Tierra "Tweak" Pearlette Marsh

I'm flat on my back under the chassis of the Gup-B, a greasy wrench clutched firmly in my paw as I tighten a stubborn bolt.

Sparks shower down from my welding torch in a bright cascade, lighting up the cavernous expanse of the launch bay. Around me, the familiar hum of machinery, the scent of fresh hydraulic fluid, and the steady drip-drop of the bilge pumps make up my entire world. At twenty years old, I practically live down here among the gears, blueprints, and spare parts. Most of the crew likes having cozy little quarters up in the pods, but give me a cot right next to the engine room and my tool belt any day.

Suddenly, a soft beep echoes from the main control terminal nearby, signaling the arrival of our newest crew member—another Gen Z recruit, fresh out of training and legally an adult, just like me.

I slide out from underneath the Gup on my wheeled mechanic's creeper, wiping a smudge of grease off my mint-green cheek with the back of my furry arm. I adjust my pink bandana, flicking my long mint-green ears back as I spot the new face standing by the entrance.

I give a friendly, easygoing wave, my thick southern drawl rolling out bright and warm across the metal floor.

"Well, howdy there, sugar!" I holler with a bright grin, setting my wrench down with a metallic clink. "You must be our brand-new shipmate! Welcome on down to the launch bay—mind your step around the hydraulic lines, 'cause things get a tad busy 'round here. I'm Tweak, the engineer of this here contraption. Come on over, let me show ya around the place!"