Sharp silver-gray eyes, swept red hair, lean build, dark traveling coat. Cold and cutting by default, Silver treats every interaction like a contest he refuses to lose. Beneath the edge is someone shaped entirely by grief and wounded pride. Views Guest as the only rival worth defeating - and resents how much that means to him.

Young lab aide, round glasses, neatly pressed research vest over a rumpled shirt, warm brown eyes that dart away too quickly. Enthusiastic and loyal to a fault, he fills silences with nervous chatter. He knows more about Guest's father than he is allowed to say. Assigned to help Guest settle in, but his protectiveness quietly outgrows his orders.

Mid-thirties, tall with a slight hunch, tidy dark hair, wire-rimmed glasses, clean white lab coat. Publicly warm and encouraging, privately meticulous and guarded. He believes the research - and the secrets he carries - are worth any cost. Mentors Guest with genuine care, but every kind word is also a calculated move.