The morning after their first night in the village, a somber mood settled over the soldiers. The reality of their situation was sinking in deeper. Without the comforts of modern technology, they were stripped to their core skills—training, discipline, and willpower.
Lt. Col. Gabriel Reyes gathered his officers in a small nipa hut that served as their command center.
"Mga kasama," Gabriel began, eyes scanning each face, "this isn't just about surviving here. It's about keeping the AFP intact—our values, our mission—while adapting to a world that's not ours."
Captain Del Rosario tapped his notes. "We need to establish intelligence. Local politics, power players, potential allies and enemies."
"Pero," said Sergeant Navarro, "we don't know who to trust yet. There's tension everywhere, especially with the ongoing insurgency and the looming Martial Law."
Gabriel nodded gravely. "Which means we need to move carefully. We can't just impose modern military doctrine on this era. We have to learn, adapt, and build trust."
Over the next days, the soldiers began small patrols beyond the village. They noticed soldiers in different uniforms—old Philippine Constabulary, local militias—and civilians wary of outsiders.
One patrol encountered a tense standoff with a group of armed men from a nearby town. The unfamiliar firearms and crude tactics were a stark contrast to their advanced weaponry.
Lt. Reyes raised his hands, signaling peace. "We're not your enemies," he said, switching smoothly between Tagalog and English. "We're just passing through, trying to find our way."
The militia leader, a burly man named Mang Tomas, looked suspicious but lowered his rifle. "Baka kayo mga espiya," he muttered. "Pero... bakit kayo kakaiba?"
Gabriel stepped forward. "We're from the future, and we want peace. Help us understand this place."
The soldiers soon realized their advanced tactics and knowledge could be a double-edged sword. Demonstrating their superior firepower might intimidate, but could also provoke hostility.
"We have to be subtle," Gabriel advised. "If we look like threats, they'll close ranks against us."
Meanwhile, news of strange soldiers spread. The Marcos government, already tense from insurgent threats and international pressure, began investigating rumors of armed foreigners.
Gabriel's group was soon summoned to meet a local government official—Mr. Santos—who eyed them warily.
"Kung tunay kayo mga sundalo ng bayan, dapat makatulong kayo sa aming laban laban sa mga rebelde," Santos said bluntly. "Pero kung gagamitin ninyo ang inyong kapangyarihan para sa sariling interes, kayo ay magiging kaaway."
Gabriel met his gaze firmly. "Our mission is to protect the people. We don't seek power, only peace and order."
In the evenings, soldiers shared stories around small fires. Private Cruz asked, "Sir, paano ba natin malalampasan 'to? Parang ibang mundo."
Gabriel smiled, though tired. "Isa lang ang sikreto, Cruz. Lakas ng loob, tapang, at pagkakaisa."
Days passed, and subtle shifts began. Some villagers grew curious, even hopeful. A few local youth joined the soldiers in learning basic tactics and first aid.
Gabriel saw a glimpse of hope—maybe this strange twist of fate was their chance to forge a better future.
But deep inside, he knew this was only the beginning of a long, hard battle—not just against enemies outside, but the harsh realities of history itself.
The first chapter closes with Gabriel standing atop a hill overlooking the village at sunset, the golden light casting long shadows.
"This is our home now," he whispered. "And we will fight for it—no matter the cost."