As an Irish-Catholic and a reputed coward, Lieutenant George Markham is a marine with something to prove. When his commanding officer is killed at sea, Markham seizes his chance—and finds himself at the helm of a creaky frigate crewed by malcontents. Now, Markham must gain the crew's respect, teach them to fight as a unit, and lead them into the heart of Revolutionary France on a mission they aren't expected to survive.