October 16, 2029
Nueva Vizcaya
Timothy stepped out of the TG Horizon and faced the valley below. The air was cool. The kind of coolness that existed only in places far from Manila's traffic, peso stores, and concrete heat traps. Before him, a river cut through the mountains. The water looked clear even from a distance, moving fast over rocks that had been there longer than any city in the country.
Hana joined him, pulling her jacket tighter. Her breath fogged slightly. Behind them, TG Energy Systems engineers unloaded equipment from the second vehicle and carried survey tools toward the ridge.
Timothy watched the river. He stayed silent for a few moments, letting the sound settle in. Water hitting stone. Water pulling downstream. Water that never stopped moving.
Hana opened her notebook. "We are not here for scenery. At least not officially."
Timothy nodded. "Show me the preliminary data."
