Captain Jack Aubrey commands H.M.S. Lively, on squadron duty off the coast of Toulon, running a frigate-picket blockade of the French fleet. H.M.S. Lively's normally-appointed captain is a member of parliament and thus away in England on political duties; Aubrey has thus been appointed temporary command. Because of his many successes in a short period of time, Aubrey is held in incredible regard by the stern and professional crew and officers of H.M.S. Lively. Blockade duty is notably boring, particularly damaging to morale, and wearing on ships. Supplies are running remarkably low—so low, in fact, that those who can dine on rats caught in the hold.
The ship is approached by a messenger cutter who tosses over bags of mail and dispatches. Aubrey learns that he has been commanded to break station and proceed.....
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