When the Livestream Broke, the Lie Did Too

Two security guards were pushing a cart fast, a blue tarp draped over it, but Elias caught a glimpse of scorched metal beneath. Not medical gear. A signal repeater. And not a cheap one. Military-grade, modified. He grabbed a nurse by the sleeve. “Where did that come from?” She startled. “I don’t know, please don’t block the hall—” “Tell me.” “They said it was patient monitoring equipment.” Elias let go, and the truth hit him hard enough to go quiet for half a second. The hospital had not been collateral damage. It was a node. He opened his phone and pulled up the news feed again. Megan Holt was still live, but now her voice was tighter, faster.