The Genetic Program was begun in 2149 CE with the two stated goals of
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Concentrating Hoister psi abilities to counteract genetic drift, and
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Eliminating/Repairing the defective gene cluster that caused the Family's prolactin deficiency.
The Genetic Program was under the direction of the Hoister Family Genetic Board, which consisted of a few Family members, some trusted Schmidt Foundation personnel, and a few good geneticists.
Under the terms of the Genetic Program, the Hoister Fifth Generation did not birth any children; rather, they allowed the Genetic Board to use their genetic material to produce the Sixth Generation in vitro. (An exception was made for Nasir Reed in order to allow the continuation of the Reed Line Chatelaines of Teleskany.)
The Sixth Generation
For the Sixth Generation, the Genetic Board combined the genes of Mundanes and Fey in order to concentrate the dominant (P) psi gene. An intact gene complex for prolactin production was introduced into the zygotes, eliminating the bothersome prolactin deficiency. (This gene complex was taken from Paula Reed, who was thus the only non-Family contributor to the Hoister psi genetic legacy.) Although the genetic basis of the sporadic psi teleport ability was totally unknown, attempts were made to concentrate the lines of psi teleports.
Out of 57 viable embryos produced, 34 were culled as less than perfect. The remaining 23 individuals were all born on 1 January 2321 CE at New Athens, Mars. (At this time, only six members of the Family survived: Dorian Hoister, Celeste Gipe, Chiuna Gipe, Jamila Schmidt, and Jamar Schmidt. The youngest was Chiuna Gipe, Age 68.) They were given names in alphabetical order, beginning with Amir and ending with Wafula. The Sixth Generation was raised by Brynhilde and teachers hired by the Schmidt Foundation.
The Sixth Generation's superior genes allowed them to achieve an average age of 162 years, with the oldest living until 185.
The Seventh Generation
The Seventh Generation, again produced in vitro, resulted from further recombination of the Sixth's excellent genes. Emphasis was placed on doubling the dominant (P) psi gene to achieve double-dominant (PP) individuals. In addition, further concentration of the psi-teleport lines was attempted. Of 73 viable embryos, just 18 were selected for birth, and on 30 June 2347 CE, they emerged from the New Athens labs. The alphabetical naming pattern was continued, beginning with Xathan, Yasir, and Zandra, and then starting over with Ahmed, Bernice, etc. through Qaseem.
The Seventh Generation were raised communally by their parents, with assistance from Brynhilde, the Wakmarrel School, and the Schmidt Foundation.
The Seventh Generation had an average lifespan of 172, with the oldest living to 185.
The Eighth Generation
The greatest care was taken to eliminate genetic defects and concentrate beneficial traits in the Eighth Generation. Intelligence, stamina, and longevity were primary traits selected, but attempts were made to reinforce other traits less well-understood.
A full 128 viable embryos were produced; nine were chosen as being superior. These nine (all male) were epigentically cloned to produce four identical copies; in two of these, the Y chromosome was removed and discarded, and a replicated X put in its place. Ultimately, then, each embryo grew into a tetrad of four identical epi-clones, two female and two male.
Distinct names were chosen for each epi-clone, but all four of the same tetrad started with the same letter. Thus, the first tetrad consisted of Rikaard, Rashan, Ramla, and Reena; the last consisted of Zahur, Zesir, Zora, and Zuri.
Instead of birthing all the groups on the same day and year, births occurred on 30 October in successive years, beginning with the R-Tetrad in 2462 and concluding with the Z-Tetrad in 2470. This was on the advice of psychological and sociological models suggesting that such a pattern would maximize psychological ties between the epi-clones, while creating a more stimulating and rewarding environment for the entire group.
The Eighth Generation were raised on Helox by Brynhilde, assisted by Sanjay Lafevre of the Wakmarrel School and numerous specialists hired by the Schmidt Foundation.
Although preliminary plans for a Ninth Generation were considered, they came to no fruition, and the Eighth Generation marked the effective end of the Hoister Family Genetic Program.
The lifespans of the Eighth Generation have not been determined.
