by D A Walmsley
“What have you being told about this meeting?” asks Annas.
“Nothing Sir.”
“We usually cover how well the Army and Temple guards deal with the mass influx of so many people in such a small amount of time during the many festivals of the Jewish calender.”
“I am afraid that is above my remit Sir.”
“Of course Captain, the Governor is playing with me, for as a Union Soldier you shouldn’t even be in this part of the Temple. You wouldn’t happen to be Jewish would you?”
“No Sir.”
Annas knows all about the 31st Battalion, or as it’s more familiar, the notorious 31st . Their violent drunkenness is legendary and some say it’s understandable. They kill thousands every year and they do it using the most painful method ever invented. The 31st are in Israel for one thing only: To crucify; capital punishment Union style. It has served the Union well and kept the troublemakers to a minimum during the festivals.
“I do apologise for your inconvenience, and it would be appreciated if you were to leave via a private exit. My assistant will show you the way.”
Captain Roberto stands, nods and leaves the office.
For the Governor to send a soldier to the Temple, never mind one that has Jewish blood on his hands, sends a message Annas hears loud and clear. For years the Union has been trying to limit the number of festivals. They have used various methods, from health and safety to terrorist threats.
This must be their next play. He leans back in his chair. I am not going to be threatened, nor take offence. There must be a way I can use this to my advantage, but how?
Once Captain Roberto has been shown the private exit, Jonathan comes into the office, with the disc, plus a large pile of papers.
“You watched it?”
“Yes sir.”
“And?”
Jonathan appears hesitant.
“Spit it out man.”
“It’s not the usual nonsense is it sir?”
Nodding, Annas waves “Go on.”
“I’ve been working with you a long time now, and we’ve seen hundreds of would-be Messiahs. They range from egomaniacs, revolutionaries, and just plain psychos; most never last a month. This one is different.”
“I prefer the word dangerous.”
“Very, sir.”
First the Carpenter and now the soldier. I will not be played by anyone.
“Get me my car, I must go to the palace.”
* * *
Back at the palace, Annas has a large glass of whisky waiting for him - it’s needed! He downs it in one and his servant hands him another; this he will savour a little more.
“Caiaphas would like a moment sir,” says the servant.
Caiaphas enters, he is still in his ceremonial robes, having spent the day in the Temple.
“Thought you had run off to join Jesus of Nazareth,” says Caiaphas laughing, “I was told you had disappeared, we were all very worried.”
“Oh, I’m sure you were,” says Annas before taking a sip of whisky.
“I believe the results from the opinion poll you have conducted have arrived.”
Annas has another sip. “You’re fine, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He opens his briefcase and takes out a report, handing it to Caiaphas. Both men sit down. Caiaphas flicks through the report, reading out key results.
“Do you think Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah? Yes 5%, No 58% Don’t know 37%. Do you think that Jesus of Galilee is the Messiah? Yes 34%, No 29%, Wait and see 37%.”
As Caiaphas reads out the results Annas can sense the frustration in his son-in-laws voice.
“This is contemptible, listen to this; Do you think breaking the Sabbath law is a punishable offence? 68% agree, but in another question: Is it right for a person to be punished for breaking a religious law? No 85%. It doesn’t tell me anything that I didn’t already know. People are cretinous, they believe only what we tell them to believe.”
“Oh, give them a little more credit than that Caiaphas. Don’t forget, your last approval rating was 35%. No, the results are very illuminating. All we have to do is ask the right questions. Whatever they may be.”
Caiaphas, from his frown, doesn’t appear to agree.
“Get your Pharisees and Sadducees to concentrate on catching the Carpenter breaking the law. Healing on the Sabbath for example, and inform your priests they are to emphasise his Nazarene background. After all the Messiah can’t possibly come from Nazareth can he?”
Caiaphas puts the papers on a desk and stands. “35%, is that all their High Priest is to them,” he says shaking his head as he walks over to Annas’ drinks cabinet and pours himself a large whisky.
“Oh, Caiaphas, have faith, next time we will re-word the question and I’m sure your numbers will rise. In the meantime we need to step things up, the Pharisees have done well, but I want more.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I think it prudent we set up a task force to look into the Carpenter and this group of his. I want to know everything about them, leave no stone unturned. If Jesus works on the Sabbath I want to know about it. The second he enters Jerusalem I am to be informed. If he enters the Temple I want to know by which gate.”
Chapter 22
“We’re all going on a countrywide tour, countrywide tour, countrywide tour.”
“We’re all going on a countrywide tour, countrywide tour, countrywide tour.”
“Will you two shut up,” says Jude pushing his earphones deeper into his ears.
“Oh 2 be a, Oh 2 be a Galilean.”
“Oh 2 be a, Oh 2 be a Galilean.”
Matthew has never been one for listening to music on headphones, but he’s beginning to realise the benefits. James and John just never shut up. He looks over to Peter in the hope he will say something but Peter is in deep conversation with Jesus and doesn’t seem bothered by it. Matthew stares at John, maybe a stare will be enough to silence the pair.
“You lot are boring,” says James.
“We want our country back, we want our country back, Come on everyone, sing,” pleads John.
“We want our country back,” this they all can’t help singing, a little anyway. Even Peter and Andrew join in. Matthew too sings along, though with less enthusiasm as the others. Having worked and done very well under the Union he’s always been apathetic towards it, but knows first hand the anger and hatred others feel. Simon, who was looking bored now stands up and takes the lead, “we want our country back,” he sings, his eyes burning with passion.
Matthew, feeling eyes on him, smiles and mouths the words. He knows they still think of him as a traitor to Israel. He doesn’t want to give them any more ammunition.
Andrew, driving, begins to overtake a coach. As he pulls alongside Matthew notices James has gone quiet. Oh no he isn’t, is he? Yes he is! James pulls down his jeans and pants and moons the coach.
Matthew hides his face from the horrified looks of the old people as the minibus slowly passes.
“James, grow up!” shouts Philip.
“Come on James, what if they recognise us?” says Thomas.
“Boss, tell him to behave,” says Alphie.
Jesus has slunk down in his seat and has also covered his face. Though Matthew is sure he saw a smile. Peter appears totally oblivious to it all and continues his conversation, his arms waving as he talks.
“You lot are sooo boring, that will have made their day,” says James laughing.
“Given them all heart attacks more like,” adds Thaddy.
So it’s another day on the road, another town, another step nearer to the promised land of God’s kingdom being restored to Israel; though it’s taking a lot longer than the lads expected, Matthew included. Surely Jerusalem is there for the taking. Who can stand against the man that has power over the wind, the waves, over everything. No one can that’s who, not the High Priest, not the Governor, not the Union.
Andrew has turned off the main road and they look to be h
eading to a small village and not the city of Tiberius as Matthew had assumed. He sighs a little too loudly for Simon and Nathaniel both look in his direction. Nathaniel nods back, giving the impression that he too isn’t thrilled with the destination.
“This place is so small, I never even saw a sign?” Nathaniel sighs.
They all pile off the minibus and are shown into a house. Inside there is nowhere to sit, the place is packed. It looks like the whole village is crammed into the small house, including and to Matthews annoyance, some priests. Everywhere they go lately there are always priests present. Are they here to listen and learn or here to trap the boss into saying something blasphemous? He suspects the latter. Trying to find a seat is pointless; anyway they’ve been travelling constantly and a stretch will do him good. A place has been kept for Jesus in the centre of the open plan living area but not for the lads. This doesn’t stop Peter, James and John who push their way in.
“Come on, make room, Jesus won’t start until we’re all seated,” says Peter.
Philip, Nathaniel, Andrew, Thaddy, Jude, Alphie and Thomas all squeeze in and sit as close to Jesus as they can. Matthew and Simon stand by the door.
“I’m not sitting on the floor,” says Simon.
“Me neither.”
Matthew, still uncomfortable in crowds and confined spaces, finds it difficult to sit and listen to the boss without feeling vulnerable. He does after all still get those hateful stares and whispered curses from the Zealot.
As word spreads that the Miracle Man is here, more and more people turn up.
“Don’t let anymore in. We are so squashed it’s like Peter’s family at a free buffet,” shouts James through the mass of people to Matthew and Simon. He says something else, but is drowned out.
Matthew tries to shut the door, but people refuse to move, desperate to see and hear Jesus.
More and more are still arriving. Where on earth are they coming from? This wasn’t even meant to be a publicised visit.
“It’s too full, move along,” says Simon to a bunch of young lads.
“Or what?” says one.
“Or he carves his initials on your forehead,” says Matthew, waiting to see if the young man recognises the Zealot.
“You don’t understand, we have to get in.”
“Look, there’s no room, maybe you could wait until Jesus leaves, he may have time for you later?” Simon suggests.
“That’s no good, my friend needs to see Jesus now!”
Matthew looks round wondering which of them is in such need.
“He’s in the car, he can’t walk.”
“Then he’d better stay where he is and wait,” says Matthew.
“We’ll let Jesus know, that’s the best we can do,” says Simon sympathetically.
Matthew waves in the direction of Jesus and the others in the hope of catching their attention and Simon even tries ringing the mobiles of Jude, then Nathaniel and finally Thaddy. He shakes his head.
“Now what are they up to?” asks Matthew.
The young men have gone back to the car and are helping their friend into a wheelchair. Matthew and Simon go to stop them.
“We are gonna see if there is another way in,” says one of the young men.
“I have to say it, they’re determined, I’ll give them that,” Simon says to Matthew.
Matthew nods. “Oh what the hell, we might as well help.”
They follow the lads around the back of the house and find a single story extension with a back door. One of them checks the door.
“It’s locked,” he says.
Matthew shakes his head, health and safety doesn’t seem to have been a concern does it? His company had hundreds of forms to fill out, and that was just to operate the kettle!
“Oh well, you gave it a try, come on back to the front,”he says.
What about that window?” asks one of the young men.
“Oh yeah” says another, climbing up a drain pipe and onto the flat roof of the extension. From there he climbs up the sloping house roof to an open window and peers in.
“What’s he gonna do, climb in and go and unlock the back door?” asks Simon.
“Hopefully,” says the young man in the wheelchair.
The lad on the roof puts his thumb up, but instead of climbing in, comes back down and studies the house, moving back for a better look.
“Well?” asks Matthew, getting impatient.
“That wasn’t a bedroom, I saw everybody down there.” He looks at the friend in the wheelchair, “I saw Jesus.”
They all look up, searching for another way in. There doesn’t appear to be any.
“Look, we are in Jesus’ team, come wait with us, I’m sure he won’t be that long. Peter is sure to be getting hungry by now anyway,” says Simon.
A tear runs down the face of the lad in the wheelchair and a friend wipes it away for him.
“So, what is wrong with you?” Matthew asks.
“I don’t know, nobody knows, I’m just getting slowly worse. I don’t have any movement in my arms or legs.”
“We want your Jesus to heal him.”
“I’m scared that I will lose my voice soon too.”
Matthew looks at Simon, not with suspicion but quizzically.
“You know we might be able to help, we’ve healed people before.”
“Sure, we could do that.”
Matthew bends down and is just about to speak when there is a intake of breath from the others.
“What is it?”
“You’ve got a gun!”
“You’re the Collector? This won’t work, I want to see Jesus.”
Matthew’s gun on his belt is showing. He stands, covering it with his shirt.
“Don’t you do anything either,” the lads tell Simon.
“Nice one Collector,” says Simon.
“Hey, I need this for protection, from you and your kind.”
“My kind? You mean true patriots. You, you’re a traitor. The less of your kind the better.”
“Er, hello, you helping or fighting? shouts the lad who has gone back up to the roof.
Matthew takes a deep breath, he can feel himself shaking and he never shakes. He puts his hands up stepping away. “Fine, now what do you suggest.”
“The window is open and it’s big enough for him and the wheelchair to go through and to lower him down. We need to get him up here,” says the young lad on the roof.
“What! That’s impossible,” says Simon.
“We do have rope in the bus,” offers Matthew.
Simon stares at him.
Matthew too thinks it’s useless, but he feels the lads desperation and urgency and he would rather be doing something than standing here with the Zealot.
“Great, we’ve got some too, maybe it could work,” says a lad turning and running to the front of the house.
The bus was left unlocked as the side door is broken and Matthew quickly fetches a long line of tow rope.
“Why do we have that?” asks Simon.
“Andrew thinks it may be needed one day, especially if James and John get hold of the keys.”
“Great, but that’s only two ropes and we need four if you don’t want him to fall out,” says Simon
“Looks like we messed up the healing, I’ll try anything now,” replies Matthew.
“We messed up?…fine but, we had better make sure it works, or there is gonna be one hell of a mess.”
The lads measure out both ropes, then secure one around both handles at the front. One rope, two anchor points, perfect. They do the same with the other rope this time fastening it to the front wheels.
“You will go down at an angle but it should work,” says one lad to his friend.
Matthew and Simon insist on taking a line of rope each, being bigger and stronger than the young lads. They and two of the lads climb up onto the roof of the extension.
“First job is seeing if we can pull him up here,” says Matthew.
With one o
f the lads staying to help on the ground, Matthew and the other pull as hard as they can.
It’s a lot easier than Matthew expected, or maybe he’s just stronger than he thought.
“Now what,” says Simon looking at the sloping roof.
“Now two pull and two push,” say the lads, climbing up from the ground.
“Trust us to find the only sloping roof in the country?” says Simon as he and Matthew pull the wheelchair up the roof.
Once at the window they rest and get into position. Simon peers down into the room below.
“Yo Boss!” he shouts.
Everybody looks up in surprise and Simon waves, “Incoming,” he says.
“Why are you up there Zealot?” shouts Nathaniel.
“What are you doing?” James shouts.
The weight puts a strain on Matthew’s arms, “hurry up.”
“Boss we are sending someone down to you,” says Simon.
“Quickly,” shouts one of the lads.
“There may not be enough rope, some of you may need to help this lad down the last bit.”
With that Simon grabs his rope and braces himself on the window frame. The others all grip their ropes equally tight.
“Take the strain, now push him over the edge, gently,” says Simon.
One of the lads not holding a rope inches the chair over. “Now,” he yells.
Matthew shoulders jerk as the chair is now in the air. Quickly as they can they lower it down, his hands burning.
“Go, go, go,” yells one of the lads wincing in pain.
Matthew is working so hard not to let go that he isn’t looking down when the rope goes light.
“We got him, we got him,” shouts Peter.
Breathing heavily Matthew, Simon and the lads all relax, their hands red raw.
“It was all their idea, we just gave then a bit of muscle,” Simon shouts down in between breaths.
All five on the roof look down into the room, waiting to see what Jesus will do.
“You and your friends really do believe I can heal you, is that right?” Jesus asks.
“Yes, we do.”
“And you also have guilt because of your sins?”
“Yes I do, Jesus.”