Human's a possibility? Interesting...

Human's the base for all the species in the setting.

Just the (genetically) unmodified/lightly modified ones at the top of the societal food chain that claim the identifier, though.

Person with cybernetics? "Human"
Person with anime catgirl ears and tail and no other alterations? "Human"
Person with green skin and orc tusks? Yup, still "Human".

Anthros of any species? Not referred to as "human" regardless of how far back they or their ancestors were altered.

Oh, not that. I didn't realize they could be altered after they were born. That's what I thought was implied - don't admit you started out human. No?

Ah, yes, alteration's possible thanks to story-required-mag----err, nanotech. ;)

Hence Doc's initial questioning of "do you remember being a domestic feline?" "Do you remember being female?" etc.

And back on the preview page/page zero "you can be whoever or whatever you want, provided you have the resources..." Depending on procedure, it can be expensive, and in some cases restricted with legislation that doesn't explicitly prevent anyone from altering species further but in reality tends to keep the status quo unless one has the funds to pay various "fees". ....unless one wants to move down the social ladder, then reasons might be found for offering compensation/subsidies in some cases. Doc will briefly comment on the reason for the widespread rats in the area a few pages from now. (three, I think)

For the "main" species (rat, rabbit, cat, dog) the gene tech is pretty standardized (though with some varying 'brands'/'versions', which are mostly compatible). Anything specialized (like Exotics in general or minor mods as noted above for 'what is human') is usually custom-tailored, typically requiring a medical corp's level-5 AI to design. Custom-made, as with anything else, always means more expensive.

And blackmarket's expensive simply because of sales restrictions on nanotech as well as limited by the general lack of level-5 AIs since they're generally tied to a corp's hardware due to system requirements. ...unlike lower level AIs which can usually be swapped between hardware or mobile units.

Previously the restrictions on the tech weren't nearly so tight, but there have been certain "incidents", at least one of which will be mentioned several chapters from now.

Your reply was the reminder I needed to come back and read all the questions I had on my mind.

Thanks

You're welcome :)