The Night Gods III- The Triumph Of Evil- XXIV: The Son Of Eddie Phillips

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

U'Bamah called to Hassan to come and clean up the mess. One look and Baraq's friend looked at him in shock. Knowing that Lord Penrose would still be awake he next called him... the panic was gone and confusion had set in. U'Bamah was unsure of many things- he had never behaved like this before. On one hand he was repulsed by the graphic nature of what he had just done... on the other there was a profound exhilaration. Penrose, being the one that knew his background better than any other, could perhaps decypher his conflict.

Penrose laughed when Baraq explained what had happened... "Of course you did, my boy," he exclaimed, "it's in your blood."

"But I've never done anything like that before," Baraq explained. "Even in the dreams I had, it was someone else doing those things."

"Are you sure?" Penrose asked. "Maybe the dreams were just to prepare you for your becoming."

"Becoming?" Baraq inquired. "Becoming what?"

"Yourself dear boy," Penrose went on. "Becoming your father... this is all in your nature, your very essence- it's always been there. You're just becoming what you are... what you were always meant to be."

"I'm not sure I like this..."Baraq told him, thinking about Hassan's prediction about Gwendolyn... he didn't want her to end like Cheryl.

"How did you feel while it was happening?" Penrose asked.

"I didn't feel anything," Baraq explained, "it was as though I was standing outside myself, watching."

"Of course it did," Lord Penrose said. "It began the same way for your father too. I read the transcripts of his interrogation... It almost sounds like him telling it. How about afterward?"

"At first I felt panicked," Baraq began, "but afterward a strange calm came over me... I felt powerful."

"You are powerful son," Penrose intoned, "more powerful than you know."

"But what about the girl, Cheryl?" U'Bamah asked. "She's a movie star... she'll be missed."

"Aha," Lord Penrose laughed. "She's just a piece of meat, expendable- they all are... and you can have all of them you want. You leave that to me, I'll take care of it. She'll be cremated, in accordance to her wishes... it was an unfortunate and tragic accidental drug overdose. Happens all the time- sad."

"What should I have Hassan do with the body?" Baraq asked.

"I'll have someone come by to pick it up and clean up the mess," Penrose assured him. "Well, this is an occasion... an occasion for a sacrifice. Your father would be very proud Baraq. Come by tomorrow evening and we'll celebrate your becoming."

Baraq, still sickened by the prospect of raping and killing children was hesitant, but dared not offent Lord Penrose... at least not for now. He may be the Chosen One, but Penrose had evidence of murder.; "Is this necessary?" He asked.

"If you are to rule this world, you need to learn to put aside these petty qualms," Penrose said. "You are the son of Eddie Phillips- the embodiment of the Ancient Ones on earth... Baraq, you are the new messiah- I heard it in your voice when you addressed the UN. Couldn't you feel the power when they applauded your speech?"

"Yes, it felt wonderful," Baraq replied. "But, I can't have sex with a child."

"That isn't necessary," Penrose told him. "You need only be present at the ceremony... your followers will be there to pay homage- the ones that count at least. This won't be one of my usual galas. This will be a small intimate affair- I think you'll be suitably impressed."

"I don't suppose Gwendolyn will be there?" U'Bamah asked hopefully.

"No," Penrose laughed. "She hates these things... if it wasn't for my money, she'd probably turn me in. You like my daughter don't you?"

"Yes, very much," Baraq admitted. "I very much like spending time with her."

"Why not ask her to the opera," Penrose suggested. "She adores the opera... it would get you on her good side." The prospect of a relationship between U'Bamah and his daughter thrilled Lord Penrose... such a match would cement his hold on the new world leader.

It was with a good deal of trepidation that Father Tony left Sicily. He called Gerolamo to advise him to keep a close eye on Alessandra. Without his calming effect there was no telling what she would do in his absence. He cautioned Gerolamo that any unprovoked acts of violence would upset the already delicate balance and bring the wrath of the UN troops upon them. As he awaited Przybysz' plane to touch down at the airport in Catania, his thoughts turned to America. The lawyer, Collins had arranged a transportation visa. Father Tony was returning to America to visit relatives... Collins himself would accompany him. If U'Bamah was to be stopped, he must first be unmasked in front of the whole world. Father Tony wondered if he was up for the task.

The flight to America was pleasant... Collins proved to be an interesting travelling companion, if something of an enigma. He was a member of the Council, but not a believer in the more esoteric aspects of the organization. he had come to the Councils as an attorney- for his legal expertise, then recruited. His friendship with the Doctor and his dedication to his former friend cemented his place within the group. As they flew, Collins began pressing the priest about his faith.

Father Tony patiently explained the spiritual aspects of the upcoming conflict and their overall implications, citing Biblical passages to explain exactly who U'Bamah is and the prophesies behind it all. By the time they reached their destination, Father Tony had another convert... Collins would be baptized- not so much out of a new found faith, but because he was a cautious man who wasn't taking any chances. Father Tony figured that with Collins, as it did with many others, faith would come later. When they reached the airport in Ft. Smith, Przybysz' limo was waiting to take them to Dick's mountain compound where Bret Shoemaker was waiting.

Bret and Father Tony began planning the broadcasts right away, not wanting to lose any more time than necessary. They would be transmitted worldwide anonymously using the satellite intercept that Uwe had designed- calling them the Voice of Truth. Father Tony would do the narrations citing scripture that would reveal to the world who U'Bamah really was. It was highly unlikely that they could affect the outcome of the election- but it might stop U'Bamah from getting more converts. This wasn't about elections, to Father Tony it was about saving souls. They would begin by explaining the meaning of U'Bamah's name.

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
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xix-the-whirlwind-begins
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xx-damon
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xxi-damon-s-confession
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xxii-a-new-age
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-night-gods-iii-the-triumph-of-evil-xxiii-i-have-a-dream