The author continues his stories of life aboard a British man-of-war during the early nineteenth century 'Retirement' by the Admiralty is appointment to a non-existent squadron, contemptuously known as the Yellow Squadron His activities ashore as an MP and a generous landlord undo his success at sea, and the war continues to exact its demands With Jack involved in the blockade of Brest, and with Stephen Maturin still deep in secret intelligence, close action is guaranteed