Facing the Flag · Chapter
On Board the Tonnant explained
After the failure of Lieutenant Davon's mission with the Sword, the English authorities assume the submarine was lost.
What happens
After the failure of Lieutenant Davon's mission with the Sword, the English authorities assume the submarine was lost. A new multinational naval expedition is assembled to bombard Back Cup island. The squadron arrives on November 17, and the next day a cruiser is sunk by Thomas Roch's fulgurator, proving Ker Karraje has the weapon. The French cruiser Tonnant leads the attack, but before the bombardment can destroy the cavern, a massive explosion obliterates Back Cup. The landing party finds only mangled corpses, except for Simon Hart, who is found alive with his notebook. From his recovery, it is deduced that Thomas Roch, moved by the sight of the French flag, deliberately blew up the magazine, destroying the island, Ker Karraje, and himself.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Destruction
The fulgurator's immense destructive power is demonstrated, sinking a cruiser and ultimately destroying the entire island.
Revenge and Vengeance
Thomas Roch's final act is a vengeful sacrifice against the pirates who exploited him, destroying them and their hideout.
Madness and Genius
Thomas Roch's genius invention leads to catastrophic destruction, and his final decision is driven by a patriotic epiphany that borders on madness.
Characters to notice
- Simon Hart
Found alive among the ruins of Back Cup, clutching his notebook; recovered on board the Tonnant and provides the account of Thomas Roch's sacrifice.
- Thomas Roch
Moved by the sight of the tricolor flag, he deliberately caused the explosion that destroyed Back Cup, himself, and Ker Karraje's pirates.
- Ker Karraje
Presumed dead in the explosion that obliterated Back Cup; his pirates were seen on the rocks before the blast.
- Lieutenant Davon
His earlier mission with the Sword is referenced as having failed.
- The Sword
The British submarine that was lost on the earlier expedition.
Key passages
“Moved to his very soul at the sight of the tricolor flag, being at last conscious of the crime of lèse-patrie he was about to commit, Thomas Roch rushed through the passage to the magazine where a considerable quantity of his explosive was stored. Then, before he could be prevented, brought about the terrible explosion which destroyed the island of Back Cup.”
Seeing the French flag stirred Thomas Roch's patriotism, making him realize the treason he was about to commit. He ran to the magazine and set off the explosion that obliterated Back Cup.
Climactic moment of Thomas Roch's redemption and sacrifice.
“The effect of the explosion, which was superior to any previously obtained by new explosives, was instantaneous. Even at the distance they were from the spot where it occurred, the four remaining ships felt the shock severely.”
The explosion was more powerful than any known explosive, and the shock was felt strongly by the other ships miles away.
Demonstrates the terrifying power of Roch's fulgurator.