Mumbo Jumbo

The New York Sun’s management team is debating what they can do to help eradicate Jes Grew, which is now in Chicago. The managing editor then notices a massive headline error in that day’s newspaper, thousands of copies of which are already in circulation. A low-level employee tells the managing editor that Von Vampton is to blame for the error.

The managing editor explains to Von Vampton why he is fired. Despite a direct order from the Occupation Forces that no news should be reported of the Haitian invasion, Von Vampton has published a headline that reads, “VooDoo Generals Surround Marines at Port-au-Prince.” Von Vampton launches into a profanity-laden tirade, lambasting the managing editor and the newspaper as slob-like. The editor explains that they had direct orders about not publishing such content and that “Americans will not tolerate wars that can’t be explained in simple terms of economics or the White man’s destiny” (58).

Von Vampton sees that the editor is wearing cuff links featuring the Knights Templar cross. He grows enraged that the manager is desecrating the uniform and attempts to stab him with a dagger. Von Vampton is restrained, and the manager screams that he needs to leave the building before the police are called. In the street, newspaper boys shout out Von Vampton’s headline.

Von Vampton knows that his ancient Atonist employers, the Knights Templar, will give him a job. They will need his services because of the Jes Grew outbreak. He will also have bargaining leverage with them because of the Haitian headline that he released.

The chapter suddenly shifts to a block quote regarding the beauty and importance of dancing. Following this quote is a photograph of two stage performers—seemingly dancers—dressed in ruffled gowns and showcasing the American flag.

The narrative shifts back to Von Vampton, who is attending a lecture at the Knights Templar building. The members celebrate Von Vampton and invite him to sit on stage during a lecture about the Knights’ accomplishments.

In the morning, Von Vampton is kidnapped at gunpoint. This is followed by a description of the Wallflower Order’s headquarters, which is built of plastic and “nothing to remind you of the Human Seed” (62).

Because of the Jes Grew outbreak, the Wallflower Order headquarters is abuzz. The activity at the headquarters is also geared toward stopping the Mu’tafikah from continuing its raids at the Centers for Art Detention. Hierophant 1 oversees operations.

In response to Van Vampton’s headline, New York is now taking great interest in Haitian culture. The libraries can’t keep books about Haiti on the shelves. New Yorkers are dressing in tropical attire and speaking Creole. Haiti is strongly resisting the war against it, which was started by the Wallflower Order to destroy Jes Grew at its supposed source. The Wallflower Order understands that it “must get [its] hands on Jes Grew’s hunger” (64). By finding and destroying Jes Grew’s sacred text, they could end the outbreaks permanently.

Von Vampton is taken to the headquarters. He sees maps charting Jes Grew’s path and is brought before Hierophant 1, who accuses him of having what Jes Grew seeks. The Hierophant implores Von Vampton to give the location of Jes Grew’s sacred text. Otherwise, he will kill him. Von Vampton insists that he doesn’t have access to it. They discuss the long history of the conflict between them, dating back to the 14th century. After much pleading, Von Vampton tells the Hierophant that the text is in the possession of 14 members of the Jes Grew Kathedral. Parts of the text are spread throughout the country, and Von Vampton is the only one who can “call it in and anthologize it” (69). Von Vampton agrees to help the Hierophant, but on the condition that his Order is put in charge of both the first and second phases of the operation. The Hierophant agrees to put Von Vampton in charge of the anti-Jes Grew Serum. Von Vampton agrees to burn the text and create the Talking Android. Von Vampton says he will accomplish this in six months or else poison himself. The Hierophant tells Von Vampton that if he succeeds, he will put him charge of the next crusade, World War II.

Von Vampton arrives for his first assignment. He travels by submarine to his new seaside home and has dinner with this new staff. In the morning he phones Hubert “Safecracker” Gould, who is an expert in “racial education” and a silent partner in a sweatshop for Black musicians. Von Vampton explains that they are now in charge of handling Jes Grew.

Along with his chauffer, a well-dressed Von Vampton arrives at the offices of the New York Sun. The editor-in-chief greets him warmly. However, his former boss, the managing editor, is bewildered by this appearance and resigns that night.

A description is provided of Von Vampton’s new magazine, The Benign Monster. It publishes an article by Adolf Hitler about the future of Germany. Another section contains a graphic photograph of a lynching. They celebrate news that their magazine was banned in Boston. Von Vampton realizes his magazine will gain greater legitimacy if it incorporates a Black viewpoint.

At the offices of the New York Tribune, Woodrow Wilson Jefferson “stands in the middle of the room barefoot, his bags dropping chicken feathers” (75). He has told the staff that he wants to meet Marx and Engels, and they are laughing at him. He leaves. Back on the street, he sees a window sign that says, “Negro Viewpoint Wanted.” He goes inside, and Von Vampton greets him. Upon learning that W.W. has read Marx and Engels extensively, Von Vampton considers him a perfect candidate and hires him.

The narrative suddenly shifts to a situation report about how Creole bands are concealing Jes Grew. This report is followed by a photograph of dancing Black women.

Von Vampton continues his search for the right Talking Android candidate. In this search, he disguises himself as a patron of Black arts. He thinks that W.W. could be a good candidate if he wasn’t so taken by Marx and Engels. He suggests that W.W. incorporate more salacious material into his column rather than focusing on scholarly issues related to Eurocentric philosophy. They discuss Abdul Hamid, and Von Vampton wants to include an article by him in the magazine. W.W. warns Von Vampton that Abdul is a little off. When Von Vampton inquires further, W.W. explains that Abdul claims to be compiling an anthology relating to Jes Grew. Abdul has said that the text is written in hieroglyphics and that there are 14 other people being paid by a white man to keep the anthology circulating. However, for some reason one of them turned it over to Abdul. At this news, Von Vampton begins gasping for air. He attempts to change the subject to President Harding. When W.W. tells him that Harding was hamming it up at a Black party, Von Vampton faints.