Swansea
Role
Mechanic aboard the Tulpar spaceship, responsible for ship maintenance and ensuring all systems function properly.
Appearance
Swansea is a tall, middle-aged man with distinctive features. He has short brown hair and blue eyes, with a noticeable belly that hints at his age. His expression often defaults to a frown. His attire consists of the yellow and red Pony Express polo shirt, paired with jeans and white and blue sneakers.
Personality
Swansea presents himself as a grumpy, old man with a tough exterior. He initially appears dismissive of his intern, Daisuke, often viewing him as more of a nuisance than an asset. However, beneath this gruff demeanor lies a more complex character. His actions, such as blocking access to the utility room to hide a working cryogenic pod, suggest a protective nature, especially towards Daisuke. Swansea's personality is marked by a mix of world-weariness and a hidden sense of responsibility towards his crew members.
History
Before joining the Tulpar crew, Swansea struggled with alcoholism but managed to recover, maintaining sobriety for a decade and a half. He mentions having settled down, getting married, and having children, though he expresses dissatisfaction with his life despite becoming what he calls a 'good man'. The exact status of his family life remains open to interpretation.
The traumatic crash of the Tulpar and the discovery of mouthwash on board lead Swansea to relapse into drinking. Throughout the events of 'Mouthwashing', he grapples with the deteriorating situation on the ship, often clashing with Jimmy and trying to protect the younger crew members, particularly Daisuke.
Relationships
Curly
The details of Swansea's relationship with Curly, the ship's captain, are not extensively explored in the available information.
Jimmy
Swansea has a highly antagonistic relationship with Jimmy. He sees through Jimmy's facade, viewing him as a selfish, wannabe hero and a 'lowlife parasite'. Swansea refuses to accept Jimmy's self-appointed leadership, leading to multiple confrontations throughout the game. Their conflict culminates in a violent encounter, though the exact details are unclear due to the unreliable narration.
Anya
Swansea and Anya share a positive relationship. They exchange information and seem to trust each other. When Anya confides in Swansea about Jimmy's sexual assault, Swansea's behavior towards Jimmy becomes increasingly hostile, suggesting he believes and supports Anya.
Daisuke
Swansea develops a paternal relationship with Daisuke, his intern. Despite initial gruffness, he often prioritizes Daisuke's safety over his own. It's theorized that Swansea may have been guarding the cryogenic pods to ensure Daisuke's survival. In a tragic turn of events, Swansea ends Daisuke's suffering after the latter sustains severe injuries, an act that deeply affects him. In his final moments, Swansea speaks of Daisuke fondly, lamenting the young man's fate.
Trivia
Swansea's blocking of the utility room, claiming it was filled with foam, was actually a ruse to hide the only working cryogenic pod from other crew members.
Despite overcoming alcoholism and becoming a 'good man', Swansea expresses dissatisfaction with his life, adding depth to his character's internal conflicts.
Many of Swansea's actions, including his treatment of Daisuke and his attempts to hide the cryogenic pod, suggest a deeply protective nature beneath his gruff exterior.
The scene where Swansea ends Daisuke's suffering is a pivotal moment in his character arc, showcasing the extreme circumstances and difficult choices faced by the crew.