Set in the not too distant future, this is the story of two estranged brothers traveling separate roads in life during a time when America has become obsessed with safety and security. Eventually, their paths meet, bringing them together again for a common goal. With rising crime rates and frequent terrorist attacks, the government abolishes states' rights and creates a national police force. Without the bureaucratic red tape of the now eliminated state and local law enforcement agencies, and under the iron hand of a corrupt federal police force, the crime rate drops dramatically. At first, the citizens are pleased with the changes, in spite of loosing some of their civil liberties, but eventually dissention and unrest develops among the more liberal minded. The dissenters are singled out and banished from government in an effort to stop the rebellion. Thus begins a struggle between two factions that draws the brothers deeper into the realm of "The Guard."