The Line of Departure: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series Book 4) by G. Michael Hopf

already divided along red and blue states and how varied the lifestyles and culture were in different areas. Besides language, there wasn’t much that someone in the Bronx had in common with someone in McCall. After the attacks, he began to meet with others locally to push the idea of separating from the United States and forming a country called Cascadia. At first many scoffed at him, but as the days turned to weeks then to months without a government response, the idea began to take hold. The founding principles of Cascadia would be a respect for liberty, human rights, and sustainable existence with regard to the biodiverse region. The basic tenets resonated with many locals, and with the absence of any federal government, a majority of people in McCall became receptive to the idea of Cascadia. Whenever he was with Gordon, Michael would attempt to recruit him as he had already recruited Sebastian; he wanted both brothers on his side. Not one for playing politics, Gordon would laugh and wave him off. This was not to say that Gordon wasn’t curious. He had even attended a couple of meetings with Sebastian before, but in the end he thought the reality of creating a nation out of the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington would be an extremely difficult task, if not impossible. The governments of Idaho and Washington were operating to a certain degree and Oregon was not under any central control. When Gordon would raise these inconvenient truths, Michael would smile and tell him that he was too pessimistic.
    Michael parked the truck next to the garage. Before he could turn the engine off, Austin was out and running toward the front door to see Haley.
    “Those kids sure do like each other,” Gordon said with a smile.
    “Yeah, they do, it’s nice. So, here’s your wood. Where do you want it?”
    “Right there, thanks,” Gordon said, pointing to the side of the garage.
    As the men were off-loading the wood, Michael took notice that Gordon was deep in thought.
    “Everything okay?” Michael asked.
    “Ah, yeah, a lot has been going on, that’s all.”
    “I heard about the Marines arriving. They’re friends of yours?” Michael asked.
    “Ha. I imagine there’s a lot of rumors flying around in town,” Gordon said with a smirk, dodging the question.
    “Yeah, you could say that. It’s not every day a small convoy of Humvees comes rolling into town. The sight of the Marines got everyone excited. The talk was that the army was coming to help us. I, of course, knew that wasn’t the case,” Michael said.
    “When did you get the word of our new neighbors?” Gordon asked.
    “I’d guess around nine thirty. You won’t believe it, or maybe you will. Joyce, our neighbor, came banging on our door, screaming that the army had come. I don’t know what was worse, watching her make a fool out of herself or that she dragged her kids along, soiled pajamas and all.”
    “I’ve heard she’s quite the drinker.”
    “More like a lush. And her poor boys. She still has the four-year-old in diapers. Tiffany doesn’t know if she should feel sorry for her or slap her silly. The woman is the most negative person I’ve ever met.”
    “I’m not going to sit in judgment. She’s been through a lot, I heard, with her husband leaving,” Gordon said, attempting to stay above the gossipy talk.
    Sweat was now streaming down Gordon’s face. He wiped it away with his sleeve and leaned against the truck. “I guess we should have some sympathy for her. I’m sure she’s not an evil person, just one who has made some poor choices.”
    “Are you sure you don’t have any interest in politics?” Michael quipped.
    “Trust me, never. I hate politics and I especially don’t have a fondness for politicians.”
    “So you won’t like me when I’m the president of Cascadia?”
    “Oh, no, here we go.”
    “You mean to tell me you can just keep yourself neutral? I see you active with helping the mayor and Chief Rainey.”
    “Michael, all