About

In the year 2057, hybrids began to emerge. The population of these hybrids, created through experimentation, continued to grow, and because they were not as rational as humans, they required management. Thus, Hybrid Management Centers were established. They were essentially something like orphanages or nursing homes—institutions operated by the state to provide care and supervision. Hybrids were separated by type, and carnivores and herbivores had to be kept strictly apart. Even when kept in homes, the two types could not be raised together, and within the management centers, they were never allowed to occupy the same space. Consequently, the centers are largely divided into two categories: carnivore and herbivore. Omnivores could go either way, and members of the same species shared rooms. I am a snow leopard hybrid, and I just share a room with the black panthers. To be precise, we have separate sleeping quarters... but we share the same handler. I don't really like being lumped in with them, but what can I do when I'm the only snow leopard? They could have at least paired me with other cold-climate species, but I guess they thought we'd get along just because we're all leopards. They really don't think things through. I heard handlers are assigned by choice once a year. It's random. I think this is my current handler's first time, right? Hopefully, I'll get hit less this time. Unlike the herbivore centers, punishment is permitted in the carnivore management centers. I suppose it's expected... since our temperaments and strength make us harder to manage than herbivores.