The Rendezvous (II) (2016)

Ronald Guttman: Charles Du Plessis

Quotes 

• Charles Du Plessis : Dr. Rozman, welcome. And who is your handsome companion?

  Jake Al-Shadi : Jake Al-Shadi. Uh, family friend.

  Charles Du Plessis : Come, Mr. Al-Shadi, you're with the U.S. State Department. You don't think I vet everyone that comes through that door? A man in my position has to be careful. You know what they say here? Trust in God, but tie up your camels.

• Charles Du Plessis : How much do you know about the Dead Sea Scrolls, Dr. Rozman?

  Rachel Rozman : Not much. I mean, I-I know that they were manuscripts and they were found in caves.

  Charles Du Plessis : Why did a team of religious scholars suppress them for forty-four years? On orders from the Vatican because they deny the virgin birth? But how could it be otherwise? Even the word "scroll" is misleading. Most of the Dead Sea manuscripts are badly damaged fragments. Those scraps have been pieced together creatively to translate into different meanings for different people. Togther they might shed light on the inspiration for the holy books of the world's great religions. It was your brother who encouraged me to play out a hunch that there might be more to be found. After four years of scouring caves, David found a new piece; not a fragment, mind you, a scroll, perhaps the largest ever found. Perhaps the key to the other texts, and then the prick stole it from me!

  Rachel Rozman : Mr...

  Charles Du Plessis : No, no, no, no. I didn't kill him. My passion for collecting only goes so far.

  Jake Al-Shadi : So who did?

  Charles Du Plessis : I wouldn't be wasting my time with the U.S. State Department if I knew.

• Rachel Rozman : Mr. Du Plessis, what was written on the scroll?

  Charles Du Plessis : I've never seen it. Hardly fair, is it, since I paid a fortune for its discovery.

  Jake Al-Shadi : What's it worth?

  Charles Du Plessis : An intact Dead Sea Scroll? Oh my, it's beyond price.

• Charles Du Plessis : You have heard of the Elgin Marbles, Dr. Rozman? Well, imagine the Du Plessis Scroll. Such a discovery can make a man's name last forever. It would be the centerpiece of my collection. Of my life's work. You see, my agenda is simple. I want what's mine back. Dr. Rozman, I'm afraid you have no idea how entangled you are in a very dangerous business. David and I were not the only ones scroll hunting. Word got out of our find. Several religious groups are interested in this manuscript.

  Rachel Rozman : Why?

  Charles Du Plessis : They think it's a prophecy; a road map to the end of the world. To these people, God's word and God's judgment are one and the same. There's a particular fanatical sect calling themselves the Armageddonites.

  Jake Al-Shadi : Catchy.

  Charles Du Plessis : They think the scroll will hasten their desired goal: the end of days. It's a call to arms, a trigger for World War III. Yeah, it sounds preposterous, but every day there are people all over the world killing one another for what they believe is the word of God. David was only one victim.

• Charles Du Plessis : In Jordan, you were shown a symbol, a road map, carved into his arm?

  Rachel Rozman : Yes!

  Charles Du Plessis : What does it mean?

  Rachel Rozman : I don't know.

  Charles Du Plessis : The Jordanian authorities won't lead you to the truth of his murder. Neither will the U.S. government. They have a different agenda, and they're not on your side. Despite David's disappointing actions at the end, my memories of your brother are fond. So if I can be of any assistance.