SHORT DRAMA PRODUCTION NOTES

Premise

Professor Henry Haas, the world’s greatest inventor, is working on his latest invention—a time machine—and finding it to be challenging and thrilling at the same time. But, even as exciting as the prospect of time travel is for the Professor, it pales in significance to his passion for Jesus Christ. And that becomes obvious as he helps Avery, his college-aged intern, understand who Jesus really is—the eternal Son of God, second person of the Trinity, Creator of everything, and the only source of salvation.

Cast of Characters

Professor Henry Haas (Days 1–5)
•	Older, white-haired gentleman
•	Distinguished scientist
•	Brilliant inventor
•	Mature believer

Avery (Days 1–5)
•	College female
•	Intelligent
•	Science major
•	Interning with Professor Haas
•	Went to church when she was young, but not a believer

Queen Josephine (Days 2–5)
•	Medieval queen

Roman Soldier (Day 5 only)
•	First century Roman
•	Extremely loyal to Rome

Costume Suggestions

Professor 
Dark or khaki pants, white dress shirt, dress shoes, long white lab coat, watch, bow tie, “mad scientist” white wig, and black rimmed glasses.
						
Avery
Modest “college” attire (jeans, shirt, shoes) with a long white lab coat, watch, and badge.

Queen Josephine
Medieval-style long costume dress with tiara.
Modern street clothes for Day 4.

Roman Soldier
Roman soldier or gladiator costume.

Check online sources and party stores for costume options. Also, many churches have Roman soldier costumes.

Props List

Day 1
♦	Professor’s paper to wad up
♦	Solitary Life poem (large print edition on Resource DVD-ROM)
♦	Avery’s watch

Day 2
♦	Professor’s Bible
♦	Books about Jesus (10 or more) 
♦	Professor’s jacket and power bars

Day 3
♦	Stool for Queen Josephine

Day 4
♦	Professor’s time machine return button (use a small remote)
♦	Professor’s small backpack

Day 5 
♦	Avery’s World History textbook

Sound Effects List

Daily
♦	Theme music beginning
♦	Theme music ending

Day 1
♦	Watch alarm						

Day 2	
♦	Computer 1
♦	Computer 2
♦	Computer 4
♦	Time machine malfunction
♦	Time machine

Day 4
♦	Time machine	

Day 5
♦	Time machine
♦	Dragon roar

SPECIAL EFFECTS 
A fog machine and flashing lights can create a nice visual effect each time the door of the time machine opens. Place the fogger, along with a white LED spot-light (to illuminate the fog), inside the time machine and flashing lights on the outside. 

DAY 1 SHORT DRAMA

Characters: PROFESSOR, AVERY

(Theme music beginning)

(Scene begins with the PROFESSOR working on his time machine and talking to himself while AVERY is working at her lab desk.)

PROFESSOR: (frustrated) Oh, it’s no use. (as he wads up the paper he was working on and throws it on the floor)

AVERY: Can I help you, Professor?

PROFESSOR: No, I just need to go back to the drawing board and see where I made my error. Time travel is SO complicated!

AVERY: Wait! Did you say . . . time travel?! 

PROFESSOR: Oops. 

AVERY: That’s what that is . . . a time machine? (as she looks at the time machine)

PROFESSOR: Shhhhh! Keep your voice down.

AVERY: (changes to a loud whisper) So that’s why you’re here working by yourself every night.

PROFESSOR: Correct.

AVERY: But why are you being so secretive about it?

PROFESSOR: Because of what it is. Do you have any idea what would happen if a time machine got into the wrong hands? Someone who might use it for their own selfish purposes?

AVERY: It would be bad, wouldn’t it?

PROFESSOR: No! It would be really bad! They could literally change the course of history! 

AVERY: Really? 

PROFESSOR: Really.

AVERY: Well, you can trust me. I won’t say a word. 

PROFESSOR: Good . . . and whatever you do, don’t call it a “time machine.” Someone might hear you. Let’s just call it a . . . uh . . . (trying to think of a name)

AVERY: A “toodle-dawbin.”

PROFESSOR: Toodle-dawbin?

AVERY: Sure, why not? With a name like that, no one would ever guess what it is.

PROFESSOR: That’s for sure. All right . . . toodle-dawbin it is.

AVERY: So . . . may I have a look inside? 

PROFESSOR: Uh . . . sure . . . go ahead. 

AVERY: (fascinated as she looks inside the time machine) Wow . . . so you can actually go back in time with this?

PROFESSOR: That’s the idea, but I haven’t gotten it to work yet. And who knows if I ever will.

AVERY: Oh, you will. I have complete confidence in you. You’re Professor Henry Haas, the world’s greatest inventor and the smartest person I know.

PROFESSOR: (embarrassed) Well . . . I don’t know about that. There are some pretty smart professors over at that school of yours.

AVERY: Don’t remind me. Of school, that is.

PROFESSOR: Really? Why? I thought you liked your classes.

AVERY: They’re okay. It’s just my world history class. I have a paper due next week and . . . well . . . let’s just say I’ve got a loooong way to go on it. 

PROFESSOR: How long?

AVERY: Like . . .  the whole way. I haven’t started yet.  

PROFESSOR: So what’s your topic?

AVERY: That’s the problem. I don’t have one. I’m supposed to write about an important person in history, but I can’t decide who that should be.

PROFESSOR: Well, that’s easy. (as he walks over to his desk and pulls a sheet of paper out of his Bible)

AVERY: It is?

PROFESSOR: (he begins to read)

He was born in a small village, the child of a peasant woman.
He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.
Then, for three years he was a traveling preacher.
He never wrote a book,
Never held an office,
Never owned a home,
Never had a family,
Never went to college.
He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born.
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him.
His friends ran away; one denied him; another betrayed him.
He was turned over to his enemies and subjected to a mockery of a trial.
Then they nailed him to a cross between two thieves.
While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothes, the only property he owned.
After he was pronounced dead, he was taken down and laid in a borrowed tomb.
Twenty centuries have come and gone and today he is the center of the human race.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man as powerfully as this one solitary life.

(Adapted from an essay by Dr. James Allan Francis © 1926.)

AVERY: Hmm . . . that was powerful. Jesus, right?

PROFESSOR: Correct. And you want to know why he was so extraordinary? Because he wasn’t just a man. He’s also eternal God . . . second person of the Trinity . . .  and Creator of everything. Fully God and fully man. They don’t get any more important than that. 

AVERY: Wow, I guess I don’t know as much about Jesus as I thought I did. (Suddenly, AVERY’S watch alarm goes off [sfx]) Oh, man!

PROFESSOR: Gotta class?

AVERY: Yeah . . . and it starts in 15 minutes. 

PROFESSOR: That’s okay . . . you get going. We can talk later.

AVERY: Okay . . .  thanks, Professor. 

(AVERY exits.)

PROFESSOR: Dear Lord . . . thank you for the opportunity to share with Avery. This is just what I’ve been praying for. Please open her heart to understand the truth about who you are.

(Theme music ending)

DAY 2 SHORT DRAMA

Characters: PROFESSOR, AVERY, QUEEN JOSEPHINE

(Theme music beginning)

(Scene begins with the PROFESSOR working on the computer’s voice controls.)

PROFESSOR: Computer?

COMPUTER 1: (pre-recorded sfx) Yes . . . how may I help you?

PROFESSOR: What would be a good name for a robot?

COMPUTER 2: (pre-recorded sfx) A good name would be . . . (pause) . . . Fluffy.

PROFESSOR: Fluffy? Are you serious?

COMPUTER 1: (pre-recorded sfx) Yes . . . how may I help you?

PROFESSOR: That’s not the right response.

COMPUTER 4: (pre-recorded sfx) I am a computer, I am always serious.

PROFESSOR: That’s not right, either. 

(AVERY enters.)

AVERY: So, how’s the voice control coming?

COMPUTER 1: (pre-recorded sfx) Yes . . . how may I help you?

PROFESSOR: (sighs) Well, still working out the kinks. But, that’s okay, we’ll get it. (pause) So, tell me about your paper. Did you make a decision yet?

AVERY: Yes, I took your advice. After yesterday, I’m convinced that Jesus is the most important person in history. So that’s who I’m going to write about.

PROFESSOR: I think that’s a great choice.

AVERY: Yes, but will my professor think so? 

PROFESSOR: There’s no reason why he shouldn’t. Jesus was a real person . . . just like Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, or Alexander the Great.

AVERY: I know. It’s just that you can talk about those men and no one objects. But mention the name Jesus and, well . . . it can cause a stir.
 
PROFESSOR: I suspect it’s because Jesus claimed to be God, which means he has the authority to tell us what to do. And many people don’t like that.

AVERY: But some people don’t believe he was God. They think he was just a good moral teacher.

PROFESSOR: I know, and that makes no sense at all.

AVERY: Why do you say that?

PROFESSOR: Because someone who was just a good moral teacher wouldn’t claim to be God, wouldn’t accept people worshipping him, and wouldn’t tell them that he was the only way to heaven. 

AVERY: Hmm . . . that’s a really good point.

PROFESSOR: No . . . there are only 3 options. He was either lying, or he was crazy, or he really was and is the Son of God. And if you’ve read the Bible at all, you know he wasn’t a liar and he wasn’t crazy. 

AVERY: (pondering) Wow! So . . . he must have been telling the truth. (pause) Well, I don’t care if it affects my grade, I just want to learn more about him.

PROFESSOR: Good. Well, you better get to work. 

AVERY: I know.

PROFESSOR: No, I mean on your report. Take the rest of the day off.

AVERY: But, Professor . . . 

PROFESSOR: I mean it. I want you to do a really good job on that paper. You do have a Bible, don’t you?

AVERY: Uh . . . yeah, I think so.
 
PROFESSOR: Hmm . . . you think so. Well, that’s a discussion for another day. In the meantime, here . . . take this one. (as he hands her a Bible taken from the bookshelf) Start with the Gospels . . . you know . . . Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

AVERY: (uncertain) Right.

PROFESSOR: They’re in the New Testament. Oh . . . and these books might be helpful. (as he hands her 4 or 5 books) . . . and this one, too (as he hands her another book) and these also (as he loads her with 4 or 5 more books) . . . oh, and you’ve got to read this one (as he hands her one more). It talks about Jesus in the Old Testament and all the prophecies and Christophanies.

AVERY: Kris—TAW--funeez?

PROFESSOR: Oh, yeah . . . that’s when Jesus appeared in various forms in the Old Testament before he was born in the New Testament. He did it many times. 

AVERY: Really? Wow . . . that sounds interesting (as she struggles to hold the stack of books) Well . . . I better get going. I’ve got a lot of reading to do. Thanks, Professor.

(AVERY exits the lab.)

PROFESSOR: My pleasure. (then looks up to heaven and prays) Lord Jesus . . . open her eyes as she reads and help her understand the truth. (pause, then with excitement) All right, time to try out the time mach— I mean, the toodle-dawbin. Now . . . let’s see. Will I need anything? Maybe a jacket. (as he takes off his lab coat and grabs his jacket) . . .  and a couple power bars (as he grabs some power bars from his desk). That should do it this first time. Okay . . . I guess I’m ready. 

(PROFESSOR inputs the code sequence into the computer, which causes lights and sounds as he quickly enters the time machine. But then a malfunction [sfx] occurs and the machine shuts down. Then the PROFESSOR exits the machine.)

PROFESSOR: What happened?? Let’s try it again.

(PROFESSOR inputs the code sequence into the computer, which causes lights and sounds as he quickly enters the time machine. But then a malfunction [sfx] occurs and the machine shuts down again. Then the PROFESSOR exits the machine.)

PROFESSOR: (frustrated) I had no idea a toodle-dawbin could be so temperamental! Well, I’m too tired to dissect the program now. I’ve got to get some sleep! (as he heads for the exit)

(After the PROFESSOR exits, the stage lights dim as if he turned out the lights. Suddenly, the time machine springs to life [sfx]). Then, the door to the machine opens and QUEEN JOSEPHINE slowly emerges amidst a cloud of smoke. She’s speechless as she exits the time machine and takes in her surroundings.)

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: (apprehensive) Where am I? (pause) I have no memory of this place. (pause) Prince Garin? Pray, do not jump out at me. (pause) Cristiana? 

COMPUTER 1: (pre-recorded sfx) Yes . . . how may I help you?

(QUEEN JOSEPHINE promptly faints.)

(Theme music ending)
  

DAY 3 SHORT DRAMA

Characters: PROFESSOR, AVERY, QUEEN JOSEPHINE

(Theme music beginning) 

(Scene begins with QUEEN JOSEPHINE lying on the floor between the computer and the Professor’s lab desk. Then, the PROFESSOR and AVERY arrive together.)

AVERY: Professor? Can I ask you a question? You know how people say that all religions lead to the same place . . . they just take different paths to get there?

PROFESSOR: Oh, yes. I’ve heard that many times.

AVERY: Well . . . what do you think about that? Is it true?

PROFESSOR: Absolutely not! I mean, think about it. If there was another way to get to heaven . . .  Jesus’s death was totally unnecessary. 

AVERY:  Hmm . . .  so, you’re saying that all the other religions are wrong?

PROFESSOR: Yes . . . that’s exactly what I’m saying. Every other religion teaches that doing good things or being a good person gets you to heaven, but the truth is, we can’t even begin to purchase our salvation by being good. 

AVERY: Wow . . . I never thought of it that way. But that’s what people are doing, aren’t they. They’re trying to earn their way to heaven.

PROFESSOR: Yes, but the price is just too high! That’s why Jesus came to pay it for us. 

AVERY: By dying on the cross?

PROFESSOR: That’s right. Listen . . .  no matter what anyone tells you, the only way to get to heaven—and I mean the ONLY way—is to admit that you’ve disobeyed God and broken his laws and then trust in what Jesus did for you on the cross. If you do that, he’ll forgive you and save you and adopt you into his forever family. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” 

AVERY: John 3:16. I learned that verse at VBS. (sees QUEEN JOSEPHINE) Professor! Look! 

PROFESSOR: How’d she get in here? The door was locked as usual.

AVERY: Wow . . . some costume, huh?

PROFESSOR: I’ll say. Well, I guess we’ll have to wake her up. (he starts to kneel down) On second thought . . . you better do it. If my face is the first thing she sees, she’ll faint and then we’ll be no better off.

AVERY: All right. (as she kneels down and gives her a nudge) Hello? (pause) Excuse me . . . time to wake up.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: (as she stirs and then talks in her sleep) Nay, Cristiana . . . thou didst not count long enough. (then she opens her eyes and sees AVERY) What? Thou art not Cristiana. What hast thou done with the Prince and Princess?!

AVERY: Prince and Princess?

PROFESSOR: Rest assured, madam, we haven’t done anything with anybody. But, tell us . . . how did you get in here?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: That is what I wouldst like to know! (as she gets up from the floor) For I was at play with the royal children, when suddenly, I hath found myself walking into this most uncommon room.

AVERY: And what’s with the costume? Is there a Renaissance festival going on?

(Suddenly, it dawns on the PROFESSOR that maybe the time machine was involved. He quickly walks over to the machine and checks the settings.)

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Costume? Nay! This is not a costume! It is one of my finest gowns. In fact, in all the kingdom, there is none like it! 

AVERY: Kingdom, huh? (as she rolls her eyes) And I suppose you live in a castle?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Of course . . . the castle at Faramore.

PROFESSOR: I just had a bad thought. (then to QUEEN JOSEPHINE) Excuse me . . . but you didn’t happen to enter through that door, did you? (pointing to the time machine)

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Well, of course . . . how else could I have gotten in? 

AVERY: (to the PROFESSOR) Wait . . . what are you thinking?

PROFESSOR: (reluctantly) And, uh . . . what is your name?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: I thought thou wouldst never ask! I am Queen Josephine, wife of Edward, the Gallant, King of Vestaland and all its territories.

PROFESSOR: I was afraid of that. 

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Alas . . .  and afraid thou shouldest be, for when the king finds out that I am held captive, he will send all of his mighty men to fight for my release. Now, pray . . . what dost thou think of that?!

PROFESSOR: (to AVERY discreetly) It was the toodle-dawbin.

AVERY: What?? (incredulous) Nuh-uh!

PROFESSOR: I don’t know how . . . a malfunction, I guess.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: I cry you mercy. Didst thou harken to what I just said?

PROFESSOR: (distracted) Um . . . yeah . . . something about all the king’s horses and all the king’s men?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Nay . . . that would be Humpty Dumpty. Wouldst thou please focus!

AVERY: So you’re telling me that we actually have a real live queen here? This is crazy! What are we going to do??

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Well, if it pleaseth thee, thou mayst begin by telling me who thou art, where I am, and what thou wantest from me!

PROFESSOR: (perplexed) I just can’t figure out how this could have happened! (as he goes back to the time machine computer) 

AVERY: Can you send her back? 

PROFESSOR: I don’t know. It’s not that easy. 

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: No one is listening to me.

AVERY: Oh, I’m sorry . . . would you like to sit down? (as she grabs a stool) Here you go. You’re probably hungry, too. Would you like a hot dog?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: (disgusted at the thought) Hot . . . dog? You eat . . . dogs?

AVERY: Okay, forget that. Uh . . . how ’bout a . . . a smoothie? They’ve got some really good ones at the café.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Smoo—thee? I am not familiar with this. 

AVERY: Oh, it’s kinda like a . . . well . . . a healthy milkshake. 

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Milk—shake?

AVERY: Nevermind. C’mon . . . let me show you. (as she grabs QUEEN JOSEPHINE by the arm and they exit the lab)

(Theme music ending)

DAY 4 SHORT DRAMA

Characters:  PROFESSOR, AVERY, QUEEN JOSEPHINE

(Theme music beginning)

(Scene begins with the PROFESSOR working on the time machine. Then AVERY enters.)

PROFESSOR: Hi, Avery. Where’s Queen Josephine?

AVERY: In the café having another smoothie. It’s her fifth one since yesterday. She absolutely loves those things. 

PROFESSOR: (laughs) I don’t blame her. I like them, too. So, how’d it go last night? 

AVERY: Fantastic. My roommate had gone home for some reason, so it worked out perfectly. 

PROFESSOR: Oh, good. Thanks for taking her in. I really appreciate it.

AVERY: No problem. You know, except for her calling me “fair maiden” all the time, it’s really been fun watching her react to things. She’s completely fascinated by everything—automatic doors, drinking fountains, cash registers . . . oh, and the escalator! I’ll bet she rode that thing 20 times!

PROFESSOR: Don’t tell me you took her to the mall!

AVERY: Oh yeah. It was awesome! But, don’t worry . . . she borrowed an outfit and blended in just fine. (pause) So, were you able to figure out what happened? How she got here?

PROFESSOR: Not yet. I’m just amazed that the toodle-dawbin worked at all. (as he glances right and left to make sure no one is around) Avery . . . do you realize what we have here?? 

AVERY: (loud whisper) Uh . . . a time machine?

PROFESSOR: No! A working time machine! Which means I could actually watch Abraham Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address or go to Philadelphia and witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Or . . .  would this be crazy? I could go to first century Israel and see Jesus!

AVERY: Now THAT would be amazing!

PROFESSOR: (pleased) You think so?

AVERY: Oh, yeah! Working on this paper has given me a whole new appreciation for Jesus and how special he was. 

PROFESSOR: You mean how special he IS. He’s alive, remember. He rose from the dead.

AVERY: Right . . . I know. In fact, I was just reading about all the evidences for his resurrection last night in the Bible.

PROFESSOR: They’re pretty convincing, aren’t they? The fact that Jesus lived, died, and rose again is very well documented in the Bible.

AVERY: I know . . . but what I’m curious about is what he’s doing now? I mean, it’s been over 2,000 years since he went back up to heaven. What’s he been doing ever since? 

PROFESSOR: Well, for one thing, he’s been building the church and caring for it. 

AVERY: The church? Which church? What do you mean?

PROFESSOR: Well, the church, as the Bible calls it, is the enormous family of all true believers everywhere . . . past, present, and future. 

AVERY: Wow . . . then he’s been busy. That’s a lot of people to care for!

PROFESSOR: He’s also been preparing a special place.

AVERY: Really?

PROFESSOR: Yes. When he was on earth, toward the end of his ministry, he told his disciples that he was going away to prepare a place for them and that one day he’d come back to get them—and not only them, but all believers. 

AVERY: It’s been so long, though. Do you really think he’s coming back?

PROFESSOR: Absolutely. Just like the prophecies about his first coming came true, the prophecies about his second coming will also come true. We just don’t know when. But Jesus always keeps his promises. Don’t ever forget that. 

AVERY: I won’t.

PROFESSOR: Okay, well, I’m ready to test the toodle-dawbin. So . . . what do you think? Should I try Bible times? 

AVERY: I don’t know. Could it be dangerous? I mean, with the Romans being there and everything.

PROFESSOR: Hmm . . . I guess it could be. But . . . I’ve got my return button (as he holds it up) if things get dicey. And besides, I’m not going to stay very long. (pause) So Jerusalem it is . . . in the year  . . . 30 AD should be about right. (as he types on the time machine computer keyboard). Now . . . let me grab my backpack. (as he takes off his lab coat and grabs a small backpack) Okay. Here we go!

(PROFESSOR inputs the code sequence into the computer, which causes lights and sounds [sfx] as he quickly enters the time machine and closes the door.)

AVERY: Have a safe trip!

(Then QUEEN JOSEPHINE enters dressed in contemporary clothing.)

AVERY: So . . . how was your smoothie?

(QUEEN JOSEPHINE begins to cry.)

AVERY: Your Majesty. Are you crying?

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Aye, fair maiden . . . I weep for my king, my children, and my country. For I believe that never again shall I set mine eyes upon them!

AVERY: But, that’s not true! You will see them again! In fact, the Professor is testing out the toodle-dawbin right now. And see that thing over there? (as she points to the time machine computer) It’s trying to find your address.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: My “dress,” as thou calls it, is in thy chariot.

AVERY: What? Oh . . . uh . . . no, I didn’t say “dress” . . . I said, “UH-dress.” It’s the location where you live. And when we find it, we’ll be able to send you back.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: And it is truth that thou speaketh?

AVERY: Of course it is!

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Then I thank thee, fair maiden, for thou hast given me hope. (as she starts to cheer up)

AVERY: C’mon, let’s get you back into your dress, so you’re ready when the time comes.

(AVERY and QUEEN JOSEPHINE exit.)

(Theme music ending)

DAY 5 SHORT DRAMA

Characters: PROFESSOR, AVERY, ROMAN SOLDIER, QUEEN JOSEPHINE

(Theme music beginning)

(Continuing the scene from yesterday, the time machine suddenly springs to life [sfx]. AVERY runs into the lab with QUEEN JOSEPHINE following close behind. Then the door to the machine opens and the PROFESSOR emerges amidst a cloud of smoke.)

PROFESSOR: (out of breath) I made it. Whew! That was a close one! Do me a favor and remind me to wear a Bible-times costume next time. I stuck out like a sore thumb and almost got myself arrested! 

(The ROMAN SOLDIER, still inside the time machine, coughs.)

AVERY: Professor? Did . . . you bring someone else with you?

(The ROMAN SOLDIER emerges from the machine.)

PROFESSOR: (loud whisper) Oh, no! It’s the soldier who was chasing me!

ROMAN SOLDIER: (he scans the room with a scowl on his face, then yells) Hail, Caesar!   

PROFESSOR: Run! (as he alone runs out into the auditorium to hide)

ROMAN SOLDIER: Stop citizen! In the name of Caesar and the Roman Empire, I command you! (as he chases the PROFESSOR)

AVERY: We’ve got to do something! (short pause) Wait! I know! (then yells to the PROFESSOR) Professor! You can stop running! He has no authority here! Rome collapsed over 1,500 years ago! The Roman Empire is no more!

ROMAN SOLDIER: Woman! You speak treason! Rome will endure forever! (as he grabs AVERY)

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Unhand her, you brute! 

ROMAN SOLDIER: Quiet! Or you’ll be next!

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: (gasp) How dare thou speaketh to me thus! For I am Queen Josephine, wife of Edward, the Gallant, King of Vestaland and all its territories.

ROMAN SOLDIER:  Oh, yeah? Well, that’s only because we haven’t conquered you yet!

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: And pride goeth before destruction!

AVERY: Okay, that’s enough, you two. 

ROMAN SOLDIER: (to AVERY) I am taking you to the Fortress of Antonia where you will stand before the governor this night. Then you will feel the weight of Rome’s displeasure for inciting political instability. 

AVERY: (unconcerned) Sure . . . whatever, but first I want to show you something. (as she grabs her world history textbook) See this? It’s my world history textbook and there’s a whole chapter on the Roman Empire.

ROMAN SOLDIER: And how is it possible that the glory of Rome can be contained in just a single chapter? Tell me that.

AVERY: Well . . . it’s a pretty long chapter if that makes you feel any better. Here . . . read this paragraph. (as she points to a paragraph on a page)

(ROMAN SOLDIER reads the paragraph and then “turns white.” He can’t believe that the Roman Empire no longer exists.)

ROMAN SOLDIER: The mighty Roman Empire . . . gone? I cannot believe it! 

AVERY: I’m sorry.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: (to herself) Ha! I am not sorry at all!

ROMAN SOLDIER: (devastated) What is to become of me? I’m now a soldier without an army . . . a man without a country . . . a person without a purpose. I am ruined.

PROFESSOR: Nonsense, soldier of Rome. I can fix your situation.

ROMAN SOLDIER: You, a mere man, can restore the Roman Empire with all its might and glory? Are you some sort of magician?

PROFESSOR: No . . . not a magician . . . a scientist.

ROMAN SOLDIER: Well, if you would do that, you would prove yourself to be a friend of Rome and the Emperor would be most pleased. Oh . . . and I would not have to arrest you, either.

PROFESSOR: Sounds like a deal to me. All you have to do is get back inside that chamber. We’ll do the rest.

(ROMAN SOLDIER looks at the time machine with a bit of skepticism.)

AVERY: Go on . . . it’ll be okay. 

ROMAN SOLDIER: (he looks around) This is a very strange place. I will have to alert the garrison commander. (then he enters the machine) Hail, Caesar! 

(PROFESSOR inputs the code sequence into the computer which starts the time machine [sfx].)

PROFESSOR: “Hail Caesar.” Oh, for the day when there are no more dictators, corruption, and evil in the world.

AVERY: No more evil? That’s hard to imagine.

PROFESSOR: I know, but it will happen. And hopefully soon.

AVERY: Do you really think so?

PROFESSOR: Yes, absolutely. The Bible clearly says that a day is coming when God will create a new heaven and a new earth where the curse of sin will be totally gone. And that means no more crying or pain, no disease, no death, no wickedness, nothing scary, in fact, there won’t be anything bad at all. 

AVERY: Wow.

PROFESSOR: But, best of all, Jesus will be there for everyone to see, reigning as King forever and ever. It will be wonderful beyond our wildest imagination! I can’t wait!

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Good Professor, I beseech thee. Wouldst thou be able to send me back as thou sent the Roman back?

PROFESSOR: Well, let’s see . . . (as he types something, then looks at the computer screen). Hmm . . . it looks like we finally have the proper coordinates. So, yes, I believe we can. And, I can send you back so that no one will even realize you were gone.

AVERY: Really? That’s great! 

PROFESSOR: So, Your Majesty . . . I guess that means it’s time to say good-bye. I’m so glad to have met you. (as he shakes her hand)  And I’m sorry for any trauma that we put you through.

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: Well . . . I will admit, at first, I was despondent, but alas, the experience turned out to be most enchanting.

AVERY: Good-bye, Queen Josephine. I hope our paths cross again someday. (then she hugs QUEEN JOSEPHINE)

QUEEN JOSEPHINE: As do I, fair maiden . . . as do I. (then she enters the time machine) Fare thee well, good people! 

(AVERY closes the door to the time machine. Then, the PROFESSOR inputs the code sequence into the computer, which starts the time machine [sfx].)

PROFESSOR: I liked her. I liked Queen Josephine, wife of Edward, the Gallant, King of Vestaland and all its territories. (then he notices AVERY deep in thought) Avery?

AVERY: What? Oh . . . sorry, I’m just thinking about what you said earlier. About the new heaven and new earth and Jesus being there. It sounds so amazing . . . but not everyone will get to go there, right?

PROFESSOR: That’s true. Only those who’ve believed in Jesus and are in his family.

AVERY: But . . . what if you’re not sure if you’re in his family?

PROFESSOR: Well, the good news is, you can be sure. Remember what I told you. That if you admit to God that you’ve disobeyed him and then believe in Jesus and what he did for you on the cross, you’ll be saved and adopted into his family. All you have to do is ask him.

AVERY: You know, it’s strange . . . growing up in church, I’ve heard that before, but I never took it seriously until now. Maybe it’s the history paper.

PROFESSOR: Could be. But the important thing is that you ARE taking it seriously. Because what you believe about Jesus will determine where you spend eternity. 

AVERY: Wow . . . that never occurred to me. But it’s true, isn’t it. What I believe about Jesus WILL determine where I spend eternity. 

PROFESSOR: Yes. That’s why he’s so important. (short pause) How ‘bout we go to the café and talk more about it.

AVERY: Really? That would be great!

(Then the time machine suddenly springs to life [sfx].)

AVERY: Oh, no! Now what??

(Then a Dragon roar [sfx] is heard.)

 (Theme music ending)