26
A sweaty hand smacked his face.
Josh cringed, the side of his head flashing with pain. His vision blurred. Before him loomed a bearded man with a scar running from the corner of his eye to his chin. His attacker leaned in close. Hot putrid breath filled Josh’s nostrils. The foul figure laughed, turned to the other pirates and said something in another language.
When he turned back, his lips curled back over his blackened teeth.
“Menga tow, Star Runner,” he breathed.
He leaned forward and ripped the silver wings from Josh’s chest.
Josh sprang forward in protest, but the pirate gestured with his pistol. Hanging his head, he leaned back and lifted his hands slightly.
As the wretched pirate attached the Star Runners’ wings onto his own chest, Josh looked around the destroyed interior
