ACT I

5. EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE - MID MORNING

A ruggedly handsome man with thick brown wavy hair and dark eyes stands at the entrance, a bandana on his forehead. He is peering out over the rocky terrain.

A tall man approaches him from inside the cave. He is examining a sword.

Work is coming along. The weapons look good.

He looks up as his companion takes a step forward. His attention is drawn to the approaching strangers.

You said this place was a secret. How'd they find us?

Those two have to be Xena and her companion, Gabrielle. Eve told me they'd be coming.

Just what we need, Barabbas. More mouths to feed.

I've heard of this, Xena, Lucien. She is warrior and a legend.

And I have heard that she is dead.

It's not bad enough that we have to train a bunch of weak Elijians to become fighters, now we must contend with a dead legend.

Barabbas laughs as Xena and Gabrielle approach.

Lucien glares at them, a red glint in his eyes. He turns his back and enters the cave.

Barabbas steps toward Xena as she dismounts.

Welcome, Xena. My name is Barabbas. Eve told me you were coming.

He extends a hand. Xena glares down at it then looks up at him.

With an uncomfortable smile, he lowers his hand.

Where is she?

She's gone into the city with a couple of my men.

To do what?

Barabbas looks over at Gabrielle.

Come. Join me inside. I'll explain.

CUT TO:

6. EXT. RIVER - MID MORNING

Eve, dressed in the traditional long woven cloth worn by the women of Judea, and two men accompanying her stand several yards from a river. Jacob is tall and lean, barely in his mid twenties, the other, Joshua, is a bit heavy, with a salt and pepper beard.

In the river, a man, lean with tanned skin and long, curly, unruly hair and wearing animal skins stands knee deep in the water. In his right hand he holds a wooden staff. His left hand is extended to the crowd that has gathered to hear his words.

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Joshua, who is that man?

That is the Baptist...

The Baptist?

Yes. He preaches about peace. Repenting of sins. Making way for the coming of God... It is said, he is telling everyone the Messiah is coming.

Messiah?

Yes, the anointed one. He will free our people from the tyranny of our oppressors.

... And we all know who that is, don't we Jacob?

Barabbas, of course! He'll lead an army against the Romans and bring us to freedom!

To do that, he's going to need good men, trained in battle...

Isn't that why you sent for Xena and Gabrielle? Between the three of you, I'm sure you can whip us into shape.

We'll do our best to train you. But it's going to be hard work. Don't think that we'll be easy on you.

We don't expect you to be. We want to be free of our oppressors and we're willing to do whatever it takes, Eve.

We'll see...

Eve's eyes scour the area. She catches a glimpse along the ridge of men dressed in religious robes of black and wearing dark hats. She also spots several Roman soldiers. She nods in their direction.

The Romans seem to be a little nervous about this man.

Eve notices the men in robes looking down and watching. She nods in their direction.

Who are they? Those men in the dark robes?

Members of the Sanhedrin. They are not pleased with what he's telling the people.

Why not?

He criticizes Herod... The puppet of Rome.

An adulterer...

They fear he is an insurrectionist. Preaching news of a coming Messiah...

Has he named Barabbas as the Messiah?

No. But who else could it be?

CUT TO:

The man in the river steps forward and points his staff up at the men in black.

Oh, generation of vipers!
Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

CUT TO:

The Roman soldiers look toward the members of the Sanhedrin, then down to the man in the river.

A member of the Sanhedrin steps forward and raises his voice to be heard.

Who are you?

If you are asking if I am Him of who the scriptures foretell, then the answer is no.

What then? Are you Elijah? Are you that prophet?

No. I am not.

Who then, that we may give an answer to those who have sent us.

Tell them that I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness; come before He of whom the scriptures foretell, that I may prepare the way of the Lord.

The man shakes his head in disgust and waves his hand dismissively. He turns his back and walks away, followed by the others. They talk among themselves as they walk away.

I say to you, prepare you the way of the Lord, and make His paths straight.

I say to you, cleanse the Temple and make the way pure, or the wrath of God shall be upon you!

CUT TO:

Joshua turns away from watching the Baptist and places a hand on Eve's elbow.

Come on. We've still got to get to Jerusalem. We've got a lot of work cut out for us before sundown.

I've got to give him credit, considering the Roman soldiers are watching him.

He is already a marked man.

No more marked by the Romans than the followers of Eli. Trust me.

CUT TO:

7. INT. BARABBAS' CAVE - MID MORNING

In the background, we see men working over at a forge. Others are taking smoldering kettles of metals and pouring them into molds.

Barabbas is showing Xena and Gabrielle around the interior of the cave.

It is sectioned off into various areas. Sleeping quarters, eating area, armory and work area.

Several men are forging weapons, hammering them out over anvils, while others take them and cool them down in a nearby pool of water.

Women and children are in the eating area preparing food.

Eve and I seem to have the same goals, to rid the land of our persecutors. She brought many people here. People she calls Elijians. They seem to be a peaceful lot, but with fire in their heart.

I have men who need training. She has sheep who need training. For refuge here, she's promised to whip them into shape.

I might be talking out of turn, as I'm sure Eve wanted to talk to you. But I am hoping that you both will help.

I see. So that's why she's asked us to meet her here... to help you train your people...

Yes, I'm afraid so.

On those words, Xena's brow raises and she glares at Barabbas.

Xena... Gabrielle... we need your help. We're not asking you to get involved... just teach us how to fight and defend ourselves and our homes...

Gabrielle looks up at Xena, who is not saying anything.

How many men do you have?

Not many. But our numbers are growing. We have men in the city and others coming to join us almost daily. My people need a leader...

Xena is watching the men as they take the hot molded weapons and cool them in a pool of water that's been created by the water running down the cave wall. She turns to Barabbas.

And you've elected yourself.

As a leader, you've got a lot to learn. For one thing - I notice that pool of water is flowing out of the cave. If the run off feeds a stream that eventually ends up in a well... the residue from your forges will eventually seep into the drinking water... and it's bound to be recognized for what it is.

You have a better idea?

Fill buckets. Use the buckets to cool the forged weapons down. When the water can't be used any longer, throw it out onto the sand.

Barabbas nods.

Sounds good. I'll have Lucien handle it.

You said you'd explain why Eve isn't here. I think I've been patient long enough.

Ah yes... Eve...

We need to smuggle weapons into the city. Now is a good time as the city will have many travelers from all over Judea for Pesah.

She suggested going into the city. Something about knowing the layout... how many Romans are stationed and where...

What is Pesah?

Barabbas sits squarely in a rickety chair. Xena and Gabrielle take seats opposite him.

It is my people's greatest religious festival. People will be flocking to the Temple from all over Judea.

And you think you can smuggle weapons to your underground?

Yes. I'm hoping to do exactly that. Actually, I was thinking of smuggling them in with a delivery. Have them buried deep inside sacks of grain. Others can be placed in a false bottom of an animal pen... several sheep herders have offered us sheep to bring to the Temple to be sold as sacrifices to God.

Pesah is a time of celebrating our freedom from bondage from the Egyptians, by Moses. We're hoping to do the same, and free ourselves from the bondage of Rome.

On our way here, we got close enough to the city to see that the Romans have guards at the gates. They seem to be searching everyone who enters. If you plan on bringing weapons in...

Xena looks around. There are several large sacks piled in the corner of the makeshift kitchen.

Barabbas looks at her.

What?

You'll never make it out alive. The Romans will cut you down before you can escape.

Sometimes freedom comes with a price, Xena. Of all people, you should know that.

I do. I wanted to make sure YOU do.

CUT TO:

8. EXT. CROWDED HILLSIDE - MID AFTERNOON

Eve and her men approach a large number of people, from various walks of life, walking toward the hills. A large crowd has already gathered and more are coming.

In the distance, a tall bearded man, with long brown hair, is sitting on a large boulder.

On his lap sits a small child.

The attention of everyone gathered there, is on him. He is talking, but Eve and the men are still too far away to hear him.

Eve however, seems to be drawn to him. She walks closer. As she does, his blue eyes meet hers. She is mesmerized.

A man calls out to him.

How do we pray, rabbi? Can you tell us?

God hears your heart. He knows your wants and needs even before you speak. But if you need words, then use these when you wish to speak with the Father...

The child looks up at the rabbi and smiles.

Our Father who art in heaven...
Hallowed be thy name...
Thy Kingdom come...
Thy will be done...

Joshua takes Eve's elbow and gives a gentle tug.

We waste time here.

Wait. Listen to his words...

We don't have time, now come on.

Eve is led away reluctantly.

CUT TO:

9. HELL - TIMELESS

Lucifer gazes into the bubbling cauldron, his taloned fingers waving in an expression of satisfaction. He turns to the hanging Michael with a sneer of confidence on his grotesquely horned face.

It is no wonder these mortals can be so easily manipulated by their petty little gods. Look how easily I can manipulate them simply by planting the seed of doubt... or fear... into their simple minds.

And your own arrogance, Lucifer, has made you just as petty as their little toy gods... But you know as well as I that there is only one.

That is where you are wrong, Michael. He may be a God in his kingdom... but down here...

I am my own god and in this war of good over evil, I will triumph! For they are weak willed little creatures so easily manipulated!

My plan is working and I will get my revenge!

Michael, even though obviously in pain, smiles.

AND how do you know this is all your doing, my fallen brother?

Lucifer's leather wings flap angrily and carry him up to where Michael hangs from red hot chains that have seared into his flesh. With his claw-like hand, Lucifer runs his nails down deeply into Michael's chest.

Michael screams out in pain.

Lucifer pushes his face into Michael's. His breath is hot and reeks of sulfur. He hisses.

The plan is mine and my revenge is going to be sweet!

CUT TO:

10. JERUSALEM - LATE DAY

Eve, Joshua and Jacob are walking the city pretending to be interested in the wares being sold in the various market stalls, but their eyes survey the layout carefully.

Eve takes mental note of the number of Roman soldiers posted at various positions throughout the city and atop the wall surrounding it. At each gate entrance into the city there are posted several Roman guards. One pulls open the gate, two search those entering for weapons.

As they walk through the crowds, the sun sets lower in the sky.

Joshua and Jacob take her through the areas of importance and she takes mental note of the number of barracks, the location of the procurator's residence, the Synagogue of Freedmen and finally the Temple.

The three of them walk close together through the narrow streets, passing people heading to their homes or various lodgings for the night.

Barabbas is a fool if he thinks he can enter the city to rob the Temple.

He doesn't want to rob the Temple, Eve. He wants to assassinate the procurator, Pilate, to send a message to Rome.

He plans to assassinate Pilate?

Is he insane?! Why didn't he tell me this is what he plans to do?

Jacob and Joshua look around to see if anyone heard. They usher her forward.

Because he didn't think you would understand.

He was right. I don't.

As for sending a message to Rome, the only message he will send to Rome is that he is a fool. Look around you, Jacob! He'd need an army of thousands to get to Pilate!

As they turn the corner, into the outer market place, they see two Roman soldiers.

Cowering in fear against one of the market stalls, is a man and a young boy.

A restless crowd has gathered, watching with apprehension.

One of the soldiers has his sword at the throat of the man.

Please sir... We meant no disrespect. We didn't see you as we turned the corner.

For you to be running, you had to have stolen something! Empty your satchel!

Sir, I have but few coins with which to make my purchases at the Temple in the morning!

I said empty your satchel!

Trembling, the man removes his satchel from his waist.

Eve, Jacob and Joshua make their way through the crowd.

Stop!

The second soldier turns.

Who are you and why are you interfering?

Eve steps out from the crowd.

Who I am is of no consequence! Why are you harassing this man?

Man? He's nothing more than a Jew!

He is a man first.

The soldier holding the sword turns, sword still in hand. He stares at Eve for several long seconds, before he walks toward her.

I know you...

I've seen you before...

Livia!

Livia? The Bitch of Rome? You sure? She looks like one of them.

Yeah, I'm sure. She was my commander ONCE. Now she's nothing more than a weak Elijian, an enemy of Rome with a price on her head.

The man and the boy, seeing the Romans distracted, slink into the crowd and make their escape.

I was weak once, Maximus. Now I stand for what is right and just.

The Roman laughs, seeing that she is unarmed.

Big words for an unarmed warrior, Livia.

Perhaps. But that can be easily remedied.

She kicks out, her sandaled foot hitting his sword arm. He loses his grip on his sword, and it sails high. She spins and her sandaled foot hits the other Roman in his chest. He lands, winded, in a heap, several feet away.

Her hand reaches up, grabbing the sword by the hilt as it descends.

Now who's unarmed, Maximus?

The crowd, smiling, stare at the Romans and the woman who has disarmed them. They murmur among themselves, several even daring to applaud her actions.

The Roman turns on them, silencing them with his glare.

Eve takes the sword and throws it over the heads of the crowd. It buries itself deep into a wood timber holding up a canvas sheltering a pen of lambs.

She turns and the crowd parts, allowing her and her companions to pass. Eve, Joshua and Jacob make a hasty retreat, running from the location and the holiday traffic. The crowd mills tightly together, preventing the Roman from following.

The Roman shakes his fist as they disappear.

I will get you, Livia, Traitor to Rome! You will pay for this!

He turns to his fallen companion and slaps his face to revive him.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II