The Melaswen Paradox (Read 332,436 times)

[Kpatch]

Suspense! OMG.

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the suspenseful previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 38

S.S. BO BRADY
The Pirate had laid Claire on a nearby bench. He looked her over, examining her.
PIRATE 1: Yep. That's her, all right.
He dug into his pockets for a moment and pulled out several photos. They were candid pictures of Shawn-D and Belle. They weren't recent, by any means. They were from when Claire was quite young, as she was in some of the pictures as a baby of barely one year.
PIRATE 1: This is where I get my revenge. They all need to pay. Especially him.
The Pirate looked at a picture of Shawn-D. He put the pictures back into his pocket and looked at Claire lying on the bench.
PIRATE1: Now, you, my pretty little thing, are going to come with me.
He scooped Claire into his arms and walked away. Meanwhile, Shawn-D and Belle, amongst all of the other Salemites, were stuck in the Gold Ballroom.
SHAWN-D: I'm glad Dr. Horton was able to bring you out of that coma just before the trip.
BELLE: Thanks. So am I. It's just kind of a miracle that I was able to heal so quickly.
SHAWN-D: It was, yeah.
Aiden walked over.
AIDEN: Hey, guys.
SHAWN-D: Hey, Aiden.
BELLE: Hi, Aiden.
AIDEN: Hey, um, sorry to interrupt, but have either of you seen Chase?
BELLE: Not recently, no. I did see him a few hours ago, though. He and Claire went outside to walk around the decks.
AIDEN: Maybe I'm being overprotective here, but I have a really bad feeling about this. If these pirates are anything like Steve and Alexander say they are, I'd rather find out where Chase is.
CHASE: Dad!
Aiden turned and saw Chase making his way through the room.
AIDEN: Oh, thank god! Chase, where were you?
CHASE: Me and Claire went outside for a while. We just got back. Well, I did. Claire's freshening up.
SHAWN-D: You mean she's still outside?
CHASE: As far as I know.
BELLE: But, surely you guys heard Alexander's announcement about staying inside because of the pirates.
CHASE: What pirates?
Just then, the door burst open. Three pirates walked in. Two of them were holding Alexander by the arms, one of which had a gun to his head. There were several audible gasps.
PIRATE 2: Right. Nobody makes any moves. Any of you lot try to stop us, and the captain here gets it, and then where would you be?
ALEXANDER: Guys, I am so sorry! They overpowered me!
PIRATE 3: Shut your mouth, sailor boy. We're in charge now. Just do what we say, and we won't bring you any immediate harm.
PIRATE 4: However, if you do try to cross us, you'll learn very quickly just how big of a mistake it is that you're making.
PIRATE 2: Give us all of your money and expensive items, as well as the one named Shawn-Douglas Brady.

PIRATE SHIP
It didn't take the old Pirate long to get back to the ship. Once there, he laid Claire on his bed. He chuckled to himself.
PIRATE 1: Ah, she's such a pretty thing. I wonder when those two will realize that she's gone? Well, one thing's for sure, dearie. You're not going anywhere.
He heard the door to his quarters open. A young female pirate walked in.
FEMALE PIRATE: Mate, what exactly do you think you're doing?

[mae00]

so this is revenge against Shawn? What in the world has he been up to? Wonder who the female pirate is.

great chapter André DiMera!

[heroicmuse]

This is exciting stuff! I'm really worried about Claire! And I wonder how the others will respond to the pirates' demands.

Great chapter André DiMera!

[Kpatch]

Oh I wonder if they crossed paths with these pirates while Belle and Shawn were sailing around the world. So scare for Claire.

[fluffysmom]

I hope they don't hurt Claire.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 39

S.S. BO BRADY
Steve and Hope walked to the front of the crowd.
HOPE: What do you want Shawn for?
PIRATE 3: We have an associate of his who'd like a word with him.
HOPE: Who are you?
PIRATE 2: Can you believe this, lads? We must've left our manners at home. We forgot to introduce ourselves!
The pirates cackled.
PIRATE 2: Name's Pete Kelly. This here's my brother.
PIRATE 3: Richard
PETE: And our cousin.
PIRATE 4: Gregor Kidd.
PETE: And whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?
HOPE: Commissioner Hope Brady.
STEVE: Detective Steve Johnson.
PETE: Brady, eh? So, you must be related to Shawn-Douglas, then?
STEVE: I'm sorry to tell you, dudes, but he's not here.
RICHARD: Look, boys, it's one of our lot.
STEVE: Excuse me?
PETE: I believe my brother is referring to your patch, matey. How'd you get that?
STEVE: Merchant Marines. I'm definitely not one of you.
The pirates whistled as if they were impressed. Then, they laughed.
PETE: So, you say that Shawn-Douglas isn't here, then?
STEVE: That's right. I haven't seen Shawn in years. Now, I believe my friend here asked you a question. What do you want him for?
PETE: As I said, we have a mate who'd like a word. Says he has a history with your Shawn-Douglas. Would like to catch up with him.
STEVE: Well, dude, I'm afraid that's not possible. Like I said, we haven't seen or heard from Shawn in years. But, if we do see him, I'll be sure to let him know you...
Richard moved his gun and shot at a wall. Several people jumped to get out of the way. He put the gun back at Alexander's head.
RICHARD: I think they're lying to us, mate.
GREGOR: We don't like liars, you see. So, how about the truth now?

PIRATE SHIP
PIRATE 1: This is none of your concern, woman.
FEMALE PIRATE: It most certainly is. I'm the Captain, and what goes on on my ship is most certainly my concern. Now, I'll not be asking you again. What are you doing with that young girl?
PIRATE 1: She is my collateral.
PIRATE CAPTAIN: Collateral for what?
PIRATE 1: My daughter. Years ago, her parents and I met. Her father drove my daughter insane. He killed her. Now I'm taking their daughter as a payback.
PIRATE CAPTAIN: You'll do no such thing. You know the rules. I can't have this kind of behavior on my ship.
PIRATE 1: What do you intend to do, then? Force me to give her back?
PIRATE CAPTAIN: As a matter of fact, I am. You need to learn your place, Duck. Now, I will escourt you back to that ship, and you'll be giving the girl back to her parents. Then, we'll take all the loot we can. And then, once we're back to the ship, we'll discuss the consequences of your actions.
Duck bristled. But, when he saw the Captain going for her pistol, he sighed.
DUCK: Whatever. Let's just get this over with. The sooner I get to rub it in Shawn Brady's face, the better.

[heroicmuse]

I'm guessing this pirate is Jans dad then. Interesting use of history!

I wonder if he will really let Claire go.

I loved the pirates thinking Steve was one of them. Lol! Looks like the hostage situation just got more dangerous.

Great chapter André DiMera!

[Kpatch]

Hmmm. Jan isn't dead though, she's in this story. But maybe her father doesn't know she's out of the coma? I'm wondering if the girl is Willow or someone else.

I'm relieved Claire is going to be returned to her family.

[mae00]

I wondered if they would think Steve was one of them.

I think this is Jan's dad as well. Maybe he will see her when he takes Claire back....

[André DiMera]

Chapter 40

S.S. BO BRADY
STEVE: Dude, we're telling you the truth. We don't know anything about Shawn.
PETE: An admirable, albeit misguided lie. Why do you care so much for this young boy that you would willingly risk your own life just to save him from whatever our associate will do with him?
HOPE: Maybe because we're human.
Pete chuckled.
PETE: Good one. Now, how about we try this again? Give us Shawn-Douglas, as well as all of your money and valuables, and Gregor, Richard and I won't kill you.
CAPTAIN: Nobody will be doing any killing yet.
Duck and the Captain walked through the door, carrying the still unconcious Claire.
DUCK: Well, looks like we're late to the party.
Shawn-D and Belle came up to the front of the line.
BELLE: Claire!
SHAWN-D: What the hell have you done to her?!
DUCK: Oh, don't worry. She's still alive.
PETE: Ah, so this is Shawn-Douglas Brady, then. Looks like we've got a couple of liars here.
Pete looked over at Hope and Steve.
CAPTAIN: My name is Captain Maria Badger of the Sea's Fear. I must apologize for my mate taking your daughter.
BELLE: Wait...what?
SHAWN-D: You're pirates, but you're giving her back to us?
MARIA: Of course. We might be pirates, but we're not savages. We do have a code, you know.
STEVE (under his breath): Never knew that pirates had rules.
MARIA: Give her back to them, Duck.
Begrudgingly, Duck walked over to Shawn-D and Belle and put Claire in their arms. Kayla walked over.
KAYLA: Let's get her to the medical bay.
PETE: Nobody's going anywhere.
HOPE: Please. Their daughter is sick. God only knows what your man did to her.
DUCK: I didn't do anything to that kid. The most I did was knock her out. It's far less than what they deserve.
SHAWN-D: Duck? Oh, no. Not that. Tell me you're not that Duck.
DUCK: That's right, Shawn. Maybe you're not as stupid as you look.
MARIA: Enough with this talk. Pete, you will allow them to take their daughter to the medical bay with this woman doctor.
PETE: Yes, ma'am.
Pete turned to Shawn-D, Belle and Kayla.
PETE: Get moving. Gregor, follow them.
Gregor nodded. Shawn-D turned to Belle.
SHAWN-D (whispering): I'll be right there. I just need to figure something out, first.
BELLE (whispering): Okay. Be quick.
Shawn-D and Belle kissed.
GREGOR: Move!
Gregor followed as Belle and Kayla carried Claire out of the room. Maria turned to Duck.
MARIA: And now, Duck, it is time for your punishment. You will return with me to the Sea's Fear.
DUCK: Fine. Do your worst.
Maria turned back to look at the rest of the group.
MARIA: Pete, Richard, bring the captain with us. As well as the police officer and the eye patch man.
SHAWN-D: Wait. Before you go, I just have to ask one thing.

(Author's Note: Though I did love the speculation that Duck was Jan's father, which would have been an awesome twist, I have to tell the truth. This is Duck.)

[heroicmuse]

Great chapter André DiMera! I wonder what Shawn is gonna try to figure out or do. I hope Claire is really out of danger.

I had to laugh at Maria saying to bring the eye patch man.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Kpatch]

LOL @ this is duck. Whoever he may be. Looking forward to finding out more. I'm glad they gave Claire back!

[mae00]

Glad that claire was indeed returned unharmed. I'm with Steve, I didn't know pirates had rules either.

Too funny about the pirate captain calling Steve the "eye patch man".

Great chapter André DiMera!