Post-post-apocalyptic society can be fun.

In the 23^rd century, as Gaia's Curse starts to lift, Canberra is divided. Leaders of local communities revel in grandiosity in a political landscape pervaded by lust, betrayal and power struggles.

The nefarious Baron von Belco and his Coalition of the Largely Unwilling attempt to conquer North Canberra, resulting in the most embarrassing battle in military history. The Governor of Gungahlin just wants a quiet life, despite the machinations of his power-hungry Secretary. The demented Mud People of EPIC go on an epic journey to find the earthly paradise of Wagga Bay.

The Weston Union attempts to secede from the domains of the Warlord of Woden. Meanwhile the temptress Jezebel, Begum of Jerra, conspires to overthrow dear old Queen Doris of Queanbeyan. The Peoples Soviet Republic of Tuggeranong tries to liberate the peasants held in feudal servitude to the aristocratic Count of Condor, who is under siege by chicken rustlers. South Canberra remains as confusing as its street layout.

Yet Canberra is pervaded by the far-sighted legacy of a man long gone - a legacy and a prophecy.

Part One - Crispin Spalding 1

1. The Snows of Yesteryear 3

2. Prophecy 10

Part Two - Crispin VII 17

3. The President's Dilemma 21

4. The Flight of the Improbable 27

5. Embankment 33

6. The Battle of Belcoway 39

7. Kidnapped 45

8. Rescue 52

9. Ill Met by Goonlight 59

10. Bogans and Bogongs 66

11. The Governor of Gungahlin 71

12. The Battle of O'Connor Ridge 77

13. The Mud People 85

14. New Ideas 91

15. The Laird of Lyons 98

16. Blasphemy 105

17. A Taste of Coq au Vin 111

18. The Cooma Confederacy 117

19. The Brindabella Brigands 123

20. The Battle of Greenway 129

21. Convocation 138

Part Three - Crispin IX 145

22. Crispin Spalding's Legacy 147

About the Author 153