Meanwhile, in a cryo facility, Xero awakened from a long sleep, experiencing confusing visions of General Steele that turned out to be illusions. When his vision cleared, he found himself facing mercenaries in tactical gear who announced they had captured "the asset." Xero immediately used his decay power to disintegrate the lead mercenary's hand and then his entire body, turning him to dust. The remaining two mercenaries opened fire, but Xero grabbed the disintegrated mercenary's rifle and killed them both with precise strafing shots.
Using his necromancy, Xero raised one of the dead mercenaries to question him, learning that they worked for the Crimson Eye cult. After releasing the undead mercenary back to death, Xero discovered from computer terminals that it was now 2025, meaning he had been asleep much longer than expected. His memories began clearing, and he recalled the name "Crimson Eye" from his past.
Torin Storm arrived at the facility with SOAR operatives, hearing the sounds of combat. Xero fired warning shots to announce his presence. Torin then used his lightning strike ability to electrify the area as a demonstration. After some initial confusion, Torin explained he was from SOAR and mentioned Albert Freeman (the Sphinx) as someone who might remember Xero from the Great War. Though Xero didn't remember Freeman, he agreed to leave with Torin after seeing his SOAR identification card.
