It is 16 October 1829. Captain Samuel Nolbrow and his crew of the Mermaid await their last passengers before setting sail. The captain is impatient by the delay, but soon the Doctor and Bernice arrive. They set sail from Sydney. During the voyage, the Doctor makes the acquaintance of Professor Burroughs. The next day, they are rescued by the Comet. Captain Scott of the Governor Ready spreads rumours that the crew of the Mermaid were jinxed. Tensions run high, and the Doctor is busy keeping the four crews from fighting.