January 1999 Volume 80 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
Chaplaincy
By David Marr

Decurion Marcellus Gallio submitted documentation regarding the recent events at Bethlehem. His subordinates corroborated his statements regarding the illuminated sky, hearing the heavenly choir and the presence of the angel. He was, however, subjected to several lengthy interviews by Tribunes of IIB from Rome. They seemed convinced of his drinking on duty, but charges were never laid.

It wasn't good for his career development either, for Caesar had recently called for suitable applicants for the next commissioned officers' course. Those selected were to present themselves at the Salem Barracks in Jerusalem to complete an exacting course superintended by the formidable Herod, the LSA (Legion Service Area) commander for Judaea. He was nominated "King" by the Senate.

Though youthful compared with other applicants, Gallio had the benefit of a wide practical experience. He was seen to be skilled at handling relationships with his subordinates and effective in command-and-control situations. The recent IIB investigation had hurt his reputation, although his divisional commander had commended his effective handling of the crowds and the confrontation with the shepherds. Despite his mentor's insistence on the excellent standard of his papers and research, Herod always grimaced at the mention of his name.

At this time, three budding officers of various ethnic backgrounds arrived from the Far Eastern divisions and presented themselves before Herod for commission training and consideration. They had carefully prepared themselves academically for the gruelling and pressured course ahead of them. Each had attained degrees in a range of astrological skills, all of which seemed to attract the full HEX tax rebate. They were all qualified centurions too, though not all were serving in that capacity.

Through their astute research, they learned the birth of a "prince" was immanent; a prince who would become a great leader of the people. Wanting to be on side with any future king, the trio, Melchior, Balthazzar and Gaspar, arrived from their eastern divisions with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to present to the young king. As their course intensified, Herod, impressed with the acumen of his incumbents, sent Melchior, Balthazzar, Gaspar and Gallio to complete a practical exercise at Bethlehem.

There was consensus regarding their given task. They were to travel to Bethlehem surreptitiously, locate the whereabouts of the new-born king, obtain all family particulars and details and return to Herod. Efficiency and secrecy were major aspects of the task. To enhance the secrecy aspect, the group decided not to travel in a departmental chariot but commandeered the use of four camels. They wore the headdress and robes commonly worn by eastern tourists. All ID was to be left behind.

They were in high spirits as they travelled to Bethlehem under cover of darkness, led by the extraordinary brightness of what they understood to be the Evening and the Morning Star. The extraordinary starlight appeared to travel with them, somewhat enraging them as they presumed it compromised the secrecy of their mission.

To be continued.

SA Police Chaplains

Welfare Section 58	David Marr
	Senior Police Chaplain.
	Tel: 8364 3567
Academy 8	Mark Thomas. Tel: 8296 9616
Adelaide: Angas Street 158	Bruce Grindlay. Tel: 8295 2220
Adelaide: Hindley Street 62	Bruce Grindlay. Tel: 8295 2220
Adelaide Hills Division 54	Adrian Stephens.
	Tel: 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517
Berri 212	Vacant
Ceduna 214	Bob Borgas. Tel: 086 253 503
Christies Beach 20	Vacant
Clare 202	Michael Dutschke. Tel: 088 423 681
Communications 172	Vacant
Elizabeth 52	Stephen Brooks. Tel: 041 884 0739
Far North 210	Tony Redden. Tel: 08 8672 5011
Focus 21	Richard Lawton. Tel: 08 8363 2536
Gawler 52	Brian Tscharke. Tel: 085 222 288
Glenelg 22	Malcolm Thomas. Tel: 8377 0772
Henley Beach 18	Brenton Daulby. Tel: 8443 8286
Holden Hill 44	Tony Swansson. Tel: 8258 8951
	Rod Dyson. Tel: 8365 1170
Kadina 71	Mark Dickens. Tel: 8823 2513
Kingston 208	Richard Dutton. Tel: 08 8767 2590
Mount Gambier 208	Brian Ashworth.
	Tel: 087 231 353 (W)
	Tel: 087 252 537 (H)
Murray Bridge 200	Malcolm Bottrill. Tel: 085 325 536
Naracoorte 208	Keith Brice. Tel: 087 622 303
Norwood 60	Bob George. Tel: 8362 2227
Nuriootpa 204	Andy Kowald. Tel: 085 621 011
Para Hills 46	Stephanie Swansson. Tel: 8258 8951
Plympton 14	Ian Dempsey. Tel: 8210 8108
Port Adelaide 6	Jeff Oake. Tel: 8341 5930
Port Pirie 206	Vacant
Prosecution Services 176	Vacant
Port Augusta PS 210	Shirley James. Tel: 0886 410 146
Salisbury 53	Stephanie Swansson. Tel: 8258 8951
Sturt 12	Brenton Williamson. Tel: 8270 4316
Tea Tree Gully 48	Paul Hammat. Tel: 8396 4141
Thebarton Barracks 32	Joe Grealy. Tel: 8338 3225
Transit Division	Wayne Shepherd. Tel: 8443 4895
Unley 28	Max Bowers. Tel: 8272 8324
Whyalla 218	Vacant