His manipulative genius and indefatigable pursuit of obedience to the law mask a painful, supernatural backstory.
Scene 6, Eran's Plot
Time- half an hour after Jesus has died. Eran approaches a check point on his way to the temple.
CENTURION
What do you want?
ERAN
To assist in the questioning of those detained. Trust me, I’m well acquainted with the details of those we seek.
CENTURION
Name, councilman?
ERAN
Eran
CENTURION
Very well. Those thirty seem to be local. We’re just letting them sweat. A few Galileans to the side there. Won’t tell us much.
ERAN
I can help you there. Keep them. He hands over a money bag. Let the rest go home and eat. You should be able to enjoy a quiet evening, Centurion.
The robbers from Scene 5 run by, spooked about their experience with Mary Magdalene.
ROBBER 2
That’s the last time I work a job with you, man. Real helpful.
ROBBER 1
Choked by a girl, bro- you know you can’t live this down.
ROBBER 2
A witch-demon lady
ROBBER 1
Whatever, purple-face. Who’s gonna believe you?
ERAN
I might. They start.
ROBBER 1
We weren’t doin’ nothing- Eran waves off the comment.
ERAN
Who was this woman who attacked you?
ROBBER 2
Hesitantly The one all the rumors have spread about from the Galilee-
ROBBER 1
Who the teach- the criminal- was supposed to have healed.
ROBBER 2
They say she had seven.
ERAN
Seven?
ROBBER 2
I believe it.
ERAN
But she was healed?
ROBBER 1
I dunno, man.
ERAN
Sir.
ROBBER 1
Sir. She knew her way with a knife.
ERAN
Where did you find this woman?
ROBBER 2
Looks at Robber 1 hesitantly.
ERAN
I’m not going to report you, no need to worry. Such a woman poses a security threat to the entire city and must be restrained. Robbers don’t answer. Look, I believe you. There are few of us who have experienced firsthand the horrors of what one can do when under the influence of the demonic. Especially a woman. I find it highly plausible the healing was fraudulent.
ROBBER 2
East Side. She and her party were heading into the city, said something about having a connection with Herod’s household.
ERAN
Good man. What kind of connection?
ROBBER 2
Probably just family of servants based on how they were dressed-Robber 1 shoots him a sharp glance.
ERAN
They? How many?
ROBBER 1
Why should we tell you?
ERAN
Of course I shouldn’t expect street trash such as yourselves to care about the greater good.
ROBBER 2
Hey!
ROBBER 1
We’re not trash enough to not recognize the value of important information. A proper deal.
ERAN
Fine. Do you see how these people are just standing here, anxious, detained? You’ve walked directly into a checkpoint, my inept friends. If you talk, you keep moving.
ROBBER 1
One other woman and three men, one a tax collector- Galilean.
ERAN
I thank you. Now, farewell. It’s nearly time to be off the streets. Take my recommendation and avoid erratic women.
ROBBER 2
I’d have to get a divorce. Robber 1 slaps 2 upside the head. They leave.
Comments