Under the sunlight, the pirates looked at Michel with sweat running down their foreheads. Their eyes met, uncertain, like beasts accustomed to violence who, for the first time in a long time, felt an invisible pressure tightening their chests. No one knew whether they should attack.
A heavy silence dominated the ship's deck until the voice of their leader rang out, dry and full of contempt. He was also rank 7.
"Since when have you all been such cowards?" His gaze swept over each of those present like a knife. "You are pirates. You have raped, plundered, killed... You have bathed in the blood of innocent people, pregnant women, and children. And now, for a mere young man who is not even twenty years old, you dare to tremble?"
His voice hardened.
"Don't hesitate. If you do... I'll kill you myself."
