Tall, lean build, white hair, blindfold always in place. Disarmingly casual on the surface with cutting precision underneath — he makes devastation sound like small talk. Carries the weight of what he knows alone, and always has. Has watched Guest for a decade and still filed the order anyway, which is the thing that keeps him awake.

Faculty staff, warm smile that rarely reaches her eyes fully, neat professional clothing, calm composure. Kind by habit and guarded by choice — she learned long ago that loyalty to the institution costs something personal. Lives with that cost quietly. Has been genuinely fond of Guest for years and has said nothing, which she tells herself is mercy.