“A partnership you say… how very fascinating.”

Scalpel began a slow circle around his newly arrived guest, keeping a mild but slightly cold composure to the mare. Regardless of what she wanted she was definitely the most interesting thing to drop onto his doorstep, and despite his lack of trust of her he was interested in what this partnership exactly could involve itself into. 

“Do enlighten me Doctor Solar Lens of the Manehatten Research Institute, on the nature of the organisation you serve and just why I might consider your polite offer of a business arrangement or partnership.”

“But first!” he paused right beside her, just behind her ear as he continued in a whisper “I would like to know just how you managed to locate me…” 

Suddenly continuing off from her he continued his circling, reaching the point of his beginning and smiling amiably at her, but with the same underlying coldness.

“You must understand for a pony in a position such as I…” He gestured around himself at the boarded up mansion , “I must take precautions against…mmmm… security risks.”

“You can imagine what it’d be like if certain people were to find out this sensitive information, I would be required to deal with them under controlled circumstances and ensure that they maintain their silence...”

As he said this smiling the two Risen emerged behind him and unhooded themselves, circling like their master around their guest, their eyes glowing dark purple in the gloom and with expression like they were looking at a particularly fascinating species of colourful insect. The robes still covered much of the upper body, asides from a portion of the upper chest just before the neck which showed the immense wiring, symbology and micro-engines coursing across their half machine bodies.

Scalpel continued “Consider this an act of goodwill on your part, something to make me at least contemplate your offer. After all, even rumours have sources, and those sources have names…”

The smile faded from his face and he looked at Solar Lens sharply, expression entirely serious and icily cold in intent “If you are willing to do that then I believe we can get down to business, if not…” he shrugged, “Well… there are a lot more than just more than us four in this room, and they are a lot less reserved than my dear firstborn’s here.”