The Night Gods III- The Triumph Of Evil- XIX: The Whirlwind Begins

Artwork by @marty-art on Steemit... With many thanks!

When people get sick enough of war they'll grasp at any straw to ensure any modicum of peace. In the throes of their enduring misery, Baraq U'Bamah offered them an entire bale. He presented himself as a man of the people- a non-politician, one of themselves thrust into the political limelight by circumstance... the unending turmoil of war. His message was simple- peace... a peace everyone could embrace, enforced not at gunpoint but by common agreement... and people were beginning to listen.

After decades if not more of constant conflict, U'Bamah's message resonated throughout the Middle East. The whirlwind began to pick up speed there and radiated outward. Incorporating New Age rhetoric at the behest of Lord Penrose's speechwriters, Baraq's appeal began to spread throughout Europe and the Americas. Drawing heavily from Theosophist writings, a message of a new age- a new age of a global village with Baraq U'Bamah at it's head. A movie showcasing his life was planned and Lord Penrose was holding a soiree in Baraq's honor to introduce him formally to the New Hollywood elites.

"Baraq- Life of a Freedom Fighter," would be the fait accompli for the Councils to inculcate their new chosen world leader... it was designed to cement public opinion in favor of U'Bamah. It would be a masterpiece of propaganda worthy of Leni Riefenstahl. If all went according to plan the election would prove almost unnecessary... a mere formality before the coronation. The gala at the Penrose estate consisted of the New Hollywood movers and shakers- the mood was festive. The itinerary- a drinks, a meet and greet, dinner followed by U'Bamah's formal introduction and finally :religious services" for Penrose and the true believers. Penrose had encouraged Gwendolyn to attend, but she had flatly refused.

Neil Steiner, New Hollywood's premier producer was selected to produce the biopic, with heartthrob Damon Campbell starring as U'Bamah. Gwen, in her room preparing to go out, could hear the hubbub when Campbell arrived. She was going out to avoid the decadence of her father's friends and the depredation of some unfortunate innocent that would come at the end of the evening's festivities... she loathed these people and wanted nothing less than to be around when the depravity began. Her phone rang...

"Gwen dear, it's Vanessa," her cousin said, "did I catch you at a bad time?"

"No darling, "Gwendolyn replied, I was just getting ready to go out... Father is having one of his affairs."

"What's the occasion?" Vanessa asked. "As if he needs one."

"It's for the movie people... the U'Bamah picture," Gwendolyn said. "I believe Father's introducing them to the great man himself."

"That's kind of why I called," Vanessa said in a conspiratorial tone. "Przybysz' friends are planning a movie of their own... one that isn't quite as complimentary, if you know what I mean."

"Really?" Gwendolyn asked. "Who's going to make it?"

"I'm not exactly sure," Vanessa replied. "Bret Shoemaker is doing most of the video production I think... the rest, I don't know. The problem is- we need more background on U'Bamah... that's why I called. Can you help?"

Gwendolyn sat thinking. If she attended the gala she might be able to gather information from U'Bamah himself... but the very thought of being around those people... "Yes," she replied. "I'll go to Father's party and see what I can find out."

"Are you sure?" Vanessa asked concerned. She knew what a sacrifice it would be for her cousin.

"Yes," Gwendolyn repeated, "I'll go- I'll just leave before the real nasty stuff starts... It's the least I can do."

"Thank you darling," Vanessa intoned. "I know what this means to you- what a sacrifice it is..."

"It's ok darling," Gwendolyn said steeling her resolve. "I'd better get off here and get ready- they've already started."

After saying their goodbyes, Gwendolyn got prepared, both physically and more importantly, mentally. When she descended the wide marble staircase, the party was in full swing.

"Well, my dear," Lord Penrose greeted his daughter, "I see you've changed your mind... to what quirk of fate do I owe this honor?"

"I thought perhaps I should meet your guest of honor," Gwendolyn replied casually, "seeing that soon he'll be the new world leader."

"I'm honored you decided to grace our humble gathering with your radiant presence- how lovely you look," her father said sarcastically. "Would you like to meet him?"

"I think I'll just mingle for now," Gwendolyn said looking around for U'Bamah. "I see that everyone who's anyone in show business is here."

""Yes my dear, the creme de la creme of make believe," Lord Penrose laughed. "Enjoy yourself darling and please try not to speak too ill of your poor old dad."

"I'll try darling," she said kissing him briefly on the cheek before walking away too look for U'Bamah.

She was stopped by Damon Campbell while getting a glass of champagne...

"You're Gwendolyn Penrose, aren't you?" he asked.

"Yes," she said icily, "and you are?"

"I'm Damon Campbell," he laughed as though shocked she didn't recognize him. "I'll be playing Mr. U'Bamah in the movie."

"Well, good luck with that," she said trying to walk away.

"I was hoping to have a word with you," he said catching her arm.

"About?" Gwendolyn asked trying to pull away.

"Is there somewhere we can talk?" He asked looking about.

Gwendolyn didn't like him so far. She surmised he was trying to get to her father through her... a typical Hollywood user and social climber... Gwendolyn had met plenty of those before.

"Let me save you some time and trouble Mr. Campbell," Gwendolyn said pulling away, "my father and I aren't exactly close. So if..."

I know," Campbell replied. "That's why I wanted to talk to you... maybe you can help me."

"Help you?" She asked. "In what way?"

"Is there someplace less crowded where we can talk?" He asked.

"Look, Mr. Campbell," Gwendolyn said forcefully, "I don't really like your tone... if you give my your number, I'll give you a call."

"I'm sorry," he said reaching into his pocket, "I guess I came on a little strong, but I think you've got the wrong idea about me. Please give me a call... my secure line is on the back," he said writing it on the card.

Gwendolyn took a glass of champagne and went in search of U'Bamah. She found him sitting alone in one of the smaller adjacent gardens. She approached him saying: "Well, Mr. U'Bamah, this is a rather unlikely place to find the guest of honor."

"You're Miss Penrose, aren't you?" He asked looking up.

"Yes, Gwendolyn," she smiled, "but don't tell anyone."

"Your secret is safe with me," he said arising and kissing her hand. "I'm happy to meet you," he smiled.

"Well," Gwendolyn replied, "how gallant. You may be the only gentleman in the house."

"I don't like these parties," he told her bluntly, "these people make me uncomfortable."

"I know how you feel," Gwendolyn laughed, "I feel the same way."

"But you're... " U 'Bamah began.

"What," she smiled, "a Penrose? I still don't like these people... they're all a bunch of phonies. But you should be in there... it is your party after all. C'mon, I'll escort you."

"Thank you Miss Penrose," U'Bamah said shyly.

"Don't worry- I won't let them eat you," she laughed, "and it's Gwen."

When Baraq U'Bamah returned to the party with Lord Penrose's daughter on his arm all eyes turned their way... none more surprised than His Lordship himself.

"We seem to have created quite a stir," Gwendolyn whispered to him.

Fools talk," he smiled back at her, "the ones that know the least talk the most."

"A philosopher too," she demurred, "I'd like to talk more later if you have time. I'd like to hear your side of the story before the glory hounds explode it."

"What do you mean?" U'Bamah asked, a puzzled look on his face.

"Surely you'e aware that Hollywood will paint you as the Second Coming," she laughed.

"Maybe I am," he replied grinning.

"Oh, oh," Gwendolyn said suspiciously, "a philosopher and a Messiah... is there anything else I need to know?"

"I'm a very good cook," he smiled.

"Well, that seals the deal," Gwendolyn laughed, "I'm yours."

Gwendolyn sat between U'Bamah and her father at dinner and after, before the perversities began, they retreated once again to the garden where U'Bamah told Gwendolyn the story of his childhood... eliminating, of course, any mention of Eddie Phillips. he was most forthcoming about his involvement with the radical Islamic groups leaving Gwendolyn puzzled... Why would someone with that violent background be selected to bring peace to a troubled world? She had to fond out more...

For links to previous chapters go to Chapter XV)

https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xv-the-loveboat
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xvi-a-platform-of-peace
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xvii-the-man-of-peace
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xviii-hassan-s-prophesy

GIF by @papa-pepper