March 25, 2024 — NAIA Tunnel Access Site | 8:00 AM
Beneath the shadow of departing jets, a stretch of earth behind Terminal 3 had been cordoned off with steel fencing and yellow floodlights. This patch of tarmac would become the launch site for the NAIA Connector's first dedicated tunnel segment—an artery set to link the airport terminals directly with the beating heart of the capital's rail grid.
Matthew stood beside the site foreman, boots crunching over gravel. A row of engineers from South Korea, Japan, and Sentinel's local teams stood waiting as Angel stepped out from a nearby prefab office.
"Everything's cleared," she said, holding up her tablet. "Permits, airspace buffer zones, and civil aviation approvals. TBM Rizal's auxiliary shaft will be linked to this tunnel's main corridor through a maglev-compatible junction."
One of the Korean engineers looked over. "You're really attempting a dual-use subway and baggage transport corridor?"
