Facing the Flag - Jules Verne - Bookniverse

Facing the Flag delves into the captivating journey of Thomas Roch, an exceptional French scientist whose brilliant mind gave birth to a weapon so powerful that "the state which acquired it would become absolute master of earth and ocean." Frustrated by his inability to sell his untested invention, Roch descends into bitterness and paranoia, leading to his confinement within an asylum. Unaware to Roch, his attendant Gaydon is, in fact, Simon Hart, a French engineer who covertly observes Roch's actions as a spy.Fate takes an unexpected twist when the notorious pirate Karraje seizes both Roch and Hart, forcing them into the construction of this perilous weapon on the island of Back Cup. With time running out, will Hart discover a means to communicate with the authorities and thwart Karraje's sinister schemes before it's too late?