I cannot put into words how much having the government as an ally help our cause for the last part of the 20th century. With the President himself knowing that we were not a threat, we no longer had to hide from the local law enforcement. Instead, we worked with them all around the world as other leaders were informed of the Assassin's existence, in order to find Templars hiding as common criminals. Not only that, but the government also offered to financially support any move we made against Abstergo.
it did, however, come with two disadvantages. A: Anyone associated with Abstergo, as well as the group itself, disappeared, making it hard to track Templars down.
And B: This meant that the public was turning to the government for answers. A UN meeting was called in July of 1997, and each leader agreed to reveal the presence of the Assassins to the public of each nation. The entire world would be watching. On September 23rd, 1997, the President called a press conference at the White House, with others following worldwide hours later. Miles had travel back to D.C to attend, while we watched from the hideout.
"It has recently come to my attention that the group known as Abstergo industries has been conspiring against government around the world," Clinton told the press, the flashes of cameras going off, "The well-known organisation is, in fact, only a front for a sinister cause. One that we were led to believe was wiped out centuries ago.
"Abstergo Industries is in reality the modern-day equivalent of the Knight's Templars."
There was murmuring and laughter in the room. The President waited for silence before continuing.
"You may think it's a joke, but this is a very serious matter. This revelation was revealed to me only months ago, and I was reluctant to believe it as well. But I assure you, this is no joke. Our freedom, our very way of life is at risk by this group, who wish nothing less than control of the entire human race.
"Abstergo has declared a war on not only the United States, but the entire world. And for centuries, this war has been fought by a single group, and I now invite that group to speak to you."
The President welcomed William Miles to the stage, then stepped down. Mile cleared his throat before speaking.
"I expect that some of you are amused by what the President has said. Perhaps you are in disbelief, or shock. I would not blame you. But this a real war, and one more serious than any before it.
"The Brotherhood of Assassins has existed since the earliest human civilizations, fighting a war against the Templars. Hidden throughout the centuries.
"The small group of talented men who formed this Brotherhood strongly supported the idea of total piece and order through society. The Templars, too, shared this vision. However, while we supported the freedom of all human beings, the Templars believed that with freedom, peace is impossible. They still hold this view, and will stop at nothing to see everything that this nation has worked for for centuries done away with."
The murmuring continued. Miles ignored it.
"We have influence all over the world, and before the day is done, everyone will know of us. Until now, we have not had the support of any government,and have had to hide from the authorities as well as the Templars. Those days are over. We have the full support of the government, and I ask each and every one of you to show your support as well."
Someone in the crowd shouted "Where's the proof?"
"Right here," William replied shortly, and drew from the inside pocket of his blazer the Apple of Eden. It glowed that strange golden glow that it did before, filling the entire room. Some shielded their eyes, others seemed mesmerized. But there was a murmur in the crowd. One of realization that it was all true.
Miles placed the Apple back in his pocket, and the glow disappeared.
"What I just showed you was the most powerful device on the planet, and the Templars want it to control you all."
He concluded his speech and left with the President. The press followed, pestering them with questions.
By the next day, everyone in the world knew of the threat of the Templars. Every news program was talking about it, showing support for the Brotherhood.
"I gotta go guys. I got work and headaches ahead," Jones said, leaving the lounge. The team and I stayed behind while others went to bed.
"So what happens now?" asked Angela.
"We wait to see what happens," Ethan told her, "Now that we're public, we'll be recruiting members. There's a lot to sort out, so get some sleep team."
Everyone left except Angela and I.
"What are you gonna do?" I asked her.
"We've almost won this fight," she replied, "I'm staying to see it through."
"Abstergo still has a lot of power," I pointed out, "We might still lose this."
"Then that's the way it'll be."
Ethan was right. We were recruiting new members. And some of them were good too. Around 300 men and women were exceeding expectations. Our agents, the FBI and the CIA were now searching for Templars in America. Already some had been caught and interrogated. The information was used to search for Templar bases and outposts globally. We fired on them, they fired on us, and the war began.
It was in November of 1997 that the team got it's next major assignment... overseas. Troy had been spotted by Australian scouts, and with the Australian brotherhood lacking the means, we were sent in to assist the search for him. On November 30th, we embarked on an 8 hour flight to Melbourne, where Troy had last been seen. We were closing in on the city when the attack began.
The flight attendant called Ethan to the cockpit. And when he came back, his face was grim.
"Two Templar fighter jets are tailing us," he said.
We and a few other Assassins were the only other passengers on board. The crew had been told of the risk and agreed to escort us to Sydney.
"So what's the plan?" I asked.
"Australian jets are on their way to get them off our backs. sit tight until then."
Just as he finished talking, a WHOOSING noise was heard outside, and the missile fired from the Templar jet tore off the wing.