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He’s a little boy, and he wants to grow up to be a great man–just like his father.
He’s a slightly older boy, and his father isn’t a great man, and he must never have loved him. You don’t sell someone you love into slavery–do you? Maybe he didn’t know how bad it would be…. All he has now is his brother Liam, and Liam is everything good and brave and trustworthy in the world. He’s not as good as his brother–he never will be. He’s a disappointment–he knows that now–and he’s scared that maybe he is like his father after all.
He’s a teenager, and he’s just so angry all of the time. At least when he’s angry he doesn’t have to be scared. This crew hates him even more than the last, and he knows that he’s only survived this long because of Liam. Liam is so much stronger than him. Liam teaches him to read and to chart a course, and sometimes finds him a old second hand book. He enjoys reading and learning things, but what good is that to a slave–what good is he?
He’s still a teenager, and his life is still hell. Liam has a plan to get them out, but they must hoard their few coins, so that means no more books. He never gets to leave the ship so those books were his only escape, but complaining just makes him sound ungrateful for everything Liam tries to do for him. He’s just so tired of being angry and scared all of the time. It’s easier for Liam–the good brother. He’s the failure, and that’s all he’ll ever be. At least alcohol is readily available aboard ship and makes it all go away for a little while. And Liam, well Liam doesn’t have to pretend not to be disappointed anymore.
He’s still a teenager, and the crew have taken to plying him with drink. Apparently he’s more entertaining when he’s too drunk to stand. Well, at least he’s good for something other than just collateral when his brother leaves the ship–he can’t even remember the last time he was allowed to walk on land. But he didn’t mean to lose Liam’s way out…. He’s sorry Liam…. But Liam fixes it somehow because Liam’s a hero–Liam’s so much better than he is. They make it through the storm–it’s a good thing Liam made him practice navigation. They’re free, and Liam says that he could be a Captain someday. Maybe he can try. It would be so nice to not be a disappointment for once.
He’s a Midshipman, and it’s all thanks to his brother. Sometimes he thinks he must be dreaming. He doesn’t know how not to be a slave, but he is determined to make Liam proud of him. Those books he read as a child at least help him pretend that he’s had some formal education. He will not waste this second chance. As a Midshipman he is entitled to a wage. He knows that Liam is afraid that he will use it to buy rum, but he has something else in mind. After carefully measuring the footlocker he’s been assigned, along with his uniforms and accouterments, he goes shopping. After a moments panic when he got briefly lost–he’d forgotten how confusing a town can be–he finds his prize. The two novels, book of poetry, grammar text, introductory Greek primer, and navigation treatise he purchase fit like they were made for the small space. The crew makes fun of him when he refuses invitations to the tavern in favor of reading in his bunk, but he much prefers being known as the bookish brother rather than the drunk one.
He’s a Lieutenant, and good form is paramount. Rum leads to bad form, sailor, and don’t forget it. He still craves a drink now and then–or more than that–but he can’t let Liam down. So, he needs to get all of the liquid temptation off of the Jewel before they set sail. His brother is proud of him, and he’ll do almost anything to avoid turning back into a disappointment. A heroes’ journey for the Brothers Jones. He always knew that Liam was destined for greatness–he’s just so grateful that he’s being allowed to come along.
He’s still a Lieutenant, but he’s back to being a disappointment. Something about this mission feels off, but Liam doesn’t believe him. He knows that Liam is probably right–he’s always right–but he can’t stop worrying about this plant. Liam finally tests the plant just to shut him up. Liam was dying–it would have been his fault–but Killian saves him. It’s going to be alright, and Liam is going to talk to the admiralty–be a hero again, but…. Liam please don’t leave him…he’s so sorry…this is all his fault…Liam!?
He’s a pirate, and he’s not a brother anymore. He burns the sail and gives a speech and rallies the men. He’s surprised it works, but he knows the admiralty won’t listen to him the way they would to Liam. He can’t let the king get away with…. He can’t let the monster have such a weapon. He won’t let others die the way L…. If it wasn’t for him…. He’s angry–he has to stay angry to function–to keep from getting stuck in that final terrible moment…. Others pay for his anger…the king’s ships, a sailor named Edgar…. When he can’t sustain the anger anymore; well, that’s what rum is for….