PhoenixRising05

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.

JUNE 2007 AND TOTAL 2007 EPISODE COUNTS!!! SWEENEY CONTINUES TO LEAD FOR 2007, MULTIPLE ACTORS LEAD MONTH OF JUNE!!! JUNE 2007 RANKINGS EPISODES: 11 (TWO WEEK HIATUS FROM 6/4/07-6/15/07) 1.) Drake Hogestyn (Roman Brady)-11 *Alison Sweeney (Samantha Brady)-11 *Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady)-11 *Peter Reckell (Bo Brady)-11 *Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts)-11 *Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Roberts)-11 *Martha Madison (Belle Brady Kiriakis)-11 *Christie Clark (Carrie Brady)-11 *Paul Kersey (Alan Harris)-11 *Patrick Muldoon (Austin Reed)-11 *Arianne Zuker (Nicole Walker Brady)-11 *Jensen Ackles (Eric Brady)-11 13.) Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady)-10 *Stephen Nichols (Steve “Patch” Johnson)-10 *Jeremy Sumpter (Will Roberts)-10 16.) Ashley Benson (Abby Deveraux)-9 *Rachel Melvin (Chelsea Brady)-9 *Mary Beth Evans (Dr. Kayla Brady Johnson)-9 *Peter Bergman (Forrest Alamain)-9 *Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans)-9 21.) Josh Taylor (Cal Winters)-8 *Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux)-8 *Julie Pinson (Billie Reed)-8 *Darin Brooks (Max Brady)-8 *John Aniston (Victor Kiriakis)-8 *Julianne Morris (Greta von Amburg)-8 *Terri Garber (Dr. Katherine C. Harcourt)-8 *Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip Kiriakis)-8 *Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady)-8 *Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan)-8 31.) Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton)-7 *James Reynolds (Abe Carver)-7 *Renee Jones (Dr. Lexie Carver)-7 *Joseph Mascolo (Stefano Dimera)-7 *Roscoe Born (James McClure)-7 *Alexis Thorpe (Cassie Dimera)-7 *Thaoo Penghlis (Tony Dimera)-7 *LeAnn Hunley (Anna Fredericks)-7 *Tanya Boyd (Celeste Perrault)-7 *Bill Hayes (Doug Williams)-7 *Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams)-7 *Charles Cioffi (Ernesto Toscano)-7 43.) Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady)-3 44.) Francis Reid (Alice Horton)-2 *Lorenzo Caccialanza (Nico)-2 46.) George Delhoyo (Orpheus)-1 CONTRACT AND RECURRING CAST MEMBERS NOT APPEARING THIS MONTH: RECURRING Ava and Olivia White (Claire Kiriakis) James Lancaster (Fr. Timothy Jansen) Ron Leath (Henderson) Jake and Nick Ravo (Jack Deveraux Jr.) Arloa Reton (Joelle) Kavi Faquir (Theo Carver) Joshua and Jacob Rips (John Thomas "JT" Brady) Dalton James (Dr. Rich Glancy) Amelia Marshall (Dr. Barbara Harris) TOTAL 2007 RANKINGS (AS OF 6/30/07) PREEMPTIONS: January 1, January 2, January 9 (make up episode posted on Jan. 13.), June 4-June 15, 2007 (2 week hiatus) Episodes: 118 Days: 16 New Year's Day (January 3-8, 2007) January 9-January 23, 2007 January 24-January 30, 2007 January 31-February 12, 2007 February 13-February 20, 2007 February 21-March 2, 2007 March 5-March 13, 2007 March 14-March 27, 2007 March 28-April 3, 2007 April 4-April 10, 2007 April 11-April 19, 2007 April 20-April 27, 2007 April 30-May 9, 2007 May 10-May 21, 2007 May 22-June 21, 2007 June 22- 1.) Alison Sweeney (Samantha Brady)-77 2.) Drake Hogestyn (Roman Brady)-72 3.) Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Roberts)-69 4.) Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady)-68 5.) Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux)-66 6.) Julie Pinson (Billie Reed)-65 7.) Patrick Muldoon (Austin Reed)-63 *Christie Clark (Carrie Brady)-63 *Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts)-63 10.) Jensen Ackles (Eric Brady)-59 11.) John Aniston (Victor Kiriakis)-58 *Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan)-56 *Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady)-56 *Peter Reckell (Bo Brady)-56 15.) Mary Beth Evans (Dr. Kayla Brady Johnson)-55 16.) Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton)-54 *Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady)-54 *Arianne Zuker (Nicole Walker Brady)-54 19.) Julianne Morris (Greta von Amburg)-50 *Martha Madison (Belle Brady Kiriakis)-50 21.) Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams)-48 *Jeremy Sumpter (Will Roberts)-48 23.) James Reynolds (Abe Carver)-45 24.) Roscoe Born (James McCluer)-43 *Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans)-43 26.) Darin Brooks (Max Brady)-42 *Paul Kersey (Alan Harris)-42 28.) Bill Hayes (Doug Williams)-39 29.) Ashley Benson (Abby Deveraux)-38 *Stephen Nichols (Steve “Patch” Johnson)-38 31.) Francis Reid (Alice Horton)-37 *Josh Taylor (Cal Winters)-37 *Terri Garber (Dr. Katherine Harcourt)-37 34.) Rachel Melvin (Chelsea Brady)-36 35.) Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip Kiriakis)-35 36.) Alexis Thorpe (Cassie Dimera)-34 37.) Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady)-32 38.) Renee Jones (Dr. Lexie Carver)-29 *Tanya Boyd (Celeste Perrault)-29 40.) Lorenzo Caccialanza (Nico)-26 41.) Joseph Mascolo (Stefano Dimera)-25 42.) Michael Trucco (James McCluer Jr)-16 =Last aired on 2/26/07 *Hayden Panettiere (Angelica "Angel" McClure)-16=Last aired on 2/26/07 44.) Dalton James (Dr. Rich Glancy)-15 *Joshua and Jacob Rips (John Thomas "JT" Brady)-15 46.) Peter Bergman (Forrest Alamain)-15 47.) Thaoo Penghlis (Tony Dimera)-14 *LeAnn Hunley (Anna Fredericks)-14 49.) Charles Cioffi (Ernesto Toscano)-13 50.) Sharon Wyatt (Renee McCluer)-12=Last aired on 2/26/07 *Zachary Knighton (Jonathan McCluer)-12=Last aired on 2/26/07 52.) Amelia Marshall (Dr. Barbara Harris)-10 *Ron Leath (Henderson)-10 *Ava and Olivia White (Claire Kiriakis)-10 55.) Billy Ray Cyrus (Jed Montana)-8=Last aired on 5/2/07 56.) Martina McBride (Nora Montana)-4=Last aired on 5/2/07 *James Lancaster (Fr. Timothy Jansen)-4 58.) Kavi Faquir (Theo Carver)-3 *Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton)-3=Last aired on 4/9/07 60.) Arloa Reton (Joelle)-2 *Jake and Nick Ravo (Jack Deveraux Jr.)-2 *Roark Critchlow (Mike Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *David Tom (Jeremy Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Lisa Trusel (Melissa Anderson)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Pamela Roylance (Sandy Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Alli Brown (Sarah Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Jean Bruce Scott (Jessica Blake Fallon)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Scott Palmer (Joshua Fallon)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Stephen Schnetzer (Steven Olsen)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Justin Hartley (Spencer Olsen)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Michael Leon (Pete Jannings)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Jed Allen (Don Craig)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Kale Browne (Bill Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Larry Bryggman (Tommy Horton)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Blake Berris (Nick Fallon)-2=Last aired on 4/6/07 *Franc Ross (Rev. Frank Stewart)-2=last aired on 5/2/07 77.) George Delhoyo (Orpheus)-1

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!!!

I figured you did. Glad you liked it

Thanks Jen. That means alot and we appreciate it

I will PM the name to you Amello. I don't want to post it and spoil the episode Oh, and thanks Ryan for your kind words. Roman and I really worked hard on this. We are so happy to hear good reviews and can assure you that the best is truly yet to come.

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!!!

A post will be late tonight that will formally announce the winner and give out the details in regards to prizes and so on. I will also let you both know what you got right and wrong via PM

I am working on summaries for all the stories. This past week recapped the whole story in detail and who was involved so if you want recaps ASAP check those out. That is why the episodes were a bit longer this week. I am doing my best to get the summaries done as fast as possible You will be very pleased with tomorrow I hope.

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........

I knew you would like it. A little more recapping tomorrow before things explode. The Doug/Julie/Victor/Maggie stuff is just beginning to get going. Big stuff ahead.

Thanks Josh!!! Great to hear from you

-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?

It was really great Keith. Loved the Sami/Lexie stuff. I also liked how nice and simple it was. Nice way to ease readers in. Good job.

ANNOUNCER: FOR THE PAST YEAR... Clip of MCF. ONE PERSON TERRORIZED SALEM WITH... BLACKMAIL... Clip of Nicole. DEADLY THREATS... Clips of Cassie, Steve, Kate, and Carrie. MANIPULATION... Clips of Abe, Celeste, Lexie, Bo, Hope, Victor, and Stefano. KIDNAPPING... Clips of Abby and Chelsea. AND MURDER!!! Clip of JJ, Angel, Jonathan, and Renee McClure. THIS WEEK...ALL IS REVEALED...DETAIL BY DETAIL... MCF: I will tell you all everything. I will even reveal some dirty little secrets about the good people of Salem!! A WEEK WHERE YOU CAN'T MISS A DAY!! Clip of Marlena holding the MCF and the crowd at gunpoint. Marlena: It all ends tonight!! A WEEK THAT ALL LEADS UP TO THE MOTHER OF ALL REVEALS....THIS FRIDAY!!! Clip of the MCF. MCF: The time has come to reveal to you all the person behind all of your misery. AT LONG LAST...THE QUESTION IS ANSWERED... WHO IS UNDER THE CLOAK? THIS FRIDAY...THE MCF IS REVEALED!!! DON'T MISS THE DRAMATIC VENDETTA FINALE!! SEISMIC SUMMER!!!

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...

We are going to schedule a chat for next week in conjunction with the MCF reveal. It will most likely be sometime next weekend. It is possible as I usually recap things for people who request recaps. Just give us a little bit and monthly summaries will either be posted or sent out to you. Not a problem

-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.