“Thawing process - Initiated."

A simulated voice announced from an old cryonic pod. Vapour hissed from the pod as the thick layer of ice inside it sublimates. With a length of two meters and a meter-and-half width, it lay at the center of a circular room. Twelve anxious individuals in black turtlenecks and robes gathered around it.

Checking for any possible mechanical failure, two engineers went near the pod.

"This tech is kinda old." One of the engineers whispered.

"Ancient, you mean." the other replied in a soft voice.

Technological advancements made most of the early technologies obsolete. Most of Oxyloc's citizens would not be able to recognize the cryonic pod before them. Only a few engineers specialized in the equipment used by the first inhabitants of the moon.

"Will he wake up?"

"Data shows a ninety percent possibility. But that is up to him now."

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

"Yes. It's been a thousand years since our ancestors took refuge here. And now, our hope that will lead us back to Earth will finally awaken."

"Thawing process complete. Temperature - stabilized at 36 degrees centigrade. "

"Stabilizing pressure... "

"... Internal pressure - stabilized."

The group was on their breath. The moment each and everyone one on the moon has been waiting now unfolded before them.

"Reverse cryonic process - completed. You may now awaken the subject."

Receiving confirmation from one of the engineers, Rico stepped towards the pod. A man in his late thirties, he has tawny skin and a black hair streaked with white and gray. A few patches fell towards the right side of his forehead. He served as the head of Oxyloc and supervised the revival of their founder.

"Leon Grimloc." Gazing at the sleeping face of the man inside the pod, he thought. "Or should I say, Zero. After all the years of slumber, will you still remember the promise you made to our ancestors?"

With a hand pressing a black panel, he said - "Earth is our home!"

At Rico's words, an 800Volt current shocked Zero's body. With teeth gritted, fists clenched and muscles tightened, his body tilted up in agony. His eyes opened wide as the electric shock lasted for three seconds. Gasping for air, he fell on his back, gazing up in a state of trance.

It took a while for him to regain full consciousness. After taking a deep breath, he pushed the cover open. Climbing out, Zero stood before a silent crowd. A man with tan skin and a shaved head, he is in his mid-thirties and a little bit taller than Rico. He has a gentle face with a pair of brown eyes.

Inspecting his left arm, he did not pay any attention to the people gazing upon him. Seemed satisfied, he looked around. The planet overlooking the thick glass wall caught his attention. Drawn to it, the people made way. Stroking his fingers delicately, it was as if he was touching the Earth itself. And at last, he turned to face the people yearning for his voice.

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