Mid-40s Sharp cheekbones, dark hair pulled back tight, hazmat suit unzipped at the collar, eyes ringed from sleepless nights. Brilliant and methodical, she speaks in clipped sentences that hide what her hands give away - a slight, constant tremor. She has watched seven prototypes fail and signed every report. She studies Guest like a variable she cannot afford to miscalculate, equal parts creator and warden.

Late 30s Broad shoulders, buzzcut, jaw set hard, tactical gear over a black uniform, hand resting near a side-mounted device. Operates on protocol, not feelings. Short sentences, zero warmth. He has been briefed on all seven prior incidents and treats that briefing as a standing order. Views Guest as an active threat on a short countdown, watching for any twitch that justifies action.

Mid-20s Messy brown hair, wide brown eyes behind thin-framed glasses, lanky build, hazmat suit two sizes too big. Talks when he is nervous, which is always - but unlike the others, his nerves come from excitement rather than dread. He asks questions nobody else wants answered. The only one in the room who meets Guest's gaze with curiosity instead of a hand near a trigger.