THE SUB-STACKS

## SUMMARY

Consisting of simple concrete structures at its core, and improvised structures and lean-tos at its edges, the Sub-Stacks is a densely populated zone beneath the floor of Alta Turre. The area is under Posthuman control as their core base of operations, and sees little petty crime as a result.

## HISTORY

The Sub-Stacks were first created in the year 2045 as a byproduct of the revitalization project that launched the Lower Commercial District. In order to create an idyllic shopping and dining district, a false floor was constructed at the base of the city, leaving the bottom-most two levels of the megatowers buried beneath. Citizens living in those levels, or the levels designated to become commercial structures, were forced under. While efforts were taken towards community health, such as the installation of massive solar-panes meant to mimic the cycle of day an night, as well as stimulate vitamin production in the sun's absence, the conditions within the Sub-Stacks were initially unlivable. The sudden influx of those who had lived in areas re-zoned meant an excess of bodies with a shortage of homes.

Access to the Lower Commercial district from the Sub-Stacks was almost entirely cut off, the only exceptions being left for any of those visiting from above. While this rule was enacted as a means of quarantining the growing gang presence in Alta Turre's lowest levels, it meant that those in the Sub-Stacks were subject to the whims of the multitude of small street gangs that called the area home. Frequently, inter-gang conflict would result in civilian casualties from collateral damage.

After the re-capturing of the LCD, and the subsequent formation of the syndicates, conditions began to improve within the Sub-Stacks. More housing was re-opened in the LCD, even including some establishments being converted into makeshift apartments. This expansion of available space, as well as the formation of syndicate families with political structures and agreements, meant a less cramped and far less violent Sub-Stacks. The move above ground was also greatly encouraged by the first appearances of the Children of the Old One. These humanoid creatures would, on occasion, work their way into a more populated zone, appearing to be searching for food. It was not uncommon to find small shrines that were presumable constructed by the Children, though what the shrines were praising was unclear.

In 2110, with the launch of the third generation of ATAS units, and the disbanding of the ATSF, the Posthumans relocated their most essential personnel underground, claiming the Sub-Stacks as their home territory, though retaining their assets in the LCD. Initially, residents of the Sub-Stacks anticipated this to end in subjugation, but the Posthumans made it immediately clear that they came bearing a fair deal. The Posthumans offered security and order that the Sub-Stacks was sorely missing, allowing for adjudication in disputes, as well as enforcement of an agreed-upon list of laws. In exchange, they asked for their claimed areas on the edges of the Sub-Stacks to be left alone, as well as a substantial discount at any businesses operating within their new territory. Some objected to the deal, feeling that any type of rule, regardless of how benevolent, was inferior to absolute freedom. Still, the majority living in the Sub-Stacks saw the new occupation to be a net positive.

Security under the watch of the Posthumans was called clearly into question in the 2133 attack by the Children of the Old One. While the following attempt at a rescue endeavor, and the incurred losses to Posthuman lives resulting from this attempt, did much to reassure the citizens that the Posthumans were not simply uncaring, it did nothing to change the fact that a tragic event had occurred under their watch. In response to this, the edges of the safe zone were clearly established by the construction of a guarded retaining wall around the slums. In the years following the attack, this wall has been steadily moved out, pushing into the dark to claim as much territory as possible. While there have been some instances of the creatures attempting to approach the wall, said instances were few and far between, and were immediately met with lethal force.

## REFERENCES

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