Abnormal Human

An abnormal human, or abhuman for short, is a term used to describe someone whose genome is predominantly humanoid (not necessarily homo-sapien) but where additional genetic traits are present which are not present / not active in standard humanoid DNA of that species. The abnormality comes in where there is no naturally occurring reason for the genetic material to have been introduced into active DNA sets. This precludes such things as, say, Caitian coupling with a Human and producing a half-human and half-caitain person who would naturally have some feline traits. This person born of those parents would not be considered to be an abhuman because their traits are found naturally and their genetic makeup has markers which point to the races of Caitain and Human.

Abnormalities & Traits

Abhumans, or abnormal humans, often exhibit a wide range of abnormalities, both visible and unseen, as a result of genetic manipulations. These alterations can lead to the manifestation of animalistic traits, such as feline ears or primate tails, or unique physical characteristics that do not align with any known species. However, not all abnormalities are visible. Some abhumans may possess enhanced innate abilities, such as increased intelligence or physical strength, mental abnormalities that allow them to process senses beyond the norm, or systemic abnormalities that cause their bodies to function differently from others of their species. It's important to note that some abhumans may not even be aware of their status. If their abnormalities are strictly medical and do not cause any harm, they might live their lives without ever being diagnosed as abhumans. This undiagnosed state is a common occurrence, further complicating the understanding and study of abhumans.

Visible Abnormalities

Abhumans often display physical traits that are the direct result of genetic alterations, leading to the manifestation of animalistic features. The range of these traits is broad and can include:

Animalistic Traits

Certain abhumans might display characteristics reminiscent of specific animals. For instance, feline traits such as cat-like ears or claws could be present, a result of deliberate genetic modifications incorporating feline DNA into the humanoid genome. Similarly, traits associated with primates, such as monkey tails, might be evident in some abhumans, a consequence of integrating primate DNA into the humanoid genome.

Unique Physical Characteristics

Some abhumans might possess physical features that do not align with any known species, such as having paws in place of hands or cloven hooves instead of feet. These unique characteristics often stem from intricate genetic manipulations that blend DNA from multiple species. Furthermore, abhumans might exhibit unusual patterns or amounts of body hair, a potential outcome of genetic alterations designed to integrate traits from species with differing hair distribution patterns.

Unseen Abnormalities

Abhumans often possess traits that, while not immediately visible, are the result of deliberate genetic modifications intended to enhance or modify certain abilities. These unseen changes can significantly impact an individual's capabilities and experiences. Examples of unseen abnormalities include:

Enhanced Innate Abilities

Certain abhumans might be genetically engineered to possess increased intelligence, a process that could involve integrating DNA from species renowned for their cognitive abilities or manipulating the individual's own DNA to boost cognitive function. Similarly, some abhumans might be engineered for enhanced physical strength, which could involve integrating DNA from species known for their physical prowess or manipulating the individual's own DNA to boost muscle development and function. Other enhancements can include dexterity, speed, agility, and even charisma.

Mental Abnormalities

Some abhumans might display mental abnormalities, such as the ability to process senses that others do not have. These traits could be the result of genetic manipulations designed to integrate sensory abilities from other species. Though, to be classified as an abnormal human, these traits must be naturally occurring and not the result of genetic manipulation.

Systemic Abnormalities

In certain cases, abhumans might possess systemic abnormalities, implying that their bodies function slightly differently than others of their species. These could be the result of intricate genetic manipulations that alter fundamental biological processes.

Causes

The causes of abhuman traits are complex and not fully understood. To be classified as an abhuman, an individual's genetic abnormalities must be naturally occurring and not the result of deliberate genetic manipulation. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of abhumans. The primary syndrome believed to be responsible for the development of abhumans is the Embryonic Alternative Intron Amalgamation Syndrome. This condition involves the spontaneous amalgamation of alternative introns during embryonic development, leading to the expression of abnormal traits. However, the exact mechanisms by which this syndrome leads to the development of abhuman traits are not yet fully understood.

Despite the lack of concrete understanding, it is clear that this syndrome plays a significant role in the emergence of abhumans. Further research is needed to fully understand the causes and implications of this condition and its role in the development of abhuman traits.

Theories

While genetic mutations can sometimes lead to detrimental effects such as diseases or health problems, they can also confer beneficial traits, such as resistance to diseases or enhanced abilities. The study of these mutations, particularly in the context of the development of abhuman traits, is a complex and ongoing field of research. It not only deepens our understanding of life and evolution in the universe but also has significant implications for the future. The causes of the Embryonic Alternative Intron Amalgamation Syndrome, which is believed to be a primary factor in the development of abhumans, are still being investigated. Several theories have been proposed, drawing from our understanding of genetic mutation in humans. These theories range from random errors during DNA replication and somatic and germline mutations to the potential effects of advanced technology and space-time manipulation. However, these theories are still in the realm of speculation, and further research is needed to fully understand the causes and implications of this syndrome.

Genetic Mutations

Genetic mutations, whether they occur randomly during DNA replication or as somatic and germline mutations, are a common cause of the development of abhuman traits. In the vastness of space, exposure to cosmic radiation or unknown chemicals could potentially increase the rate of these errors. Furthermore, the unique environmental conditions of space could potentially increase the rate of somatic and germline mutations, which occur in non-reproductive and reproductive cells respectively. These mutations could contribute to the development of abhuman traits.

Viruses

In the diverse ecosystems of the universe, unknown viruses could potentially cause genetic mutations leading to abhuman traits. These viruses could insert their own genetic material into the host's DNA, leading to the development of abnormal traits.

Advanced Technology and Space-Time Manipulation

The use of advanced technology such as transporters, replicators, warp drives, and the recent rise of time travel capabilities are under investigation as potential causes. The effects of these technologies and the manipulation of space-time, a common occurrence in advanced civilizations, on the genetic material are still not fully understood and are a major focus of ongoing research. However, these remain fringe theories due to the widespread use and safety records of these technologies.

Previously unnoticed syndrome

Another theory suggests that the Embryonic Alternative Intron Amalgamation Syndrome has always been present but has only recently been recognized due to advances in genetic research and diagnostics.

Interactions with Society

Abhumans, due to their unique genetic traits, often find themselves navigating a complex social landscape. While many abhumans may not even be aware of their status due to non-visible abnormalities, others possess traits that are impossible to ignore, such as distinct skin, hair, or eye colors.

Despite there being no legal barriers to abhumans leading full and natural lives within societies like the United Federation of Planets, and indeed most do, there are some who face challenges. Abhumans represent one of the last truly marginalized communities within many governments. These genetic abnormalities can lead to social issues, if not legal ones, in some places.

Such issues often manifest as a deep-seated feeling of otherness or being separate from the world and not part of it. This sense of isolation can lead to a higher occurrence of mental disorders within the abhuman population, including depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, and various personality disorders. It remains unclear whether these disorders are a direct result of the genetic abnormalities or are influenced by environmental factors, but it is likely a combination of both.

The societal interaction of abhumans is a complex issue that requires further understanding and empathy. As societies continue to evolve and understand the implications of genetic diversity, it is hoped that abhumans will be fully accepted and understood, allowing them to live without the feeling of otherness and to contribute fully to their communities.