April 5, 1897
The White House, Washington D.C.
Matthew Hesh had been fighting this war for months.
He had expected lies, manipulation, and attacks, but not at this level. The Order had gone beyond politics—they were dismantling Amerathia from the inside, piece by piece.
The latest accusation—**that he was orchestrating a coup to remain in power—**was perhaps the most dangerous of all.
Collins stormed into the Oval Office, slamming a newspaper onto the desk.
"They're saying you planned a coup, Matt."
Matthew exhaled, scanning the bold letters across the front page.
"HESH LOYALISTS PLOTTING TO STEAL THE ELECTION!"
"PRESIDENT HESH: DESPERATE OR DANGEROUS?"
He clenched his fists. They weren't just trying to steal the election—they were trying to make him the villain.
"It's a trap," he muttered.
Collins frowned. "What?"
