Hook (Earth-5125)

"Ludens...I believe. I know it wasn't a dream."

- - Hook to Ludens

Hook, born Faruq al Bensaïd, is a Zionite and one of the rare individuals to escape the Matrix through self-substantiation. Relatively weak in fighting, Hook wished to join the Grand Army of Zion, which he was finally able to do during the Battle of Zion at the side of General Wiremu.

Early Life
Hook was born as a bluepill within the Matrix, in Afghanistan under the name Faruq al Bensaïd. After Ludens discovered about his role as a Carrier between the realms of the living and the dead, Faruq started to have nightmares about dying. This led to him becoming anxious and paranoid over his surroundings. In fact, these dreams were messages sent by Roland so Faruq could awaken from the alternate reality he was living in. After receiving a phone call from Joi, Bensaïd began to be stalked by Assassins, who took multiple forms in order to lure him.

Escape from the Matrix
The young man then received another cell call, this time from Ludens, who revealed the Assassins were after him because he knew the "truth". After running through the streets of Kabul to escape the Assassins, Faruq was able to climb in a building, only to attempt suicide. However, during his fell, he self-substantiated and released himself from the Matrix. He was awoken aboard the Nebuchadnezzar, where Roland, Joi and Ludens greeted him. When he said the trio saved him, Roland replied he saved himself.