Nimrod

Beacon of Hope

"Thawing process – Initiated" a simulated voice announced from an old cryonic pod. It had a length of two meters and a meter-and-half width and height. A grayish-blue light traced its edges - revealing the thick layer of ice inside.

Brought to sublimation at a rapid pace, the ice hissed to vapor at the sides of the pod. Excitement and anxiousness stirred within the twelve individuals gathered around it.

It has been a thousand years since the last group of humans took refuge on the moon. And in a span of few years, they were able to gain the technology to sustain and to thrive at the Earth's satellite. A new nation was born, the Oxyloc. It was a nation founded by no other than the man sleeping inside the pod before them. The man who promised to lead them on reclaiming their rightful home, the Earth.

To check for any failure, two engineers went closer to the pod. Each part was scrutinized. A small glitch could spell death to the one that gives them hope.

"Will the pod holds until he is revived?" One of the engineers whispered to his partner.

"The pod is in a good condition despite its age. But the question is, will he be able to hold on? The probability of reviving him is pretty high. But how his body would react post-cryo is a different matter." the other replied.

"You're right. I've seen a lot of those who died a few minutes after they rose from the pod."

"Let's hope that he would live long enough to lead us on reclaiming Earth."

"This is surreal. The man who rescued us from the nims' wrath will be standing next to us any moment now."

"Thawing process, completed."

"Temperature stabilized at 36 degrees centigrade. "

"Stabilizing pressure... "

"... Internal pressure – Stabilized."

The group was on their breath. This has been the moment each and everyone one of them has been waiting for. And after a long time, it has unfolded before them.

"Reverse cryonic process, completed."

Rico stepped towards the pod. He was the head of the Engineering Department and the head of Oxyloc. A man in his late thirties, he has tawny skin and black hair streaked with white and gray. A few patches fell towards the right side of his forehead.

"Leon Grimloc," he thought. His eyes fixed at the face of their sleeping founder. "The first of us, the number Zero. After all the years of slumber, will you still remember the promise you made to our ancestors?"

He's already revived but he was not yet awake. They still needed to trigger his consciousness to fully bring him back to life.

At the side of the pod was a black panel where Rico placed his hand. The panel lit with a green light as it scanned his palm. With his identity confirmed, the panel turned red.

"Earth is our home," he whispered before pressing the panel.

With eyes wide open, gritted teeth, and tightened muscles, Zero's body tilted in agony. An electric current run through him which lasted for seven seconds.

Gasping, he fell on his back, gazing up in a state of trance.

A few minutes passed before he regained consciousness. These were agonizing minutes that seemed forever for those waiting for him to rise.

The tubes and sensors attached to him retracted. The cover of the pod unlocked. And after a deep breath, he climbed out of the pod.

A man with a gentle face and brown eyes stood before an expectant crowd. His skin was tan and has a shaved head. He stood a little bit taller than Rico.

Inspecting his left arm, he paid no attention to the people gazing upon him. Satisfied by what he saw, he walked forward. With arms raised in front of him, he reached for the planet overlooking the thick glass wall. Drawn to it, the people made way. Stroking his fingers, it was as if he was touching the Earth itself.

Anxiousness grew amongst the people who revived their founder. There were thoughts that Zero might have lost his memories or worse, his sanity. But despite all the swirls of negative thoughts and emotions, no one dared to say a word.

And at last, Zero turned to face the people yearning for his voice.

True to his promise a thousand years ago, he declared - "We, will take back our home!"