Genetic Allowance

Genetic Allowance is defined as how much genetic variance an individual can have before they are no longer considered human. Genetic Allowance is separated into four tiers.

Baseliners are humans no extra genetic modifications outside of gene therapy. Common genetic diseases are easily identified and remedied either before or right after birth. These do not count towards an individual's genetic allowance since it is technically bringing them up to baseline instead of pushing them past it.

Baseliners typically live to about 120 years old before suffering sudden genetic breakdown.

Near-Baseliners are identified as having at least one genetic enhancement. Some examples include increased intelligence, heightened senses, superior strength, or extended lifespan. A vast majority of near-baseliners only take extended lifespan and/or enhanced beauty.

Genetic enhancements at this level are free on most Order worlds, but individuals must carefully track their genetic allowance. Almost every important individual in the Order is a near-baseliner.

Borderliners push their genetic allowance as far as possible, taking in exotic or excessive amounts of mutations in order to gain an advantage over everyone else. An individual taking as many life extensions as possible could live up to around 1,800 years old before becoming aberrant.

Many gene clinics refuse to push an individual to borderline because accidentally going across the line usually results in the clinic being forcibly shut down and its workers prosecuted.

Aberrants are individuals who have exceeded their genetic allowance and are no longer considered human, losing their birthright citizenship as well as all of the rights that come with it. Aberrants are usually created on accident, and while it is not a death sentence, the status change is irreversible.

Individuals that purposefully become aberrant typically seek a sponsor. After the operation, the aberrant becomes the sponsor's 'property' and thus inherits some of the rights that the sponsor has. Sponsors are typically industries that require an aberrant's abilities.

A subset of aberrants, known as Aberrant Agents, are officially sanctioned individuals created for specific roles. Many Aberrant Agents serve as special forces or living supercomputers.