![[zain.png]] *Added to the Codex on* ***September 12th, 2023*** --- ### Quotes "Never challenge my faith in Oz. He's done more than all of us combined."[^1] - Zain "I still have nightmares about being trapped under that rubble. I lost many things that day. But I gained so much more."[^1] - Zain "Kalila, Dimnah, and Rawzbah - loyal rangers and even fiercer warriors. I miss them."[^1] - Zain "Rasheed has an eye for what the world could become, and the strength to see those changes made real. He calls me his mentor, but I am pleased to call him a friend."[^2] - Oz "The future lives in soldiers like Rasheed Zain. He's far more sensible than I was at his age."[^2] - Oz <br> ### Description Zain was born in Egypt at a time of great economic instability. As the infrastructure of the Cairo Governorate continued to disintegrate, Zain’s parents lost their jobs and eventually their home. During this period Zain’s mother became a full-time activist, fighting for the rights of everyday people struggling to survive. Zain would often help his mother paint placards and join her on marches. The experience deepened their bond and inspired one another’s commitment to the cause. When Zain’s mother was suddenly diagnosed with Parkinsons, his father made the difficult decision to leave New Cairo City for the country so he could better care for his wife – it was time for others to take up the fight. Zain felt lost and his disillusionment grew. He saw some of his friends join the military and much to his parents’ dismay he followed suit. His confidence and resourcefulness, both traits he developed as a child, propelled him up the ranks of the military and into El-Sa’ka. Zain’s life changed forever when his unit was called upon to oversee the evacuation of a condemned tower block. With the evacuation complete, Zain defied his superiors and reentered the building, claiming to hear people still inside. Moments later the building sustained a mighty collapse. Rescue teams eventually found Zain buried under the rubble, using his body to protect a civilian. They both survived, but Zain required life-saving surgery that resulted in a double leg amputation above the knee. He underwent intensive rehabilitation and began adapting to life with prosthetic legs. Undeterred, he returned to New Cairo City and volunteered at a [[No-Pats|No-Pat]] shelter. It was here that he met [[Codex/Profiles/Loyiso "Oz" Okusanya|Oz]] who saw in the young man someone who had overcome extreme hardship with his spirit intact. Oz offered Zain a chance to join the No-Pat cause and help build a future together. He accepted and flew to Europe where Oz had him fitted with state-of-the-art prosthetic enhancements and provided intensive combat training to help him master his augmented physique. Under instructions from Oz, Zain was stationed at a manufacturing plant in the Swedish wilderness. He oversaw the construction of a geoengineering machine that would bring forth a new home for all No-Pats. As American and Russian Forces closed the net, the call went out to defend Oz’s promised homeland. Zain answers and makes his final stand. <br> **Key Dates** 2018 - Born in New Cairo City, Egypt 2023 - at 5, experiences hardship as his country is hit by crisis. 2033 - at 15, relocates to the countryside and becomes disillusioned. 2035 - at 17, finds purpose by joining the military. 2037 - at 19, loses both legs during a military operation. 2038 - at 20, befriends Oz. 2040 - at 22, joins the No-Pat cause. 2042 - at 24, oversees mission at the Nordvik factory in Sweden. [^1]: This is one of Zain's loading screen quotes. [^2]: This is one of Oz's loading screen quotes.