"

Progression of Commuciation ... Act I Scene I & II (first draft)

Narrator: Two young Roman soldiers converse during sword play about their prestious steps to reach esteemed levels; speaking of current events and their superiors' valor, his heroic presence, familial duties, his gifts of mercy and Godly endeavors. While in the shadows Cornelius listened, appreciating statewide updates about the Jews inciting his further supplications.

The clash of blades

Soldier One: "Ha!" as soldier two pushes back.

"So you think you can imitate the stature of our Cornelius in his elevated state?

Do you, with your deep breaths think you have what it takes?"

Soldier Two: Thrush forward in a counterattack

"Here, you fellow, brat... take that! You think you can follow a centurion's track?

You can display such courage and skill to complete the conquest after climbing the hill?"

Both winded in their vigorous display seated themselves on the ground under Cornelius' open window displaying their ardous play.

Soldier One: "Hey!... Had you heard of the latest relay of Simon the Great of Samaria's antics today? Heard he converted to Christianity's way. What made him give up his magician's sway?"

Solder Two: "Yes! Amazing. Their growth and their stay despite the hatred expressed against them though meek in their conduct and loyal to their Lord in the midst of a fray.

What honor they carry as hurriedly they flee. Would I be quick to show such a great degree of integrity?"

Soldier One: "Surely you would if you believed as they do! Look at the effort you exerted in swordplay because of the example of centurion men who never delay.

To lead; held personally responsible for training and discipline of the legionaries under your command. Man, it is a privilege to you work hand-in-hand.

In time you will be as Cornelius. A well-loved fellow in demand. Unlike 'Cedo Alteram' - 'Fetch Me Another' who abused anytime he could. Anyone to be dammed."

Soldier Two: "Yes, I remember. Given the nickname 'Cedo Alteram', because when he had broken one vine-stick across a soldier's back, he would call in a loud voice for another... and another. They killed him in an attack."

As they continued to expound, Cornelius pondered over Simon's change as he stared out to sea. Thinking of his prayers to God and how to proceed. Supplication for himself, his friends and his family.

Then, about the ninth hour of the day, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say:

“Cornelius!”

Cornelius stared at him, terrified, and asked:

“What is it, Lord?”

He said to him:

“Your prayers and gifts of mercy have ascended as a remembrance before God. So now send men to Jopʹpa and summon a man named Simon who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest with Simon, a tanner who has a house by the sea.”

As soon as the angel who spoke to him left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who were his attendants, and he related everything to them and sent them to Jopʹpa.

Act I Scene II: Rooftop. Twelve noon. Apostle Peter, hungry, waits to eat. Falls into a trance, as the heavens open to a large tray descending on a sheet let down by its four corners containing pork from pig, including it's feet and other split-hoofed delicacies; gentile treats.

A deep male voice from beyond the stage says:

"Get up, Peter, slaughter and eat!"

Peter, still stationary, with eyes raised replies:

"Not at all, Lord, because I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean."

The voice replies:

"Stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed."

Again Peter replies:

"Not at all, Lord, because I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean."

One last time the Voice replies as the vessel floating on the linen sheet immediately begins to rise.

Peter perplexed still pondering over what the vision purports to be a spirit voice advices him; it said:

“Look! Three men are asking for you. So get up, go downstairs and go with them, not doubting at all, because I have sent them.”

This is what Peter proceeds to do.

*

The three men arrive, sent by Cornelius to appeal at the gate calling out for someone to participate:

"Is Simon, who is also called Peter a guest here?"

A servant confirms he was as Peter obediently went downstairs to the men; appears:

“Here I am, the one you are looking for. Why are you here?”

The devoted officer heart-warmly said:

“Cornelius, an army officer, a righteous and God-fearing man who is well-reported-on by the whole nation of the Jews, was given divine instructions by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”

So Peter heard and invited them in. Had them stay as his guests. And they exit the stage.