In The Letter of Marque Jack, now a civilian, prepares to sail the Surprise, now owned by Stephen, as a privateer. Jack is bitter and is in low spirits about his dismissal from the navy, and dreads affrontal and disrespectful treatment from Royal Navy officers. However, he is strongly supported by his hand-picked crew, notably smugglers and Sethian religious fanatics from the fictional port of Shelmerston.