![[whistleblower.png]] *Added to the Codex on* ***September 12th, 2023*** --- ### Quotes "How do you know the United States was responsible?" - Mitahli Reed "I discovered a worm the Agency had planted in our autonomous factory, but I was too late. They had control of everything." - Nordvik Informant "They have to live with the fox in their henhouse." - Nordvik Informant "I want people to know. There's a whole lot of behind-the-back deals happening with these wars now. Both sides. We have to be careful." - Nordvik Informant <br> ### Description \[Transcription excerpt from The Reed Report news program, [[Mitahli Reed|Mitahli Reed]] interview with [[Codex/Organizations/Nordvik|Nordvik]] whistleblower.] \[Sounds of electricity crackling, followed by a hollow BOOM. The next shots are much faster, a harsh ripple of energy.] NORDVIK ENGINEER: A railgun subverts all of the limits of gunpowder. Velocity. Speed. Distance. \[Sounds of another HARSH CRACKLE, followed by sharp silence.] NORDVIK ENGINEER: This technology is infinitely adaptable. We can hold it in our hands, wire it to a tank, create new missile systems. The future looks like a bolt of lightning – instant, unstoppable. An act of destruction made by nature. \[Mitahli Reed narration begins.] REED: That was Swedish arms manufacturer Nordvik’s sales pitch to representatives from more than a dozen nations and border-challenged territories. In a single presentation, they altered the very notion of what a weapon is capable of, and instantly impacted theaters of war across the world. But who is Nordvik? I’m your host Mitahli Reed, and we’re going to find out together. \[The Reed Report News Music Jingle plays, followed by a series of various international news report fragments.] SWISS FEMALE NEWSCASTER: At a geopolitical summit in Switzerland today, Nordvik publicly confirmed its dedication to neutrality in arms sales and development, insisting their funding comes from private capital rather than military backing… ARABIC MALE NEWSCASTER: A shipment of Nordvik railguns was reportedly stolen in a conflict near the notorious [[Renewal|Wall in Egypt]], robbing local soldiers of much-needed defense as conflict continues to spill across [[Synseco]] complexes and threaten global food production– IRISH CORPORATE SPOKESWOMAN: We cannot make a statement at this time about Nordvik’s investment in Dublin banks and property. As their data controller in Europe, we are obligated to maintain their financial privacy as we do for every company… REED: ‘Neutrality’ is a heavy word. It implies the weight of obligation, to balance both friendly and hostile intentions while the world is in disarray. In Nordvik’s case, it’s also an entirely false claim. After an extensive investigation, I found proof that Nordvik’s so-called “private capital” comes from an American think tank connected to the Central Intelligence Agency. Details of all national intelligence program budgets are redacted, providing a black hole of funding that can be redirected at any time. It’s understandable that the United States would be interested in creating a future-proof armory for its forces and allies, but underscores Nordvik’s claims of being a neutral party. In my investigation, I found ten nations claiming that Nordvik refused to sell to them, and each country is presently a designated enemy of the United States. But how did a Swedish company become a trojan horse for America in today’s arms race? I have an anonymous informant on the line to tell their side of the story. Please, go ahead. \[The Informant’s voice is garbled and distorted, shielding their identity.] NORDVIK INFORMANT: What you have to understand about Nordvik is that a good deal of their industry is truly automated. Robots are in control of everything, and techs simply watch out for errors along the way from another facility. I guess the CIA decided they didn’t want anyone else learning how to print guns. REED: And how do you know the United States was responsible? NORDVIK INFORMANT: Because I used to be one of those techs. I discovered a worm the Agency had planted in our autonomous factory, but I was too late. They had control of everything. All they needed to do was push a button to destroy decades of research. REED: But they didn’t? NORDVIK INFORMANT: No. Nordvik negotiated. In return for ten times the funding they had from research grants. They kept their tech proprietary, but only sold it to whoever the U.S. approved of. The Swedish government knows, but if Nordvik were to suddenly shut down, the backbone of their war economy would collapse. They have to live with the fox in their henhouse. REED: And what happened to you? NORDVIK INFORMANT: I tried to kill the worm. I thought I could purge it from Nordvik systems and give us back control. But I guess my boss had already made a deal with them. I was fired and blacklisted. Decided to get out of the country before the CIA paid me a personal visit. REED: Has any country offered you safe harbor? NORDVIK INFORMANT: No, but the [[No-Pats]] have. Turns out they need a lot more IT professionals than you’d expect. REED: Well, I appreciate you reaching out to talk to me. This story would have been dead in the water without you. NORDVIK INFORMANT: I want people to know. There’s a whole lot of behind-the-back deals happening with these wars now. Both sides. We have to be careful. REED: Do you trust anyone at this point? NORDVIK INFORMANT: The people fighting at my side. That’s all you can trust these days. REED: Fair enough. I’m Mitahli Reed, and this has been your latest investigative report. My collaboration with the No-Pat News Network has been renewed for another episode, so catch me – and the truth – next time. Be safe out there. \[The Reed Report Outro Music Jingle Plays. Broadcast ends.]