"In the late 20th century, hostile forces inside the United States grow strong. The city of Los Angeles is ravaged by crime and immorality. To protect and defend its citizens, the United States Police Force is formed. A presidential candidate predicts a millennium earthquake will destroy LA in divine retribution. An earthquake measuring 9.6 on the Richter scale hits at 12:59 p.m., August 23rd in the year 2000. After the devastation, the Constitution is amended, and the newly-elected President accepts a lifetime term of office. The country's capital is relocated from Washington, D.C. to the President's hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia. Los Angeles Island is declared no longer part of the United States and becomes the deportation point for all people found undesirable or unfit to live in the new "moral" America. The United States Police Force, like an army, is encamped along the shoreline, making any escape from LA impossible. From the south-eastern hills of Orange County to the north-western shore of Malibu, the Great Wall excludes LA from the mainland. The President's first act as permanent commander-in-chief is Directive 17: once an American loses his or her citizenship, they are deported to this island of the damned and they never come back."