"Perhaps. The only difference between us is that you found another patron." Dr. Domínguez adjusted the cushion behind his neck, unwrapped a protein bar, and stuffed it into his mouth. "That is fate, Laura Croft. It was fate that I worked for The Trinity, fate that your father died at The Trinity's hands, and fate that you came this far. All I ever dreamed of was breaking this meaningless cycle, but reality never gave me the chance."
"This isn't fate, Dominguez. It doesn't justify you allowing The Trinity's mercenaries to massacre the locals."
"No matter how I defend myself, you'll see it as my own will." Dominguez tucked the wrapper into his pocket, then closed his eyes as if he were about to sleep. "Searching for ruins in that jungle won't be easy. I suggest you start resting now."
"You know that jungle and the 'Silver-Crowned Mountain,' don't you?"
Dr. Domínguez did not answer and simply went to sleep.
It was not until dawn the next day, when the members of Camila's team who had stood watch returned to the Armored Personnel Carrier and the soldiers in the troop compartment woke up, that the temporary camp came alive again. The torrential rain that had lasted for days had finally paused, and the distant star grudgingly cast down warm morning light. The rain had washed every speck of dust from the air. Everyone cleaned themselves with disposable toiletries and began eating self-heating field rations. While eating, Camila found Laura Croft and confirmed the itinerary one last time—they would first pick up Jonah near the town, replenish their fuel and food, and confirm whether the supplies had arrived via the Ucayali River. After that, they would embark on an expedition into dense jungle beyond contact with the outside world. In that primeval