The Apostle Peter: Redemption Page #2

---

- You should not

- treat him that way.

I am a soldier of Rome

on orders from the Emperor.

And besides,

what of those who died

or were burned out?

These Christians

are criminals,

and it is my duty

to bring them to justice.

Justice?

What about the Christians

who died in the fires?

Why would Peter do that?

Why was he arrested?

Have you even asked yourself

that question?

"A soldier of Rome."

- You should be ashamed

- of yourself.

Husband, here's the girl

to make her report.

Ah! Susanna.

Do you like the harp?

Yes, you play beautifully,

Honor.

- Perhaps I can

- give you some lessons.

Husband, Susanna must leave

for the prison

to tend to Peter.

Yes, she's tending

to my instructions.

But right now,

I need to deal with Theodus,

- who has been waiting

- very patiently.

So what of the Council?

Honor, there...

There is much talk

at the Council.

Isn't that what councils do?

Talk about what?

Perhaps it would be better

in private.

To discuss these matters

Perhaps it would be

- not to keep me waiting.

- Better for you

Of course.

Honor,

Carcinian hints

that the fires were not set

by the Christians.

Yes, he entertains

another theory?

He circulates the idea

that the fires were ordered

by yourself.

By myself?

Now, you see the ability

of these Christians

even to twist the minds

of our good councilors?

Oh, these Christians,

- of the Empire.

- They could be the downfall

But I will not allow this

to continue!

They say they represent a god,

and that god has

attacked my city

and killed my people!

So now, I will become

the chief enemy of that god.

I alone will be

the protector of Rome.

I've had enough

of this hypocrisy.

As for you, young lady,

what have you about Peter?

Your Honor, he is very weak.

I fear another beating

will kill him.

I blame these Christians

for all of this evil

that has befallen upon Rome.

I hereby decree

that from this day forward,

anyone calling themselves

a Christian

will be under arrest.

And you, Captain Martinian,

will be in charge

of their inquisition.

And Peter?

I want him kept alive.

I still have some use for him.

- Perhaps his tongue will loosen

- when he sees

What befalls upon his flock.

You will be sure, Susanna,

that he returns

to good health, yes?

- Yes, Honor.

Excellent.

I want his full confession

before the festival begins.

So that the dies imperil

can mark the renewal of Rome.

You're accused of being

- in the city of Rome

- a Christian

And are hereby under arrest.

You realize this is for you.

Please, I will do anything

you say.

Will you confess?

Anything! Anything you say!

Lord, put compassion

in the hearts

of our tormentors.

Let them see light

from thy wisdom, thy light.

Strengthen us in our weakness.

Deliver us from evil,

for thine is the kingdom

for now and forever.

Oh, this is so wrong.

There's nothing

- to be done.

The Emperor has decreed

that all Christians

are to be arrested.

- No, another cell.

- You.

We have four confessions.

Hmm. Show me a man

who will not confess

when faced with our methods.

Something is wrong?

I did not join the army

to persecute Roman citizens.

I joined to protect them.

Brother, we joined the army

to protect Rome.

We've both bled for her.

I almost died for her.

And these people?

They're the enemies of Rome.

Processus, look at them.

Fathers, mothers,

even children.

Tell me how they qualify

as enemies.

You know as well as I,

orders are determined

by the Emperor.

It is our job to follow them.

There may be another way.

Martinian.

I need a moment.

Alone.

Listen.

Do you hear that, old man?

God hears that.

Well, he may.

You can stop it, all of it.

- You can put an end

- to their misery.

What do you want me to do?

Susanna.

Today is a beautiful day,

isn't it?

I know this must all seem

overwhelming,

but the truth is,

- we must get to the root

- of this evil.

You're living in the palace.

- You've not been

- exposed to the...

How would you know

what I've been exposed to?

I was only suggesting that...

Please do not presume

to know what I do

and do not understand.

All I was trying to say was,

I have a plan,

- one that may save

- many Romans...

A plan based on a lie.

- A lie that may

- save many lives.

At what cost?

I do not understand you.

We are both servants of Rome.

Peter walked with Jesus.

He was the leader

of his Apostles.

Have you not heard a word

he has said?

Why would I even listen?

Perhaps if you did,

you would understand.

Don't!

Since you know me so well,

you also know

I am quite capable

of finding my own way back.

Where's Susanna?

Honor, perhaps she's gone

to attend to your wife.

I see.

Honor, what if

I were to convince

Peter to confess to the fires?

Would that end the persecution

of the Christians?

Your heart has moved

towards their direction.

Do you disagree

with my current methodology?

No, Honor.

There is much work to be done,

and this is a distraction

to my men.

Your advice is wise.

- Achieve it,

- and I will spare them.

But only if

the old man confesses.

I relish the idea of him

begging for mercy.

One more thing.

All of them must deny

this cult of Jesus

as an abomination

against the gods of Rome.

Only then will I spare them.

Honor.

And if he does not do it,

have him flogged.

Forgive me, Honor,

- but you said

- you did not want him to die.

Hmm...

Well, use your imagination.

Come up with something.

- Susanna.

- Yes, mistress.

- Put down that broom.

- Come here.

You are an excellent servant

and very beautiful as well.

Susanna.

This is a man's world.

We women,

we must stick together

no matter

our position in life.

Do you understand?

Yes, mistress.

As you know, my husband,

the Emperor,

he is subject

to various moods.

In the past,

from time to time,

he has been known

to bother the women servants.

Has anything like this

befallen you?

No, mistress.

Are you certain?

You can tell me if it has.

No, mistress, never.

Good.

But you must promise

- if anything happens.

- To let me know

Yes, mistress.

Very well. Back to work.

The Emperor commands that

- to the fires,

- in addition to confessing

You must also deny the Christ.

I will not deny my Lord.

Deny him, and you

will all be spared.

No.

Begin.

Thank you.

Susanna, what are you doing?

Just preparing bandages

for the old man.

And the food?

In case I am not able

to return for lunch.

You spend entirely

too much time at that prison.

I do not know that I like it.

- If you wish, I will ask

- the Emperor to...

No! No.

Continue as ordered,

but return here as quickly

as you can.

- I ask not for myself,

- Lord,

But that you give me

the boldness and the words

to preach thy word.

Let thy will be done, O Lord.

Amen.

Good morning.

Good morning.

- Are feeling better.

- I see you

- You are improving.

- I am. I am.

Why are you not...

How do you deal with this?

I remember him.

Alms for the poor.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes