While Desmond continued exploring the life of his ancestor Haytham Kenway, everyone else was busy doing their own thing. Shaun and Paul worked on finding power sources for the temple. Jacob and Vincent were outside on guard duty. Heather and Tanya were in deep conversation. Michael and Lucy continued to watch Desmond to make sure he didn't over extend himself.
Meanwhile Willam was talking with Kenny to see is he could better understand this other team that was assisting them. Since their first meeting Kenny had been studying all of them closely, intent on sizing up to see what the assassins would be up against. Now he was able to give the mentor an answer.
"Of the three brothers, Michael is the only one with battlefield experience, definitely Shayetet 13. Though all of them could qualify for military service with their skills. It seems that they seem to specialize in a certain field War Zone, Urban and Rural. But one thing is clear each of them are masters at their trade."
"Vincent is a native of Manhattan, brought up in the Bronx based on his accent. Cauliflower ear and large fists indicates a lifetime of street fighting and likely illegal cage matches. The permanent grease stains in his nails means he likes to work on his own cars and motorcycles often. Since he seems to favour the assault rifle and submachine gun means he prefers to go in guns blazing. Though he seems to be quite protective of his fiance."
"The lanky woman?"
Kenny nodded, "a victim of a human trafficking ring where she suffered all kinds of abuse. In guessing Vincent must have rescued her Though not before she lost her legs."
"Her legs?" William questioned taking another look at Tanya, for a woman that had lost her legs she sure didn't move like she had.
"From the way she moves it seems like it was just below the knee."
"Jacob is the opposite of Vincent in almost every way. Judging from his more sun-baked skin he grew up surviving in the outdoors. From the callouses on his hands I'm guessing a jungle environment. A hunter through and through given that his weapons are the scoped rifles, the shotgun and the bow. Silent and discreet. If he hadn't said anything I could have told you that he lost someone close to him."
"So we have a Warrior, a Huntsman and an Outlaw." William ran his fingers through his hair. "The question is that are they truly on our side?"
"One thing is for certain, they're not doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. They're up to something the question is what. It seems for now our interests are aligned."
"What will happen if their goals are no longer aligned," William asked.
Kenny took a puff of his pipe, "I cannot deduce for certain if they intent to betray us, but if they were I suppose one of two things will happen, either they will kill us or just leave altogether."
"What I want to know is if they are clandestinely working for the Templars."
Kenny shook his head, "no I'm certain that their goals are independent from the Templars even if they might intersect at some point. Though Michael seems to care for your son like a wayward little brother."
William frowned, he didn't like the bond his son had with this man. His relationship with Desmond had always been a strained one. Now he watched as Michael train his son in fighting and watching Desmond take to it so easily had him boiling.
"It's clear we can't trust them," Kenny concluded, "but that doesn't mean we can't refuse them. We don't have many good options, and they have helped us in the past particularly Michael and Jacob. So if they claim that they're here to help then we will have to make the gamble."
"YES!" Shaun cried out causing the others to look at him. "Paul you are a genius!"
"You found a power source?" Lucy asked.
"Better," Shaun replied, "we found three."
"Good," William nodded in approval, "we can retrieve them all and finally unlock the rest of this Temple."
"Where are they?" Lucy asked
"The first one is in a penthouse in lower Manhattan. The second one is being worn as a bracelet by the trophy wife of a big time tycoon in Sao Paulo Brazil. The third is, or was, in a museum in Cairo but apparently our egyptian chapter manage to steal it and are holding it for us."
"We're also in luck," Shaun continued, "Their member Halima Nadal informed us that they got a lead on an Isu artifact and they were able to retrieve it."
Lucy's eyes widened, "I know Halima, we trained together as children."
William smiled, "Good, for once time is on our side."
"Speaking of time," Michael spoke up, "it's got me thinking about the Templars tight schedule. Abstergo's Eye or whatever it's called."
"What about it," Lucy asked.
"Well if they launch it at the time of the solar event, wouldn't the coronal mass destroy the satalite anyway?"
"Most likely," Shaun determined, "the event will wipe out most of humanity and likely destroy everything else."
"So either way the Templars plan has failed if they are set for launching it on December 21st."
"What are you thinking?"
"Could they not postpone the project and simply wait for another opportunity? Or is December 21st truly the only time it can be launched?"
"December 21st is the most ideal," Lucy replied. "It was initially planned to be launched some time in September, but the Apple they were going to use was destroyed. So they needed a replacement.
"So they could potentially wait for an opportunity next year then launch." Michael concluded.
"Possibly, though a delay would cause Abstergo to lose millions as a result."
"A trivial sacrifice if the subjugation of humanity is their reward," Michael pointed out. "They have invested far to much in time, money and resources to see it fail." The assassins looked at each other, it may have been a small point but it was one to be given great consideration.
The teams continued to observe as Desmond relived the life of his ancestor Haytham Kenway. After gathering a small band of supporters, Haytham liberated a tribe of Mohawks and later assassinated Edward Braddock. Haytham had manage to locate the Grand temple but without an apple of Eden the key in his pocession was rendered useless. It was at this point in time that he began a relationship with a mohawk named Ziio.
Later on Haytham met with his associates which included William Johnson, John Pitcairn, Thomas Hickey and Benjamin Church. Haytham now stood before then men that had aided him on his endeavor. They intended to expand their order and establish a permanent base in the colonies
"Gentlemen, I believe it is time we welcomed Charles into our fold, he has proven himself a loyal desciple and served unerringly since the day he came to us, he should be able to share in our knowledge and reap all the benefits that such a gift implies. Are any opposed."
No one budged and simple shook their heads, "all those in favour."
"Aye," the men replied quietly.
Haytham nodded, "very well then," he turned to Charles Lee, "Charles step forward," Charles obeyed and stood before Haytham as the other men stood up."
"Do you swear to uphold the principles of our order and all that for which we stand?" Haytham asked
"I do," Charles declared.
"And never to share our secrets nor divulge the true nature of our work?"
"I do."
"And to do so from now until death, whatever the cost?"
"I do."
Haytham then clasped Charles' arms, "Then we welcome you into our fold brother, Together we will usher in the dawn of a New World. One defined by purpose and order. Give me your hand."
Charles held out his right hand and Haytham pulled out a ring with a red cross on it and put it on Charles' finger.
"You are now a Templar." Haytham declared. "May the Father of Understanding guide us."
"May the father of Understanding guide us." The other Templar members repeated.
Back at the present, the assassins watched the whole scene play out with open mouths. "WHAT?"
The Sequence ended and Desmond got up, his mind still trying to wrap his head around what the hell just happened. Everyone else was silent, Lucy sat down beside him and put a hand on Desmond's shoulder.
"I can't believe it..." Desmond said slowly, "one of my ancestors...was a Templar."
"A shock to be sure," Michael agreed, "but not that surprising." All turned to look at Michael who sat calmly, "As involved as your family is in this War you are going to find relations fighting for both sides at some point or another. I myself had ancestors that fought for both the Union and the Confederacy in the American Civil War. Brother against brother, father against son, it happens all the time."
"Regardless this man is a taint on our legacy," William grumbled.
"A taint" Michael wondered with a smirk. "A bit harsh don't you think? While I'm sure he does some questionable things but from what we could see he seems decent enough In any case he's definitely no Cesare. and there are certainly worst people to be."
Remembering the Borgias left a sick feeling in Desmond's stomach, "you do have a point there." He scratched his head, "and so far he hasn't done anything too terrible."
"Besides having a Templar ancestor will give to a unique opportunity, to see the war from the Templars perspective."
"Their perspective?" Willian roared aghast. "The Templars have murdered thousands of us throughout history and just recently they drove us to near extinction."
"And your order has done all it can to return the favour if I seem to recall," Michael pointed out.
"If I didn't know better I'd swear you were taking their side," Shaun smirked.
Michael rolled his eyes, "of course I'm taking their side. To defeat your enemy you must become your enemy. See things from their perspective, understand what motivates them. Only then can you find their true weakness and exploit it."
"Quoting Sun Tzu does not make you wise," William retorted.
"No," Michael agreed "but considering your situation it is very relevant to this Assassin Templar War. If you know yourself but not your enemy than for every victory you will suffer a defeat. Given that they were able to purge your brotherhood shows that you don't know the Templars well enough."
The assassins looked at each other, The memory of the purge was still fresh in William's mind as well as the events and people that led up to it. In that regard Michael was right. The templars had proven to be more cunning than they anticipated and it cost them dearly."
'We're getting off topic," Lucy cut in, "for now lets just focus on retrieving the key."
"Agreed," Desmond said with nod before turning to Shaun. "Were you able to find a power source?"
"Aye thanks to Paul we were able to find three."
"I suggest we form teams and take each one simultaneously." Michael said.
"We don't have the manpower for that," William scolded.
"We can't do them one by one," Michael countered. "Right now the Templars don't know we are searching for the Power Sources, but once they find out what we're after. They'll either move to intercept us or set a trap. I know it's risky but our best chance is to grab them at the same time before the Templars know what has happened." William was silent for a moment before giving a curt nod.
"So who will go after what?" Desmond asked.
"I'll go after the one in Egypt," Lucy declared, "I have a friend there, she was the one who informed us about the power source."
"I'll go for the one in Brazil," Michael finished. "I have contacts there who can help."
"I'll can take get one in Manhattan," Desmond offered as stood up. "It's close by and it would give me a chance to stretch my legs."
Michael shook his head, "no you need every once of rest you can, you've done enough we can handle this."
"I'll take the one in Manhattan," Vincent volunteered.
Michael nodded, "The risks are high but we need those batteries. If we're going to do this then it should be with backup."
"I'll go with Lucy," Kenny replied, Lucy nodded thankfully
Tanya came up to Vincent and put a hand on his shoulder. Vincent shrugged, "I guess she's coming with me then."
"I'm going with Michael then," Jacob finished as the two brothers shook hands and gave each other a curt nod.
Michael turned to the assassins, "any objections?" when the assassins remained silent, Michael nodded, "then I guess we are all in agreement. We should all get some rest, it's going to be a long day tomorrow."
Once they had dispersed Michael took Desmond aside, "there's a secluded chamber on the south side if you need more solitude."
Desmond nodded, "I'll check it out, thanks Michael." After finding the chamber he found that there was less light which meant better chance at sleeping without being disturbed by the lights of the temple. After setting up his sleeping bag there, Desmond then went to find Lucy, who was packing for the journey. "Are you sure about this," he asked clasping her hands, "I should go with you in case something happens."
Lucy smiled and cupped his cheek, "I'll be fine Des, I'm certainly no 'go to bed at six' type of girl."
Desmond laughed at the memory, "good though if it's all the same to you I think I could go for some peace and quiet for a bit."
Lucy nodded, "I know what you mean, perhaps when this is over we can go to that Big Jim's place Michael told us about."
"So it's a date then?"
Lucy caressed his cheek "why not." She said before pulling him into a deep kiss. They remained like that for a moment before separating. Desmond looked around before turning to Lucy, "are you finished packing."
Lucy nodded, "yeah, I just need a few things before-" Before she could finish Desmond pressed his lips to hers causing her to blush furiously.
"Follow me," he said as he took her by the hand and guided her to where he was sleeping.
"Desmond, wha-" Lucy wondered where he was taking her. Desmond gave her a disarming smile, with put and end to her objections.
Once they reached his chamber Desmond turned around and pulled her in for another kiss with more passion this time. Lucy was blushing furiously, "Desmond... we... shouldn't." Her breaths became heavy as her love's lips came down to her neck. "Someone...could...see...us," She panted as Desmond continued kissing her neck.
"They don't know about this spot," Desmond assured her as he stripped off her jacket. Lucy sighed heavily and stopped resisting as she practically ripped off Desmond's hoodie. They pulled off their shirts before working on each other's pants. Once they were off Desmond pinned her to the wall lifted her off her feet as she locked her legs around his waist. Desmond pulled Lucy hair out of her trademark bun allowing him to bury his fingers into her golden locks. After shedding their last stitches of clothing they fell back into Desmond's sleeping bag their hands caressing every inch of each other. Lucy mounted him, letting out a gasp as he entered her. She wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tight as she rode him slowly at first but her pace quickened as her climax drew near. Both of them let out a cry as they reach their peak and Lucy collapsed on top of Desmond both of them panting and sweating from their love making. Lucy settled down beside him as he pulled the covers over their naked forms. Nestled in each others arms, the couple enjoyed a peaceful slumber
By morning the temple was abuzz with activity. Everyone finished packing up any last minute items before they set out, equipping themselves with supplies and weapons. The Holliday brothers looked loaded for bear while the assassins were equipped more subtly. Though they were all bringing pistols, each seemed to be armed with a unique close quarters weapon Michael was bringing his maglite and tonfa, Vincent, a titanium bat and balisong and Jacob, a tomahawk and Hunting knife. Kenny had an umbrella which doubled as a cane sword and a hidden blade. Lucy also had a hidden blade as well as a baton while Tanya had curved knives as well as her Prosthetic legs which she revealed had hidden blades in them.
Lucy turned to Desmond, "get some rest then return to the animus when you feel up for it.
The next day everyone prepared for their respective destinations. Before they departed Lucy turned to Heather, "it will be up to you to keep an eye on his health while I'm gone, make sure he gets plenty of rest and food, and Percocet for his headaches."
"Don't worry Lucy," Heather assured her, "I'll take care of him for you."
Michael approached William, "our duffle bags have weapons in them so feel free to use them if there is any trouble."
William nodded, "thanks, I guess, but I still don't trust you."
"Good," Michael replied delighted. "You may be a jerk but at least your wise in that regard."
As Lucy packed Desmond went over to Kenny, "Watch over Lucy," he said firmly. "Anything happens to her, just remember I'm pretty handy with this," He raised his arm which contained his hidden blade."
"I don't doubt your word," Kenny replied with a nod.
After speaking with Kenny, Desmond took Lucy aside. "Please be careful out there," he said softly his hands clasping her arms, "I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
"I'll be alright," Lucy said with a smile. Honestly you worry for me too much."
"I love you," Desmond replied, "how can I not worry?"
Desmond smiled before pulling her close and kissing her deeply. Lucy returned the kiss as she held him tight. When they finally separated their foreheads touched. "I'll be back soon Des."
"Don't keep me waiting," Desmond quipped grinning.
Once the three teams had gone Desmond returned to the animus ready to finish the final sequences and locate the key to the temple.
