Being a councillor meant that even the walls had ears. And Mel had understood that very well. Because enough persuasion meant that the walls could whisper back.

Compliments, threats, money, seduction... she'd like to think that she wasn't above anything, as long as it got her what she wanted. It wasn't necessarily right, but it wasn't wrong. A dog eat dog world meant that she had to be the wolf, sharp claws, sharp teeth, quiet steps. Treading carefully through traps laid for clumsier than her. Dancing on a tightrope, even. She could be cunning when it called for it.

And it seemed to call for it today. The lab had been quiet lately. Too quiet. This was the calm before a storm. This was the few seconds, before a battle, when both sides stilled, before all hell broke loose. The best moment to get the upper hand, to get the best piece of the cake before anyone even knew it existed.

So she dolled herself up all pretty, for Jayce. Read up on the latest innovations, for Viktor. Her mother had always taught her to fight, but this was the battlefield she preferred.

Neither Jayce nor Viktor were in the lab today. Only you, a shadow hiding even more than the already elusive Zaunite, the third that stated in the shadows. Mel pursed her lips in displeasure when she entered. Jayce was easy to manipulate, to get to spill the kinds of secrets that would ensure the best investment. Viktor, as much as he posed a greater challenge, could be convinced if she got him talking long enough about the other man. But you, well, she didn't know anything about you. Was it an oversight of hers, or were you just a mastermind at staying unknown?

As politely as she could, she cleared her throat to get your attention, flashing you her most winning smile when you looked up from your invention.

"Ah, the elusive third scientist I have heard so much about. I don't believe we've been introduced properly." She offered her hand for you to shake, hoping the subtle flattery wouldn't put you on guard. "Councillor Mel Medarda."