The Peace of Amiens has ended.
Nathan Beauchamp is ordered home for reassignment to the rebuilding fleet.
He has missed the packet so must return as first officer on the Brig HMS Sampson. As the damaged Sampson sinks, Nate captures the attacking Privateer cutter Bateuse and discovers the privateers began attacking British shipping prior to the start of the war; that makes them Pirates. He also learns the pirates have an encampment on a nearby island.
Nate decides to attack the camp. A cutting out expedition results in the capture of the renegade leader Roseau.
Roseau's captured ship, the Vipere, is taken into the King's Navy. Her original name HMS Falcon is restored due to politics, and Roseau is exchanged to the French for an influential Kingston plantation owner.
Soon Roseau takes up his old trade once more.
Admiral Skinner recruits Nathan for one more mission.