Chapter 1 Summary

Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin, a medical man of science, are close, particular friends of long acquaintance, having sailed together on previous occasions. They again join together on a prolonged voyage of the H.M.S. Surprise, a Royal Navy frigate. Captain Aubrey is entrusted with the task of transporting a political delegation to Kampong, many thousands of miles distant. On the way Aubrey and Maturin worry about Sophie Williams and Diana Villiers—their respective love interests. Unfortunately, the ambassador dies of ill health when the journey is nearly complete and Aubrey turns the ship around. He falls in with an English fleet under attack from a French naval squadron and leads a spectacular and successful defense before landing at Calcutta for repairs. In Calcutta, Maturin engages Diana's lover in a pistol duel and kills his opponent while receiving a dreadful wound...