Maya's Seeker stayed dark for three days. No fragments. No emergencies. Julian started to relax.
Then Chen called from the command center. “We have a problem. The governor of Arizona just declared martial law. He says the entire state government is lying to him.”
“Are they?”
“No. But he thinks they are. He thinks everyone is lying. His staff. His family. His security detail.”
Dr. Ellis pulled up a map. “That's the Liar. I created it to help interrogations. It makes the host believe every word they hear is a lie.”
“The governor touched a fragment?”
“Someone gave it to him. A gift. Wrapped in a box. He opened it. Touched the shard. Now he can't trust anyone.”
Julian grabbed his cane. “We go to Phoenix. Now.”
The Governor's Mansion
The mansion looked normal. Guards at the gate. Flags
