In the second volume we meet the new political characters who will be important. The prime minister of the United Kingdom; the presidents of France, Russia and China plus the new secretary general of the United Nations.
The United States had isolated itself from the rest of the world. President Slimbridge found it difficult to come to terms with the enormity of his actions. He surrounded himself with yes-men. Uprisings were quickly quashed until a group headed by General Beech became organised under the banner of Free America.
The Federation remained detached and was playing no part.
Most countries were furious that Slimbridge could have taken such drastic action as to blow up the UN, despite it being against the interests of all other nations.
America became even more isolated. Free America was gaining prestige, acting like a hornet at a barbecue, causing people to swat and miss, but generally have their lives spoiled. Slimbridge was furious.
The United Nations pleaded for help from the Federation and a new plan emerged; one which would allow all countries in the world to join the Federation with the exception of the USA which would keep its independence.
The vote was taken. The United States would retain its independence and the rest of the world would become part of the Federation. It was a unique situation and had never been attempted before in all the hundreds of thousands of years of Federation history.
President Slimbridge soon discovered that remaining independent and sharing the world with the Federation meant that the actions of the USA must not be allowed to harm the planet. Airlines were no longer allowed to fly outside the USA fifty mile coastal limit, and this also applied to US businesses operating cruise liners, fishing and other offshore businesses.
This is when I, Professor Rummy Blin Breganin, the author of this trilogy, arrived on the scene. I watched the effect of partition in the USA, but when I arrived in California, I discovered that the state was considering revolt and had declared a UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence). It wanted to break away from the USA and join the Federation.
We pick up the story as I make the decision to flee California. With my one bulging bag, I arrived at Los Angeles airport.