March 1999 Volume 80 Number 3 "serving the protectors"
Wise Men Go West
By David Marr

from last month.

Decurion Gallio was a man of practical disposition and “didn’t suffer fools gladly”. Melchior’s angry camel, frothing and leaping uncontrollably was sending nearby horses into panic. Owners were doing their darnedest to move their chariots out from the parking lot, now strewn with pieces from damaged vehicles, overturned shopping trolleys and personal effects. Gallio watched helplessly as one fleeing driver almost crushed an elderly woman scurrying for safety.

This was no time for surreptitious games. Personal safety was paramount. Budding officers, Balthazzar, Melchior, Gaspar and Gallio quickly sought to assist the local legionaries to bring about control. Unfortunately lack of ID and the nature of their garb didn’t assist convincing that they were “in the job”. Finally one patrolman recognised Gallio and together they soon began gaining the upper hand.

Gaspar and Gallio were assisting the direction of pedestrians and traffic near the supermarket entrance when Gallio saw the huge bolting camel was about to flatten him and endanger others. He snatched a legionary’s lethal folding spear and as the rampaging camel trampled him, somehow he plunged the spear into its heart. “The safety of the people is the highest law,” muttered Gallio as he lost consciousness. The camel took only a few steps before falling, dead, amid the terrified shoppers.

Gallio again conscious, had taken a severe pummelling and was nursing significant bruises and abrasions. He received attention from an attending First Aid chariot and emerged to observe the well faciated melee scene with the deceased bull camel being winched onto a council cart for removal.

The four retreated to a quiet corner of the Bethlehem Central Arms to regroup over their evening meal and a few drinks. Each has a daily meal allowance of eight shekels when on country trips. Extra drinks aren’t included. After a few hours’ relaxation, they felt recovered from the day’s events. After the third hour of night, a waiter invited them into the saloon where some entertainers were about to perform.

Soon they were well ensconced and enjoying some local lutists and singers. At about the eighth hour of night a very attractive young dancer named Salome spun onto a table dancing in such a way that every eye was upon her. Her movements were spell binding with glints of light flashing from her quality jewels. Her brightness reached everyone in the room, captivating full attention. Apart from her accompaniment, the only audible sounds were from her lithe slippered feet and the rustle of the silken costume hugging her slim and decorated figure. Gallio was attracted to her.

The four became aware of three men observing them. The prefect and two tribunes from ACB had been sent to investigate the day’s events. They suggested finding them in a place of such turpitude wouldn’t go well with their seeking commission. They were left in no doubt charges would follow. Devastated the four retired for the night.

Next morning Balthazzar, Melchior and Gaspar had not slept. They had now decided to withdraw from the course. They also believed the investigators were wanting the information they had obtained during the exercise. Believing they would never be commissioned, each departed for their home divisions forthwith. Gallio also departed for Jerusalem to face charges regarding the unlawful killing of a rented camel.

Another perspective of this story can be read in St. Matthew 2: 1 - 12.

SA Police Chaplains

Welfare Section 58	David Marr Tel: 8364 3567
	Senior Police Chaplain.
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. 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	David Hand. Tel: 8295 6992
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	Vacant
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: 08 8641 0146
Port Lincoln PS 214	Rob Packer. Tel: 08 8683 0302
Salisbury 53	Stephanie Swansson. Tel: 8258 8951
Sturt 12	Brenton Williamson. Tel: 8270 4316
Tea Tree Gully 48	Vacant
Thebarton Barracks 32	Joe Grealy. Tel: 8338 3225
Transit Division	Wayne Shepherd. Tel: 8443 4895
Unley 28	Max Bowers. Tel: 8272 8324
Whyalla 218	John Dunckley. Tel: 08 8645 2500