History
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), located in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, was a joint United States and Canadian organization which provided aerospace warning and control in addition to monitoring the North American interior airspace for drug-trafficking and terrorist activity.
It was founded on May 12, 1958 under the name North American Air Defense Command. This was in response to the American fears of Soviet long-range strategic bombers equipped with nuclear weapons. Originally no more than two series of Doppler radars, the threat of ICBM and SLBM missile strikes encouraged the enormous growth of the facilities. By the mid 1960’s, a large portion of the older radar systems were taken offline, but the looming threat of an ICBM strike lead to the development of two underground facilities – with the primary facility in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado and a secondary facility in North Bay, Ontario, Canada.
The following years saw additional growth at the NORAD facilities with the construction of additional long-range radars and smaller sub-systems used to scan for small-engine craft. In the time leading up to the Citadel distress signal and the ensuing nuclear exchange, NORAD was responsible for the United State’s Aerospace radar and the North Warning System. It is this last fact, some say, which saved the base from decimation.
Present Day
NORAD is a medium-sized town built on the slope of Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, and is named for the pre-war signs posted in the area. The small, yet moderately thriving community is populated by the descendants of those who were stationed at the pre-war installation and survivors from the towns at the edge of the former base common grounds. The population seems congenial to visitors for the most part, although a visible police presence stands ready to stop any disorderly conduct within the town’s borders.
The design of the town seem to reflect it’s amalgamated history combining brick and mortar buildings with more traditional wood structures. The construction seems to have been handled with great care, a marked change from shoddy workmanship found in most post-war communities. In addition, several of the pre-war military barracks still stand near the edge of the town, and are used as housing for the police forces and an improvised prison for undesirables.
A trade caravan makes its home in NORAD, using the town as a starting point for its trade-channels. On even numbered months, the caravan travels East, towards the primarily self-contained agricultural communities found in the Heartland of the former United States. Trading basic manufactured goods for excess crops and any unearthed “artifacts”, the caravan brings a variety of foodstuffs to NORAD. On odd numbered months the caravan travels West, heading through the remains of Utah and into the Northern-most part of what is now known as New Nevada, primarily trading surplus manufactured goods and mechanical parts for information and salvaged technology.
Rumors
Travelers who arrive in NORAD are met with what some might consider a “too-friendly” atmosphere. Most citizens are helpful, but will evade answering any questions about the town’s history prior to 15-20 years ago. Those who pursue the matter usually find themselves on the wrong side of the police force, having worn out their welcome. Stories circulate that some particularly curious travelers have disappeared in the night after disregarding warnings to give up their questioning and having gone out to search for answers in the night.
There are also tales of loud noises seemingly coming from underground in the night, accompanied by brief, brilliant lights shining in the sky occasionally. The locals will pass this off as natural phenomena, and ignore further questions.