Napoleon's forces are poised to invade Britain & Commander Thomas Kydd's ship is at the forefront of the fleet defending the English coast. His honour restored after temporary disgrace in the Channel Islands & reunited with his ship Teazer Kydd seizes the chance to fight for his country. Then Kydd is abruptly withdrawn from the fleet & sent back to Dover on a secret mission to guard a mysterious American inventor. Having worked his way up from press-ganged seaman to captain of his own ship Kydd is furious to find he will miss his opportunity to prove himself in battle. & Kydd's baffled superiors are equally angry to lose Kydd & his ship at such a dangerous time. Yet Kydd's role in the approaching war may be the most crucial part he has ever played.