Felinamorph

The Felinamorph are a bioenginnered Genemorph Sophont, developed by Bastet MCRE. They have a small but notable presence in Libertan space, though they constitute less than a percent of Libertan citizens. Originally designed to serve in hospitality roles for Bastet's cruise-ships and hotels, Felinamorph ownership was outlawed by the Rights of Sophonts Act in E2.Y411. Today, Felinamorphs work in a variety of industries suited to their skills and biology, such as counseling, medicine and hospitality. However a pervading level of prejudice against Felina continues to play a role in Libertan society, forcing many Felinamorphs to work off the radar in sex industries.

Biology

The beer was cheap swill. But she moved with a sway that hypnotised every man in the room, and the women too - even when they pretended to have eyes only for their husbands. The music drowned out her voice, and the power had a habit of flickering ominously. But they didn't care, they came for her, not here.

Felinamorphs build upon the genetic advances made with the creation of the Lupamorph template. Bastet R&D was unable to access a copy of the Lupamorph template due to patent restrictions, but used extensive study to determine the successes of the Lupamorph project. The lessons learned from that project were incorporated into the Felinamorphs. Bastet created a Sophont tailored to obedience, with a strong desire to please and entertain, and a gregarious, extroverted personality.

Physically, Felinamorphs tend towards being smaller and lighter than Libertan standard anatomy. They rarely breach 1.6 metres of height. Felinamorph's most important markers are sharpened canine teeth, a prehensile cat-like tail, and feline ears. Their features tend towards being sharper, and with hints of a feline presence.
Felinamorphs also share a greatly improved healing capability with other Genemorphs, derived from Salamander DNA included in their creation.

History

Bastet MCRE, as the leading provider of hospitality services in Libertan space, commissioned the creation of Felinamorphs in E2.Y330. They began as a proposal by Bastet CEO Jules Selenia, who wished to provide a unique point of difference to the 'Bastet Experience'. The plans were approved by Bastet shareholders and the creation of their genetic template took place over the new decade, costing Bastet an estimated 40 billion credits.

Felinamorphs were unveiled in E2.Y344, and went into commission the same year. They proved a wild success, and "Felina Hosts" were found across many Bastet hotels, cruiseships, resorts and restaurants. Bastet restaurants were derided by many competitions in particular, and became infamous for the often provocative outfits of their Felinamorph hosts and hostesses.

I met her after the show, leaning in an alley with a Vape to her lips. She gave me a cold glare as I approached. "Just wanna give ya a card." I told her, a chip with a flickering holo offered between two fingers. "Liked ya voice. Call me if ya ever wanna record. You'd be a star."

The Rights of Sophonts Act was passed in E2.Y411, leading Bastet to decommission their use of Felina Hosts. The resulting dip in customer visitation saw Bastet's share price drop sharply, and the corporation would later be forced into a hostile merger with Calius Hotels in E2.Y444.

Life since freedom

Many Felinamorphs were left penniless and homeless after the act, and resorted to using their natural charms in other ways. Felinamorphs found work as escorts, prostitutes, exotic dancers, holoporn actors, and many other unregulated, potentially dangerous jobs. The prevalence of Felinamorphs in sex-related work has led to the districts that offer these services to be termed Meow Streets colloquially.

Though organisations such as the Genemorph Rights Syndicate have been founded in the 400 years since, many Felinamorphs still struggle to find a steady career, and they are generally considered one of the most marginalized and poverty stricken groups in Libertan space.

The concert of the year. Luna Cat, the greatest popstar of our generation, live for the whole of HERMES. And I'd found her. I was rich.

Notable individual such as popstar Luna Cat and actor Rikel Tamasi have placed Felinamorphs in the public consciousness, and helped to educate the average Libertan. But anti-Felina discrimination remains common in work places and public spaces.

Libertas State Patent

Patent No.: 189,555
Date of Patent: D7.M8 E2.Y341
Patent Filed: D1.M2 E2.Y339
Application No.: 217,122
Patent Holder: Bastet MCRE, Tokyo City, Libertas.

Abstract

Genetic template for Sophont level chimera hybrid, tailored for hospitality, personal assistance and service duties. Chimeric DNA contains feline, canine, salamander and human genetic markers, combined with original gene constructs. Resulting lifeform will exhibit obedience, and a strong desire to please peoplea round them, as well as a tendency towards gregarious and outgoing personality traits.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Genemorph

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

1.4-1.6 metres