In the near future, an existential threat to the nation is manifested in what becomes known as "the Cleave". The threat of an actual physical division between states becomes real. Out of this crisis an entity is formed to offer an opportunity to avoid the coming dystopian future. A small group of life-long friends responded to the promise of hopeful possibilities and future with this entity. The friends find themselves torn between denial of the fact the country they grew up in is dissolving and the leap of faith required to save their future. In the end, a twist of fate intercedes and hastens a conclusion. The author is John Mamone and currently lives in Atlanta, GA. The author has been involved in marketing and product development for forty years. He has traveled frequently to Asia and Europe developing product for national and international companies. He enjoys coaxing new sounds from his guitars and coaxing new life from old cars. He has two sons.