Imagine living life the way our forefathers did-a simple, uncomplicated black and white existence where major decision making was centred around placing food on the table for the family. What if that choice was made possible? What if a person could opt out of the rat race? Could you leave behind the convenience and comfort of the 21st century? Could a semi-independent state function with minimal interference from the outside world, and without modem technology? It took millionaire businessman Duke Branigan many years, and a huge amount of his personal fortune to create, but in 1981 the semi-independent Branigan County opened its doors for business. Cross that imaginary date line and one travels back nearly 140 years to a time where the convenience of those bygone days is acceptable, but progress is forbidden. Branigan County is no holiday camp, it is a commitment. Can it work? Do those who have chosen the good-life want it to work? And why does a man like McCreedie become so important to its survival?