The Night Gods III (Sequel): Chapter 10 - The Loveboat

in Deep Dives3 years ago
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Love was in the air, Ann and Przybysz' mutual respect and admiration was blossoming into a genuine love affair, much to Anica's delight. She was a testament to the indominability of the human spirit, the power of love transcends any crisis, no matter how profound. What had begun as a friendship had moved to the next level. In the flight to Catania, Przybysz had time to reflect on his good fortune... not only in terms of his wealth, but his relationship with Ann and the ease with which they were now able to travel. It was apparent that, as always, the elites hadn't been at all disadvantaged by the war and now that he was one of them, he silently vowed to use it to the advantage of the resistance. The UN occupation was only for the masses. Collins had made arrangements for a large yacht, one fit for an Arab prince as it turned out.  They would sail up and down the Adriatic coast stopping briefly in Le Marche.


The yacht was huge and came complete with a captain, two deckhands and a cook, a very attractive woman, tall for a Sicilian with jet-black hair and flashing hazel eyes. After they had gotten underway, the captain knocked at Przybysz and Ann's cabin door...


"Good morning, Mr. Przybysz," he said with a grin, in perfect English. "My name is Antonio, I've been looking forward to meeting you in person."


"Father Tony?" Przybysz asked incredulously.


"That's right," the captain smiled. "That's what they call me here, just Tony will do. I grew up in the states. By the way, your Mr. Collins is a most resourceful man."


"And the cook?" Przybysz inquired.


"Alessandra," Father Tony replied, "the deckhands are also with the resistance. Alex's brother Gerolamo is running things while we're on vacation, so to speak."


"She's beautiful," Ann observed.


"Yes," Father Tony laughed dryly, "beautiful and deadly. The UN troops captured her husband and tortured him to death, she hates them with a passion. By the way, I wanted to thank you for the money you sent, we're very poor here and it was most helpful."


"You're more than welcome," Przybysz said sincerely. "If you need anything else, just let me know."


"Do you still say Mass, Father?" Ann asked.


"Every day," the priest replied. "Would you like one?"


"I'd like a Baptism Mass for our daughter Anica, Father," Ann said solemnly.


"It would be my honor," Father Tony said, "just tell me when."


"The sooner the better," Ann replied. She told the priest Anica's sad story, and how her sister had been murdered by Denning in one of his perverse encounters.


"I'll include her sister in my prayers," he said.


"Thank you Father, that will make Anica very happy," Ann smiled. She could tell he was one of the few real priests left, not one of the Vatican II religious shills. "It's comforting to meet the real thing."


"Let me get Alex," Father Tony said. "You need to meet her. Her English is pretty good, but I'll translate if necessary."


"Speaking of English, Father," Yuri said, "your's is very good."


"I was raised in America," the priest replied. "I served in the Army there, 82nd Airborne. I became a priest afterward."


"We have something for you," Przybysz said, "from Fawkes."


"It will be most welcome," Father Tony said gratefully. "As I said, the people here are very poor. Most of the guns and ammunition we have to steal from the UN forces. A lot of our funds go for basics -- food, medicine, things like that"


When Alessandra joined them, Father Tony made the introductions.


"We have a message from Fawkes as well," Yuri told them. "China is lost for now, she advises to back off for a bit to see what the UN is going to do."


"But we must continue the fight," Alessandra said, eyes flashing. "If we back off it will look like a sign of weakness, they will use it against us."


"I think what Fawkes means," Przybysz broke in, "is to take a defensive posture, just back off on the attacks for a while, long enough to see what they're going to do."


Alessandra's displeasure showed in her face. Father Tony tried to mollify her...


"We're not giving up Alex," he said, "just take a wait and see stance to see what they're going to do about China. The election is coming up and we need to watch, it's only temporary."


China was the topic of discussion in Geneva as well. Oliveira was meeting with Chancellor Behrmann.


"I've heard from Zhao," Oliveira told the Chancellor. "He's coming for a summit. He assures me now that Gao is gone, everything is under control."


"But what of the tongs...?" Behrmann asked suspiciously. “Zhao backed the Councils with making the virus and starting the war against the Americans. Surely the tongs lost millions in their drug and human trafficking trade, not to mention the legitimate businesses -- those guys have their fingers in everything that goes on in China.


"Who do you think killed Gao?" Oliveira smiled. "The tongs are smart. They always back both sides in a fight. And it’s usually one that they start themselves. They always have, all they care about is business. In that respect they're much like the Councils -- if we don't interfere, the Chinese will vote the way the tongs tell them."


"So, this is about the election," Behrmann mused.


"It's always about the election," Oliveira smiled widely.


"The Councils pick the winners, not the voters," Behrmann replied, "without their backing, you can forget it."


"But if we can bring the Chinese into the fold without violence, the Councils will be pleased and that means victory in the election," Oliveira informed the Chancellor. "Zhao is due any time now, my assistant is at the airport to meet him."


Asea in the Adriatic, Vanessa, Ann and Anica were sunning themselves on the deck of the yacht. The sound of the waves against the hull was relaxing. Vanessa bought Anica a bikini, much to Ann's dismay and Anica was enjoying herself teasing the deckhands. She was becoming a beauty and at 15 her interests were turning toward the opposite sex.


"How beautiful everything is," Ann remarked. "The sun, the sea, the scenery, it almost looks like the world's back to normal from here."


"It's a pity we're not going to Croatia, there are some beautiful resorts there, or Montenegro," Vanessa mused.


"No Croatia," Anica jumped up with an alarmed look.


"No dear," Ann soothed her. "We're not going there. Vanessa was just saying how beautiful it is now."


"Yes," Anica said, "beautiful now, but not for me."


"Well," Vanessa said, "maybe the world will be back to normal soon enough. I pray it is anyway."


"I think that boy likes me," Anica observed, her attention away from her former home. She nodded in the direction of one of the deckhands loitering nearby.


"Forget about the boy," Ann admonished her. "He's not a boy, Anica, he's a grown man and if your father sees him, he'll be swimming home. Besides, you're getting baptised today, you need to think about that, not boys."


Below Przybysz, Father Tony, Yuri and Alessandra had opened the suitcase, there was cash and a letter from Fawkes instructing the patriots to use the money less for arms and more to provide food for the people of Sicily. It said with the election coming up that Oliveira would likely back off himself and not provoke things until afterward. Yuri confirmed what Fawkes' letter said:

 

"Moscow says the same thing, that what happened in China would likely be used as a call to cease hostilities- at least in the short term. My intel says that Zhao is enroute to Geneva to meet with Oliveira."


"But we must continue to fight," Alessandra said. "It will look like we gave up."


"There are more than one way to fight, Alex," Father Tony told her.


“He's right, Alessandra," Przybysz said. "We can use this time to regroup and plan worldwide. This is getting bigger now- not groups of nations, but a group of nations united against a common enemy. We mustn't give up on China. Gao may be gone, but someone will step up to replace him."


"We can use the election to our advantage, to lull the enemy into a false sense of complacency and watch what happens," Father Tony said, placing his hand on Alessandra's shoulder. "If the winds of change blow in an ugly direction, we can strike."


"Is there anyone in China we can trust?" Alessandra asked.


"Not at the moment," Yuri replied, "the Chinese are a funny sort. Gao was a good man, trustworthy, a real patriot, but like Prz said, someone will step up."


"I'm going to call my people in the US and have Bret Shoemaker broadcast a 'message of peace'. We haven't intercepted one of Oliveira's addresses in a while now," Przybysz said with a smile. "Let's leave the next move up to Oliveira. The broadcast will confuse him at the very least."


"If I know Behrmann, he's not going to like it," Yuri put in. "That Nazi prick. His idea of diplomacy is a boot on your neck and a gun to your head."


"Once we hear the campaign rhetoric, we'll know what direction to take, not that any of them ever tell the truth," Przybysz said. "I'm interested to see who the Council chooses to run against Oliveira, that's going to tell us a lot."


"Well, it may be the 'mystery man,' U'Bamah," Yuri replied. "That would tell us all we need to know. Anyway, I'm going on deck to join the women. This is your honeymoon Prz, I suggest you join me before your bride starts feeling neglected."


"Well, well, well," Vanessa smiled when they got on deck, "all done plotting the demise of the Evil Empire?"


"Maybe," Yuri laughed, "how about some wine?"


"Prz dear," Ann intoned, "you might have a word with your daughter, she's teasing the deckhands."


"I didn't do anything," Anica said innocently, rolling onto her back.


"Oh God," Przybysz said with an exasperated look. "What have I gotten myself into?"


Platform of Peace


Lord Penrose's Geneva estate, the home of many sadistic rituals, was also the meeting place of the Council leadership on this occasion. A mere formality at this point, the meeting was held to ratify the Council's choice to replace Oliveira as world president. Baraq Hammad U'Bamah running on a platform of peace would usher in a new age -- an age of total control. Oliveira had served his purpose, to create turmoil and dissension. Now it was time for peace, a peace that would be embraced by all. In addition to Penrose, the meeting was attended by Beck, the presiding body of the World Councils and, of course, U'Bamah himself. Conspicuous in his absence was Oliveira, who, not being one of the elites, wasn't welcome at these gatherings.


"It is time now for our plan to come to fruition," Penrose began. "I'm sure everyone here knows one another by now. All of our work has finally culminated in this one magnificent moment. Before introducing the Chosen One, Mr. Beck has something to say."


"I will meet with Oliveira soon and inform him of our plans," he said. "He won't like it, but he'll have to accept our decision or face the consequences." There was polite laughter throughout the room. "We have waited many years and been through many travails, but now our plans are complete. A new age is dawning -- an age where the Son of Chaos will come into his own and reign supreme." The last statement was met with thunderous applause.


Lord Penrose introduced U'Bamah who, after thanking the members of the gathering addressed them in almost perfect English. Hassan's tutoring was paying off and would translate into political capital in the future.


"My friends," he began, "it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to unveil my plan, a plan for peace, a plan for total domination. With your help we will rule this world, forever and forever." When the tumultuous applause died down, U' Bamah spoke at length about the election and his plan for "healing," that would result in voluntary enslavement, a new world order -- a new world religion with him at the helm, not only as guide but as God.


In another part of Geneva a desperate Oliveira was meeting with his Chancellor to discuss the plan for the election. At this juncture the lessening of hostilities by the resistance was working against them. The particular brilliance of the resistance's plan was that the behavior of the UN troops remained unchanged, this made Oliveira and his Chancellor look very bad. With the exception of the New Oathkeepers the brutality and rapine continued making Oliveira's peace overtures fall on deaf ears. This was the topic of the meeting...


"Behrmann," Oliveira shouted, "I want it stopped, immediately. How can I win an election under these conditions?"


"I can't control these people," Behrmann protested, "most of them are thugs conscripted from third world countries for just that purpose -- they're animals for God's sake."


"But how can I promise peace when your goons are terrorizing the countryside?" Oliveira pleaded. "Now that China has settled down and the rebels are backing off..."


"What did Zhao say at your meeting?" Behrmann asked.


"That the tongs will keep China quiet," Oliveira assured him, "at least until after the election."


"Then what's the problem?" Behrmann wanted to know.


"You Behrmann," Oliveira spat. "You're the problem. Your inability to control your people. I'm not going to lose this election because of you."


"Who's running against you?" Behrmann asked.


"Some Palestinian I heard," Oliveira replied. "He hasn't announced yet, but Beck told me. Look Behrmann, like I said, you're not going to lose this election for me, and if I have to replace you I will. This Palestinian will announce soon and I want this shit stopped before he does. You've got a week and then you're finished."


"Don't you think you'd better check with your masters?" Behrmann asked sarcastically.


"One week." Oliveira said, opening the door.


As things turned out, Oliveira didn't have a week. U’ Bamah was ready to announce and the election rhetoric was about to heat up. When push came to shove, Oliveira had no substantive record to run on, only more than three years of turmoil. His opponent, in addition to having the support of the Councils, was charming, attractive and unknown. To make matters worse for Oliveira, he got a visit from Thomas Beck...


"Mr. President," Beck smiled, "good to see you again."


"Mr. Beck," Oliveira replied, desperation in his voice, "I need your help..."


Beck cut him off with a laugh- it was short and dry. "Oliveira, let me get right to the point, it's over. Let me save you a lot of begging, bowing and scraping."


"But I..." Oliveira started but Beck cut him off again.


"You served a purpose," Beck told him, "we all serve a purpose -- we serve the same masters. You did your job, a very good job for that matter. You were the right man at the right time. Now that time is over."


"It's Behrmann," Oliveira sensed where this was going -- he was grasping at straws, trying desperately to save his presidency.


"Stop Oliveira, you're embarrassing yourself," Beck said with a sympathetic edge to his voice. "This isn't about you, or Behrmann, or anybody else. You were a good wartime president. You did a good job, if that makes you feel any better, you were a wartime president, but now it's time for peace."


"So there's no chance," Oliveira said, voice trailing off. "There's nothing I can do, nothing the Council can do?"


"Oliveira," Beck put his hand on the other man's shoulder in a friendly gesture, "you were the right man for the time, like I said before. Now we need peace and the Councils have selected a new man- U' Bamah. Of course, you'll fight a good election campaign."


"You mean Lord Penrose selected," Oliveira intoned bitterly.


"Don't take it so hard," Beck said. "It's not about politics, it's about a new worldview. Of course there will be a place for you in the new administration."


"Like what, dogcatcher?" Oliveira looked as if he was going to cry.


Beck laughed: "Maybe Chancellor, or another prominent cabinet post. Perhaps the Minister of Information, I don't know. It's up to you if you want to play ball."


"You mean they're not going to just dump me by the wayside?" Oliveira wondered aloud.


"That of course is up to you," Beck smiled, "you've been a loyal man and your loyalty won't go unrewarded."


"But what about Behrmann?" Oliveira asked. "He won't like it if I'm made Chancellor."


"Behrmann's out," Beck told him, "he was the right man at the time too, but he doesn't fit in the new plan. Let's face it, the guy's a fucking Nazi," Beck laughed.


"He won't go away quietly," Oliveira observed.


"Then maybe he'll just go away," Beck replied cryptically. "Don't worry about Behrmann, just worry about running a good election campaign."


"Of course," Oliveira said sincerely, "and thank you Mr. Beck, thank you very much."


"We always reward loyalty," Beck replied. "I'll inform His Lordship you're on board."


"Yes and tell His Lordship that if I may be of any other service..." Oliveira smiled.


"I will indeed," Beck said heading for the door. "I have to run, good luck with the election," he smiled.


U' Bamah's first speech was broadcast worldwide as was Oliveira's. Oliveira's speech was predictable- peace through strength- it was just more of the same. U' Bamah took a much different tack, his natural good looks made it an easy sell.


"My name is Baraq U' Bamah, you don't know me, but I feel like I know you all. I'm one of you. I've never been in politics before, I've never even run for office. The reason I'm running now is because we need a change -- a new worldview. I don't want to focus on the failures of the past, I want to focus on the opportunities of the future. President Oliveira did a fine job after inheriting an impossible situation, but now it's time for peace. It's time to heal -- heal from all of the pain and hatreds of the past."


After a brief applause in the studio he went on:


"This is no longer about politics and the things that divide us. This is about the things that unite us, unite us in our humanity. This is about destiny, the destiny of the whole planet. This election is about direction, what direction we will take as a global family. It's up to all of us to put away the animosities that have divided us for so long. I have a vision, a vision of a world united in peace. Not only do I have a vision, I have a plan, a plan to unite us in peace, but I need your help. I need your faith. There are so many things we can accomplish together, but I can't do it without your help."


U'Bamah's good looks and youthful exuberance made him an instant hit with New Hollywood. He looked like someone out of central casting. New Hollywood jumped immediately on the bandwagon. Almost every actor and actress began to campaign on his behalf, falling over one another to have their picture taken with him. U'Bamah was an overnight sensation on the strength of his appearance alone. Oliveira was an all but forgotten man.




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