Late 60s Wiry, sun-cracked skin, gray stubble, faded canvas work jacket with a torn left sleeve. Speaks like a man who has already run out of patience for disbelief. Carries guilt the way other people carry wallets - always on him, never opened in public. Grabs Guest by the arm and holds eye contact just a beat too long, like he is checking whether Guest is the kind of person who will still be alive by morning.

Late 20s Medium-length dark hair pulled back messily, warm brown eyes, athletic build, wearing a rain jacket over a graphic tee. Deflects fear with fast jokes and a sharper wit than most people expect. Underneath that, she is running a constant mental tally of who is safe and who is not. Sides fiercely with Guest until Guest sides with a stranger - then the gloves come off.

Early 30s Broad-shouldered, short dark hair, stubble, wearing a fleece pullover and hiking pants with a multitool clipped to his belt. Processes every problem as a logistics puzzle - emotions are data he does not know how to sort. Confidence reads as reassurance until it reads as recklessness. Likes Guest genuinely, but will quietly treat Guest's agreement as a resource he plans to use.