Lutèce Nehalem

Lutèce Nehalem (12–26) was a (link: page://MUkupukdmbC3NbCu text: human), notable for being widely considered the last of her species. Her existence and subsequent augmentation were the result of illegal genetic and surgical procedures conducted by her mother, Tula Nehalem, a medical practitioner specialised in xenote cloning at the (link: page://Ry2P3vVzpfPRzx6o text: Tallis Institute). Lutèce's life story is intertwined with significant ethical, legal, and scientific discourses surrounding augmentation, xenobiology, and the preservation of extinct species.

Early Life and Genetic Augmentation

Born prematurely in the year 12, Lutèce's survival was heavily reliant on immediate and extensive augmentation, due to severe health complications. Her mother, Tula Nehalem, utilized a reconstructed human genome from the (link: page://GUbAJvY5jSk92y6Q text: Martian Backup), implanting the sequenced embryo in herself to bring Lutèce to term. The augmentations, including artificial limbs and organs, were performed in response to Lutèce's critical health conditions, contravening Tallisite laws against the augmentation of minors.

Life on Tallis

Lutèce lived in secrecy on the Tallis Institute campus under her mother's care, where she received her education and ongoing medical attention for her numerous health issues, including several instances of cancer. Her existence raised profound ethical questions about human augmentation and the recreation of extinct species but remained a closely guarded secret until the year 21.

Legal Consequences and Departure

The discovery of Lutèce's augmentations led to Tula Nehalem's arrest, the revocation of her medical license, and an eight-year imprisonment sentence. Lutèce, having no legal status on Tallis or within the World Unity, left the planet, aiming to return to the Sol system, identified by her as her ancestral home.

Settlement on Haumea

Upon leaving Tallis, Lutèce settled on Haumea, a dwarf planet utilized as a refuge by mercenaries and outlaws within the galaxy. There, she offered her skills in starship repair to passersby in exchange for essential supplies. Despite her contributions, her health continued to decline, leading to her eventual decision to return to Earth.

Death and Memorial

Lutèce Nehalem died at the age of 14 on Earth, in Cascadia, choosing a location under a Pinus longaeva for her final moments. Her death is marked by a memorial on Haumea, established by those she interacted with, commemorating her and the human species.