London: Hodder & Stoughton, (2006). SIGNED hardcover first edition - The 7th novel in the Tom Kydd series, which follows his career in the British Royal Navy from pressed man to Master. #641 in the limited edition of 1000 copies, SIGNED on the title page, numbered and stamped. Laid in is a SIGNED promotional postcard and a bookmark. "Thrilled at his first command Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness.. . But his jubilation does not last long - peace is suddenly declared and Kydd is left ashore on half pay. A rare chance gives him the opportunity to go to sea once again. He sets sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales - and challenges that will test both his seamanship and his humanity to the limit." Nautical chart endpapers, ribbon bookmark bound in. 345 pp. ISBN: 0-340898550.