The Melaswen Paradox (Read 318,575 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 400

SALEM HIGH
It was the end of the school day. Ciara and Claire got out of their last class of the day. Trix was waiting for them.
CIARA: Hey.
TRIX: Heya.
Ciara and Trix hugged, then the three started walking towards their lockers.
CIARA: So, how'd Calc go?
TRIX: Yeah, it was alright. How's English Lit?
CIARA: Well, seeing as we're doing Shakespeare, it's full of language that doesn't make sense.
CLAIRE: We're doing Romeo and Juliet. It's so romantic!
CIARA: They die at the end.
CLAIRE: Okay, it has a sad ending, but all the stuff before that is great.
CIARA: Oh my god!
All three had stopped walking.
CLAIRE: What? Seriously, Ci, it's not that bad.
TRIX: Mate, I don't think she's talking about Romeo and Juliet at the moment.
Trix nodded towards Ciara's locker, where a small gang of students were gathered. Ciara had gotten close enough to see what they were looking at. On the door of her locker was posted an indecent picture, which somebody had poorly photoshopped so that Ciara's head was on the woman's body and Tripp's head was on the man's. There was a caption under the photo that read: “For a good time, call Ciara. She'll swallow anything.” and then gave Ciara's phone number.

BLACK PATCH
STEVE: So, our old friends at the ISA are back in touch, eh?
JOHN: It seems that way.
STEVE: Wonder what it is they want.
JOHN: Well, hopefully it's not some nonsense about poisoning one of us.
STEVE: Even if it was, you best believe whoever ordered that would be dealt with accordingly. The amount of security protocols the ISA has in place, no way would they allow some higher up to give an order like that.
John nodded.
JOHN: That's a fact.
STEVE: So, let's find out what the story is, shall we?
John picked up a letter opener from his desk, opened his envelope, then handed it to Steve, who did the same.
JOHN: “Agent Black...”
STEVE: “Agent Johnson...”
JOHN: “I have enjoyed immensely working with you over the years, however, as I'm sure you are aware, all good things must come to an end.”
STEVE: “Due to circumstances in my personal life, I find that I am no longer able to fulfill my duty as Director of the Internatinal Security Alliance.”
JOHN: “It is my sincere hope that you will join me on May the 25th as I celebrate my retirement.”
STEVE: “I have already picked my successor. One whom I believe is the absolute best man for the job. Special Agent Shane Donovan.”

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Philip turned on his heel and followed Nicholas.
PHILIP: Hey!
Nicholas turned.
NICHOLAS: Oh, Philip, you're still here. Please, forgive me, I do have a lot of other people to speak with-
PHILIP: What the hell was that all about? You stealing Ecosystems from Titan?
NICHOLAS: As I said, I thought you knew. It's not like it was some big secret or anything. Perhaps you should be a bit more careful what you do with your subsidiaries.
PHILIP: You're not going to get away with this, you know!
NICHOLAS: Philip, it's just business. It's nothing personal. My parents and Aunt Viv helped build that company, therefore, it is, by rights, mine. Now, as I said, excuse me.
Nicholas turned and walked away. Philip went outside and pulled out his phone.
PHILIP: We need to talk. It looks like we've got a problem on our hands.

[heroicmuse]

LOL at John and Steve realizing the ISA would never make one of them poison the other. If only Pamela Van Damme had got that memo on the show! I'm glad Shane will be promoted to head of the ISA. He will be a good leader.

Ugh, that freaking Tripp! I hope Mr. Woods deals with this appropriately.

I wonder who Philip is calling. Victor, maybe?

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Thanks for setting the ISA straight and not having them poison people. I think their choice of Shane as the new head is perfect.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 401

SALEM HIGH
Trix put a hand on Ciara's shoulder.
TRIX: Ciara...
Ciara pushed her way over to her locker, then ripped the dirty picture off of it and turned to the small group of students that have gathered around.
CIARA: What? Is there something to see here? You guys expecting a show? Well, you can all forget it, because you couldn't pay me enough to give you the kind of show you're looking for. And if any of you put this number in your phones, you better delete it real quick...or I will. Do not mess with me. When I find out who did this, they're gonna pay!
Mr. Woods walked out of his office.
WOODS: What's going on here?
The students that had gathered scattered, leaving only Ciara, Claire and Trix.
WOODS: Would either of you young ladies like to explain what all the noise was about a few minutes ago?
Ciara was practically shaking with anger. A tear rolled down her cheek. Trix put a hand on her shoulder.
CLAIRE: We were just heading to our lockers, Mr. Woods, and when we got to them...
CIARA: Somebody put a freakin' porn picture outside my locker! They also photoshopped mine and freakin' Tripp Dalton's heads onto it and put my number at the bottom!
Ciara handed Mr. Woods the crumpled up picture.
WOODS: Okay, let's discuss this in my office. Ciara, I'll give you a moment to collect yourself, but after that, I'd like to speak with all three of you.
Mr. Woods went back into his office.
CIARA: Guys, I am so pissed! Even if it wasn't Tripp, I have a pretty good idea of who did this, and I'm seriously gonna need you to talk me down from running into that locker room and ripping him a new one right now!
Trix put an arm around Ciara, and Claire took her by the hand.
CLAIRE: Hey, I know. I know how upset you must feel. Believe me, after what happened to me two years ago at the Last Blast, I more than understand. But you can't just run in there and get in their faces.
TRIX: Claire's right, love. That'll just provoke them further. We should go talk to Mr. Woods. He got rid of Tripp after he bothered you, he can help us with this, too.
Ciara took a few deep breaths and nodded. She let Trix hold her for a minute.
TRIX: Come on. Let's go figure out what to do from here.
Trix, Ciara and Claire walked into Mr. Woods' office.

BLACK PATCH
JOHN: “In addition to celebrating my retirement, the party will begin with, and be a celebration of, a changing of the guard.”
STEVE: “However, Special Agent Donovan is not fully aware of the reasons for the party. To his knowledge, it is merely a retirement party for me that just happens to be the afternoon that he is instated as Director.”
JOHN: “I ask that you please not inform him, as I would like it to be a surprise. Please used the attached card to RSVP with the number of people from your families that will be attending.”
STEVE: “I look forward to your reply and seeing you in May. Sincerely, C. Tarrington, Director of the International Security Alliance.”
John and Steve looked at the RSVP cards attached to their letters.
STEVE: So, Shane's gonna be our new boss, eh?
JOHN: Certainly looks that way.
STEVE: Right. I'll call the outgoing chief, see if there's anything we can do to help get ready for the big shindig.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Mr. Woods is going to help with this. I hope that the rumors about Ciara don't persist.

I can't wait for the ISA party! I wonder how Shane will react to this surprise.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I don't think a surprise party is the right way to nominate Shane for the head of the ISA. He may not react well or be prepared to take the job. I'm sure he'll want to talk to Kim about it first.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 402

SALEM HIGH
Claire, Trix and Ciara had described the entire incident to Mr. Woods. He sighed.
WOODS: First of all, Ciara, I am very sorry that this happened to you, on top of everything else. I had hoped that, after Tripp's departure, that things would calm down.
CIARA: Well, that makes two of us.
WOODS: Please be assured that I will be looking into this matter. The culprit, or culprits, will receive severe consequences for their actions.
CIARA: I can tell you right now who it was. It was Dirk.
WOODS: What makes you think that Stuart was the culprit?
CIARA: That's easy. He was Tripp's best friend and right hand man. He's just as sleazy as Tripp, if not worse. If it wasn't him, it was one of those other jerks on the basketball team. They all practically worshipped Tripp, except for Joey.
WOODS: Okay. Well, as I said, I will be looking into it, and if I find out that Stuart was, indeed, the culprit, he will be dealt with accordingly. I know that I asked before when Tripp was bothering you and you declined, but this is also a form of bullying or harrassment. When we find out who did this, would you like to press charges.
CIARA: Honestly, I just want this whole thing to be over so I can move on and forget it.
WOODS: Okay. Well, I will update you as things progress. And if there is anything else that you need, please don't hesitate to ask.
CIARA: Thanks.

HORTON CENTER
Jade had just finished feeding Emmy. There was a knock at the door. After looking through the hole and seeing it was Eric, Jade opened the door.
JADE: Eric, hi.
ERIC: Hey, Jade. Mind if I come in for a minute?
JADE: Sure.
Eric came in. He was carrying a small wrapped box in his hands.
JADE: So, what's going on?
ERIC: Well, I hear that we have a birthday girl amongst us.
JADE: How did you know?
ERIC: It was on the papers you filled out when Shawn and Claire first brought you to my office a few months ago.
JADE: Right. Yeah. It was a whole year ago that I had this little angel.
Emmy made cooing noises as Jade held her.
JADE: I don't know if she even knows what's going on, that it's her birthday or anything. I just wish I could give her a proper birthday.
ERIC: I'm sure it must be frustrating. But, from everything I've seen, you're a good mother to Emmy. You give her what she needs, food, attention and so much love.
JADE: Well, how could anyone not love this little face? Emmy's the only good thing I've ever done.
Jade kissed her daughter's forehead.
JADE: What's that you've got there?
Jade gestured to the box in Eric's hand.
ERIC: Oh, this. I thought I'd give Emmy a present.
JADE: Eric, you don't have to do that.
ERIC: No, but I want to. Go ahead, open it.
Eric handed the box to Jade.
JADE: Hey, look at that, you got a present. You wanna help me open it?
Jade put Emmy's hand on the bow and helped her pull it off. Then, Jade opened the box and pulled out a small stuffed lamb.
JADE: Oh, that's so cute, isn't it?
Jade handed the lamb to Emmy, whose eyes lit up. The young child hugged the lamb to her.
JADE: Well, I think she likes it. Eric, thank you so much!
ERIC: You're welcome.
Eric put a hand on Emmy's head.
ERIC: Happy birthday, Emmy.

[heroicmuse]

Aww that was sweet of Eric. I hope that Jade really is beginning to change and become appreciative.

I wonder if Ciara is right about who did this. I hope she changes her mind and presses charges.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Sounds like Eric wants a family.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 403

DONOVAN MANOR – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
There were a large amount of boxes, and movers were taking them out of the manor that Shane and Kimberly lived in. Shane and Kim stood in the foyer, watching the boxes be moved. Shane put his arms around his wife.
SHANE: Just a few more days, my love. A few more days and we'll be in the new Donovan Manor in D.C.
KIMBERLY: I can't wait. And I am so proud of you! Director of the ISA.
SHANE: Almost director. I don't get sworn in until May, officially.
KIMBERLY: Either way, this is a tremendous occasion!
SHANE: It's exciting, I'll give it that. Plus, being Director means I won't have to travel so much, meaning we get to spend more time together.
KIMBERLY: And, we'll have more time to travel for fun, like visiting Salem to see Andrew and Jeannie.
Shane nodded.
SHANE: I do wish we could have a party, though. I know, we agreed that it would be best to just get the move over with and have a smaller get together later, but still.
KIMBERLY: I know. We'll see what happens.
Shane's phone went off.
SHANE: Excuse me, darling, I will be back shortly.
Shane walked upstairs. Kimberly waited until she was sure he was out of earshot. Then, she pulled out her phone and dialled.
KIMBERLY: Hey, sis. I'm okay, you? That's good. Say, did Steve mention anything about an invitation? Excellent! Just do me a favor, if you talk to Shane, don't say anything about it. He knows all about the promotion, but we want to keep the party a surprise.

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Philip had described the situation with Nicholas to Victor.
VICTOR: So, young Nicholas Alamain thinks he can steal from Titan, does he?
PHILIP: He does, and he's already done it. But, he's not gonna get away with it! And I told him as much at that stupid press conference.
VICTOR: It would appear that we have some phone calls to make.
PHILIP: Great. Who are you calling this time?
VICTOR: It's not who I'm calling, it's who you're calling.
Victor handed Philip a business card.
PHILIP: You mean, I get to...
VICTOR: I put you in charge of Titan, Philip, and I mean all of Titan. It's time for you to start making the phone calls and getting things done. I'll be here to advise, naturally, but you have to make the call.
Philip stared at the business card.
PHILIP: I was always wondering when this day would come.
VICTOR: Yes, well you can celebrate later. That little punk, Nicholas Alamain has stolen an entire division of Titan out from under us. Now, I've provided the number. What do you intend to do about it?
Philip pulled out his phone and dialled a number.
PHILIP: It's me. I am in need of your services. We have a problem. A problem that goes by the name of Nicholas Alamain. We need to meet.
Philip hung up.
PHILIP: He'll be over in five minutes.

[Kpatch]

LOL at Philip getting to make the phone calls and Victor's comment that he can celebrate later. So happy Philip is rightfully in charge of the company!

So Shane DOES know about the promotion. Glad to hear it!

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad that Victor finally trusts Philip and is giving him a position of power in Titan! I wonder who he called.

I hope nobody blabs the surprise to Shane ahead of time. All this announcing it's a surprise party makes me nervous. LOL

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 404

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Henderson walked into the main room, followed closely by Nico.
HENDERSON: Your guest, Mr. Kiriakis.
PHILIP: Thank you, Henderson.
Henderson bowed and walked out. Philip stood and shook hands with Nico.
PHILIP: Thank you for coming so quickly.
NICO: It is no trouble. Now, what seems to be the problem?
PHILIP: Well, as I said over the phone, Nicholas Alamain. At the beginning of this week, he reopened his family business, Alamain Industries. He also was kind enough to inform me that he stole Ecosystems, a subsidiary of Titan, which my sister, Isabella, created.
NICO: I see. Well, this shall not go unpunished, of course. Shall I have him eliminated?
PHILIP: I don't think we need to go that far, necessarily. Though, a message does need to be sent.
NICO: Of course. Not to worry, Philip. By week's end, I will make sure that Ecosystems is once again property of Titan Industries, and that Nicholas Alamain has gotten the message loud and clear.
PHILIP: Thank you, Nico.
NICO: I shall keep you informed as events progress.
PHILIP: I appreciate it.
Nico and Philip shook hands, then Nico walked out.

DIMERA ENTERPRISES
Since the attempted hostile takeover on New Year's Day, E.J. had become co-CEO of DiMera Enterprises, alongside Tony and Chad. They were just wrapping up a board meeting.
E.J.: So, we'll need those figures up by next quarter. Well, that's all from me. Anything from you two, chaps?
TONY: No, I believe I've said everything I have to say.
E.J.: Chad?
CHAD: Nope.
E.J.: Very well. Then, I declare this meeting adjorned. We'll see you all again soon.
The various board members made their way out of the room, until only Tony, Chad and E.J. were left.
E.J.: Well, I think that went rather well. I'm off to my office. I'll be seeing you two later.
E.J. smiled and walked out. Chad waited until E.J. was out of earshot, then turned to Tony.
CHAD: Can you believe this?
TONY: I know. It is a rather irritating situation that we find ourselves in.
CHAD: How much longer are we expected to put up with this?
TONY: As long as we have to. Just be glad we don't have to put up with André, the twins, or the unfortunate souls André has brainwashed anymore.
CHAD: You can't tell me that you're actually going along with this?
TONY: I am, because I have to, until the time is right. Chad, have you ever heard of the phrase “playing the long game”?
CHAD: Of course.
TONY: That is exactly what we must do. We let Elvis have his fun for now, making sure it doesn't affect the company, of course. We wait for him to screw up, and he will screw up. And when he does, that is exactly when we strike and take back what he stole from us.
CHAD: Okay. So, speaking of the people André brainwashed, whatever happened to Brady? Last I heard, he had some crazy idea that he was Lexie.

[fluffysmom]

I'm looking forward to the party. I'm glad Shane will finally be the ISA director.

Anyone who knows Ciara knows that's a lie.

It was nice of Eric to bring Emmy a birthday present.

[heroicmuse]

Ooh I'm loving all the business drama. This is how you do a business war!

I don't trust Nico not to get violent just because Philip said not to.

I hope Tony and Chad can get rid of EJ sooner rather than later. I'm also curious about what's happening with Brady/Lexie.

Great chapter André DiMera! Will there be previews?