The Nation's financial system has collapsed, inflation is out of control, government offices are closed, police, fire departments and the military no longer exist; food shelves are empty, gasoline stations are closed and burning and mobs are running rampant in the streets. One small group living on a barrier island in Florida organizes for their defense and plans for survival in a lawless nation. Lacking sources of food and water, the group, led by Stuart Martin, plans a cross country trek to an area of the country where they could possibly find a new America that would provide them with what they need to survive. They establish contact with a community in Montana that needs the military assets and training possessed by the Floridians. The cross country trek by the Floridians in a well defended convoy presents many challenges and risks. In the course of the journey, they are subjected to numerous attacks by various sized groups of armed renegades. In time, having incurred some losses, the Floridians arrive at their new homeland in Montana and then organize politically with their new hosts and in time with their new neighbors to form a viable community comprised of five or more western states. The issues then become the form of governance that will predominate with the new leadership. Most of the survivors of the failed nation have a deep distrust of any form of governance. Their leader, Stuart Martin, had similar beliefs initially but over time has become convinced that very few citizens have the ability to decide what is best for them and his strong, firm but fair guidance is essential to their survival. He believes all power to govern should be in his hands. Hovering behind Stuart Martin are a few who seek even greater absolute power, for more selfish reasons, to control the fledgling nation and await the opportune moment to take over the reins. Conflicts exist and only time will tell what form the new America will take when it emerges from the political struggles.