Fighting a Hybrid (I)

"Hybrid!?"

Cain could hardly believe his ears when the Absolute Life Form System's robotic voice pronounced that single, momentous word. Shock rippled through him because, while hybrids were common and even seen as a natural progression in Aether, they were a grave taboo in the Nine Emperyans Suns Universe.

The xenophobic nature of that universe meant that any being who dared carry a mixed bloodline would face widespread condemnation, or worse—hatred and revulsion from nearly every power structure imaginable. Yet here, within the legendary Sky Sovereign Tomb, stood a hybrid. Even more startling, this hybrid seemed to belong to a highly influential organization, evident from the deference shown to him by those around him.