Designer Genetics

By the year 2043, technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 have allowed selective gene editing to proliferate. The breakdown of International laws have enabled ethical considerations to be waived in lieu of financial interstes. As such, gene editing technology is available for those who have the resources. Billionaires and trillionaires can live incredibly long and healthy lives, appearing to be youthful well past their first century, while the poor struggle and die early with preventable diseases. 

Gene editing in this world is a double-edged sword. It promises to revolutionize human potential but carries the risk of exacerbating social inequalities and creating unforeseen biological threats. The Joes find themselves navigating this complex landscape, fighting for a future where humanity's potential is unlocked without sacrificing its core values.

The Boons:

Enhanced Performance: PMCs like COBRA and elite government forces are at the forefront of utilizing gene editing for enhanced soldier performance. They can tweak genes to increase strength, stamina, and pain tolerance, creating super soldiers with unparalleled physical capabilities.

Designer Elites: The wealthy elite utilize designer genetics to ensure their offspring are born with superior intelligence, exceptional physical traits, and even resistance to certain diseases. This creates a growing social divide between the genetically enhanced and the unaltered.

The Busts:

Unforeseen Mutations: Gene editing is still a nascent science, and unintended mutations can have disastrous consequences. Soldiers with enhanced strength may develop chronic health problems, or designer babies might suffer from unforeseen genetic defects.

Black Market Eugenics: Criminal organizations like the Steel Dragons offer black-market gene editing services, promising desirable traits at a steep price. These procedures are often unregulated and highly risky, leading to disfigured or even fatal outcomes for those desperate for enhancement.

The Illusion of Philanthropy: M.A.R.S. offers life-saving cures to scores of unfortunate volunteers, with mixed and unpublished results. The full details of their efforts is as of yet unknown.

The Joes' Dilemma:

The Joes face a moral quandary when it comes to gene editing, not to mention the prohibitive expense of safe treatments.

Ethical Concerns: They are wary of the slippery slope of designer genetics and the creation of a genetically superior elite.

Tactical Advantage: However, they recognize that Cobra and other PMCs may have a significant advantage if they possess super soldiers.

How the Joes Use Gene Editing:

Limited Applications: The Joes may use gene editing sparingly, perhaps to enhance the immune systems of their operatives or counter specific toxins used by COBRA.

Focus on Training: They believe in maximizing the potential of their soldiers through rigorous training and advanced weaponry, emphasizing skill and teamwork over genetic manipulation.

Other Factions and Gene Editing:

Ironclad: Struggles to regulate gene editing due to conflicting national interests. Some member states may secretly pursue the technology for their own military advantage.

Hivemind: Hacks into genetic research facilities and black markets to steal data on gene editing advancements, potentially selling it to the highest bidder. While they can access the software and coding for gene editing, it becomes incredibly difficult to source the hardware and components necessary to do it on a mass scale, even with the help of the Hivemind.

Ghost Riders: May scavenge equipment from abandoned genetic research labs, not fully understanding its dangers. Labs in what was San Francisco are rife with this tech, but the irradiated nature of the ruins prohibits long term exploration.

Green Resistance: Opposes gene editing as another tool for corporate control and social division. They may target facilities where designer genetics are practiced.

The Uprising: May view gene editing as a tool for empowering themselves against the elite, potentially seeking black-market enhancements or stolen technology.