CommandThrilled at his first command, a little brig sloop called Teazer, Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness. He is desperately needed to defend Malta against Barbary corsairs, ferocious privateers, and the French who are frantically trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant. But his jubilation does not last longpeace is suddenly declared, and Kydd is left ashore on half pay. A rare chance gives him the opportunity to