The story concerns a trio of contemporary French naval officers on patrol in the North Atlantic who reminisce about their experiences in the First Indochina War and the Algiers Putsch. The Doctor (Claude Rich) has returned to naval service after an unsatisfying civilian life. The Capitan (Jean Rochefort), suffering from cancer, is completing his final command.
The story centers on a group of contemporary French naval officers who are reminiscing about their experiences in the First Indochina War and the Algiers Putsch as they patrol the North Atlantic. The Doctor (Claude Rich) has returned to the navy after a disappointing civilian life, while the Capitan (Jean Rochefort), battling cancer, is nearing the end of his command.