“Three. Two. One. Go,” the cameraman clicked his fingers at the reporter.
“Good evening and a very warm welcome from the British museum in London on this the opening night of the exhibition of what is perhaps the most important exhibit in the christian world, the ‘Holy lance’ sometimes referred to as the ‘spear of destiny’ the mysterious Roman spear that supposedly pierced the side of Jesus Christ while he lay on the cross. I’m Kim Nguyen reporting from a star studded occasion where the world of archaeology meets those of politics, film and stage as a host of stars pay tribute to this, the first exhibit of it’s kind here at this magnificent building for many years. The museum was founded by Sir Hans Sloane in 1753 who exhibited his own collections, a museum which currently holds the Elgin marbles and the controversial Rosetta stone, requested by Egypt for its return to its rightful country. Never before has an exhibit such as this, the ’holy lance’ graced this the most famous museum in the world. On loan from its home in the Schatzkammer, Vienna, Austria the spear was once in the hands of Holy Roman emperors, Adolf Hitler and the American General George Patton. One of the world’s truly great treasures it will be here on display for the next two months….” she glanced sideways and caught sight of Natalie and Dennis as they made their way along the red carpet towards the foot of the steps. Dennis was admiring the six huge Roman fire baskets on stands blazing, merrily away, twenty feet high across the front of the museum at the top of the steps at the entrance. The excitement in Nguyen’s voice quickened.
“Here come the renowned journalist Peter Dennis and the very beautiful marine archaeologist Natalie Feltham, hitting the headlines earlier in the summer, for the failed search for Alexander the great’s sarcophagus. Natalie, Peter can I get a word,” Nguyen called as they got to her.
Dennis smiled into the news camera.
“Can I ask you about your involvement tonight?”
“Hi Kim. Yes it’s a truly great turnout tonight for the exhibition.”
Dennis stopped to put his hand up to a group of journalists he recognised.
“Now Mr Dennis you wrote an article on the spear,” Nguyen said, holding up a copy of ‘the country’ magazine’s latest issue. A photograph of the Holy lance on its cover, “How convinced are you that this may be the spear which pierced Christ’s side, that it has magical powers?”
“I think the magic, Kim, is in what people believe. It has brought so many here tonight. The exhibition will be sold out every day and night for two months. That’s the magic it holds.”
“Some say that the lance doesn’t resemble a Roman spear at all. That’s it’s quite possibly a hoax.”
“Well if it is a hoax we’ll have enough experts here tonight to prove it, one way or the other.”
“That wasn’t really an answer.”
“Look Kim. It’s been added to over the millenia. The Roman soldier Maurice lived four hundred years after the crucifixion when he carried it into battle. It contains a Roman nail from Christ’s cross for goodness sake. What more proof do you want.”
“I have all the proof I need Peter. Here in this beautiful article you’ve written,” Nguyen said holding up the magazine again, “And speaking of beautiful, I must say Natalie you are looking exceptionally stunning tonight. Tell me what’s it like to be with the most handsome, eligible, bachelor in journalism.”
Natalie leaned in to the microphone.
“It’s an adventure Kim.”
Nguyen smiled as the couple moved on down the line of photographers and reporters.
“There you have it,” she said into the camera, “Hoax or not. It will be hard to convince this couple. Just three months ago they were involved in a kidnap plot when their search for Alexander’s sarcophagus ended also in a hoax. The sarcophagus never found, waiting perhaps to be discovered as the ‘spear of destiny’ once was.”
“I take it you know her,” Natalie said looking back at Nguyen who was staring after them, microphone held nonchalantly across her chest away from her mouth, one eyebrow raised back at Natalie.
“Yes.”
“How well?”
Dennis too looked back at the television reporter who was smirking at him.
“I used to date her. Hey look it‘s the Mayor of London and his wife.”
Natalie stared after him as he continued down the line of extended cameras and microphones.
Inside the museum waiters dressed as Roman legionaries were moving amongst the milling crowds with trays of champagne and vol-au-vents. Dennis looked up at the impressive tessellated glass roof of the great court.
“What an amazing building.”
Natalie nodded. In the centre of the floor space was an area roped off. Men in dark glasses and suits patrolled nearby. Security for such an important night.
Dennis grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and a handful of vol-au-vents. The look from Natalie suggested she wasn’t impressed. He stuffed one of the small pastries into his mouth.
“Hm! Prawn.”
“What are you doing?”
“Soaking up the alcohol a bit.”
“I told you not to drink too much on an empty stomach. You know you can’t handle it.”
“I’m fine. I’ll make this my last glass until the speeches are finished.”
“Well they’re about to start,” Natalie said as the select few press photographers rushed forward as Sir Nigel Phillips, director of the museum, took to the lecturn. He adjusted the microphone to his mouth and as everyone turned to face him all conversation stopped. The only sounds now were the whirring and clicking of cameras.
“Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, esteemed members of the press, may I extend to you a very warm welcome from the Great court of the British museum on this the opening night of ’The Spear of Destiny’ exhibition.”
The blue cloak covering the glass case with the spear inside was pulled down rapidly to reveal the Spear for the first time. There was a burst of flash photography as a generous round of applause erupted from the hundreds of guests.
“Well there it is,” Dennis said craning his neck.
Natalie turned to him as he continued looking over the heads of people in front.
“You mean you’ve never seen it?”
“No.”
“But you’ve written an article on it.”
“The power of the internet babe.”
Natalie smiled as she shook her head.
“You are such a cheapskate….” she stopped as they received dirty looks from people nearby.
“And now ladies and gentlemen if I could direct your attention to the large flat screen televisions around us,” Phillips said, extending his hand towards one of many large televisions suspended from the ceiling.
“Wow! Dennis said, “Now that is a tv. Must be a fifty five inch screen.”
The lights were dimmed in the great court as the screen came to life. Clever lighting around the court brought in set the mood with changing colour sequences.
The screen was dark and then the spear of destiny appeared as the narration began. Everyone watched the seven minute video in silence and as the lights came on the screen went dark.
Another round of applause and then Phillips spoke again.
“Ladies and gentlemen, myself, the vice director and everyone involved with the museum would like to thank the Austrian ambassador and his staff and the Austrian government for their generosity in lending us, this, one of the most Holy relics in the world. Mr ambassador thank you,” Phillips led the round of applause, “And now,” Phillips raised his glass of champagne to the crowd, “Enjoy the party.”
Phillips shook hands with the Austrian ambassador and began greeting his guests.