# XV: Expectation explained — Facing the Flag

> Chapter companion for Facing the Flag by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Simon Hart recovers consciousness after the collision and is questioned by Engineer Serko about the kidnapping. Hart feigns ignorance, claiming he was attacked by strangers and knows nothing of the submarine Sword. Serko explains that the Sword was raised and its crew perished, but Hart and Thomas Roch were saved. Hart learns that his message keg reached Bermuda, but his chance for escape was lost. The pirates, now alert, fortify Back Cup with Roch's fulgurator engines and maintain constant watch, fearing further attacks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imprisonment and Escape

Hart remains a prisoner, his hope of escape dashed after the Sword's destruction, yet he continues to plot and maintain his cover.

### Deception and Identity

Hart deceives Serko by feigning ignorance about the kidnapping and the Sword, preserving his secret role as an informant.

### Technology and Destruction

Roch's fulgurator engines are being mass-produced for defense, capable of destroying any approaching vessel.

## Character check-ins

### Simon Hart

Recovers from asphyxiation and feigns ignorance during Serko's interrogation; continues to maintain his cover as a prisoner.

### Engineer Serko

Questions Hart about the kidnapping; attends to Hart's recovery; discusses the Sword's destruction and the pirates' defensive preparations.

### Thomas Roch

Survived the collision and has returned to work in his laboratory; his fulgurator engines are being installed for defense.

### Ker Karraje

Mentioned as the leader; Hart speculates on his reasoning about the Sword's appearance and the need for defense.

### Lieutenant Davon

Perished in the collision along with his crew; Hart mourns him internally.

### Captain Spade

Mentioned as conferring with Serko about the defensive situation and the possibility of abandoning Back Cup.

## Key lines

> I conclude that a number of ships must have been pillaged during this marauding expedition.

Hart deduces that the pirates have plundered many vessels based on the goods brought back by the Ebba.

_Hart's observation of the pirates' continued looting._

> If Ker Karraje and Engineer Serko are under the necessity of defending Back Cup, three or four will be sufficient to render the island unapproachable, as they will cover a zone which no vessel could enter without being blown to pieces.

A few of Roch's engines could make Back Cup impenetrable to any ship.

_Hart's assessment of the defensive capability of the fulgurator._

> Gallant Lieutenant Davon, gallant crew, may England, may the civilized nations, never forget that you have sacrificed your lives in the cause of humanity!

Hart honors Lieutenant Davon and his crew as heroes who died for humanity.

_Hart's internal tribute to the fallen British sailors._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/facing_the_flag_se/chapters/xv-expectation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/facing_the_flag_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/facing_the_flag_se/chapters