December 22, 2025 — 10:15 AM
Singapore — Ministry of Transport, Mobility Innovation Wing
The conference room was made of glass, steel, and stillness.
Singaporean Minister for Transport, Darius Lim, stood with his hands behind his back, watching a silent video loop of the Aerus gliding through Manila streets. The footage played without sound—but that was the point.
No growl. No exhaust note. Just movement.
Across from him, two aides sat reviewing the incoming logistics plan from Sentinel.
"The prototype delivery is confirmed for February 16," one said. "Sentinel's preparing a local service crew. Two engineers. One systems lead. All vetted."
"Good," Lim replied softly. "They'll need clearance for district entry. Background scans."
The aide hesitated. "There's… noise from the Clean Grid Alliance. They're lobbying for Aerus to be classified as transitional tech. Not 'green tier.'"
Lim turned.
"Let them whine," he said.
Then looked back at the screen.
