In 1784 due to calamitous conditions within their newly freed nation, the coastal trading was no longer able to support the people. American Patriots were forced to give up their only means of survival. Because of their desperation, many Americans ventured forth over oceans in search of the only commodity still saleable. Even the nabobs of their new nation sought it, with the sailing of the EMPRESS OF CHINA, February 22nd, 1784. TEA had brought their country to war with England, and now England controlled the seas and the China Tea Market. In their 60 foot Sloop the crew of STARS battled wind and sea, as they crossed unknown and uncharted oceans. Beset by Pirates, and deceived by foreign Nations seeking to keep the new-comers from what they deemed to be theirs...... TEA and OPIUM..the illicit path to fortunes Adventure, danger and intrigue were elements they fought on both land and sea. In the end the new voyagers found themselves forced into the smuggling of OPIUM "13 STARS EAST" is the first fictional novel in the Flying Stars series to explicate on he American involvement in what the world would forever call ....THE OPIUM WARS