"I'm going to ask you a few questions before coming to a definite decision," said Justin.
"Sane enough," Ortine replied amiably.
Justin began, "On my first visit here I noticed a Roman legionary a few doors down the corridor."
Ortine nodded. "Right—Marcus Rutilius Catanio. A very well-balanced young man."
Justin said, "When you first discussed with me the madmen of history who have succeeded—you'll pardon an apparent digression—it occurred to me afterward that you failed to mention the Christ."
Ortine made a deprecatory gesture. "My dear fellow, I can never be certain how deep such spiritual beliefs go in any of you humans. I thought it more tactful...."
"This Marcus Rutilius What's-his-name," Justin went on. "From what Dr. Phillips just told me, it is his job to prevent the Christ from going to Jerusalem."
There was a gasp from Deborah but Ortine ignored the interruption. He said, "Of course, Justin. It is my intention to remove much of the world's sense of guilt by preventing your Christ from dying on the Cross."
"I thought as much," Justin nodded. "I have also considered what such a removal of guilt, as you call it, would do to our world. It would not only mean the end of Christianity—it would mean it never had a beginning. For a Christ without his martyrdom would no longer be a Christ."
"I had no idea you'd be shocked," said Ortine, puzzled.