Recombined

Humans genetically modified with triton DNA. On the surface they live where sea level rise has mostly wiped out the coastal cities, and are cut off by walls from the heartland. They face routine discrimination and the adoption of recombined children by human parents has been outlawed. They are however better suited than humans for the deep sea where they can collapse their lungs and equalize pressure, making them valuable workers for UDEX on Atlas Station.

Some recombined have outward indications that they have triton DNA, including gills and secondary eyelids. Others look identical to humans, identifiable as recombined only by their RCO tattoo.

The recombined were first envisioned by Peter Böcklin with his concept of de-speciation.