In 1868, Maryland's embryonic maritime law enforcement agency, the State Oyster Police, set out on its mission to enforce the states laws on the Chesapeake Bay. The force, quickly dubbed The Oyster Navy, met stubborn and often violent resistance. Haynie McKenna, the agency's deputy commander, serves as captain of the steamer Leila. With a crew of untested officers, he heads to the Honga River in search of a rogue waterman, Marrok Blanchard and his sons.