About The Authority
The Authority is the unified administrative structure that has governed and protected the surviving population of the United States since the catastrophic events of 2032. For 25 years, we have provided essential services, maintained security, and rebuilt civilization from the ashes of collapse.
Our Mission
To protect, serve, and rebuild. To ensure that the 203 million lives lost in the Collapse were not lost in vain. To build a secure future for the 137 million who survived.
What We Do
The Authority operates as the comprehensive governance structure for all 15 protected zones, providing:
- Essential Infrastructure: Power generation, water treatment, waste management, and communications systems that keep protected zones functioning
- Public Safety: Security forces, emergency response, and law enforcement protecting citizens from threats internal and external
- Border Management: 47 checkpoints providing regulated, safe passage between protected zones while preventing Belt contamination
- Economic Services: Employment coordination, resource allocation, trade regulation, and financial systems
- Healthcare: Medical facilities, disease prevention, and public health infrastructure
- Education: Schools, vocational training, universities, and cultural preservation programs
- Historical Preservation: Documenting the Collapse, preserving truth, and educating future generations
Our History
The Collapse (2032)
On April 7, 2032, cascading infrastructure failures triggered the most catastrophic event in American history. Power grids failed nationwide. Water treatment systems contaminated supplies. Communication networks went dark. Coordinated domestic extremist attacks prevented recovery efforts.
The federal government proved unable to respond. State governments collapsed. Local authorities were overwhelmed. In nine months, 203 million Americans died from starvation, disease, violence, and contamination.
Learn more about the Collapse at the Authority Historical Archives →
Authority Formation (2033)
When government failed, private enterprise stepped in. Five major corporations with surviving infrastructure—power generation, water treatment, communications, security, and logistics—pooled their resources to form The Authority.
The Founding Five:
- Continental Power Systems (electrical infrastructure)
- AquaTech Solutions (water treatment)
- SecureNet Communications (telecommunications)
- Sentinel Defense Industries (security and protection)
- GlobalChain Logistics (supply and distribution)
These five corporations unified under a single administrative structure in February 2033, creating The Authority. Their combined infrastructure became the foundation for protected zones—regions where power, water, and security could be maintained.
Protected Zone Establishment (2033-2035)
Between 2033 and 2035, The Authority established 15 protected zones across the United States:
- Concentrating surviving populations where infrastructure could support them
- Restoring power, water, and communication services
- Providing security against the violence and chaos of Belt regions
- Rationing limited resources to ensure maximum survival
By 2035, 128 million survivors lived in protected zones with restored essential services. The Authority had prevented total civilizational collapse.
Recovery Era (2035-2045)
The following decade focused on rebuilding:
- 2036: Economic systems reestablished, employment programs launched
- 2038: Education systems restored, schools reopened
- 2040: Healthcare infrastructure rebuilt, medical facilities operational
- 2042: Department of Border Management established, checkpoint network created
- 2045: Protected zone populations reach 132 million (positive growth for first time since Collapse)
Modern Era (2045-Present)
Today, The Authority governs 15 protected zones housing 137 million citizens. We provide comprehensive services that maintain civilization, protect populations, and build toward the future.
Our Structure
The Authority operates through several major departments:
Office of the Director General
Executive leadership providing overall governance and strategic direction
Department of Border Management
47 checkpoints managing inter-zone travel and protecting against Belt contamination
Department of Infrastructure
Power, water, communications, and essential systems across all protected zones
Department of Public Safety
Security forces, law enforcement, emergency response protecting 137 million citizens
Department of Economic Management
Employment, trade, resource allocation, and financial systems
Department of Health Services
Healthcare facilities, disease prevention, public health across protected zones
Department of Education & Culture
Schools, universities, vocational training, cultural preservation programs
Authority Historical Commission
Documenting the Collapse, preserving truth, educating future generations
Our Leadership
The Authority is governed by the Office of the Director General and departmental leadership teams. Our leaders come from diverse backgrounds—corporate, military, academic, and civil service—united by commitment to protecting and serving protected zone populations.
Our Values
Core Principles
Protection: The safety and security of 137 million citizens is our highest priority. Every policy, every decision, every action serves this purpose.
Service: We exist to serve protected zone populations. Essential services, infrastructure, security—these are not privileges but necessities we provide.
Truth: The Collapse happened because of infrastructure neglect, domestic extremism, and government failure. We preserve this truth so history never repeats.
Accountability: We are not perfect. We make mistakes. But we take responsibility, learn from failures, and continuously improve.
Rebuilding: Our mission doesn't end with survival. We're rebuilding civilization—stronger, safer, more resilient than before the Collapse.
Transparency & Accountability
The Authority publishes annual reports documenting our activities, expenditures, and performance across all departments. We believe citizens deserve to know how their governance structure operates.
- 2056 Annual Report (Published March 2057)
- 2055 Annual Report
- 2054 Annual Report
- View All Reports →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did corporations form The Authority instead of rebuilding government?
A: Government failed during the Collapse. Federal, state, and local authorities proved unable to respond to the crisis. The Founding Five corporations had surviving infrastructure and resources that could immediately save lives. Bureaucratic reconstruction would have taken years—during which millions more would have died. The Authority formed because it was the only entity capable of immediate, effective action.
Q: Do citizens have representation in Authority governance?
A: The Authority operates through professional administration rather than electoral democracy. Given the emergency conditions following the Collapse and the need for rapid, coordinated response, traditional democratic structures were not feasible. As protected zones stabilize and populations recover, discussions about increased citizen participation in governance continue.
Q: Why are Belt regions restricted?
A: Collapse-era contamination from damaged chemical facilities, breached nuclear sites, and environmental degradation makes many Belt regions hazardous to human habitation. Between 2033-2041, over 2,400 people died attempting unauthorized Belt crossings. The checkpoint system provides regulated, safe passage along verified routes while protecting travelers from contamination.
Q: Can Authority policies be challenged or changed?
A: Yes. Citizens can submit formal inquiries, complaints, and policy recommendations through official channels. The Authority reviews all submissions and adjusts policies when warranted. Significant policy changes undergo review by departmental leadership and the Office of the Director General.
Working With The Authority
The Authority employs over 800,000 personnel across all departments and protected zones. Career opportunities span infrastructure, security, healthcare, education, administration, and more.