It is 1788 in New South Wales, and dawn is breaking over the ramshackle camp where British convicts and their masters are waking up to another dangerous day.

Reverend Johnson leads the community in prayer on a hot beach as they bury another poor soul who has succumbed to the hardships of life. After shouting is heard from out at sea, some marines are gesturing that their fishing nets have been slashed. Elizabeth and Tommy marriage is later blessed by Reverend Johnson in the partially built church.