Malek is a surveyor who is semi-retired, but at the urging of a friend he takes an assignment in western Algeria. The region in question was the site of frequent battles during the civil war, and an earlier survey that would make it possible to bring electrical utilities to the area was cut short by the fighting. While the zone is still unstable, Malek sets out to complete charting the area, and finds the locals regard him with suspicion and hostility.