"To enforce Roman law," Gaius corrected.
"In which case evidence of his corruption would have been made public. In any case, Tiberius was hardly likely to be interested in one Jew with a religious bent."
"He might have been interested in getting his taxes paid," Gaius countered.
"There was never a question of their not being paid," Vitellius smiled at the fact that the young man had finally answered back. "Fighting that would bring in a legion."
"So the local religious leaders have found this Cristus guilty of. . what?"
"Sedition, or more likely, guilty of not directing his attention towards getting rid of the Roman occupation."
"Which is hardly a crime," Gaius muttered, "but I presume finding him not guilty was not an option for our Pilate."
"Of course it was an option," Vitellius snorted. "It might have started another riot, but he had put down riots before."
"But this might have been a bigger one?"
"Would you back down before such a threat?"
"I'd have told this Caiaphas that accusing an innocent person of sedition was sedition," Gaius replied coldly. "Someone was going to be crucified if he proceeded, and offer him the opportunity to back out."
"That'd get a riot going," Vitellius snorted.
"And I'd have to put it down," Gaius replied. "I may have played for time first, to ensure I had enough troops on hand. So what did Pilate do?"
"He apparently decided that since Caiaphas wanted this so badly, he would sacrifice this man for the greater good, at least the greater good of Pilate. There will be little doubt that he made sure Caiaphas acknowledged that this was an important debt. Anyway, to get back to our tale, eventually Pilate got around to finding this Cristus guilty of claiming to be King of the Jews, hence of wishing to have his own unauthorized kingdom within the Roman empire. There were about a hundred thousand witnesses."
"And they all testified against him," Gaius muttered in disgust.
"So, you're Pilate. You find him guilty. What now?"
"I suppose crucifixion."
"Exactly. Now, ask yourself why the hundred thousand bore witness?"
"Because they're pathetic. ."
"Wrong! Because they knew this Cristus had no intention whatsoever of leading a revolt against Rome."
"But. ?"
"This Cristus died because he was gaining enough popularity that he was becoming a leader, he was filling the role of Messiah, and he refused to revolt against Rome."
"I see," Gaius nodded. In fact he did not see at all, but he felt he had to say something.
"I really doubt it," Vitellius shrugged. "I don't. You know what his followers are saying?"
"I doubt I could guess," Gaius shrugged.
"They say he died because he had to, so he could fulfil the prophecy."
"He could have left it until later," Gaius frowned. "It's not as if it wasn't going to happen."
"You can't apply that Roman style of thinking to these people," Vitellius said, as he wagged a finger at his young Tribune. "The key is that he had to die, so he could rise from the dead."
"What??" Gaius gasped.
"You heard," Vitellius said impassively.
"Well," Gaius said in disbelief. "That's really taking prophecy seriously." He paused, then added, "Did he?"
"And what do you think?"
"Nobody survives a good crucifixion," Gaius replied in a flat tone. Here, at last, was something he could state without fear of contradiction.
"Not even the son of God?" Vitellius immediately contradicted him.
"You're not saying. ?"
"His followers are," Vitellius said in a tired fashion. "They say he was seen walking around weeks later."
"And where is he now?" Gaius suddenly realized that this issue might well be resolved with clear evidence.
"He rose to heaven," Vitellius replied evenly, then added, "Oh, and his tomb, following the crucifixion, is empty."
"What tomb?" Gaius frowned. Crucifixion was for extreme criminals, and the bodies were left for the scavengers.
"Pilate seemed to know he was crucifying an innocent person. ."
"How do we know Pilate thought he was innocent?" Gaius interrupted.
"Because if you believed that there was a planned revolt, wouldn't you round up his accomplices?"
"Of course."
"Pilate didn't. Not only did he leave this man's disciples strictly alone, he even let them continue their preaching. He specifically permitted the body of this Cristus to be given to his mother for burial."
"That's convenient," Gaius remarked.
"Extremely," Vitellius snorted. "The Gods alone know what was rattling around in Pilate's head."
"What do you mean?"
"This Cristus apparently died on the cross after a matter of hours, and was cut down on the same afternoon and the body was given to his family."
"You mean. ?" This was unbelievable.
"What I mean, young Claudius, is that whatever Pilate thought he was doing, he was ambiguous. This Cristus did not receive the mallet to the legs, yet he apparently died on the cross in a matter of hours, and in a time in which crucifixion could well be survivable. His body was then given away, and it apparently disappeared into a tomb. Accordingly, the Jewish prophecy was fulfilled, no matter what. So, we have another religious movement gathering steam like nothing you've ever seen."
"Perhaps Pilate was punishing the Jews?" Gaius offered. "By fulfilling one of their prophecies, they can no longer be waiting for it. They have to change religion, and to rub in further insult, the Messiah they have to worship is the one they detest the most."
"Well, that didn't work," a puzzled Vitellius replied. It had never occurred to him that Pilate might have even planned this. "They're still going strong, and another religion's sprouting up."
"Does another one matter?" Gaius asked.
"Maybe, maybe not," Vitellius shrugged, "but it might to you. I've made a decision. This is a direct order which over-rides anything your Legate might give you, in the event he can ever sober up enough to be bothered. You'll take two cohorts, yours and the third, and march down to Judea. Once there, your job is to impress on the locals that Rome and Roman rule still exists, ensure Roman law is imposed, and try not to start a revolt. Your job is to be diplomatic but firm. Can you do it?"
"Yes, Governor."
"You're rather sure of yourself?" Vitellius stared at him.
"There're only two answers," Gaius responded. "Yes, or no. I assume you didn't wish to hear the other option."
"Correct!" Vitellius nodded, as a slight smile crossed his face. "Any questions?"
"Supplies? What am I authorized to. ."
"There'll be another Tribune with you. He's had years of experience in the area. Delegate."
"Suppose something happens," Gaius said. "What are the limits to my options?"
"You have full operational freedom," Vitellius nodded, as if appreciating the good questions. "However, consider the responsibility that goes with that. Use your force, and you'd better be right, and you'd better win. On the other hand, run away from your responsibility, and you'll be back to Rome in no time. Understand?"
"Yes sir!"
"So, young Claudius, you've got to avoid starting revolts through pushing the population around, and avoid encouraging them by showing weakness. Enforce Rome's will, but try not to be a tyrant. And don't forget, you're wet around the ears, and these men are hardened, and they'll all know more than you do. You've got to take advice, get help, yet not lose authority."
"Yes, Governor."
The older man looked at him, then his expression softened a little, as he said, "Young Claudius, we all start somewhere. Everybody who makes it to Governor starts where you are now. Only remember, not everyone who starts where you are makes Governor. Rome will forgive certain mistakes, and if you get into trouble, there's nobody better than the Roman soldier for getting you out of it. All the same, try not to get into trouble, and try to at least look the part you've been given. Now, off with you, and good luck."