Once the squadron is formed, Aubrey and Maturin are very publicly instructed to disrupt the African slave trade, now illegal, but the true mission of the squadron is to intercept a French invasion force which expects a sympathetic welcome in Maturin's native Ireland.
Aubrey and Maturin are very publicly instructed to disrupt the African slave trade, now illegal. The squadron is formed. The true mission of the squadron is to intercept a French invasion force. This French invasion force expects a sympathetic welcome in Maturin's native Ireland.