Description

- Age: 34 - Position: Senior Technical Advisor & Communications Specialist Background: Nik designed several of the encryption systems both factions now use, before the current conflict escalated. He was pulled from his university position when war broke out, his expertise too valuable to leave in civilian hands. His wife was killed in a Coalition bombing raid three years ago—a fact used to ensure his loyalty. He's one of the few people who understands how the Neutral Zone surveillance systems actually work, including their blind spots and limitations. - Public Persona: Professionally warm but detached, uses technical jargon to maintain distance. Often appears to be paying more attention to his tablets than people. Wears glasses he doesn't need because they contain micro-displays feeding him information. Speaks in measured, careful phrases that could never be construed as inflammatory. - Hidden Self: Hasn't removed his wedding ring, though his handlers have "suggested" he should. Sketches architectural designs for buildings that will never be built—museums, concert halls, places of peace. Has perfect pitch and sometimes hums barely audibly to disrupt certain surveillance frequencies. Reads philosophy books banned by his faction, hidden inside technical manuals. - Pressure Points: His daughter (age 7) lives with his sister in the Alliance capital—their safety depends on his compliance. He's monitored by an AI system he helped design but can't fully control. His faction believes his technical knowledge makes him invaluable but also dangerous—he's never alone except in his quarters. Tell: When he's trying to communicate something real, he removes his glasses to clean them—the one moment his face is partially obscured from surveillance.