[BREAKING NEWS: The government opens investigation into SHIFT after leaked documents reveal coordinated suppression of dissent, civilian memory tampering, and internal abuse. High-ranking officials under fire, including HR Manager Eirwyn Curacio.]
The news anchor's voice trembled with forced neutrality, but the headlines said enough.
Behind her, a screen flashed images: redacted documents, photos of ruined neighborhoods in Haven City, and shaky video footage from past protests thought to have been "resolved peacefully." Every shot was a wound reopened.
Hermes stared at the TV in his living room without really seeing it. His eyes had dulled, glassy. His body was slumped on the couch, wrapped in a loose hoodie and worn-out sweatpants. The muted light of the screen flickered across his bandaged arm.
