Brave Sea-Dogs tells the story of Captain Yuri, his Chief Mate Sasha, and their crew, all held hostage by armed men on the fishing factory trawler "Admiral Koba." The ship's dog, Taranka, usually likes a game, but snarls bravely at the intruders, defending his territory. The ship is caught in a net set from the shore, yet the crew must go about their duties even though violence hangs in the air. The ship cannot simply die. Can Yuri act wisely with armed guards on board? Other vessels moor ship-to-ship, the reefer Ienissei, the tanker Novorossysk. Their little convoy must sail under duress to anchorage inside port limits. Can Yuri unload his cargo, take on fuel, and receive cash from the shore - while grappling with his captors, but without killing people? Who are the real pirates? What is the value of a Kalashnikov-AK47? Can the "Koba's" Agent, Godspower, smoothen a safe passage through choppy waters for them all? Will Welcome, the stowaway found by Anna the Cook, be set free to migrate across the sea to his promised land? All the while Anna must tend to seamen who come to her galley for sustenance or to seek frozen Angels. As the parties to this maritime adventure dance their tragic ballets on the chlorophyll-rich high seas, will the brave sea-dogs add fat to their chests?"