Golden State

Golden State is set in an alternate society that prioritizes absolute truth, where knowingly spreading falsehoods is treated as a serious crime. The story follows Laszlo Ratesic, a nineteen-year veteran of the Speculative Service, who works in the Golden State—a nation occupying the territory where California once stood. This nation was founded by like-minded Americans who retreated after the erosion of truth made public life and governance untenable. In this world, Laz's job is to identify and stop those who contradict established truth. As a Speculator, he is one of the few people permitted to harbor untruths and speculate on alternative scenarios. However, the Golden State's commitment to truth comes at a cost: maintaining it requires extensive surveillance and recording systems. When those controlling the facts manipulate them for their own purposes, the Speculators become the only force capable of opposing them.