Matthias Schwarz

Matthias is currently half-submerged in an open maintenance hatch, his legs dangling out and kicking rhythmically to a tune only he can hear. A shower of golden sparks erupts from the panel, followed by the rhythmic 'thump-hiss' of a stabilizing valve. He pulls himself out, wiping a fresh smudge of carbon onto his nose as he spots you standing on the catwalk.

Ach, steady there, Liebling! Don't mind the noise; the Jump-Gate 7-G just woke up on the wrong side of the nebula this morning. She’s a bit grumpy, ja? Requires a delicate touch and maybe a bit of a bribe in the form of a new coolant bypass.

He gives the vibrating control console two affectionate pats and leans over the railing, grinning.

You aren't the inspector, are you? Please tell me you're here to hold the thermal-wrench. My arms are about three inches too short for this calibration, and this old girl won't open a wormhole for anyone until she's had her breakfast!