September 1999 Volume 80 Number 9
"serving the protectors"
| September 1999 Volume 80 Number 9 "serving the protectors" |
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| By
David Marr |
Final
Centurion Marcellus Gallio was summoned from the conference room where Senior Tribune Dubious Justice was “interrogating” last night’s supervisors. Obviously LSA commander, Herod, was irate to learn of the Christian Simon’s escape from the new cell block. Gallio felt relieved to temporarily escape the questing gaze of the enquiring tribune who appeared having difficulty accepting the common story that the escapee had been assisted by an “angel”.
On approaching the charge desk, Gallio noticed a number of local scruffs had been “dragged in” as a consequence of his orders to secure and search nearby streets. He quizzed a couple of unemployed shepherds. They were none too smart either and were of the type Gallio cynically referred too as “oxygen thieves”.
He soon established that suspicious activity had taken place at about the time of the breakout. Neighbours reported that, in the quiet of night, a lot of loud door-knocking had taken place. This had been followed by a brief conversation, then louder and more persistent knocking before great exclamations of surprise and the sounds of celebratory shouting and cheering. The informants were adamant this occurred at the home of Mrs Mary Mark, following the time of Simon’s escape. Gallio immediately despatched two Dog Squad members and patrol legionaries to the given address.
Within minutes, the legionaries returned with a juvenile servant girl. The centurion accompanied them to an interview room. The lass appeared frightened so he called for one of the female station clerks to sit with her. Gallio was soon informed that the juvenile lass named Rhoda was employed at the address and knew all family members well. She had been told to remain overnight as a number of visitors were meeting and praying out of concern for their friend, Simon. At this point Gallio noted Simon was also using the alias Peter.
The young maid told how she heard loud knocking at the door at about 0400 and had opened it to find “Peter” there. Thoughtlessly she hadn’t let him in, but ran to tell those praying that Peter was outside. At first they didn’t believe her, but soon heard Peter’s continual pounding and went to see for themselves. She said the house was soon in an uproar.
Gallio was told how Peter had soon left for a place unknown to her and that Mrs Mark’s friends had followed soon after. Since then she had been the only person at the house. Rhoda informed Centurion Gallio that she knew personally many of those who had attended the address. She also knew other Christians who were close friends of Simon. Gallio felt on the verge of a major breakthrough here. At this point a legionary politely entered and informed the centurion that Tribune Dubious Justice was awaiting him. He returned to his office with some apprehension.
The tribune arrogantly advised that he had found the escape due to gross incompetence on the part of the guards. These were now to face arrest and await the judgement of Commander Herod. Most were likely to become the entertainment at a Circus Maximus Event in Rome. Gallio himself would be under close scrutiny and immediately transferred.
As they left the office, Tribune Dubious Justice noticed a juvenile female detained near the charge desk. “No juvenile is to be held here without a parent or proxy. Have that girl released immediately.” He waved Gallio aside and left the watch house.
Another version of this account can be read in Acts 12.
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. 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 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 8362 4836 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 Bruce Cliff. Tel: 8737 2457 Mo 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Vacant Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald. Tel: 085 621 011 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 214 Rob Packer. Tel: 08 8683 0302 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt. Tel: 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal. Tel: 8278 9578 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George Tel: 8395 9363 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
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