INT. NIGHT – A HUMBLE LODGING WITH LARGE TABLE, AT WHICH JESUS SITS SURROUNDED BY HIS DISCIPLES, EATING BREAD AND DRINKING WINE.

Jesus:
I say again, one of you sitting at this very table will betray me. Nay, has already betrayed me.

Disciples:
No! No! Not us! Never!

Jesus:
And Peter, thou will deny me thrice before the cock crows…

Peter:
My lord, never!

A COMMOTION CAN BE HEARD OUTSIDE. BOOTS, HARSH VOICES AND THE SOUND OF SPEARS RATTLING.

Disciples:
Aieee! It’s the Romans!

Jesus:
It is as I have foreseen… Alas, the end is near.

Jack Bauer:
Sir, the soldiers will find us within moments. We have to move you, now!

Jesus:
No Jack, my time is come and there is nothing to be done. Be at peace.

Disciples:
We’re going to die! We have to escape!

Jack:
[pulling Jesus aside]
Sir, with all due respect I find this unacceptable– I cannot allow you to be captured, your mission is too important… you have to let me them take me in your place. If you hurry you can escape while there is still time!

Jesus:
Dearest Jack, I thank you for your concern, but I will have it no other way. You must let them take me, for it is me they have come for. I am ready, come what may.

Jack:
Yes sir… if that’s how it must be.
[he bows, then pauses]
There’s just one thing I need to know…

Jesus:
Yes, my ch–

WITHOUT WARNING JACK SLUGS JESUS IN THE JAW, KNOCKING HIM DOWN HARD, AND OUT COLD. JACK CROUCHES TO CHECK HIS PULSE THEN DRAGS THE UNCONSCIOUS JESUS INTO THE SHADOWS

Jack:
[hissed whisper]
I need to know you’ll stay alive.

SEVERAL ROMAN SOLDIERS COME BARGING INTO THE ROOM.

Head Soldier:
Where is Jesus of Nazareth, we have an order for his arrest!

Jack:
I am he.

Disciples:
Wha…?

Jack:
My friends, it’s over. Let them take me and do not resist– that’s an order. This is for the best, I swear to you.

Disciples:
Uh, ok, I guess, Jesus.

EXT. PILATE’S HOUSE – JACK IS HELD BY SOLDIERS AND FACES PILATE WHILE THE JEWISH HIGH PRIESTS OBSERVE.

Pilate:
So, you are this King of the Jews everyone is talking about eh?

Jack:
If you say so.

Pilate:
I hear such great things of you, some even say that you perform miracles… Why not show me some of this magic of yours!

Jack:
[gritting his teeth]
I can’t.

Pilate:
And so modest! Oh come on… turn my water into wine, and I shall set you free!

Jack:
I said I can’t.

Pilate:
[menacingly]
Do you understand what will happen if you do not do as I ask?

Jack:
I do.

Pilate:
So be it.
[he washes his hands]
I wash my hands of you…
[to the assembled]
Take him away and crucify him!

Jack:
Dammit!