ACT I

7. EXT. COURTYARD

A shaky Barabbas is propped with his back against the wall, short sword in hand. An arrow protrudes from his lower thigh, just above the knee, the wound dripping blood. A squad of Roman soldiers surrounds him.

Surrender Rebel. You and your men are defeated.

The soldiers lower their spears, ready to run the man through if he resists.

Barabbas looks around and sees Roman soldiers holding most of his men captive. He throws down his sword with a snarl, spitting on the Roman leader's sandals.

You may have defeated us for now but we will never give up. One day our people will be free!

Bind him and take him to the cells. He'll be crucified as an example to his followers along with other criminals as a warning of what happens to those who defy Roman law!

The two men quickly lash Barabbas' arms behind his back. They shove him forward. He stumbles and falls. The soldiers reach down and roughly haul him to his feet, half supporting him. His wounded leg won't hold him up.

Another soldier kneels and pulls the arrow out of Barabbas's leg.

ARGHHHHHHH!

The soldier rips a piece of cloth off the rebel's tunic and wraps it around the wound. Blood seeps through.

Never mind tending to him. He won't live long enough to worry about that wound.

Take him away.

The squad leader spins on his heel and turns away, barking orders to his men. The two soldiers drag a severely limping Barabbas to the cells below the fortress.

CUT TO:

8. INT. CHAMBER OF HEWN STONES - EARLY AFTERNOON

The chamber is illuminated by windows on the south side, allowing maximum sunlight to enter. The size of the chamber is intimidating in its sparse majesty.

Opposite the windows is a broad 'U' of seats, filled by bearded men, many in Temple robes.

Around the sides of the chamber stand several more men who are obviously servants or aides.

In the center of the 'U' is a low platform on which are seated the presiding elder of the Sanhedrin and his deputy.

Just off the platform to the right, sits the high priest, Caiaphas, a man in his forties.

His attire is like that of the other priests except over his plain linen robe is a multicolored tunic.

To his right sits Annas, a man in his seventies, wearing a blue robe over priestly garb.

The presiding elder rises and the others follow.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
And these words with which I command you today shall be in your heart.

Amen.

They sit.

I'm afraid I have some disturbing news. If you haven't heard, this morning an assassination attempt was made on the procurator.

A murmur rises.

Was the Roman injured?

Pilate was not harmed and his soldiers have a man in custody; he calls himself Barabbas. Apparently there were others who escaped, though. Rumor has it that three warrior women held off Pilate's entire guard troop.

Murmurs of amazement now pass through the group.

But are we in danger because of this?

Security is now tighter than ever. Pilate is staying in the fortress, but no word has come to me of threats to our people. The Romans seem to think since they have the leader of the assassins, the rest of the rebels will fade into the countryside.

But what of the other threats? The Baptist and the Nazarene?

Annas rises stiffly.

The Baptist is no more. It seems Herodias found a way to avenge the insults to her honor. When Antipas asked her daughter to dance for him, offering her anything in his power to grant in return, Herodias told her to ask for the Baptist's head. A slave of Herodias tells me she had it in her chamber all night, mocking it.

As Annas slowly resumes his seat, Caiaphas rises.

And as for the Nazarene, I now have the means to remove him. It seems a man of his inner circle has grown disillusioned with his actions, and is willing to deliver him to us, in return for leniency in judging him.

Can he be trusted?

I have him outside. You can ask him yourself.

Let him come before us.

Caiaphas turns toward one of the servants standing along the wall.

Malchus.

Malchus exits and returns with a man in his late twenties, dressed in Judean garb with a black beard and a piercing gaze. For a moment a reddish glow fills his eyes.

Malchus brings the man to the center of the room, before the assembled priests and scribes.

What is your name?

Judas ben Simon.

And you are close to this Nazarene preacher...

Yes, I have known him for over two years. I am one of the twelve he has authorized to preach for him.

But now you offer to deliver him to us.

Why?

I have my reasons...

Share them with us, Judas ben Simon.

When he came into the city this week, I thought he would proclaim himself the Messiah.

Instead, he told us as we were leaving the Temple, "... there will be left here not one stone standing upon another, that will not be thrown down."

Why would you think he would proclaim himself the Messiah?

Because he is of the House of David and many of his acts fulfill the prophecies in the scriptures. When he entered the city, he rode on -

"... an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass." as Zechariah foretells.

Other than his prediction of the destruction of the Temple, why do you turn on him?

Yesterday one of the scribes asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He asked to see the coin that was paid. His answer upon seeing the coin was "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's"...

but would he who is to be our king allow the paying of taxes to the Romans?

So you don't believe he is the Messiah?

I don't know.

If he is not, he should be stopped before he leads us to destruction at the hands of the Romans' ... but if he is... maybe a shock will help him remember his true goal.

So you feel that this Jesus needs to be reminded that he is the Messiah.

The Messiah is supposed to deliver us from our enemies, yet his actions hinder rather than help our cause.

Has he proclaimed himself the Messiah?

A bright red glow flashes for a moment in Judas' eyes and he quickly closes them and takes a deep breath.

Others have called him that and he has never denied it.

Judas looks strangely at Caiaphas. A shadow of worry crosses his face.

Caiaphas notices this.

Where is he spending his nights?

Judas is somewhat hesitant.

Speak up, man... we don't have all afternoon.

He frequents many places for prayer. We are to have a Seder tonight, and I should know by then.

You will take us to him so we may question him.

Only if you swear by all that is holy that no harm will come to him.

I have told you, we wish only to question him.

You will be given your reward when he is brought before us.

I... I... want no reward!

Nonsense! You deserve it for your help.

Judas stands motionless for a moment.

Send word or come yourself when you know where the Nazarene will be. Malchus will be available at any hour. You may go.

Caiaphas motions for Malchus, who escorts Judas out.

We will need witnesses against the Nazarene.

That can be taken care of. I'm sure that there are many who have heard him speak.

But to arrest him, we must have evidence that he has violated the law. I myself have heard him speak and his respect for the Torah is unquestionable.

I too have heard him and I agree. He may chastise our people's leaders, including ourselves, no doubt ...

... but in the days of the kings did not the prophets rebuke their leaders if they left the way of the Lord?

If he has predicted the destruction of the Temple, then we are justified in questioning him to determine if he is a false prophet.

All members of the Sanhedrin nod.

You are forgetting that Pesach begins this evening. We cannot conduct any trials during the high holy days.

This will be an informal inquiry only. We can meet in my house; it is only a few yards away and I will have to be in the Temple for the holiday. My audience chamber should be large enough.

If we decide that punishment is due... well, the Romans will no doubt be very interested to hear that the title Messiah is for a King of the Jews. That usurps their emperor... and if the public flocks to his side, the Romans will know how to take care of them.

The members of the Sanhedrin start to discuss this among themselves. Caiaphas sees Malchus returning through the door and motions him near.

Seek out any witnesses you can against the Nazarene. You may use Temple funds if it will loosen their tongues. Inform Pilate that we may require Roman guards to assist in the arrest of a potential insurrectionist.

And have this Judas watched. I don't want his master to slip out of our grasp. Gather twenty Temple men who can handle a weapon and have them ready to move when we know where the Nazarene is.

Malchus nods and leaves.

I would like to ask that we make ourselves available to meet whenever the Nazarene is brought in.

That is most irregular...

... but I suppose it is necessary to ensure the peace. Each of you should leave word as to where you can be reached.

CUT TO:

9. HELL - TIMELESS

Lucifer stands before the bubbling cauldron and spreads his arms wide then lifts a fist in the air, laughing maniacally.

He turns to Michael, still bound in his chains, waving his leathery fist.

I have the power to manipulate!
I have the power to destroy my enemies!
My revenge will be as sweet as freshly spilled blood!

Michael slowly opens his eyes and stares down at Lucifer.

You have no power other than what is granted to you by the power that I serve.

FOOL! The power that you serve has abandoned you!

The proof lies in the fact that you hang there in chains I have imprisoned you in, battered and bruised, bleeding from wounds I have inflicted... defenseless...

How do you dare tell me I have no power!?

You would have no power to do any of what you are doing if it were not granted to you.

Lucifer turns abruptly and stares into the bubbling cauldron. He waves his hand over the sulfurous smoke. He stares down at the images that appear.

Nothing you say can convince me that I am not the one who will change the paths of my enemies!

A knowing smile briefly crosses the lips of the archangel.

FADE OUT:

10. INT. BARABBAS' HIDEOUT - DUSK

FADE IN:

Xena is bent over a wounded woman, cleaning and stitching a deep gash in her arm. Finished, she stands and silently surveys the scene before her.

An impromptu triage is set up in a small cavern adjacent to the main hideout so they can separate the walking wounded from the badly injured.

The Warrior Princess washes her hands in a near-by basin, and then begins to walk towards the Bard.

At the opposite end of the cavern, Gabrielle is trying to tend to a petulant man's head wound.

As Xena walks towards her, she looks at all of the wounded - men, women, and children - and the rage starts to boil within her.

A young man pulls a covering up over the body of a little girl, whose wounds were too severe. Her mother sits on her knees next to her daughter; her head bowed, she weeps silently.

Finally, seeing Gabrielle's patient forcefully trying to leave, Xena walks over to help her with him.

Leave me be, I tell you. I'm fine. I need to get back to my family.

Going back to your family right now could place them in danger. You're better off staying here... It's the only way you can insure their safety. Now, lie down and let me finish stitching your wound, or you most likely won't be any good to them... Do you understand?

The man looks at her, then at Xena, whose anger is evident by the glaring look she gives him. He finally agrees and lays back. With tender hands born of hours of practice, Gabrielle stitches up a nasty-looking gash along his forehead.

Now, rest and be still.

Gabrielle looks at Xena and gives her a small, wan smile in thanks. Xena just gives her a small nod, then stands and looks around again, her fists clenching and unclenching. Gabrielle stands and regards her for a moment.

Xena...

Xena spots Eve as she comes around the corner issuing commands to a young woman.

The Elijan salutes Eve with a hand placed to her heart and a tiny bow then leaves.

Xena grabs Eve's arm, pulling her out of the cavern.

Gabrielle hastily steps over a wash basin to follow.

We need to talk.

CUT TO:

11. EXT. TRIAGE CAVERN

Once out of earshot and eyesight, Eve pulls her arm away from her mother's grip.

We came because you needed help ... but this can't go on...

Eve, have you looked at these people? They can barely fight a cold on a good day and you want them to win a battle against Roman soldiers?

Maybe Michael knocked the memory right out of you, but you seem to have forgotten what Roman soldiers are like... how well-trained they are. This is not a battle we can win with farmers, shepherds, and shopkeepers.

Xena runs fingers through her hair as she turns to pace.

Gods... What made me go along with this plan?!

Gabrielle steps forward and puts her hands on Xena's arm to stop her from walking off.

Look, Eve, what your mother is trying to say is -

I know what she's trying to say! That I'm not good enough to lead them! I don't need an interpreter!

Apparently, you do... This isn't about you, Eve. It's about those people you're trying to free -

- and are leading to their deaths, instead.

I don't know what else to do. Should we let the Romans treat them like dirt and kill them for sport, or should people like us teach them how to defend themselves and each other?

Of course they should be taught, but a few days of training isn't enough to stop Roman soldiers... and we don't want to be responsible for their deaths.

Can we take them to another cave?

With all those wounded? No. What we have to do is reinforce the guards around this one in case the Romans torture Barabbas and manage to get this location from him.

Xena turns and whips out her sword.

Lucien steps out from the shadows near the cavern's mouth.

That's a good way to get yourself killed.

What do you want, Lucien?

I've got an idea.

Xena sheathes her sword and crosses her arms over her chest.

Okay, let's hear it.

As a token of goodwill, Pilate gives one prisoner a chance at freedom on the first day of Pesach. He presents two prisoners and the people choose. I can make sure that Barabbas is one of the two prisoners offered up. But we must ensure the people choose Barabbas!

Barbaric... And what if the other man is an innocent?

More than likely, if they're in a cell, they've been tried and convicted of a crime against Rome... so, doubt there'd be any innocent men in Pilate's prison.

Typical of Roman law.

How would you ensure Barabbas his place?

I have a friend and a few shekels... Look, I want to get something straight...

I don't like any of you. Bringing you here, in my opinion, was a mistake. But now that we're in this mess, the least you could do is help us get out of it. As far as I'm concerned, once you help us free Barabbas, your obligation is over and you can leave.

Xena narrows her eyes at him. He's calm as she studies him. Something seems off, but she can't place what. A shiver runs down her spine and the hairs on the back of her neck prickle.

When does Pesach start?

This is the first night of Pesach. Tomorrow, Pilate will set one man free at the crowd's choice.

Then we'd better start planning...

The four of them enter the cavern.

DISSOLVE TO:

12. INT. ROOM - DUSK

The room is small, the walls unadorned. Opposite the door is a shuttered window. A long, rough wooden table is set in the center of the room.

The table is set with simple earthenware goblets and bowls. A basket of unleavened bread, a jug of sour wine and a dish of bitter herbs make up the meal.

Around the table are gathered thirteen men, all chatting among themselves, discussing where they would go after Seder meal to pray.

A man seated in the center of all the men, gently breaks apart the unleavened bread.

A hush falls over them as their master passes the bread to those gathered at the table.

Take this, for this is my body...

He pours wine into a goblet, and looks solemnly down at the men around him. He hands the goblet to the disciple on his right.

This is my blood, the blood of the New Covenant, to be poured out in behalf of many.

The men look at each other and at their master in confusion.

Lord, we do not understand.

What are you talking about, Master?

You are making no sense...

This night, one of you will betray me to my enemies.

They look at him in shock and at each other with curiosity.

Who would do such a thing, Lord?

Lord? Is it me?

It is he who shall dip his bread as I do.

The Nazarene takes a small piece of bread and dips it in the bowl of spices and herbs. His bread touches the bread being held by Judas.

What it is you must do. Do quickly.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II