The Night Gods III- The Triumph of Evil: Chap. XV- The Whirlwind Begins & Damon

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

When people get sick enough of war they'll grasp at any straw to ensure a modicum of peace. In the throes of their enduring misery, Baraq U'Bamah offered a war-weary world an entire bale. He presented himself as a man of the people- a non-politician, one of them- thrust into the political limelight by circumstance... the unending turmoil of war and the equally brutal aftermath. 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 of constant conflict, U'Bamah's message resonated throughout the Middle East even more that elsewhere- he was after all one of them. The whirlwind began to pick up speed there and radiated outward. Incorporating into his message the New Age rhetoric, at the behest of Lord Penrose's speechwriters, Baraq's appeal began to spread throughout Europe and the Americas as well. 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's Triumph of the Will. 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- 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 could imagine wanting 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 nervously.

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 again.

"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 find out more...

Lord Penrose watched with great interest the budding friendship between his nearly estranged daughter and the prospective World President- his protege. A union between U'Bamah and Gwendolyn would cement his relationship with the Chosen One, this could only enhance his grip on world domination.

During their garden tryst, U'Bamah disclosed with great candor, details about planting explosives while he worked for Hamas and Hezbollah and later in Iraq and Syria... also, details about other of his activities. He told Gwendolyn how he had come to Europe in the guise of a refugee and about his chance meeting with St. Simone. Gwendolyn knew St. Simone and doubted seriously the serendipity of the meeting. U'Bamah was charming- too charming. There was something wrong about him... nothing Gwendolyn could put her finger on- but there was something behind his eyes, something dark in his winning smile and smooth facade. He would bear watching.

She played the scenario of their conversations over and over in her mind looking for a clue... there was something disingenuous about him- the more she thought, the more troubled she became... his charm and soothing tones would fool many people. It was obvious that English was difficult for him, but she was unwilling to chalk her feelings of discomfort up to that- there was definitely something wrong, even sinister. She decided to call Przybysz- it was early morning in Geneva, the middle of the night really- it should be about 10 PM where he was.

"Hi Prz, I didn't catch you at a bad time did I?" She asked.

"No," he replied, but this must be important- it must be the middle of the night where you are."

"It is Prz, but that doesn't matter," Gwendolyn said, "Father just gave one of his parties... a meet and greet for U'bamah and the Hollywood elite- about the movie they're doing about him. I got to spend some time talking with him."

"Waht did you think?" Przybysz asked.

"He's smooth- charming," Gwendolyn said earnestly. "Too smooth and far too charming. I'm worried Prz, with the movie and all, he's going to win over a lot of people."

"What do you think we should do?" Przybysz inquired.

"I don't really know," Gwendolyn went on, "he likes me. I think... he was very straightforward with me about his past. I'm going to try to get closer to him- I think he sort of trusts me... as much as he's capable of trust."

"Be careful Gwen," Przybysz cautioned, "he's dangerous... just because he has a winning smile and charming manner doesn't mean he won't hurt you."

"I will," she promised. "There's something really, really evil about this guy Prz... something really dark behind his eyes- I wish you could have seen him. He's smooth, sort of smarmy, but it doesn't come across unless you're face to face. People are going to believe his lies Prz- lots of them. I'm afraid... not just for myself, but for everybody else."

"Then I don't have to remind you he's dangerous too Gwen," Przybysz warned her, "you be careful."

"Thanks, Prz, I will," she said solemnly. "There's something else I wanted to talk with you about. Have you heard of Damon Campbell?"

"The actor?" Przybysz asked. "Sure, who hasn't... my daughter talks about him all the time. Why do you ask?"

"He approached me at father's party. He wants me to call him. What do you know about him?"

"Only that he's made overtures to the resistance," Przybysz replied. "He's a part of the New Hollywood- that doesn't exactly inspire trust."

"What if he's really on our side?" Gwendolyn asked. "He could be quite an important asset... He's playing U'Bamah in the new movie you know."

"Yes, I know," Przybysz replied. "Look Gwen, I don't want to see anything happen to you... you're an important asset as well- an important link in our chain. If anything happens to you..."

"I'll be careful," Gwendolyn promised.

"Call him back and find out what he wants," Przybysz advised. "Why would he come to you? Why would he know you have anything to do with the resistance for that matter... it could be a set up."

"What should I tell him?" Gwendolyn asked.

"Don't tell him anything," Przybysz told her. "Let him do the talking. Are you going to be up for a while?"

"I can be, why?" Gwendolyn asked.

"Let me do some checking through channels here... I'll call you back within an hour." Przybysz said.

"Thanks hon," Gwendolyn said gratefully, "I'll look forward to your call... How are Ann and Anica, by the way? I loved Anica, she's so sweet and innocent."

"They're fine... and sweet, innocent little Anica is becoming quite a handful," Przybysz laughed. "She loves the necklace you gave her- we can hardly get her to take it off. She says the most beautiful lady in the world gave it to her."

"That's sweet," Gwendolyn replied, "give tham both my love and I'll wait for your call."

Przybysz first call was to Dick who immediately set David and Uwe to checking internet files. In a matter of minutes he discovered that Campbell had contacted resistance people in and around Boulder where he lived. He said all of the right things... but so too would a plant, so nobody took a chance. Campbell was still on the outside looking in as far as the resistance was concerned... there was simply too much at stake to take a chance on an outsider- particularly one with Damon Campbell's background.

Baraq U'Bamah returned from the party before the sicker festivities began... the thought of ritualistically raping and murdering children for pleasure still sickened him. Killing for a purpose was one thing, but this... Hassan was still up waiting for news of the event. Baraq told him of his chance encounter with Gwendolyn Penrose. What he viewed as a chance meeting Hassan saw as destiny... an opportunity to build a relationship that would eventually lead to Gwendolyn's demise.

"Hassan," Baraq told his friend. "You are wrong. She's not like the others... she's different."

"All the more reason... Her innocence will give her sacrifice more meaning."

"No Hassan, no," Baraq said emphatically, "I will not do it."

"You will do it," Hassan replied with zeal in his eyes. "Allah has ordained it."

"I think it is Hassan and not Allah that ordains it, my friend," Baraq looked at Hassan. "Do not let petty jealousies cloud your vision Hassan. Allah does not condone the deaths of innocents."

"She is an infidel... a non-believer," Hassan spat. "They all deserve to die."

"It is because of the infidels that you enjoy the luxuries you now enjoy Hassan my friend," Baraq said with a smile. "Have you forgotten that?"

After speaking with Dick, Collins and several of the resistance people, Przybysz called Gwendolyn who was waiting by her phone.

"I'm not sure what to tell you," he said, "except that there's nothing really negative I can find. He seems ok, but we have a lot at stake here... you'll have to use your own judgement- if he's really ok, he could be a tremendous asset. If not..." his voice trailed off.

"I'll see what he says when I call him," Gwendolyn replied. "I'll record what he says and maybe you can sense something in his tone."

"Sounds good," Przybysz said, "we'll play it by ear from there."

Before hanging up, Gwendolyn told Przybysz what she had learned from U'Bamah. She thanked him, hung up and went to bed, only to find that sleep had deserted her.

At his apartment in Boulder, Damon Campbell awaited Gwendolyn's call with great anticipation. He had been terribly abused, both at home and as a child star... his stardom had come at a heavier price than any child should have to pay. His own mother had pushed him into the Hollywood meatgrinder at an early age... one producer after another had placed him into compromising positions where he was forced to perform depraved acts on older men. When he informed his mother of the depravity, she had laughed at him, telling him: "That's show business." He hated them, her most of all, and silently vowed his revenge.

He was an actor, and a good one... after hearing of Gwendolyn's virtual estrangement from her father, he was surprised at his luck finding her at the party and thought she might prove a valuable ally- his ticket into the resistance. Damon was also an American- he believed in America and despite his position in the New Hollywood, he wanted nothing more than to see the country of his birth prevail. He had unsuccessfully reached out to several of the resistance groups, but because of his position they were understandably suspicious... but he wasn't about to give up. Damon Campbell, damaged American patriot, would find a way. His own investigations had revealed that Lord Penrose was in large part the power behind the entertainment business... if not directly, certainly indirectly.

Campbell had attended the soirees at the Penrose estate before, both as part of the entertainment and as a guest. He had been made to perform public sex acts since childhood, often with Natalie and Cheryl... all a part of Penrose's bizarre sex shows and he loathed it no less than Penrose himself. Much of the information he had gathered came from Natalie Williams and Cheryl Layne- neither of whom were particularly circumspect when speaking of their sexual exploits... or anything else for that matter. Damon was wagering his future that Gwendolyn Penrose would be the key that would unlock the door to the resistance, that up to now had been slammed in his face.