As a prelude to the upcoming election, both President Oliveira and Baraq U' Bamah had been invited to speak to the General Assembly in an address that would be broadcast worldwide. The date was chosen carefully and strategically -- it was U' Bamah's birthday. Along with President Oliveira, they would put forth their own individual visions for the future of the world, a polite nod to civility. Oliveira being the sitting President had the option of speaking first which he naturally chose to do, his speech was, predictably, a typical reissuance of his Peace Through Strength doctrine which was met with polite applause when he finished. When U' Bamah took the podium, as if on cue, he was met with enthusiastic applause, reminiscent of an event staged for television. He was becoming more comfortable in the political limelight and like a practiced actor, knew how to play to his audience...
"I have a dream," he began, "a dream of a world united in peace... peace through unity. I come here on my birthday to bring you this message, that I will bring the dream of the founders of this magnificent institution to fruition." After thunderous applause he went on. "I want to thank you for allowing me to address you on my birthday, September 23, the day several years ago, naysayers said the world would end. As the seasons change, so too do the ages of man. For millennia we have labored under the illusion of a loving god that doesn't exist, some mythical figure with a flowing white beard sitting on a throne in the sky that's supposed to love us all. Look at the world around you ladies and gentleman; does this look like the work of a loving god? We have worshipped this false god for too long. The true god lives within us all -- we are all gods. You are God. I am God. I am God," he shouted, "say it- say it loud -- I am God, I am God." The applause was thunderous and emboldened him. "I AM God and I will be your leader. Follow me and I promise you heaven on earth."
Like the serpent in the garden, the father of all lies, U' Bamah promised to make man God. Father Tony listened with great consternation as U'Bamah sold his bill of goods to a weary and desperate public. Whether consciously or not he had painted the resistance into a most untenable corner. U'Bamah had held out an olive branch and any act of violence now would be viewed as a direct attack on U' Bamah's peace initiative.
U' Bamah finished his speech with another promise -- that if elected he would rebuild Jerusalem as a place of worship for all -- with the exception of Christians whose vindictive God he held accountable for the chaos and destruction. The Dome on the Rock would be restored even grander than before. There would be temples to honor every deity, including Satanists and Occultists. Jerusalem in its new found splendor would once again become the spiritual center of the world, a sanctuary for all religions. What he failed to disclose was his plans for a grand temple in his own honor. It would begin as a benign innocuous shrine that would evolve as his power over the world increased until it became the grandest temple of all.
With Alessandra and Gerolamo safely away in Avellino, Father Tony decided to call Przybysz to ask for transportation to America. U'Bamah's evil plan must be averted. It was time to begin counter-broadcasts to convince the people of the world of U'Bamah's true nature. It was time to flush the wolf out from under his fleece. It was imperative that the people be provided with the truth -- the only thing that could counter U'Bamah's lies.
The Movie, I Have A Dream, so titled after U'Bamah's speech opened to rave reviews across the world despite what critics described as a lackluster performance by its star Damon Campbell. When interviewed Campbell defended himself as best as he could...
"You try playing a guy that's looked upon almost as a living god," he said. "Religious figures of the past were easy to play, they were dead. There was nothing to compare them to. Do you have any idea how hard it is when people look at you and compare you to him -- expect you to be the living image of an actual live person?"
U'Bamah was profuse in his praise for Damon's performance... "He's right," U'Bamah said magnanimously. "It is incredibly difficult when you can compare people side by side. I think Mr. Campbell did a splendid job, I couldn't be happier."
U'Bamah's praises may have placated the media, but Lord Penrose remained unconvinced. He called Damon to express his displeasure. "I don't know what you hoped to accomplish with that sad, sorry acting job," he began, "but if I ever see something like that again, you'll be back doing sex shows at my parties -- and they won't be like the ones you were used to if you get my meaning."
"I'm sorry Sir," Damon explained, "he's very difficult to play, he's almost a living god. I doubt anyone could have done better."
"I think ANYONE could have done better," Penrose shouted. "Remember what I told you." Damon would remember alright, Penrose would see to that. “How's your mother Damon,” he asked. “Do you remember when you were a boy and she gave you to us -- so innocent you were. What did she tell you when you complained about the perversion and decadence? Did she hold you in her arms and sing you to sleep? I think not, so immersed in the opulent lifestyle she had become. More likely she told you to remain silent and obey. You will remember to stay silent and obey Damon…”
Damon slammed down the phone, his hand shaking both in anger and fear. It was time to seek out Gwendolyn Penrose and vanish.
Lord Penrose threw one of his gala events in honor of both the movie and U'Bamah's upcoming electoral victory which was all but a mere formality. Conspicuous in his absence was the star, Damon Campbell who, after his conversation with His Lordship had mysteriously disappeared. Gwendolyn, in hopes of gathering more information from the guest of honor, decided to attend. She arrived just after the sex show by Cheryl Layne and a newcomer to the New Hollywood a striking 15 year old Russian girl named Natalia Kisarova. U'Bamah disliked the decadence of the shows and was pleased to see Gwendolyn's arrival.
"Miss Penrose," he said with a relieved look, "I'm so happy to see you here, these exhibitions are so distasteful."
"Thank you," she replied, "and remember, it's Gwen."
They spent some time talking quietly before the more formal festivities began -- the introduction of U'Bamah and the celebration of the movie. Lord Penrose made apologies for the absence of its star, saying that he had gone on a sabbatical of sorts for his health. Gwendolyn stayed by U'Bamah's side during the formalities although he disclosed nothing of substance. He was becoming adept at being furtively forthcoming, as Damon Campbell described it, a born politician. When things quieted down, U'Bamah discretely suggested that Gwendolyn accompany him back to his own estate, a gesture she politely declined saying she didn't know him well enough yet. She knew that she would have to get closer to him in order to learn his secrets, but now was not the time.
In lieu of Gwendolyn's company, U'Bamah decided on an attractive and more than willing Cheryl Layne for companionship. After a glass of champagne for Cheryl and some small talk, they repaired to Baraq's bedroom where he began slowly undressing her, savoring the feel and taste of her. He remarked at how beautiful she looked with the moonlight bathing her nude body as it shone through the French doors. He undressed himself and began to caress her gently, kissing her neck and shoulders as he did.
They moved to the bed and began to make love, gently at first and then as their passion grew, more aggressive, with Cheryl raking his back with her nails as she arched her back in passion. Baraq felt his hands closing around her throat, instinctively more than consciously, squeezing more and more tightly. She began to struggle wildly, pummeling his chest with her fists, something that only seemed to inflame his ardor. As her breathing became more difficult, her eyes opened wide in terror. She knew from the fire in U’Bamah’s eyes that she was about to die, her flailing stopped and an eerie calm came over her.
Baraq felt somehow detached from it all, as if he was standing outside himself watching. He disengaged his right hand allowing her to catch her breath, and reached to the night table where he kept a jambiya for protection. Something inside him, something foreign yet somehow familiar seemed to be driving him. It was reminiscent of one of his dreams -- then the name came... Eddie -- he had become his father at this moment. He plunged the knife into her abdomen and the mutilation began. He stabbed her again and again, bathing himself and the bed with her blood... then he had his release, the best of his entire life.
When it was over, panic began to set in but then he remembered who he was... The son of Eddie Phillips… he was the Chosen One.
U'Bamah called Hassan to come and clean up the mess. One look around 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 with her wishes. It was an unfortunate and tragic accidental drug overdose. Happens all the time -- a sad but predictable consequence of her lifestyle."
"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. “You never have to worry about such trivialities. 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 offend 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." Hassan’s prophesy weighed heavily on him, he understood his new role and much of what it entailed but he had vowed to himself to never harm the daughter of his new mentor.
"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 to make certain there were no issues with immigration authorities. 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 to 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 and then recruited. His friendship with the Doctor and his dedication to his former friend cemented his place within the group. Collins had witnessed the religious zeal with which the Councils had unleashed the viral pandemic upon the world, the vaccines bioengineered to finish the job the manufactured virus had begun. Every pandemic from the Spanish Flu of 1918 had been the work of the Councils -- influenza, polio, Ebola, and AIDs and all had gotten rich from the vaccines, all designed to make every subsequent outbreak more deadly than the last. The Doctor had protested but all of his protestations had fallen on dead ears -- there was money to be made, and lots of it. Fealty to the vision of the Ancient Ones had been usurped by rank materialism and political expediency, Collins and the Doctor both knew it. But the Doctor was dead now and 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 Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness …” and other passages to explain exactly who U'Bamah is and the prophecies 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, Leo Rosen and Father Tony began planning the broadcasts right away, not wanting to waste any more time than was absolutely necessary. They would be transmitted worldwide anonymously using the