside the cruise ship, Stefano and Cassie watch the goings on. Cassie thinks they need to call the police. Stefano says no. His daughter is on that ship and that monster shot him and put him in a coma for months. The MCF must be stopped and Stefano vows to kill the MCF if he finds him or her. Cassie thinks they should call Stefano's informants, thsoe that gave them the info to come there, and have them handle this.

Stefano shakes his head, saying he must do this. He tells Cassie to wait outside. She reminds him of their deal. Stefano reluctantly agrees, reminding her to stay with him. Stefano draws his gun and is stunned to see no guards defending the ship. He wonders if something is going on.

Meanwhile, Jack and Billie arrive. Shane, Max, Frankie, and Greta show up behind them. Shane says he is going to check the perimeter. Shane leaves. Billie sees Stefano and Cassie getting on board the ship and tells Jack that the surveillance monitor at the Kiriakis house was right. That was Stefano and Cassie lurking near the cruise ship. Greta wonders if they have something to do with this but Jack reminds her of Stefano's shooting and the Dimera's being targets too. Jack says they must follow them and see where they are going and what exactly is on that ship. Billie says she is going with him. Frankie and Greta decide to go too. Frankie tells Max to keep watch and to tell Shane what they are up to. He leaves before Max could argue as a frustrated Max nearly punches a crate.

-At the Horton house, Maggie races into the house and tells Julie she got her message. She asks what is wrong as she sounded panicked on the phone. Julie shows her what appears to be a letter and hands it over to her with it's envelope. Maggie asks if this is for real and where Julie got it. Julie says it was left on Alice's doorstep for the both of them. It says if they don't meet with whoever wrote the letter by midnight on the cruise ship at SH port 3, their secrets will be exposed and the Horton's will be destroyed. Maggie says they will go to prison. Julie says they need to meet with this person.

Maggie thinks it's dangerous but Julie says they can't do anything. Calling the police may result in the truth being discovered and she already tried calling Victor for help with no luck. Alice calls out from the kitchen, asking if all is ok. Julie says it is and tells Maggie they have to go...now. Maggie hates to but realizes they have no choice if they are to make sure the truth doesn't come out, for everyone's sake. Julie goes to tell Alice as Maggie worries.

-At Salem Park, Doug is bringing home a special surprise for Julie....swiss chocolate. He hopes she will like it. A teenage boy comes up to him and tells Doug he was told by someone to give him this letter. Doug asks who gave it to him and the boy says he doesn't know but was also told not to say what the person looked like. The boy runs off, counting what appears to be money in his hand, as Doug tries to talk to him. Doug realizes the kid must have been bought off to do this. He then opens the letter and wonders what the hell it is. It says for him to go to the cruise ship at Salem Harbor port 3. Julie and Maggie are in danger. Doug thinks it may be a joke but realizes he can't take the risk and races off for the ship.

-On the cruse ship, Kayla is still stunned to see Abby and Chelsea on board. They fill Kayla in on how they were kidnapped and held captive for so long on the ship. Kayla asks who the man standing next to them is. Abby and Chelsea say that his name is Fred. Forest says nothing and simply nods and smiles. Kayla says it's nice to meet him. Steve then notes that he doesn't look like a Fred. Forest says he is...Fred Allen. Steve seems bothered by this.

Kayla then turns to Steve and asks where he has been. Steve says it's a long story and it's not the time but Kayla demands answers. Steve says she will get them. All she needs to know is he did this to get his memory back and to get his life back. He did this to protect her, Stephanie, and all their loved ones. He may not remember all of them but he knows they are important to him deep down. Kayla is touched and asks Steve what exactly he did. Steve says the MCF forced him into this. He made it seem like it was a deal for him to get his life and memory back but he would've had to do this no matter what. He or she was targeting Kayla and Stephanie. Steve reveals that the MCF has a drug to help him remember and was also injecting him with a drug to block memories out. Kayla admits it makes sense now.

Kayla tells Steve they will talk about this later. In the meantime, they have to get out of there. Abby says there is no way out. They looked all over. Steve and Kayla look outside and see guards all around. They are trapped now...like sitting sucks. Steve says that the MCF couldn't have planned it any better. Tonight is the big night it seems. Steve warns they are all in for a rude awakening tonight.

-Alan is dragging Nicole by the arm. They are now at the Salem Harbor and the ship is in sight. Alan tells Nicole they need to get on board that. Nicole has second thoughts but Alan won't hear of it. If she wants to hold on to Evan, she must do it. Nicole looks at Evan and agrees. They both continue to race to the ship.

Roman, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Eric, Belle, and Lucas are on their trial. Carrie tells Roman to call other officers in as he needs to go find Marlena too. Roman says that he has people out for her. This is more important at the moment. Roman says he has to keep going and wishes the rest of them would stay out of this before they get hurt. Bo, Hope, Caroline, Kate, and Will show up. Roman is angry. Sami is upset with Kate for not taking Will home. Kate asks Sami if she blames the kid for wanting a part of this based on what happened. Sami shakes her head and tells Will to stay with her.

Roman asks a fisherman if he has seen Alan, Nicole, or Evan and he says he someone similar to them heading for port 3. Roman and everyone else races off for port 3 as the fisherman looks at everyone running by, wondering why it's necessary for all of them to be doing this together.

-Later, they arrive at port 3 where they are greeted by Max. Shane arrives and fills them all in on what is going on as Roman clues him and Max in. Sami lashes out at Shane, saying him and Carrie's lies led to this. Now Alan has Evan and he may just get away. Carrie and Shane look down in shame. Roman looks around and realizes this is a dead end so Alan must have taken Nicole on the ship. Roman says they need to get aboard and search the ship. Shane and Max agree to go along, as does Bo. Roman doesn't want everyone involved. Bo tells him he will need all the help he can get. The ship is huge. Roman reluctantly agrees.

Kim then wheels herself into the harbor, saying she was worried about everyone with the search for Bo. She is relieved to see Bo. Roman, Max, and Bo race on to the ship. Kim asks what is going on. She then grabs Shane as he is heading on, telling him not to go yet. Hope says she isn't just sitting there. Carrie says her baby is on there. She is going too. Austin thinks it's a bad idea but races behind her, as does Belle. Sami tells Lucas Alan needs to pay. She is getting on board too to make that bastard suffer. Sami runs off as Lucas goes after her. Will then makes a break for it too as Kate tells him not to do this and follows on to the ship.

Caroline fills Kim in on everything. Kim wonders when this will end. Shane tells Kim he needs to get on the ship. Kim says she just has an awful feeling right now. She thinks they are all making a big mistake going on board. This may be one big trap, like luring a flock of lambs to their slaughter. Shane reminds Kim this is his job. She knows that. Kim mentions how he has been the sole reason why she got through everything this year with her family. Shane tells Kim she helped him too.

Kim: I just don't want to lose you. I can't. Your all I have right now.

Caroline: Honey...

Kim: I know, mom. I have you but Shane has been such a comfort. Don't do this. We should just call the police and get everyone off there now and just....

Shane: Kim, we can't. You can call for help if you want but I am still getting on board. I have to.

Shane embraces Kim.

Shane: I will be back. You won't lose me.

Kim: We wasted so much time. It was almost like fate that you were here for me. Maybe a sign. Look, Shane. I...

Shane: I know, Kim. Don't say it. I want to hear it when I come back. It gives me more reason.

Kim: Don't say that. Something will happen. God, my family is on there. All of them. Now you are going...please.

Shane: I'm sorry, Kim. I have to go.

Shane kisses her forehead and then walks away, fighting back tears. As he goes up the platform, he seems to whisper "I love you". Kim then breaks down in tears, saying she loves him and never stopped. Caroline comforts her. Kim says she is so worried about him and everyone on that ship. They need to get off. Caroline agrees. She tells Kim to call for help. She will get aboard and try to get them all off. Kim says that will never work. Caroline says she will come up with some lie or something...just as long as they get off the ship. Kim dials her cell to make the call as Caroline races aboard. Kim can't get a reception and wheels around the corner.

Meanwhile, on the ship, Stefano and Cassie walk into what looks like the main ballroom and are shocked to find Cal and Katherine there. Bo, Hope, Belle, Eric, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Kate, Will, Max and Roman also walk in and wonder what is going on. Jack, Billie, Frankie, and Greta walk in and wonder the same. Stefano says he got a tip that Lexie was on board. Cal says he got a tip about his past and answers being available on board. Roman explains they are looking for Alan and Nicole. Jack says he saw Cassie and Stefano get on board and followed. Shane then joins the group, followed by Caroline. Roman wants her off. Caroline says she wants everyone off the ship.

Everyone is stunned when Julie and Maggie enter. Hope asks what they are doing there. Julie lies, saying they were told loved ones were in danger on board. Doug then races in. He embraces Julie and Maggie, happy they are safe. He explains that he was told in a letter they were in danger. Everyone wonders what is going on. The lights then go out and door slams can be heard all around the room. The lights then come back on and everyone is stunned to see entrances and exits blocked by guards dressed all in black with ski masks. Roman realizes it's all a trap and they were all lured on board.

The scene then shifts back to the harbor. Kim looks at the ship and wonders what is taking her mother so long. She then sees two guards emerge. She wheels to the side and hides. The guards lift up the platform so no one can get on or off. Kim then notices the ship is getting ready to leave port. She panics and realizes practically her whole family is on board, along with many of her friends including Shane, and worries about the danger they are in.

The scene then shifts to the Horton house, Alice is sitting in her chair with her eyes closed when she awakes quickly and seems to get a chill. She then looks over at Tom's picture and says:

Alice: I have a bad feeling, Tom. Something horrible is going to happen. I just pray you watch over all of our cherished loved ones on this night.

The scene then shifts back to the ship as Jack, Billie, Frankie, Greta, Bo, Hope, Belle, Eric, Carrie, Austin, Sami, Lucas, Kate, Will, Max Cal, Katherine, Caroline, Shane, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Stefano, Cassie, and Roman all look around the room, desperately. Each entrance or exit is either locked or under the watch of a guard. They all realize they are trapped. They then see the lights flicker on and off as a booming voice projects over the PA system:

MCF (via voice changer): Good evening, all. Welcome to what I hope will be a fun and enlightening evening for all of us! I have waited quite awhile for this night and for it to be finally here...well, I will spare you all that. WELCOME ABOARD...TO YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE!!

Everyone in the ballroom looks at each other in a panic and searches desperately for away out as the screen fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Kayla to Steve: You can stop this. We can do it together. You have never been afraid before so why are you now?

Alan to Nicole: There is no way out of this. We all made our beds, sweety. Now we all have to lay in them.

Tony to Anna: This could be our last chance, Anna. There is no telling what could happen. I love you. Just say you love me.

Philip (looking at Victor on the monitor): I am so sorry, dad. So sorry.

MCF to Ernesto: Time to make my grand entrance.

Celeste: We're all doomed!!!

VENDETTA CLIP #23

The MCF looks out a porthole in the captain's quarters of the cruise ship. Ernesto enters.

Ernesto: Almost everyone is either in attendance or on their way. Looks like everything has come together as we envisioned it.

MCF (via voice changer): Yes...and to think so many of these Salemites aided us greatly in accomplishing our plans. The irony is hilarious.

Ernesto: It really s.

Ernesto pours some brandy.

Ernesto: Would you like some?

MCF: No. I must remain clear headed. This is a big night and I must go prepare. There is much to do.

Ernesto: Oh, wait a second. Remember, not a word about that little matter we discussed. You and me had an understanding and I expect you to remember and honor that.

MCF: Not to worry, partner. I will not go against your wishes.

Ernesto: Thank you. Let me know when to be in position.

MCF: Will do.

The MCF leaves and then snickers.

MCF: Your evening is going to be just as painful as everyone else's, Ernesto. I have used you for my means and no longer need you.

The MCF pulls out a gun and admires it.

MCF: Can't leave any loose threads. Sorry, Ernie. Everything ends tonight...including our partnership.

The MCF laughs and then says:

MCF: Time to go get ready. This will truly be a night that my foes won't even forget. Hell, they will take these lasting memories to the grave.

The MCF laughs sadistically as the screen fades to black and then into...

-In their hotel room, Cal gets up from the dinner table and goes to answer the door. When the bellboy gives him a letter from the front desk, Cal tips him and then closes the door. Katherine walks out of the bathroom and asks Cal who was at the door. Cal responds, telling her that someone has sent him a letter. As Katherine dries her hair before dinner, they both sit down as Cal opens the letter and starts reading it....

Cal: This is just......strange.

Katherine: What? What is it?

Cal: The note says that if I want to know everything about my past, to come to Pier 3 in the harbor.

Katherine: You mean where that big cruise ship is?

Cal: Yeah. Still wondering how a ship that size got to the middle of Illinois.

Katherine: Some questions we just don’t ask, my darling. So, are you, or better yet, should you go?

Cal: Don’t know. Remembering Ernesto is enough to get me to go but....you and I both know it’s a trap.

Katherine: That’s why I think you should stay here. It makes no sense to do this and, besides, you have been making progress on your own. You don’t need this.

Cal: I know that, honey. But, I’ve got to know what is going on. I hope you understand that.

Katherine: (After A Long Pause) Ok. I still have my doubts. But, if you go down there tonight, I’m going with you.

Cal: Now, Kat.....

Katherine: There is no argument. You don’t walk into something like this alone. Period. Ok?

Cal: Ok.

Cal leans forward and kisses Katherine, smiling at her with much love in his eyes. Then they both get ready to go see this mystery person....

And get the final pieces of Cal’s life puzzle.

-At the Kiriakis Mansion secret room, Jack and Billie watch a surveillance system of the pier as Shane, Nico, Max, Frankie & Greta look on. When Billie spots a high level of activity at the cruise ship, Jack says that maybe they should go down there and check it out. Frankie is now wondering how a cruise ship got to Salem in the first place and then everyone turns and just looks at him. Frankie agrees not to ask such questions again and everyone turns their attention back towards the monitors.

Jack spots someone at the pier and tells the group that they look familiar. When everyone leans in to get a closer look, they all recognize who the person is. Billie jumps up from her chair and tells Jack that they need to get down there. Jack agrees as does the rest and everyone but Nico races out of the mansion.

-On the ship, Marlena is sneaking around and observing the activities on the ship. She turns a corner and nearly bumps into James. She decides it's took risky to be running around and searches for a place to lay low. She finds a cargo storage area and goes to hide in there.

James takes his black ski mask off and looks in a bathroom mirror. He wonders if he is going about this all wrong and begins to question whether the MCF has manipulated him by using his family's murder to further his or her own gains. He wonders if Marlena really killed his family or if the MCF did it. He then tells himself he is in too deep now and it's too late to turn back and then wonders if he is just saying that to take the easy way out. He bangs his fists on the table in frustration.

-Lucas stands almost nose to nose with a terrified Alan as the rest of the family looks on. Alan then speaks after a few moments, saying that what happened was not something that was planned. He was forced into doing what he did to Will. Sami helps Will up and Kate runs over to take Will over to his family as Sami hauls off and slaps the hell out of Alan, causing him to drop his gun. Lucas snatches it up and points it dead at Alan, saying that the world would be better off if he just pulled the trigger.

Bo tells Lucas not to do that. Sami looks at Bo, asking him what he means. After a moment of tense silence, Bo finally admits that he knew all about what happened. Sami and Lucas are shocked. Lucas backs away from Alan while still holding the gun, demanding to know from Bo why he didn’t come forward. Sami walks over to Bo and says that his answer better be damn good or else. Bo tells them both that Will asked him not to tell anyone until he was ready and he wasn’t going to break his promise to Will. Caroline walks in front of Bo, saying that he now knows what keeping secrets can do to the ones they love. Bo looks over at Roman, who looks back at him with sadness in his eyes.

Just when Lucas turns to say something to Bo, Alan lunges towards him. They struggle briefly for the gun, which is now back in Alan’s possession. Alan tells the group that it is time for him to say goodbye to all his company. He blows a kiss at Sami, telling her that Will was actually better than she was. Sami takes a step forward and Alan holds her and everyone else at bay, saying that the person who is really the cause of all of this will make their presence known very, very soon. With that, Alan grabs Nicole and drags her and Evan away as he escapes.

Roman pulls his gun from his holster and races off after Alan as Lucas follows behind with Eric, Austin, Belle, and a desperate Carrie.. Bo turns to Hope and tells her to get everyone off the pier and call for back-up. He then kisses Hope quickly and races off as well, causing Hope to smile slightly. Kate asks Hope what are they going to do. Hope responds that she is going to follow and make sure no one does anything they will regret. Hope takes off as Caroline follows. Sami tells Kate to take Will home. She is going with the others.

Sami takes off as Kate tells Will she will take him home and Mr. Henderson will watch him so she can go with the others and make sure all is well. Will says he is going nowhere. He has a stake in this too. He wants to see Alan pay and if everyone else is going, he is going. Kate is reluctant but agrees, telling Will to stay with her and the others. They both race off after the others.

-Back on the cruise ship, Marlena walks around the cargo hold, finding herself bored. She finds some explosives and sadistically caresses the explosive crate with her hand and seems enthralled with it, saying:

Marlena: Hmm...this may be easier then I thought. I may have just came across a way to get my revenge. Brilliant.

Marlena laughs in an evil fashion as the scene then freeze-frames on Marlena’s face and the slowly fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Julie to Maggie: We have to go, Maggie. If we don't, we could lose everything.

Doug: What the hell is this?

Alice: I have a bad feeling, Tom (looking at a picture of Tom).

Stefano to Cassie: My daughter is on that ship. I am not just leaving this to the police. I am going to kill that monster myself.

Kim (crying) to Shane: Don't you go on that ship. Don't you leave me. Not now.

-On the cruise ship, Tony sits in a chair and looks at Anna, who is sitting on their bed. He quietly asks her what is wrong with her. She says she’s fine but Tony says he knows differently. She can’t hide anything from him. So, since they have so much time on their hands, she might as well tell him what is the matter. Anna stands up from the bed and walks towards the window of their room and looks out. She turns and starts to tell Tony but then stops herself and starts walking towards the door.

Tony jumps up and grabs her by the arm, telling her that the time may come where she will wish she had this moment to live again. Anna stares at him with anger....and lust. She then jerks her arm away and tells Tony to leave her the hell alone. All he can think about is his own feelings while some nutcase has them trapped on a ship in the middle of Salem. She is still wondering how a cruise ship that big got into the harbor in the first damn place.

Tony says he doesn’t care. All he cares about....is her. And she knows that. He wants her to tell him that she feels the same. Anna looks at him.....and then walks away. Tony tells her that she will admit her feelings....sooner or later. Anna turns away from Tony and stares at the wall, barely able to hide her true feelings from him.

-Celeste is still upset at the thoughts she had. Abe sees that she is uneasy and he asks why. All Celeste can say is that what happened to them must never happen again. When Abe asks her what the hell she is talking about, Celeste just tells him that it is all in her head. Abe looks at her strangely, saying that these visions are getting quite old, and he wishes that she would come up with some honest emotion for once.

Celeste once again thinks back to her and Abe kissing and tells Abe that he just doesn’t know when to be quiet. She then walks off and leaves a bewildered Abe behind. Lexie wakes up and gets up off the bed. She overheard the exchange between Abe and Celeste and asks him what happened. Abe says it's nothing...at least he hopes it is.

-Forrest looks at Abby and asks her what is she thinking. Abby is wondering who has them and if they will ever get off this ship alive. Chelsea tells her not to bring death into it. Chelsea knows that if her father were there, they would be long gone and whoever has them would be locked up. Abby agrees with her but Forrest asks the girls a simple question. He wants to know that, if and/or when they are found, could they keep his identity a secret.

Chelsea walks up to Forrest and asks him about what he may be hiding. When Abby tells her to back off, Forrest calms Abby down, and then looks at Chelsea and says that there are certain people in Salem who he really doesn’t want to confront right now. Chelsea looks at him strangely and Abby walks over to him, taking his arm, and telling Chelsea that there is no reason for Forrest to put their lives in danger just to avoid seeing some people in Salem.

Abby then looks at Chelsea and stares at her menacingly and Chelsea, after a few moments, gets the hint. Chelsea agrees, for now, and for Abby, not to say a word. But.....if any harm comes to Abby, Forrest WILL be ratted out. Forrest looks at Chelsea and then at Abby, who looks at Chelsea with a worried look in her eyes.

-Kayla, meanwhile, is at the cruise ship trying to stow on board. She sees guards walking the perimeter and ducks behind some crates that are about to get loaded on the ship. As the guards pick up one of the bigger crates, Kayla trots along side of it, unseen by the guards. Kayla then ducks into a side room and, when the hallway is clear, runs down it towards the elevators. An elevator comes down and opens up and Kayla jumps on, pressing the button for the floor above her.

As the elevator opens on one of the main floors above her, Kayla hears nothing but silence. She slowly walks down the hallway, looking into every single window to see if she can spot Steve. She keeps walking down the hallway until she sees Steve running around the corner. Kayla’s eyes grow wide with shock as Steve yells at her to run back down the hall. Kayla obeys and Steve catches up with her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her along with him.

As they allude the guards after several quick turns, they bust their way into a room where Kayla is shocked to find other inhabitants on board. Kayla is then beyond shocked when she sees that it is Abby and Chelsea, along with a silent Forest, whose identity is unknown to Steve and Kayla. All five people look at each other as Kayla wonders how any of them will get out of this alive.

-Alan is now toying with a very distraught Will, while his family looks on in anger at Alan. Bo tells Alan that this isn’t the time or place for something like this and Alan holds a gun on Will, telling Bo and the rest that he really doesn’t care. He just wanted to always say that he had had the mother and the son. Alan laughs evilly as Will looks at Sami, crying. Sami tells Will that it will be alright. He can tell her anything and it will never change how much she truly loves him.

Will starts to calm down just a little as his family looks on. Kate is being held by Roman and Hope holds onto Bo’s arm tightly. Caroline tells Alan that he will pay for what he’s done to her grandson. Alan points the gun at Caroline and tells her to shut up before the Bradys lose the lady of the family. Roman steps forward in a menacing gesture but Alan points the gun back at Will’s head, telling Roman that if he so much as flinches, Will is dead meat.

Austin and Carrie look on as Sami tearfully asks Will what happened to him. Will starts to explain how he met Alan and how Alan became his friend.....

Will: It was not my fault, Mom. I didn’t know. (Crying) He acted like he cared about me. He made it seem like I was like his best friend.

Sami: And then what? Keep going, baby. Mama’s here for you, ok?

Will: Ok. So, he ended up...he ended up....

Lucas: (To Sami) I don’t think this is a good idea, Sami. He’s doing this in front of everyone. How degrading is this for him?!

Sami: About the same way it was for me when I had to do it on the witness stand all those years ago. (Looking at Alan) And, I took your power away then. And a couple of other things. So, Will is doing the same thing now.........you sick, mother [!@#$%^&*] bastard!

Alan: (Pointing the gun at Sami) SHUT UP, BITCH!! I didn’t take lip from you then and I won’t take it now. And...tell this brat of yours to shut up and listen to me.....before I blow his brains out!

Sami (Looking At Will): Don’t listen to him, honey. He doesn’t have the guts. Just look right at me, ok? There is no one else here but me and you, ok? Just tell me. What did this bastard do to you?

Will focuses on Sami, while all of the pain and torment run back in his head. The kidnapping. The rape. The glee that Alan took as he inflicted so much pain on Will. And then, just when he gets to the point where he can’t take anymore suffering, Will grabs the sides of his head and then blurts out to his mother...

Will: HE RAPED ME!!! HE RAPED ME, MOM!!! OH GOD!!! HE RAPED ME!!

Will starts to collapse as Sami runs towards him and catches him before he hits the ground. Sami rocks Will back and forth in her arms as he sobs uncontrollably. Roman, Caroline, Austin, Carrie and Eric watch on and cry as well as Lucas slowly walks over to Sami and Will, bends down, and pants his son on his head. And then, at that moment, they both look up....

And stare daggers of hell-like hatred at Alan. Lucas stands and stares at Alan, telling him that...

Lucas: You do realize.......that you’re a dead man, don’t you?

Alan looks at Lucas, terrified, as the scene freeze-frames on his face and then slowly fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Marlena (looking at a crate, smiling): This could be easier then I thought.

James: Could I be wrong? What if I am making a big mistake?

Katherine to Cal (looking at the envelope): Oh my God...

Sami to Alan: You will pay. Mark my words. You will not live to see another sunrise.

VENDETTA CLIP #22

Ernesto enters a dark cabin room door on the northwest side of the cruise ship. The MCF is there, looking in the mirror.

Ernesto: Trying to see if you cloak is on right?

MCF (via voice changer): Haha. No. Just thinking...of how big tonight can and will be.

Ernesto: We have discussed this many times. It's hard to believe it's all coming together finally. This is it.

MCF: Yes. The fruits of our labors realized. So, all the invitations out?

Ernesto: Yes. Our friends should be getting them anytime now and I would suspect they will be here within the next few hours.

MCF: Good. The rest of the gang is on their way and we wouldn't want our natives to get restless now, would we?

Ernesto: No.

MCF: Besides, so many of them have been on this ship for weeks. They have been patient. It's time for them to learn of what they are a part of.

Ernesto: They will. I am going to go check with James and security and make sure everything and everyone is in position for the rest of the arrivals.

MCF: Very well. Until later.

Ernesto leaves. The MCF then pulls out a gun.

MCF: Thanks for all your help, Ernie, but your usefulness has run it's course. The time is near where I will have to cut my losses....meaning you. You will go down with the rest of the ship...to hell with you, along with all my foes.

The MCF loads the gun and points it forward as he or she laughs and the screen fades to black and then into...

-On the pier, Marlena hides behind a bunch of crates after her escape from the University Hospital psych ward. She peeks from behind the crate and sees two police officers nearby searching the area. She opts to lay low a bit longer and then looks off into the distance and mentions how the "ship isn't going anywhere yet."

-At the Salem Inn, Eric continues to recover from the concussion he sustained when Alan hit him as Roman and the police search for clues. Sami tells Eric she is thankful he is ok. Lucas comes over and tells Sami that he tried calling Will to make sure he made it home from school ok but there was no answer. Mr. Nettington, who Lucas and Sami asked to check in on Will once he got home, said that Will isn't home yet. Sami worries. Roman tells her that he is probably running late. Meanwhile, Carrie tells Austin she knows he blames her and is mad at her but she needs him to talk to her. Belle advises her to give Austin time. Carrie breaks down in Belle and Kate's arms as Austin coldly looks on, with his back turned.

-On the east side of the pier, Alan has Will by the neck with a gun to his head as a frightened Nicole, holding Evan, follows. Nicole asks if this is necessary but Alan insists, saying they need a human shield with the cops around. They just barely made it by those cops a little farther back. Alan asks Nicole again if she wants to keep Evan. Nicole nods but says not like this. Alan says there are no other options and urges her to keep going. They then move on.

-Philip has Victor's arm around him as he drags him to the MCF's cruise ship in the Salem Harbor at port 3. He mentioned how he was supposed to wait until dark but just wanted this over with and had the opportunity right now to do this and not get caught. He tells Victor, who is still unconscious, he is sorry but he has to do what he must. He then drags Victor up the platform. Two guards are sitting at the top and say, "Philip Kiriakis...we have been expecting you." Philip nods as the two guards help him drag his father and motion to him and say, "This way..."

At Bo and Hope's house, Hope comforts Bo who has broke down after his confession to Hope. Hope says she can understand now why Bo pushed her way but asks why it's such a problem for his family. Hope mentioned how Caroline said that the secret was tearing her family apart. Hope doesn't understand as they should be uniting to help Bo. Bo admits that Roman and Kim knew all along that he was molested. Caroline and Shawn Sr were away and they comforted him initially. He was so upset he blocked it out for years. Kim and Roman claimed they were trying to protect him but they didn't. Bo mentions how it made it worse for him as he has to deal with it now.

Hope notes that Kim was raped and is a psychiatrist herself so she is sure she knew what she was doing. Bo gets angry and says that Roman and Kim hid the truth for years and don't deserve his understanding. Bo wipes tears from his eyes and tells Hope he can't do this. It was a mistake to have told her all this. He then gets up and walks out. Hope calls out to him to come back and gives chase.

-On the cruise ship, Steve is stunned by the revelation that Chelsea is his and Hope's daughter. He doesn't understand. The MCF says he will in due time. Steve asks when he and Hope made love. He then asks the MCF for actual proof. The MCF says he or she has told Steve enough. The drug will be wearing off soon so the only way for Steve to get his whole memory back and have the answers he wants is to follow the instructions he is given. Otherwise, he won't get anything and will see his loved ones suffer. The MCF then tells the guards to take Steve away.

Steve fights the guards and screams out to the MCF, demanding answers. The MCF laughs as Ernesto appears, asking if it went well. The MCF mentions he or she is pleased. Ernesto mentioned more of their guests are on the way and then asks if the invitations to the other guests should be sent. The MCF nods and says to step on it. The evening is nearing and they must prepare for the grand finale soon.

-At the Brady Pub, Kayla is helping Caroline with some boxes behind the bar when Hope races in, saying she needs there help. She explains how Bo told her the truth about his molestation and Kim and Roman knowing and how Bo took off. She mentions that Bo took off on foot. She went after him by way of her car but she lost him. She needs their help searching and notes that she can't call the police as he hasn't been missing for 24 hours. Caroline says they will help. Kim wheels out and asks what is going on. Caroline fills her in and asks Kim to watch the pub with Amy. They need to find Bo. Caroline races out after Hope and Kayla, who are already outside, as a worried and guilty Kim looks on.

-Back on the pier, Will begs Alan to just let him go but Alan won't hear of it. Nicole tells Alan they don't need Will but Alan tells her to shut up and to just keep following. As they move along. Bo comes from around the corner and bumps right into them. He asks what is going on. Alan warns him not to try anything or the kid gets it. Bo sees a worried Nicole holding Evan and then Will with Alan's gun to his head. He tells Alan to calm down and take it easy as a tearful Will whispers "Help, please" to Bo, which he sees as his face turns to one of desperation.

-Back at the Salem Inn, Carrie turns back toward Austin and says she knows she was wrong, including about Alan. She thought she could trust him and he changed but obviously he didn't. Sami yells out an "I told you so" but Carrie tells her to back off. She knows she was wrong. Austin then turns and says that makes nothing better. Carrie begs him just to say something to her. Austin says he just did and now he doesn't wish to say anything more.

Roman's phone rings. It's an officer at the hospital who tells Roman that Marlena has escaped and was last seen heading down the pier. Roman hangs up and tells everyone about the news on Marlena. They are stunned. An officer then comes over and tells Roman they have a lead on Alan and Nicole. They were spotted heading down the east side of the pier. Roman says it looks like they have two reasons to head to the pier now and hopes they can catch up with Marlena, Alan, and Nicole. He heads out with Eric, Sami, Lucas, Kate, Austin, Carrie, and Belle in tow.

-Caroline and Hope bump into each other on the pier while searching for Bo. They both admit they found nothing. Hope says she is very worried as he could've went and did something stupid.

-Back on the cruise ship, Philip watches as Victor is handcuffed to a pipe in a boiler room. Philip asks if that is necessary. The guard tells Philip it is just as the MCF appears and tells Philip it's ok. Victor won't be hurt in any way and part of the deal is that Philip gets to keep an eye on things on the ship. The MCF gives Philip a monitor that will allow him to look in on Victor at all times. Philip says he has a bad feeling about this. The MCF urges him to go to the room they have prepared for him and to calm down. He can stay on board they first night to make sure it's all ok. Philip agrees and looks at his father, saying he is sorry. He leaves as the MCF laughs. Ernesto walks in and coldly looks at the unconscious Victor. He tells the MCF the invitations have been sent. The MCF is pleased and says the time is truly near...

Meanwhile, outside the cruise ship, Marlena is trying to get by the guards. She sees Steve being dragged along up on deck and he manages to break free. Several guards go after him. Marlena sees her chance to sneak on board and races up the platform up onto the ship. She shows an devilish grin and then goes below deck. Steve is caught by the guards and yells for them to let him go. At that moment, Kayla arrives at the harbor while looking for Bo and hears the screams. She notices how familiar they sound and that they sound like Steve. She then looks up on the deck of the cruise ship and is stunned to see Steve, who is trying to fight off the guards.

-Back on the pier, Bo tells Alan to just let Will and Evan go. The children have no place in this. Alan smiles and says Will is hardly a child and Nicole is no way letting Evan go. Bo tells Alan to drop the gun so they can talk about this rationally. Alan says he has no desire for that. In fact, he couldn't have planned this better himself. Bo is confused. Just then, Roman arrives with Sami, Lucas, Carrie, Austin, Eric, Belle, and Kate. Sami and Lucas are stunned to see Will. Eric and Nicole exchange a cold glance. Carrie sees Evan and tries to race to him but Roman grabs her as Nicole defiantly says that Evan is hers. Carrie calls her a bitch as Roman holds her back.

Caroline and Hope then arrive and are stunned to see Bo. Roman asks Bo what he is doing there. Bo explains he was walking the pier and came across Alan holding a gun to Will's head and Nicole following with Evan. Sami tries to lunge for Alan but Lucas holds her back.

Sami: I knew you hadn't changed.

Alan (laughing): Yeah. Too bad your naive big sister didn't.

Sami turns and looks at Carrie.

Carrie: I trusted you Alan. I defended you. I...

Alan: "Blah...blah. Enough of this. Let's just get to the good stuff. I am so grateful you all are here. I couldn't have planned it better. I was thinking this would happen much better but I guess it will happen earlier with all of you finding me so soon.

Roman: What the hell are you talking about?

Alan: Oh, well. The stuff you all don't know about. Well, almost all of you. Right, Willie? (talks right in Will's ear) There is just so much to tell.

Kate: Alan...this is not the place.

Bo: Alan...Will confided in me. I know what you are talking about. Please...don't do this. Not here. Not like this.

Alan: Oh, but it has to come out. Secret always have a way of coming out and why wait? I want to be front and center for it as I took an active part in this. I mean, it was my revenge afterall?

Sami: What are you talking about? What is he talking about, Will?

Will (crying): Mom....argh....let me go. Please!! I did what you wanted!!

Alan: Yes, like a good soldier. However, the time has come for our little discretion to come out. So...do you want to tell then or should I? Well, by that, I mean, either you tell them or I blow you away (puts gun to Will's temple) and then tell them myself. Your choice.

A crying Will then looks at a crying Sami, Lucas, a worried Kate, Hope, Caroline, Austin, Carrie, Belle, Eric, and Roman as Bo looks on from behind along with a panicked Nicole holding Evan as the screen fades to black.

ON THE NEXT SALEM LIVES...

Tony to Anna: What if we die here? What then?

Lexie to Celeste: What's wrong with you? (looks at Abe)

Forest to Abby (with Chelsea): If we do get out of here, I would appreciate it if you said nothing to anyone about meeting me and my identity.

Chelsea to Forest: Why? What do you have to hide?

Kayla: I have to get on there and get to Steve.

Alan to Will (with gun to his head): Well, go ahead, Willie. Tell everyone about our fun night together.