Chapter 12.
A few time passed from the day that the ship left England and was directed to Virginia. John tried to find the opportunity for a discussion with his old friend Thomas. Finally, he was sure that Thomas was so outlandish because of the accident 5 years ago. If Thomas thought that John was the culprit of the accident which happened 9 years ago, he was wrong. John had a big heart and he was willing to forgive his journey was pretty easy at the begging. The first storm hit the ship after a month;
Haul on the brace! Panicky voices was heard and the crew was upset. - Come on, come on! - Do your best! -Watch out! -Faster! She's taking on more water! -Look out! Suddenly the cannons were broke apart. Thomas was a little bit of clumsy and weak at this part of his job and as much as he didn't want to do that, John was the Captain and he had to ask his help. -John! Get down here! -The cannons are breaking loose! John came quickly near to Thomas. - Reef the topsails! - Yes, sir! - Steady on your course. -It's all right, Thomas. We'll get her tied off. -Say your prayers, men! -Thomas, watch it! John saw a big wave which came to the ship. John knew how to treat situations like that, so he held tightly the cannon's rope as he was looking Thomas who fell at the cold, scary sea. -Help-(thomas screamed) - Man overboard! - Help! - Stay your course! He's lost! - Help! John was brave. He was also a good friend. He couldn't leave his childhood friend to die. He would try to save him, even if he would risk his life. Moreover, he had do that again for Alexander. Without a minute he cried; - Pull the pins! - Aye, sir! -Smith! Smith! -Are you crazy? Yes, from one side, he was crazy. If the crew member would lose his Captain the panic would dominant. But he had to do this. He jumped to the water. A pain pierced his whole body because of the case, but it was passable because of the way that he dived. He swam until to reach Thomas, he grabbed him and with all the straight held him. It was a little bit of difficult 'cause the water made both him and Thomas heavier. -Hang on, Thomas! I've got you! -Quick! The rope! -Heave! -Come on, lads! Pull! - Pull! Pull! - Put your back into it! - Pull! - Pull! - Hang on! -There, my lucky lads. John felt a weakness but then pulled it back, took Thomas' hat and after strained it said: -Well, that was refreshing. -Well done, Smith. -Of course, you'd all do the same for me. - Oh, sure, sure. -Of course we would. - Sure, yes. Yeah, we would. -Absolutely! Everyone at the ship marveled John Smith. And he was happy for this. After all, this was his dream. He didn't want to show his sadness, his excited, his happiness, his weakness and so on. He wanted to be positive every time. - Trouble on deck? Governor Ratcliffe heard. Behind him was Wiggins with an umbrella. - Thomas fell overboard, sir. - Thank heavens he's been successfully retrieved. - Well done, Smith. - Thank you, sir. John Smith knew Ractliffe. He was so excited the day that took the list and learned that he would travel with Ractliffe the big Governor. But when he met him something with him bothered Smith. The big Captain had the ability to understand what was hidden inside people's heart and Ractliffe was a ruthless man at his opinion. Governor Ractliffe was jealous of Smith's fame but he took advices from him and John was the only one- except Wiggins- that Ractliffe would discuss about the trip at the New World. -Don't lose heart, men. It won't be long before we reach the New World. -And remember what awaits us there. Freedom, prosperity... the adventure of our lives. You're the finest crew England has to offer, and nothing not wind nor rain nor a thousand bloodthirsty savages shall stand in our way. Carry on, men! A stirring oration, sir. I'm sure the men were most exhilarated. Let us hope so I'll need those witless peasants to dig up my gold, won't I? Thomas was so thankful because he was alive, so he forgot everything and talked to John. This New World's gonna be great, John. I'm gonna get a pile of gold, build me a big house... and if any Indian tries to stop me, I'll blast him. You just worry about that fortune of yours, Thomas. - Leave the savages to me. - You think they'll give us much trouble? Not as much trouble as Smith'll give them. We'll kill ourselves an Injun Or maybe two or three We're stalwart men and bold of the Virginia Company John was sure that this savages was very hard to die, but not if they would be opposite him. -What do you suppose the New World will look like? -Like all the others, I suppose. I've seen hundreds of new worlds, Thomas. What could possibly be different about this one? John didn't want to get excited very easy. He didn't want to fly, to reach the clouds because he was afraid of the fall. When his mind got clear he asked Thomas; ''Thomas, why did you tell at the crew ship that you didn't know me? And which is your connection with.. Oh, forget it''. Thomas closed one- two times his eyes, took a deep sight and murmured '' Yes, I had a connection. And I am so embarrassed because I dare to look at you, and you save my life instead with me that...''. He stopped and John told '' I think I know ''. Thomas took again a deep sight, but this time it was accompanied with confusion. ''No, you don't know. You want some explains and I will be the one that will give you them. We traveled together for 4 year. You always was better than me, but you always was my best friend and the boy that was willing to help me. And I betrayed you. When Captain Roger died a new Captain came at our ship, you know''. Thomas stopped for a moment because he wanted to hear John's thoughts. ''Captain White'' Smith added. ''Yes, Captain White. Do you remember the day that you left the ship? It was because of me. When the ship almost would got lose at the sea, because of a wrong turn, you thought that it was your fault. And you were brave, you got your inexpensive. But in actual fact it was my fault. I changed the map, but I didn't want it''. Thomas finished and lowered his head. '' I knew that. I understood that it wasn't my fault when I thought it again. But it was too late. It was a month from the day that I left the ship. I thought that it was you, but then I said- if Thomas did that, he would say that it wasn't me. He is a friend. My friend. I never knew that you would do that to me'' John said with a little bit of temper. '' My friend. I am so sorry. I am a coward. Captain White was very strict. If he would learn that I was the reason that we would got lose he would dissipated me from the ship. But I didn't think myself. But my father? He worked so hard to take this position at the ship. And if Captain would tell me to leave the ship, my father would come with me and he would lose his position at the ship. We would be hungry. But you were the only one that Captain White liked. He told to you to leave the ship, but he secretly sent you at another ship, remember that you quickly found Job? It was because of Captain's action. Forgive me, my friend.''. Thomas was sensitive and he wanted John Smith's friendship. ''I can't. You aren't my friend. I saved you, but you lied to me. If you would say me that you were the one that did this. I would save you and I would say that I did this, but you didn't tell me. And every time, until to learn the truth I felt qualms. You aren't my brother any more. From this time I am only Captain Smith''. John was really nervy. He stood up and walked to his room. And the ship was closer to Virginia, to his new life, to his one and real love... Hey, how was it like? Thanks my readers. And don't forget. If you read my story, ..