Sparker

Appearance
Sparkers are Terrans with metallic-looking skin and short or synthetic hair (if any). Most sport burns from close extended contact with electricity or explosives. Missing or damaged eyes and fingers are not uncommon. Over the generations, they seem to be getting shorter and heftier.
Physicality
Sparkers were originally engineered, usually against their will, to mine asteroids and speed construction of The Wheel. Their skin and even some flesh has been replaced by a Cryosheath meant to withstand extreme cold. The dermal layer is usually conductive, and Sparkers are so named for their ability to wield fire and electricity from sockets in their hands, fed by fuel bladders within their body. Their size can fluctuate up to 35% of their total body weight based on current fuel levels. While still susceptible to punctures from blades, projectiles and energy weapons, they have a distinct lack of physical feeling, and for that are often subjects or fear, awe or pity in Terran society.
Culture
For the most part, Sparkers work within one corporation or another, and form clans and families within the corporate culture. By design, most Sparkers have a highly developed sense of smell, to recognize gas leaks, smoke, and toxins. This makes them extremely picky about their ingestion. When they find something they like, however, they will indulge heavily. They are intensely loyal, and highly empathic. Although insular, they are capable of surprising emotional depth and support to their close friends.
A popular game of Sparker invention is called “Blammo,” a derivation of hot potato using long metal bats and live explosives in Zero-G. Other species love to watch it and many zero-G stadiums exist to accommodate it. Though few other species dare play, Terrans have derived a safe version for childrens’ parties and corporate retreats.
Systems & Corps
Sparkers were initially created by HIVE Energy and Novak Cantor pharmaceuticals, implemented without official consent, as justified to their miners through an employment NDA. Since the absorption of HIVE by Terran Systems and the release of the Sparker patent, some of the stigma behind Sparkers has dissolved. But many Sparkers still hold a strong distrust for corps, and the Sparker Rebellion of 2283 still looms large in Terran memory. Sparkers who manage to go off-grid find intense satisfaction there, and will often coerce others to join them, or in extreme cases, try to take the whole grid down.