In this installment, Mouse is unexpectedly thrust into the command chair when England's largest warship, a dreadnought named HMS Devastation, is captured by the French.

When Captain Bumper and Tom Andersen, along with the hapless Rian are taken prisoner, it is Mouse and the hardy Cleos who must devise a way to rescue their shipmates while ensuring that no harm comes to Cleo. The question becomes, is Mouse truly ready for command?

Meanwhile, the matter of the Shanghaied Jack Turner who last we knew had been stolen into Crown service by a Royal Navy Press Gang has taken a very unexpected turn as well.

Since their traumatic meeting and subsequent lifelong friendship forged aboard the HMS Urial and the tragedy of her sinking at the hands of Napoleonic France, the lads have become not only particular friends but have fully committed themselves to one another. They are homosexuals in a place and time where anything even resembling such a relationship is not only illegal and unacceptable in society, but in the Royal Navy is grounds for summary execution.

Yet they soldier on, attending to one another in every imaginable way.

What is sure and certain is that these young men are extremely skilled in their avocations-Mouse is an admirable midshipman seeking promotion with his eye on someday commanding a sizeable vessel of his own; Rian is the consummate first steward who always has his passengers' and officers' well-being on his mind and proves the fact through the excellent service and attention that he provides.

They achieve their success despite the constant Swords of Damocles suspended over them owing to their particular way of loving one another. They recognize the unfairness of it all but never once do they succumb to despair or useless negativity. Instead, Rian and Mouse continue to live their lives and maintain open and loving hearts.