User:Aboshedab

Overview

Cloning, specifically postmortem cloning is the process in which a genetically identical copy of a person is produced from their genetic material, usually collect once the individual is deceased. Originally a technological feat invented by the Jargon Federation, it has now become a commercialized procedure as of 2461 following extensive testing by government and private entities. Presently insurance does not cover cloning.

History

The entrance of postmortem cloning technology for Humanity occurred when Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals were able enter a cooperative research agreement as of 2419 following extensive negotiation with the Jargon Federation, with the first viable model being produced three years later patented by Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. What followed was extensive cloning trials using test subjects and willing participants using numerous methods of cloning, all in effort to find the most suitable method of cloning. In effort to increase the pace of the research and reaching a larger sample of potential participants, Zeng-Hu signed numerous contracts to allow for further cooperative research while maintaining the sole patent holder on this technology.

As the end of 2460 approached, it was believed that the best method was found, ending this long tine of testing and entering the commercialization phase, which saw Zeng-Hu reap significant capital by retailing this technology to numerous facilities that could afford it across the galaxy. Presently cloning technology remains the crown jewel of Zeng-Hu's research, a source of pride to its employees.

Cloning Process

Once at a certified facility, the process begins with a genetic scan of the body. What follows is growing the body in a pod, a process which on its own takes around a month and requires constant supervision by staff to deal with any irregularities and anomalies throughout the process. Once the body is produced, therapy and treatment follows to deal with the side effects and help the individual recover, allowing a smooth reentry into society, which is believed to last another month at the minimum, depending on a multitude of factors.

Preemptive Genetic Scan

Wealthy individuals that are interested in being scanned preemptive are capable of doing so, but the process is both costly and time consuming. It requires numerous appointments over a few weeks before the scan is finalized.

Requirements

With cloning being a commercialized and delicate process, it comes with numerous caveats and requirements.

Physically, an intact nervous system is required for the genetic scan, with any damage to it resulting in exponential rise of risks to the process, ranging from genetic defects to complete cloning failure. Even a intact nervous system does not guarantee successful cloning.

Monetarily, the more high end the facility is, the better care, treatment and success chance is to be expected but with that comes the requirement of money as the process is extremely time consuming, it requires significant capital. While a upper class individual might be able to afford this easily, a middle class individual would need to exhaust their saving and the lower class might need to be indebted for life. In the context of Aurora, only Captains have postmortem cloning insurance but this does not stop you from purchasing your own insurance out of pocket if your character can afford it.

Side Effects

Cloning is looked at as a procedure where the benefits outweigh the negatives. An individual is able to brought back to life but it leaves them effected one way or another, which the extent to which they are effected differs, no one is cloned unscathed. The extent of these side effects depends on the level of care and attention that can be afforded.

Physically, the side effects are numerous, with some examples being muscle atrophy, weaker skeletal structure, weakened immune system, damaged organ(s) and so on.

Mentally, the effects can be diverse, ranging from short term memory lose, long term memory lose, depression, anxiety, irrational fears, existential crises and so on.

Character Examples

Anila Tejnani, a sixty year old distinguished floral scientist from Silversun who passed away after an unfortunate workplace accident. While she did not have insurance from her place of work, her wealth allowed her to contract a clinic to clone her in the event of death. The procedure ended with minor issues, namely muscle atrophy and weakened skeletal structure, which was taken care of after months of treatment and therapy. At the end of it, she was healthy and while still shaken about dying, she was able to resume her life as she did before, though it costed her most her retirement savings.

Bashir Aym, a twenty year old immigrant from Elyra. Through unfortunate circumstances on the streets of Biesel, they passed away. They were by no means wealthy or connected, his family using what little they had and what Bashir left behind, they managed to have him cloned at one of the more low-end clinics. The body was intact enough to be cloned and a new body was born with a weak heart and severe memory lose, leaving blank spaces throughout his mind, forgetting events and people. Though this was not all, now both his family and himself were now indebted for money they borrowed. Bashir now needs to overcome the coming hardship to repay what was taken and to push through the trauma of death.

Controversy

Just like genetic modification and prosthetics, postmortem cloning is a highly controversial topic. The galaxy is filled with numerous stances on all manner of things, with many believing that bringing a person from death is immoral, violating the sanctity of life and many other things which are impossible to cover considering the vastness of the galaxy.