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YESTERDAY IS TODAY
by cindy lalonde (cindy.lalonde@aol.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Action/Adventure   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

The story begins with the appearance of a 2,000 year old man and a subsequent satellite link that visually sweeps the world back to 12 A.D. A quirky aristocratic Roman family is forced to flee to Judea. Marcus, our hero, forms a lifelong friendship with Jesus. Non stop action includes a pirate fight, over the top adventures with Jesus and his friends, and miracles that would melt the heart of a stone. A friendship unstopped by time and distance culminates in a 33 year old Marcus being the soldier that pierces Christ's side on the cross. The characters are irresistible, bringing the viewers on a roller coaster ride of insane laughter to heart breaking pathos.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

EXT. MODERN DAY ISRAEL-HILLY DESERT - MORNING
                                                            
An EAGLE flies over tall jagged rocky hills.It bobs up and
down from the heat thermals as it focuses on a jeep tearing
into a gulley between two cliffs and coming to a screeching
halt.
                                                            
The driver, his blond hair plastered down by the heat,just
sits there, staring at his passenger who jumps out of the
truck.
The other man's dark hair is hanging like sweaty rags over
thick features bordering on ugliness, as he unloads climbing
equipment.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (strained tone)
Please help me unload this
climbing -what was that word -
gear?
Thank you for showing me how it
works.
                                                            
Shaking himself out of his reverie, the blond man aids in
the unloading of the equipment.
Paul turns to him, a weird look on his face.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (grimacing)
Thanks for rescuing me - I think!
                                                            
The blond man jerks his head in acquiescence, jumps into the
jeep without a backward glance and guns the accelerator
driving away in a cloud of dust.
                                                            
Paul's bravado fades, replaced by a look of self doubt.
He puts on his backpack and assembles his climbing tools.
                                                            
                                         AT THE BASE OF
ANOTHER CLIFF
                                                            
The blond man drives around a corner, out of sight of Paul.
He takes a heavy global phone and keys it.
His mask drops and an unpleasant excitement gleams from his
eyes.
                                                            
                       BLOND MAN
      (satisfaction)
Start the experiment.
                                                            
                                         BACK TO PAUL
                                                            

2.

Paul starts his ascent on a cliff that is not cooperating.
He finally continues climbing up by using the outcroppings.
He is a talented climber and makes steady leeway. Sweat is
pouring off in buckets,accompanied by steady cursing.
He hangs in front of a rock face.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (shaking his head
       in puzzlement)
Why am I stopping here?
                                                            
 
INT. ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
A huge building housing busy people doing the things that
nations do when they spy on each other.
In an isolated room, two men are seated in front of a
complicated instrument panel.
The rhyme fat and skinny was invented for this duo.
They share insane grins and a total focus on the screens
that add a green glow to their excited faces.
                                                            
                       FAT GEEK
      (grinning at his
       buddy)
Ya know, it's times like this when
I don't mind being a fat genius,
instead of a dumb buff guy.
                                                            
                       SKINNY GEEK
Oh, Yeah!
How many people get to track a
2,000 year old young man?
                                                            
They both start giggling.
                                                            
                       FAT GEEK
This gives location a whole new
meaning!
                                                            
He turns a dial to focus the satellite image of Paul hanging
in front of the cliff and then presses another button.
A flash of light explodes their retinas and one of the
screens turns blank.
They moan in pain and rub their eyes.
They both squint at the blank screen.
                                                            
                       FAT GEEK
      (moaning)
That's gotta be that zillon dollar
camera implanted in him.
                                                            

3.

                       SKINNY GEEK
      (nervous)
Thank God, Genghis Khan, our
understanding boss, is not here!
                                                            
A man that looks like an angry grizzly bear in a suit
quietly walks into the light.
                                                            
They both freeze and then relax when they realize his focus
is on the second instrument panel. He waves angrily at the
blank screen.
                                                            
                       FAT GEEK
      (calming)
At the moment we can't see him
from the implanted camera but the
satellite feed is still working,
and the locater and the
chronometer are working.
                                                            
The man studies Paul hanging in front of the cliff face, and
despite himself, wonder widens his eyes and he shakes his
head.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (talking to
       himself)
I've worked on a lot of X-files
stuff, but this has got to be the
weirdest one!
A man found in a cave in Israel,
who looks to be in his thirties,
wrapped in a shroud and clothing
which is roughly 2,000 years old.
                                                            
The two geeks look at him with a questioning look.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (looking disgusted)
Yea,he's got the scientists crazy
because they can't carve him up
like a Thanksgiving turkey.
His body is protected by an
electrical charge.
He doesn't know who he is, speaks
an ancient Aramic dialect, and
learned how to speak English is
two days!
We named him Paul.
He's been insisting that he has to
climb that cliff, so we made that
- possible.
                                                            

4.

He frowns at the blank screen.
                                                            
                       BOSS
What DID make that(sarcastically)
zillion dollar camera stop
working?
                                                            
                       SKINNY GEEK
      (sarcastically
       back)
I would guess that your buddy's
electrical charge might be the
culprit?
                                                            
His impudent response changes to worry as he sees the angry
expression in his bosses' eyes.
The fat geek tries to distract him.
                                                            
                       FAT GEEK
Because everything else is
working, the camera will probably
reboot itself soon.
                                                            
Excitement trumps the bosses' irritation.
Grins despite himself.
They all look at the screen.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CLIFF - DAY
                                                            
Suddenly the rock face starts to dissolve, and Paul is being
pulled in.
                                                            
                       PAUL
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
                                                            
                                         THE CONTROL LAB
                                                            
The skinny geek squeals like a pig getting slaughtered, but
no one cares.
The internal camera is working.
They all intensely gaze at the images on the screen.
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE CAVE - DAY
                                                            
Paul is in a huge cavern filled with myriads of fantastic
shapes and colors hinted at by the film noir lighting .
Overwhelmed, he stumbles backwards into a chair conveniently
there.
                                                            
He doesn't even notice. His mouth is hanging open. He is
overwhelmed until he realizes that a cold glass of water is

5.

next to his hand on top of an exquisite little table. He
slugs it down and collapses in shock.
A scraping sound echoes in the room.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (eyes huge, his
       voice wavering)
Who...?
                                                            
A tiny flame lights up the profile of a man,his shadow
looming huge on the rock behind him. He laughs maniacally,
the sound escalating into a thousand echoes.

Paul tenses.
The sound fades away.
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (a smile in his
       voice)
I finally got to try that out on
someone!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (closing his eyes)
This is just a wacked out dream.
I'm probably laying broken and
dying at the base of the cliff!
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (ironically)
You might have wished for that
death if you climbed 6 feet to
your right. There's a portal there
and it would have been a sticky
wicket to find you. This is a big
universe!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (frowning)
Am I inside the cliff?
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (soothingly)
Let's get into that in a moment.
                                                            
A large icy mug brimming with what looks like beer
materializes next to Paul, who jumps.
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (a smothered laugh)
O.K. I'm showing off. But, it is
the best beer you will ever drink
and you do need to relax.
                                                            

6.

Paul takes a tentative sip, followed by an appreciative
chug.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (making enjoyment
       sounds)
The best beer that heaven or hell
has to offer, eh?
                                                            
Paul looks around, fascinated.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Does my being here have anything
to do with those dreams I've had,
night after night, AFTER NIGHT??
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (sounding like a
       maiden aunt)
Life is just a dream.
Aren't you having a wonderful
adventure? And, enjoying the beer
of the gods!
Now, sip on your brew for a moment
and relax.
Might as well enjoy your insanity!
                                                            
Minutes go by as Paul looks at the wonders of the cave.A
haunting song with a repetitive beat, beat, beat, quietly
fills the chamber. Paul's head slowly sinks, a presleep look
filling his face.
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (a lulling
       hypnotic tone to
       his voice)
This is the end of the dreams that
have shadowed your old life and
the beginning of the new.
                                                            
A small circle of light spotlights one of the man's eyes,
which glows with an eerie yellow.
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (sharply)
Paul!
                                                            
Paul's head snaps up and he sees the yellow eye which grows
bigger and bigger until he falls into it.As Paul falls he
hears-
                                                            

7.

                       MAN IN THE DARK
      (softly fading)
Enjoy the ride.
                                                            
The yellow eye fills the whole screen.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE GLOBE - DAY
                                                            
SIMULTANEOUS
                                                            
An electric blue light shoots from the surface of the earth
to one of the many satellites jostling for space around the
earth. Suddenly all the satellites are joined by the light.
Following the light down to the earth, one can see it
originating from the top of the cliff that has climbing
equipment at it's base.
                                                            
In all the big cities of the world people are sitting in
groups on sidewalks, nationality forgotten as they huddle
around any instrument that has a screen, hypnotized.
Anywhere there are no video devices and groups of people are
there, outdoor or indoor, a huge screen materializes and the
'movie' is running.
                                                            
 
INT. ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
SIMULTEOUS
                                                            
The two geeks and the boss are intently watching the screen.
The chonometer suddenly starts spinning backward.
The skinny geek opens his mouth to squeal, and the boss and
the fat geek simultaneously slap their hands over his mouth.
When they remove their hands, the boss looks at the skinny
geek with exasperation
                                                            
                       BOSS
The only reason you're not fired
for previously busting my
eardrums, is because you are one
of the resident genius's.
But, you do it again, I don't care
if you're Albert Einstein!!
                                                            
The door explodes inward, and a flood of white coated
scientists and grim soldiers fill the room.
The geeks are terrified, and even the boss looks stunned.
The leader of the scientists is a very tatted and pierced
middle aged woman.
She marches up to the screens with accustomed authority, and
looks in amusement at the Boss's surprise and disapproval of
her appearance.
                                                            

8.

                       FEMALE SCIENTIST
That's what's great about being a
wak genius. You don't have to
follow ALL the rules!
(looks at the geeks)
Right, guys?
                                                            
The geeks pick up their piercings laying on the table and
grinning, put them in their noses.
Suddenly intensely professional, she points at the screens
and looks at the Boss.
                                                            
                       FEMALE SCIENTIST
EVERYONE in the world is seeing
the same thing.
Someone or...something has taken
over the satellites.
That's why we are currently trying
to blow the hell out of that
cliff, because this is definitely
a cyber terrorist's wet dream.
Every intelligence agency in the
world is probably freaking out
right now!!
                                                            
The screen changes, and a hypnotized look appears on every
face in the room as they stare into the yellow eye.
The soldiers' guns hang slackly from their hands.
The chronometer has stopped at 12A.D.
                                                            
 
EXT. PALATIAL ESTATE OUTSIDE ANCIENT ROME - DAY
                                                            
Two young boys on horses and a large dog are racing down a
tree lined boulevard.
The dark haired boy leans down and whispers into his horses'
ear while stroking him. The horse leaps ahead of the other
horse.
The blond boy left behind starts cursing and whipping his
horse.
They clatter into a huge courtyard bustling with servants
doing their jobs.
Marcus Scipio Aurelius leaps off the winning horse. He
kisses the horse's cheek and gives him one last stroke
before the groom takes him. He has kind eyes and an
irresistible smile that would charm the devil.
                                                            
Caligua, the next Emperor of Rome, jumps off his horse with
a frown.
Romulus,the wolfhound catches up with them. He jumps up and
puts his paws on Marcus, causing him to stagger back.
                                                            

9.

                       MARCUS
Whoa. Romulus! If you keep
growing, I'll be riding YOU.
                                                            
A little boy looking like a younger blond version of Marcus,
runs out and flings himself on Marcus and the dog.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Marcus! I was looking for you to
go swimming.
                                                            
This is Quintus, the precocious little brother of Marcus.
Ten years old and going on 40, with the mind of Socrates and
the wit and sarcasm of Voltaire.
                                                            
Two other grooms run out of the gigantic stables and one
runs his hands over the whip cuts and frowns. Caligua sees
this, his young 10 year old face becoming haughty and
cruel.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (his voice
       dripping with
       menace)
How dare you stand in judgement on
me. I should have you whipped!
                                                            
The groom's faces pale in fear, and the joyful sounds in the
courtyard cease. The two brothers look at each other and
smile.
Caligula tries to look as tall and menacing as a short boy
can.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
Do you know who I am? I am Gaius -
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (and Quintus say
       in unison)
Julius Caesar Augustus
Germanicus!!!
                                                            
Marcus speaks kindly to the grooms who takes the horse to
the stables, as Caligula looks on in irritation.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (accusingly)
The problem is that all your
servants are free. What kind of
message does that send to the
people of Rome knowing that one of
the most powerful and decorated
Senators, does not believe in
            (MORE)

10.

                       CALIGULA (cont'd)
slavery?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking bored and
       contemptous)
You can ask Father tonight, since
you're supposed to stay for
dinner. The only good thing about
you staying here is that I get to
call you your new name,Caligula.
Or is it Emperor Liggie? At least,
we don't have to say that loong
name!
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
By Zeus, I hate that name!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (jumping around
       like the little
       kid that he
       really is)
Liggie, Liggie, Liggie!
                                                            
Caligua lunges at him.
Marcus steps between them, the peacemaker.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Come on, Quintus, Gaius. We're
cousins so let's go to the
waterhole and swing on the big
tree.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mockingly bowing)
Oh, Emperor Liggie! We are not
worthy!
                                                            
Marcus and Quintus laugh, and suddenly Caligula suddenly
joins in.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (looking at
       Quintus)
I can see that if I'm going to
convince anyone of my divinity, I
better not have you around!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Go to the kitchen and Magda will
find you something to swim in. She
also has the most fantastic
desert,(grinning in a nice way)
            (MORE)

11.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
worthy of your royal palate!
                                                            
Caligula runs to the kitchen, acting like a 10 year old, at
least for a few minutes.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Let's go see Dad and Prometheus
for a minute. I need to talk to
them.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
You mean that you have a new
routine for them to see!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (irritated that he
       is so transparent)
Hmmph! I'll meet you in there.
                                                            
 
INT. THE LIBRARY - DAY
                                                            
A large man sits at a scroll covered desk, the room filled
with artifacts from the conquered nations of the empire.
His noble and stern face is the face of Rome.
A man stands next to him, the antithesis of the Senator.
Greek, fat, a dead ringer for Peter Ustinov.
Marcus runs into the room, waving the Greek to a chair.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (an indulgent look
       on his face)
Are you practicing your cousin's
moves?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (impatient)
No, No! We're about to have a
grand performance!
                                                            
Senator Gaius Aurelius, the boys father looks up in
interest.
                                                            
A high piping voice floats into the library, followed by
Quintus, wrapped in a long trailing sheet.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (nose in the air)
It is I, the next Emperor of Rome
- Caligula! I have come to realize
that the reason that slaves have
lips is not only to scream when I
            (MORE)

12.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
whip them out of boredom, but to -
(he whips around and bends over
and reveals his underwear)
to kiss the royal butt!
                                                            
Marcus, Gaius, and Prometheus crack into appreciative
laughter.Basking in his families' appreciation, he flings
himself into his father's lap.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Father, will you please talk me
into being nice to Caligua?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (an edge under his
       loving voice)
Yes. You are the son and I am the
father! Be nice to him.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Tyrant!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Nahh!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looks at Marcus)
Good thing the blood royal flows
through our veins, or we'd be
counting the whip marks on our
backs!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (hugging Quintus)
Now, hush, son. He is your cousin
and Marcus' friend so be at
least..civil.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (jumping up)
Come on Marcus. Let's go swimming!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grabbing Quintus
       and swinging him)
Let me shake up some of that royal
blood!
                                                            
They run out of the library, laughing.
                                                            

13.

                       GAIUS
      (suddenly looking
       grim)
Are we ready for the REAL
Performance tonight?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking devilish)
Let the curtain rise!
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM OF THE VILLA - NIGHT
                                                            
A large table: at one end, Senator Gaius Aurelius sits, the
flickering candlelight highlighting the planes of his
aristocratic face, while making Prometheus's face look like
Pan.
The three children are shoveling food in their mouths, while
'secretly' handing Romulus scraps under the table.
Gaius and Prometheus make small talk that weaves with the
sounds of silverware clanking, creaks of wooden furniture,
children talking with their mouths full.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (bragging to the
       boys)
And I was in the front line, and
killed a bunch of those hairy
beasts!
                                                            
Caligula goes on and on until even Marcus's eyes are glazed.
Quintus looks at his father with that please don't make me
be polite expression and Prometheus gets tired of rolling
his eyes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking at his
       dad)
I haven't seen hardly anyway,
today. Magda and Gabo have
disappeared, and come to think of
it, most of the staff are gone.
                                                            
Gaius looks at Prometheus, who subtly nods, trying to
suppress a delighted grin.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (calling)
Letigia, Letigia! I need your help
to clean up these dishes!
                                                            

14.

Marcus and Quintus jerk their heads up in expectation before
a shriek blasts the dining room. Caligula jerks his head up
in alarm.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (explaining to
       Caligua)
The cook's name is Medea which is
bad enough, but to make her mad,
he calls her 'letigia' which means
a shrill whistling kettle.
                                                            
The dining room door explodes open, and a shrieking older
woman rushes in with a metal skillet in her hand. Prometheus
is ready to leap up and grins at the boys.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (giggling)
Time to get beat!
                                                            
Prometheus runs to the kitchen, Medea hot on his heels.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (trying not to
       laugh and
       covering up with
       his haughty act)
Is this a clown act, put on for my
benifit? That's why you should
only have slaves. I would have
beat her severely!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (acting mock
       offended)
Boy is your court going to be
deadly dull! When you decide to
talk about something besides
whipping your slaves, let me know.
                                                            
Stalks to the front of the dining table.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Everyone join me in the living
room while I hide all the
whips!(Tips his head, puts his
finger to his chin, and crosses
his eyes.)Whoopsie, we don't have
any whips!
                                                            
Everyone tries not to laugh, out of courtesy to Caligula,
who gets redder and redder as Quintus smugly leaves the
room.
                                                            

15.

                       MARCUS
      (always the
       peacemaker)
Come on , Gaius(acknowledging his
real name). Don't give Quintus the
satisfaction.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (relaxing under
       Marcus's
       friendship)
Go ahead and call me Caligula. All
the soldiers call me that and even
father calls me that. (He stares
at the living rooms.) If Quintus
is this way at 10, what is he
going to be like when he grows
up?!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (smiling proudly)
I don't know if the world is
ready!!
(grabs Caligula by the hand and
pulls him up.) Let's go into the
living room.
                                                            
 
INT. ELEGANT ROMAN LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Everyone is relaxing after a good meal. After a few glares
from his father, Quintus is playing with Romulus, leaving
Caligula alone, who is starting to let his guard down,
talking to Marcus.
Prometheus enters, carrying a tray with three glasses of
wine .
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking in
       surprise at his
       dad)
Father, didn't you say we couldn't
have wine until we're 13?
                                                            
Gauis subtly nods at Prometheus.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (smiling at Marcus)
You can thank your cousin,
Caligula, for your first taste of
wine.( he nods at Caligula).
Bacchus, the wine maker for your
uncle, the divine Tiberius, has
heard of your visit and would be
            (MORE)

16.

                       PROMETHEUS (cont'd)
honored if you would give your
opinion of it.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (swells up)
I have had wine many times so I am
the right person to ask.
                                                            
Prometheus closes his eyes so he doesn't roll them again.
The boys take the wine eagerly, while Caligula puts on his
emperor act
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (acting like a
       wine expert)
Excellent bouquet. Of course, I
always have a slave waiting to see
if I want another glass!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (trying to look
       innocent, but
       failing)
Does the slave who wipes your bum
have a special title?
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (mockingly)
Why, 'Uncle Prometheus',what a
good idea!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (moves quickly to
       talk to Gaius ,
       while muttering
       under his breath)
The sacrifices I make for my
family!
                                                            
                                         ABOUT 10 MINUTES
LATER
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus are in deep conversation. Marcus is
looking extremely relaxed on the couch, Caligula laying on a
pile of pillows, Romulus laying on his back,stuffed.
Quintus grows his horns again.
He walks to the wall and grabs a tambourine, spins around,
and slowly beats the tambourine, finally standing in front
of Caligula, who tries to ignore him.
Walking to the center of the room, he drops the tambourine.
Gaius and Prometheus suddenly pay attention with a what now
expression.
                                                            

17.

                       QUINTUS
      (affecting a Greek
       tragedy pose)
By the Gods, I cannot look upon
Liggie! His Godhood blinds me!!
(He throws his arm theatrically
over his eyes).
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (starting to get a
       silly smiley look
       on his face)
Now you're getting it! You must
teach that to my slaves.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (throwing both
       arms toward the
       ceiling,
       declaiming in a
       revelatory tone)
And I had a vision from the God
Dionysis who showed me from where
this son of Zeus's power comes
from!
                                                            
Caligula is loving it, while Marcus, also showing an equally
goofy smile, looks knowingly.
Quintus bends over and lets out a very long, very stinky
fart.
Except for Caligula, everyone in the room explodes into
laughter, until they all start gagging and putting their
hands over their noses.
Caligula lunges up on a mission to kill Quintus until he
collapses on the floor.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking at his
       dad blearily)
Why didn't you guys have some of
that delicious-his voice
slurring-wiiine-
                                                            
He's out.
                                                            
Quintus hits the floor like a felled tree.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (surveying the
       boys)
I'm glad that the poppy mixture
took longer than usual. I wouldn't
have missed that performance for
            (MORE)

18.

                       PROMETHEUS (cont'd)
Vulcan's honey!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (smiling)
Life's never dull with him, is it?
(Looking worried) You're sure of
the dosage?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
The dosage came from your cousin
Tiberius' personal expert on
poison.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (a horrified look
       penetrating his
       stoic reserve)
You went to that toady who I
happen to know killed a number of
Tiberius' 'problems'?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
And who Tiberius would horribly
kill if anything happened to his
heir and his cousins.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (with a dismissive
       wave)
It's done! And dispatched in your
usual efficient way. (He snorts in
derision.)
                                                            
The urgency of the situation takes over and Gauis and
Prometheus go into action.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Medea and Gabo, it's time!
                                                            
Medea and a huge black man with an inquiring lively face run
into the room.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (nods at Gabo)
Is the wagon ready? (He nods.)
Then let's pick up our precious
cargo!
                                                            
Gabo scoops up Caligula like he's a wisp.
                                                            

19.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (grinning)
You can now tell the world that
you touched divinity. If.. ah..
you dropped him a couple of times
on the way, I would be in your
debt.
                                                            
Gabo smiles knowingly and grabs Quintus effortlessly with
the other huge arm and leaves the room.
                                                            
Gaius walks up to Medea and to her shock, gives her a hug.
He pulls back and smiles gratefully.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Thank's for playing your part,
tonight, Medea. You're sure you
won't come with us?
                                                            
                       MEDEA
      (looking
       embarrased,
       proud, and
       affectionate all
       at the same time)
Sir, you know the answer to that.
But you do know that himself(she
gestures at Prometheus) and I,
after the first few times were
doing it for the kids?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Of course I do. Otherwise, we'd be
the skillet makers' best
customers!
(getting his senator look again)
I'm counting on you to do your
part. You'll find ample
appreciation in your monthly
salary
                                                            
Medusa runs out of the room, crying. Prometheus has Marcus
in his arms and they walk out of the house.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK, DANK WOOD ROOM WITH THREE COTS AND CARGO - DAY
                                                            
The low voice of Prometheus fills the dark room. He stands
over one of the figures laying in the three beds.
                                                            

20.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (whispering in his
       ear)
Marcus, Marcus!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (moaning and
       trying to get up)
By Zeus, my head is pounding!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (helping Marcus to
       sit and gives him
       a skinbag of
       water)
Drink, it will make you feel
better.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (rousing himself
       and whining)
Bacchus, I hate you! Prometheus,
am I going to die? Why is the
floor of the room moving up and
down? Where are we?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Your dad is coming to explain.And
HERE (surveys the tiny hole with a
sneer), is the slaves quarters.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (moans, his eyes
       closed)
Not slaves, again!(holds his head)
Please tell them not to rattle
their chains! I'm on their side!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (chuckling
       sypathetically)
You're experiencing seasickness.
We're on a ship.
                                                            
The brothers jerk their heads up simultaneously, the room
spinning, lips parted in astonishment, nausea competing with
excitement.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (appearing the
       least affected)
What about Caligula?(points at his
snoring form)
                                                            

21.

Prometheus turns away quickly, so Marcus cannot see the
satisfied devil look in his eye.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Your father, the veritable
fountain of wisdom, will tell all.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (whimpering)
Please, Uncle Prometheus! You
voice is like 10,00 daggers in my
head!!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (offended)
I'll go find your father and you
can listen to his dove like tones!
                                                            
Prometheus tries vainly to flounce while he climbs up the
ladder.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
AT LAST!!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking in
       surprise thru
       bloodshot eyes)
You were faking it?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (moaning)
Are you kidding? I feel like the
army of Rome is marching inside my
head.
                                                            
He turns green. Marcus gets him a bucket, just in time.
Quintus pulls his head out of the bucket, vomit running down
one side of his delighted grin.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Brother, we are starting a journey
worthy of the Gods!(looking
nauseous again but noticing his
brother's horrified fascination at
the vomit dripping from his face).
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grinning)
Kiss me!
                                                            
They crack up, Quintus spitting out vomit.
                                                            

22.

                       MARCUS
      (jumping back)
Say it, don't spray it!
                                                            
The ship lurches and the boys take a dive, still laughing
like banshees. The bucket of puke tipping over.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (trying to stand
       up)
There goes dinner!
                                                            
They cackle hysterically. The hatch door opens, and a shaft
of light shoots into the room, as Prometheus and Gaius climb
down into the room, promptly holding their noses.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (swearing)
It stinks like the River Styx in
here!
                                                            
A soldier climbs down with a mop and bucket. Marcus walks to
the soldier, takes the mop with a smile, and he and the
sailor make quick work of the clean up job, Quintus holding
his head.
The soldier leaves.
Gaius looks at the prostrate form of a snoring Caligula.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (his voice like a
       whip)
Prometheus!!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (not perturbed at
       all)
Calm down. I told you who was in
charge of you know what, so not to
worry.
(He looks at everyone knowingly)
And, what does everyone think
Caligula will do when he wakes up?
Those that might know the answer,
hold up their hands!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (with a regal nod)
Everyone get comfortable
                                                            
Quintus sprawls on Marcus on one of the cots, while
Prometheus unsuccessfully tries to get comfortable.
                                                            

23.

                       GAIUS
      (loking grim)
Germanicus(he checks out
Caligula's still sleeping body)is
dead.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (shocked)
Caligula's father!!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
And the heir to Tiberius's throne.
Five possible heirs to the throne
have died under mysterious
conditions. Tiberius has arranged
for us to disappear for a while.
We are going to live in an unknown
location until the killer is
found.
                                                            
Quintus' expression is an interesting blend of fascination
with what is happening and a blend of horror and nausea.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Does this mean that we have to
live with (spitting the word
out)Caligula?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (a quick smile
       interrupting his
       grim look)
Your uncle Tiberius has a
different destination in mind for
him.
(purposely not looking at
Quintus's relief)
But, we are going to be in the
ship for a while. And don't ask
where we are going, because only
the captain knows.
                                                            
Gaius pauses for a moment. He looks over at Caligula, and
everyones eyes follows, all reflecting different shades of
dread, even Marcus.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (his eyes narrow)
Our 'identity' on this galley is
that we are merchant friends of
Petronius. Our lives depend on
this deception. One 'slip' of the
tongue could me death for us all.
                                                            

24.

He looks at Quintus with all the intensity of a man who once
controlled legions on the battlefields
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (no acting now)
Father, you can count on me. And,
I need to count on you to ...not
let me be myself!
                                                            
Gaius looks down at Caligula.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
We all need to make sure he
doesn't tell the whole world who
he is the minute he wakes up.
Either Prometheus or I will be
here to ... explain the situation
to him when he wakes up.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking better)
Father, did you bring Romulus?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Yes. He's waiting for you.
Prometheus told me you didn't feel
good and you know what a licker
that dog is.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking slyly at
       Quintus)
I think Quintus could use some
doggie kisses!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking disgusted)
Quintus, there is a bucket of
water outside. Go clean up. It'll
make ME feel better.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (mock holding his
       nose)
ya stink, boy!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (teasingly)
I feel the need for a fatherly
kiss!
                                                            
They laugh.
Marcus and Quintus leave the room. Gaius looks pained.
                                                            

25.

                       GAIUS
I hate to suggest this....
                                                            
He is interrupted by Prometheus who is holding up a little
bag.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (smirking)
What would you do without me? I
have a special water skin waiting
for when Mt Caligula wakes up and
erupts in all his fury.
                                                            
Gaius climbs up the stairs, the light from the opening hatch
flicking for a second on Prometheus's worried expression.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE UPPER DECK OF THE GALLEY - DAY
                                                            
AN HOUR LATER
                                                            
Prometheus scans the area, looking for the kids. Barks and
peals of laughter lead the way. The boys, hangover
forgotten, see Prometheus and wave him over.
Romulus jumps on Prometheus, as usual.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking regretful)
Come on gentlemen.
(lowers his voice)
You know we can't leave Caligula
like a bomb ready to go off! Your
father's there now, and we need to
help him.
                                                            
He sees the soldier that cleaned up the mess in the room. He
hands the leash of a rambunctious Romulus to the soldier
with a charming smile.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Please take him to Petronius.
                                                            
The soldier smiles back and grabs Romulus. The family walks
to the slaves quarters.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVES QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
Gaius is staring at a now moaning Caligula. His stoic facade
is starting to crack. A creak of wood accompanied by a shaft
of light brings a look of relief.
                                                            

26.

                       MARCUS
      (skittering down
       the ladder)
We're here!
                                                            
Quintus follows, and Prometheus, very painfully.
Caligula comes to consciousness.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (typical pounding
       head posture)
Marcus, what's happening? (Sees
Prometheus)And you can tell that
winemaker, he's fired!(sees
everyone looking at him)Do I have
three noses?
                                                            
Prometheus has the drugged water skin ready.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (sympathetically)
Tiberius has put us all on a ship
going to a secret location to
protect us.Someone wants to be
Emperor so bad, they are killing
all of Tiberius's relatives, which
of course means us. Our cover is
that we are merchants.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (his hangover
       making him whiny)
Why doesn't Tiberius just have
them killed. And why isn't my
father,
Germanicus here?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (treading warily)
No one knows who the traitor is.
Tiberius is going to play the
waiting game, a common military
strategy.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (not to be
       distracted)
You still didn't answer my
questions. Where is my fat-
                                                            
He sees the answer in the sympathetic looks that can't be
hidden.
Caligula arches his back and opens his mouth to scream.

27.

Prometheus pounces, pouring the liquid down Caligula, while
Gauis holds him,gagging but swallowing. His struggles cease.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (asking in a slur.)
Does this mean that my fat- father
is...dead?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (softly)
And five other people, including
your father's brother. I hope you
can see the need for secrecy.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
You won't have any trouble from
me. (starts crying like any little
boy - except he is not just any
boy.) Please leave that water bag.
I just want to pass out and not
think for a while. Please leave me
alone.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (touching him on
       the arm)
You sure you don't want me to stay
for a while?
                                                            
Caligula lays down and covers his head with arms and cries
softly.
Gaius motions to the hatch, and they all leave.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE GALLEY MINUTES LATER - DAY
                                                            
The brothers are leaning on the rail, wind blowing through
their hair, serious looks on their faces.
Gaius walks to them, adjusting to the roll of the ship.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Come on, boys. It's time to meet
the master of this galley, who
also happens to be a good friend.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (a worried look)
Father, I'm actually sad for
Caligula. I know if something
happened to you -
                                                            
His voice breaks and he grabs and hugs his father's leg like
the little boy he should be.
                                                            

28.

                       MARCUS
      (sad)
I think his father is the only
person he ever loved.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Come here, you. (he scoops Quintus
up in his arms, reaches for Marcus
and squeezes him to his side. They
hug in silence for a few seconds.
Everyone laughs shakily, as life's
frailty strikes home.
They continue walking to the
captain's cabin.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
A solid man in a tunic and a metal skirt is standing, his
back to the door, facing Gabo, both of them looking down at
a map. Romulus is also comically looking at the map.
The boys come into the cabin with Gaius, and Romulus
explodes onto the boys, licking and almost knocking them
down.
The man turns around and gets a big grin on his face.
Prometheus walks in, surprising Gaius.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Gaius! And good ole Prometheus!
Don't worry, Gaius, I put a
trusted soldier to sit with my
..guest.
I look forward to a night of witty
conversation with my old friends.
                                                            
Gabo turns his head away to hide his pain, but Gaius notices
and his face mirrors Gabo' expression.
                                                            
The men hug Roman style while the boys study the leader of
this ship. In his late 40's, his face reflects the extremes
of the ocean he is master of: the relentless soldier of Rome
ready to kill for Empire and duty,and an intense love and
joy of life.
He looks down at the boys, his eyebrows moving up and down
like hairy caterpillars and winks at them to their delight.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (with a delighted
       smile his
       children has
       never seen.)
Kids, Petronius and I have been
soldiers together for - ?
                                                            

29.

                       PETRONIUS
      (arching one of
       his amazing
       spocken eyebrows)
I think before they named the
hills of Rome -hey, I think that
makes us immortal!(crinkling his
eyes at the kids.) Your pater and
I go way back!
                                                            
Marcus, noticing Gabo's lonely expression, walks over to
Gabo, and affectionately grabs his paw of a hand.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (a sincere tone)
Glad you're here, Gabo!
He is the family's protector!
                                                            
Gabo looks embarrassed. Petronius takes notice.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (his voice
       commanding)
Stand at attention, young men.
(startled, they comply.)
I am Captain Rona Petronius.And
your name is ?
                                                            
He looks at Marcus, who drops Gabo's hand.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Marcus Scipio Aurelius, sir, and
this - (about to introduce his
brother)
                                                            
Petronius stops him with a look and then turns to Quintus.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (eyes wide)
Quintus Caecilius Aurelius,SIR!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (turning to
       Romulus, who is
       imitating the
       boys)
And you, give me your paw, mister!
                                                            
Romulus rolls over,sits up to give his paw, takes it back
after Petronius shakes it, and bows his head.
Everyone cracks up.
                                                            

30.

                       PETRONIUS
Wow! You are one smart dog.( He
roughs his fur up, the dog loving
it.)
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking abashed)
Yeah, I was training him to do
that to irritate Caligula.
                                                            
Instant buzz kill. Everyone looks concerned.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (frowning,stares
       at the boys)
Ever hear of loose lips sink
ships?
Watch what you say. If anyone
questions you, act dumb and let me
know.
Everyone on the ship knows "who"
you are, so act like merchants
sons.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
How do we act like merchants
son's?
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus look at each other with an oops! look
on their faces.
Marcus takes over.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
Just act like rich kids who have
got everything they ever wanted!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
                                                            
Petronius walks over to the kids and hands Quintus a weird
looking contraption,that looks like a mini periscope.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
That's for you,guys. When you
figure out what it is let me know.
Go check up on your new friend,
Mario. He could teach you a few
things. We'll see you in a bit.
Dismissed!
                                                            
The boys, Romulus and Gabo leave.
                                                            

31.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (eyebrows arched)
How unusual that object looked.
What was it?
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (looking
       embarrased)
I was hoping they could tell me.
One of my soldiers bought it from
a Greek. He didn't know what it is
either.
                                                            
They sit down as Petronius fishes around until he finds a
dust covered bottle.
Gauis gives it a dismissive wave.
The captain slams down three mugs in front of them, uncorks
the bottle and pours the glasses full. Gaius gives him a
frosty look.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (frowning in mock
       anger)
The day is almost over, not to
drink with an old friend is bad
manners, and....
                                                            
He takes a hearty slug, as does an unprotesting Prometheus,
uses his very expressive eyebrows at Gaius, who gives up and
follows suit.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (sounding bemused)
You know our departed divine
Augustus Cesar caused this mess!
We both served under Tiberius on
the field. Brilliant leader.
And, then Augustus takes away his
wife, the love of his life, and
make him marry that politically
correct whore!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
As usual, your observation is too
true. Tiberius's superb stoicism
has kept him going, but the heart
has gone from the man. He just
doesn't seem to care about ruling
the kingdom.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (savagely)
And that apathy has set an
ambitious serpent loose. That
            (MORE)

32.

                       PROMETHEUS (cont'd)
might now cost us our lives.
                                                            
Petronius clears his throat nervously and quickly pours
another round.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Gentlemen- this situation is
surreal. So, CHEERS!(the men
follow suit.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (sad)
I met Germanicus. What a leader of
the empire he would have
made.(Both men nod their assent)
His son.....
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (showing the
       effects of good
       liquor)
Caligula is Quintus' pet hate and
as you will find out, he has a way
with words. Thank God, Quintus is
of royal blood. Otherwise
Caliguala would have the flesh
whipped off his bones, and then
the real punishment would start.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (a smile peaking
       out)
But, that fart routine.
                                                            
Gaius returns Prometheus smile.
As Petronius looks at Gaius, the unthinkable happens.
The face of Rome starts to GIGGLE, thinking of the same
event, aided by alcohol.
Prometheus and Gaius start roaring.
In between laughter, they tell Petronius the story. He
starts howling.
They run out of air.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (drunkenly)
Here's to CaliguASS!
                                                            
They all start cackling, united by friendship, and alcohol.
                                                            
They sit, breathless with laughter.
                                                            

33.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (a look of happy
       peace in his eyes)
What a journey into the past
tonite has been. Forgive me,
Gaius, but Julia would have loved
this.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Forgive me, too, Gaius.Your wife
knew how to laugh and take
everybody with her!
At a quick assessment, it's seems
like your oldest has her strength,
and protective drive and the
youngest one has her nutty side!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (closing his eyes
       and shaking his
       head.)
Nutty side! You have no idea.
Quintus will take you where no man
has gone before!
                                                            
Petronius points to the side of the room, where there are
two beds. Looks at Gaius mock unctuously.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
I hope this is worthy of Gaius
Julii Auerelius, of the blood
royal, the -
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (playing along)
Well, then, you may kiss the
ringed hand.(extends the hand with
the ring , then squeezes it into a
fist)
                                                            
They all laugh and get up.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Let's go see how they're are doing
with Mario. Stone cold killer, but
the nicest guy in the world.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK - DAY
                                                            
The kids walk around, eyes aglow, ready for an adventure.A
freed Romulus runs around smelling everything.
The soldier that cleaned up their 'room' shows up.
                                                            

34.

                       SOLDIER
      (looking impatient)
I've got something to do. Follow
me!
                                                            
He could tell them to jump off the ship and they would do it
they are so excited.
He stops in front of a tattooed wiry man, squatting and
sharpening a sword.
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
Petronius wants you to watch over
our 'guests'.(looks at the boys)
This is Mario.
                                                            
The guard practically runs away. Mario keeps sharpening the
sword, ignoring the kids.
The boys are too fascinated by their surroundings to care.
Mario cracks first.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (sneering)
So, you're the rich man's boys!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Not right now. Dad's last two
caravans got robbed, so that's why
we're hitchhiking a ride with
Captain Petronius.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (not to be outdone)
He's looking for some new routes
so we can be rich boys again!
                                                            
Mario laughs, accepting them. The boys stare at his mouth.
All Mario's teeth have been filed razor sharp.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (enjoying the boys
       fascination)
When all else fails, rip their
throats out!
                                                            
Marcus and Quintus ooh and ahh. Mario is satisfied. They are
now his proteges.
He takes them into a 'closet', creaking open the door.
Long swords, short stabbing swords, turkish curved swords,
clubs, spears, knives.Killing machines from every culture.
He shoos the boys out of the closet and stays in there as he
closes the door.
                                                            

35.

                       QUINTUS
      (nonplussed)
Did we do anything to make him
mad?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
He seems to be the type of guy
where the unusual is usual.
                                                            
On that note, the door explodes opens. The kids are scared
shitless.
The nearest soldiers grin in anticipation.
Mario has on soldiers' hobnailed boots, and intriguing
arrangements of leather belts all over his torso.
It looks like half the weapons of the shed are stuck in the
belts.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (yelling)
Make way, boyeeeeze.!!
                                                            
A soldier grabs them to the side and just in time.
Mario turns into a Bruce Lee on steroids. Juggling swords,
throwing them with such speed and power that he could have
impaled 20 soldiers.
He ends his performance by running UP the bulkhead, doing a
flip while hurling at least 4 more blades.
Marcus and Quintus are flabbergasted, while the soldiers
snap their fingers and clap.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Wow!
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
      (grinning
       wolfishly)
Aren't you glad he's on our side?
                                                            
Quintus and Marcus just nod their heads, eyes still big as
saucers.
                                                            
The boys hear Romulus bark furiously.
They approach Mario with a mixture of hero worship and fear
- just the way Mario likes it.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Mario, we have to find our dog or
our father will tan our hides.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
That was incredible!
                                                            

36.

                       MARIO
      (slits his eyes
       and grins)
Just be glad we're friends!
                                                            
The kids back away and start running.
Mario looks pleased with himself.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE SHIP - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The day is coming to a close. The three men walk to the
eating area.
Petronius is walking with a small alcohol aided wobble,
Gaius and Prometheus striving to imitate him.
A delicious smell of food floats thru the air. About 80 men
are either eating or waiting to eat. A skinny black man with
dreadlocks is ladling something out of a huge kettle, while
a very short man with huge shoulders slaps a hunk of bread
in the rough hewn wooden bowels and hands them to the
soldiers
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Listen!
                                                            
Sounds of multiple culinary orgasms fill the air.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (smiling)
THAT'S the sound of a happy ship.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (agreeing)
An army marches on it's stomach!
                                                            
The boys run up to the men.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (excited)
You gotta meet Mario! He's
awesome!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
If he can impress YOU, I must meet
him!
                                                            
The boys lead the men to where Mario is squatting against a
wall, picking his teeth.
He looks at the approaching party, and when he sees Gaius,
he stands up in respect, seeing a born leader of men.
                                                            

37.

                       GAIUS
      (bows his head)
I've heard nothing but praise for
your skills as a warrior.
                                                            
                       MARIO
If you're not built like him -
(gestures at the darkness), you
have to - compensate!
                                                            
Everyone looks in the shadows. Gabo is there, showing the
same gleam of admiration.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (looking at Gabo)
You don't say much, do you, big
guy?
                                                            
Quintus runs up to Gabo and trys to show off in front of his
new hero.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
When you're as big as Gabo, who
cares about being able to talk!
                                                            
Gabo's eyes show shock and hurt. He moves away, again
blending with the shadows
                                                            
Mario gets a look of comprehension on his face, and then a
fleeting look of pity.
                                                            
The family, Gaius, Prometheus and Marcus look at Quintus
with contempt, who as usual doesn't have a clue.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (puzzled)
Why is Gabo acting so weird?
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (drooling)
Let's go get some of that great
grub before it's gone. Although,
as the captain, I think I MIGHT be
a little irritated if there was
nothing left!
                                                            
Quintus skips up to Marcus and tries to grab his hand.
Marcus snatches his hand away
As Quintus looks up in confusion, for the first time in his
life, he sees dislike in Marcus's eyes.
                                                            

38.

                       MARCUS
      (angrily)
Sometimes I wish you would be
cursed by the God Harpocrates. Go
see father! I don't want to look
at you!
                                                            
Marcus stalks off, leaving Quintus in confusion and pain.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAINS QUARTERS - LATER
                                                            
The men walk into his cabin, everyone sitting down with
their bowel.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (happy to be among
       friends)
Thank Zeus, the aristocracy hasn't
heard about my cook.(noticing
Gaius's worried look)
My man has checked on Caligula.
He's still out.
                                                            
Quintus dejectedly walks in with a plate of food and sits
down.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking concerned)
Where's Marcus?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking unfocused)
I don't know.
                                                            
He starts eating. Everyone lets him be.
They eat dinner in silence.
Petronius gets up to collect the eating utensils, and
Prometheus helps him. The two men look at each other.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (pointing an
       eyebrow at
       Prometheus)
Help me outside, Prometheus.
                                                            
Prometheus looks at Petronius with that classic look of Ya
Think!?
They leave the cabin.
                                                            
Father and son sit in awkward silence. Quintus crawls into
his father's lap and looks miserable.
                                                            

39.

                       QUINTUS
Dad, I forgot. Who was the God
Harpocrates?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
The God of Silence.
Son, you amaze me. As long as Gabo
has been with us, and you never
wondered why he can't talk?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
I..... just always thought
about.....other things.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking cynical)
Yeah, starting with a Q and ending
with a S.
Let me tell you a story that I
have told you, but we all know
that sometimes you don't listen.
Many years before I met your
mother, I was a Tribune, fighting
for my life in Gaul and about to
lose my life, when the biggest
black man I ever saw mowed down
the enemy like they were sheaves
of wheat!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (twisting around)
Gabo!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Later that night, from another
campfire, I heard a voice the had
the power to move the soul. None
were at the battlefield that nite.
They were all transported to their
own personal paradise by that
amazing voice
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (voice tiny)
Gabo?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
You know the answer to that.
He served with me for two years
and saved my life many times.
One of those times, the price for
my life was his voice.
And, I hope you noticed, has been
            (MORE)

40.

                       GAIUS (cont'd)
part of our family ever since.
                                                            
Gaius stands, swinging Quintus to the floor.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Now go deal with the mess you have
caused with that misguided wit of
yours.
                                                            
Gaius walks out of the cabin, leaving a dejected Quintus.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF SHIP - NIGHT
                                                            
Flickering light from numerous pots of fire compete with
darkness.
Quintus spots Marcus and runs up.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (trying to act
       confident)
What's going on?
                                                            
Marcus stares at him with hard eyes.
Quintus EYES widen with panic as he realizes that Marcus
might not forgive him.
Marcus's face softens, and he pulls him roughly to his side.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Come here, you brat!
Guess who is going to sing tonite?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (confused)
Hah?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
Mr Weapon freak himself, Mario.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (still floored by
       his dad's story)
He can sing?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Like Apollo, himself! But, only
when HE wants to. The last person
who tried to make him do it is now
shark turds floating in the ocean!
                                                            

41.

                       QUINTUS
      (fascinated)
How do you know all that?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (still angry at
       him)
Because some people actually talk
to each other and listen, instead
of just waiting for the other
person to shut up so they can
perform!
                                                            
Quintus is now totally deflated.
A lilting soft voice floats over the ship. Quintus looks
around. The hardest face has been softened by the voice.
He slowly slips away from Marcus and drifts around, tired
from this long day.
He goes around a corner and sees a huge figure in the
darkness. It is Gabo, tears running down his face.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (crying now, too)
Gabo!
                                                            
He launches himself at Gabo who scoops him up like a little
baby.
Gabo rocks him while Mario sings his haunting song, the
flames fading away into darkness.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVE QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
NEXT DAY
                                                            
The brothers stand around Caligula's prone body.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (worried)
Sleeping all the time is not
natural!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (wrinkling his
       nose)
He can't be sleeping all the time.
His slop pot is full.
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus climb down, followed by the soldier who
lifts Caligula slop pot.
                                                            

42.

                       GAIUS
      (looking at the
       boys)
Follow the soldier with your slop
pots and go find some breakfast.
Take your time.
                                                            
The boys look at each other knowingly and carefully carry
their stinky cargo, following the soldier.
                                                            
Prometheus picks up the empty water skin on the floor next
to Caligula. He smells it. Gets a look of comprehension.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
What a little sneak. His'water'
skin smells like wine spiked with
my poppy mixture.(Waves his hand
to the bags and bales in the
room). I knew I should have put my
'supplies' in the captain's
quarters.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking
       sympathetic)
Can you blame him?
We have to get him up, though.
                                                            
Prometheus lifts Caligula into a sitting position, while
Gauis waits until Prometheus is out of the way, then douses
him with a bucket of water.
Caligula wakes up with a roar.
Gaius pins him, his hand tightly over his mouth.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (ferocious)
Germanicus told me how proud he
was of your behavior at the
battlefield.
Would you dishonor your father'
memories?
                                                            
Caligula's eyes WIDEN and fill up with reluctant tears.
Gaius slowly releases him.
Caligula clutches at his old arrogant confident self.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (mockingly)
Good sell, Uncle.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (flames shooting
       from his eyes)
Your arrogance is making you
            (MORE)

43.

                       GAIUS (cont'd)
stupid!
Your (lowers his voice) premature
emperor act will be the death of
all, and I'm sure you're the head
of the list!
                                                            
Caligula bends over holding his head. He slowly lifts his
face, his EYES shooting hatred, his expression scary because
it is on the face of a 10 year old.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
You are right. I must live to help
Tiberius find the killer who is
wiping out our family.
May I speak to the captain?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking surprised)
Let's go to the captain's quarters
for some clean clothes.
You're -
                                                            
The sounds of yelling and running are followed by the hatch
being yanked open. Romulus is lowered by a bucket and the
boys leap halfway down the ladder into the room.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (simultaneously
       with Quintus)
Pirates!!Captain Petronius wants
you immediately, Dad!
                                                            
Mario leaps into the chamber, as usual bristling with
weapons.
Gaius leaps up the stairs.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (yelling over his
       shoulder)
Take care of the family,
Prometheus!!
                                                            
Mario hands the boys three short stabbing swords, their eyes
glowing, Caligula forgetting his hangover.
Marcus looks mockingly at Prometheus's portly figure.
                                                            
                       MARIO
I've got to go. What can I loan
YOU?
                                                            

44.

Prometheus opens his outer robe and reveals several short
swords in soft sheaths strapped around his gut.
Mario looks at him with new respect.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (sarcastically)
Aids to stay alive longer!
                                                            
Incredibly fast, he flips a knife from the sleeve of his
robe and plants it beside Mario's head.
Mario and the three boys look at Prometheus with shocked and
respectful eyes.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (grinning like a
       hungry shark)
You're in good hands, boys!
                                                            
He leaps up, swings up to the deck and slams down the cover.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE SHIP - DAY
                                                            
THE CREW PREPARING FOR BATTLE
                                                            
Captain Petronius and Gaius rapidly put on their war gear
along with the rest of the ship.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Isn't that a Roman war ship
approaching?
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (grimly)
The traitor has struck again.
I happen to know that this is one
of the ships in Legate Mettalus's
fleet who is now in Africa.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
It could be dispatched by Tiberius
to pick up Caligula.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
I thought the same thing. Luckily,
I have this seeing tube I bought
from the same Greek that sold me
that 'thing' I gave to Quintus.
Look at the ship.
                                                            
Gaius dubiously looks through it and sucks in air.
                                                            

45.

                       PETRONIUS
I guess you saw the legs sticking
out from the captain's quarters.
If I did not have this 'magic'
eye, this would be our last
conversation.
                                                            
They finishing gearing up.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Go see Mario and stick to him.
                                                            
Gaius frowns.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (lifting his
       sgnature eyebrow)
Now, don't get your dander up.
You don't have your sea legs yet.
We know that you haven't seen a
battlefield in a long time.
Besides, he's the best killer I've
ever seen. You might learn
something.
                                                            
Gaius mock bows before him with a smile.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
True friends save each other from
their egos!
                                                            
They laugh, grip each others' arms.
It's time for war.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVES QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
Marcus and Quintus pace around the room, while Caligula sits
in the corner, clenching his sword.
Prometheus is lolling on one of the bales in the room.
Quintus notices him and stops in astonishment, his mouth
hanging open. Marcus too.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Uncle Prometheus, does the
possibility of being killed by a
pirate amuse you?
                                                            
Prometheus stills affects boredom, flicking off imaginary
lint on his robe.
He finally cracks and smiles reassuringly at the kids.
                                                            

46.

                       PROMETHEUS
Don't be such a twit, Quintus.
But, you could learn from your
cousin (points his head at
Caligula.
                                                            
Caligula starts, surprised at anything complementary coming
from Prometheus's mouth.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Think about it. The pirates have
not arrived yet, so save that
energy for when they get here.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
How will we know they are here?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (straight face)
When you hear screaming and blood
starts to roll into the grates.
                                                            
Frowns and points at a panting Romulus.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking at Marcus)
Marcus, he must be silent. We're
probably what they're looking for!
                                                            
All three boys look at the grate with a look of horror on
their faces.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (soothingly)
Climb up here and observe the
power of Rome's might.
                                                            
He waves them to the stair and lifts the grate for them to
see.
                                                            
 
EXT. UPPER DECK PRE BATTLE - DAY
                                                            
THE CREW IS SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENTS OF WAR.
                                                            
Prometheus's voice (V.O.)
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
The crew is probably erecting a
harpax- a collapsible fighting
tower that protects our archers.
And, did you notice the large
covered objects on the ground?
They could be catapults that throw
            (MORE)

47.

                       PROMETHEUS (cont'd)
stones or bolts.
Captain Petronius is Tiberius's
best sea captain-
                                                            
He closes the grate as they climb back down.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVE QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
-so the odds are on our side.
                                                            
Quintus crawls back up the stairs, sticking the top of the
Petronius's gift through the grate.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (excited)
Guy's. Look at this!! It is the
tool of the Gods!
                                                            
Caligula makes it up the stairs first and grabs it out of a
pissed off Quintus's hand, and looks through it.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
You can see what's going on
without them seeing you! What
witchcraft is this?
                                                            
He hands it to a delighted Marcus, who then hands it to
Prometheus, who shoos the boys off the ladder, lumbers up
and puts it to his eye.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
This surely the creation of Vulcan
himself! I have heard rumors about
a seeing tube that makes faraway
objects near, but never this!
                                                            
Romulus starts growling, followed by whistling sounds and
screams on the upper deck.
Suddenly they are all knocked on the ground, as the ships
collide.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (sitting up on his
       elbows.)
Marcus, put Romulus in the corner,
and make him be quiet! Our lives
depend on it!
You know who they're after!
                                                            

48.

Caligula looks terrified.
Sounds of swords clashing,men yelling war cries, sounds of
screaming pain.
Quintus creeps up the stairs, and slowly puts the tool up
through the grate. He sees-
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BATTLE SEEN THROUGH THE PERISCOPE - DAY
                                                            
Men in the other ship falling from arrows shot from the
harpax,stones and bolts from the catapults crushing and
killing groups of pirates.
Roman soldiers fighting vicious mercenaries.
Gaius, Petronius, and Gabo dispatching pirates as a team.
Mario darting like a deadly imp, doing spinning back kicks
while stabbing and slicing.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVE QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
Quintus is caught up in the drama of the battle. He looks at
Marcus and Caligula .
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
We can stab at the pirates' feet
and help out!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (alarmed)
How in Zeus's name will you know
you're not stabbing one of our
own?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (sounding like
       he's talking to
       an idiot)
EVERYONE knows OUR soldiers wear
hob nail boots!
                                                            
Caligula runs up the ladder and starts looking through the
grate and with Quintus, starts stabbing with their short
swords.
Marcus and Prometheus look with shocked amazement at these
idiots.
A loud yell and suddenly the grate is ripped open. The boys
fall backward and accompanied by a loud roar, Gabo's bigger
brother from Hell leaps down with a massive thump.
He has Mario's smile.
                                                            
                       PIRATE
Where is Caligula??
                                                            

49.

The pirate doesn't see Quintus and Caligula sprawled behind
him.
Marcus leaps forward.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes sparking,
       sword ready)
I am Caligula! And you shall not
hurt my family!!
                                                            
The pirate looks at him in amazement and a spark of respect,
yanking him up with one hand like a rag doll, Marcus
twisting and trying to stab at him with his sword.
Prometheus is frozen.
The pirate lifts up a magnificent screaming eagle headed
sword for the death stab and-
                                                            
                       PIRATE
      (screams)
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
                                                            
Romulus has leaped silently from the shadows and sunk his
huge fangs into the pirates scalp and neck.
The pirate drops Marcus to reach behind him, and as Marcus
is falling, he aims his blade downward and it goes clean
through the pirates foot.
The pirate screams and as he bends forward,Romulus falling
off his back, he drops his sword.
Marcus picks it up, anger making the heavy sword light and
slices through the pirates neck.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (who keeps hacking)
You will not hurt my family!!!You
will not hurt my family!!
                                                            
Mario drops in ready to kill.
He looks at Marcus. His mouth drops open, as he looks at the
Pirate King's head almost hacked off.
He walks over and picks up the bloody sword dropped by a
panting glazed Marcus.
About to be sarcastically admiring, he sees Marcus is in a
state of shock.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (looking everyone)
We won!
                                                            
As soon as Mario says that, one final whack from above is
heard, and a head plops into the chamber, the mouth still
moving, the eyes wide in surprise and blinking.
Marcus sees it and starts heaving.
Mario picks him up like he's a feather and runs up to the

50.

deck.
The sound of vomiting is heard.
Prometheus glares at the boys who look like they've been hit
in the gut. Because the head's eyes are looking at the boys
and one of them closes in a wink.
They run up the stairs, puking sounds heard as they hit the
deck.
Prometheus looks savagely happy.
Romulus walks to Prometheus looking for approval, blood
dripping from his mouth.
Prometheus squats down and pets him, while studying the dead
pirate's face, eyebrow lifted.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (talking to the
       head)
I guess the legend about you was
true!
No MAN would kill you.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE SLOWLY BURNING CONQUERED SHIP - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Petronius and Gaius slowly walk the deck, their swords
ready. Other soldiers secure the ship, the occasional death
shriek ringing out.
A soldier runs up, looking very uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
Sir!
We have(looking at a loss for
words)
a 'cargo' in the slave quarters!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (irritated)
So why are bothering me with this
right now? Is it gold?
Bloodthirsty pirates?
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
      (looking desperate)
Sir, soldiers have secured the
chamber.(He practically sprints
away).
                                                            
Petronius and Gaius give each other the what the hell look.
They approach the opened hatch and see the troubled look on
the guard's face.
The two men climb down the stairs.
                                                            
 

51.

INT. SLAVE QUARTERS OF CONQUERED SHIP - DAY
                                                            
On a bench, little flower faced boys and girls with dead
eyes are chained to each other with little gilded chains.
They look up at the men as they walk partway down the
ladder.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (muttering)
Is there no end to man's evil?
                                                            
Gaius looks at his friend and gets his sandal caught in the
wood of the stairs, as they turn to escape the horror. He
bends over and frees it, and as he leans up, he sees a
huddled figure in the dark corner who lifts his head.A
bruised eye full of pleading shows itself.
Both of the men stare, turn around and walk quickly up the
stairs.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF BURNING SHIP - DAY
                                                            
Petronius is leaning on the railing a tortured look on his
face.Gauis stands beside him.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (running his hands
       thru his hair)
Give me a thousand men to kill,
and I will do it!!
But, this!
                                                            
He looks around. Even though the ship is sinking, his men
are delighting in the weapons supermarket scattered on the
bloody body strewn deck.
He becomes the captain again.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (loudly)
Hurry and get your new
'acquisitions.' If you didn't
notice, the ship is sinking!
                                                            
The men laugh and Roman discipline takes over.
Petronius targets the nervous soldier.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Hurry and clean the slave quarters
on our ship, and have the children
move their possessions to my
headquarters.
                                                            

52.

Looks at the soldier guarding the chamber and points below
to the slave chambers.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Wait for word, and move them to
the slave quarters on our ship.
                                                            
Gaius and Petronius navigate the bobbing plank away from the
sinking ship.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAINS QUARTERS - DAY
                                                            
Gaius follows Petronius to his captains quarters, who grabs
a huge bottle and fills up two glasses.
They sink gratefully into the chairs and after the first
desperate gulp, stare into space.
Prometheus enters and Petronius waves him to the bottle, and
he follows suit.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (to Prometheus)
The kids?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Mario's 'adopted'the boys.
Especially Marcus. You should have
seen -.
                                                            
Gaius points his head toward the tortured face of the
captain.
Prometheus nods and nurses his drink.
A soldier appears at the door.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (tiredly)
Complete the transfer of anything
useful from the other ship, and
move away as soon as possible. As
soon as the ship is secure, make
sure food and and grog are given
to the men.
                                                            
The soldier leaves. Petronius stands up, grabs the bottle
and slams it on the table.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (nods at the
       bottle)
Have at it, gentleman, while I
tell you a sordid tale.
As I'm sure you know, we've been
tacking about Italy, to deceive
the enemy (snorts)-lot of good
            (MORE)

53.

                       PETRONIUS (cont'd)
that did, right?
Caligula is going to the isle of
Capri, right off the coast.
And, now I am part of something I
swore I'd never be part of!!
                                                            
Petronius fills all the glasses again.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
You're going to need it.
For the last year, I've heard a
rumor about Tiberius and his new
perversion. I didn't want to
believe it. I knew him when he was
married to his first wife, and you
know what happened there. After
his forced divorce and his
politically correct second
marriage forced on him by
Octavius,something had died in
him. I guess to be replaced by
....this....
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (eyes narrowing)
Then, the rumors about Tiberius
using....children for sex slaves
is true, and these children
are...?
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (disgusted)
I was approached six months ago by
a courier of Tiberius about being
part of his 'delivery' system and
I told the courier that Tiberius
could have me killed but I
wouldn't be a part of this.
He respected my decision but I was
told that if I shared this
information with anyone, I would
be killed.
Because of course, the appearance
of a morally correct Emperor must
be maintained.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (sadly)
Our Empire is based on slavery.
And the sad fact is that those
'children' have been trained in
this regard, and seem to accept
their lot. But, the boy in the
            (MORE)

54.

                       GAIUS (cont'd)
corner...
                                                            
Petronius stands up so suddenly, the table tips and almost
knocks the bottle over.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (tormented)
Zeus! Those other children have
been 'damaged'.
But,the boy in the corner. That
one beat up eye told volumes.
Damn, damn, damn!THERE IS NOTHING
I CAN DO!!!
Captain's talk to each other.
In an attempt to save another one
of these 'loads', a captain with a
conscience got himself and his
crew killed.
                                                            
As Petronius is emoting, Prometheus tips his head, his
lifted eyebrows and smirk turning him into the devil
himself.
Gaius witnesses this out of his eye and turns to Prometheus,
interested and expectant.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (his voice silky)
I thought you knew me better,
Petronius!
I am the Emperor of Deceit.
And because I have a strong sense
of self preservation, we won't be
fighting for the same seat to
cross the River Styx.
Just leave it to me!
                                                            
Gaius looks at Prometheus with an appreciative look on his
face.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
In the thirty years we've known
each other, his plots have never
failed.
                                                            
Startled and suddenly hopeful, Petronius sits down again.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (grinning)
Speak away! Your code name is
Hermes, the God of Mischief.
                                                            
 

55.

EXT. THE STERN OF THE SHIP - AFTERNOON
                                                            
PLATFORM NEXT TO THE FIGUREHEAD
                                                            
Marcus is standing,bloody and still in shock,on a raised
deck, his hand on the back of the eagle head carving on the
bow of the ship.
A cleaned up Caligula is slowly climbing to him, an alien
expression on his haughty face - uncertainty.
He stands a little below the upper deck on the stairs, still
unnoticed by Marcus.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (quietly)
Marcus! Let's get you cleaned up.
                                                            
Marcus still stands there in a daze, acting like he hasn't
heard Caligula. He slowly turns to Caligula, eyes still
unfocused.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (a wondering tone)
The crew thinks I'm a hero!
But I'm not!
I just remember filling up with
a....feeling to..to do what I had
to do to protect my family!
                                                            
The word 'family' goes through Caligula like an electric
current.He freezes.
A look of pain fills his eyes. He jerks around and clatters
down the stairs.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (yelling in a
       broken voice)
Everyone is looking for you!
                                                            
Romulus rushes up the stairs past a preoccupied Caligula and
practically knocks Marcus down, licking and slobbering on
him, shattering his trance.
An uneasy, trying to look nonchalant Quintus slowly walks
up.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (actually looking
       humbled)
I..ah..heard that a retard was
loose on the ship.(He turns his
head).
                                                            
Marcus shakes his head, smiling at his brother.
                                                            

56.

                       MARCUS
      (snatching him up)
All retards must have the blood of
pirates smeared into them!!!
Especially, the blood of the
pirate you gave a special
invitation to !!
                                                            
He starts smearing Quintus's face in the copious amounts of
blood on his arms, Quintus shrieking, Romulus jumping up,
barking.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (yelling up at
       them)
Show over!
Get down here!
                                                            
As they clutter to the ground, Marcus sees a lot of the crew
lined up including his father, Prometheus, and Captain
Petronius.
They all sword salute him, and yell,"YEAH!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (looking serious)
We the crew have decided to honor
you for...
                                                            
Petronius grabs Marcus and swings him up to a nearby keg.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (grinning)
killing the leader of the pirates.
And, I for one are glad YOU killed
the big son of a bitch, because he
has never been defeated in battle!
                                                            
Marcus looks at the grinning crew and a proud Prometheus and
Gaius and jumps down, squatting down next to Romulus,lifting
his paw.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
I give you the true hero of the
hour!
Romulus of the huge teeth!!
                                                            
Everyone cheers.
Romulus bobs his head up and down. Everyone laughs.
As the crowd dissipates , many crewmen flash a look of awe
at Marcus.
                                                            

57.

                       MARIO
      (grabs the kids
       arms)
Let' sluice you down and get rid
of that pirate musk smell. It's
annoying my delicate nostrils!
                                                            
Marcus and Quintus are delighted to have the attention of
their bloodthirsty hero.
They laugh, their eyes glued on Mario not noticing that he
is leading them away from the soldiers who are throwing the
dead overboard.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE SHIP - EVENING
                                                            
Everyone is getting ready for bed, after a hard day of
fighting.
A tired looking Marcus and the energizer bunny Quintus are
leaning against the railing, enjoying the cool evening
breeze.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm tired and my arms are killing
me!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (faking an elegant
       tone)
EVERYONE knows that hewing and
smoting is rather tiresome!
(he suddenly turns and hugs
Marcus)
Seriously, thank you for saving my
silly life.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (returning the
       tone)
EVERYONE knows that the reason I
saved your silly life is that
(affecting a snotty manner)you
AMUSE me!
                                                            
They both laugh and Marcus returns the hug.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Let's go to the Captain's cabin
and get some shuteye.
Dad told me that he expected us
after dinner.
                                                            

58.

                       QUINTUS
      (looking uneasy)
I...I want to get that ..that
thing the Captain gave me.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (rolling his eyes)
Yeah, I'm sure that I'd want to
keep an object that reminded me
when I look at it,of a time when I
was King of the Stupids.
Besides, we were all told to stay
away from that room.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (angry)
I'm sure glad that Mr Perfect now
has something over me!
When we get back to Rome, I'm sure
you can entertain our friends.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (enjoying himself)
That's a great idea!
But you know that with your
ability to stage a drama, I'll
need your assistance to truly
portray you as the idiot you were!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (snapping)
Are you going to cover for me or
not?! Or is your new name Mr.
Brown Nose?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Cover what? I know nothing about
nothing.
                                                            
Marcus smiles as he walks away.
Quintus looks uncertain as he walks to the grate.
The guard has fallen asleep. Quintus slowly lifts the grate
and puts it to one side.The stairs are gone, so he swings
down and soundlessly lands.
                                                            
 
INT. SLAVES QUARTERS - NIGHT
                                                            
He looks curiously at the sleeping children grotesquely
clothed in sexually explicit apparel, lying in each others
arms.
He frowns then starts looking for the object.

59.

After a few minutes, he hears a soft voice coming from the
darkened corner of the room.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
I have it.
                                                            
Quintus is startled and curious. He tentatively moves toward
the boy.
They look at each other.
Quintus sees a bruised incredibly handsome young boy with
intelligent eyes full of pain and a scar shaped like a star
on his temple.
The boy sees a lively face untouched by the evils of life
crowned with wild blonde curls.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
My name is Joseph. (He hands it to
Quintus)Quite a curious
instrument. It looks Greek.
                                                            
Quintus is flabbergasted to be having an intelligent
conversation in this setting.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (blurts)
Why are YOU here?!
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (tears fill his
       eyes and he
       lowers his head)
My..my father sold me into
slavery.
                                                            
One of the children make a noise.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (in a dead
       hopeless voice)
Go, before you wake the others.
YOU don't belong here!!!
                                                            
Quintus looks horrified. He tucks the tube in a pocket,
leaps up and replaces the grate.
Head hanging down, he slowly walks away.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
                                                            
The door opens and an unhappy Quintus walks into the
cabin.Romulus whines.
Everyone's welcome is silenced by his expression.
                                                            

60.

                       GAIUS
      (concerned)
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (upset)
I went to get the ..tube that the
Captain gave me and there was this
boy there and dad! HE DOESN'T
BELONG THERE!
                                                            
Gaius leaps up, a vein in his temple throbbing in sheer
anger.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (furious)
Zeus' Balls!
What does it take to make you
listen!
If I had been in your chamber
today, I would have hired the King
of the Pirates to be your
BABYSITTER!!!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (unfazed by his
       father's
       explosion)
His own father sold him into
slavery!
His own father!
                                                            
Petronius's face tightens in pain. Marcus looks sympathetic.
Unaffected, Prometheus has a smug, cat ate the canary look
in his eyes.
Gaius softens. He scoops up Quintus and they sit down,
Gaius's arms around him. Gaius nods at Marcus and he comes
over and leans into them. Romulus puts his big head on the
three laps.
Petronius looks on in envy and Prometheus indulgently.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (smiling)
Well, at least today, we all lived
happily ever after!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (humourously)
HEAR,HEAR!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (serious but
       loving)
A philosopher once said that
            (MORE)

61.

                       GAIUS (cont'd)
everything happens for a reason.
I hope you realize that boy could
be you.(he grins)
What's your new slave name!(starts
tickling him.)
                                                            
Quintus squirms out of his dad's arms irritated, but still
troubled.
He looks at his father.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
But, what about...
                                                            
Gaius slowly towers up over his son. He is now one of the
most powerful Senators in Rome, and a former commander of
100,000 men.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (laser beam eyes)
You(enunciating slowly)are my son
and I am your father!
Let it alone.
Go to your beds(gesturing)
We've had a long day.
                                                            
Everyone prepares for sleep.
Prometheus turns off the lamp.
Darkness.
                                                            
 
EXT. SHIP IS IN DOCK AT ISLE OF CAPRI - MORNING
                                                            
THE SHIP IS PREPARING TO UNLOAD CALIGULA AND THE SLAVES.
                                                            
Captain Petronuis and selected soldiers are in full gear as
they welcome the captain of the island command.
The boys walk over and Caligula walks ahead to the captain
who goes into full salute to the next Emperor of Rome.
Caligula starts blowing up with his own power.
Suddenly he hears a snigger, cut off by a moan of pain.
He turns his head and sees Quintus glaring at Marcus as he
is jumping around holding the foot that Marcus just stomped
on .
A tiny smile creeps out.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (salutes back to
       the captain)
Captain, you can precede me to the
island.
                                                            
The soldiers smartly reverse and walk down the plank.
                                                            

62.

Caligula turns around to see a fond smile on Marcus's face
and a reluctant look of admiration on Quintus's face.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
You know Gaius, you ARE quite good
at this royalty stuff!
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (actually showing
       a sense of humor)
Wow! A compliment from one of the
world's greatest actor!
(his expression turns somber)
I don't know if that was a slip
up, but Caligula was the name
given to me my father's soldiers.
In honor of my father, I will keep
it.
                                                            
He suddenly grips Quintus's arms in a gesture of affection.
Quintus looks like Jack the Rippper just grabbed him.
Caligula bursts out in laughter.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
I wish you WERE a slave so I could
make you my personal court jester!
                                                            
Caligula turns to Marcus, sad affection in his eyes
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
Thank you for ..
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (imitating
       Prometheus)
Thank YOU for a FABULOUS
adventure!
                                                            
They all laugh.
Caligula walks down the ramp.
He turns suddenly and looks at Quintus.
                                                            
                       CALIGULA
      (grinning)
When my toadies are kissing the
royal bum, I'll think of you!
(he looks almost yearningly at
Marcus).
And, I know I will never find a
friend as true as you.
                                                            
He turns, assumes the royal posture and walks down the ramp.
                                                            

63.

                       QUINTUS
      (surprised)
I didn't think Liggie had it in
him! I -
                                                            
The boys hear yelling and a smacking sound from down below.
The slaves surface and obediently walk up the stairs to the
ramp.
As they walk down the ramp, the 'keeper' appears with the
struggling boy who has a fresh bruise on his defiant face.
                                                            
                       KEEPER
      (typical evil
       scumbag)
You better stop, or you'll take a
short trip off the cliffs!
                                                            
Quintus tenses to sprint over him,but Marcus holds him in a
death grip.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (rage boiling out
       of his eyes at
       Quintus)
If you don't stop, Dad and I will
beat you to a bloody pulp!
                                                            
The vicious tone in Marcus's voice shuts Quintus down.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (hissing)
Just Wait!!!
                                                            
As the keeper struggles to get the boy down the ramp, the
boy jumps off, forcing the keeper to release him or to go
down with him.
His heavy chains sink him like rock.
                                                            
                       KEEPER
      (pissed off)
He would have just ended up a
shark's dinner, anyway!
                                                            
He walks down the ramp to the shore as Marcus drills Quintus
with his eyes, who is shocked and horrified.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (yelling)
Disengage from the shore, men.
                                                            

64.

The plank is quickly retracted and the oars quickly take the
ship out of the port.
Quintus looks around with disbelief as no one seems to care
about saving Joseph.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Your dad asked that you go to my
cabin.
                                                            
He strides away, face averted, little smile on his face.
The boys walk to the cabin, Quintus dejected, Marcus
avoiding eye contact with Quintus.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN - DAY
                                                            
The boys slouch into the cabin.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (not looking up
       from his scrolls)
Pick up those rugs on the floor,
please.
                                                            
In one of those rare instances, Quintus shuts up and helps
Marcus.
Chore done, Quintus mopes around.
The door explodes open, a dripping wet Mario runs in,
followed by an equally wet Joseph,dragging his chains,
Romulus barking.
Quintus and Marcus leap up, laughing and leaping and
yelling, echoed by what sounds the whole crew, trying to
stick their heads in the cabin.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (facing the room,
       enjoying his
       moment)
I have just proved that deceit is
mightier than the sword!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (frowning)
Ya, you sure deceived me!
Was I the only person on the ship
that didn't know?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (sneering)
I don't think the cook knew!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
                                                            

65.

Enjoying his moment of glory, Prometheus's motherly
instincts take over, to the horror of an eye rolling Mario,
and tries to help a still chained Joseph dry off.
Mario leaps up, tired of the fussing.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (looking at the
       soldiers in the
       doorway)
Gentleman, let's go free our new
friend.
Hopefully, the blacksmith isn't
too drunk!
                                                            
The group roars in laughter.
A smiling Petronuis elbows his way into his cabin.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (happily)
Be on with it, lads!
Free the new member of the crew!
                                                            
Joseph looks at Petronius with brimming tears in his eyes,
as the laughing soldiers escort him out trailed by the boys.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (tearing up
       himself, but
       trying to make
       light of it)
Never a dull moment!
Killing the scourge of the seas
one day, committing a crime that
could result in us having our own
individual crosses, the next!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (giving it back)
Gaius, remind me to call this guy
when I'm dying of twenty diseases
so he can tell me I just have a
cold!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (also giving it
       back)
And, when I am the Emperor of the
Kingdom of Wherever, YOU will be
my prime counselor. We'll conquer
Rome in a year.
                                                            
The three men laugh.
                                                            

66.

                       GAIUS
Speaking of the kingdom of
wherever, how long will our trip
be?
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
About a month, month and a half,
depending on Neptune's kindness.
I will be studying you gentlemen
to learn(bows to Gaius), diplomacy
and(deeply to Prometheus), the - I
now realize the more useful
ability - the art of deceit!!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (flamboyantly
       tossing his head)
A teacher always admires his
pupil's cringing acknowledgement
of being in the presence of sheer,
raw, talent -
                                                            
Petronius lets loose a long raspberry.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (laughing)
Thank Zeus!
I was running out of adjectives to
compliment myself!
                                                            
Even Gauis gives a snort of laughter.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
Time to play Captain. I must go
and make sure that the cook
doesn't get too drunk to make
dinner!
I've found that threats of
keelhauling really motivates a
cook!
                                                            
He leaves with a happy laugh.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK OF THE SHIP - MORNING
                                                            
TWO DAYS LATER
                                                            
The captain, Gaius, Prometheus, and Gabo are leaning on the
railing watching the sun rise.
They hear children's laughter and the sound of running.
                                                            

67.

                       PETRONIUS
Quintus is just what that kid
needed! They seem to be
inseparable.
Does Marcus feel left out?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking
       thoughtful)
In a strange way, this couldn't
have come at a better time.
Marcus is on the threshold of
manhood, while Quintus, for all
his brilliance, is still a child.
They are moving into different
worlds.(looking at Petronius)
Mario tells me that Marcus has
quite an aptitude for fighting.
He seems to have made Marcus his
protege.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (grinning)
Killing the king of the pirates at
twelve is quite a notch on a young
man's belt.
I think Mario's jealous!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Being that one of my hobbies is
eavesdropping, I've overheard many
a crew member, speak of Marcus
with...almost superstitious awe.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (smiling)
The former slave quarters looks
like a menagerie of offerings from
the whole crew!
                                                            
Quintus and Joseph stampede up to the men waving at them.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (shameless)
Gabo!!Would you take your favorite
brat for a ride?
                                                            
Gabo happily complies, loving the attention.
He bends over and scoops up both boys placing them on top of
his shoulders.
He turns, bows to his friends to the boy's shrieking delight
as they slide a bit, and takes the boys for a ride.
                                                            

68.

                       PETRONIUS
      (smiling
       indulgently)
And that's why the boy's 'room' is
adorned with 'offerings'.
Traveling on a ship can get
monotonous and having these young
nuts on board is refreshing.
                                                            
They hear shouts of laughter at the other side of the ship.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (an indulgent look
       on his face)
Quintus is in pig heaven!
He has a captive audience
                                                            
Prometheus frowns and grabs his stomach.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
I fear I must leave you witty
gentleman.(nodding at Petronius)
Your cook is so inventive, that I
have lost many a battle with
gluttony!
I have a hot date with a slop
bucket!!
                                                            
He walks the familiar closed knee shuffle to find relief.
                                                            
 
EXT. DECK BY MARIO'S WEAPON CLOSET - LATER
                                                            
Mario is teaching Marcus sword moves.
Marcus is doing well for a twelve year old fighting with a
trained killer.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (sweat pouring
       down his face)
Let's take a break. I've got the
moves, but you have the youth!
That's why it's good to -
'dispatch' the young warriors
quickly.
                                                            
Marcus fetches a pail of water.They sit down and suck down
the water.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (smiling)
Are you gonna settle down and have
a family one day?
                                                            

69.

Mario's face suddenly becomes scary with anger.
Marcus shrinks back, his eyes huge.
Mario's eyes suddenly focus on Marcus and his expression
softens.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (smiling weakly)
I like you, kid.So I've decided
not to kill you!
(His expression saddens.)
I was a successful merchant on my
way to Rome with my wife and our
baby.
Pirates attacked our ship, stabbed
me in the side and left me for
dead.
When I came to,everyone was dead.
I died that day.
All I have left is the thrill of
killing those monsters, over and
over, until it's my time.
                                                            
Marcus looks at Mario with tears in his eyes.
Mario studies Marcus for a moment, then stands up, pulling
him up.
                                                            
                       MARIO
By the way, kid, I'd appreciate it
if you wouldn't ruin my image -
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (serious)
You can count on me, Mario!
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (grabbing a dagger
       in one hand and
       throwing Marcus
       another one)
It's time for close combat
training.
Convince me you mean it!
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTAGE OF THE DAYS AT SEA - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
- Quintus and Joseph giggling when they're supposed to be
sleeping.
Marcus tosses and turns in his cot, eyelids twitching.

-Petronius lectures a thrilled Joseph and a poorly concealed
bored Quintus on the art of navigation.


70.

-Quintus and Joseph playing hide-and-go-seek with the
periscope.

-The ship stops and the boys and the crew and Romulus, all
go swimming.

-An exhausted Quintus and Joseph lay asleep on a huge coil
of rope like puppies.
                                                            
 
INT. THE BOYS 'ROOM' - EVENING
                                                            
Quintus and Joseph are giggling and 'fighting' when they
should be sleeping.
Marcus is tossing and turning in his sleep, as usual.
                                                            
MARCUS IS DREAMING
                                                            
A hot summer breeze is whipping his long hair. He's standing
on a high platform in front of a pyramid half way built.
He hears a voice beside him asking if he's ready, but he
can't turn his head.
He hears a loud tuning fork sound, the voice says, NOW!
Their combined voices accentuate the sound from the tuning
fork and their voices turn into a roar. One of the huge
stones floats and slowly slides into it's place in the
pyramid.
                                                            
BOYS ROOM
                                                            
The boys stop playing abruptly because Marcus is levitating
off his cot.
Their mouths drop open as he stays in the air.
He yells,"WHEN?" and crashes back on his cot.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (half wakes up,
       looks cock eyed
       at them)
What!
                                                            
The boys just stare at him like he suddenly grew another
head.
Marcus turns over and goes back to sleep.
                                                            
 
INT. CAPTAIN'S CABIN - MORNING
                                                            
Gaius is staring into space.
Marcus slowly walks in, circles under his eyes, and pulls
out a chair and sits in a daze.
Gabo sticks his head in the door, and sees them sitting
there and backs out to leave.
                                                            

71.

                       GAIUS
      (smiling at Gabo)
Don't leave! A member of the
family is always welcome!(Gabo
looks pleased.)
I've heard everyone talking about
how much help you've been. They
want you to join the crew.(Gabo
shakes his head no and smiles.
Water's over there.
                                                            
Gabo gets some water and sits down.
They both look with worried frowns at Marcus who looks
loopy.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Are the kids keeping you up all
night?
                                                            
Marcus looks at them questioningly.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You guys promise not to laugh?
                                                            
Gabo puts his huge hand over Marcus's, and his father
smiles, waiting.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (not seeing them)
I go to sleep, no problem!
But, instead of resting, I'm
having all these adventures with
this other friend who I haven't
met yet.
He stares into space, and slowly
tells them.
                                                            
FLASHBACKS OF OTHER DREAMS
                                                            
His companion always faceless in the dreams:
-They're flying on gliders powered by crystals. They land in
front of a large group of people in colorful robes. A
priestess takes a huge tuning fork, strikes it on a rock,
and Marcus and his 'friend' match it's tone and create a new
looking Stonehenge.
-They are sitting yoga style in front of a large group of
Tibetan monks in a mountain top monastery. They start the
tone,MMMMM! and as the sound gets louder and louder,
everyone starts levitating, a beatific look on their faces.
                                                            
BACK IN THE CABIN
                                                            

72.

Gaius and Gabo look wide-eyed at each other.
They look at Marcus who looks like he just found out he is a
leper.
Gabo silently laughs with Gaius.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Marcus, many,MANY moons ago, when
Gabo and I were (he mocks the
quivering tone of an old man)
young, we had a fascinating night
of conversations, fueled, I admit
by a few drinks(Marcus laughs,
starting to relax), and the
subject matter.
One of the stories these Greeks
talked about was tuning forks
increasing the sounds of some
people's voices that could result
in floating objects.
They claim that they read in the
Library of Alexandria, before the
fire, a document that told of this
power.
Your dreams prove that this is not
a legend!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking
       interested)
How do you know that I'm not just
crazy?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (seriously)
Dreams are visions sent from the
Gods, or, as some believe, past
lifetime memories.
The bottom line is, could you have
made this up?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (happy that he is
       being taken
       seriously)
Guys, it seemed as real as right
now!
                                                            
Gaius looks at Gabo and Marcus.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (eyes glowing)
Gentlemen, this is not theory
anymore!
The boys said that you were
            (MORE)

73.

                       GAIUS (cont'd)
floating above your cot!!
                                                            
Marcus gets the leper look again.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (laughing joyously)
Let it roll, my son! (He excitedly
jumps up.)
Our flight for our lives has
turned into an adventure!!
                                                            
He ruffles Marcus's hair and acts like he is going for
Gabo's hair, who jumps up grinning.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking at Marcus)
Loose lips sink ships! This is
family stuff. Only strange people
need apply!
                                                            
Causing both Marcus and Gabo to smile, Gaius throws his arms
up in a dramatic gesture similar to Quintus.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Something tells me that we're all
going to have our lives changed!
                                                            
He and Gabo leave a startled and thoughtful Marcus.
                                                            
 
EXT. LAND IS IN SIGHT. - MORNING
                                                            
A MONTH HAS PASSED
                                                            
Quintus is balled up on the floor of the upper deck behind
the figurehead, looking at the approaching island.
As a shadow falls on him, he looks up.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looks down at
       Quintus)
Your presence is requested below!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (slowly getting up)
I know, I know!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (compassionately)
I'm sorry. He's a great buddy!
                                                            

74.

                       QUINTUS
      (sadly)
Yeah!What an..irony.The very place
we are 'hiding' in, is the country
Joseph is from and can't return
to!
                                                            
Marcus waits.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (angrily)
His father was the head of one of
the Sicarii gangs - an
organization dedicated to getting
rid of Romans in Judea.
Joseph was the oldest son, so when
Joseph did not agree to his
father's opinions, sold him into
slavery as a traitor!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (sympathetic)
At least we were part of his happy
ending. Prometheus say's the
captain is going to adopt him!
Besides, Dad said we should be
here for just a year, so Petronius
could be our ride back home.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (still looking
       sulky)
You know what a selfish brat I am.
He was the best audience I ever
had!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (acting crushed)
Ya, brothers don't count, right?
                                                            
Marcus pinches Quintus hard and makes him squeal with pain.
He runs down the stairs, an angry Quintus hot on his heels.
They almost run headlong into Joseph.
Quintus starts to tear up, and runs away, leaving a hurt
Joseph.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (soothingly)
Don't be hurt. Being the totally
self centered twerp that he is, he
has never had a real friendship.
And since he has always gotten
what he wanted, he is crushed that
            (MORE)

75.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
you can't come with us.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (wonderingly)
Boy, life can change just like
that(he snaps his fingers)!
From hell, to a new life with
great friends, a new father,and(
waves at the ship) a new family.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I hope you know that not only are
you the best friend that Quintus
has ever had, but probably the
only friend he has ever had.
His intelligence intimidates
adults. He's bored with most kids
his age.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (laughing)
He is a blast! I'm...going to miss
him. He has become like the
brother I left behind.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes widening)
Wow! Would you like us to find him
and tell you are o.k.?
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (bitterly)
No. My 'father' probably told him
I was killed, and if my brother
finds out I was sold into slavery,
the same would happen to him.
                                                            
Marcus reaches out and grabs Joseph's hands.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm glad we met.
I have to go and get our
belongings.
Quintus is not good at anything
practical.
See you when we disembark!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE RAMP OF THE SHIP IS DOWN - LATER
                                                            
THE SOLDIERS ARE LINED UP, SWORDS UP
                                                            

76.

Gaius and Quintus get to the ramp. When Marcus shows up with
Romulus, the crew cheers. Man mountain Gabo follows and the
crew smilingly acknowledge him.
Prometheus hams it up, daintily clomping along with soldiers
hobnail boots, a shawl around his neck, and his hand campily
swinging his dagger.
The crew bursts into laughter.
Mario walks up and hands Marcus a superb sword, the golden
eagle head glinting in the sun. He can barely hold it.
                                                            
                       MARIO
      (looking like a
       shark about to
       cry)
This sword is a a gift from the
crew. And(he smiles wickedly at
the crew) from the King of the
Pirates!!
                                                            
Everyone roars.
                                                            
                       MARIO
May you kill many an enemy of Rome
with it!
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (happy)
Here, Here!!
                                                            
Petronius has his arm around a smiling Joseph.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (points at Quintus)
Let's hear a cheer for the boy
that kept us laughing!
                                                            
Quintus turns bright red, while the crew yells their assent.
                                                            
Joseph walks to Quintus and gives the 'periscope' to him.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (looking at
       Quintus intently)
This will remind you of our crazy
adventures. Give it to your next
adventure buddy!
                                                            
Quintus tries not to tear up.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (tearing up also)
Our friendship isn't over!
Who knows, maybe we'll be here to
pick you up when the traitor is
            (MORE)

77.

                       JOSEPH (cont'd)
exposed!
                                                            
Joseph looks up at Petronius,who squeezes his shoulder.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
If we're not needed in a new war
and my (looks down at Joseph)
second in command agrees, it's a
good possibility!
                                                            
Petronius walks up to Gaius, Prometheus and Gabo. He looks
at a crew member who gives Gaius a large bottle. Petronius
hugs each of them, a fond look on his face.
                                                            
                       PETRONIUS
      (pointing his
       spockien eyebrows)
Out of twenty years of being on
ship, this trip was one for the
books!
I'll move heaven and earth to be
the ship to take you back to Rome.
                                                            
The family disembarks, Gabo taking the heavy sword from
Marcus like it's a feather.
The ship's oars pull the ship from the shore, as the family
walk up a sand hill.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PORT CITY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
As they clear the hill, a group of camels and two men and a
boy await them.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (look of sheer
       disgust on his
       face)
Gaius, PLEASE, NO CAMELS! I hate
the foul beasts!
                                                            
Gaius ignores Prometheus, walks to the men with a senatorial
expression on his face, bows, and easily slips into a
foreign language.
He slips one of the men a purse. Everyone gets a love the
cash smile on their faces.
They gesture to the camels and the boy who looks about
Marcus's age holding them.
Everyone bows again and the men leave.
                                                            

78.

                       MARCUS
      (eyes aglow)
Camels!!
My-first-time-I've-ever-done
this-list is getting larger
everyday!
                                                            
Romulus starts to get agitated around the camels.
Marcus squats down, strokes him, and whispers in his ear.
Romulus relaxes.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (pouting)
By the end of the trip, you'll be
starting a new list called, I'll
Never Do That Again As Long As I
LIVE!!!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grinning)
So, you've been on a camel,
before?
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (closing his eyes)
After the trip, I couldn't walk
for a month!
                                                            
The boy left with the camels walks up to them. He turns to
the camels, yells a command and they all sit, the boys
looking wide eyed at all this.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Where is Romulus going to go?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (points to a large
       basket)
Romulus will ride there when he is
tired.
That means you and Quintus will
have to take turns walking with
him.
                                                            
Gaius grabs the hand of Quintus, walks a distance away and
establishes a slitted eye contact with Quintus.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (thru gritted
       teeth)
Remember the story!
                                                            

79.

                       QUINTUS
      (loudly)
Oh, Father, I promise to pay more
attention so I can be a better
merchants son!
                                                            
Gaius rolls his eyes for the millionth time.
Marcus walks eagerly to the camel boy.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (interested)
Heh, I'm Marcus.
I love your camels!
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (shyly)
My name is Jonah.
                                                            
A sudden complaining moan from one of his camels distracts
him.
He runs toward the camel which Gabo is standing next to.
Jonah looks at huge Gabo and looks at the camel and starts
giggling.
Gabo grins ruefully, and everyone starts laughing.
The camel's expression says ,'See?'
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (suddenly
       'business' like
       at age 10)
Mino is just being lazy.
Everyone, let me get you onto your
camel.
                                                            
He walks up to Gabo's camel and strokes the camel, muttering
sweetly into the camel's ear, who moans and rubs it's muzzle
on Jonah's face.
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (looks at Gabo)
He says he will bear you, but you
must walk some of the time.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (skeptical)
The camel told you that?
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (unfazed)
Be grateful, that I can. Camels
are moody creatures, and since
they get you where you want to go,
you want to stay on their good
            (MORE)

80.

                       JONAH (cont'd)
side!
                                                            
Jonah gives quickie instructions on camel 101 to Gabo.
Marcus slowly walks up to his camel.
Noticing, Jonah opens his mouth to protest, shuts it as he
watches what happens.
Marcus kneels and extends his hand.
His camel, Sheba, smells his hand. He reaches up to stroke
her muzzle, and she moans.
Jonah grins delightedly.
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (happy.)
The rest of the trip will be
good.She is the ruler of the herd,
and a moody one.
God is good.She likes you!
                                                            
Quintus approaches Sheba. She wrinkles her muzzle at him and
hisses.
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (amused)
I would move if I were you. She is
about to vomit on you!
                                                            
Quintus stumbles backward.
                                                            
                       JONAH
Marcus is your gatekeeper for this
one(gestures at Sheba).
She hates your guts!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (recovering)
Glad we got that out of the way!
I'm glad the little lady(bows at
the camel)is direct.
The guys on the ship told me that
some camels don't immediately show
that they can't stand you, and
suddenly take a hunk of flesh out
of you!
                                                            
                       JONAH
      (surprised)
You have wise friends.
To get somewhere, we must be learn
the ways of the 'ships of the
deserts".
                                                            

81.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (anguised)
Aptly named, because these beasts
make me so seasick!
                                                            
The group mount, the camels stand up, Gabo's camel bellowing
from his weight.
They begin their journey to their new home.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE NEW HOME IN JUDEA - DAY
                                                            
They all approach a small cliff overlooking a large house
with stables and a small grove of olives, a lone oddly
twisted tree near the stables. The camels are now jogging,
sensing the end of the journey.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (puzzled)
I recognize our people from home,
but who are these other people?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
A lot of our servants were jews
who father freed. Maybe it's a
coming home party!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (brow furrowing)
How did-. I know!
Listen instead of talk!
                                                            
The servants circle around them, everyone talking at once
and petting a slobbering Romulus.
Jonah yells a word and all the camels sit down.
Prometheus is moaning, as the servants help him 'disembark'.
As Quintus is waiting for Marcus to get off the camel, he
sees a little girl with dark pigtails staring at him with
eyes as mocking and inteligent as his.
Magda runs to Quintus to hug him and follows his gaze.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (getting a sly
       look)
You've met your match, Quintus.
Rachel is a female you.
                                                            
As Quintus focuses on her, she returns his look with a -and
-you-are-? expression.
                                                            
Prometheus tries to straighten up and yells.
                                                            

82.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (gritting his
       teeth)
Magda, if you don't have a
masseuse waiting for me, I'll tell
everyone you put pork in your
matzo balls!
                                                            
Magda grabs his arm and slowly moves him to his room.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (jewish mother)
This girl. Such hands! She could
please Solomon himself!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (a pained look)
The things I have to put up with
for my family!
                                                            
The new home gets settled into.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY OF NEW HOME - DAY
                                                            
A WEEK LATER
                                                            
Marcus and his father sit in the room that the senator has
made into his library, scrolls lying everywhere.
Marcus has dark circles under his eyes.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (concerned)
Are those dreams keeping you up?
You haven't spoken of them for the
week we've been here.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (laughs bitterly)
I'm not getting any sleep because
the dreams have stopped and I stay
awake all night waiting for them!
                                                            
O.S.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
Sir,Sir!
                                                            
Magda drags a defiant Rachel in the room, followed by a
pissed off, beat up Quintus.
                                                            

83.

                       MAGDA
      (furious)
Apologize to the Sen(bites her
tongue),Mr Mago!
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (a come on look on
       her face)
Aunt Magda, even gossipy Jews
protect their own.
                                                            
She bows in apology to Gaius.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
I apologize sir, for bringing
discord into your life.
But this one(looking at
Quintus,eyes shooting
flames),saying girls are the
weaker species!
I showed HIM who was the WEAKER
SPECIES!
                                                            
She runs out of the room, Magda running after her, yelling.
Everyone looks at Quintus.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (defensively)
One of the grooms skilled in hand
to hand combat has been teaching
her.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
I think you should get some
coaching from this guy!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (wincing as he
       touches his eye)
You got that right!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (an affectionate
       look)
I need - and want to go to a
market where a lot of the trade
routes meet.
Everyone, lets go on a family
trip.
                                                            

84.

                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
Great! I'm up for it!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking
       uncomfortable)
Ah, I've been feeling kind of
...ill lately.
                                                            
His eyes dart toward the door.
Gaius and Marcus try to hide their knowing smiles.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Gotta go! I need to clean up!
                                                            
Waiting till Quintus is well away, they chuckle together.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (amazed)
Son, I think we've met your
brother's future wife!
                                                            
Both smiling, Marcus looks suddenly serious.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad, do you have the same feeling
that I have, that we
are....supposed to go there
tomorrow?
                                                            
Gaius nods his head. They both stare into space.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARKETPLACE - DAY
                                                            
Gaius, Prometheus, and Marcus are walking in a bustling
throng of many races, who are haggling, selling
anything,bringing mail to waiting merchants and to
relatives. Animals are everywhere.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (dodging a
       steaming camel
       pie)
Boy, I'm having a great time!
I'm dying to have o' du camel crap
as my perfume!
                                                            

85.

                       GAIUS
I'm just glad you reminded me to
have our purses strapped under our
armpits. I've felt many invisible
fingers!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
Better to have stinky money then
none at all!
                                                            
Montage
-They walk around fascinated by the different races
colliding together.
-They buy food from the local food stalls, laughing while
Prometheus cracks a joke using the food as a prop.
-They stop at a stall and look at weapons, Prometheus
looking at the more deviously subtle weapons.
                                                            
MARKETPLACE
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (mock whining as
       usual)
Why can't I be carried around like
the Pasha Muctemuck.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (sarcastically)
Next life changing adventure, I'll
try to arrange that!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (excitedly)
Look!
                                                            
He points to a small plateau.
A tribe of animated Arabs and their camels are jostling
around.
A young boy is standing in the middle of this.
A beautiful bright light surrounds him.
He gesticulates with him arms, grinning, and all the Arabs
laugh uproariously, the camels braying excitedly.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (putting his hand
       on Marcus's
       shoulder)
I have to meet someone. Stay here
with Prometheus.
                                                            

86.

                       PROMETHEUS
      (protesting)
Marcus will be fine, here. I have
matters to take care of too!
                                                            
A booming voice makes all of them jerk their around.
The owner of the voice is a tall beak nosed Arab with
commanding yet kind eyes.
                                                            
                       SALADIM
      (joins his hands
       together and bows)
I am Saladim. (gestures toward the
Arabs). They are my tribe.
I will be standing here for a
short time, so go finish your
chore.
                                                            
Gaius studies him, likes what he sees.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (returning the bow)
I have heard of Saladim the Just.
When we return, I would be honored
to share your company.
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus leave and Marcus turns to Saladim.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Sir, may I ask why you are
standing here?
                                                            
Saladim's face is aglow as he stares at the boy on the
plateau.
He tears his gaze away and talks to Marcus.
                                                            
                       SALADIM
      (smiling)
I am letting my tribe enjoy the
boy.
His name is Jesus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (staring at Jesus)
Just looking at him, I feel...like
something wonderful is going to
happen!
                                                            
Saladim suddenly studies Marcus and starts to speak.
                                                            
                       SALADIM
      (a natural
       storyteller)
His birth was foretold.
            (MORE)

87.

                       SALADIM (cont'd)
A star let us know that he was
finally here.
I have followed the boy's life.
You can manipulate facts, but
deeds show the person.
When Jesus turned five, his father
asked him what he wanted for his
birthday.
He wanted all the poor boys and
girls to have a feast and
clothing.
His father said yes, and Jesus
went and brought back over a
hundred children who left with a
full stomach, and new clothes!
                                                            
They look up at the shining figure again.
                                                            
                       SALADIM
He will change the world.
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus return and go through the thanking
rituals.
As Marcus reluctantly leaves with his family, he turns to
look over his shoulder at Jesus, who stares back and smiles.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (apologetic)
Sorry, Marcus. I didn't bring any
guards, so we must make it home
before dark.
                                                            
Marcus looks at Saladim over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       SALADIM
Remember what I said!
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - MORNING
                                                            
THE NEXT MORNING
                                                            
Gaius is eating, reading a scroll in the dining room.
Marcus shows up with Romulus, who gives Gaius his usual wet
kiss.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (still reading the
       scroll)
What are you doing up so early?
                                                            

88.

He looks up and notices Marcus's determination.
Lays his scroll down.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Father, I have to go out today.
I'm bringing Romulus with me and
some well placed knives that Mario
gave me!
                                                            
Marcus looks at his father, waiting for the no.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (frowning)
I won't say I'm happy about it,
but we both know that things seem
to be happening that are out of
our control.
                                                            
Gaius abruptly stands up and crushes Marcus to him, then
lets go and sits down again.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (trying to smile)
Get some food down before you
start your dangerous journey in a
foreign country that hates Romans'
guts.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (getting a strange
       gleam in his eye)
Dad, you do remember, in that
regard, I have a secret weapon!
                                                            
Gaius jerks his head in surprise, then nods and starts
laughing with Marcus.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE HILLY ROCKY LAND OF ISRAEL - MORNING
                                                            
Marcus is mounted on Ebony, Romulus enjoying being with his
boy.
About a half hour passes as Marcus lets the horse pick his
way. They're in a rocky, hilly valley.
Romulus starts barking.
As he bends forward to pet Romulus, a rock hits him above
his temple and he crashes off his horse, unconscious, his
pants catching on to the saddle, ripping open as he falls.
Two boys, appear from behind a boulder.
One looks like he wants to kill the other.
                                                            

89.

                       JUDAH
      (a weasel in a 10
       year old boy)
Barrabus,look at this horse. It
looks Arabian. We can get a good
price for it!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (smart and sharp)
Judah, how many times have I told
you! Since my father is the boss
of the Sicarrii, I'm the boss when
he's gone!
Get it!!?
And, I heard that a prominent
Jewish family is staying here for
a while, so you probably killed
their son!
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (looking worried)
Nah! I've heard that some Romans
moved in here!
                                                            
Barrabus walks over to a sprawling Marcus, and looks at the
torn crotch of his trousers.
Romulus growls low.
Barrabus starts laughing.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (gestures Judah
       over)
Look there. I think that proves my
information was right.
                                                            
As Judah moves closer to Macus, Romulus's growl gets louder.
Judah looks, turns white, backing off.
He turns to run.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
Barrabus, please don't tell your
father!!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (yelling at his
       retreating back)
Maybe, next time you'll listen to
me!
                                                            
Barrabus waits.
                                                            

90.

                       BARRABUS
You can get up now. And be careful
not to scrape your...(starts
laughing) on the rock!!
                                                            
Marcus looks down, mortified at his exposed crotch, and
tucks in everything.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (looking serious)
That saved your life.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'll have to tell Aunt Magda that
she saved my life.
                                                            
Barrabus reaches down and helps Marcus up.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (grinning
       apologetically)
Sorry about my out of control
friend.(casually)
So,how does a Roman kid have a
Jewish aunt?
                                                            
Marcus freezes, eyes getting huge and wary.
They study each other.
Marcus sees a good looking boy with intelligent cynical eyes
too world weary for his young age.
Barrabus sees the shining good natured interest in life in
Marcus's eyes.
They pass each others test.
Romulus runs to Marcus, knocking him to the ground.
Marcus just lays there, Romulus laying on him.
Barrabus strokes the horse.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
By the way, I'm Barrabus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (groaning)
I'm Marcus. Give me a few seconds.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (wierd smile on
       his face)
You're in luck. Jesus is going to
pick me up here!
                                                            
A braying camel sound jolts Romulus who scrambles up,Marcus
yelling from his claws digging in him as he stands up. They
all look up.

91.

A young camel with a happy silly look on its face charges
down the hill toward them, bearing two young boys.
The boy in front is smaller with a crippled arm and leg and
a huge happy smile.
A light surrounds the boy whose arm is around the crippled
boy.
It is the boy from the market.
His eyes are exploding with intelligence, humor and life
force.
He sees Barrabus and smiles, and Barrabus melts.
Romulus whines excitedly and Marcus's horse whinnies and
bobs his head at Jesus.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (grinning)
Meet us on the other side of the
hill! The gang's there, and it's
game time!
                                                            
He looks at Marcus who feels a chill run through him.
                                                            
                       JESUS
It's about time you got here,
Marcus!
Brush yourself off and join the
fun!
                                                            
Jesus waves his hand toward Marcus who sways briefly.
The camel climbs up the hill and rides down out of sight.
Marcus stands up and touches his head. There is no wound. He
looks down.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (in awe)
Your clothes are whole. I never
get over that!
Now, I know why I saved you.
Have you met Jesus?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (bewildered)
No! How does he do...?
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (shaking his head)
We-his friends don't know and
don't care.
Because just being around him is
pure fun!
When he shows up you forget
politics, your crummy home life,
or even if you're crippled.
Come on. Let's go have some fun!
                                                            
 

92.

EXT. STEEP BUT SLOPING CLIFF - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Marcus and Barrabus both ride on Ebony, Romulus running
around, to a tall hill which is a hubbub of activity and a
lot of laughter. The boys dismount and watch as four happy
boys are laying stiff leather skins on the ground.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (master of
       ceremonies)
Gang, I ask you to welcome a new
member.
Marcus, this little guy is John.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (clumsily bowing
       with a sweet
       smile)
Get ready to have fun!
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (pointing to two
       sturdy young men)
These are my cousins, James and
Jude. (They both make sweeping
bows).
And, you know Barrabus!
                                                            
Romulus bounds up to Jesus, barking excitedly, and Marcus's
horse gallops up and lays his muzzle on Jesus' cheek.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (lovingly)
O.K., O.K.!
I present two more members of our
mad gang!
Romulus! ( the dog barks, lifts
his paw and bows his head).
And, the magnificent Ebony! (the
horse lifts his head in pride,
neighs loudly shaking his head,
and paws the ground).
Everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking in
       bewilderment at
       Barrabus)
How does he know their names!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
You might as well stop asking that
and just enjoy the ride!
                                                            

93.

The camel bellows and charges to Jesus.
She hangs her head down like a little hurt child.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (a soothing tone)
I know!
Marcus, this is Loly, our
wonderful ship of the desert. She
comes from a very famous family,
and is only here because she loves
me!
                                                            
Loly bellows,and bobs her head up and down, to the boys
delight and laughter.
Jesus looks at Marcus, who is looking at him, frowning.
Marcus hears in his head, 'Wait!
                                                            
The boys get back to their setup. They drag the stiff hides
to the edge of the cliff and sit on them, grabbing the sides
of the hide.
                                                            
                       JUDE
      (yelling)
Come on Marcus! Hop on!
                                                            
Marcus uncertainly goes over and sits on the bag leaning
over the precipice. The three boys shoot down the hill,
screaming like banshees. Marcus hesitates, Barrabus runs
over and shoves him and soon he is screaming, too, as he
slides down the cliff seemingly at 60 miles an hour.
They finally slide to a stop and pick up their bags and walk
to a rope going back up the hill, wrapped around a tree at
the bottom and to a tree at the top.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (proudly)
Jesus did that! Otherwise, we'd be
half dead after a couple of runs.
Follow our lead.
                                                            
The boys, hide in one hand, grab the rope and as they all
pull on the rope, it starts to pull them up the hill. They
get to the top and Jesus sits on the hide, his arms around
John. Barrabus is next to him, and they take off down the
hill, happily screaming.
                                                            
                       JUDE
      (gesturing Marcus
       to the rope)
Help us pull on the rope. Jesus is
going to have John on his
shoulders, so we help get him up
the hill. We all take turns riding
            (MORE)

94.

                       JUDE (cont'd)
with John!
                                                            
Everyone rides up and down until they're half dead.
Jesus looks up at the sun.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Our adventure for today is over.
We have about an hour before it is
dark.(grins)
Besides, the spirit is willing,
but the flesh is weak!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (grabs his bum)
And, sore!
                                                            
Barrabus gathers up the hides and hands them to the
brothers, James and Jude who are sitting on another hide,
hanging on to a rope attached to the camel. Jesus sits on
the camel, arms around a half asleep John.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Everyone, we have a special
adventure tomorrow. Meet up at the
prophets stone and bring a lunch.
(looks at Marcus).
Bring Quintus, tomorrow. He'll add
a certain..flavor to our
adventure!
                                                            
The camel leaves dragging the two boys.
Marcus looks at Barrabus, again his mouth open.
                                                            
Romulus and Ebony surround Marcus, loving on him.
Barrabus walks up and they give him the same treatment.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (surprised)
They sure like you. Do you have
animals of your own?
                                                            
Barrabus turns his face away in pain.
                                                            
Marcus tries to distract him.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Why did you hand the hides to the
brothers?
                                                            

95.

                       BARRABUS
      (grins)
They wet them to make them stiff
again!
                                                            
Barrabus looks at the sun in the sky.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
Gotta go.
                                                            
He effortlessly bounds away.
Marcus yells at him.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Let me take you home!
                                                            
Barrabus ignores him and disappears around a cliff.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEXT DAY SAME PLACE - MORNING
                                                            
The boys and Romulus arrive, Quintus looking around in
curiosity.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (wickedly)
When can we expect your wedding?
                                                            
Quintus and Marcus dismount, Quintus without a retort. He
looks at his brother with wonderment.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (eyes gleaming)
Marcus, she's smarter than ME!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (clutching his
       breast)
The world is not ready for your
children!
                                                            
Romulus barks excitedly as Barrabus comes jogging up, only
mildly sweaty.
Quintus and Barrabus check each other out, liking what they
see.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (eyes intrigued)
Jesus always call it right. You're
gonna add some spice to the gang.
(points at Quintus's horse).
You're smaller so let's ride
double.
                                                            

96.

They mount their horses, Quintus looking intrigued at the
tough looking Barrabus and Marcus looking so excited.
They see the group by one of the many cliffs.
They approach and Quintus sees Jesus - pure humor and
blazing eyes that appreciate you - warts and all.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (stunned)
Marcus.WOW!
                                                            
Marcus nods yes, anticipation in his eyes.
They dismount
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (grinning)
Welcome, Quintus. Everyone,
including the animals, follow me!
                                                            
He walks around a jutting wall of the cliff and seems to
disappear.
They follow him and come to a hole in the cliff face and go
down, and down. There is faint light in the tunnel.
Loly's bray echoes down the tunnel, making everyone flinch,
but the animals who seem calm.
                                                            
 
INT. A GIANT CAVE - DAY
                                                            
They round the corner and see multiple waterfalls pouring
into a large single lake below.
Jesus looks proudly at the incredible water park, as if
showing off his home.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (happy)
Mother Nature at her best!
And, I'll show you why!
                                                            
He points to the waterfalls, which have a rough pathway to
the top.
                                                            
                       JESUS
There are holes on the top and
each one them leads to the
waterfalls. You can get into them
face first or feet first and
you'll pop out of a waterfall -and
always a different one!
It's safe, I did it!
Little John, lets show them how to
do it!
                                                            

97.

John swells in pride and walks with Jesus, who helps him up
the 'stairs'.
Jesus grabs John in a bear hug and jumps into a hole on the
right and disappears.
Everyone holds their breaths and then - they pop out
screaming from the left hole.
Everyone is oohing and ahhing. .
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (the responsible
       one)
You guys, go ahead!
I'll take care of the animals.
                                                            
He looks over and sees that the animals are taking care of
themselves, eating rich grass under sunlit cracks in the
cliff.
He runs for the path.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
-Marcus and James exploding out two holes at the same time
surprised.
-Romulus is swimming around the pool,barely avoiding the boy
bombs!
-Jesus is being John's 'horsie', riding him on his
shoulders.
-Quintus diving off Barrabus's shoulder.
-Everyone riding the waterfalls until they're exhausted.

END MONTAGE

IN THE WATERHOLE

Barrabus's hair is in wet disorder, revealing part of a
scar.
Quintus reaches out to touch it, his mouth open to ask him
about it.
Barrabus rears back, eyes slitted.
Quintus jerks back, too, eyes big.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (embarrased)
Sorry. Some things are better left
unsaid.
                                                            
He gets a wicked smile on his face, quickly reaching over to
lift Quintus in the air and slings him.
Barrabus climbs out of the pool, followed by a grinning
Quintus.
                                                            
They all eat, animals and boys laying full and contented
around the lake.
                                                            

98.

                       JESUS
      (whispering)
Everyone be quiet and get ready.
                                                            
The lake starts rippling and a otter's head sticks up. It
swims to Jesus, half slides out of the lake and lays it's
head on Jesus' lap.
Everyone is amazed at this wild animal acting tame.
She slaps the water and four babies swim up and lay next to
mom.
Oohs and aahs fill the room.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (delighted)
Mama said if you are very gentle,
she will let you pet her babies!
                                                            
One of the babies cuddles in John's crippled arm and he is
thrilled.
Tough guy Barrabus acts aloof until one of the babies climbs
in his lap. He melts.
The babies get bold and climb and gamble all over them.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (looking at Jesus
       in awe)
Jesus. Why do animals..... trust
you?
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (puts his arm
       around John.)
Love answers love. If only the
world knew that the energy of love
is the most powerful force in the
world.
And it makes life so fun!
                                                            
Everyone looks thoughtful.
Marcus looks at Barrabus whose face fills up with pain.
                                                            
A growling sound echoes in the chamber.
The mother sticks her nose in the air, wrinkles her noise,
and she and her babies disappear into the water.
Quintus has laid his stench bomb.
Everyone starts gagging, choking and running away.
Loly bellows, the horses scream, and Romulus runs away,
whining.
Quintus sits there, a self satisfied look on his face.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Say hello to my little friend!
                                                            

99.

Everyone cracks up and starts adding their comments, but
still holding their hands over their mouths.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
Quintus, the Grand Master of Smell
Hell!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Fed by cabbage, he's a deadly
weapon!
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (giggling)
All noses, beware!
                                                            
                       JUDAH
Nations compete for this new
deadly weapon!
                                                            
                       JESUS
Nations bow before his stench!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (preening)
My new smell disciples!
                                                            
Another growler erupts from Quintus.
Romulus howls.
Jesus bellows with laughter and jumps into the lake.
The boys jump in, Romulus jumps in , the horses and Loly
jump in. The otters surface, acting like the clowns they
are.
It's a mess.
Eventually, the otters disappear and they all climb out,
laying on the ground, exhausted and happy.
                                                            
                       JUDE
      (smiling)
That was a blast!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (sarcastically)
Don't let Quintus hear you! You
might encourage him for a second
round.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mock serious)
Checking,checking.
Sorry, boys. I'm all out of my
special 'perfume'.
                                                            

100.

Everyone laughs, and get ready to leave.
Marcus and Quintus get the horses, followed by James holding
the halter of Loly, while Jesus and John clean up the area.
They all tiredly happily walk out.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE CAVE - DAY
                                                            
They climb out of the cave, Romulus bounding ahead.
Everyone mounts their 'transportation'.
Jesus and John mount the camel, Barrabus on one bag and the
brothers on the other.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking at
       Barrabus)
You're not going to ride with us?
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (regretfully)
All Jews are getting ready for
Passover, so it's better for you
if we're not seen together.
                                                            
Marcus looks questioningly at Jesus, who says in Marcus'
head again, Wait!
                                                            
They ride in different directions.
Time passes as Romulus and the boys go home.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (punch drunk from
       fatigue)
You do realize that the fact it
took me so long to ask you this
question, is that I'm half dead.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (ditto)
I'm so tired that I didn't notice
that you didn't ask me that
question because I'm so tired,
too.
By the way, what is the question?
                                                            
They both start giggling until they graduate into hysterical
laughter, accompanied by Romulus' barking.
They slow down.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
What did Barrabus mean?
                                                            

101.

                       MARCUS
He knows we are Romans.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (serious)
Who IS Barrabus?
But, who cares. If he's with
Jesus, he's fine!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes shining)
You got that right!
                                                            
They ride giggling and talking to home.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY OF NEW HOME SIX DAYS LATER - AFTERNOON
                                                            
THE FAMILY IS RELAXING AFTER LUNCH
                                                            
Gaius and Prometheus are pouring over a map. Quintus and
Gabo are playing a game of chess, and Marcus and Romulus are
tangled up in each other on the floor.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (moody)
Zeus, Gabo,if you don't let me win
once in a while, I'm not going to
play with you!
Like right now!
                                                            
Prometheus gets up in rare anger and walks over to Quintus
who realizes that he pissed off his second father.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
You need to apologize to Gabo!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (crushed)
Gabo, I'm so sorry - .
                                                            
Gabo smiles, understanding Quintus.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (contemptuos)
Haven't I taught you anything? If
you want to get a person's
attention,you act like you want to
know about THEM!
Ask Rachel about Passover.
You'll have her eating out of your
hand!
                                                            

102.

Quintus looks happy again, and runs out of the room.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (admiringly)
I'm starting to realize that my
father's reputation might have
something to do with you!
                                                            
Gauis and Prometheus smile at each other like oh, he finally
noticed.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking serious)
How are things going with Jesus?
I haven't had a chance to ask you,
because Prometheus and I have been
working on a project for Tiberius.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes glowing)
Gentleman, Being with Jesus is an
exciting adventure.
Let me tell you!
                                                            
The men's eyes start glowing too as they listen. Even
Prometheus loses his constant cynical look as Marcus
finishes his story.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (looking
       thoughtful)
To think that the flight for our
life led us to this legend.
You know that he has been long
anticipated and is supposed to be
the liberator of the Jewish people
and the son of God.
What's he like?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
When you are with him, all you
feel is happiness.
You should see the look on John's
face. He forgets he's crippled
around Jesus.(sighs) And, now he's
in Jerusalem with his parents, so
it'll be even longer before I see
him again.
                                                            
Looking frustrated.
                                                            

103.

                       MARCUS
That's what's making me crazy!
I'm pretty sure that he is the
faceless person in my dreams, but
we haven't had any one on one
conversations!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking sad)
From the stories you've told me, I
don't think he's the liberator the
Jewish nation is looking for.
He sounds like he is the son of a
God of love, not hate.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (loking at Marcus)
Somehow, I don't think distance
will prove a problem for Jesus.
The horses need exercise so
distract yourself. Take Joshua
with you and your sword. I heard
that a few zealots might be in the
area.(jokingly)Not your NEW sword!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
Joshua would have to help me lift
up THAT sword!
Dad, by Zeus, I don't know how I
lifted that sword!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (shaking his head
       up and down)
When you are a Tribune and are in
battle and you have a thousand
barbarians trying to kill you
you'll know how!
                                                            
Marcus jumps up and hugs his father, then Prometheus, then
Gabo.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
See you gentlemen at dinner!
                                                            
He runs out of the room.
                                                            
 
INT. MARCUS'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus it tossing restlessly.
He hears a voice in his head,'go to the twisted tree'.

104.

He leaps out of his bed in his breech cloth, out the window,
and runs excitedly to the tree.
                                                            
 
EXT. A TWISTED ROCK - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus runs outside to Jesus, who is waiting by the tree,
unconscious that he is almost naked.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes shining)
Are you?
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (nudges him in the
       ribs)
Of course!
Let's go have fun!
Hold my hand and close your eyes.
                                                            
Marcus closes his eyes.
A loud whooshing sound. Marcus opens his eyes.
                                                            
 
EXT. A STRANGE BEACH - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus is staggered by what he is seeing.
A volcano in the distance is glowing. A gigantic yellow moon
is rising. A balmy breeze ruffles the boys hair.
Marcus looks at Jesus with awe and expectancy.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking just as
       excited)
Fun first! Talk later!
                                                            
They plunge into the warm sea, followed by usual kid stuff -
laughing, diving, splashing each other.
While they are doing this the sea starts glowing and flowing
different colors.
Marcus shouts in delight as jelly fish surface like glowing
different colored jewels.
A large octopus rises up and wraps one of his arms lovingly
around Jesus's neck.
A dolphin rises under a startled Marcus who clutches it's
fin.
Jesus kisses the octopus who slowly slides back into the
water, and Jesus is abruptly thrust into the air by his
dolphin.
The dolphins leap side by the side, the boys holding their
breaths on the down side.
                                                            

105.

                       JESUS
      (laughing joyously)
Get ready!!
                                                            
The dolphins do a backward roll and plunge into the water
upside down.
The boys emerge,Marcus choking, Jesus grinning.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking
       mischeivious)
Wanna do it again?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Now that I know what to expect,
bring it on!!
                                                            
They enjoy the roller coaster dolphin ride. They suddenly
stop.
Jesus gets a surprised awed look in his eyes, and slides off
his dolphin, followed by Marcus.
The dolphins start squealing and leaping with excitement.
Marcus looks at Jesus with a question in his eyes.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (reverentially)
The Old Father of the Seas is
here!!
                                                            
The sea starts massively bubbling.
The largest whale this planet will ever see surfaces under
Jesus and Marcus who looks alarmed.
Jesus waves at him comfortingly.
Jesus stands up on the massive whale back and dives into the
water. He surfaces and Jesus swims to the whales head under
his eye.
And such an eye. The gigantic centuries old liquid ebony eye
is filled with such pain.
Jesus strokes the whales face, and then tears of pain flow
out of Jesus' face.
The whale starts crying, too, each huge tear creating waves
as it plops into the ocean.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking up at
       Marcus who dives
       down)
His mate of thousands of years
just died.
                                                            
The whale and Jesus look into each others eyes for what
seems a long time, both crying.
The pain in the whale's eye fades away followed by a

106.

peaceful look.
Jesus and the whale stop crying.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (stroking the
       whale)
I am so honored.
                                                            
The boys and the whale just hang out, Marcus and Jesus
floating on their backs, stoking the mighty giant.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (smiles
       delightedly)
He wants to know if we want to
stroke his tongue?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (startled)
Well, yea, uh, whatever he wants!
                                                            
The whale opens his mouth. The dolphins boost them up, and
they grab a hunk of rubbery mouth skin and clamber in.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE THE GIGANTIC MOUTH OF THE WHALE - NIGHT
                                                            
The kids look like midgets.
Marcus is flabbergasted.
He is inside a whale's Mouth!!!
He looks over at Jesus.
His arms are upward and his eyes are closed and a beaming
smile splits his face. A beautiful multicolored light beams
from him and blends with the glowing plankton on the whale's
tongue.
A huge vibrating contented humm answers Jesus' energy.
Marcus closes his eyes as the wonderful hum penetrates every
fiber of his being.
The hum fades away.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (grins)
Follow my lead!
                                                            
Jesus sits down laying his hands flat on the giant tongue,
Marcus imitating him.
The whale slightly lifts his head and the boys slide down,
their hands and butts creating a wake of green slime.
Just as it seems they're going down his throat, he levels
his mouth.
                                                            

107.

                       JESUS
      (laughing)
We've been slimed!!
                                                            
The whale points his head down and the same trip happens in
reverse.He does this a couple more times and as the boys
slide forward, opens his mouth and the boys spill out in the
middle of gamboling dolphins.
                                                            
 
EXT. BACK IN THE LAGOON - NIGHT
                                                            
Jesus swims to the whale and strokes him under his wise huge
eye.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (smiling at Marcus)
He says it felt great, and he now
wants to live a little longer.
                                                            
The mighty behemoth dives, leaving a wake that bobs the boys
up and down. They grab the nearest fin, and the dolphins tow
them toward the shore.
The dolphins circle Jesus, trying to touch him,squealing.
Almost to the shore, they do acrobatic flips, and swim away.
The boys swim to shore, climb out of the lagoon and lay on
a couple of flat rocks.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (getting up on his
       elbow)
Wow! I never know what is going to
happen with you, but don't ever
stop! I don't even care if I ever
understand what is going on!
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (also leaning on
       his elbow,
       looking at Marcu)
I would have thought that the
dreams would have given you the
answer!
How fun would an adventure be if
you didn't have a kindred soul
enjoying it with you?!
God wouldn't send us out alone.
We've been buddies just about
every life we've had!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking
       frustrated)
Why can't we remember, then? Why
            (MORE)

108.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
the big mystery?
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (smiling)
God loves us so much, he gives us
do overs!
The chance to create again, anew!
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (teasing)
Besides, life with no mystery?
I'm glad that you aren't the
designer of life!
                                                            
The boys lie around on their boulders, enjoying the sheer
beauty of the place.
Marcus sits up to see everything better.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (awed)
Where is this beautiful place?
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (again smiling
       like he's showing
       off HIS place)
Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?!
I'm not sure where we are. I just
asked for a beautiful island where
man has not yet been.
                                                            
Marcus looks at Jesus, realizing that he is with the most
amazing person on earth.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What do you mean, a place where no
man has been?
                                                            
Marcus sees an expression on Jesus' face that he realizes he
has never seen before - anger.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (picking up a
       handful of sand)
Man has forgotten that we are made
from this planet.(slowly dribbles
the sand from his fingers).
God gave us this (gestures at the
beauty) as our present because he
loves us so much.
                                                            

109.

He frowns and closes his eyes in pain.
Marcus hears the rumbling of thunder.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Animals now run from man because
he has the mark of Cain.
One murder has now escalated to
thousands, and will later extend
to millions, which could include
the death of this planet.
                                                            
His face calms and the thunder subsides. He walks over to
Marcus and squeezes his hand.
                                                            
                       JESUS
I glad that I get my best friend
to be here this time. I'm going to
need one.
                                                            
Thunder suddenly rumbles, and Marcus squeezes his arm,
jerking Jesus out of his agony, who shakes his head.
Jesus looks apologetically at Marcus and squats in the sand
next to him.
Marcus opens his mouth to speak, and Jesus starts talking.
                                                            
                       JESUS
I know, you want to ask me why
with all the powers I have, why
don't I heal little John.
                                                            
Marcus jerks in head in shock.
Jesus tears up, but looks proud.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Little John is here to remind us
of our own perfection, and his
courage accepting who he is.
                                                            
He shakes his head and changes his mood.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (stands)
We will both be leaving Judea in a
few days.
Emperor Tiberius has found the
traitor, and I'm leaving with the
next caravan.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes widening)
Then how will we continue our
friendship?
In THIS lifetime?
                                                            

110.

Jesus waves at the gorgeous surroundings.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (grinning)
Have friend, will follow!
Get ready to go to a few mystery
schools.
Dreams, teleportation- don't
worry, old friend.
We'll just have an - unusual
friendship!
Distance will be an illusion with
us. I go to my....destiny, and you
will be an acclaimed commander,
known for winning battles in
strange ways - and saving lives in
the process.
                                                            
Jesus grabs Marcus's hand.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Time to get home.
                                                            
The surroundings start melting.
                                                            
 
EXT. TWISTED TREE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking contented)
I'm so glad we reconnected!
Meet the gang at the hill. I'm
afraid it's the last meeting.
I have a special surprise!
                                                            
Jesus vanishes.
Marcus walks to his window, climbs back in and lays on his
bed, a big smile on his face.
                                                            
 
INT. NEXT DAY AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE - MORNING
                                                            
Gaius is at the head of the table that has Marcus, Quintus,
Gabo, and Prometheus waiting for their food.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking grumpy)
Why won't Magda accept any help in
the kitchen so we can eat faster?
I'm famished.
                                                            

111.

                       GAIUS
It's about power and control,
something you should know a great
deal about!
The kitchen is her domain and our
hunger temporarily gives her great
power over her starving subjects!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
Magda enters the room and everyone studies her face and
notices she does look very satisfied with herself as she
feeds her people, Rachel assisting her.
Everyone is plated and digging in.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (talking with his
       mouth full)
Will you please SIT down and eat,
Magda!
                                                            
Magda looks pleased that Quintus cares.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Because otherwise, Rachel won't
sit down!
                                                            
Prometheus looks sympathetically at Magda.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (cynically)
Don't try to keep an ego around
this kid!
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (snorts)
I should be used to it because of
Rachel!
                                                            
Rachel glares at her, but decides that eating is more
important.
Romulus is under the table, getting his share, and the
family enjoys the whole breakfast experience.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY - MORNING
                                                            
Everyone except Magda is relaxing after breakfast.
Marcus, looking mentally preoccupied, looks at his dad.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Father, are we leaving right away?
                                                            

112.

Marcus is totally taken aback by his father and Prometheus's
reaction - total shock.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (looking
       speculative)
And you know this how?
                                                            
Prometheus shocks the hell out of everyone by jumping up
like a little boy.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (accusingly)
You saw Jesus!! Give!
                                                            
Gaius looks at Prometheus likes he's an alien.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Where is the man who is the most
sarcastic cynical mover and shaker
of Rome!
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (sees himself and
       is surprised)
You know, Gaius, I kind of like
this new me.(looks at Marcus)
WELL?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (an awed look on
       his face)
Can you wait for the ship voyage?
I can tell you it involved a
really neat whale and dolphins and
(he has everyone's attention).....
                                                            
He leaps up.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I gotta go. Jesus has something
special planned.(grins wickedly at
Prometheus). How do you keep a
moron in suspense?!
                                                            
Quintus leaps up.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
That invitation includes me of
course?
                                                            

113.

                       MARCUS
      (surprised)
You know it! You're part of the
gang!
                                                            
The usual arrogant Rachel looks wistful and yearning.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (in a tiny voice)
Could I go?
                                                            
Marcus walks over to Rachel, takes one of her hands, and
smiles.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Of course! Jesus would love you.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (taking command
       dramatically)
Gabo, Prometheus, Father.
We are going to have (starts
yelling) the time of our lives!!
Let's go!!
                                                            
The kids stampede out of the room.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE RENDEVOUS ROCK - DAY
                                                            
The kids are early. Romulus is playing a fetch game with
Barrabus. Rachel and Quintus are having a spirited
conversation, Marcus is pacing excitedly. James and Jude
ride up on an old nag.
Jesus explodes around the corner, Lolly's silly tongue
flopping everywhere, everyone yelling welcomes.
Jesus and John grin, John hanging on to the hump. John looks
especially excited.
Seeing Rachel, the camel pounds toward her, stopping in a
spray of sand.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (laughing)
She likes you!(looks at Rachel)
If you don't want a gooey kiss,
step back!
                                                            
Rachel steps back with a delighted smile on her face,
enjoying the nuttiness of the situation.
Jesus helps John off of the camel, and when he gets on the
ground, Rachel sees his twisted arm and leg and looks at
Jesus with respect. Jesus sees it and they share a look of
understanding.

114.

Everyone's head jerks up as a terrifying shriek rips the
sky. Two huge birds descend to the top of the cliff they
are standing under
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (astonished)
Golden Eagles! The biggest I've
ever seen!
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (beaming proudly)
This is Sarah.(She screams and
flies down and lands on a spear of
stone. Jesus walks up to her and
she draws her cruel beak
affectionately down his cheek)
                                                            
The kids eyes, especially Rachel's. are beaming with that
I-am-having-an adventure look.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (pointing up to
       the other bird)
And, he hates humanity. I healed
his wing that had an arrow in it.
                                                            
The eagle hisses sounding like a giant snake.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (timidly)
Does he have a name?
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking sad)
He will not take a man's name. He
is only here because Sara (she
coos, her beak resting on Jesus'
shoulder, causing the kids to
uneasily titter at the incongruity
of it)wants to thank me for saving
her mates' life.
                                                            
Jesus hugs John to him.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (beaming)
Gentlemen and Ladies! (Rachel
blushes)John's birthday is soon,
so let's give him a birthday he'll
never forget.
                                                            
Everyone cheers. John's face is blood red and he looks like
he will split his sweet face with smiling excitement.

115.

Jesus pulls a leather coat out of the saddlebag and puts it
on John. It is way too big.
He looks at the boys and points to the bottom of the hill.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Men, run to the bottom of the
hill. Sara is going to glide down
the hill with John in her
claws.(John jerks his head up in
alarm, and Jesus grabs at the
jacket)Holding on to this, of
course!
Then, she will easily deposit him
with one of you!
                                                            
Everyone oohs at the sheer coolness of this.
The boys run down the hill.
Rachel is uncertain of what to do.
Jesus grabs her hand in a reassuring squeeze.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (sweetly smiling)
Rachel, we have the best seat in
the house.
                                                            
Rachel grins. She is experiencing a living dream.
Jesus moves John in position at the edge of the cliff.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (staring intently
       into John's eyes)
Cross your arms into your armpits.
Hug yourself and do not move your
hands!
Get ready, Warrior.
                                                            
John obeys, his eyes as big as saucers.
Sara flaps her huge wings, and rises up. Another flap, and
she aims down the cliff, deftly grabbing the jacket with her
huge claws.
Everyone is jumping up and down as they watch John 'fly'.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (yelling at the
       boys)
Be still and be ready to receive!!
                                                            
The huge bird carefully flies over Barrabus and drops him in
his arms, lifts up into the sky, and joined by her mate,
flies off with huge screams.
Cheers fill the sky as the kids rush John!
Barrabus swings John up to his shoulders and everyone climbs
up the hill.

116.

Quintus walks next to them and smiles at Barrabus who winks
at him and smiles back.
                                                            
Barrabus reaches the top of the hill and swings down John,
who runs to Jesus and hugs him. Jesus turns red as his
clenched eyes leak tears.
He stands up and whirls John around to break the moment.
He stands and looks at everyone with a big smile.
                                                            
                       JESUS
Man the mats! (looks at James)
Rachel needs a guide!
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
Different combinations of kids slide down the hill.
Romulus runs down one time slowly.
Loly tries to and starts screaming in frustration and turns
around.
                                                            
END MONTAGE
                                                            
Everyone is laying down, panting, sharing water skins.
John sits up on his elbow at looks earnestly at Jesus.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (shyly)
What's it like being you?
                                                            
Jesus looks startled, and all heads eagerly jerk to see his
reaction.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (slowly)
I feel everything good in this
wonderful world....so
powerfully.(smiling at
everyone)Especially you guys!
                                                            
Lowers his head.
                                                            
                       JESUS
And..I also feel the pain and the
the hurt of others more
powerfully.
(looks up ruefully) That's why I'm
going to Egypt land to their
mystery schools.
To make me stronger.
                                                            
Stands up.
                                                            

117.

                       JESUS
One last run!
                                                            
Everyone grabs a bag, Marcus and Rachel relaxing side by
side.
As fast as lightning, Quintus sits on his bag, calls Romulus
and tries to sit him on the bag.Romulus is half on the bag
when the bag starts moving beyond Quintus's control.
As they move down, both Marcus and Jesus yell.
Romulus falls off the bag, rolls down the hill like a rag
doll and when he stops, a bounding rock cracks his skull,
his neck twisted.
After a horrified paralyzed minute, everyone runs down to
Quintus, who is sitting and staring at the obviously dead
Romulus.
Barrabus squats next to Quintus and gives him a brief hug.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (Cradling the
       dog's body
       wailing)
Romulus, I killed you, I killed
you.
                                                            
Jesus grabs John and walks down.
Jesus puts down John and they crouch next to Quintus.
Everyone squats down, circling Romulus, tears rolling down
everyone's face.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking urgently
       at all the kids)
Everyone put your hands on
Romulus and feel how much you love
him.
                                                            
They gingerly put their hands on Romulus, who has the
lifeless staring eyes of the dead.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (looking up)
Father, when many are gathered in
your name with love, love will
triumph!
                                                            
He holds his hands over the kids' hands. Everyone's mouth
drops open as Jesus's hands start glowing and it spreads to
all the children's hands.
A doggy moan comes from Romulus's mouth who starts to move.
Everyone starts screaming and hugging each other. Romulus,
stands up, shakes himself as he's hugged by everyone there.
Moments pass and they all look at Jesus, a question in their
faces.
                                                            

118.

                       JESUS
      (crying like
       everyone)
We will soon be separated.
Don't EVER forget.
Love is the most powerful force in
the universe!! (looks at them all)
Prayer and faith can change the
world.
                                                            
Jesus opens his arms.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (asking)
Let us all hug each other. We have
become like brothers.(he looks at
Rachel and grins)And, don't forget
our little sister!
                                                            
Still shocked from seeing Romulus come to life, everyone is
ready to do whatever he says.
Shyly at first, the boys reluctantly hug. Realizing that
this magical adventure has come to an end, the tears flow.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (hugging Barrabus,
       then looking at
       him purposely)
You can not change the unpleasant
future that we both know awaits
you. but you CAN control HOW you
play your role.
                                                            
Barrabus nods at him gratefully.
Jesus has a message for each person.
Quintus, still in a daze, walks up to Barrabus.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grabs his hands
       and puts the
       'periscope' in
       them)
A friend I made on the ship that
brought us here told me to give
this to a new adventure friend!
For some reason you remind me of
him.
                                                            
Barrabus looks at it curiously.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
What is it?
                                                            

119.

Even though he is in shock, he gives Barrabus a sly smile.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
I hope you have as much fun
figuring it out as I did!
                                                            
Everyone gets on their respective rides.
Marcus and Jesus look at each other.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (tears in his eyes)
We'll be back someday.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (nods)
I know you will.
                                                            
Everyone rides off, Romulus trotting besides his boys like
nothing happened, causing a a look of wonder on everyone's
face.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY - LATER
                                                            
Prometheus and Gabo are playing chess. Gaius is reading his
usual scroll.
Romulus bounds into the room, followed by Marcus, Quintus,
and Rachel, who all still have a dazed look on their faces.
Prometheus looks up and becomes alarmed.
                                                            
                       PROMETHEUS
      (sharply)
What's wrong? Why did you miss
dinner?
                                                            
Quintus looks at the men, and starts crying and hurls
himself on his shocked father.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (sobbing)
I killed Romulus!!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (bewildered)
But, he's right here.
Romulus come here!
                                                            
Romulus obliges, licking up Quintus' tears.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (in a self hating
       voice)
As usual, it was MY fault!!
                                                            

120.

Prometheus looks at the alive Romulus and at Quintus, then
imploringly at Marcus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (in a wondering
       tone)
Uncle.....He WAS dead.
Jesus brought him back from the
dead.
                                                            
Everyone is thunderstruck. Gabo drops his chess piece.
Prometheus' mouth keeps opening and closing like a fish.
Gaius's eyes are on fire.
It is quiet.
Rachel looks at everyone.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (wonderingly)
But, it wasn't just him. Didn't
you guys feel like your hands were
on fire?
                                                            
Marcus and Quintus look surprised and nod their heads.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (voice rising)
Jesus said that love and prayer
can change the world!
(points at Romulus)
And there is your proof!
                                                            
Romulus surprises everyone by looking at everyone in the
room and bowing his head.
Everyone breaks into a startled laugh.
Rachel tells the story to the enthralled adults.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I don't know about anyone else,
but I just want to go to bed and
think.
                                                            
Everyone is caught up in their own thoughts.
The kids walk to their rooms like zombies.
The three men sit there staring into space.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE STARRY SKY - LATER
                                                            
MONTAGE:V.O
                                                            
Gaius:God of this boy, please help my friend. He gave up his
beautiful voice to save my life.
Prometheus:I have not believed in Gods for years, but please

121.

heal this great soul's voice.
Marcus and Quintus prayers blending together:He loves us
God. Please help him.
Rachel: Your son has shown us, God, that we can change
things.
Please heal Gabo.
Amen.

A ray beams down from the skies into a tiny room.
                                                            
 
INT. BREAKFAST TABLE - MORNING
                                                            
The family is contentedly lounging around the breakfast
table, waiting for breakfast and petting Romulus.
Gabo walks in and Romulus rushes him.
                                                            
                       GABO
Careful boy!
                                                            
A bomb has dropped in the room.
Gabo clutches his throat in confusion.
No one has any dignity. Everyone hugging everyone, Romulus
jumping up and barking.Everyone is saying I prayed for you,
while Gabo looks confused and happy.
Gaius hugs Gabo.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (tears flowing)
I have hated myself these many
years, for being the cause...
                                                            
Gabo shakes his head and stops Gaius with his hand briefly
over his mouth, smiling.
Rachel and Magda walk into the room.
                                                            
Gabo touches his throat and starts singing slowing, his
voice rising into all the delicious tones that great singers
can create.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (looking at them)
I...can....
SING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                            
Magda screams and throws her apron over her head and Rachel
runs up and hugs Gabo.
                                                            
Everyone starts talking at once and realizes they all prayed
for Gabo.
Magda peaks out from her apron,her curiosity overcoming her
fear.
                                                            

122.

                       GABO
      (in a daze)
Jesus?
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (happy tears
       running down his
       face)
I think we went to a higher
authority.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (laughing joyously)
Will you sing for us?
                                                            
Gabo closes his eyes, tears still pouring out. He puts a
gentle hand on Marcus's shoulder.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (in a broken
       incredulous voice)
I would.... love to sing tonite.
I must go now and say...Thank You.
                                                            
His massive form leaves the room and everyone suddenly hears
him humming!
Everyone laughs in joy, feeling the rush that being part of
a miracle feels like.
                                                            
 
EXT. A ROMAN LEGION CAMP IN GAUL - DAY
                                                            
21 YEARS LATER
                                                            
The Eagle Headed Scabbard of the pirate's sword fills the
screen.
Backing up, we see a prancing spirited horse bearing a 33
year old Marcus,commander of Rome's army.
His youthful kindness has matured into wisdom, his handsome
face marked by the violence of war.
But the eyes! Intensely alive, laser like, his glance making
you feel like you're the most important person in the world.
He passes his trusty tribune, Pelonius, a scarred old
warrior who has seen it all, with a group of newbies.
                                                            
                       POLONIUS
      (smiling
       approvingly at
       his commander)
That is your commander. (looks at
the recruits contemptuously)Thanks
to him, you will probably live to
tell the tale of serving with the
            (MORE)

123.

                       POLONIUS (cont'd)
14th division.
                                                            
                       ARISTOCRAT 1
      (you can tell he's
       rich)
My father, Senator Gallus, knows
Marcus's dad.( acknowledges
Polonius's scorn)
And, yes, I'm grateful to be here.
                                                            
Polonius looks mollified.
                                                            
                       ARISTOCRAT 2
      (echoing)
Me, too. My dad says that the best
way to further your career is to
have military service on your
resume.(extends his skinny arms.)
I was terrified when father made
me go into the military, but the
commander's brother Quintus, said
that Marcus was my best bet for
staying alive a little longer.
                                                            
                       POLONIUS
      (irritable again)
O.K,O.K. Save that for the camp
side fire.
And that's Commander Aurelius to
you!
Everyone advance to the blue tent.
                                                            
A single rider follows them, turns left and rides to a
solitary tent, and dismounts. After securing the horse, he
stands before the closed flap.
This is Marcus's freed slave, his confidant,his right hand.
He's also a nut.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (in a peter lorre
       voice)
It's me master!
                                                            
 
INT. MARCUS'S TENT - DAY
                                                            
Marcus opens the flap and smilingly shoos him in.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
It seems every senator's son is
here to add luster to his career,
MAYBE knowing that Tiberius is
getting tired of war in Gaul, and
            (MORE)

124.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
that we are leaving after a
decisive win.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (sarcastically)
NOO!
                                                            
He turns his face away from Marcus.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (nonchalantly)
You're supposed to go to the
receiving area and get a
confidential message from
Tiberius.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (yawning)
Come on, you just want me to go,
right?
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (holding his knees
       together like a
       little kid)
Well. I do have to drop a load,
SIR!
                                                            
They both laugh. He swats Mokie on the back and follows him
out of the tent.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMP - DAY
                                                            
Marcus slowly mounts his horse and rides up a hill to a
plateau, where open tents are filled with people performing
different chores of maintaining a war camp.
He dismounts, two soldiers taking his horse. One soldier
points to two robed enshrouded figures, their back turned to
Marcus.
He approaches the figures.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You can deliver your messages!
                                                            
They don't turn around.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (snorting)
Great! They sent me deaf
messengers!
                                                            

125.

One of the figures' shoulders start shaking and after a
muffled snigger, the other one follows suit, and they both
turn around at the same time, laughing insanely.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (astounded)
Quintus and Joseph?
                                                            
It is a grown up Quintus and Joseph.
They are movie star handsome, saved from narcissism by their
constantly sarcastic nature.
Quintus and Marcus grip each others arms, Roman style, then
just exuberantly hug each other.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (beaming)
What is going on?
                                                            
He turns and hugs Joseph and steps back, looking lovingly at
both of them.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
O.K. Why are you in the armpit of
the world?
And you, Joseph? What's a seaman
doing on land?
                                                            
Quintus stands up, feigning stoic outrage.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (puffing out his
       cheeks
       oratorically)
How can you deny a fellow Roman
soldier a meal. An army walks on
it's stomach!
                                                            
Marcus leaps up in alarm!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (in shock)
Quintus, say it's not so!?
                                                            
Quintus mounts his horse, followed by Joseph.
Marcus keeps staring up at them, paralyzed.
They start trotting off.
Marcus jolts himself out of his trance, leaping on his horse
and riding ahead to his tent.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE OF MARCUS'S TENT - DAY
                                                            
MARCUS, QUINTUS, JOSEPH AND MOKIE INSIDE THE TENT
                                                            

126.

Everyone is bustling around the small tent.
Quintus dramatically sits down, Joseph reaches for his
rucksack and notices over his shoulder that Mokie is about
to pour drinks for all.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (barking)
MOKIE!(he freezes)
Sit down, my man!
We are in charge of ablutions!
                                                            
Quintus takes one of the empty glasses Mokie is giving to
everyone.
He lifts his glass into the air.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (acting posh)
Here! Hear!(looks at Joseph
meaningfully)
And Now! Now!
                                                            
Joseph looks disapprovingly at Quintus.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
You have the habits of a pig, with
the attitude of a nobleman!
Make up your mind!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Sorry! (in a snotty tone)
Oink,Oink!
(thrusts his glass at Joseph)
Now, give me a drink of Uncle
Petronius's finest!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (vying for a drink)
Me, too! Uncle has the best -
collected of course from all the
beaten pirate ships!
                                                            
Everyone sips the delicious viand, enjoying being friends.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (with a happy smug
       look)
So, Dad and Gabo are quietly
moving to Judea!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (an intense look)
Yea, Gabo and Father are going to
be part of Jesus' support team.
And!......
            (MORE)

127.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
Dad's planning a wedding to
Miriam, Mary's sister.
We'll be related to Jesus!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking annoyed)
How do - the Jesus
telegraph!(looking envious)
You guys never lost touch, did
you?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes shining)
No!
Listen.Sometimes, I would just be
there, like an invisible observer!
                                                            
Everyone listens eagerly as Marcus talks.
                                                            
 
INT. A LARGE DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jesus and his twelve disciples are at the house of Lazarus
and his sisters, all of them leaning back with that glutted
look of full people.
Everyone is laughing at a joke by one of the sisters,
especially Jesus.
Jesus has become a large, handsome man with curling dark
auburn hair touching his shoulders.
His grey eyes are compelling, shooting out an electrical
energy that sees to one's very core.
But the pure sweetness from his childhood is now mixed with
the adult knowledge of the dark side of humanity.
He turns to pet a dog, and a tired look appears in his eyes
for a second, but seen by Lazarus.
                                                            
                       LAZARUS
      (sympathetically)
Jesus, try to lay your burden down
for a moment.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (ruefully)
Who knew that getting people just
to love each other would be so
unpopular!
                                                            
                       LAZARUS
      (shaking his head)
Man has descended into dark times.

They want you to be a political
tool, instead a light exposing the
            (MORE)

128.

                       LAZARUS (cont'd)
darkness.
                                                            
A hysterical, panting man bursts into the room.
Out of breath, he points outside.
They all rush out of the room.
                                                            
 
EXT. SKY FILLED WITH FLAMES AND SMOKE - DAY
                                                            
Everyone scrambles down the hill to the village, the flames
leaping from house to house, many of them two story.
                                                            
                       LAZARUS
      (striding toward
       one the two story
       houses)
Hurry!
                                                            
A shrieking crying woman is being held back from entering
the house that is now shooting flames.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (hysterically
       sobbing)
My baby!!He's upstairs!!!
                                                            
Jesus runs into the house.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE THE BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Jesus strides in the building,a purposeful look on his face.
Horrified protesting yells follow him in.
Jesus is standing in a large room and is suddenly surrounded
by fire expanding from the opening of the door.
He emits a unintelligible room shaking word and the flames
shoot up and seem to look at Jesus for a split moment.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (his eyes focusing
       intently)
Cease your awful work!
                                                            
The flames act like water has been poured on them and cease
to burn.
Jesus runs up the stairs and walks to the crib which is
partly burned.The baby coos as he sees the face of Jesus who
tenderly picks him up and smiles lovingly at him.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (hooking his
       little finger
       into the baby's)
            (MORE)

129.

                       JESUS (cont'd)
This is your lucky day, little
guy.
Use well this gift of life!
                                                            
He walks down the stairs and emerges from the smouldering
building, he and the baby untouched by the fire.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
The woman hurls herself on Jesus, sobbing her gratitude.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (eyes huge)
Thank you for my baby!
                                                            
Jesus lovingly hands her the baby.
He looks at the fires that are left and his glance stops the
flames instantly.
He looks at the people around him who are all gape mouthed.
He smiles with a let's get past that look.
                                                            
                       JESUS
God has been good to us today!
Men, grab your tools and lets help
rebuild this place.
I think I know a thing or two
about carpentry!
                                                            
Everyone laughs, ready to jump off a cliff for him.
The group, united by the miracle of the situation, go to
rebuild their village.
                                                            
 
INT. A UNDERGROUND CHAMBER IN AN EGYPTIAN TEMPLE - NIGHT
                                                            
Jesus is standing in the middle of a high domed chamber, in
a pure white robe, surrounded by humming priests sitting in
the lotus position with candles in front of them flickering
weakly in the huge area.
Jesus puts his hands in front of him in the praying
position.
Jesus starts to float upward.
A white light slowly grows around him and the face of Jesus
gets the look of a person totally in love.
He lowers to the ground and a white dove lands on his head.
At the same time, a voice unbelievably powerful but so
loving
says in a temple shaking voice:
                                                            
                       VOICE
THIS IS THE CHRIST!!!!!
                                                            

130.

MONTAGE
                                                            
-Animals all over the world jerk their heads up, looking
intently.
-Mountains all over the world rumble.
-People from all walks of life, from peasants hauling loads
in the fields, to Roman soldiers looking grim, to the rich
at a party, suddenly stop, get a look of excitement and
softly unwittingly whisper, Amen.
Followed by a look of puzzlement and then back to their
roles.
                                                            
                                         PRESENT DAY
                                                            
The people in the control room whisper, Amen!
                                                            
 
INT. BACK TO MARCUS'S TENT - DAY
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking at his
       spellbound
       audience)
You know what he has told me over
and over again?
That when mankind overcomes his
fear and disbelief,that we can all
do what he does.
That he is God's present and
promise to us.
(sadly)
I haven't talked to him for a
while.
                                                            
Marcus shakes his head, and then realizes that he got off
track.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (mock frowning at
       Quintus)
WHY are you here in a camp
surrounded by gigantic German
warriors with a bad attitude?
                                                            
Quintus laughs and throws his arm around Marcus, who is
sitting next to him.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grinning)
Uncle Petronius is retiring and
Junior(points at Joseph) been
offered his own ship, --but noooo!
He is Mister Indecisive.
            (MORE)

131.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
And me--?
                                                            
Quintus looks at Marcus who is shocked to see that Quintus
looks serious and...hurt.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (shakes his head)
All the acting accolades, my
recognition as a prominent figure
in politics.
None of it meant anything to
Rachel when I ....asked her to be
my wife.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (increduously)
Your finally asked Rachel to be
your wife at age 30 !!
And, she wasn't already married?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
She is in some Essene community,
where all the men and women are
equal.
You know how..pissy she is about
the equality issue
                                                            
Joseph pours more , and everyone waits for more of the
miracle of Quintus being serious.
Instead of his usual dramatic style, he stands up, his head
hangdog.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (upset)
So what, I had..intimate relations
with a lot of Rome's most
beautiful women.
And, I loved it. But, You know me.
I kinda love CONVERSATION!
                                                            
He suddenly looks around, insecure, realizing that he
putting it all out there.
Marcus puts a loving hand on his hand.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (exagerating)
Can, you PLEASE let your brother
and your best friends see some
REAL emotion!
                                                            
Quintus jerks his hand away, irritated.
                                                            

132.

                       QUINTUS
      (pissed off)
That's what SHE said!! Rachel!
She said that I had become all the
roles I have played my whole life,
and that there was no REAL me
anymore!!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes getting
       bigger)
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (defensively)
That's why I'm here!
And, I'm not here to make things
worse!
                                                            
Marcus rolls his eyes. Quintus refills everyone's glass and
sits down dispiritedly.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (pleading)
Marcus, don't make me hanging my
guts out more difficult.
(silence)
Damn Rachel! Her comment hit home!
                                                            
Everyone is looking at Quintus with a new look in their eyes
at his vulnerability.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (serious)
I have been training with Mario
for months. You won't have to
worry about me.
Now, Let's get drunk and talk!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (sparking)
How is that killing machine?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (face softening)
Owns an inn near Rome! People come
far and wide to hear his tall
tales.
Only we know that they're all
true!!
                                                            
Everyone listens to each other, the lubricated laughter
filling the room, an oasis of friendship in the middle of
violence.
                                                            
 

133.

EXT. JUDEA NEAR JERUSALEM - DAY
                                                            
TWELVE ROUGH LOOKING MEN RIDING BETWEEN CLIFFS
                                                            
A bitter tough Barrabus, the scar showing under his hair,
heads his hard bit gang, with his faithful toady at his
side.
The boy who hit Marcus with the rock, Judah, has grown up
ugly, treacherous, and downright mean. He is the unofficial
leader of the most vicious of the thugs.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (sarcastic and
       threatening)
Oh, Master Barrabus, are you
finally going to allow your
'slaves' to get some water and
food?
                                                            
Barrabus reins in his horse, causing everyone to do the
same.
He rides to Judah's face and looks at his with open hate.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (spitting out the
       words)
Judah,your LUST for killing is why
we had to cover some distance! And
it makes you stupid! We HAD the
money from that caravan!
But you just had to kill that
woman, didn't you?
Who happens to be the cousin of a
promint Roman magistrate!
So now we have the Romans after
us!
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (blustering)
She wouldn't stop screaming!
If you had let me kill everyone,
there would be no witnesses.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (yelling and
       rearing up his
       horse at the same
       time)
So then we would have our own
people after us.
That caravan is owned by a very
rich Jewish merchant! Who I have a
business arrangement with that
saves your worthless hides and
            (MORE)

134.

                       BARRABUS (cont'd)
puts a lot of money in your
pockets!
                                                            
He swings his horse around and gallops away, his toady
following.
The other part of the gang frowns at Judah and gallop after
Barrabus.
Judah, his face black with hatred, follows.
                                                            
 
EXT. A OLD ROCK BUIDING, SMOKE COMING THE ROOF - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Barrabus and his sidekick toady clatter into the ragged
courtyard. He urgently swings off his horse and hands the
reins to the toady to run behind the building to relieve
himself.
The gang arrives, followed by an Judah. They all dismount
and start to enter the building.
A starving dog comes out to beg for food.
Judah sees the dog, and with an evil smile, gives the dog a
vicious kick to the ribs.
The dog screams and rolls over, whimpering.
Barrabus runs out from the back, and instantly accessing the
situation, hits the man with a round house punch.
He pulls his knife, and jumping up, Judah pulls his out and
they circle each other.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (wicked grin on
       his face)
Go ahead, Judah!
The world would be a better place
with your slimy soul out of the
equation!
The only reason I haven't already
killed you is out of respect for
our fathers who were friends!
                                                            
Judah looks around for support and realizes that he's
alienated everyone.
He sheaths his knife and looks at Barrabus with pure hatred.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
Watch your back!
                                                            
As Judah follows the gang into the inn, he stops as Barrabus
shouts at him.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
If your idiocy causes us to have
to come here again, on your death,
do not touch this dog!!!
                                                            

135.

The gang walks inside, and Barrabus waves his toady inside.
He walks over to the whimpering dog who looks at him with
fearful eyes.
He squats, and tenderly strokes the dog who loses the look
of fear replaced by gratitude.
Barrabus hears a scraping sound and looks up in alarm.
He sees a ragged little waif with dirt on her cute little
face.
                                                            
                       LEAH
      (smiling shyly)
Are you the man that mama said was
helping us?
Mama said that you rob the rich
and give to the poor!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (whispering)
Come closer!
                                                            
Her cute as the dickens face thinks a moment and decides to
trust him and comes closer.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (grinning)
It's got to be a secret between us
and your mom, O.K.?
If everyone knew, then I couldn't
help your mom anymore.
                                                            
                       LEAH
      (looking scornful)
Even I know that!!
                                                            
She looks at the dog and starts crying.
She slings herself down by the dog and pets him between
sobs.
                                                            
                       LEAH
I can only feed him a little bit
because we don't have much food.
Is he going to die?
                                                            
Barrabus looks guilty. He looks around and puts a bag of
coins in the little girl's hand and puts his finger to his
lips in the universal symbol of 'Shh'.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (whispering)
Go silently like a rabbit to your
mother and when no one's looking,
give it to her, and tell her to
bring a bandage to bind up your
dog.
            (MORE)

136.

                       BARRABUS (cont'd)
And, Leah - you and your dog will
never go hungry again.
                                                            
Leah runs grinning to her mother, while Barrabus strokes the
dog.
He leans against the wall struggling with his free hand to
free something from a little bag attached to his belt. He
pets the dog with one head and rubs the object
absentmindedly with his other, getting a far off look to his
eyes and a small smile.
It is the periscope.
                                                            
 
EXT. TWO OPPOSING ARMIES FACE EACH OTHER - MORNING
                                                            
THREE MONTHS HAVE PASSED
                                                            
Rome's organized army is lined up on one side of a huge
clearing surrounded by a forest.
Rome's finest look worried and they should be.
Facing them are warriors that look like the Hulk's brothers.
And a lot of them have the berserker eyes of warriors on
mushrooms, the drug of choice at that time.
Together on the top of a small hill, a tired and bandaged
Marcus, Quintus, Joseph, and Mokie survey the situation on
their horses. After months of skirmishes, this is the big
battle.
No humor today.
The gigantic warriors start screaming insults, exposing the
sharpened teeth of a lot of them, thrusting their blood
stained weapons at them.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (trying to sound
       nonchalant)
Marcus, why didn't you get us some
of that mushroom stuff?
                                                            
Marcus looks startled and then breaks into hysterical
laughter.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I can just see it - a axe is on
it's way to your skull and you
break into one of your acts!
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (grinning evily)
Expecting the axe to stop out of
sheer admiration for Quintus's
finest performance!
                                                            

137.

                       QUINTUS
      (irritated)
You made your point!
                                                            
The conversation comes to a halt as the Gauls start
shrieking.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking urgently
       at Quintus)
Stay close to me!!!
                                                            
Marcus nods to his horn bearer who blows the sound for
advancement.
The armies clash, the disciplined Roman warriors in their
organized battle formations.
The Gaul giants charge like an unstoppable wave.
Marcus, Quintus, and Joseph and Mokie wait on the hill,
until what Marcus knew was going to happen, does.
The formation falters under the sheer insane charges of the
Gaul warriors.
Marcus looks at the legions behind him.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (voice booming)
Advance!
                                                            
The second wave of Romans marches urgently to relieve their
comrades.
Quintus looks at his brother like why aren't we doing
something, and charges to join the army.
Marcus, Joseph, and Mokie look horrified and charge after
him.
They become preoccupied with staying alive instead of
protecting Quintus who is in the thick of battle - and
holding his own.
The insanity of the battle seems to go on forever.
Joseph and Quintus are fighting side by side.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (pointing)
Marcus, Quintus!!!!!
                                                            
Marcus looks in that direction and sees a tiring Quintus and
Joseph fighting desperately, their face and hair covered
with blood.
At the same time, the leader of the Gauls sees Quintus and
his noble garb and rides to kill his prize.
Marcus, Mokie and the king are rushing toward Quintus.
The king gets their first and raises his axe for the kill.
                                                            

138.

                       MARCUS
      (his voice booming
       like in his
       dreams when he
       moved the stones)
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                            
SLO MO
                                                            
All the weapons of the Gaul's around Quintus float into the
air. Everyone seems to freeze as they look at the floating
weapons and they follow the sonic trail of the sound and see
a focused Marcus with his hand in the air.

END SLOW MO

The Gauls all run screaming into the forest.
The Roman soldiers for a second look like they want to,
also.
Marcus rides to Quintus and hugs him, tears leaking from his
eyes.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (awed and dazed)
Boy, I sure put you through the
wringer, don't I?
(whispers into Marcus's ear).
Love you!
                                                            
Marcus blinks his tears away and becomes the commander of
the army again.
He looks at Mokie.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Tell the men to wait on the
celebration. I think they will be
back!
                                                            
Quintus, quite recovered, gets a look, like Prometheus, sly
and plotting.He kicks his horse and gallops off.
After a flicker of irritation, Marcus shrugs his shoulders
and takes charge of the situation.
                                                            
 
EXT. REPEAT OF YESTERDAY - MORNING
                                                            
THE GAULS ARE STILL DETERMINED BUT MUTED
                                                            
Marcus, Joseph, and Mokie are in the same lineup as
yesterday.
Everyone is cut, bandaged and burned out.
Marcus has deep circles under eyes filled with worry.
Quintus has disappeared.

139.

Time passes, as the two armies wait for dawn.
Quintus finally shows up, smudges under his eyes, a shit
eating grin on his face that makes everyone's pissed off
expression fade to curiosity.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (angry and
       sarcastic)
I've been searching among your
friends - waves at the Germans -
for your grinning head stuck on a
pike!!
                                                            
Quintus looks pleased with himself, as a soldier unloads a
small crate from a horse.
With difficulty, he removes a 40 pound boar that is barely
struggling. Quintus attaches a tiny cord to the hog's tail.
Two soldiers crawl on their bellies dragging the obviously
doped out boar to the crest of a hill, that the Gaul's are
looking up at to observe the first rays of the rising sun.
The boar walks a few steps forward, the Gauls pointing and
yelling.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (ever the
       impresario)
Observe the final - looks at
Marcus - ILLUSION!!
                                                            
He nods his head to a soldier laying out of sight behind the
pig who lights the cord.
It emits a tiny puff of smoke. Instead of the pig
disappearing miraculously in a cloud of smoke, it looks
like the pig farted a puff of smoke.
The Gauls start laughing.
A powerful scream is heard from the sky.
A massive eagle soars down and grabs the boar and flies over
the gaping Germans, screaming.
The Gaul warriors see their symbol killed by Romes' symbol.
They flee in superstitious fear.
All heads swivel to Quintus, who looks as astounded as they
are.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (spreading his
       hands in a gallic
       gesture)
Don't look at me!
That wasn't the ending I planned!
That was positively inspired, and
look at the results!
                                                            

140.

Quintus, and Joseph look at Marcus who looks bemused. They
echo Marcus who says -
                                                            
                       MARCUS
JESUS!
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE SIDE OF A SMALL MOUNTAIN IN JUDEA - MORNING
                                                            
TWELVE MEN FOLLOW A MAN WHO IS ENVELOPED BY A SOFT LIGHT
                                                            
As the sun rises, a beam of light briefly illuminates the
leaders face.
Jesus has a big grin on his face.
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTH LATER -THE ROMAN ARMY IS LEAVING GAUL - DAY
                                                            
The camp is bustling with warriors happy to leave Gaul.
Marcus and Mokie ride the perimeter of the camp.
The sun flashes on the golden eagle of Marcus's sword.
Soldiers catching the flash out of the corner of their eyes,
glance up and smile at Mokie conspiratorially and look at
Marcus with awe in their eyes.
He is their Magician
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (acting like
       gollum)
Master is now a legend!
                                                            
He claws at Marcus's arm, while twisting his neck and
crossing his eyes.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
Heal me, master! I have not won a
game of poker in a week!
                                                            
They both laugh, joining into the mass mood of soldiers,
happy to be going home to make love, not war.
Until the next war.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (sniffing the air)
Finally! All through the week, I
thought our cook worked for the
enemy, from some of the smells!
                                                            
Mokie suddenly looks cagey.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (trying to
       distract)
THIS cook is going to start his
            (MORE)

141.

                       MOKIE (cont'd)
own eatery when he returns to
Italy.
So of course, pleasing the
Magician would make his
reputation.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (frowning)
Let off that magician stuff, would
ya?
                                                            
Mokie reigns back his horse and Marcus follows suit.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (total sincerity)
You can hand over those powers,
Mister!
I mean, a lot of the men,
including me would be food for the
worms if it wasn't for you!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (shaking his head)
I don't even have a clue HOW I do
those things!
When I see something is about to
happen to someone I love, I just
can't let it happen!!
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (smiling sweetly)
And, just add Jesus, right?
Please introduce me to him at your
father's wedding!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking
       distressed)
I don't know if he'll be there!
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (surprised)
At his own aunt's wedding?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (face dark eyes
       unfocused)
He is almost at the end of his
mission.
And, it will take 2,000 years for
all of us to discover how to use
the gift he is leaving for all
            (MORE)

142.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
mankind.
                                                            
Marcus's unfocused eyes transcend time and space.
                                                            
INTERCUT
                                                            
A MOUNTAIN COVERED BY MASSES OF HUMANITY.
                                                            
Thousands of people are gazing in adoration at the glowing
figure on a mountain top in Judea.
                                                            
END INTERCUT
                                                            
MARCUS'S EYES FOCUS AGAIN.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (fans the air
       toward his nose)
While you're gabbing away, my
stomach thinks my throat has been
cut!
                                                            
He rides away, leaving Mokie with a what-just-happened look
on his face, then knees his horse to follow Marcus.
                                                            
 
EXT. CAMP IS ENJOYING THEIR LAST NIGHT - EVENING
                                                            
Marcus, Mokie, Quintus and Joseph are sitting around one of
many fires, everyone displaying the happy stuffed look.
Quintus gives a long appreciative burp.
As the smell drifts their way, everyone starts waving the
hideous smell away.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (coughing)
If you had delivered that dose to
the King, he'd turn and run!
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (laughing)
Just think, if he had been firing
out of both holes, the battle
field would be cleared!
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (laughing too)
By both sides!
                                                            
Quintus jumps up and looks sickeningly noble.
                                                            

143.

                       QUINTUS
      (spreading his
       arms)
You have shown me my true cause in
life!
I am to be an instrument of Peace!
I am now inspired to spread more
peace.
                                                            
He lets rip the stenches of all stenches.
Everyone gives him that what an asshole look, and runs away,
laughing and gagging.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grinning wickedly)
Savor the flavor!
(starts coughing)
Boy, that was an especially ripe
one, even for me!
Better go pay off the cook!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE ARMY IS AROUND A HUGE BLAZING FIRE - LATER
                                                            
Quintus is sitting alone, and turns his head and sees the
'gang' sitting well away from him.
He gets up and walks indignantly toward them.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (irritated)
O.K., I get it!
Just so you know, (grinning) I've
run out of...peace for now!
                                                            
The guys all laugh.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (beaming his 10
       watt smile at
       them)
Come back over, guys. Let's make
it one for the memory books!
                                                            
Everyone is grinning at Quintus, who gets a suspicious look
on his face until Mokie turns on the lube.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
We weren't supposed to tell you
this, but some of your buddies
around here have arranged a skit
in your honor, since every knows
of your acting career.
You have to sit alone for the
            (MORE)

144.

                       MOKIE (cont'd)
routine to work.
                                                            
As usual, the flattery works, and Quintus is mollified.
As he walks back to his chair, he talks over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Come on over after that, guys.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (in a low voice)
Yea, you're gonna have one for the
memory books!
                                                            
The camp voices climb in volume until the clomp of army
boots silences the camp.
Twenty men in full uniform surround Quintus, who looks
intrigued, forming into two boxes, the inner one going one
direction and the outer going the opposite.
A soldier starts the cadence, then the other men in the
formation join in.
                                                            
                       SINGING SOLDIER 1
      (deep voice)
An army marches on it's stomach,
but Rome marches on it's heart.
But everyday what makes us start,
is the smell of Quintus's
farts!!!!!
                                                            
Everyone laughs, Quintus louder than everyone!
The square gets closer around Quintus and another soldier
breaks into the same cadence in a falsetto voice.
Everyone laughs louder.
Moans and groans and mutterings of, I can't hold it no more.
Suddenly the square squeezes tight, the grinning soldiers
bend over and incredibly loud, incredibly stinky farts blow
right into Quintus's incredulous face.
As Quintus moans and chokes, the crowd goes into
convulsions. Soldiers roll on the ground laughing
hysterically, gagging when the wind shifts, and laughing
louder.

Quintus addresses the crowd.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (roaring at the
       soldiers)
O.K., ya got me back!
But, couldn't you have done it
BEFORE dinner?
                                                            

145.

His audience roars back at him.
One of the soldiers walks up grinning like a banshee.
                                                            
                       GRINNING SOLDIER
We were well paid to give back to
you who have been so generous with
your ..'nasal offerings'.
                                                            
He looks mock suffering and faces the soldiers.
                                                            
                       GRINNING SOLDIER
      (wrinkling his
       nose)
But, we have suffered. We'll never
eat cabbage again.
And back home, I'm a cabbage
farmer!
                                                            
All the tense violence a warrior must have to survive,
drains away in every soldier's face under the healing insane
laughter that is Quintus's gift to a cruel world.

Mokie looks at Marcus and points to a chair.
                                                            
Mokie points at a chair.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (wickedly grinning)
It's YOUR turn.
Go sit down - don't worry, you're
out of the gas zone!
                                                            
Marcus follows Mokie's direction to a 'safe' chair, a
quizzical look on his face.
As he sits, the men line up before him, their spears
starting to thump the ground,
They all give him a proprietorial loving look.
Quintus strides to the front, his favorite place to be.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (starting to
       grandstand)
Gentleman!
                                                            
Suddenly he drops his hands and becomes completely serious.
He turns to the men, and starts to slowly talk.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (a half smile
       leaking out)
I'm sure that when I first came
here, no one thought I was that
spoiled younger brother of the
commander. (everyone laughs)
            (MORE)

146.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
But, through the few months I've
been here, I've not only
experienced my brother saving my
life, but countless stories from
the rest of you.
And, I'm sure you were freaked
out, right along with you.
                                                            
He half turns to Marcus.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (tilts his hand at
       Marcue)
My brother, the Magician!!
                                                            
The men stomp their poles three times and yell:
                                                            
                       THE ARMY
      (booming)
OUR MAGICIAN!!
                                                            
Marcus stands up and spreads his arms and looks at every
face he can see.
In a tone of a father to his sons, he booms:
                                                            
                       MARCUS
MY family!!
                                                            
The men all surge up, trying to touch Marcus, and walk away.
He is patient with the adulation, knowing this moment in
history has made them temporary brothers.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOME IN JUDEA - MORNING
                                                            
COURTYARD
                                                            
The place is bustling with happy excited people setting up
for a huge party.
Suddenly, a clatter of hooves, and Marcus, Mokie, and a
small group of alert men ride into the courtyard, clothed in
the robes of Judea.
Everyone yells a welcome, but under the lash of Magda's
sister's tongue, hop to it to complete the wedding set up.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (winking at the
       soldiers)
Gentleman, I see that your horses
are lame!
Take them to the stables and leave
tomorrow.
                                                            

147.

                       HEAD SOLDIER
      (apologetic)
We hope you CAN put us up for the
night, because Captain Joseph said
that he better get a blow-by-blow
description of the wedding or when
he sees us he'll have us
keel-hauled!
He's spittin mad anyway to have to
go on this last trip.
                                                            
Quintus is running to them. He throws his arms in the air.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (yelling)
Help me celebrate my wedding!
The wine is in the back yard!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (waves his hands
       toward the
       stables)
Hurry up, me maties!
                                                            
Marcus and Mokie dismount and Marcus and Quintus embrace.
When they pull apart, they see Mokie, his lips pursed, eyes
closed, acting like he is ready to be kissed.
A white haired Gabo quietly creeps up, and purses his lips
next to Mokie's face and says:
                                                            
                       GABO
Boo!
                                                            
The whole courtyard rings with laughter as Mokie opens his
eyes and jerks back with a yell.
Gabo puts his hands on his hips and looks mock offended.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (flinging his head
       like Prometheus)
So you prefer Quintus's kisses to
mine, why, I NEVER!
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (grinning)
Perfect Prometheus!
(he looks at Mokie)
He was a my dad's best friend and
our second father. On his
deathbed, he wanted no mourning.
He said that imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery, and he
expected to be imitated quite
            (MORE)

148.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
often to assure his immortality.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (eyes in the past)
That was one of the wonders of
God's miracle to me.
We had many long fascinating
conversations.
(does a Prometheus devilish face)
I now know about all the dirty
laundry of Rome!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (proudly)
How do you think Dad was so
successful with his projects to
help Rome?
He knew were the 'bodies' were
buried.
                                                            
Gabo and Marcus embrace.
They back up, still clasping each others arms, and look at
each other, liking the effects of time.
Gabo looks over at the bustling set up for the wedding
party.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (firmly)
I will talk to you later.
                                                            
Gabo walks over and picks up a huge table effortlessly.
Marcus smiles, then turns to Quintus eagerly.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I haven't seen Rachel in 20 years.
Come on, chop, chop!
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN BUSTLING WITH WEDDING PREPARATIONS - DAY
                                                            
Marcus, Quintus, and Mokie barge into the kitchen, acting
tough, then laughing and talking to everyone in the kitchen.
Magda dries her hands and hugs Marcus and gestures around
the kitchen to her different relatives, doing different
chores.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (introducing her
       relatives)
Yes, it's a family affair!
Except for this one - (gestures at
a man kneading bread in the far
            (MORE)

149.

                       MAGDA (cont'd)
corner) I forgot your name!
                                                            
A head slowly turns around to reveal his face.
It is Judah!
                                                            
He waves his floured hands at them.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (his attempt to
       look nice is
       slightly scary)
Yes, even the guys are doing
women's work to make the wedding
perfect!
                                                            
Turns to kneading flour again.
Marcus frowns, and just when he starts to say something,
Rachel walks into the room with a big bunch of flowers, that
pale next to her. She is very pretty, but the seeking
intelligence in her green eyes is compelling.
                                                            
Quintus runs to her and puts a arm around her possessively.
Marcus walks up, spellbound.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (admiringly)
How it took you two so long to get
together is beyond me!
You're a stunner!
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (her usual tart
       self)
It took him this long to get over
his love affair with himself!
                                                            
Quintus looks away uncomfortably, since it's so true.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (half jokingly)
Well, if he goes back to his love
affair, I will be waiting in the
wings.
The family knows, though, that you
two were make for each other.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (the look of love
       in her eyes
       contradicted by
       her words)
Yea. Two prickly pears stuck in
each others thorns!
            (MORE)

150.

                       RACHEL (cont'd)
And, I might get tired of HIM
.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (laughing as he
       looks lovingly in
       her eyes)
I get to spend the rest of my life
convincing you differently!
(looking at Marcus)
So when is Joseph, my man, going
to be here!
                                                            
Marcus jumps up like he's been stung, with an exuberant
grin exploding on his face.
He motions the guys and Rachel to a table on the outside
patio.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (excited)
Everyone sit down!!
                                                            
With different expressions on their faces, they sit down,
Marcus impatient.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Unfortunately, Joseph will be
late.
I now believe what women say-
(bows to Rachel)- men don't talk
about their past, about personal
issues, etc.ect.. to each other.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (sweetly sarcastic)
There's hope for MANkind!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
The small world syndrome has
struck again.
                                                            
He looks at Quintus and they grin and say at the same time:
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (and Quintus)
Prometheus!!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking at Mokie)
I don't have time to explain his
theory.
            (MORE)

151.

                       MARCUS (cont'd)
Joseph was talking about going
back to his old country Judea to
find his family since he heard his
father was dead.
His family thinks Joseph is dead.
Wait till you hear this!!
                                                            
He looks at everyone.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (yelling)
Enough with the dramatic pause
already!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (now needling
       Quintus)
The revelation of the century
is...
Joseph is the older brother of
Barrabus!
                                                            
Except for Mokie, who is not on the same page, everyone
gasps.
Marcus, looking for Quintus's reaction is surprised to see
tears spring into his eyes.
Meeting Marcus's eyes, instead of getting defensive, he
looks nostalgic.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Those were the happiest times of
my life!
Prometheus, Romulus, Caligula, the
pirates,Barrabus, Joseph, JESUS.
                                                            
He looks at Rachel, his look of love so naked and exposed,
that it makes everyone feel humbled, especially Rachel.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (softly)
And, meeting the love of my life.
                                                            
Rachel gets misty eyed.
Quintus being Quintus, backs up from Rachel and performs a
sweeping bow to her.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (sarcastic but
       sincere)
I want to apologize to you and the
world, that being the egotistical
jackass that I am, that it took
            (MORE)

152.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
this long to realize-
                                                            
He grabs her and bends her backward, like Fred Astaire.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
- I've got a keeper, here!
                                                            
Rachel smoothly rolls and stands up, just as dramatically,
and says...
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (mock bored look)
Yeah, yeah!
                                                            
Everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (laughing)
You've met your match!
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (getting back to
       business)
Needed in the kitchen, gentlemen!
Nice to meet you, Mokie
                                                            
As she gets up to go in the house, a figure quickly moves
away, but not before Rachel rounds the corner.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (defensively)
Just waiting for the dough to
rise!
                                                            
Rachel smiles politely as she rushes into the kitchen.
For a split second, she sees the bread is not finished, gets
a puzzled look and then dismisses it.
Judah looks like sheer smirking evil.
He slowly walks away, no one noticing because of the
wedding.
                                                            
 
INT. MONTAGE OF THE WEDDING - EVENING
                                                            
-Gaius and Miriam and Quintus and Rachel stand before the
rabbi, the light playing across their faces.
-Marcus and Gabo are standing together, crying. They share a
happy look.
-Mary is standing next to Jesus, smiling at her sister's
happiness as she looks at Gaius who is returning the look.
-They finish their vows and everyone cheers.
-Quintus scans the crowd, enjoying the smiles, and suddenly

153.

sees Jesus face. He is looking at Quintus and crying.
The crowd surges to the front,obscuring Jesus.
-Jesus disappears in the crowd.
                                                            
 
EXT. CLIFF NEXT TO THE PARTY - EVENING
                                                            
A horse carries it's rider silently up the small cliff that
is next to Gaius's house.
Barrabus dismounts and walks to the edge and leans on a tall
rock. He listens to the laughter and watches the people
below mill about.
He sees a figure with light flickering around his form
walking to the twisted tree of his youth. He knows it is
Jesus, and a tear winds its way down his bitter expression.
Another rider has also quietly ridden up the cliff and
stops, concealed behind a huge rock.
Barrabus hangs his head in pain and slowly returns to his
horse and rides down the hill.
The hidden rider rides around the rock and dismounts,
walking to the same cliff. He turns his face to look at the
dejected figure of Barrabus riding away.
It is Judah, his face contorted with hate and revenge.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (his face dripping
       with venom)
You think you're smarter than me,
don't you?
I could have killed you!
But before I kill you -
                                                            
Turns to the party and hears the sounds of joy
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (face twisting
       into pure evil)
First, I'll kill your heart.
Then, I'll kill you!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE TWISTED TREE - NIGHT
                                                            
Jesus is standing head down.
He looks up to the heavens, a pleading look on his face and
in his uplifted hands.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (voice breaking,
       eyes closed)
Please Father! I love them so
much. Let me change this!!
                                                            

154.

He bows his head.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (whispering)
And..... can't My future be
changed?
                                                            
 
EXT. THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM - NIGHT
                                                            
A beam of light barely penetrates through a tiny window
inside a room in the Temple. Candles are sputtering,
producing spurts of light highlighting three hooded, robed
men. The priests of the Sanhedrin.
                                                            
                       1ST PRIEST
      (candlelight
       reveals his
       slitted eyes for
       a second)
So, we are agreed? He will die at
Passover?
                                                            
                       2ND PRIEST
      (sneering)
Kill the man that healed your
wife?
Doesn't that give you conflicted
loyalties?
                                                            
The first priest whirls around, snarling.
                                                            
                       1ST PRIEST
      (defensively)
He didn't,,it was coincidence--
                                                            
Looks in fear at the third priest.
                                                            
                       1ST PRIEST
It was, Caiaphus!
                                                            
The other priest displays his leadership, the candlelight
showing a face of power, yet intelligence.
                                                            
                       CAIAPHUS
      (his voice
       soothing)
Stop, stop!
At this point, we must be united.
Let's be honest. This young man is
quite a powerful healer.
And, a lot of what he says would
make this world a better place.
                                                            

155.

                       CAIAPHUS
      (voice like a whip)
But, this statement that man is
his own priest, and he can talk
straight to God without the need
of a priest! Mankind is still in
need of us.
                                                            
                       2ND PRIEST
      (sarcastically)
Not to mention we'd be without a
job!
                                                            
                       CAIAPHUS
      (smiling
       reluctantly)
If you didn't make me laugh, you
would have been stoned to death
long ago for blasphemy!
                                                            
His face darkens with fury, his voice like a whip.
                                                            
                       CAIAPHUS
But, I will not abide Jesus saying
he is the Son of God!!!
He must die!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE TWISTED TREE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The face of Jesus becomes resigned.
A light bathes him in a stroking fashion.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (voice now
       determined)
Thy will be done.
                                                            
A bird suddenly fills the air with it's pure tone for a few
beautiful seconds.
Jesus looks up, his face softening.
A figure walks out of the darkness up to Jesus, and places a
comforting hand on his shoulder.
Jesus sighs, then turns to Marcus with a grateful look.
Marcus has deep shadows under his eyes, to match the ones on
Jesus.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (a relieved look)
Thank you!
My thoughts are eating me up!
(studies his face)
Looks like you're having the same
            (MORE)

156.

                       JESUS (cont'd)
problem.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (frowns and shakes
       his head)
EVERY night, I have a half
remembered dream of something
horrible happening and I can't
stop it!
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (connected again)
Let's shed the gloom and doom
tonight!
Everyone we love is over there.
One of our Jewish wedding customs
is that it is OUR obligation to
make it a happy occasion.
Let's go do our duty!
                                                            
Jesus and Marcus walk out of the shadows, and into the light
of the party.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE COURTYARD OF GAIUS NEXT DAY - MORNING
                                                            
Camels and horses fill the courtyard.
The older people move efficiently, packing for their
journey. The younger people are moving slowly and with many
moans from a massive hangover.
Marcus is talking to Gabo, as everyone fills the courtyard.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (a sad look on is
       face)
You know , after all these years,
I still expect Romulus to come
bounding up!
                                                            
                       GABO
      (smiling)
Sometimes I thought he was human!
                                                            
Marcus looks admiringly at Jesus who is saying goodbye to
everyone, every person thrilled to have Jesus' attention.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (eyes on fire)
If life had been different, I
would have been right there with
Jesus, like you, and now
Dad.
                                                            

157.

Gabo's face softens with wonder.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (softly)
If he could be left alone to prove
his philosophy of love, proved by
his miracles....
                                                            
Gabo's face suddenly fills with fury, and tears fill up his
eyes.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (his voice bitter)
We've both been warriors. And seen
the hate - and the desire in men
to kill.
Love doesn't stand a chance.
                                                            
He shakes his huge head and a big grin erupts.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (eyes shining)
Who cares!
To be in the company of Jesus!
                                                            
Jesus and Mary and the small crowd going with them, walk
into the sounds of camels impatiently bellowing with the
hangover victims protesting and holding their heads,
movement everywhere.
Marcus walks over to his father and new mother, standing
next to Jesus and Gabo.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (gazing happily at
       them.)
Miriam, my dad is smiling like he
did when my mother was alive.
Thank you!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (hugging him and
       looking at Miriam)
Two new loves at the same time!
My ever fascinating partner (he
bows to Miriam).
And a new philosophy - Jesus!
I look forward to exploring them
for the rest of my life.
                                                            
Jesus helps his mother onto her camel.
Quintus runs into the middle of the courtyard, looking like
an unmake bed.

158.

Rachel follows looking a little better.
Both have a cat ate the canary look on their faces.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mock indignant)
Leaving without saying Goodbye!
And all because Rachel and I were
up all night ...with stomach
problems.
                                                            
Quintus and Rachel accidentally meet each others eyes and
against their will start sniggering.
They can't control it and start going into hysterics taking
everyone with him.
Everyone starts laughing.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (facing everyone)
Yea, Right!!
                                                            
He walks to his father and hugs him, and as Rachel hugs
everyone, Quintus walks to Jesus and hugs him.
For a suspension in time they study each others face.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (gently)
Our group will along in a couple
of days.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (slitting his eyes)
Quintus, The bandits are
everywhere.
Don't go anywhere alone.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (sarcastic as
       usual)
As if I give way to impulse!
                                                            
Marcus runs up and looks up at Jesus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (grinning)
See you at Passover!
                                                            
Jesus abruptly turns his face away and knees his camel to
move away.
Too late.
Marcus has seen Jesus' face crumbling in pain.
Marcus watches as he rides away with the group.
                                                            
 

159.

EXT. A NEW AND IMPROVED INN - MORNING
                                                            
TWO DAYS LATER
                                                            
Barrabus and his faithful toady ride into a bustling
courtyard full of horses and camels being led to a large pen
in the back of a newly repaired inn.
They look at each other in a shared confused look.
A little boy, a little girl, and a healthy looking dog run
up to them.
                                                            
                       GIRL AT INN
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
Barrabus!
                                                            
Barrabus dismounts and hugs the girl, the dog licking his
face.
                                                            
                       GIRL AT INN
Bapi looks good, doesn't he?
I'll go tell Mama you're here!
                                                            
She runs off to the inn, the dog licking Barrabus. The boy
takes their horses.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
Well, Judith can sure stretch a
little bit of money!
                                                            
They walk inside.
                                                            
 
INT. NEW INN - MORNING
                                                            
They walk into a room packed with a motley crew of
different races talking and eating and drinking.
The innkeeper parts the crowd and comes up, arms open in
welcome and hugs his neck.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (grinning happily)
Barrabus, I was hoping you'd show
up and see our change of fortunes!
My oldest daughter has married a
merchant who has a successful
trade route and when he returns to
Judea, he houses his men, camels
and horses here!
                                                            
She walks around a half wall to a hidden table, and grins.
                                                            

160.

                       JUDITH
For my few friends!
                                                            
Barrabus looks pleased as they are lead to a table by a
door.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (serious)
The word has spread that you have
quit the Sicarri!
                                                            
Waves at a young woman cleaning in the corner.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (nicely)
Sweetheart, give these fine
gentlemen a glass of wine.
Come to think of it, I'll have
one, too.
                                                            
Judith gets up and helps the girl serve everyone.
She sits down and the girl goes back to her cleaning.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (lifting her glass
       in a toast)
To the people's champion!
                                                            
Barrabus turns red and starts to protest.
Judith rears up.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (acting like a
       Jewish mother)
Piff, Piff, Piff!
Accept the truth!
You helped many a poor family
around here.
You don't think those families
didn't know it was you who left
those bags of food for their
hungry children?
                                                            
Barrabus's toady looks at him with respectful surprise.
Judith's face suddenly darkens and she looks cautiously
around.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (softly)
A lot of our people hate the new
leader of the Sicarii.
Judah is a bad seed.
Unfortunately, I have to put up
with his gang and him when they
            (MORE)

161.

                       JUDITH (cont'd)
come in here.
And, he hasn't paid his bill in a
while.
                                                            
Barrabus reaches for his money bag.
She grabs his hand and shakes her head.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (glancing at the
       toady)
I can't help overhearing their
conversations.
I just wanted to warn you.
You know those wonderful stories
you told to me and the children
about Jesus and your friends when
you were young?
I heard Judah talking about
killing you and someone that
sounded like one of your friends -
Quintus, I think he said?
                                                            
Barrabus leaps up, his face ashen, his voice breaking.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (fear in his voice)
Are you sure that his name was
Quintus??
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (frowning)
Yea, because I remember thinking,
that it always sounded like a
Roman name!
                                                            
Barrabus leaps for the door, spilling his wine, chair
slamming on the floor.
His toady follows.
Judith looks confused and sad.
The glass of wine drips Red Drops on the floor.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN OF GAIUS HOME - MORNING
                                                            
Magda is cooking food as usual when a sleepy eyed Rachel
wanders in.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (gestures her to
       the table)
Sit down. You must taste these
duck eggs. I put a new Persian
            (MORE)

162.

                       MAGDA (cont'd)
spice in them.
                                                            
Rachel takes a few bites and starts to wake up.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (looking at her
       mother)
Have you seen Quintus? He wasn't
there when I woke up.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (fussing about
       another dish)
A messenger showed up this morning
to tell me that Joseph was on his
way.
I told Quintus, when he showed up
about a half hour ago, and he went
to meet him.
                                                            
She frowns,looking uncertain.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (suspicious)
You know, come to think about it,
the messenger was that helper in
the kitchen before the wedding,
that disappeared, leaving the
bread unfinished.
I was busy or I would have given
him a piece of my mind.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (remembering)
He lied to me about that bread
being done, for no reason!
                                                            
Rachel's and her Magda's worried eyes meet.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (fear creeping
       into her eyes)
Something is terribly wrong, aunt!
Where's Marcus?
                                                            
Magda starts wringing her apron.
                                                            
                       MAGDA
      (voice starting to
       escalate)
He was here right before you.
Rachel, do you think -
                                                            

163.

Rachel takes a deep breath and grabs her in a hug.
They stare at each other.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
I need you to be strong for me,
O.K.?
Now where did Marcus go?
                                                            
                       MAGDA
The stables.
                                                            
Rachel almost sprints out of the room, Magda's eyes
stretched wide in total fear.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STABLES - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Rachel runs into the barn, where Marcus is finishing
saddling his horse.
Rachel tries to control her fear, but Marcus sees it with a
look of 'what I most feared has finally happened'.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (breathing hard)
Quintus has gone to meet Joseph
and I think it is a trap!!!
                                                            
Marcus grabs his sword belt and leaps on his horse, kneeing
it to a gallop.
He turns his head and yells over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
PRAY!!!
                                                            
 
EXT. ROCKY ROAD WITH APPROACHING CLIFFS - MORNING
                                                            
Quintus is riding with a bored look on his face. His sword
is clanking on his leg, annoying him even more.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (bored)
Sweet Zeus (looks up) I mean God -
it seems like I've been riding
forever!
And, this clanking sword!
                                                            
His voice echos in the canyon he is in the middle of.
He smiles at the echo.
                                                            
Quintus rolls his eyes at himself.
                                                            

164.

                       QUINTUS
      (disgusted)
I guess Rachel,
Marcus,Joseph...Mokie,,,O.K.!
Everyone that knows me -
                                                            
Forgetting the false humility, he slips into a rolling,
theatrical tone.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
KNOWS I LOVE TO HEAR MY OWN VOICE!
                                                            
His voice loudly echos from the cliffs he is now between,
Quintus enjoying it like the actor he is.
Zip!!
An arrow barely misses him and he knees his horse and they
sprint out of the cliffs.
As he looks around, an arrow passes through his arm and he
falls of his horse.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (looking around)
What!
                                                            
Judah lowers his bow and hands it to one of the four evil
looking scumbags of his gang.
He sneers as Quintus struggles to get on his feet, grabbing
something out of his waistband.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (gaze never
       wavering from
       Quintus)
Go to the inn. Tell the innkeeper
that it would be in her best
interest to give you whatever you
want!
                                                            
They look at Quintus with puzzled looks on their faces.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (spitting it out)
GO!
                                                            
Judah turns his head to see them gallop off, and suddenly
grabs his head as a rock takes a gash out of the side of it,
blood spurting for a second.
Quintus wraps the sling around his arm, then grabs his
sword with his good hand.
Judah slings the blood out of his eyes, pulling out his
sword, eyes gleaming with evil anticipation.
                                                            

165.

                       JUDAH
      (a sneer on this
       face)
Did your brother tell you that I
almost killed him with a sling
long ago?
                                                            
Quintus matches him sneer for sneer.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mocking)
And why would we talk about the
boring likes of YOU!
                                                            
Quintus launches himself, his swordplay leading the fight.
Judah's eyes quickly show fear as he realizes he is
dealing with a superior swordsman.
Quintus realizes it also, and starts to play with Judah.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (eyes slitted)
Have you killed him already?
                                                            
Pricks Judah in his chest, drawing blood before pulling
back.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (caught unaware)
Who?
                                                            
Quintus tries not to show relief as he realizes the truth.
As the fight continues, Quintus pricks Judah' multiple times
with his usual showmanship.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (curious)
You went to a lot of trouble to
get me out here.
                                                            
Judah's face drops all traces of humanity into sheer hate.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (sneering)
You are part of the master plan.
First I kill the heart, then I
kill him!
                                                            
Quintus shakes his head like he's dealing with a nutcase and
advances, sword ready for the finale.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mocking but
       serious)
It's obvious that it is me versus
            (MORE)

166.

                       QUINTUS (cont'd)
you!
So, let's get this over with!
                                                            
Quintus gets into serious swordplay and Judah is not faring
well.
A cunning look flashes on his face for a second.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (holding Quintus's
       eyes)
Don't you want to know who I'm
talking about?
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (tired of the game)
No!
                                                            
                       JUDAH
Barrabus!!
                                                            
The shock is what Judah planned on. His sword aims for
Quintus who swerves at the last second.
                                                            
Quintus gets serious and they fight for what seems like
eternity, until Quintus's curiosity gets the better of him.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (starting to puff)
I haven't seen Barrabus for twenty
years!
                                                            
                       JUDAH
      (puffing too)
Always thought he was too good for
the Sicarii.
I would have been a better leader
than him.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
So, where do I come in?
                                                            
For a split second, Judah gets a longing look alien to his
hate filled nature.
                                                            
                       JUDAH
The few times he talked about his
past to that innkeeper, it was
always about you and Jesus.
Who is going to die soon, anyway!
                                                            
Quintus is sick of him, and is about to finish him off, when
he hears a voice.
                                                            

167.

                       BARRABUS
      (rushing from
       behind Judah)
Quintus!
                                                            
Judah's eyes widen but don't waver while keeping Quintus in
his sight.
Quintus looks behind Judah, taking his eyes off him for a
fatal second.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (questioningly)
Barrabus?
                                                            
Judah stabs Quintus in the chest.
Quintus's eyes get big and he falls to his knees as Judah
shouts out on triumphant laughter.
He wheels around to face Barrabus who is almost upon him.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (expression a
       rictus of horror
       and hatred)
NOOOOO!!!!
                                                            
He hurls himself in the air and slices Judah's head with
such force it shoots up in the air,and lips still sneering,
hits the ground and rolls down the hill, his headless body
following.
Barrabus kneeling down, scoops up Quintus and cradles him in
his arms, sobbing.
Quintus opens his eyes that are clouded with pain and death.
He lifts up his arm and moves the hair off Barrabus' scar.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (trying to smile)
If I'd known you were around, I
would have invited you..... to the
wedding.
                                                            
Quintus coughs and blood burbles out of his mouth.
Tears drop from Barrabus's eyes onto Quintus's face, whose
eyes close for a second, and then open with an unfocused
gaze.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (voice fading)
You know, Barrabus, I always
pretended you...and Joseph
were...my other brothers.
                                                            
Barrabus frowns for a second until more blood bubbles from
Quintus's mouth.

168.

He scrabbles at his bag, drawing the periscope from it.
He presses it in Quintus's hand, wrapping his fingers around
it.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (sobbing)
I never forgot those times!!!
                                                            
A gout of blood slides out of Quintus's mouth.
He is dead.
Barrabus cradles him, sobbing.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (self hate)
I killed you!!!!
                                                            
His toady runs up and grabs him by the shoulder.
                                                            
                       FAITHFUL TOADY
      (nervous)
Boss, we've got to go. The dust
rising shows company soon.
                                                            
Barrabus shakes his head no and keeps rocking Quintus.
His toady shakes his head in regret and knocks Barrabus on
his temple with the flat of sword, who slumps backward into
the toady's arms, Quintus falling into the dirt.
                                                            
                       FAITHFUL TOADY
      (unregretful)
You'll thank me later, boss!
                                                            
He slings him on the horse, quickly securing him.
Grabbing the reins of Barrabus's horse, he mounts his own
and trots off.
                                                            
 
EXT. A ROMAN SHIP - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The men have finally erected a sail pole on the ship, the
crew bitching about finally being able to get to land.
Joseph is standing at the prow, an irritated look on his
face.
Suddenly, a breeze powers by him, and he clutches his chest.
                                                            
                       VOICE IN THE WIND
Rachel, take careeeeeee of
herrrrrr...
                                                            
Joseph looks astounded and confused until a sailor walks
over.
Joseph shakes his head, and becomes captain again.
                                                            

169.

                       JOSEPH
      (half to himself)
Thank God, we will be in Jerusalem
tomorrow!
                                                            
 
EXT. ROAD APPROACHING CLIFFS - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Marcus gallops through the cliffs and sees a leering
decapited head on the road.
He looks up and sees a sprawled body.
He reigns his horse to a rearing stop, leaps off his horse
and runs up the hill, and sees the body of Quintus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (screaming)
Quintus!!!!!
                                                            
He lifts up Quintus, looking at his face, sobbing.
Quintus's arm drags, making his fingers open, dropping the
periscope.
Marcus frowns and picks it up.
                                                            
Marcus's eyes widen in shock, and then in horror.
Standing with Quintus's body hanging lifelessly in his arms,
his expression explodes into hatred.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (screaming like a
       Klingon)
You took the light out of life!!!!
You're dead, BARRABUSSSSSS!!!!!!
                                                            
Mokie rides up, tears in his eyes.
Dismounting, he walks to Marcus and gently takes Quintus,
placing his body on his horse.
Marcus stands there, sobbing like a little boy.
Mokie looks up at the heavens with the how could you look on
his face, tears streaming.
                                                            
 
EXT. A SUPUCHRE - MORNING
                                                            
THE NEXT DAY
                                                            
The Rabbi has finished his duty.
Gabo, Gaius, and two men from the temple roll a stone in
front of Quintus's tomb.
Rachel, Mirium, Mary and Magda watch, tears rolling from
their eyes.
The small group walk away and leave the tomb.
A sudden gust of wind causes petals to fall from a heavily

170.

laden tree for a few minutes and coat the ground in front
of the tomb, like white tears.
                                                            
 
INT. ROUGH CARVED CELLAR IN THE INN - LATER
                                                            
Barrabus leans on one rock wall, his faithful toady the
other, both drinking wine out of skins.
Barrabus's temple is swollen.
The life is gone out of his eyes.
The toady is stinking drunk.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (tone steady)
I'm going to turn myself in to the
Romans.
                                                            
His words penetrate the stupor of the toady.
                                                            
                       FAITHFUL TOADY
      (slurring)
Ya, sure! You in the mood to
decorate a c c c crosssss?
                                                            
Barrabus stands up, self hate eating him up.
He looks at his faithful toady with dead eyes.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
Do yourself a favor and get sober
enough to ride. The Romans' will
pay reward money for the person
who turns me in.
You know you're going to have a
hard time without me, so get ready
to ride in thirty minutes.
                                                            
Barrabus climbs out of the cellar.
The toady has conflicting emotions run across his face -
cunning sly greed, horror, and compassion.
The greed wins. He struggles to get up.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE COURTYARD OF GAIUS SAME DAY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The funeral procession slowly arrives, walking, by camel, by
horse, greeted by their people waiting for them.
Everyone drifts into the kitchen.
                                                            
 

171.

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Everyone has left. The family sits at the dinner table
staring into space, no one eating the food that Magda has
put out.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (softly)
I still can't believe that Marcus
wouldn't come.
                                                            
Gaius shakes his head sadly, tears brimming in his eyes.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
Every time they were depressed
with their own lives, they would
reconnect somehow, and then
everything was alright.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
So, Marcus was also buried today.
                                                            
Gabo walks up, with a worried face, looking at Rachel.
                                                            
                       GABO
      (urgent)
He's camping on the cliff and
won't eat or drink anything except
wine. He's had 8 wine bags and
still going strong.
Someone needs to talk to him!
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (lonely)
He didn't want me around.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (puts his head
       down)
Let him be. The laughter in our
lives is gone.
                                                            
Gaius starts crying.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (broken)
My son. My ....laughing son.
                                                            
Mirium sits next to him, holding his hand and everyone
gathers around Gaius, crying, except Rachel.
She walks outside to the patio and sits down.
she stares up at the cliff.
                                                            
 

172.

EXT. THE CLIFF - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Empty wine skins are scattered everywhere.
Marcus is totally drunk, half asleep, lolling against a
rock.
Hearing rocks roll down the pathway, announcing someone's
arrival, he slits open an eye.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (slurring)
Leave the wine near me and LEAVE
pleasssse.
                                                            
A slim white hand offers another wine skin. The sun
surrounds the head of the person in a blinding glare.
Marcus' expression turns vicious.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (screaming)
Get away from me Jesus!!!!!
You KNEW!!!!!!!
                                                            
He hurls himself forward, crying and swinging his fists,
falling on his face, sobbing in the dirt.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (brokenly)
I....could have fixed it.
I.....could....have...fixed...it.
                                                            
Marcus had passed out.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CLIFF - EVENING
                                                            
Torches flicker shadows on the now clear cliff top.
Marcus is laying on a blanket and Rachel is sitting on a
rock, waiting for him to come to.
He rolls over and grabs his head, moaning.
Rachel hands him a skin.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (moaning)
No, please - no more wine!
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (smiling kindly)
It's water.
                                                            
Marcus leans carefully to one side and pours some of it over
his head, and sucks down the rest.
He gives a sigh and looks at Rachel, the beginnings of a
smile on his face.
                                                            

173.

                       MARCUS
I can see why Quintus marr--------
                                                            
He suddenly remembers and his face crumbles.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (softly)
I know, oh God, how I know.
                                                            
Marcus' face suddenly hardens.
Rachel reads his thoughts and grabs his arms, staring
steadily into his eyes.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (firmly)
You CANNOT blame Jesus.
He is not God!
One of the beliefs of the Essennes
is that if in one lifetime you
shorten the lifespan of another,
yours is shortened in the next.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (face of stone)
Whatever! The bottom line is that
we both know what Jesus is capable
of!
And, at the wedding, when he was
leaving, He Knew!
                                                            
Marcus shakes his head, his hate draining.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (reluctantly)
You are right. Jesus is not God.
I can't blame him for Quintus's
death....
                                                            
He stands up and his boot hits an object and his face
hardens.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (on a mission)
But, I know who I can blame!!
                                                            
Marcus runs down the cliff.
Rachel yells after him.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
I wanted to tell you something!
                                                            
Marcus disappears down the trail.
Rachel sighs and suddenly frowns, walking to the metal

174.

object on the ground.
Her eyes widen. She bends to pick it up.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (wonderingly)
Is this? Dear God, it is!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE USUSAL JUDEAN LANDSCAPE - EVENING
                                                            
The moon is full, turning the night into day.
                                                            
Marcus is loaded with every type of weapon he can put on his
body and is riding hard.
His kind face is twisted in hate and pain.
He hears a horse galloping toward him and turns, flinging a
shreiken type flying star heading with deadly accuracy at
the rider.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (screaming)
Hey!!!
                                                            
He moves left and barely avoids the star, somehow staying on
his horse, reigning it in.
                                                            
Marcus halts his horse so suddenly it rears,his eyes huge in
disbelief, then horror, then relief to see that he hasn't
killed Mokie.
He rides over, dismounts, picks up the star, and leans his
face
on his horse.
He turns to Mokie, his face a mask of hopelessness.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (tiredly)
Mokie, I've got nothing to give
anyone!
You've been a great friend -
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (spits out the
       sentence out)
THAT's WHY I'M HERE!!
                                                            
He dismounts and now his face is turned away.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (voice low)
Before you...bought me I had
decided that being a slave was a
real bore and I was going to end
it.
                                                            

175.

He turns to Marcus, his humorous nature returning.
He starts talking in a boring nasal tone.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
And then you freed me, and
realized-
                                                            
Goes into a Peter Lorre act.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
That I'm such a good seeeervant
for Master.
                                                            
He drops the act.
Looks at Marcus with his soul in his eyes.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (strong)
And, we became FRIENDS!
And, this is what friends do!
                                                            
Still semi serious.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (marveling)
Besides, never a dull moment
around you!
                                                            
Marcus is amused despite himself.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (exasperated)
I never told you, but one of the
reasons I bought you is that you
reminded me of Prometheus.
                                                            
Marcus mounts his horse, Mokie quickly doing the same.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (curtly)
Don't expect any conversation.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (trying to hide
       his relief)
Whatever you say.
                                                            
They ride away into the dusty desert landscape.
                                                            
 

176.

INT. THE KITCHEN OF GAIUS - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Rachel walks into the kitchen.
The candlelight highlights the drained face of Gaius.
He looks at his new wife who looks exhausted.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (softly)
Go to bed, my poor tired darling.
I will be there in a little bit.
                                                            
Miriam kisses him on his temple and leaves him to grieve.
                                                            
Rachel watches Miriam leave the room and gets a look of
dread.
Gaius suddenly looks up at her at sees her expression before
she can hide it.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (sharply)
What's wrong?
                                                            
He turns his head toward the stable, then looks at Rachel.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (eyebrows meeting)
Where's Marcus??
                                                            
Rachel, a help me God look on her face, opens her fist in
front of Gaius.
The periscope falls on the table.
Gaius looks in horror at it.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (whispering)
BARRABUS!
                                                            
Looks at Rachel with dread in his eyes.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (voice rising with
       each word)
Barrabus is the head of the
Sicarii.
They killed the wife of a Roman
official.
If he could do THAT!
                                                            
                       GAIUS
It seems that I am meant to have
no sons.
                                                            
He collapses his head in his arms.
                                                            

177.

                       RACHEL
      (angry)
NO!
                                                            
Gaius jerks up his head in surprise.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (powerfully)
We aren't giving up!
We are going to Jerusalem
tomorrow.
And, I know we are going to find
Marcus!
AND Jesus, who Marcus needs right
now.
Marcus needs to know he is going
to be an uncle to a neice and a
nephew!!
                                                            
Gaius looks happy and confused.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (smiling)
We Essenes are trained in prophecy
and knowledge of our own bodies.
                                                            
She looks with new determination at Gaius.
                                                            
She strokes Gaius's hand.
                                                            
                       RACHEL
      (caringly)
Papa Gaius, lets go find him!
I know everyone.
And, a lot of people love your
family. You have always helped.
                                                            
Gaius stands up, determination in his stance.
                                                            
                       GAIUS
      (crying and
       laughing at the
       same time)
Oh, Rachel.
                                                            
He gets up, and walks to her and puts his hand on her belly.
She grips his arms,and looks into his eyes, giving him her
young strength.
                                                            

178.

                       RACHEL
      (softly but
       determined)
Life just never stops.
Let's go take care of it!
                                                            
 
EXT. INN THAT BARRABUS FREQUENTS - MORNING
                                                            
A tired Marcus and Mokie ride up to the inn.
A boy runs up and looks questioningly at them.
Mokie flips a coin at him, the boy catches it, grins and
grabs the reins as they slowly dismount, taking the horses
to the stable.
They walk into the inn, Mokie leading the way, an
emotionally ravaged Marcus in a daze following him. Plus, he
has a massive hangover.
They walk into the inn
                                                            
 
INT. INN - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The inn is filled with exotic foreigners - Egyptians,
Bedouins, Greeks, Turks, all filling the air with the clash
of different languages. The word Jesus is spoken quite often
with the expression of each speaker varying from excitement,
contempt, compassion, and fear.
A zombie like Marcus walks around Mokie, through the mob,to
a dirty empty table. Siting with a thud, he finishes the
drink on the table.
Mokie sees a pretty smiling girl with a tray in her hand,
who obviously works there.
He fishes for a coin out of his bag, grabs her hand, and
bows to her, pressing the coin in her hand as he lays on the
charm.
She melts and he whispers in her ear.
Nodding, she goes to the older woman behind the bar, while
Mokie walks to the table and sits across from Marcus, who is
in la-la land.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (gently)
Wine is coming.
                                                            
The girl returns with a bottle and two glasses.
Marcus grabs the bottle out of her hand, uncorks it, and
takes a swig out of it.
She puts the glasses on the table and looking at Mokie
motions toward the bar.
Mokie gets up and walks to the bar to talk to the older
woman.
                                                            

179.

                       MOKIE
      (totally serious)
Please, mam. I need a room so my
friend can get some sleep.
                                                            
She looks at Marcus, who has killed the bottle with no
apparent effects, but has the fire of revenge bleeding out
of his eyes.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
He doesn't look like he wants to
sleep to me!
                                                            
She looks in sudden alarm at Mokie.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (sharply)
He doesn't get mean when he gets
drunk, does he?
Cause, he's well on his way.
Besides, I can't help you with a
room, right now.
A lot of people are here for
Passover.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (face crumbling)
I'm desperate to get him some
sleep.
His brother was just brutally
murdered and he is...
                                                            
Judith turns pale.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (dread in her
       voice)
Is his brother's name.....Quintus?
                                                            
Mokie jerks like he's been shocked. He nods, not looking at
Marcus.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (a pleading low
       tone)
Barrabus went to save him! I don't
know what has happened.
                                                            
Her kind face turns bitter.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (hopeless)
This ol' world doesn't seem to
have much happiness in it.
            (MORE)

180.

                       JUDITH (cont'd)
I have a place in the cellar if he
wants to spend the night, but you
can tell your friend that the
Romans are going to do his job for
him.
Barrabus has left to give himself
up.
And, everyone is talking about how
the Sanhedrin has arrested Jesus!
                                                            
Mokie's mouth drops open.
He recovers.
He takes a handful of coins from his pouch and places them
in her hand.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (sympathetically)
I hope this pays for everything.
Including maybe a glass of wine
and a conversation later?
                                                            
She sadly nods and points to the back of the inn.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (her manager self
       again)
Back of the inn, to the right.
She hands him a wineskin.
I have to tend to my inn.
                                                            
Mokie walks to Marcus, who avoiding eye contact, grabs the
bag, holding it up in the air to pour the wine down his
throat, not sharing any with Mokie.
He unsteadily puts down the wineskin and does a facedown on
the table.
Mokie smiles a loving smile, slings his friend over his
shoulder, and walks to the end of the inn.
                                                            
 
EXT. A LARGE COURTYARD JUTTING FROM THE ROMAN FORT - MORNING
                                                            
NEXT DAY
                                                            
It is just past dawn.
Joseph has entered the city of Jerusalem walking down a
small dark street between two building. As he turns a corner
he becomes part of a stream of humanity that pushes him
forward.
As Joseph is swept along with them he notices that the crowd
is on the verge of being a mob. The river of people turns
around a corner into the sunlit courtyard to join the
excited masses screaming for Barrabus.

181.

He sees a raised marble platform.
Pontius Pilate is standing there backed by the might of
Rome.
He has a bowl of water on a table in front of him.
A beat up chained man with the most ALIVE,
penetrating,loving eyes on this planet stands with heavy
chains on his wrists on the lower tier in front of Pontius.
Barrabus is standing next to Jesus with heavier
chains,staring at Jesus with heart broken eyes.
The scar on his face is blood red from blows, the match of
Joseph's who reaches up and unconsciously touches his own.
Joseph looks like he's been slammed by a two by four.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (whispering)
My brother and...Jesus!
                                                            
Pilate points to Barrabus.
                                                            
                       PONTIUS PILATE
      (his voice stern)
He is a known criminal!
                                                            
Pontius Pilate looks at Jesus in wonderment.
                                                            
                       PONTIUS PILATE
      (pleading)
Would you have me kill the prophet
you have been waiting for?
                                                            
One of the priests of the Sanhedrin is on a raised step
above the crowd.
He nods at an evil looking fellow in the crowd who
acknowledges with a nod.
                                                            
                       HECKLER
      (yelling)
Give us Barrabus, the hero of the
people.
Jesus is a.......
                                                            
The heckler's baritone voice rises to a loud shriek.
                                                            
                       HECKLER
A BLASPHEMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                            
The crowd turns into a mob.
They start chanting over and over again Barrabus's name.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (screaming at the
       crowd)
No!! Spare -
                                                            

182.

A bought off soldier looks at the priest who subtly nods his
head.
The soldier bashes the side of his head with the blunt of
his sword, and Barrabus staggers, his yelling stopping.
Pontius dosen't notice, as he looks at the screaming crowd,
about to turn ugly.
                                                            
                       PONTIUS PILATE
      (scorn in his
       voice)
On your heads be it.
                                                            
He washes his hands ceremonially, his lips tightening in
upset.
The soldiers lead Jesus and Barrabus off the stage, the
crowd cheering Barrabus, and jeering Jesus.
Pontius leaves.
The soldiers form lines on either side of Jesus and Barrabus
and march the prisoners forward.
Two soldiers grab Barrabus and drag and shove him to the
side, while Jesus is lead to the end of the long courtyard.
Barrabus, in a daze, is unchained.
The soldiers leave to join their comrades.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (yelling over the
       mob)
Barrabus, Barrabus!
                                                            
He is unheard over the mob, but Josesph bulls his way
through the mob towards his brother.
He is an irresistible force that silences anyone who looks
in his face and sees the large sword strapped to his waist.
He almost reaches Barrabus who is surrounded by a low life
looking group, slapping him on the back, trying to get him
to go to a bar.
He barrels his way through them, rudely shoving them away,
and putting a protective arm around Barrabus's shoulders who
is still groggy and looks at Joseph in bewilderment.
                                                            
                       HECKLER
      (ready to start a
       new riot)
Who the hell are you?
What gives you the right to -
                                                            
Joseph's eyes tighten in blind rage.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (voice rising)
He's my little brother that I
haven't seen in over TWENTY
YEARS!!!!!
                                                            

183.

The hecklers' mouth starts gold fishing, and the crowd moves
sympathetically away.
Barrabus looks at Joseph in shock.
He lifts his hand up slowly and moves Joseph's hair to show
his scar.
Barrabus starts sobbing like a little boy, and buries
himself in Joseph's arms.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (soothingly)
It's all right, it's all right.
We'll never be separated again!
Let's go to that little bar that
our Father used-
                                                            
Barrabus jerks away, rage in his eyes.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (sarcastically)
Yea, maybe you'll recognize the
new grown up version of the -
                                                            
He spits on the ground.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (hissing)
Sicarii!!
I never want that life again!
And I had to take it because YOU
disappeared!
                                                            
Joseph is angry now.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (sarcastic too)
Yea, I went on a world tour.
As a slave!
Our loving father sold me after I
told him to stop hitting mother
and that I'd NEVER be like him!
                                                            
Barrabus's face crumbles again.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (smiling sadly)
I wish we had found each other in
better times.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (a desperate tone)
I...have to be there for Jesus!
I would have died for him!
                                                            

184.

Joseph stares intensely into Barrabus's eyes.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (firmly)
Let's go,BROTHER!
We're never going to be separated
again!
We can ride double on my horse.
                                                            
They mount and ride away.
                                                            
 
INT. SAME INN SAME TABLE - AFTERNOON
                                                            
SAME DAY
                                                            
Marcus has the hammer in your head hangover look, mixed with
hate.
Mokie walks up and hands him a waterskin and the girl behind
him puts bread and fruit on the table, looking
compassionately at Marcus' expression.
She walks to the bar where Judith is pouring wine and water
into glasses for a few customers in the back.
                                                            
                       GIRL AT INN
I just can't believe that Barrabus
is going to be crucified. I don't
know -
                                                            
Marcus jumps up and runs to the bar and grabs her by the
shoulders.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (yelling)
WHERE is Barrabus going to be
crucified??
                                                            
The girl cringes and blurts out her response in fear.
                                                            
                       GIRL AT INN
Outside of Jerusalem of course.
In Golgotha! The place of the
Skull!!!!
                                                            
Marcus runs out the door, knocking to one side a man
entering.
Mokie runs to the door and looks at the girl in anger.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
Thanks a lot!!
                                                            
The door slams and Judith just shakes her head at the girl
and tut, tuts.
                                                            

185.

                       MAN IN INN
      (good natured)
What's all the fuss about?
                                                            
                       GIRL AT INN
      (frowning)
Miss Judgemental here is mad
because I just repeated what
everyone KNOWS!
                                                            
                       MAN IN INN
      (sadly)
The good and bad truth is that
Barrabus is not going to be
crucified.
Jesus is.
                                                            
The women gasp.
                                                            
                       JUDITH
      (tears silently
       rolling down her
       face)
What a evil world it is that a man
who has healed so many is going to
be killed.
                                                            
 
EXT. EXTERIOR OF INN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Marcus looks around and sees a horse that's been saddled.
The boy is placing a spear in the specially made saddle.
Marcus rushes up, leaps on the horse, galloping off to the
shouts of the outraged boy.
Mokie runs up, looking with dismay at Marcus's distant
figure.
He looks at the boy.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (urgently)
Help me saddle my horse!
                                                            
The pissed off boy just stands there, until he is motivated
by the gold coin spiraling at him and he rushes around to
oblige.
Mokie jumps on his horse and yells at the boy as he gallops
out of the barn.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (yelling)
Tell Judith I'll take care of
everything!
                                                            
 

186.

EXT. THE THREE CRUCIFIED FIGURES - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The sky has darkened.
Jesus's family is huddled outside of the ring of Roman
soldiers in front of the crosses.The family of Gaius has
found them.
Everyone is crying and looking at Jesus in horror.
                                                            
                                         SIMULTANEOUS THE
TEMPLE
                                                            
Caiphus is looking out of a window at the silhouette of the
crosses.
His proud face is dominated by eyes full of doubt and a
little fear.
                                                            
                       CAIAPHUS
      (whispering)
What if he is the son of God?
I must go to the inner sanctuary
and pray.
                                                            
 
EXT. A HILL IN THE DISTANCE SHAPED LIKE A SKULL - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Marcus is riding hell bent for leather.
He is crying.
                                                            
FLASHBACKS
                                                            
-A little Marcus is holding the hand of a baby Quintus with
his first steps.
-A seven year old Quintus is striding up and down in front
of Gaius, Prometheus and Marcus who are all roaring with
laughter.
-Marcus is rubbing the pirates blood all over Quintus's
face.
-Barrabus is laughing with affection in his eyes at Quintus
-
                                                            
Marcus jerks out of his reverie with a roar.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (yelling)
No.............!!!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE RACE TO THE CROSS - AFTERNOON
                                                            
-Joseph and Barrabus are taking a short cut on the other
side of the side of the hill.
-At the bottom of the hill, Marcus is stopped by a Roman
soldier, who backs up when he flashes his centurion ring and

187.

he knees his poor horse and races up the hill.
-Joseph and Barrabus join the family who briefly embrace
Joseph, while Barrabus stands staring at the cross, agony in
his eyes.
Mokie arrives and leaps off his horse, Joseph running up and
hugging him briefly .
                                                            
                                         AT THE TOP OF THE
HILL
                                                            
The men on either side of the middle cross are looking
around in a delirium. The man in the middle has his head
hanging down, his hair obscuring his face.
The soldiers are to the left gambling with dice for Jesus'
robe.
Marcus is almost there, his eyes focused on the crosses,
seeing the faces of the men on the left and right.
The horse staggers and throws Marcus off who has the spear
in one hand, and warrior style leaps off.
He charges up the hill.
                                                            
SLOW MOTION
                                                            
-Gaius, Miriam, Rachel, and Mary scream NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO as
he charges by.
Mokie, Joseph,and Barrabus catch up to Marcus's peripheral
vision as he runs single mindedly to the base of the cross.
-Marcus frowns in sudden confusion as he cocks his spear and
launches it into the man hanging on the middle cross.
-The man writhes with pain and looks up, looking relieved
and smiling a look of love at Marcus.
It is Jesus.
                                                            
                                         REGULAR TIME
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (firmly)
IT IS DONE!
                                                            
His head falls forward.
Jesus is dead.
                                                            
Marcus throws his head back and howls with the scream of a
madman blending in with nature suddenly gone wild. White
lightning has answered the blue lighting exploding out of
the body of Christ and splits the sky with ear busting
explosions. Thunder clouds suddenly multiply in the sky,
obscuring the sun, and a powerful wind sweeps the area.
The ground starts shaking, causing everyone except the
family, to run in terror.
Mokie, Joseph, and Barrabus run up to Marcus, all kneeling
with him, and hugging him as he goes wild.
He huddles into himself and starts sobbing hysterically.

188.

They all hug each other in the fury of Mother Nature going
insane.
                                                            
 
INT. INNER SANCTUM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Caiaphus is on his knees.
The holy curtain in front of the Torah is hit by lightening
that slices it in two with a blast.
The Temple rumbles and shakes.
Caiaphus turns white and looks terrified.
                                                            
                       CAIAPHUS
      (with dread in his
       voice)
HE WAS THE SON OF GOD!
                                                            
                                         BACK AT THE CROSS
                                                            
SLO-MO

-Four lusciously thick ruby red drops of blood plop on the
head of each of the men from the wound of Jesus.
The last drop of blood becomes bigger and bigger and fills
the whole screen.
                                                            
                                         ISRAELI CONTROL ROOM
                                                            
Unnoticed by the enthralled viewers in the control room, the
chronometer starts spinning madly in reverse, and stops at
the current time.
                                                            
 
INT. CURRENT TIME: BACK IN THE CAVE - DAY
                                                            
Paul leaps up with a huge inhalation as blood flows over
him, turning to red delicate flowers.
He bends over and vomits, a flow of seemingly endless black
sludge flowing to the floor and immediately disappearing as
the petals touch it.
He slowly stands up.
The features on his face morph from brutishness to finely
carved features.
It is Marcus!
A figure slowly moves out of the darkness.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (in a joyous voice)
JESUS!!
                                                            
He clutches Jesus sobbing.
                                                            

189.

                       MARCUS
I killed you!! I thought I
killed....
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (in a gentle voice)
My poor wounded friend.
You ended my pain, and helped me
show the world that death is not
the grave.
                                                            
They grip each others arms and look at each other with the
love of eternal friendship.
                                                            
A voice precedes two forms that are coming from the
shadows.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (sounding like
       james cagney
       sounding like
       humphrey bogart)
In all the caves, in all the
world, you had to come into my
cave!
                                                            
It is Mokie and Barrabus. Mokie runs to Marcus, laughing,
hugging, looking in Marcus's eyes.
Barrabus hangs back.
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (shyly)
Is everything....O.K. with you?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (laughing in
       relief)
Oh, yes, oh yes!!
                                                            
Marcus hugs Barrabus and stands back looking at Barrabus
with hate free eyes.
He looks at Jesus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (frowning)
I don't have any memory after the
cro -
                                                            
Jesus uses the universal cease and desist movement.
                                                            
                       JESUS
      (firmly)
No more of that.
I had to put you in stasis until
            (MORE)

190.

                       JESUS (cont'd)
you could forgive yourself.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (sympathetically)
Yea, it only took 2,000 years, you
hard head.
And, you have missed out on all
the fun!
                                                            
                                         V.O.
                                                            
                       MAN IN THE DARK
That figures!!
No proper lead in!!
                                                            
Quintus walks out.
Marcus's heart shines in his eyes, and they hug each other
tightly.
They finally stand back, Marcus looking confused.
Quintus looks at Jesus with warm gratitude.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (humble)
I got a visit at the tomb, after
everyone left.
He made me an offer I couldn't
refuse!
                                                            
Jesus grins, refusing to make a big deal out of it.
                                                            
                       JESUS
The Dream Team must have it's
jester and secret weapon!
                                                            
A man explodes out of the darkness.
It is Joseph.
He's soaking wet and pissed.
He snaps his fingers absentmindedly.
He's dry.
He opens his mouth to yell at Quintus and comprehends that
Marcus is standing there, runs to him, hugging him in
delight.
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
Finally, we're all together!
                                                            
The group clasp each others hand, and they all form a half
circle around Jesus.
Jesus starts speaking, while also levitating.
As he is levitating, his face and form morph into Buddha,
Mohammed, Shiva, and back to himself.
                                                            

191.

                       JESUS
Since mankind has appeared on this
planet, God has always sent the
world a part of himself to show
humanity the answer to why?.
The answer to that eternal
question is Love.
                                                            
Quintus stands forward, busting to take center stage.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (serious)
God never planned for anyone to
crawl on their bellies to him for
love.
We're his creation, and he wants
us to strut our stuff!
                                                            
                       MOKIE
      (james cagney)
See! See!?
                                                            
                       JOSEPH
      (sounding like a
       grandma)
Seriously, Jesus.
It's time for all these people to
go home!
                                                            
Mokie stands forward and sounds exactly like the voice on
the Outer Limits.
                                                            
                       MOKIE
You can now control your
transmission. You can now control
your horizontal -
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
      (mock irritated)
Enough already!
                                                            
He addresses the camera.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Tag along, if you want to see what
it will be like when you give up
this boring war and hate stuff.
Just levitation, teleporting,
little things like that!
                                                            
                       BARRABUS
      (earnestly)
Help is always there!
                                                            

192.

They levitate and start glowing like the 'angels' in the
movie "Knowing", as they disappear.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Does this mean we're angels?
                                                            
They disappear accompanied by the sound of a long fart.
Coughing and gagging are heard.
                                                            
                                         V.O.
                                                            
                       QUINTUS
Does that answer your question?
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
Robert Palmer's song Every Kind of People playing.
                                                            
-A ship of fisherman are fighting the storm of their lives.
The faces of all the fishermen reflect the knowledge that
they are about to die as a gigantic rogue wave roars at
them.
Joseph's ghost arms are around the captain's hands on the
wheel.
Mokie and Barrabus are in front of the wave, levitating,
aiming their hands at the wave, blue light emitting.
Marcus is levitating, looking uncertain, and as the ship
swings dangerously over, remembering, he shakes his head,
and lifts his hands, the energy beaming from his hands
righting the ship again.
                                                            
-A self centered bored young man barrels down the road,
listening to mindless rap.
He blows a tire, and barely keeps the car from plunging off
the opposite embankment.
Cursing, he climbs out, his hands shaking despite himself.
                                                            
                       YOUNG MAN
      (talking to
       himself in
       disgust)
Yep! I get the prize retard reward
for not having a spare tire and
forgetting to charge my cellphone!
                                                            
IN THE RAVINE BY THE CAR
                                                            
A crushed up car is at the bottom of the ravine.
A look inside the crushed up metal reveals an unconscious
mother trapped under a huge log, and a baby, also
unconscious, with chapped lips, in the car seat in the back
seat.
Mokie hisses in her ear and she comes to consciousness with

193.

a jolt.
Struggling weakly, she yells out.
                                                            
                       TRAPPED MOTHER
Magggie, Maggie!
                                                            
The baby in the back is unconscious.
The mother starts singing to her.
                                                            
                       TRAPPED MOTHER
      (singing weakly)
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
how I wonder...
God, please help...
                                                            
The mother has passed out.
The baby wakes up at the same time and starts bawling.
                                                            
                                         BACK AT THE CAR
                                                            
The young man hears the baby cry. He looks down the ravine,
not seeing the wreck.
The baby has stopped crying.
He frowns and looks determined.
                                                            
                       YOUNG MAN
      (determined)
I KNOW I heard a baby down there!
                                                            
He dashes madly down the embankment, sometimes skidding, but
not stopping, finally seeing the mangled car.
Looking scared for a second, he slowly walks to the car with
dread on his face.
He looks inside and sees them unconscious.
Suddenly, he sees a cell phone with a lit screen.
Grabbing it, he stabs 911, and gives terse directions.
The baby starts crying and he sees a bottle full of water on
the floor next to the baby.
He clumsily opens the restraints and carefully lifts up the
baby. He puts the bottle to the eager baby's lips and gets a
look of wonder on his face.
                                                            
As the sun is going down on the horizon on the outskirts of
an Afghanistan village, a young woman is being stoned by a
group of men reviling her.
A stone is on a trajectory to hit her in the middle of the
forehead, when it veers and knocks her unconscious, to the
dismay of the scumbag that is really into it.
The three other men look worried, looking around nervously.
                                                            

194.

                       VILLAGER
This is not like the old days!
If the military finds out about
this!
                                                            
                       SCUMBAG
That's why I'm going to cut her
throat. How can they prove
anything -
                                                            
All of a sudden, everyone starts gagging and retching,
forgetting everything except getting away from that smell,
as they stampede out of the area.
A young boy creeps out from behind a crumbling wall, and
drags her unconscious body to the road, as headlights
approach.
A military jeep comes to a screeching halt.
Two soldiers jump out of the vehicle and run to help lift
the unconscious woman, who is now moaning, into the jeep.
As the grateful boy follows them to the back of the jeep,
the light from the door illuminates the concerned face of
the female soldier driver. Her male companion looks at the
boy.
                                                            
                       MALE SOLDIER
      (looking at the
       boy)
What were they stoning her for?
                                                            
                       AFGHANISTAN BOY
      (sadly)
They caught her teaching the women
in the village how to read.
                                                            
The male soldier reaches out and squeezes the female's
soldiers arm for a second.
                                                            
                       MALE SOLDIER
How do you always know?
                                                            
She looks up, then closes her eyes for a second.
                                                            
                       FEMALE SOLDIER
      (whispering)
I hear a little voice.
                                                            
Opens her eyes and smiles at her companion.
                                                            
                       FEMALE SOLDIER
And, then I listen to it!
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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