Origin
The genetic programming that enables the superhuman abilities that metahumans possess is a direct result of an element entering the planet’s ecosystems. The saturation effect has resulted in about ¼ of 1% of the world’s population of humans developing these powers. The occurence rate in nonhumans is significantly lower, but they do still happen on occasion. This element’s properties created a spectrum of abilities by activating different genetic markers in people, we can reasonably predict the rough nature of a person’s powers with a simple blood test.
Metahuman powers typically develop around the time of a person’s final growth spurt, as the metahuman genes lock down the cellular aging process at that point. One of the curious side effects of this ability is that these metahumans stop aging once their powers activate. The aging process will not have an effect on them, and they seem to be more resilient to diseases and other illnesses than humans.
Screenings and Testing
There are several easy to use home tests to determine if a person has an active metahuman gene. Further, the Department of Education (with assistance from the Bureau of Metahuman Affairs) makes free screenings available to any student who wants to take them. Student athletes are required to get screened, as are students who participate in a variety of other extracurricular activities. The results are confidential, but do typically trigger a visit from an officer from the Bureau of Metahuman Affairs.
Typically, the school will suggest all the students in a given age range get screened at the same time so that the Bureau can send one officer for any metahumans that may be revealed in the screening process. Students with active metahuman genes aren’t treated any differently from other students while they attend their current school, but they have the option to transfer to one of the Metahuman schools at their earliest convenience.
Powers
So what’s it like to be a teenager that suddenly wakes up one morning with superpowers? It’s a traumatic experience for most. Newly developing reflexes and muscles are forming, enhanced sensory abilities are triggering constantly without any sort of training, alternative forms of movement are triggering themselves, etc. These gifted children are coping with abilities that virtually no one they’ve ever met has had, and they have virtually no one they can talk to about it.Resources
However, most police forces (even the most rural police departments) have access to a Mark 23 DocBot. These are investigative and communication models designed to help the community understand the newly developed metahumans in their midst. They are constantly scouring the local area for signs of metahuman activity and trying to help the metahumans in their community. They are often the first encounter a metahuman has with something/someone that understands them.
The BMA will send an Officer to make contact as well. There are very specific laws as well as programs that Metahumans can take advantage of. The BMA officers (the ones that respond to these first contact situations are always Metahumans) are there to help the Metahuman understand their place in the brave new world they find themselves in. They can also help them with any legal paperwork they need to file and are tremendous assets to the newly powered metahuman. (Most of these First Contact officers maintain long relationships with the kids they meet, and help provide a touchstone for their lives)
Finally, the Metahuman is contacted by a financial advisor from the UME corporation. Doc provides a stipend (as well tax advice, retirement accounts and a host of other financial services) for students, and an advisor to help them with any questions they have.
Most Metahumans take up the agents on their offers of escort to the Metahuman schools, and the agents will sit down with them and help them figure out which school is the best fit for their abilities. From there it’s usually a helicopter or a plane ride to a new school.
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