The HMS Vengeance is anchored off the coast of Hong Kong
The main character, Dirk Struan, is about to disembark on the island to take possession of it for Britain
Hong Kong is an uninhabited island known for its large natural harbor
Struan has coveted the island for 20 years and sees it as a key step in gaining access to the rest of China
Struan is a large, red-headed man with a reputation as a legend in the trade industry, armed with two knives and accompanied by his younger half-brother Robb
Struan reflects on the events leading up to the takeover of Hong Kong and his plan to defeat China in war
Struan plans to use the island as a base for his trading empire and to bring civilization to the area