In the world of The Slipshot Series, few characters embody the complexities of hope and defiance quite like Matere Songgaard.Hailing from Griddish as an Engineer Class Citizen, Matere’s story begins with a sneaky and surreptitious defiance against the very institution that defined his place in society: the Council of Engineer Class Citizens. Matere is not one to lead direct conflicts; instead, he disrupts, undermines, and causes trouble, making life difficult for both the Engineer Class Citizens and the Slaves alike.

A Refugee on Var 8

When we first meet Matere in Vol 1.0, he is a refugee on Var 8, also known as Earth. Despite the challenges of displacement, he has not lost sight of his mission. Matere’s disillusionment with the Council of Engineer Class Citizens is central to his character. Faced with the reality that access to Slave-controlled Griddish technology, such as the Tenddrome, is restricted to the Slaves alone, Matere and Betel must find alternative ways to achieve their goals. As Engineers, they lack the ability to directly interface with this vital system, forcing them to rely on innovative methods. Often, this involves hacking devices to make them work for their purposes, showcasing their resourcefulness in navigating a world where critical systems are beyond their reach.

He believes the Council has grown corrupt, unfit to oversee the Vars or the Slipshots, and is determined to oppose them. His journey to Earth is not one of retreat but of calculated resistance—a stand against a system he sees as irreparably broken.

Betel Longshrew Piper: The Focused Partner

At Matere’s side is Betel Longshrew Piper, a former member of the Council of Engineer Class Citizens. While she shares Matere’s view that the Engineers are corrupt, her loyalty lies more with the mission than with Matere himself. Betel plays a crucial role in keeping Matere grounded and focused on the task at hand, ensuring his passion does not spiral into recklessness. Her insider knowledge and pragmatic approach complement Matere’s fiery defiance, adding depth to their partnership and strengthening their shared cause.

Conflict with the Slaves

Matere’s most important conflict lies with the Mechanic Class Slaves. While he agrees with their critique of the Engineers as corrupt technocrats who neglect both the Slaves and the Vars, this shared perspective does not make him their ally. His lack of affection for the Slaves and his ongoing feud with Rive Amber, a Mechanic Class Slave and key adversary, underscores the fractured alliances and deep-seated tensions in this world.

A Passionate Hope for the Vars

What drives Matere is his unwavering hope for the Vars. His passion for their future fuels his decisions, even when those choices lead to personal sacrifice. It is this hope that ultimately brought him to Earth, seeking a way to protect the Vars from the Council’s overreach. His journey is as much about preserving the integrity of the Vars as it is about challenging corruption.

A Pizza Shop in the Tenderloin

Life as a refugee on Earth takes a surprising turn when Matere and Betel open a pizza shop in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. This modest venture becomes a focal point for community and connection, and it is here that Matere’s path crosses with Frederick Munchen. Employed at the pizza shop, Frederick forms a tenuous bond with Matere and Betel. Their friendship adds a humanizing layer to Matere’s character, showing his capacity for trust and camaraderie.

The Spark of Drama: Opal Fremmity

The story takes a dramatic turn when Frederick accidentally reveals that he has met Opal Fremmity, a figure with deep ties to the unfolding mystery of the Slipshots. This revelation sets off a cascade of events, thrusting Matere and his allies into the heart of the struggle against the Council and its far-reaching influence. Opal’s involvement adds urgency and complexity to Matere’s fight, raising the stakes for everyone involved.

A Complex and Compelling Character

Matere Songgaard’s story is one of hope, resistance, and complexity. His fight against corruption, his strained relationships with the Slaves, and his hope for the Vars shape him into a compelling protagonist to some, like Frederick Munchen, while serving as an antagonist to others, like Opal Fremmity. Through his journey, we see the challenges of defiance and the power of belief in a better future.