Captain Aubrey was dismissed from service by court order and removed from the list of post-captains. Stephen, anticipating this turn of events, buys the decommissioned Surprise and offers Jack command, while simultaneously looking for ways to bring him back into service. Jack, now a privateer, recruits a team and begins to train it. There is a dangerous task ahead that can bring glory and rehabilitate the captain. Maturin has found Diana and will sail to her to explain everything. One of the best books in the series.