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In a complex federal groundwater-contamination case, both sides offer hydrogeologists with sharply conflicting models. After a hearing, the judge appoints Dr. Silva as a neutral expert under Rule 706 to help the jury understand plume movement. The court instructs Dr. Silva to prepare a report and states that each side may depose her.
Plaintiff wants the jury told that Dr. Silva was appointed by the court because the parties' experts were "too partisan." Defendant wants to bar Plaintiff from calling its own hydrogeologist if Dr. Silva testifies. Dr. Silva asks whether she must submit to cross-examination. The parties dispute who must pay Dr. Silva's fee.
How should the court handle these issues under Rule 706 and the general evidence rules?