Business as Usual

When the Astra descended from their sky aeries for the first time in hundreds of years, it was to demand those on the ground fulfill the covenant of their ancestors. No one expected the level of chaos and turmoil that would follow upon the refusal from those who made their homes on the ground.

For the memories of those below were notoriously short. They’d forgotten—or pretended to forget—the accords that allowed them to exist.

War raged. Thousands on the ground’s side died.

The Astra emerged victorious. Their only demand—one hundred tributes. Hostages who would dwell among the clouds forever more. Should the last one fall, another hundred would take their place. Until the Astra deemed the grounders pledge fulfilled.

Else war would come once again.