“Paranoia writes our checks”

“Eurylae’s explanation groaned to life, then fell to one side.”

The figure on the stage steps forward, her robes flapping in the wind. Vesalius ordained his arrows with fire, she thinks to herself. The flames will burn away their lies and deceit.

"My fellow citizens," she begins, her voice ringing out over the crowd. "I am here to tell you the truth."

The people below murmur nervously as they wait for her to continue. They know what's coming - they've all heard the rumors. But can it be true?

"For too long, we have been lied to," she continues passionately. "Our leaders have deceived us, our institutions have betrayed us. But I am here to set things right."

She pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then she raises her arms and lets loose a volley of flaming arrows into the crowd below.