Michael woke suddenly to the shrill beeping of the alarm. He groaned and reached out slowly clicking it off. It was a cold bright morning as Michael made tea and sat in front of the television in the small kitchen of the Assassin safe house. He could hear Ian shuffling about down the hall before drowning him out with the morning news.

'...another series of protests last night in the Egyptian capital last night turned violent as the military, under control of the interim government, opened fire on protesters. This was in response to earlier attacks on isolated garrisons in Cairo by rebels.' The news anchors sweet voice sugar coated the bitter news as pictures of bloodied and injured civilians flashed up on screen.

Michael growled as he ate. Assassins were doing their best to stop the violence breaking out across the Middle East and try to limit and control the damage and influence the Templars were inflicting on the West. The Templars, according to Brendan, had instituted a new grand strategy in the past few months that had resulted in the collapse of several economies such as Greece, Ireland and Spain and were stirring discontent in the Middle East resulting in a stand-off between the U.S. and its allies on the one side and China and Russia on the other. They were pushing the globe to a new war and the Assassins were too demoralised and weakened to stop them.

'Another series of protests and strikes in Spain have led to the near complete shutdown of all transportation in the country resulting in travel chaos and the resignation of many of the country's leading politicians and the call for a vote of no confidence in the government.'

Ian stalked into the kitchen wearing his customary early morning scowl and poured himself some tea.

'Any good news?' Ian asked.

Michael snorted.

'Not as many people have died as last night.' Michael responded with false cheeriness.

Ian grunted in response.

'Gather up everything I told the boss we'd be back before lunchtime.' Ian ordered.

'Right so cap'n.' Michael answered.

They drove in near silence for most of the way back to the Homestead. Michael reflected on the journey how at ease he felt with Ian and, indeed, all of his fellow Assassins. From feeling like an outsider they now all felt like family. He had hunted, fought and killed along side them for months, nearly dying on one or two occasions only being saved by his brothers and sisters. He felt like he finally belonged and this was reflected by the ease in which he and Ian shared the silence in the car.

Finally the homestead came into view. Smoke fluttered from the chimney inviting the weary Assassins home. Ian parked the car around back as Michael shuffled through the front door.

'Hello anyone home?' He called.

'You're back!' A female voice yelled from the kitchen.

Michael just had time to throw down a bag of equipment he'd been carrying as Emma barrelled into him hugging him tightly.

'Hello to you too.' Michael said, a warm ball of excitement growing in his stomach as he held her closely.

She pulled away inspecting him for injuries and smiling when she saw none.

'I've been so bored!' She whispered conspiratorially.

Michael grinned. Brendan and Alex had insisted their niece rest for a few months and not go on missions after her capture by the Templars. She had been put into a machine called an Animus which according to Sarah had been used to view the memories of her ancestors. The very idea both repulsed and fascinated Michael and he felt a guilty curiosity about what it felt like. He had spent a lot of time with Emma and had grown very close to her since then. He liked her a great deal and was nearly sure she felt the same way but it was difficult to ascertain exactly how she felt about him as they spent so much time in close quarters with the others or gone on missions.

Michael wondered even if they did manage to become an item how it would work with the life the lead. Even worse if they did manage to get together and then it fell apart how it would affect their lives as Assassins. It was a tough decision Michael had never felt the anything like what he did for Emma. He expelled those thoughts temporarily as he entered the kitchen to find Brendan receiving a report from Ian.

'Michael, it's good to see you again.' Alex said entering the kitchen through the back door.

'Dave and Danielle back yet?' Michael asked sitting down.

'Not yet, they'll be back later. Sarah wants a meeting for some reason. Something to do with what she's been building in the back.' Emma said sitting beside Michael.

'I'm intrigued.' Michael said.

'We all are. She's hardly been out of that garage, barely sleeping or eating. It's ridiculous.' Alex said sounding scandalised.

Emma made a face and Michael suppressed a grin.

Ian and Brendan stopped whispering and Brendan met Michael eyes and winked.

'Nice to see you back in one piece.' Brendan said.

'Nice to be back boss.' Michael answered cheerily.

'From what Ian told, you're improving but are still a little impatient.' Brendan stated.

Michael sobered and hung his head.

'I'm sorry for that I gave myself away before I should've. I promise it won't happen again.'

Brendan nodded understandingly.

'I know Sarah wants all of us gathered later on for her little announcement but I've tasks for you all. It's going to be a busy few months.' Brendan said solemnly.

Emma's head perked up at the possibility of finally being allowed to leave the Homestead again.

'I've been busy for the past few months, meeting prospective allies and sounding out groups and organisations we may be able to infiltrate and help.' Brendan explained. 'It's going to take a lot of work but with the way things are globally and nationally we may actually have a chance to seriously hurt the Templars.'

'I relish the opportunity.' A deep voice growled from the doorway.

'Hey George.' Michael greeted him cheerily.

George favoured him with a friendly nod as he sat down.

'How're you?' Michael asked.

'All healed up and ready to go.' George responded happily.

He had been shot twice during their rescue of a scientist's son three months ago and had been out of action since. Every time Michael visited him he had asked for every little detail of the missions.