Story Notes: Chapter 3 yay. I'm very happy to be uploading this chapter. This chapter features a few scenes not originally in the outline. I'm someone who will design a basic outline, but I'm happy to add new scenes as I'm going along, especially if it answers a question from a reviewer or fixes a plot hole. This will be the first fanfiction of mine that I will be actively editing before uploading. If any spelling mistakes, unfortunately, sneak through, I apologise for that. No one is perfect. Thanks for the support and apologies for the structure of the last chapter. I had trouble deciding which parts to put in and in which order. All will be revealed soon. This chapter may be a little bit shorter than the last two.
Chapter Summary: Tintin heads ashore one last time with the crew. Whilst having something to eat he receives a shock and has to make a new plan.
Suggested Music
1. The Way of the Ghost - Eliott Tordo Erhu
2. The Sound of Silence - Peyton Parrish
3. Waterland III - Roberto Cacciapaglia
4. Shed My Skin - Within Temptation
X
Tintin stared into the cup of tea. He couldn't focus and the irritating moustache didn't help at all.
Thoughts of returning home without his best friend continued to ravage his subconscious.
How can I ...
What will I...
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place and I'm still in danger by being here. If Bab El Ehr's men catch me I'll end up in jail. At least Snowy's safe on the ship. If he'd been with me, I would've been recognised for sure.
As fists hit skin in the corner of the room, Tintin snapped back into reality.
"I think we'd better move," Claude suggested.
"Good idea. I have no intention of getting involved. Not after what occurred the last time in Italy," Beaufort replied.
Tintin followed them as they found a spare table next to the door, continuing to eat. As he took a long gulp of his tea, he raised his head, gazing at the entire room from his new angle. Curtains moved at the back beside the bar, as a man appeared and shook the proprietor's hand.
Tintin had to hold back, as his drink nearly sprayed from his mouth.
Great snakes! That's impossible!
Allan!
Blood rushed through his ears as he stared at the First mate, recalling the conversation with the harbour master.
The Ramona sank... no survivors...
As Captain Beaufort and Claude continued to converse, Tintin watched as Allan left the premises and swiftly followed.
X
"That's my opinion on the matter, and it's not changing," Beaufort exclaimed, taking a drink.
Claude sighed as he banged his glass back onto the table, and turned his head to an empty seat.
"What do you thi..,"
Where has Tintin gone?
"Beaufort ... Where's Tintin?"
Beaufort's eye's widened, scanning the room just in time to witness him slip back out the entrance.
"What's he doing?" Beaufort hissed, grabbing his coat. "He's going to get himself arrested and killed!"
The pair rushed out the door after him to find an empty street.
"Where did he go?"
X
Either I'm seeing things or the Ramona didn't sink after all...
Allan strode down in front of him, whistling happily to himself. Tintin kept blinking, unwilling to believe this was real and happening in front of him. He kept to the edge of the street ready to dive for cover if Allan turned around. He kept forgetting he was wearing an ideal disguise. As he scaled the street after him, memories flooded back to him from years ago.
I'd meet Haddock...
I was chasing Allan and ...
Great Snakes!
The Karaboudjan! Allan changed the name of the ship!
You fool, he used the same trick twice ... and I fell for it.
Haddock didn't though...
That means it has to be docked somewhere in the port.
Tintin couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.
If only I could find it.. maybe Allan will lead me straight to it.
A hand suddenly wrapped across his neck, pulling him into a side alley in one fluid movement. Tintin didn't dare move as cold steel brushed against his back.
He didn't dare move.
Damm! Tintin cursed. I'll lose him! I'll never find the ship
"What do you think you're doing Mr?"
The knife uncomfortably dug into his back, but he held strong.
"It's none of your business," focusing on the clear goal in his head.
"What's your game, huh!"
As the hand moved from behind, Tintin slammed him against the wall. He dodged a badly aimed punch.
Grabbing the man by the wrists Tintin seized his chance. They collapsed to the floor and a punch swiftly ended the fight.
Tintin dived from the alley, persevering as he attempted to relocate Allan. After a brief search, he glanced at the docks down the street, to witness him boarding a ship. He could make out the name despite the distance.
The Elysium?
That's the Ramona...
His eyes scouted the ship, immediately spotting Allan's right-hand man, Tom on the deck. The evidence was clear...His eyes widened as he scanned the bridge. A man with short black hair drew his attention, Tall.. blue jum...
Haddock...
He pulled himself upright almost like a soldier, inhaling deeply through his nose and then slowly expelling the air from his mouth.
Under closer examination, red marks appeared on his best friend's face as he turned round.
The brutes ... what have they done to you!
His focus sharpened as a wash of strength flooded through his mind, body and soul.
I'm coming for you Haddock
"Psst! What are you playing at?"
Claude's voice didn't break his concentration, he remained standing and staring at the Elysium. Beaufort and Claude joined him, scanning the ship from their position, about 100 metres from the giant Merchant vessel.
"The Ship ..." Beaufort questioned.
"That's the Ramona," Tintin exclaimed
"It's the Elysium," Beaufort insisted.
"I'd know that ship anywhere... That's the Ramona. It's the same crew,"
"That guy sure means business," Claude commented, motioning to Allan on the main deck as he barked orders at other members of the crew.
Tintin averted his gaze for a moment recalling the moment he was thrown from the deck and into the jaws of the red sea.
"He's the one who threw me overboard..."
I can't let this opportunity go.
I have a chance and I'm going to take it
X
"Take him back to the Cabin," he demanded.
Rastapopoulos paced across the bridge with a growl as his men dragged Haddock out and back to the security of his quarters. He glared at the sea Captain as Allan entered the room.
That was a waste of time, Rastapopulus thought. I thought I could at least have gotten something out of the miserable sea dog!
"Any luck?" Allan asked.
"No.. he's stubborn.. just like his friend,"
Allan smirked, likely thinking about how he finally managed to eradicate the final problem that had been eluding them all these years.
"We'll be able to leave in the morning as scheduled,"
"That's the best news I've had all day," Rastapopulus exclaimed, with a sigh. He finally relaxed under his underling's words. For the first time, everything had gone as planned. Now Tintin had been dealt with, no one could stop him. Everyone except the police, but even they had no idea what they were up to.
"You've done well," He continued. "I love it when a plan comes together. This has gone without a hitch,"
Allan nodded as Rastapopluos poured two whiskeys. As he gave one to Allan, his mind began to conjure the sight of Tintin being thrown from the ship and drowning in the Red Sea.
No one will ever find him.
He couldn't help the smile that formed at the idea of that.
"So, did he cry, Haddock, when you threw that brat off the ship?"
"Ha, like a baby!" Allan laughed boisterously.
I'm surprised he's not drunk to high heaven now his 'precious boy' is gone. Maybe he can join him when we're finished.
Frankly, I don't understand why he's still on board. He's a loose end. Nothing important.
Hmm, his mind recalled the arrest warrant that Bab El Ehr had placed on both Haddock and Tintin. I wonder how badly he wants him... interesting thought.
"I trust you can deal with him once we reach Mecca, both of them?" he inquired, narrowing his eyes at Allan.
"You have my word, sir,"
His bold and sturdy statement made him relax even further. He recalled the conversations they'd had previously concerning the Captain.
Allan is going to enjoy every moment of that, given their history.
As they clinked their glasses together Rastapopulos concluded, nothing can stop us now.
X
Claude and Captain Beaufort had little to no chance of stopping Tintin. Once he returned to the Northern Star his mind was made up. The ships were also conveniently adjacent to one other, making access to the ship a little easier.
As Tintin started to readjust his clothing, Claude didn't say a word. Then Beaufort walked in.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Claude commented, moving to the other side of the room.
Tintin momentarily paused, but he didn't change his mind.
I wouldn't let this slip through my fingers
"I have no other option"
"You need backup!" Claude exclaimed, enough to make Tintin spring from his position and turn around. "I still think you should involve the police ...or Interpol,"
There's not enough time... there's never enough time.
"My friends are on that ship, along with innocent people who will be sold as slaves the moment they reach Mecca, I won't wait,"
"This is still an insane plan. What if they catch you? They've already tried to kill you once,"
"If I stay, the ship may be gone tomorrow. This is the only chance I have, if I don't I'll never forgive myself,"
Beaufort and Claude paused, opting to stare at him for a brief moment as their minds concluded.
"How can we help?" Beaufort asked.
Tintin's eyes widened in shock at the thought of them getting involved in a fight that wasn't even theirs. He hadn't even told them the full story.
"No, I can't let you do that.."
"What we could ..."
"No!" Tintin interjected. What if you get into trouble, get arrested even .. what if you end up dead. I would never be able to erase the guilt.
"I can't let you get involved... I'm not having anyone getting killed because of me. You are good men, I won't have that,"
The words seemed to touch the pain greatly. After a painful 30 seconds, they slowly nodded, hopefully understanding the danger was too great.
"What is your plan?" Claude asked.
"I need to get onto the ship undetected," Tintin replied, taking a deep sigh.
"You can't go up the gangway, it's too obvious. They'd spot you for sure. Anchor Chain?"
"Possible ... Moorings?" Beaufort suggested.
"It'll have to do," Tintin concluded.
It's not ideal, but I'll have to make do.
"Weapons?"
"I've got that covered,"
Well, I'm hoping so.
"I guess there's only one thing left to say... good luck.." Claude exclaimed extending his hand. Tintin gratefully shook their hands.
Without you, this wouldn't be possible. I'm incredibly lucky to have met them, despite the circumstances that brought me here.
"Good luck, and try not to get yourself killed," Captain Beaufort said, gently squeezing his hand.
"I'll do my best.. thank you for all you have done,"
As they left Tintin exhaled shakily and flexed his fingers.
It's time...
I can do this.
We can do this...
"You ready Snowy?"
Snowy Barked at his master in response.
I'll take that as a yes.
"Let's save our friends,"
