April 1, 1800... Stephen Maturin, an Irish doctor, nudges a young Royal Navy lieutenant, Jack Aubrey, who, enthusiastic about music, spoils his pleasure of hearing a quartet in the Governor's drawing room at Port Mahon (in Minorca). After dinner, these two terribly different men discover they have a lot in common. Aubrey plays the violin, Maturin the cello; they become the best of friends. Napoleon then reigns over Europe. The only one not to be subject to his influence, England, thanks to the finest navy of all time, exercises an implacable blockade against the continent. Aubrey has just been appointed lieutenant aboard a sloop, "La Sophie." He is preparing to hunt down all foreign ships in the Mediterranean. He is missing a doctor on board. So, quite naturally, he suggests that his new friend embark with him.