Thrilled at his first command, a little brig sloop called Teazer, Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness. The Napoleonic wars continue and he is desperately needed to defend Malta against Barbary corsairs, ferocious privateers and the French who are trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant. His jubilation does not last long - peace is suddenly declared and Kydd is left ashore on half pay. A chance to set sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales will test both his seamanship and humanity to the limit.