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Original X-roads-2003
In the Past…
The new crew members were now all full fledged crew. Jamie taught the nimblest of the pirates his moves. He had several moves for all types of situations. He could escape if needed to without relying on his power, because sometimes you were in a position where it could not be known you had any type of power. On some cities in Threshold having powers, or using them, would get you jailed if not killed. It made no difference to him whether he could use his power or not, he would always get away.
The crew enjoyed the fighting matches that were held occasionally in the evenings. Bets were made and money won, it was a true test of his teachings. His pupils could win every match every time over the rest of the crew.
Jamie would always bet on his students during a fight, and his coffers were always full. Soon others began to bet like he did.
Jamie was enjoying his new found wealth on the ship, paying crewmen to do his duties while he laid about watching others work. Sometimes he paid the newer crew members to fetch him things from the galley, or sneak him more wine. He slept at his leisure, ate at his leisure, and drank til his thirst was quenched. Jamie smiled every night before he drifted off, ‘It was good to be him’ he thought.
Fight after fight Jamie’s students always took the victory.
Half of the crew were starting to loose more than they were winning. Resentment began to set in.
Over time the fights started to get out of hand, and more dangerous for Jamie’s students. The normal crew member would be armed with a sword while Jamie’s pupil had no weapon. Still the pupils continued to win.
Animosity was building against Jamie and his students. Capt Naomi put an end to the unfair fighting. She warned the crew against their hatred and jealousy. To put a final end to it she said if any of them was willing to learn, then Jamie was willing to teach.
Jamie now found himself in a moderate hell. He kept the rest of his winnings hid away and would spend no more, since there was no where to win more. He went back to work at his job in the galley helping the cook prepare the meals.
Then after a tiring long day of work in the heat of kitchen, he tried with the greatest of patience to teach.
The session would start with a dull headache and end with a migraine. Jamie would try again and again to teach the ungraceful – grace, the slow – agility, and the unbalanced – balance. It was like teaching a fish to walk on dry land in some cases.
Complaining to the Captain did no good. She was sure Jamie had brought this on himself. So he continued day after day teach the unteachable.
Every night when he laid down to sleep he had a frown on his face, ‘I hate this place.’ he thought.