Xaerians. That’s what the Kaecian Alliance dubbed our species after they took us away from the Helix Empire where we were created to be experimented upon. Though we remained confined to a single facility, the Alliance took the time to educate us and heal us. More than that, as we matured, they explained the complexity of our situation. The two groups have been warring for decades, and the Empire was seeking a new angle when they created us. Now, our existence alone was a beacon of hope for the native kaecians, the kaerets and kaexyrs. One that they are willing to take action for. While the two species share a recent common ancestor, they are unable to bare offspring together. Since the humans have come, they have begun to develop mixed packs, but mixed relationships are still only acceptable as passing companionship. Only in recent years have packs begun to form from long-term mixed relationships, including ones with humans. Many of these unions desire children. More than that, despite their interest and willingness, kaecian biology does not mingle well with cybernetic modifications. Another anomaly they seek solutions for. See, kaecian DNA cannot be mixed, even artificially, and result in anything viable. However, a little bit of human DNA corrects that. That human DNA is a key to the answers for both problems, but it’s a far cry from perfect; some xearians are sterile and cybernetic enhancements have had limited success. Still, it’s more than has been seen in the centuries since humans landed and brought such miracles with them. The Empire hasn’t sat idly by all these years, though. They’ve finally launched their retaliation to recapture their lost experiments. Still, we’ve tasted the fringes of freedom and we won’t give it up so easily. It’s a long trip, flying the scenic route back to avoid notice. While we’re making things as difficult as possible, the Universe, itself, seems to be helping as Cosmic Council distress beacon is caught in dead space. With no other possible rescue anywhere remotely near, and relations so tentative and new, the ship gains a passenger that can threaten everything. Book 1 of the StarForged Chronicles. I don't have plans for a set update schedule, yet, but looking like once or twice a month for now.